Seeing in sore straits his own mighty forces capable of making people's
down stand on end,--and seeing his brothers resembling Sakra in prowess,
routed; and seeing also his uncles brought down in battle, as well as
his brothers--Yudhyonmatta and Matta--foremost of Rakshasas, that
crusher of the pride of deities and Danavas--the exceedingly energetic
Atikaya--resembling a hill, who had obtained from Brahma a boon in
battle, was fired with wrath. Ascending a car effulgent like a thousand
suns mingling their rays into a burst of brilliance, that enemy of
Sakra, charged the monkeys. And stretching his bow, (Atikaya) decked
with a diadem and wearing polished ear-rings, proclaimed his name (among
the monkey-ranks) and shouted in lofty tones. And with his leonine roars
and the proclamation of his name, and the tremendous twang of his
bow-string, he struck terror into the monkeys. Seeing the magnitude of
his person, the monkeys thinking that it was Kumbhakarna who had
come,--and affrighted thereat, sought the shelter of each other. And
seeing his form like unto that of Vishnu when he displayed his threefold
energy, the monkey-warriors seized with fear, began to scour on all
sides. And on Atikaya appearing before them, the monkeys, stupified in
that conflict, saught the shelter of Lakshmana's elder brother. And from
a distance Kakutstha saw the mountain like Atikaya mounted on the car
and equipped with his bow, like unto roaring clouds (seen) on the
occasion of the universal disruption. And seeing that huge-bodied one,
Raghava struck with surprise, comforting the monkeys, addressed
Bibhishana, saying,--"Who is this one resembling a mountain, furnished
with a bow and having leonine eyes, that is stationed on a large car
yoked with a thousand steeds,--he that with effulgent sharpened darts
and keen _pracas_ and _tomaras_, shineth like Mahecwara environed by
spectres--he that displaying his fatal tongue, appeareth splendid,
surrounded with darts in his car; like a mass of clouds graced with
lightning. And his bows adorned and backed with gold all over, beautify
his car even as Indra's bow beautifyeth the firmament. And who is this
foremost of Rakshasas and best of bowmen that embellishing the field of
battle, approacheth on a car glorious as the sun; who, displaying the
ten cardinal points with his shafts resembling the rays of the sun,
appeareth handsome with his peak of a banner bearing the figure of
Rahu--whose bow bent in three places, emitting roars resembling the
rumbling of clouds, and plated with gold, looketh like the bow itself of
Satakratu? And his mighty car furnished with a banner and ensign and
bottom, and having clatter resembling the roaring of clouds, hath four
horsemen (attached to it). And there are on the car eight and thirty
quivers and dreadful bows and yellow-golden bow-strings. And there are
(in that car) two effulgent swords at his side, illumining it,--their
hafts measuring four hands and their blades ten each. And that calm
(warrior) wears red garlands about his neck, and resembles a mighty
mountain. And a very Destroyer, he hath a mighty mouth, appearing like
that of the Destroyer himself; and he looketh like the sun stationed on
clouds. And with his arms adorned with golden _angadas_, he appeareth
splendid like that best of mountains--the Himavan with its towering
summits. And with his pair of ear-rings, his charming yet terrific
countenance shineth like the full Moon entering into Punarvacu.[255] O
mighty-armed one, tell me all about this foremost of Rakshasas, seeing
whom the monkeys, overwhelmed with fear, fly away in all directions".
Asked by the king's son--Rama of immeasurable prowess--the exceedingly
energetic Bibhishana spoke unto Rama, informing him,--"The highly
powerful king, Vaisravana's younger brother of dreadful deeds, the
high-souled Ravana--is the sovereign of the Rakshasas. This one is his
mighty son, like unto Ravana himself in strength. He serveth the aged,
is of wide celebrity and is the prime of those versed in all branches of
knowledge. And he is competent to ride horses and elephants, to wield
the sword or draw the bow,--or in sowing dissensions, or giving away, or
in counsel,--he reposing in whose arm Lanka hath cast off fear. Know him
to be Atikaya, son unto Dhanyamali. Having adored the pure-souled Brahma
with austerities, he hath obtained weapons, and hath defeated his foes
(in fight)". 'Thou shalt be incapable of being slain by celestials and
Asuras'--was the boon conferred on him by the Self-sprung; and he also
gave him this celestial mail and this car resembling the effulgent Sun
himself. He hath vanquished (in battle) hundreds of deities and Danavas;
and he hath (always) protected the Rakshas, and destroyed Yakshas. And
this intelligent one resisted the thunder-bolt itself of Indra; and in
encounter baffled the very noose of the king of waters. This one is
Atikaya--foremost of Rakshasas; and that son of Ravana is the humbler of
the hauteur of deities and Danavas. Therefore, O best of persons, do
thou endeavour thy best. This one with his shafts slaughtered the
monkey-hosts before (us)". And then the powerful Atikaya entering that
monkey-force, stretched his bow and shouted again and again. And the
high-souled principal monkeys, seeing that (hero) possessed of a
dreadful person, that best of car-warriors--stationed on his car, rushed
forward. And Kumuda and Dwivida and Mainda and Nila and Sabha dashed on
at one time with trees and mountain-peaks. Thereupon that foremost of
those skilled in weapons, the exceedingly energetic Atikaya, severed
those trees and rocks by means of shafts dight with gold. And in that
encounter that powerful one possessed of a gigantic person, skilled in
arms, pierced all those monkeys staying before him with arrows entirely
made of iron. And agonised, having their persons pierced in that mighty
conflict by that arrowy shower, they were incapable of resisting the
same. And the Rakshasa terrified that host of monkey-heroes, even as an
enraged lion priding in his youth terrifyeth a society of deer. And in
the midst of those bands of monkeys, that lord of Rakshasas did not slay
anyone without battle. And then springing up before Rama, that one
furnished with his bow and quiver, addressed him in haughty words,
saying,--"Stationed in this car holding the bow and arrows in my hands,
I will not fight any that is ignoble. Him that hath strength, and that
also understandeth this business,--let him today speedily give me
battle". Hearing his speech, that slayer of foes--Sumitra's son--was
fired with wrath. And not bearing him, he sprang forward disregarding
his antagonist's words, and took up his bow. And flying unto fury,
Sumitra's son, darting up, took out arrows from his quiver, and
stretched his mighty bow in front of Atikaya. And filling the entire
earth and the sky and the ocean and all the cardinal quarters,--the
terrific twang of Lakshmana's bow struck terror into the (hearts of the)
night-rangers. And hearing the dreadful twang of the bow of Sumitra's
son, the exceedingly energetic and powerful son of the lord of Rakshasas
was struck with surprise. Then Atikaya, enraged, seeing Lakshmana
advance, taking sharpened shafts, spoke unto him,--"Thou art a boy, O
Sumitra's son; and as such knowest not how to display prowess. Go thou.
Why wishest thou to fight with me resembling Death itself. Not Himalaya
itself or the firmament or the earth is capable of bearing the
impetuosity of shafts shot by my arms. Thou wishest to rouse a fire
slumbering sweetly. Leaving alone thy bow, do thou return. Do not lose
thy life by coming in contact with me. Or it may be that thou art proud;
and, therefore, hast no mind to return. Stay then. Renouncing thy life,
thou shalt go to Yama's mansion. Behold my whetted arrows--crushers of
the insolence of foes--resembling the weapon itself of the
Lord,[256]--adorned with burnished gold. And even as a lion enraged
sheddeth the blood of a mighty elephant, this arrow of mine resembling a
serpent shall shed thy blood". Having delivered himself thus, he fired
with wrath set his shaft on his bow. Hearing in that encounter Atikaya's
wrathful speech fraught with hauteur, the highly powerful and
intelligent son of the king possessed of exceeding grace, was
transported with passion; and he said,--"Thou canst not attain
pre-eminence solely by virtue of thy speech. One cannot be a worthy
person simply by say. O wicked-minded one, do thou display thy strength
on me equipped with the bow and holding arrows in my hands. To-day shall
my shafts decked in gold, drink thy blood flowing from thy person and
issuing out of wounds inflicted by my arrows resembling darts.--'This
one is a boy', thinking this, thou ought not to slight me. Whether I am
a boy or an old[257] man--death shalt thou know in the conflict. It was
as a boy that Vishnu had overpowered the triune world with his prowess".
Hearing Lakshmana's words, fraught with reason and high sense,
Vidyadharas and ghosts, deities, Daityas and Maharshis, and the
high-souled Guhyakas then beheld that marvel.[258]
Then Atikaya, enraged, setting his arrow on his bow, shot it at
Lakshmana, as if devouring up the welkin. Thereat, Lakshmana--slayer of
hostile heroes--with a crescent severed that sharpened shaft resembling
a venomous serpent, as it was descending. And seeing the shaft severed,
like a serpent having its person cut off, Atikaya waxing exceedingly
enraged, took up five arrows; and the night-ranger discharged them at
Lakshmana. Thereat Bharata's younger brother cut off the approaching
arrows with whetted shafts. And having severed them with sharpened
shafts, Lakshmana--slayer of hostile heroes--took up a sharpened arrow,
as if flaming in energy. And taking it, Lakshmana set it on his
excellent bow; and drawing the latter, vigorously discharged the shaft.
And that hero endowed with prowess hit that foremost of Rakshasas in the
forehead with that shaft having bent knots, discharged from his bow
drawn to its full bent.--And that arrow piercing the forehead of that
dreadful Rakshasa, and smeared with blood, appeared like the lord of
serpents in a mountain. And the Rakshasa, smarting under Lakshmana's
shaft, showered, like the dreadful gateway of Tripuri battered by Rudra.
Then recovering himself and reflecting, he said,[259]--"Excellent well!
By this discharge of thy shaft, thou approvest thyself as a foe in whom
I can well glory". Having spoken thus candidly, he, folding his hands at
ease, and seated on the platform of his car, began to range in it. And
then that foremost of Rakshasas began to take up, set, and shoot one,
three, five, or seven shafts. And those shafts resembling Fate itself,
plated with gold at the feathered parts,--and looking like the Sun
himself (in splendour),--discharged from the bow of the lord of
Rakshasas, lighted up the heavens. Thereat Raghava's younger brother by
means of many a sharpened shaft calmly cut off all those vollies of
arrows shot by the Rakshasa. And finding all those arrows riven in the
encounter, that enemy of the lord of the immortals, Ravana's son, was
fired with wrath, and took up a whetted shaft. And then aiming that
arrow, that highly powerful one suddenly shot it; and with that, rushing
on, hit Sumitra's son in the chest. And struck in the encounter by
Atikaya, the son of Sumitra began to bleed copiously, like a mad
elephant discharging the temporal juice. And then that lord at once
extricated the arrow; and then took up a keen shaft and fixed the same
on his weapon.[260] And then he set a shaft (on his bow-string) reciting
a formula for the Agneya[261] weapon; and thereat his arrow as well as
bow flamed up. Then the highly powerful Atikaya took up a Raudra[262]
weapon; and thereon fixed a shaft plated with gold at the feathered
part, and resembling a serpent in sheen. And even as the Reaper hurleth
his rod, did Lakshmana hurl that weapon inspired with divine energy,
dreadful and aflame,--at Atikaya. And seeing that shaft set upon an
Agneya weapon, that night-ranger discharged a Raudra arrow set upon a
Solar weapon. And there like a pair of infuriated serpents, those arrows
with their heads flaming in energy, baffled each other in the sky. And
burning each other, the shafts fell on the earth; and those best of
arrows, shorn of brilliance and reduced to ashes, were deprived of their
splendour. And having blazed in the welkin, those two fell down to the
earth reft of their lustre, Then Atikaya wrought up with wrath
discharged an arrow called Aishika dedicated to Tashtri. Thereat the
powerful son of Sumitra severed that shaft by an Aindra[263] weapon.
