Aranya Kandam
The Book of the
forest
Translated by
P.R.Ramachander
( This book starts with the reaching of Rama to
Dandakaranya (Literally punishing forests) and
ends with the abduction of Sita by Ravana
and killing of Kabandha who advises Rama to meet Sabari and later Sugreeva.)
1.Rama enters Dandakaranya
(Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana enters the Dandaka forest. The poet then describes the forest as the
house of several sages. Those sages receive
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita hospitably
and seek their protection.)
That Rama steeped
in the knowledge of himself and one
who cannot be defeated entered the great Dandakaranya and saw
several hermitages of saints.
1.1
That place with several cloths made of grass was filled with
the aura of Vedic wealth and was like
the disc of the sun, difficult to see by
the naked eye.
1.2
That place which gave protection to all beings had courtyards filled with many deer and
surrounded by flocking birds and was kept very clean.
1.3
Daily being worshipped by dancing groups of
celestial maidens , with broad fire
places, vessels, hides grass , sticks
meant for sacrifice , pots filled with water
and fruits and roots for
the Yagna that place shined and
it was also blessed with huge shining
trees.
1.4-1.5
That place was sanctified
by auspicious offerings in the fire, filled up with the sound of
chanting of Vedas by Brahmins, was with
scattered flowers and lotus ponds
filled with lotus flowers and surrounded by self restrained old and
great sages living on fruits and roots
and dressed in bark garments as well as deer skin.”
1.6-1.7
Those great sages
who were taking food according to rules were shining with auspiciousness and their hermitages were shining like the
abode of Brahma and filled with sound of chanting of Vedas.
1.8
It was shining with venerable Brahmins who were scholars of Vedas and seeing those cluster of hermitages , Rama , untied his bow and
went inside with great luster.
1.9
Those sages who
had divine knowledge after seeing Rama
and Sita were well pleased and went to
receive them.
1.10
Seeing that famous
follower of Dharma shining like a
moon along with Lakshmana and Sita , those saints chanting auspicious greetings
went forward to receive them. 1.11-1.12
Those people who lived in the forest , saw
the very pretty Rama with
auspicious features and pretty form with great awe .
1.13
Without battling their eye lashes and with great wonder those people living in
the forest saw Rama, Lakshmana and
Sita.
1.14
Those great people who were interested in the
welfare of all beings , took the guests
inside a leaf thatched hut and made them sit comfortably. 1.15
Those great people
who can be compared to fire and who were
followers of Dharma then extended
hospitality to Rama and offered him water. 1.16
Those followers of Dharma after offering fruits,
roots and flowers from the hermitage to the great Rama, with
salutations told him.
1.17
“Sir, you are very
famous as the protector of Dharma, and
offer protection to those who seek it from you .You are also fit to be
worshipped, a gentleman and one who awards punishment.” 1.18
“Oh Rama in this world the king is considered
quarter of Indra and so he enjoys pleasures and is respected
by people.”
1.19
“As we are living in your kingdom, we should be protected
by you , whether we stay in the city or in the forest as you are the lord and king of
the people.”
1.20
“Oh king, we have won over our anger, have control our senses , unarmed and are people whose wealth is their
penance and we are like your children
and so you should protect us always.”
1.21
After telling this , they offered to Rama along with
Lakshmana with reverence fruits , roots as well as flowers from the forest , as well as different eatables.
1.22
Like that those sages and Sidhas resembling fire and great followers of
Dharma and law pleased the god like Rama in a fitting manner.
1.23
This is the end of the first chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
2.Rama Meets
Viradha
( Viradha a giant
with horrifying form appears before Rama and
catches hold of Sita and keeps her on his lap. Rama is slightly scared as well as horrified .Lakshmana tells Rama
that he would kill Viradha.)
That Rama who was greatly satisfied , immediately after
sun rise took leave of those saints , entered
the forest.
2.1
That Rama saw who was followed by Lakshmana saw that the
forest was crowded with many types of animals and occupied by boars and tigers .,Many of the trees , climbers
and bushes had been cleared there and it
was difficult to find water bodies and
it was filled with noise of birds and
insects . 2.2-2.3
While Sita and Rama were wandering in that place
populated by horrible beasts they saw a man eater who looked like the tip of the mountain.
2.4
That funny person
was having huge eyes, broad mouth . greatly large belly
and had the looks of a disfigured
and disgusting person and had dreadful appearance.
2.5
Wearing a skin of a tiger , drenched with marrow , sprinkled with blood , with
wide mouth open that being was frightening all beings like the god of death. 2.6
He was holding by
its teeth three lions, four tigers, two wolves . ten deer and head
of an elephant and was wet with
the marrow of those animals and pierced
with a iron spear the head of a great
elephant and produced very great sound.
2.7
Seeing Rama, Lakshmana and Sita the princess of Mithila ,
he ran towards them with great anger as if it is the God of
death.
2.8
Creating a very horrible sound and also shaking the earth
, he caught hold of Sita and kept her on
its lap and then said.
2.9
“Both of you with matted hair and dressed in bark along with your wife have entered this Dandakaranya wearing the bow and arrows and your life is
going to end now. “ 2.10
”How is it that though you are saints , you are living
with your wife? You are youngsters not following Dharma and ones insulting the saints.” 2.11
“I am Viradha by name and wander well armed in this
impassable forests always eating the
flesh of sages.”
2.12
“This very blessed lady
would become my wife and I would drink the blood of both of you in the battle .”
2.13
Hearing the bad and very proud words of that bad soul
Viradha , the daughter of Janaka became
bewildered out of fear.
2.14
Sita due to great fear was shaking like a banana plant in
a strong wind and Rama seeing the pure
one in the hold of Viradha , with a parched throat told Lakshmana.
2.15-2.16
“Oh gentle one , see how the famous daughter of king Janaka who is my wife observing all
virtues and who is brought up with all love ,
has been caught by Viradha”
2.17
“Oh Lakshmana, what Kaikeyi desired for us through her boon ,
has already has happened to us
today.”
2.18
“That far sighted lady not being contented with asking
the kingdom for her son, sent me who is loved by all beings to the forest
and the desire of my middle mother has now been fulfilled.” 2.19-2.20
“The touching of Sita by others is the greater sorrow to
me than my father’s death or the
stealing of my kingdom.”
2.21
While the son of Kakustha clan spoke like this and was
shedding tears , Lakshmana angry like a elephant which has been tied , said.
2.22
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, Oh Lord of all beings , you are like Indra and when I am in
your service why are becoming sad?”
2.23
“I who am very angry is going to kill this Rakshasa by an
arrow and his blood would be drunk by this earth.”
2.24
“I will release the
anger that I have on Bharatha who yearned for the kingdom on this Viradha and it will hit him like the Vajrayudha of Indra.”
2.25
“By the speed generated by the strength of my arms , the
arrow that I sent would fall with high speed on his body and he will die and
body after turning would fall on the
earth.
2.26
This is the end of the second chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
3.The fight with
Viradha
(Viradha tells Rama that he cannot be harmed by any
weapon due to the boon of Brahma .
Though Rama and Lakshmana fight with him using arrows they are not able to harm him, Viradha catches hold of Rama and Lakshmana and
carries them inside the forest.)
Afterwards Viradha completely filling up the forest
asked, “Please tell me who you , young people are and where are you
going?”
3.1
Then That Viradha echoing
his voice in the forest said, “I am asking both of you , young men? Why
are you not speaking? Where are you going?”
3.2
Then the greatly lustrous one told that Rakshasa with a burning
face , “We belong to the Ikshuvaku clan.”
3.3
“We are the people observing the Dharma of Kshatriyas and have now come to the
forest and we wish to know about you and to know why you are wandering in the
Dandaka forest?” 3.4
To Rama who was shining due to truth that Viradha said,
“Great, Oh king , I would tell and
understand that well, Oh Raghava.”
3.5
“I am the son of Java and my mother is Sathahrudha and I am called Viradha by all the Rakshasas
on earth.”
3.6
“By pleasing Lord Brahma by great penance I got a boon
that I cannot be killed or cut or slit
by any weapon.”
3.7
“Leave this lady here and without any requirements go
away from here with speed , then both your lives would not be taken.” 3.8
Rama replied with a blood shot eyes due to anger to that
Rakshasa Viradha with an ugly body and who had evil intentions. 3.9
“Fie upon you, oh knave , you are in the quest of death
due to evil acts and surely you would
get it in this fight. Stay there , as your life would not be spared.” 3.10
Then after getting ready his bow , Rama shot at him very
sharp arrows with great speed aiming properly at the Rakshasa,” 3.11
From that bow seven arrows of with a sting which were ornamented in gold and which had very great speed
were released and they had speed of Garuda and the wind God. Those arrows which were equal to hell along with
feathers of peacock , pierced the body
of Viradha but fell on the ground coated with blood.
3.12- 3.13
When the arrows stuck that Rakshasa , he kept Sita down ,
took a spear and rushed towards Rama and Lakshmana.
. 3.14
Then that Rakshasa
making a very loud horrible sound , taking a spear which was similar to
the flag of Indra , appeared with his
mouth open like the God of death.
3.15
And these two brothers
showered arrows with great luster on the Rakshasa called Viradha who looked like a god of death who destroys
other beings.
