Aranya Kandam

28. Rama's Fight with Khara

[The war between Khara and Rama is ferocious. Though Khara succeeds in wounding Rama a few times, Rama destroys the chariot of Khara and makes him to come for a fight with a mace.]

Seeing that in the war Trisiras is also killed along with Dhooshana, Khara was greatly shaken by the might of Rama. 28.1

That very strong Rakshasa seeing that Rama fighting alone has killed the unbeatable army of Rakshasas along with Trisiras as well as Dhooshana and seeing his entire army has been killed without willingness approached Rama like the Rakshasa Namuchi approached Indra. 28.2-28.3

Khara pulling with all his strength his bow he sent several arrows desirous of eating the blood at Rama and they went against him like angry serpents. 28.4

Sitting on his chariot making a twang with his bow he released arrows with both his hands in very many directions, exhibiting his skill of use of weapons. 28.5

That great warrior seeing Khara filing up arrows in all directions and sub directions, Rama also started filling with arrows. 28.6

Rama filled the place with unbearable arrows which released sparks of fire, like the rain God fills the earth with rain, leaving no free space. 28.7

Due to the sharp arrows sent by Rama and Khara the sky and all the surroundings were filled with arrows and it appeared as if the sky is not there at all. 28.8

Due to those two who were eager to kill each other, the arrows they sent formed a net in the sky and the sun was not to be seen. 28.9

With tubular arrows with sharp point and arrows with the crescent end, Khara hit Rama like a great elephant being hit by a goad. 28.10

When the Rakshasa came riding a chariot holding a bow, all beings felt as if the God of death had come with his noose. 28.11

Khara seeing Rama who has killed all his army and was standing boldly, thought that that indefatigable one would be greatly tired by that time. 28.12

Seeing Khara who was a resembling a lion, that Rama who walks like a lion was not agitated like one seeing a petty wild animal. 28.13

That Khara who travelled in a radiant chariot like the Sun god reached near Rama like a butterfly has reached the fire. 28.14

Then Khara due to the trick of his hand released the hand grip of Rama from the bow with an arrow fitted in to it, which he was holding. 28.15

That very angry Khara drew seven more arrows that equalled the thunder bolt of Indra and hit the armour that Ram was wearing. 28.16

Then, with one thousand arrows, he caused pain to Rama and that Khara made an extremely loud war cry. 28.17

With those very sharp arrows that were released by Khara, the armour of Rama who was shining like a sun was completely destroyed and fell on the ground. 28.18

When those arrows hit him in all parts of his body, Rama became greatly enraged and Rama of the clan of Raghu flared up in the war like a fumeless flaming fire. 28.19

Then that enemy destroyer Rama, strung the bow string to another thunderously great bow and strung it properly to kill the enemy. 28.20

Holding that very great and auspicious bow of Vishnu given to him by the sage Agasthya, taking the choicest arrow Rama rushed towards Khara. 28.21

Using that arrow with golden decoration and curved ends, the very angry Rama cut off, the war flag of Khara. 28.22

The severely shattered golden flag which was worth seeing fell on the ground as if the sun fell on the earth due to the curse of the gods. 28.23

That angry Khara, who knew the vital points of the body to strike, hit Rama on the chest with four arrows and also on the other limbs like one who would hit an elephant with the goad. 28.24

That Rama hit by various arrows which were released from the bow of Khara, became one with bleeding limbs and became very angry. 28.25

That greatest among the archers, in that great war, took the big bow and sent six arrows pointedly directed. 28.26

He hit the head of Khara with one arrow, the hands with two arrows and with three arrows with the crescent ended arrows hit his chest. 28.27

Then afterwards he took arrows of great luster comparable to the sun and sent thirteen of them with the aim to kill the Rakshasa. 28.28

That very strong Rama who equals Indra in warfare as if it is a sport in war, send one arrow to break the yoke of the chariot of Khara, four on those dappled horses, one on the head of the charioteer of Khara, three arrows aimed at the three parts of the chariot, two on the axle of the fragmented chariot, making in all eleven arrows.. With one arrow he cut off the bow of Khara and with another thunderbolt like thirteenth arrow he impaled Khara. 28.29-28.31

With his broken bow, without chariot, with dead horses, with dead charioteer, Khara hopped on the ground, took a mace and stood strongly on the earth. 28.32

Seeing the act of Rama who was a great hero, devas as well as the great sages along with those sitting on the planes, worshipped Rama with folded hands. 28.33

This is the end of Twenty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

29. Rama's Fight with Khara Continues

[Rama tells Khara that due to sins that he has done to innocent sages he will surely be killed. Khara tells Rama, that a valorous one should not indulge in self-praise. Rama cuts off the mace of Khara.]

Rama spoke softly but firmly and forbiddingly to Khara who had lost his chariot and was standing with a mace. 29.1

"Though you had a gigantic army consisting among other things of elephants, horses, chariots, you had done detestable deeds and heinous crimes in this Dandaka forest." 29.2

"Those who cause sufferings to all beings by doing ruthless deeds, cannot stand up for his own self, even if he is lord of three worlds." 29.3

"Oh night walker, those who are doing acts against all living beings would be killed by everyone like a person killing a vicious serpent when he comes across it." 29.4

"One who does sins due to avarice, passion, without thought and with happiness, would see the results of his actions at the end like a Brahmani lizard eating hailstones." 29.5

"The sages who live in Dandakaranya are followers of dharma and Oh Rakshasa, what results do you achieve by killing them?" 29.6

"Even if the cruel people do some sin and are hated by all the world earn wealth and live lavishly, they would not last long like a tree with dilapidated roots." 29.7

"One who does sins will definitely get its horrible result at the right time, like trees will yield fruits only in the proper season." 29.8

"Not long after a sin is done, the people would get the results like the one who eats poisonous food, Oh Rakshasa." 29.9

"I am the king who has arrived here to stop those who do cruel deeds of sin that are not at all liked by the old, Oh Rakshasa." 29.10

"The arrows of mine decorated with gold would be released on you like the snake from the snake pit and they after tearing you in to pieces will re-enter my quiver." 29.11

"Those followers of Dharma whom you have eaten in Dandakaranya would go first and you along with your army would go behind them to heaven." 29.12

"When I wound [kill] you with my arrows in your hellish situation, you would see those great sages whom you have eaten earlier riding in planes." 29.13

"Oh, worst member of your clan, if you make an effort to attack me, I am going to toss your head like the fruit of palm tree." 29.14

When Rama talked like this that Khara who was angry and had blood red eyes replied back to Rama, laughing at him and convulsed in anger." 29.15

"Oh son of Dasaratha, after killing some rustic Rakshasas, how are you praising yourself when you are not praise worthy?" 29.16

"Those best among men, who are valorous and victorious will not boast like this, for they will not be proud of their valour." 29.17

"Oh Rama, those frivolous and undignified Kshatriyas who are not perfect souls would boast without meaning and you are doing similarly." 29.18

"Which valorous one would boast of his lineage in the war? I think that the time when death is nearing is not the proper time to praise oneself." 29.19

