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^•*
THE
^t£T RAMAYANA.
Translatbd into English Prose from the original
Sanskrit of Valmiki.
■ •
• • •
«
EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY :
MANMATHA NATH DUTT, M. A.
Red Off Keshub Academy.
printed by
GiRiSH Chandra Chackravarti,
Deva Press, 65/2, Beadon Street,
CALCUTTA.
1891.
[All rights reserved,^
FOR the complete SET, IN ADVANCE. INCLUDINQ POSTAQE.
In India Ri. 16. In Europe £ 2.
'/
%
THE RAMAYANA IN AN ENGLISH GARB.
The immortal Epic of Valmiki is undoubtedly one of the gems of literature, — indeed, some considering it as the Kohinur of the literary region,which has for centuries,and from a time reaching to the dim and far past been shedding unparalleled and undying halo upon the domain presided over by"the vision and the faculty divine/ The burthen of the bard's song is the perpetual contest between good and evil,that is every- where going on in this mysteriously-ordered world of ours,and which seemingly sometimes ending in the victory of the former,and at others in that of the latter,vitally and spiritually results in the utter overthrow and confusion of evil and in the triumph and final conquest of good. Rama sprung from the bright loins of the effulgent luminary of day, and bringing his life and being from a long and illustrious ancestry of sovereigns, Rama taking birth among the sons of men for chastis- ing and repressing rampant Iniquity and Injustice, typifies the spirit of good that obtains in this world, — Ravana, that grim and terrible Ten-headed one, a Rakshasa by virtue of birth, and worthy to be the chief and foremost of Rakshasas by virtue of his many mis- deeds and impieties, who challenges and keeps in awe the whole host of the celestials — "to whom the Sun did not shine too hot, and about whom the Wind did not dare to breathe," represents the spirit of unrighteousness and evil. Lakshmana, disregrading the pomp and splendours of princely life, to follow his beloved brother Rama into the forest, and cheerfully undergoing there a world of trials and privations, and daily and nightly keeping watch and ward over his brother and his spouse in their cottage, — and Bharata, stoutly and persistently declining, despite the exhortations of the elders and the spiritual guides, to govern the kingdom during Rama's absence in the forest, and holding the royal umbrella over his
f
II
brother's sandals,are personations of the ne plus ultra of fraternal love, and consummate and perfect ideals of their kind. The righteous Bibhishana, who for Rama's cause forsook his royal brother, and set small store by the splendours of royalty, who suffered no earthly considerations to interfere with his entire and absolute devotion to his friend, embodies in his person the sterling virtues going under the precious name of friendship. The ever-devoted Hanumana glorying in the appellation of Rama's servant, — ever-prompt at the beck and call of his master to lay down his life — is the grandest and loftiest conception of the faithful servant that is to be found in all literature. Shall we say aught of Rama and Sita, or keep silence over themes too sacred for babblement and frofane mouthing ? The kingdom is astir and alive with the jubilations of the populace at the prospect of Rama's coronation ; pennons by thousands are streaming like meteors in the air at the tops of stately edifices ; and drums and panavas and other musical instruments are sound- ing forth the auspicious anouncement. The royal household swims in a sea of bliss surginit and heaving on all sides. Delight and Joy move aboat and laugh and talk under the names of Daca- ratha and Kaucalya. Anon a thunder-clap bursts in the midst of the Merry-making, and converts delight into dole, the sounds of laughter and hilarity into loud wails and lamentations issuing from hearts knowing no consolation. All Is lost 1 Rama is to be banished into the woods for fourteen years. He cheerfully makes up his mind and repairs to the forest in consonance with his father's promise. Sita steps forth — a divinity clad in flesh — Sita would follow the fortunes of her lord. She considers it as the height of nndutifulness to remain behind, continuing to enjoy the pleasures of the palace, while her beloved Rama is leading a life of toils and privations in the remote woods. The daughter as well as the daughter-in-law of kings, brought up in the lap of luxury and amidst the soft ministrations of those pleasures that pertain to a royal household, Sita, the idol of every one's love and regard, boldly and with alacrity faces all the toils and terrors of a forest- life, in preferance to remaining in Dacaratha's residence, bereft o£ the company of her sweet lord.
All these and various other characters that figure on the fascin- ating and enchanting boards of Valmikii have been developed
^
fully and elaborately, and with and perfect consistency of portraiture through the length of his gigantic poem of Rama- yana. Ravana standing before us in stupendous proportions as the personation of terror and wrong-doing, before whom the human spirit trembles as Sita in the Asoka wood; the lotus-eyed Rama self-forgetful and heroic, and possessed of the highest perfections that can adorn humanity, and through the extremes of misery and misfortune ever abiding by righteousness and truth; Slta the best and fairest of her sex, the embodiment of all loveliness and grace physical and mental, she who rose from the sacrificial fire of inspiration — a goddess in all her manifold perfections tind unsurpassed exellences, whose name carries in the very mention a world of pathos ; the faithful Lakshmana, aye cleaving to his brother on the perilous edge of raging battle, and in the dreary forest leading a life lorn and desolate, — these and others whom we forbear reluctantly to name, have been pourtrayed to the life ; they are quick with the Prome- thean spark and occupy prominent positions in that ideal world brought into being by those mighty intellectual wizards — the poets ; and are the perennial fountains of our joy and sorrow, never suffering the good and the beautiful to degenerate into cant and commonplace in our minds. Oh ! the privilege of genius.
The influence exercised by the Ramayana upon the Hindus reach- ing down to the lowest strata of the society, is literally and in actual fact immense. Truly of the Ramayana it can be said in Baconian language that it has come home to the business and bosoms of all men. If there is one test which more than another distinguishes the true from the false in Art, it is the circumstance of a work in- fluencing or not influencing life : a work that assimilates itself with the mental constitution of a nation, lending energy to impulse, contributing to clearness of thought, and ennobling and spiritualis- ing the higher emotions and aspirations, must by the very reason of its doing so, be true; while that which fails in doing so, is not the real and genuine thing and can well be spared. The Ramayana has become a household-word in Hindu Society, and expressions embodying the memories of incidents celebrated in the epic, pass current amongst all ranks of the people, being mouthed alike by high and low,by prince and peasant^by the sristocracy
<
IV
and the nobility of the land, by merchants and mechanics, by cultiva- tors ploughing the field, and by shepherds keeping the flock, by princesses and high-born dames in towering edifices, and the women of the peasantry plying their daily tasks, religionists and politicians and men of letters, — in short by the community universally. Such absolute and all-commanding and comprehensive sway and influence of literature is perhaps unknown in the West, with the single excep- tion of the Bible. Rama's regime embodies the popular conception of administrative perfection — the ideal of a monarchy. Havana is remembered not only in consequence of the prominent part he plays in the Ramayana, but also on account of his famous advice to Rama immediately before his death, — namely that the execution of evil projects should be deferred,but that good ones should be prompt- ly executed, — a very sage counsel doubtless, answering partially to Macbeth's observation on hearing of Macduff's escape :
" From this moment
The very firstlings of my heart shall be
The firstlings of my hand "
**The vow concerning the bow-breaking," applied sarcastically to a case of contumacy, "The war between Rama and Ravana is matched by that war alone," "Havana's family." "Ravana hath been ruined by domestic disclosure," "Lank^ hath met with des- truction in consequence of excess of pride," "That won't render the Ramayana incorrect,'* — these are some of the adages universally current in Hindu society, mixing constantly into common talk. Does not this unequivocally and unmistakably prove that the influence of Valmiki has entered into the pith and marrow of the nation, and vitally sways its intellectual and emotional tendencies ?
Sita has become the grand exemplar to Hindu women as the embodiment of purity, chastity, and wifely fidelity. She has furnished Hindu ladies with the highest and noblest conception of their duties in their various and manifold relations in life. Her empire is both wide and deep over the hearts of her sex, performing for their eternal behoof spiritual services of incalculable worth. She should be looked upon as one of the greatest teachers of her kind — as a teacher in that highest and best sense in which Christ and Chaitanya, Nanal and Socrates are called teachers. Ah, who can say how
V
lany women have turned away in the budding prime of youth from le primrose path of dalliance, and have in preferance followed ''irtue, who alone is truly fair, — how many stirred and influenced y the example of her matchless self-sacrifice have firmly made up leir minds to tread in her foot-steps ? In like manner it may be aid of almost all the principal characters of the Ramayana, that they lave more or less deeply influenced the thoughts and sentiments of he people.
Farther, the Ramayana has been all along a reservoir upon vhich subsequent writers have drawn ceaselessly. Indeed most of he succeeding poems owe to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana or their subjects. Not to mention writers of less note, even ':Calidasa's self has dunk deep of that fountain. Bhababhuti not ess celebrated has composed a poem treating of the latter part of Kama's life and saturated with a pathos which perhaps no other pen las surpassed.
To the antiquary and the student of oriental literature and nanners, a knowledge of the Ramayana is simply indispensable. Fogether with the Mahabharata with which it is joined in popular Darlance, and with which it goes hand in hand in compass and irariety of information, but to which its superiority is pronounced in Doint of epic excellence Sind consistency and uniformity of execu- :ion, the Ramayana constitutes the great repository of wisdom and learning, the manners and customs of the ancient Hindus. Indeed, the adage current in our socity with regard to the Mahabharata, "What Is not in Bharat (Mahabharat), is not in Bharat (India)" applies to Ihe Ramayana as well. In it, cosmogony and theogony, the genealo- gies of kings and princes,— of human and extra-human beings, ^f Ashuras and Danavas, of yakshas and Gandharvas, and Shiddhas and Charanas ; folklore and anecdotes and legends, and stories half- mythical and half-historical ; descriptions of cities existing at a period long anterior to the age of Troy and Memphis, and the bhronicles of kings that reigned before Priam and Busiris, — all these with others too numerous to enumerate, have been woven into the mighty web and woof of the magic drapery evolved by the so potent irt of Valmiki.
Nor is the poem less interesting in a political point qf view. It
VI
can hardly be questioned that all progress to be real and im must be developed out of the inherent tendencies of a nation feelings and sentiments and idiosyncracies into which it is b well as those which have been stamped on its life and mind 1 stress and exigencies of circumstances, social and political, a nation, therefore, to govern another with such an object zi with which England has taken upon herself the Grovernment i countr}' — namely, the progress and advancement of the ch of the soil — a close and wide study of its laws, and institi manners and customs, modes of thought and emotional procli becomes a thing of paramount interest. It is clear, hence, that rulers an acquaintance with such works as the Mahabharata ar Ramayana is most important for wise and beneficient adminsti Nor can it avail one to advance the seemingly unanswerable obj that treating of as they do a state of society divided from tl: present by a huge and abyssmal gulf of time, such works can means serve as useful and faithful guides to the life and manr Hindu society existing at this day. "In India," as Professor ^ Williams justly remarks, "the lapse of centuries is powerful effecting radical changes in the foundation and constitution of 1 society." The conservative character of the Hindu nation is prov( In India usages and observances, the rituals prescribed by the tures and the customs sanctioned by hoary age, are clung to tenacity that is proof against time and innovation ; and those who that England has materially swayed and influnced the social life people, labour, we make bold to say, under a lamentable delusit Having regard alike to the surpassing and matchless exce of the poem itself both in its dramatic and l3rric charact< extreme interest it possesses for antiquaries and students of oi literature, and the importance with which its study is fraught cally to Englishmen, it is most desirable that the Ramayana i be presented before the public in an English garb. In conseq of its being composed originally in Sanskrit, it liberally rem sealed book to the majority of students. Few are the personi can devote their time and energies to master Sanskrit — a Ian which of all languages existing on earth, is, in consequence highly complex and complicated grammar, as well as the indefini
VII
!?hich characterises it on account of its possessing countless t'ynonyms, most difficult to master by a foreigner. Nay, we can per- laps safely go so far as to assert that very few amongst those Western scholars who have devoted their lives to the study of Sanskrit litera- :ure, have been able to enter into the spirit of that part of its voca- bulary in which are couched those peculiarly Hindu ideas and senti- ments that constitute the unique genius of the people. To translate, iherefore, such a work as the Ramayana from the dead and indefinite Sanskrit into the living and real English, is, like unearthening a fossil md inspiring it with life ; or rather like transferring a light from a bushel in which it has been hidden, to a mountain- top, — so that men may behold it and the surrounding objects by help of its grateful rays. Surely, to render a work from a dead tongue into a living language ind specially such a language as English with all its resources, is literally taking it from its narrow and circumscribed sphere of influence, and placing it before the world at large — in fact, making it he common property and heritage of all mankind. The utility, :herefore, we flatter ourselves, of this present literary undertaking, ivill recomend itself to all thinking-minds without any further elabora- :ion on our part. Indeed, it would argue no common hardihood n him who despite common sense and reason, would endevour to maintain that the Epic of Valmiki published in an English garb always provided that the execution do not fall far short of the requirements) would prove valueless as a contribution to the case of literature and culture.
In translating the Ramayana into English, we are concerned with a work composed by an illustrious ascetic passing his days in a hermitage in devout contemplation and the practice of rigid lusterities and self-denial. It behoves us, therefore, to approach the ask in a becoming spirit, with minds duly prepared and fitted. Let js, accordingly, begin by invoking Him whose presence can convert :he foulest and the most unclean spot, pure and clean, "like the iccicle hat hangs on Dian's temple," or the hearts and aspirations of the festal Virgins, or pious saints ever engaged in meditating the Most Eiigh. ,May He in His infinite and eternal grace vouchsafe to 3urge our minds of all ignoble feelings and motives, — may He enable is to find delight in duty and doing His will ! May our energies
via
never flag while carrying the burden we have taken on our should May He enlighten our understanding to interpret aright and coi in clear and adequate language the great thoughts and sentimen the sublime bard, — so that the English Ramayana being read b the subjects of a Monarch on whose dominions the sun never se may contribute to their constant profit and delight.
of ill it
RAMAYANA.
BALii.K:jiUsrr)AM,
SECTION I.
I
Xhe ascetic V&lmiki asked that best of sages and fore- most of those conversant with words, ever engaged in austeri- ties and Vaidika studies, NcLrada saying, — ''Who at present in this world is alike crowned with qualities, and endued with prowess, knowing duty, and grateful, and truthful, and firm in vow,-who is qualified by virtue of his character,and who is ever studious of the welfare of all creatures ? Who is learned, hath studied society, and knoweth the art of pleasing his subjects ? And who alone is ever lovely to hehold ? Who hath subdued his heart, and controlled his anger, is endowed with personal grace, and devoid of malice ; and whom, enraged in battle, do even the gods, fear ? Great is my curiosity to hear of such a person. Thou canst,0 Maharshi* tell me of a man of this description." Hearing VSlmiki's words, N5rada, cognizant of the three worlds, said with alacrity,— "Do thou listen ! Rare as are the qualities mentioned by thee, I will, O sage, having duly con- sidered, describe unto thee a person endued with them. There is one sprung from the line of IkshwSku, known by the name of R§ma. He is of subdued soul and exceeding prow-
* Lit, a great saint. The word, howerer, signifies one belonging to a parti- cular order of saints.— T.
V
(>
2 RlMlVANA.
ess ; effulgent ; endowed with patience ; having senses unc control ; intelligent ; learned in morality ; eloquent ; crown with grace ; the slayer of foes ; broad-shouldered ; possess of mighty arms, a conch-shaped neck, fleshy jaws, anc broad chest ; a powerful bowman ; the repressor of fo€ having plump shoulder-blades ; of arms reaching down ur his knees ; with a beautiful head, and a graceful forehead ; a endowed with excellent might; having symmetrical limbs ; a of a cool hue ; and possessed of prowess ; and having a w( developed chest ; with expansive eyes ; crowned with auspi ousness and favourable marks; knowing duty ; firm in promi aye engaged in the good of his subjects ; of accomplished nown I furnished with knowledge ; pure in body and spir modest towards superiors ; versed in self-knowledge ; I; unto PrajSpati himself ; blest with prosperity ; protecting a the destroyer of enemies, and supporter of all living beinj and the stay of order,practising all the duties of his class; a preserving those cleaving unto him ; versed in the profundit of the Vedas and the VedSngas ; accomplished in archei gifted with a good memory ; ascertaining with rapid the truth of things ; the darling of all ; unreproved ; unvanquished spirit ; discerning ; proficient in every brai of learning ; ever resorted to by the good even as ocean is, by the rivers ; worthy of being honored ; hav an equal regard for all ; and capable of filling the heart v ever-new sensations. Crowned with every grace ; he enh ceth the joys of Kau9alySL ; being like unto the sea in grav and unto the Himavat in patience. In prowess, he is like u Vishnu, and boasteth of the personal attractions of the Mo In anger he resemblelh the fire raging at the dissolution all ; and in forgiveness, he is like unto the Earth. In giv away, he is like unto (Kuvera) the Bestower of riches, anc truth, he is like another Dharma.
''Desirous of doing that which would be acceptable to subject, king Da^aratha, from fulness of affection, wished
r BlLAKlNDAM, 3
instal as his associate in the kingdom his beloved and meritorious eldest son^ Rima, of infallible prowess, and endued with sterling virtues, and ever intent on the welfare of the people. Beholding the provisions for the installation, that lady the king's consort, Kaikeyi, who had previously been promised two boons, even asked for these, viz,, the exile of R2lma, and the installation of Bharata. Bound by the ties of duty in consequence of that promise of his, king Da9aratha banished his favorite son Rama. In pursuance of his father's promise, and with the view of compassing the pleasure of Kaikeyi, that heroic one, commanded by his sire, wended into the forest. And on the eve of his departure for the forest, that enhancer of Sumitr^'s joy and favorite of his brother (RSLma), his dear brother Lakshmana, endowed with humility, displaying brotherliness, followed him out of affection. And as Rohini foUoweth the moon, RSma's beloved spouse, sprung in Janaka's line — like unto an embodiment of Divine power — dear (unto Rama) as life itself, and engaged in acts of good, and furnished with every auspicious mark, and the best of wives, followed Rama. Having been followed far by his father Da^aratha along with the citizens, Rama met with the virtuous and beloved king of the NishSLdas ; and then in company with Guha, Lakshmana,and Sit2L,dismissed his chari- oteer on the banks of the Ganges at Sringaverapura. Then wending from one wood to another, and having crossed many broad rivers, they^ in accordance with Bharadwija's directions, arrived at the Chitrakuta ; and constructing a romantic abode, the three began to live there as they listed. And they spent their days in delight, even like gods and Gandharbhas. And when R&ma had reached the Chitrakuta, king Da9aratha, distressed on account of his son, went to heaven, bewailing the latter. And when Da9aratha had ascended heaven, the mighty Bharata, although pressed by the Brahmanas headed by Vasis- tha, to rule the kingdom, did not wish for dominion. And that hero went after R2lma into the forest, with the view of pro-
4 RlMlFANA.
pitiating that worshipful one. And having come to the high* souled RSimai with truth for his prowess, he besought his brother, with every mark of respect. And RSLma said unto Bharata these words, — *'Thou too, O thou conversant with duty, art king." And the exceedingly generous, illustrious and mighty RSlma of a cheerful countenance did not wish for the kingdom, in consonance with his father's injunction. And hav- ing made over unto Bharata, as his substitute on the throne, his own sandals, Bharata's elder brother repeatedly forbade him. And then Bharata,finding his desire not obtained,touch- ed Raima's feet, and began to rule at NandigrSLma, expecting the return of R&ma. And when the auspicious Bharata, firm in promise and of subdued sense, had gone away, RSlma again perceiving there the influx of citizens and others,eagerly entered Dandaka. And having entered that mighty forest, the lotus-eyed RSlma slew the Rikshasa, Vir&dha, and saw Sarabhanga, Suitikshna, Agastya and Agastya's brother. And he then, directed by Agastya, gladly possessed himself of Indra's bow, the inexhaustible arrows, the scimitar, and the quiver. And while RSlma was dwelling there with the rangers of woods, the sages came to him in a body for the destruction of the Asuras and R&kshasas. Thereupon in the presence of those ascetics like unto flaming fire, inhabiting the Dandaka forest, he promised to slay those RSlkshasas in battle. And it was while he was living there that, that dweller of Janasth&na, the Rakshasi SurpanakhS, capable of assuming any form dt will, was disfigured. And it was while living there in the society of the inhabitants of Janas- thSna, that RSma slew in battle the RSLkshasas Khara and Tri^ira and Dushana, together with their followers, who all had been stirred up by the words of SurpanakhS. And fourteen thousand RSLkshasas were slain in that battle. And learning of the destruction of his relatives, R^vana wrought into frenzy by anger, sought the aid of a R^Lkshasa named MSiricha. And although strongly dissuaded by M&richa,saytng
BlLAKlNDAM, 5
'*Thou ought not to enter into hostilities with that powerful one. Do thou, therefore, O RSvana, excuse me T' Yet, dis- regarding those words of his, RSvana, urged on by Fate, went into that asylum in company with MSricha. And that one (Maricha) commanding illusions, having drawn far the king's sons (RSma and Lakshmana\ he (Ravana) carried away Rama's wife, slaying the vulture JatSyu. And beholding the vulture slain and learning of the carrying oflF of MithilS's daughter, the descendant of Raghu, deprived of sense, bewailed in grief. And having with unassuaged sorrow burnt the vulture JatSyu, as he was searching for SitS in that wood, he fell in with a RSikshasa, KSivandha by name, of a dreadful and deformed shape. Having slain him, the mighty-armed one burnt his body, — and thereupon he went to heaven. And the RSkshasa addressed RSLma, saying, *'Do thou, O descendant of Raghu, re- pair unto the female ascetic, Savari, conversant with all systems of morality." Reparing to Savari, that destroyer of foes, gifted with exceeding energy, Rlma, the son of Da^aratha, highly honored by Savari, met with Hanum3n on the banks of the PampS. Then, agreeably to HanumSn's advice, the exceed- ingly powerful Rama saw Sugriva and detailed unto him all, specially touching SitS. Then the monkey Sugriva, having heard all from Rama, was well pleased with Rama and in the presence of fire, made friends with him. Then the king of mon- keys, out of friendship, mournfully related unto him all about his hostilities with VSli. And then Rima vowed that he would slay van. Thereupon the monkey described unto RSghava the prowess of VSli, and he feared lest Rama should not prove a match for VSLli. And with the view of convincing Raghava (as to Vali's might), Sugriva showed unto him the huge corpse
Elf Dundabhi, resembling a large hill. And looking at the skele- on, Rama endued with exceeding prowess, smiling the while, with his toe cast it off at the distance of full ninety miles. And with a single mighty shaft he pierced seven palmyra palms, a hill, and the sixth nether world, carrying
6 RlMXyANA.
conviction into Sugriva. Thus convinced, the mighty monke well pleased went with Rama towards the cave calle Kishkinda. And having arrived there, that best of monkeys Sugriva of a tawney and golden hue, set up loud roars And at those mighty sounds, out came the lord of monkeys and having obtained TSra's consent, came before Sugriv for battle. Then Raghava killed Vali on the spot with .single shaft. And, in compliance with Sugriva's request having slain Vali in battle, RSghava conferred the kingdo on Sugriva. Then that best of monkeys having summone all the various monkeys, sent them in various directions i search of Janaka's daughter. Then at the suggestion of th vulture SampSti, the mighty HanumSn crossed the salt sea ex tending for a hundred yojanas. And arriving at the city o LankSL, ruled by Rivaiia, he found Sita in the midst of an Aso« ka wood, absorbed in thought. And then having shown her the sign, he related unto her all about the friendship between RSma and Sugriva, and having cheered Videha's daughter, he smashed the gate of the palace. Then having slain five gener- als, and seven counsellors' sons, and grinded the heroic, Aksha, he was bound fast (by the arms of Indrajit). Then knowing that in virtue of the grand-sire*s boon, he was free, he forgave those RSlkshasas that were leading him (to R^vana). Then having burnt down the city of Lankly with the exception of the place occupied by Mithila's daughter, the mighty one returned, with the intention of delivering the glad tidings unto RSima. And that OQe of immeasurable soul having come be- fore the high souled RSlma, and circled him, addressed him, saying, — "I have truly seen SitS." Then accopanied b Sugriva, RSma repaired to the shore of the mighty ocean, and with shafts resembling the sun, vexed the deep. Then tha lord of rivers — the Ocean — showed himself. And agreeabi to the advice of the Ocean, Nala constructed a bridge (over the water). By that bridge RSma went to the city of Lank&, — and slew R&vana in battle. And having recovered
BXLAKXNDAM. 7
Sitai R&ma experienced high shame ^in consequence of SitSk's having lived so long in Rivana's place), and used harsh anguage towards SitSL in the presence of all. Incapable of rearing it, the chaste Sita entered flaming fire. Thereupon Lssured by Agni as to the sinlessness of Sit2L, RSma became exceedingly pleased, and was honored by all the deities. \nd at the great act of RSma's, the three worlds with all :hat was mobile and immobile in them, as well as the sages ' aind gods, were well pleased with the mighty-souled RSghava. Then installing that foremost of R&kshasas, Bibhisana, on the throne of Lanka, Rama was perfectly easy, and re- joiced exceedingly. Then RSma, obtaining a boon from the celestials, revived the monkeys fallen in battle, and surround- ed by friends, set out for Ayodhya on the car Pushpaka. \nd repairing to BharadwSLja's hermitage, R§ma, having truth for his prowess, despatched Hanuman to Bharata. Then talking over past affairs, accompanied with Sugriva, RSma, mounted on the Pushpaka, departed for Nandigrama. Having arrived at Nandigrama, the sinless R^ma sheared bimself of his matted locks along with his brothers, and, laving regained Sita, got back his kingdom. And Da9aratha's son, the auspicious Rima^ lord of Ayodhl, hath been ruling those happy subjects of his, even like a father. (During his reign) his subjects will enjoy happiness, and contentment, ind become hale, and grow in righteousness, and be devoid of mental disquietude and disease, and free from the fear of famine. And no person is to witness his son's death, and women will be ever chaste, and never bear widowhood. And no fear of conflagration (will exercise people), nor creatures be drowned in water. And no danger will come from the wind, —nor any suffer from fever. And no fear will come from hunger, from thieves. And cities and provinces will be filled with [orn and wealth. And all will live happily as at the Golden age, .nd having performed with countless gold an hundred >rse sacrifices, and bestowed with due rites ayutas and
8 RlMlFANA.
kotts^ of kine on learned persons, and countless wealth famous BrShmanas, RSghava will establish an hundred roj families, and will employ each of the four castes in its o^ duties. And having reigned for ten thousand and'as ma hundred years, RSma will depart for the regions of Brahn He that readeth this sacred, sin-destroying, merit-bestowi history of R2Lma like unto the Veda itself, becometh cleans from all sin. And the man that readeth this RSLmSLya conferring length of days, after death, is honored in heav< along with his sons, and grandsons, and relations. II Br&hmana readeth it, he attaineth excellence in speech ; i Kshatriya, he acquireth lordship over landed possession if a Vaisya, abundance of wealth in trade ; and if a Sud; greatness."