3.16
Then that Rakshasa laughed loudly and yawned
and as he was yawning all those arrows which were coming swiftly at him
fell down.
3.17
That Rakshasa due to the boon that he has obtained just
by mere touch regulated the five airs of
his body , took the spear and ran
after Rama and Lakshmana.
3.18
That spear which was like the Vajrayudha shined in the
sky was cut by use of two arrows by Rama who was one who scared his enemies.
3.19
That spear which was broken by Rama ‘s arrow fell on the ground like mount Meru being
broken in to two pieces by
Vajrayudha.
3.20
Then both of them lifted their sword which looked like a black serpent and at once
fell upon him and struck with that weapon.
3.21
Being struck that angry Rakshasa intended to set out
after catching those tiger among men who
cannot be shaken.
3.22
Having understood his intention Rama told Lakshmana “Let
him carry us through this path and there is no need to stop him.”
3.23
“Oh son of Sumithra, let the Rakshasa carry us , for the
direction by the nocturnal one is the
proper direction.”
3.24
Puffed up with great pride due to his great strength that
one who moves at night , held them on his shoulders and started moving.
3.25
Carrying them on his shoulders that Viradha who moves in darkness with loud screaming proceeded to the
forest.
3.26
He entered the forest
which was like a great cloud and
which was filled with trees of various shapes and also filled various type of
wonderful birds , foxes and various wild
animals.
3.27
This is the end of the
third chapter Of the book
of Aranya (Forest) of the holy
Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
4.Rama and Lakshmana kill Viradha
(Rama and Lakshmana
break the hands of Viradha . He falls down. Since weapons are not able to kill him, they prepare to
bury him. He tells them that he in Dhumburu cursed by Khubera and would regain
his form if killed by Rama. He tells them to go to the hermitage of Sarabhanga and dies. Rama and Lakshmana bury
him.)
Sita seeing that
both Rama and Lakshmana were
being carried away on the great
shoulders of the Rakshasa shouted at the top of her voice.
4.1
“The truthful and
pure Rama who is the son of Dasaratha and who is of great character , along
with Lakshmana is being taken away by a
dreadful Rakshasa” said Sita.
4.2
“I would be eaten away by the bears, tigers and panthers here and so Rakshasa I am saluting you to take me away and leave those sons of Kakustha clan. 4.3
When Rama and
Lakshmana heard those words of Vaidehi they started speedily actions to kill that wicked person.
4.4
With great anger the son of Sumithra broke one of his
shoulders and Rama broke
the right shoulder quickly.
4.5
That confused Rakshasa
who was like a dark cloud and who
was without both shoulders fell on the ground like a mountain felled by the Vajrayudha.” 4.6
They lifted the Rakshasa holding his knees, fists and feet and dropped him down again and again and
pounded him on the ground.
4.7
Though stuck and wounded by many arrows , cut by the
swords and repeatedly pounded , that Rakshasa was not dead.
4.8
That Gentle Rama who protects from fear those who are afraid, after observing that the
mountain like Rakshasa could not be killed
told Lakshmana.
4.9
“Oh tiger among men, This Rakshasa due to the boons obtained by penance
cannot be killed by any weapon and so let us bury him.”
4.10
“Oh Lakshmana , this elephant like Rakshasa is angry
and reflects the glow of anger in him and to bury
him , dig a very big pit.”
4.11
After telling that a big pit may be dug that
valorous Rama stood there firmly keeping
his leg on the neck of Viradha.
4.12
Hearing Rama say these words that Viradha in a gentle manner told the son
of the Kakustha clan who was tiger among men.
4.13
“Oh tiger among men, I
have been killed by your strength which is equal to that of Indra and without realizing that being
disillusioned I spoke those words earlier.
4.14
“I now know you Rama as the good son of Kausalya and Sita as a great
lady and Lakshmana as a great man.”
4.15
“I was Thumburu , a celestial Gandharwa singer who
was cursed by Khubera and took this
ugly repulsive form.”
4.16
“When I appeased him that great lord said, “When you
would be killed in war by Rama , the son of Dasaratha you would get back your original form.”
4.17
“This curse was
given to me by the king
Khubera when I did not present for his service as I was involved in love with Rambha.”
4.18
“Oh Rama who troubles his enemies, by your grace , I have
got rid of my curse and I am going to my
own world wishing you safety and luck.”
4.19
“Oh lad , half a Yojana (one mile) distance from
here lives a famous saint Sarabhanga who
has luster like the sun and you go and
meet him speedily and he would bestow fame on you.” 4.20-4.21
“You may go with safety after burying me in this pit for
burying a Rakshasa is a eternal
Dharma and would take them to
heaven.” 4.22
That Viradha who was hurt by the arrows , after speaking like this to the son of the Kakustha
clan , left the body and reached the heaven.
4.23
When Rama heard these words , he ordered Lakshmana to dig a very wide pit to bury that Rakshasa of dreadful acts who was like an elephant and that valorous
one stood there with his feet on the
neck of that Rakshasa called
Viradha. 4.24-4.25
Then Lakshmana after fetching a very big spade and
dug a big pit by the side of that great Rakshasa called Viradha. 4.26
Then Rama took his feet and released the pressure on the
neck of Viradha and he with pointed ears
fell in to the pit with roaring terrible sound.
4.27
Both those valorous Rama and Lakshmana who were stable in
war and brave , moved together
swiftly and with great strength lifted
the Rakshasa who was roaring and dropped him in the pit. 4.28
Seeing that the
big Asura could not be killed by arrows
or any other weapons , those tiger among men
and who were intelligent and efficient undertook to kill Viradha in that
pit.
4.29
Viradha himself
wanted to die at the hands of Rama in a true manner with force and he himself revealed to those people who
were wandering in the forest that he could not be killed by any weapons.
4.30
When Rama heard those words of the Rakshasa , he intended
to kill him by placing him in a pit and
when they were placing him in the pit he shouted in a loud voice which
echoed in the forest. 4.31
Rama and Lakshmana appeared to be joyous when placing
that Viradha in a pit , since that would end the fear in that forest and then
the covered the Rakshasa with
boulders and mud. 4.32
After killing that Rakshasa , Rama and Lakshmana who were
endowed with golden bows took care of
Sita and then both of the them moved in
the forest resembling the sun and moon in the sky. 4.33
This is the end of the
fourth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
5. Rama meets
sage Sarabhanga
(When Rama approaches hermitage of Sarabhanga, he sees Indra talking to him
but Indra leaves without meeting Rama.
Sarabhanga tells Rama that Indra
offered to take him to the world of Brahma but he refused as he wanted to meet
Rama. He then advises Rama to go to the
hermitage of Sutheeshna and then gives up his body.)
After killing that very strong Rakshasa Viradha in the forest , after embracing Sita and comforting her , that Valorous elder
brother Rama told Lakshmana who had
great luster. 5.1
“Since we are not
inhabitants of the forest , life in this impassable forest is difficult and let us go quickly to meet Sarabhanga who is rich with penance .” 5.2
When Raghava approached the hermitage of Sarabhanga, he
could see a great wonder near that divine sage with a purified soul .
5.3-5.4
In the sky he saw Indra the lord of the three worlds, shining like the Sun and the fire ,
wearing similarly shining ornaments and
dressed in spotlessly clean dress
mounted on a chariot that was
not touching the earth adored and
worshipped by many great souls.
5.5-5.6
He saw that
Chariot was standing in space and was yoked to horses of green colour , which was shining like a young sun , which was similar to dense
white clouds and which was similar to the moon.
5.7-5.8
He saw the very
pure Umbrella which was decorated
by a multi colour garland along with
fans with golden handles which were fanned by two deva women near the head
of Indra. 5.9
That great Indra
was being praised by Gandharwas, Sidhas
, devas and very many great sages, all
of them standing on the sky .
5.10
When Indra was seen to be talking with sage Sarabhanga ,
noticing Indra , Rama told to Lakshmana.
5.11
Rama seeing that Chariot showed it to Lakshmana “See that
shining wonder , Oh Lakshmana which is
the chariot travelling in the sky and
shining like a Sun.”
5.12-5.13
“Those horses which we are seeing are owned by Devendra ,
which we have heard travel in the
sky and that is really wonderful.”
5.14
“Oh tiger among men, Oh son of Sumithra around the chariot one hundred young men
wearing ear studs are standing and each
of them are holding a sword in their
hands .All of them have very broad
chest and they wear red coloured cloths and it is difficult to overpower them as they look like huge
tigers . Each of them also wear chains
which give out luster similar to
fire and they all appear to be about twenty five years old.”
5.15-5.17
“Seeing those men who are among the best , we can presume that they
are devas , who do not seem to grow old at all.”
5.18
“Oh Lakshmana , you stay here for a little time along with Vaidehi , and I
would go there to find out clearly about
who this shining person is.”
5.19
Requesting the son of Sumithra to wait there , the son of
Kakustha clan went towards the
hermitage of Sarabhanga.
5.20
Then Indra, the husband of Sachi seeing the approaching
Rama , went near the sage
Sarabhanga and told to him privately as
follows.
5.21
“Here comes Rama and I would not talk to him now as he would be eligible to talk to me only after
he completes his mission .I am sure
that in another short time he would
accomplish his task and that task ,
which he would succeed would be impossible
for others to complete.” 5.22-5.23
Then That Indra after telling this to that sage and after honouring him , got in to
the chariot yoked to the horses and
went to the heaven.