"Your idiocy which is for always present in you is clearly brought out by your praise of yourself, like the leaf blade of grass caught in fire seems to have an image of gold in it." 29.20

"You are not seeing me here holding a mace but are seeing a big unshakeable mountain with great many ores supported by the earth." 29.21

"Me with only the mace is sufficiently capable of taking your life in this war, like the god of death can take away the life of all just being having a noose." 29.22

"Though I have desire to tell you many things, I am not telling them now because the sun is about to set and this would create disruption of the war." 29.23

"You have killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas and by killing you, I would wipe out the tears of their wives." 29.24

After saying this, the angry Khara who has great biceps threw the mace, which was shining like a thunderbolt at Rama. 29.25

That shining mace after it was released from the hands of Khara, burning the trees and shrubs all round was nearing Rama. 29.26

When that great and dangerous mace which was like the noose of god of death was nearing him, Rama using several arrows cut it off in the sky itself. 29.27

That mace split by the arrows fell on the ground like a snake that springs to attack is made to fall by the use of the power of chants and medicines. 29.28

This is the end of Twenty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

30. Khara's Death

[Rama kills Khara and devas and sages praise him. Lakshmana and Sita come out of the cave to join him. And those three go to their hermitage.]

Rama who loves Dharma, after breaking that mace using his arrows, with a smile told these frustrating words top Khara. 30.1

"Oh wretched among Rakshasas, you have now shown all your strength to me and you are roaring like a lunatic who does not have any strength." 30.2

"That mace which made you talk pompous words has fallen to the ground after it was broken by my arrows and thus your pride also has been killed." 30.3

"Your word, that you would wipe away the tears of the wives of the dead Rakshasas, was a word of vanity of yours." 30.4

"Oh Rakshasa who is debased, having cruel character and who behaves based on lies, I would take away your life now like the Garuda took away the pot of nectar." 30.5

"When I cut off your head using my arrow, blood would gush out along with froth and foam and the earth would drink your blood." 30.6

"With blood coating all over your body, with both your arms severed, you would sleep embracing the earth like one who was trying to get an impossible lady." 30.7

"Oh notorious Rakshasa after you start that sleep of yours, this Dandaka forest will start supporting those sages who do not have any support." 30.8

"When my arrows make Janasthana [place of people] in to the place of death by killing your Rakshasas, the sages would wander fearlessly all over the forest." 30.9

"With all their relatives being killed the Rakshasis who were scaring others would run away from here with tear stained face, being pitiable due to fear." 30.10

"The wife of the Rakshasa who was killed must be from a similar clan like yours and would be enjoying from sorrow of others so that their life is meaningless." 30.11

"Since you are atrocious in conduct, a cruel person and one who daily kills Brahmins, apprehensive about you the sages pour the oblations in fire with hesitation." 30.12

In the war when Rama was thus impetuously talking like this to Khara started to intimidate due to anger and started talking to him in a braying tone. 30.13

"Even though surrounded by fear, you are a fearless man and though under the grip of death you are haughty and do not know what to speak and what not to speak." 30.14

"Those men who are caught in the noose of the God of death do not know what to do and not do and as their six sense organs cease to function." 30.15

After telling like this to Rama, with raised eye brows due to great rage was searching all over for something to be used as weapon and that Rakshasa not far from there saw a very huge Sala tree. 30.16

Khara after biting his lips uprooted that great tree by his very powerful hands, lifted it and threw it aiming at Rama shouting "You are now dead." 30.17-30.18

That Rama with great fame cut that tree which was coming at him by use of several arrows, experienced great anger and decided to kill Khara. 30.19

With sweat covering him all over the body, Rama with his eyes turned red due to anger, using thousands of arrows pierced the body of Khara. 30.20

Due to those arrows which had pierced, lot of foamy blood started flowing from those wounds and he looked like the Prasavana Mountain with large number of waterfalls. 30.21

In the war being completely stuck by the arrows of Rama that Khara became like one intoxicated by the smell of blood and started running quickly towards Rama. 30.22

Seeing him approaching him in a highly agitated manner, hastening with every step with flowing blood due to the wounds made by the arrows, Rama moved aside a little. 30.23

Then Rama, with an intention of killing Khara in the war, took out a fire like arrow, which looked like the divine staff of Brahma. 30.24

That soul of Dharma then took out an arrow given by Indra, the great king of devas, kept it on the bow and sent it towards Khara. 30.25

That great arrow which was released by Rama after bending his bow, made a sound like a thunderbolt and pierced the chest of Khara and he fell down. 30.26

Then that Khara fell on the earth burnt by that arrow which was like fire, similar to Yama being burnt by Shiva in Swetharanya. 30.27

That Khara fell down like Vruthra killed by Indra, like Namuchi killed by the froth of the sea and Bala was killed by Vajrayudha of Indra. 30.28

Then all the royal sages as well as the great sages joined together and happily worshipped Rama and told him. 30.29

"Rama only for this purpose the great Indra who killed Paka, who broke forts and who had a great luster came to the auspicious hermitage of Sarabhanga." 30.30

"You were brought here by the great sages by a clever plan for killing these great sinful Rakshasas who are cruel." 30.31

"Oh son of Dasaratha, by the act that you have done here, the sages of Dandaka would lead a pleasant life and follow acts of Dharma." 30.32

When this was going on, the devas and Charanas together, played great sound on the Dhundhubhi drum and joyously caused a rain of flowers on Rama making great sound. 30.33

"Within a period less than half an hour Rama with his sharp arrows killed fourteen thousand powerful Rakshasas and also Khara and Dhooshana in a great battle." 30.34-30.35

"What a great act is the performance of Rama who is greatly learned. This efficiency and valour cannot be even seen in Lord Vishnu." After telling like this all Devas went back as they have come. 30.36

During this time the valorous Lakshmana and Sita came out from the cave and with joy entered the hermitage. 30.37

Then the victorious Rama after being worshipped by those great sages entered the hermitage and Lakshmana worshipped him there. 30.38

That Vaidehi after seeing her husband Rama who has killed the enemies and brought happiness to the sages, embraced him. 30.39

Seeing those Rakshasas, who have been killed, that daughter of Janaka became happy and she was happier to see that Rama had done the right thing. 30.40

That daughter of Janaka, seeing Rama who had killed the Rakshasas and who was worshipped by the joyful sages, again embraced that one with a moon like face and became very happy. 30.41

This is the end of Thirtieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

31. Ravana informed about Khara's Death

[A spy called Akampana tells Ravana about the killing of Khara and his army. When Ravana wants to for a war, he dissuades him and suggests that he abduct Sita so that Rama would die automatically. Ravana meets Mareecha who tells him all about Rama and sends him back.]

