CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED FORTYTWO

The Story of Rama

Rudra said:

1-3a. Formerly Svayambhuva Manu muttered the great formula of twelve syllables at Naimisa on the pure, auspicious bank of Gomati. For a thousand years he worshipped Lakshmi's lord. Lord Vishnu said to him: " Choose a boon from me." Then Manu Svayambhuva joyfully said to Vishnu: Manu said:

3b-4a. O Vishnu, be born as my son in three existences, O lord of gods. I am worshipping you with a desire for a son. Rudra said:

4b. Thus addressed, Lakshmi's lord spoke with very good words: Vishnu said:

5-7. O greatest king, whatever is desired (by you) in your mind will take place. I too have a great pleasure in being your son. O best king, when you will be born in the period having stability as its aim, I shall also be born as your son, O you of a good vow. O sinless one, in every age I shall be born of you for protecting the good, destroying the wicked and establishing righteousness.

Rudra said:

8-14. Having thus given him a boon, Vishnu vanished there only. From Manu Svayambhuva he had the first birth. He was born as king Dasaratha in the Raghu-family formerly. The second birth was that of lord Vasudeva in the family of the Vrsnis. He will be born as a brahmana in the town of Sambhala in the last two quarters of the Kali-age of the measure of a thousand divine years. Kausalya was born as the wife of king Dasaratha. Devaki was known (to be born) to serve the Yadu-family. Dsvaprabha was born as the wife of a brahmana Harivrata. Thus they obtained the motherhood of Vishnu in three existences. O you of a good vow, I shall first tell you the account of Rama, by just remembering whom even sinners get liberation. Hiranyaka and Hiranyaksa, taking up second birth, will be born as the very strong Kumbhakarna and Ravana.

15-22. O you innocent one, pious Visravas, a brahmana, was the son of Pulastya. His wife, a demon's daughter, was Visalaksl. She was the daughter of Sukesl. And the demon Sumalin's daughter Kekasi (Kaikasi? ) was his (another) wife of a firm vow. Being excessively full of lust, the slim, respectful lady of a charming appearance had sexual intercourse with the great sage in the evening. Due to her desire for sexual enjoyment in the evening two very powerful demons, Ravana and Kumbhakarna, known in the world, were born to her. A daughter, iWpanakha of a deformed face was also born to her. After sometime Bibhisana was born to her. He was of a good character, devoted to God, veracious, pious and pure. Ravana and Kumbhakarna were greatest like the Himalaya mountain. The two very much propitiated me with very severe penance. O goddess, that wicked Ravana worshipped me with just a wicked deed with his lotuslike heads. Then, I with my mind very much pleased said to him:

23-30. " Ask for a boon that is in your mind, O child." Then the wicked one said: " With a desire (i.e. as I have a desire) to conquer all worlds, let me not be killed by gods, demons or fiends." Then, O you of a beautiful face, I gave the wicked demon immunity from death from gods, demons or fiends. The very powerful demon, proud due to the grant of the boon, troubled the three worlds, gods, demons and fiends. Gods, troubled by him, full of fear, led by Brahma, sought the shelter of god (Vishnu), the lord of Laksml. Understanding their anguish, the ancient one said, in order to grant them immunity from fear, to all gods led by Brahma and Rudra: The lord said: I shall be born in the family of Raghu as the son of king Dasaratha. I shall kill the wicked Ravana with his relatives. Taking to a human body I shall kill the thorn (i.e. nuisance) to the deities. You too, born as monkeys due to Nandin's curse, help me, O best gandharvas and celestial nymphs. Rudra said:

31-32. All deities, thus addressed by Vishnu, god of gods, were born on the earth after being turned into (i.e. as) monkeys. Bhargava also gave the earth girt by the ocean. It was formerly given to the very noble Raghus by great sages.

33. There was Vaivasvata Manu's son, known as Iksvaku, the best among kings and very powerful, best among those who knew the ways of the world.

34-38. In his family was born the very brilliant and powerful king Dasaratha, king Aja's son, truthful, pure, and of a good character. The king protected the entire earth with valour. He installed all best kings on the kingdoms (i.e. thrones). That king married Kausalya, kingKosala's daughter, beautiful in all limbs. His second wife was Sumitra by name, Magadha king's daughter, of a bright smile. His third wife was Kekayi, having eyes like lotus-petals, and the daughter of Kekaya king.

39-44. With these three wives the Kakutstha king (i.e. Dasaratha) enjoyed while protecting the earth. There was a city named Ayodhya situated on the bank of Sarayu. It was full of all jewels and wealth and grains. It possessed ramparts and towngates. It had golden ramparts. It had excellent elephants and horses as Indra's city (had). In it lived the righteous king along with best sages and the noble brahmar^a Vasishtha, his family priest. And he ruled over the kingdom in which the thorns (i.e. sources of nuisance) were destroyed. That city of Ayodhya also was called holy, since the revered Supreme Being would be born in it. O auspicious one, the name of that city of the abode (of Vishnu) was great.

45-51. That is the highest place where revered Vishnu dwelt. There salvation, instantly cutting off (the bonds of) all acts, would take place. When Vishnu was born there, O you of an auspicious face, all men were delighted. That king (Dasaratha) having protected the entire earth, and longing for a son performed a sacrifice in honour of Vishnu (to propitiate) Hari, Acyuta. Worshipped with the sacrifice in his honour by him, Vishnu, the omnipresent king, the lord of Lakshmi, giver of boons said. In the fire Vishnu of the form of sacrifice then appeared. He was like pure gold. He held a conch, a disc and a mace. He had put on white garments. He was glorious, and adorned with all ornaments. On his chest were SVivatsa and Kaustubha; he was adorned with a garland of wood-flowers. His large eyes resembled lotus-petals, he had four arms, and was of a generous mind. The lord of Laksml, with Laksml seated on his left lap, appeared there. He who loved his devotees, said to the king: " I am the giver of boons (i.e. I shall grant you a boon)."