Seeing Aishika baffled, that Prince--son unto Ravana--fired with rage,
fixed an arrow on a Yamya[264] weapon; and then the night-ranger shot
that weapon at Lakshmana. And Lakshmana resisted it by a Vayavya[265]
weapon. And then as a mass of clouds poureth down showers, Lakshmana,
enraged, poured volleys of shafts on Ravana's son. Thereupon, hitting
Atikaya, those arrows coming in contact with his mail, had their barbs
broken, and fell down to the earth. And seeing them baffled, that slayer
of hostile heroes--the renowned Lakshmana--began to shower shafts by
thousands. And albeit showered with those arrows, that Rakshasa--the
mighty Atikaya--in that encounter was not pierced by them on account of
his impenetrable mail; and that best of men failed to hurt him in the
contest. Then approaching him, the Wind-god spake unto him,
saying,--"This one hath received a boon from Brahma, and is covered with
an impenetrable mail. Pierce him with a Brahma[266] weapon. He cannot
otherwise be slain. This one clad in mail and endowed with prowess is
forsooth incapable of being slain by others". Hearing the words of the
Wind-god, Sumitra's son like unto Indra in prowess took an arrow endowed
with fierce impetuosity, and at once set it on a Brahma weapon. And on
that sharp-headed best of arrows being fixed on that foremost of
weapons, the cardinal quarters and the Moon and the Sun and the mighty
planets and the sky were seized with affright; and the earth shook. And
inspiring that arrow furnished with a feathered part and resembling an
emissary of Yama himself, and fixing the same an his bow, Sumitra's son
in that encounter discharged that shaft like unto the thunder-bolt at
the son of the enemy of Indra. And in that conflict Atikaya beheld that
shaft fair-feathered and having its feathered part dight with splendid
diamonds, acquiring enhanced vehemence arising from its having been
discharged by Lakshmana,--and hissing and rushing on with tremendous
impetuosity. And seeing it, Atikaya swiftly resisted it with countless
sharpened shafts. But endowed with the energy of Suparna himself, that
shaft vehemently went to him. And seeing that shaft flaming and
resembling the Fatal Destroyer himself,--coming, he, exerting himself to
the utmost resisted it with darts and _rishtis_ and maces and adzes and
javelins and arrows. But beating down all those weapons of wonderful
forms, that arrow alive with flames, coming to the diadem-decked head of
Atikaya, severed the same (in twain) And that head furnished with a
corsalet, cut off by Lakshmana's arrow, suddenly dropped to the earth,
like a summit of Himavan toppling (to the ground). Seeing him rolling on
the earth, with his attire and ornaments scattered about, those
night-rangers that survived were overwhelmed with grief. And with pale
forces and distressed, they, fatigued in consequence of the thrashing
they had undergone, suddenly began to cry in frightful accents. And on
their leader having been slain, those night-rangers that were about
(Atikaya), without waiting any longer,--overwhelmed with panic, rushed
towards the city. And on their foe endowed with terrific prowess and
incapable of being confronted, having been slain, innumerable monkeys
filled with excess of joy, and displaying countenances resembling blown
lotuses, paid homage unto Lakshmana working out their welfare.
[255] The seventh lunar asterism.--T.
[256] _Isvara--Siva_.--His weapon is the trident.--T.
[257] The commentator says the passage means--"Thou knowest (me) _for
death_ itself. I prefer the sense given.--T.
[258] The encounter that ensued between Lakshmana and Atikaya .--T.
[259] _Chintayamasa--thought_, I apprehend, means _said_ in this
connection.
[260] _i.e._ the bow.
[261] Belonging to the god of Fire.
[262] Relative to Rudra.
[263] Belonging to Indra.
[264] What could this be like? The commentator is silent over this
important point.--T.
[265] Belonging to the Wind-god.
[266] Belonging to Brahma.
SECTION LXIXII.
Hearing Atikaya slain by the high-souled Lakshmana, the king was filled
with exceeding great anxiety and spoke thus,--"Dhumraksha exceedingly
wrathful,--best of those equipped with all arms--and Akampana and
Prahasta and Kumbhakarna--all these exceedingly mighty heroes--Rakshasas
ever seeking warfare, conquerers of the forces of foes, and never
defeated by antagonists, have together with their hosts been slain by
Rama of untiring feats. And other Rakshasas having gigantic bodies and
skilled in various arms,--countless high-souled heroes--have also been
brought down. These brothers were formerly bound by my son Indrajit of
renowned strength and prowess with terrific shafts, obtained as boons.
And I do not know by what power or superhuman virtue or stupifying
energy did those brothers--Rama and Lakshmana--liberate themselves from
those dreadful bonds, which could be loosed neither by celestials nor
the highly powerful Asuras combined nor Yakyas, Gandharbas and Pannagas.
And all those heroic Rakshasa warriors that marched forth at my bidding,
have been destroyed by monkeys of marvellous might. Him see I not that
can now slay Rama with Lakshmana,--that hero together with his forces
and Sugriva and Bibhishana. Alack! mighty must be Rama and wondrous is
his strength of weapon--he coming in contact with whose prowess, these
Rakshasas have met with their deaths. Now let this palace be everywhere
guarded by a vigilant garrison,--as also the _acoka_ wood where Sita is
being guarded. We should always be acquainted with the ingress and
egress (of every person). And do ye, surrounded by forces, remain where
there are garrisons. And the night-rangers should in the evening, at
midnight and in the morning always watch the movements of the monkeys.
The monkeys should by no means be slighted. And ye should know whether
the enemy putteth forth (fresh) efforts,--and whether they advance or
remain stationed where they at present are".--Thereupon those exceeding
mighty Rakshasas did as they had been desired. And having directed them,
Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--bearing the dart of ire (in his heart), in
forlorn guise entered his own mansion. And with the fire of his rage
blazing up, the exceedingly powerful sovereign of the night-rangers,
absorbed with the danger that had befallen his son, began to sigh
momentarily.
SECTION LXXIII.
Those Rakshas that remained after the others had been slain, swiftly
informed Ravana that all those foremost of Rakshasas--Devantaka and the
rest, Triciras, Atikaya and others--had been slain. And suddenly hearing
them slain, the king with his eyes charged with brine, thinking of the
disastrous destruction of his sons and brothers, was extremely agonized.
Thereupon, seeing the king afflicted, and sunk in a sea of sorrow, that
foremost of car-warriors--son unto the Rakshasa king--Indrajit,
addressed (his sire), saying,--"O father, it doth not behove thee to be
overcome with this excessive grief, inasmuch as, O lord of Nairitas,
Indrajit yet breaths. Smit by the enemy of Indra, (Raghava) can by no
means save his life in encounter. To-day behold Rama along with
Lakshmana with their bodies torn with my shafts,--lying down lifeless on
the ground, having their persons covered with my sharpened arrows! Hear
this vow of the foe of Indra, never swerving and instinct with prowess
and divinity,--this very day will I with unfailing shafts slay Rama
along with Lakshmana. To-day let Indra and Vaivacwata and Vishnu and
Rudra and Sadhyas and Vaicwas and men and the Sun and the Moon, behold
my immeasurable prowess, terrific like that of Vishnu at the sacrificial
ground of Vali". Having spoken thus, that foe of the lord of celestials
endowed with exceeding energy, taking the king's permission, ascended a
car having the velocity of the wind itself, yoked with asses, and
furnished with every variety of weapons. And ascending the car,
resembling the car of Hari himself, that exceedingly powerful repressor
of enemies at once set out for the field of battle. And as that
high-souled (hero) marched, he was followed by countless mighty
(Rakshasas) breathing spirits; bearing bows in their strong hands. And
some of those, resembling mountains, were mounted on elephants, and some
on superb steeds, and some on bears, and some on beasts of prey, and
some on lions and jackals,--and some of the Rakshasas endowed with
dreadful vigor were mounted on crows, and some on swans, and some on
peacocks,--they were equipped with _pracas_ and maces and _nistrincas_
and axes and clubs. And all sides were filled with the blares of conchs
and the sounds of kettle-drums. And then that enemy of the lord of
celestials marched forth with impetuosity. And with an umbrella hued
like the Moon, that destroyer of enemies appeared like the full Moon
stationed in the sky. And that hero garnished in golden ornaments--that
foremost of all bowmen--was fanned by an excellent and graceful golden
_chowri_. And with Indrajit furnished with the splendour of the Sun
himself, and possessed of peerless prowess, Lanka, looked beauteous even
as the firmament graced with the glorious Sun.
Arriving at the scene of conflict, that highly powerful repressor of
foes arrayed his forces around the car. And then that foremost of
Rakshasas with choice mantras duly offered libations unto Fire.[267] And
that powerful lord of Rakshasas there worshipping Fire with fragrant
wreaths and fried paddy, sacrificed unto it. And arms served for _Kaca_
and _Bibhitakas_ for fuel; and there were red cloths and a ladle made of
black iron. And spreading Fire there, with _tomaras_ representing
_Kaca_, he seized the neck of a living goat. And then the kindled
smokeless fire blazing up brilliantly, displayed signs betokening
victory. Thereat, with his right tongue whirling, the Deity of Fire
himself looking like one made of gold,--arising, accepted the offering.