SECTION II.
*w^*
H EARING those words of N^rada, that one of virtuo soul, skilled in speech, together with his disciples, worshipp* that mighty sage And having received due honors, th celestial asking for and receiving permission (to depar went to the etherial regions. And when Nirada had U for the celestial regions, that holy person went to the banl of the Tama&5 hard by the Jahnavi. And having arrive at the banks of that river, the pious one, observing holy spot devoid of mud, spoke into his disciple standing b saying, — *'0 BharadwSya, behold this holy spot devoid mud. And it is beautiful, and contains pleasant waters, eve
* Ayuta is ten thousand ; and koti is ten millions.-^r.
BlLAKlNDAM. 9
like the minds of good men. Do thou, O child, put down thy pitcher, and give me my bark. I will bathe even in this Tamas5, the best of holy spots." Thus accosted by the high- souled Valmiki, Bharadwaja ever intent upon serving his spiritual guide, presented the sage his bark. And that one of subdued senses, having received his bark from his disciple, began to range around, surveying that extensive forest. In the vicinity of the wood, that worshipful one espied a pair of Kraunchas, emitting melodious notes, and ranging around in perfect peace of mind. At this juncture, a wicked-minded fowler, singling out the male without any cause of hostility, slew him in the very presence of the holy man. And observing him struggling on the earth, bathed in blood his help-mate began to bewail in piteous accents, at the prospect of her separation from her copper-crested oviparous husband, engaged in sport with extended plumage. Finding the oviparous one thus brought down by the fowler, the piety of that pious and righteous-souied Rishi was excited exceed- ingly. Then considering it to be an unrighteous deed, with a heart moved with pity, that twice-born one, beholding the weeping Kraunchi, spoke these words, — '*0 fowler, since thou hast slain one of a pair of Kraunchas, thou shalt never attain prosperity !" Having uttered this, he thought within himself, **What is this that I have said, affiicted with grief for the bird ? '^ Revolving thus in his mind, that highly-wise one and best of sages addressed his disciple, saying, — "This speech that I have uttered is of equal feet and accents ; and is capable of being chaunted accord- ing to measure to stringed accompaniment. Let it there- fore go forth as a sloka as it has come out of my sorrow V When the sage had spoken thus, his disciple, well pleased assented to his excellent speech; and thereat that pious person was gratified. Then having duly performed his ablutions at that holy spot^ the reverend sage retraced his steps, pondering over the incidents touching the sloka. 2
lo RlMlrANA.
And his disciple also, accomplished in learnings an^d o(; meek demeanour, followed Valmiki, carrying on his backj a pitcher filled with water.
Having entered the hermitage along with his disciple, that one knowing duty, while apparently engaged in diverse kinds of talk, revolved in his mind the circumstances con- nected with the verses. And it came to pass that desirous of seeing the best of sages^ there arrived that lord and creator of all, the effulgent Brahma, furnished with four countenances. Beholding him, Valmiki rose up suddenly and, wondering greatly, humbly and silently stood before him with folded hands. And duly bending low in rever- ence Valmiki ©ffered that deity water to wash his feet, and other things for reception. And having sat down on a highly-honored seat, that worshipful one enquired after the welfare of that sage Valmiki knowing no deterioration; and then asked hira to be seated. And having been seated in the presence of the Grand-sire of all, Valmiki, his mind run- ning upon the self-same subject, became phjsnged in thought, '•What a sin hath been comiaitted by that wicked-minded one, incited by hostile feeling, when he without cause slew that sweetly-singing Kraunchal" And thereupon, again lamenting that female Krauncha, he, in grief of heart, mentally recited those verses. Then smiling, Brahmft spoke unto that excellent sage, — **Those verses of thine which thou hast composed shall attain celebrity : no doubt need be enter- tained on this head. It is because I had intended so, that those verses had come out of thy lips. Do thou now, O best of saints, compose the entire history of Rama. Do thou relate unto the world the history of the righteous-souled and intelligent RSma crowned w^ith qualities. And do thou, and thou hast heard it from NJLrada, relate all that is known, and all that is unknown to thee, O wise one, concerning R^ma, and Lakshmana, and Videha's daughter, and all the R&kshasas. And even what is not known to N4rada, shall
BlLAKlNDAM. ir
Se unfolded unto thee. And no words of thine in this poem ihall contain an untruth. Do thou, therefore, compose into rerses this delightful story of RSma. And as long as the nountains and the seas exist on earth, thy history of RamS- ^ana will spread among men. And as long as this story of Rimlyana shall retain currency, thou shalt reside both in :his world and in mine." Having said this, the worshipful 3rahma disappeared there. And thereat the sage and his lisciples marvelled greatly. And his disciples sang those verses again and again ; and, momentarily experiencing pleasure, said unto him with exceeding wonder, — '*Those rerses, composed of equal accents, and furnished with four >arts, have been sung by the mighty saint, have, in virtue of requent repetition, been associated with a world of pathos, md have attained the eminence of a sloka. And now it is the ntention of that illustrious and self centered sage to com- )Ose the entire RamSyana in this metre.*'
The great ascetic Valmiki of gracious appearance and mparalleled renown has composed hundreds of verses in nelodious measure, couching the significance of the history )f Rama's line. Listen to the annals of the foremost of laghu's race, and the destruction of the Ten-headed one :omposed by the ascetic, with Samasas, Sandhts, Prakritas^ .nd Pratayas\ and lucid with sweet and equally-accented I'ords.
SECTION lit.
JjLAVlNG heard the entire history of the intelligent dma, capable of conferring religious merit and the two ther cognate objects, as well as emancipation, VSLlmiki again ought to get insight into it. And, seating himself facing he east on a cushion of kusa grass, and sipping water
12 rXmIfana,
according to the ordinance, he addressed himself to the con templation of the subject through yoga. And by virtue oj his yoga powers, he clearly observed before him RSlma, an< Lakshmana, and Sit5, and Da^aratha together with his wive! in his kingdom, laughing, and talking, and acting, and bear- ing themselves as in real life. And he saw into all that waj endured by R&ma firm in promise, with his wife for th( third. And like an emblic myrobalan on his palm, thai rig^hteous-souled one, by virtue of his yoga^ perceived all that^ had happened as well as all that would happen in future. And having truly seen everything by virtue of his con- templation, that magnanimous one set about recording the \ charmingf Rama's history. And agreeably to what had been related by the mighty-souled Narada, that worshipful saint composed the history of Ragu's line, conferring profit and pleasure,and impregnated with qualities fraught with them,and, like unto the ocean, abounding in riches, and captivating ear and mind. And Rama's birth, and mighty prowess, and kindness to all, and popularity, and forbearance, and good- ness, and truthfulness, and the wonderful converse he had with ViswSmitra ; and the nuptials of jSnaki ; and the snap- ping of the bow ; and the hostilities of Rama with RAma (Parasurlkma) ; and the noble qualities of Da9aratha's son ; and Rima's installation ; and the enmity of Kaikeyi ; and the obstacle in the way of the in<?tallation ; and the exile of R2Lma ; and the king's grief, lamentations, and departure for the other regions ; and the grief of the subjects, and their dis- missal (by Rama to AjodhyS) ; and the tidings of the lord of NishSdas ; and the charioteer's return ; and the crossing of the Ganges; and RSma's interview with BharadwSja; and his arrival at Chitrakuta in consonance with Bharadwaja's injunc- tion ; and Rama's buildiog a mansion there and sojourn ; and Bharata's arrival, and his propitiation of R&ma ; and Rama's offering oblations to the manes of his father ; and the install- ation of the sandals ; and Bharata's dwelling at NandigrSima ;
BfiLAKlNDAM. 13
Rama's removal to Dandaka and destruction of VirSdha ; Rama's interview with Sarabhanga and meeting with kshna ;and SitSL's companionship with Anusuya, and the ;r's painting the former ; and RSnia's interview with stya, and his obtaining the bow from him ; and the story of >anakha and her disfigurement j and the slaughter of Khara Tri9ir2L ; and the exertions of Ravana ; the destruction of icha, andthe carrying away of Vaidehi ; Raghava's lamen- 5ns, and the death of the king of vultures; Rama's 5unter with Kavandha, (a headless demon) and his view of ipa;RlLma's interview with Savari, and his subsistence e on fruits and roots; Rama's lamentations, at PampS, and ting with Hanuman ; the former's sojourn to the Rishyamu- , and interview with Sugriva ; RSma's raising the confi- ne of Sugriva, and his friendship with the latter; and the ounter between Vali and Sugriva ; the destruction of V5li, the establishment of Sugriva on the throne ; and Tare's entation ; the understanding between Rama and Sugriva
0 the time for commencing the march ; Rama's stay ing the rainy season ; and the ire of the lion of Raghu's ; ; the levying of forces ; and the despatch of envoys in srent directions ; and the assignment by Sugriva liflFerent quarters to the monkeys ; the making over of his J by RSima to Hanuman ; J5mbub5na's discovery of the e; the fasting of the monkeys on the shore of the an; Hanuman's interview with Sampati ; Hanuman's (nsion of the mountain, and his bounding over the main ;
1 his sight of the MainSka at the injunction of Ocean ; the ring of Rakshasis ; Hanuman's meeting with the RSLkshasa LySgraha; Hanuman's destruction of SinhikSLya ; and iJumSin's sight of Lank§,^ and his entrance by night into Y^'y his ascertaining of conduct in times of helpless- B ; his journey to the tavern ; and his sight of the er apartments ; and his sight of R2Lvana and of his car ihpaka ; his walk to the Asoka wood, and sight there
14 RlMlVANA.
of Sita ; his presentation of the ring to SitS and conve with her; and the roaring of the Rakshasis; and dreaming of the dream by Trijata ; Site's handinj gem to Hanuman ; and the breaking down of trees ; the flight of the Rakshasis, and slaughter of the slav and the wind-god's Son being* taken captive ; and his terr roars while burning down Lank5; and his bounding b over the ocean ; and the forcible possession of Hon and Hanuman's consoling RSghava, and handing him gem ; Rama's interview 'vith Ocean ; aud Nala's construct the bridge, the army's crossing of the ocean; and nightly seige of LankS ; and Rama's interview i Bibhishana; the communication as to the means of desti tion ; and the destruction of Kumbhakarna and MeghanS and the destruction of Ravana, and the recovery of SitS in enemy's city; and the sprinkling of Bibhishana, and the si of Pushpaka; Rama's return towards AyodhyS, and meet with BharadwSja; despatch of HanumSn ; and R5ma's m ing with Bharata ; and the installation of Rama ; and the missal of all the forces; and RSma's pleasing his subjc and renunciation of SitS, — all else besides concerning R2 on earth, that hath not yet taken place, — have been d< with by the worshipful sage in the last book.
SECTION IV.
W HEN RSma had obtained his kingdom, that worsi ful sage Valmiki, composed the entire history [of that h< in excellent metre and fraught with high meaning, saint recited twenty-four thousand slokas ; and it cons of five hundred sections, and is divided into six Kandas i the Uttara. And having composed it, including as well fut incidents to happen afterwards, that lord reflected as to > should publish the same before assemblies. And as 1 great sage of purified soul was thus pondering, in came I^
bXlakAndam, 15
a, in the guise of the sons of ascetics, and touched And he found those illustrious princes, the
Kusi and Lava, knowing morality, and living in a ;e, and endowed with sweet voices, — apt at taking in ining of poetry. And finding them of a retentive ent, and initiated into Vedic studies, that lord taught )W to interpret the Vedas, and that vow-observing fht them the great RSmSyana in full, treating of fe, and the destruction of Paulastya. And those )iced brothers, resembling Gandharbas in grace, ished in music and dancing, and cognizant of and Murchhana^ began to chaunt this poem delightful tion and in singing, set in three measures, and seven nd sung according to time to the accompaniment jed instruments, and fraught with the sentiments
pathos, risibility, the irascible, the terrible, and the And knowing the characteristics that go to make Drama, and gifted with mellifluous voices, those IS princes, coming from Rama's body, and resembling :n as the reflection of the solar or the lunar disc 5S that disc, got by heart that excellent and moral
its entirety ; and those princes versed in the Fine th a concentrated mind chaunted it as they had , in the assemblies of ascetics and Brahmanas and :n.
; upon a time, those highsouled and pious ones, d with every auspicious mark, chaunted this poem sembly of ascetics of purified souls. Having heard sic, all the ascetics were seized with surprise, and s flooded with tears, exclaimed, **Well done ! Well
And well pleased, those saints cherishing Duty,
the praiseworthy Kusa and Lava as they sang^
-"Ah ! what charming music ! What sweetness of
>es ! All this happened long ago, yet it seems as
aw it before us/' And unified with the theme,
1 6 nlMlyANA,
both of them singing together sweetly, and at a high pi by means of saraja and the other notes, they entranced audience. And the two thus went 6n sweetly singing a high pitch, praised by those mighty sages priding in t asceticism. Some one in the assembly pleased with 1 presented them with a water-pitcher; and some one of 1 fame, being delighted, made them a present of a bark garm< and some one gave them a dark deer skin ; — and some- thread, — and some, a kamandalu^ and some great s conferred on them a maunja^ made girdle ; and some pe granted them a vrishiX and some, a kaupina-^ And i some ascetic, well-pleased, gave them an axe ; and son red cloth ; and some, a thread for tying up their matted lo and some gladly gave a twine for binding faggots wit and some, ascetic presented them with a sacrificial ] and some, a quantity of fire-wood ; and some, a seat n of adumvart.^ And some exclaimed, **Swas^i;*' and s joyfully cried, — *'May ye be long-lived !'* And all tl ascetics of truthful speech conferred on them blessi And the sages said, — '^Wonderful is the story ! And, ( accomplished in all kinds of music ! beautifully have chaunted and finished this poem, charming ear and hi and conferring long life and prosperty, — which will af themes to poets." And admired everywhere, on one occa those singers were seen by Bharata's eHer brother, i street of Ayodhya, sparsely scattered with stalls. 4 having had the brothers Kusa and Lava brought undei roof, that destroyer of enemies, Rama, accorded those I worthy of honor, a respectful reception. And having sei himself on a throne of excellent gold, in the midst ol
* An earthen or wooden water pot used by an ascetic, t A kind of grass.
{The seat of an ascetic.
% A small piece of cloth worn by ascetics. I
♦ The glomerous fig tree.
f
4
BlLAKXNDAM. 17
cfcrothers and counsellors, that lord, RSma, beholding both tithe brothers, handsome and of modest demeanour, spoke • unto Lakshmana, Bharata and Satrughna, saying, — "Do ye I listen to the story, fraught with excellent sense and composed 6 in excellent measure, as sung by these ones endowed with the divine afflatus." And then he ordered the singers to begin. Thereupon causing the down of the audience to stand on end, and ravishing their minds and hearts, they began to sing melo- diously and distinctly and in as high a pitch as they could com- mand^ and in strains rivalling the notes of a VinS. And that song of theirs enchanted the ear of that assembly. And Rama said, — "Although these Kusa and Lava, of rigid penances, look like ascetics, yet they bear on their persons the signs of royalty. And, besides, the story conduces to my fame. Do ye, therefore, listen to that history fraught with great worth 1*' And then commanded by R5ma, th«y began to chaunt according to the Marga mode, and Rlma seated in the midst of his court, was drawn to the music, anxious for the perpetuation of his history.
SECTION V.
mm
T.
HIS great story of Ram§yana treats of those victori- ous kings commencing with PrajSpati, and having Ikshwaku for their founder, who ruled the entire earth as no other kings had done so before them, and in whose line Sagara was born — Sagara who dug the ocean, and whom, while out in progress, his sixty-thousand sons followed. We shall now chaunt the entire history of that dynasty from the beginning. Do ye, with minds free from ill will, listen to that story con- ferring merit, profit and pleasure.
There is on the banks of the Sarayu a great and flourish- ing country called Kosala abounding in corn and wealth, in which the inhabitants passed their days pleasantly. And
3
x8 RlMlFANA.
the capital of that country was AyodhyS famed among m< which was founded by Manu himself — that foremost men. And that beautiful and mighty city was twelve ^^'^j in length and ten in breadth ; and was intersected outsit with spacious roads laid out orderly. And scattered wl blown blossoms, and regularly sprinkled with water, the w< arranged broad high-ways looked beautiful. And that oiHJ bringing prosperity unto mighty kingdoms, King Da9aratl%^ lived in that city, like unto the lord of the deities inhabitia|^ the celestial regions. And the city was furnished with dooif and gates, and well-arranged rows of shops. And it cotf^ tained all kinds of instruments and arms, and was inhabited by all classes of artizans. And that graceful and matchlesdf brilliant city abounded in eulogists and genealogists. Aoi it was crowned with stately edifices with flags, and guarded by hundreds of ^Saiaghnts, And the mighty city contained: theatres for females, and gardens^ and mango-groves ; audi was enclosed by a wall. And encircled by a deep moat^ tte city was accessible neither to friend nor foe. And it abounded with elephants and horses, and kine and camdi and asses. And it was thronged with neighbouring kinj^ come to pay tribute, and inhabited by merchants from various countries, and adorned with mountain-like palaces glitter* ing with gems, and filled with sporting-places for femaleSg and like unto Indra*s Amaravati. And the city was wonder- ful to behold, gleaming with gold-burnished ornaments, and inhabited by troops of courtezans, and abounding in all kinds of gems, and graced with royal places. And it abound<» ed in paddy and rice, and its water was sweet as the juice of the sugar-cane. And it resounded with the sounds of Dun* dubhis and Mirdangas and Vinds and Panavas. And that foremost spot of all the earth was like unto an aerial car obtained in heaven by the Siddhas, through force of ascetic
• A weapon commonly described as a stone set round with iron spikes.— T.
BlLAKiNDAM. 19
^ austerities, and thronged with the best specimens of humanity. I And that city was filled by king Da9aratha with thousands L of such MahSrathas* light-handed and accomplished in fight, as could by force of arms or sharpened shafts slaughter infuriated lions and tigers and boars roaming in the forest ; yet as would not pierce with arrows persons lorn or abandoned or hiding or fugitive. And it abounded mostly in excellent Brahmanas, lighting the sacrificial fire, and crowned with qualities, and versed in the Vedas and the VedSngas, and giving away thousands, and ever abiding by truth, and high-souled, and resembling mighty ascetic.
