Like unto a pond in the summer both the armies became gradually reduced.

Beholding his own army and Birupaksha slain, Ravana, the lord of

Rakshasas, was doubly excited with ire. And observing his army reduced

and slain by the heroic (monkeys) he perceived ill omens in the fight

and was accordingly pained at heart. And he addressed Mahodara, who was

near him, saying, "O thou of great arms, all my hopes of success are now

centered in thee. Do thou slay the enemy's force, O hero, and display

thy prowess. Now hath come the time of returning the favours of thy

master. Do thou fight bravely". Being thus accosted that Rakshasa-chief

Mahodara, saying "so be it" entered the enemy's army like unto a fly

entering into a flame. Excited by his master's command and empowered by

his own prowess that (Rakshasa) gifted with great strength, began to

assail the monkeys. And the highly powerful monkeys too taking up huge

crags dashed against the dreadful army of the enemies and crushed all

the Rakshasas. And Mahodara, greatly angered, severed in that mighty

encounter, with his arrows feathered in gold, the hands, feet and thighs

of the monkeys. Then the monkeys, in fear of the Rakshasas, fled away to

different quarters and some sought shelter of Sugriva. And beholding his

powerful monkey force thus assailed in the conflict, Sugriva dashed

forward and fronted Mahodara. And taking up a huge and dreadful crag

resembling a mountain, the monkey-king hurled it with great vehemence to

slay him. Thereupon finding that crag about to fall, Mahodara fearlessly

severed it with his arrows. And being sundered into a thousand pieces by

the arrow of that Rakshasa, it fell down on the earth like unto a band

of vultures. And beholding that crag thus severed, Sugriva was beside

himself with ire; and uplifting a _sala_ tree hurled it: and the heroic

Rakshasa, the slayer of enemy's force, severed it into several pieces

with his arrows. Thereupon excited with wrath he saw a _parigha_ on the

ground. And hurling that flaming _parigha_ and displaying his

(light-handedness) he struck his excellent horse therewith. And having

his horse slain, that hero--the Rakshasa Mahodara, ascended his car, and

in great anger took up his club. Those two heroes, with club and

_parigha_ in their hands, engaged in battle, roaring like two bulls or

clouds accompanied with lightning. Thereupon the night-ranger Mahodara,

inflamed with ire, hurled at Sugriva, the club flaming like the Sun. And

beholding that dreadful club about to fall the highly powerful

Sugriva--the lord of monkeys, uplifting his _parigha_ struck it

therewith. And the _parigha_, being sundered, fell quickly down on the

earth. Thereupon the effulgent Sugriva picked up from the ground a

_musala_ made of iron and ornamented with gold. Taking that _musala_ up

he hurled it at the Rakshasa and who again hurled a club; and both of

them being severed fell down on the earth. Having their weapons baffled

thus, those two heroes, gifted with great prowess and effulgence and

resembling the burning fire, were ready to interchange blows. They,

emitting roars again and again, struck each other down on the earth with

their clenched fists. And rising up speedily they again assailed each

other. Thus those two heroes, unsubdued, struck each other with their

arms. Thereupon both of them, highly proficient in fighting with arms,

were greatly exhausted. Thereupon they took up daggers. And uplifting

them, (those two heroes) with their persons trembling in ire, proficient

in fighting and skilled in the use of weapons, dashed on roaring. And

both of them enraged with each other and anxious to score success,

moving in a circle on each other's right side, addressed themselves for

action. Thereupon the vicious-minded, heroic Mahodara, gifted with great

vehemence and proud of his own heroism, flung his dagger at (the

monkey's) armour. And as he was about to extricate his dagger from the

armour, that foremost of monkeys severed with his dagger that Rakshasa's

head with helmet and _kundalas_. And beholding the Rakshasa-chief fall

down on the earth with his head off, his forces fled away from the

field. And slaying him that monkey-chief, delighted, began to roar along

with other monkeys. There-upon the Ten-necked one became highly enraged

and Raghava greatly delighted. And all the Rakshasas, with their hearts

broken and countenances rendered poorly and stricken with fear fled away

to different quarters. Slaying and striking down on earth Mahodara like

unto a portion of a mighty hill severed, that son of the Sun appeared

resplendent in his own effulgence and became irrepressible like unto the

Sun. And winning victory in the action that lord of monkeys was espied

by the celestials, Siddhas and Yakshas along with all creatures on

earth, having their eyes flushed with joy.

SECTION LXLIX.

Mahodara being thus slain by Sugriva, the highly powerful Mahaparshwa,

having his eyes reddened with ire, looked towards him. And the Rakshasa,

with his weapons, assailed the dreadful army of Angada as well as the

leading monkeys. The Rakshasa severed the heads from the bodies of the

monkeys like unto the wind throwing away the fruits from trees. And he

cut off, with his arrows, the arms of some and some were deprived of

their sides. The monkeys were thus assailed by Mahaparshwa with a shower

of shafts. All the monkeys were thus stricken with grief and rendered

senseless. And hearing of the anxiety of his own army thus assailed by

the Rakshasa, Angada, gifted with great vehemence, taking his _parigha_

made of iron and resembling the rays of the sun, dashed on like the

rising deep during the lunar half of a month. And that foremost of

monkeys encountered Mahaparshwa, who, thus struck by the monkey, became

insensible with his charioteer and fell down on the earth. Thereupon

leaped on the battle-field the highly powerful and effulgent lord of

bears, having the hue of red collyrium, with his army resembling the

cloud. And excited with ire, he, taking up a huge crag resembling the

summit of a mountain, speedily struck down his horses and broke down his

car. And regaining his senses in a moment the highly powerful

Mahaparshwa, again assailed Angada with many arrows. He struck Jambavan,

the lord of bears, on his breast with three arrows and assailed Gabaksha

with many shafts. And beholding Jambavan and Gabaksha overwhelmed with

arrows, Angada, beside himself with ire, took up a dreadful _parigha_.

And holding with two hands that _parigha_ made of iron and bright like

the rays of the sun, Angada, the son of Vali, with his eyes reddened in

wrath, hurled it at Mahaparshwa who was stationed at a distance, to slay

him. And being hurled by the highly powerful (Angada) the _parigha_,

struck down from his hands the bow with arrows and the helmet of the

Rakshasa. And approaching him vehemently, Vali's son, gifted with great

prowess, in anger, struck him, with clenched fist, on his ears having

excellent _kundalas_. There-upon Mahaparshwa gifted with great vehemence

and effulgence, highly angered, took up in his hands a huge

_parashivadha_, sharpened with oil, bright and hard as iron and

discharged it at Vali's son, and struck him therewith on his left

shoulder. And Angada baffled that _parashwadha_. Thereupon that hero,

powerful like his own father, clenching his fist, hard as thunder-bolt

and resembling even Indra's _acani_, dealt it, in great anger, upon the

Raksha's breast. And being struck with that fist the Rakshasa's breast

was shattered and lie fell down on earth. He falling down on earth

slain, his soldiers were greatly sorry and Ravana attained to an excess

of ire in the conflict. The noise set up by the delighted monkeys like

unto a dreadful leonine roar, as if rending the city of Lanka abounding

in edifices and gates, resembled the great roar of the celestials along

with Indra. And hearing the noise of the celestials and monkeys, the

lord of Rakshasas, the enemy of the gods, in great anger, again

proceeded towards the battle field.

SECTION C.

Beholding Mahodara, Mahaparsha and the highly powerful Birupaksha slain

in the encounter Ravana attained to an excess of ire. And ordering his

charioteer to hurry on he gave vent to the following words--"All my

courtiers have been slain and my city is shut up--I shall remove my

grief consequent on all these by slaying Rama and Lakshmana. I shall

destroy Rama-like tree in the conflict whose flower is Sita and whose

branches are Sugriva, Jambavan, Kumuda, Nala, Divida, Mainda, Angada,

Gandhamadana, Hanuman and all other leading monkeys". And resounding the

ten quarters with the sound of his chariot wheels that mighty

car-warrior proceeded quickly towards Raghava. With that sound all

quarters were filled, and the earth, with rivers, mountains and forests

shook and all the lions, deer and birds were terrified. He created a

dreadful darkness with the discharge of his sharp weapons and burnt down

the monkeys who fled away to different directions. Dust was raised on

the ground by those monkeys assailed and flying to various directions.

They were unable to withstand the power of that weapon made by Brahma

himself. Beholding his own army, assailed and cut into hundred pieces by

the excellent weapons of Ravana, Raghava dashed forward. And assailing

the monkey-host, that foremost of Rakshasas espied Rama, unconquered, at

a distance with his brother Lakshmana like unto Basava with Vishnu,

holding a huge bow like one painted on the sky, having expansive eyes

like lotus-petals, long arms, and always subduing the enemies. Beholding

the monkeys slain in the encounter and Ravana approach, the heroic and

highly powerful Rama, with Sumitra's son in his company, delightedly set

arrows on his bow. And as if rending the whole earth with that dreadful

sound he began to draw the string of his excellent bow. With the sound

of Ravana's arrows and the twang of Rama's bow hundreds of Rakshasas

fell down on earth. And coming within the range of the arrows of those

two princes, Ravana appeared like Rahu in presence of the sun and the

moon. And desiring to fight with him first Lakshmana setting sharp

arrows on his bow, discharged shafts at him resembling the flame of

fire. And the highly powerful Ravana too with his arrows stopped the

course of those shafts in the sky as soon as they were discharged by

Lakshmana, skilled in archery. And displaying his light-handedness, he,

with one arrow, severed Lakshmana's one, with three his three and with

ten his ten. Surpassing thus the son of Sumitra, Ravana, ever victorious

in battle, confronted Rama in the encounter, standing like another hill.

