Aranya Kandam

68. Jatayu's Death

[Jatayu tells Rama that Sita wass abducted by Ravana, the son of Visravas and brother of Khubera. He tells that Rama will get back Sita because any thing stolen at that time would be recovered. Jatayu dies. Rama cremates him and offers him oblations.]

Rama seeing that vulture who has been thrown fiercely on the ground, told Lakshmana, these words of great friendliness. 68.1

"It is for my sake that this bird made efforts to fight the battle with the Rakshasa and having been defeated by the Rakshasa, he is about to give away his life." 68.2

"Oh Lakshmana, He is suffering too much and is about to give up his life which is difficult to give up and as of now he appears, blank, agitated and not able to speak." 68.3

"Oh Jatayu, if you have sufficient strength talk to me again. Be safe and please tell me about abduction of Sita and how you have been stuck down." 68.4

"For what reason has Ravana abducted that noble lady? What offence has I committed against him based on which he has abducted her?" 68.5

"How was the pretty and moon like face of Sita when she was being abducted? And what did Sita tell at that time, Oh great bird?" 68.6

"What is the form of that Rakshasa? How powerful is he? What did the Rakshasa do? Where does he live? Oh father, please tell as I am asking you." 68.7

Afterwards, that piteous bird Jatayu, wailing, addressed Rama in a low tone and spoke these words." 68.8

"That king of Rakshasas Ravana assuming a magical form and producing dust of wind and clouds took her away through the sky route." 68.9

"Oh Lad when I was completely tired that Rakshasa cut off my wings and taking Sita with him travelled towards the south." 68.10

"Oh Raghava, my life is resisting, sight is whirling and I see golden usira roots grown on tree tops similar to root hairs." 68.11

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, that Ravana has taken away Sita in the Vinda period and it is known that things lost in this period, later speedily join the owner and that Ravana without bothering about this has taken her to lose her quickly." 68.12

"By abducting your darling Sita the king of Rakshasas Ravana, is swallowing the hook just like the fish and would be destroyed quickly." 68.13

"There is no need for you to worry about the daughter of Janaka for you will soon enjoy her company after killing the Rakshasa." 68.14

When the vulture was conversing with an alert mind to Rama, blood mixed with flesh started flowing from him indicating that he is dying. 68.15

The king of the birds gave up his life which was difficult to get while saying, "Ravana is the son of sage Visravas and real brother of Khubera." 68.16

As Rama with folded hands was requesting the bird, please tell, please tell", the soul of the vulture left its body and went to the sky. 68.17

Then he put down his head on the earth, stretched his leg and lifted his whole body and fell on the ground. 68.18

Seeing the mountain like vulture with red eyes die, Rama who was already in great sorrow, pitiably with great sorrow told Lakshmana. 68.19

"He lived happily for many years in this Dandakaranya, where many Rakshasas live and his life has been shattered here." 68.20

"Being extremely old, he has lived for very many years and he is lying dead, for it is not possible to escape the dictates of time." 68.21

"See Lakshmana, this vulture which has done help to me is dead and he was killed by the strong Ravana when he tried to help Sita." 68.22

"He forsook the land of vultures which belonged to his ancestors and the king of birds has given up his life for my sake." 68.23

"Oh Lakshmana even among those born from the womb of animals and birds, you would be able to see good people who are followers of Dharma, valorous ones and protectors." 68.24

"Oh gentle one, Oh scorcher of enemies, the grief caused to me by the abduction is not as much as the grief caused by the death of this vulture for my sake." 68.25

"Like the famous king Dasaratha of great fame deserves my worship, so does this king of birds deserve it." 68.26

"Oh son of Sumithra, you collect firewood and I will generate fire by churning, as I wish to cremate the vulture king as he died for me." 68.27

Then Raghava placed the body of the king of the world of birds on the pyre and told Lakshmana, "Oh son of Sumithra, I will burn him who was killed by a Rakshasa with great anger." 68.28

"Oh great and mighty eagle, please attain that status which is attained by those who perform Yagnas, those who kindle sacrificial fires, by those who do not return back alive and by those who give land as gift, Purified by the fire that I have lit, please go and attain the incomparable heaven." 68.29-68.30

After telling this, Rama placed that god of birds on the funeral pyre and lit it, treating him similar to a relative of his. 68.31

Then Rama along with the son of Sumithra who was valorous went to the forest and killed a large stately deer, spread it before the pyre and offered it to the great bird. 68.32

That famed Rama took out the flesh of the deer from its skin made them in to balls and laid them on the lovely grass and offered it to Jatayu. 68.33

