Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 71
स्वबलं व्यथितं दृष्ट्वा तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्। भ्रातृं ृश्च निहतान् दृष्ट्वा शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमान्॥ १॥ पितृव्यौ चापि संदृश्य समरे संनिपातितौ। युद्धोन्मत्तं च मत्तं च भ्रातरौ राक्षसोत्तमौ॥ २॥ चुकोप च महातेजा ब्रह्मदत्तवरो युधि। अतिकायोऽद्रिसंकाशो देवदानवदर्पहा॥ ३॥
Meaning
Seeing his own army—which created uproars in the hostile ranks and caused the enemy’s hair to stand on end—in trouble, nay, finding his brothers, who were equal to Indra in prowess, killed, and also witnessing has uncles, the two brothers Yuddhonmatta (Mahodara) and Matta (Mahāpārśwa) the foremost of ogres, struck down in combat, Atikāya, who was endowed with extraordinary energy and resembled a mountain (in size), who had crushed the pride of gods and demons alike and on whom Brahmā, the creator, had bestowed a boon of invincibility, flew into a rage on the field of battle. (1—3)
स भास्करसहस्रस्य संघातमिव भास्वरम्। रथमारुह्य शक्रारिरभिदुद्राव वानरान्॥ ४॥
Meaning
Ascending his chariot, brilliant as a concatenation of a thousand suns, that enemy of Indra (the ruler of gods) darted towards the monkeyṣ (4)
स विस्फार्य तदा चापं किरीटी मृष्टकुण्डलः। नाम संश्रावयामास ननाद च महास्वनम्॥ ५॥
Meaning
Twanging his bow, Atikāya, who was adorned with a diadem and polished earrings, forthwith proclaimed his name and emitted a tremendous roar. (5)
तेन सिंहप्रणादेन नामविश्रावणेन च। ज्याशब्देन च भीमेन त्रासयामास वानरान्॥ ६॥
Meaning
By that leonine roar, the proclamation of his name and the terrible ringing sound caused by the plucking of his bowstring, he struck terror in the monkeys. (6)
ते दृष्ट्वा देहमाहात्म्यं कुम्भकर्णोऽयमुत्थितः। भयार्ता वानराः सर्वे संश्रयन्ते परस्परम्॥ ७॥
Meaning
Thinking on beholding the immensity of his proportions that it was Kumbhakarṇa who had sprung into life again, and stricken with fear, all the aforesaid monkeys sought shelter, one with the other. (7)
ते तस्य रूपमालोक्य यथा विष्णोस्त्रिविक्रमे। भयाद् वानरयोधास्ते विद्रवन्ति ततस्ततः॥ ८॥
Meaning
Witnessing his colossal form, resembling the form assumed by Lord Viṣṇu at the time of measuring the three worlds with His strides, those celebrated monkey warriors fled in various directions through panic. (8)
तेऽतिकायं समासाद्य वानरा मूढचेतसः। शरण्यं शरणं जग्मुर्लक्ष्मणाग्रजमाहवे॥ ९॥
Meaning
Confused in mind on reaching the presence of Atikāya, the aforesaid monkeys sought Śrī Rāma (the eldest brother of Lakṣmaṇa), who was capable of affording shelter to them, as their refuge on the field of battle. (9)
ततोऽतिकायं काकुत्स्थो रथस्थं पर्वतोपमम्। ददर्श धन्विनं दूराद् गर्जन्तं कालमेघवत्॥ १०॥
Meaning
Thereupon Śrī Rāma (a scion of Kakutstha) beheld from afar Atikāya, who resembled a mountain in size, seated in a chariot, armed with a bow, and rumbling like a cloud appearing at the time of universal dissolution. (10)
स तं दृष्ट्वा महाकायं राघवस्तु सुविस्मितः। वानरान् सान्त्वयित्वा च विभीषणमुवाच ह॥ ११॥
Meaning
The aforesaid Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, for his part felt greatly amazed to behold that colossus and reassuring the monkeys, they say, spoke as follows to Vibhīṣaṇa: (11)
कोऽसौ पर्वतसंकाशो धनुष्मान् हरिलोचनः। युक्ते हयसहस्रेण विशाले स्यन्दने स्थितः॥ १२॥ य एष निशितैः शूलैः सुतीक्ष्णैः प्रासतोमरैः। अर्चिष्मद्भिर्वृतो भाति भूतैरिव महेश्वरः॥ १३॥ कालजिह्वाप्रकाशाभिर्य एषोऽभिविराजते। आवृतो रथशक्तीभिर्विद्युद्भिरिव तोयदः॥ १४॥
Meaning
“Who is that archer, closely resembling a mountain, with leonine eyes, seated in a vast chariot drawn by a thousand horses, who in the midst of whetted pikes, very sharp and flaming spears and lances, shines over there like Lord Śiva surrounded by genii, and who amidst the javelins placed in his chariot and gleaming like the tongues of Kāla (the Time-Spirit) is shining brightly like a cloud encircled by flashes of lightning? (12—14)
धनूंषि चास्य सज्जानि हेमपृष्ठानि सर्वशः। शोभयन्ति रथश्रेष्ठं शक्रचापमिवाम्बरम्॥ १५॥
Meaning
“Nay, bows with golden backs ranged on every side (in his chariot) adorn his excellent chariot in the same way as rainbow would adorn the sky. (15)