52-54a. Seeing him, the lord of all worlds, the king full of joy and with his mind full of delight, with his wife (wives? ) saluted him. With the palms of his hands folded, and bowing down, he spoke words faltering due to joy. He said to Vishnu, the lord of gods: " Be my son." Then Vishnu, the lord, being pleased, said to the king: Vishnu said:

54b-55. O best king, for the good of the gods and the earth, I shall be born (as your son), for the protection of the good, for killing the demons, for granting liberation to the worlds, and for establishing righteousness. Mahadeva said:

56. Vishnu gave the king bright rice boiled in milk, kept in a golden pot and held in the hand of Laksml. Vishnu said:

57. O king, O you of a good vow, give this rice boiled in milk to your wives. On them will be born sons from my body. Mahadeva said:

58-60. Speaking like this, Vishnu, being praised by all sages, presented himself, and vanished in the same way. The very calm king, seeing the eldest and the youngest queen, divided the divine rice boiled in milk, and gave it to them. In the meanwhile his beautiful-eyed middle wife, longing for a son, came near him.

61-62. Seeing her, Kausalya and Kekayi of a beautiful waist, gave half (the portion of) their divine rice boiled in milk to her. Eating that divine rice boiled in milk all the queens with beautiful waists, conceived and they, of a bright lustre, shone.

63-68. Then Vishnu, the lord of gods, wearing yellow garments and holding a conch, a disc, a mace in his hands, appeared in their dreams. In this charming time, O you of a bright smile, in the month of Caitra, in the bright half of the month, on the ninth day, when the Sun was in the Pusya constellation, in the noon, and at a time when all Planets were auspicious, Kausalya gave birth to a son, Vishnu, the lord of worlds, who was dark like lotus-leaves, who resembled crores of Cupids, whose eyes were large like lotus-petals, and was adorned with all ornaments. On his chest were sVlvatsa and Kaustubha. He was graced with all ornaments. He shone with two ear-rings (bright) like the rising sun, resembled many suns, was covered with great lustre. He, the charming one, was born from the body of the highest lord, as one lamp is produced (i.e. lighted) from another lamp.

69-70. He was the lord of all worlds, who was fit to be meditated upon by all meditating sages, was ancient, the goal of all Upanisads, endless and the highest god. He was Vishnu, the cause of the creation, maintenance and destruction of the world, the protector of all beings, the lord full of all beings.

71-75. When the lord of the world was born, in heaven divine drums were sounded; the best gods sent down showers of flowers. Gods led by Brahma, seated in aeroplanes, and along with sages and with their entire bodies overcome by joy, praised (him). The chiefs of gandharvas sang and bevies of celestial nymphs danced. Holy, auspicious breezes blew. The sun became very bright. The fires burnt (after being) subsided; the ten quarters were clear. Then the king joyfully seeing his son, the ancient (god Vishnu), performed through Vasishtha, the ceremony to be performed at the birth of a child. Then revered Vasishtha also gave him a charming name.

76-79. " This great lord is the 'ramana' or lover of Shri, living in a lotus. Therefore, his ancient name Srlrama is settled." It is equal to the thousand names of Vishnu (i.e. the hymn Vishnusahasra-nama) and gives salvation to human beings. Brought into existence by Vishnu, he is called Vishnu. The revered sage Vasishtha, having named him, taken him round, having saluted him, having praised him with eulogies and having recited the thousand names (of Vishnu) for the good luck of the noble one, the very lustrous one, went from that most auspicious house.

80-82. Then the king gladly gave much wealth to chief brahmanas. He also righteously caused to give the gift of a myriad of cows. The best of the Raghu dynasty gave a hundred thousand villages (to brahmanas). With divine garments, and ornaments, and immeasurable wealth, he gratified the brahmanas to please Vishnu.

83-87. Kausalya with expanded hands saw him resembling a white lotus, having a lotus in his lotus-like hand. She saw, O you of an excellent face, (marks of) lotuses on his beautiful feet. On his body (she saw) (signs of) a conch, a disc, a mace, a lotus, a flag and garments etc.; on his chest (she saw) Shrivatsa and Kaustubha along with a garland of wood-flowers. On his body she saw the entire world with gods, demons and human beings. The large-eyed (Kausalya) saw the fourteen worlds on his smiling face. In the breath of the noble one she saw Vedas and Itihasas (historical accounts). O you of an excellent complexion, on his buttocks (she saw) islands, oceans and mountains. In his navel (she saw) Brahma and S" iva. In his ears (she saw) the bright quarters. In his eyes she saw fire and the sun-and in his nose (she saw) the very speedy wind.

88. Seeing all his splendours, the goal of all the Upanisads, the beautiful (lady) was afraid, and having saluted him again and again, and with her eyes full of tears, she, with the palms of her hands folded, said (these) words: Kausalya said:

89. O lord of the god of gods, I am fortunate in having got you as my son, O master. O lord of the world, be pleased with me. Show towards me a son's affection. The lord said:

90. Vishnu (i.e. Rama), the omnipresent one, thus addressed by his mother, obtaining illusory manhood, cried due to his being a child.

