Yuddha Kandam

112. Vibheeshana Crowned

[Rama requests Lakshmana to anoint Vibheeshana as the king of Rakshasas. Then he requests Hanuman to take permission from Vibheeshana, enter the city and inform Sita of their welfare.]

Devas, Dhanavas and Gandharwas after seeing the killing of Ravana went away in their aerial cars talking about the auspicious events that took place. 112.1

Telling each other about the horrific killing of Ravana, the great valour of Ravana, the great war in which monkeys, the great counsel of Sugreeva, the affection and valour of Lakshmana, the son of Sumithra, the great virtue of Sita and the valour of Hanuman, they went back to the place from whichthey have come. 112.2-112.3

After taking leave of the divine chariot which was lend to him by Indra which was shining like fire the great Rama respectfully worshipped Matali. 112.4

With the consent of Raghava, Matali, the charioteer of Indra got in to his divine chariot and climbed to the heavens. 112.5

When the best among the charioteers went back to heaven, the greatly pleased Raghava hugged Sugreeva. 112.6

After hugging Sugreeva he was greeted by Lakshmana and after honouring the monkey troops Rama came to the camp site of the army. 112.7

Then Rama spoke to Lakshmana the son of Sumithra who was endowed with strength, who had auspicious looks and who was standing nearby. 112.8

"Oh soft natured one, go and consecrate this Vibheeshana who loves us, who is devoted to us and who has done service to us." 112.9

"Oh gentle one, It is my great desire to see that this Vibheeshana brother of Ravana crowned as the king of Lanka." 112.10

When the great Raghava told like this to Lakshmana, saying "so be it", with great joy he procured a pot of gold. 112.11

Handing over the pot in to the hands of the monkey kings, he requested them who were as fast as the mind to bring water from the ocean. 112.12

Those monkeys who could travel as fast as the mind, went fast and those great monkeys brought it filled with water. 112.13

Then the son of Sumithra along with his friends took that one pot of water, made Vibheeshana to sit on the throne in the middle of the Rakshasas and anointed him with the water in that pot in accordance with rules of procedure and made him the king of Lanka. 112.14-112.15

Then all the Rakshasas as well as monkeys anointed him and becoming extraordinarily happy they praised Rama. 112.16

Seeing that Vibheeshana was made the king of Rakshasas by consecrating on that throne those Rakshasas who were devoted to him became happy. 112.17

Rama along with Lakshmana got great love and Vibheeshana having got the great country became happy. 112.18

Vibheeshana then consoled his people and those Rakshasas who were residing in that city came near Rama and offered Vibheeshana, curds, unbroken rice, ball shaped sweets, puffed rice and flowers. 112.19-112.20

Accepting them the valorous Vibheeshana who cannot be defeated offered those auspicious objects to Rama and Lakshmana. 112.21

Seeing Vibheeshana who has completed his duty and who was contented and become well endowed with riches Rama accepted all of that with a desire to show him his love. 112.22

Then Rama addressing the monkey Hanuman who was like a mountain and who was standing there saluting him told. 112.23

"Oh gentle one, after taking permission from the great king Vibheeshana, enter in to the city of Lanka and inform Sita about our welfare. 112.24

"Oh great one, Inform Sita about my welfare as well as that of Lakshmana and Sugreeva and also tell her that Ravana has been killed in the battle." 112.25

"Oh Lord of the monkeys, make clear to Sita about this desirable news and you should return bearing her reply." 112.26

This is the end of One Hundred and Twelfth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

113. Hanuman Meets Sita

[Hanuman enters the city takes permission from Vibheeshana and meets Sita. He briefs her about welfare of Rama and Lakshmana. She becomes happy. Hanuman wants to kill all those Rakshasis who were troubling Sita. Sita says no and says everything was due to fear. She expresses her desire to see Rama.]

As directed by Rama, Hanuman, the son of wind God entered the city of Lanka and was respectfully received by the Rakshasas. 113.1

That monkey Hanuman who knew Sita after he entered the city of Lanka sought the permission of Vibheeshana and after he obtained permission from him as per rules entered the Grove of trees and saw Sita at the foot of the tree bereft of freshness and also joyless. She was like a frightened cow and was surrounded by Rakshasis and Hanuman approached her with humility, offered her salutations by bending his head and stood there silently. 113.2-113.4

That Lady seeing the arrival of the very strong Hanuman kept silent and then recognizing him became joyous. 113.5

Seeing her unperturbed face Hanuman, the best of monkeys began to tell her the entire message of Rama. 113.6

"Oh daughter of Videha. Rama along with Sugreeva and Lakshmana are doing well along with his helper Vibheeshana and the army of monkeys." 113.7

"Oh lady, Rama, the destroyer of enemies along with Lakshmana with the help of Vibheeshana and that of the monkeys have killed the valorous Ravana." 113.8

"Oh lady, I am telling this pleasant news to you and again praising you, Oh Sita. Due to your power and Rama, who is a follower of Dharma, this victory has been obtained and so make yourself free from sorrow and be comfortable." 113.9-112.10

"Ravana has been killed, Lanka was subdued. For getting you back, a bridge was constructed sacrificing sleep and the vow of getting you back has been fulfilled." 113.11

"Get freedom from nervousness, though you are living in the abode of Ravana as this Lanka along with its wealth has been placed under Vibheeshana." 113.12

"So get relaxed as if you are staying in your own house and Vibheeshana also would come to see you with happiness as he is eager to see you." 113.13

Then that lady Sita who resembled the moon having heard this was not able to answer as she was tongue tied due to great joy. 113.14

Then that great monkey seeing that Sita was not answering him said, "Oh lady, what are you thinking and why are you not speaking to me." 113.15

When Hanuman told her like this Sita who was firmly established in Dharma, replied him back, greatly pleased and with voice choked with tears. 113.16

"After hearing this pleasing news about the victory of my husband, overpowered with joy, for a moment I became speechless." 113.17

"Oh monkey, I do not find anything appropriate to give you, so that it will please you, for having brought this news which pleases me, though I thought about it." 113.18

"Oh monkey of pleasing habits, I also do not see anything in the world which can be given to you for telling this very pleasing news to me. May you enjoy pleasure." 113.19

"Neither gold, nor silver nor different type of gems, nor the kingship of the three worlds can be a suitable compensation to this message." 113.20

When Vaidehi told like this to the monkey who was standing in front of Sita with hands folded in salutation replied with joy. 113.21

"Oh lady who is interested in the good of her husband and one who wishes the victory of her husband, such affectionate words can only be spoken by one like you." 113.22

"Oh gentle lady, such meaningful and affectionate words are greater than various heaps of diamonds or the position of the king of devas." 113.23

"After seeing Rama happy and victorious after killing his enemies and getting victory, I felt like being blessed with the kingship of Devas." 113.24

Hearing these words, the princess of Mithila and the daughter of Janaka told the following auspicious words to the son of Wind God. 113.25

"You only can utter these type of words which are great in desirable attributes, which are ornamented with sweet qualities, which are intelligent and which has eight great attributes." 113.26

"You are praiseworthy son of Wind God and who is a great votary of Dharma and you are blessed with several good qualities like strength, valour, knowledge of Veda, great skill in your actions, patience, firmness, stability and humility without any doubt whatsoever." 113.27-113.28

After that, standing in front of Sita with humility and free from nervousness and folding his hands in salutation to her, Hanuman started talking to her. 113.29