Then Rama chanted those Manthras which would be chanted by Brahmins pertaining to father, which were meant for sending a human being to heaven. 68.34

Those blessed sons of the king then went to river Godavari and offered oblations of water for the sake of the king of vultures. 68.35

Thereafter both sons of Raghu clan took funeral bath in the river and offered oblations of water as per scriptures to the king of vultures. 68.36

That king of vultures having done a very difficult job which will bring fame in the battle and was killed, by having been offered funeral rites as per scriptures attained a holy and auspicious state 68.37

After offering water oblations to that great bird, after thinking about what has been told by the king of birds and fixing their mind firmly on future course entered the forest like Vishnu and Indra. 68.38

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

69. Rama Meets Ayomukhi

[When walking in the forest near the hermitage of Matanga, a Rakshasi called Ayomukhi attacks them. Lakshmana catches hold of her and cuts her, nose ears and breasts. They see bad omens and then they are both caught by a huge horrifying Rakshasa called Kabandha]

Then both Rama and Lakshmana after offering oblations started towards the south western direction in the forest searching for Sita. 69.1

Both the princes of Ikshuvaku dynasty armed with bows, arrows and swords, walked towards south western direction, first walking through the dense covered forest. 69.2

With many trees, shrubs and trees which had grown and spread all over, the way appeared impenetrable, difficult to travel and appeared dreadful. 69.3

Those two very strong Rama and Lakshmana, forced themselves through that dense forest populated by elephants and lions with speed and crossed that forest. 69.4

Then later those two courageous princes after going three kosas [about 11 km] from Janasthana reached and entered the dense Krauncha forest. 69.5

Tormented by the abduction of Sita, eager to see Vaidehi both stopped here and there for awhile in the forest which was dense and looked like formation of clouds of different kinds and which was filled with many animals and snakes. 69.6-69.7

Then the brothers went three kosas east word crossing the Krauncha forest and they saw a very terrible forest near the hermitage of Matanga filled with fearful animals and birds and which had various types of animals and densely grown great trees and there the sons of Dasaratha saw a cave filled with darkness which was majestic like Patala. 69.8-69.10

Those tiger among men reached the cave and not far from there saw a Rakshasi with a huge body and an ugly face. 69.11

The two brothers Rama and Lakshmana saw a Rakshasi who was scary, timid, nauseating, had a fearful appearance, had a big paunch, sharp teeth, very old, speaking undesirable words, was eating formidable animals and had a spread out hair. 69.12-69.13

She came near them and saw Lakshmana who was walking in front and told him "Come on, let us enjoy love play", and held Lakshmana. 69.14

After catching hold of the hand of the son of Sumithra and hugging him she told, "My name is Ayomukhi and have been attracted by your heroic personality and you will live with me. Oh valorous lord, for the rest of our lives we will wander over lofty hills, rivers and sand banks, making love there." 69.15-69.16

Lakshmana, the conqueror of enemies got very angry at this and took out his sword and cut off her ears, nose and breasts. 69.17

That Rakshasi who had a gross appearance ran off shrieking and shouting in a changed tone, when her ears and nose were cut off and went by the way she had come. 69.18

When she went away, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana, both of whom were destroyers of enemies and had great luster walked further and reached a dense forest. 69.19

Lakshmana who had great luster, clean and one having good conduct and one who says the truth told his brother who was shining like light, these words holding his hands in salutation. 69.20

"My strong shoulder is throbbing and my mind is agitated and I feel that these are undesirable omens." 69.21

"Oh noble one, therefore be ready and heed my good words and advice as I have no doubt that the period which is going to come would be full of perils. I am perplexed by this." 69.22

"That Vanchulaka bird is making a sound which is extremely frightening, possibly indicating our victory in a war." 69.23

When both the lustrous brothers were further searching in the forest, a huge and tremendous sound, as if the forest was being broken were heard by them. 69.24

A huge wind appeared to completely cover the sky and they heard a sound in the forest which appeared to fill the entire sky. 69.25

When Rama along with his brother by his side was trying to find out the reason for that sound, Rama saw a huge bodied Rakshasa with a huge stomach. 69.26

Then they saw prominently before them a head and neck less body with face on his stomach reaching them. 69.27

That huge body was covered with hair standing up like bristles resembling a dark blue cloud and was making sound like the cloud. 69.28

That one was having only one eye which was glowing like fire on its forehead and had huge eyelashes, with reddish brown colour, stretched broad, which was capable of seeing to great distances and a huge mouth, with a huge teeth and tongue licking on his huge mouth. 69.29-69.30