य एष रक्षःशार्दूलो रणभूमिं विराजयन्। अभ्येति रथिनां श्रेष्ठो रथेनादित्यवर्चसा॥ १६॥
Meaning
“This tiger among the ogres, the foremost of car-warriors, is advancing in his chariot resplendent as the sun, illuminating the battle-field! (16)
ध्वजशृङ्गप्रतिष्ठेन राहुणाभिविराजते। सूर्यरश्मिप्रभैर्बाणैर्दिशो दश विराजयन्॥ १७॥
Meaning
“He is distinguished by an emblem of Rāhu installed on the point of his standard and is lighting up the ten directions with his arrows possessing the splendour of sunbeams. (17)
त्रिनतं मेघनिर्ह्रादं हेमपृष्ठमलंकृतम्। शतक्रतुधनुःप्रख्यं धनुश्चास्य विराजते॥ १८॥
Meaning
“Nay, his triply curved golden-backed and ornamented bow, shining as the rainbow, whose twang resembles the thundering of a cloud, is casting its splendour all round. (18)
सध्वजः सपताकश्च सानुकर्षो महारथः। चतुःसादिसमायुक्तो मेघस्तनितनिःस्वनः॥ १९॥
Meaning
“Provided with a standard, flags and axle-tree, his huge chariot, which is driven by four charioteers, his chariot is emitting a sound resembling the thundering of a cloud. (19)
विंशतिर्दश चाष्टौ च तूणास्य रथमास्थिताः। कार्मुकाणि च भीमानि ज्याश्च काञ्चनपिङ्गलाः॥ २०॥
Meaning
“Twenty quivers, ten dreadful bows and eight bowstrings, golden and reddish-brown of hue, lie arranged in his chariot. (20)
द्वौ च खड्गौ च पार्श्वस्थौ प्रदीप्तौ पार्श्वशोभितौ। चतुर्हस्तत्सरुयुतौ व्यक्तहस्तदशायतौ॥ २१॥
Meaning
“Nay, hanging on its sides, two flaming swords, clearly ten cubits long and provided with hilts measuring four cubits are casting their splendour on his two sides. (21)
रक्तकण्ठगुणो धीरो महापर्वतसंनिभः। कालः कालमहावक्त्रो मेघस्थ इव भास्करः॥ २२॥
Meaning
“With a red garland adorning his neck, a mouth enormous as that of Death, the resolute ogre, resembling a huge mountain and dark of hue, looks like the sun veiled by a cloud. (22)
काञ्चनाङ्गदनद्धाभ्यां भुजाभ्यामेष शोभते। शृङ्गाभ्यामिव तुङ्गाभ्यां हिमवान् पर्वतोत्तमः॥ २३॥
Meaning
“By virtue of his arms adorned with gold armlets, the yonder ogre shines like the Himālaya, the foremost of mountains, with two lofty peaks. (23)
कुण्डलाभ्यामुभाभ्यां च भाति वक्त्रं सुभीषणम्। पुनर्वस्वन्तरगतं परिपूर्णो निशाकरः॥ २४॥
Meaning
“Nay, with both ear-rings, his most dreadful countenance shines like the full moon appearing between the two stars constituting the constellation Punarvasu. (24)
आचक्ष्व मे महाबाहो त्वमेनं राक्षसोत्तमम्। यं दृष्ट्वा वानराः सर्वे भयार्ता विद्रुता दिशः॥ २५॥
Meaning
“Introduce you to me, O mighty-armed one, this jewel among the ogres, seeing whom the monkeys have all fled panic-stricken in all directions.” (25)
स पृष्टो राजपुत्रेण रामेणामिततेजसा। आचचक्षे महातेजा राघवाय विभीषणः॥ २६॥
Meaning
Questioned as aforesaid by Prince Śrī Rāma of immense energy, Vibhiṣaṇa, who too was endowed with extraordinary energy, submitted as follows to Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu: (26)
दशग्रीवो महातेजा राजा वैश्रवणानुजः। भीमकर्मा महात्मा हि रावणो राक्षसेश्वरः॥ २७॥
Meaning
“The ten-headed and gigantic King Rāvaṇa, a younger (half-) brother of Kubera, son of Viśravā, the lord of ogres, who is endowed with extraordinary energy, is well known for his terrific exploits. (27)
तस्यासीद् वीर्यवान् पुत्रो रावणप्रतिमो बले। वृद्धसेवी श्रुतिधरः सर्वास्त्रविदुषां वरः॥ २८॥
Meaning
“To him was born a valiant son, who is a compeer of Rāvaṇa in might, has waited upon his elders, has mastered the Vedas and is the foremost of all those well-versed in the use of mystic missiles. (28)
अश्वपृष्ठे नागपृष्ठे खड्गे धनुषि कर्षणे। भेदे सान्त्वे च दाने च नये मन्त्रे च सम्मतः॥ २९॥
Meaning
“He is highly esteemed in riding on horse-back as well as on the back of an elephant, in the use of a sword, as well as of a bow, in pulling the string of a bow, in sowing dissension in the enemy’s ranks and making peace, as also in making gifts, in political wisdom as well as in counsel. (29)
यस्य बाहुं समाश्रित्य लङ्का भवति निर्भया। तनयं धान्यमालिन्या अतिकायमिमं विदुः॥ ३०॥
Meaning
“People know this warrior as Atikāya, son of Dhānyamālinī (another consort of Rāvaṇa) resting on whose arm Laṅkā feels secure. (30)
एतेनाराधितो ब्रह्मा तपसा भावितात्मना। अस्त्राणि चाप्यवाप्तानि रिपवश्च पराजिताः॥ ३१॥