And approaching Raghava, Ravana the lord of Rakshasas, with his eyes

reddened in ire, began to make a shower of arrows. Thereupon beholding

the arrows shot off Ravana's bow fall on all sides, Rama speedily took

up a _valla_.[386] And Raghava sundered with his sharp _valla_ his

dreadful arrows flaming and resembling poisonous serpents. With various

sharpened arrows Raghava assailed Ravana, and he again assailed Rama in

return. And forming a circle, they passed each other by the right side.

Uprooting the earth with the vehemence of their arrows, irrepressible by

each other, fighting equally discharging arrows, they looked dreadful

like Death himself--and created terror in all creatures. The sky was

filled with their various weapons, like unto clouds in the rainy season

accompanied with lightning. And the welkin appeared full of windows with

that shower of arrows, sharpened, shot with great vehemence and winged

like vultures. The earth was stricken with darkness caused by these

arrows like unto clouds appearing after sunset. There took place a

dreadful conflict between them, desiring to slay each other, having

their prowess unknown and fighting like Vitra and Vasava. Both of them

were proficient in archery, skilled in the art of conflict and foremost

of those conversant with the use of weapons. And they began to veer

round the battle-field. And wherever they went, there appeared arrows

like unto waves of the deep roused by the winds. Then that destroyer of

creatures--Ravana--with his hand engaged in discharging shafts, shot at

Rama's forehead a network of arrows. And thereat Rama on his head bore

that shower of shafts shot from his terrific bow, having the lustre of

the petals of blue lotuses; nor did he experience any pain, And then

reciting a formula, the exceedingly energetic Rama endowed with prowess,

wrought up with wrath, engaged in incessantly shooting his shafts,

taking his Raudra weapon and again seizing his arrows, discharged them

at that lord of Rakshasas. And alighting at the impenetrable hail of the

Kakshasa-chief, resembling a mass of mighty clouds, those arrows did not

then occasion him any pain. Again Rama skilled in all weapons, from a

powerful weapon discharged arrows at the sovereign of the Rakshasas

mounted on his car. And piercing Ravana, those like unto five-hooded

serpents, resisted by him, entered the earth, hissing. Having baffled

Raghava's weapon, Ravana, transported with passion, took up a dreadful

Asura weapon; and discharged sharpened shafts having the faces of lions

and tigers, and the faces of _kankas_ and _kokas_[387] and the faces of

vultures and hawks, and the faces of jackals, and the faces of

wolves,--with gaping mouths,--and terrific of aspect; five-mouthed and

red-hued. And that highly powerful one, enraged, sighing like a snake,

by his power of illusion shot at Rama other keen arrows having the faces

of mules and the faces of bears, and the faces of dogs and cocks, and

the faces of _makaras_[388] and venomous serpents,--these as well as

others. Covered with that Asura weapon, that foremost of the Raghus,

himself resembling fire, discharged an exceedingly vigorous weapon

informed with fire; and shot various shafts having faces filled with

live flames, and faces like unto suns,--and hued like unto planets and

stars,--and furnished with faces resembling mighty meteors, or

resembling tongues of lightning. And those terrific shafts of Ravana,

resisted by Raghava's weapon, were annihilated in the sky, and destroyed

(monkeys) by thousands. And seeing that weapon (of Ravana) destroyed by

Rama of untiring deeds, all those heroes, the monkeys--headed by

Sugriva, capable of wearing forms at will, shouted, surrounding Raghava.

And the high-souled son of Dacaratha--Raghava--having by his might

destroyed that weapon discharged by Ravana's arms, was delighted; and

the monkey-chiefs, filled with glee, began to emit shouts.

[386] An arrow with a crescent shaped head.

[387] _Koka_--a ruddy goose. It may also mean a lizard, a chameleon, a

wolf.

[388] A marine monster, generally confounded with the alligator and the

shark; but really a fabulous animal.--T.

SECTION CI.

On that weapon of his having been baffled, Ravana--lord of the

Rakshasas--was fired with double fury, and the highly effulgent Ravana

from wrath set about discharging at Raghava a dreadful Raudra weapon,

which had been conferred on him by Maya. And from his bow began to issue

forth in large numbers darts and maces and clubs, flaming and having the

might of thunder; and various kinds of sharp clubs and daggers and

nooses and flaming thunderbolts began to descend like unto the winds at

the universal tumbling. And thereupon the graceful and exceedingly

effulgent Raghava--foremost of those accomplished in noble

arms--resisted that weapon with a powerful Gandharva weapon. On that

weapon being baffled by the high-souled Raghava, Ravana, with his eyes

rendered coppery with passion, took up a Solar weapon. Thereupon from

the bow of the wondrous vehement and intelligent Ten-necked one rushed

out discuses flaming and mighty. And the firmament all round blazed up

with those impendent (arms), as blaze up the cardinal quarters on the

Sun and the Moon and the planets dropping down. Thereat Raghava in the

van of that army by means of vollies of shafts cut off Ravana's

wonderful weapons and discuses. And seeing that weapon destroyed,

Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--with ten arrows pierced Rama all through his

vitals. And pierced by Ravana with those ten shafts discharged from his

mighty bow, the exceedingly powerful Raghava did not so much shake. Then

Raghava--victor in fight--waxing wondrous wroth, with countless shafts

pierced Ravana all over his person. In the meanwhile Raghava's younger

brother, the mighty Lakshmana--destroyer of foes--growing enraged, took

up seven arrows. And with those highly impetuous arrows that exceedingly

effulgent one severed the human-headed standard of Ravana. And the

mighty and graceful Lakshmana with a shaft cut off the head of the

Nairita's charioteer, illumined with ear-rings. And then with five

sharpened arrows Lakshmana severed the bow of the Rakshasa-chief,

resembling the trunk of an elephant. And Bibhishana, bounding up, with

his mace despatched Ravana's excellent steeds, resembling hills or

dark-blue clouds. Thereat, leaping down from his mighty car, whose

horses had been slain, Ravana was fired with high wrath against his

brother. And the powerful lord of Rakshasas endowed with immense

strength, hurled at Bibhishana a dart resembling the flaming

thunder-bolt. And ere the dart had reached its destination, Lakshmana

severed it with three shafts; and thereat in that mighty conflict there

arose a mighty uproar from the monkeys. And the dart dight with networks

of gold fell down in three fragments, as droppeth a mighty meteor from

the firmament, flaming and shooting out scintillations. Then (Ravana)

took up a huge dart, glowing in its own energy, celebrated as being

irrisistible, and incapable of being borne by the Destroyer himself. On

being whirled by the impious and strong Ravana, the dart possessed of

exceeding energy, flamed up. In the meanwhile the heroic Lakshmana

swiftly came to the side of Bibhishana,[389] whose life was placed in

peril. And in order to save him, that hero--Lakshmana--drawing his bow,

covered the dart-handed Ravana with showers of shafts. On being covered

with arrows shot by that high souled one, Ravana, with his prowess

baffled, made up his mind to let (his brother) go. And seeing his

brother delivered by Lakshmana, Ravana, facing Lakshmana, spoke these

words,--"O thou proud of thy prowess! as Bibhishana hath this wise been

delivered by thee, passing by the Rakshasa, this dart, discharged from

my bludgeon of an arm, will depart, depriving thee of thy life". Having

said this, Ravana, waxing furiously enraged, discharged at Lakshmana

that dart forged by Maya with his power of illusion, furnished with

eight bells, having mighty sounds,--incapable of being

resisted,--competent to finish foes; and flaming in energy,--and shouted

simultaneously. And hurled with terrific force, the dart sending sounds

resembling that of Vajra or the thunder-bolt, vehemently alighted at

Lakshmana in that encounter. Thereat, as the dart descended, Raghava

addressed[390] it, saying,--"Peace be to Lakshmana! Be thou frustrated;

and let thy energy go out of thee". But the dart discharged in the

encounter by the enraged Ravana, resembling a venomous serpent, dived

into the dauntless and heroic Lakshmana; and (the dart) exceedingly

splendid and blazing, possessed of dreadful impetuosity; and resembling

the tongue of the king of serpents, smote Lakshmana in his mighty chest.

And with his breast riven by the dart, driving deep through the force of

Ravana, Lakshmana fell down to the earth. And Raghava, standing by,

seeing Lakshmana in that plight, had his heart overspread with sorrow.

But reflecting only for a while, he, with his eyes surcharged with

tears, was filled with greater martial ardour, and resembled the fire

risen at the universal dissolution. Then thinking,--'This is not the

time to indulge in grief;' he, gazing at Lakshmana, entered into a

terrific encounter, resolved upon slaying Ravana, laying under

contribution his dearest energies. And Rama saw Lakshmana with his chest

riven by the dart in the mighty conflict, lying drenched in blood, and

resembling a hill with serpents present in it--And in spite of all their

efforts, the foremost monkeys failed to extract the dart which had been

hurled by the powerful Ravana.--And, further, they were (all the while)

sore assailed with showers of shafts by the foremost Rakshasa of them

all. The dart, having pierced Sumitra's son, had entered the earth. In

the encounter the mighty Rama, grasping the dreadful dart with his

hands, extracted the same and wrathfully snapped it.[391] As he (Rama)