5.24
Seeing that Indra was departing Rama went back and along with his companions went towards Sarabhanga who was worshipping
the fire.
5.25
Rama , Lakshmana and Sita saluted the feet of that
saint and responding to the instruction
to sit , occupied a seat.
5.26
Then Rama asked
about the visit of Indra with that sage Sarabhanga and he told about it Completely to Rama. 5.27
“Oh Rama, Since I have done very great penance and
attaining that which is very difficult to attain by others , he wanted to take me to the world of Brahma,”
5.28
“Oh tiger among men, since I knew that you are very nearby , I did not want to go
to the world of Brahma , without seeing you.”
5.29
“Oh tiger among men, only after meeting you , who is a
great by performance of Dharma , I
wanted to go to heaven for being served by
the devas.”
5.30
“Oh tiger among men, I have conquered the
auspicious heavens where the stay
never diminishes and there are in
the higher planes of Lord Brahma, and
you may accept them from me.”
5.31
“When told like this
by the sage Sarabhanga , Rama, the tiger among men who is an expert in
all Sasthras replied like this.”
5.32
“Oh great sage , I would earn myself all the worlds myself. I need to a place for
stay in the forest and so please guide me.”
5.33
When the Raghava
who is equal in strength to Indra told like this , the greatly learned Sarabhanga again told like this.”
5.34
“Oh Rama , A soul of Dharma called Sutheeshna who is
glorious and a follower of Dharma lives in this forest and you
approach him he will guide you in this
matter.” 5.35
“You go and approach that sage Sutheeshna and he would show you a clean place to
stay in this pretty forest and then you
can stay there.”
5.36
“Oh Rama , you travel in the opposite direction of
Mandakini which carries flowers in boats and
you would reach that place.”
5.37
“Oh tiger among men , please for a moment see in this direction and see my
body, for I am going to shed off this dilapidated body like a snake sheds its
skin.” 5.38
Then the great lustrous Sarabhanga entered the fire
kindled by chanting of Manthras in the sticks of sacrificial fire.”
5.39
Then that fire
burnt the hair on his body as
well as his head and his worn out
skin as well as his
flesh.
5.40
The great Sarabhanga rose from that fire with a youthful form
and after emerging out , he looked splendid.
5.41
Then he went out of the world of priests who constantly kindled fire , great sages and
after going beyond the world of devas
went to the world of Brahma.
5.42
That great Brahmin
who did blessed deeds in the
world saw Lord Brahma and his
people and Lord Brahma also saw that
Brahmin and gladly welcomed him.
5.43
This is the end of the
fifth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
6. The great sages of the forest meet Rama
(Many great sages of the forest meet Rama and tell him,
how they are troubled and killed by Rakshasas. They request him to protect
them. Rama promises to do that and
goes in search of hermitage of
Sutheeshna.)
When Sarabhanga reached heaven , many groups of
sages came together and approached Rama
who was having great luster and is the
son of the Kakustha clan.
6.1
Vaikasanas , Valakhilyas, who washed their bodies
frequently, Marichakas , Asmakutas , saints who
eat leaves as food, saints who de husk grains with their teeth and
eat them, saints who keep only the head
above the water , saints who only use their limbs as bed, saints who do not lie
down, saints who live out in the open,
saints who take liquid food, saints who
live only on air , saints who are
seated on top of trees , saints who sleep on bare ground , those who observe
penance of fast , saints who have
restrained all emotions, saints who
always wear wet cloths , sages who
meditate always, sages who do penance
surrounded by fire beneath the sun and many other saint met Rama in the hermitage of Sarabhanga along with Brahmins who were practicing steadfast yoga. 6.2-6.6
Those groups of sages
who were experts in Dharma having reached there , met
Rama , the greatest among
practitioners of Dharma and told him.
6.7
“You are the very heroic one of earth belonging to the clan of Ikshuvakus
and one of their important lords and
similar to Indra among devas.”
6.8
“You are well known in all the three worlds , for your
valour, devotion to your father, steadfast adherence to truth and Dharma.”
6.9
“We have come to
you oh great one , who is an expert in
Dharma as well as lover of Dharma and we are telling you about our need and we deserve your pardon for that.” 6.10
“Oh lord, that king would not be doing an act as Dharma if he collects
one sixth of the income from all but fails to protect them.” 6.11
“He who loves all
the people of his country more than his
life and considers them equal to his children
and protects all of them in a
proper manner forever , would get fame for a very long time and
attain the world of Brahma and would remain there and will be appreciated there also.” 6.12-6.13
“Out of the benefits
got by sages and saints living on roots and fruits by their observing the divine Dharma, one fourth of it would go to the king .”
6.14
“Oh Rama , most of those who observe Vanaprastha stage of life are Brahmins and in spite of their having a ruler like
you, they are tortured and killed like orphans.”
6.15
“Come in to the
forest and see for yourself the bodies
of those sages who were meditating on
God but were killed by the
Rakshasas by the fierce Rakshasas,”
6.16
“A war was waged between those who live on the Chithrakuta and those living
near Pampa river which is near river Mandakini.”
6.17
“We are not able to tolerate the greatly treacherous acts
of those very horrible Rakshasas in the forest.”
6.18
“So we have come seeking protection by you because you are
the one capable of protecting us
and since we are being killed by the Rakshasas
, protect us from them.”
6.19
“Oh valorous one, we cannot find any other person in the
world who can protect us and so Oh
prince protect us from all those Rakshasas.”
6.20
Hearing this from the sages , that son of Kakustha clan
who was an expert in Dharma told those
sages ,
Like this.
6.21
‘”It is not
fitting for you to entreat like this to
me but as sages you should have ordered
me as I am entering this forest for a
personal purpose.”
6.22
“For I have entered this forest as per the orders of my
father and also to ward off , the evil acts of the Rakshasas against you
all.”
6.23
“Just be chance I came
to this forest to fulfill your
task and so my stay in the forest surely
would lead to good results.”
6.24
“I desire to kill those Rakshasas who trouble
you sages in a war and oh sages who have earned the treasure of penance
, you are going to see the valour of my
brother and myself.” 6.25
After promising protection to the sages rich in penance
that man who was firm in Dharma along
with his brother Lakshmana and those great ascetics started to meet Sutheeshna who deserves
to be respected.
6.26
This is the end of the
sixth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
7.Rama meets sage Sutheeshna
(Rama goes to the hermitage of Sutheeshna . The sage
advised them to stay there itself as he
was preparing to go to heaven.)
Rama the destroyer of enemies.,, along with Lakshmana and
Sita as well as those sages went to the hermitage of Sutheeshna.
7.1
After going with difficulty for a long distance , after
crossing many rivers with plenty of pure
water , Rama saw a mountain which looked like a great cloud.
7.2
Then the sons of the Ikshuvaku clan along with Sita
entered a forest dense with various trees . 7.3
Then they saw in that the
harsh forest which was full of trees with lot of flowers and fruits a
lonely hermitage where the bark dresses
were hung for drying.
7.4
There they saw a sage of advanced penance Sutheeshna with dirty and
soiled matted hair and as per his
duty , Rama spoke
to him.
7.5
“Oh God like sage, I am Rama and I have come to see you a great sage of valour , who is a follower of
Dharma and who radiates truth and so please talk to me.”
7.6
Then that sage
seeing the courageous Rama who
was the best among those who follow Dharma , hugged him with his hands and
told.
7.7
“Oh Rama , great
one of Raghu clan who is observer of truth, welcome to you and with your coming
this hermitage has a lord to protect it.”
7.8
“ Oh valorous one , Without going to heaven after leaving
the earth , I am waiting for you who is
with great fame , when I heard that you have left your kingdom and reached
Chithrakuta.” 7.9
“Oh son of Ikshuvaku clan, Indra who is the king of devas had come here and
that great deva who is also the God of
devas told me that I have won over all the worlds due to my blessed deeds.” 7.10-7.11
“Those places which have been won by me are desirable
even to the divine sages and you
along with Sita and Lakshmana can move about
in those places by my grace.
7.12
To that great sage
who had done very great penance and who is the votary of truth, Rama who had great self respect replied. 7.13
“Oh great sage , I would myself attain those great places
and I desire you to
direct me to a place of residence in the forest.” 7.14
“You maintain
welfare everywhere and are interested in
the well being of all people and you were introduced to me by the sage
Sarabhanga of Gautama clan.”
7.15
When Rama told like this , that great sage who was famous
in all the three worlds spoke these
sweet words of happiness coupled with
greatness. 7.16
“Oh Rama , this place where many sages have moved in is a
good place and you can move in to this hermitage blessed with fruits and
roots.”
7.17
“Oh greatly famous one , groups of various animals move
about freely in to this hermitage tempting
the inmates without any fear.”
7.18
“There is no problem in this hermitage except the
movement of wild animals and hearing
those words Rama as well as Lakshmana
without any fear lifted their
bows and arrows and told these fearless words.
7.19
“Oh great saint ,
if groups of wild animals come here , we
would kill all of them using these sharp
edged arrows which are comparable to thunderbolts.” 7.20
“Oh sage , you please get ready. Are there any other
things more difficult than that? We feel
that our stay here would not be long.”
