Aranya Kanda (Contd)
Book of Forest (Contd)
57.Rama returns back to Janasthana
(Rama greatly
worried by the deer imitating his voice
and also the bad omen he notices,
returns back to his hermitage .On the way he
meets Lakshmana and finds
fault with him.)
After killing the Rakshasa Mareecha
in the deer form who was wandering
taking any form he likes , Rama swiftly
returned from there. 57.1
He who was retuning with a desire to see Maithili
speedily from there , he had the scream of Jackal behind him which was cruel.
57.2
Recognizing that sound
of the jackal which was dreadful and made one’s hair to stand erect , he
started doubting and started worrying about it.
57.3
“ I think that
this shouting of the jackal is not
auspicious . May be Vaidehi is not safe and has been eaten by the Rakshasas.” 57.4
“If Lakshmana
had heard sound produced by Mareecha in the deer ‘s form , which imitated in stretched out fashion my voice,
and is sent by Maithili , leaving
her there alone , to see me, he would be
arriving here quickly and come towards
me and come in to my presence “ Rama thought.
57.5-57.6
“The fact that Mareecha came in the form of a golden
deer , and removed me from the place of
hermitage to a far off place and
Mareecha shouted loudly assuming my
voice that “I am being killed” , surely
indicates that the Rakshasas are trying to kill Sita.”
57.7-57.8
“I hope that both of them staying in this great forest would
be safe., for by living in Janasthana I
have earned the enmity of Rakshasas and I am also seeing very many extremely bad omens.” 57.9
When he was thinking like this he again heard the wailing
of the jackal and then worriedly
thinking about how he was brought to this place by a Rakshasa in deer form, , with great fear and doubt ,
Rama came to Janasthana.
57.0-57.11
Those piteous animals and birds of the place with a dejected heart neared him who had a dejected heart , placed
him on the right side and produced
horrifying crying sound. 57.12
Seeing those very
terrible omens, Raghava hastened up and reached quickly his hermitage. 57.13
Rama arrived at Janasthana thinking about the welfare of the auspicious lady Sita and Lakshmana who was very strong.
57.14
Then
Lakshmana who was walking without any luster , not far away met Rama
and the despondent one met a more despondent one , and one who was
sorrowing met a more sorrowing one
. 57.15
At that time
the elder brother Rama rebuked
Lakshmana who was the younger brother for leaving Sita in the desolate forest and coming towards
him.
57.16
The son of the Raghu clan took the right hand of
Lakshmana in his hand and talked him in
a sweet voice harsh words
piteously. 57.17
“Oh Lakshmana ,
your leaving Sita and coming over here
is blamable .Alas, Would she be safe?’
57.18
“ Oh Warrior To me there is always
fear about the safety of the daughter of Janaka and I have a doubt that she may be eaten
away by Rakshasas who roam in this
forest , for I see only evil omens.”
57.19-57.20
“Oh tiger among men, Oh Lakshmana, Would Sita , the
daughter of Janaka be alive and
be all right completely.?” 57.21
“Oh one of great strength
herds of beasts including Jackals and also the birds are running towards the direction of
light and howling in a frightful manner
. Hope the princess Sita is safe and I
pray for her safety.”
57.22
“That Rakshasa turning him in to a deer took me to a far
off distance and I killed him with great
effort and he took his own Rakshasa form on the verge of his death. “
57.23
“ My mind is greatly paining and I am greatly sorrowful , my left eye
is throbbing and without any doubt , Sita has either been
killed or abducted and carried away from here.” 57.24
This is the end
of the fifty seventh chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
58.Rama finds his hermitage empty
(Rama and Lakshmana
, who are both greatly worried
reach their hermitage but found
that Sita was not to be seen there.)
Seeing the depressed Lakshmana in that lonely place , by
the track which Sita normally took, the son of Dasaratha asked.
58.1
“Where is that Vaidehi , who followed me when I started
to Dandakaranya , leaving whom, you have come here?”
58.2
“Where is that Vaidehi of slender waist , who helped me
during the period of sorrow due to being
banished from the kingdom and running
about in Dandakaranya?” 58.3
“ Oh valorous one, Where is that Sita who is comparable
to the daughters of Gods, who is a
companion to my life , without whom I do not have interest to live even for one
moment?”
58.4
“Oh Lakshmana, without that golden coloured daughter of
Janaka , I do not have to become the lord of devas or Lord of the earth?”
58.5
“Is the Vaidehi whose life is dearer to me than my
soul still alive? Oh gentle one , does my moving about has
become an imagination ?”
58.6
“Oh son of Sumithra, when I die for the sake of Sita and
when you go back , would the desire of
Kaikeyi would be fulfilled and would she become happy?”
58.7
“Oh gentle one,
Would my saint like mother Kausalya , after her son is dead serve Kaikeyi whose son is ruling the country?”
58.8
“Oh Lakshmana, Only if Vaidehi is alive , I will enter
the hermitage and if she who is of good character has been overpowered, I would give up my life
.”
58.9
“Oh Lakshmana, if I return back to the hermitage and
Sita does not talk to me with a smile ,
I would be ruined.”
58.10
“Tell me Lakshmana, whether Sita was alive
or whether she was eaten by a Rakshasa , when you were not alert?”
58.11
“Sita is a delicate
young lady who has never faced sorrow
and clearly due to my separation
she would be sorrowing and upset in her
mind.”
58.12
‘Definitely
when that Rakshasa who is a bad
soul shouted using his toungue “Oh
Lakshmana” in my voice , fear might have been created in you.”
58.13
“Vaidehi also hearing those words in a voice similar to
mine might have been frightened and asked you to enquire about me.”
58.14
“By leaving Sita alone in the forest , definitely a
problem has been created , for a chance
has been given to the Rakshasas to take
revenge.”
58.15
“Those flesh eating Rakshasas are sad because of my
killing Khara and I have no doubt that
Sita has been killed by those horrible creatures.”
58.16
“Ok killer of enemies , now I have become drowned in
sorrow for all time and what can I do
now that if this is fated to happen this
way? “
58.17
Thus worried about
that blessed lady Sita , he reached
Janasthana speedily in the company of Lakshmana. 58.18
Finding fault about his dejected younger brother, feeling hungry as well as thirsty , sighing
deeply with a shrunk face and with a dejected colour , he looked at his resting
place which was empty. Reaching to their own hermitage and searching for her in places where she usually moved about , those valorous one were worried
and their hair stood erect.
58.19-58.20
This is the end
of the fifty eighth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
59.Lakshmana reports to Rama about the incidents
(When Rama finds fault with Lakshmana, he gives a
detailed reply indicating how he was unjustly provoked by Sita. Rama still feels that what he did was wrong.)
Rama the son of Raghu clan enquired from the son of Sumithra who
had to leave the hermitage and come to the forest.
59.1
“In spite of my telling you with confidence in you , why did you leave Sita along
in the hermitage and come over
here?”
59.2
“OH Lakshmana seeing you who have left Maithili and come over here , I felt that as per my doubt a great sin has been committed.”
59.3
“Oh Lakshmana , seeing you coming alone without Sita, my left eye started throbbing
and so did my shoulder and heart.”
59.4
When the son of Sumithra who had all good qualities was
told like this , again drowning all his sorrows told the sorrowing Rama.
59.5
“I did not of my free will leave her alone and have come here but I was provoked by very angry words of hers.”
59.6
“Your shouting in a loud voice , “Oh Lakshmana, Oh Sita ,
please save me” entered in to the ears of Maithili.”
59.7
Hearing those words of suffering of yours , that Maithili
with love towards you , and greatly
scared and crying she told me , “You go,
you go.”
59.8
“When I was provoked in various ways to go from there , I
told Maithili in various words my confidence in you.”
59.9
“I do not see anything
fearful would happen from Rakshasas to Rama and so get relieved and what we heard was told by someone to make
you fear.”
59.10
“Oh Sita, he being capable of even saving the Gods is not
expected to tell , like a contemptible degraded man
“Oh Sita save me.”
59.11
“Oh auspicious lady,
for what reason has a Rakshasa
imitating my brother’s voice
shouted, “Save me, save me.”
59.12
“The words “Oh Lakshmana save me “, has been uttered by someone in an altered voice and so do not get disturbed about it like
a low caste woman.”
59.13
“You seem to be greatly agitated but there is no need for that frustration and hold your peace . In all the three worlds no such person is either born or going to
be who can win over Rama in a war and
even the devas lead by Indra cannot defeat
Rama in war.”
59.14-59.15
“ When I told this to Vaidehi whose mind was greatly deluded , in a pitiable
manner shedding lot of tears told me .” 59.16
“You are having a sinful thought of getting me after the death of your brother but you will never be able to gain me.” 59.17
“You are very similar to Bharatha since
though you have followed Rama in
spite of your brother shouting for help
, you are not going to help him.”
59.18
“You are his enemy in disguise and following him for
getting me and you were waiting for an
opportunity to get Rama out and
that is why , you are not going
now.”
59.19
“When Vaidehi told like this , I was agitated , and due
to anger my eyes turned red and with quivering lips , I came out of the hermitage .” 59.20
When the son of
Sumithra told like Rama became drowned
in sorrow and told, “ Oh simple one
, your coming here was a wrong act.”
59.21
“Though you knew well that I am competent to oppose the Rakshasas, you should not have
left the hermitage , in spite of the great anger of Sita.”
59.22
“I am not happy
with you for leaving deserting her
because of the very harsh words spoken by her due to anger.”
59.23
“Because of the angry
words of Sita , though you are
always obedient to me , you did not obey my orders.”
59.24
“That Rakshasa who took me away from the hermitage in the guise of a deer , has been killed by my arrow and
lies dead.”
59.25
“Hit by my arrow he felled down with great pain and shouted
adapting a pretty voice told
those words , which made you desert
Sita and come here.”
59.26
This is the end
of the fifty ninth
chapter Of the book
of Aranya (Forest) of the holy
Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
60.The shattered
Rama wails for Sita
(Rama in inconsolable. He
searches for Sita everywhere
and is greatly upset by the thought
that Sita might have been eaten by a
Rakshasa.)
When Rama was
moving about , his left eye throbbed excessively underneath and he stumbled and started shivering.
60.1
After noticing the bad omens which were not auspicious again and
again he thoughtfully Said , “Oh Sita
are you all right?”