"If you are agreeable, I would like to kill all these women who were earlier frightening you and torturing you." 113.30

"These cruel Rakshasis who have a frightening look, horrible behavior, scary cruel eyes, ugly faces, were heard by me as they were speaking harsh words to you, who was devoted to your God like husband and when you were undergoing hardships in this Asoka forest, again and again as per the command of Ravana." 113.31-113.32

"I wish to kill them using different types of beatings in a very horrible manner, these ugly Rakshasis with cruel hairs and eyes talking together. Please grant this boon to me." 113.33-113.34

"I wish to kill these Rakshasis, who have spoken harsh words to you and wronged you, striking them down with my fists, hand-blows, long armed blows, blows of my shanks and knees, by causing pain to their teeth, biting off their ears and nose and pulling out their hair, making them severely dry-mouthed, tearing them off, leaping over them, encountering them and throwing down their bodies, with their burst cheeks, necks, shoulders and ribs." 113.35-113.37

"Oh lady with great fame, by these methods as well as several different type of blows, I would kill these fierce ones, by whom you were threatened earlier." 113.38

When Hanuman told like this the kind hearted Sita who loved the oppressed she spoke to him as follows. 113.39

"Oh great monkey, who can show anger against these servant maids who are bound by the orders given to them and work in obedience to such orders?" 113.40

"I have experienced all these sufferings due to my bad fortune or due to defective behavior on my part earlier, for all the one experiences is due to one's own actions." 113.41

"Oh great one, do not talk like this as this is the result of fate which had been decided earlier and due to which I underwent these sufferings and though I am without strength, I would like to pardon all these servant maids of Ravana." 113.42

"They threatened and troubled me due to the orders of Ravana, the Rakshasa and since he has been killed, they would not trouble me, Oh great monkey." 113.43

"Oh monkey, please hear from me the verse that was recited by a bear in front of tiger earlier quoted from the collection of texts." 113.44

"A divine person does not participate in pointing out the sin committed by others towards him, for time protects those who wear their character as a good ornament." 113.45

"Oh monkey, mercy has to be shown to the gentleman as well as the sinner and the one with auspicious character or even to a person who deserves to be killed as, there is no one who never commits any wrong." 113.46

"Inauspicious acts should not be done even towards Rakshasas who can assume any form they want and who wander doing evil to others." 113.47

When the faultless Sita. who is the wife of Rama, told him like this, Hanuman, who is an expert in speech, replied. 113.48

"Oh lady with fame, you are indeed a virtuous and suitable wife of Rama. Please give me a message to Rama so that I can go to the place where he is." 113.49

When he told like this to Vaidehi the daughter of Janaka, replied, "Oh great monkey, I would like to see my husband." 113.50

Hanuman the very wise son of the wind God after hearing these words from her spoke the following words which brought happiness to Sita. 113.51

"You would see Rama who resembles the full moon along with Lakshmana and along with his friends who are alive and whose enemies have been killed, like Sachi Devi saw her husband Indra." 113.52
After saying this to Sita who shined like the real Goddess of wealth Lakshmi, The very fast Hanuman went to the place where Rama was there. 113.53

Then Hanuman the good monkey told speedily in the sequential order the reply given by Sita who was the daughter of Janaka to Raghava who was equal to Indra, the lord of the heavens. 113.54

This is the end of One Hundred and Thirteenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

114. Rama Summons Sita

[Rama requests Vibheeshana to bring Sita, after giving her a head bath and decorating her. When Sita refuses decoration, Vibheeshana convinces her. When Rama wants Sita to come before him, the Rakshasas disperse all the monkeys from there. Rama gets angry and wants Sita to come before him in front of them. Sita comes before him.]

That very wise monkey after offering salutations spoke to Rama who was the top- most among archers who was a master of spoken word. 114.1

"You should see the greatly sorrowing lady Maithili, for whose sake all these activities were undertaken and positive results obtained." 114.2

"That Maithili who was greatly sorrowing and had a tear filled eye after hearing about your victory is extremely happy." 114.3

She who has confidence in me due to our previous meeting on a earlier occasion told me "I would like to see my husband along with Lakshmana who have achieved their purpose." 114.4

When Hanuman told like this, Rama the best among the followers of Dharma was overwhelmed with tears and became greatly thoughtful. 114.5

Taking deep and hot breath he surveyed the earth with his eyes and told the cloud like Vibheeshana who was standing near by. 114.6

"After anointing with divine oils and after giving her a head bath and after making her wear divine ornaments bring Sita here without any delay." 114.7

AS soon as Rama told him like this Vibheeshana entered the private apartments speedily and announced himself to Sita through his own women. 114.8

Then after seeing the great Sita, Vibheeshana the king of Rakshasas in all humility saw her and told her with his head bowed in salutation. 114.9

"Oh Vaidehi after anointing yourself with divine unguents and after wearing divine ornaments, safely get in to the chariot as your husband wants to see you." 114.10

When Vibheeshana told her like this she replied, "Oh king of Rakshasas, I would like to see my husband without taking bath." 114.11

Hearing her words Vibheeshana replied to her, "You ought to obey the wishes of your husband Rama and do accordingly." 114.12

When Maithili who considered her husband as God heard those words and who had great devotion towards her husband said. "So be it." 114.13

After making Sita take head bath and dressing her up by young ladies, making her wear great ornaments, making her wear costly dresses, he made her climb a shining palanquin and after covering her with costly cloths Vibheeshana brought her before Rama accompanied by several Rakshasis. 114.14-114.15

After approaching the great one who was still deeply immersed in thought and after saluting him with joy, Vibheeshana announced the arrival of Sita. 114.16

Hearing about her arrival after living in the home of the Rakshasa, Raghava felt joy, misery as well as indignation at the same time. 114.17

With lack of joy and with deep thought Rama spoke the following words looking at Vibheeshana who was standing by his side. 114.18

"Oh gentle king of Rakshasas who forever wants my victory, Let Vaidehi quickly come before me." 114.19

As soon as Vibheeshana who was a follower of Dharma heard those words, with great speed he started dispersing the crowd from there. 114.20

Rakshasas wearing jackets and turbans, their hands carrying staffs which made a jingling sound, walked there all round, dispersing those warriors. 114.21

Bears, Monkeys and Rakshasas who were standing all over dispersed quickly and went away to some distance from that place where the Palanquin was there. 114.22

When all of them were being dispersed a huge sound arose all over which resembled the waves of tumultuous ocean during the storm. 114.23

Seeing them greatly excited when they were being dispersed, Rama got it stopped out of kindness for them and due to resentment at the Rakshasas who were dispersing them. 114.24

Rama who became greatly emotional with looks that are sufficient to burn, spoke the following words of reproach to the very wise Vibheeshana. 114.25

"Why without my orders your people are troubling these people? Stop this activity as they are my people." 114.26

"Neither houses nor dresses nor compound walls, nor concealing nor royal honours can protect a woman; only her character is her shield." 114.27

"The visibility of a woman is not condemned during sorrow, during war, during self choosing of a husband by her nor in Yagnas nor in marriage functions." 114.28

"The Sita who is there, is in distress and beset with a great difficulty. There is no fault in her appearance in public, particularly in my presence." 114.29

'And so let her leave the palanquin and approach me on her foot and let all the monkeys also see her." 114.30

When Rama told him like this, the well discerning Vibheeshana with great humility brought Sita to a place near Rama." 114.31

Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Hanuman and other monkeys who heard the words of Rama, became very much perturbed. 114.32
Seeing the pitiless face of Rama which showed indifference to his consort, they concluded that Rama disliked Sita. 114.33

Due to modesty drawing her limbs inside Maithili approached her husband followed by Vibheeshana. 114.34

The pleasant-faced Sita, who considered her husband as the God, saw the charming face of her husband, with a surprise, rejoice and affection. 114.35

Seeing the face of her beloved husband, whom she had not been seen for a long time and which was charming like the rising full moon, she immediately got rid her mental fatigue. 114.36

This is the end of One Hundred and Fourteenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

115. Sita Infront of Rama

[Rama tells what all he has done to wipe of the blot of bad name on his clan. He feels that by sitting on the lap of Ravana and being stared at by him, she has been spoiled in virtue. He permits her to go wherever she likes. He even suggests her living with his other brothers or Sugreeva or Vibheeshana.]