That dreadful one kept on eating lions, bears, deer and elephants, by taking them by stretching his long arms which were One Yojana [two miles] long. 69.31

With his hands catching and taking various bears, flock of birds, several numbers of deer by both his hands and also throwing them away that huge form came near the brothers and stood blocking their way. 69.32

Then both of them saw that Kabandha [only body] with his body at a distance of one krosa [one and half miles] mighty, frightening, gross and with his hands stretched out and it was frightening to see. 69.33-69.34

He after completely spreading his two great broad arms caught both the sons of Raghava clan and hurt them with his strength. 69.35

Both of them in spite of their wielding huge swords and strong bows and in spite of a very shining body became helpless when they were seized by that strong one. 69.36

Being a valorous hero, Rama was not pained much but Lakshmana being younger and not well sheltered was greatly worried and with great disturbance in his mind told Rama. 69.37

"Oh valorous one, see me being helpless and caught by this Rakshasa and so Oh Raghava, leave me here and free yourselves." 69.38

"It is my opinion that you Give me as a sacrifice to him and run away without being harmed and attain Vaidehi soon." 69.39

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, Oh Rama, when you get back your kingdom belonging to our ancestors and when you are ruling that kingdom, I desire that you remember about me." 69.40

When Lakshmana told like this, Rama told the son of Sumithra, "Oh Valorous one, do not be scared and it is not proper for a hero like you to get worried." 69.41

In the meanwhile that cruel Kabandha who was great Rakshasa in a voice similar to thunder enquired with Rama and Lakshmana. 69.42

"Who are you both having shoulders like a bull and carrying huge swords and bows. Since you have reached this horrible place, you have become food to me." 69.43

"Being youth, you can tell me the purpose of your coming here. You have reached the place at the correct time, as I am waiting here with hunger." 69.44

"Holding bows, arrows and sword both of you have entered my domain like bulls with pointed horns and now it is not possible to be alive anymore." 69.45

Hearing these words of that bad soul Kabandha, with a dried up mouth Rama told Lakshmana. 69.46

"Oh truly valorous one, it is dreadful that from great difficulty we have progressed to greater difficulty without finding my beloved and we are nearing the end of our life." 69.47

"Oh Lakshmana, the great power of god of death [time?] over persons is extremely evident and now me and you have reached a point of great calamity." 69.48

"Oh Lakshmana, the power of god of death [time?] on people is very great and whether a person is valorous, very strong and is knowledgeable of use of weapons in war, they cannot stand the power of god of death [time] like barriers built with sand." 69-49-69.50

Thus told the very famous son of Dasaratha, who is stable in valour and truth, and who is determined to act with a steadfast mind, on seeing the mighty valorous Lakshmana. 69.51

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

70. Kabandha's Arms

[Rama and Lakshmana cut away the arms of the great Kabandha and he falls down. Then he starts telling his story.]

Seeing those two brothers who were there, in this hold of his great rope like arms Kabandha told them. 70.1

"You who are great Kshatriya heroes have been sent by God as food to appease my hunger and why are you staying there losing your minds?" 70.2

Hearing that Lakshmana, who had gone through great suffering told him at the appropriate time, most suitable words. 70.3

"This base Rakshasa wants to swallow you and me quickly and so let us cut off his long arms with our swords." 70.4

"This terrible looking big bodied Rakshasa who has great valour in his arms, who has brought the world under his control wants to kill us here." 70.5

"Oh lord of the world, it is not proper for a king to kill someone who has not done him any harm, like animals which have been brought in the middle of a sacrifice should not be killed." 70.6

Hearing them talking like this among themselves that Rakshasa became very angry and he opened his mouth to eat both of them. 70.7

Then those princes of the Raghu clan who were experts in knowledge of time and place took out their swords and without any problem cut off both the arms. 70.8

Rama who can judge things quickly cut off his right arm with his sword and the valorous Lakshmana cut off his left arm. 70.9

That great armed one losing both his arms fell on the ground screaming and making great sound, like a stormy cloud falling from sky to earth, making all the directions tremble. 70.10

Seeing his cut off arms lying in the pool of blood, That Rakshasa piteously asked them. "Oh valorous ones, who are you?" 70.11

When he was speaking like that, the auspicious looking Lakshmana revealed about the family of Raghu to that great Kabandha. 70.12

"He is the world famous Rama born in the clan of Ikshuvaku and I am his younger brother. Please know this." 70.13

"When he who has the power of God was living in this desolate forest a Rakshasa abducted his wife and we have come here in search of her." 70.14