SECTION VI.
jO^ND in that city of Ayodhya resided king Da^aratha versed in the Vedas, commanding all resources, far-sighted, of mighty prowess, dear to the inhabitants both rural and urban, an AtAtrathaf in the Ikshwaku line, performing sacrifices, engaged in the performance of duties,self-controled like unto a Maharsht, a royal saint famed in the three worlds, possessed of strength, the destroyer of foes, having friends, of subdued senses, comparable unto Sakra and Vaisravana by virtue of accumulated riches and other possessions, and pro- tecting people even as the highly energetic Manu protected them. And as Indra rules Amaravati, that one firm in pro- mise, and following duty, profit, and pleasure, ruled that best of cities. And in that excellent city, the men were happy and righteous-souled, and widely-read, and each contented with his possessions, and devoid of covetuousness, and speak- ittg the truth. And in that prime of cities, there was none wiio had not at his command a plenteous supply of the good
* A warrior coping with ten thousand persons, and protecting both his diarioteer and steeds. — T.
t A warrior fighting ten thousand Maharathas, — T,
I
20 RlMlFANA.
things, and there was no householder who was not well in horses and kine, and corn and wealth. And one could nowhere in Ayodhya persons given up to lust, or unsight or crooked-minded, or unlettered, or atheistical. And the men and all the women were of excellent character, a subdued senses and a happy frame of mind, and both in pect of occupation and conduct spotless like unto MaharSi And all wore ear-rings and tiaras and garlands, and abu antly enjoyed the good things of life. And all were cle^^ daubing their limbs, and perfuming their persons, and feed! on pure food, and giving away, and wearing Angadi and Nishkas\ and hand-ornaments, and repressing passions And there were not in AyodhyS persons not lighting tht sacrificial fire, or not performing sacrifices, or mean-minde^ or thieving, or engaged in improper occupations, orof impufit descent. And the BrSLhmanas of subdued senses were alwayg engaged in the performance of their own duties, giving aws^ in charity, and studying, and receiving gifts with discrimi* nation. And none of them was atheistical or untruthful of slenderly-read or detracting or incompetent or illiterate. And there was no Brahmana who was not versed in the Vedai and VedSngas, or not observing vows, or not giving away by thousands, or poor-spirited, or of insane mind, or afHictedr And no man and no woman was seen devoid of grace or -, beauty, or lacking in reverence for their monarch. And thv^ four orders with BrSLhmanas at their head contained person^lj serving gods and guests, and endowed with gratitude^ and munificent, and heroic, and possessing prowess. Aq4 the men were long-lived ; and ever abode by duty an^i^^d truth ; and lived in that best of cities, always surroundedf^ by sons and grandsons and wives. The Kshatriyas were ♦ obedient unto the BrSLhmanas, and the Vai^yas followed the f
• A bracelet worn upon the upper arm. — T. t An ornament for the breast or nfck. — T
. J
BlLAKlNDAM. 21
• Kshatriyas, and the Sudras, occupied with their proper vocations, ministered unto the three other orders. And that city was ably governed by that lord of IkshwSku's line, even as that foremost of men, the intelligent Manu, had governed it before him. And as a mountain-cavern abounds with lions, it was filled with warriors resembling flaming fire, of straight ways, unforbearing, and of accom- plished learning. And the city abounded with excellent horses sprung in KSmvoja, and Vahlika, and Vaniyu, and the banks of the Sindhu, and like unto that best of horse, Hari's charge ; and with fierce elephants sprung on the Vindha mountain, and the Himavat, filled with juice, and of exceeding strength, and resembling hills ; and with Bhadra,* Mandra, and Mriga elephants j and those sprung from the mixture of the three, and from the mixture of Bhadra and Mandra, and from Bhadra and Mriga, and from Mriga and Mandra, — superior like unto Airavata, and coming from MahSipadma, Anjana, and Vimana breeds ; fierce, and look- ing like hills. And that city was over two yojanas ; and truly it was called AyodhyS.t And repressing enemies, that city was governed by the great and the exceedingly powerful king Da9aratha, even as the Moon sways the stars. And that lord of earth resembling Sakra governed that city of AyodhyS bearing a true name, furnished with strong gates and bolts, and auspicious, and graced with excellent edifices, and teeming with thousands.
* Those elephants whose limbs are contracted are Bhadras ; those whose bodies are fat, slack, and contracted are Mandras ; and those whose bodies are lean and larj^e are Mrigas. — T.
t Lit, incapable of being conquered. — T.
22
RlMlVANA,
SECTION VM.
T
HAT high-souled one of IkswSku's line had compet counsellors, capable of administering business, of diving the motives of others, and ever intent upon the ^ood of monarch. And that heroic king had eight famous c sellors, pure and devoted to the royal service,— z/is., Dh and Vijaya, and Surlshtra, and Rlshtravardhana, Akopa, and Dharmapala, and Sumantra the eighth, con ant with profit. And he had two family priests after heart : vtz, those foremost of saints, Vasistha and VSm And he had other counsellors besides ; vis,, Suyajna, JlLvSli, and Ka^yapa, and Gautama, and the longf-Iived kandeya, and the regenerate K^tySiyana. Ever as in counsel with these Brahmarshis, his priests counsellors serving the dynasty from father to son, learned yet modest, and bashful, and conversant with p and of subdued-senses, and auspicious, and high-souled, accomplished in the art of arms, and of high renown, cautious, and acting according to their word, and pos energy, forgiveness and fame, and ever preluding speech with a smile, and never committing themselves a lie either from anger or interest or desire, and employing spies noting what was doing or done in midst of their own or a hostile party. And they were ad in intercourse with people, and well-tried in friendship the monarch. And they were ever busy in replenishing exchequer and in levying troops. And they did not ch ill will even towards enemies, when innocent. And were heroic, and ever high-spirited, following policy, protecting those citizens that were pure, and not be ill will towards BrShmanas and Kshatriyas, and filling treasury ,by inflicting punishments according to the offence the persons guilty. And during the time when those pure o of one mind presided over the justice of the kingdom, th
bAlakAndam. 23
was neither in the city nor the provinces any that was a liar, or wicked, or going after others' wives. And peace reigned all around the city and the provinces. And the ministers wore excellent raiment, and ornaments, and were engaged in observing pure vows, and ever kept their eye of policy open, in the interests of the monarch. And the king considered them as crowned with virtues ; and they were lamed on account of their prowess, concluding unerringly in con- sequence of their intelligence of other countries. And in all climes and times they could manifest their noble quali- ties; and they were cognizant of war and peace, and possessed of goodness, passion and ignorance. And they .could keep their counsel, and judge of things finely, and were well- versed in the art of policy, and ever fair-spoken. Surrounded by such counsellors endowed with various quali- ties, the faultless king Da9aratha ruled the earth, gather- ing intelligence by means of spices, and righteously protecting the subjects, and preserving the people, and not sacrificing his duties, — famed over the three worlds. And munificent, and firm in promise in battle, that best of men ruled there this earth. Nor did he ever meet with a foe that was cither his equal or superior. And possessed of friends, and having obedient commanders, and extricating his thorns by his might, that king ruled the earth, even as the lord of celes- tials ruleth heaven. And surrounded by those counsellors studious of his welfare, and bearing affection towards him, and clever, and competent, that king, by virtue of his prow- ess in subduing others, resembled the Sun surrounded by his rays.
SECTION Vlll.
*
^A-ND although engaged in austerities with the view of having sons born to him, the powerful and high-souled king, hadino son capable of perpetuating his line. And mentally
24 RlMlFANA.
turning the matter over, the high-souled one thought, "' do I not celebrate a horse-sacrifice with the intention obtaining a son ?'* And that highly-energetic, ^ious intelligent monarch, in consultation with all his counsel! of sedate minds, having made up his mind to celebrate tif sacrifice, said unto that best of counsellors, Sumantra, — ''Bl thou speedily summon my spiritual guides, along with Al family priests." Thereupon, going out speedily, SumantrsiCl swift movements called together all the spiritual guides, ai well as others versed in the Vedic ritual ; vtz.y Suyajna, afli V^madeva, and Javali, and Ka9yapa, and Vasistha^ ai4 other principal twice-born ones. And having paid homa^ unto them, the virtuous king Da9aratha then spoke lurti them these sweet words, consistent with duty and interel^ — **Ever pining on account of a son, I know no happiness^ therefore it is my intention that I should celebrate a hoia^ sacrifice. I intend to celebrate it according to the ordinaiMt Do ye, therefore, consider how I may attain my object** Thereat, the Brahmanas with Vasistha at their head, exclaim* ing ''Well ! Well T' approved the words that had fallei from the lips of the monarch. And exceedingly pleaaoi^ they spoke unto Da9aratha saying, — '*Do thou order tihft necessary articles, loose the horse, and prepare the sacii* ficial ground on the north bank of the Sarayu. And| 0 king, since with the intention of obtaining offspring thos ; purposest so piously, thou wilt surely obtain sons aftflf ; thy heart.'* And hearing these words of the regeneniB ■ ones, the king was highly gratified. And with eyes expaiidM in delight, he spoke unto his ministers, — **Do ye prooM the necessary sacrificial articles, according to the injunctifoa of my spiritual preceptors ; and loose a horse prob by a competent person, and followed by one of the family priests ; and do ye prepare the sacrifical groun< the north bank of the Sarayu ; and do ye in due orderj according to the ordinance perform the rites require^
BlLAKiNOAM. 15
secure an uninterrupted completion to the ceremony. This ceremony is incapable of being celebrated by every king. Particular care should be taken that the sacrifice is not defective on account of any serious omission ; inasmuch as with learned Brahma-Rakshasas ever on the look-out to espy shortcomings in the ceremony » the performer thereof speedily perishes, should anything take place not consonant to the Ordinance. And do ye possessed of ability so arrange, that this sacrifice may be completed in harmony with the ritual." Thus addressed with due respect, the counsellors listened to the words of the monarch, and said, ''So be it."
Then taking the permission of that best of kings, those regenerate ones knowing duty, having blessed the monarch, returned to their respective quarters. And dismissing those Br&hmanas, the king spoke unto his minister, saying, —"Do ye, even as the family priests have ordered, arrange for the sacrifice !" Having said this, that mighty-minded and best of men dismissed his ministers, and himself entered into the inner apartment. And coming there, that lord of men said unto his favourite wives, — *'Do ye know it for certain that in order to obtain a son I am going to pecform a sacrifice." And hearing those sweet words, the countenances of those shining dames looked resplendent, likd lotuses after the cold season is over.
SECTION IX.
JlLbaring all about it, the king's charioteer addressed the monarch in private, saying, — **Do thou listen to what is related in ancient history, and to what I have heard myself I This horse-sacrifice is enjoined by the family priests ; and I ha^V myself heard the following story celebrated in ancient chronicle. And what the worshipful Sanat KumSra had said
i6 RlMJkYANA.
formerly in the presence of the saints, applies, O king, the case of thy havin^^ a son. "KSgyapa hath a son kno by the name of BibhSndaka. He will get a son cal Rhishyasringa. And he will grow up and pass his days the woods. And that foremost of BrSihmanas will not kiMJI^ aught else save following his father. And, O king, iti| rumoured abroad, and also always said by the Vipras^ tliil that high-souled one will practise the two modes'^ of 13rahm# charya life. And he will spend some time in serving Ai sacrificial fire and his famous sire. At this time, the powin* ful Romap^da of exceeding strength will be famed as ktnf j of the Angas. And in consequence of some default on hi| part, there will occur in his kingdom a terrible and dreadfil drouth, capable of striking terror into all. And filled wilk grief on account of this drouth, the king will call aboiAr him Veda-accomplished BrSLhmanas, and speak unto them, saying, — "Ye are conversant with the Vedic ritual and the social duties. Do ye, therefore, tell me hxm to expiate for this evil." And thus accosted by the kia|^ those excellent Br&hmanas versed in the Vedas, will w§ unto that ruler of earth,— ''Do thou, O monarch, by al* means, bring Bibh&ndaka's son. And having, O kiagif brought that BrlLhmana versed in the Vedas, Bibh&ndaka's toif Rhishyasringa, and duly honored him, do thou, O monard^ with a concentrated mind, bestow upon him thy daughttf Santa, according to the ordinance." And hearing thoM words of theirs, the king will be^^in to think as to how he ca9 bring over that one endowed with energy. Then in consultai tion with his counsellors, the prudent king having come In a conclusion, will, honoring them duly, desire his priest a«j| his courtiers to set out in quest of Rhishyasriuga. Theni|^
* Those that assume the staflF and the kamandalu are reckoned the order ; while those that continue to live with their wives are considered next in worth — T.
BlLAKlNDAM. a;
upon hearing the king's words, with aggrieved hearts, and with heads hanging down, they will beseech the monarch, saying,— "Afraid of the saint, BIbhandaka, we shall not be able to repair thither.*' Anon hitting upon the appropriate means, they say, — *We will search for the Vipra, and no blame shall attach unto us.' —
Thus by help of courtezans, the saint's son was brought by the lord of the Angas. And then the god (Indra) poured down showers; and the king conferred on him Santa. And now thy son-in-law Rhishyasringa will help thee in obtaining a son. Now I have related unto thee what Sanat Kum§ra had communicated." Thereupon king Da9aratha, well pleased, spoke unto Sumantra, — "Do thou now tell me by what means Rhishyasringa was brought over (by the lord of the Angas)"
SECTION X.
Xhus asked by the king, Sumantra said these words, — **I will relate unto thee how the counsellors brought Rhishya- sringa. Do thou listen with thy counsellors ! The priest together with the counsellors spoke unto RomapSda, saying, — 'The means that we have hit upon can never fail of effect.' Rhishyasringa hath been brought up in woods ; and is engaged in austerities and the study of the Vedas ; and is ignorant of the pleasure that ensueth from contact with women. By help of things agreeably ministering unto the senses, and ravishing the soul, we shall bring him to the city. Do thou, therefore, arrange for them ! Let courtezans of comely presence, clad in ornaments, repair thither. And if well treated, they will by various means bring him hither.' Hearing this, the king said unto the priest, — *So be it V and laid the charge upon him, — who, however, made it over to the courtiers. And the latter acted accordingly.
»3 RlMlVAm*
And in accordance with the instructions, the courtesy entered that great forest ; and remaining at some disi from the hermitage, endeavoured to meet with the sober of the saint ever dwelling in the woods. And satisSil with serving his sire, he never strayed from the hermitagif and consequently had never seen men and women, or Mp other creatures living in cities and towns. And it came li pass that on one occasion, walking about at will, Bibhftndafcl#l son came to that spot and beheld the courtezans. Aal excellently attired, and singing in sweet voices, the womm said unto the saint's son, — *Who art thou ? And wM dost thou, O BrSLhmana ? We wish to learn all this. Aai why is it that thou rangest alone this far-off forest V Btaft holding these beautiful damsels never seen before, he it^m delight, hastened to inform them of his lineage, 'My fufhif is BibhSndaka ; and I am his son, having sprung from Ui loins. My name is Rhishyasringa ; and my occupation U known the world over. And this auspicious hermitage baii by belongs to us ; and there I shall receive you all ii\ 4m form.* Hearing the words of the saint's son, they all roa* sented, and the women went to behold that asylum. Aai when they had come there, the saint's son received tbMH hospitably, saying, — 'Here is Arghya* 'Here is waiMf for washing the feet,' 'Here are fruits and roots.' Audi thereupon they readily received his hospitality. Aai actuated by the fear of the saint, Bibh9Lndaka, they liMi their minds upon departing soon. And they said,<*^'I||^ thou also, O twice-born one, receive from us these exceUeai fruits! And, good betide thee, O Vipra, do not tarty f And thereupon, embracing him joyfully, they gave uala him sweetmeats and various kinds of savoury viands. Aii( tasting those things, that one of exceeding energy took thei^li, for fruits, never tasted before by the dwellers of the fon Then, having accosted him, the women, feigning the obsei vance of some vow, went away, inspired with the fear
BlLAKlNDAM. 19
Ills father. And when they had gone, that twice-born one, KS^yapa's son, became sad, and from grief of heart went this way and that. And the next day his mind momentarily running upon it, the graceful son of Bibh^ndaka, endowed with prowess, came to that spot where he had encountered the comely courtezans, adorned with ornaments. And as soon as they observed him coming, they came forward, and said, — Do thou, O BrShmana, come unto our hermitage! There are in that asylum diverse kinds of fruits and roots ; and there thou wilt surely feed thy fill. Thereupon, hear- ing those words of theirs capable of influencing the heart, he became bent upon going, — and the women brought him away. And when that high-souled Vipra had been brought over, the good, Indra, suddenly poured forth plenteous show- ers, enlivening the spirits of men. And when the ascetic had arrived, with showers, the king approached him in humble guise, bending his head to the ground. And he offered him ArghyUy in due form, and with a collected mind; and asked for his favor, so that wrath could not influence the Vipra. And taking him into the inner apartments, and in due form conferring upon him in sober mood his daughter Santa, the king became happy. Thus the highly powerful Rishyasringa together with his wife Santa, began to live there, respectfully ministered unto in regard to every desire."
SECTION XI.
.O^ND he said again, — ''O foremost of monarchs, do tbou liflten to me as I relate how that intelligent Sanat Kumara, best of deities, spoke. 4n the line of Ikshwaku will be born a righteous king, named Da^aratha, fair of form^ and firm in promise. And that king will contract friendship with the
30 RAMXFANA.
ruler of the Angas. And the latter will have a highly pti daughter, SSntSL by name. And the (old) king of the Ai will have a son, named RomapSLda. And repairing unto the highly famous king Da^aratha will speak unto Roi pida, — O righteous-souled one I am without issue. IM\ Santa's husband, desired by thee, take charge of this fice of mine, to be celebrated with the object of my obtall^ ing a son to perpetuate the race. — Hearing these words ill the king, and having pondered well, he will make over mM him Rhishyasringa of subdued senses, together with SMi' and his children. And taking that Vipra, that king, Ift^ mind free from anxiety, with a glad heart, will prefMMir for that sacrifice. And king Da9aratha, knowing duty aai desirous of fame, with the intention of obtaining nflTinuiig and heaven, with joined hands, will appoint that best^fi BrSihmanas, Rhishyasringa, to conduct the ceremony. AdI that bringer of good will attain his object at the haddsili that foremost of Br&hmanas; and four sons will be boralp him of immeasurable prowess, bringing fame unto the Umk^ ly, and known by all.' Thus spoke formerly in the diviai age, that worshipful and foremost of deities, Sanat Kumiff^ Therefore, do thou, O best of men, repairing thither, iCK companied with thy forces and equipage, thyself, O mighty Vitnf^ bring Rhishyasringa over with due honors." And hearing Slf mantra's words, Dagaratha was exceedingly delighted. AmA^ hearing these words, and permitted by Vasishtha, he, acconi|MI^ nied with the ladies, and his courtiers, set out for the plaoir where that twice-born one was. And gradually passingby W4 and fells, he arrived at the place where that foremost of was. And coming before that best of regenerate ones, h# saw that sage's son near Romap9Lda, like unto flaming iifg^/ Then the king received him respectfully, and with a delig^4tf^ ed mind, on account of the friendship he bore him. And hfii! communicated unto the intelligent son of the saint, the fa4t^; of their intimacy, and then the latter paid homage unl
bXlakXndam. 31
I Dd^aratha. Having passed seven or eight days with I Romap^da, receiving high honors, that foremost of men,
• Dayaratha spoke unto Romapada, saying, — "Let thy daughter, O king, together with her husband, O lord of men, repair unto my city. 1 am going to be engaged in a mighty enterprise.*' Hearing this as to the journey of that intelligent one, the king said unto that Vipra, — "Do thou repair with thy wife 1" Thereupon the saint's son, promising to go, said unto the king, — **So be it !" And then with the king's permission, he set out with his wife. And Da9aratha and the puissant Romap&da clasping each other by the palm, and embracing each other in affection, attained excess of joy. Then Raghu's son, bidding farewell unto his friend, set out. And he despatched swift messengers to the citizens, saying, — "Let the entire city be embellished ; let it be perfumed with dhupa^ and watered and decked with pennons." And hearing of the king's approach, the citizens joyfully did every thing as they had been commanded. Then the monarch, ^ith that foremost of Brahmanas before him, entered the decorated city, to the blares of conchs and drums. And beholdiitg that Br^hmana entering the city, duly honored by
* the prime of men, subservient unto Indra, like unto Ka^yapa's son entering the celestial regions, honored of the thousand- eyed lord of the celestials, all the citizens rejoiced exceeding- ly. Then taking him into the inner apartment, and paying him homage according to the ordinance, the king considered himself as having gained his object, in consequence of the presence of that Brahmana. And all the inniates of the inner apartment, seeing the large-eyed SSntS thus arrived with her husband, experienced excess of joy. Then honored by them and the king in especial, she happily spent there some time along with that twice-born one.
3t RlMlrANA.
SECTION XII.
Xhen after a long while, when the charming spriagr \tk appeared on the earth, the king conceived the desire 4> celebrating the sacrifice. Then bowing down the head Mil that Vipra effulgent like a celestial, he appointed hinn li undertake the ceremony, for the purpose of obtaining of* spring to perpetuate his line. Then that Br&hmana said mli that lord of the earth, the king, — "So be it 1 Do thou oviff the necessary provisions, loose the horse, and prepmrti sacrificial ground on the north bank of the Sarayu." Thco tli king spoke unto Sumantra, saying, — *'0 Sumantra, do tiMl sommoii speedily BrSLhmanas versed in the Vedas and piiMll professing the Ved&nta philosophy — Suyajna, and V&niadef% and Jdvali, and K&9yapa, and the priest Vasistha, togetlMr with other excellent twice-born ones.'' Thereupon SumaaUi endowed with activity, bestirring himself, summoned all thMI versed in the Vedas. Then, honoring them duly, the virt king Da9aratha spoke unto them these amiable words, sistent with duty and interest, — "Aggrieved on account ol a son, I have no happiness on earth, — and therefore, I havt intended to celebrate a horse-sacrifice. And by the gract of the saint's son, I shall obtain my desire." ThereapM, the BrSihmanas with Vasishtha at their head honored tkl words that fell from the king's lips, saying,— '* Well." Aai the BrSklimanas headed by Rhishyasringa addressed the kia^ saying, — "Do thou arrange for the provisions, loose tfct horse, and prepare the sacrificial ground on the north bavli of the Sarayu ! And since thou purposest so virtuously Im obtaining offspring, thou shalt obtain four sons of measurable prowess." And bearing those words of the nerate ones, the king was exceedingly delighted.. All cheerfully he spoke these auspicious words to his courtier%«* "In accordance with the directions of my spiritual gui
r
B Ala KIND AM, 3 J
do ye speedily procure these provisions, — loose the horse well protected, and followed by a priest, — and prepare the sacrificial ground on the north bank of the Sarayu. And do ye perform the ceremonies capable of securing the rites from disturbance. Surely every king is competent to per- form this sacrifice. Yet care must be taken that no default occurs in it. For flaws in this foremost of sacrifices ar* watched by learned Brahma-Rakshasas. And should it com6 to be celebrated in violation of the ordinance, the performer thereof shall meet with instant destruction. And do ye so order that this sacrifice of mine may be completed accord- ing to the prescribed ritual." Thereupon honoring those words of the king, the ministers did as ordered. And having eulogized the king knowing duty, the twice-born ones, with the Monarch's leave, departed for their respective quarters. And when the Vipras had gone, the mighty- minded lord of men dismissing his counsellors, entered the inner apartment.
SECTION XIII.
A.
