Yuddha Kandam

13. Mahaparswa's Suggestion

[Mahaparswa says that there is nothing wrong in possessing Sita with force. Ravana tells him a curse which was given to him by Brahma, which would make his head break in to thousand pieces, if he takes possession of any lady with force.]

Noticing that Ravana was very angry, a very strong Rakshasa called Mahaparswa, thought for a moment and told the following words. 13.1

"Indeed after reaching the forest, which is inhabited by wild beasts and if a man does not drink honey, he is childish." 13.2

"Oh destroyer of enemies, when you are lord of all beings, who can be a lord to you? So you step down on the heads of your enemies and then enjoy with Sita." 13.3

"Forcibly like a cock behave with her, and charge and again charge that Vaidehi and enjoy her." 13.4

"After you get satisfaction to your passion, why bother about what will happen latter? All that comes and that which is yet to come would be prevented by that." 13.5

"Kumbhakarna along with our strong Indrajit is capable of opposing even the God Indra?" 13.6

"After giving gifts, consoling, creating competition are tried and not working, I like getting this done through punishment." 13.7

"Oh very strong one, without any doubt we will take in to our custody all those enemies of yours who manage to reach here." 13.8

When spoken like this by Mahaparswa, the king Ravana honoured him and spoke as follows addressing him. 13.9

"Oh Mahaparswa, please know about a little secret about me. I shall tell you about it, which occurred to me a long time ago." 13.10

"Once when I was going to the home of Grandfather[Brahma], I happened to see a deva maiden called Punjikasthala who was like a lightning hiding in the sky." 13.11

"She was undressed and forcibly enjoyed by me and she like a crumpled lotus flower went to the home of lord Brahma." 13.12

"I think that this matter was informed to the great soul Lord Brahma and then the greatly enraged Brahma told me these words." 13.13

"From today onwards, if you make love to a women forcibly, without any doubt, your head would break into hundred pieces." 13.14

"Due to the great effect caused by this curse, I am not forcibly making Sita, the daughter of Janaka mount in to my bed." 13.15


"I have the force of the wind and speed of the ocean and without knowing this the son of Dasaratha is attacking me." 13.16

"Who would like to address me who is like a lion sleeping in a mountain cave, which would make me like death?" 13.17

"That Rama has not seen my arrows which are like serpents and which have two tongues and that is why he is marching against me in war." 13.18

"Very quickly by making use of hundreds of arrows of mine which are like Vajrayudha I will burn Rama like tormenting an elephant with fire brands." 13.19

"With my great army I will destroy the army of Rama, just like rising sun destroys the shining of stars." 13.20

"Neither the thousand eyed Indra nor Varuna can defeat me in battle and once upon a time this city of Lanka was captured in a battle from Khubera by me." 13.21

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

14. Vibheeshana Chides Ravana

[Vibheeshana criticizes the action of his brother and requests him to return Sita so that all Rakshasas are not destroyed.]

Hearing the words of the king of Rakshasas and the roar of Kumbhakarna, Vibheeshana told the following useful words to the king of Rakshasa. 14.1

"Who has tied unnecessarily this gigantic serpent called Sita, whose bosom is the hood, whose anxiety is the poison, her sweet smiles are the fangs and whose five fingers are the five hoods. , around your neck" 14.2

"Before the mountain sized monkeys whose weapons are their teeth and nails descend on Lanka, please give back Maithili to the son of Dasaratha." 14.3

"Before the arrows of Rama which are equivalent to Vajrayudha come with a speed of wind and cuts off the heads of the Rakshasa chiefs, please give back Maithili to the son of Dasaratha." 14.4

"Oh king, neither Kumbhakarna or Indrajit and either Mahaparsva or Mahodara and either Nikumbha or Kumbha or even Atikaya can withstand Rama in a battle." 14.5

"Even if you are protected by the sun or Maruths or you are seated on the lap of Indra or even God of death or even if you have penetrated in to heaven or hell. The arrows of Rama would not spare you." 14.6

After hearing the words of Vibheeshana Prahastha replied, "We have never felt any fear and we do not have any fear with devas or Rakshasas at any time." 14.7

"When we do not have any fear from Yakshas or Gandharwas or eminent Nagas or from birds and reptiles on the field of battle, how can we have fear from Rama, the son of a human king at any time in battle?" 14.8

Hearing the words of Prahastha which were not good for the king, Vibheeshana who had a stable mind and was firm in following Dharma, Artha and Kama spoke these very meaningful words" 14.9

"Oh Prahastha, the actions that the king or Mahodhara or Kumbhakarna told about Rama are impossible to be implemented and is like wicked people trying to go to heaven." 14.10

"How can the killing of Rama who is an expert in war by you Prahastha or all other Rakshasas happen, for how can a person without even a piece of wood cross an ocean." 14.11