Seeing Sita who stood near him with head bent, Rama started telling his innermost feelings hidden in his heart. 115.1

"Lady, I have won you back after winning the war with the enemy and whatever is possible by human effort has been done by me." 115.2

"I have come to the end of my anger and outrage and have completely given up all my contempt against the enemy who has been wiped out by me." 115.3

"All people have seen my manliness and my effort has borne fruit. Since I have fulfilled my oath, I am the master of myself." 115.4

"The wrong done to you by the fickle minded Rakshasa by making you separate from me, which was brought about by fate has been corrected by me who is a mere human being." 115.5

"If one is not able to wipe out the insult that was heaped on him, what is the use of his masculinity as he is only a weak minded person who may be strong." 115.6

"The praise worthy act of Hanuman of crossing the sea and then destroying Lanka has borne its fruit today." 115.7

"The act of Sugreeva, who exhibited his strength on the battle-field with his army and tendered a good advice, is fruitful today." 115.8

"The act of Vibheeshana who deserted his characterless brother and personally reached me has borne its fruit today." 115.9

The eyes of Sita who had a wide open eyes and was like a female deer when she heard these words of Rama was filled with tears. 115.10

Rama who saw her who was dear to his heart in this state was scared due to the fear of public scandal about him. 115.11

Addressing Sita whose eyes resembled a fully open lotus flower and who has dark long curly hair and excellent hips, Rama further spoke in the midst of monkeys and Rakshasas. 115.12

"I have done my duty which any man is bound to do by killing Ravana and wiping out the insult which was heaped by him on me." 115.13

"You have been won by me in an act which was like that of sage Agasthya who is pure minded and ascetic and who conquered the southern direction which was difficult to be approached by ordinary mortals." 115.14

"Let it be known [you may be safe] this act of war which has been completed successfully, with the help of the strength of my friends was not done for your sake but for keeping up my good conduct and to wipe off the insults from all sides as well as insinuations on my very famous clan." 115.15-115.16

'With your virtue in a doubtful state, you who are standing in front me are extremely disagreeable to me like a light for the one with poor eye sight." 115.17

"Oh daughter of Janaka, because of that I am permitting you to go wherever you like among the ten directions as, oh dear lady, you are of no use to me." 115.18

"Which person born in a great family would take back a woman who has lived in another person's house with an eager mind." 115.19

"Considering my great clan, how can I accept you again, after you sat in the lap of Ravana and were stared at by his evil eyes." 115.20

"For that purpose only I won you back and my honour has been restored and I do not have any great attachment to you and so you may go wherever you like." 115.21

"Oh lady, I have spoken all this with a very determined mind. You may set your mind on Lakshmana or Bharata as per your liking." 115.22

"Oh Sita, set your mind on Shatrugna or Sugreeva or the Rakshasa Vibheeshana according to your comfort." 115.23

"After seeing your divine looks which is mind catching living in his own home, Ravana could not have endured your separation." 115.24

Maithili who merits being spoken words which are to her liking after hearing these unpalatable words from her beloved husband trembled for a long time like a creeper attacked by a king of elephants and shed tears. 115.25

This is the end of One Hundred and Fifteenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

116. Sita Enters Fire

[Sita becomes dejected at the attitude of Rama. She assures him that she is virtuous and her mind had always been with Rama. She requests Lakshmana to arrange for a burning pyre and later enters in to it. All the monkeys and Rakshasas are sad to see this.]

Vaidehi hearing these harsh words of Raghava which makes one's hair to stand erect became very much perturbed. 116.1

Maithili, who heard these words of her husband in the midst of multitudes of people, which she had never heard before, stood bent due to intense shame. 116.2

That daughter of Janaka felt as though all her limbs were pierced by these sharp arrows like words and shed tears without end. 116.3

Then after wiping away her face which was wet with her tears she spoke the following words slowly to her husband in a stammering voice. 116.4

"Oh valorous one, why are you making me hear such very harsh words which are hurting to hear, like a common uneducated man to a common uneducated lady." 116.5

"Oh long armed one, I am not one like what you have understood and so have faith in me as I swear to you on my virtuous character." 116.6

"By the conduct of some vulgar woman do not distrust the entire race of women and give up your suspicion as I have been earlier tested by you." 116.7

"Oh Lord, When I came to touch his body it was not intentional but due to my sheer helplessness and only my bad fate has to be blamed for that." 116.8

"My heart which was in my control was living in you and what was I supposed to do with regard to my limbs, which was under the control of someone else." 116.9

"Oh Lord who honours others, If in spite of our having lived together after for love for each other simultaneously grew, if you have not understood me fully I am completely ruined due to your ignorance." 116.10

"Oh king, you sent the greatly valorous Hanuman in search of me and why did you not abandon me then in Lanka itself, if you had made up your mind like this?" 116.11

"Oh valorous one If you had informed that you are going to desert me, I would have by now given up my life in front of that monkey." 116.12

"This unnecessary effort of keeping your life in jeopardy could have been avoided and also your friends would not have undergone so much suffering." 116.13

"Oh great king, like a woman and like a feeble man you gave priority, you became a slave to mere anger." 116.14

"Oh knower of good conduct, though I was supposed to have been born to Janaka, I was really born to this earth and such a sacred birth of mine was not honoured by you." 116.15

"My marriage to you [holding of hand] in childhood was not recognized by you and also you have chosen to ignore my devotion and chastity towards you." 116.16

After speaking like this, weeping and stammering due to great tears, she said to Lakshmana who was sad and was immersed in thought. 116.17

"Oh son of Sumithra, create a funeral pyre for me for I do not want to live any longer after such false accusations were levelled against me and death seems to be the only solution." 116.18

"As I have gained only lack of satisfaction from my husband and expressed it in the midst of the assembly of men, entering fire seems to be the only course appropriate for me." 116.19

Hearing the words of Sita, Lakshmana the destroyer of enemies gave rise to great anger and looked at Rama. 116.20

After understanding the mental inclination of Rama from the expression of his face, that son of Sumithra prepared a pyre according to the wishes of the valorous Rama. 116.21

No friend of Rama was able to dissuade or speak at that time to Rama who was standing like the God of death at the time of final deluge. 116.22

After slowly going round Rama who was standing with a bent head, Sita went towards the pyre with burning fire. 116.23

After saluting the Gods and the Brahmins, Maithili with palms joined in salutation spoke the following words. 116.24

"Because my mind always never goes away from Raghava, let the fire God be witness to the world and protect me from all sides." 116.25