Meaning
“Brahmā, the creator, was propitiated by this ogre of purified intellect through askesis; nay, mystic missiles of various kinds were acquired from the aforesaid god by way of boons and enemies subdued. (31)
सुरासुरैरवध्यत्वं दत्तमस्मै स्वयंभुवा। एतच्च कवचं दिव्यं रथश्च रविभास्वरः॥ ३२॥
Meaning
“Exemption from death at the hands of gods and demons alike has been granted in his favour by Brahmā (the self-born creator) as well as this heavenly armour as also this chariot, bright as the sun. (32)
एतेन शतशो देवा दानवाश्च पराजिताः। रक्षितानि च रक्षांसि यक्षाश्चापि निषूदिताः॥ ३३॥
Meaning
“Gods and devils too have been overcome by him in hundreds, nay, ogres have been protected and Yakṣas (a class of demigods), too, have been exterminated. (33)
वज्रं विष्टम्भितं येन बाणैरिन्द्रस्य धीमता। पाशः सलिलराजस्य युद्धे प्रतिहतस्तथा॥ ३४॥ एषोऽतिकायो बलवान् राक्षसानामथर्षभः। स रावणसुतो धीमान् देवदानवदर्पहा॥ ३५॥
Meaning
Here is the notorious Atikāya, the mighty and intelligent son of Rāvaṇa, a veritable bull among the ogres and the queller of the pride of gods and devils, by whom, wise as he is, was the thunderbolt of Indra stayed with his arrows and the noose of Varuṇa, the lord of waters, was repelled in combat. (34-35)
तदस्मिन् क्रियतां यत्नः क्षिप्रं पुरुषपुङ्गव। पुरा वानरसैन्यानि क्षयं नयति सायकैः॥ ३६॥
Meaning
“Therefore, O bull among men, let your efforts be speedily directed towards him before he brings the monkey troops to an end with his arrows.” (36)
ततोऽतिकायो बलवान् प्रविश्य हरिवाहिनीम्। विस्फारयामास धनुर्ननाद च पुनः पुनः॥ ३७॥
Meaning
Penetrating deep into the simian ranks, the mighty Atikāya thereupon twanged his bow and roared again and again. (37)
तं भीमवपुषं दृष्ट्वा रथस्थं रथिनां वरम्। अभिपेतुर्महात्मानः प्रधाना ये वनौकसः॥ ३८॥
Meaning
Beholding that ogre of fearful proportions, the foremost of car-warriors, seated in his chariot, those gigantic monkeys, who ranked foremost, rushed to meet him. (38)
कुमुदो द्विविदो मैन्दो नीलः शरभ एव च। पादपैर्गिरिशृङ्गैश्च युगपत् समभिद्रवन्॥ ३९॥
Meaning
Kumuda, Dwivida, Mainda, Nīla and Śarabha too assailed him all at once with trees and mountain-peaks. (39)
तेषां वृक्षांश्च शैलांश्च शरैः कनकभूषणैः। अतिकायो महातेजाश्चिच्छेदास्त्रविदां वरः॥ ४०॥
Meaning
Atikāya, however, the foremost of those well versed in the use of mystic missiles, who was endowed with extraordinary energy, tore the trees and crags hurled by monkeys with his shafts decked with gold. (40)
तांश्चैव सर्वान् स हरीन् शरैः सर्वायसैर्बली। विव्याधाभिमुखान् संख्ये भीमकायो निशाचरः॥ ४१॥
Meaning
That mighty ogre (lit., a prowler of the night) of tremendous proportions also pierced all those monkeys, who stood facing him on the battle-field, with his arrows entirely made of iron. (41)
तेऽर्दिता बाणवर्षेण भिन्नगात्राः पराजिताः। न शेकुरतिकायस्य प्रतिकर्तुं महाहवे॥ ४२॥
Meaning
Hard pressed by his hail of arrows and worsted, their limbs broken, they could not resist Atikāya in that major conflict. (42)
तत् सैन्यं हरिवीराणां त्रासयामास राक्षसः। मृगयूथमिव क्रुद्धो हरिर्यौवनदर्पितः॥ ४३॥
Meaning
The ogre struck terror in that army of monkey champions even as a furious lion, puffed up with pride of youth, would strike terror in a flock of deer. (43)
स राक्षसेन्द्रो हरियूथमध्ये नायुध्यमानं निजघान कंचित्। उत्पत्य रामं स धनुःकलापी सगर्वितं वाक्यमिदं बभाषे॥ ४४॥
Meaning
That ruler of ogres would not strike anyone among the simian ranks who was not fighting. Rushing towards Śrī Rāma, the ogre, who was armed with a bow and quiver, addressed the following proud challenge to him: (44)
रथे स्थितोऽहं शरचापपाणि- र्न प्राकृतं कंचन योधयामि। यस्यास्ति शक्तिर्व्यवसाययुक्तो ददातु मे शीघ्रमिहाद्य युद्धम्॥ ४५॥
Meaning
“Seated in a chariot with an arrow and a bow in my hands, I would not give battle to a common warrior. Let him, who has strength and is endowed with martial ardour, speedily give fight to me on this field of battle today.” (45)
तत् तस्य वाक्यं ब्रुवतो निशम्य चुकोप सौमित्रिरमित्रहन्ता। अमृष्यमाणश्च समुत्पपात जग्राह चापं च ततः स्मयित्वा॥ ४६॥
Meaning