60.2
So he went
speedily with a desire to see Sita and seeing there the empty hermitage was greatly broken hearted. 60.3
That son of Raghu clan
ran through the cottage throwing things
here and there and after seeing
all around and saw that the hermitage was empty of Sita and it
looked like an ugly lotus pond without beauty.
60.4-60.5
The trees looked as if they were crying , flowers ,
animal and birds looked dull and looked
without beauty and were scattered here and there , the forest gods had gone away
and hermitage looked empty with scatted deer skins , grass cushions and straw mats and was desolate and seeing that original place Rama
wept again and again.
60.6-60.7
“Sita might have been abducted or might have died or she
must have been eaten up or that coward
must be hiding in the
forest.”
60.8
“Or she might have gone to pluck flowers or collect fruits
or that pretty lady might have gone to the river to collect
water.” 60.9
He searched all over the for his beloved in the forest
but could not find her and he appeared with red eyes due to grief and mad due to sorrow.
60.10
He ran from tree
to tree , mountain to mountain and from river to river and wept and remained immersed in
sorrow.
60.11
“Oh dear Kadamba
tree did you see her who loved Kadamba trees, and if you know
please tell me and beloved and gracious tree.”
60.12
“Oh Bilwa tree ,
did you see a lady whose breasts are
like Bilwa fruits, who was dressed in yellow silk and was shivering like tender leaf?”
60.13
Oh Arjuna tree , if you know the whereabouts
of the beloved of mine who is
a lover of Arjuna tree , who is timid
daughter of king Janaka , please tell me.”
60.14
“Oh Kakubha tree
which is rich with tender
leaves and flowers , do you know
where Maithili who has a thigh
like Kakubha stem is alive or
dead?”
60.15
“This great Tilaka
tree , whose glory is sung by the bees , it is clear knows about Sita , who is
a lover of Tilaka trees.,”
60.16
“Oh Asoka tree who is the dispeller of sorrow , you make
the man who has , a heart suffering from
sorrow , by your name (Asoka-no
sorrow) and show me quickly my dear
one.”
60.17
“Oh Palmyra tree ,
have you seen her who has breasts like ripe fruits of a Palmyra tree
and if so take mercy on me and tell me where that blessed lady is?”
60.18
“Oh Jambu tree, have you seen my beloved whose body
shines like Jambu fruit? If you know
where my darling is, tell me without hesitation.”
60.19
“:Oh Karnikara tree
who has excessive fruits and flowers , please tell me if you have seen my good wife who is the lover
of Karnikara trees.”
60.20
Rama
of great fame enquired of Mango trees, Kadamba trees, Sala trees, Jack fruit
trees, trees with white flowers, Pomegranates, Jasmines, Madhavis and, Champaka
trees, as well as Kethaki trees going near them and seeing, wandering in
confusion, looked like a mad man. 60.21-60.22
“Oh deer , do you know Maithili who has deer like eyes and who used to look at deer with great love
, may be found along with female deer.”
60.23
“Oh elephant , if you have seen her whose thighs are like elephant trunk and who is known to you, please do tell
me.”
60.24
“Oh tiger , if have seen by darling Maithili who has a moon like face , with
confidence tell me without fear.”
60.25
“Oh darling , I see you at a distance and why are you
running away? Why are you hiding behind the trees and not talking to me.”
60.26
“On blessed lady , stop , stop there , don’t you have a pity
towards me? How did you
who are very fond of teasing me , desert me now?”
60.27
“Oh lady with a blessed colour , the yellow colour of your silk apparel is indicating your
presence here. Why are you running away. Please stop because of my love towards you.” 60.28
“Oh lady with a pretty smile , I hope that you have not
been troubled and hurt and you should not have left me and gone away
when I am suffering.”
60.29
“I am lovelorn for you , young lady and I feel the flesh eating Rakshasas have
torn you to pieces and have eaten
you.”
60.30
“With pretty teeth , beautiful nose , pretty ear globes she has a face like full moon but which due to being eclipsed has lost all
its luster.”
60.31
“She has an auspicious and delicate neck of the colour of Champaka flower which is decorated by ornaments and possibly
when she was crying helplessly it
was eaten away.”
60.32
She has arms which are delicate which are like tender
leaves and adorned with bangles and
bracelets and possibly
, with tips of arm quivering they
were severed and eaten up.” 60.33
“That young one who has many friends and relations ,
after being separated by me has been
picked by a Rakshasa for food and has left half eaten.”
60.34
“Oh valorous Lakshmana , are you able to see Sita
anywhere? Oh darling where have gone away ,Oh Sita” like this again and again Rama called out. 60.35
Keeping on telling like this he wandered all round the
forest , some places walking with speed and yet in other places walking up
and yet other places , he
collected all his strength and walked fast. Thus he was seen searching Sita like a mad
man.
60.36
He walked and
rushed without stability in the forests,
rivers, hills , streams , mountains and dense forest.
60.37
Rama wandered all round the great forest , searching for
his Maithili and without giving hope of
finding her , he again put in supreme efforts to search her.
60.38
This is the end
of the sixtieth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
61.Initial search by Rama and Lakshmana
(Rama is greatly grieving . Lakshmana consoles him and
gives him hope. Both of them search for sita all over that place When they are not able to find Sita, Rama
faints.)
Rama , the son of Dasaratha finding that the
hermitage is empty and devoid of anybody , with seats being
disturbed , was not able to see Sita
anywhere , held the radiant and etched
shoulders of Lakshmana and cried bitterly.
61.1-61.2
“Oh Lakshmana, where is Vaidehi? To which country she has
gone? Oh son of Sumithra , who has
killed her? And who has eaten her up.” 61.3
“Oh Sita , if you want to tease and play with me after
hiding behind a tree , stop that
fun because I am greatly grieving for
you.” 61.4
“Oh simple Sita,
those trustworthy young deer which used
to play with you being separated from you
are thinking about you, with eyes full of tears.”
61.5
“Oh Lakshmana, I cannot live without Sita and due to her
abductions , I am feeling extremely sad. And I feel when I go to heaven I will
see there, my father who was the king.”
61.6
“My father will clearly
ask me there , I had taken a vow
and sent you to the forest and how came you how come without completing that period , you have come
here and you look like one who does what
he pleases , not gentlemanly and a liar.
Fie on you.”
61.7-61.8
“I am helpless, deeply drowned in sorrow , with greatly
shattered mind and Oh pretty lady Sita, where have you gone leaving me like fame deserting a crooked person and oh lady with slender waist , separated from you,
I would give up my life.” 61.9
-61.10
With a deep desire
to see Sita, Rama was wailing like this
and Sita who was not able to see Rama was also drowned in sorrow. 61.11
To Rama the son of Dasaratha who was not able to see
Sita , like a elephant sinking in a
broad marshy land , Lakshmana spoke these meaningful words consoling him.
61.12-61.13
“oh greatly valorous Rama
do not grieve , along with me put
in efforts to search this big forest full of creepers and trees.” 61.14
“Maithili is mad after forests and likes to wander in the forest . She might
be staying there seeing the lotus ponds
and trees full of flower.”
61.15
“Or she must have reached the river which is full of fish and reeds , being
desirous of bathing she must be inside the water or she who loves fun may be hiding in the forest.”
61.16
Oh bull among men, or she who is interested in scaring us
, she must be hiding somewhere in
forest, with a view to know our real intentions and so oh noble one , let both of us start searching for her.”
61.17
“We both will search the entire forest to find out
the whereabouts of
the daughter of Janaka and oh son of Kakustha clan do not
grieve.”
61.18
By the loving advise
of Lakshmana , Rama got some what composed
and along with Lakshmana , Rama started
searching for Sita.
61.19
Both the sons of Dasaratha started searching all over
the forests , mountains, rivers and lakes entirely .
61.20
But those sons of Dasaratha were not able to find her on the slopes of mountains, caves and peaks , while they searched for her.
61.21
After searching all the mountains Rama told Lakshmana, “I am not able to see Vaidehi on this auspicious mountain, oh son of
Sumithra.”
61.22
Then Lakshmana drowned in sorrow , while wandering in the
Dandaka forest told his lustrous
brother as follows.
61.23
“Oh greatly wise Rama , you would definitely get back Vaidehi , the daughter of Janaka ,
similar to Lord Vishnu getting back the earth after suppressing Bali.”
61.24
When Lakshmana told these words affectionately to Rama ,
he with a mind disturbed by sorrow , piteously told the following words.
61.25
“ Oh very wise one, I have searched the entire forest
full of flowers and blossomed lotus
flowers , the slopes of mountains having
many caves and mountains and I am not
able to find Vaidehi, who is dearer than my life to me.” 61.26-61.27
Thus after crying
over the abduction of Sita , Rama full
of sorrow and misery lost his consciousness for a moment . 61.28
Rama who was grieving , whose limbs were getting weak ,
and whose sense of judgment and thinking
was weak , after breathing hot and heavy
reclined for a moment.
61.29
That lotus eyed Rama took lots of deep breath , Shrieked , “Hey darling” and got choked due to lots of tears. 61.30
The Lakshmana who loved his relations and was a
follower of Dharma ,after consoling him
various ways humbly offered Rama his salutations.
61.31
Not caring for the
words which came out from the lips of Lakshmana , being not able to see his
darling went on shrieking .
61.32
This is the end
of the sixty first chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
62.Rama breaks down over the loss of Sita
(Rama decides that Sita is no more and as he does not
have any wish to live , requests
Lakshmana to go back to
Ayodhya.)
That mind of the
soul of Dharma , not being able
to Sita was filled with sorrow and that
lotus eyed Rama who was
a greatly valorous one wailed . 62.1
That Rama who was caught in love , though he was not seeing Sita , wept as if he is seeing
Sita and told the following words which he found difficult to speak.
62.2
“Oh darling , you being a lover of flowers are covering
your body with the branches of Asoka
tree and increasing my sorrow.”
62.3
“Oh lady , I am seeing
both your thighs which look like
Banana stem , hidden by the
Banana plant and I do not think
you have power to hide from me.”
62.4
“Oh auspicious lady , you are wandering in the Karnikara
forest laughing and you are causing me
by teasing me. Please stop it.”
62.5
“Oh darling Sita,
what is the point of making fun of me when I am tired and such a teasing
by you is not liked by me now.”
62.6
“The making fun in the
place of the hermitage is not
liked by me , though I know well that you
love to tease people. Oh broad eyed one , please come back as our home
is empty.” 62.7
“Oh Lakshmana , it is very clear to me Rakshasas have either eaten or abducted her
for even when I am weeping she is not coming to me.”