"Because Rama feels I have been spoiled in spite of my unimpeachable character, let the fire god be witness to the world and protect me from all sides." 116.26

"Since by act or by mind or by my words, I have never been unfaithful to Raghava, who is the follower of all Dharma, let the fire God protect me." 116.27

"Oh Sun God, Oh wind God, oh four directions and also the moon God and also the gods protecting over day time, dawn, dusk and noon as well as night and the earth, you all know me endowed with a good character and so let the fire God protect me." 116.28

After speaking like this, Sita walked round that fire and free from any hesitation entered that burning fire. 116.29

Large number of people including boys and old ones saw the lustrous Mythili after she entered the fire. 116.30

She who was shining like Gold, decked with ornaments made of pristine Gold plunged in to the burning fire in front of all the people. 116.31

They saw the wide eyed lady Sita who was shining like a golden altar plunge in to that blazing fire. 116.32

All the people of the three worlds saw that great lady Sita entering the fire like the sacred oblations in to the sacrificial fire. 116.33

All the ladies present there wailed on seeing her enter the fire, similar to the flow of Ghee plunging in to the sacrificial fire duly consecrated by Vedic hymns. 116.34

The Devas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas of the three worlds saw her and felt that goddess like lady rushing from heaven to hell. 116.35

When she was entering deep in to the fire a strange loud sound "Alas, Alas", was heard from the Rakshasas and monkeys alike. 116.36

This is the end of One Hundred and Sixteenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

117. Gods Tell Rama that He is Lord Vishnu

[All the gods come in aerial chariots and tell Rama that he is none other than God Vishnu and Sita is none other than Goddess Lakshmi. This chapter does not merge with the text of Ramayana. Experts believe that this is only an interpolation to prove that Rama is God.]

Hearing the cries of those who were wailing loudly, Rama, the follower of Dharma became thoughtful for a while, as his mind was greatly upset and his eyes were filled with tears. 117.1

Then King Khubera, Yama along with manes, the lord of devas, Varuna the God of the water, the great Mahadeva who had three eyes, Brahma the creator of all worlds, the experts in Vedic knowledge together reached the city of Lanka in aerial cars which shined like Sun and approached Rama. 117.2-117.4

Those great Gods of heaven lifted their long arms decorated by several ornaments and spoke to Rama who stood there saluting them with folded hands. 117.5

"How is it that you who are the lord of all the worlds who is the foremost among intellectuals, are not caring for Sita who is falling in to fire? How is that you are not recognizing that you are the chief of all the Gods?" 117.6

"Among the Vasus you are the Vasu Rithadhama [standing for truth and divine law] who was the ruler of people, who was the chief of all the three worlds and you, yourself are the lord of all creatures. 117.7

"Among Rudras, you are the eighth Rudra and fifth among Sadhyas. The two Aswini devathas are your ears and the Sun and Moon are your eyes." 117.8

"Oh destroyer of your enemies, you have been seen at the beginning and end of all the worlds and just like a common man you are ignoring Sita." 117.9

Those Lords of world spoke like this, Rama, who was Lord of creation himself, born in the clan of Raghus and best among those who protect Dharma, spoke to those chief Gods like this. 117.10

"I am only a human being called Rama who was the son of Dasaratha and you who are the Gods are telling me, what I really am and why am I like this?" 117.11

When the son of Kakustha clan told like this, Lord Brahma, the best among those who know Brahma spoke as follows," Oh truly brave one, please listen to my true words." 117.12

"You are the God Narayana, the lord who wields the wheel, you are the one horned boar who is the winner over your past and future enemies." 117.13

"You are the imperishable Brahma and you are the truth in the beginning, middle and end. You are the Vishvaksena who is the supreme Dharma and you are the four armed one." 117.14

"You are Hrishikesa, Purusha, Purushothama who wields the bow called Saranga. You cannot be defeated, you are Vishnu who wields the sword and you are the very strong Krishna." 117.15

"You are the commander of the army, chief of the village, you are wisdom, patience and controller of senses. You are the origin and dissolution, you are Vamana and you are the killer of Madhu." 117.16
"You are great Indra who rules over Devas, you are Padmanabha, you are the one who ends battle, you are the refuge to those who do not have refuge and you are the words of great sages." 117.17

"You are the soul of the Vedas, you are the great bull with hundred heads and thousand horns, you are the primeval force of the three worlds, you are your own lord, you are the refuge of the Sidhas and Sadhyas and were one who were before them." 117.18-117.19

"You are the Yagna, you are the sound "Vashat", you are "Om", you are the divine for the divines and people do not know your origin or end and do not know who you really are." 117.20

"You can be seen in all beings, in the cows, in the Brahmins, in all directions, in the sky, mountain and rivers." 117.21

"You are with thousand feet, hundred heads, with thousand eyes and are with Goddess Lakshmi.. You carry the earth along with all its beings and mountains." 117.22

"Oh Rama, you appear like a great serpent in the waters supporting the earth where from you carry all the three worlds and you also support Devas, Dhanavas and Gandharwas." 117.23

"Oh Rama, I am your heart, the goddess Saraswathi is your tongue and all Devas created by Lord Brahma are your hairs and limbs." 117.24

"When you close your eyes it is night and when you open your eyes it is day, the words that you use are the Vedas and the universe does not exist without you." 117.25

"The entire universe is your body, your stability is the firmness of earth, your anger is fire and your pleasant face is the moon and you are recognized by Srivathsa." 117.26

"In the past, you occupied the three worlds by your three steps after tying up the very formidable Mahabali and made Indra, the king of devas." 117.27

"Sita is no other than Lakshmi, your consort when you were Vishnu, you the king of people with black blue colour and you have taken the form of man so as to kill Ravana." 117.28

"Oh Rama, the greatest among followers of Dharma, you have completed your job by killing Ravana and so return to heavens with joy." 117.29

"Oh God, your valour is immeasurable and your exploits are never in vain. Oh Rama seeing you leads to unmatched blessings and songs about you never go waste." 117.30

"Those humans, who are full of devotion to you, will never be unsuccessful on this earth. Those who are devoted to you, the primeval and the eternal lord, belonging to ancient times and the Supreme Person, will forever attain their desired objects here as well as hereafter." 117.31-117.32

"Those humans who would recite this divine, primeval and epic hymn sung by Lord Brahma will never ever face disappointment." 117.33

This is the end of One Hundred and Seventeenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

118. Fire God Returns Sita

[The fire god comes out carrying Sita and tells Rama that she is without any blemish for she has never thought of anyone else except Rama. Rama tells the fire God that he knew about it but wanted the world also to know about it.]