7.21
After having spoken that way Rama , seeing that the dusk
has set in , Rama completed the worship of the dusk facing west and decided to stay there in that
delightful hermitage of Sutheeshna
along with Lakshmana and Sita. 7.22-7.23
After the dusk has passed and night has set in the sage Sutheeshna himself offered pure
food to the great among men and also
offered them great hospitality.
7.24
This is the end of the
seventh chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
8.Rama talks with
sage Sutheeshna and accepts his
hospitality
(Rama wants to go the hermitages of all other saints in Dandakaranya.
Sutheeshna approves the idea and wants
them to stay in his hermitage whenever they like. Rama takes leave of sage Sutheeshna)
Rama and Lakshmana who were honourably treated by sage
Sutheeshna , spent the night there and woke up in the morning.
8.1
Rama along with Sita got up at the usual time and touched
the cold water with the fragrance
of lotus flower.
8.2
Then at the proper
time Vaidehi, Rama and Lakshmana worshipped the fire as well as devas according
to rules in the hermitage of the
sage and after seeing the sun without
blemishes after it rose , approached Sutheeshna and spoke these gentle words.
8.3-8.4
“We had a good stay here , oh God like sage , being greatly treated by you and as the sages are hastening us up, we
would like your permission to leave.” 8.5
“We are hurrying up as we want to see all the hermitages of all the blessed saints who live in the Dandakaranya forest .”
8.6
“We seek your permission to go along with these virtuous sages , who are self controlled and as pure
as fire.”
8.7
“We wish to leave before
the sun starts shining leading to
intolerable heat , like one of improper lineage getting wealth in an improper
way.” Saying this Rama, Lakshmana along with Sita touched the feet of the saint.
8.8-8.9
The sage lifted Rama and Lakshmana who bent and touched his feet , embraced them tightly and said the following.
8.10
“Oh Rama along with son of Sumithra and this Sita who is
following you like your shadow go
safely in this path .” 8.11
“Oh Rama see the beautiful location of hermitages of the people living in
Dandakaranya and oh valorous one
, in them live sages who are steadfast
in their penance.”
8.12
“You will see pretty forests with roots and fruits in
abundance , with plenty of flowers, with best collection of animals , with spots
filed with peaceful birds and forest
areas with full bloomed lotus flowers , with pure water sources , With pretty
tanks and lakes filled with ducks, with waterfalls coming down from the
mountain and filled with sound of
peacocks.” 8.13-8.15
“Oh dear child , you may go and Oh Lakshmana you may also
go and after seeing all the other
hermitages you may again come
here.”
8.16
After this was told that son of Kakustha clan along with
Lakshmana , went round the sage with reverence
and began to leave from there.
8.17
Then Sita gave those two brothers auspicious quivers , bows as well as arrows
and also gave them pure swords.
8.18
That Rama and Lakshmana, after tying those auspicious
quivers and after taking those arrows
and bows which make thunderous twang
started to go away from the hermitage .
8.19
Those two pretty sons of Raghu clan, blessed with auspiciousness and shining with
their own luster , bearing the bow and arrows started along with Sita.
8.20
This is the end of the
eighth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
9.Sita advises
Rama
(Sita feels that Rama should not get in to a spree of killing Rakshasas, without any enmity
with them. She illustrates this with an instance of a great sage getting a sword from Indra and using
it to kill others , he goes to
hell. )
Addressing the son of the Raghu clan who was going forth
after taking permission from Sutheeshna , Vaidehi told these friendly words
from her heart.
9.1
“Your great self will
not attain Dharma if we are
examining it minutely in this world
by acting based on your
desires.”
9.2
“By taking recourse to one’s desires three things are attained and these are telling untrue words which is very bad ,
desiring someone else’s wife and getting
angry without enmity .” 9.3
“Since in the past
you never told untrue words , it cannot be there in future and Oh Raghava , how can desiring some else’s
wife which destroys dharma be in you?”
9.4
“Oh king among men, that never was within your heart and never it will be there , Oh Rama, Oh prince as you are always interested in
your wife.”
9.5-9.6
“You are a follower of Dharma, a teller of truth,
follower of your father’s words and in
you Dharma, truth and everything good is established.” 9.7
“And oh great man, for the one who has won over his
senses , it is possible for you to
shoulder all this and oh graceful one ,
I know well, about how you control your senses. .” 9.8
“The third one is torturing others only due to your anger
which is done without your realizing it
and I think that you are having it now.” 9.9
“Oh valorous one , you have given your word to those sages who live in Dandakaranya , that you
would kill Rakshasas for protecting the
sages.”
9.10
“Because you have arrived here with your brother armed
with bow and arrows, this forest has got
the name punishing forest.”
9.11
“Seeing that my
well prepared mind is filled with anxiety , for thinking about bearing ,
I think that which is not good for you
would happen.” 9.12
“ Oh valorous one , I do not like your going to the Dandaka forest and I will
tell you the reason, please hear it.”
9.13
“When you enter the forest armed with bow and arrow ,
along with your brother , would you not use
those against those who travel in
the forest.” 9.14
“For the Kshatriyas , bow within their reach is like a
fuel within reach of fire, for both
increase the strength.”
9.15
“Oh very strong one , long time back, there was a
saint who was pure and truthful and that forest was occupied by birds and
animals.” 9.16
“Indra , the husband of Sachi came in the form of a soldier to the hermitage holding a great sword
to create disturbance to the penance .” 9.17
“He then gave that
great sword to the hermitage for safe keeping , when the saint was sitting in
penance.”
9.18
‘He who received that weapon , to protect the trust that
was placed on him, moved about in the forest always keeping the sword with him.”
9.19
“Wherever he goes ,
whether it is to collect
fruits or roots , the saint who
was interested in guarding it , did not go without the sword.”
9.20
“That Saint rich in penance , slowly got in to the habit of carrying the weapon
and he slowly got in to the habit of becoming angry losing his determination to do penance.”
9.21
“And then with the constant company of
the weapon , that sage started
getting associated with acts which are not according to Dharma and went to hell.” 9.22
“This is the story that happened due to the constant
association with weapon showing
association with weapon is like the fuel getting associated with fire.” 9.23
“I am telling all this with love and respect and not
reminding you or teaching you and
request you not at any time hold your bow
and kill the Rakshasas who are living in Dandaka without any enmity ,
for a hero does not like to kill anyone without an offence being committed.” 9.24-9.25
“Those Kshatriyas and heroes who are habituated to stay
in the forest , use their bow only to protect those who suffer.” 9.26
“Where it the weapon? Where is the forest? Where is the
principle of Kshatriyas ?Where is penance? All these are inconsistent and so let us follow the laws of the
land.”
9.27
“By doing service to weapons , the mind gets maligned and
you may follow the habit of Kshatriyas
and go back to Ayodhya.”
9.28
“The Love of my father in law and my mother in law will live forever , if without bothering
about the kingdom, you live a life of a
saint.”
9.29
“Wealth shines because of Dharma , pleasure shines because of Dharma , due to Dharma we would get
everything and the entire essence
of earth is Dharma.”
9.30
This is the end of the
ninth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
10.Rama replies to Sita
(Rama tells Sita that
the sages of Dandakaranya have
been constantly troubled by those
Rakshasas, who prevent them from doing their penances as well as fire sacrifices and as per their request , he had promised them
that he would kill or drive away those Rakshasas. Since truth is dearer to him
than anything else , he cannot desist from that.)
Hearing those words of Vaidehi told because of her
devotion to him, That Rama who was firm on following Dharma replied like this to Janaki.
10.1
“Oh Lady who knows Dharma, Oh daughter of Janaka, You
have spoken friendly , pleasing and
beneficial words which shows your great heritage.”
10.2
“Oh divine lady , what shall I reply to those befitting
words , which mentioned that when a Kshatriya takes the bow, the tears of misery ceases to flow.”
10.3
“Oh Sita, Those suffering sages of Dandakaranya who are
firm in their resolute penance have
themselves approached me for
protection.”
10.4
“Living always in the forest and subsisting on tubers and fruits , they
do not get pleasure due to being scared by the cruel acts of Rakshasas.” 10.5
“The very large Rakshasas who eat human flesh , eat
away the sages living in
Dandakaranya and those great Brahmins
have come to me asking to save
them.”
10.6
“After I heard the words that fell from their mouth , I consoled them by my
words and told them, “Be gracious to me ,
this is greatly insulting to me as these should have been done by myself
without your request.”
10.7-10.8
“And then I asked those Brahmins in front of me, “What
should I do?” and then all of them
together spoke out to me.”
10.9
“In Dandakaranya there are many Rakshasas who can assume
any form that they want and they torture
and trouble us , Rama and so protect us from that.” 10.10
“Oh matchless one , they reach us when we are doing
Homa and on full and new moon days and those flesh eating Rakshasas, who are
impossible to resist trouble us.”
10.11
“We who are sages who do penance , when troubled by those
Rakshasas , were searching for protection and you are our only ultimate
protector.”
10.12
“Due to the power of the penance that we have done , we
are indeed capable to kill those night farers but we do not want to waste , the
power of penance that we have earned in
a long time.” 10.13
“There are many obstacles for doing our penance and observing penance also has become greatly
difficult and so though we are being eaten by them, we do not curse them.” 10.14
“Those sages of Dandakaranya who were being persecuted by the Rakshasas
said, “Since you are the lord of the jungle, Along with your brother protect
us.”