91-93. Then queen Kausalya of a beautiful waist and auspicious characteristics, joyfully embraced her son and gave him (i.e. fed him with) milk from her breast. The eternal one drank (sucked) milk from her breast as a child; the great lord, the sustainer of the world remained on his mother's lap. Citizens and countrymen, being delighted, celebrated a festival in that auspicious, charming region, giving all desired objects of men.

94-96. Bharata produced from the Pancajanya (conch of Vismi) was born to Kaikeyi. Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana of auspicious signs. The glorious one also gave birth to S" atmghna, the tormentor of his enemies. Lakshmana, the killer of the enemy's heroes, was born with a portion of (the snake) Ananta. S" atrughna, of unlimited valour, was produced from Sudarsana. They all grew there in the family of Vaivasvata Manu.

97-98. The sons were properly taught by the very vigorous Vasishtha. The princes studied the Vedas and were proficient in general knowledge. They knew the essential nature of all branches of knowledge, and were skilled in archery. They were very generous and they increased the joy of people.

99. The princes Rama and Lakshmana formed a pair. Similarly Bharata and JShatrughna formed a pair.

100-104. Then Lakshmi, the chief goddess of the worlds, who was beautiful, who resembled a crore of young suns, whose hands were like red lotuses, who was endowed with all (good) characteristics, who was adorned with all ornaments, who, the beautiful one, had worn on her bosom a garland of fresh flowers, was born in Janaka's house, at the opening of a furrow, at an auspicious moment in an auspicious field dug up by Indra's plough. Seeing that girl, auspicious and full of all Vedas, the lord of Mithila took her out and nourished her as (his) child. The chief goddess, dear to the lord of worlds, grew in the charming house of Janaka for the protection of the entire world.

105-110. In the meanwhile, O goddess, the great sage, Kausika, well known in the world, commenced the performance of a sacrifice in the established hermitage on the auspicious, meritorious bank of Bhagirathl. When that sacrifice of the brahmana proceeded, the demons of Ravana destroyed his sacrifice. Pious Kausika, having thought, desired to bring for the good of the world, Vishnu (i.e. Rama) born in Raghu's family. Having gone to the charming city of Ayodhya protected by (Dasaratha, the descendant of) Raghu, the best sage saw Dasaratha, the best king. The king of a great lustre too, having seen Kausika, got up, and with the palms of his hands joined, saluted, along with his sons, the best sage.

111-112a. The descendant of Raghu, saying, " I am fortunate" honoured the best sage with proper rite after seating him on an excellent seat. Having taken himself round him, and saluted him, he said to him: " What do (i.e. should) I do? " Then Visvamitra, with great penance (to his credit), and with his mind delighted, said: Visvamitra said:

112b-113. O king, give me Rama for the protection of my sacrifice. In Rama's vicinity (i.e. presence) may my sacrifice be fruitful. Therefore, O king, please give (me) Rama for the protection of (my) sacrifice. The lord said:

114-116. Hearing the words of the best sage, he, the best among the all-knowing ones, gave the best sage, Rama with Lakshmana. Taking Rama (with him), that best brahmana Visvamitra with great penance (to his credit), and being pleased, went to his hermitage. When the best descendant of Raghu went (with the sage), gods were delighted. The very lustrous ones sent down showers of flowers, and praised (him).

117-118. Then the very powerful Garuda, delighted in heart, came there unseen by beings, and having approached (the best descendant of) Raghu (i.e. Rama), gave the two (i.e. Rama and Lakshmana) two bows, two quivers, and two inexhaustible arrows. The bird also gave them divine missiles, weapons, and left.

119-123. The two heroes, Rama and Lakshmana, were informed of the fierce-looking demoness moving in the forest by the noble Kausika. O goddess, her name was Tadaka, and she was the wife of the demon Sunda. The two great heroes struck her with arrows discharged from their divine bows. Struck (with his arrow) by Rama, the fierce-looking demoness gave up her fierce form, and became one of a divine form. She was glowing with her body, was adorned with all ornaments; having saluted the two (best descendants of) Raghu, she went to Vishnu's world. Having killed her the celebrated and very lustrous Rama entered, with the noble Lakshmana, the auspicious hermitage of Kausika.

124-126. Then the delighted sages, having gone forth to meet the best of Raghus, seated him, and worshipped the highest soul with materials of worship etc. The best sage Kausika, being initiated along with the sages properly commenced the excellent sacrifice. When the great sacrifice proceeded, a demon named Marica, along with his brother Subahu, came there to create an obstacle.

127-129. Seeing the two fierce demons, Rama, killer of his enemy's heroes, killed Subahu, the lord of demons, with one arrow. With a great wind-missile, he caused Marica to fall into the ocean as wind causes a dry leaf (to fall down). That best demon, seeing the great valour of Rama, put down his weapons and went to a great hermitage to practise penance.

130-132a. Visvamitra, of great lustre, worshipped Rama there with a pleased mind after the great sacrifice was over. The best sage, having embraced the noble one who had side-locks on his temples, who was dark like a lotus-leaf, whose eyes were large like lotus-leaves, and having smelt his head, praised him.