Hearing these auspicious words spoken by Lord Brahma, the fire God taking Vaidehi in his arms came up. 118.1

Shaking the pyre and taking with him Sita the daughter of Janaka, the fire God sprang up and appeared in person. 118.2

Carrying in her arms the young lady who was shining like young rising Sun wearing ornaments made of refined Gold, wearing a dress of red blood colour, wearing a dark braided hair, wearing further garlands made of flower which had not faded and with matchless form, the fire God restored her to Rama. 118.3 -118.4

That fire God who is the witness of the all the worlds then told Rama, "Oh Rama, here is your Sita who does not have any sin in her." 118.5

"Either by word or mind or even by intellect and not even by the eyes, she has never been unfaithful to you." 118.6

"The Rakshasa Ravana who was arrogant and proud of his valour took away this miserable and helpless lady from the lonely hermitage and separated her from you." 118.7

"And then she, who had only you in her mind and whose mind was longing for you was taken to his private apartments and hidden there and guarded by frightful Rakshasis with horrifying brain." 118.8

"Then Sita whose mind was always bound in you ignored that Rakshasa though he tried to allure her by frightening her and by various other means." 118.9

"Take back this very pure and sinless Maithili and I command you not to tell anything harsh to her." 118.10

Then Rama the follower of Dharma who had a mind which loves hearing these blessed words, with eyes filled with tears of joy thought for a moment. 118.11

Then that very lustrous and greatly valorous Rama, the best among those upholding Dharma replied like this to the great Deva. 118.12

"Sita merited this test of purification in the eyes of the people as this pure woman had resided in the private apartment of Ravana for a long time." 118.13

Suppose I had accepted Janaki without testing her, the world would say "alas, Rama, the son of Dasaratha is childish and his mind is filled only with lust." 118.14

"I wanted the world to know that this Maithili who is the daughter of Janaka is undivided in her affection towards me and is always within my mind." 118.15

"This broad eyed one is protected by her own luster and Ravana would not be able to transgress her like, the sea cannot transgress its shore." 118.16

"In order to convince the three worlds, I whose only refuge is truth, ignored Vaidehi when she was entering the fire." 118.17

"That bad soul could not even touch Maithili even by his mind who is unobtainable and flaming like the tongue of fire." 118.18

"This auspicious lady would not have bothered about the wealth of the private apartment of Ravana, since Sita is no different from me, like sunlight is not different from the sun." 118.19

"Maithili the daughter of Janaka is purest in all the three worlds and I would not be able to renounce her as a good name cannot be ignored by a prudent man." 118.20

"I would definitely follow all the advice given to me by you for my benefit as you are all the affectionate guardians of the world." 118.21

Saying thus and getting reunited with her beloved Sita, the victorious and the very famous Rama, a scion of Raghu dynasty, who was endowed with a great strength and deserved happiness and was being glorified by his exploits, performed by his own self, experienced joy. 118.22

This is the end of One Hundred and Eighteenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

119. Rama Meets Dasaratha

[Along with Indra, Dasaratha had come to see his son. He expresses great happiness in being able to see him. He also blesses Lakshmana and Sita and gives them his blessings and advice.]

After hearing these auspicious words that were spoken by Raghava, Lord Shiva told even more auspicious words to him. 119.1

"Oh Rama with lotus like eyes, great hands and great chest, who is the destroyer of his enemies, who is the best among those who uphold Dharma, You have accomplished a great task without any doubt." 119.2

"Oh Rama, fortunately the fear caused by Ravana, which had intensified the severe darkness of the world, has been removed by you in the battle field." 119.3

"You are fit to get heavenly joy, by comforting the depressed Bharata and the illustrious Kausalya as well as seeing Kaikeyi and Sumithra, the mother of Lakshmana and then getting the sovereignty of Ayodhya, bringing delight to your friends, stabilizing the back-bone of the race of Ikshuvaku, getting excellent glory by performing a horse-sacrifice and by granting riches to Brahmans." 119.4-119.6

"Oh Rama, the son of Kakustha clan, your father the famous king Dasaratha who is to be venerated by you is seated on an aerial car in this mortal world." 119.7

"That great one obtained the world of Indra, having been send by you his son and you please along with your brother Lakshmana offer your salutation to him." 119.8

Hearing the words of Lord Shiva, that son of Kakustha clan along with Lakshmana saluted their father who was sitting on the top most part of the aerial car. 119.9

Lakshmana and his elder brother saw their father who was their lord clad in shining cloths and shining in his own great splendour. 119.10

Then the king Dasaratha the lord who was sitting in the aerial car, in an excellent seat, was filled with excessive delight to see his son [Rama], who was dearer to him than life. Placing him in his lap and embracing him in his arms, he thereupon told him the following words. 119.11-119.12

"Without you, Oh Rama, the heaven is not to my liking nor is the respect given to me by the foremost of Devas there. I am telling you the truth." 119.13

"Today seeing you after you have killed your enemies, my mind is full and I am greatly happy that you have completed the full period of your stay in the forest." 119.14

"Oh expert in speech, the words of Kaikeyi which were told to you for sending you away to the forest are still imprinted in my mind." 119.15

"Seeing you in health and happily embracing Lakshmana today, my sorrow has been completely driven away similar to the Sun driving away all the mist." 119.16

"Oh great son, I have been liberated by you, my good son, just like the great soul Ashtavakra liberated Kahola." 119.17
"Oh gentle one, I now recognize you as the supreme person [God] as was told by the Gods here, born to kill Ravana." 119.18

"Kausalya is indeed blessed, oh killer of enemies because she would be able to see you return from the forest." 119.19

"All the men are indeed blessed, who would be able to see you return to the city and then consecrated there as lord of earth." 119.20

"I see you reunited along with Bharata who loves you and who is honest and a follower of Dharma." 119.21

"Oh gentle one You have spent fourteen years by residing in the forest along with the very intelligent Lakshmana and Sita." 119.22

"My oath was implemented by you as you have completed your term in exile and Devas are happy because you killed Ravana in this battle." 119.23

"Oh killer of enemies, by doing this job you have earned great fame and glory. Get consecrated on the throne and May you attain long life with your brothers." 119.24

"To the king who was speaking thus with folded hands in salutation, Rama requested," Oh knower of Dharma, be gracious with Kaikeyi and Bharata." 119.25

"Let those words spoken by you "I disown you Kaikeyi with your son'Which is a great curse not affect Kaikeyi and her son." 119.26

The king then said, "So be it" to Rama who stood with joined palms in salutation and embraced Lakshmana and told the following words. 119.27

"You have looked after Rama with great devotion along with Sita the daughter of Videha and this has earned great merit for you and I have been greatly gratified." 119.28

" Oh knower of Dharma, as Rama is pleased with you, you will attain religious merit and great fame on earth and also in heaven and also excellent power." 119.29

"Lead a safe life, oh son who increases the happiness of Sumithra, Serve Rama well for he would always be interested in the welfare of the entire world." 119.30

"Indra, the beings of three worlds, Sidhas and great sages would offer worship to the great Rama as the supreme person on approaching him." 119.31

"Oh gentle one, Oh destroyer of enemies Rama has been spoken as the difficult to see, imperishable Brahman established by the Vedas and the heart and secret of all devas." 119.32

"By serving him with devotion along with Sita, the princess of Videha, you have obtained the unobtainable reward to the practice of Dharma and also great fame." 119.33

After speaking like this to Lakshmana the king greeted his daughter in law who was standing saluting him as "Oh daughter", and affectionately advised her. 119.34

"You should not get angry at Rama for having repudiated you because this was done, aimed at your welfare and show the world your purity." 119.35

"What you have done which is difficult to perform revealed your true character, Oh daughter and is difficult to be performed by other ladies and your fame will overshadow theirs." 119.36

"You need not be told about how to serve your husband but I have the duty to tell you that he is your supreme God." 119.37

After instructing like this his sons as well as his daughter in law Dasaratha went to the land of Indra in the aerial car. 119.38

The great soul and that great king endowed with great luster took leave of his sons along with Sita and climbed in to the aerial car and went to the Abode of Indra. 119.39

This is the end of One Hundred and Nineteenth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

120. Indra Grants Boon

[When Indra who was greatly happy asked Rama to request for a boon, he wanted Indra to bring all dead monkeys back to life. He also wanted that they should also get fruits in off season. Indra grants those boons.]