.ND when after a full one year, spring had again appeared on the face of the earth, the puissant king, intent upon getting offspring through the horse-sacrifice, saught Vasishtha's side. And having saluted Vasishtha and duly paid him homage, he humbly spoke unto that best of twice-born ones, with the intention of having offspring. '*Do thou, O Brahmana, undertake to perform this sacrifice of mine, according to the ordinance, O foremost of ascetics ! And do thou order so that no impediment may happen to the sacrifice ! Thou art my kind friend, "and prime and mighty spiritual g^ide. Engaged in it, thou wilt have to bear the entire burden of the ceremony.'* Thereupon that best of Brdbmanas said, — "So be it! I will do all that thou
5
34 RlMlrANA.
askest/' He then said unto old Br&hmanas well-up. sacrificial affairs, and experienced car-makers, and hi pious aged people, and servants, carrying on the cerem operations till the end, and artists, and carpenters, diggers, and astrologers, and artizans, and dancers, and ductors of theatres, and pure and learned persons variovl^ versed in knowledge, — "Do ye, in obedience to the royri mandate, engage in the sacrificial work ! And fetch bridb by thousands! Do ye raise structures for the kiagl^ commanding every convenience ! And do ye rear j^otjjj^ and comfortable buildings by hundreds for the BrSLhmaMi^ replenished with various meats and drinks. Ye frliniM provide spacious apartments for the citizens and the dwdbs of provinces, — and separate quarters for the princes, ing from foreign parts ; and stables for horses, and rooms, — and wide apartments for native and foreign riors. And dwellings 6lled with diverse kinds of viands, commanding everything desirable, — and mansions for At luwer orders of the citizens^ exceedingly beautiful to bdloHL And meats should be duly dispensed with respect^ and Ml in the indifference of festive occasions, — so that dl may regard themselves as honorably entertained. NsM should be disregarded out of lust or passion. Thoii persons, and artizans, that will labor eagerly in the should by turns, be especially entertained ; and who, being entertained with gifts, do every thing completaiR and omit nothing. And do ye, with hearts mollified by toi% act so, that all our friends be well pleased with us." »
Then they approached Vasishtha, saying, — "EverjrtUM hath been performed properly, without anything being h|| out. And what thou sayest shall be performed, and nothiig omitted." Then summoning Sumantra, Vasishtha said tlMt words, — ''Do thou invite all those kings that are pinmirl' and Br&hmanas, and Kshatriyas and Sudras, by thou And do thou with due honors bring people from all count
BILAKXNDAM, 35
^ And, with proper honor thyself bring the righteous, truthful, i and heroic Janaka, lord of MithilS. And it is because he t is our old friend that I first mention him. Then do thou thyself bring the amiable and ever fair-spoken lord of KSlsi, of execellent character, resembling a celestial. Then do thou bringr hither along with his son, the highly-pious, old king of Kekaya, who is the father in-law of thi^ best of monarchs ! Then do thou bring with due honors the puissant king of Ko9ala, and that mighty archer, the illustrious RomSpada, the friend of that lion of a king, and that foremost of men — the heroic, and hiorhly generous lord of Magadha, versed in all branches of learning. And in accordance with the mandate of the king, do thou invite the foremost monarchs ! And do thou summon the kinsrs of the East, of the Sindhu and Sauvira countries, and of Saurashtra, and of the South ! And do thou speedily bringr those monarchs that are attached unto us, together with their friends and followers. Do thou in obedience to the mandate of the monarch, bring over these, despatching dignified emissaries l"
Having heard those words of Vasishtha, Sumantra speedily ordered faithful persons anent the bringing over of the kings. And the virtuous Sumantra, in accordance with the injunction of the ascetic, himself speedily set out for the purpose of bringing the monarchs. And then the servants came and informed the intelligent Vasishtha as to the articles that had been got ready for the sacrifice. Then well- pleased that best of twice-born ones, the ascetic Vasishtha, said unto them, — "Do not give away disrespectfully or lightly. A gift bestowed with disrespect, indubitably des- troyeth the giver."
Then for several days, kings began to pour into Da9a- ratha's city daily and nightly, bringing with them various kinds of gems. Thereupon Vasishtha well-pleased said unto the king, — "O best of men, obeying thy mandate the kings have come here ; and I too, according to merft, have
36 RlMlYANA,
received those excellent kings with respect. And cvi thing hath been carefully made ready for the sacrific^^ the persons concerned. Do thou, therefore, repair to tl£ sacrificial ground, for performing the sacrifice. And, Q: foremost of monarclis, it behoveth thee to view the. plaQt filled with all desirable objects, and looking as if prepared % imagination herself.*'
Then in accordance with the injunctions of both VasUlrtIi and Rhishyasringa, the king came to the sacrificial spot fi a day presided over by an auspicious star. Then, witH Rhishyasringa at there head, Vasishtha and the other piitt cipal BrSlhmanas wending to the . sacrificial ground, bcijgli the ceremony, according to the ordinance ; and in due fonk And the auspicious king, in company with his wives, initiated into the ceremony.
SECTION XIV.
A.
.ND after the expiry of full one year, when the cial horse had returned, the sacrifice of the king commei on the north bank of the Sarayu. And with Rhishyasriagil at their head, the principal twice born ones beg^n ||it proceedings in that mighty horse-sacrifice of that high-aodii monarch. And the priests, each duly and according ti. the ordinance performing his proper part, engaged ia |kt ceremony in consonance with the scriptures. And lll( regenerate ones, having performed the pravargya as «(il as the upasada according to the ordinance, duly compMift \ the additional ceremonies. Then, worshipping the d«iiil|'^ with glad hearts, those foremost of ascetics duly perforsMi the morning ablutions and the other prescribed The oblations of clarified butter first having been oflfl unto Indra, according to the ritual, the king with a fied heart performed his ablutions. And then the mid^
BlLAKlNDAM, 37
ablutions took place in proper sequence. And those fore- most of BrSihmanas, in due form, and according to the ordi- nance, officiated at the third bath of that high-souled monarch. And the priests presided over by Rhishyasringa, invoked Sakra and the other deities, reciting measured mantras. And the sacrificial priests, chaunting sweet Sdmas and soft mantras, duly invoking the dwellers of the celestial regions, offered each his share of the oblations. And no part of the ceremony was performed improperly, or left out,— and every thing was satisfactorily celebrated with mantras. And on that day no Brahmana ever felt tired, or hungry ; and there was none that was not learned, or that was not followed by an hundred persons. And BrShmanas, and Sudras having among them ascetics, and Sramanas, and the aged, and the infirm, and women, and children, were con- tinually fed. And although they ate their fill, yet they knew no repletion. And ''Give food, and clothes of various kind" — (was heard all around). And those employed in the task gave away profusely. And every day food dressed properly in due form was to be seen in countless heaps resembling hills. And men and women coming from various countries to the sacrifice of that high-souled one were excellently entertained with meats and drinks. And the foremost regenerate ones said, — "The viands have been prepared in the prescribed form, and they taste excellent. We have been gratified. Good betide thee !" All this was heard by that descendant of Raghu. And persons adorned with ornaments distributed the victuals among the Brahmanas, and they were assisted by others beaming jewelled pendants. And in the interval between the completion of one bath and the beginning of the next, mild and eloquent Vipras, desirous of victory, engaged in various disputations. And every day in that sacrifice, skilful BrShmanas, engaged in the ceremony, did every thing, according to the ritual. And there was no twice-born one that was not versed in the
38 RlMlFANA,
Vedas and the VedSngas, or that did not observe vo^ that was not profoundly learned, — nor did any assist at sacrifice that could not argue ably. And when the time for planting the Yupas, persons cognizant of arts and ficial rites, prepared six Yupas of Vilwa^ as many of catechib and as many of Palasa, and one of Sleshmataka, and two it Devadaru well-made and measuring two outstretched anHi Persons versed in the arts and science of sacrifice constmcffll these Yupas. And at the time of throwing up the YuptK^ for embellishing the sacrifice, these one and twenty Yti^^m^ each measuring one and twenty Aratnts, having eigll angles, and smooth-faced were decked out in one and tweal^ pieces of cloth, and were firmly planted with due ceremoakl by artizans. And being wrapped up in cloths, and worshipp^ with flowers, they looked like the seven Rishis appearing in the welkin. And an adequate number of bricks also duly made (for the ceremony.) And Br^hmanas plished in the arts constructed the sacrificial fire-place wftll. those bricks. And that fire-place of that lion among kingiii set by skilful BrShmanas, consisting on three sides of eiglil» een bricks, looked like the golden-winged Garura. And for the purpose of sacrificing them unto the respective deities weit collected beasts and reptiles, and birds, and horses, iw| aquatic animals. And the priests sacrificed all these in pio# per form. And to these Yupas were bound three hundred beasts, as well as the foremost of the best horses belonging to king Da^aratha. Then Kau^alySL, having performed tfts preliminary rites, with three strokes slew that horse, experi- encing great glee. And with the view of reaping merili Kau9alySL, with an undisturbed heart passed one night y/Mk that horse furnished with wings. And the Hoids and Adhwaryus, and the Udgatas joined the king's Vdvii$ along with his Mahishi and Parivrttt,* And priests of soIk
* The Kshetriya kings could manry wives from among Kshetriyas, VaiM^t| and Sadras. The Kshetriya wife is called Mahishee, the Vaishya wife V^hkiHt aud the Sudra wife Parivriii. — T. _
BXLAKXNDAM. 39
dued senses, well-up in sacrificial rites, began to offer obla- tions with the fat of the winged-horse, according to the ordinance. And that lord of men, desirous of removing his sins, at the proper time smelt the odour of the smoke arising from the fat, agreeably to the scriptures. And then sixteen sacrificial priests in the prescribed form offered the various parts of the horse unto the fire. It is customary in other sacrifices to offer the oblations by means of a Plaksha bough ; but in the horse-sacrifice a cane is used instead. The horse-sacri- fice, according to the Kalpa Sutras and the Brahmanas, extend over three days. T here after, on the first day was the Chatushtoma celebrated ; and on the second the Uktha^-^^ and on the third the Atiratra, And then the Jyotish- toma^ and then Ayushtoma^ and the Atiratra^ and the Abhijtiy and the Viswajit, and the Aptoryama — all these various great sacrifices were celebrated with due rites. And in this mighty horse-sacrifice founded of yore by Sayambhu.that perpetuator of his line, the king, bestowed the Eastern quarter on his chief sacrificial priest, the Western on his Adhwaryuy the Southern on Brahma, and the Northern on the Udgathf as Dakshinas, And having completed that sacrifice, that perpetuator of his race, and foremost of men, the king, conferred on the priests the earth ; and having con- ferred it, that auspicious descendant of Iskhaku experienced high delight. And then the priests spoke unto that monarch, who had all his sins purged off, saying, — "Thou alone art worthy to protect the entire world. We do not want the earth ; nor can we rule it^ being, O lord of Earth, cons- tantly engaged in Vaidika studies. Do thou, therefore, confer upon us something instead, as the price thereof. Do thou confer upon us gems, or gold, or kine, or anything else, for, O foremost of monarchs, we do not want Earth." Thus addressed by the Brahmanas versed in the Veda, that best of kings bestowed upon them ten lacs of kine, and ten Koiis of gold, and forty of silver. Then those priests in a body,
40 RlMlFANA.
accepting the wealth, brought it unto the ascetic Rhisl sringa and the intelligent Vasishtha. Then having receii each his share, those foremost of regenerate ones exceedingly pleased, and said, — "We have been hi| gratified." Then unto those Brahmanas that had come the king with due regard gave Koits of gold. And UM' unto a certain poor twice-born one that asked for g^ifts, lli descendant of Raghu gave an excellent ornament front lb own arm. And, when the regenerate ones were thus profMB^f gratified, that one cherishing the Brahmanas, with intoxicated by excess of joy, reverentially bowed unto And thereupon the Br&hmanas uttered various blessings Itpii that generous king, bending low to the earth. Then havny celebrated that excellent and sin-destroying sacrifice, briaf^ ing heaven, and incapable of being celebrated by foreaMt monarchs, king Da^aratha, well pleased, spoke unto RhishjflH sringa, saying, — '^O thou of excellent vows, itbehoveththcel* do that whereby my line may increase.'' Thereupon Ihs best of BrSlhmanas said, — ''Be it so ! Unto thee, O king, «B be born four sons, — perpetuators of their race." HearMg these sweet words of his, that foremost of monarchs bendsA low unto him with controlled faculties, and experienced thB excess of joy. And then that high-souled one again spoktf unto Rhishyasringa.
SECTION XV.
T """. . ''^
Xhen that one of capacious intelligence, versed in fh0 Vedas, having pondered for a time, and regained his senstH)^ returned unto the king this excellent answer, — **0n thy bt« half, and with the view of obtaining sons for thee, I wfl by help of mantras laid down in the Atharva Veda^ ddjjf celebrate the famous ceremony, capable of crowning tlM with offspring.'' And then with the view of obtaining
BILAKXNDAM. 41
*
^ (for the king), that effulgent one set about the son-conferring y ceremony ; and in accordance with the ordinance, and with [ mantraSf offered oblations unto the sacrificial fire. And the deities, with the GandharbaSy and the Siddhas, and the principal saints^ assembled there duly, with the object of each obtaining his share of the offerings. And having duly assembled there, the deities addressed these words unto BrahmS, the lord of creatures, — "O thou possessed of the six attributes, through thy grace, a RSkshasa named Ravana oppresses us all by his prowess, — nor can we baffle him. And, O lord, as thou hast well-pleased conferred on him a boon, we always suffer him in deference to it. And the wicked-minded one harasseth the three worlds furnished with prosperity, and beareth ill-will unto them. And blinded by the boon he hath received, that irrepressible one intends to bring down the lord himself of the celestials, and the YakshaSi and the Gandharbas, and the Brahmanas, and the Asuras. And the Sun doth not burn him, or the Wind blow about him ; and at sight of him, that one engarlanded with billows, the Ocean, dares not stir. Therefore, great is the fear that afllicteth us, coming from that Rakshasa of dreadful appearance. And O lord, it behoves thee to de- vise some means for destroying him/' Thus addressed by the deities in a body, he said, — *'Alas ! I have, however, decided on the means of destroying that wicked-souled one. He had asked, — 'May I be incapable of being slain by Ga?tdharbas, and Yakshas, and gods, and Rakskasas V — whereat I said, — 'Beitso!' Through disdain, the Rakshasa did not at that time mention men. Therefore, by men alone he is capable of being slain ; nor can his end be compassed by any other means." Hearing this welcome speech uttered by Brahma, the deities and the Maharshis became exceedingly delighted. At this juncture, that lord of the universe, the highly-efful- gent Vishnu, clad in yellow apparel, and bearing in his hands the conch, the discus, and the mace, and adorned with bur-
6
42 RlMllANA.
nished Keyuras* arrived there,riding VinaUk's son ; like the Sun riding the clouds. And worshipped by the fon of the celestials, he drew near BrahmSL, and sat dowtt •a collected mind. And bending low before him, the deljlpi^ «pake unto him, saying, — "O Vishnu, for the benefit of ill worlds, we shall appoint thee to some work. Do tlKMI^^ lord^ dividing thyself into four, O Vishnu, become bora (P sons in the three wives, resembling Modesty,AuspicioiMM|i^ and Fame, — of Ayodhya's lord, king Da9aratha| cognixmni jf Duty, and munificent, and possessing energy, and like .ii|lt|i-i Maharshi. Do thou, O Vishnu, becoming man, slay in h&tfit this thorn of the worlds ; the pampered R&vana, incapi||| •of being slain by the gods; for the foolish by virtue of sublimated prowess, baffles the deities, the Gandharbas^ and the Siddhas^ and the foremost lif saints. And by him bereft of the sense of right and mum^ have saints and Candharbas and Apsaras sporting in tki groves of Nandana, been wantonly slain. It is to coon pass bis death that accompanied by the ascetics, we k^s come hither: it is for this that the Siddhas and the Gm^ dharbas and the Yakshas have taken refuge in Thee I T%ifBltk O God, art the prime way of us all, O repressor of foes I Jh thou, for bringing destruction unto the enemies of the fgpii^ turn thy thoughts to being born as man/' Thus besongpilf: that foremost of gods and chief of celestials, Vishnu, woft^* shipped of all creatures, addressed the assembled deitkl%" following Duty, with the Grand-sire at their head, sajrtng^ *'Do ye renounce fear ! For your behoof, slaying in iMmif the wily and irrepressible RSLvana, dreadful unto the saiifir and the celestials, together with his sons, and grandsoM' and friends, and counsellors, and relatives, and acqofiril^^ ances, I will abide among mortals, ruling this earth for I(n| thousand and as many hundred years." Having thus
* A bracelet worn on the upper arm. — T.
i
BlLAKlNDAM, 4J
ferred a boon upon the gods, the god Vishnu of subdued soul fell to thinking as to the place where he would be born among men. Then that one of eyes resembling lotus-petals, .dividing self into four parts, chose even king Da^aratha for his father. Thereat the celestials and the saints and the Candharbas and the Rudras and the Apsaras hymned the Slayer of Madhu in excellent hymns :
"Do thou utterly uproot the haughty RSLvana of fierce prowess and enhanced insolence — that foe of the lord of celestialsi who is the occasion of the tears of the three worlds,"^ and dreadful unto ascetics; Slaying that one of terrible prowess, who distresses the three worlds, with his forces and friends, do thou, O foremost of gods, thy fever of heart removed, repair unto the celestial regions protected by thee and purged of all its faults and sins."
SECTION XVI.
JLhus besought by the foremost of the celestials, thatt searcher of hearts, Vishnu, although cognizant of the means whereby RSLvana was to be destroyed, spake unto the gods these amiable words, — "What, ye gods, is the means of compassing the destruction of that lord of the Rakshasas, by adopting which I could slay that thorn of the ascetics ?" Thus addressed, the deities answered Vishnu, incapable of deterioration, saying, — "Assuming the form of a human being, do thou in battle slay Rivana ! He, O repressor of foes, had for a long course of time performed rigid austrei- ttes ; and thereat, that creator of all, the first-create Brahmi
* IM, the thorns of pious ascetics. — T.
t Ndra means a multitude, and Ayana, dwelling-place. He whose dwell- ing-place is a multitude, is Ndrayatta. Metaphorically, the word means evidently, ikm S§arekmt of hearts. — T,
44 \RlMXrANA.
was well pleased. And propitiated by his penancesi; ll#; Master conferred'a boon on the RSLkshasa to the effect that, save man, no fear should come to him from the vwak ous beings. And in the matter of that boon-bestowilg,' man had formerly been disregarded by (Ravana). And puffrf up with pride in consequence of the boon he received faoB the Grand-sire, he commits ravages upon the three worldi^ and carries away the fair sex by violence. Therefor^ 0 subduer of enemies, we have even fixed upon man ilf bringing about his death.'' Hearing this speech of fim celestials, Vishnu of subdued soul chose even king Da9anitlt for his father. And at that time, eagerly wishing tn have sons, that destroyer of enemies, the effulgent ki^^ Da9aratha, who was sonless, was celebrating the sacrifice that conferreth male offspring. Then, having ascertained the course to follow, Vishnu, having greeted the Grand-sin^ vanished there, worshipped by the deities and the Maharshii. And then himself bearing in his hands a capacious vettd made of burnished gold, with a sil\er cover, — dear likeamto a spouse, and resembling the divine Creative energy, fiDed with ctXiisiisAPdyasay'^lxoxn out the sacrificial fire ofDa9aniAft initiated into the ceremony, there arose a mighty beinj|^» rf unparalleled prowess, high energy, and huge strength, bbcfc» and wearing a crimson apparel, with a red face, uttering dbe blares of a trumpet, and having a body covered with leo&iwi hair, having whiskers and an excellent head of hair, furniriMl with auspicious marks, and adorned with celestial omamefilih andrcsembling a mountain-peak, and bearing the prowess ofn flaming tiger,and like unto the Sun or tongues of flaming fin* And with his eyes fixed upon Dayaratha, he addressed l|kl king, saying, — "O monarch, lake thou me as a person coxamSkt sioned by PrrtyV?/^//'/' Hearing him speak thus,Da9aratha|Wiife joined hands, said, — 'Lord, art thou well come? What Cttt
A preparation of milk, and sugar.— T.
BILAKANDAM, 45
do for thee ?" Thereupon, that person despatched by Praja- pati again spake thus, — "O kingr, having adored the deities, thou hast to-day obtained this. Do thou foremost of kings, accept this excellent and divinly-prepared Pdyasa^ conferring sons^ health, and affluence, — which thou art to give unto thy worthy consorts, saying, — Partake it. Through them thou wilt, O monarch, obtain sons, — for obtaining whom thou hast performed this sacrifice." Thereupon, saying, — "So be it," the lord ol men delightedly placed that divinely-bestowed golden vessel filled with the celestial Pdyasa upon his head. And having saluted that wonderful being of gracious presence, be in excess of joy began to go round him again and again. Then Da9aratha, having received that divinely-prepared Pdyasa^ waxed exceeding glad ; like unto a pauper attaining plenty. Then that .highly effulgent being of a wonderful form, having performed that mission of his, vanished even there. And Da9aratha's inner apartment, being graced with the rays of joy, looked like unto the welkin flooded with the lovely beams of the autumnal moon. Then entering the inner apnitment, he spake unto Kau9alya, saying, — *Take thou this Pdyasa \ for this will make thee bear a son." Hav- ing said this,the king offered unto her a portion of this Pdyasa, Then he conferred upon Sumitra a fourth of it. Then inorder that she might have a son, king Da9aratha made over unto Kaikeyi an equal portion of what remained. And then having reflected, the mighty-minded one gave unto Sumitra the re- maining portion of K\i^ Pdyasa resembling ambrosia. Thus the king dispensed \\\^Pdyasa unto each and all of his wives. And those foremost wives of the king, having received that Pdyasa, became exceedingly delighted, and considered them- selves as highly honored. Then those excellent consoits of the lord of earth, having separately partaken of that choice Pdyasa, shortly bore offspring, resmbling fire or the Sun. And the king, beholding those wives of his bearing children, obtained his desire and became delighted ; even as that fore-
4^ RlMlFANA.
most of the celestials, Indra, while being worshipped hfWi Siddhas and the ascetics.
SECTION XVII,
W HEN Vishnu had accepted the sonship of that \a^ souled king, the self-create Lord addressed the celestialst aif* ing, — "For assisting the heroic Vishnu firm in pomifai^ always seeking the welfare of us all, do ye create poweiM beings, assuming shapes at will, cognizant of illusionSi liefiii^ furnished with the celerity of the wind, versed in monli^i possessing intelligence, like unto Vishnu in prowess, unsliyi* able, knowing the ways and means (of war and peace) gfifiei with excellent bodies, capable of resisting all weapons, wtiL resembling immortals. And from forth the bodies of tkr foremost Apsaris, and Gandharbis, and Yakskts, and Pm^. nagist and I^ikshis,* and Vidhyidharis^ and Kinnaris^ aad VanartSt^ do ye produce sons wearing the shapes of monkcfs.. Formerly I had created that foremost of bears, JftmboYla^ . who suddenly came out of my mouth as I was yawning/' Hearing this mandate of Him possessed of the six atlri* butes, they began to produce sons endowed with monkcf* forms. And high-souled ascetics, and Siddhas, and V$tfyi dharas, and [/ragas, and Chdranas, generated heroic rangers of woods. And Indra begat as his son that most of monkeys, V&li, resembling the Mahendra hil^ that best of those imparting heat, the Sun, Sugrivk And Vrihaspati begat the mighty ape named Tftra, the moit excellent and intelligent of the prime monkeys. Anl the Bestower of riches begat as his son the graceful ape
• She-bears.— T. t She-monkeys. — T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 47
I GandhamSldana. And Vi9wakarma begat that mighty monkey named Nala; and Agni begat as his son the powerful and graceful Nila in effulgence like unto the fire, who surpassed even his sire in energy, prowess, and renown. And the beautiful A9wins, endowed with the wealth of loveliness, begat Maindra and Dw ivida. And Varuna begat the monkey named Sushena ; and Paryyanya begat Sara- va, possessed of great strength. And the Wind god begat the graceful monkey named Hanuu)&n, endeued with a frame hard as adamant ; in fleetness like unto VinatSL's offsprings and the most intelligent as well as the most powerful amongst all the principal monkeys. Thus produced, there suddenly came into being by thousands, mighty bears, and monkeys, and Go- puchchhaSf* of immeasurable strength^ and heroic, and power- ful, assuming shapes at will, endowed with bodies resem- bling elephants of hills,— even those who would engage in compassing the destruction of the Ten-headed one. And the sons of the deities retained distinctly the respective hues, forms, and prowess, that characterized their several sires. And those that sprang from the ^Golangulas, possess- ed even more than the might of the gods. Likewise, on Rikshis and Kinnaris were gladly begot thousands upon thousands of monkeys, by gods, and Maharshis^ and Gandarbas^ and Tarkshyas^ and famous Yakshas, and N€igds^ and Ktm/>urusAas,X and Siddhas and Vidyddharas, and Uragas. And upon the principal Apsarts, and the VtdyddhariSi and the daughters of the Ndgas^ and the Gan- ^ar^flr were begot by the C^^ranaj as sons, heroic monkeys of gigantic bodies, ranging the forests and living on fruits and roots. And all these monkeys were endowed with
strength ; and could assume shapes and repair everywhere,
* Cow-tailed monkeys- — ^T. t Cow- tailed monkeys. — ^T. X Being half*man and half-beast. — T.