And then that (Rakshasa) skilled in weapons acquired a Brahma weapon
(from that Deity), and inspired his bow and car with _mantras_. On that
weapon having been invoked,[268] and on (the god of Fire) also having
been worshipped, the firmament furnished with the suns and stars and
planets was afflicted with affright. Having worshipped (the god of
Fire), that one endowed with the splendour of Fire itself, that one
possessed of the prowess of the great Indra and gifted with
inconceivable vigor, accoutred in bows and arrows and swords and having
steeds and cars and darts,--disappeared in the sky. Then burning for
battle, setting up roars went out the Rakshasa ranks, thronging with
steeds and cars, and graced with pennons and standards. And they fell to
slaughtering monkeys in the engagement with countless shafts, sharp,
variegated and decorated; as also with _tomaras_ and _hooks_. And
Ravana's son, fired with wrath, seeing those night-rangers, addressed
them, saying,--"Do ye, burning with a desire to destroy the monkeys,
fight cheerfully". Thereat all those Rakshasas, eager for victory,
smitting roars, covered the dreadful monkeys with showers of shafts. And
environed by Rakshas in that encounter, he[269] poured on the monkeys
_nalikas_ and _narachas_ and maces and clubs. And trembling in the
encounter, those monkeys armed with trees at once began to shower rocks
and trees on Ravana's son. Then the exceedingly powerful Indrajit, son
unto Ravana, endowed with wondrous energy, pierced the bodies of the
monkeys (with arrows). And fired with wrath, that (hero) rejoicing the
Rakshasas with a single shaft pierced nine and seven monkeys in that
encounter. And that invincible hero in that conflict mangled the monkeys
with shafts resembling the Sun, decked with gold. And their persons
pierced in that contest, and themselves pained with those arrows, they
began to fall down, giving up all intention of fight, like mighty Asuras
smit by the celestials. And then waxing highly enraged, those
considerable monkeys in that conflict hotly pursued (Indrajit)
resembling the Sun himself and having terrific arrows for his rays. And
all the monkeys, with their bodies riven and deprived of their senses,
and bathed in blood and writhing in torments,--pursued (Indrajit). And
putting forth their prowess in behalf of Rama, those monkeys, equipped
with rocks in the encounter, who had set apart their very lives (for
him), paused, shouting up loudly. And they in that conflict showered
trees and crags and mountain-tops on Ravana's son. And that destroyer of
foes--the exceedingly energetic son unto Ravana--resisted that mighty
shower of trees and stones capable of compassing destruction. Then that
Lord pierced the monkey-hosts in the encounter with shafts resembling
fire or venomous serpents. And piercing Gandhamadana with eight and ten
sharp arrows, he wounded Nila stationed at a distance with nine shafts.
And that one endowed with redoubtable prowess pierced Mainda with seven
shafts capable of piercing into the pith; and he pierced Gaja with five
shafts in the encounter. And he pierced Jambavan with ten and Nila with
thirty. And then with dreadful sharp shafts obtained as boons, he
rendered Sugriva and Rishabha and Angada and Dwivida (almost) lifeless.
And transported with passion, and resembling the Five arisen at
Doomsday, Indrajit, harassed other principal monkeys with countless
arrows. And in that terrific conflict, he agitated the monkey-hosts with
swift-speeding shafts, resembling the Sun himself, deftly discharged
(from his bow). Then in that encounter, leaving his army, Indrajit
became suddenly invisible unto the monkey-hosts,--and began to shower
fierce arrows, like dark clouds pouring rain. And with their persons
torn by the arrows of the conqueror of Sakra,--slain by his power of
illusion,--with their teeth uprooted, those mountain-like monkeys fell
down in the field, emitting frightful cries,--like a mountain smit with
Indra's thunderbolt. And in the conflict they could only see sharp
pointed shafts among the monkey-ranks; but that foe of the celestial
chief--the Rakshasa, hidden by virtue of illusion, they could not
discover there. And then the high-souled lord of Rakshas covered all
sides with sharp-pointed shafts resembling the rays of the Sun; and he
rived the foremost monkeys. And whirling darts and _nistraicas_ and
axes, flaming and having the effulgence of Fire,--and furnished with
flames shooting forth sparks,--he discharged them furiously at the
forces of the sovereign of monkeys. And the monkey-leaders struck with
Sakrajit's shafts resembling flames, appeared like laughing Kincukas.
And some looking at the sky were struck at their eyes. And they
gradually began to hide themselves in each other and drop to the earth.
And that foremost of Rakshasas--Indrajit--with _pracas_ and darts and
whetted arrows, inspired with _mantras_, pierced all those powerful
monkeys,--Hanuman and Sugriva and Angada and Gandhamadana and Jambavan
and Sushena and Vegadarcin, and Mainda and Dwivida and Nila and Gavaksha
and Gavaya and Kesari and Hariloman and the monkey Vidyutdanshtra and
Suryyanana and Jyotimukha and the monkey Dadhimukha and Pavakaksha and
Nala and the monkey Kumuda. And having pierced those foremost monkeys
with golden-hued maces, he showered on Rama and Lakshmana arrows
resembling the rays of the Sun. And showered with those vollies of
arrows, Rama, without heeding that discharge resembling a very
downpour,--reflecting, spoke unto Lakshmana,--"O Lakshmana, this lord of
Rakshasas, this foe of the lord of celestials, having obtained the
Brahma weapon,--after having brought down the monkey-hosts, are
assailing us with sharpened shafts. And that high-souled heedful one,
having been given a boon by the Self-sprung, hath rendered his dreadful
body invisible. How can we slay him, who is fighting with upraised
weapons, but who hath hid his body. The reverend Self-sprung, I deem, is
incomprehensible. And this is his weapon, embodying his energy.
Therefore, O intelligent one, do thou to-day along with me calmly bear
this. And let this foremost them all--this lord of Rakshasas--cover all
sides with the showers of his shafts. And in consequence of this, the
army of the monkey-king with its greatest heroes fallen, doth not appear
to advantage. And seeing us also fallen senseless, and desisting from
fight with our joy and anger gone off from us, for certain will the
enemy of the immortals, taking the Fortune of fight seek his home". And
assailed by Indra with networks of arrows, they were then sore
distressed the field. And having struck them with sadness, Indra from
joy shouted in the encounter. And having thus worst in battle that
monkey-army and Rama along with Lakshmana he speedily entered the city
ruled by the hand of the Ten-necked one. And extolled by the Yatudhanas,
he, filled with delight, related everything unto his sire.
[267] Hutabhoktaram--_eater of sacrificial offerings_--a designation of
Fire.
[268] _i.e._ on the deity presiding over that weapon, being invoked.
[269] Indrajit.
SECTION LXXIV.
And they[270] were rendered inert in the field; and the army of the
monkey-leaders was stupified, with Sugriva and Nila and Angada and
Jambavan,--and they did not show any signs of activity. Thereupon,
seeing them dispirited, that foremost of intelligent
persons--Bibhishana--cheering them up with his peerless speech,
said,--"Ye heroes of the king of monkeys, do not give way to fear. This
is not the time to indulge in grief at this place; for the sons of the
noble one,[271]--inactive and depressed, and seeming to be wounded with
the showers of Indrajit's shafts,--are in reality in this plight, for
showing reverence unto the words[272] of the Self-sprung one.--On him
the Self-sprung hath conferred the mighty Brahma, weapon of unfailing
power; and the king's sons are doing honour to it by lying down on the
field of battle. Why then do ye grieve now?" Hearing the words of
Bibhishana and honoring the Brahma weapon, Hanuman spoke as
follows:--"The host of the quick-paced monkeys hath been slain by this
weapon. Let us go and console them who are still living". And those two
great heroes--Hanuman and that foremost of the Rakshasas, with
fire-brands in their hands, began to range to and fro in the battle
field. And they beheld there the earth strewn on all sides with monkeys
lying down like so many hills and various shining weapons. And some of
these monkeys were deprived of their tails, some of their hands, some of
their thighs, some of their legs, some of their fingers, and some of
their heads. And blood was gushing out from the persons of some, and
others were urinating out of fear. And Bibhishana and Hanuman beheld
there Sugriva, Angada, Nila, Gandhamldana, Jambavan, Sushena,
Vegadarshin, Mainda, Nala, Jyotimukha, and the monkey, Dwivida,--almost
slain. And Bibhishana and Hanuman saw in the field seven and sixty kotis
of fleet-footing monkeys slain (in battle) at the fifth part of the day
by the darling of the Self-sprung. And surveying that host worsted,
dreadful like the surges of the sea, Hanuman and Bibhishana began to
search for Jambavan. And finding that heroic son of Prajapati, afflicted
with natural decrepitude, aged, and resembling smouldering
fire,--wounded with hundreds of shafts, Pulastya's son said,--"O noble
one, hath not thy life been destroyed with those sharp shafts?" Hearing
Bibhishana's words, Jambavan--best of bears--evoking utterance with
extreme effort, said,--"O foremost of Nairitas, endowed with exceeding
prowess, I know thee by thy voice. Having my person pierced with sharp
shafts, I cannot see thee with my eyes. Doth he through whom Anjana as
well as Mataricwa[273] are blessed with fair offspring,--doth that
prince of monkeys--Hanuman--live?" Hearing Jambavan's speech, Bibhishaua
said,--"Why, passing by the son of the high and mighty,[274] dost thou
enquire after the Wind-god's offspring? O noble one, thou dost not show
that overflowing affection either for king Sugriva or Raghava that thou
showest for the son of the Wind-god". Hearing Bibhishana's words,
Jambavan said,--"Hear, O foremost of Rakshasas, why I enquire after the
Wind-god's son. While this hero is alive, this force, albeit destroyed,
liveth; but if Hanuman is reft of life, although living, we are
destroyed. O child, if the Wind-god's offspring, resembling his sire
himself or (the deity of) Fire in prowess, is alive, there is hope for
our lives". Then approaching that aged one, Hanuman--son unto the Wind
god--saluted him humbly, holding Jambavan's feet. Hearing Hanuman's
voice, that foremost of monkeys, with his senses sorely smarting, deemed
himself as having regained his life. Then that exceedingly energetic one
addressed Hanuman, saying,--"Come, O powerful monkey. It behoveth thee
to rescue the monkeys. There is none else. Endowed with profuse prowess,
thou art the greatest friend of these. This is the hour when thou
shouldst display thy might. Any other see I not. Do thou cheer up this
host consisting of bears and monkeys; and do thou also heal the wounds
of these two tormented by them. Bounding sheer over the main, thou, O
Hanuman, shouldst repair to the Himavan--foremost of mountains. There
thou wilt see that best of mountains--the golden Rishabha of terrific
aspect, and, smiter of foes, the peak also of Kailaca. Lying in the Up
of these two, thou, O hero, O powerful monkey, wilt see the mountain of
medicines, fraught with healing herbs of all kinds. On its summit thou
wilt find four medicinal herbs flaming and illumining the ten cardinal
quarters--_viz_., Mritasanjivani,[275] Vicalyakarani,[276]
Suvarnakarani,[277] and the mighty medicine, Sandhani. O Hanuman,
providing thyself with these, thou shouldst come hither without delay.