10.15
“ Oh , daughter of Janaka, Hearing those words , I have
given my word for complete protection of those sages of Dandakaranya .” 10.16
“Having promised like this to the sages, it is not
possible for me to change this course , as truth is dear to me, is it not?” 10.17
“Now I am prepared to lose my life and to forfeit even Lakshmana and you , rather than going
back from the promise that I gave to those Brahmins.”
10.18
“So Sita, even If I have not been requested , I have to
look after the sages and Oh Vaidehi , so it is not proper to break
my promise.”
10.19
“Oh Sita, you told those words out of love to me and due to your good heart and I am contented and would not tolerate uninterested ones
advising me.”
10.20
“Oh pretty one , your
correct and appropriate words are proper to your heritage ,and you are
my companion in observing Dharma
and dearer to me than my own
soul.”
10.21
After that great one told these words to dear Sita who
was the princess of Mithila , Armed with bow , Rama and Lakshmana went to the
pretty forest of penance. 10.22
This is the end of the
tenth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
11.Ten years of
Rama’s life in Dandakaranya
(Rama stayed in various places in Dandakaranya for the first ten years . He happened to
see the lake of Five Apsara maidens.
Later he goes back to hermitage of sage
Sutheeshna . Sutheeshna directs him how to go to sage Agasthya ’s ashram. On
the way to the hermitage of brother of Agasthya Rama tells about how Agasthya
destroyed Vatapi and how under his
care the southern side of the country
prospers. They reach the hermitage of Agasthya.)
Rama proceeding first followed by the very pretty
Sita who was in the middle , followed by
Lakshmana armed with a bow proceeded further.
11.1
They (Rama and Lakshmana)
saw many mountains and forests of diverse types and also saw very pretty rivers along with Sita.
11.2
Seeing those rivers
on which cranes and Chakravaka
birds moved over the sand banks , they
also saw lakes having lotus flowers and
water birds.
11.3
They moved watching spotted deer in herds and madly acting large bison as well bear and elephants which were
breaking trees.
11.4
They went to a great distance by the time of sun setting and there they saw a charming big lake
of one Yojana dimension . It was full of lotus and water lilies and was decorated by large number of
elephants and it also had storks swans and Kadamba water birds. 11.5-11.6
In the enchanting waters of that lake they heard songs played by musical
instruments but they were not able to
see any one.
11.7
Those great fighters due to curiosity asked about it to the sage called
Dharmabrutha who was following them
. 11.8
“Oh great sage, after
hearing this greatly wonderful music ,
great inquisitiveness has been created among us
and please tell us clearly about it.” 11.9
Thus being asked
by the soul of Dharma Raghava, that
sage , speedily started telling about
the greatness of lake.
11.10
“This is an all season lake called “Five Apsaras ” built
by a sage called Mandakarni by using his
power of penance.”
11.11
“That great sage Mandakarni did penance for ten thousand
years staying in water and consuming air only.”
11.12
“Then the worried devas
met with each other and with Agni in the lead , started conversing among
themselves.”
11.13
“That sage is praying for the position of one of us “
Thinking like this , all the dwellers of
heaven developed a broken mind .” 11.14
“So all those
devas decided to cause hindrance
to the penance of the sage and sent five
important Apsara maidens who were like
lightning.” 11.15
“Then those Apsara maidens , for fulfilling the work of
the devas, . got that sage who knew about this and the other world , entangled
him in the web of passion .” 11.16
“Those five Apsara maidens became his wives and then he created this lake
and made them live underneath it.”
11.17
“When those Apsara
maidens were leading a pleasant life there , they gratified the sage ,
who has assumed youthfulness by the power of penance.” 11.18
“This delightful melodies are being heard , due to their playing musical
instruments mingled with the sound of
ornaments when they are engaged in play .” 11.19
“The account of the great sage is indeed wonderful “ Said
Raghava along with his brother who was very famous.
11.20
When he was
talking like this , he saw a group of
hermitages circled by cloth made of grass , which was encompassed by solemn chant of Veda and Rama entered in to it along with
Lakshmana and Vaidehi.
11.21
Then that son of Kakustha clan stayed in that
great cluster of hermitages for some time with pleasure being venerated
by saints. Then the great expert in arrows
went to visit the sages near whom he had resided earlier , once
again.
11.22-11.23
He stayed in one place for ten months , in another place
for one year , in another place for four months , some where else for five
months , yet another place for six months , some other place more than one
month , one and half months, three months and eight months in other
places. 11.24-11.25
Like that living in
hermitages of saints he comfortably lived happily , ten long
years elapsed comfortably for him. 11.26
Going round that
knower of Dharma Raghava along
with Sita once again reached
the great hermitage of sage Sutheeshna.
11.27
After coming to that hermitage , that destroyer of
enemies Rama , stayed there for some more time , honoured by the sages
there.
11.28
Then one day that
son of Kakustha clan with humility said
to the great sage Sutheeshna who
was sitting nearby . 11.29
“I have heard from narratives of others that the very great and godly sage Agasthya is staying in our forest.”
11.30
“Due to the forest being very large I do not find that place. Where is his holy hermitage of the great sage situated?.” 11.31
“I want to meet that godly sage for requesting his
blessings along with my younger brother and Sita, and wish to approach that sage and introduce myself.”
11.32
“To visit that great sage is my desire and keeps on
occurring again and again , and I want to serve that great sage myself.”
11.33
Hearing these words of Rama that sage Sutheeshna who is the
soul of Dharma replied Rama , gladdening
his heart.
11.34
“I also desired to tell you that Rama along with Sita and
Lakshmana should approach that great sage Agasthya.”
11.35
“By luck you yourself have talked to me about this subject
and now I will tell you where that
great sage lives.”
11.36
“After you go four Yojanas (8 miles ) from here , on the
south you would find the hermitage of the brother of sage Agasthya.”
11.37
“When you reach that
place you would see a shining forest of Pippali trees , which is full
of flowers and fruits and echoes with sound of various type of birds.”
11.38
“There are many
lakes there with peaceful waters , teeming with partridges and swans
and shining with Chakravaka
birds. Oh Rama spend one night there
and proceed from there next
day.” 11.39
“Within a Yojana distance from there on the southern
direction , on the side of the forest clump is the hermitage of Agasthya.”
11.40
“In that pretty forest with very many shining trees , you
, Lakshmana and Sita would
enjoy much, for is it not forest with many trees?”
11.41-11.42
“Suppose you have made up your mind to see the great sage Agasthya, then take a decision to go today itself .”
11.43
When Rama heard this , along with his brother he saluted the sage and immediately started to see Agasthya along
with his brother and Sita.
11.44
Seeing the pretty forests , cloud like mountains, lakes,
rivers and walking along the
pathway as per the advice of
Sutheeshna travelled comfortably and told Lakshmana the following with great
joy.
11.45-11.46
“This is definitely the hermitage of the brother of
Agasthya who has done blessed deeds
and who is a great soul.”
11.47
“ I think it because , In the forest by its side , I see thousands of
trees which are bending under the weight of flowers and fruits.” 11.48
“ I perceive that
the smell of the fruits of Pippali fruits
is wafting from there , as the wind is carrying the sour smell of that
fruit.” 11.49
“ Here and there I see the collection of firewood and I also the snipped Durba shining
like a gem.”
11.50
“From the middle of the forest , and from the top of the
hermitage , I am able to see the tip of
the smoke and it looks like , the
vertex of a black thick cloud.”
11.51
“The Brahmins are taking bath in several sacred
waters , and then make an offering of
flowers using the flowers collected by themselves.” 11.52
“Oh simple one, from the words of Sutheeshna that I
heard , this is the hermitage of the brother of Agasthya.” 11.53
“Agasthya destroyed
the aridity of this region , wishing for the welfare of all and made
this place livable and this hermitage is
of his brother.”
11.54
“Once upon a time
two cruel brothers named Vathapi and Ilwala and they were great asuras who used to kill
Brahmins.” 11.55
“Ilwala used to dress as a Brahmin and used to speak
civilized toungue and he would invite
Brahmins without pity saying that it was Sradham(Annual ceremony for
manes.)”
11.56
“Making his brother in to the form of a ram , Ilwala used
to cook his brother and feed the
Brahmins according to rituals of
Sradha.” 11.57
“When the Brahmin has eaten that food , Ilwala used to
say in a very loud done, “Vathapi
come out “
11.58
“Hearing the words of his brother that Vathapi , bleating
like a ram , slowly and slowly tearing
the body of the Brahmin , used to come out.”
11.59
“Those people who could assume any form they want , used to this way killed in thousands , Brahmins , who were
greedy for meat.”
11.60
“The devas then prayed to the great sage Agasthya and when he was invited , he also ate
that great asura.” 11.61
“Then with ritual was over , Ilwala giving the saint a
sip of water at the end , started
calling his brother to come out.”
11.62
“Then the great
one among sages , Agasthya mockingly
told that killer of Brahmins who was talking to his brother.”
11.63
“Under what power would that Rakshasa
who has been digested me , come out
, for your brother who took the form of a ram has gone to Yama.”