was engaged in pulling the dart out, the mighty Ravana kept pouring

marrow-piercing shafts all over his person. Thinking nothing of those

arrows, Rama, embracing Lakshmana, spoke unto Hanuman and the mighty

monkey, Sugriva,--"Ye foremost of monkeys, do ye stay here, surrounding

Lakshmana. The opportunity for putting forth my prowess which I had

sought, is present. I shall slay this wicked-minded Ten-necked one, who

is resolved to pursue the course of unrighteousness. Even as on the

expiry of summer the Chataka is eager for the sight of clouds, I had

long been eager to obtain a sight of (Ravana.) Ye monkeys, this, I swear

unto you,--this very hour not long after ye will see this world without

Ravana or Rama. To-day having slain Ravana in battle, I shall renounce

all sorrow arising from the loss of my kingdom, from my sojourn in the

woods, from my wandering in Dandaka, from the ravishment of Vaidehi,

from encounter with the Rakshas,--all the terrible evils that I have

suffered, and all the troubles resembling hell. He for whom I have

brought over the monkey-forces, made Sugriva king, slaying Vali in

battle, for whom I have crossed the ocean and constructed a bridge over

the deep--the same hath been come at by me in conflict, and the same

hath come within the range of my vision.--And having come within my ken,

Ravana will not live, even as one coming within ken of a serpent of

poisonous sight, doth not live; or even as a serpent doth not live,

coming within ken of Vinata's[392] son. Do ye, ye irrepressible ones, ye

foremost of monkeys, seated at the brow of the mountain, behold the

battle between me and Ravana. To day let the three worlds with the

Gandharvas, and the Siddhas, and the Chiranas, see that for which Rama

is Rama. To-day I shall do a deed of which the worlds with the mobile

and the immobile and the gods, shall speak as long as the Earth

sustaineth (creatures.)" Having delivered himself thus, Rama,

concentrating his attention, began to charge the Ten-necked one in

encounter with whetted arrows decked with burnished gold. And in the

same way Ravana showered on Rama great _narachas_ and clubs, even as

clouds pour down showers. And there arose a tremendous uproar of mighty

arrows discharged by Rama and Ravana, smiting one another. And the

shafts shot by Rama and Ravana, severed and scattered, with flaming

heads dropped to the Earth. And the mighty twangs of the bow-strings of

both, terrifying all creatures, were wonderful to behold.[393] And then

even as clouds disperse on being trampled by the Winds, Ravana, covered

with showers of arrowy networks by that high souled one and reduced to

sore straits by that one (Rama) of a glowing bow, fled away in fear.

[389] The commentator explains: "Himself coming before the dart,

Lakshmana saved Bibhishana".--T.

[390] _i.e._ as Ramanuya remarks, addressed the deity presiding over

it.--T.

[391] The commentator has a characteristic note. 'This dart, having

pierced the foe, used always to return to Ravana. But Rama, who

was the Lord himself, having spoken to it as he did, it could not

this time go back; and Rama snapped it, which none else could

do.'!--T.

[392] Garuda.

[393] _Adbhutadarcana--wonderful to behold_,--wonderful to witness is

the sense.--T.

SECTION CII.

Seeing the heroic Lakshmana brought down by the dart discharged by the

powerful Ravana, and lying drenched in blood, he (Rama) after having

fought furiously with the wicked-minded Ravana,--and having showered

vollies of shafts, addressed Sushena, saying,--"This heroic Lakshmana

brought down to the earth by the prowess of Ravana, lieth like a

serpent, enhancing my sorrow. Seeing this hero, dearer to me than life,

what power have I, with my soul overwhelmed with dole, to fight? If this

brother of mine graced with auspicious marks, delighting in battle,

breathe his last, what shall life avail me or happiness? My prowess is

ashamed; my bow falleth off from my hand; my arrows droop; my sight is

dimmed with tears; my limbs weaken as do those of men in a dream;

thought racks me; and I even desire death". Seeing his brother wounded

by the wicked-minded Ravana, crying in preternatural accents, and sore

stricken in his vitals, (Rama) overcome by a mighty sorrow, lamented

with his senses wildered. "Seeing my brother, Lakshmana, wounded, and

lying over the dust of the field, even victory, O hero, doth not seem to

me sweet. If the Moon is hid from the sight, whom doth he then delight?

What have I to do with battle? What have I to do with life? I have no

more to do anything with fighting, seeing that this Lakshmana wounded,

lieth in the field of battle. As this highly effulgent one had followed

me into the forest, so will I in the same way follow him to the abode of

Yama. Ever seeking my welfare and ever devoted to me, he hath been

reduced to this pass by Rakshasas fighting in crooked ways. In land

after land one meets with wives, in land after land one meets with

friends, but country find I none where a uterine brother may be met

with. What, O irrepressible one, shall I do with the kingdom without my

Lakshmana? And what shall I say unto mother Sumitra, fond of her son?

And I shall never be able to bear the reproach Sumitra shall cast upon

me. And what shall I say unto Kaucalya, and what unto mother Kaikeyi?

And what shall I say unto Bharata, and what unto the exceedingly

powerful Satrughna? 'Thou hadst gone to the woods with him. Why then

dost thou come (back) without him?' 'Tis better (for me) to renounce my

life here, instead of bearing the censure of friends. What a sin had I

committed in another birth, seeing that my virtuous brother, staying

before me, hath been slain? Ah, my brother! Thou best of men! O master,

who wert the foremost of heroes! Why, forsaking me, dost thou repair to

the other regions. Wherefore, brother, dost thou not speak to me, who am

lamenting? Get up. See! Why dost thou lie down? Look on me with thine

eyes. O mighty-armed one, in the woods and mountains thou didst ever use

to cheer me, tried by grief and pining in despondency, with my mind

overwhelmed (with woe)". As Rama was speaking thus with his senses

overwhelmed with emotion, Sushena, soothing him, spoke these pregnant

words,--"O foremost of men, cast off this train of thought tending to

overwhelm thy understanding,--this anxiety giving birth to grief, and

resembling the shafts of foes in the van of the embattled forces.

Lakshmana enhancer of auspiciousness is not dead. His face is not

distorted or blackened. Do thou look at his countenance, which is

beautifully bright and cheerful. His hands have palms resembling

lotus-petals, and his eyes are pleasant. O king, one dead doth not look

thus. (Therefore), O hero, do not grieve. O subduer of enemies, this one

is instinct with life. As he is lying down on the ground, stretched at

length, his heart, O hero, trembling momentarily, testifieth to his

respiration". Having spoken thus unto Raghava, the highly wise Sushena

thus addressed the mighty monkey, Hanuman, saying,--"O placid one,

hieing hence to the mountain, Mahodaya, which, O hero, had formerly been

mentioned unto thee by Jambavan, bring hither the mighty drug sprung at

its right summit--Vicalyakarani by name, and Savarnyakarani,[394] and

Sanjivakarani, O hero, and the potent medicine--Sandhani. Do thou bring

(these) in order that the hero--Lakshmana--may be revived". Having been

thus instructed, Hanuman, repairing to the Medicinal mountain, was

wrought up with anxiety, not knowing the drugs. And then the thought

sprang up in the mind of the Wind-god's offspring of immeasurable

prowess,--"I shall go, even taking this (entire) summit of the mountain.

In this very summit must that delightful drug have sprung. This I infer,

inasmuch as Sushena had forsooth said so. If I fail to take

Vicalyakarani, I shall come by disgrace,--and if I spend much time (in

thought), that would be fraught with evil".[395] Having reflected thus,

the exceedingly powerful Hanuman, foremost of monkeys,--swiftly drawing

up to that best of mountains, and giving three shakes to the mountain

filled with various flowering trees,--raised it up with his hands. And

taking that summit of the mountain resembling dark-blue clouds charged

with rain, Hanuman from the earth bounded up into the sky. And arriving

(at his quarters), that wondrous vehement one, putting down the

mountain-peak, and reposing for a while, spoke unto Sushena,--"I did not

find the drug, O best of monkeys; and therefore have I brought this

entire summit of the mountain". When the Wind-god's offspring had spoken

thus, that foremost of monkeys--Sushena--praising him, uprooted the herb

and secured it. Seeing Hanuman's feat, incapable of being done by even

the celestials, the choicest of the monkeys were amazed. Then crushing

the healing herb, that best of monkeys--the exceedingly effulgent

Sushena, made Lakshmana smell the same. And thereupon the wounded

Lakshmana,--slayer of hostile heroes--smelling it, cured of his wound

and ailments, speedily rose up from the ground. Seeing Lakshmana rise up

from the earth, the monkeys, exceedingly rejoiced, honoring Lakshmana,

exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent!" "Come!" said that slayer of hostile

heroes--Rama--and with his eyes filled with tears, he deeply embraced

Lakshmana. And having embraced Sumitra's son, Raghava then addressed

him, saying--"By good fortune it is that, O hero, I see thee returned

from (the mansion of) Death.--Verily my life, or Sita, or Victory is

worthless (without thee). And thou being dead, what is my life worth?"

When the high-souled Raghava had spoken thus, Lakshmana, aggrieved on

account of the words (of Raghava) expressive of infirmity of purpose,

said,--"Having bound thyself by that vow, it doth not, O thou having

truth for prowess, behove thee to speak like one fickle and feeble.

Those speaking the truth, never falsify their promise: the mark of a

great one is even observance of vow. O sinless one, do not suffer

thyself to be overcome by despair on my account. Do thou to-day by

slaying Ravana, make thy promise good. Thy foe coming within the sway of

thy shafts, will not hence, living, even like a mighty elephant coming

before a sharp-toothed roaring lion. I wish the speedy destruction of

this impious one, ere the maker of day, having performed his work, has

ascended the Setting-hill.[396] If thou wishest to slay Ravana in

battle, if thou desirest to recover the princess, then, O noble one, O

hero, to-day speedily set about what I say".

[394] _Lit._--that which restores the former complexion.--T.

[395] Explains the commentator: 'If I take any other medicine by

mistake, I shall make a fool of myself; if I spend much time in

thought, Lakshmana may die.'--T.

[396] This conversation between Rama and Lakshmana took place, says the

commentator, on the first day of the lighted fortnight.--T.

SECTION CIII.

Hearing the words uttered by Lakshmana, that slayer of hostile

heroes--Raghava--endued with prowess, taking his bow, set shafts on it,

and in the brunt of battle began to discharge dreadful arrows at Ravana.