62.8
“Oh Lakshmana these herds of deer with their eye full of
tears , look like telling me that Sita
has been eaten away by Rakshasas.”
62.9
‘Oh lady who is pleasant
of auspicious colour , where have you gone? I feel that the desire of Devi Kaikeyi would be fulfilled now.”
62.10
“I have come along with Sita and how can I return without
Sita again to the empty
private apartments of mine?” 62.11
“Without kindness the world will tell that I lack
valour and due to abduction of Sita, I
will be called a timid man.”
62.12
“After my stay in the forest is over , Janaka , the king
of Mithila , would definitely enquire
about my welfare. And how can I face him then?”
62.13
“When the king of
Videha sees me without my wife , due to
the love for his daughter, he would be upset
and would be attacked by delusion.”
62.14
“Or I will not go to the city ruled by Bharatha , for
even the heaven would be empty for me without Sita.”
62.15
“Leaving me here you go back to the auspicious city of
Ayodhya . For without Sita with me, I
will not even live for a moment.”
62.16
“After going there , embrace Bharatha tightly and tell my words, “Rama has permitted you to rule the
entire earth.”
62.17
“My mother Kausalya , Kaikeyi and Sumithra your
mother should be saluted by you as per
my order and they all should be
protected by you with great effort.”
62.18-62.19
“Oh Lakshmana , who punishes his enemy . you should
explain in detail to my mother the loss
of Sita as well as me and make
her understand it.”
62.20
When Rama who was piteous wept like this after coming
the forest about that lady with pretty hair , Lakshmana ‘s face was
filled with great fear and he became
greatly perturbed and very sad. 62.21
This is the end
of the sixty second chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
63.Rama loses his
stability
(Rama is upset and imagines many horrifying things that
could have happened to Sita and ius greatly upset. Though Lakshmana tries to console him , he is not able to.)
That prince without his darling was attacked by sorrow and delusion. Due to his grief
and nervousness , his brother became dismayed and sunk in grief.
63.1
Seeing brother Rama drowned in intense sorrow seeing
that Lakshmana who himself was attacked with great grief , after taking
a deep breath Rama told these words
which were in tune with his sorrow.
63.2
“In this world no one has done as much bad deeds as me and I do not think there is a
second one. Sorrow after sorrow is
coming to break my heart and mind is shattered.”
63.3
“Earlier I have sinful deeds as per my wish and as a consequence of that . I am suffering
from sorrow after sorrow.”
63.4
“Oh Lakshmana, loss of the kingdom, separation from
relatives , death of the father ,
separation from mother all these
constituted the fast progression of sorrow in a greater measure.” 63.5
“Oh Lakshmana all my sorrows were pacified after coming to this empty and peaceful forest and due to separation of Sita , they
have again started like a big flame starting from pieces of dry wood.” 63.6
“That coward princess of mine would have wept when she is
being taken over the sky by the Rakshasa and she must have wept and shrieked in
a loud tone.”
63.7
“The red coloured skin of that lady who is pleasing to
look due to application of good paste of sandal
on her circular breasts , must have been now drenched in blood and not
pleasing to look at.”
63.8
“Her sweet , very clear and soft face and her prattling as well as
her curly plaited hair , would not be shining now , after getting in to the
clutches of Rakshasa just like the moon caught by Rahu.” 63.9
“The neck of my very well behaved beloved ornamented by a pearl chain , would have
broken by the Rakshasas in an isolated
place so that they can drink her blood.” 63.10
“When the Rakshasas
dragged her with a magnetic eyes
when she is left alone in a solitary forest without me , she would
have cried like a piteous she dove .”
63.11
“ Earlier that charitable one with a magnetic smile sitting along with me
on this rock , used to talk many words teasing and making fun of you.”
63.12
“The river Godavari has been always liked by my beloved very-very much and I think she might have gone there but no.
She will not go there alone without me.”
63.13
“ Sita with a lotus like face and who has lotus like broad eyes should have
gone to get lotus flowers and even that is not possible since she has
never gone there without me.”
63.14
“She could have gone
the thicket of many bloomed trees of several types in the forest inhabited by
flocks of birds and even that is not possible since she is a coward and would be scared to go there alone.”
63.15
“The Sun god knows all that is done by everyone being a witness of truth and falsehood of
people and so Oh Sun god please tell me
whether my darling has gone somewhere or
has she been eaten by somebody as
I am at all times sad.”
63.16
“Oh wind god , there is no place in the world , where you
are not there and there is nothing that
you do not know and so please tell me
whether that lady of a great heritage
has been killed or died on the
way or is she alive.”
63.17
Like this with the body grieving a lot , Rama who was
weeping lost his consciousness
and Lakshmana who is great fortitude and
stable spoke these words which were relevant. 63.18
“Oh gentle brother, give up this sorrow and adopt stability and with enthusiasm start searching again,
because only men with enthusiasm are able to very difficult jobs.”
63.19
These words of Lakshmana
who had manly prowess were not
bothered about by the one who
contributed greatness to Raghu
clan and he further lost his stability and
was overtaken by great sorrow.
63.20
This is the end
of the sixty third chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
64.Rama finds Sita has been attacked by a Rakshasa
(While searching Rama and Lakshmana see the flowers which
Sita was wearing, a broken shield, a
destroyed chariot and footsteps of Sita
chased by one with large footsteps. Rama flies in great anger and
promises to take revenge against
all the world.)
That pitiable man in a pitiable tone told this to
Lakshmana, “Oh Lakshmana go speedily to Godavari river and find out
whether Sita has gone there to pluck
lotus flowers?”
64.1
When Rama told like this , Lakshmana the winner over the warriors and destroyer of
enemies went to Godavari which was pretty.
64.2
After Lakshmana searched the river banks and not finding her , he told Rama, “I could
not find in the river and she is not answering me when I shouted loudly.”
64.3
“Where else could
Vaidehi , the destroyer of sorrow have
gone? I am unable to find out that place
where she has gone.”
64.4
After hearing words of Lakshmana, Rama who was deluded
by great sorrow and grief,
himself went to search river Godavari
and not able to find her he said,
“Where are you Sita?” 64.5-64.6
Events elements of nature did not tell that she has been
taken away by king of Rakshasas who deserved punishment and nor did river Godavari tell Rama about it.
64.7
Though the elements
encouraged river Godavari to tell Rama
about his beloved , when she was asked by Rama about Sita, she did not
tell.
64.8
Thinking about the fierce form of Ravana as well as
thinking about that bad soul and getting
scared , that river did not tell him about Vaidehi.
64.9
Being disappointed because he was not able to find
Sita near the river , Rama who
wanted see Sita , told Lakshmana.
64.10
“Oh gentle one , this Godavari river is not replying to
my question and Oh Lakshmana , when I
see Janaka as well as my mother , what
do I tell them about Vaidehi who is dear
to them.” 64.11
“Where has Vaidehi gone,
who removed all my suffering due
to getting banished from the kingdom as well
as when I was suffering due to hard life in forest .”
64.12
“Without any people from my clan and also not able to see
the princess , I would keep awake at night , which would appear to me to be
long.”
64.13
“I will again roam about in Godavari, Janasthana and in
Prasravana mountain to find whether Sita can be seen anywhere.
64.14
“Oh greatly valorous one , these deer are looking at me
again and again as if they want to tell me something.”
64.15
Rama, the tiger among men, with his eyes clouded by
tears asked those deer , in response to
their gestures, “Where is Sita?”
64.16
When the king asked him like this , all the deer swiftly
got up and all the deer looked at the sky towards the southern direction , which was the
direction Maithili was taken away and
looking at the king ran in the path of that direction.
64.17-64.18
When Lakshmana wanted to know more about that path , the
deer further looked at that path and wanted to show him that direction.
64.19
Lakshmana clearly understood their indications and with sorrow he told Rama who was his elder brother .
64.20
“Oh lord, when you asked , “Where is Sita” , all the deer
got up and went on seeing the southern
direction and oh God like brother l
think it would be right for us to go
to the south western direction and then possibly , we may find the indications
about of the lady Sita.”
64.21-64.22
Seeing , “let us “ , that son of Kakustha clan started towards the southern direction , careful
examining the path taken by Lakshmana.
64.23
Those brothers
talking with each other went by that path and some flowers which had fallen on earth in that path.
64.24
Rama seeing that rain
of flowers on the earth and that
very sorrowing man , told there words
of sorrow to Lakshmana.
64.25
“Oh Lakshmana, I am able to recognize these flowers
and they are the same ones given me o Vaidehi today morning.”
64.26
“I think that the Sun, wind and famous earth are preserving these flowers and rendering
act to please me.”
64.27
After saying like that
to valorous Lakshmana , the bull among men , addressed the Prasravana
mountain and told.
64.28
“Oh lord of the mountain, have you seen a very pretty
lady Sita , in this forest sorrowing for me?”
64.29
Like a lion addressing a small animal that angry Rama said, ”Oh mountain , I would destroy all your slopes if you do not show me the gold like
Sita.”
64.30-64.31
When Rama told that mountain like this , though it appeared to tell him
something, it did not show Sita to Rama. 64.32
Then Rama son of Dasaratha told that mountain looking at it, “You would
be completely burnt by my arrows and
made in to ash and later you would not be fit to serve anyone , being bereft of
trees and grasses.”
64.33
“Oh Lakshmana , if this river does not tell me about the
noble Sita with a moon like face , by my
arrows I will make it dry.” 64.34
When the very angry Rama was talking as if he wanted to
burn the entire earth , then his eyes saw the big footprints of a Rakshasa and then that of frightened Maithili
running here and there , as if she was
anxious to see Rama and it
appeared as if that Rakshasa was
chasing Maithili .
64.35-64.36
When Rama noticed the movement of Sita and a Rakshasa ,
he saw a broken bow and quiver which were lying scattered as well as many broken pieces of a chariot , his mind was greatly
agitated and he told his brother .
64.37-64.38
“See Lakshmana, the broken pieces of Sita ’s
ornaments and many kinds of
garlands belonging to her.”
64.39
“ Oh son of Sumithra , Please also see many
drops of splattered blood shining like
drops of shining gold spread all
over the earth.” 64.40
“Lakshmana , I think
that the Rakshasas who can take any form
cut her in to pieces , shared and ate
her.”
64.41
“Oh son of Sumithra , on account of Vaidehi , both of
them may be contradicting each with each other and a great war might have been fought among
them. “
64.42
“Oh soft one, whose is this great huge bow decorated with
gold and embedded with gold which is
broken and fallen here?”