Speedily leaving Janasthana, Akampana, entered Lanka and with great haste told Ravana. 31.1

"Oh king, many Rakshasas living in Janasthana has been killed. Khara also has been killed in the war and I have escaped and have come here." 31.2

Hearing that the ten headed one with reddened eyes due to great anger and which looked as if they will burn others asked Akampana. 31.3

Oh Akampana who has lost his wife, who has destroyed the very pretty Janasthana? Who has chosen the option of not returning back to the world?" 31.4

"Anyone who displeases me cannot live happily, whether it is Indra, Khubera, Yama or even Vishnu." 31.5

"I am the god of death to God of death, I can burn fire, I wish to associate death along with death according to dharma." 31.6

"If I get angry I can burn even Sun and the fire by my great luster. I am interested in stopping the speed of wind also." 31.7

Akampana saluted the very angry Ravana and in a voice shivering with fear begged protection from Ravana. 31.8

The ten headed one, who was a great Rakshasa, promised protection to him and that grateful one using clear words told. 31.9

"Rama the son of Dasaratha is a lad whose body is built like a lion. He has round and strong arms and shoulder like a bull." 31.10

"He is a hero of great fame who is credited with matchless valour and he has destroyed Janasthana along with Khara and Dhooshana." 31.11

After hearing this from Akampana that Ravana, who is the king of Rakshasas, breathed like the king of serpents and told the following. 31.12

"Did that Rama come to Janasthana along with Indra and all other devas? You may please tell, Akampana." 31.13

Hearing this reply of Ravana, that Akampana started telling about the strength and valour of that great Rama. 31.14

"His name is Rama. He is greatly lustrous and the greatest among those who wield the bow and he has very many auspicious arrows and is equal to Indra." 31.15

"Lakshmana is his younger brother who has great strength, bright red eyes, voice like a drum and has a face like moon. He has similar appearance like Rama." 31.16

"With his company, they are like wind and fire and he is a great king and it is due to him that Janasthana fell down from its glory." 31.17

"They are not gods but they are great people and there is no need to investigate it. The golden flagged arrows released by Rama turned in to five hooded serpents and killed all the Rakshasas." 31.18

"Those scared Rakshasas from whichever place they went, they saw only Rama standing in their front and this way he destroyed Janasthana like fire." 31.19-31.20

Hearing the words of Akampana Ravana told, "I will go to Janasthana and kill Rama and Lakshmana." 31.21

When these words were released Akampana replied, "Oh king, hear from me in detail about the strength and valour of Rama. Please listen." 31.22

"Rama gets unbearable anger and he is greatly famous for his valour. He can easily stop the speed of the flow of water using his arrows." 31.23

"That Rama can easily destroy even all the planets and stars in the sky and if gets angry he can lift the drowning earth from the sea." 31.24

"That great lord can break the boundary of the ocean and can drown all the worlds in it and he can arrest the speed of the sea wind using his arrows." 31.25

"That very famous one, who is the tiger among men can destroy the world by his valour and also recreate that world." 31.26

"Oh ten headed one, you cannot win over Rama in a battle along with all Rakshasas just like a sinner cannot hope to enter the heaven." 31.27

"I do not think that all Devas and asuras together can kill him, but there is a way to kill him and hear it with single pointed attention." 31.28

"His wife is the prettiest Sita, who is black with well-formed limbs and with a very thin middle. She is a gem among women and decorates herself with gem." 31.29

There is no equal to that pretty women among devas, asuras and Gandharwas and what to tell among the mere human beings." 31.30

"You go and steal the woman who is his wife in that great forest and being passionately in love with her, Rama will give up his life." 31.31

Ravana the king of Rakshasas liked these words and that very strong one started thinking about what Akampana has told him. 31.32

"Very good, with a charioteer, early morning, I would go alone and will get that happy Vaidehi in to this great town." 31.33

After telling this Ravana got in a chariot drawn by donkeys with the colour of the sun and illuminating all directions, he commenced his journey. 31.34

When the chariot of the king of Rakshasas was going through the way of stars, it lighted the sky just like the moon. 31.35

He reached the hermitage of Mareecha and met the son of Thataka. Mareecha worshipped that king with different types of foods which can be eaten or chewed. 31.36

Mareecha personally worshipped him and offered him seat and water and in a meaningful manner using suitable words Mareecha spoke. 31.37

"How about welfare, oh king of the world, Oh God of Rakshasas, Your coming here so quickly creates doubts in my mind." 31.38

When Mareecha spoke this way, Ravana that king with great luster, who was an expert in speech afterwards told these words. 31.39

"I feel unprotected because Rama, capable of doing very difficult jobs, has killed all those of Janasthana who cannot be killed and I need your help as a minister to steal his wife." 31.40

Mareecha having heard the words of the king of Rakshasas told, "the one who told you about is your enemy in the form of a friend and oh tiger among Rakshasas, having been pleased by you, who will not enjoy your company?"" 31.41-31.42

"Please tell me, who told you to bring Sita here. They want cut of the crown of the world of Rakshasas." 31.43

"Without doubt, he who encouraged you in this is your enemy. He desires you to pluck the poisonous fangs from the mouth of a serpent." 31.44

"By whose act or word have you been lead in to this wrong path? Oh king, who has hit you on your forehead, while you were having a sound sleep?" 31.45

"Oh, Ravana, it will not be proper to raise an eye to see Rama in war, who will be then like a majestic elephant that has an impeccable dynasty and bloodline as its mammoth trunk, personal radiance as its indomitable might, very firm pair of arms as its pernicious tusks, more so, who will be with the redolence of the irrepressible lineage of Raghavas." 31.46

"It is not proper for you to wake up the sleeping Rama who is a man in the form of lion, who is a lion with its tail touching its waist in great anger, the killer of deer in front of learned Rakshasas and who stores sharp arrows all over his body like sharp edged fangs." 31.47

"His bow is a crocodile, his shoulders are swamps, arrows are giant tides, and battle with him is like the mouth of hell, and it is not proper to jump in to it, Oh king of Rakshasas." 31.48

"Oh king of Rakshasas, Oh God of Lanka, be pleased. Please know that it is proper for you to go back to Lanka and enjoy your days with your own wives and let the wife of Rama enjoy the forest." 31.49

When Mareecha told like this to the ten headed Ravana, he returned back to Lanka and entered in to his best of homes. 31.50

This is the end of Thirty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

32. Soorpanakha Meets Ravana

[Soorpanakha feeling helpless goes and meets Ravana. His power, greatness and bad acts are described. With fear Soorpanakha starts telling him.]