"Who are you? Why are you having only the body with a glittering mouth on your chest? Why are you rolling without your calf muscles?' 70.15

When Lakshmana addressed Kabandha this way, he became greatly pleased remembering the words of Indra told earlier. 70.16

"Welcome to you, Oh tiger among men. It was due to my luck that I was able to see you. It was due to my luck that you have cut off my hands." 70.17

"Please listen oh tiger among men, when you tell you exactly how I got this ugly form from my usual form due to my act of indiscipline." 70.18

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

71. Kabandha's Story

[Kabandha was the son of Dhanu and had a pretty form. He got a great boon from Brahma and later when he fought with Indra, using Vajrayudha he plunged his head in to his body. He had told him that he will get his pretty form back when his hands are cut by Rama and he is burnt. He promises to help Rama after he gets back his divine form.]

"Oh Great one, Oh Rama with great strength and valour, earlier my form was famous in all the three worlds and was comparable to Indra, Sun and Moon." 71.1

"I was greatly terrorizing the world after assuming this form and eventually used to frighten the sages who were living in the forest." 71.2

"A sage called Sthoola Sira who was troubled by me using my unusual form, while he was collecting firewood became very angry with me" 71.3

"After seeing me, he gave a dreadful curse that I would permanently have the form that I have assumed." 71.4

"When I begged him to put an end to the curse given in great anger to me, he spoke the following words." 71.5

"When Rama cuts away your arms in this desolate forest and burns you, you would again assume the usual pretty form of yours." 71.6

"Oh Lakshmana, know me as the son of Dhanu who was shining in prosperity and by the anger of Indra I obtained this form in a battle." 71.7

"I with great penance pleased the grandfather Lord Brahma and he blessed me with long life. This boon made me greatly proud." 71.8

"Having obtained a long life span, I knew that Indra could not do anything to me and due to this I opposed Indra in a battle in a thoughtless manner." 71.9

"By the weapon Vajra which had hundred knots in his arms, he made my lower limbs and head to go inside my body." 71.10

"In spite of begging him to send me to the world of God of death he told, "Let words of Lords Brahma become true." 71.11

"Due to being hit by the Vajra, my thigh bones, head and face had been broken and how could I live long without taking food?." 71.12

"When I told like this to Indra, he himself created me long arms of one Yojana length and mouth and sharp teeth in my stomach." 71.13

"I stretch all over my long arms in the forest and after pulling tiger, elephants and deer which move about in the forest, I eat them." 71.14

"Indra also has told me "When Rama and Lakshmana come ant cut your arms you will reach heaven." 71.15

"Oh Rama, of best of the kings, with this type of body in the forest, I thought that it is proper catch all that I was able to catch." 71.16

"I was thinking that definitely you would come to this forest and this with this thought I was struggling to maintain this body." 71.17

"Be safe. you are that Rama. As per the words of that great sage no one except Raghava had the strength kill me." 71.18

"Oh great among me, I would give you very good advice to you both, when I am purified by use of fire by you." 71.19

The soul of Dharma told this to Dhanu, after listening to all these words that he told Lakshmana. 71.20

"My wife of great fame Sita was abducted by Ravana with happiness and without difficulty when me and my brother were not there." 71.21

"I only know his name and do not know anything about that Rakshasa's form and we do not know anything about his power or his place of residence." 71.22

"Please show your pity on me who is suffering from sorrow and pain, who not have any one who will help and who runs all over without knowing direction." 71.23

"We would now collect the fire wood broken by elephants, make a great pit in a place suitable for it and do your cremation." 71.24

"You may please tell us, where Sita has been taken and whether she is alive or dead. You may please do this auspicious help, if you know about it." 71.25

When Rama told this to the good Dhanu and then he, who is an expert in speech like Raghava, told the words of welfare." 71.26

"Not being divine now, I do not know anything about Maithili as of now but when I assume the divine form after burning, I will reveal about it to you." 71.27

"Oh Lord before being burnt, I do not have the power to know about the very powerful Rakshasa who abducted Sita." 71.28

"Oh Raghava, due to the power of the curse, I am kept away from knowledge and having attained this form all the world despises me." 71.29

"Before the sun God travelling in his vehicle gets tired and sets, you drop me in the pit and burn me as per the ritualistic rules." 71.30

"Oh son of Raghu clan, if you drop me in the pit and burn me according to rules, I will let you know about a man who knows that Rakshasa and would tell you about him." 71.31

"Oh Raghava, according to proper rules of justice you should make him your friend and he will extend you his help, Oh warrior who acts swiftly." 71.32

"Oh Raghava, there is nothing in the three worlds that he does not know as for a different reason; he was roaming about the entire world." 71.33

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

72. Kabandha's Request to Rama

[Kabandha tells them to go and Sugreeva in the banks of Pampa. He said that if Rama signs a treaty with him, then he would help Rama to recover Sita. He also assures that Sita has not been harmed.]