64.43
“Whose is this broken
golden armour , which shines like morning sun , studded with precious Vaidoorya stones
, lying on the ground?”
64.44
“Whose umbrella is this which had one hundred spokes ,
which shines and was decorated by
divine garlands , with broken
handle lying on the ground.”
64.45
“Whose devil faced huge and fierce donkeys are these , decorated with gold
plates , which have been killed in war?”
64.46
“Whose is this
great chariot , which looks like
burning fire , which has a shining flag
broken and lying upside down.”
64.47
“Whose are these blunted
arrows decorated with gold which are as big as an axle of a chariot , which have been
scattered all over ?Who has done these monstrous deeds?”
64.48
“Oh Lakshmana see
these two broken quivers full of
arrows and the charioteer with whip and bridles in his hand.
Who might have killed him?”
64.49
“Oh tiger among men, Oh gentle one , who are these two fan carriers
who have been slain and lying down
here? Whose head dress and ear rings are these which have been
decorated by gems?”64.50
“From all these it is evident that they belong a male Rakshasa and you now see that
enmity with them has increased hundred fold and I would kill all of
them.”
64.51
“Oh gentle one , these Rakshasas with horrible form who
can change their form at their will
might have abducted or
eaten or killed that sage like lady and in this great forest her Dharma did not protect Maithili.”
64.52
“Oh Lakshmana, Oh gentle one , if Sita
has been eaten or carried away by someone , in this world , no God can
make me happy .?”
64.53
“Oh Lakshmana ,
all the beings of the world would disrespect
, one who is compassionate , even if it is the creator of the world due
to ignorance.”
64.54
“The gods of the three worlds would consider me as weak , because I am soft to look after the well being of
all, man of self constraint and have a merciful heart.” 64.55
“Oh Lakshmana after reaching me all good characters have become bad but now onwards , my character will shine forth to kill all beings
including Rakshasas just like moon like
luster being converted like the great glow of Sun .” 64.56-64.57
“Oh Lakshmana , from now on Yakshas, Gandharwas , devils,
Rakshasas, Kinnaras and even men will not be peaceful.”
64.58
“Oh Lakshmana ,
you will see that by using
my arrows and weapons , I will fill up the entire sky and make it
impossible for those who travel in all three worlds to descend to the
earth.” 64.59
“In all the three worlds , by my acts , the movement of the planets would be
obstructed , the movement of the moon would be obstructed , the luster of Sun,
wind and fire would be reduced , the
top of mountains would be crushed , all water bodies would be
completely dried up , trees, creepers and shrubs would be destroyed and
the oceans would be put an end
and thus I would do acts destroying the entire world.” 64.60-64.62
“If my god does not return my Sita safely , within a short time , oh son
of Sumithra, they will see my valour and prowess.” 64.63
“ Oh Lakshmana, No being would be able to fly in the sky
, because the net created by my
arrows and weapons would cover the sky
completely .” 64.64
“Oh Lakshmana , distressed by my arrows , beasts and birds would get madly disturbed and cross all limits.”
64.65
“By pulling the arrows
up to my ears, which cannot be resisted by any one and sending them, I would make this world
devoid of Ghosts and Rakshasas, for the sake of Maithili ” 64.66
“Now devas would realize the power of my feathered
arrows sent by me in great anger
, which would reach to great distances.”
64.67
“Neither the devas, asuras, ghosts and Rakshasas, will
exist in all the three worlds which would be destroyed by my anger.”
64.68
“The worlds of devas, asuras , Yakshas and those of Rakshasas also , after being broken in to pieces by my arrow
, may not exist.”
64.69
“If the Gods do not give back my Sita who has either been
abducted or killed . I would destroy all the worlds and make them without
boundaries. 64.70
“If my darling Vaidehi in her real form is
not given back to me , I would destroy all the three worlds including all moving or stable
beings living in them .” 64.71
After saying this with eyes turned red due to anger
Rama, who can conquer and cities of enemies
took the bow and took out a glowing arrow comparable to a poisonous snake and connected the arrow to the bow
and looked like the fire at time of deluge and told the following words. 64.72-64.73
“Just as time cannot stop the progression of age and
occurring of death in case of all beings
, Oh Lakshmana, no one can prevent me
when I am angry.”
64.74
“I would burn the
entire world including devas ,
Gandharwas, human beings , serpents and
mountains , If I am not handed over Sita who has pretty teeth , who does not
have any blame and who is the princess of Mithila.”
64.75
This is the end
of the sixty fourth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
65.Lakshmana advises Rama to have patience
(Lakshmana tells Rama that his anger should be against
the one who abducted his wife and not against the whole world . He tells him
this is wrong. He also tells him that a great war has been fought but only
footsteps one are visible. He advices Rama to do further search. )
Rama who was deeply pained by the abduction of Sita , was
burning like the fire at the time of
deluge and wanting to destroy the entire
world was taking difficult breaths again and again ,
and looked like Lord Shiva getting ready to destroy all the worlds at the of the end of all Yugas . Seeing Rama angry and in a never before form ,
Lakshmana saluted him first and told him
with his mouth dried up.
65.1-65.3
Previously you were gentle, self restrained and used to wish for the welfare of all beings. I think
that you should not become a slave to
anger and start thinking as
earlier.” 65.4
“The shining in case of moon, Sun and wealth , the
blowing in case of wind , and patience in case of earth has always been present and
like that your fame rests only on
yourself.,”
65.5
“How can you destroy the world , for sake of mistake
committed by one person? You do not know who is responsible for breaking the
Chariot used in war and also do not know
for what reason it was broken?”
65.6
“Oh prince , this place is damaged by hooves of horses
and chariots and there drops of blood
all over and so it appears that a great
battle was fought here.” 65.7
“Oh Rama , who is best among those who speak and this war appears to be fought with only
one person present as the footprints of
the second are not visible.” 65.8
“It is not proper for just one person to destroy the
world and the lords of earth should be soft , peaceful and punish only if there
is proper reason.”
65.9
“You are the source of protection of al beings
and their ultimate destination and who will think that loosing of one ‘s
wife is desirable?”
65.10
“The rivers, the sea, the mountains , the devas,
Gandharwas and Dhanavas are also good people and are not capable of
doing harm to you like the people who observe religious vows.” 65.11
“Oh king , it is proper for you to search for that person
who abducted Sita followed by me armed
with bows and arrows and helped by
other great sages.”
65.12
“We will search in
sea, mountains , forests , caves
and many terrible rivers and
lotus ponds.” 65.13
“Relentlessly we will search also in the world of Devas
and Gandharwas for the one who abducted
your wife , till we find the one who
abducted her.”
65.14
“ OH Lord of Kosala
, If the Gods do not return your wife with a gentle request , then at
the right time we would take suitable
action.”
65.15
“Oh king, if you are not able to get back Sita by
sincerity, simplicity , humility and
diplomacy , then destroy them with your arrows , decorated by gold which are like Vajrayudha of that great Indra.
65.16
This is the end
of the sixty fifth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
66.Lakshmana encourages and consoles Rama
(Lakshmana quotes several instances of people suffering
and tells Rama that even if a calamity occurs , he should get broken down like
this. )
Then Lakshmana , the son of Sumithra consoled Rama , who was drowned in sorrow, crying like an
orphan, engrossed in great love and
who has lost the power of
thinking due to great pain for a short
time and caught his feet tightly and
addressed him.
66.1-66.2
“Oh Rama , king Dasaratha got you by doing great penance
and by performing great deeds similar to
devas getting Amrutha(nectar) .”
66.3
“From Bharatha , I came to know that Dasaratha passed to
heaven , as he was unable to bear
separation from you due to your virtues.”
66.4
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, if you cannot bear this sorrow
which has come to you , which other
ordinary man who is weak , can bear
it?”
66.5
“Oh tiger among men, if out of sorrow , you want to burn the world with your luster , how
can ordinary people who suffer get consolation?”
66.6
“This is but a normal happening in the world,
similar to the curse given to Nakusha the son of Yayathi who became an Indra which led to
his degradation.”
66.7
“Vasishta who was the priest of our father
one day had one hundred sons
but they were all killed in
another one day.”
66.8
“Oh Rama , you are the votary of truth and you know the
Goddess earth who is saluted by all the
world though , she is unshakeable , does shake some times.”
66.9
“ The very powerful
Sun and Moon , the eyes of the world who are firmly established in
Dharma are affected by the eclipse .”
66.10
“Oh great man, even very great beings and also the devas and all beings on earth cannot be released from the ties of the will of God.”
66.11
“ I have heard that even Indra and other devas also have their moments of suffering and
ecstasies and so oh tiger among men, it
is not proper for you to grieve.”
66.12
“Oh stainless soul,
even if Vaidehi is ruined or abducted
you should not sorrow like this like an ordinary man.”
66.13
“Oh Rama , you being one who always sees the truth
should not worry like this , for
men like you , even facing great
calamities do not lose their heart.
“
66.14
“Oh best among men, truly think with your brain for
the very wise men with great
brain judge the right from wrong.”
66.15
“Desired results cannot be obtained in cases where merits and demerits are not judged
properly or where unsteady
decisions are taken or in cases where no decision is taken.” 66.16
“Oh Rama , you yourself have told me several times about
this and since you know it well, even
Bruhaspathi cannot teach you anything
more.”
66.17
“You are greatly wise and even Gods cannot fathom your
intellect .I think that your sorrow has made your intellect to sleep and I am only waking you up.”
66.18
“ Oh Bull of the Ikshuvaku dynasty , you are god like man
who has unmatched valour .Try to know your enemies and once known kill
them.”
66.19
“Oh bull among men, what is the need for destroying
everything? After knowing the enemy who sinned against you , you uproot
him.”
66.20
This is the end
of the sixty sixth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
67. Rama Sees
Jatayu who is about to die
(On further search Rama and Lakshmana see Jatayu who is
about to die. He tells Rama that Sita is abducted by Ravana . Rama’s sorrow
further increases)
Though he was elder , after hearing the wise consul of
Lakshmana , he grasped its essence and
accepted that advise.
67.1
That great hero Rama
controlled his rising anger and
leaned on his wonderful bow and told Lakshmana.
67.2
“Oh son, Oh Lakshmana , what should we do? Where will we
go in search of Sita? By what method ,
would we get back Sita?” Think clearly.”