Do thou, O offspring of the Wind-god[278] bringing back lives unto these
monkeys, cheer them up". Thereat Hanuman filled himself with energy,
even as the Ocean heaveth with the force of the winds (blowing on its
breast). And ascending the summit of that mountain,[279] and hurting it
with his tread, that hero--Hanuman--appeared like a second mountain, And
crushed under the tread of that monkey, the mountain was dispirited; and
sore distressed, it could hardly contain itself. And the trees on it
began to topple to the earth; and on account of the vehemence of the
monkey, they flamed up. And smitten by Hanuman, its peaks were scattered
around. And monkeys could no longer dwell on that foremost of mountains,
which, being hard pressed (by Hanuman), was trembling all over, with its
slopes covered with broken trees and rocks. And with her giant gateways
shaking, and the doors of her edifices broken, that night Lanka,
overwhelmed with fright, seemed to be dancing. And the offspring of the
Wind-god, resembling a mountain itself, bringing that mountain to sore
straits, agitated the entire earth with her Oceans. And hurting the
mountain with his tread, he, opening wide his mouth resembling that of a
mare, sent up loud shouts, terrifying the night-rangers. And hearing
those tremendous roars as he kept emitting cries, the powerful Rakshasas
were quite stupified. And bowing down unto the Ocean, that subduer of
enemies, the Wind-god's son, endowed with dreadful prowess, began to
ponder over the mighty mission with which he had been entrusted in the
interests of Raghava.--And, then upraising his tail resembling a
serpent, bending his back, contracting his ears, and opening his mouth
looking like that of a mare, that one possessed of terrific impetuosity,
bounded into the sky. And with the vehemence of his rush,--he carried
away in his wake whole tracts of trees, and rocks, and crags, and
inferior monkeys;[280] and after having been carried away some distance
by the vehemence of his arms and thighs, they, at length losing their
velocity, fell into the waters (of the Ocean.) And stretching his arms
resembling serpents, the son of the Wind-god endowed with the prowess of
Garuda[281] coursed on towards the monarch of mountains, as if making
all the quarters tremble. And seeing the sea with its hosts of billows
rolling furiously, and with the confederacies of aquatic animals
bewildered by the angry waters, he coursed on rapidly, like the discus
discharged by the hand of Vishnu. And surveying hills and birds and
pools and rivers and tanks and splendid cities and flourishing
provinces, that one equal to his sire himself in celerity, held his way.
And that hero--Hanuman--like unto his father in prowess, and incapable
of being fatigued, vigorously proceeded along the orbit of the Sun. And
that powerful monkey possessed of the speed of the Wind itself, and
having mighty impetuosity, careered, making all sides resound with his
roars. And remembering Jambavan's words, that redoubtable monkey, son
unto the Wind-god, possessed of terrific prowess, and resembling a
mountain, suddenly saw (before him) the Himavan: furnished with
countless cascades and numerous caves and rivulets; with splendid
summits appearing like massess of pale clouds; and graced with various
trees. And arriving at that lord of mighty mountains, furnished with
excellent towering golden summits, he saw the great sacred asylums (of
the ascetics), inhabited by the flower of celestial saints. And he saw
Brahmakoca[282] and Rajatalaya[283] and Sakralaya[284] and
Rudracarapramoksha[285] and Hayanana[286] and the flaming
Brahmaciras,[287] and the servants of Vaivacwata.[288] And he saw the
abode of the Fire-god, and the abode of Vaicravana and the effulgent
Suryyanivandhana.[289] and the abode of Brahma,[290] and the bow of
Sankara, and the navel of the Earth.[291] And he saw Kailaca of terrific
aspect, and the stone[292] of Himavan, and that bull,[293] and the
golden mountain, and that foremost of mountains furnished with all
medicinal herbs, flaming, and illuminated with every kind of medicinal
plants. And beholding that flaming mass of fire, the offspring of
Vasava's[294] emissary wondered. And bounding up to the lord of
medicinal mountains, he fell to searching for the drugs. And that mighty
monkey--the Wind-god's son--leaving behind a thousand _yojanas_, began
to range the mountain containing the divine remedies in its entrails.
And those potent medicines, in that foremost of mountains, knowing
(before-hand) that one was coming seeking for them, rendered themselves
invisible. And not seeing them, the high-souled Hanuman was angered; and
from wrath he set up roars. And not brooking that, (Hanuman) with eyes
resembling glowing fire, addressed that foremost of mountains,
saying,--"What is this that thou hast decided on, that thou showest no
compassion for Raghava? But, O lord of mountains, to-day witness
thyself, overpowered by my arms and torn in pieces!" And (anon) on a
sudden, he violently rooted up its summit with trees and elephants and
gold, and furnished with a thousand varieties of ore,--having its tops
torn and its slopes aflame. And uprooting it, he sprang into (the bosom
of the air), terrifying the worlds containing celestials and the lords
thereof. And hymned by countless rangers of the air, that one endowed
with the terrific impetuosity of Garuda himself, taking that summit
furnished with the splendour of the Sun, went along the orbit of the
Sun. And near the Sun, that Sun-like one seemed to be another Sun. And
with that mountain, the offspring of the bearer of perfumes appeared
surpassingly grand, like very Vishnu equipped with the flaming discus
having a thousand edges. And seeing him, the monkeys shouted,--and he
also, seeing then, shouted in delight. And hearing their tremendous
cheers, those residing in Lanka shouted still more dreadfully. And then
the high-souled one dropped on that best of mountains in the midst of
the monkey-forces; and, bowing down unto the principal monkeys there, he
embraced Bibhishana. And then those sons of that king of men, smelling
the perfume of that mighty medicine, were then and there healed of their
wounds; and the heroic monkeys also sat up. And all the heroic monkeys
were instantly healed and cured; and those also that were slain (in
battle), through the smell of that best of drugs, sat up, like persons
risen after sleep at break of day. Ever since the monkeys and Rakshasas
had begun to fight, for maintaining honor, all those Rakshasas that were
slain there by the mighty monkeys, were thrown into the sea. Then that
monkey, the offspring of the bearer of fragrance, endowed with terrific
speed, took that medicinal mountain (back) unto Himavan and again
presented himself before Rama.
[270] _i.e._ Rama and Lakshmana.
[271] Dacaratha.
[272] Mantra.
[273] The Wind-god.
[274] _Vide Hamlet._
[275] _Lit._ reviving the dead.
[276] _Lit._ healing wounds inflicted by darts.
[277] _Lit._ transmuting any thing to gold.
[278] _Gandhabahatanaya_--lit., son unto the bearer of smell--a
designation of the Wind in Sanskrit.--T.
[279] Trikuta.
[280] Residing in the Trikuta mountain.
[281] The text has, _the Foe of serpents_--an appellation of Garuda
[282] The place of Hiranyagarbha.
[283] The place of Rajatanabha--_silver-naveled_--another form of
Hiranyagarbha.
[284] The abode of Sakra.
[285] The place wherefrom Rudra discharged his arrow on the occasion of
the destruction of Tripura.
[286] The place of the Horse-necked.
[287] The place of the deity presiding over the Brahma weapon.
[288] An appellation of Yama.
[289] The spot where the suns meet.
[290] The place of the four-faced Brahma.
[291] The spot of Prajapati.
[292] On which Rudra sat when engaged in asceticism.
[293] Which had been mentioned by Jambavan.
[294] The emissary of Vasava in his cloud-form is the Wind driving the
cloud; and the passage refers to Hanuman.--T.
SECTION LXXV.
Then the exceedingly energetic lord of monkeys, Sugriva, said unto
Hanuman these words fraught with import,--"Inasmuch as Kumbhakarna hath
been slain as also the princes,[295] Ravana can no longer defend the
city.[296] Now let those principal monkeys that are endowed with great
strength and that are furnished with fleetness, taking fire-brands (in
their hands) rapidly rush towards Lanka". Then when the Sun had set and
at the terrific front of Night, those foremost of monkeys marched
towards Lanka, equipped with fire-brands. And charged at all points by
numbers of monkeys armed with fire-brands, those fierce-eyed (Rakshasas)
that guarded the gates[297] suddenly fled away. And thereat, (the
monkeys) delighted set fire to gates and upper apartments and spacious
high-ways and various by-ways and edifices. And the fire[298] burnt
their[299] mansions by thousands; and mountain-like superstructures
toppled headlong to the earth. And there burnt _aguru_, and sweet
sandal, and pearls, and sheeny gems, and diamonds and corals. And there
burnt linen and fine silk and _avikas_ and various kinds of woolen
cloths; and vessels of gold, and weapons; divers kinds of furniture,
trappings and ornaments of steeds; cords for tying elephants; burnished
ornaments for cars; armour of warriors; and hides of horses and
elephants. And swords and bows and bow-strings and arrows and
_tomaras_[300] and _ankucas_[301] and darts. And blankets and _chowris_
and tiger-skins and musk and other things. And pearls and excellent
gems; and edifices all around. And there the fire burneth heaps of
various kinds of arms. And then the fire burnt various kinds of curious
structures, and the dwellings of Rakshasas and all householders. And
there the fire flaming up again and again burnt down by hundreds and
thousands the houses of the denizons of Lanka,--clad in curious golden
mail; and wearing wreaths and ornaments and attires; having their eyes
wildly moving in intoxication; reeling in drink; those whose paramours
were dressed in flowing apparels; or those wroth with their foes; or
bearing maces and darts and swords in their hands; or engaged in eating
or drinking; or asleep with their beloved on costly couches; or who,
agitated with fright, were hastily going taking their sons with
them.--And that fire burnt down firm-based rich dwellings furnished with
innumerable apartments, and garnished with golden Moons and
crescents,--and mansions having graceful crests; and variegated windows
and daises raised there, embellished with rubies and lapises, and
seeming to touch the Sun; and piles resembling mountains in
grandeur,--and resonant with the cries of Kraunchas and peacocks and the
tinklings of ornaments. And the flaming gateways all round appeared like
clouds in the rainy season lighted up by lightning, or like the peaks of
a mighty mountain ablaze with a forest-conflagration. And superb damsels
asleep in lofty edifices,[302] being burnt, cast away their ornaments
and shrieked. And consumed by the fire, buildings began to drop down
like the summits of a mighty mountain smit with the thunder-bolt of the
thunderer. And those burning, appeared from a distance like the peaks of
Himalaya aglow. And in consequence of those tops of the edifices burning
and of the living flames, that night Lanka looked as if swarming with
flowering Kincukas. And with elephant-riders, and elephants, and steeds
let loose, Lanka appeared like the Ocean at the hour of Universal
tumbling,--with its ferocious aquatic animals whirling in wild chaos.
Sometimes, an elephant seeing a steed let loose,--was flying away in
fear; and sometimes a horse seeing a frightened elephant, was stopping,
himself seized with fear.--And on Lanka burning, the mighty main with
the reflection (of the conflagration) looked like an Ocean of red
waters. And in a short time that city set on fire by the monkeys, looked
like the earth glowing at the time of the Universal dissolution. And the
cries of the females amidst the drift of smoke, heated by the flames,
could be heard from an hundred Yojanas. And as Rakshasas having their
bodies burnt came out of houses, monkeys eager for encounter on a sudden
sprung upon them. And the shouts of the monkeys and the cries of the
Rakshasas made the ten cardinal quarters and the ocean and the Earth
resound.