48 RlMllANA.
at will. And they were like unto lions and tigers, bothii| pride and in prowess. And they faught with crags and hnriel' hills. And they faught with nails and teeth, — and ^'ere acco» plished in all weapons. And they could move the iaq^ hills; and crush the fixed trees; and with their impetus, m that lord of rivers — the Ocean. And they could with Adr kicks rend the Earth, and swim over the mighty main, hak they could penetrate into the welkin, — and capture tk clouds. And they could subdue mad elephants ranging tk forest. And with their roars, they could bring down biidi singing. Thus came into being Koiis of high-souled leadoi of monkey-herds, assuming forms at will. And these beciM the leaders of the principal monkey-herds ; and they, in thdr turn, generated heroic monkeys, the foremost of the leaden of herds.
Some of these monkeys began to dwell on the top d the Rikshavana mountain ; while others inhabited varioif other mountains and forests. And all the leaders of monkcj* herds stayed with those brothers, — Sugriva, the son of Ae Sun-god. and Vali, that of Sakra, — and also with Nala, aal Nila, and Hanuman, and other leaders of monkey-herds. Aid endowed with the might of Garura, and accomplished in fight, they ranged around, poundiug lions, and tigers, and migh^ Uragas, And the mighty-armed V§li of great prowess aad redoubtable strength protected by virtue of the energy fli his arms Rikshas^ and Gopuchchhas, and monkeys. Asd this earth, furnished with mountains^ and forests, and oceanii began to teem with those heroic lords of leaders of monkc}^ herds, inhabiting different places, bearing characteristic marks, resembling masses of clouds, or mountain-peakSi possessed of mighty strength, and of terrible bodies and visages, — in order that they might assist RSma.
BlLAKlNDAM, 49
SECTION XVI II.
W HEN the horse-sacrifice of the high-souled Da9aratha had been completed, the immortals, accepting each his share, returned whence they had come. And the monarch, having observed all the rules of initiation, entered the palace with his equipage and retinue. And the lords of he earth, having been received suitably by the king, with glad hearts set out for their own countries, saluting that foremost of ascetics (Rhishyasiinga). And clad in bright apparel, the delighted forces belonging to those graceful kings repairing to their own homes, looked exceedingly beautiful. When the lords of the earth had gone away, the graceful king Da^aratha re-entered his palace, with the foremost of regenerate ones at his head. And followed by the intelligent monarch with his retinue, Rhishyaringa, having been duly honored, set out with SantS. Having thus dismissed them all, the king, his object attained, began to dwell there happily, expecting sons.
And then when tbe six seasons had rolled away after the completion of the sacrifice, in the twelfth month, on the ninth lunar day, under the influence of the Punarvasu asterism, when the Sun, the Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus were at Arius, Capricorn, Libra, Cancer, and Pisces, —and when Jupiter had arisen with the Moon at Cancer, Kau9aly§ gave birth to that lord of the universe, bowed unto by all the worlds, RSLma, the descendant of IkshwSLku, furnished with excellent marks, — the one lalf of Vishnu, — exceedingly righteous, with rosy eyes, and mighty arms, and crimson nether lip, and endowed with a voice like the sound of a kettledrum. Then on having given birth to that son of immeasurable prowess, Kau^alyd looked resplendent, like Aditi on having brought forth that foremost of celestials — the
7
50 RAmAFANA.
wielder of the Ihunder-bolt. And then was born of Kaikeyi, Bharata, having truth for prowess, endowed with all the virtues, and the very fourth part of Vishnu. And then Sumitra gave birth unto Lakshmana and Satrughna, heroic, and skilled in all weapons, and endowed with the half of Vishnu. And Bharata of purged intelligence was born under the asterism Pushyd^ when the Sun had entered Pisces ; while the two sons of Sumitra were born when the Sun arose in Cancer^ under the asterism of Asleskd.*
And thus were separately born four high-souled sons unto the king, crowned with qualities, and graceful, and in loveliness resembling the constellations Prosthapada^ Thereat the Gandharbas began to chaunt sweetly, and the Apsards to dance. And the celestial kettledrums sounded ; and there showered down blossoms from the sky. And high festivities were commenced by the multitude in Ayodhyft. And the spacious highways became filled with players and dancers, glittering with all kinds of gems, and resounding with the music of singers and performers on instruments. And the king bestowed gifts upon bards and genealogists and pencgyrists, and he also gave kine by thousands to Brahmanas.
And when the eleventh day had gone by, the king per- formed the Naming ceremony of his sons. And experiencing great delight, Vasishtha conferred the names. And the high- souled eldest one was called RiLma ; and Kaikeyi's son was called Bharata ; and Sumitr&'s son was called Lakshmana,-^ and the last was named Satrughna. And the king fed the BrSLhmanas as well as the inhabitants rural and urban ; and he bestowed heaps of jewels upon BrSLhmanas. Thus did he celebrate the natal rites of the princes. And among all
• The ninth lunar mansion. — T.
t Otherwise called Vttarahhddrapada and PurvabMdrapada, — T,
BILAKXNDAM, 51
those princes, the eldest, Rama, like unto Ketu,* and the special delight of his father, became the object of general regard, even as the self-create Himself. And all of them were versed in the Vedas, and heroic, and intent upon the welfare of others. And all were accomplished in knowledge ; and endowed with virtues. And among them all, the exceeding- ly puissant Rama, having truth for prowess, was the desire of every one, and spotless like unto the Moon himself.t He could ride on elephants and horses, and was an adept in managing cars. And he was ever engaged in the study of arms, and aye occupied in ministering unto his sire. And even from early youth, that enhancer of auspiciousness, Lakshmana, was ever attached unto his eldest brother Rama, that delight of all. And like unto another life of Rama, Lakshmana furnished with auspiciousness was in everything attentive to RSlma's wishes, even at the neglect of his own person. And that foremost of persons did not even attain sleep without Rama's company, — nor did he partake any sweetmeat that was offered, unless RSlma partook it with him. And when mounted on horse-back, Raghava went a-hunting, Lakshmana went at his back bow in hand, protecting him. And that younger brother of Lakshmana, Satrughna, likewise became ever dearer unto Bharata than life itself.
And on account of those exalted and well-beloved sons of his, Da9aratha experienced the excess of joy, like unto the Grand-sire on account of the celestials. And when they came to be furnished with knowledge, and crowned with virtues, and endowed with bashfulness and fame, and to attain wisdom in everything, and to be far-sighted,Da9aratha, the father of such powerful and flamingly effulgent sons, became delighted even like that lord of worlds — BrahmS. And those best of men, ever engaged in the study of
* The ninth of the planets. — T.
t The Moon is a male in Sanskrit. — T.
51 RImXVANA.
the Vedas, were accomplished in the art of archery— 411A always intent upon ministering unto their father.
And once upon a time, when the virtuous king Da^arathti surrounded by his priests and friends, was reflecting about the nuptials of his sons, unto that high-souled one engaged in thought in the midst of his counsellors came the mighty ascetic ViswSmitra. And desirous of seeing the king, he said unto the warders, — *'Do ye speedily announce that I, G2idhi*s son, sprung in the Ku^ika line, have come !'* Hear* ing tliose v.orus of his, th^y, urged on by them, all hurriedly began to run towards the royal chambers. And coming to the royal apartments, they communicated to Ikshw2lku's descendant the arrival of the ascetic Viswdmitra. Hearing those words of theirs, Da9aratha surrounded by his priests, went out delightedly to meet him, like VSisava going out to meet Vrihashpati.* And having come unto that ascetic observing vows and of flaming energy, the monarch with a cheerful countenance offered him the Arghya, And there- upon, having accepted the king's Arghya in accordance with the ordinance, he enquired of the lord of men as to hit continued prosperity and peace. And the exceedingly virtu* ous descendant of Ku^ika asked the king concerning the welfare of the exchequer, and the provinces ; and the peace of his friends and acquaintances. *'And are thy captains sub- missive : and hast thou vanquished thy foes ? And hast thou performed well the human and the divine rites ?" And approaching Vasishiha and the other anchorites, that foremost of ascetics of exalted piety duly asked them touching their welfare. And having been properly received by the monarch, they with glad hearts entered the royal residence, and sat them down according to precedence. Then gladly worshipping the mighty ascetic, Viswamitra, the exceedingly generous king,
• The text has Brahn*anani Vriha5hpati is the Brahma of the |^odt—
Vrtkash/>atir dn'ttftam D>nhva, — ac^-orHirg to Sfuti — T
BILAKXXDAM. 53
well-pleased, addressed him, saying, — "Like unto the obtain- ing of ambrosia, like unto a shower in a land suffering from drouth, like unto the birth of sons of worthy wives to him without issue,like unto the recovery of a lost thing,yea, — like unto th« dawning of a mighty joy, I consider this thy arrival.
0 iMustrious ascetic, thou art well come. What is even that which is nearest to thy heart. What shall I do for thee, experiencing sincere pleasure ? Thou, O Brahmana, art worthy of my best services. - By luck it is that, O bcstower of honor, I have gained thee. To-day my birth hath been crowned with fruit — to day hath my life attained its object. And truly yesternight hath been succeeded by an auspi- cious morning,since I have beheld thee. Having first attained exceeding effulgence by virtue of austerities performed for obtaining the title of Rdjarshi, thou hast afterwards obtained the status of a Brahmarshi. Thou art worthy of manifold homage from me. This thy exceedingly holy arrival appeareth wonderful. O lord, by beholding thee, surely my body hath been rendered pure. Tell me, what is it that thou wouldst have, — and what is the purpose of thy coming ?
1 wish that 1 may be obliged by doing thy will. And, O thou of excellent vows, thou ought not to hesitate. I will
m
every way accomplish thy will ; for thou art my god. O rcgnerate one, surely great prosperity cometh to me in consequence of thy coining, in as much as it shall be the means of bringing me entire and excellent merit, O Brah- mana!" Hearing this soul-soothing, ear-charming, and free-humble speech that was uttered, that illustrious prime of ascetics crowned with virtues, and furnished with all perfections, experienced exceeding delight.
54 RImTlVANA.
SECTION XIX.
JLLEARiNG those astonishing words of that lion-like king.the highly-energetic ViswSmitra with his down standing on end, said, — "O foremost of kings,sprung from an illustrious line, and having Vasishtha for thy guide, these words become thee alone on earth and no one else. Do thou, O best of kings, ascertain thy course in respect of the matter I bear in my heart; and do thou prove firm in promise I For celebrating a sacrifice, I, O foremost of men, abide by some prescribed course. And it comes to pass that two RSLkshasas assuming shapes at will, have become bent upon disturbing the ceremony. And in that sacrifice which I have determined to bring to a completion, and which is on the eve of being completed, both these Rakshasas, Maricha and Suv2UiU| accomplished in arms and possessed of prowess, shower flesh and gore upon the altar. And on that ceremony being thus disturbed and my purpose thus frustrated, I consideied my labors as all lost, and, therefore, have left my country in dejection. An J, O monarch, I cannot bring myself to vent my wrath ; for such is the nature of that business, that it is not proper for one engaged in it to utter a curse. There- fore, O foremost of monarchs, it behoves thee to grant me thy eldest son, the heroic RSLma of genuine prowess, with the side-locks. By virtue of his own divine energy, he, being protected by me, is capable of even destroying those RSksha- sas disturbing the ceremony. And I will, without doubt,confer upon him manifold blessings, — by means of which he will secure the golden opinions of the three worlds. And en- countering Rama, they will by no means be able to stand him, nor is there any other who dares to slay them. And puffed up with energy, they have become ensnared at the hands of Kala * — and, O best of monarchs, they are no match for
♦ Yama, the god of death.
BlLAKliNDAM. 55
'RSma. Nor, O king, ought thou to indulge in paternal affection. For ten nights only RSima is to remain there, with the object of slaying those foes to my sacrifice, those RSLkshasas disturbing the rites. I tell thee, do thou consider the RSLkshasas as already slain.. I know full well Rama of sterling prowess, — as also the highly-energetic Vasishtha and the other ascetics present here. And if thou, O king, set thy heart upon acquiring religious merit and high fame on earth, do thou then grant me RSma ! And, O Kakutstha,^ if thy counsellors together with the Brahmanas having Vasishtha at their head, consent, do thou then dismiss Rama ! Even this is my wish^ — and he also hath come of age. Do thou, therefore, part with thy son, the lotus-eyed RSLma, for the ten days of the sacrifice ! Do thou act so, O descendant of Raghu, that the time appointed for the ceremony may not be overpassed. Good betide thee I Let not thy mind indulge in grief !"
Having said these words consistent with virtue and interest, the mighty-minded and highly-powerful ViswSmitra paused. And hearing the auspicious words of Viswamitra, that foremost of kings shook w*ith a mighty sorrow, and became bewildered. Then, having regained his sense, he rose up and became cast down through apprehension. Having heard the words of the ascetic, capable of rending the mind and heart, the high-souled king of men became stricken with grief and shook on his seat.
SECTION XX.
H
.EARING the words of Visw§mitra, that best of monarchs remained insensible for a time, — and then regaining
* From Kakudf an emblem of royalty and 5Ma, residing, — meaning a prince, the grandson of Ikshwakv. — T.
his sense, spake thus, -"My lotus-eyed Rima is not yet turned of sixteen ; and I do not perceive his fitness to cope with R^kshasas in battle. I am the lord of this Akshauhim? of forces. Marching with this, will I en^agre with the night* rangers. And these servants of mine are valiant, and warlike, and accomplished in weapons, and capable of fighting: the Rakshasas, — therefore, it behoveth thee not to take Rama. And myself bow in hand, stationed at the Tan of the array, will battle with the rangers of the night as long as life is spared unto me. And then well protected, thj sacrifice will hold an unimpeded course. Therefore, I will repair thither, — and it behoveth thee not to take Rima. And youthful, and unaccomplished, and not knowing what constitutes strength and what not, and not equipped with the energy of science, — and unskilful in fight, he is not a match for Rakshasas,— they being deceitful warriors. Bereft of RSma, O best of ascetics, I cannot live for a moment. Therefore, it behoveth thee not to take him. If, O BrS^hmana, it is thy intention to take R§ma, then, O thoi of excellent vows, do thou also take me along with the Cha/uraitgaf forces ! O Ku^ika's son, I am sixty thousand years old ; and (at this age) I have obtained R&ma after undergoing extreme troubles, — it therefore becometh thee not to take RSima. And among the four sons of mine, I find my highest delight in RSma, my first-born, and the most virtuous of them all, — therefore, it behoveth thee not to take RSma. What is the prowess of the Rakshasas ? And whose sons are they ? And who, pray, are they ? And what arc the proportions of their bodies 9 And who protecteth them, 0 foremost of ascetics ? And by what means shall either Rima, or my forces, or, O Brahmana, I myself be able to slay in fight those deceitful warriors — the Rdkshasas ? Do thou tell me.
* A complete army consisting of 1,09,350 foot, 65,610 horse, SlAv chariots, and 31,^70 elephants. — T.
t An army consisting of foot, horse, elephants, and cars.«^T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 57
0 adorable one, inflated as they are by virtue of their prow- ess, how can I stand them in fight ?'' Hearing that speech of his, ViywSLmitra said, — *' There is a Rakshasa named RSlvana, sprung from the line of Pulastya. Having obtained a boon from BrahmS, he boldly opposeth himself to the three worlds, being possessed of great strength, and prowess, and backed by innumerable RSkshasas. And, O mighty monarch,
1 also hear that that lord of the Rakshasas is the very brother of Vai9ravana and the son of the ascetic Vi9ravan. And when that one possessed of mighty strength does not stoop to disturb the sacrifice himself, those powerful Rikshasas, M&rich and SuvSihu, being incited by him, dis- turb the rites." The ascetic having spoken thus, the king then answered him, — '' I am incapable of standing that wicked-souled one in fight. Therefore, do thou, O thou versed in morality, extend thy favor unto my son ! Of slender fortune as I am, thou art my guide and my god. Even the celestials and the Ddnavas and the Gandharbas and the Birds and the Snakes are incapable of bearing RSlvana in battle — what then is man ? He depriveth in conflict even the puissant of their prowess. I cannot fight either with him or with his forces. And, O foremost of ascetics, whether thou art accompanied with my son or my forces, thou wilt not be able to stand him. And how can I^ O Brahmana, make over unto thee my son, of tender years, resembling an immortal, who is ignorant of warfare ? I will not part with my son. The sons of Sunda and Upasunda resemble KSlla himself in battle, — and it is they who are disturbing thy sacrifice. Therefore I will not part with my son. And MSLricha and Suvahu are possessed of prowess, and accom- plished in weapons. But with my friends I will repair to encounter one of them. If thou do not consent to this, I beseech thee with my friends, (do thou desist !)" Hearing these words of the lord of men, a mighty ire took possession of that foremost of regenerate ones, Ku9ika*s son ; and the
8
58 RlMlYANA.
fire of the Maharshi's wrath flamed up even like unto a firt fed by fuel and clarified butter.
SECTION XXI.
JljLearing those words of Da9arathai composed of letters faltering with affection, Ku9ika's son, stirred up with auger, answered the monarch, saying, — ''Having promised me first, thou endeavourest to renounce that promise of thine. This surely is unworthy of a descendant of Raghu,— and this can bring destruction upon the dynasty. If, 0 king, in acting thus, thou hast acted properly, I will then repair to the place whence I had come. O KSLkuthstha's descendant false in promise, do thou attain happiness, being surrounded by thy friends.*' And when the intelligent Vi^wamitra was exercised with wrath, the entire earth began to tremble, and the gods even were inspired with awe. And knowing that the entire universe was in trepidation, that mighty saint, the sedate Vasishtha of excellent vows, said these words unto the king, — ''Born in the line of Ikshwikn, thou art the very second self of virtue. And endowed with patience, and auspicious^ and observing excellent vows, thou ought not to renounce virtue. The descendant of Raghu is famed over the three worlds as righteous-souled. Do thou maintain thy habit of adhering to promise ; for it doth not behove thee to act unrighteously. If having promised, — 'I will do so,' thou dost not act up to thy word, the merit thou hast achieved by digging tanks and by ptjrforming sacrifices shall come to naught, — therefore do thou renounce R^ma! Ac- complished or not accomplished in weapons, the RiLkshasas cannot bear him protected by Ku^ika's son, like ambrosia, by flaming fire. This one is Virtue incarnate : this one is the foremost of those possessing prowess. This one surpasseth all others in learning, and is the refuge of asceticism.
BILAKANDAM, S9
This one is cognizant of all the weapons that exist in the three worlds furnished with mobile and imobile things ; but others do not know him, — nor yet shall know him hereafter. And neither the gods, nor the saints, nor the immortals^ nor the R2ikshasas, nor the foremost of Gandharbas and Yakshas, nor the Kinnaras, nor the mighty Serpents can know him. And formerly while the descendant of Ku^ika was ruling bis kingdom, Siva conferred upon him the highly famous sons of Kri959wa in the shape of all weapons. And those sons of Kri9a9vva were the offspring of Prajapati's daughters. They were endowed with various forms, and were effulgent and dreadful. And Daksha's daughters of elegant waists, Jaya and SuprabhcL, brought forth an hundred exceedingly effulgent weapons. And by virtue of her boon, Jaya obtained fifty sons of immeasurable strength and endued with the power of becoming invisible for the purpose of slaughtering the hosts of the Asuras. And Suprabha also brought forth fifty sons named Sanhdras^ incapable of being borne, and infallible, and powerful. Ku9ika's son is adequately conversant with all those weapons. And that one knowing duty is also capable of creating wonderful weapons. And, O descendant of Raghu, there is nothing present, past, or future which is not known by that foremost of ascetics of high soul, and cogniz- ant of morality. Such is the prowess of that highly famous Vi9wSLmitra possessed of mighty energy. Therefore, O king, it behoveth thee not to hesitate in the matter of Rama's going. The descendant of Ku9ika is himself capable of repressing the Rftkshasas ; and it is in order to thy son's welfare that coming unto thee, he asketh for him of thee." At this speech of the ascetic, that foremost of Raghus, the king, well- pleased, became exceedingly delighted. And that famous one, relishing the journey of Rama, began to reflect in his mind about consigning him unto Ku9ika's son.
6o RXmIFANA.
SECTION XXII.
\J PON Vasishtha*s representing this, king Da^arathi himself^ with a complacent countenance, summoned unto him Rama and Lakshmana. And when the auspicious rites had been performed by both Rama's father and mother, and when the priest Vasishtha had uttered mantras^ king Da9arathai smelling his son's crown, with a glad heart, made him over unto the descendant of Ku9ika. Then there blew a Breeze free from dust and of delicious feel, on witnessing the lotus-eyed Rama at the hands of Vi^wamitra. And as the high-souled one was about to set out, blossoms began to shower down copi- ously, accompanied with the sounds of celestial kettle-drums and the loud blares of conchs. Vi^w&mitra went firsti and next the highly famous RSLma with the side-locks, holding the bow. And him followed Sumitra's son. And equipped with quivers, and with bows in hand, gracing the ten cardinal points and resembling three-hooded serpents, they followed the high-souled VicwSimitra, like the two stalwart Aswins following the Grand-sire. And those effulgent ones of faultless limbs went in the wake of the ascetic, illumining him with their grace. And like unto those sons of his, Skanda and Bisakha following the incomprehensible deity^ SthSLDOi those youthful brothers of comely persons and faultless limbs, Rama and Lakshmana, highly effulgent, carrying bows in hand, adorned with ornaments, and equipped with scimitars, with their fingers encased in Guana bkin, flamingly followed Ku9ika's son, beautifying him with their splendour. And having proceeded over half a Yojana^ and arriving at the right bank of the Sarayu, Vi^wimitra addressed these sweet words unto RSma, — "O RSma ! do thou, O child, take of this water : let no delay occur. Do thou receive the mantras Vala and AtivalS, — and thou wilt not feel fatigue or fever or undergo any change of look, and
BlLAKlNDAM, 6i
whether asleep or heedless, the RSikshasas will not be able to surprise thee. And, O RSLma, the might of thy arms will be un- equalled in this world, — nay, in all the three worlds. There shall be none — thy equal. Do thou, O RSghava, recite Vala and Ativala, O child ! And, O sinless one, when thou hast secured these two kinds of knowledge, none in this world will equal thee in good fortune, or in talent, or in philosophic wisdom or in subtle apprehension, or in the capacity of answering a controversialist ; for Vala and Ativala are the nurses of all knowledge. And, O Rama, O foremost of men, if thou recitest Vala and Ativala on the way, neither hunger nor thirst will exercise thee, O descendant of Raghu ! And if thou recitest these, thou wilt attain fame on earth. Those sciences fraught with energy are the daughters of the Grandsire. I intend to confer them upon thee, O K&kutstha ; and, O lord of earth, they are worthy to be conferred upon thee as thou art possessed of various virtues. Thou need not entertain any doubt about it. And if thou learn them like unto the exercise of asceticism they wmII prove of manifold good unto thee." Thereat Rama with a cheerful countenance sipping water, with a purified body received those sciences from the Maharshi of subdued soul. And furnished with the sciences, Rama of dreadful prowess appeared resplendent, even like the adorable autumnal Sun invested with a thousand rays. Then Rama having rendered unto Ku9ika's son all the duties appertaining to a spiritual {{uidCi the three happily spent that night on the banks of the Sarayu. And although those excellent sons of Da9aratha lay down on an unbeseeming bed of grass, yet in consequence . of the sweet converse of Ku^ika's son^ the night .seemed to pass pleasantly away.