After Kabandha told like this, those valorous kings after reaching to a mountain cave along with Kabandha set fire to the body. 72.1

Lakshmana himself with big wooden torches lighted the funeral pyre from all directions and started burning in all places. 72.2

That body of Kabandha was like a great and big ball of ghee and when the body was lighted by the body's fat, fire slowly started to consume the body. 72.3

That strong Kabandha wearing unsoiled pair of cloths and divine garland rose from the funeral pyre after shaking it and Kabandha shined like a smokeless fire. 72.4

Then he happily came out from the pyre speedily wearing clean cloths and ornaments all over his body. 72.5

Sitting on a shining aero plane drawn by the swans with his luster he illuminated all the ten directions. That Kabandha who had gone to the sky said the following to Rama. "Hear me, I will tell you about the method of getting back Sita." 72.6-72.7

"Oh Rama, there are six methods to achieve anything. Any one suffering bad luck would be helped by another one suffering bad luck." 72.8

"Oh Rama, You and Lakshmana are now going through a bad patch and due to abduction of your wife and her possible ill treatment sorrow has come to you." 72.9

"Oh best friend, for achieving that matter you should make friends with him and in spite of thinking, I do not find any method for you to achieve what you want." 72.10

"Please hear from me Rama. He is a monkey called Sugreeva and had to abandon his kingdom due to anger of Vali, who is the son of Devendra." 72.11

"He who is greatly self respecting and valorous lives in the slope of a mountain called Rishyamooka in a pretty palace near the river Pampa, along with four of his friends." 72.12

"That king of monkeys, is greatly valorous, has great splendour, very brilliant, a teller of truth, very intelligent, blessed with humility, firm and great." 72.13

"He is efficient, brave, lustrous, mighty, heroic and very strong and has been banished by his brother for the sake of the kingdom." 72.14

"He will help you as a friend who would be interested in your welfare, in finding out Sita and so do not indulge mind in sorrow." 72.15

"Oh tiger of the Ikshuvaku clan, whatever is going to happen cannot be made to happen in a different manner and it is not possible to act against time." 72.16

"Oh Rama, from here go quickly to meet the very strong Sugreeva and after going there make him quickly as your friend and make a treaty without any ill will in the presence of fire." 72.17

"You should not insult Sugreeva, who is the king of monkeys as he would be grateful, take any form he wishes, valorous, greatly strong and would be a seeker of your help." 72.18

"You are both young and strong enough and you can fulfill his work. Whether he is grateful or ungrateful, he will do your work." 72.19

"He is the legal son of Riksharajas and the Sun god and he is wandering in the banks of Pampa suspecting danger from Vali who is his enemy." 72.20

"Keeping your weapons ready go to Rishyamooka mountain which is the residence of the monkeys and make that monkey who lives in forest as your true friend." 72.21

"That elephant among monkeys very clearly knows all those places occupied people who eat the flesh of man and so go with tact and meet him." 72.22

"Oh Rama, Oh killer of enemies, There is not even a small thing that is unknown to him in this world, where the sun shines." 72.23

"He with the help of his monkeys will search all over rivers, big mountains, mountain caves, caves and they will find out your wife." 72.24

"Oh Raghava, he will send monkeys with very big body to search in all directions, your Sita who must be sorrowing due to parting with you and find that blessed lady who is pure in the house of Ravana." 72-25-72.26

"That prominent among the monkeys would find your blameless wife, even if she is on the top of Meru mountain or whether she is in the nether world by going there and after killing the Rakshasas they will restore her to you." 72.27

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

73. Kabandha's Guidance

[Kabandha Requests Rama to meet saint Sabari who lives in the hermitage of Matanga, proceed to lake Pampa, climb up the Rishyamooka mountains and meet Sugreeva. He tells Rama to enter in to a treaty with Sugreeva before fire.]