Hearing the aforeesaid challenge of Atikāya, even as he was uttering it, Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā), the destroyer of his enemies, flew into a rage. Nay, not enduring his utterance, he darted forward, and then seized his bow disdainfully. (46)
क्रुद्धः सौमित्रिरुत्पत्य तूणादाक्षिप्य सायकम्। पुरस्तादतिकायस्य विचकर्ष महद्धनुः॥ ४७॥
Meaning
Springing up in fury and pulling a shaft from his quiver, the son of Sumitrā, Lakṣmaṇa, stretched his huge bow to full length before Atikāya. (47)
पूरयन् स महीं सर्वामाकाशं सागरं दिशः। ज्याशब्दो लक्ष्मणस्योग्रस्त्रासयन् रजनीचरान्॥ ४८॥
Meaning
Filling the entire earth, the airspace, the ocean as well as the quarters, and striking terror in the prowlers of the night, the twang of Lakṣmaṇa’s bowstring was terrible. (48)
सौमित्रेश्चापनिर्घोषं श्रुत्वा प्रतिभयं तदा। विसिस्मिये महातेजा राक्षसेन्द्रात्मजो बली॥ ४९॥
Meaning
The mighty Atikāya, sprung from the loins of the king of orgres, who was endowed with extraordinary energy, was astonished on that occasion to hear the fearful twang of the bow of Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā). (49)
तदातिकायः कुपितो दृष्ट्वा लक्ष्मणमुत्थितम्। आदाय निशितं बाणमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥ ५०॥
Meaning
Enraged to behold Lakṣmaṇa active and seizing hold of a whetted shaft, Atikāya then spoke to Lakṣmaṇa as follows: (50)
बालस्त्वमसि सौमित्रे विक्रमेष्वविचक्षणः। गच्छ किं कालसंकाशं मां योधयितुमिच्छसि॥ ५१॥
Meaning
“You are still a youngster, O son of Sumitra, unskilled in exhibiting valour. Therefore, depart! Why do you seek to measure your strength with me, a replica of Kāla (the Time-Spirit)? (51)
नहि मद्बाहुसृष्टानां बाणानां हिमवानपि। सोढुमुत्सहते वेगमन्तरिक्षमथो मही॥ ५२॥
Meaning
“Not even the Himālaya mountain, nor the atmosphere nor even the earth can withstand the force of the arrows discharged by my arm. (52)
सुखप्रसुप्तं कालाग्निं विबोधयितुमिच्छसि। न्यस्य चापं निवर्तस्व प्राणान्न जहि मद्गतः॥ ५३॥
Meaning
“Do you seek to rouse the fire of universal dissolution, comfortably buried in slumber? Casting away your bow, go back. Confronting me, do not lose your life. (53)
अथवा त्वं प्रतिस्तब्धो न निवर्तितुमिच्छसि। तिष्ठ प्राणान् परित्यज्य गमिष्यसि यमक्षयम्॥ ५४॥
Meaning
“Or, if, being stubborn, you do not wish to return, tarry. Yielding up your life, you shall proceed to the abode of Yama (the god of retribution). (54)
पश्य मे निशितान् बाणान् रिपुदर्पनिषूदनान्। ईश्वरायुधसंकाशांस्तप्तकाञ्चनभूषणान् ॥ ५५॥
Meaning
“Behold my whetted shafts, capable of crushing the pride of the enemy, nay, resembling the weapon, trident of Lord Śiva, and decked with refined gold. (55)
एष ते सर्पसंकाशो बाणः पास्यति शोणितम्। मृगराज इव क्रुद्धो नागराजस्य शोणितम्। इत्येवमुक्त्वा संक्रुद्धः शरं धनुषि संदधे॥ ५६॥
Meaning
“This arrow, resembling a serpent, shall quaff your blood even as a furious lion would drink the blood of a lordly elephant.” Having spoken as aforesaid, Atikāya, who was seized with fury, put an arrow to his bow. (56)
श्रुत्वातिकायस्य वचः सरोषं सगर्वितं संयति राजपुत्रः। स संचुकोपातिबलो मनस्वी उवाच वाक्यं च ततो महार्थम्॥ ५७॥
Meaning
Hearing the furious and proud utterance of Atikāya on the field of battle, the high-minded Prince Laksmaṇa, who was endowed with surpassing strength, flew into a rage and then made the following reply, which was full of great significance: (57)
न वाक्यमात्रेण भवान् प्रधानो न कत्थनात् सत्पुरुषा भवन्ति। मयि स्थिते धन्विनि बाणपाणौ निदर्शयस्वात्मबलं दुरात्मन्॥ ५८॥
Meaning
“You cannot claim to be pre-eminent by mere speech nor can people become good men through sheer braggadocio. While I stand before you armed with a bow, arrow in hand, demonstrate your strength, O evil-minded one! (58)
कर्मणा सूचयात्मानं न विकत्थितुमर्हसि। पौरुषेण तु यो युक्तः स तु शूर इति स्मृतः॥ ५९॥
Meaning
“Reveal yourself through your action; you ought not to blow your own trumpet. He alone who is actually endowed with prowess is recognized as a hero. (59)
सर्वायुधसमायुक्तो धन्वी त्वं रथमास्थितः। शरैर्वा यदि वाप्यस्त्रैर्दर्शयस्व पराक्रमम्॥ ६०॥
Meaning
“Fully equipped with all kinds of weapons and armed with a bow, you are seated in a chariot. Therefore, manifest your prowess either with your arrows or with your mystic missiles. (60)