132b-141. In the meanwhile, the lord of lords, king of Mithila commenced, with the (help of) best sages, the Vajapeya sacrifice. To see it all sages of auspicious hearts led by Visvamitra went along with best of the Raghus (to Mithila). With the lotus-like foot of that Rama who was going (to Mithila), the land was purified, and the great stone was approached. That Ahalya too, who was formerly cursed by her husband Gautama, became auspicious by the touch of Rama's foot. Then the best sages having reached the city of Mithila with the two descendants of Raghu (viz. Rama and Lakshmana) were delighted at heart. The very powerful king of Mithila having seen the illustrious ones to have come, went forth to meet them and honoured them. (He saw) Rama whose eyes were large like lotuses, who resembled a lotus-leaf (in complexion), who had put on a yellow garment, was gentle, had tender limbs and was bright, who, the excellent one, had slighted Cupid with his handsomeness, who was endowed with all (good) marks, was decorated with all ornaments, who, the slender Vishnu, was born in the heart-lotus of the highest god, with the highest virtues like good character, as one lamp would be produced (i.e. lighted) from another. Seeing that Raghunatha, Janaka was delighted at heart.

142-145a. He looked upon Rama, Dasaratha's son, just as the highest lord. Saying, " I am fortunate" he honoured the descendant of Kakutstha. He took that to be the favour of Vishnu, Vasudeva. The lord thought to his mind to give him (in marriage) his daughter. Knowing the two to be sons from Raghu's family, the best king honoured them in accordance with Dharma with bright garments and ornaments. With honour like madhuparka he worshipped the sages.

145b-148. Then at the end of the sacrifice, the lotus-eyed Rama broke the divine bow of Shiva and won Janaka's daughter. The lord of Mithila, very much pleased with the great purchaseprice in the form of (Rama's) valour, gladly gave her (in marriage) to him, as formerly the great Ocean gave Lakshmi to Vishnu. The lord of Mithila sent a messenger to (Dasaratha) the descendant of Raghu. The pious one entered Mithila with his two sons.

149-153. That best descendant of Raghu stayed along with the delighted Vasishtha, Vamadeva, etc. in Janaka's charming city. The king properly honoured by king Janaka got Rama married to the Earth's daughter (i.e. SIta) at an auspicious time. The king got Urmila, Janaka's daughter, married to Lakshmana, and the two daughters of good figures and having all (auspicious) marks, Mandavi and Srutaklrti to Bharata and ^atrughna respectively. Then having completed the nuptial rites the powerful, happy Dasaratha surrounded by citizens and (other) subjects started for Ayodhya.

154-156. Receiving the wedding present, and honoured by the king of Mithila, he, along with his sons, daughters-in-law, horses, elephants and attendants (left for Ayodhya). On their way, the very strong and valorous son of Jamadagni, the destroyer of kings, taking an axe, like an angry lion desiring to fight, ran to the descendant of Kakutstha. Reaching Rama, and seeing him, Bhargava spoke (these) words:

Parasurama said:

157-159. O Rama, Rama of mighty arms, listen to my words. Having killed many very brave kings in battles, and having given the land to brahmanas I went to practise penance. Having heard about your valour and power, I have come to fight with you. The Iksvakus born in the family of my maternal grandfather are not to be killed by me. Having heard (i.e. when I hear) about the valour of a ksatriya and his power, I cannot bear it.

160-162. O prince, you broke the fierce bow of Shiva difficult to be assailed. Therefore, O best of Raghus, O liberal one, fight with me. O you who curb your enemies, this is Vishnu's bow which is like that (bow of Shiva). Fix (an arrow to it). Then I am vanquished (by you) with your valour. Or abandon your weapons before me, the powerful one. If you are afraid in your heart, then submit to me, O Kakutstha. The lord said:

163-166. Kakutstha (i.e. Rama), the brave one, thus addressed by Parasurama, took his bow and the power too of him (given to him) by Vishnu. Deprived of that power, that brave Parasurama became powerless and lustreless like a brahmana deprived of (holy) acts. Seeing Parasurama lustreless, the best kings repeatedly praised Rama (with the words): " Well (done), well (done)." Rama having easily raised the bow and fixed the arrow to it, spoke to Parasurama, who was amazed: Rama said:

167. O brahmana, what should I do to you with this best arrow? Do (i.e. should) I cut off this world, the nether (world) or heaven, or should I destroy your penance? The lord said:

168. Bhargava, seeing that very fierce arrow of Rama and knowing him to be the highest self, was delighted, and said to Rama: Parasurama said:

169-176. O Rama, Rama of mighty arms, I did not know you to be the ancient (soul). Today only I knew you by means of your virtues like valour. You are actually the first, highest soul. You are the highest Brahman. You are the highest, the immutable one. You are Ananta (the endless one), great Vishnu, Vasudeva, higher than the highest. You are Narayana. You are the lord of Shri. You are full of the three (Vedas). You are the Time (or Death). You are the entire world. You yourself are the one called A. You are the creator, the supporter and the destroyer. You are the highest lord. You are inconceivable; you are of the form of a great being; you are a great hymn. You are the highest being having four, six, five qualities. You are the sacrifice. You are the vasatkara (i.e. exclamation used on making an oblation). You are the Orh consisting of the three (Vedas). You are of a manifest and an unmanifest form. You possess qualities. You are qualityless and the highest one. I am unable to praise you who are beyond the scope of even the Vedas. O lord, you, the absolute one (should) please forgive me my rash behaviour towards you. Having conquered, due to your power, all princes and having given the earth to the brahmanas, I obtain peace due to your favour only. The lord said:

177-185. Having spoken like this, Parasurama of a great penance (to his credit) having gone round and saluted Rama, the protector of the world, offered the heaven merited by having performed one hundred sacrifices to that missile. Rama of a great lustre, then saluted the great sage. He duly worshipped him with water for washing his feet, materials of worship and water for being sipped. Parasurama, of a great penance (to his credit), honoured by him went to the hermitage of Nara-Narayana, for practising penance. And the mighty king Dasaratha, along with his sons and wives, entered his own city at an auspicious moment. Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and ^atrughna, having approached their wives, amused themselves with their minds delighted.Rama, the pious one amused himself with SIta for twelve years, like Vishnu amusing himself with Laksrrri. At that time only king Dasaratha affectionately desired to bestow his kingdom upon his eldest son (Rama). His dear wife Kaikayl who was given (two) boons (by him) formerly, asked the best king for the coronation of Bharata and banishment of Rama for fourteen years.