Kabandha after telling Rama about the method to get back Sita again told the following meaningful words. 73.1

"Oh Rama take the peaceful path to the west which shines and is pleasing to the mind as you would find many trees under flowering there. There are Jambu trees, Priyala trees, Jack-fruit trees, holy Banyan tree, Plaksha trees [a tree from which milky latex oozes out], tinduka trees, holy fig trees Karnikara of red and white flowers, Mango trees, trees that grow on dry soil, Tilaka trees, trees that bloom at night, Agnimukhya and Asokha trees, Kadamba tree, Karaveera tree, red Asoka trees and Paribhadraka trees." 73.2-73.4

"You may either climb those trees are fell them by your great strength and eat their nectar like fruits, while proceeding ahead." 73.5

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, after crossing that you would come cross a forest in flowering. It can be comparable to the Nandana Garden and the North Kuru state." 73.6

"The trees in the gardens have fruits dripping with sweetness in all seasons and is similar to Chaithraratha garden of Khubera which yields fruits always." 73.7

"The trees there with huge bunches are bent due to the fruits they bear and shine like the clouds over mountains." 73.8

"Lakshmana after climbing them would easily harvest those nectar like fruits, make them fall on the ground and offer them to you." 73.9

"While pleasantly travelling from one forest to another forest and from one mountain to another mountain, both of you who are valorous would reach the Pampa lake." 73.10

"Oh Rama, the slopes of the lake of Pampa is smooth soil without stones and it does not slip and water is neither deep nor shallow and does not have moss but has lotus and lily flowers in full bloom." 73.11

"Oh Raghava in the waters of lake Pampa swans, ducks, Krouncha birds and Kurara birds are jumping here and there and cooing." 73.12

"Not knowing anything about being killed those auspicious birds are not scared of human beings and you can kill and eat them as those fat birds are like balls of ghee." 73.13

"Oh Rama i in that Pampa lake, Lakshmana who is endowed with devotion can kill choicest fish with single bone, prawns, fish with crooked trunk and huge fish, remove their skins and wings and cook them on iron skewers and offer them to you." 73.14-73.15

"And while you are with delight eating those fish Lakshmana can go to the tank which is pure, cold and enjoyable and full of lotus flowers and bring that lotus scented, pure, clear water resembling silver and crystal, in the lotus leaf and offer it to you." 73.16-73.17

"Oh best among men, you will also see there, huge boars which live in the mountain caves and roam freely in the forest, which approach with desire that very lovely Pampa to drink water." 73.18-73.19

"Oh Rama when you stroll there in the evening, you will see trees with large number of flowers and the cool water of Pampa and forget your sorrows." 73.20

"Oh Raghava there you will see the flowers of Tilaka trees, night jasmines, water lilies and lotus flowers strewn all over, making your mind calm." 73.21

"Oh Rama there are no human beings to wear those flowers and the flowers in garlands made by them will not wilt or drop." 73.22

"There the disciples of sage Matanga who were sages who normally are absorbed in meditation, were bringing food from the forest for their teacher Matanga, and when they were tired due to exhaustion, sweat drops from the body of those sages of great penance fell on earth and the flowers that blossomed from those sweat drops never fade or wilt." 73.23-73.24

"Though they have gone long back, you can see their female attendant Sabari, who is an ascetic living there." 73.25

"Oh Rama, She is a follower of Dharma saluted by all beings and she will go to heaven only after seeing you, the God like Rama." 73.26

"You will see her in the unmatched and secret hermitage on the western bank of Pampa which is difficult to see." 73.27

"Though there are many elephants in the forest and mountain nearby, those elephants do not attack the hermitage due to rule established by the sage Matanga." 73.28-73.29

"In that forest equivalent to the forest of devas and which can be compared to the Nandana Garden, which is full of several kinds of birds, you will give up your sorrow and enjoy." 73.30

"Rishyamooka which is full of flowering trees is situated in front of Pampa is very difficult to climb and is protected by elephants. This lofty mountain was raised in the earlier days by the generous Brahma." 73.31

"Oh Rama that man who sleeps on the top of that mountain, will get wealth in his dreams and after waking up again he will get it." 73.32

"A person who does evil or sins who climbs that mountain would be thrown down while he is sleeping by the Rakshasas and such a person who commits sin or evil cannot climb that mountain" 73.33-73.34

"The roaring sound of baby elephants will be heard by those playing in Pampa and those residing in hermitage of Matanga." 73.35

"Those strong and great elephants which resemble dark rain clouds dash it on each other and blood flows from their body are then separated and scattered all over." 73.36

"The animals living in the forest drink the spotless clean and cold water of Pampa and after getting relieved of their thirst, they go back to the forest." 73.37

"Seeing those bears and tigers shining like sapphire and antelopes which are never defeated, you will get rid of your grief." 73.38

"Oh Rama of Kakustha clan on that mountain there exists a shining cave which is closed by a sheet of rock and so it is difficult to enter the cave." 73.39