ततः शिरस्ते निशितैः पातयिष्याम्यहं शरैः। मारुतः कालसम्पक्वं वृन्तात् तालफलं यथा॥ ६१॥
Meaning
“Then shall I strike down your head with my whetted shafts even as the wind detaches a palm fruit ripened in process of time from its stem. (61)
अद्य ते मामका बाणास्तप्तकाञ्चनभूषणाः। पास्यन्ति रुधिरं गात्राद् बाणशल्यान्तरोत्थितम्॥ ६२॥
Meaning
“My arrows decked with refined gold shall drink the blood ejected from your body through the holes made by the points of my arrows. (62)
बालोऽयमिति विज्ञाय न चावज्ञातुमर्हसि। बालो वा यदि वा वृद्धो मृत्युं जानीहि संयुगे॥ ६३॥
Meaning
“Nor should you underestimate me thinking that I am a mere boy. Whether I am a child or grown-up, know me to be your death on the field of battle. (63)
बालेन विष्णुना लोकास्त्रयः क्रान्तास्त्रिविक्रमैः। लक्ष्मणस्य वचः श्रुत्वा हेतुमत् परमार्थवत्। अतिकायः प्रचुक्रोध बाणं चोत्तममाददे॥ ६४॥
Meaning
“The three worlds were covered in three strides of Lord Viṣṇu, descended as Lord Vāmana, while He was yet a child.” Hearing the reply of Lakṣmaṇa, which was full of reason and contained the whole truth, Atikāya flew into a rage and laid hold of an excellent arrow. (64)
ततो विद्याधरा भूता देवा दैत्या महर्षयः। गुह्यकाश्च महात्मानस्तद् युद्धं द्रष्टुमागमन्॥ ६५॥
Meaning
Thereupon Vidyādharas (heavenly artistes), ghosts, gods, giants and eminent Ṛṣis (seers of Vedic Mantras) as well as high-minded Guhyakas, Yakṣas arrived to witness the duel. (65)
ततोऽतिकायः कुपितश्चापमारोप्य सायकम्। लक्ष्मणाय प्रचिक्षेप संक्षिपन्निव चाम्बरम्॥ ६६॥
Meaning
Putting an arrow to his bow, Atikāya thereupon furiously discharged it against Lakṣmaṇa, shrinking up space as it were. (66)
तमापतन्तं निशितं शरमाशीविषोपमम्। अर्धचन्द्रेण चिच्छेद लक्ष्मणः परवीरहा॥ ६७॥
Meaning
Lakṣman, the destroyer of hostile champions, however, split with his arrow, having a crescent-shaped head, that sharpened shaft, which came flying like a venomous serpent. (67)
तं निकृत्तं शरं दृष्ट्वा कृत्तभोगमिवोरगम्। अतिकायो भृशं क्रुद्धः पञ्च बाणान् समादधे॥ ६८॥
Meaning
Enraged to find that arrow torn like a serpent whose hood has been severed, Atikāya fitted five arrows to his bow. (68)
तान् शरान् सम्प्रचिक्षेप लक्ष्मणाय निशाचरः। तानप्राप्तान् शितैर्बाणैश्चिच्छेद भरतानुजः॥ ६९॥
Meaning
The ranger of the night, Atikāya, discharged the aforesaid arrows with full force against Lakṣmaṇa. The younger brother of Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, however, split them with his whetted arrows while they had not yet reached him. (69)
स तान् छित्त्वा शितैर्बाणैर्लक्ष्मणः परवीरहा। आददे निशितं बाणं ज्वलन्तमिव तेजसा॥ ७०॥
Meaning
Having torn them with his sharp arrows, Lakṣmaṇa, the destroyer of hostile champions, seized a whetted shaft, which was flaming as it were with splendour. (70)
तमादाय धनुःश्रेष्ठे योजयामास लक्ष्मणः। विचकर्ष च वेगेन विससर्ज च सायकम्॥ ७१॥
Meaning
Laying hold of it, Lakṣmaṇa set it to his excellent bow, pulled its string to full stretch and shot the shaft with impetuosity. (71)
पूर्णायतविसृष्टेन शरेण नतपर्वणा। ललाटे राक्षसश्रेष्ठमाजघान स वीर्यवान्॥ ७२॥
Meaning
Nay, with that flat-jointed arrow, which was discharged after the string had been stretched to full length, the valiant Lakṣmaṇa struck Atikāya (the foremost of ogres) in the brow. (72)
स ललाटे शरो मग्नस्तस्य भीमस्य रक्षसः। ददृशे शोणितेनाक्तः पन्नगेन्द्र इवाचले॥ ७३॥
Meaning
Sunk into the forehead of that terrible ogre and stained with blood, that arrow looked like a ruler of serpents clinging to a mountain. (73)
राक्षसः प्रचकम्पेऽथ लक्ष्मणेषु प्रपीडितः। रुद्रबाणहतं घोरं यथा त्रिपुरगोपुरम्॥ ७४॥
Meaning
Severely injured by the shaft of Lakṣmaṇa, the ogre forthwith shook violently like the formidable gate of Tripura (a city built of gold, silver and iron in the heaven, in the airspace as well as on the earth by the demon Maya and burnt by Rudra) struck with the arrow of Rudra (the god of destruction).(74)
चिन्तयामास चाश्वास्य विमृश्य च महाबलः। साधु बाणनिपातेन श्लाघनीयोऽसि मे रिपुः॥ ७५॥
Meaning
Nay, recovering his breath and reflecting for a moment, the ogre, who was endowed with extraordinary might, contemplated upon his course of action. “By discharging this arrow against me, as you have done, you have turned out an enemy eminently worthy of praise by me!” (75)