186-188. That king, with his mind struck by grief, (and) due to being veracious, banished his son. Rama, the descendant of Kakutstha, though capable (of snatching the kingdom), righteously left it for him, and to (keep) the promise of his father, went, with Lakshmana and Sita, to the forest to kill Ravana. That king (Dasaratha), afflicted by the separation from his son, died.

189-190. Pious Bharata, being appointed to the kingdom along with the ministers showing that he was a good brother, did not desire the kingdom. Having come to the forest, he requested (Rama) his brother and the descendant of Kakutstha. Rama who curbed his enemies, did not desire the kingdom as aresult of his father's order.

191-193. He gave him his own sandals. He (i.e. Bharata) too received them with devotion. Bharata brought Rama's auspicious sandals to the kingdom, and he, Kaikayl's son, everyday worshipped them with sandal, with flowers. And the best king, being engaged in the practice of penance, remained in it (i.e. the kingdom). Till the noble Rama came (back to Ayodhya) all the citizens remained engaged in vows.

194. Rama with Sita enjoyed himself on the mountain like Chitrakuta, in the holy hermitage of Bharadvaja, and the holy water of Mandakini.

195-202. Sometime the magnanimous Rama was resting (with his head) on Sita's lap. Indra's crow came there and went about him. He, seeing Janaki there and being tormented by Cupid's arrow, tore her plump and raised breast with his sharp nails. King Rama, seeing the crow, took a darbha with^ his hand and uniting it with the missile of Brahman, discharged it. The crow, seeing the fierce blade of grass, with its form full of flames, and crying with a distressed tone, ran away. Rama's very fierce missile followed the crow. The crow, oppressed by fear, wandered in the three worlds. Wherever the crow, desiring shelter, went, the fearful missile of Rama went after him. The crow, tormented by the missile and (therefore) seeking a shelter, quickly went to Brahma, Indra, Rudra, Yama and Varuna. All the wise gods like Rudra and the demons, seeing the crow, said: " We are not able to protect (you)." Then Brahma, the lord of the three worlds, said (to the crow):

Brahma said:

203-205. O best of crows, submit yourself to him only. He, the glorious one alone, is the ocean of pity for all. He, the lord of beings, endowed with qualities like good character and affectionate to those who have sought his shelter, will certainly protect you. He is the father, the mother, the companion and the friend of the entire world. Seek the refuge of the lord of gods. O bird, there is no other refuge.

Mahadeva said:

206-208. Thus addressed by Brahma, the crow, overcome by fear, suddenly approached Rama and fell on the ground. Seeing the crow in peril of life, Sita politely said to her lord, the mighty (Rama), " Protect him, protect him." The respectable lady Sita put the head of the crow that had fallen before her on Rama's feet.

209-211. The virtuous Rama, the ocean of the nectar of pity and afflicted by compassion, raised him with his hand and protected him. Rama, the treasure of compassion, said to the crow: " Do not be afraid. I shall grant you protection from fear. Go as you please." He, protected by Rama, repeatedly saluted Rama and Sita, and quickly went to heaven.

212-213. Then Rama, along with Sita and the intelligent Lakshmana, being praised by great sages, lived on the Chitrakuta mountain. Rama, the best of the Raghus, being worshipped on it by Bharadvaja, went to the very huge hermitage of Atri.

214-217. The excellent pious sage, seeing the best of the Raghus to have come, with joy went forth with his wife to greet him. Having seated him, along with Sita, on a very auspicious and divine seat, he affectionately offered him materials of worship, water for washing his feet and for sipping, and various garments, madhuparka, so also ornaments and unction. His wife Anasuya affectionately gave Sita divine and excellent garments and bright ornaments. She fed Rama with divine food, drink and eatables, etc.

218-219. Prince Rama, along with Lakshmana, very devoutly honoured by him, lived there for a day. When it dawned, Rama got up, took himself round the great sage, saluted him, and set about going.

220-221. Permitted by him the lotus-eyed Rama went to the Dandaka forest thronged by great sages. There he killed the very fierce demon named Viradha and then entered the auspicious hermitage of Sarabhanga.

222. He, on seeing Rama, had his sins instantly destroyed and went, along with gandharvas and celestial nymphs to Brahma's world.

223-224. One by one Rama went to the hermitages of Sutiksna, of Agastya, of Agastya's brother also, and was honoured by them. Then Rama lived very happily and for a long time in Pancavati, on the auspicious bank of Godavarl.

225-227. On going there the greatest sages, the religious ascetics, worshipped the lotus-eyed Rama, the lord of the souls. They acquainted him with the threat coming from the hosts of demons. Having comforted them, he gave them the gift of fearlessness. After being honoured by him they went to their own hermitages. Rama passed THIRTEEN

happy years there.

228-229a. After sometime, the demoness, Ravana's unconquerable sister of a fierce form, entered the charming Pancavati on the auspicious bank of Godavarl.