Then Soorpanakha seeing that the fourteen thousand Rakshasas being killed by great act single handedly by Rama, as well as seeing the killing of Dhooshana. Khara and Trisiras again started making great sound like a cloud. 32.1-32.2

Seeing the acts of Rama, which was difficult for others to do getting very scared she started to go to Lanka ruled by Ravana. 32.3

She Saw Ravana sitting on the top of the aerial throne with ministers and shining brilliantly like Indra sitting with Maruths and his ministers. 32.4

Ravana was seated on a divine golden seat, which was shining like a sun and blazing like fire that glows when abundant ghee is poured in to it, built on a altar build by golden bricks. 32.5

That valorous Ravana who cannot be defeated in war by Devas, Gandharwas, sages and other great souls was sitting like the God of death sitting with open jaws. 32.6

He had wounds created by Vajrayudha during the war between Devas and Asuras and marks on the chest created by the tips of tusks of Iravatha elephant. 32.7

He with ten necks and twenty hands was dressed fabulously and with his broad chest, he was shining like a king. 32.8

He was shining like Vaidoorya [cat's eye] gem, wearing ear globes made of pure gold and had well formed arms, white teeth and wide mouth and was comparable to a mountain. 32.9

In hundreds of war with Devas he had been hurt by the wheel of Vishnu and also he has been hit by other great weapons. 32.10

Though he was hit by devas, none of his limbs has been hurt and he can perturb, imperturbable and was very quick in his actions. 32.11

He was the one who could throw mountains, has tormented Devas, destroyed the base of Dharma and has cast evil eye on the wife of other persons. 32.12

He was knowledgeable in the use of all divine weapons, he prevented always Yagnas, reached the city of Bhogawathi and defeated the serpent Vasuki and abducted the dear wife of Takshaka after defeating him. 32.13

That Ravana went to Kailasa Mountain, defeated Khubera and took away forcibly the Pushpaka Vimana, in which one can fly as he likes. 32.14

Due to great anger he had destroyed the Chaithratha garden as well as the lotus pond of Khubera, The Nandana Vana of Indra and several such gardens. 32.15

He was a scorcher of enemies and appeared like a peak of a mountain and could stop the powerful moon and sun from rising by his great arms. 32.16

He had done great penance in a great forest for ten thousand years and offered his own heads to the self-born Shiva. 32.17

He was not afraid of devas, asuras, Gandharwas, ghosts, birds, serpents in war with them except for men. 32.18

When the Brahmins consecrate auspicious Yagnas, that very strong one made impure, the places suitable for Yagnas and stopped the offerings of Soma Juice. 32.19

He disrupted Yagnas when they were at the peak; he was a cruel killer of Brahmins; he was with bad character; he was harsh and merciless against people and acted against their welfare. 32.20

That Rakshasi saw her valorous brother Ravana who was very powerful and who was feared by all beings. 32.21

He was attired greatly wearing divine cloths and ornaments, was shining wearing divine garlands, was sitting on his seat like Sun and was sitting on a raised throne like the God of death of God of death. 32.22

After reaching that Rakshasi greatly affected by fear spoke to the king of Rakshasas, who was strong, who was the child of the Paulasthya clan, who was the killer of enemies and who was surrounded by his ministers. 32.23

That broad eyed fearless wanderer Soorpanakha who was disfigured by a great man, addressing him, exhibiting herself with fear and delusion told. 32.24

This is the end of Thirty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

33. Soorpanakha's Complaint to Ravana

[Sorrpanakha not only complains to Ravana but tells him that he is a bad king, after detailing qualities of a good and bad king.]

That distressed and anguished Soorpanakha spoke to Ravana who tortures the world, who was sitting in the middle of his ministers. 33.1

"Being intoxicated, always trying to get pleasure out of passion, always acting with impulse and lacking self-control, you are not able to understand the cruel fear that has arisen." 33.2

"Being vulgar king, addicted to pleasures, acting only according to his own wishes and greedy, you would not be liked by people like the fire in the cremation ground." 33.3

"That king who does not attend to his work at the proper time would be destroyed along with his kingdom and his works." 33.4

"The king difficult to meet, and who does not have self-control and who does not employ spies is kept away by people like a muddy river." 33.5

"Those undisciplined kings without self-control and having no influence over his country or who does not protect it, do not prosper or shine like a mountain in the middle of water." 33.6

"You are not clear headed with devas, Gandharwas and saints and become inimical with them and have not employed any spies and are fickle minded and how can you become an able king?" 33.7

"Oh Rakshasa you are childish and lack brain and do not know that you do not know and how can you become an able king?" 33.8

"Oh best among those who achieve victory, the spies, treasury and state policy is not under your control and so you are not like a king but like a commoner." 33.9

"Since the king would be able to see all issues from a distance using the spies, these kings are called far sighted." 33.10

"Your system of spying is primitive and the ministers surrounding you are fools and that is why you do not know about killing of your own people in Janasthana." 33.11

"Fourteen thousand cruel Rakshasas were killed by Rama along with Khara as well as Dhooshana." 33.12

"Rama who can perform acts with ease, has given protection to all sages and made Dandaka safe for them after attacking Janasthana and capturing it." 33.13

"Oh Ravana, you are greedy, intoxicated and in the control of others and so not aware of the fear that has arisen in your own kingdom." 33.14

"All beings who are in trouble do not run for protection from a king who is not sharp, not generous, intoxicated, proud and adamant." 33.15

"A king who is arrogant, one who cannot be approached, one who is proud of himself and one who is short tempered is put an end by his own people when they are in difficulties." 33.16

"A king who does not do deeds which should be done, fears those whom he should not fear, would be surely toppled down and would be desperate and worthless like a blade of grass." 33.17

"Even dried up wood, clods of earth or even dust would be of value sometimes but not a king thrown out by the people." 33.18

"Like a cloth worn and discarded or garlands worn and later crushed, a king who has been thrown out would be useless even if he is able to do things." 33.19

"An alert king who knows everything, who has good control over his senses, who is grateful and is a follower of Dharma would continue to be a king for a long time." 33.20

"A king, who is awake even while sleeping to morals, who has sacrificed his anger and who is attentive would be worshipped by the people." 33.21

"Oh Ravana, you being evil minded and devoid of all the good qualities and are not able to know the killing of your own people from your spies." 33.22

"A king who find faults with others, who is addicted to pleasures, who lacks capacity to judge the time and place and who lacks sense of discrimination and does not have right wisdom, will soon destroy himself as well as the kingdom." 33.23

That Ravana who is the god of Rakshasas who is wealthy, arrogant and strong hearing her tell his mistakes, by his own intelligence understood them and started thinking over. 33.24

This is the end of Thirty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

34. Soorpanakha's Description of Rama and Sita

[To the pointed question from Ravana, Soorpanakha describes the valour and power of Rama. She also praises the beauty of Sita and tells Ravana to make her his own and kill Rama and Lakshmana. He also tells that she was harmed when she was trying to abduct Sita for his sake.]

Seeing that Soorpanakha speaking those unpalatable words, the angry Ravana, who was sitting in the middle of his ministers, asked. 34.1

"Who is Rama? How valorous is he? How does he look like? How brave he is? For what reason has he entered Dandakaranya ?' 34.2

"By using which weapon did Rama kill those innumerable number Rakshasas of Kara, Trisiras as well as Dhooshana?" 34.3

When the king of Rakshasas asked like this, that Rakshasi in very great anger started describing about that Rama faithfully. 34.4

"Rama is the son of Dasaratha who has long arms, broad eyes, dressed in deer skin and bark and has the form like the god of love." 34.5

"His bow which is banded in gold is similar to that of Indra, drawing which he sends glittering iron arrows which are like snake." 34.6

"In that war I could not see Rama taking those dreadful arrows from the quiver, aiming those arrows and releasing them due to the speed with which it was done." 34.7

"I saw him destroying the great army by the rain of his arrows which was just like Indra destroying the crops by a rain of hailstones." 34.8

"While standing alone on foot only, he killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas with a gross form within twenty minutes along with Khara and Dhooshana." 34.9

"Rama gave protection to the sages and made Dandaka a safe place for them and that great one left me only alive but after insulting me because he was not inclined to kill women as he followed laws. 34.10-34.11