11.64
“Then he after hearing the news of the death of his
brother , that night walker started
assaulting the sage in great
anger.”
11.65
“When he rushed towards him, that king of Brahmins , who
had the shine of penance , burnt him with the fire in his eyes and thus sent him to death.”
11.66
“This hermitage which shines with forests and lakes belongs to the brother of Sage Agasthya, who
has performed this impossible act out of compassion to Brahmins.
11.67
When Rama completed his narration to Lakshmana , the sun
went down and the dusk was initiated.
11.68
Then according to rules those brothers worshipped the dusk in the west , and then entered in to
the hermitage and were greeted by the sage.
11.69
Rama was well received by the sage and they ate fruits and roots and spent one
night there in that hermitage.
11.70
After spending the night there, when the rose up , the
sons of the Raghu clan took leave from the
brother of Agasthya.
11.71
“Oh Godly sage , we salute you. We have spent the night
comfortably and we are bidding you
farewell because we would like to go to see Agasthya who is your teacher as well as brother.” 11.72
When the saint said “You may go” , the son of Raghu clan
started from there and proceeded through
the path indicated earlier by Sutheeshna.”
11.73
He travelled further seeing Neevara trees, Jack fruit
trees , Sala trees , Asoka trees, lemon trees, Bilwa trees , Madhuka trees and
Tinduka trees.
11.74
Rama saw hundreds of flowering trees hit by elephant’s trunk, shining with presence of monkeys, , with
hundreds of lusty birds , fully flowers and enriched by the whirling climbing plants . 11.75-11.76
Then the lotus eyed
Rama told to the valorous and glorious
Lakshmana who was closely following him.
11.77
“Seeing the trees with velvety leaves
and animals and birds which do
not look tired , I think that the hermitage of that greatly contemplative saint is not very far from here.”
11.78
“ I am able to see the hermitage of him
who is famous as Agasthya in this
world only because of his own deeds and it seems to cure
all tiresomeness.”
11.79
“It is covered with
huge smoke and cloths made of
grass are hanging there , it is overcrowded with peaceful deer and
overloaded with sounds of birds. “
11.80
“Agasthya destroyed
the aridity of this region , wishing for the welfare of all and made
this place livable and this hermitage is
of his brother.”
11.81
“The Agasthya by whose association , the Rakshasas dare
not even see the southern direction or
prepared to live there, lives here.”
11.82
“From the time that Agasthya of pious deeds started
living in the Sothern direction , all those
who walk at night remained calm
and without enmity. “
11.83
“This southern side is also known by the name of saint
Agasthya in all the three worlds and
people there found it hard to do cruel deeds.” 11.84
“The Vindhya mountain which due to its constant
growth was preventing Sun God’s travel
across the globe, obeyed his message and stopped from growing and he is long lived, famous in
the world for his great deeds and he is adored by well behaved animals.”
11.85-11.86
“He is worshipped by the world, gentle, takes care of the
interests of good people and when we go
and meet him, his blessing would be beneficial.”
11.87
“Oh Lakshmana, I wish to worship that saint Agasthya ,
who is a great sage and oh gentle one, I
wish to spend our rest of the time in the forest , here.”
11.88
“There devas , Gandharwas, Sidhas and great sages would always be worshipping that sage
Agasthya , who is self disciplined and
self regulated.”
11.89
“There a liar, a cruel person nor an adamant one nor one
who tortures men can live due to the
nature of this sage.”
11.90
“There devas, Yakshas , serpents and birds live together wishing to worship
that personification of Dharma with disciplined
food habits.”
11.91
“There the great souls and Sidhas , travelling in planes
shining like Sun, after leaving their
mortal body , blessed by that sage go to heaven.”
11.92
“There to those who worship the sage , gods grant the position of Yakshas or devas or grant them different
kingdoms.”
11.93
“We have arrived at the hermitage and so Oh son of
Sumithra , enter in to it first and tell the sage that me and Sita have
arrived.”
11.94
This is the end of the
eleventh chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
12.Agasthya gives Rama the bow of Vishnu
(Rama is hospitably received by sage Agasthya . He gives him Vishnu’s Bow, Brahma ‘s arrows and Indra ‘s
inexhaustible quivers.)
Then
Lakshmana the younger brother of Rama
entered the hermitage , met a disciple of sage Agasthya and told him.
12.1
“There was a king called Dasaratha and he had a very
strong(dynamic) son and that Rama along
with his wife has reached here to see
the sage.”
12.2
“My name is Lakshmana and I am his dedicated brother who
is his obedient devotee .Possibly you
have heard about us?”
12.3
“We have come to this very severe forest as per the order of our father ,Please tell the god like
sage that we wish to see him.”
12.4
When that sage rich in penance heard the words of
Lakshmana , he assented and entered in
the room where fire is kept to inform the sage. 12.5
That dear disciple of Agasthya speedily approached sage , saluted him and
told the sage who has done very difficult penance , and told him exactly similar to what Lakshmana told
that Rama has come.
12.6
“The sons of Dasaratha called Rama and Lakshmana have
arrived at the gate of the hermitage
along with their wife Sita.”
12.7
“Those destroyers of enemies have come to
see you and then serve you and
please tell me what I should do.”
12.8
Having heard from the disciple that Rama and Lakshmana
have come along with Vaidehi
that great one told the following.
12.9
“I was having a great desire in my mind to see Rama for a long time and providentially , he
himself has come to see me.”
12.10
“Go and hospitably receive Rama along with his wife and Lakshmana and bring
them near me. Why have you not brought him already ? “ 12.11
When the great sage
who was expert in Dharma told like
this that disciple saluted and
told him, “As you say.”
12.12
That very jittery disciple went out and told Lakshmana, “Where is Rama?
He may enter and see the sage on his own
.”
12.13
Then Lakshmana along with
that disciple went to the gate of the hermitage and saw the son of Kakustha clan and the daughter of Janaka.
12.14
Then the disciple told the words as told by Agasthya and made him , showing him the
hospitality that suits him.
12.15
Then Rama
entered the hermitage along with Sita and Lakshmana and looking over it saw a docile deer there.
12.16
Rama entered inside the hermitage
and saw therein the altars of Brahma,
Agni (fire God) , Vishnu, Indra, , Sun , moon , Bhaga(Goddess of fortune) , Khubera
, Dhatha , Vidatha , Swayambhuva Manu ,
Vayu(wind god), the great Varuna who
wields the noose , Gayathri, the Vasus , the king of serpents, Garuda , Lord
Karthikeya(Subrahmanya) and the god of
death. 12.17-12.20
Then the sage surrounded by his
disciples came out And Rama saw him glowing in luster greater than all others.
12.21
Then Rama told Lakshmana who
increased auspiciousness , “The God like sage Agasthya is coming out and I understand that in the matter of
penance he is greater than all other
sages.” 12.22-12.23
After saying this , that great
son of Raghu clan , fell at the feet
of Agasthya who shined like Sun and touched his feet.
12.24
After introducing himself to that soul of Dharma ,
that attractive Rama along with Sita and
Lakshmana stood with saluting hands.
12.25
After receiving the son of
Kakustha clan and after offering him seat as well as water and after enquiring about his welfare he
asked him to sit.
12.26
After worshipping the fire and
offering water to it and after having worshipped the guests , he
offered them food as per Dharma of a Vanaprastha.
12.27
After sitting himself first ,
that great sage who was a follower of
Dharma and spoke to Rama who was
sitting with folded hands.
12.28
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, If a
sage does not worship fire, offer sacrificial water ,
worship the guests, then he is a false
sage and in the hell we would be made to eat his own flesh.” 12.29
“You are the king of the world
treading through the path of Dharma and
a great warrior . You being fit to be worshipped and respectable, has become my
dear guest.”
12.30
After saying this Agasthya
offered fruits , roots , flowers and so many other things to Rama and
worshipped him as per his desire and told Rama.
12.31
“Here is the divine bow
ornamented in gold, which was made by Viswakarma for the use of Lord Vishnu , the tiger
among males and here is the
sun like arrows which never get over and which belonged to Lord Brahma,”
12.32
Here are the quivers belong to
Indra which can never be exhausted which is completely filled with arrows which
shine like fire and here is the sword decorated by gold in excellent
golden sheath.”
12.33-12.34
“Oh Rama once using this bow
Lord Vishnu killed very many great asuras
and brought back the luster to
the occupants of heavens.”
12.35
“Oh Rama who treasures
respect, take this bow , arrows , quiver and the sword and wield them and achieve victory like Indra did with Vajrayudha.”
12.36
After telling this that greatly
resplendent sage gave all those weapons to Rama
and then Agasthya again spoke.
12.37
This is the end of the
twelfth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
13.Agasthya directs Rama to go to Panchavati
(When Rama asks for a suitable place to stay Agasthya
indicates that he should stay in Panchavati. Rama immediately agrees to that advice and proceeds to Panchavati.)
“Rama , I am happy , safety to you. Lakshmana , I am
happy , for your coming along with
Sita to pay your respect.”
13.1
“The pathway that
you have taken is full of strain and painful for
you two, as evident by the sweat
above the neck and it is also clear on
seeing Sita, the daughter of Janaka.” 13.2
“She is pretty and delicate and had not undergone this
type of suffering earlier and has come
to this treacherous forest due to her love towards you.”