And mounted on another car, Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--rushed against

Kakutstha, even as Swarbhanu rusheth against the Sun. And even as a mass

of clouds poureth down torrents on a mighty mountain, the Ten-necked

one, mounted on his car, smote Rama with shafts resembling

thunder-bolts. And in the encounter Rama, concentrating his thoughts,

showered on the Ten-necked one arrows embellished with gold and looking

like living fire. And celestials and Gandharvas and Kinnaras declared

that there had been no other battle like unto the encounter of Rama

stationed on the ground and the Raksha mounted on his car. Then the

foremost of celestials--Sakra--hearing their ambrosial speech, summoning

Matali, said,--"Taking my car, hie to the best of the Raghus. And

reaching the earth, do thou, welcoming (him), bring about great good

unto the gods". Thus accosted by the sovereign of the celestials,

Matali--celestial charioteer--bending down his head, addressed that

celestial, saying,--"Speedily shall I go, O lord of the celestials; and

I shall also do the office of a charioteer (unto Raghava)". Then yoking

with steeds that best of cars, curiously wrought with gold; adorned with

hundreds of small bells; resembling the Sun new risen; having its pole

studded with lapises; yoked with excellent horses caparisoned in gold;

furnished with white chowris,--drawn by steeds resembling the Sun;

decked with golden net-works,--and provided with a golden standard,--the

graceful car of the sovereign of the celestials,--Matali, commanded by

the king of the immortals, ascending the car, went out of the celestial

regions and came to Kakutstha. And with his hand holding the reins, the

charioteer of the thousand-eyed (Deity) with joined hands addressed

Rama, saying,--"O Kakutstha, in order that thou mayst obtain the

victory, the thousand-eyed (god) hath sent thee this car. And, O

exceedingly powerful one! O graceful (hero)! thou that slayest thy foes!

this is the redoubtable bow of Indra,--and this is the mail resembling

fire,--and these are the arrows looking like the very Sun; and this is

the dart shining and fraught with fair fortune. Ascend thou this car, O

hero. Slay the Rakshasa--Ravana, with me as thy charioteer, even as the

lord of the celestials slayeth Danavas". Thus addressed, Rama, going

round the car and saluting it, ascended the same, illumining the worlds

with his splendour. And the encounter that took place between the two

cars with the mighty-armed Rama (on one side), and the

Raksha--Ravana--(on the other), was wonderful to behold. And Raghava

highly proficient in weapons with a Gandharva weapon resisted the

Gandharva weapon of the Rakshasa king, and with a celestial weapon, his

celestial weapon. And then that lord of Rakshasas--the

night-ranger--fired with high rage, again discharged an exceedingly

dreadful Rakshasa weapon. And the gold-decked shafts shot from Ravana's

bow, becoming furiously venomous serpents, covered Kakutstha. And

vomitting living flames, they of terrific aspect, having flaming faces,

showered over Rama with gaping mouths. And those flaming venomous

serpents, having the feel of Vasuki himself, covered all sides and

enveloped all quarters. And seeing those serpents descending in the

encounter, Rama employed a dreadful Garuda weapon. And discharged from

Raghava's bow, those arrows plated with gold at the feathered parts, and

furnished with the splendour of peacocks, becoming golden birds--began

to range (the field of battle) as the enemies of the serpents. And the

shafts of Rama capable of wearing forms at will, turned into birds,

destroyed all the exceedingly swift-coursing arrows having the forms of

serpents. On his weapon having been baffled, Ravana--lord of

Rakshasas--waxing Wroth, poured tremendous showers of shafts on Rama.

And smiting Rama of untiring deeds with thousands of shafts, (Ravana)

pierced Matali with vollies of arrows. And with an arrow, Ravana severed

the standard; and having brought down the golden standard on the floor

of the car, Ravana wounded even Indra's steeds with a net-work of

arrows. And seeing Rama hard pressed, celestials and Gandharvas, and

Charanas along with Danavas, and Siddhas, and the supreme saints were

overcome with sadness; and the foremost monkeys together with Bihhishana

were aggrieved. And seeing a Moon of Rama Chandra in the grasp of a Rahu

of Ravana, that bringer of evil unto creatures--Budha--stood, assailing

the Prayapatya star--Rohini--beloved of the Moon. And the enraged Ocean,

heaving with smoking surges, and flaming as it were, swelled up, seeming

to the touch the Sun. And the Sun was blackened and assumed a stern

aspect, with his rays dimmed. And he was seen with a headless trunk on

his lap, and he was in conjunction with a comet. And that star of the

Kocalas, relating to the deities--Indra and Agni--Angaraka--stood in the

sky, attacking Vicakha. And the Ten-necked one, having ten faces and

twenty arms, equipped with his bow, looked like the mountain--Mainaka.

And Rama reduced to sore straits by the Ten-necked Raksha, could not

discharge his arrows in the conflict. And then the enraged Rama with his

eyes slightly red, flew into a tremendous passion, as if burning up the

Rakshasas. Seeing the face of the enraged Rama endued with

understanding, all the creatures were overwhelmed with fear and the

Earth herself shook. And mountains abounding with lions and tigers began

to tremble, and trees to shiver. And even the deep--lord of streams--was

wrought up wondrously. And rough and terrific clouds in the sky sent

forth fierce roars. And stormy clouds rumbling went about the heavens.

And seeing Rama wrought up with a mighty passion, and the fearful

disastrous omens, all creatures were possessed by fright and Ravana was

struck with dismay. And then stationed in the sky, celestials and

Gandharvas and mighty serpents and saints and Danavas and Daityas and

those related to Garuda--fowls--beheld that conflict like unto the

universal tumbling, as the two heroes fought on with various dire arms.

And as they looked on the mighty encounter, the celestials and the

Asuras, who had come to the conflict, from feeling of regard[397]

cheerfully spoke (these words). And the Asuras staying there said unto

the Ten-necked one, 'Be victorious!' and the celestials again and again

said unto Rama, 'Be victorious!' In the meantime, the impious Ravana,

desirous of slaying Raghava, from wrath took up a mighty weapon, fraught

with the essence of the thunder-bolt; sending terrible sounds; capable

of destroying all foes,--furnished with forks resembling mountain-peaks;

tending to strike terror unto mind and sight; sharp-pointed, resembling

the smoking fire risen at the hour of universal dissolution; exceedingly

terrible; irrisistible (in battle); unbearable even by the

Destroyer,--the terror of all creatures--terrific; and competent to rive

(all things). Flaming up with wrath, Ravana took this dart. And fired

with furious wrath, that powerful one took the dart in the encounter,

surrounded in that contest by many heroic Rakshasas. And uplifting (the

dart), the huge-bodied Ravana, with his eyes reddened in passion,

emitted mighty roars. And the shouts of the Rakshasa sovereign made the

earth and the sky and the cardinal quarters and all sides tremble. And

at the roars of that wicked-minded and huge-bodied one, all creatures

were struck with terror, and the sea was vexed.[398] And the exceedingly

energetic Ravana, taking that mighty dart, and sending up furious

shouts, addressed Rama in a harsh speech, saying,--"O Rama, I in wrath

uplift this dart having the strength of the levin. This will utterly

deprive of life thee who art assisted by thy brother. O thou that

delightest in battle, to-day swiftly slaying thee, I shall make thee

even with those heroic Rakshas slain in the van of the forces. Stay now.

O Raghava, thee shall I slay with this dart". Saying this, the lord of

the Rakshasas hurled the dart. And discharged from Ravana's hand, (the

dart), surrounded with garlands of lightning, furnished with eight

bells, sending mighty roars,--rising to the sky, looked exceedingly

splendid. Seeing the dart, flaming and of terrific aspect, Raghu's

son--Rama--endowed with prowess, drawing his bow, discharged arrows. And

with vollies of shafts Raghava resisted the descending (dart), even as

Vasava extinguished the fire of doomsday with his showers. Then even as

a flame consumeth insects, the mighty dart of Ravana burnt up those

shafts shot from the bow of Rama. Seeing those shafts reduced to ashes

and crushed on coming in contact with the dart, as they were coursing in

the sky, Raghava was transported with passion. And then waxing wondrous

wroth,--Raghu's son--Raghava--took up a javelin, liked by Vasava

himself, brought by Matali. And on being wielded by that strong one, the

javelin, resonant with bells, made the welkin blaze up, like a burning

meteor on the occasion of universal rack. And when hurled, it alighted

on that same dart of the Rakshasa-chief. And thereat, with its splendour

lost, the mighty dart, riven, dropped (to the earth.) Then Rama,

shooting straight-speeding arrows, pierced his (Ravana's) exceedingly

fleet steeds. And then he pierced Ravana in the chest with whetted

arrows. And the energetic Raghava hit (Ravana) in the temples with three

feathered shafts. And thereat with all his limbs pierced (with arrows),

and his body laved in blood, the lord of Rakshasas furnished with many

limbs, looked like a flowering Acoka. And with his person pierced with

the shafts of Rama, the lord of night-rangers having his body drenched

with blood, was stricken with sadness in the midst of his forces,--and

was also overwhelmed with terrific wrath.

[397] _i.e._ each party out of regard for the warrior to whom it wished

well.--T.

[398] 'The still-_vexed_ Bermoothes.'--_Tempest._

SECTION CIV.