"His brother Lakshmana like him had great luster and good qualities; equalled him in his valour. That valorous one loved Rama and was his devotee." 34.12

"He is impatient, invincible, very courageous, wins over all, wise and strong and he is the right hand of Rama, and the soul of Rama moving round him." 34.13

"Rama's wife who has broad eyes and face like full moon is the dear one who was interested only in looking after Rama's pleasures." 34.14

"She who is famous has pretty hair, pretty nose and a pretty form and looked like a goddess in the forest and was shining like Goddess of wealth." 34.15

"That auspicious one was shining with gold colour and had red coloured nails and she was Sita, the princess of Videha and had narrow waist." 34.16

"I have not seen a lady with her pretty form earlier in this earth or among devas or among Gandharwas or among Yakshas or among Kinnaras." 34.17

"If one gets Sita as wife or if she embraces any one with love, he would live longer in this world than Devendra." 34.18

"She is of good character, praiseworthy in appearance in this world, and incomparable and she would be a matching wife to you and you would be a matching husband to her." 34.19

"Oh great armed one, when I was trying to get her who has broad hips, who has big and erect breasts, for making her who has an auspicious face to be your wife, the very strong Lakshmana with cruelty disfigured me." 34.20

"If you were to see Vaidehi who has a face like full moon today, you would be affected by the arrows of the God of love." 34.21

"If in your opinion, you want to make her your wife, you quickly raise your right foot, so that you can go there quickly." 34.22

"Oh king of Rakshasas, do a favourable act to the Rakshasas by killing that cruel Rama, who lives in the hermitage." 34.23

"If by your sharp arrows kill that hero Lakshmana also you can enjoy like with the widowed Sita as much as you like." 34.24

"Oh King of Rakshasas, if you like my words, then without any hesitation follow my words, Oh Ravana." 34.25

"Oh king of Rakshasas, by your own power, after properly assessing everything, forcefully abduct Sita who is delicate and charming in all respects and make her your wife." 34.26

"After understanding the unerring power of the arrows of Rama, after clearing understanding about the killing of Rakshasas as well as Khara and Dhooshana in Janasthana, I hope you will decide on your future course of action." 34.27

This is the end of Thirty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

35. Ravana at Mareecha's Hermitage

[Ravana feels that it is a very good idea and he starts his journey from his palace secretly. He sees the place where Garuda broke the branches of a tree. He reaches the hermitage of Mareecha.]

Then thrilled by hearing the words of Soorpanakha, Ravana took leave from his ministers, thought about the task on hand and went. 35.1

After thinking about pros and cons of the actions to be undertaken, after considering the good and bad as well as strength and weakness of that matter, deciding on the course to be followed that one who acts according to his own decision made by a firm mind, Ravana went to the place of his vehicles. 35.2-35.3

Ravana went to the place of his vehicles in a secretive way, ordered his charioteer to get ready a chariot for him quickly. 35.4

As soon as the orders were received that Charioteer who was himself valorous quickly got ready the choicest chariot in a matter of seconds. 35.5

That brother of Khubera, the lord of the Rakshasas got in to a golden chariot, which was decorated by gems, which was pulled by donkeys with the face of ghosts and which can go to any place that we desire and went towards the ocean making sound like storm clouds. 35.6-35.7

The ten headed one looking like a king of mountain with ten peaks, the enemy of Gods, the killer of great sages, the lord of Rakshasas attended by white yak tail fans, with white umbrellas held over him, having a body like a lustrous Vaidoorya, wearing pure gold ear globes, with ten heads, twenty hands, dressed in good looking cloths got in to the chariot which goes to places as per our wish and ascended the light encircled sky and accompanied by cranes and shined like clouds. 35.8-35.10

That valorous one saw and examined mountains on the sea shore, with trees with varying type of fruits and flowers spread in thousands. 35.11

He saw lotus ponds filled with cold and auspicious water, sprawling hermitages with raised altars spread everywhere. 35.12

That area was completely covered by Banana plants which were encircled by shining and pretty coconut palms, Sala trees which were in flower, Palms as well as Tamala trees 35.13

That are shined with Nagas, Suparnas, Gandharwas in thousands, Kinnaras, Ajaas, Vaikhasanas, Maashas, Mareechipaas, Vaalakhilyas, great sages who were disciplined in their food habits, who having conquered their desires looked splendid and Sidhas and Charanas. 35.14-35.15

The place was surrounded by ladies of enchanting beauty decked in divine garlands and ornaments, with thousands of ladies engaged in different sport activities and Apsaras. 35.16

The prosperous goddesses served by wives of devas and gods in search of nectar and groups of devas and asuras were wandering here and there. 35.17

The radiance of the sea enhanced by flocks of swans and Krouncha birds as well as Sarasa birds and filled with their sounds was shining with a stretch paved by Vaidoorya stones. 35.18
Going hastily in the Sun, the brother of Khubera saw white and spacious aerial chariots on all sides controlled by those who had conquered the higher worlds by their penance. These chariots were decked with heavenly garlands, were ringing divine music and could fly where one desired. There were Gandharwas and Apsaras as well. 35.19-35.20

He saw tree trunks emitting resins, sandalwood trees with a delightful scent and thousands of other great trees. 35.21

In the forest especially he saw Aguroona trees as well as orchards of Takkolla trees and nutmeg trees with fine scent. 35.22

He saw Tamala trees I full bloom, clusters of Pepper Shrubs and large collection of drying pearls. 35.23

He also saw stretches of conches, heaps of corals all over the beach and he also saw gold and silver mountains. 35.24

He continued seeing waterfalls that delighted the mind, ponds with pleasant water, cities filled with wealth and grains, and gem like women shining and cities with elephants, horses and chariots. 35.25

All over the leveled pretty sea breeze which were soft to touch were blowing and he also the matchless king of oceans comparable to heaven. 35.26

Then he saw a big banyan tree with its branches which stretched two hundred miles wide which looked like a cloud, which was occupied by many sages. 35.27

Earlier the very strong Garuda taking an elephant and tortoise of a very huge body sat on these branches for eating them. 35.28

When that great among winged creatures Garuda, who was very strong sat on that branch full of leaves, it broke due to great weight. 35.29

The great sages Vaikhanasa. Masha, Valakilya, Marichipa, Aja and Dhoomra together were doing penance on that branch. 35.30

Due to pity for them Garuda carried the branch of one hundred yojanas length along with elephant and the tortoise with great speed. 35.31

The soul of Dharma, the greatest among birds, with one feet ate the meat of the elephant and Tortoise and destroyed the province of NIshadhas [Rakshasa settlement] by dropping the branch on it and got matchless happiness by getting the blessing of those sages. 35.32-35.33

Due to their happiness, his strength increased to double and that intelligent one decided to get the nectar. 35.34

After breaking the iron bars of the windows and after breaking the gem studded home, he secretly brought out the nectar from the city of Indra. 35.35

That brother of Khubera saw that banyan tree which was named as Subadhra with good leaves and on which the sages preferred to stay. 35.36
After going to the other end of the ocean which was the Lord of the rivers, he saw a pretty lonely hermitage inside the forest. 35.37