13.3
“Oh Rama , see whatever you do , would keep her
entertained for she has followed you to
the forest in an impossible act.”
13.4
“Oh Son of Raghu clan
this is the nature of women ever since
the creation started , they would be with husband when things are fine
but would leave him in difficult
times.”
13.5
“Women are mercurial like hundred streaks of lightning ,
as sharp as weapons and with speed of
Garuda or the wind.”
13.6
“But this wife of yours is free of all such defects and she like lady Arundathi and merits appreciation and is exemplary.” 13.7
“That particular place
you want to stay along with Lakshmana and Vaidehi, Oh Rama is indeed blessed, Oh destroyer of
enemies.”
13.8
When the sage told like this , Rama with folded hands in
salutation spoke these amiable
words to the sage who was shining like
fire.
13.9
“Oh great sage , I am blessed and I am privileged due to
the virtue of my brother and wife and also due to my Guru being pleased with me.”
13.10
“But please direct me to a big forest with plenty of
water , so that I can erect hermitage
there and live happily.” 13.11
Hearing the words of Rama that great courageous sage , who is the follower of
Dharma replied , after thinking for some time
and told him these courageous
words.
13.12
“Oh lad, two
yojanas from here there is a
place well known as Panchavati , which
has lot of water, fruits as well as roots
and very many deer.”
13.13
“When you go there along with son of Sumithra and erect a hermitage there , you would be happy that you are
following the words of your father.”
13.14
“Oh matchless one , I know about all that happened to you due to the power of my penance as well as my friendship with your father
Dasaratha.”
13.15
“I know that in your mind you have decided to stay with me
by my power of penance that you
want to stay in this forest of mine with me but I am advising you to go to Panchavati .” 13.16
“That place is praiseworthy and not very far from here but I am sure that Sita would find that pretty forest and enjoy herself there.” 13.17
‘Maithili would feel happy in that place near Godavari with plenty of roots , fruits and is blessed with various types of birds
and oh great one , it is blessed
as well as pretty.”
13.18-13.19
“You being one
observing good ritualistic
behaviour are also capable of providing
protection to the many sages living there.”
13.20
“Oh valorous one ,
don’t you see a forest of flower liquor trees in that great forest . If you go north of that you would go near a banyan tree.” 13.21
“If you climb up to a mountain there , not far away is
the famous Panchavati with its forest
flowering daily. “
13.22
When Agasthya told like this , Rama along with son of
Sumithra saluted that sage and took
leave from the sage who was teller of
truth. 13.23
After he permitted
them to go they saluted his feet and left that hermitage to Panchavati along with Sita. 13.24
Those sons of the king wearing the bow , with braced up
quivers went resolutely and without agitation towards Panchavati following the path indicated
by the sage.
13.25
This is the end of the
thirteenth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
14. Rama Meets
Jatayu
(On the way to Panchavati Rama meets Jatayu who is the
friend of Dasaratha and son of Aruna, Jatayu tells Rama about the origin of
different type of animals and beings in
this world. Since he lived near Panchavati , he undertakes to protect Sita when both of them are absent )
While the son of the Raghu clan was going to Panchavati ,
in the mid way he saw an eagle with a big body
and who was greatly valorous.
14.1
Those great Rama and Lakshmana on seeing it in the forest
, suspecting it as a Rakshasa asked him, “Who are you?”
14.2
He replied them sweetly
and in a soft tone , as if to please them “Oh lad, I am a friend of your father .”
14.3
Rama knowing him
as his father’s friend respected
him and Rama asked him about his
clan as well as his name.”
14.4
Hearing Rama’s word asking about his clan and about him, that bird told him
about the genesis of all beings.
14.5
“ Oh Rama hear , In the olden times there existed lords
of the people and please hear me about
all of them.”
14.6
“The first among them was Kardhama Prajapathi , who was
followed by Vikrutha and later Sesha and
still later Samsarya who had many
valorous sons .He was followed in that order by Sthanu, Marichi, Athri,
The very strong Krathu , Pulasthya , Aangeera , Prachetha, Pulaha , Daksha,
Vivaswan and Arishtanemi .Oh Rama ,
After him the greatly lustrous Kashyapa was born at the end”. 14.7-14.9
“Oh very
famous Rama, we hear that Daksha
Prajapathi had sixty very famous
daughters .”14.10
“Kashyapa accepted eight of those daughters who had
slender waist .They were Adithi, Dithi, Dhanu, Kaalaka , Thaamra, Krodhavasaa ,
Manu and Anala.”
14.11
“Kashyapa who was in love with those eight maids told in turn to them, “Please give birth to
sons who.are lords of the
three world similar to me..”
14.12
“Oh intelligent
Rama, Adhithi, Dithi, Kaalaaka and Dhanu agreed
with his proposal while others
did not give heed to it.”
14.13
“Oh destroyer of
the enemies, Adithi gave birth to devas
called aadhithyas(12), Vasus (8), Rudras(11) and Aswins(2) , a total of 33 of them.
14.14
“Oh lad, Dithi gave birth to gave birth to the famous Daithyas and this earth with its forests, oceans , belonged to them earlier.”
14.15
“Oh destroyer of enemies , Dhanu gave birth to Aswagreeva (Hayagreeva) Kaalaaka gave
birth to Kalaka and Naraka.”
14.16
“But Thaamraa gave
birth to five world famous girls Krounchi, Bhaasi, Sayeani,
Drutharashtri and Sukhee.”
14.17
“Krounchi gave birth to owls, Bhaasi gave birth to
Vultures , Sayeani gave birth to greatly
shining eagles and Vulcans , Drutharashtri gave birth to swans and also other water birds.” 14.18-14.19
“Drutharashtri also gave birth to Chakravaka birds, let them be safe , and
Shuki gave birth to Nata and her
daughter was Kadru.”
14.20
"Oh, Rama, Krodhavasa gave
birth to ten of her self-same daughters namely Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari,
Bhadramanda, Maatangii, Sharduulii, Shweta, Surabhii, and like that to Surasa,
who is embodied with all giftedness, and even to Kadruva.” 14.21-14.22
“The children of Mrugee were
all the types of deer ,
Mrigamandhas children were bears and Srimaras
and Yaak and oxen.”
14.23
“Bhadramanda gave birth to Iravathi and she gave birth to
the elephant Iravatha , who is the
elephant which is the lord of the earth.” 14.24
“Hari ’s offspring are lions and mighty as well as
monkeys and Sarduli gave birth to baboons and tigers.”
14.25
“Oh Rama Mathangi ‘s
children were elephants and Shwetha gave birth to eight elephants which
are guardians of eight directions.” 14.26
“Oh Rama then Surabhi gave birth to two daughters , the
very famous Rohini and Gndharwi, May you be safe.” 14.27
“Rohini produced cows , Gandharwi gave birth to sons who
were horses , Surasr gave birth to serpents and Kadru gave birth to ordinary
snakes. “
14.28
“For the great soul Kashyapa lady Manu produced
Manushyas(Men) consisting of Brahmins ,
Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Shudras.”
14.29
“From the Vedas we hear that Brahmins were born out of
face , Kshatriyas from the chest, Vaisyas from the two thighs And Shudras from the two feet.”
14.30
“Anala gave birth to trres bearing all fruits and I will tell you about Vinatha , the
daughter’s daughter of Shuki and about
Kadru , the sister of Surasa.”
14.31
“Kadru gave birth to a thousand headed serpent who bears
the earth, and Vinatha gave birth to Garuda and Aruna.” 14.32
“Oh destroyer of enemies,
I was born out of Aruna and Sampathi is my elder brother and so know me as Jatayu son of Syeni.” 14.33
“If you wish I can help you out during your stay here , for this impassable forest is
full of wild animals and Rakshasas
and I can protect Sita , when you or
Lakshmana go out.”
14.34
Raghava honoured Jatayu
by gladly hugging him and bowing to him
and that kind hearted Rama recognizing Jatayu ’s friendship with his father , Rama spoke again and again to Jatayu. 14.35
Then Rama taking Sita
, the princess of Mithila along with the very powerful bird went to Panchavati in the company of Lakshmana with a view to destroy the enemies like fire
destroys the butterflies.
14.36
This is the end of the
fourteenth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
15.Lakshmana builds the hermitage in Panchavati
(After Rama chose the proper place for living
, Lakshmana built a strong hermitage
there , in Panchavati.)
After reaching Panchavati filled with various types of animals and
snakes ,, Rama told Lakshmana who was shining like fire. 15.1
“Oh good natured one, as directed by the sage we have come to this place called
Panchavati full of flowering
trees.” 15.2
“You being an expert
on building hermitages ,
please see all the directions of this forest and decide on the place very suitable for our hermitage.”
15.3
“Oh Lakshmana, look for a place where Maithili can
entertain herself along with you and me
, where you can see a water source
nearby, where the forest beauty enhances the beauty of the location , and where
plenty to sticks for sacrifice and
flowers for worship are
available.” 15.4-15.5
When Rama told him like this Lakshmana with folded hands
in salute in front of Sita, told the son
of Kakustha clan.
15.6
“Oh son of Kakustha clan , even I live for one hundred
years , I would be dependent on you , so you only choose the place and I
would act as per your wish.”
15.7
That great Rama was greatly pleased by the words of Lakshmana
and he thought and checked all aspects
and chose a place which has all the good aspects.