And on those high souled ones--both Rama and Lakshmana--having been
cured of their wounds, possessing themselves in calmness, took up their
excellent bows. And Rama drew that best of bows. And thereat there was
heard a tremendous twang striking terror into the Rakshasas. And drawing
his redoubtable bow, Rama appeared like the reverend enraged Bhava,
drawing his bow having sounds and instinct with Brahma energy. And the
twang of Rama's bow, drowning the roars of both the monkeys and the
Rakshasas,--was alone heard. And the ululations of the monkeys and the
cries of the Rakshasas and the rattle of Rama's bow--these three filled
the ten cardinal quarters. And with the shafts discharged from his bow,
the gateway of the city resembling the summit of Kailaca was crushed in
pieces, scattered around on the ground. And seeing Rama's shafts in cars
and dwellings, the preparations for conflict were pushed on with great
vigor. And in consequence of the foremost Rakshasas preparing for fight,
and emitting roars, that night appeared like the Fatal Night itself. And
the foremost monkeys were directed by the high-souled Sugriva,
saying,--"Ye monkeys, do ye fight, approaching the gate lying at hand.
But he that flyeth from his ranks, should be slain by main force". As
the principal monkeys stationed themselves at the gate, equipped with
fire brands, wrath took possession of Ravana. And as he yawned, the wind
(blowing from his mouth), filled the ten cardinal regions; and his wrath
resembled that appearing in the person of Rudra. And wrought up with a
mighty rage, he sent forth Kumbha and Nikumbha--both sons of
Kumbhakarna--in company with innumerable Rakshasas.--And in accordance
with Ravana's command, Yupaksha and Sonitaksha, and Prajangha, and
Kampana went with Kumbhakarna's sons. And, setting up leonine roars, he
commanded all those highly powerful Rakshasas, saying,--"Do ye go this
very day for battle". Thus directed, those heroic Rakshasas, equipped
with flaming weapons, went out, roaring again and again. And the
firmament was illuminated with the splendour of the ornaments of the
Rakshasas and the splendour of their persons and the fire kindled by the
monkeys. And there the light of the Moon and that of the stars and the
brilliance of their ornaments,--combined, lighted up the welkin.--And
the beams of the Moon and the brilliance of the ornaments and the
flaming splendour of the planets emblazoned all round the forces of the
monkeys and Rakshasas. And the light of half-burnt houses, again,
falling on the restless ripples of the sea, made it wear an extremely
beautiful aspect. And those dreadful Rakshasa hosts, possessed of
dreadful prowess and energy, were seen,--with ensigns and banners;
excellent swords and _paracwadhas_,[303] terrific steeds and cars and
elephants rife with _paths_,[304] and flaming darts and clubs and
scimitars and _yrasas_ and _tomaras_ and bows; bearing blazing _prasas_;
ringing with the tinklings of hundreds of balls; with their arms encased
in golden networks; flourishing axes; whirling their mighty weapons;
fixing shafts on their bows; making the air swoon away with the perfumes
of their wreaths; extremely terrific; swarming with heroes; sending out
sounds like those of the sea. And seeing the army of the Rakshasas
incapable of being coped with advance, the monkey-forces began to move
and send up loud cheers. And thereat that array of Rakshasas vehemently
sprang forward before the force of the foe, like unto insects plunging
into aflame. And whirling with their arms bludgeons and _acanis_, that
army of Rakshasas appeared exceedingly grand. And the monkeys, eager for
encounter, darted forward like maniacs; and began to despatch the
night-rangers with rocks and trees and clenched fist. And Rakshasas
possessed of dreadful prowess with whetted arrows swiftly cut off the
heads of falling monkeys. And the Rakshasas ranged there, with their
ears torn with teeth, or their heads broken by blows, or their limbs
crushed with the discharge of crags. And in the same way other
grim-visaged night-rangers slew with sharpened swords the foremost of
monkeys on all sides. And one about to slay another was himself slain by
the latter; and one, about to bring another down, was himself brought
down (by his adversary), and one that was railing at another, was in
turn rebuked by his enemy; and one who was going to bite his foe, was
himself bitten by him. And one was crying 'Give,'[305] and his adversary
anon giveth; and another, again said,--'I will give. Why puttest thyself
to trouble? Stay.' Thus there did they accost each other. And there was
waged a terrific encounter between the monkeys and the Rakshasas,--in
which arms lay scattered about; and armour and weapons strewn around;
and mighty _pracas_[306] were upraised; and which was fought with blows
and darts and swords and _Kuntalas_.[307] And in that conflict the
Rakshasas slaughtered monkeys by tens and sevens. And then the monkeys
hemmed in the Rakshasa-forces, with their apparels falling off and with
their mail and standards strewn around.
[295] _Nishuditah--slain_, left out for euphony.
[296] _Upanirharam_ is a contested term. Kataka gives the sense adopted
by me. Tirtha says it means 'Ravana cannot give battle in the open
field.' According to others, it means 'He cannot offer truce to
us'.--T.
[297] _Arakshah_--according to some means _gates_. According to others,
a _gulma or division of an army_.--T.
[298] _Hutabhuk--lit_. eater of sacrificial offsprings--a designation of
Fire.
[299] According to the commentator this refers to the fire lighted by
the monkeys. I differ.--T.
[300] An Iron club.--T.
[301] The hook used to drive an elephant.--T.
[302] _Vimana_, according to Ramanuya, is a seven-storied edifice.--T.
[303] A platoon consisting of one chariot, one elephant, three horse and
five foot.--T.
[304] A kind of sword.
[305] Battle.
[306] A bearded dart.
[307] What could this be like? The commentator is mute. Wilson has
_Kuntalika_--butter-knife or scoop. _Kuntala_ may, however, mean a
_plough_.--T.
SECTION LXXVI.
On that furious and destructive carnage proceeding. Angada, eager for
encounter, approached the heroic Kampana. Thereat, challenging Angada in
wrath, he assailed him with impetuosity. And Kampana dealt a blow to
Angada with his mace; and thereat, wounded with it, he reeled. Then
regaining his senses, that energetic one hurled a mountain-top. Borne
down by the blow, Akampana dropped down to the earth. And seeing Kampana
slain in the conflict, Sonitaksha mounted on a car, intrepidly rushed
against Angada. And he then impetuosly pierced Angada with sharpened
shafts, keen and capable of cleaving the body and resembling the Fatal
Fire itself in appearance,--with Kshuras[308] and Kshurapras[309] and
Narachas[310] and Vatsadantas[311] and Siliumkhas[312] and Karnis[313]
and Salas[314] and Vipatas,[315] and countless (other) whetted arrows.
And the powerful son of Vali--Angada--endowed with prowess having his
person pierced with arrows suddenly smashed (his adversary's) car and
arrows and dreadful bow. And thereat, Sonitaksha swiftly took up his
sword and shield; and without reflecting for a moment, that vigorous one
sprang forward. And the powerful Angada, speedily bounding up, seized
his enemy's sword and holding the same with his hands shouted. And then
hitting at (Akampana's) shoulder-blade, that powerful
monkey--Angada--hewed him in twain, his blow going obliquely down like
the sacred thread. And taking that terrific sword, and shouting again
and again, in the field, Vali's son rushed against other enemies. And
then strong and heroic Yupaksha accompanied by Prajangha,--mounted on a
car, wrathfully approached the mighty son of Vali. And taking an iron
mace, that hero, Sonitaksha, adorned with a golden _angada_,--attaining
a little respite, advanced against Angada. And that redoubtable hero,
the powerful Prajangha, also, accompanied by Yupaksha, fired with wrath,
equipped with a mace, advanced towards the son of Vali endowed with
exceeding prowess. And placed between those two--Sonitaksha and
Prajangha--that foremost of monkeys appeared like the full Moon placed
between the Visakhas.[316] And Mainda and Dwivida defending Angada,
remained beside him, desirous of witnessing the encounter between those
two (combatants). And fired with fury, those huge-bodied Rakshasas
endowed with dreadful prowess, equipped with swords and shafts and
maces,--being on their guard, fell upon the monkeys. And the encounter
that took place between those three lords of monkeys combined (on one
side), and the three redoubtable Rakshasis (on the other), was dreadful
and capable of making people's down stand on end. And they,[317] taking
up trees, hurled them in the conflict (against their antagonists); and
the powerful Prajangha resisted all those with his swords. And (the
monkeys) in the contest showered rocks and trees on the cars (of their
enemies) and the exceedingly strong Yupaksha cut them off with vollies
of arrows. And the powerful Sonitaksha, endowed with prowess, with his
mace severed in the middle the trees which Dwivida and Mainda had
uprooted and discharged. And summoning speed, Prajangha darted against
Vali's son, upraising a huge scimitar capable of piercing into the
vitals of trees. And seeing him approach, that lord of monkeys possessed
of exceeding strength and great prowess struck him with an Acwakarna
tree; and with a blow smote his antagonist on his arm holding a
_nistringa_. And seeing the sword resembling a mace dropped to the
earth, that exceedingly mighty one clenched his fist into a blow like
unto the levin; and that one, endowed with wondrous energy, smote in the
forehead that foremost of monkeys possessed of redoubtable prowess. And
thereat he for a moment was staggered. And then recovering his senses,
the energetic and powerful son of Vali by means of his clenched fist
severed Prajangha's head from his body. Thereat Yupaksha, seeing his
uncle slain in battle, with his eyes filled with tears, finding his
shafts exhausted, swiftly descended from his car and took a sword. And
finding Yupaksha charge, Dwivida, waxing wroth, speedily smote him on
the breast; and that powerful one also seized him. And finding his
brother taken, the highly energetic Sonitaksha then dealt the mighty
Dwivida a blow in the chest. And overcome by that blow, that one endowed
with great strength, shook; and Dwivida seized his antagonist's upraised
mace. In the meanwhile Mainda came to the side of Dwivida. And
Sonitaksha and Yupaksha, bestirring themselves, began to vehemently and
forcibly drag and pull those (two) monkeys. And Dwivida with his nail
tore Sonhaksha's face; and that powerful one violently bringing him down
to the earth, pressed him with might and main. And fired with wrath,
Mainda--foremost of monkeys--grasped Yupaksha with his arms; and that
one dropt down dead on the earth. And thereupon the force of the lord of
the Rakshasas, having its foremost heroes slain,--and aggrieved thereat,
went to where Kumbhakarna's son was. And then cheering up the flying
forces, that best (of Rakshas),--the energetic Kumbha--seeing that
Raksha host with its mighty heroes slain by highly powerful monkeys
crowned with success, began to perform difficult feats in the encounter.