6 J /iXAfAyAXA.
SECTION XXlll
A.
.ND when the night had passed away, the mightj ascetic spoke unto KSikutstha, b''"S ^own on a bed of leaves, — "O Rama, the best son of Kau9aIySL, the first SandhySL* should now be performed. Do thou, O foremost of men, arise ! Thou shouldst perform the purificatory riles and contemplate the gods.*' Hearing those proper words of the ascetic, those foremost of men, endowed with hero« ism, bathed, and, offering Arghya^ began to recite the Giyatri.t And having performed these daily duties, those exceedingly powerful ones, greeting Vigwamitra having asceticism for wealth, stood before him, with the object of starting on their journey. And as those ones endowed with exceeding prowess were proceeding,at the shining confluence of the Sarayu and the Ganga they beheld a noble river flowing in three branches. And there lay a holy hermitage, belonging to ascetics of subdued souls, where they had been carrying on their high austerities for thausands of years. Beholding that sacred asylum, those descendants of Raghu, exceedingly delighted, spake unto the high-soulcd Vi^wSimitra, these words, — ''Whose is this sacred hermitage ? And what man liveth here ? O worshipful one, we are desirous of hearing this. Surely, great is our curiosity.'' At those words of theirs, that foremost of ascetics^ smiling, said, — ''Hear, O Rftma, as to whom the asylum belonged in time past. Kandarpa, called Kama by the wise, was once incarnate (on earth.) And it came to pass that as that lord of the deities, Sth&nu, having performed here his austerities in accordance with the prescribed restrictions, was wending his way in company with the Maruts, that fool-hardy wight dared disturb the equanimity
* Brahmanis havo to psrform their daily devotions thrice,-in the moniia^ at noon, and in the eveninj^. — T.
t The folar hymn of the Veda. — T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 63
of his mind. Thereupon, O descendant of Raghu, uttering a roar, the high-souled Rudra eyed him steadfastly. And thereat all the limbs of that perverse-hearted one became blasted. On his body being consumed by that high- souled one, KSLma was deprived of his person in consequence of the ire of that foremost among the deities ; and^ O RS.- ghava, from that time forth, he hath become known as Ananga.''^ And the place where he was deprived of his body is the lovely land of Anga. This sacred hermitage belongs to Siva; and these ascetics engaged in pious acts, O hero, have been from father to son his disciples. And no sin toucheth them. Here, O R§ma, in the midst of the sacred streams, will we spend the night, O thou of gracious presence, crossing over on the morrow. Let us then, having purified ourselves, enter the holy hermitage ! It is highly desirable for us to sojourn here, — here will we happily spend the night, having bathed, and recited the mantras, and offered oblation unto the sacrificial fire, O best of men !''
As they were conversing thus, the ascetics were highly delighted on discovering them by means of their far-reaching spiritual vision, — and they jejoiced greatly. Then giv- ing Ku9ika's son water to wash his feet and Arghya^ and extending unto him also the rites of hospitality, they next entertained Rama and Lakshmana. And having experienced their hospitality, they (the guests) delighted them with their talk. And then the saints with collected minds recited their evening prayers. And having been shown their destined place of rest along with ascetics of excellent vows, they happily passed that night in that hermitage affording every comfort. And that foremost of ascetics, the righteous- soulcd son of Ku9ika, by means of his excellent converse, charmed the prepossessing sons of the monarch.
♦ Lit. the bodiless.— T.
64 RlMlYANA.
SECTION XXIV
Xhen next morning which happened to be fine, those repressors of their foes, with Vi9wamitra who had pcr^ formed morning rites at their head, came to the banks of the river.* And those high-souled ascetics observing vows, having brought an elegant bark addressed Vi^w&mitra, saying, — "Do thou ascend the bark with the princes at thy head! May thy journey be auspicious: let no delay occur !" Thereupon saying, — "So be it I", and having paid homage unto those ascetics, Vi^wamitra set about crossing that river with them, which had replenished the ocean.t And it came to pass that while thus engaged, they heard a sound augmented by the dashing of the waves.j: And having come to the middle of the stream, the highly energetic R&mt with his younger brother, became curious to ascertain the cause of that sound. And reaching the middle of the river, Rama asked that best of ascetics, — "What is this loud up- roar that seemeth to come. riving the water?" Hearing RSlghava's words dictated by curiosity, that righteous-souled one spake, unfolding the true cause of the noise,— "0 RSma, there is in the Kaili9a mountain an exceedingly beautiful pool, created mentally by BrahmSL, O foremost of men, — and hence this watery expanse goeth by the name of Mdnasa Pool, And the stream that issues from that liquid lapse, flows thiough Ayodhya : the sacred Sarayu issues from that pool of Brahm§. And as the Sarayu meets the Jahnavi, this tremendous uproar is heard, being produced by the clashing of the waters. Do thou, O RSma, bow down
• Ganges. — T.
t The legend is that when the saint Agastya had sucked up the ocean, the Ganges replenished it. — T.
X The text has Smrdva-Avi heard. Another reading is Tatai Susntrmitu Sabiam — then they heard a sound, — which I adopt. — T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 65
0 them with a concentrated mind." Thereupon, both of se exceedingly righteous ones, bowed down unto those ;ams ; and betaking themselves to the right bank, began proceed with fleet vigour. And beholding a dreadful
1 trackless forest, that son of the foremost of men, hwSLku's descendant, asked that best of ascetics, saying, — h I deep is this forest abounding in crickets ; and id with terrible ferocious beasts,and various birds possess- of shocking voices and screaming frightfully ; and graced lionSi and tigers, and boars, and elephants ; and crowded h Dhavas* and Acwas and Karnas^ and Kukubhas and ^wasX^xA Ttndukas^ and Pdtalas\\ and Badaris,^ Whence his dreadful forest ?" Him answered thus the mighty etic Vi9w2Lmitra endowed with high energy, — "Do thou en, O KSLkutshtha, as to whom belongeth this dreadful est J Here were formerly, O foremost of men, two irishing provinces, named Malada, and Karusha, built by estial architects. .In days of yore, O Rima, on the occa- n of the destruction of Vritra, the thousand-eyed one ne to have hunger, to be besmeared with excreta, and
slay a BrSLhmana. And when Indra had been thus imeared, the deities, and the saints having asceticism for alth, washed him here, and cleansed his person from the t. And the deities, having renounced here the filth that 1 clung unto the person of the mighty Indra, as well a9
hunger, attained exceeding delight. And thereat Indra romi'ng purified, attained his forn)er brightness, and became iroid of hunger. And mightily pleased with this region, he nferred on it an excellent boon, saying, — "Since these two
♦ Crislea Tomeniosa. — T. t Cassia fist ilia. — T, X Mgle marmalos. — T, % Diospyros glutinosa. — 7*. jt Bignonia suavi-olens. — T.
66 KlAllYANA.
places have held excreta from my body, they going by the names of Malada and Karusha, shall attain exceeding proi- perity and fame among men/' And beholding the land thus honored by the intelligent Sa9ra, the deities said unto the subduer of Paka,— 'Weir' "Well!" And, O repressor of foes^ these two places, Malada and Karusha, enjoyed pros* perity for a long lime and were blessed with corn and wealth. Then after a space of time, was born a Yakshini capable of assuming forms at will, and endowed with the strength of a thousand elephants. Her name, good betide thee ! was T&raki, and she was the spouse of the intelligent Sunda — she whose soo is the R&kshasa, MSLricha possessed of the prowess of Saf ra ; having round arms, with a huge head, a capacious mouth and a Cyclopean body. And that Rakshasa of dreadful form daily frightens people. And, O descendant of Raghu, Tftrakft of wicked deeds, daily commits havoc upon these countries, Malada and Karusha . And now at the distance of over half a Yojana, she stayeth, obstructing the way. And since this forest belongeth unto TSLrakSL, thou shouldst repair thither and^ resorting to the might of thy own arms, slay this one of wicked deeds. And by my direction, do thou again rid this region of its thorn ; for no one dareth to approach tucb a place, infested, O R^ma^by the dreadful and unbearable Yakshini. And now I have related unto thee all about this fearful forest. And to this day that Yakshini hath not desisted from committing ravages right and left."
SECTION XXV.
JlL EARING this excellent speech of that ascetic of im- measurable energy, that foremost of men answered him ia these happy words, — "O best of ascetics, I have heard that the Yaksha race is endowed with but small prowess. How
BILAKXNDAM, 67
an then that one of the weaker sex possess the strength f a thousand elephants ?'' Hearing this speech that was ttered by RSghava of immeasurable energy, Vi9wamitra, elighting with his amiable words that subduer of foes, R^ma, nd Lakshmana, said, — ''Do thou listen as to the means Thereby attaining terrible strength, that one belonging to he weaker sex hath come to possess strength and prowess y virtue of a boon. In former times there was a mighty nd exceedingly powerful Yaksha, named Suketu. And he ad no issue. And he was of pure practices, and used to erform rigid austerities. And, O RSma, the Grand-sire, rell pleased with that lord of Yakshas, conferred upon him gem of a daughter, by name TarakS. And the Grand-sire ndowed her with the strength of a thousand elephants ; yet hat illustrious one did not bestow a son on that Yaksha. And irhen she had grown, and attained youth and beauty, he ave that famous damsel unto Jambha's son, Sunda, for wife. Lnd after a length of time, that Yakshi gave birth to a son, amed MSLricha, possessed of irrepressible energy — him rho became a R^kshasa in consequence of a curse. And, O lima, when Sunda had been destroyed, TSraka along wit|i ler son, set her heart upon afflicting that excellent aint Agastya. And enraged with Agastya, she rushed at lim with a roar, intending to devour him. And on seeing ler thus rushing, that worshipful saint, Agastya, said unto vfaricha, "Do thou become a Rakshasa !", and, in exceeding I'rath, he also cursed T&rak§. ''And, O mighty Yakshi, ince in frightful guise with a frightful face thou hast desired
0 eat up a human being, do thou immediately leave this thy original) shape, and become of a terrible form !'* Thus cursed by Agastya, TarakS, overwhelmed with rage, lys waste this fair region, where Agastya carrieth on his usterities. Do thou, O descendant of Raghu, for the welfare
1 BrSLhmanas and kine, slay this exceedingly terrible ''akshi of wicked ways and vile prowess! Nor, O son of
68 RXmIYANA.
Raghu, doth any one in the three worlds, save, thee, dare to slay this Yakshi joined with a curse. Nor shouldst thoU|0 best of men, shrink from slaying a woman \ for even this should be accomplished by a prince in the interests of the four orders. And whether an act be cruel or otberwiie. slightly or highly sinful, it should for protecting the sob* jects, be performed by a ruler. Of those engaged in the oner- ous task of government, even this is the eternal mle of conduct. Do thou, O Kukutstha, slay this impious one; for she knovveth no righteousness ! We hear, O king, that in days of yore, Sakra slew Virochana's daaghtcr, Manthard, who had intented to distroy the earth. And formerly, O Rama, Vishnu destroyed KSLvya's motheri the devoted wife of Bhrigu, who had set her heart upon making the world, devoid of Indra. By these as well as innumer- able princes — foremost of men — have wicked women been slain. Therefore, O king, renouncing antipathy, do thou, by my command, slay this one!"
SECTION XXVI.
JlL EARING those bold words of the ascetic, the son of that foremost of men,RSLghava firm in his vows, with clasped hiands answered, — "In accordance with the desire of ny sire, and in order to glorify it, I ought fearlessly to do even as Ku9ika's son sayeth. And havingbeen desired to that end while at AyodhySL by that high-souled one, my father Dafa- ratha, in the midst of the spiritual guides, I ought not to pass by thy words. Therefore, commanded by that upholder of the Veda. I, agreeably to ndy father's mandate, will, withoni doubt, bring about that welcome event^-the death of TarakL
BlLAKlNDAM. 69
And in the interests of Br^hmanas, kine, and celestials, I am ready to act as desired by thee of immeasurable energy." Having said this, that repressor of foes, with clenched fist, twanged his bow-string, filling the ten cardinal points with the sounds. And at those sounds, the dwellers in Tiraka's forest were filled with perturbation, — and Taraka also amazed at those sounds, became exceedingly wroth. And, rendered almost insensible by anger, that RSlkshasi furiously rushed in amain towards the spot whence had come the report. And beholding that frightful one of hideous visage and colossal proportions, transported with rage, Raghu's descendant spake unto Lakshmana, — '^Behold, O Lakshmana, the terrible and hideous body of yonder Yakshini ! The sight of her striketh terror into the hearts of even the brave. Mark I - This irrepressible one, possessing all the resources of illusion, will I oppose, and deprive her of ears and nose. But I dare not slay her, she being protected by virtue of her. fcminineness. I intend only to oppose her course, and de- prive her of her prowess." As RJma was speaking thus, TlrakS , deprived of sense through ire, uttering roars, with uplifted arms rushed against him. And thereat the Brahmar- shi, Vi9wamitra, uttering a roar, upbraided her, and said, — "swasitl* May victory attend the descendants of Raghu!" And raising thick clouds of dust, TSrakSl instantly bewildered both the descendants of Raghu. And then by help of illu- sion, she began to pour upon them a mighty shower of crags. And thereat Raghu's descendant was wroth. And resisting that mighty shower of crags by vollies of shafts, RSghava with arrows cut off her hands. And with the fore-parts of her arms lopped off, as she was roaring before them, Sumitra's son waxing worth deprived her of her ears and nose. Therupon that one capable of assuming forms at will, began to assume various shapes ; and to vanish from
* A particle of benediction, indeclinable. — T.
r-/ RlAflYAXA.
«ip^ht,beuildering her antagonists with her illusory displays. And terribly ranging the field, the Yakshi showered crags up'^n her antagonisis. And beholding them enveloped oa all sides by that craggy down-pour, the auspicious son of GSdhi spake these words, — " O Rama, renounce thy anti- pathy. This one of wicked ways is exceedingly impious. And this sacrifice-disturbing Yakshi will, by virtue ofber power of illusion, come to increase more and more in energy. Do thou, therefore, against the arrival of dusk, slay her ! The Rakshasas are incapable of being controlled when even- ing sets in. ' Thus addressed, Rama, displaying his skill in aiming by sounds, enveloped with arrows that Yakshi showering crags. Being thus hemmed in with a network cf shafts, she possessed of the powers of illusion, rushed against Kakutstha and Lakshmana, uttering terrible roars. And as that Yakshi, in prowess like unto a thunder-bolt, was rushing on, Rama pierced her chest with arrows, — and there- at she dropped down and died. And upon seeing that grim- visaged one slain, the lord of the celestials together with the celestials themselves honoring Kakutstha, exclaimed "Well !", "Well !' 'And exceedingly pleased, the thou- sand-eyed Purandara, together with the delighted deities^said unto Vi^wSmitra, — " O ascetic, O Ku^ika's son, good betide thee ! all the Maruts with Indra at their head, have been gratified with this act (of R§ma*s). Do thou therefore show affection unto Rlghava ! Do thou, O BrSLhmana, con- fer upon Raghu*s descendant the sons of prajSpati Kri- ^Jiywa, of true prowess, and charged with ascetic energy. And ever following thee, he, O Brahmana, is fit to receive them of thee. And this son of the king is to accomplish a mighty task in the interest of the celestials.'' Saying this, the deities, having paid homage unto Vi^w^mitra, joyfully entered the celestial regions.
And now came evening on, when that best of ascetics, grntilicd at the destruction of Tarakft, smelt Ramft*8 crown
BlLAKlNDAM. 71
and said these words^— "Here O R2Lma of gracious pre- sence, shall we pass the night; and morrow morning wend unto that hermitage of mine." Hearing VicwSimitra's words, Da9a- ratha's son, glad at heart, happily passed that night in the forest of TSlrakA. And being thus freed from all disturbances from that day forth that forest appeared charming, even like unto the forest of Chaitraratha. Having thus slain the Yaksha's daughter, R&ma,eulogized by celestials and Siddhas spent there that night with the saint, being awakened by the latter at the break of day.
SECTION XXVII.
H AVING passed that night, the illustrious VigwSmitra, smiling complacently sweetly spake unto RSghava, saying, — Pleased am I with thee. Good betide thee, O highly famous prince ! With supreme pleasure, do I confer upon thee all the weapons;by means of which subduing such antagonists as celestials and Asuras backed on earth by Gandharbas and Uragas, thou wilt in battle be crowned with victory. And all those celestial weapons, good betide thee, I will confer upon thee. And I will confer upon thee, O Raghava, the celestial and mighty Daudachakra,'^ and Dharmachakra, and also K&lachakra. And O foremost of men, I will confer upon thee the fierce Vishnu Chakra, — and Indra Chakra, and the Vajra, and Siva's Sulavata, and the weapon Brahma^iras, and Aishika, O mighty-armed descendant of Raghu ! And, O best of men, I will, O king's
* Chakra means discus. These enumerations specify different kinds of the discus.— T.
7 J RAMI FAN A.
son, bestow upon thee the matchless Brahma weapon, and, O KSikutstha, the two excellent maces, the flaming Modaki and Cikhari. And, O Rilmai I will confer upon thee Dharmap39a,^ and KSiIapl^a, and the excellent VStrunapSfa. And, O descendant of Raghu, I will bestow upon thee the two Ashanis, — Sushka and Ardra, and the Pin&ka weapon, and the NarSiyana, and the Agneya weapon called Sikhara, and the Vayavya, called Prathama, O sinless one I And, O RSglia- va, I will confer upon thee the weapon called Haya^iras, and the Krauncha weapon, and,0 K&kutstha, a couple of darts, And I will confer upon the Kank§la, and the dreadful Ma- shala, and Kaplla, and Kinkini — all those that are intended for slaughtering Rikshasas. And, O mighty-armed one, 0 son of the best of men, I will confer upon thee the mighty weapon Vidyadhara, and that excellent scimitar named Nandana, and the favorite Gandharba w*eapon, Mohana, and Praswipana, and Pasamana, and Saumya, O RSghava ! And O best of men, do thou accept Varshana, and Soshana, and Sant3pana, and Vil^pana, and M&dana bard to repress, beloved of Kandarpa, and that favorite Gandharba weapon, MSnava, and the favorite Pichftsa weapon, O highly famous prince. And do thou, O mighty* armed Rama, speedily accept the T^masa, O best of men, and the exceedingly powerful Saumana,and the irrepress- ible Samvarta and Maushala, O son' of the king, and the Satya weapon, and the supreme MSlyamaya, and the Saun. Tejaprabha, capable of depriving foes of energy, and the Soma, and the Sisira, and the T^shtra, and the terrible D^runa belonging unto Bhdga, and Sileshu, and Madana-* all assuming forms at will, and endowed with exceeding prow- ess, and highly exalted/^ Then with his face turned towards the east, that foremost of ascetics having purified himself, gladly conferred the mantras upon R§ma. And the Vipri
• Pasha means noose, — T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 71
.Iso bestowed upon Righava those weapons, of which even he celestials are incapable of holding all. As that intelligent Lscetic, Vi9wamitra, recited mantras^ all those invaluable veapons appeared before that descendant of Raghu. And, jvith clasped hands, they well-pleased, addressed Rama, — "These, O highly generous one, are. thy servants, O R.SLghava. And whatever thou wishest, good betide thee, shall >y all means be accomplished by us/' Thus addressed by ;hose highly powerful weapons, K^kutstha Rama, with a ielighted soul, accepting them, touched them with his hand, md said, — "Do ye appear before me as I remember you !" Then the exceedingly energetic R§ma, well pleased, paying everence unto the mighty ascetic, Vi^wamitra, prepared 0 set out.
SECTION xxvm.
JlLavinG accepted those weapons with purity, KSikutstha ehile proceeding, with a complacent countenance spake hese words unto Vi9w2lmitra, — "O adorable one, I have eceived these weapons, incapable of being repressed even y the celestials themselves. Now, O best of ascetics, I /ould acquire a knowledge of withdrawing thenri." Upon wSkutstha's representing this, Vi9w5mitra of high austerities, ndowed with patience, of excellent vows, and pure in pirit,communicated unto him the mantras for restraining the weapons. "Do thou,0 Rama, accept Satyavat, and Sataykirti, nd Dhrishta, and Rabhasa, and Pratiharatara, and ^arSnmukha, and Avanmukha, and Lakshya, and Alakshya, nd Drihanabha, and Sunabha, Da^^ksha, and Satavaktra, nd Da^acirsha, and Satodara, and Padmanabha, and lahSLn&bha, and Indunabha, and Swanabha, and Jyotisha, nd Sakuna, and NairSshya, and Vimala, and Yaugandhara,
10
74 RAAflrANA.
and Vindra, and the two DaityapramathanaS| and Suchiv&hai and MahSLvahu, and Nishkali| and Viruchai and ArchimUt, and Dhritimali, and Vrittiman, and Ruchira, and Pitrya, and Saumansa, and Vidhuta, and Makara, and Karavira, and Rati, and Dhana, and Dhanya, O Raghava, and KSLmarupa, and K^maruclii^and Moha, and Avarana^and Jrimbhaka and Sarp- anatha, and Pantheina, and Varuna, — these sons of Kri^&swai O Rama, cfTuIgeuti and assuming shapes at will. And, good betide thee^ O descendant of Raghu, thou art worthy to receive these weapons." Thereupon, K&kutstha with a heart overflowing with delight, said, — '*So be it 1" And those weapons were furnished with celestial and shining persons, and endowed with visible shapes, and capable of conferriog happiness. And some of them were like (live) coals ; and some comparable unto smoke ; and some were like unto the Sun or the Moon. And with folded hands, they spake unto Rama in honied accents, — O chief of men, here we are! Do thou command as to what we are to do on thy behalf." Then the descendant of Raghu answered, saying,— "Repair whithersoever ye will ! Recurring to my memory, do ye in time of need, render me assistance 1" Thereupon paying homage unto Rama, and having gone round him, they replied unto Kakutstha, — "Be it so !", and returned whence they had come. And having learnt all about those weapons, RSghava, while proceeding spake sweetly unto that mighty ascetic, Vi9wamitra, — **\Vhat is yonder wood hard by the bill, appearing like clouds ? Great is my curiosity. It is pleasing unto the sight, and abounds in beasts, and is exceedingly romantic, and is adorned with various birds singing sweetly. Now, O foremost of ascetics, we have come out of a wilder- ness capable of making one's hair stand on end. And from the pleasantness attaching to this place,! have come to a con- clusion. Tell me, O reverend sir, whose hermitage is this? where, O eminent ascetic, is that hermitage where dwell those wicked-minded wretches of impious deeds, given to
BXLAKXNDAM, 75
daughtering Br&hmanas, who disturb thy sacrifice ? Where, O adorable one, is that spot, repairing unto which, O BrILhmana, I am to protect thy sacrificial rites, and to slay the RSlkshasas ? All this^ O foremost of ascetics, I desire to hear, O lord."
SECTION XX IX.