On being greatly harassed by Kakutstha in anger, Ravana, delighting in

battle, came under the sway of a towering passion. And with his eyes

aglow, that powerful one from wrath and fury assailed Raghava in mighty

encounter. And even as clouds pour down from the sky on a pool, Ravana

showered thousands of arrows on Raghava. And covered with vollies of

shafts discharged from (Ravana's) bow in the conflict, Kakutstha like

unto a mighty mountain did not shake. And that one endowed with prowess

stood in the field, resisting those networks of arrows, and took up

shafts resembling the rays of the Sun. Then the fleet-handed

night-ranger, fired with rage, discharged a thousand arrows at the chest

of the high-souled Raghava.--And thereat in that encounter Lakshmana's

elder brother, with his body bathed in Mood, appeared like a mighty

Kincuka tree in a forest. And with his ire aroused by the blows he

received, the exceedingly energetic Kakutstha took up arrows resembling

the Sun risen at the time of the universal dissolution. And in the

darkness spread by the arrows (discharged), Rama and Ravana both fired

with wrath could not be discovered of each other. Then that

hero--Dacaratha's son--Rama, overcome with wrath, addressed Ravana,

laughing, in a harsh speech, saying,--"Thou vilest of Rakshasas, in

consequence of having through lack of sense carried off my wife from

Janasthana and brought her under thy subjection, thou hast been deprived

of thy prowess. Having forcibly carried away Vaidehi staying in that

mighty forest, forlorn and without me, thou thinkest--'I am a hero.'

Outraging the helpless wives of others,--doing this craven deed, thou

thinkest--'I am a hero.' O thou having thy dignity destroyed! shameless

wight! O thou of volatile character, having through thy violence brought

destruction on thyself, thou thinkest,--'I am a hero.' A great and'

famous act hath been performed by thee,--a hero, and the brother of the

Bestower of riches, surrounded with thy forces! To-day receive the

mighty fruit of that infamous act done through pride, productive of

evil.[399] O wicked-minded one, thou thinkest of thyself--'I am a hero;'

but thou that hast taken away Sita like a thief, hast no feeling of

shame. Hadst thou forcibly outraged Sita in my very presence, thou,

slain by my shafts, wouldst have seen thy brother--Khara. By luck, O

thou of an evil soul, thou hast come within the range of my vision.

To-day by means of sharp shafts shall I bring thee to death's door.

To-day beasts of pray will drag thy head having burning ear-rings,

severed by my shafts and covered with the dust of the battle-field. O

Ravana, vultures will alight on thy breast, as thou wilt lie low on the

ground; and, athirst, they will drink the blood gushing out from thy

wounds. To-day fowls of the air will keep pulling at thee pierced with

my shafts, and lying lifeless, as birds do serpents". Having spoken

thus, that slayer of foes--Rama--showered arrows on the lord of

Rakshasas, staying before. And the prowess and strength and spirits and

force of arms of Rama burning for the destruction of his foe, were

doubled. And all the Weapons[400] presented themselves before that one

cognisant of self; and the fleet-handedness of that exceedingly powerful

one increased immensely from exhilaration of spirits. Seeing all these

auspicious omens coming of themselves, Rama, finisher of Rakshasas, set

about smiting his foe more energetically than ever. And assailed with

stones by the monkeys and showers of shafts by Raghava, the Ten-necked

one felt his heart undergoing a revolution.[401] And when through the

stupifaction of his inner self, he could not discharge any weapon, or

draw his bow, or put forth his prowess, (Rama) did not persist in

smiting him. And the shafts and various arms discharged by him betokened

his death; and his last moments were present. And his charioteer,

driving his car, perceiving this, calmly took the car away from the

field of fight. And then, seeing the king shorn of prowess, and dropt,

his charioteer, struck with fear, swiftly turned away his dreadful car

having the clatter of clouds, and went away from the field of battle.

[399] Remarks Ramanuya, 'here and in the next world.'

[400] _i.e._ the presiding deities of them.

[401] _Vighurnahridayah:_ had his heart paralysed, according to the

commentator. I prefer the sense given as more graphic.--T.

SECTION CV.

After gradually regaining his senses, Ravana, urged on by the force of

the Finisher, getting into a furious passion, with his eyes reddened in

wrath, addressed the charioteer, saying,--"O thou of perverse sense,

disregarding me as devoid of prowess, and incompetent, and bereft of

vigor,--as cowardly, light, nerveless and shorn of energy,--and as

divorced by the power of illusion and debarred by arms,--thou actest on

thine own understanding. Wherefore disregarding me, and not minding my

purpose, hast thou taken away my car from before the presence of the

enemy? O abject one! by thee have my long-earned renown and energy and

prowess and credit been brought to naught. In the very sight of an enemy

of renowned prowess, and one capable of being gratified with valorous

deeds, hast thou made me, burning for battle, look as if I were a

coward. As, O wicked-minded one, thou dost not even through

heedlessness, take the car to the field of battle, I infer for certain

that thou hast been bribed by the foe. The act that thou hast done, doth

not appear as that of a friend seeking our welfare; but to-day thou hast

acted like an enemy. If thou hast been maintained by me, if thou

rememberest my merit, do thou swiftly turn the car before my enemy has

departed". Thus admonished by him of slender sense, the charioteer

possessed of intelligence, humbly spake onto Ravana words fraught with

good,--"I am not afraid, nor stupified, nor have I been bribed by the

foe, nor am I negligent. And I have not forgotten thy affection or thy

good offices. And studious of thy welfare, I have saved thy fame; and

with a mind over-flowing with affection I have done (unto thee) this

unpalatable good. O mighty monarch, for this, thou shouldst not, like a

frivolous and base one, criminate me that am ever engaged in what is

good and dear unto thee. Listen! I shall render thee reason why I turned

away from the field the car, rushing like a river when the sea is

swelled up.[402] I knew that thou hadst been fatigued in consequence of

thy mighty exertions in the fight. And I could not perceive that thy

prowess then stood superior (to that of the foe).[403] And the steeds of

my car were worn out by carrying it; and they were battered, and

helpless, and perspired like kine in a shower. And bad omens fast sprang

up before us. And on these occurring, I perceived that things would go

against us. O thou endowed with exceeding might, a charioteer should be

conversant with season and place, with omens, and the expressions of

emotions; as also with depression of spirits, exhilaration, and grief.

And he should have a knowledge of low, level and uneven grounds, and the

time for conflict, and he should be able to perceive the shortcomings of

the enemy. And a charioteer mounted on a car, should know when to draw

near an enemy, when to turn away from him; when to stay; and when to

turn round from before the foe--all these (he should know). What I, for

bringing respite unto thee as well as the horses of the car, have done

by way of removing the terrific exhaustion, is proper. I did not, O

hero, turn away the car of my own sheer will. What I have done, O lord,

had been dictated by my affection for thee. Command me. What thou

sayest, O destroyer of foes; I will do every way, O hero, with my whole

soul". Thereat, well-pleased with the speech of the charioteer, Ravana,

eager for encounter, after praising him in various ways, said,--"O

charioteer, do thou swiftly take the car towards Raghava. Without

slaying his foe in fight; Ravana turneth not away (from the field)".

Speaking thus, Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--gave the charioteer on the car

an excellent ornament for the hand. Hearing Ravana's words, the

charioteer drove the car. And urged on by the speech of Ravana, the

charioteer drove on the steeds,--and in a moment the mighty chariot of

the Rakshasa chief appeared before Rama in the field of battle.

[402] On the ascension of the Moon.

[403] Two negatives in this verse amounting to an affirmitive. This is

the only instance of double negatives in Valmiki.--T.

SECTION CVI.

Then the revered Agastya, who, desirous of witnessing the fight, had

along with the deities come there,--seeing Ravana spent with the toil of

conflict, staying in the field plunged in thought, and stationed before

Rama for engaging in encounter,--addressed Rama, drawing near to him,

saying,--"Rama, Rama, O mighty-armed one, hearken to the eternal secret,

whereby, my child, thou wilt conquer all foes in

fight,--_Aditya-hridaya,_[404] sacred, capable of destroying all foes,

bringing victory--the recitation, enduring and indestructible,--and

supremely good; fraught with all welfare, removing every sin,--chasing

away anxiety and grief, bringing length of days; and excellent. Do thou

worship Vivacwata's offspring--the Sun--lord of the world, furnished

with rays,--who maketh people engage in work, and who is bowed down to

by deities and Asuras. This effulgent one, producing rays is instinct

with the spirits of all the deities; and he with his rays ruleth all

creatures--and the hosts of celestials and Asuras. This Sun is Brahma

and Vishnu and Siva and Skanda[405] and Prajapati,[406] and Mahendra and

Dhanada[407] and the Destroyer--Yama--and Soma[408] and the Lord of

waters; and the Pitris,[409] and the Vasus, and the Sadhyas[410] and the

two Acwinis[411] and the Maruts and Manu,[412] and the Wind-god and the

God of fire and the creatures and the Creator of life and the seasons.

And he is Aditya[413] and Savita[414] and Suryya[415] and Khaga[416] and

Pusha[417] and Gavastiman[418] and the Golden-looking and Bhanu[419] and

Hiranyareta[420] and Divakara.[421] And he is Haridacwa[422] and

Saltasrarchi[423] and Saptasapti[424] and Marichiman.[425] And he

subdueth darkness, and he is Sambhu[426] and Tashta[427] and

Martandaka[428] and Ancuman.[429] And he is Hiranyagarbha,[430]

Sicira,[431] and Tapana,[432] and Ahaskara[433] and Ravi,[434] and

Agnigarbha,[435] and Aditi's son,[436] and Sankha,[437] and

Siciranacana,[438] Byomanatha[439] and Tamabheda,[440] the one

proficient in Rik, Yajus and Sama; and Ghanavrishti,[441] and the friend

of the Apas,[442] and he that swiftly courseth in the Vindhya way. And

he is Atapi[443] and Mandali[444] and Mrityu.[445] And he is

Pingala,[446] and the destroyer of everything, and the Omniscient, and

he having the universe for his form,[447] and the exceedingly energetic

one, and the beloved of all, and that one lording it over all kinds of

actions. And he is the lord[448] of stars and planets and

constallations, and the origin of everything, and the one powerful

pre-eminently of powerful things[449]--and the one having twelve

forms.[450] I bow unto thee (having these forms and functions).