There he saw a Rakshasa called Mareecha who was wearing a deer skin, had matted hair and was observing disciplined food habits. 35.38

When Ravana reached there that Rakshasa Mareecha received him as per rules of receiving a king and fulfilled all his wishes. 35.39

After worshipping Ravana and offering him food and water, Mareecha spoke to him very meaningful words. 35.40

"Oh Lord of the Rakshasas, I hope everyone is Okay in Lanka. For what purpose have you come back here so quickly? 35.41

After the greatly lustrous Mareecha spoke these words and Ravana that expert in speech again started telling Mareecha 35.42

This is the end of Thirty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

36. Ravana Requests for Mareecha's Assistance

[Ravana informs Mareecha about incidents in Janasthana and requests him to become a golden deer, entice Sita and move away Rama, so that he can abduct her. Mareecha is disturbed at this prospect]

"Oh dear Mareecha, please hear my words as I am in deep anguish and you are the only one who can help me in this distress." 36.1

"You know well about my brother Khara who lives in Janasthana along with the very strong Dhooshana and my sister Soorpanakha along with Trisiras the eater of flesh. Apart from that, many Rakshasas killed in warfare were living there. They were living there permanently and as per my order gave trouble to the sages who follow Dharma and live in that great forest." 36.2-36.4

"There were fourteen thousand Rakshasas living there doing frightening deeds who were valorous and experts in use of weapons who assist Khara." 36.5

"All of those very strong ones,. Who lived in Janasthana with support of the entire group fought with Rama, armed with different king of weapons lead by Khara and Dhooshana." 36.6

"Becoming very angry that Rama in the battle field, without telling even a single harsh word, shot arrows from his bow." 36.7

"That man standing on foot, killed the greatly shining fourteen thousand people using very sharp arrows." 36.8

"Khara was killed in the battle in which Dhooshana also fell and Trisiras also was slain and Dandaka forest was made fearless." 36.9

"That Rama with temporary life span was sent to forest due to anger of his father along with his wife and that wretched Kshatriya killed all of them." 36.10

"That man of bad conduct, who is harsh, sharp, stupid, mean, slave of his senses, immoral, not wedded to dharma is harming other people for his pleasure." 36.11

"Without enmity and based only on his strength, he cut off the ears and nose of my sister and his wife Sita who is living in Janasthana is like the daughter of Gods and I want to abduct her by my strength using your help." 36.12-36.13

"Oh strong one, with your help by my side as well as the help of my brothers, even devas would hesitate to fight with me. And so, oh Rakshasa, who is capable one, please help me." 36.14-36.15

"There is no one equal to you in valour, and deceit and you are one who is the trickster, greatly valorous one and an expert in fight with illusion." 36.16

"Oh Rakshasa, I have come to meet you for this purpose only and so please hear my words and help me in this task." 36.17

"You become a great looking golden deer with silver spots and move in front of Sita who is in the hermitage of Rama." 36.18

"Without any doubt Sita would see you in your form as deer and she will ask her husband and Lakshmana to catch you and give you to her." 36.19

"By this trick Sita would be alone and lonely and I would abduct her, like Rahu adducts the luster of the moon." 36.20

"Then when Rama becomes sad at his wife being stolen, I would without obstruction I would retaliate at that great one." 36.21

Hearing the story of Rama, the great Mareecha became greatly worried and his throat becomes dried up. 36.22

After wetting his lips with his tongue and feeling as if his eyes were not blinking like a dead person, with great distress he looked at Ravana. 36.23

With great fear knowing about the valour of Rama with folded hands he told words aimed at the welfare of Ravana as well as his welfare. 36.24

This is the end of Thirty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

37. Mareecha tries to Dissuade Ravana

[Mareecha who knows about Rama, tells Ravana, that going against rama is like an invitation to death oh himself, his people and his country.]

That expert in conversation heard the words of Ravana, who was the king of Rakshasas, and that very intelligent Mareecha replied to the king of Rakshasas. 37.1

"Oh king, it is easy to get people who talk nicely to you and the person who talks words that are not to your liking and which is for your good are rare." 37.2

"You are not able to understand the great valour of Rama or his great character who is like the great Indra and Varuna, due to your ill-informed spies." 37.3

"Oh lad, do you think that there will be safety to any Rakshasa in the world now, because the very angry Rama would make the world bereft of Rakshasas." 37.4

"Did this Sita came in to this world to mark your end and I am sure that due to Sita a very great tragedy is going to happen." 37.5

"By getting you who is bent upon your own destruction, the city of Lanka would get destroyed along with you and its people." 37.6

"A king like you who is passionate by nature, with bad characters and having sinners as advisors would destroy, himself, his country and his people." 37.7

"Rama who is the enhancer of the happiness of his mother Kausalya, was forsaken by his father and there is no disrespect in him nor is there bad character, avarice, miserliness, lack of Dharma, nor evil doing to other beings and he is a great Kshatriya and does good only to all beings." 37.8-37.9

"Seeing his father being deceived that follower of Dharma said, "I would prove that I am a votary of truth" and came to the forest." 37.10

"For obeying the wishes of Kaikeyi as well as his father, he gave up the country as well as pleasures and entered the Dandaka forest." 37.11

"Oh lad, Rama is ruthless, not an ignorant one and has won over his sense organs and it is not proper for you talk about rumours heard about him." 37.12

"Rama is the personification of Dharma and is pious, truthful and valorous and he in the king of all worlds, like Indra is the king of devas." 37.13

"It is Rama's luster that is protecting Vaidehi. Then how do you propose to rob her as it would be like trying to rob the luster from the sun." 37.14

"Rama is an arrow with flame with bow and sword as its fuel and so cannot be meddled with and Rama will shine like fire in the war and you dare not enter it." 37.15

"His bow is an open pit of fire and his flaming arrows are the burning fire and when the Rama is angry and wears his bow and sharp arrows steal life of the enemy's army and oh lad do not give up your kingdom and pleasures and abandon your life to that Rama who is a god of death in person." 37.16-37.17

"Matchless is his power to whom the daughter of Janaka belongs, and you are not competent to steal her when she is protected by Rama's bow." 37.18

"That pretty lady, who belongs to the lion among men with the chest of lion, is his wife; dearer to him than his life and always loyal to him." 37.19

"You would not be in a position to reach Maithili, the darling of that effulgent one as she is the flame of that burning fire who is called as Sita." 37.20

"Oh king of Rakshasa, why are attempting this useless action, please understand that if Rama looks at you in war, that would be your last moment." 37.21

"The life, happiness and even the kingdom are difficult to obtain and if you want to enjoy them for a long time, do not do anything which Rama does not like." 37.22

"You take this decision after consulting all your ministers keeping in front Vibheeshana who is the follower of Dharma. Please judge the merits and demerits, examine the strength and weaknesses, understand your own strength as well as that of Rama, decided on good and bad results to you and take an appropriate decision. 37.23-37.24

Oh king of Rakshasas, I do not like the idea of your meeting Rama, the prince of Kosala kingdom in a war. Please listen to my appropriate and beneficial advice again." 37.25

This is the end of Thirty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

38. Mareecha's Narration: Interaction with Rama

[Mareecha tells about how Rama protected the Yagna of Viswamithra, threw him to a distance of one hundred Yojanas and he advises him not to interfere with Rama.]