When Dasaratha of the Kakustha clan returned, Indra the destroyer of Pakasura who was greatly pleased spoke to Rama who stood with folded hands in salutation. 120.1

"Oh Rama, Oh best among men, you have showed as a very great vision and it should not go in vain. Since I am greatly delighted, Please ask me what you desire in your mind." 120.2

When the very pleased great Indra spoke like this Raghava who was greatly pleased told the following joyful words. 120.3

"Oh greatest among those who converse, Oh Lord of Devas, if you have real affection towards me, please make what I ask as true." 120.4

"Al those monkeys who have fought for my sake and reached the world of God of death, let all those people get up." 120.5

"Oh God who gifts honour, I wish to see all those monkeys, who have lost their life for my sake and removed from their sons and wives become happy once again." 120.6

"They were all valorous and fought without bothering about their death and after great efforts died. "Oh Indra, please restore their lives." 120.7

"Let all those monkeys who thought death as nothing and who were only fond of doing a favour to me get re-united with their near and dear ones by your grace. I seek this boon from you." 120.8

"Oh person of honour, I wish to see all those monkeys and bears free from pain and from wounds with increased strength and valour." 120.9

"Wherever those monkeys live let there be rivers of pure water, flowers, roots and fruits even in the off season." 120.10

Hearing these words of the great soul Raghava, Mahendra again spoke the following words to him. 120.11

"Oh Son, best of Raghu clan, this boon which you have asked for is very great and since I have never spoken about any aspect twice in the past, this will come true." 120.12

"Let all those monkeys and bears along with long tailed monkeys, who have been killed in this battle by the Rakshasas and whose heads and arms have been severed, become active again." 120.13

"Without any problem to their health with increased strength and valour those monkeys would rise again, like a man asleep getting up at the end of sleep." 120.14

"All of them with great joy will meet with their relatives, friends, people of their clan and their family members." 120.15
"Oh wielder of a great bow, trees would be filled with colourful flowers and fruits even in the off season and rivers would constantly carry them water." 120.16

Then all the monkey warriors got up as if from sleep with all their limbs completely healed of all the wounds and being greatly surprised they said to one another, "what a miracle?" 120.17

Seeing the wish of the son of Kakustha clan has been fully realized, the great devas with great happiness praised Rama and Lakshmana. 120.18

They said, "Oh king, go to Ayodhya from here after disbanding the monkey army and reassuring the famous Sita, who is greatly affectionate towards you." 120.19

"Oh killer of enemies, go and see your brother Bharata who is practising austerities because of grief caused by separation from you and the great Shatrugna, all your mothers and get yourself crowned and bring joy to all the citizens." 120.20-120.21

After speaking like this to Rama and the son of Sumithra, the thousand eyed one, greatly pleased with other devas in their respective aerial cars which were shining like Sun. 120.22

After greeting all those devas, Rama along with his brother Lakshmana instructed all the monkeys to take rest in their respective places. 120.23

The greatly rejoicing mighty and famous army which was protected by Lakshmana as well as Rama, shined brightly on all sides like the night illuminated by the moon. 120.24

This is the end of One Hundred and Twentieth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

121. Vibheeshana Offers Pushpaka Vimana

[Rama refuses politely the hospitality offered by Vibheeshana and wants to go back as quickly as possible. Vibheeshana summons the Pushpaka Vimana which can travel at the speed of the mind.]

Vibheeshana wished victory to Rama who was the destroyer of enemies and who had risen up fresh after a good night's rest and spoke the following words with hands folded in salutation. 121.1

"These women with lotus-like eyes, who are skilled in the art of decoration have come with bathing accessories like garments, ornaments, sandal-pastes and beautiful garlands of various kinds. They will assist you in bathing Oh Rama." 121.2-121.3

That son of Kakustha clan said these words in reply to Vibheeshana, "You invite the monkeys headed by Sugreeva for this bath." 121.4

"That Bharata who is the votary of Dharma who is accustomed to comfort and is a delicate youth, a great hero and one consistent with truth is suffering because of me." 121.5

"In the absence of Bharata, who is the son of Kaikeyi, I do not like to have ritual bathing or wear garments and jewels." 121.6

"Please examine how we can go speedily back to my city of Ayodhya, because the path by which we came is difficult to follow." 121.7

When he was thus spoken to Vibheeshana replied to Rama, "Oh son of the King, I can make you reach that city within a day." 121.8

"Oh Rama of matchless powers, Pushpaka Vimana is an aerial car which shines like the sun and was forcibly usurped by my brother Ravana from Khubera, after he conquered him That divine car moves as per the person's wish and is wonderful and excellent and this car is retained here for your sake, May you be safe." 121.9-121.10

"That cloud like aerial car stands here and using that car you can reach Ayodhya without any trouble." 121.11

"Oh very wise prince! If I deserve to be treated with kindness by you, if you think of any goodness in me and if you have any affection in me, stay here for some more time." 121.12

"Oh Rama, I am offering to you with respect all that you desire and so you along with your brother and your consort Sita can stay here and then depart." 121.13

"Oh Rama, please accept along with your army as well as all your friends my hospitality offered with great affection, fixed and arranged by me." 121.14

"Oh Raghava, I am only entreating you with love, with respect and with friendship and being your servant I am not commanding you." 121.15

When He spoke like this Rama replied to Vibheeshana while all the Rakshasas and monkeys were listening. 121.16

"Oh destroyer of enemies, Oh Valorous one, I am greatly honoured by the advices that you gave me as well as great efforts put up soulfully." 121.17

"Oh king of Rakshasas, it is not that I disregard your words but my heart wants me to speed away from here to see my brother Bharata." 121.18

"That Bharata came all the way to Chithrakuta mountains to take me back, though I did not agree to his request, in spite of his requesting me with bent head along with Kausalya, Sumithra and the famous Kaikeyi, my friend Guha, citizens and village folks." 121.19-121.20

"Oh gentle one, permit me to go and Oh friend, I feel honoured by you and I request you not to get disappointed." 121.21

"Oh king of Rakshasas, summon the aerial car immediately, for how is it proper for me to to stay here after my task has been accomplished." 121.22

Hearing the words of Rama, Vibheeshana the king of the Rakshasas then hastily invoked the presence of that aerial car shining like the sun, with colourful parts made of gold, with the platform made of cat's-eye gems, which was full of attics, which shined like silver on all sides, decorated well with white flags and flag-staff, decked with gold and golden lotuses, graced with golden mansions, hung all over with networks of tiny bells, giving forth a melodious sound on all sides, resembling a summit of Mount Meru, built by Vishvakarma, which was graced with stately palaces decked with pearls and silver, provided with pavements inlaid with crystal, furnished with excellent seats of cat's eye gems of great value and upholstered with highly valuable coverings. 121.23-121.28

After informing Rama that the aerial car which cannot be attacked and which travels as fast as the mind has arrived there, Vibheeshana stood there. 121.29

That Pushpaka, the aerial car which can go to any place we desire, which was like a mountain stood there and seeing it Rama along with Lakshmana was greatly surprised. 121.30

This is the end of One Hundred and Twenty First Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

122. Sugreeva and Vibheeshana Travel with Rama

[As per Rama's request all the monkeys are rewarded with gold and precious jewels by Vibheeshana. When Rama asks their permission, they request him to take them also to Ayodhya along with him. Rama agrees. They all start to Ayodhya.]