"On the eastern entrance of that cave there is a pond with pure cold waters. And that tank is surrounded by trees yielding fruits and roots as also different kind of animal groups." 73.40

"Sugreeva lives there along with four of his friends and at times he is seen at the top of the mountain also." 73.41

The courageous Kabandha wearing a flower garland after telling Rama and Lakshmana to go he shined like the Sun god. 73.42

Both Rama and Lakshmana who were about to depart went near Kabandha who was in the sky and waited for him and Kabandha told them "you may go now." 73.43

Then they told him, "We are going for succeeding in our aim" and well please Kabandha bade farewell to them and went his way. 73.44

Then that Kabandha assumed his correct form and surrounded by luster he was equal to Sun god and he told them, "While you make friendship with Sugreeva, enter in to a treaty with him." 73.45

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

74. Rama Meets Sage Sabari

[Rama goes near Pampa lake and from there to the Matanga hermitage and meets Sabari who has been waiting for them. Sabari treats them with hospitality and then enters in to fire and gets salvation.]

Those princes travelled towards the western direction as directed by Kabandha towards the lake Pampa. 74.1

That Rama and Lakshmana crossing several mountains full of trees laden with honey like fruits set out to see Sugreeva. 74.2

Those Rama and Lakshmana who belonged to the Raghu clan, stayed on the top of the mountain and departed by the western path and neared the banks of Pampa. 74.3

Then they reached the western bank of the Pampa Lake which was a lotus pond and saw the delightful hermitage of Sabari. 74.4

Then they reached the hermitage surrounded by very many trees and went towards Sabari who has viewing those pretty trees. 74.5

Then that lady sage seeing them got up and saluted them, touched the feet of Rama as well as that of the great Lakshmana. 74.6

As per the practice she offered them water to wash their feet as well as to drink and then Rama spoke to that austere woman observing great penance. 74.7

"Oh lady with penance as wealth, I hope you do not face any obstacles in doing penance and I hope you are able to control your anger and desire for food." 74.8

"Oh lady whose speech is pretty, how is your attainment in spiritual practices? I hope your mind is pleasant and I hope you have been able to serve the teachers with good effect." 74.9

That great lady of penance who was sage who was recognized by other sages and who was old spoke to Rama after receiving him. 74.10

"Today by being able to see you, I obtained the results of my penance and I think I have served my teachers well and I have obtained good results." 74.11

"Oh great among men, Oh best among gods by worshipping you today my life has become fruitful and I will also attain heaven." 74.12

"Oh son of Raghu clan, I have been sanctified by your gentle looks and oh destroyer of enemies, by your grace I would reach the land that never fades." 74.13

"When you reached Chithrakuta in aerial vehicles of matchless luster, those whom I served, ascended to heaven." 74.14

I have been told by those great sages who were great people and followers of Dharma, "Rama will come to this blessed hermitage and you receive him along with son of Sumithra as guest and after seeing them you will reach blessed inexhaustible world." 74.15-74.16

"Oh tiger among men, I have collected various forest foods for your sake, which are available on the banks of Pampa." 74.17

When Sabari spoke in this way, that soul of Dharma Raghava addressed Sabari, who has never been prevented from reading about divine knowledge." 74.18

"From that great soul Dhanu, I have heard about your power and if you think it proper I would like to get personally acquainted with it." 74.19

When these words were released from the mouth of Rama, Sabari started showing him her great garden." 74.20

"Oh Rama, this garden known as "Matanga Garden" which look like a splendid and solid cloud is filled with many animals and birds and is very famous." 74.21

"Here my Gurus who were great visionaries have offered many sacrifices along with chant of Manthras and sacred waters.," 74.22

"This is the altar in the west where, those revered ones, who were completely exhausted offered flowers for worship with trembling hands." 74.23

"Oh best of the Raghu clan, even today due to the power of their penance are shining filing all directions with great light." 74.24

"They did not have energy to move about and go to the sea for bathing due to fasting and just by their thought all the seven seas came here together." 74.25

"Due to their ascetic strength, the bark cloth they have hung on trees for drying after their bath, have even now not dried." 74.26

"Even today the flowers including lotus flowers offered by them to God have not shown any sign of wilting." 74.27

"You have seen the entire forest and also have heard all that has to be heard. And now with your permission I want to give up this body of mine." 74.28

"I wish to go near those great visionaries whom I served as an attendant I this hermitage of saints." 74.29

Rama and Lakshmana after hearing the words of that lady who followed Dharma, became very happy hearing about those wonderful incidents. 74.30

Then Rama told that lady sage who is firmly established in her vow "You have worshipped me with devotion and so now you can go as per your desire." 74.31

Thus spoken that old woman with matted locks wearing cloths of bark and deer hide, desiring to give up her body immediately after taking permission from Rama offered herself in to fire and with a body shining like fire went to heaven. 74.32-74.33

Adorned with divine ornaments, wearing divine garlands and unguents, wearing divine cloths and with a form which was pleasing to look, she illuminated the place like a streak of lightning. 74.34

Sabari due to the practice of the penance of the soul went to that holy place frequented by holy seers, accomplished people and great sages. 74.35

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

75. Rama Reaches Pampa

[Rama and Lakshmana reach the lake Pampa. They are anxious to climb the Rishyamooka mountain and meet Sugreeva.]