229b-235a. Having seen the excellent Raghu (i.e. Rama) resembling a crore of Cupids, dark like lotus-leaves, having large, lotus-like eyes, a raised nose, large arms, a conch-like neck, and a large chin, resembling a red lotus, with his palms marked with lotuses, adorned with a row of nails like the spotless moon resembling glossy and tender durva (grass), an auspicious treasure of delicacy, wearing a yellow silken garment, adorned with all ornaments, of the age of a youth, having a body deluding the world, the demoness, oppressed by Cupid's arrows, approached Rama having lotus-like eyes, and said to him: The demoness said:

235b-236. Who are you, dwelling in the Dandaka forest in the guise of an ascetic? Why have you come to (this forest) difficult to be approached (even) by demons? Quickly tell the truth. (Please) do not tell a lie. Mahesvara said:

237-240a. That Rama, thus addressed, laughed and said:

Rama said:

I am king Dasaratha's son, called Rama. This archer is my innocent younger brother, Lakshmana. This is my dear wife Sita, Janaka's daughter. By my father's order I have come to this forest. With a desire to do good to the sages, we are roaming in this great forest. O beautiful lady, why have you come to my hermitage? Who are you? In whose family are you born? Tell me the whole truth. Mahesvara said:

240b. Thus addressed by Rama, she said fearlessly: The demoness said:

241-245a. O king, I am the daughter of Visravas and the sister of Ravana. I am ^urpanakha by name, and am well-known in the three worlds. O lord, this Dandaka forest is given to me by my brother. Eating groups of sages I roam in the great forest. Seeing you, an excellent sage, I, tormented by Cupid's arrows, and being very fearless, have come (here) with a desire to dally with you. O best king, please be my husband. O king, I desire to devour this Sita (wife) of you. With you I shall dally in the forest with prominent mountains. Mahesvara said:

245b-252a. Seeing the demoness, after having spoken like this, ready to devour Sita, Sxl Rama raised his sword and cut off her nose and ears. The demoness, with her face deformed, and weeping with fear, entered Khara's house, and told him Rama's act. He, the killer of his enemies, surrounded by thousands of demons, and with Dusana and Trisiras, came to fight violently with Rama. Rama easily killed those demons of huge bodies in the fearful forest with arrows resembling Death (i.e. with fatal arrows). With arrows resembling serpents he knocked down in the battle Khara, Trisiras and the very powerful Dusana. Having killed all the demons living in the Dandaka forest, and worshipped by hosts of gods and praised by great sages, (Rama) lived in Dandaka forest with Sita and Lakshmana.

252b-255a. Learning about the murder of the demons, Ravana, rendered violent with anger, came along with the wicked Marlca to Janasthana. That demon Ravana came to Pancavati with Marica of an illusory deer-form, and whenDasaratha's sons were away from the hermitage he, desiring his own murder, kidnapped Sita, the wife of Rama.

255b-257a. The powerful Jatayu, the king of vultures, seeing her bsing kidnapped, fought due to his affection for Rama with the demon. Ravana who resisted his enemies, killed him with the strength of his arms and entered the city of Lanka.

257b-261. Having kept Sita in the Asoka-grove he, desiring death by Rama's arrow, entered his house. And Rama having killed the demon Marlca who had taken up the form of a deer, again came there (i.e. to his hermitage) with his brother Lakshmana. Coming to know that Sita was kidnapped by a demon, the very intelligent son of Dasaratha, being tormented by great grief, lamented. Looking for Sita in the forest, he, on his way seeing a very mighty vulture fallen on the ground with his feet and wings cut off and with his entire body full of blood, was amazed.

262a. The glorious Rama asked him: " Who desired to kill you and why? "

262b. The vulture, on seeing Rama, very gently spoke: The vulture said:

263. O Rama, the mighty Ravana has kidnapped your wife. He, the chief of the demons, struck me in the battle. Mahesvara said:

264-266. Having spoken like this, he suddenly cast his life before Rama. Rama performed his obsequies according to the Vedic precepts. And he gave him his own eternal abode, fit to be reached by meditating saints. The best bird, the vulture, attained salvation, the final position due to the common form of Vishnu. Then Rama went to Malyavat (mountain), to the auspicious hermitage of Mataiiga.

267-270. He went to the pious, glorious S" abari. That best among Vishnu's devotees, seeing Rama and Lakshmana, went forth to greet them. Having saluted and seated them on a seat of darbhas, she washed their feet. With her mind full of joy she devoutly worshipped them with fragrant wild flowers. She, of a firm vow, then offered the two descendants of Raghu (viz. Rama and Laks3238 mana) fragrant fruits and sweet roots. (Rama, ) the descendant of Kakutstha, gave her the highest liberation.

271-273. Then Rama, killer of his enemies, having gone to the Pampa lake killed there the demon Kabandha of a fierce form. The very vigorous one, having killed him, burnt him. (Then) he (i.e. Kabandha) went to heaven. Then the lotus-eyed Rama, having gone to Godavarl, asked her, " O Ganga, do you know my dear (wife) Sita? " That Gaiiga, covered with ignorance, did not tell him (anything).

274-275. Rama angrily cursed her: " Be of red water." Then being dejected she through fear, led by great sages, and being helpless and with the palms of her hands joined sought Rama's refuge. Then all great sages said to the eternal Rama: The sages said:

276. Ganga, purifying the three worlds, has risen from your lotus-like feet. O lord of the world, you alone can free her from the curse. Mahesvara said:

277a. Then the pious Rama, affectionate to those who seek his shelter, said: Rama said:

277bc. May this Gaiiga, destroying sins, be free from my curse merely by ^abarl's bath and united with auspicious water.