विधायैवं विदार्यास्यं नियम्य च महाभुजौ। स रथोपस्थमास्थाय रथेन प्रचचार ह॥ ७६॥
Meaning
Distending his mouth and speaking to him as aforesaid, nay, controlling his mighty arms and taking his seat in the rear of the chariot, he pressed forward in his chariot. (76)
एवं त्रीन् पञ्च सप्तेति सायकान् राक्षसर्षभः। आददे संदधे चापि विचकर्षोत्ससर्ज च॥ ७७॥
Meaning
Atikāya, a bull among the ogres, seized hold of one, three, five and seven arrows (respectively) and put them to his bow, stretched the string to full length and let them fly. (77)
ते बाणाः कालसंकाशा राक्षसेन्द्रधनुश्च्युताः। हेमपुङ्खा रविप्रख्याश्चक्रुर्दीप्तमिवाम्बरम्॥ ७८॥
Meaning
Shot from the bow of Atikāya (a ruler of ogres), those golden-feathered arrows, which resembled Death and shone like the sun, set the firmament ablaze, as it were. (78)
ततस्तान् राक्षसोत्सृष्टान् शरौघान् राघवानुजः। असम्भ्रान्तः प्रचिच्छेद निशितैर्बहुभिः शरैः॥ ७९॥
Meaning
Remaining unruffled, the younger brother of Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu) thereupon cut off with his numerous whetted shafts the aforesaid volleys of arrows discharged by the ogre. (79)
ताञ्शरान् युधि सम्प्रेक्ष्य निकृत्तान् रावणात्मजः। चुकोप त्रिदशेन्द्रारिर्जग्राह निशितं शरम्॥ ८०॥
Meaning
Duly perceiving those arrows cut down on the field of battle. Atikāya (sprung from the loins of Rāvaṇa), an enemy of Indra, the ruler of gods, flew into a rage and took hold of a sharpened arrow. (80)
स संधाय महातेजास्तं बाणं सहसोत्सृजत्। तेन सौमित्रिमायान्तमाजघान स्तनान्तरे॥ ८१॥
Meaning
Putting that arrow to his bow, Atikāya, who was endowed with extraordinary energy, precipitately shot it. With that he struck Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā), as he was aiming at his breast. (81)
अतिकायेन सौमित्रिस्ताडितो युधि वक्षसि। सुस्राव रुधिरं तीव्रं मदं मत्त इव द्विपः॥ ८२॥
Meaning
Hit in the breast by Atikāya on the battlefield, Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā) began to bleed profusely even as an elephant in rut would discharge ichor. (82)
स चकार तदात्मानं विशल्यं सहसा विभुः। जग्राह च शरं तीक्ष्णमस्त्रेणापि समाददे॥ ८३॥
Meaning
The all-powerful Laksmaṇa (who was a part manifestation of Lord Viṣṇu) then speedily rid himself of the shaft, seized hold of a sharp arrow and also charged it with a mystic spell. (83)
आग्नेयेन तदास्त्रेण योजयामास सायकम्। स जज्वाल तदा बाणो धनुष्यस्य महात्मनः॥ ८४॥
Meaning
On that occasion he charged his arrow with the missile presided over by the god of fire. Placed on the bow of the high-souled prince, that arrow shot forth flames. (84)
अतिकायोऽतितेजस्वी रौद्रमस्त्रं समाददे। तेन बाणं भुजङ्गाभं हेमपुङ्खमयोजयत्॥ ८५॥
Meaning
Atikāya, who was endowed with surpassing energy, pressed into service a fearful mystic missile and charged a serpent-like golden-feathered arrow with it. (85)
तदस्त्रं ज्वलितं घोरं लक्ष्मणः शरमाहितम्। अतिकायाय चिक्षेप कालदण्डमिवान्तकः॥ ८६॥
Meaning
In the meantime, Lakṣmaṇa shot at Atikāya that flaming and formidable arrow in the form of a mystic missile charged with occult power, even as Death would hurl his rod of destruction. (86)
आग्नेयास्त्राभिसंयुक्तं दृष्ट्वा बाणं निशाचरः। उत्ससर्ज तदा बाणं रौद्रं सूर्यास्त्रयोजितम्॥ ८७॥
Meaning
Seeing the arrow charged with a missile presided over by the god of fire, the prowler of the night, Atikāya, forthwith discharged an arrow charged with a missile presided over by the sun-god. (87)
तावुभावम्बरे बाणावन्योन्यमभिजघ्नतुः। तेजसा सम्प्रदीप्ताग्रौ क्रुद्धाविव भुजङ्गमौ॥ ८८॥
Meaning
Both the aforesaid arrows, whose heads were flaming with fire, struck each other in space like two furious serpents. (88)
तावन्योन्यं विनिर्दह्य पेततुः पृथिवीतले॥ ८९॥
Meaning
Having burnt each other, they fell to the earth’s surface. (89)
निरर्चिषौ भस्मकृतौ न भ्राजेते शरोत्तमौ। तावुभौ दीप्यमानौ स्म न भ्राजेते महीतले॥ ९०॥
Meaning
The two excellent arrows, even though they were both glowing, did not shine forth any longer on the earth’s surface, in that they had ceased to emit flames and had been reduced to ashes. (90)