And needfully taking his bow, that first of bowmen discharged shafts
resembling venomous serpents capable of piercing the body. And his
excellent bow with shafts shone resplendent like the very bow of Indra
himself affluent with the splendour of Airavata and lightning. And then
drawing his bow to its utmost bent, he hit Dwivida with a feathered
shaft knobbed with gold. And suddenly wounded with it, that best of
monkeys having the splendour of Trikuta, fell down senseless to the
earth, stretching his legs wide. And Mainda, seeing his brother, broken
in mighty encounter, furiously rushed forward, taking a gigantic crag;
and that one possessed of great strength, hurled it at the Rakshasa. And
thereat Kumbha severed that crag with fire shafts discharged (from his
bow). And then aiming other fair-headed arrows resembling venomous
snakes, that exceedingly energetic one smote Dwivida's elder brother in
the chest. And struck (with those arrows), that leader of monkey-bands,
Mainda, with his marrow pierced therewith, fell down to the earth,
deprived of his senses. And Angada seeing his uncles[318] endowed with
exceeding prowess, overpowered, darted vehemently at Kumbha staying with
bow upraised. And as he descended, Kumbha pierced him with fire shafts;
and as one pierceth an elephant with _tomaras_, he also pierced (Angada)
with three other arrows. And the powerful Kumbha pierced Angada with a
great many arrows, sharp-pointed, whetted, keen and ornamented with
gold. And Vali's son Angada, albeit pierced all over in his person, did
not shake; and he kept showering on his[319] head stones and trees. And
the graceful son of Kumbhakarna cut off and cleft all those (stone and
trees) discharged by Vali's son. And seeing him spring up, Kumbha
pierced that monkey-leader on the ground with shafts, even as one
assaileth an elephant with fire-brands. And blood gushed out of his
closed eyes. And then covering his eyes with his hand, Angada with
another took a _sala_ that was hard by. And placing on his breast the
_sala_ furnished with shoulders, and pulling its branches and bending
its top, he cleared it of its foliage, in that mighty encounter. And
then in the sight of all the Rakshas he violently discharged that tree
resembling the very banner of Indra and appearing like Mandara itself.
And thereat he[320] severed it with seven sharp shafts capable of
piercing the body. And Angada experienced a sharp pang and fell down
deprived of his senses. And seeing the invincible Angada down like
ebbing sea, the foremost monkeys informed Raghava of it. And Rama,
hearing that Vali's son had come to grief in terrific fight, directed
the principal monkeys, headed by Jambavan. And hearing Rama's command,
the monkeys, fired with wrath, charged Kumbha, staying with his bow
upraised. And those powerful monkeys, with their eyes crimsoned with
choler and bearing rocks and trees in their hands, were engaged in
defending Angada. And Jambavan and Sushena and the monkey, Vegadarci,
wrought with wrath, darted against that hero--son unto Kumbhakarna. And
seeing them spring forward; he covered up those exceedingly mighty lords
of monkey, with showers of shafts, even as a crag obstructeth the course
of a current. And even the great deep cannot see his own shores, those
high-souled lord of monkeys, coining within the range of his arrows,
could not even see. And seeing those monkeys sore distressed by the
shafts, the king of the monkeys, Sugriva, in that conflict taking his
brother's son on his back, rushed against the son of Kumbhakarna, even
as a powerful lion rusheth at an elephant ranging on the slopes of a
mountain. And that mighty monkey, uprooting many an _acwakarna_ and
other mighty trees of various kinds, discharged them (at the foe). And
by means of his sharp arrows the graceful son of Kumbhakarna cut off
that down-pour of trees covering the welkin; and incapable of being
resisted. And being baffled those trees looked like _cataghnis_. And
seeing that shower of trees riven by Kumbha, the graceful lord of the
monkeys endowed with exceeding strength and prowess, did not feel any
mortification. And suddenly attacked, he bearing those arrows, seized
Kumbha's bow resembling in resplendence the very bow of Indra. And
swiftly bounding up and performing that feat difficult of being
achieved, he, exceedingly enraged, addressed Kumbha resembling an
elephant shorn of his tusks, saying,--"O elder brother of Nikumbha,
marvellous are thy might and the force of thyself as well as the modesty
and prowess that are thine and Ravana's. And, O thou equal unto Prahrada
or Vali or the slayer of Vritra or Varuna or Kuvera! thou alone walkest
in the wake of thy yet mightier father. As mental anguish doth not dog
one that hath controlled his senses,--the celestials cannot cope in
conflict with thee alone, O repressor of foes, O of mighty arms, bearing
thy dart in thy hand. O thou of high intelligence, put forth thy
prowess! and do thou also witness my work. It is only by virtue of the
boon he hath received, that thy uncle can bear the deities and the
Danavas. But Kumbhakarna copeth with the immortals and Asuras by means
of his native might. And in the bow equal to Indrajit himself and in
power equal to Ravana, thou now in might and energy art the foremost of
Rakshasas. And to-day let all creatures witness the mighty and wonderful
encounter in conflict between thee and me, like unto the meeting of
Sakra and Samvara. And unparalleled is the feat thou hast performed; and
thou hast displayed thy skill in weapons. And heroic monkeys endowed
with dreadful vigor, have been brought down by thee. And, O hero it is
only because of the apprehension[321] of censure of the people that I do
not slay thee who art fatigued in consequence of the acts that thou hast
performed. And reposing from fight, do thou see my strength!" And being
thus honored (by Sugriva) with fair speech, (Kumbha) flamed up like a
flame into which oblations have been poured. And then Kumbha seized
Sugriva by the arms. And like two elephants in rut, they sighing
momentarily, fastened on each other's person, and possessed each
other,--and from fatigue emitting from their mouth flames mixed with
vapour And with the stamping of their feet, the earth was rent into
rivers, and the main was waxed, with its billows surging furiously. Then
Sugriva lifting up Kumbha clean, violently plunged him into the salt
wash, making his eyes acquainted with the locality of the deep. And in
consequence of Kumbha's plunge, the waters heaving up, rolled on all
sides like the Vindhya or Mandara. Then springing up, and bringing
Sugriva down, Kumbha, transported with wrath dealt a blow on his chest,
like unto the levin. And thereat his skin was rent, and blood began to
gush out,--and the impetus of that blow broke Sugriva's bones. And the
vehemence (of the blow) caused a great fire to blaze up at that spot;
even as the thunder-bolt smiting the mountain Meru, maketh place blazed.
And the mighty Sugriva--foremost of monkeys--sorely handled by him,
fastened his fingers into a box resembling the thunder-bolt, and
furnished with all the effulgence of the solar disc having a thousand
rays. And then that powerful one made that blow descend right on
Kumbha's breast. And agonised with that stroke, Kumbha reft of his
senses, dropped like unto a fire that hath lost its brightness. And
overpowered by that blow, the Rakshasa anon dropped down, like unto the
bright Lohitanga dropping from the firmament urged on by Destiny. And
the aspect of the falling Kumbha with his breast broken by the blow,
appeared like that of the Sun routed by Rudra. And on his being slain,
in encounter, by the foremost of monkeys endowed with terrific strength,
the earth with her hills and woods, shook; and a mighty fear took
possession of the Rakshas.
[308] Arrows having razor-like edges.
[309] Crescent-shaped shafts.
[310] Arrows made entirely of iron.
[311] Arrows resembling the teeth of calves.
[312] Arrows resembling the feathers of the Kanka.
[313] Arrows furnished with two sides resembling _cars_.
[314] Arrows with short leads.
[315] Arrows resembling the tops of Karaviras--Tirtha.
[316] The asterisks so named.
[317] The monkeys.
[318] Maternal uncles.
[319] Kumbha's.
[320] Kumbha.
[321] _i e._ Lest people should censure me, saying,--'Sugriva slew
Kumbha when he was fatigued in fight'.--T.
SECTION LXXVII.
Seeing his brother slain by Sugriva, Nikumbha, gazed at the lord of the
monkeys, as if consuming him with his passion. And then that one endowed
with calmness, grasped a bludgeon entwined with wreaths, and furnished
with an iron ring measuring five fingers, and resembling the top of the
Mahendra;[322] plated with gold and embellished with diamonds and
lapises,--and looking like the rod of Yama himself; dreadful, and
capable of removing the fear of the Rakshas. And whirling this, that
highly powerful one, resembling the banner itself of Sakra in energy,
Nikumbha possessed of terrific strength, with his mouth wide open, set
up shouts. And with gold adorning his breast, and _angadas_ placed on
his arms and a pair of curious and variegated earrings, Nikumbha, with
his ornaments and that same bludgeon, appeared beautiful like a mass of
roaring clouds laughing with lightning and furnished with the iris. And
the head of that huge-bodied hero's _parigha_ undid the conjunction of
the Seven[323] Winds and appeared[324] like a noiseless and smokeless
flame. Along with the gyration of Nikumbha's _parigha_ the whole welkin,
together with the excellent city[325] of the Gandharbas, and the
planets, stars and the moon, began to whirl. And Nikumbha was hard to
approach like unto the fire of dissolution, being resplendent with the
brilliance of _parigha_ and other ornaments and having his anger for its
fuels. And the Rakshasas and monkeys did not dare stir even out of fear.
And the heroic Hanuman, spreading his breast, stood before him. And
thereat the powerful (Nikumbha) having long-arms[326] threw his
_parigha_ resembling the Sun at the breast of that powerful one. And
falling on the firm and spacious breast of Hanuman it was broken into
hundred pieces. And the broken portions, being scattered, appeared like
hundreds of fire-brands in the sky. Like unto a mountain standing still
even at the time of an earthquake that mighty monkey was not moved
albeit struck with the _parigha_. Being thus hurt that highly powerful
Hanuman, the foremost of the monkeys, with great velocity clenched his
fist. And with this, the powerful (monkey) gifted with great
impetuosity, and resembling the wind in prowess, struck Nikumbha on his
breast. And with that fist, his (Nikumbha's) armour[327] was riven and
blood gushed out. And a light rising out of his breast suddenly
disappeared like unto lightning disappearing in a mass of clouds. And
being struck with his (Hanuman's) fist Nikumbha was greatly moved and
restoring himself attacked the mighty Hanuman and pulled him up. And
beholding in conflict the terrible and powerful Hanuman pulled up by
Nikumbha, the residents of Lanka began to shout with joy. Being thus put
to shame by that Raksha, Hanuman the son of the Wind, struck him with
his iron fist. And releasing himself from the grasp of Nikumbha, Hanuman
the Wind-god's son instantly planted his foot on the earth. Inflamed
with ire, he, throwing down Nikumbha, began to crush him; and gifted
with vehemence, he, with great impetuosity, leaped up and sat on the
breast (of the Raksha). And holding his head with two hands, he,
emitting loud roars, displaced his head. Nikumbha being thus slain in
conflict by the Wind-god's son, there ensued a terrible conflict between
the highly enraged armies of the son of Dacaratha and the lord of
Rakshasas. And Nikumbha being deprived of his life, the monkeys began to
shout--as if resounding all the quarters. And with it the whole earth
moved and the abode of the celestials dropped down. And the
Rakshasa-hosts were greatly terrified.
[322] The mountain, so named.
[323] This indicates the length of the Parigha.
[324] This might refer to Kumbha as well.
[325] Some say _Vitapabati_ and some say _Alaka_.
[326] _Lit_. arms resembling _parighas_.
[327] Some texts read _charma_ (skin) in the place of _Barma_--(armour)
_i.e._ his skin was rent--This equally indicates Hanuman's
strength.--T.