Salutation unto the Eastern mount and the mount of the West. Salutation

unto the lord of the stellar bodies and salutation also unto the lord of

day. Salutation and salutation unto him that bringeth victory, and the

joy that springeth up from victory; and unto him of yellow steeds.

Salutation, salutation, O thousand-rayed one; Salutation and salutation

unto Aditya. Salutation unto him that keepeth his senses under

subjection; Salutation and salutation unto the Hero,[451] and unto

Saranga[452] and unto him that awakenest the Lotus.[453] And

(salutation) unto thee, O fierce one. Salutation unto the Lord himself

of Brahma, Icana[454] and Achchyuta,[455] and unto Sura[456] and unto

him that constitutes the knowledge of Aditya, and unto him that

unfoldeth me and not-me; and unto the devourer of all, and unto the form

of the destroyer of the darkness of ignorance, Salutation unto the

destroyer of darkness, and unto the destroyer of enemies, and unto him

of immeasurable Soul, and unto the destroyer of the ingrate, and unto

the deity, and unto the lord of all stellar bodies. And salutation unto

him that boasteth of the splendour of burning gold, unto the destroyer

of all mental obscurity,--and unto the maker of the universe. Salutation

unto the remover of darkness; unto the illuminator of the Soul; unto the

all-beholding one of all the worlds. The lord createth everything and

verily destroyeth it. And with his rays he sucketh up, and destroyeth

and createth (everything). When all are asleep, this one waketh, and he

is resident in the hearts of all creatures. This one is both Agnihotra

as well as the fruit reaped by the sacrifices thereof. And he

constitutes the gods and the sacrifices and the fruit also thereof; and

he is the lord of all acts that are performed by creatures. If a person

recites this (hymn), he, O Raghava, doth not come by misfortune, when he

is in peril of his life, or is ill, or in a lonely place, or in fear. Do

thou, with concentration, worship this god of gods, this lord of the

universe. By reciting (this hymn) instinct with the three virtues, thou

wilt obtain victory in battle. This very instant, O mighty-armed one,

thou wilt conquer Ravana". Having said this, Agastya went whither from

he had come. Hearing this, that exceedingly energetic one had his grief

gone, Then, well pleased, Raghava, exerting himself, contemplated (the

hymn). And reciting this, he beholding the Sun, attained excess of joy.

And sipping water again and again, and becoming purified, that powerful

one, taking up his bow, and viewing Ravana, advanced with a delighted

heart, to obtain victory. And he became intent on his death with his

dearest energies. Then exceedingly delighted, and filled with

rejoicings, the Sun, in the midst of the celestial hosts knowing that

the destruction of the Sovereign of the night-rangers was at

hand,--spoke unto Rama "Bestir thyself".

[404] _Lit_--The heart of the Sun.--the designation of a Vedic Hymn.

[405] The celestial generallissimo. The commentator gives a spiritual

interpretation. 'He that by means of his rays openeth up the five

organs of perception.'

[406] The lord of all creatures, by virtue of his bringing forth all

beings through his energy.

[407] Dispenser of riches, a name of Kuvera.

[408] Furnished with splendour, a name of the Moon. According to some

'endowed with energy.'

[409] _Lit._ the ancestral manes. Here the generator of everything.

[410] An order of semi-divine beings. Here, 'He who is adored by the

spiritual.'

[411] In virtue of his omnipresence and his being the healer of all

ailments.

[412] All-knowing and being the primaeval sovereign.

[413] 'He from whom all derive sustenance.'

[414] 'The producer of heart and the spiritual faculties by heat, and

corn, _etc._ by showers.'

[415] 'Coursing alone, according to the commentator. It may also

means--'He that sets people to work.'

[416] 'Coursing the highest heavens,' or says the commentator 'the

heavens of the heart.'

[417] 'The maintainer.'

[418] _Gavastiman_--'Ray-furnished, or having the all-permeating Spirit

of Auspiciousness.'

[419] _Bhanu_--'having brightness.'

[420] _Hiranyareta_--'instinct with the cosmic energy.'

[421] _Divakara_--'maker of day'

[422] _Haridacwa_--'pervading all sides' or 'having black steeds.'

[423] _Sahasrarchi_--'thousand-rayed. The commentator explains

spiritually, He whose cognition points in infinite directions.'

[424] 'He from whom proceed the seven organs of sense of people.' Or 'he

who has seven steeds.'

[425] 'Having rays.'

[426] 'He from whom proceed the several sorts of happiness.'

[427] 'He who removes the misfortunes of his votaries.'

[428] 'He that infuses life into the lifeless mundane egg.'

[429] 'Having rays.'

[430] The cause of the creation, preservation and destruction of the

Universe.

[431] 'Good-natured.'

[432] _Tapa_--means 'wealth.' _Tapana--the possessor of all riches._

[433] _Ahas_--day and _Kara--maker._

[434] _Rauti--teacheth_--Ravi--_he that teacheth._

[435] _Lit. fire-wombed_. He that carries the fire of doom within

himself.

[436] Aditi--'without destruction'--means 'Brahma knowledge.'

[437] Supreme happiness.

[438] The remover of intellectual stupor or evil-mindedness.

[439] Lord of the welkin.

[440] Dispeller of darkness.

[441] He from whom floweth the fruit of acts: or he from whom come

downpours. The latter epithet is justified on grounds of Physical

Geography, _rain being ultimately dependant on solar heat_.

[442] Apas may mean either 'the good,' or 'water.' Vindhya way means

either the way known as Brahmanari or the orbit of the San.

[443] He that is intent on creating the cosmos.

[444] Ray-crowned or adorned with gems.

[445] The bringer of death.

[446] The motive force of the blood-tube called Pingala.

[447] Or the ornament of the Universe.

[448] _i.e._ the controller of them, remarks Ramanuja.

[449] Such as, observes the commentator, as fire.

[450] _i.e._ the months of the year.

[451] Him that leadeth the senses, and that is endowed with the prowess

of slaying Tripura etc.

[452] Him that deservest the _pranaba_, the holiest formula in all Hindu

Scripture.

[453] That awakenest the external lotus as well as the lotus of the

heart.

[454] Siva.

[455] Vishnu.

[456] The sun.

SECTION CVII.

Then the charioteer fully drove with speed Ravana's car, capable of

bringing down the hosts of foes, resembling in form a city of the

Gandharvas, having elevated streamers, yoked with surpassingly superb

steeds, engarlanded in gold; stocked with war-like implements; furnished

with ensigns and standards; appearing to devour the welkin; making the

earth herself resound; destructive to hostile hosts; and filling its own

party with delight. And as it speedily descended, the monarch of men

beheld that Rakshasa-king's resounding car, having huge standards, yoked

with black chargers, and endowed with fierce splendour; as if flaming in

the firmament; having the resplendance of the Sun himself; with

thronging lightning pennons; displaying the glow of Indra's weapon;[457]

showering arms; and resembling rain-charged clouds. Seeing the enemy's

car resembling a mass of clouds having a chatter resembling the sounds

sent by a cleaving mountain rived by the thunder, Rama, vehemently

drawing his bow curved like the infant moon, addressed

Matali--charioteer unto the thousand-eyed (deity),[458] saying,--"O

Matali, behold the enraged chariot of my foe as it courseth on. From the

furious speed with which he is again wheeling at my right, it appeareth

that he hath set his heart on slaying me in encounter. Do thou therefore

heedfully drive the car right against the vehicle of my foe. I wish to

destroy this one even as the wind scattereth clouds that have appeared.

Do thou with all thy wits about thee, without trepidation, and holding

thy heart as well as thy eye in calmness, swiftly drive the chariot

ruled by the reins. Worthy of Purandara's car, thou ought not to be

taught by me. Desirous of encounter and my whole soul bent on fight, I

simply remind thee--not teach thee". Pleased with these words of Rama,

the excellent celestial charioteer--Matali--drove the car. Then leaving

Ravana's mighty car on the right, he enveloped Ravana with the dust

raised by the wheels. Thereat the Ten-necked one, enraged, with his eyes

coppery and dilated (in passion), covered with arrows Rama staying in

front of his car. Enraged at the smiting, Rama, with his ire aroused,

but summoning up patience, took up in the encounter the bow of Indra

endowed with exceeding vehemence; as well as highly impetuous shafts

having the resplendance of the solar rays. And then there began a

furious encounter between those (two) eager for slaying each other;

confronting each other like unto flaming lions. And then desirous of

destruction of Ravana,--celestials with Gandharvas, and Siddhas and

supersaints assembled to go to behold the encounter taking place between

the two cars. And for the destruction of Ravana and the success of

Raghava, there occurred round about the cars terrible bodements capable

of making people's down stand on end. The god poured down showers of

blood on the car of Ravana; and a violent tornado eddied on his right.

And a mighty swarm of vultures, wheeling in the heavens, pursued the car

wherever it moved. And Lanka was enveloped with evening resembling the

red _java_ flowers and even in day appeared ablaze. Lightnings and

firebrands accompanied by a terrible sound began to fall down on all

sides. And beholding these omens inauspicious unto Ravana all the

Rakshasas were greatly sorry. And wherever Ravana moved the earth shook

and the hands of all the Rakshasas fighting were as if paralysed. The

copper coloured, the yellow, the red, and the white rays of the sun

falling before Ravana appeared like melted metals of a mountain. And the

jackals followed by vultures, vomitting forth fire and casting their

looks at him, began to emit inauspicious cries. And in that battle-field

the unfavourable wind began to blow raising dust and obstructing the

vision of the king of Rakshasas. On the Rakshasa host on all sides

dreadful lightnings were showered without the sound of the clouds. All

the quarters were enshrouded with darkness and the welkin became

invisible being covered with darkness. And setting up a dreadful quarrel

hundreds of terrible _Sharikas_[459] began to fall down on his chariot.