Keeping ready that Pushpaka aerial car decorated by flowers, Vibheeshana who was standing not far off spoke to Rama. 122.1

That king of Rakshasas with all humility standing with folded arms in salutation asked "Oh Raghava, what else can I do?" 122.2

After some reflection and thought, the greatly lustrous Rama with love spoke the following words to him, while Lakshmana was listening to it. 122.3

"Of Vibheeshana, Let all these persons who live in the forest, who performed great tasks be honoured with gifts of precious stones and riches of various kinds." 122.4

"Oh king of Rakshasas, along with you they have won over Lanka, fighting the war with joy without any fear for their lives." 122.5

"All of them who live in the forest have completed their job and so by giving them wealth and gems, reward their achievement." 122.6

"Duly cheered and honoured by you this way, all these monkey chiefs will feel thankful and greatly happy." 122.7

"They will all be closer to you acknowledging your generosity for honouring them and for showing compassion to them and for winning over your senses and because of this I am reminding you." 122.8

"Oh king, When a king does not have loving qualities but goes on ordering them to kill people in the battle, the soldiers feel agitated and leave that king." 122.9

When Rama told like this Vibheeshana, honoured all the monkeys and distributed gold and precious stones to them." 122.10

Seeing that the monkey chiefs were honoured by distribution of gems and wealth, Rama got in to that excellent aerial car. 122.11

Rama taking along with him in his hands the famous Vaidehi who was shy along with his brother Lakshmana climbed in to that aerial car armed with a bow. 122.12

Rama who was seated in the aerial car appreciated all those monkeys as well as the greatly valorous Sugreeva along with Vibheeshana. 122.13

"Oh greatly valorous monkeys, you have done the duty of a friend towards me. Please give me permission to go and I request to go wherever it pleases you." 122.14

"Oh Sugreeva, you who were scared to go against Dharma, have done to me all that needs to be done like an affectionate and service minded friend. Please go back to Kishkinda along with your friends." 122.15

"Oh Vibheeshana settle down in your kingdom of Lanka which was given by me and not even Indra along with his Devas would be able to attack you." 122.16

"I am going back to Ayodhya which is the capital city of my father and as I wish to leave you all, I request you to permit me to go." 122.17

When Rama spoke like this, the monkeys, their kings as well as Vibheeshana told him as follows with folded hands. 122.18

"If you are willing to take us all, we all desire to go Ayodhya and there we will wander around the parks and forests and enjoy." 122.19

"Oh excellent king, there we would see you being consecrated and would also salute mother Kausalya and will soon return to our homes." 122.20

When all the monkeys as well as Vibheeshana told him like this, Rama who is the follower of Dharma, told as follows to Sugreeva, monkeys and to Vibheeshana. 122.21

"I would get something dearer than the dearest, if I go there along with friends like you all and I would be greatly delighted." 122.22

"Oh Sugreeva, speedily get in to the aerial car with all monkeys and oh Vibheeshana, you also get in to it along with your ministers." 122.23

Then Sugreeva along with his monkeys got up in the divine aerial car called Pushpaka with great joy and so also did Vibheeshana along with his ministers. 122.24

When all of them boarded it that divine aerial car of Khubera started flying in the sky as per the orders. 122.25

Travelling in that great divine aerial car with the image of a swan which was then flying in air, Raghava shined like Khubera himself. 122.26

All the monkeys, bears and very strong Rakshasas comfortably sat in that very spacious and divine aerial car. 122.27

This is the end of One Hundred and Twenty Second Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

123. Rama Shows Important Places to Sita

[Rama shows all the important places from the aerial car on the way back. As per request of Sita, the wives of the monkey chiefs also accompany their husbands. The Vimana reaches near Ayodhya.]

As per the permission of Rama that excellent aerial car which had images of swan in it flew across the sky making great sound. 123.1

Then Rama, the joy of the Raghu clan, after rotating his eyes in all directions spoke to Sita, the princess of Mithila who had a moon like face. 123.2

"Oh Vaidehi, please see, the city of Lanka built on the top of three peaks which was built by Viswakarma and which looks like the Kailasa mountain." 123.3

"Oh Sita, see this battle field covered with mud, blood and flesh which was the cause of death of the monkeys and Rakshasas." 123.4

"Oh Broad eyed Sita, here lies Ravana, the king of Rakshasas, the tormentor of people and on whom boons were conferred by Lord Brahma and who was killed by me for your sake." 123.5

"Here Kumbhakarna and Prahastha were killed and here Dhoomraksha was killed by Hanuman." 123.6

"Here Vidhyunamali was killed by the great soul Sushena and in battle Lakshmana killed Indrajit the son of Ravana here." 123.7

"Here was killed a Rakshasa called Vikata by Angadha. Virupaksha, who was disagreeable to the sight, Mahaparsva, Mahodara, Akampana, Trisiras, Atikaya, Devantaka, Narantaka and other mighty demons were also killed here." 123.8-123.9

"Both Yuddonmatta and Matta, the foremost of demons, as also Nikumbha and Kumbha the sons of Kumbhakarna, as also the strong Vajradamshtra, Damshtra and many Rakshasas were killed. Makaraksha, the most difficult Rakshasa to be attacked, was struck down by me in this battle-field." 123.10-123.11

"Akampana was killed in the great battle here. The valorous Shonitaksha was also killed. Yupaksa and Prajangha were also killed." 123.12

"Vidhyujihwa the Rakshasa with a huge form was killed here. Here Yajnashatru was killed and the very strong Supthagna. Sooryashathru was killed and Brahma Shatru was killed afterwards." 123.13

"Here Mandodhari, who is the wife of Ravana, surrounded by one thousand of her co-wives, lamented for the death of Ravana." 123.14

"Oh Sita with a blessed face, here you can see water descending in to the ocean, where after crossing the sea we spent the night." 123.15

Here is a bridge built by me over the salty ocean which was with great difficulty constructed by Nala and which is called "Nala's bridge". 123.16

"Oh Vaidehi see this imperturbable ocean called the "Home of Varuna" which is roaring as if it is boundless and which is teeming with large number of conches and shells." 123.17

"Oh Maithili, see here this olden mountain called Mainaka, which is the king of mountains which rose up from the sea to provide rest to Hanuman." 123.18

"Please see this island located in the middle of the ocean were my army was stationed here and where Lords Shiva showed his grace to me." 123.19

Here you are seeing the scared waters of the very great ocean, which is worshipped in all the three worlds and is well known as "the bridge of the Sethu". It is a very auspicious and divine place, which destroys major sins committed by us and the king of Rakshasas, Vibheeshana came to meet me here. 123.20-123.21

"Oh Sita, here you see the very pretty city of Sugreeva called Kishkinda attached with a colourful forest. The Monkey chief Vali was killed by me here." 123.22

Sita who was timid due to love after seeing the city of Kishkinda which was ruled by Vali said the following courteous words to Rama. 123.23

"I would like to go the capital city of Ayodhya along with you and accompanied by the wives of monkey chiefs which should include Tara and other beloved wives of Sugreeva." 123.24-123.25

When Rama heard these words of Sita, he said, "Let it be like that" and made the aerial car halt when they reached Kishkinda and looking at Sugreeva, Rama spoke the following words. 123.26

"Oh tiger among monkeys instruct all your monkey chiefs to come to Ayodhya accompanied by their wives." 123.27