SECTION LXXVIII.
Beholding Kumbha and Nikumbha slain, Ravana was excited with ire like
unto flaming fire. And being beside himself, simultaneously with wrath
and grief Ravana[328] spoke unto Makaraksha, Khara's son, having
spacious eyes, saying--"O child, do thou proceed at my command with the
army and destroy Raghava and Lakshmana with all the monkeys". Hearing
the words of Ravana, Khara's son, Makaraksha, proud of his own prowess,
delightedly spoke unto the night-ranger, saying, "Be it so". And
saluting and circumambulating the Ten-necked one, that hero, at Ravana's
behest, issued out of the house. And Khara's son spoke unto the
commander who was near him, saying,--"Do thou speedily bring the chariot
here and all the soldiers". And hearing his words, that commanding
night-ranger, soon led before him the army and the chariot. And going
round the chariot and addressing the charioteer that night-ranger
(Makaraksha) said,--"O charioteer, do thou soon drive the chariot". And
Makaraksha addressed those Rakshasas, saying,--"O Rakshasas! do ye all
fight before me. I have been commanded by the high-souled Ravana, the
lord of Rakshasas, to slay both Rama and Lakshmana in conflict. I shall
slay to-day, O night-ranger, with my excellent arrows, Rama, Lakshmana,
Sugriva and all other monkeys. Like unto fire consuming dry fuel, shall
I to-day slay the host of monkeys with my darts". Hearing those words of
Makaraksha, the mighty night-rangers, (addressed themselves for fight).
They were armed with various weapons, cautious; assuming shapes at will,
crooked, having fearful teeth, coppery eyes; roaring like elephants,
having dishevelled hair and terrible. And encircling the huge-bodied son
of Khara, those gigantic (Rakshasas) began to proceed, delighted and
moving the earth (with the weight of their persons). There arose a
terrible noise on all sides from the sound of conches, and thousands of
bugles, and from the moving of the arms of the heroes. And all on a
sudden the reins slipped off (the hands of) the charioteer and the flag
of the Rakshasas dropped down. And the course of the steeds was thus
slackend and they began to move slowly and poorly with their heads
drooping down. There blew a terribly rough wind mixed with dust when the
fearfully wicked-minded Makarakshas issued out for battle. Those
powerful Rakshasas neglecting those bad omens proceeded towards where
Rama and Lakshmana were. They were all black like unto clouds, elephants
and buffaloes, and had marks of swords and maces on their persons. And
all those night rangers were skilled in the art of warfare and began to
range to and fro (in the battle field) saying, "I shall go first".
[328] Nairita is another name of Ravana.
SECTION LXXIX.
Beholding Makaraksha out for battle, those foremost monkeys, leaping on
a sudden, addressed themselves for fight. Thereupon ensued a terrible
conflict, capable of making one's down stand on end, between the
night-rangers and the monkeys like unto one between the celestials and
Danavas. And those monkeys and night-rangers crushed each other down
with trees, darts, maces and _parighas_. And those night-rangers began
to assail those foremost of monkeys with _sakti_,[329] swords, maces,
_kuntas_, _tomaras_, _patticas_, _Vindipalas_,[330] arrows, nooses and
clubs. Being thus assailed with fearful arrows by Khara's son, those
monkeys, stricken with fear, fled away. And beholding the monkeys fly
away, the victorious Rakshasas began to roar like excited lions. The
monkeys thus flying away to all quarters, Rama with a downpour of shafts
assailed the Rakshasas. And beholding the Rakshasas thus overpowered,
the night ranger Makaraksha, excited with the flame of ire,
said,--"Stay, O Rama, let us both fight with each other; I shall take
thy life with sharp arrows discharged off my bow. Thou didst slay my
father in the forest of Dandaka. Remembering thy action and finding thee
before, my ire is excited. O Raghava! Vicious souled one! My limbs are
being burnt (with wrath) for I did not see thee then in that mighty
forest. O Rama, by my good luck, I have got thee to-day, like unto a
hungry lion desiring to have other animals. Being despatched by my
arrows to the world of devils, thou shalt live with those heroes, who
had been killed by thee before. What is the use of speaking more, O
Rama, do thou hear my words. Let all the people behold thy as well as my
prowess in the battlefield. Either with weapon or with clubs, in
whatever thou art expert, do thou fight with me in the battle-field, O
Rama". Hearing the words of Makaraksha, Rama, Dacaratha's son, smiling,
replied to the words of the babbler. "O Raksha, what is the use of idle
prating? None can achieve success in battle with idle words--but with
fighting. I slew in the forest of Dandaka thy father with fourteen
thousand Rakshasas, Tricira and Dushana. O vile one, thou being slain to
day, with thy flesh, vultures and crows, having sharp beaks and nails,
and jackals shall be satisfied.[331] Being thus addressed by Raghava,
the mighty Makaraksha, began to dart sharp arrows towards him in the
battle-field. And Rama, with his shafts, sundered into several pieces,
those arrows. And being thus rendered useless those arrows, feathered in
gold, fell down on the earth. Then there arose a terrible conflict
between the Rakshasa Khara's son and Dacaratha's son. And there were
audible in that battle-field, the outcry of the heroes and the twang of
the bows stretched by their hands, like unto the muttering of the clouds
in the sky. And to beheld that wondrous conflict, the celestials,
Danavas, Gandharbas, Kinnaras and the mighty serpents stationed
themselves in the sky. They were wounded with the arrows discharged by
each other and their strength was doubled. And they began to fight in
that battle-field one attacking and the other withstanding the attack.
And in that conflict the Rakshasa sundered the shafts discharged by
Rama. And likewise Rama severed into several pieces the arrows shot by
the Rakshasa. All the quarters were covered with arrows and nothing on
earth or in the sky was visible. Thereupon being excited with ire,
Raghava of long arms sundered his (Rakshasa's) bow in conflict and with
eight _Narachas_ pierced the charioteer. And with arrows Rama sundered
the chariot and killing the horses brought them down. And the
night-ranger Makaraksha was brought down on the earth from the chariot.
He then again rose up with a dart in his hand creating terror unto all
creatures and resembling the Fire of Dissolution in resplendence. It was
a terribly huge dart conferred on him by Siva, shining in the sky in its
native brilliance and like unto another weapon of destruction.[332] And
beholding which dart even the celestials fly away in fear to different
quarters. And taking up that huge flaming dart, the night-ranger, being
excited with ire, hurled it at the high-souled Raghava. And Raghava,
with four shafts, sundered that dart, in the sky, flaming and hurled at
him by the son of Khara. And that flaming dart, feathered in gold, being
splintered into several pieces by Rama's arrows fell down on earth like
a huge fire-brand. And beholding that dart baffled thus by Rama of
unwearied actions all those, stationed in the welkin began to shout,
"Well done! Well done!!" And beholding his dart thus sundered, the
night-ranger Makaraksha clenching his fist spoke unto Kakutstha, saying,
"Stay! Stay!" And seeing him advance thus, the descendant of Raghu,
smiling, fixed a fiery arrow on his bow. And with that arrow the Raksha
was slain by Kakutstha in battle. And having his heart pierced he fell
down and died. And beholding Makaraksha thus slain all the Rakshasas,
being afraid of Rama's arrows, proceeded towards Lanka. And seeing that
night-ranger, the son of Khara, slain by Rama's arrows, like unto a
mountain clept by a thunder-bolt, the celestials were greatly delighted.
[329] A short arrow thrown from the hand or shot through a tube.--T.
[330] An Iron spear or dart.--T.
[331] Here is another sloka, which is to be found in all N. W. P. texts
and in one or two texts published in Bengal--but it has been
omitted by many for it conveys the same meaning as the previous
sloka; the meaning is:--And the birds drinking thy blood shall fly
away to various quarters.--T.
[332] This refers to the weapon used by Siva for destruction--for Siva,
according to the Hindu Mythology is the God of destruction.--T.
SECTION LXXX.
Hearing of the destruction of Makaraksha, the heroic Ravana, being
excited with ire, began to grind his teeth. Being thus angered, and
thinking within himself what steps to take, he ordered his son Indrajit
to proceed to the battle-field. "O hero, gifted with great prowess as
thou art, do thou, hidden (in clouds) or appearing before them, slay the
two heroic brothers Rama and Lakshmana. Thou didst defeat in conflict
Indra of unequalled prowess. Shalt thou then neglect to slay men as they
are?" Being thus addressed by the lord of the Rakshasas and obeying his
father's command, Indrajit proceeded towards the sacrificial ground to
satisfy Fire (with oblations). There came some she-demons with crimson
turbans and waited respectfully where Ravana's son was offering
oblations unto Fire. In that sacrifice the weapons were the leaves of
_sara_,[333] _bibhutaks_[334] were fuels, and there were brought crimson
clothes and _sruvas_[335] made of black iron. And spreading fire on all
sides with _sara_ leaves and _tomaras_, (Indrajit) caught a living goat,
all black, by the neck. And the fire, with oblations of _sara_, became
greatly blazed and devoid of smoke. And there were visible many good
omens indicating victory. The flame of the fire was like unto gold, and
moving Southwards began to receive offerings of clarified butter. And
thus offering oblations unto fire and unto celestials, Danavas and
Rakshasas, he ascended an excellent car and soon disappeared. It was
drawn by four horses and a huge bow, set with sharp arrows, appeared
beautiful on that excellent car. The chariot was brilliant with its own
native resplendence, adorned with gold and painted with the figures of
deer and a cresent. It was encircled on all sides with golden bracelets,
adorned with flags made of _vaidurja_ and was like unto the flaming
fire. And being thus well protected with Brahma weapons resembling the
Sun in brilliance, the mighty son of Ravana became invincible. And
offering oblations unto Fire in accordance with demonaic incantations
and thus obtaining the power of hiding himself, that hero, ever
victorious in battle, issued out of the city and said,--"Slaying these
two brothers in battle, who have uselessly wandered away into the
forest, shall I crown my father Ravana with victory. Destroying Rama and
Lakshmana, and clearing the monkeys off the earth, shall I satisfy my
sire greatly". Saying this, he disappeared from their view. Thereupon
that fearful foe of the lord of celestials appeared in the battle-field,
excited with wrath, armed with bow and sharp Narachas and commissioned
thus by the Ten-necked one. He beheld there those two heroes discharging
flaming arrows and surrounded by the monkeys like unto the fearful
three-hooded serpent in the midst of other serpents. And thinking "these
must be Rama and Lakshmana," and stretching his bow he began showering
arrows like unto clouds. He was seated in a car in the welkin and hidden
from the human gaze and began to assail Rama and Lakshmana with sharp
shafts. And being hurt with the arrows, Rama and Lakshmana, fixing
arrows on their bows, began to discharge celestial shafts. And those two
highly powerful heroes could not even touch his person with their arrows
resembling the Sun albeit they covered the whole welkin therewith. And
clouding the whole sky with smoke that effulgent one, enveloped in
frost, hid himself from their gaze. There was not audible the twang of
his bow, the sound of the wheels, or the noise of the steeds. Nor was he
seen by any. In that terrible darkness of clouds that one of mighty arms
began to make a downpour of Narachas and arrows like hail storms. And in
that encounter, Ravana's son, inflamed with ire, wounded Rama, with
shafts, resembling the Sun and obtained by him as a boon. And being hurt
with Narachas, like unto mountains wet with rain, those two foremost of
men, began to discharge shafts feathered in gold. And reaching the son
of Ravana in the sky and soaked in blood those golden arrows, fell down
on earth. And those two best of men, hurt with his arrows, became more
effulgent and baffled the shafts discharged by the Rakshasa. Thereupon
Rama and Lakshmana began to aim their sharp shafts to the direction
whence the arrows came down. And stationed in his chariot that mighty
car-warrior disturbed all quarters with his arrows and pierced
Dacaratha's sons with sharp shafts won by him. And being greatly hurt
with those sharp-pointed and terrible arrows Rama and Lakshmana appeared
like blossoming _kingsukas_. Like unto the sun hidden in clouds they
could see neither his countenance and motion, nor his bow and arrows.