The horses emitted forth sparks of fire from their hips and tears from

their eyes. These and various other dreadful omens arose there

announcing the destruction of Ravana. And there appeared on all sides

many an auspicious and good sign intimating the approach of Rama's

victory. And beholding all those auspicious marks announcing Rama's

success, Lakshmana was greatly delighted and considered Ravana as slain.

Thereupon beholding all those auspicious signs, Raghava, well qualified

to decipher them attained an excess of delight and became anxious to

display a greater prowess.

[457] The rain-bow.

[458] Indra.

[459] A kind of bird (Turdus Salica, Buch).

SECTION CVIII.

Thereupon there ensued a mighty and dreadful encounter of two cars

between Rama and Ravana, creating terror unto all people. And the army

of Rakshasas and the mighty host of the monkeys, although they had

weapons in their hands, became stupified (for the time being). And

beholding them (Rama and Ravana) fight, all the Rakshasas and monkeys,

having their minds agitated, were greatly surprised. With various

weapons and hands uplifted for fight, they, greatly wondered, stood

there beholding them and did not address themselves to fight with each

other. The Rakshasas beholding Ravana, and the monkeys beholding Rama

with wonder-stricken eyes, the whole army appeared like a picture. And

espieing all omens Raghava and Ravana began to fight, undaunted, firm,

resolute and unagitated by anger. And determining that Kakutstha would

win victory and Ravana would die, they began to display their own

prowess. Thereupon the highly powerful Ravana, setting his arrows in

anger, discharged them at the pennon stationed on Raghava's car. Those

arrows reaching the flag staff of the Purandara chariot and perceiving

its might fell down on the earth. Thereupon the highly powerful Rama,

wroth, stretching his bow, made up his mind to return the blow. And

aiming at Ravana's flag staff he discharged a sharpened shaft flaming

unbearably by its own lustre like a huge serpent. And the effulgent Rama

discharged a shaft aiming at (Ravana's) banner which, piercing the

Ten-necked demon's flag fell, down on the earth. And beholding his flag

staff thus broken down the highly powerful Ravana became ablaze as if

burning down every tiling with his unbearable ire And being possessed by

wrath he began to make a downpour of shafts. Ravana then, with flaming

arrows, pierced Rama's steeds. The celestial horses were not bewildered

thereby nor their course was slackened. And they remained thoroughly

unagitated as if they were stricken with lotus stalks. Beholding the

steeds thus unmoved Ravana was again exercised with wrath and began to

discharge afresh his various weapons--_gadas_, _parighas_, _chakras_ and

_musalas_, mountain tops, trees, darts and _parashus_ and thousands of

other shafts by virtue of his illusive powers. And unmoved was his

energy. And that downpour of various weapons became huge and terrible in

the conflict creating terror and making a dreadful noise. Thereupon

leaving aside Raghava's car he began to assail the monkey-host and

enveloped the sky with a continual discharge of arrows. The Ten-necked

demon let loose many a weapon even at the risk of his own life. And

beholding Ravana in the encounter thus actively engaged in the discharge

of arrows, Kakuthstha, smiling, set up pointed shafts, and discharged

them by hundreds and thousands. Beholding them Ravana again filled the

welkin with arrows--and thus with shafts discharged by them both another

flaming sky was created. None (of the arrows) missed the aim, none of

them failed to pierce another and none of them was fruitless. And the

arrows discharged by Rama and Ravana stricking each other fell down on

the earth. And they standing on their right and left began to make a

continued downpour of arrows and enveloped the sky entirely. And they

opposing each other, Ravana slew Rama's steeds and Rama in his turn slew

Ravanan's. They, thus enraged fought with each other and for sometime

there ensued a terrible encounter capable of making ones down stand on

end. And the highly powerful Ravana and Rama[460] righting with each

other in the conflict by means of sharpened arrows, the lord of

Rakshasas beholding his flag staff broken down became enraged with the

foremost of Raghus.

[460] The epithet in the text is Lakshmana's elder brother.

SECTION CIX.

Rama and Ravana thus opposing each other in battle, all the animals

beheld them, stricken with astonishment. And those two great heroes,

highly angered, began to dash towards and assail each other; and being

determined to slay each other they looked greatly dreadful. And their

charioteers drove the cars on, displaying their skill by moving in

circles, in rows and diverse other ways. And those two excellent heroes,

discharging their shafts and influenced by illusions, assailed each

other proceeding and receding, Rama attacking Ravana and Ravana

withstanding him. And these two cars coursed the earth for sometime like

clouds accompanied by showers. And displaying many a movement in the

conflict they again stood facing each other, the forepart of one car

touching that of the other and the heads of the steeds touching each

other; and the pennons, stationed on one touched those of the other.

Rama, with four sharpened arrows, shot off his bow, removed the flaming

horses of Ravana to some distance. And finding his steeds thus removed

he was exercised with wrath. And the Ten-necked one discharged sharpened

arrows at Raghava. And he was pierced by those arrows coming from the

powerful Ten-necked demon. He was neither overwhelmed nor pained

therewith and he again discharged arrows resembling the thunder-bolts.

And the Ten-necked demon again discharged arrows at the charioteer,

which fell with great vehemence on the person of Matali. Matali was not

the least pained or overwhelmed in that encounter. And beholding his

charioteer thus assailed Rama was excited with wrath and overwhelmed his

foe with a net of arrows. And the heroic Raghava showered on his enemy's

chariot shafts by twentys, thirtys, sixtys, hundreds and thousands. And

the lord of Rakshasas, Ravana, who was stationed on the car, wroth,

attacked Rama in the conflict with maces and _Musalas_. And there again

ensued a terrible conflict capable of making one's down stand on end.

And the seven oceans were overwhelmed with the sound of maces,

_musalas_, _Parighas_ and gold feathered arrows. And those inhabiting

the regions under the agitated oceans, all the Danavas and thousands of

_Pannagas_ were greatly pained. And greatly shook the earth with her

mountains, forests and gardens. The Sun was shorn of its resplendance

and the wind blew very rough. Thereupon the celestials, with

_Gandharbas_, _Siddhas_, great saints, _Kinnaras_ and serpents were all

worked up with anxiety. And beholding the dreadful encounter between

Rama and Ravana capable of making people's down stand on end, the

celestials with ascetics began to pray,--"May good betide the Brahmins

and cows, may people live in peace and may Raghava defeat Ravana, the

lord of Rakshasas, in the conflict". And the crowd of _Gandharbas_ and

_Apsaras_ beholding that wonderful battle between Rama and Ravana,

said,--"The ocean resembleth the sky and the sky resembleth the

ocean--forsooth this encounter between Rama and Ravana befits them

only". Thereupon Rama of long-arms, the enhancer of the glory of Raghu's

race, enraged, set his arrow, resembling a serpent, on his bow, and cut

assunder Ravana's head wearing shinning _Kundalas_. And that head in the

presence of the inhabitants of the three regions fell down on the earth.

Instantly there arose another head resembling the former; and it was

speedily cut off by the light-handed Rama. As soon as the second head

was chopped off in the encounter by means of shafts another appeared

again. And that was again severed by Rama's shafts resembling

thunder-bolts. And thus were severed hundred heads all equal in

brilliance. But the end of Ravana's life was not seen by him. Thereupon

the heroic Raghava, conversant with the use of all weapons, the enhancer

of Kaucalyi's joy, began to reason within himself in various

Ways,--"Verily these are the arrows by which Maricha was killed, and

Khara with Dushana was slain--Viradha was destroyed in the forest of

Krauncha--the headless demon in the forest of Dandaka--Salas and

mountains were broken--the ocean was agitated--and Vali was killed;--I

do not perceive the reason, why they are becoming fruitless when

discharged at Ravana". Thinking thus Raghava made himself ready In the

conflict and began to shower arrows on Ravana's breast. Thereupon Ravana

too, the lord of Rakshasas, seated in a car and highly enraged, assailed

Rama in the conflict with a downpour of maces and _Musalas_. That

dreadful and huge conflict, capable of making hairs stand on end,

continued for seven nights before the eyes of the celestials, Danavas,

Yakshas, Pisachas, Uragas and serpents stationed in the sky, on the

earth or on the mountain-tops. Neither for the night nor for the day,

nor for a moment did the fight between Rama and Ravana cease. And

beholding the conflict between Dacaratha's son and the lord of

Rakshasas, and Raghava's victory, the high-souled charioteer of the lord

of the celestials spake speedily unto Rama engaged in the conflict.

SECTION CX.