"Once upon a time I, who was like a blue rich cloud, wearing ear globes made of pure gold, wearing a crown, and holding an iron bar as a weapon, with valour comparable to a mountain possessing the strength of one thousand elephants, was wandering in the Dandaka forests creating great fear in the mind of people and eating the flesh of ascetics. 38.1-38.2

"At that time the soul of Dharma, a great sage called Viswamithra who was frightened of me, went himself to king Dasaratha and told him." 38.3

"Oh king due to an asura called Mareecha, great fear has arisen in my mind and so please send Rama to protect us during the time of Yagna." 38.4

"When that soul of Dharma requested like to this king Dasaratha, he replied to that great sage in the following way." 38.5

"My son Raghava is only twelve years old and is not experienced in use of arrows and if you desire so, I will come to help you with my army." 38.6

"Oh great among sages, with the help of my great army which has four divisions, I would kill all the Rakshasas whom you consider as enemies." 38.7

"When told like this, the great sage told king Dasaratha, "Nobody in the world except Rama is a match to that great Rakshasa." 38.8

"Oh king you have protected even devas in war and the acts of war you participated is famous in all the three worlds." 38.9

"Oh destroyer of enemies, I desire that your great army stays here only. Though Rama is a child, he is very capable and greatly lustrous and capable of killing my enemies. Let you be safe." 38.10-38.11

"After telling that great sage took Rama, the son of the king along with him and lovingly took him to the hermitage of Viswamithra." 38.12

"Then in the Dandakaranya, Viswamithra took the vows to perform the Yagna, there Rama stood in guard holding his bow which was kept ready." 38.13

"That Rama who was beardless, gentle having a lotus petal like eyes, clad in a single garment, holding a bow, having a knotted hair, wearing a luminous gold chain and by his luster spread light in Dandakaranya forest. and he looked like a full moon that has just risen." 38.14-38.15

"At that time me looking like a huge dark cloud, wearing bright golden ear globes, who was strong and blessed with many boons arrived at that hermitage." 38.16

"As soon as I arrived raising my weapon, I entered that place but was seen by Rama without any fear and he started to string the arrow to his bow." 38.17

"Without knowing I thought I am much more powerful than Raghava and I entered quickly to the place where Viswamithra's yajna was in progress." 38.18

Then an arrow was released by that destroyer of enemies and it struck me and I was thrown in to a sea at a distance of one hundred yojanas." 38.19

"Due to his desire for not killing me that valorous one tried to protect me by throwing me away and I fell there unconscious." 38.20

"Oh lad, I who was thrown far away in the sea water, after a long time gained consciousness and went back to city of Lanka." 38.21

"By Rama who has not completed his studies in archery and who could complete any work easily, I was spared that way but those who came to help me were destroyed." 38.22

"Oh Ravana, in spite of being prevented by me, if you enter in to conflict with Rama, you will soon face great danger." 38.23

"You will bring great sorrow to the Rakshasas who are experts in the sport of love and who celebrates festivals together as a community." 38.24

"You will ruin the city of Lanka filled with magnificent royal mansions and decorated by varied type of gems, by taking the princess of Mithila there." 38.25

"Though you do not sin, by mixing in the company of sinners, you would be destroyed like a fish in the company of large number of snakes." 38.26

"By your defects you will make the Rakshasas who apply divine sandalwood on their bodies and who decorate themselves with divine ornaments, to be killed and lie on the bare earth." 38.27

"You will see that after Rama slays Rakshasas, remaining ones either in the company of wives or their wives being abducted, with no one to look after them would flee in all ten directions." 38.28

"Without any doubt you would see Lanka with burning buildings, filled with net of arrows and surrounded by flames of fire." 38.29

"There is no greater sin than sexual dalliance with the wives of other people though you are married to one thousand pretty women." 38.30

"You please get engaged only with your wives, so that you can protect your clan, prestige, prosperity and kingdom and also your life." 38.31

"If you wish enjoy your life for a long time in a greater measure with peaceful wives as well as peaceful friends, please do not offend Rama." 38.32

"In spite of my warning by an earnest friend like me, if you forcefully violate Sita, your life would be pulled out by the arrows of Rama and power along with relations get reduced and you will go to the land of Yama." 38.33

This is the end of Thirty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

39. Mareecha's Narration: Encounter with Rama

[Mareecha tells how his two companions were killed by Rama when he went to attack him in the form of a deer. He tells that he is scared of anything whose name starts with letter "Ra". He tells Ravana that he would not obey him.]

"In that clash with him, I had been somehow released. Please hear what happened recently which does not have any remedy." 39.1

"I along with two Rakshasas without any worry on my part, taking the form of deer entered the Dandaka forest." 39.2

"I took the form of a huge deer with shining tongue, big body, sharp teeth and with great strength was wandering in the Dandakaranya, eating flesh." 39.3

"Oh Ravana, in that dreadful form, I wandered in places with sacrificial fire, near sacred waters, near hermitages and near fig trees, torturing the sages." 39.4

"Killing sages who follow Dharma in Dandakaranya, drinking their blood and eating their flesh, I wandered there." 39.5

"I who was one who ate the flesh of the sages and one who hated Dharma, intoxicated by drinking the blood behaved cruelly with those who wander in the forest." 39.6

"There again I encountered Rama, the follower of dharma, Vaidehi and the very strong Lakshmana who is also a great warrior." 39.7

"Ignoring Rama who was a sage eating restricted food, acting for the welfare of all beings and who was very strong, I who had gone to the forest, thinking that he is only an ascetic and also remembering the old enmity, in the form of a deer, I ran towards him with great anger in the form of a deer and pointing at him with my sharp horns, and forgetting his strike at me in the past." 39.8-39.9

"He, that destroyer of enemies, then drew his great bow, producing the sound of the whiz of Garuda released three sharp arrows at me." 39.10

"Those three arrows with strong bends, all equal to Vajrayudha, which were well targeted came for eating my blood." 39.11

"I being wicked, remembering about his earlier great valour and being scared, in a bewildered state ran away and the other two Rakshasas were killed." 39.12

"After saving myself from the arrows of Rama somehow, I got out alive and now being composed in my mind, have started to live the life of an ascetic, who has given up everything." 39.13

"In all trees I am seeing him dressed in deer skin and bark, holding a bow, looking like the God of death with his noose." 39.14

"Oh Ravana due to fear I see thousands of Rama and it appears to me that the entire forest is filled with the form of Rama." 39.15

"Oh king of Rakshasas, even when I am alone, I see only Rama and seeing Rama in my dream, I reel and become senseless." 39.16

"Oh Ravana, any word starting with letter "Ra", frightens me of Rama and even words like Rathna [Gem] and Radha [Chariot] creates fear in me." 39.17

"Knowing his great power, it is not proper for you to wage a war against him for that son of Raghu clan can even kill great Rakshasas like Bali and Namoochi." 39.18

"There are many people who strictly follow Dharma, but due to the mistake of others they are destroyed along with their family." 39.19

"Oh Rakshasa, like that I am going to be destroyed because of your mistakes. So do whatever you think is proper and I am not going to follow you." 39.20

"Rama has great luster, great power and great strength. Would he become the God of death of the world of Rakshasas?" 39.21

"Due to Soorpanakha, Khara came from Janasthana and before he exceeded his limits, he was killed by Rama who can achieve anything and please tell me sincerely in what way Rama exceeded his limits." 39.22-39.23

"Oh Ravana, I have spoken these words aiming at the welfare of our relatives and if you do not follow the words spoken by me, you along with our relations will perish in the war by Rama's arrows which move straight. 39.24

This is the end of Thirty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

40. Ravana Threatens Mareecha

[Ravana tells that he did not ask his advice and threatens to kill him, if he disobeys him. He also says that if both of them succeed in their plot, he would give him half his kingdom.]