And being wounded with those arrows hundreds of monkeys died and fell
down on the earth. Thereupon Lakshmana, being excited with wrath, spoke
unto his brother, saying--"To slay all the Rakshasas shall I discharge
to-day Brahma weapon". Thereupon Rama spoke unto Lakshmana, gifted with
auspicious marks, saying--"It doth not behove thee to clear all the
Rakshasas off the earth for the folly of one individual. Thou shouldst
not slay him, who hath retired from battle, hath hidden himself, hath
sought thy shelter, hath stood before thee with joined palms, hath fled
away or who is bewildered. O thou of mighty-arms, let us try to slay him
(Indrajit). And to accomplish it I shall use the weapons gifted with
great impetuosity and resembling the serpents. He is hidden from the
public gaze so we must slay him--had he been fighting openly the leaders
of the monkey hosts could have slain that Rakshasa. Truly he shall be
burnt to death with my shafts and fall down on the earth albeit he
entereth the regions under the earth or the abode of the celestials".
Having said these words pregnant with a high significance, the
high-souled and heroic descendant of Raghu, being surrounded by monkeys,
began to concert various plans for the destruction of that terrible
Rakshasa of wicked deeds.
[333] Saccharum--a reed or grass,
[334] Beleric myrobalan.
[335] A ladle with a double extremety or two oval collateral excavations
made of wood to pour _ghee_ upon the sacrificial Fire.--T.
SECTION LXXXI.
Having read the intention of that high-souled Raghava, he retired from
the battle-field and entered into the city of Lanka. And remembering the
destruction of many a quick-paced Rakshasa, his eyes were rendered
coppery with ire; and that hero, the son of Ravana, issued out of the
city again. And that highly powerful, Indrajit, a descendant of Pulasta
and an enemy of the celestials, issued out, encircled by the Rakshasas,
by the western gate. And beholding the heroic brothers Rama and
Lakshmana prepared for fight, Indrajit spread illusions. And placing an
illusory figure of Sita on the car, encircled by a huge army he began to
make arrangements for her destruction. And desiring to charm all with
his illusions, that one of wicked intent, preparing himself to slay
Sita, proceeded towards the monkeys. And beholding him thus proceed, the
monkeys, inflamed with ire, desirous of fighting and with crags in their
hands, moved on, And preceded them all, Hanuman, the foremost of the
monkeys, with a huge mountain-top in his hand. He beheld there, on
Indrajit's car, Sita, deprived of all joy, poorly, greatly reduced with
fasts and wearing a single braid. And Raghava's beloved spouse wore a
piece of soiled cloth, and though highly beautiful, the grace of her
person was greatly spoiled with dirt. That daughter of Janaka, was not
seen by him for a long time. And beholding her and deciding instantly
that she is the daughter of Mithila, (he became greatly sorry). And
seeing her on the car, innocent, poor, deprived of joy and brought under
the influence of the son of the lord of Rakshasas that great monkey
thought within himself--'What must be the intention of Indrajit?' and
accompanied by heroic monkeys advanced towards the son of Ravana. And
beholding that monkey host, Ravana's son became beside himself with ire
and unsheathing his weapon _Nistrinsha_, caught her by the hair. And
that Rakshasa addressed himself to strike her in the presence of all
those monkeys, and that illusory figure of Sita began to bewail saying,
"O Rama! O Rama!" And seeing her thus caught by the head, Hanuman, the
son of Maruta, greatly sorry, began to shed tears. And beholding that
beloved spouse of Rama, having a tender and beautiful person, he
addressed angrily the son of the lord of Rakshasas with harsh words. "It
is for thy destruction, O Vicious-souled one! that thou hast touched her
hair. Being descended from that great Brahma ascetic thou art born as a
Rakshasa. O! cursed art thou, since thou hast cherished such a desire
and engaged in such a vicious deed. O vile! O wicked! O cruel and
dishonorable wight! O thou having vice for thy prowess! O shameless! Art
thou not ashamed of perpetrating such an inhuman deed. What hath
Maithili done by thee, O cruel one! that thou art ready to slay her--She
hath been banished from her home, territory and hath been separated from
her lord. O thou worthy of being slain, destroying Sita, thou shalt not
live long as thou hast been brought under me. Thou shalt after the death
reach the place which is occupied by those who murder women--a place
which is avoided even by those who commit every sort of crime punishable
by law". Saying this Hanuman, accompanied by monkeys armed with weapons,
and excited with ire, proceeded towards the son of the lord of
Rakshasas. Beholding the highly powerful monkeys advance thus the
Rakshasas, inflamed with wrath, obstructed them. And assailing the
monkey-hosts with thousands of arrows, Indrajit spoke unto that foremost
of monkeys, Hanuman, saying,--"To-day I shall slay before you all
Vaidehi, for whom thou, Sugriva and Rama have come. Slaying her, O
monkey, I shall afterwards kill thee, Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva and
the dishonorable Bibhisana. And, O monkey, about not destroying women,
of which thou wert speaking (I might say) that we must always do what
pains our enemies".[336] Saying this, Indrajit with a sharp sword,
himself killed the illusory Sita thus bewailing. And being sundered by
him obliquely in a way in which a sacred thread lies on one's own
person, the innocent (Sita) having a beautiful countenance fell down on
the earth. And slaying her Indrajit spoke unto Hanuman, saying,--"Behold
I have slain (before thee) with my sword Rama's beloved. And Vaidehi
being thus slain, all your labours have been rendered useless". And
destroying her with his own hand by means of a huge sword, Indrajit,
greatly pleased ascended his car and began to emit dreadful roars. And
the monkeys stationed near heard that terrible roar and saw him enter
the castle.[337] And slaying Sita[338] that wicked-minded son of Ravana
became greatly pleased. And beholding him thus delighted the monkeys
being greatly sorry fled away.
[336] There is one sloka intervening according to some texts--but it has
been omitted by many. The reasons for this omission are best known
to them. The purport is:--"Why did Rama slay Taraka before? And I
shall therefore slay his spouse the daughter of king Janaka".
Hearin Indrajit attempts to justify himself and wants to prove
that Rama is equally blameable for this.--T.
[337] The castle built by Indrajit by means of his illusory power in the
air.--T.
[338] This refers to the figure of Sita made by illusion.--T.
SECTION LXXXII.
Hearing that dreadful uproar resembling the sound of Indra's
thunder-bolt, the monkeys, casting their looks on all sides fled away.
Thereupon Hanuman, the son of Maruta, spoke unto them, poorly, terrified
and of a sorrowful countenance, saying,--"O monkeys, why do ye look so
melancholy and why are you flying away? Why have ye renounced your
earnest desire for fight? And where is your heroism gone? Do ye remain
behind me, I shall go first in the battle". Being thus addressed by that
highly intelligent son of the Wind-god, they were greatly excited with
wrath and being pleased took up trees and crags in their hands. And
roaring thus the leading monkeys advanced towards the Rakshasas and
stood encircling Hanuman in the battle-field. And being surrounded on
all sides by leading monkeys, Hanuman began to burn down enemy's host
like unto fire spreading its flames. And being encircled by monkey-hosts
that mighty monkey resembling Death himself began to grind the
Rakshasas. And being overwhelmed with grief and wrought up with ire,
that monkey Hanuman, threw a huge crag on the car of that son of Ravana.
Beholding that crag about to fall down on the car, the charioteer moved
his horses and it was speedily brought at some distance. And not
reaching Indrajit stationed on the car and the charioteer, that crag,
uselessly hurled, fell down on the earth. And that crag falling down
many of the Rakshasas were crushed. Thereupon hundreds of huge-bodied
monkeys, emitting cries and taking up crags and trees proceeded towards
him (Indrajit) and hurled them at him. And the monkeys gifted with
dreadful prowess began to make a down-pour of crags and trees. They thus
assailed the enemies and frequently emitted cries. And the grim-visaged
night-rangers were thus assailed with trees in that field by the
terrible monkeys. Beholding his army thus distressed by the monkeys,
Indrajit, excited with wrath, and taking up his dart, proceeded towards
the enemies, and encircled by his soldiers showered terrible shafts upon
them. And that one of dreadful prowess slew many a leading monkey by
means of darts, Acanis, swords, _patticas_ and clubs. And the highly
powerful monkeys destroyed his retinue, with crags, stones and trees
having strong trunks. And Hanuman thus crushed many a Rakshasa of
terrible deeds. Obstructing the Rakshasas (for some time) Hanuman spoke
unto monkeys, saying,--"Stay, we should not fight now. That daughter of
Janaka hath been slain, for whom we have engaged in fight, renouncing
all hope of life and desiring to accomplish Rama's satisfaction. Let us
now go and inform Rama and Sugriva of it. And we shall do as we shall be
commanded by them. Saying this and desisting all the monkeys from
encounter that foremost of monkeys proceeded undaunted and heroically.
And beholding Hanuman proceed thus where Raghava was that wicked-minded
one (Indrajit) with a view to offer oblations unto Fire entered the
sacrificial altar _Nikumbhila_. And reaching there Indrajit lighted up
fire and began to pour oblations therein. And the Fire blazed up
receiving oblations of blood, and being satisfied assumed the appearance
of the setting sun. And Indrajit conversant with all ceremonials,
offered oblations in due form for the welfare of the Rakshasas. And they
all stood there watching the result and desirous of ascertaining the
success of the battle.[339]
[339] This sloka hath been left off in some editions.--T.
SECTION LXXXIII.
Hearing the terrible war-cry of the Rakshasas and monkeys Raghava spoke
unto Jambavan, saying:--"O gentle one, forsooth hath Hanuman performed
some mighty act--for I hear the dreadful sound of the weapons. Do thou
therefore proceed speedily, O lord of bears, with all thy soldiers to
assist that foremost of monkeys.