H EARING those words of RSma of measureless prowess, vho had asked the question, the highly energetic Vi^wamitra mswered, saying, — '*Here, O mighty-armed Rama, Vishnu >f mighty asceticism worshipped of all the deities, for years ipon years, and hundreds of Yugas, dwelt for carrying on liis austerities and Yoga, This, O Rama, was formerly the bcrmitage of the high-souled Vamana. And this is famed as 5iddhSL9rama, in consequence of that one of potent asceticism baving attained fruition there. And it came to pass that at :his time Virochana's son, king Vali, having vanquished :he celestials with Indra and the Maruts, established that ]ominion of his, famous in the three worlds. And that mighty chief of the Asuras celebrated a sacrifice. And as ^ali was performing that sacrifice, the deities with Agni at :heir head, coming unto Vishnu himself at this asylum, iddressed him, saying. — *'Virochana's son, Vali, O Vishnu, is :elebrating a sacrifice. Do thou, before the ceremoney is inished, accomplish thy own end. He duly conferreth*upon 5uch as repair unto him from various quarters all those things that they ask for. And do thou thyself, O Vishuu, aided by :hy power of illusion, assuming a Dwarf-form, accomplish the velfare (of the celestials.)" In the meantime, O RSma, the aronderful Ka9yapa resembling fire in splendour, and flaming in energy, having in company with, and with the assistance )f, the divine Aditi, O R§ma, acccomplished his vow, lasting
76 RlMlYANA.
for hundred years, began to hymn the destroyer of Madha ready to confer boons. "By means of warm austerities, do I behold thee composed of penances, a mass of mortificationii and endowed with a form and a soul of austerities. And in thy person, O lord^ do I behold this entire univene. And in Thee without beginning, and incapable of being pointed out, do I take refuge !" Thereupon exceedingly pleased, Hari spake unto Ka^yapa, with his sins purged off savinsj, — **Do thou mention the boon ! Good betide thee. Methinks thou deservest a boon/' Hearing these words of his, Marichi's son, Ka9yapa, said, — "Aditi, the gods and I myself, crave of thee this, ^and, O bestower of bpons, it behoveth thee well pleased to confer on us this boon, O fhos of excellent vows ! Do thou, O sinless one, become bora as my son in Aditi, O adorable deity I Do thou becpa^o tiM younger brother of Sakra, O destroyer of Asuras. It beho^jAl thee to help the celestials afflicted with grief. Andttit place through thy grace will attain the name of Siddhft9FUM. The work, O lord of the celestials, bath been accomplished. Do thou now, O thou of the six attributes, ascend from hence !'' And accordingly Vishnu of mighty energy took his birth in Aditi. And assuming the form of a dwarf, he presented himself before Virochana's son. And then asking for as much earth as could be covered by three footstepSp that one ever engaged in the welfare of all creatures, with the object of compassing the good of all, stood occupying the worlds. And having by his power restrained Vali, that one of exceeding energy, again conferred the three worlds upon the mighty Indra, — and made them subject to his control. Formerly he used to dwell in this asylum capa- ble of removing fatigue. And through reverence for the Dwarf, I reside here. And this hermitage is infested bj RSikshasas disturbing rites. And, O most puissant of men, here thou shouldst slay those ones of wicked ways. To-day, O Rftma, will I repair unto this supremely excellent
BlLAKlNDAM, ^-^
SiddhS^rama. And this asylum, child, is as much thine as mine." Saying this, taking Rama and Lakshmana, the mighty ascetic, experiencing exceeding delight, entered that asylum, and appeared graceful, like the Moon emerged from mist in conjunction with the Punarvasu stars. And beholding Vi^wamitra, the ascetics inhabiting Siddha^rama, suddenly rising in joy, worshipped that intelligent one, — and extended unto the princes the rites of hospitality. And then having reposed for while, those unreproved princes, the descend- ants of Raghu, with clasped hands, addressed that foremost of ascetics, — "Be thou even to-day initiated unto the ceremony. Good betide thee, O best of ascetics ! Let this Siddha^rama verily attain fruition, — and let thy words be verified!" Thus addressed, that mighty saint of exceeding energy, with his mind subdued, and senses under restraint, caused himself to be initiated into the ceremony. And like unto the KumSras^* Rima and Lakshamana, having passed the night pleasantly, rose in the morning ; and having finished their morning worship, and with purity and self-restraint recited the prime mantras^ paid their obeisance unto the sacrificial fire and the sacrificer, Vi^wamitra, who was seated.
SECTION XXX.
X HEN those princes, repressors of foes, cognizant of place, and time, and words, thus spake unto Ku^ika's son agree- ably to time and place, saying, — '*0 adorable one do thou tell us as to the time when we should oppose those rangers of the night f Let not that hour pass away i/* Upon the two
Kclkutsthas' saying this, and finding them prompt for the en-
■^ — ^
♦ Skanda and Visakha.— T.
78 J^iAliyANA.
counter, tliosc ascetics welUpIeased, fell to extolling the soof of the king. 'Tor six nights from to-day, ye should protect us. This ascetic hath been initiated into the sacrifice, and must therefore, observe taciturnity." Hearing these words of theirs, those illustrious princes, renouncingf sleep, beg^n to guard the hermitage six days and nights ; and those heroic and miglity archers with their armours on protected that best of ascetics and subduer of enemies. And when time had thus gone by and the sixth day had arrived, R§ma said unto Sumitra's son, — '*Being well equipped, be thou vigilant!" When Rama, manifesting emotion, and being eager for encounter, had said this, the priests and spiritual guides lit up the altar. And along with ViywSmitra and the family priests, they lit up the altar furnished with Ku^a, and Kft9a, and ladles, and faggots, and flowers. And as reciting mantras^ they were about to duly engage in that sacrifice, there arose a mighty and dreadful uproar in the sky. And as in the rains, masses of clouds appear enveloping the firmament,* the Rakshasas, displaying illusions in that wise, began to rush onward. And Maricha and Suvahu together with their follow- ers coming in dreadful forms, began to shower down blood upon the altar. And on seeing the altar deluged with gore, Rama suddenly rushed forward, and beheld' them in the sky. And suddenly seeing them rushing in amain, the lotus-eyed Rama fixing his gaze at Lakshmana, said, — ''Behold, O Lakshmana, by means of a Mdnava weapon, I shall, without doubt, drive away the wicked, flesh-eating RSlkshasas, even as the wind driveth away clouds before it. Surely I cannot bring myself to slay such as these." Saying this, that descen- dant of Raghu, Rama, in vehemence fixing on his bow an exceedingly mighty and gloriously-dazzling Manava weapon,
* The text reads, gamanam A?arv>'a^-obstnicting passa|fe. Evidently the reading is vicious — it should run gaganam afar^^a^-enveloping the finm- ment. — T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 79
discharged it in great wrath at MaricluVs chest. And wounded by that foremost of Manava weapons, Maricha carried off a sheer hundred Yojanas, dropped in the midst of the ocean. And finding MSLricha senseless, and whirling, and afHictcU by the might of the weapon, and overcome, Rama addressed Lakshmana, saying, — '^Behold, O Lakshmana, this MSlnava weapon first used by Manu, depriving; him of his senses, hath carried him off, — and yet hath not taken his life ! But thSse shameless, wicked, and blood-drinking RakshasaSi addicted to wrong-doing, these disturbers of sacrificeSi will I slaughter.'' Having said this, anon showing unto Lak&hmana his lightness of hand, Raghu's descendant took out a mighty Agneya weapon, and discharged it at the breast of SuvSlhu. Thereat being pierced with that shaft, he fell down upon the ground. Then taking a Vayavaya weapon, the illustrious and exceedingly generous RSghava, bringing delight unto those ascetics, slew the rest. And having destroyed all those Rakshasas disturbing sacrifices, Raghu's descendant was honored by the saints, even as Indra in days of yore,after having vanquished the Asuras. And when the sacrifice had been completed, the mighty ascetic Vi9wa- mitra, beholding all sides cleared of Rakshasas, spake unto K§kutstha,saying, — "O mighty-armed one, I have obtained my desire ; and thou hast executed thy preceptor's mandate. And, O illustrious hero, thou hast truly made this a Siddha- ^rama.*' Having thus extolled Rama, he took RSma and Lakshmana, to perform his evening devotions.
SECTION XXXI.
1
Those heroes. Ra.na aud Lakshmana. their interest secured, with glad hearts passed that night there. And when the night had passed away and the morning come, they together appeared before the saint, Vi^wamitra, and the rest.
8o RlAllYANA.
And having saluted that foremost of ascetics resembling flaoh ing fire, they of honied speech spake unto bim words exceed- ingly lofty. — "These servants of thine, O best of ascetics, haTe cpme before thee. Do thou command, O chief of anchorets, ^'hat command of thine are we to execute ?" Thus addressed by them, the Maharshis with Vi9wSLmitra at their head spake unto R§ma, saying, — *'A highly meritorious sacrifice, O fore- most of men, is to be celebrated by Mithil&*s lord, Janaka. Thither shall we repair. And thou, O great among men, must accompany us, and there behold a wonderful jewel of a bow. And formerly this bow of immeasurable energy, and dreadful, and exceedingly effulgent at the sacrifice^ had been conferred in court by the celestials (on king Devarita). And neither gods nor Gandharbas, neither Asuras nor RSikshasas nor men, can fix the string upon it. And desirous of being acquainted with the prowess of this bow, many kings and princes came ; but they in spite of their mighty strength^ failed in stringing it. There, 0 KSLkutstha, thou wilt behold that bow belonging to the high-souled king of MithilSL, — as well as his exceedingly wonderful sacrifice. That rare bow, O foremost of men, furnished with an excellent device for griping it, had been so- licited by Mithiia's lord as the fruit of his sacrifice ; and the celestials conferred it upon him. And now, O descendant of Raghu, in the residence of king, the bow is worship- ped like a deity with aguru^ dhupa^ and various other in- censes.'* This having been said, that foremost of ascetics, in company with K&kutstha and the saints, departed. And on the eve of setting out, he addressed the sylvan deities, saying, — "Luck ! I will, with my desire obtained, go from forth this SiddhSi^rama unto the llimavat mountain on the north of the J^hnavi." Having said this, that tiger-like ascetic, Ku^ika's son, along with Other anchorets having asceticism for their wealth, set out in a northerly direction. And as that best of ascetics proceeded, he was followed by
BlLAKlNDAM. 8i
BrSlhmanas upholding the Veda, carrying the sacrificial neces- saries on an hundred cars. And birds and beasts dwelling in SiddhSL9rania followed the high-souled Vi9\v§mitra having asce- ticism for wealth. And then followed by the body of devotees he dismissed the birds. And having proceded a longway, when the sun was sloping down, the ascetics rested on the banks of the Sona. And when the maker of day had set, having bathed and o£Fered oblations unto the fire, those ascetics of immeasur- able energy, placing Vi9wamitra in their front, sat them down. And Rama also together with Sumitra's son, having paid homage unto those ascetics, sat him down before the intelli- gent Vi9wamitra. Then Rama of exceeding energy, influenced by curiosity, asked that foremost of ascetics, Vi9\vSLmitra, having asceticism for his wealthy saying, — "O worshipful one, what country is this, graced with luxuriant woods ? I am desirous of hearing this. Good betide thee, it behoveth thee to tell me this truly.*' Thus addressed by Rama, that one of high austerities and excellent vows began in the midst of the saints to describe the oppulence of that region.
"O
SECTION XXXII
:00:
'NCE upon a time there was a mighty son of Brahmi, of high austerities, named Ku9a. And he was cognizant of duty, and ever engaged in observing vows and honoring good men. And that high-souled one begat on Vaidarbhi, sprung from a respectable line, and endowed with all noble qualities, four sons like unto himself, and possessed of extraordinary prowess — Ku9aniva, and Ku9anabha, and Asurtarajas, and Vasu, resplendent and breathing exhaust- less spirits. And with the deisre of enhancing Kshetrya merit, Ku9a said unto his truthful and virtuous sons, — *Ye sons ! do ye engage in the task of governing, — and thereby acquire 4mmense merit.' Hearing Ku9a's words, those four
II
82 RtMlYANA.
foremost of men and best of sons addressed themselves to founding seats for their government. And the highly energetic Ku9&mva founded the city of Kau^&mvi ; and the righteous Ku^anabha, the metropolis of Mahodaya; and the magnanimous Asurtarajas, DharmSLranya ; and king Vasu, Girivraja, best of capitals. This city with these five mighty mountains shining around (otherwif^e) called Vasumati belongs to the high-souled Vasu. And the river known by the name of Sumagadhi flows through the Magadhas. And in the midst of the five foremost of hills, it looks like a garland. And this MSgadhi, O RSLma^ belongs unto the high* souled Vasu, taking, O RSma, an easterly course, and flowing through fertile fields furnished with corn. And, O descend- ant of Raghu, the virtuous-souled R9jarshi Ku9anSLbha begat an hundred peerless daughters on GhritSchi. And it came to pass that they endowed with youth, beautiful, and like unto the lightning in the rainy season, decked in excellent orna- ments, coming to their garden, were merrily singing and dancing and playing on musical instruments, O R2Lghava ! And as they perfect in every limb, and unparalleled on earth in beauty, and endowed with all qualities, and furnished with youth and grace, were in the garden, like unto stars embosomed among clouds, that life of all, the air, beheld them and said,-* '1 seek for ye : do ye become my wives. Do ye renounce this human guise, and attain long lives. Youth verily is unstable, specially with the human beings : do ye attaining unfadtog youth, become immortal :' Hearing this speech of the Air of ever fresh energy, the damsels ridiculing it, said,— 'Thoa rangest the hearts of all creatures, O foremost of celestials, and we also know thy influence. Wherefore, then, dost thou dishonor us ? O foremost of celestials, we are the daughters of Ku^anlbha, O divine one. And god as thoo art, we can dislodge thee from thy place ; but ive refrain from doing so, lest thereby we lose our ascetic merit. Maji O foolish one, that time never come, when disregarding
BlLAKlNDAM. 83
our truthful sire, we following our inclination, shall resort to self choice. Our father verily is our lord and prime god. Of hinn even shall we become the wives unto whom our father giveth us away.' At these words of theirs, that lord and adora- ble one, the Air, exceedingly enraged, then entered into their bodies, and broke all their limbs. Their bodies being thus broken by Air, those damsels, exceedingly agitated and over- whelmed with shame, with tears in their eyes entered the residence of the king. And finding his supremely beautiful and favorite daughters with their limbs broken, and woe- begone, the king bewildered, spake, — Ye daughters, what is this ? Who is it that thus disregards virtue ? By whom have ye all come by this crooked form ? And why demonstrating your grief, do ye not answer me ?' Having said this, the king heaved a deep sigh and became eager to hear all about it."
SECTION xxxlil.
XIeaRING those words of the intelligent Ku^anSbha, his hundred daughters touching his feet with their heads,said, — -'O king, that life of all, the Air, was desirous of overcoming us, having recourse to an improper way ; nor did he regard morality. — We have a father, good betide thee ; and have no will of our own. Do thou ask our father about it, if he con- sent conferring us on thee. — But that wicked wight did not listen to our words ; and as we were saying this, were we roughfy handled by him.' Hearing those words of theirs, the highly pious and puissant king addressed his hundred beauti- ful daughters, saying, — *Ye have displayed a signal example of that forgiveness which is fit to be followed by the forbear- ing; and that ye have unanimously regarded the honor of my house, also conduces to your praise. Alike to men and
84 RAatlrANA.
women, forbearance is an ornament. And difficult it is for one to exercise that forbearance, specially in respect of the celestials. And may every descendant of mine possess for- bearance like unto yours \ Forbearance is charity ; forbearance is truth ; forbearance, O daughters, is sacrifice ; forbearance is fame ; forbearance is virtue, — yea,the universe is establish- ed in forbearance. Then dismissing his daughters, the king endowed with the prowess of celestials,and versed in counsel, began to consult with his counsellors about the bestowal of his daughters in respect of time and place and person and equality of lineage. And it came to pass that at this time an ascetic named Chuli, highly effulgent, with his vital fluid under control, and of pure practices, was performing Brahmya austerities. And as the saint was engaged in austerities, good betide thee, UrmilSL's daughter named Somada — a Gandharbi — ministered unto him. And in all humility that virtuous one for a definite period was engaged in ministering unto him. And thereat, her spiritual guide was gratified with her. And, O descendant of Raghu, once he said unto her, — *I am gratified good betide thee ! What good shall I render thee? Thereupon, concluding that the ascetic was gratified, the Gandharbi, cognizant of words, exceedingly delighted, sweetly addressed that one versed in speech, — *Thou art furnished with the Brahmya fire^art like Brahm^ himself, and of mighty austerities. I desire of thee a righteous son endowed with the BrSihmya ascetic virtues^ 1 am without a husband, good betide thee, and I am no one's wife. Upon me who am thy servant, thou shouldst confer such a son by help of Brahmya means.' Thereupon, well pleased with her, the Brahmarshi Chulina conferred upon her an excellent Brahmya mind-begotten son, named Brahma- datta. And that king, Brahmadatta, founded the flourishing city of Kampilya,even as the sovereign of the celestials found- ed the celestial regions. And, O Kakutstha, the righteous king Kucanabha finally decided on conferring his hundred
BALAKXNDAM. 85
jgiiiers upon Brahmadatta. And inviting Brahmadatta X highly energetic lord of earth, with a glad heart iferred his hundred daughters upon him. And, O des- idant of Raghu, king Brahmadatta resembling the lord nself of the celestials, by turns received their hands in irriage. And as soon as he touched them, the hundred jghters were cured of their crookedness, and became free •m anguish, and were endowed with pre-eminent beauty, id upon beholding them delivered from (the tyranny of) the r, the monarch Ku9anabha became exceedingly delighted, d rejoiced again and again. And he dismissed the newly irried lord of earth, king Brahmadatta, in company with his nsorts and the priests. And the Gandharbf SomadS oiced exceedingly at the completion of the nuptials of her fi ; and embracing her daughters-in-law again and again, d extolling her son, she expressed the fulness of her joy."
SECTIOM XXXIV.
6^ A
^txND, O Raghava, when Brahmadatta was married, that nless one, (Ku9an2ibha), with the intention of obtaining lie oflfspritig, took in hand a son-conferring sacrifice. And len the sacrifice had commenced, that son of Brahma, the cecdingly noble Ku^a, spake unto king Ku9anabha, saying, 'O son, there will be born unto thee a virtuous son like to thyself : thou wilt obtain even Gadhi, — and through n enduring fame in this world.* Having said this unto \g Ku9anabha, Ku9a, O Rama, entering the welkin, jnt to the eternal regions of Brahm§. Then after some- le, an eminently virtuous son, named GSdhi, wa.*? born to the intelligent Ku9anabha. O Kakutstha, even that rhly pious Gadhi is my sire. And, O descendant of Raghu railed Kau9ika, am sprung from Ku9a's line. And, O
86 RImAyANA.
Righava, I had a sister of noble vows born before me. And her name was Satyavati ; and she was bestowed upon Richika. And following her lord^ she ascended heaven in her own proper person. And my highly generous sister, Kaufiki, hath finally assumed the form of a mighty river. And in order to compass the welfare of all creatures, mf sister is now a noble and charming river of sacred waters, issuing from the Himavat mountains. And thenceforth, out of affection for my sister, Kou^iki, I ever dwell happily in the vicinity of the Himavat, O R&ghava. And that virtuous Kau^iki, Satyavati, as well established in religion as truth, and chaste, and eminently pious, is now the foremost of streams. And, O Rama it is only for the purpose of com- pleting my sacrifice that leaving her behind, I have come to Siddha9rama. And now by virtue of thy energy, have I attained frution. Now, O R&ma, I have narrated unto thee the circumstances connected with the history of my line and myself, as also of this place, O mighty-armed one, — which thou hadst asked me to relate. But, O K&kut- stha, while I was speaking, half the night hath been spent. Do thou now sleep, good betide thee, — so that thou mayst not feci any difficulty while on the journey. The trees stand motionless, and the beasts and birds are silent, and, O descend* ant of Raghu, all sideshave become enveloped in nocturnal gloom. The midnight is gradually passing away ; and the firmament thick-studded with stars resembling eyes, b illumined up with their light. And that dispeller of dark- ness, the mild-beaming moon, is rising, gladdening the hearts of all creatures with his splendour. And night-rang* in^ beings — terrible carnivorous Yakshas and Rftkshasas^ walk hither and thither." Having said this, the mighty ascetic of exceeding energy paused. And those ascetics honoring him, said, — '* Excellent ! Excellent ! This line belonging to the Ku^ikas is ever exalted and devoted to virtue. And those foremost of men sprung in the Kofa
BALAKANDAM. 87
race are high-souled and like unto Brahmarshis — and specially thou, O illustrious VicvvSmitra, art so. And that best of streams, Kau9iki, hath added lustre unto thy line." and the auspicious son of Ku9ika having been extolled by those delighted ascetics — the foremost of their order — slept, like unto the sun, when setting. And Rama too along with Sumitr§,'s son having in admiration praised that best of ascetics, enjoyed the luxury of slumber.
SECTION XXXV.
JlLaving in company with the ascetics passed the re- mainder of the night on the banks of the Sona, Vi9wamitra, when the day broke, spake, — *'0 RSma, the night hath pass- ed away, and the morn hath come. The hour for performing the prior devotions hath arrived. Arise ! arise ! good betide thee ! Do thou prepare for going.*' Hearing these words of his, Rama, having finished his morning devotions and rites, and ready for departure said, — "This is the Sona, of ex- cellent waters, fathomless, and studded with islets. O Brah- mana, by which way shall we cross ?" Thus addressed by R§ma, Vi9wamitra replied, — "Even this path hath been fixed upon by me, — that, namely, which the Maharsais go." And having proceeded far, when the day had been half spent they beheld that foremost of streams, the Jahnavi, worshipped by ascetics. And having beheld that river furnished with sacred waters, and frequented by swans and cranes, the ascetics who accompanied Raghava were exceedingly de- lighted. And they took up their quarters on the banks of the river. And then having bathed and duly offered obla- tions of water unto the gods and the manes of their ances- tors, and performed Agnihotra* sacrifices, and partaken of
♦ Sacrifice with burnt offering — T.
88 RlMlYANA.
clarified butter like unto nectar, those high-souled and aus- picious ones, with glad hearts, sat down, surrounding Vi^wamitra. And the descendants of Raghu also sat down, occupying prominent places as befitted their rank. Then Rama with a heart surcharged with cheerfulness spake unto Vi9wamitra, saying, — '*0 adorable one, I desire to hear how the Ganga flowing in three directions and embracing the three worlds, falls into the lord of streams and rivers." Influenced by Rama's speech, the mighty ascetic ViywSmitra entered upon the history of the GangS's origin and progress, *• O Rama, that great mine of ore, Himavat is the foremost of mountains. Unto him were born two daughters, unpar- alleled on earth in loveliness. And, O R&ma, their mother of dainty waist, the amiable daughter of Meru, named MenS, was the beloved wife of Himavat — she of whom was born Ganga the elder daughter of Himavat ; and, O R^ghava, a second daughter was also born unto him, named UmA. And it came to pass that once upon a time, the deities, with the view of accomplishing some work appertaining to them as divine beings, in a body besought that foremost of mountains for that river flowing in three directions, GangSl. Thereupon^ desirous of the welfare of the three worlds, Himavat in obedience to duty, conferred upon them his daughter flowing everywhere at will, and sanctifying all creatures. Thereat in the interests of the three worlds, accepting her, those having the welfare of the three worlds at heart, went away with Ganga, considering themselves as having attained their desire. The other daughter of the mountain, O descend- ant of Raghu, adopting a stern vow, began to carry on austeri- ties, having asceticism for her wealth. And that best of mountains bestowed upon Rudra of unequalled form his daughter UmS, furnished with fiery asceticism, and worship- ped of the worlds. And these, O Raghava, are the daugh- ters of that king of mountains, worshipped of all, vis.^ GangS, the forcmobt of streams, and the divine Uma. Now, O best
BALAKXNDAM. f9
of those endowed \Yith motion, have I related unto thee how that sin-destroying one flowing with her waters in three diverse directions, first, O child, went to the firmament and then ascended the celestial regions."