ततोऽतिकायः संक्रुद्धस्त्वाष्ट्रमैषीकमुत्सृजत्। ततश्चिच्छेद सौमित्रिरस्त्रमैन्द्रेण वीर्यवान्॥ ९१॥
Meaning
Seized with fury, Atikāya thereupon discharged an arrow of reed charged with a missile presided over by Twaṣṭā (the architect of gods). The valiant son of Sumitrā, Lakṣmaṇa, thereupon split it with a missile presided over by Indra, ruler of gods. (91)
ऐषीकं निहतं दृष्ट्वा कुमारो रावणात्मजः। याम्येनास्त्रेण संक्रुद्धो योजयामास सायकम्॥ ९२॥
Meaning
Enraged to find his arrow of reed struck down by Lakṣmaṇa, Prince Atikāya, sprung from the loins of Rāvaṇa, charged an arrow with a missile presided over by Yama (the god of retribution). (92)
ततस्तदस्त्रं चिक्षेप लक्ष्मणाय निशाचरः। वायव्येन तदस्त्रेण निजघान स लक्ष्मणः॥ ९३॥
Meaning
The ranger of the night then shot it at Lakṣmaṇa. The celebrated Lakṣmaṇa, however, struck it down with a missile presided over by the wind-god. (93)
अथैनं शरधाराभिर्धाराभिरिव तोयदः। अभ्यवर्षत संक्रुद्धो लक्ष्मणो रावणात्मजम्॥ ९४॥
Meaning
Seized with fury, Lakṣmaṇa now covered this son of Rāvaṇa with hails of arrows even as a rainy cloud would cover one with torrents. (94)
तेऽतिकायं समासाद्य कवचे वज्रभूषिते। भग्नाग्रशल्याः सहसा पेतुर्बाणा महीतले॥ ९५॥
Meaning
Duly reaching Atikāya, those arrows, however, had their points at the uppper end shattered against his coat of mail, which was encrusted with diamonds, and precipitately fell to the earth’s surface. (95)
तान्मोघानभिसम्प्रेक्ष्य लक्ष्मणः परवीरहा। अभ्यवर्षत बाणानां सहस्रेण महायशाः॥ ९६॥
Meaning
Perceiving them infructuous, the illustrious Lakṣmaṇa, the destroyer of hostile champions, covered him with a thousand arrows. (96)
स वृष्यमाणो बाणौघैरतिकायो महाबलः। अवध्यकवचः संख्ये राक्षसो नैव विव्यथे॥ ९७॥
Meaning
Though being covered with volleys of arrows on the battle-field, the aforesaid ogre, Atikāya, who was endowed with extraordinary might and whose cuirass was invulnerable, did not feel tormented at all. (97)
शरं चाशीविषाकारं लक्ष्मणाय व्यपासृजत्। स तेन विद्धः सौमित्रिर्मर्मदेशे शरेण ह॥ ९८ ॥ मुहूर्तमात्रं निःसंज्ञो ह्यभवच्छत्रुतापनः। ततः संज्ञामुपालभ्य चतुर्भिः सायकोत्तमैः॥ ९९ ॥ निजघान हयान् संख्ये सारथिं च महाबलः। ध्वजस्योन्मथनं कृत्वा शरवर्षैररिंदमः॥ १००॥
Meaning
Nay, he discharged an arrow resembling a venomous serpent at Lakṣmaṇa. Pierced in a vital part by that arrow, the said son of Sumitrā, the tormentor of his enemies, actually fainted awhile: so the tradition goes. Tearing off the standard of his enemy with hails of his arrows on regaining his consciousness, Laksmaṇa, the tamer of his adversaries, who was endowed with extraordinary might, struck down on the battle-field the horses as well as the charioteer of Atikāya with four excellent arrows. (98—100)
असम्भ्रान्तः स सौमित्रिस्ताञ्शरानभिलक्षितान्। मुमोच लक्ष्मणो बाणान् वधार्थं तस्य रक्षसः॥ १०१॥
Meaning
Remaining unconfounded, the celebrated Lakṣmaṇa, son of Sumitrā, discharged some well-known and selected arrows for the destruction of that ogre. (101)
न शशाक रुजं कर्तुं युधि तस्य नरोत्तमः। अथैनमभ्युपागम्य वायुर्वाक्यमुवाच ह॥ १०२॥
Meaning
Lakṣmaṇa, the foremost of men, could not, however, inflict any injury on his person in combat. Approaching him, the wind-god presently spoke to him as follows, so the tradition goes: (102)
ब्रह्मदत्तवरो ह्येष अवध्यकवचावृतः। ब्राह्मेणास्त्रेण भिन्ध्येनमेष वध्यो हि नान्यथा। अवध्य एष ह्यन्येषामस्त्राणां कवची बली॥ १०३॥
Meaning
“This ogre, on whom a boon having been conferred by Brahmā, the creator, is actually clad in impenetrable armour. Therefore, pierce him with a missile presided over by Brahmā; for the cannot be killed otherwise. Protected with armour and full of might as he is, he is incapable of being killed with other missiles.” (103)
ततस्तु वायोर्वचनं निशम्य सौमित्रिरिन्द्रप्रतिमानवीर्यः। समादधे बाणमथोग्रवेगं तद्ब्राह्ममस्त्रं सहसा नियुज्य॥ १०४॥
Meaning
Hearing the admonition of the wind-god and pressing into service the well-known missile presided over by Brahmā (the creator), the son of Sumitrā for his part, who was a compeer of Indra (the ruler of gods) in prowess, thereupon precipitately fitted to his bow an arrow of terrific velocity. (104)