278-279. Speaking like this, the very powerful Rama made, with the tip of his iSarriga bow, the S" abari-tlrtha like Ganga and Gaya. In its water was the holy place of great devotees of Vishnu. " Undoubtedly that form becomes venerable to the world."

280-282a. Speaking like this the descendant of Kakutstha went to Rsyamuka mountain. Then on the bank of Pampa lake he was joined by the monkey Hanumat. At his words (i.e. request) he came in contact with Sugriva. At the words (i.e. request) of Sugriva, Rama, having bound Valin, the lord of monkeys, consecrated Sugriva on that kingdom.

282b-287. And the lord of monkeys desiring to find out Sita, sent heroes like Hanumat. Hanumat, the son of Wind, entered the city of Lanka and saw (there) the helpless Sita emaciated due to fasting and being very much grieved, with her body smeared with dirt and mud, and wearing a dirty garment. The monkey, having shown her the token of recognition and having told her the news (about Rama), having killed seven sons of the ministers, so also Ravana's son, after having uprooted the pillar of the gateway, and having cheered up Sita, destroyed the grove, the garden-keepers, the servants and the chief leaders of the army.

288-291. By chance he was arrested by Ravana's son. Seeing the lord of demons and having also talked to him, the monkey burnt the city of Lanka with the fire from his (burning) tail. Having taken the token of recognition given by her (i.e. Sita) he again came (back to Rama). The very lustrous chief of monkeys, approached the lotus-eyed Rama and reported to him that he had actually seen Sita. Rama, with Sugrlva, and surrounded by many monkeys, went to the shore of the great ocean, and kept his army there.

292-294. Ravana's younger brother called Bibhlsana, who was pious, veracious, and best among the great devotees of Vishnu, knowing Rama to have arrived, abandoned his elder brother (Ravana), so also the kingdom, sons, wife, and submitted himself to Rama. At the words of Hanumat the lord accepted him, and granting protection to the gentle one, consecrated him on the kingdom (i.e. the throne) of the demons.

295-297. Then Rama, the descendant of Kakutstha, desiring to cross the ocean, approached him, and he, the mighty one, seeing the very clean water, took up the Sarriga bow and dried up the ocean with volleys of arrows. Then the ocean, the lord of rivers, yielded himself to the descendant of Kakutstha (i.e. Rama), the treasure of pity. Then Rama again filled the ocean with the Varuna missile.

298-299. Then on the ocean, the abode of alligators, Nala constructed a bridge with rocks brought by the monkeys. Then the great army entered the city of Lanka, and a great battle between the monkeys and the demons was fought.

300-306. Then Ravana's very mighty son Indrajit bound both Rama and Lakshmana with magical nooses (literally, serpentnooses). Gamete, having come (there), let loose the nooses. The very powerful monkeys killed all the demons. In the battle Rama killed Ravana's younger brother, the very strong Kumbhakarna, with arrows resembling flames of fire. With the missile presided over by Brahma the angry Indrajit knocked down the monkeys. The mountain having great herbs was brought by Hanumat. And all got up (alive) by the touch of it that was brought. Then Rama's brave younger brother (i.e. Lakshmana), knocked down with arrows Indra's conqueror (i.e. Indrajit) as Indra did Vritra. The very strong Ravana set out with his complete army and ministers to fight with Rama on the battlefield. The battle between the monkeys and demons took place on all sides.

307-321. A battle took place between Rama and Ravana; so also with Lakshmana. The lord of demons knocked downLakshmana with (the missile called) Sakti. Then the angry Rama, of great lustre and the destroyer of the demons, killed the demon soldiers with arrows resembling Yama, the god of death, and destroying eveything. Rama very much covered the demon Ravana with thousands of blazing arrows resembling the rod of (Yama, the god of) Death. The demon, with his entire body pierced with missiles of Rama, fled through fear from the battlefield to Lanka. Seeing the world full of Rama, he entered his house through dejection. Then Hanumat brought the great mountain with great herbs. Due to that Rama's younger brother regained consciousness. Then with a desire for victory Ravana commenced a sacrifice. The chief monkeys then destroyed it of a magical form. Then Ravana again set out, after getting into a divine chariot and along with many demons, to fight with Rama. Then the intelligent Indra sent to Rama a divine chariot, yoked with bay horses and with a charioteer. The best of the Raghus, having got into the chariot brought by Matalin (Indra's charioteer), and being praised by hosts of gods, fought with that demon. Then a great, very fierce battle, with weapons and missiles took place day and night for a week between Rama and Ravana. All the gods, remaining in aeroplanes, witnessed the battle. The best of the Raghus cut off the heads of Ravana, which many times sprang up due to the boon of Shiva. Rama quickly discharged a very fierce missile sacred to Brahma and resembling the fire at the time of the deluge to kill the wicked one. That missile, disr charged by Raghava, tore Ravana's chest, pierced the earth and went to the nether world, and being honoured by serpents (again) came back to Rama's hand. That great demon losing his life, fell down and died.