67.3
Lakshmana said to Rama who was reeling under sorrow, “It
is proper for us to search in this Janasthana , which is covered by many plants
and creepers and also has many
Rakshasas.”
67.4
“Here difficult to climb mountains, caves , valleys ,
different type of horrifying caverns inhabited by different type of animals and forests inhabited by Gandharwas and
Kinnaras exist.” 67.5-67.6
“And you should search in all these places accompanied by
me. Oh Bull among men, great men who
have superior intellect like you, are not shaken by difficulties like the
mountain is not shaken by a great
wind.”
67.7
When told like Rama keeping his bow ready
, mounted with a horrible arrow , along with Lakshmana started roaming
about in that forest.”
67.8
Then he saw the
great valorous bird Jatayu who looked like the top of the
mountain lying on the ground , wounded
and drenched in blood. 67.9
Seeing him who was similar to a mountain, Rama told
Lakshmana, “I feel without any doubt this one has eaten Sita , the princess
of Videha.”
67.10
“It is clear this Rakshasa in this forest has taken
the form of vultures and has eaten the broad eyed Sita and is now
relaxing happily. I will kill him with shining very sharp
arrows which will go straight at
him.”
67.11-67.12
Saying this Rama who was very angry took a razor sharp arrow and fixed it on the bow
and stepped towards the vulture and the earth up to sea shook. 67.13
That pitiable
vulture spitting blood with foam spoke
with very pitiable words like this to Rama the son of Dasaratha. 67.14
“Oh long lived one, the queen whom you are searching in
this great forest as
carefully as one searches for herbal medicine as well as my soul has been taken away by Ravana,”
67.15
“Oh Rama, Oh Lakshmana that lady who was separated from
you both was being taken away by Ravana
and I saw this.”
67.16
“In the battle with Ravana , I reached Sita by breaking
Ravana’s chariot and that one who lost
his chariot made me fall on this
earth.”
67.17
“Oh Rama this is his broken bow and these are his quivers and here is the chariot which was broken by
me in battle with him.”
67.18
“He is the charioteer of Ravana slain by me using my
wings. When I was exhausted Ravana cut
off my wings by his sword .Then after taking Sita , the princess of
Videha , he flew in the sky and since I have already been killed by the
Rakshasa , you need not kill me.” 67.19-67.20
Hearing these facts ,
the sorrow of Rama who was in
love with Sita doubled and he with face
full of tears became helpless and
pitiable.
67.21
Throwing that Great
Bow Rama hugged that king of
vultures and fell on the ground and
cried along with Lakshmana.
67.22
Seeing the bird taking painful breaths in that
lonely place which was difficult to
reach, Rama was affected by great
sorrow and told Lakshmana.
67.23
“I have lost the kingdom, I had to live in the forest ,
Sita is lost and Jatayu is killed
and these misfortunes may even
burn the fire.”
67.24
“If I now enter a ocean which is filled with water by the rivers , my bad luck would completely dry
even that ocean.”
67.25
“By this way I have been caught by a network of misfortunes and I think that nobody is more unfortunate
than me among all beings , including the moving and not moving. “ 67.26
“This very elderly king of vultures is the friend of my
father and due to my bad luck, he is lying on the ground at present.”
67.27
After saying like this many times Rama along with
Lakshmana caressed Jatayu and showed him
the affection towards a father.
67.28
Rama then hugged
that king of vultures who has lost his wings and drenched with blood.”Where is my Maithili
who is like a soul to me?” and saying this he fell on the ground.
67.29
This is the end
of the sixty seventh chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
68.Jatayu breaths his last
(Jatayu tells Rama that sita is abducted by Ravana , the son Of Visravas and brother of Khubera. He tells that Rama
will get back Sita because any thing stolen at that time would be recovered.
Jatayu dies. Rama cremates him and
offers him oblations.)
Rama seeing that vulture who has been thrown fiercely on
the ground , told Lakshmana ,
these words of great friendliness
.
68.1
“It is for my sake that
this bird made efforts to fight the battle
with the Rakshasa and having
been defeated by the Rakshasa , he is
about to give away his life.” 68.2
“OH Lakshmana , He
is suffering too much and is about to give up his life which is difficult to
give up and as of now he appears , blank, agitated and not able to
speak.”
68.3
“Oh Jatayu , if you have sufficient strength talk to me
again. Be safe and please tell me about abduction of Sita and
how you have been stuck down.”
68.4
“For what reason has Ravana abducted that noble lady ? What offense has I committed
against him based on which he has abducted her?”
68.5
“How was the pretty and moon like face of Sita when she was being abducted ? And
What did Sita tell at that time, Oh
great bird?”
68.6
“What is the form of that Rakshasa? How powerful is he? What did the Rakshasa do?
Where does he live? Oh father , please tell as I am asking you.”
68.7
Afterwards , that piteous bird Jatayu, wailing , addressed Rama in a low tone
and spoke these words.”
68.8
“That king of Rakshasas
Ravana assuming a magical form and producing dust of wind and clouds took her away through the sky route.”
68.9
“Oh Lad when I was completely tired that Rakshasa cut off
my wings and taking Sita with him
travelled towards the south.”
68.10
“Oh Raghava, my
life is resisting , sight is
whirling and I see golden
usira roots grown on tree tops similar to root hairs.”
68.11
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, that Ravana has taken away Sita in the Vinda period and it is
known that things lost in this
period , later speedily join the owner and that Ravana without bothering about this has taken her to lose her quickly.”
68.12
“By abducting your darling Sita the king of Rakshasas Ravana , is swallowing
the hook just like the
fish and would be destroyed quickly.” 68.13
“There is no need for you to worry about the daughter of Janaka for you will soon enjoy her company
after killing the Rakshasa.”
68.14
When the vulture
was conversing with an alert mind
to Rama, blood mixed with flesh started flowing from him indicating that he is
dying.
68.15
The king of the birds gave up his life which was difficult to get while saying , “Ravana is the son of sage Visravas
and real brother of Khubera.”
68.16
As Rama with folded hands was requesting the bird, Please
tell, please tell”, the soul of the vulture left its body and went to the sky.
68.17
Then he put down his head on the earth , stretched his leg and lifted his whole body and fell on the
ground.
68.18
Seeing the
mountain like vulture with red eyes die , Rama who was already in great sorrow ,
pitiably with great sorrow told Lakshmana.
68.19
“He lived happily
for many years in this Dandakaranya , where many Rakshasas live and his life has been shattered here.”
68.20
“Being extremely old , he has lived for very many years
and he is lying dead , for it is not possible to escape the dictates of time.”
68.21
“See Lakshmana, this vulture which has done help to me is
dead and he was killed by the strong
Ravana when he tried to help Sita.”
68.22
“He forsook the land
of vultures which belonged to his ancestors and the king of birds has given up his life
for my sake .”
68.23
“Oh Lakshmana even among those born from the womb of animals and birds , you
would be able to see good people who are followers of Dharma , valorous
ones and protectors.” 68.24
“ Oh gentle one, Oh scorcher of enemies, the grief caused
to me by the abduction is not as much as the grief caused by the death of this vulture for my sake
.”
68.25
“Like the famous king Dasaratha of great fame deserves my worship, so
does this king of birds deserve it.” 68.26
“Oh son of Sumithra , you collect firewood and I will
generate fire by churning , as I wish to cremate the vulture king as he died
for me.”
68.27
Then Raghava
placed the body of the king of
the world of birds on the pyre
and told Lakshmana , “Oh son of Sumithra , I will burn him who was
killed by a Rakshasa with great
anger.” 68.28
“Oh great and mighty eagle, please attain that status which is attained by those who
perform Yagnas , those who kindle sacrificial fires , by those who do not return back alive and by those who give land as gift, Purified
by the fire that I have lit , please go
and attain the incomparable
heaven.” 68.29-68.30
After telling this
Rama placed that god of birds on the funeral pyre and lit it , treating
him similar to a relative of his.
68.31
Then Rama along with the son of Sumithra who was valorous
went to the forest and killed a large
stately deer , spread it before the pyre and offered it to
the great bird.
68.32
That famed Rama
took out the flesh of the deer
from its skin made them in to
balls and laid them on the lovely
grass and offered it to Jatayu.
68.33
Then Rama chanted those Manthras which
would be chanted by Brahmins pertaining to father , which were meant for
sending a human being to heaven.
68.34
Those blessed sons of the king then went to river Godavari and offered
oblations of water for the sake of
the king of vultures.
68.35
Thereafter both sons of Raghu clan took funeral bath in the river and offered oblations of water as per scriptures to the king of vultures.
68.36
That king of
vultures having done a very
difficult job which will bring fame in
the battle and was killed , by having been offered funeral rites as per
scriptures attained a holy and auspicious state 68.37
After offering water oblations to that great bird ,
after thinking about what has been
told by the king of birds and fixing their mind firmly on future course entered the
forest like Vishnu and Indra. 68.38
This is the end
of the sixty eighth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
69.Rama meets with Ayomukhi and then Kabandha
(When walking in the forest near the hermitage of
Matanga, a Rakshasi called Ayomukhi attacks them. Lakshmana catches hold of her
and cuts her , nose ears and breasts. They see bad omens and then they are both
caught by a huge horrifying Rakshasa called Kabandha)
Then both Rama and Lakshmana after offering oblations started towards the south western direction in the
forest searching for Sita.
69.1
Both the princes
of Ikshuvaku dynasty armed with
bows , arrows and swords , walked
towards south western direction , first
walking through the dense covered forest .
69.2
With many trees, shrubs and trees which had grown and spread
all over , the way appeared
impenetrable , difficult to travel and
appeared dreadful.
69.3
Those two very strong Rama and Lakshmana , forced themselves through that dense forest
populated by elephants and lions with speed and crossed that forest.
69.4
Then later those two courageous princes after going three kosas (about 11 km) from
Janasthana reached and entered the dense Krauncha forest.
69.5
Tormented by the abduction of Sita , eager to see
Vaidehi both stopped here and there for awhile
in the forest which was dense and looked like formation of clouds of different kinds and
which was filled with many animals
and snakes.
69.6-69.7
Then the brothers went three kosas east word crossing the Krauncha forest
and they saw a very terrible forest near the hermitage of Matanga filled
with fearful animals and birds and which
had various types of animals and densely grown great trees and there the sons of Dasaratha saw a cave filled with darkness which was majestic like Patala .
69.8-69.10
Those tiger among men reached the cave and not far from
there saw a Rakshasi with a huge body and an ugly face
.