"Oh mighty Sugreeva, the king of monkeys, you too bring all your ladies along with the great army of yours along with their wives and then, we would proceed." 123.28

When the greatly lustrous Rama spoke like this Sugreeva, the king of the monkeys, accompanied by all other monkeys entered in to his private apartment and looked at Tara and spoke. 123.29-123.30

"Oh Darling, you have been permitted along with wives of other great monkeys to proceed to Ayodhya by Rama to satisfy the wishes of Sita." 123.31

"Hurry up, we shall proceed along with the wives of all other monkey chiefs and show them the city of Ayodhya as well as the widows of Dasaratha." 123.32

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, Tara who was pretty all over called the wives of other monkey chiefs and told them as follows. 123.33

"As per the order of Sugreeva, let all the monkey ladies hurry up to proceed to Ayodhya and a kindly act has also been done to me by fulfilling my wish to see Ayodhya." 123.34

"We will also see the entry of Rama in to that city along with people of the city as well as villages and also would see the great opulence of the widows of Dasaratha." 123.35

"With the permission of Tara all those monkey ladies, after dressing themselves according to rule, went round the aerial car and got in to it with a wish to see Sita." 123.36

Raghava after seeing the aerial car rise quickly, when they neared the Rishyamooka Mountain spoke again to Maithili. 123.37

"Oh Sita, now you are seeing the very great Rishyamooka mountain which is blessed with ore of Gold and which looks like cloud along with lightning." 123.38

"It was here that I met Sugreeva, the king of monkeys and made an agreement for the killing of Vali." 123.39

"Here you see the colourful forests as well as the Pampa river, where I greatly lamented for being separated from you." 123.40

"I saw Sabari, the follower of Dharma on its shore and here I happened to kill Kabandha with one Yojana long arms." 123.41

"Oh Sita, there you are seeing Janasthana with its very holy trees and oh pretty one, a great war between Ravana and Jatayu, the very strong lord of birds happened there for your sake." 123.42-123.43

"Oh lady with very pretty colour, this is where I killed Khara with straight arrows, where Dhooshana was struck down and the mighty Trisiras was killed and oh charming lady there is the hermitage built by leaves from where you were taken away by the king of Rakshasas." 123.44-123.45

"Here is the pretty and auspicious river Godavari with clear waters and the hermitage of Agasthya surrounded by Banana groves." 123.46

"Here is the shining hermitage of the very great Sutheeshna and you also see the great hermitage of Sarabhanga, where the thousand eyed Indra, the destroyer of cities came." 123.47-123.48

"Oh lady with a slender waist, here you are seeing the hermitages for which sage Atri who has a luster like fire and the sun is the chief." 123.49

"It was in this place that the very huge bodied Viradha was killed by me and it was here Sita that you saw the lady sage [Anasuya] who was the great follower of Dharma." 123.50

"Oh lady with a pretty body, here is excellent and lustrous mountain of Chithrakuta and it was here that Bharatha came to please me." 123.51

"Oh Maithili, here you can see the river Yamuna surrounded by colourful forests and you can also see the great hermitage of the saint Bharadwaja." 123.52

"Here you can see the blessed Ganga with three different streams whose banks are crowded by flocks of birds and whose shores are lined with flowering forests." 123.53

"We have now reached Srungaberipura where my friend Guha lives and you can see the Sarayu river both whose banks have attractive flowering trees." 123.54

"And now you can see Ayodhya, the capital city of my father and having returned back, Oh Sita, please salute this city of Ayodhya." 123.55

All the monkeys, Rakshasas as well as Vibheeshana, jumped again and again there to get a good glimpse of that great city. 123.56

After that the monkeys along with the Rakshasas saw that Ayodhya, having rows of white palaces, intersected with wide roads, and crowded with elephants and horses, looking like Amravati, the City of Indra the lord of Devas. 123.57

This is the end of One Hundred and Twenty Third Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

124. Rama at Sage Bharadwaja's Hermitage

[Rama decides to go to the hermitage of sage Bharadwaja before going to Ayodhya. He requests the sage for information about welfare of the city. The sage assures him that things are okay. He says that he knew all the activities of Rama by his divine power. Rama requests him to make all the trees up to Ayodhya fully laden with fruits and flowers. The sage blesses that it would be like that.]

The fourteen years had been completed and it was the fifth phase of the moon and the elder brother of Lakshmana reached the hermitage of Bharadwaja and saluted the sage as per the rules. 124.1

After saluting the sage Bharadwaja, who has a rich asset of penance, he enquired, "Oh God like sage, have you heard of abundance of food in the city of Ayodhya and is the city free from disease? Is Bharata ruling it with attention? Are all my mothers alive?" 124.2

When sage Bharadwaja heard these words of Rama, he with a joyful disposition and a smile replied that chief of Raghu clan. 124.3

"Bharata, who lives smearing mud on his limbs and has matted locks, places your sandals before him and is looking forward to your arrival. In your city and home all are safe." 124.4

"Oh Rama who is victorious in battles, previously, on seeing you going deep into the great forest on foot, with the sole intention of practicing Dharma, clad in pieces of bark, going away from kingship, sacrificing all sort of enjoyments, like an Deva fallen from heaven, having renounced all your possessions, along with your spouse as the third one of your party, resolving to carry out the behest of your father and intent on implementing the pledge given to Kaikeyi and living on wild roots and fruits, pity arose in me." 124.5-124.7

"But on seeing you now I am feeling very happy as you have fulfilled your promise, conquered all your enemies and have returned accompanied by hosts of friends and relatives." 124.8

"Oh Raghava I very well know completely all the pleasures and sorrow that happened to you, due to your having to live in Janasthana." 124.9

"While you were busy protecting all the Brahmins as per the request of all ascetics, the stainless wife of yours was abducted by Ravana." 124.10

"Oh Rama, who is devoted to Dharma, even the appearance of Mareecha, the abduction of Sita by Ravana, the sight of Kabandha, your arrival at the Pampa lake, your alliance with Sugreeva, as to how Vali was killed by you, the search-operation for Sita, the exploit of Hanuman in the tracing of Sita, how the bridge Nalasetu was constructed, how the City of Lanka was set fire by the rejoiced monkey-chiefs, how that Ravana who was the thorn in the side of gods who was arrogant of his strength was killed in battle, with his sons kinsfolk and his ministers and how a boon was conferred by them on you by Gods - all this is known to me by my asceticism. My disciples, who were accustomed to report to me the news, used to go to Ayodhya City from here." 124.11-124.16

"Friends, riches and grains are thought as great by people., but mother and mother land are considered much greater than even heaven." 124.17

"Bowing with head bent bow to this statement as he was greatly attracted by it, the great prince requested the sage for the following boon." 124.18

"Oh God like sage, Let all the trees on the way to Ayodhya from here, bear fruit even in the off-season and flow with honey. Let abundant fruits of various kinds, emitting the fragrance of nectar, appear on them." 124.19

When the sage said, "So be it", all the trees there grew closely like the trees of heaven." 124.20

Then for three Yojanas on their way to Ayodhya in the direction of their travel, the trees which were never bearing fruits, were completely filled with fruits, and those which had stopped flowering were full of flower and all the withered trees were clothed with leaves and started flowing with honey." 124.21-124.22

The very highly pleased monkeys seeing very many divine fruits, felt as if they have conquered heaven and consumed in thousands those very divine fruits. 124.23

This is the end of One Hundred and Twenty Fourth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.