When Sabari went to heaven in her own lustrous body, Rama started thinking along with his brother Lakshmana. 75.1

Then after Rama, the soul of Dharma thought about the power of those great sages, Rama told Lakshmana who was his completely focused well wisher. 75.2

"Please see this wonderful hermitage belonging to great souls, where deer and tiger live together in implicit faith and which is served by all type of birds." 75.3

"Oh Lakshmana, here after bathing in the waters of the seven seas, we have also offered prayers according to rules to our manes." 75.4

"We have got rid of the inauspicious time and now the auspicious time is within our reach and Oh Lakshmana happiness is truly in my mind now and I feel auspiciousness has sprung up again." 75.5

"Come, let us go to Pampa, which is good to look at. The Rishyamooka mountain is shining not very far off from here and there lives Sugreeva, the son of Sun god and the follower of Dharma being scared daily of his brother Bali along with four other monkeys." 75.6-75.7

"Oh gentle one, I am in a hurry to see Sugreeva the mighty monkey, because the searching of Sita depends on him." 75.8

To the courageous Rama who spoke like this the son of Sumithra replied "my heart is also hastening me up. Let us go there." 75.9

Then that lord of men left that hermitage immediately and the Lord arrived in Pampa along with Lakshmana. 75.10

Then they saw the sacred spot served by great sages. That Pampa with its various plants and creepers provided good drinking water. With scented red lotuses, clusters of night lotuses, combination of lotuses and white lilies and blue lotuses, that lake Pampa looked like a multi coloured carpet." 75.11-75.12

Rama from a distance saw that source of drinking water, went near it and called it Matanga lake and bathed in it. 75.13

Pampa tank was filled with red lotuses and had the fragrance of lotuses. The bank was full of mango trees in bloom and trees of several kinds like Tilaka, trees with fruits abounding in seeds like Citron, Dhavai trees, white trees in bloom, Karavera trees loaded with flowers, Punnaga trees, clusters of Jasmine and Kunda shrubs, Banyan trees, so also reeds, Asoka trees, shrubs surpassing in whiteness to pearls, and several other trees amazing and lovely spread all over, Rama and Lakshmana passed by glancing at them. There were other trees with abundance of flowers, huge trees, Koyashtikas trees with rind. Several different kinds of birds such as cranes, parrots, sparrows, peacocks were found dwelling in the forest screaming aloud making noises. Seeing all these Rama and Lakshmana went without being disturbed and with a composed mind in that forest. 75.14-75.19

Then Rama saw Pampa filled with the treasure of clean and cold water and it was surrounded by groves of Asoka, Thilaka, Punnaga, Vakula and Udhalaka trees. 75.20

Rama, seeing various types of trees and various ponds, was affection by passionate feelings and went to the Pampa. 75.21

That sides of the tank was full of trees with blossoms of flowers, beautiful Sala and Champaka trees and the honeybees which collected honey from the flowers looked pretty and bright. The waters were crystal clear with the scent of lotuses. The soft sands on the banks of Pampa gleamed. Rama saw them again and again and said this to Lakshmana. 75.22-75.24

As told previously the Rishyamooka mountain, full of minerals was situated on the banks of Pampa and it was surrounded by trees with divine flowers. 75.25

The greatly valorous monkey by the name of Sugreeva who was the son of the monkey king Riksharaja resided there. 75.26

The bull among men told Lakshmana, "please go and meet Sugreeva" and he also further said these words to Lakshmana who was valorous in truth 75.27

"Oh Lakshmana, how can I, being banished, pitiable, and with mind in love with her, lead this life without her." 75.28

After telling this, under spell of the god of love, to Lakshmana who was hearing with concentration, he entered the blue and pretty waters of Pampa. 75.29

After going a long distance on the great path, they gradually went through the forest observing the forest with auspicious looks seeing several kinds of flocks of birds and at last saw Pampa. 75.30

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

End of Aranya Kandam.


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