69.11
The two brothers Rama and Lakshmana saw a Rakshasi who was
scary , timid , nauseating , had
a fearful appearance , had a big paunch , sharp teeth , very old ,speaking
undesirable words , was eating formidable animals and
had a spread out hair .
69.12-69.13
She came near them and saw Lakshmana who was walking in
front and told him “Come on , let us
enjoy love play”, and held
Lakshmana.
69.14
After catching hold of the hand of the son of Sumithra and hugging him she told, “My name is
Ayomukhi and have been attracted by your
heroic personality and you will live
with me. Oh valorous lord, for the rest
of our lives we will wander over lofty hills , rivers and sand banks , making love there.”
69.15-69.16
Lakshmana , the conqueror of enemies got very angry at this and took out his
sword and cut off her ears, nose and breasts. 69.17
That Rakshasi who had a gross appearance ran off shrieking and shouting in a changed
tone , when her ears and nose were cut off and went by the way she had come. 69.18
When she went away , the brothers Rama and Lakshmana ,
both of whom were destroyers of enemies
and had great luster walked
further and reached a dense forest.
69.19
Lakshmana who had
great luster , clean and one having good conduct and one who says
the truth told his brother who was shining like light , these words holding
his hands in salutation .
69.20
“My strong shoulder is throbbing and my mind is agitated and I feel that these
are undesirable omens.”
69.21
“Oh noble one, therefore be ready and heed my good words and advice as I have no doubt that the period which is going to come would be full of perils. I am perplexed by
this.”
69.22
“That Vanchulaka bird
is making a sound which is extremely frightening, possibly indicating
our victory in a war.”
69.23
When both the lustrous brothers were further searching in the forest , a huge and
tremendous sound , as if the forest was being broken were heard by them.
69.24
A huge wind appeared
to completely cover the sky and
they heard a sound in the forest which
appeared to fill the entire sky.
69.25
When Rama along with his brother by his side was trying
to find out the reason for that sound , Rama saw a huge bodied Rakshasa with a
huge stomach.
69.26
Then they saw prominently before them a head
and neck less body with face on his
stomach reaching them.
69.27
That very huge
body was covered with hair standing up
like bristles and was resembling a
dark blue cloud and was making sound like the cloud.
69.28
That one was having
only one eye which was glowing like fire on its forehead and had huge eyelashes , with reddish brown colour , stretched broad
, which was capable of seeing to great distances and a huge mouth , with a huge teeth and
toungue licking on his huge mouth. 69.29-69.30
That dreadful one kept on eating lions , bears, deer and elephants , by taking them by stretching
his long arms which were One Yojana (two miles ) long.
69.31
With his hands catching and
taking various bears , flock of
birds , several numbers of deer by both
his hands and also throwing them away
that huge form came near the brothers
and stood blocking their way.
69.32
Then both of them saw that Kabandha (only body) with his body
at a distance of one krosa( one and half miles) mighty , frightening ,
gross and with his hands stretched
out and it was frightening to see.
69.33-69.34
He after completely spreading his two great broad arms
caught both the sons of Raghava clan and hurt them with his strength
.
69.35
Both of them in spite of their wielding huge swords and strong bows and in spite of a very shining body became helpless when they were seized by that strong one
.
69.36
Being a valorous hero ,
Rama was not pained much but
Lakshmana being younger and not
well sheltered was greatly worried and with great disturbance in his mind told
Rama. 69.37
“Oh valorous one , see me being helpless and caught by this Rakshasa and so Oh Raghava , leave me here and free yourselves.”
69.38
“ It is my opinion that you Give me as a sacrifice to
him and
run away without being
harmed and attain Vaidehi soon .”
69.39
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, Oh Rama , when you get back
your kingdom belonging to our ancestors
and when you are ruling that kingdom,
I desire that you remember about me .” 69.40
When Lakshmana told like this , Rama told the son of Sumithra, “Oh Valorous one, do not
be scared and it is not proper for a
hero like you to get worried.”
69.41
In the meanwhile
that cruel Kabandha who was
great Rakshasa in a voice similar
to thunder enquired with Rama and Lakshmana .
69.42
“Who are you both having shoulders like a bull and
carrying huge swords and bows. Since you have reached this horrible place , you
have become food to me.”
69.43
“Being youth , you
can tell me the purpose of your coming
here. You have reached the place at the correct time , as I am waiting here with hunger.”
69.44
“Holding bows , arrows and sword both of you have entered my domain like bulls
with pointed horns and now it is not
possible to be alive anymore.”
69.45
Hearing these
words of that bad soul Kabandha , with a dried up mouth Rama told Lakshmana. 69.46
“Oh truly valorous one ,
it is dreadful that from great difficulty we have progressed to
greater difficulty without finding my
beloved and we are nearing the end of our life.” 69.47
“Oh Lakshmana , the great power of god of
death(Time?) over persons is extremely
evident and now me and you have reached a point of great calamity.” 69.48
“Oh Lakshmana , the power of god of death (time?) on people is very great and whether a person is valorous, very
strong and is knowledgeable of use of weapons in war,
they cannot stand the power of god of death (time) like barriers built with sand.”
69-49-69.50
Thus told the very famous son of Dasaratha , who is stable in valour and truth , and who
is determined to act with a steadfast mind
, on seeing the mighty valorous Lakshmana . 69.51
This is the end
of the sixty ninth chapter Of the
book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
70.Rama and
Lakshmana cuts the arms of Kabandha
(Rama and Lakshmana cut away the arms of the great
Kabandha and he falls down. Then he
starts telling his story.)
Seeing those two brothers who were there , in this hold
of his great rope like arms
Kabandha told them.
70.1
“You who are great
Kshatriya heroes have been sent by God
as food to appease my hunger and
why are you staying there losing your minds?”
70.2
Hearing that Lakshmana , who had gone through great
suffering told him at the appropriate time , most suitable words .
70.3
“This base Rakshasa wants to swallow you and me quickly and so let us cut off his
long arms with our swords. “
70.4
“This terrible looking big bodied Rakshasa who has great valour in his arms , who has
brought the world under his control wants to kill us here .” 70.5
“Oh lord of the world , it is not proper for a king to
kill someone who has not done him any harm , like animals which have been
brought in the middle of a sacrifice
should not be killed.” 70.6
Hearing them talking
like this among themselves that Rakshasa became very
angry and he opened his mouth to
eat both of them.
70.7
Then those princes of the Raghu clan who were experts in
knowledge of time and place took out their swords and
without any problem cut off both the arms .
70.8
Rama who can
judge things quickly cut off his right arm
with his sword and the valorous
Lakshmana cut off his left arm.
70.9
That great armed one losing both his arms fell on the
ground screaming and making great
sound , like a stormy cloud falling from
sky to earth , making all the directions
tremble. 70.10
Seeing his cut off arms lying in the pool of blood , That
Rakshasa piteously asked them. “Oh valorous ones, who are you?”
70.11
When he was speaking like that , the auspicious looking
Lakshmana revealed about the family of
Raghu to that great Kabandha.
70.12
“He is the world famous Rama born in the clan of Ikshuvaku and I am his
younger brother. Please know this.”
70.13
“When he who has the power of God was living in this
desolate forest a Rakshasa abducted his
wife and we have come here in search of
her.”
70.14
“Who are you ? Why are having only the body with a glittering mouth on your chest? Why
are you rolling without your calf muscles?’
70.15
When Lakshmana addressed Kabandha this way, he
became greatly pleased
remembering the words of Indra told
earlier.
70.16
“Welcome to you,
Oh tiger among men. It was due to my
luck that I was able to see you. It was due to my luck that you have cut off my hands.”
70.17
“Please listen oh tiger among men, when you tell you exactly how I got this ugly
form from my usual form due to my act of indiscipline. “
70.18
This is the end
of the seventieth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
71. Story of Kabandha
(Kabandha was the son of Dhanu and had a pretty form. He got a great boon from Brahma and
later when he fought with Indra, using Vajrayudha he plunged his head in to his body. He had
told him that he will get his pretty
form back when his hands are cut by Rama and he is burnt. He promises to help
Rama after he gets back his divine
form.)
“Oh Great one, Oh
Rama with great strength and valour , earlier my form
was famous in all the three worlds and was comparable to
Indra, Sun and Moon.” 71.1
“ I was greatly
terrorizing the world after
assuming this form and eventually used to frighten the sages who were living in the forest.” 71.2
“A sage called Sthoola Sira who was troubled by me using my unusual form , while he was collecting
firewood became very angry with me “
71.3
“After seeing me , he gave a dreadful curse that I would permanently have the form that I
have assumed .”
71.4
“When I begged him to put an end to the curse given
in great anger to me , he spoke
the following words.”
71.5
“When Rama cuts away your arms in this desolate forest and burns you, you would again assume the usual pretty form of yours.”
71.6
“Oh Lakshmana , know me as the son of Dhanu who was shining in prosperity and by the anger of Indra I obtained this
form in a battle.”
71.7
“I with great penance pleased the grandfather Lord Brahma
and he blessed me with long life. This boon made me greatly proud.”
71.8
“Having obtained a long life span, I knew that Indra
could not do anything to me and due to this I opposed Indra in a battle in a
thoughtless manner .” 71.9
“By the weapon
Vajra which had hundred knots in
his arms , he made my lower limbs and head to go inside my body.”
71.10
“In spite of begging him to send me to the world of God
of death he told, “Let words of Lords
Brahma become true.”
71.11
“Due to being hit by the Vajra, my thigh bones, head and face had been
broken and how could I live long without taking food? .”
71.12
“When I told like this to Indra, he himself created me
long arms of one Yojana length and mouth and sharp teeth in my
stomach.”
71.13
“I stretch all
over my long arms in the forest and
after pulling tiger , elephants and deer which move about in the forest, I
eat them.”
71.14
“Indra also has told me “When Rama and Lakshmana come ant cut your arms you will reach heaven.”
71.15
“Oh Rama , of best
of the kings, with this type of body in the forest , I thought that it is
proper catch all that I was able to catch.”
71.16
“I was thinking that definitely you would come to this
forest and this with this thought I was
struggling to maintain this body.”
71.17
“Be safe . you are that Rama. As per the words of that
great sage no one except Raghava had the strength kill me.”
71.18
“Oh great among me, I would give you very good
advice to you both , when I am purified
by use of fire by you.”