That Rakshasa did not accept Mareecha's words though they were competent and logical, like a man desirous of dying does not take the suitable medicine. 40.1

That king of Rakshasas hearing the very suitable words which were good for him, spoken by Mareecha, driven by fate made a harsh and inappropriate reply. 40.2

"Oh Mareecha, the words told by you are inappropriate and they are useless like the seeds sown in saline soil." 40.3

"Your words are incapable of dissuading me especially from a combat with Rama who is sinner and a foolish man." 40.4

"Hearing the primitive words of a lady, he came at once to the forest leaving, friends, kingdom, mother as well as father." 40.5

"I consider it essential to abduct his wife whom he loves more than his life, in your presence since he killed Khara in war." 40.6

"Oh Mareecha, I have decided my mind on that and nobody can stop me from that including Indra, devas and asuras." 40.7

"You are supposed to tell me about merits or demerits or about dangers or tricks involved in this task only if I ask you to tell about it." 40.8

"If a king asks for it, then only the minister can talk with folded hands, though he is an intellectual or astute advisor." 40.9

"A king should be addressed in gentle words which pleases his heart, which are not unfavorable to him

and should be told to him with courtesy." 40.10

"Oh Mareecha, A king does not feel happy even good words of advice, if they are told in an oppressive way as he deserves respect." 40.11

"Very powerful kings assume the five forms of Fire, Indra, moon, Varuna and Yama." 40.12

"Oh Rakshasa, a great king like fire normally possesses heat, valour, commanding power, gentleness and grace and therefore a king should be respected under all circumstances." 40.13

"You who do not know Dharma but deluding yourself that you know it and you have talked with an evil mind cruel and harsh words to me, who has arrived as your guest." 40.14

"I did not ask you about the merits or demerits nor asked you about desirability or otherwise and Oh Rakshasa with great valour, I only asked you this much." 40.15
"You have to assist me in this great task. Please hear my words about what you should do." 40.16

"You transform yourself to a rare deer of golden colour with silver spots and roam here and there in front of the hermitage of Rama for attracting Vaidehi towards you and later you can go wherever you want." 40.17-40.18

"Seeing that deer of illusion Sita would be greatly wonder struck and request Rama to get that deer to her with haste." 40.19

"When the attention of the son of Kakustha clan is diverted, after moving to a distance, imitating the voice of Rama, you cry in a loud tone "Hey Sita, Hey Lakshmana" 40.20

"Hearing that, as requested by Sita, Lakshmana would follow scared and confused the same path of Rama, out of love." 40.21

"When Kakustha and Lakshmana are away from there, I would comfortably get the lady Sita, like Indra got Sachi Devi." 40.22

"Oh Rakshasa, after accomplishing this task, you can do wherever you want and Oh Mareecha who does good penance, then I would give you half my kingdom." 40.23

"Oh gentle one, go in to that peaceful path and get engaged in accomplishing the task and I would accompany you in my Chariot to the Dandaka forest." 40.24

"After deceiving Rama and getting Sita without any war, I would return back after accomplishing the task along with you." 40.25

"Oh Mareecha, If you do not do this task, now itself I will kill you and this task then would be done by me using force, because a person who disobeys the king does not live with comfort." 40.26

“You may not live after facing Rama in combat but if you oppose me your death by me is definite now and so think about intelligently and take a decision as to what is desirable under these circumstances." 40.27

This is the end of Fortieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

41. Ravana's Proposal to Mareecha

[Mareecha says that he would prefer to be killed by the enemy than by Ravana and agrees to Ravana's proposal.]

When that Rakshasa heard this unfavorable order of the king, that Mareecha told these harsh words to the king of Rakshasas. 41.1

"Oh Rakshasa, who has advised you to do this sinful action which would lead to your destruction along with all your sons, all your kingdoms and all your ministers?" 41.2

"Who is that sinner who cannot tolerate, you being happy? BY whose advice have you been taken to the gates of death?" 41.3

"It is clear that some Rakshasa who lacks valour desires your destruction and wants you to be obstructed by a stronger power." 41.4

"Oh Rakshasa, which debased person who is not interested in your welfare has given you this advice, Which will lead you to your self-destruction." 41.5

"Oh Ravana, all your ministers who did not prevent you from taking this wrong path should be put to death." 41.6

"When a king is passionate by nature and travels in that chosen path, the ministers should have resisted him. Why were you not forbidden from doing forbidden tasks by the good people?" 41.7

"Oh Rakshasa, Oh greatest among the victorious, the ministers attain Dharma, desires, wealth and fame due to the grace of their Lord who is the king." 41.8

"Oh Ravana, if this does not take place everything would become useless and due to the bad trait of the king calamities would result." 41.9

"Oh best among victorious, king is the root of Dharma and victory and so a king need to be protected at all costs at every stage." 41.10

"Oh king, Oh Rakshasa, a very sharp one, one with hostility and one who has humility cannot rule the kingdom properly." 41.11

"Those ministers who adopt wrong strategies are quickly overthrown along with the king, like a speedy horses driven by a slow charioteer on a rough path." 41.12

"In this world, even those pious people, who do their duty properly are ruined along with their kith and kin by mistakes committed by others." 41.13

"Citizens who are ruled by a king who is cruel as well as un-favourable, would not prosper like the goats protected by the jackal." 41.14

"Oh Ravana, all those Rakshasas ruled by you, who is cruel, evil minded and slave to passion would definitely perish." 41.15

"Due to you, I am facing the dreadful death for no real reason at all, but who will repent for you when you and your army would be destroyed." 41.16

"Not long after killing me, Rama will kill you too. Though I will be dying in the hands of enemy, I would have accomplished my desire." 41.17

"Be assured that, just by Rama's looks, I would be killed and on the abduction of Sita, please understand that you along your kith and kin would also be killed." 41.18

"Suppose you are able to get out Sita with my help, be assured that you, me, kingdom of Lanka as well as the Rakshasas would no more be there." 41.19

"Please heed this warning from me who is your well-wisher and Oh Rakshasa, if you do not heed my words remember that those who do not heed the advice of well-meaning friends would be almost dead and will have a short life span." 41.20

This is the end of Forty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.