Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 112

Meaning

Seeing the destruction of Rāvaṇa, the aforesaid gods, Gandharvas (celestial musicians) and demons dispersed in their respective aerial cars, indulging in happy talks relating to that episode. (1)

Meaning

Speaking about the fall of Rāvaṇa and the terrific prowess of Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu), the excellent fighting of the monkeys and the sage counsel tendered by Sugrīva, the devotion and valour of Hanumān (son of the wind-god) and Lakṣmaṇa, the fidelity of Sītā to her husband and the heroism of Hanumān, the highly blessed ones joyously returned as they had come. Bidding adieu to the ethereal chariot which had been provided to him by Indra and shone like fire, the mighty-armed Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu) respectfully saluted Mātali (Indra’s charioteer). Mounting the aforesaid heavenly car, when dismissed by Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu), Mātali, Indra’s charioteer, ascended to heaven itself: so the tradition goes. Mātali having ascended to heaven in his chariot, Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu), the foremost of car-warriors, for his part, who felt highly rejoiced, embraced Sugrīva. Having hugged Sugrīva, nay, greeted by Lakṣmaṇa and being honoured by the hordes of monkeys, Śrī Rāma returned to the camp where the troops had been stationed. The aforesaid son of Kakutstha then spoke as follows to Lakṣmaṇa, son of Sumitrā, who was full of courage and afire with spirit, and standing nearby: “Consecrate, O gentle one, on the throne of Laṅkā the yonder Vibhīṣaṇa, who is fond of, nay, devoted to me, and has done good offices to me in the past. It is my foremost desire, O gentle one, that I should see this younger brother of Rāvaṇa, Vibhīṣaṇa, consecrated on the throne of Laṅkā.” Saying “Amen!” when commanded as aforesaid by the high-souled Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu), and supremely rejoiced, Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā) for his part took up golden jars. Nay, placing them in the hands of monkey chiefs, he particularly enjoined such of them as were quick as thought and endowed with extraordinary energy to fetch sea-water on that occasion. Moving with all speed from that place, the aforesaid monkeys, the foremost of them all, for their part, who were quick as thought, returned at once taking water from all the four seas. Taking one jar and duly installing Vibhīṣaṇa on an excellent seat, Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā) for his part then consecrated the former as the king of ogres in Laṅkā in accordance with the scriptural ordinance with the water contained in that jar in obedience to the command of Śrī Rāma. All the ogres as also the monkeys then consecrated Vibhīṣaṇa, who was surrounded by hosts of his dear and near ones. (2—16)

Meaning

Experiencing an incomparable ecstasy, they all actually paid tribute to Śrī Rāma alone. His ministers as well as the ogres who were devoted to him rejoiced to see Vibhīṣaṇa consecrated on the throne of Laṅkā as the ruler of ogres. Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu) with Lakṣmaṇa too experienced supreme felicity on this occasion. (17-18)

Meaning

Having inherited that great kingdom bestowed on him by Śrī Rāma, and consoled his subjects, the celebrated Vibhīṣaṇa forthwith sought the presence of Śrī Rāma. (19)

Meaning

Now the rangers of the night residing in the city of Laṅkā, who were all feeling highly rejoiced, brought to him by way of presents curds and unbroken grains of rice and Modakas (a variety of sweets shaped like balls), parched grains of unhusked rice and flowers too. (20)

Meaning

Accepting them all, the valiant Vibhīṣaṇa, who was difficult to overpower, placed all those benign offerings, which were intended to bring felicity, at the disposal of Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu) and Lakṣmaṇa. (21)

Meaning

Seeing Vibhīṣaṇa accomplished of purpose and abundantly endowed with riches, Śrī Rāma accepted it all in sheer deference to his desire. (22)

Meaning

Thereupon Śrī Rāma addressed the following words to the valiant monkey, Hanumān, who resembled a mountain (in size) and stood in a suppliant mood with joined palms: (23)

Meaning

“Taking the permission of this great monarch, Vibhīṣana, O gentle one, and penetrating into the city of Laṅkā, inquire of Sītā (the princess of Mithilā) how she is doing. Also speak to Sītā (the princess of the territory of Videha) about me as well as about Sugrīva, including Lakṣmaṇa being well, and also speak to her about Rāvaṇa having been killed in combat, O jewel among the eloquent! (24-25)

Meaning

“Communicate, O chief of monkeys, these agreeable tidings to Sītā (a princess of the Videha territory), and you, for your part, should return hereafter receiving her message.” (26)