71.19
The soul of Dharma
told this to Dhanu , after listening to all these words that he told Lakshmana. 71.20
“My wife of great fame Sita was abducted by Ravana with
happiness and without difficulty when me and my brother were not there.”
71.21
“I only know his name and do not know anything about that Rakshasa ‘s form
and we do not know anything about his power or his place of residence.”
71.22
“Please show your pity on me who is suffering from sorrow and pain, who
not have any one who will help and who
runs all over without knowing direction.”
71.23
“We would now collect the fire wood broken by elephants ,
make a great pit in a place suitable for
it and do your cremation.”
71.24
“You may please tell us , where Sita has been taken and
whether she is alive or dead .You may please do this auspicious help , if you
know about it.”
71.25
When Rama told this to
the good Dhanu , then he who is an expert in speech like Raghava told
the words of welfare.”
71.26
“Not being divine now , I do not know anything about
Maithili as of now but when I assume the
divine form after burning , I will reveal about it to you.”
71.27
“Oh Lord before being burnt , I do not have the power to
know about the very powerful
Rakshasa who abducted Sita.”
71.28
“Oh Raghava , due to the power of the curse , I am kept
away from knowledge and having attained
this form all the world despises me.”
71.29
“Before the sun God travelling in his vehicle gets tired and sets , you drop me in the pit
and burn me as per the ritualistic
rules.”
71.30
“Oh son of Raghu clan, if you drop me in the pit and burn me according to rules, I will let you
know about a man who knows that
Rakshasa and would tell you about him.” 71.31
“ Oh Raghava ,
according to proper rules of justice you should make him your friend and he will extend you his help , Oh warrior
who acts swiftly.”
71.32
“Oh Raghava , there is nothing in the three worlds that
he does not know as for a different reason , he was roaming about all
the world.”
71.33
This is the end
of the seventy first chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
72.Kabandha requests Rama to meet Sugreeva
(Kabandha tells them to go and Sugreeva in the banks of Pampa . He said that if Rama signs a treaty with
him, then he would help Rama to recover Sita. He also assures that
Sita has not been harmed.)
After Kabandha
told like this , those valorous kings
after reaching to a mountain cave along with Kabandha set fire to the body.
72.1
Lakshmana himself with big wooden torches lighted the
funeral pyre from all directions and
started burning in all places.
72.2
That body of Kabandha was
like a great and big ball of ghee
and when the body was lighted by the body
‘s fat , fire slowly started to consume the
body.
72.3
That strong Kabandha wearing unsoiled pair of cloths and divine garland rose from the
funeral pyre after shaking it and Kabandha shined like a smokeless fire.
72.4
Then he
happily came out from the pyre
speedily wearing clean cloths
and ornaments all over his body. 72.5
Sitting on a shining aero
plane drawn by the swans with his luster he illuminated all the ten directions. That Kabandha who had
gone to the sky said the following to Rama .”Hear me , I will
tell you about the method of getting
back Sita.”
72.6-72.7
“Oh Rama, There are six methods to achieve anything. Any
one suffering bad luck would be helped
by another one suffering bad luck.”
72.8
“Oh Rama, You and Lakshmana are now going through a bad patch and due to
abduction of your wife and her possible
ill treatment sorrow has come to you.”
72.9
“Oh best friend , for achieving that matter you should
make friends with him and in spite of
thinking , I do not find any method for
you to achieve what you want.”
72.10
“Please hear from me Rama. He is a monkey called Sugreeva
and had to abandon his kingdom due to anger of Vali who
is the son of Devendra.”
72.11
“He who is greatly self respecting and valorous
lives in the slope of a mountain called Rishyamooka in a
pretty palace near the river Pampa,
along with four of his friends.”
72.12
“That king of monkeys
, is greatly valorous , has
great splendour , very brilliant , a teller of truth , very intelligent,
blessed with humility , firm and
great.”
72.13
“ He is efficient, brave , lustrous , mighty , heroic
and very strong and has been banished by his brother for the
sake of the kingdom.”
72.14
“He will help you as a friend who would be interested in your welfare , in finding out Sita and so do not
indulge mind in sorrow.”
72.15
“Oh tiger of the Ikshuvaku clan, whatever is going to happen cannot be made to happen in a different manner and it
is not possible to act against
time .”
72.16
“Oh Rama , from here go quickly to meet the very strong Sugreeva
and after going there make him quickly
as your friend and make a treaty without any ill will in the presence of
fire.” 72.17
“You should not insult Sugreeva , who is the
king of monkeys as he would be
grateful, take any form he wishes ,valorous , greatly strong and would be a seeker of your help.” 72.18
“You are both young and strong enough
and you can fulfill his work. Whether he is grateful or
ungrateful, he will do your work.”
72.19
“He is the legal
son of Riksharajas and the Sun god and he is wandering in the banks of
Pampa suspecting danger from Vali who is
his enemy.”
72.20
“Keeping your weapons ready go to
Rishyamooka mountain which is the
residence of the monkeys and make that
monkey who lives in forest as your
true friend.”
72.21
“That elephant among monkeys very clearly knows all those places occupied
people who eat the flesh of man and so go with tact and meet him.”
72.22
“ Oh Rama, Oh killer of enemies , There is not even a
small thing that is unknown to him in this world
, where the sun shines.” 72.23
“He with the help of his monkeys will
search all over rivers, big mountains , mountain caves, caves and
they will find out your wife.”
72.24
“Oh Raghava , he will send monkeys with very
big body to search in all
directions , your Sita who must be
sorrowing due to parting with you and
find that blessed lady who is pure in
the house of Ravana.”
72-25-72.26
“That prominent among the monkeys would find your blameless wife , even if she is on the top of Meru mountain or whether she is in the nether world by going there and
after killing the Rakshasas
they will restore her to you.” 72.27
This is the end
of the seventy second chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
73.Kabandha guides
them to meet Sabari and then Sugreeva.
(Kabandha Requests
Rama to meet saint Sabari who lives in the hermitage of Matanga ,
proceed to lake Pampa , climb up the
Rishyamooka mountains and meet Sugreeva.
He tells Rama to enter in to a treaty
with Sugreeva before fire.)
Kabandha after telling Rama about the method to get back
Sita again told the following meaningful
words.
73.1
“Oh Rama take the peaceful path to the west which shines and is pleasing to the mind as
you would find many trees under flowering there. There are Jambu trees, Priyala trees, Jack-fruit trees, holy
Banyan tree, Plaksha trees (a tree from which milky latex oozes out), tinduka
trees, holy fig trees Karnikara of red and white flowers, Mango trees, trees
that grow on dry soil, Tilaka trees, trees that bloom at night, Agnimukhya and
Asokha trees, Kadamba tree, Karaveera tree, red Asoka trees and Paribhadraka
trees. “
73.2-73.4
“You may either climb those trees are fell them by your
great strength and eat their nectar
like fruits , while proceeding ahead.” 73.5
“Oh son of Kakustha clan, after crossing that you would
come cross a forest in flowering. It
can be comparable to the Nandana Garden
and the North Kuru state.”
73.6
“The trees in the gardens have fruits dripping with sweetness in all seasons and is similar to Chaithraratha garden of
Khubera which yields fruits
always.” 73.7
“The trees there with huge bunches are bent
due to the fruits they bear and
shine like the clouds over
mountains.”
73.8
“Lakshmana after climbing them would easily harvest those nectar like fruits, make them fall on the ground and offer them to you.” 73.9
“While pleasantly travelling from one forest to another
forest and from one mountain to another mountain , both of you who are valorous
would reach the Pampa lake .”
73.10
“Oh Rama , the
slopes of the lake of Pampa is
smooth soil without stones and it does not slip and water is neither deep nor shallow and
does not have moss but has lotus and
lily flowers in full bloom.”
73.11
“Oh Raghava in the waters of lake Pampa swans,
ducks, Krouncha birds and Kurara
birds are jumping here and there and cooing.”
73.12
“Not knowing anything about being killed those auspicious
birds are not scared of human
beings and you can kill and eat
them as those fat birds are like
balls of ghee.”
73.13
“Oh Rama i in that Pampa lake , Lakshmana who is endowed with devotion can kill choicest fish with single bone , prawns ,
fish with crooked trunk and huge fish ,
remove their skins and wings and cook
them on iron skewers and offer them to you.”
73.14-73.15
“And while you are with delight eating those fish
Lakshmana can go to the tank which is pure , cold and enjoyable and full
of lotus flowers and bring that
lotus scented , pure , clear water
resembling silver and crystal , in the
lotus leaf and offer it to you.” 73.16-73.17
“Oh best among men,
you will also see there , huge boars which live in the mountain caves and roam freely in the forest , which
approach with desire that very lovely Pampa
to drink water.” 73.18-73.19
“Oh Rama when you stroll there in the evening , you will see trees with large number of flowers
and the cool water of Pampa and forget your sorrows.”
73.20
“Oh Raghava there
you will see the flowers of Tilaka trees, night jasmines , water lilies and lotus flowers strewn all over , making your mind
calm.”
73.21
‘Oh Rama there are
no human beings to wear those
flowers and the flowers in garlands made by them will not
wilt or drop.”
73.22
“There the disciples of sage Matanga who were sages who normally are absorbed in meditation ,
were bringing food from the forest for their teacher Matanga ,
and when they were tired due to exhaustion , sweat drops from the body
of those sages of great penance
fell on earth and the
flowers that blossomed from those sweat
drops never fade or wilt.”
73.23-73.24
“Though they have gone long back, you can see their
female attendant Sabari , who is an ascetic living there.”
73.25
“ Oh Rama, She is
a follower of Dharma saluted by all beings and she will go to heaven only after seeing
you, the God like Rama.”
73.26
“You will see her in
the unmatched and secret hermitage on the western bank of
Pampa which is difficult to see.”
73.27
“Though there are many elephants in the forest and mountain nearby, those
elephants do not attack the
hermitage due to rule established by the
sage Matanga.”
73.28-73.29
“In that forest equivalent to the forest of devas and
which can be compared to the Nandana Garden , which is full of several kinds of birds , you
will give up your sorrow and enjoy.” 73.30
“Rishyamooka
which is full of flowering trees
is situated in front of Pampa is very difficult to climb and is protected by elephants. This lofty mountain was raised in the earlier days by the
generous Brahma.”
73.31
“Oh Rama that man who sleeps on the top of that
mountain , will get wealth in his dreams and after waking up again he
will get it.”