तस्मिन् वरास्त्रे तु नियुज्यमाने सौमित्रिणा बाणवरे शिताग्रे। दिशश्च चन्द्रार्कमहाग्रहाश्च नभश्च तत्रास ररास चोर्वी॥ १०५॥
Meaning
While that excellent missile, presided over by Brahmā, was for its part being infused into the foremost of arrows with a sharp point by the son of Sumitrā, the four quarters as well as the moon and the sun and the other major planets as also the vault of heaven shook and the earth creaked. (105)
तं ब्रह्मणोऽस्त्रेण नियुज्य चापे शरं सपुङ्खं यमदूतकल्पम्। सौमित्रिरिन्द्रारिसुतस्य तस्य ससर्ज बाणं युधि वज्रकल्पम्॥ १०६॥
Meaning
Having charged that arrow, feathers and all, with the missile presided over by Brahmā, the creator, and placed it on his bow, the son of Sumitrā discharged that shaft, which now looked like a messenger of Death and was hard as adamant, at the aforesaid son of Rāvaṇa (an enemy of Indra) on the field of battle. (106)
तं लक्ष्मणोत्सृष्टविवृद्धवेगं समापतन्तं श्वसनोग्रवेगम्। सुपर्णवज्रोत्तमचित्रपुङ्खं तदातिकायः समरे ददर्श॥ १०७॥
Meaning
Atikāya forthwith beheld on the battlefield the arrow shot by Lakṣmaṇa, which possessed the terrific velocity of the wind, was provided with lovely feathers resembling the wings of Garuḍa (the king of birds) and decked with excellent diamonds—flying towards Atikāya with redoubled speed. (107)
तं प्रेक्षमाणः सहसातिकायो जघान बाणैर्निशितैरनेकैः। स सायकस्तस्य सुपर्णवेग- स्तथातिवेगेन जगाम पार्श्वम्॥ १०८॥
Meaning
Closely observing it, Atikāya forcibly struck it with numerous whetted shafts. Possessing as it did the swiftness of Garuḍa, that arrow none the less drew near him with terrific speed. (108)
तमागतं प्रेक्ष्य तदातिकायो बाणं प्रदीप्तान्तककालकल्पम्। जघान शक्त्यृष्टिगदाकुठारैः शूलैः शरैश्चाप्यविपन्नचेष्टः॥ १०९॥
Meaning
Perceiving that flaming arrow terrible as Death and the Time-Spirit arrived, Atikāya forthwith struck it with javelins, spears, maces and axes as also with pikes and arrows with unceasing endeavour. (109)
तान्यायुधान्यद्भुतविग्रहाणि मोघानि कृत्वा स शरोऽग्निदीप्तः। प्रगृह्य तस्यैव किरीटजुष्टं तदातिकायस्य शिरो जहार॥ ११०॥
Meaning
Rendering all the aforesaid weapons of wonderful shapes ineffectual, and transfixing the head of the selfsame Atikāya, which was covered with a diadem, that arrow blazing like fire forthwith severed it. (110)
तच्छिरः सशिरस्त्राणं लक्ष्मणेषुप्रमर्दितम्। पपात सहसा भूमौ शृङ्गं हिमवतो यथा॥ १११॥
Meaning
Cut off by the arrow of Lakṣmaṇa, the aforesaid head with its diadem precipitately fell to the ground like a peak of the Himālaya mountain. (111)
तं भूमौ पतितं दृष्ट्वा विक्षिप्ताम्बरभूषणम्। बभूवुर्व्यथिताः सर्वे हतशेषा निशाचराः॥ ११२॥
Meaning
All the ogres who had escaped being killed, felt distressed to behold the prince fallen on the ground, his raiment and adornments in disarray. (112)
ते विषण्णमुखा दीनाः प्रहारजनितश्रमाः। विनेदुरुच्चैर्बहवः सहसा विस्वरैः स्वरैः॥ ११३॥
Meaning
With their faces downcast, nay, feeling miserable and exhausted with blows, many of them burst into a loud wail in discordant tone. (113)
ततस्तत्परितं याता निरपेक्षा निशाचराः। पुरीमभिमुखा भीता द्रवन्तो नायके हते॥ ११४॥
Meaning
Their leader having been killed, the rangers of the night, who had now become listless, hastily withdrew running from that place, frightened as they were, with their faces turned towards the city. (114)
प्रहर्षयुक्ता बहवस्तु वानराः प्रफुल्लपद्मप्रतिमाननास्तदा। अपूजयँल्लक्ष्मणमिष्टभागिनं हते रिपौ भीमबले दुरासदे॥ ११५॥
Meaning
Filled with extreme delight on their enemy, who was endowed with terrible might and was difficult to approach, having been killed, numerous monkeys for their part, whose faces resembled full-blown lotuses, forthwith paid their homage to Lakṣmaṇa, who had secured victory for them. (115)
अतिबलमतिकायमभ्रकल्पं युधि विनिपात्य स लक्ष्मणः प्रहृष्टः। त्वरितमथ तदा स रामपार्श्वं कपिनिवहैश्च सुपूजितो जगाम॥ ११६॥
Meaning
Greatly rejoiced and highly honoured by hosts of monkeys on having struck down in a duel Atikāya, who was endowed with surpassing might and looked like a mass of cloud, the aforesaid celebrated Lakṣmaṇa forthwith hastily sought the presence of Śrī Rāma on that occasion. (116)
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