Thereupon Matali, reminding him, spake unto Raghava--"Why dost thou, O

hero, as if not knowing, fear him? Do thou, O lord, discharge at him the

weapon obtained from the great Patriarch. The time for (his)

destruction, as described by the celestials, hath arrived". Being

reminded by those words of Matali, Rama took up the flaming shaft,

breathing as if like a serpent. The great Rishi Agastya first conferred

this upon him. This is a huge and dreadful shaft given by Brahma, and

highly useful in battle. It was made by Brahma of undecaying prowess for

Indra and conferred by him upon the Lord of celestials desirous of

acquiring victory. In its wings there is wind, in its head there is fire

and the Sun, in its body there is the sky and in its weight there are

the (hill) Meru and Mandara. It is resplendent by its own lustre, well

feathered and adorned with gold--made of the essence of all objects and

bright as the rays of the Sun. It is like the fire of dissolution

enveloped in smoke--like the flaming serpent, capable of piercing men,

serpents and horses and was swift-coursing. (It can) rend the gateways,

_Parighas_ and hills--is soaked in blood, dipped in marrow, and

extremely dreadful. It is hard as the lightning--producing a dreadful

sound, assailing various (divisions of the) army, creating terror unto

all, dreadful and (as if) breathing like a serpent. It is terrible as

the Death in the conflict and provides food always for the herons,

vultures, cranes, jackals and the Rakshasas. It is the enhancer of the

monkey-leaders' joy and the repressor of the Rakshasas and is feathered

like unto a bird with many a picturesque wing. And the highly powerful

Rama, consecrating in accordance with the _mantras_ laid down in the

Vedas, that huge shaft--the foremost of all in the world, removing the

fear of the Ikshwaku race, destroying the fame of the enemies and

conducing to the joy of its own party, set it on his bow. And that

excellent arrow being mounted on his bow by Raghava all the animals were

stricken with fear and the earth shook. And (Rama) highly enraged, and

greatly wary, suppressing (his breath) discharged that shaft at

Ravana--piercing to the vitals. (That Brahma weapon) irrepressible as

the thunder, dreadful as the Death and discharged by Rama, fell down on

Ravana's breast. And that shaft, capable of bringing about death and

gifted with velocity, when discharged, cleft the breast of the

vicious-souled Ravana. And that body-ending arrow, bathed in blood,

stealing away the life of Ravana, entered the earth. That shaft, slaying

Ravana, soaked in blood and successful, again entered the quiver[461]

humbly. And from his hand, who was deprived of his life, fell down

instantly on earth his shafts and bow. And fell down on the earth from

the chariot, the highly effulgent Ravana, gifted with dreadful velocity

and shorn of his life. And beholding him thus fallen down, the remaining

night-rangers, deprived of their lord and stricken with terror fled away

to various quarters. And beholding the destruction of the Ten-necked

(demon) and the victory of Raghava, the monkeys, fighting with trees,

pursued them on all sides. And being assailed by the monkeys and having

their countenances full of tears in consequence of their lord being

slain they fled away to Lanka in fear. Thereupon the monkeys being

greatly delighted roared out the victory of Rama. The celestial bugle

was sounded in the sky and there blew the excellent air carrying the

celestial fragrance. Flowers were showered upon Rama's car which was

covered therewith. The celestials in the sky began to chaunt the glory

of Rama and praise him. And Ravana, the dread of all people, being

slain, the celestials with the _Charanas_ were greatly delighted. And

slaying that foremost of the Rakshasas, Rama satisfied the desire of

Sugriva, Angada and Bibhishana. Thereupon the celestials attained their

peace, the quarters were delighted, the atmosphere was clear, calm air

began to prevail all over the earth, and the Sun appeared in its full

rays. Thereupon Sugriva, Bibhishana and Lakshmana, welcomed Rama, of

unmitigated prowess, singing his glory. And there appeared beautiful at

the battle-field Rama of firm promise, slaying his enemy and encircled

by his army and friends, like unto the Lord of the celestials surrounded

by the gods.

[461] In some texts there is _"napunarabishat" i.e._ did not enter the

quiver.--T.

SECTION CXI.

Beholding his brother defeated, slain and lying down on the

battle-field, Bibhishana, overpowered with the weight of his grief,

began to lament--"O hero, well-known for thy prowess, wise and

conversant with polity, thou wert used to excellent beds, why dost thou

lie down on the earth, spreading (on the earth) thy long and actionless

arms, always adorned with _Angadas_ and being shorn of thy helmet having

the resplendance of the Sun? O hero, thou hast come by what I had

anticipated and what did not please thee who wert possessed by

delusions. Prahasta, Indrajit, Kumbhakarna, Atikaya, Atiratha,

Narantaka, yourself and others--none of you paid heed, out of

haughtines, to what I had said which hath now been brought about. Oh!

the bridge of the pious hath been broken, the figure of the virtue hath

been spoiled, the refuge of the strong and powerful hath disappeared and

thou hast attained to the state of the heroes! The sun hath fallen down

on the earth, the moon hath been shorn of its lustre, the fire hath been

extinguished and virtue hath desisted from its action, this hero, the

foremost of those using weapons, falling down on the earth. O thou the

foremost of the Rakshasas lying down in the dust on the battle field

like one asleep, whom else have these remaining (Rakshasas) deprived of

their power and energy, got? The huge tree, of the lord of Rakshasas,

having patience for its leaves, velocity for its flowers, the power of

asceticism and heroism for its firm roots, hath been uprooted by the

_Raghava_ wind. Mad-elephant-like Ravana, having prowess for its tusk,

family rank for its back bone, anger for its legs, and delightedness for

its trunk, hath been laid low on the ground by the lion of the Ikshwaku

race. The powerful Rakshasa-fire, having prowess and energy for its

rays, angry breath for its smoke, own strength for its power of burning,

hath been extinguished in battle by _Rama-*like cloud. The Rakshasa bull

ever defeating others and powerful as the wind, having Rakshasas for its

tail, hump and horns, and fickleness for its ears and eyes, hath been

slain to-day by *Rama_-tiger". Hearing these words, pregnant with sound

reasonings from Bibhishana and beholding him overwhelmed with grief Rama

said,--"(This lord of Rakshasas) of dreadful prowess hath not been slain

in battle disabled. He is gifted with great prowess and energy and

devoid of the fear of death.[462] The heroes abiding by the virtues of

the Kshatriyas, who fall at the battle field for enhancing their glory,

when dead, should not be mourned for. This is not the time to mourn for

him although possessed by death, by whom gifted with intellect, Indra

with the three worlds was terrified in conflict. Besides success in

battle is not perpetual; either one slays his enemy or meets with his

destruction at his hands in the conflict This procedure of the Kshatryas

was laid down by the ancient preceptors that a Kshatrya, when slain in

battle should not be mourned for. Beholding this to be certain and

attaining calmness, do thou be freed from thy sorrow and think what

should be done now. Thereupon Bibhishana stricken with grief addressed

the powerful son of the king speaking thus with words tending to his

brother's well-being. "Thou hast, like the ocean breaking down its

banks, broken him down, who had not been ere this even defeated by

Basava and the celestials. By him were conferred many a gift on those

who wanted them, were enjoyed many a luxury, were maintained many a

servant, distributed wealth unto friends and slain the enemies. He

propitiated fire, performed great austerities, was conversant with the

Vedas and the great performer of sacrifices. I desire to perform, by thy

instructions, his becoming obsequies". Being thus addressed by

Bibhishana with piteous accents, the high-souled son of the lord of men,

gifted with great energy, ordered him to perform his obsequies and said.

"With death our enmity hath terminated and our object hath been

accomplished: he is as dear unto me as unto thee: perform (therefore)

his funeral rites".

[462] _i.e._ he has accidentally met with death.

SECTION CXII.

Beholding Ravana slain by the high-souled Raghava Rakshasees, stricken

with grief, issued out of the inner appartments. Stricken with grief and

with dishevelled hairs they rolled in the dust albeit prevented again

and again like unto cows separated from their calves. And coming out by

the northern gate along with the Rakshasas, entering the dreadful arena

of battle and searching their slain lord the she-demons cried

piteously--"O lord, O husband, O our all" and moved along the battle

field soaked in blood and filled with headless corpses. With eyes full

of tears and overwhelmed with the grief of their husband they began to

move about like she-elephants without the lord of their herd. Thereupon

they beheld there on the earth the huge-bodied and the highly powerful

and effulgent Ravana slain like red collyrium. And beholding their lord

lying down on the battle-field they all fell on his body like creepers

torn assunder. Some wept embracing him respectfully--some holding his

feet and some placing themselves around his neck. And some taking up his

hand rolled on the ground and some were beside themselves (with grief)

beholding the slain (Ravana's) countenance. And some placing her head on

his lap, and beholding his face, wept, bathing it with tears like a

lotus enveloped with snow. Seeing their husband Ravana thus slain on the

earth, they stricken with grief, bewailing again and again in sorrow,

wept profusely. He by whom the king Vaisrabana was deprived of his

flower car, who terrified the high-souled Gandharbas, ascetics and the

celestials in battle field, who did not know of any fear from the

Asuras, celestials and the Pannagas, hath now been overpowered by a man.

He, whom the celestials, the Danavas and the Rakshas could not slay,

hath been slain in conflict by a man walking on foot. He, who was

incapable of being killed by the celestials, Yakshas and Asuras, hath

met with death like one devoid of prowess at the hands of a mortal".

Speaking in this wise, the she-demons, over-powered with sorrow, wept

and bewailed again and again (saying),--"Not hearing (the counsels) of

thy friends, always pointing out thy welfare, thou didst bring Sita for

thy destruction as well as that of the Rakshasas. Although thy brother

Bibhishana addressed thee with words pregnant with thy welfare--thou,

for thy own destruction, out of thy misgivings, didst excite his anger

and hast (now) seen (the result thereof). Hadst thou returned Sita the

daughter of the king of Mithila to Rama, this mighty and dreadful

disaster, destroying the very root, would not have befallen us. Rama's

desire would have been encompassed--his friends would have been

successful (through Bibhishana)--we would not been widowed and our

enemies would not have got their desires fulfilled. By thee, Sita was

kept by force in captivity in a ruthless manner, and the Rakshasas,

ourselves and thyself--all three equally have been slain. O foremost of

the Rakshasas, forsooth this is not thy own folly--it is Accident that

uniteth all things and it is Accident again that bringeth about

destruction. O thou of huge arms--the destruction of the monkeys and the

Rakshasas as well as that of thyself hath been brought about by

Accident. When the course of accident is about to bring about

result--wealth, desire, prowess or command--nothing is capable of

with-standing it". Thus wept piteously the wives of the lord of

Rakshasas like unto so many she-elephants--rendered poorly, stricken

with grief and with tears in their eyes.

SECTION CXIII.