73.32
“A person who does evil or sins who climbs
that mountain would be thrown down while he is sleeping by the Rakshasas
and such a person who commits sin or evil
cannot climb that mountain”73,33-73.34
“The roaring sound of baby elephants will be heard by those playing in Pampa and those residing in
hermitage of Matanga.”
73.35
“Those strong and great elephants which resemble
dark rain clouds dash it on each other and blood flows from their body are then separated and scattered all
over.” 73.36
“The animals living in the forest drink the spotless clean and cold water of Pampa
and after getting relieved of
their thirst , they go back to the forest.”
73.37
“Seeing those
bears and tigers shining like sapphire
and antelopes which are never defeated
, you will get rid of your grief.”
73.38
“ Oh Rama of Kakustha clan on that mountain there exists a shining cave which is closed by a
sheet of rock and so it is difficult
to enter the cave.”
73.39
“on the eastern entrance of that cave there is a pond
with pure cold waters. And that tank is surrounded by trees yielding fruits and
roots as also different kind of animal groups.” 73.40
“Sugreeva lives there along with four of his friends and at times he is seen at the top of the
mountain also.”
73.41
The courageous Kabandha wearing a flower garland after telling Rama and Lakshmana to go he shined like the Sun god. 73.42
Both Rama and Lakshmana who were about to depart went near Kabandha who was in
the sky and waited for him and Kabandha told them “You may go now.”
73.43
Then they told
him, We are going for succeeding in our
aim, “ and well please Kabandha bade farewell to them and went his way.
73.44
Then that Kabandha assumed his correct form
and surrounded by luster he was equal to Sun god and he told them, ”While you make
friendship with Sugreeva , enter in to
a treaty with him.” 73.45
This is the end
of the seventy third chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
74. Rama meets sage Sabari
(Rama goes near Pampa lake and from there to the Matanga hermitage and meets Sabari
who has been waiting for them. Sabari treats them with hospitality and then
enters in to fire and gets salvation.)
Those princes travelled towards the western direction as
directed by Kabandha towards the lake Pampa.
74.1
That Rama and Lakshmana crossing several mountains full
of trees laden with honey like
fruits set out to see Sugreeva. 74.2
Those Rama and Lakshmana who belonged to the Raghu
clan , stayed on the top of the
mountain and departed by the western
path and neared the banks of Pampa.
74.3
Then they reached the
western bank of the Pampa lake which was a lotus pond and saw the delightful hermitage of Sabari.
74.4
Then they reached the hermitage surrounded by very many trees and went towards Sabari who has viewing those pretty trees.
74.5
Then that lady sage
seeing them got up and saluted them , touched the feet of Rama as well as that of the great Lakshmana.
74.6
As per the practice she offered them water to wash their
feet as well as to drink and then Rama
spoke to that austere woman observing
great penance .
74.7
“Oh lady with penance as wealth , I hope you do not face any obstacles in doing penance . and I hope
you are able to control your anger
and desire for food.”
74.8
“Oh lady whose speech is pretty , how is your
attainment in spiritual practices ? I
hope your mind is pleasant and I hope
you have been able to serve the teachers
with good effect.” 74.9
That great lady
of penance who was sage who was recognized by other sages and who was old , spoke to Rama after receiving him.
74.10
“Today by being able to see you, I obtained the results of my penance and I think I have served my teachers
well and I have obtained good
results.”
74.11
“ “Oh great among men , Oh best among gods by worshipping you today my life has become
fruitful and I will also attain heaven .”
74.12
“Oh son of Raghu clan,
I have been sanctified by your gentle looks and oh destroyer of enemies, by your grace I would reach the land that
never fades.”
74.13
“When you reached Chithrakuta in aerial vehicles of
matchless luster , those whom I served , ascended to heaven.”
74.14
I have been told by those great sages who were great people and followers of
Dharma, “Rama will come to this blessed
hermitage and you receive him along
with son of Sumithra as guest and after seeing them you will reach blessed inexhaustible world.” 74.15-74.16
“Oh tiger among men , I have collected various forest foods for your sake , which are
available on the banks of Pampa.”
74.17
When Sabari spoke
in this way , that soul of Dharma Raghava addressed Sabari , who has never been prevented from reading about divine knowledge.”
74.18
“From that great soul
Dhanu , I have heard about your
power and if you think it proper I would
like to get personally acquainted with it.”
74.19
When these words were
released from the mouth of Rama ,
Sabari started showing him her great
garden.”
74.20
“Oh Rama , this
garden known as “Matanga garden” which
look like a splendid and solid cloud is
filled with many animals and birds and is very famous.”
74.21
“Here my Gurus who were great visionaries have offered many sacrifices along with chant of Manthras and
sacred waters.,”
74.22
“This is the altar in the west where , those revered ones , who were
completely exhausted offered flowers for worship with trembling
hands.”
74.23
“Oh best of the
Raghu clan , even today due to the power of their penance are shining filing all directions with great
light .”
74.24
“They did not have energy to move about and go
to the sea for bathing due to
fasting and just my their thought all
the seven seas came here together.” 74.25
“Due to their ascetic strength , the bark cloth they have hung
on trees for drying after their
bath , have even now not dried.”
74.26
“ Even today the flowers including lotus flowers offered
by them to God have not shown any sign
of wilting .”
74.27
“You have seen the entire forest and also have heard all that has to be heard. And now
with your permission I want to give up
this body of mine.”
74.28
“I wish to go near those great visionaries whom I served as an attendant I this
hermitage of saints.”
74.29
Rama and Lakshmana after hearing the words of
that lady who followed Dharma ,
became very happy hearing about those
wonderful incidents.
74.30
Then Rama told that lady sage who is firmly established
in her vow “You have worshipped me with devotion and so now you can go as per your desire.”
74.31
Thus spoken that
old woman with matted locks wearing
cloths of bark and deer hide , desiring
to give up her body immediately after
taking permission from Rama offered
herself in to fire and with a body shining like fire went to heaven. 74.32-74.33
Adorned with divine ornaments , wearing divine garlands
and unguents , wearing divine cloths and
with a form which was pleasing to look , she illuminated the place like a
streak of lightning.
74.34
Sabari due to the
practice of the penance of the soul went
to that holy place frequented by holy seers, accomplished people and great sages.
74.35
This is the end
of the seventy fourth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
75.Rama reaches Pampa
(Rama and Lakshmana reach the lake Pampa. They are
anxious to climb the Rishyamooka
mountain and meet Sugreeva.)
When Sabari went
to heaven in her own lustrous body , Rama
started thinking along with his brother Lakshmana.
75.1
Then after Rama, the soul of Dharma thought about the power of those
great sages , Rama told Lakshmana who was his completely focused well wisher. 75.2
“Please see this wonderful hermitage belonging to great
souls , where deer and tiger live together in implicit faith and which is
served by all type of birds.”
75.3
“Oh Lakshmana , here after bathing in the waters of the
seven seas , we have also offered prayers according to rules to our manes.”
75.4
“We have got rid of the inauspicious time and now the auspicious time
is within our reach and Oh Lakshmana happiness is truly in my mind now
and I feel auspiciousness has sprung up
again.” 75.5
“Come , let
us go to Pampa , which is good to
look at. The Rishyamooka mountain is
shining not very far off from here and
there lives Sugreeva , the son of Sun
god and the follower of Dharma being
scared daily of his brother Bali along
with four other monkeys.”
75.6-75.7
“Oh gentle one , I am in a hurry to see Sugreeva the mighty monkey
, because the searching of
Sita depends on him. “
75.8
To the courageous Rama who spoke like this the son of
Sumithra replied “my heart is also hastening me up. Let us go there.”
75.9
Then that lord of men left that hermitage
immediately and the Lord arrived
in Pampa along with Lakshmana.
75.10
Then they saw the sacred spot served by
great sages . That Pampa with its
various plants and creepers provided
good drinking water .With scented
red lotuses , clusters of night lotuses ,
combination of lotuses and white lilies
and blue lotuses , that lake Pampa looked like a multi coloured carpet.”
75.11-75.12
Rama from a distance saw
that source of drinking water ,
went near it and called it Matanga
lake and bathed in it.
75.13
Pampa
tank was filled with red lotuses and had
the fragrance of lotuses. The bank was full of mango trees in bloom and trees
of several kinds like Tilaka, trees with fruits abounding in seeds like Citron,
Dhavai trees, white trees in bloom, Karavera trees loaded with flowers, Punnaga
trees, clusters of Jasmine and Kunda shrubs, Banyan trees, so also reeds, Asoka
trees, shrubs surpasssing in whiteness to pearls, and several other trees
amazing and lovely spread all over, Rama and Lakshmana passed by glancing at
them. There were other trees with abundance of flowers, huge trees, Koyashtikas
trees with rind. Several different kinds of birds such as cranes, parrots,
sparrows, peacocks were found dwelling in the forest screaming aloud making noises.
Seeing all these Rama and Lakshmana went without being disturbed and with a
composed mind in that forest. 75.14-75.19
Then
Rama Saw Pampa filled with the treasure of clean and cold water and it was
surrounded by groves of Asoka , Thilaka,
Punnaga , Vakula and Udhalaka trees
.
75.20
Rama
seeing various types of trees and various ponds , was affection by passionate
feelings and went to the Pampa.
75.21
That
sides of the tank was full of trees with blossoms of
flowers, beautiful Sala and Champaka trees and
the honeybees which collected honey from the
flowers looked pretty and bright. The
waters were crystal clear with the scent of lotuses. The soft sands on the banks of
Pampa gleamed. Rama saw them again and again and said this to Lakshmana.
75.22-75.24
As told previously the Rishyamooka mountain
, full of minerals was situated on the banks of Pampa and it was
surrounded by trees with divine flowers.
75.25
The greatly valorous monkey by the name of Sugreeva who
was the son of the monkey king Riksharaja
Resided there.
75.26
The bull among men told Lakshmana, “Please go and meet Sugreeva”, and he also further said these words to Lakshmana who was valorous in
truth 75.27
“Oh Lakshmana, how can I , being banished , pitiable , and with mind in love with her , lead this life without her.”
75.28
After telling this , under spell of the god of love , to
Lakshmana who was hearing with concentration , he entered the blue and pretty waters of Pampa .
75.29
After going a long
distance on the great path , they gradually
went through the forest observing the forest with auspicious looks
seeing several kinds of flocks of birds
and at last saw Pampa. 75.30
This is the end
of the seventy fifth chapter
Of the book of Aranya (Forest) of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
End of Aranya Kandam
End of the book of forests.
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