15.8
After choosing a very pretty place to build the hermitage
, Rama held the hands of son of Sumithra
and told.
15.9
“Oh gentle one , surrounded by trees which are fully bloomed
and without any ups and downs ,
this place is very suitable to build a hermitage .”
15.10
“This place with a
tank nearby with fully opened lotus
flowers of great fragrance shining like Sun
is very pretty.”
15.11
“As indicated by
the supreme soul sage Agasthya , the river Godavari which is surrounded by flowering trees with swans , ducks, and Chakravaka birds.”
15.12
“Oh pleasing one ,
not far from here , you can hear deer making love and peacocks making sound while eating
grains and you can also see innumerable
caves and sandy beaches.” 15.13-15.14
“these mountains which look like huge mountains have ores of gold, silver and
copper , and they look like windows on the mountains.”
15.15
“The place is full of Sala and palm trees growing densely
and not allowing light inside . There
are also Thamala trees , date palms , Jack fruit trees , plants of wild rice ,
Thimisa trees , Pongamia trees , mango
trees which make the place shine , Asoka trees, Thilaka trees Champaka trees,
Kethaka trees , climbing plants on trees
with flowers emitting fragrance , Sandalwood trees, Kadamba trees , leafy
plants which creep and cover the ground , Aswakarna and Khadira plants and Sami and Kimsuka and Patala trees which
provide fire wood.”
15.16-15.18
“This is holy. This is sacred .This has many types of
animals and oh son Of Sumithra we will stay with the bird Jatayu.”
15.19
When Rama told like this to Lakshmana , who is the
destroyer of his enemies , that powerful one built a hermitage for his brother speedily.”
15.20
Lakshmana built a very spacious
cottage made of grass after leveling and raising the earth for raised floor for
the cottage. He built strong
pillars with long bamboos and on those pillars he made excellent rafters , and the branches
of Shamii trees were spread out, twined
firmly with twines of grass strands, and
with the cross-laid bamboos for thatching, and over that blades of Kusha grass
and leaves of Kaasha are spread and well over-covered for the roof, and thus
that very great mighty Lakshmana made that best and very spacious leaf -cottage
with a level surface for residence of Raghava
and that worthy residence was a
feast to the eye.
15.21-15.23
Immediately that Lakshmana went
to the river Godavari , took bath and
after finishing the good task of picking
lotus flowers came back.
15.24
After making the offering of
flowers , he invoked peace as per ritualistic rules , he showed Rama the
hermitage constructed by him.
15.25
After seeing that very peaceful
hermitage along with Sita , expressed happiness with the hermitage with roof of
leaves .
15.26
With great happiness Rama
hugged Lakshmana with his hands tightly
and very affectionately and told him.
15.27
“ Oh Lord, By your great act , I am very much
pleased and I have given this hug , for
the sake of what you have done.”
15.28
“My righteous father was not
aware of your capacity to understand
feelings of others , your feelings of gratefulness , your expertise in
Dharma of you who were his son.
15.29
That Rama who was increaser of
auspiciousness , after saying like this to Lakshmana resided in that place prosperously.
15.30
That Soul of Dharma along with Sita and served by
Lakshmana lived there for some time , like Devas living in heaven.
15.31
This is the end of the
fifteenth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
16.Description of winter
(This is a clear and detail description of the climate crops and rituals of the winter season. During the talk
when Lakshmana criticizes Kaikeyi Rama is not able to
tolerate it.)
When the great Rama was living happily , when the winter
season came to an end , the winter
season which he liked set in. 16.1
During a day the
son of Raghu clan had gone to bathe
in the pretty Godavari river at night
. 16.2
Along with Sita , the valorous son of Sumithra
holding the water pot
went slightly bent and he told.
16.3
Lakshmana said to the
pleasantly speaking Rama, “The season which is dear to you has arrived,
and it appears to be decorated well in
this auspicious year.”
16.4
“The world is
harsh with fog but it will blessed with vegetation and it is difficult to drink
water and nice to sit near fire
altars.”
16.5
“The saints after appeasing the manes by worship during Utharayana(Northern
solstice) and after offering oblations at the proper time
and performing solstice rituals become
free of evils.” 16.6
“In this season, the people of rural areas who would be expecting a good crop would
get abundant milk from their cows and kings would be thinking
of going to conquer other.” 16.7
“The sun after serving the direction ruled by God of
death steadily , is going to the north inspirited , like a
woman without Tilak(red mark on
forehead) on her forehead.” 16.8
“With the Sun far away, the Snow gets settled hard would make
the name of Himalayas as the
mountain of snow appropriate.”
16.9
“”It is pleasant to move about in the afternoon in this
season as during day time the sun’s rays
are very comfortable and during
this time , the shade and water are uncomfortable.” 16.10
“The sun’s rays would be soft during this season with very cold breeze blowing all the
time and due to
being destroyed by the frost, the forest would be lonely and
peaceful.”
16.11
“During this time , people do not sleep outside and due
to the month of Pushya approaching , due to frost the early mornings are filled
with frost , and the duration of night
with three Yaama increases.”
16.12
“With Moon’s radiance covered by sun, all round the moon
there is a red Aura and like a mirror on which a mouthful of air
is blown, the moon is not shining well.”
16.13
“Even on a full moon day the moon does not shine as usual
due to its being covered by frost , Like
Sita not appearing bright , when she is exposed to torrid sun light.”
16.14
“The season by nature is cold because of it being hit by snow and the wind blowing from the westerly direction is doubly cold.”
16.15
“The forest is covered by the dew drops and the forest has plenty of crops of barley and wheat and when the sun
starts shining the Krouncha birds and swans sing sweetly.”
16.16
“The rice crop with fully filled up rice and bent with the weight of grain is bent
like the flowers of date palms and
shines like gold.”
16.17
“The extended rays of the sun covered by snow and
frost make it look like the moon , when
it rises up in the morning.” 16.18
“Due to the Sun
not fully picking up its strength in the forenoon , it
is very pleasant during the afternoon when it shines splendidly on earth being reddish white colour .” 16.19
“Due the drop of the dew the grassland is slightly
moistened but the forests shine due to
the mild heat of the sun settled
on it .” 16.20
“In the forest the very thirst elephants , after they
touch the cold and pure water by their
black trunk , withdraw it speedily not able to bear the cold.”
16.21
“Like the inefficient army not entering the battle field , the aquatic birds sit on the shore, not plunging in to the water due to
fear.”
16.22
“Enveloped by the darkness of the forest as well as the darkness of snow, the forest
without any flowers appeared to
be sleeping with closed eyes.”
16.23
“In the waters covered by the tear like dews the
existence of swans could be found out only by their sounds and the river banks
were completely covered with snow.”
16.24
“Due to the fall of snow, due to sun being dim due the
cold, the water flowing from the top of the mountain is generally tasty.” 16.25
“Lotus flowers in the tanks faded due to their long life with only stalks remaining
due to their withered filaments
and pericarp having falling down are
not good to look at.” 16.26
“At this time, oh tiger among men that soul of dharma Bharatha full of sorrow ,
due to his great devotion to you, is performing penance.”
16.27
“Giving up kingdom, self respect and different type of
pleasures , like an ascetic , he takes limited food and sleeps on the floor in
this cold.”
16.28
“He also , at this
time may be going to river Sarayu for
taking his bath as usual surrounded by his
subjects.”
16.29
“ How can Bharatha, having been brought up
with a pleasure filled life , he who is delicate and deserves comfort ,
take bath in this latter part of
night in river Sarayu .” 16.30
“That Bharatha having likes lotus petal , who is heroic,
who is black , who has a narrow waist, who is great , who is the speaker of
truth, who maintains a low profile , who has control over his sense organs, who
speaks lovingly, who is sweet, who has long arms and who is the destroyer of
his enemies , after giving up all pleasures is completely dependent only on
you.”
16.31-16.32
“Our Brother Bharatha
who is great is living in the forest and does penance there
is following you loyally and has
even restrained his wish to go to heaven.”
16.33
“He follows his father and proved as false the saying in the world that
human beings follow their
mother.”
16.34
“How did it happen that Kaikeyi who is seen as one with cruel conduct had a husband like Dasaratha and a well
behaved son like Bharatha?”
16.35
When Lakshmana was saying like this due to his love
towards Rama, unable to tolerate the
fault finding of his revered mother, Rama told.
16.36
“Oh lad, do not
criticize our middle mother like this
but you can speak about Bharatha, the lord of the Ikshuvaku clan.”
16.37
“Though my mind has taken a firm decision of penance in
the forest , due to my being in great love with Bharatha , I waver like a child
when I hear things like this.”
16.38
“I remember his sweet
words soothing my heart ,
which are equal to the nectar
of immortality and they please me
.”
16.39
“When will I be able to again meet Bharatha who is a
great soul and the valorous Shatrugna
along with you.”
16.40
After wailing like this , they both reach the river Godavari and there that son of Kakustha clan , took
bath along with his younger brother
along with Sita.
16.41
Then they offered water oblations to their manes as well as God
and then they prayed to God Surya
and sung about that God.
16.42
Accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana Rama completed his bath
and Rama looked like Lord Shiva
along with the daughter of the
mountain and Nandi.
16.43
This is the end of the
sixteenth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
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