SECTION XXXV!,
mitm
W HEN the ascetic had spoken thus, both the heroes, RSma and Laksbmana, saluting that first of anchorets, said,— *'0 Br^hmana, thou hast delivered this noble narration fraught with morality. Now it behoves thee to speak about the elder daughter of the mountain-king. Thou art exten- sively conversant \vith everything relative to men or ^ods. Why is it that that purifier of the worlds laveth three direc- tions ? And why is that foremost of streams, Ganga, famous as wending in three ways ? And, O thou cognizant of mora- lity, what are her performances in the three worlds ?'* There- at Vi^wamitra having asceticism for his wealth, began to relate unto Kakutstha that history in detail in the midst of the ascetics. ''In days of yore, O Rama, the blue-throated one of mighty asceticism, having entered into matrimony, commenced upon knowing the goddess. And as that in- telligent blue-throated god, Mahadeva, was thus engaged in sport, a devine hundred years passed away; and yet, O Rama, chastiser of foes, no son was born of her. Thereat all the gods with the Grand sire at their head became exceedingly anxious. "Who will be able to bear the offspring of this union ?" And thereupon the celestials repairing unto MahS- deva, thus addressed him, saluting low, — *0 god of gods, O mighty deity, ever engaged in the welfare of all, it be- hoveth thee to be propitious at the humble salutations of the celestials. The worlds, O foremost of celestials, are in-
12
90 RlMlYANA.
capable of bearing thy energy. Therefore, for the welfare of the three worlds, do thou, being furnished with Brahml asceticism, in company with the goddess practise austerities, and rein in thy energy by thy native indomitableness. Do thou preserve these worlds ; for it becometk thee not to des- troy all.' Hearing the words of the deities, the great god of the worlds said unto them, — 'So be it !' And addressing them again he said, — Te gods, by my own energy I will assisted by Uma bear my virile vigour,— therefore let the creation find rest I But tell me, ye foremost of celestials, who will sustain my potent virility rushing out from its receptacle t' Being thus addressed, the gods answered him having the bull for his mark, — The earth will to-day bear thy vital flow.' Thus assured, the mighty lord of the celestials let go his vital fluid ; and thereat the earth containing mountains and forests was overspread with the energy. Then the gods spake unto the Fire, saying, — 'Do thou in company with the Wind enter into this fierce and mighty energy!' And when the Wind had entered into it, it was developed into a white hill, and a forest of glossy reeds, resembling fire or the Sun. And here sprang from Fire Kartikeya of mighty energy. And there- upon the celestials and the saints, with gratified hearts, began to pay enthusiastic adorations unto Um2L aud SivS. Then the Mountain's daughter, O Rama, addressed the celestials, cursing them with eyes reddened in wrath, — 'While in asso- ciation with Mahadeva for obtaining sons, I was broken in upon by ye, — for this, ye shall not be able yourselves to be- get offspring on your wives. And from this day forth, your wives shall remain without issue.' Having thus spoken unto the celestials, she cursed the Earth also, saying, — 'O Earth, thou shalt have various forms, and many shall lord it over thee ! Nor, stained because of my ire, shalt thou experience the pleasure that is felt on obtaining a son, O thou of wicked understanding, O thou that dost not wish me a son !' Wit- nessing the gods thus distressed, the lord of the celestials
BlLAKlNDAM. 91
set out in the direction presided over by Varuna.'*^ And having repaired to the north side of that mountain.f Mahe- swara along with the goddess became engaged in austerities on the peak Himavatprabhava. I have now related unto thee, O RSma, the spread of the Mountain's daughter, (GangS), Do thou how together with Lakshmana listen to the narration of Bhdgirathi's potency."
SECTION XXXVII.
46 A
jtx.ND on that celestial being engaged in austerities,
the deities with Indra and Agni at their head, desirous of gaining over the generalissimo, appeared before the Grand- sire. And, O Rama, the gods with Agni at their head, bowing unto him, addressed that possessor of the six attri- butes, the Grand-sire, saying, — *0 God, that adorable one who had formerly consigned unto us the generalissimo, re- sorting to high asceticism, is practising austerities with Um5. Do thou now, O thou conversant with resources, so order as is advisable in the interests of the worlds ! Verily thou art our prime way.' Hearing the words of the deities, the Grand- sire of all creatures, consoling them with soft words, spoke unto them, saying, — 'Even as the Mountain's daughter hath said, sons will not be born unto ye of your own wives. Her word is infallible of a certainty : there is no doubt about it. This is the celestial GangS — she on whom HutasanaJ will beget a son — the foe-subduing generalissimo of the celestials. And the elder daughter of the Mountain will consider that SOQ as brought forth by Umg ; and Uma also will, without
' ♦ The West.— T. "
t The Himalaya.— T. % Fire— T.
gz RAMIYANA.
doubt, look upon him with regard.' Hearing these wordi» of his, O descendant of Raghu, the gods bowing unto the Grand-sire, paid him homage. Tlien, O Rama, repairing unto the Kaila^a mountain teeming with metals, the deities com- missioned Agni with the view of having a son(born unto him.) *Do thou, O god, accomplish this work of the deities ! O thou ot mighty energy, do thou discharge thy energy into that daughter of the mountain, Ganga.* Thereupon giving his pro- mise unto the gods, Pavaka"**" approached GangS, saying,— *Do thou, O Goddess, bear an embryo ; for even this is the desire of the deities.' Hearing this speech, she assumed a divine appearance. And beholding her mightiness, Agni was shrunk up on all sides. And then Pavaka from all sides discharged his energy into her,— and thereat all her streams became surcharged with it, O descendant of Raghu. And uhto him staying at the head of all the deities, GangSL spoke, saying, — *0 god, I am incapable of sustaining this new- sprung energy of thine : I am burning with that fire, and my consciousness fails me.' Thereupon that partaker of the oblations offered unto the gods, said unto Gangd, — *Do thou bring forth thy embryo on the side of this Himavat !' Hearing Agni's words, Ganoa of mighty energy cast her exceedingly efTulgcnt embryo on her streams, O sinless one. And as it came out of her, it wore the splendour of molten gold ; and in consc(i«icncc of its fiery virtue, objects near and objects far were converted into gold and silver of un- surpassed sheen, — while those that were more distant were turned into copper and iron. And her excreta were turned into lead. In this wise, various metals began to increase on earth. And as soon as the embryo was brought forth, the woods adjoining the mountain, being overspread with that energy, were turned into gold. And from that day, O descend- ant of Raghu, gold of effulgence like unto that of fire, became
♦ Fire— T.
BALAKlNDAM. 93
:nown as J&tarupai O foremost of men ! And when the son iras born, the deities with Indra and the Maruts enjoined ipon the KirtikS stars to suckle him. 'Surely he shall be son into us air — concluding thus, they as soon as he was born, >y turns began to dispense milk unto him. Then the celes- ials called him Kartikeya, saying, — ^Without doubt, this on shall become famed over the three worlds.* And hearing hose words of theirs, the KirtikSs bathed the offspring that had ssued from her womb, flaming like fire, and with auspiciouj narks. And, O Kakutstha, since Kartikeya had issued from Ganga's) womb, the celestials called that effulgent and nighty-armed one, Skanda.* And then the teats of the <ritikas were filled with milk ; and thereupon assuming >ix mouths, he began to suck milk from the teats of those »ix. And having drunk the milk, that lord although then >ossessed of a tender frame, by virtue of his inborn prowess n one day vanquished the Danava forces. And him )OSsessed of mighty effulgence, the celestials assembled vith Agni as their leaner sprinkled with water, by way of nstalling him as their generalissimo. He who, O Kakutstha, )n earth revereth Kartikeya, is blessed, and attaineth ighteousness, and being long-lived and obtaining sons and jrand-sons, repaireth to the regions of Skanda."
SECTI ON XXXVIII.
xIaving said those words unto Rama, composed of melodious letters, Kau9ika again spoke unto Kakutstha, say- ing,— "Formerly there was a king — lord of Ayodhya-named Sagara. And it came to pass that righteous one, though eagerly svishing for children, was without issue. And Vidharbha's
♦ Skanna means issuing from. — T,
94 RlMlFANA.
daughter^ O R3ma,named KefiniiWas the elder wife ofSagatx And she was virtuous and truthful. And the second wife of Sagara was called Sumati, who was the daughter of Arishtanemi and the sister of Suparna * And with those wives of hisjthat mighty king,coming to the Himavat|beganto practise austerities on the mountain Bhriguprasravana. And when a full hundred years had been numbered|the ascetic that had been adored by means of these austerities, Brighu,best of those endowed with truth,conferred a boon upon Sagara, say- ing,— 'O sinless one, thou shalt obtain glorious offspring; and, O foremost of men,thou shalt attain unparalleled renown among men. And, O child, one of thy consorts shall brin; forth a son who will perpetuate thy race ; and the other give birth to sixty thousand sons.' As that best of men was saying this^ those daughters of kings, exceedingly delighted, propitiating him, addressed him with clasped hands, — 'Who of us, O Brahmana, shall produce a single son^ and who many ? This, O Brahmana, we wish to hear. May thy word prove true j' Hearing this, the highly pious Bhrigu said these pregnant words, — *Do ye unfold your minds. Who wishes for what boon, — between a single pcrpetuator of the line, and innumerable sons, possessed of mighty strength, and furnished with fame, and endowed with high spirits T Hearing the ascetic's words, O des- cendant of Raghu, Ke^ini in the presence of the monarch chose, O Rama, a single son to perpetuate the line ; and Suparna's sister, Sumati, sixty thousand sons, high spirited and furnished with fame. And then, O son of Raghu, having gone round the saint anJ bowed down the head, the king went to his own capital, accompanied by his consorts. And after a length of time, the elder, Ke9ini, bore a son unto Sagara, known by the name of Asamanja. And Sumatii O foremost of men, brought forth a gourd. And when it
• Ganira.— T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 95
lurst open, out came from it sixty thousand sons. And the lurses fostered them by keeping them in jars filled with riarified butter. And after a great length of time, they ittained to youth. And after a long lapse of time, Sagara's sixty thousand sons attained to youth and beauty. And O foremost of men,* the eldest son of Sagara, taking those :bildren| would, O descendant of Raghu, often cast them nto the Sarayu, and in mirth behold them sinking in the waters. Being thus evil-disposed, and injuring honest Folks, and engaged in doing wrong unto the citizens, he was banished by his father from the city. And Asamanja had a ion possessed of prowess, named An9umSln. And he was beloved of all men and fair-spoken towards every one.
And, O foremost of men, it came to pass that after a ong time had gone by, that lord of earth Sagara made up lis mind, saying, — *I will sacrifice.' . And having determined jpon it, that one versed in the Vedas set about it^in company with his priests.''
SECTION XXXIx.
w.
HEN Vigw5mitra had ended, hearing his words, R§ma exceedingly pleased, spoke unto that ascetic resembling laming fire, saying, — "I am anxious to hear in detail, good ^etide thee, how, O BrShmana, my ancestor arranged for the sacrifice.'* Hearing those words of his, Vi9w5mitra, smiling, eagerly spoke unto KSkutstha, saying, — ''Do thou, O RSlma, liearken unto the story of the high-souled Sagara's sacrifice. Sankara's father-in-law is the far*famed Himavat. And approaching each other, the Himavat and the Vindhya behold jach other. And on the region lying between them took
The text ha.1 NarasresthaSf put for Asamanja. Evidently this is an error. make it a vocatiYe. — T.
96 HlMlYANA.
place, O foremost of men, that sacrifice of Sagara's. And that country, O best of men, is excellent as a sacrificial ground. And, O K§lkutstha, equipped with a powerful bow, that mighty car-warrior,living under Sagara's sway, Aufumat,
0 child, followed the horse, for the purpose of protecting it And it came to pass that with the intention of disturbing the sacrifice of that monarch, on a certain day VSisava, assuming the form of a Rakshasi, stole away the sacrificial horse.* And, O Kakutstha, on the horse of that high-souled one being stolen, the priests said unto the king engaged in the ceremony, — *0n this auspicious day, hath the sacrificial horse been stolen by violence. Do thou, O KSLkutstha, slay 1 him that steals the horse, — and bring it back. Otherwise the sacrifice will be defective, bringing us misfortune. There- fore, do thou, O king, act so, that the sacrifice may not be marred with defects.* Hearing the words of the priests, ihe king addressed his sixty thousand sons in the midst of his court, saying, — 'Being, as this great sacrifice is, presided over by eminently pious Brahmanas sanctified by mantras,
1 do not, ye foremost of men, ye sons, see how R^kshasas may find entrance into it. Therefore, repair ye, and seek for the horse, yc sons. Good betide you ! Do ye search the entire earth engarlanded with oceans ; and do ye search Yoyana after Yoyana, ye sons. And do ye delve the earth till ye light upon the horse, by my command following the track of that stealer of the horse. I have been initiated into this sacrifice with my grand-sons and priests.' And there- at the mighty princes, enjoined by their father, breathing high spirits, began to range the earth, O Rama. Then Ihey each fell to delving the bowels of the earth for the space of a Yoyana in length and breadth, with their hands resembling thunder-bolts in feel, and with darts like unto thunder-bolts, and with gigantic plouorhsliaros. And being thus rivcn^ the earth, O descendant of Raghu, began to send forth loud cries.
• The Bengali edition rcad.s this sloka differently.— T.
BlLAKlNDAM. 97
O RSghava, O thou hard to repress, there arose an uproar from serpents, and Asuras, and RSlkshasas, and other crea- tures, that were being slaughtered. And, O descendant of Raghu. they excavated the earth, O Rama, for sixty thousand YoyanaSy — yea, as if they had intended to reach the lowest depths underground. Thus, O foremost of kings, those sons of the monarch dug all around Jamvudwipa, filled with mountains. Thereat, the gods together with the Gandharbas, and Asuras, and Pannagas, in trepidation appeared before the Grand-sire. And propitiating that high-souled one, they with melancholy countenances and in exceeding agitation, spoke these words unto the Grand-sire, — 'O adorable one, the entire earth is being excavated by the sons of Sagara ; and many are the high souled ones as well as the aquatic animals that are being slain in consequence. — ^This one is the disturber of our sacrificei and by him hath the sacrificial horse been stolen, — saying this, Sagara's sons are committing havoc upon all creatures."
SECTION XL.
XlEARiNG the speech of the celestials, that possessor of the six attributes, the Grand-sire, spoke unto them exceed- ingly frightened and deprived of their senses on beholding the prowess of Sagara's sons like unto the Destroyer himself, — 'This entire Earth belongeth unto the intelligent V&sudeva, she being his consort. And that adorable one is indeed her lord. And assuming the form of Kapila^ he un- ceasingly sustaineth the Earth. And the sons of king Sagara will be consumed by the fire of his wrath. The pre-ordained excavation of the Earth, as well as the destruction of Sag^ra's sons, had been foreseen by the far-sighted.' Hearing the words of the Grand-sire, those repressors of
^8 RlMlYAfTA.
their foes, the three and thirty^ celestials, being exceedingly rejoiced, went back to their respective quarters. And as the sons of Sagara were riving the Earth, there arose a migbtjr noise, like unto the bursting of thunder. Then, having rivcfl the entire Earth and ranged it all around, the sons of Sagin together (returned to their father) and spake -unto him, saying — *By us hath the Earth been extensively surveyed, and hare powerful deities and DSLnavas, R&kshasas, Pi9&chaSy Uragai and Pannagas been slain ; and yet do we find neither tbe horse nor the stealer thereof. What are we to do now ? Good betide thee, do thou consider it well.' Hearing those words of his sons, that foremost of kings, getting into a wrath, said, O descendant of Raghu, — 'Do ye yet again, good betide yCi delve the earth, and having got at the stealer ot the boise^ cease.' Receiving this mandate of their sire, the sixty- thousand sons of the high-souled Sagara rushed towards tba depths of the earth. And as they were engaged in excavat- ing, they beheld the elephant of the quarter resembling a hill, named Virupaksha, holding the earth. And, O son of Raghu, that mighty elephant, Virupaksha, held on his head the entire earth with its mountains and forests. And, O K^kutstha, when on sacred days the mighty elephant, from fatigue, shaketh his head, then takes place the earth- quake. Thereupon, O R^ma, going round that mighty elephant, and honoring him duly, they went on piercing the underearth. And having pierced the East, they pierced the South, — and in the Southern quarter also they beheld a mighty elephant — the high-souled MahSpadma, resembling a huge hill, holding the earth on his head. And thereat they marvelled greatly. And having gone round him, the sixty- thousand sons of the high-souled Sagara began to penetrate into the Western region. And in the Western quarter also those highly powerful ones beheld the elephant of thai quarter named Saumanasa, resembling a mighty mountaia.
* The eight Va9us, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityai and two Acmmj^T
BlLiXlNDAM. 9^
And having gone round bim, and asked him as to his welfare, they delving on, arrived at the Northern region. And on the North likewise, O foremost of the Raghus, they beheld Bhadra, white as snow, holding this earth on his goodly person. And having felt as well as gone round him, those sixty thousand sons of Sagara went on penetrating the depths of the earth. Then repairing to the famous North- eastern region, Sagara's sons becoming enraged, began to dig the earth. And there those high-souled, exceedingly powerful and vehement ones beheld the eternal Vasudeva in the guise of Kapila. And there also, experiencing exceeding delight, O descendant of Raghu, they •found his horse, browsing hard by. And knowing him to be the des- troyer of the sacrifice, they bearing spades, and ploughs, and innumerable trees and crags, with eyes reddened with ire, furiously rushed against him, exclaiming, — 'Stay 1 Stay I And thou it is that hast stolen our sacrificial horse. O thou of wicked understanding, know that thou hast fallen into the hands of the sons of Sagara.' Hearing this speech of theirs, Kapila, O descendant of Raghu, overwhelmed with rage uttered a tremendous roar. And then, O Kakutstha, the sons of Sagara were reduced to ashes by the high-souled and incomparable Kapila."
SECTION XLI.
"s.
IBEING the delay on the part of his sons^ King Sagara, O son of Raghu, addressed his grandson, flaming in his native energy, saying, — *Thou art heroic and accomplished and like unto thy uncles. Do thou enquire into the circum- stances that have befallen thy uncles, as also about the way by which the horse hath escaped. And as there are stong and mighty creatures inhabiting the Earth's interior^ with
lOo RlMlFANA.
the view of resisting them, do thou take thy bow along with thy scimitar. And honoring those that deserve to be honored and slaying such as disturb thee, do thou, having attained thy end, come back, becoming the instrument for the com- pletion of my sacrifice.* Thus duly enjoined by the high-souled Sagara,An9umat endowed with fleet vigor,taking his bow as well as his scimitar, set out. And commanded by the monarch, O best of men, he found the underground way thai had been carved out by those high-souled ones. And he found an exceedingly powerful elephant belonging to the cardinal point, worshipped by deities, and D&navaS| and Rikshasas, and goblins, and birds, and Uragas. And having gone round him, and asked him as to his welfare, he enquired after his uncles and the stealer of the horse. Hearing this, the mighty-minded elephant of that quarter answered,— 'O son of Asamanja, having attained thy object, thou wilt speedily return with the horse.' And hearing those words of his, An9umat by turns duly asked the same question of all the elephants belonging to the cardinal points. And being honored by those guardians of the cardinal points, knowing words as well as their application in regard to time, place, and person, he was asked by them, saying, — *Do thou come with the horse !' Hearing those words of theirs^ that one of fleet vigor repaired unto the^ spot where the sons of Sagara, his uncles, had been reduced to a heap of ashes. And (arriving there), Asamanja's son, smitten with grief, and being exceedingly afflicted at their destruction, bewailed in heaviness of heart. And exercised by grief and sorrow, that foremost of men espied there the sacrificial horse straying near. And desirous of offering oblations of water unto those princes, that highly powerful one in need of water,did not find any watery expanse in the neighbourhood. And it came to pass, O R^ma, that surveying \vide, he descried the maternal uncle unto the princes, Suparna, the lord of birds, resembling the Wind. And thereupon Vinatft's son possessed of
BALAKXNDAM. 101
mighty strength spoke unto him, saying, — *Do not lament, O foremost of men. The destruction of these was for the welfare of all. These highly powerful ones had been con- sumed by the peerless Kapila,— therefore, thou ought not to offer water unto them in consonance with social usuage. GangSi, O foremost of men, is the elder daughter of Himavat. In her (streams) do thou perform the watery rites of thy uncles, O mighty-armed one : let that purifier of the worlds lave these, reduced to a heap of ashes. And on these ashes being watered by Gang!, dear unto all, the sixty thousand sons of Sagara will repair unto the celestial regions. Do thou, O highly pious one, go back, taking this horse, O foremost of men ; and do thou complete the sacrifice of thy grand-father, O hero.' Hearing Suparna's speech, the ex- ceedingly powerful An^umat of mighty asceticism speedily taking the horse, retraced his steps. Then coming to the king who had been initiated into the ceremony, he, O descendant of Raghu, faithfully communicated unto him the words of Suparna, Hearing this sorrowful intelligence, the king duly finished the sacrifice agreeably to the scriptures. And having seen the completion of the sacrifice, that lord of earth entered his capital ; but the king could not see how to bring Gang^ on earth. And without being able to ascertain it, the mighty monarch after a long course of time, and having reigned for thirty thousand years, ascended heaven."
SECTION XLii
:00:
y]\l HEN Sagara had bowed unto the influence of Time, thcf subjects selected the righteous An9umat for their king. And| O descendant of Raghu, An9umat proved a great ruler. And his s6n| the celebrated Dilipa, was also a great king. And, O Raghtt's son, consigning unto Dilipa his kingdom, An^umat
101 ItlMlYANA.
entered upon rigid austerities on the romantic summit of the Himavat. And having for the space of thirty-two hundreds of thousands years carried on austeries in the woods, that highly famous one, crowned with the wealth of aceticism, attained the celestial regions. And the exceedingly powerful Dilipa, hearing of tlie destruction of his grand- fathers, was stricken witii grief ; yet he could not ascertain his course about it. And he constantly thoug^ht as to how Gang& could be brought down, how to perform their watery rites, and how to deliver them. And as that pious one furnished with self- knowledge was always meditating upon this, an eminentlj virluous son was born unto him named Bhagiratha. And per- forming numerous sacrifices, the mighty king Dilipa reigned for thirty thousand years. And without having arrived at any definite decision in regard to their deliverance, the king, O puissant one, being attacked with an ailment, breathed his last. And having sprinkled his son Bhagiratha in the way of Installing him in the kingdom, that prime of men, the king, by virtue of his own acts, repaired to the re^fion of Indra- And, O descendant of Raghu, that royal saint Bhagi* ratha was possessed of righteousness. And being without issue, and desiring to obtain it, the mighty monarch consign- ed his kingdom and his subjects to the care of his counsellors, and engaged in bringing down GangSi. And, O Raghuk descendant, restraining his senses, and eating once a months and surrounding himself with five fires, and with arms up- raised, he for a long lapse of time performed austerities at Gokarna. And as he was performing his terrible austeritieSi a thousand years rolled away. And thereat that possessor of the six attributes and lord of all creatures, Brahm&i was wel- pleascd with that high-souled monarch. And presenting himself together with the celestials, the Grand-sire thus spoke unto the high-souled Bhagiratha engaged in austerities,«*'0 Bhagiratha, O mighty monarch, pleased am I with thcei O lord of men, on account of thy ardent austerities ; do tkoa,
BILAKXNDAM, 103
O thou of excellent vows, ask for the boon thou wouldst have.' Thereupon