322-325. Then all the hosts of gods with their minds full of joy, dropped showers of flowers on the noble lord of the world. The chiefs of gandharvas sang (his praise) and bevies of celestial nymphs danced. So also auspicious breezes blew, and the sun was very bright. Sages, siddhas, gods and kinnaras praised (him). The best of the Raghu-family consecrated the greatest demon Bibhisana on the throne of Lanka, and looked upon himself as having accomplished his object. Having consecrated Bibhisana Rama then said these words to Bibhisana: Rama said:

326-327. As long as the moon and the sun exist, as long as the earth exists, as long as my account exists, the kingdom (of Lanka) will rest with Bibhisana. Being very powerful, reach, along with the host of your sons and grandsons, my divine, ancient abode accessible to meditating saints. The lord said:

328-330. The very mighty one, Rama, having thus given a boon to the demon and having approached Sita, spoke many harsh and censurable words to her in the assembly of people. The chaste lady much censured by him entered fire. Then all the hosts of gods led by S*iva, Brahma, seeing the mother (i.e. Sita) entering fire, were afflicted by fear, and approaching the greatest of Raghus, said, with their palms joined, to him: Gods said:

331-339. O Rama, Rama, O you of large arms and of a great valour, listen. Sita is extremely pure. She never violates your norms of conduct. You should not abandon her wrongly, as the sun does not give up his light. She is the mother of the entire world, and is support of the whole world. Ravana and Kumbhakarna were your former highly devoted servants. Due to the curse of Sanaka etc. they were born on the earth. For their liberation Sita was seized (by Ravana) in the Dandaka forest.

The two pre-eminent demons were killed by you. They are (now) liberated, and with their sons, grandsons and followers have gone to heaven. You are Vishnu; you are the highest Brahman; you are the ancient one meditated upon by the meditating saints.1 You alone, of all gods, are the immutable (god) without a beginning or an end. You are the glorious Narayana. Sita is the ancient Laksml. She is the mother of all the worlds. You, O highest lord, are the father. This mother of the world is eternal and shall never abandon you. O best of the Raghus, as you are omnipresent, so also she is. Therefore, O you descendant of Kakutstha, O you gentle one, accept this chaste Sita of a good conduct and a strong vow, as (Laksml) from the Milky Ocean. The lord said:

340. In the meanwhile Fire, the observer of the world, brought Sita there, and handed her over to Rama in the vicinity (i.e. the presence) of gods. Fire, present in all bodies, then said to the descendant of Kakutstha: Fire said:

341. O lord, this Sita is of a good conduct and is sinless. O Rama, accept her quickly. I have told you the truth.

The lord said:

342-343. Then Rama, the descendant of Raghu, having accepted Sita at the words of Fire, (and) being worshipped by the best gods, was pleased. Those excellent monkeys who were killed in the battle by the demons, came back to life and got up due to the boon of the grandsire.

344-347. Then (Bibhisana, ) the lord of demons gave Rama the aeroplane named Puspaka which resembled the sun, which belonged to Kubera, and which was seized (from Kubera) by his brother (Ravana). He (also) gave Rama garments and ornaments. The brave, glorious Rama, Dasaratha's son, honoured by him got into the excellent aeroplane along with Sita and his brave brother Lakshmana, so also along with the hosts of bears and monkeys, the noble Sugrlva, the brave Bibhisana, and the very mighty demons.

348-352a. All the bears, monkeys and demons got into the aeroplane and the ever-liberated noble ones got into an aeroplane of Vaikuntha. Rama, being praised by best gods, proceeded to Ayodhya. Rama of a genuine valour went to Bharadvaja's hermitage, and sent Hanumat near Bharata. The best monkey having gone to the fisherman's house, saw Guha, a devotee of Vishnu, and told him about Rama's arrival. Then from there he went to Nandigrama, saw Rama's younger brother and told him about the joyous occasion of Rama's arrival.

352b-357. Having learnt from the monkey (i.e. Hanumat) about the arrival of Rama, Bharata, along with his younger brother and friends, obtained incomparable joy. Having again come back to Rama, Hanumat, the son of Wind, told all that Bharata did. Rama also along with his younger brother got down from the best aeroplane and saluted with his wife Bharadvaja, the treasure of penance. The sage honoured the descendant of Kakutstha along with his younger brother by (offering him) cooked food, fruits, roots etc. and garments and ornaments. Honoured by him, Rama saluted the best sage, and permitted by him, again, along with his followers, and surrounded by his friends went to Nandigrama in the Puspaka (aeroplane).

358-361. Kekayi's son (Bharata) with his younger brother and along with his ministers and chief citizens, so also strong best kings, gladly went forth to greet his elder brother (Rama). Approaching the best of Raghus, he, surrounded by his followers, saluted him. Rama, the tormentor of his enemies, got down from the Puspaka aeroplane, and embraced Bharata and! shatrughna. The very lustrous one, along with Sita and Lakshmana, saluted his family priest Vasishtha, and relatives like his old mothers.

362-368a. Bharata embraced Bibhlsana, Sugriva, Jambavanta, so also Angada, Hanumat and Susena. After an auspicious bath along with his brother and attendants, he, having divine flowers and garments and smeared with divine sandal and being praised by gods, Sita and Lakshmana, got into a divine auspicious chariot occupied by Sumanta. Bharata, Sugriva,! shatrughna fand Bibhlsana, Angada and Susena, Jambavat, Hanumat, Nila, Nala, Subhaga, Sarabha, Gandhamadana and other brave monkeys, so also Guha, the lord of the Nisadas, very brave demons and very powerful greatest kings, mounted many auspicious elephants and horses.

368b-369. The highly lustrous one entered the indestructible city of Saketa to the accompaniment of many auspicious musical instruments, many eulogies, and along with bears, monkeys, demons and excellent warriors of Nisadas (i.e. fishermen). Prince Rama, on seeing the capital, and thinking only of his father king (Dasaratha) on the way, entered the house purified by the movements of the meritorious feet of Sugriva, Maruti and Bibhisana.

 

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