"In front of Rama who considers Dharma as important, who is a great charioteer, and an important king of the Ikshuvaku dynasty, even Devas would feel bewildered and so how can ordinary people accomplish anything?" 14.12

"Oh, Prahastha, The sharp arrows discharged by Rama, which are furnished with eagle's feathers and are dangerous to be approached and since they have not yet penetrated, your body, you indulge in a boastful talk." 14.13

"The sharp and fatal arrows, discharged by Rama with the speed of a Vajrayudha, have not yet penetrated, duly splitting your body. That is why; you are indulged in a boastful talk." 14.14

"Ravana or Triseersha, with great strength or Nikumbha the son of Kumbhakarna or Indrajit or yourself are not capable to withstand Rama, who is equal in strength to Indra, in battle." 14.15

"Even Devantaka or Narantaka or Atikaya or Atiratha of very big proportions, or Akampana who is as mighty as an ocean are not capable to withstand against Rama in battle." 14.16

"Now our king is addicted to several bad habits, is rude by nature and his friends have become his enemies and he is now acting without any consideration for the destruction of Rakshasas.14.17

"You also please lift the king and release him from the ties of terrific and exceedingly strong snake of boundless proportions and having one thousand heads." 14.18

"It is time that all his friends, who are getting full favours from him, should collect together and if needed pull him back by catching his hair because he is in the clutch of very strong evil spirits." 14.19

"This Ravana, for his part who is going to be enveloped forcibly by an ocean in the shape of Rama - which is full of excellent water and who is about to fall into the mouth of Patala in the shape of Rama, is fit to be rescued united by you." 14.20

"I am telling these right and wholesome words, to this city and the Rakshasas inhabiting it as well as to the king and his well-wishers. Let Sita be given back to the son of the king." 14.21

"He alone is a good minister, who after understanding the strength of others as well as our own strength, judges our own present position, possible decrease or increase and tells his opinion in the interests of the king." 14.22

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

15. Indrajit Criticizes Vibheeshana

[Indrajit makes fun of Vibheeshana and says he is a coward. He feels that he can easily kill Rama and his monkey army. Vibheeshana gives a fitting answer.]

After hearing carefully the words of Vibheeshana who was equivalent to Bruhaspathi in intelligence, the great Indrajit who was a chief of army told. 15.1

"Oh young father, why are you talking these meaningless and greatly fearful words ?Even a person who is not born in our race at this time would not speak such words and do such things." 15.2

"This youngest father is the only male in our race who lacks, strength, valour, fighting spirit, courage, prowess and also luster." 15.3

"Who are after all these human beings who are the sons of the king? They can easily be killed by one ordinary Rakshasa among us and oh coward, why are you frightening us?" 15.4

"Once I threw on the floor the lord of devas who was supposed to be lord of the three worlds and all the deva groups who were there at that time fled in different directions." 15.5

"I also threw the Iravatha elephant which was making discordant sounds on the floor and then by extracting its teeth, I made all the deva groups greatly scared." 15.6

"How is that I who had destroyed the pride of Devas and who made the life of asuras miserable, can become incapable of conquering the ordinary sons of a king who are mere human beings?" 15.7

Hearing those words of Indrajit who was equal to Indra and very difficult to be conquered and who was greatly powerful, Vibheeshana who was best among those who carry weapons spoke the following very meaningful words. 15.8

"Oh Lad, you do not have stability in providing advice. You are a child and have not attained maturity and so you are prattling many words which are without any meaning and which will lead to your destruction." 15.9

"Oh Indrajit, you are not accepting words from me indicating destruction of Ravana from Rama due to ignorance, as in the name of being a son of Ravana you are his enemy." 15.10

"Due to your ignorant brain you are fit to be killed,. No he who brought a reckless boy like you who is greatly adventurous to this assembly near the great ministers is fit to be killed." 15.11

"Oh Indrajit, You are a stupid, lacking stability, without humility, rude natured; unwise; evil person, inexperienced and highly evil minded. You are speaking in this manner because you are an immature boy". 15.12

"In battle who can bear the arrows which are discharged by Rama which are similar to staff of God of death and which has the luster of the staff of Brahma and take the form of god of death." 15.13

"Oh king let us offer riches, gems, good jewels, excellent cloths, bright coloured gems and Goddess like Sita to Rama and then live a life without anguish." 15.14

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

16. Ravana Talks Harshly to Vibheeshana

[Ravana shouts at Vibheeshana and calls him as a traitor. Unable to tolerate this Vibheeshana decides to desert him.]

Hearing the words of Vibheeshana which were stable, suitable and aimed at welfare, Ravana driven by the God of death spoke these harsh words. 16.1

"One can live with an enemy and even a very poisonous snake but cannot live with an enemy who is taking like a friend." 16.2

"Oh Rakshasa, I know about the behaviour of all men belonging to our clan and all these men of the clan rejoice at the bad luck of the members of their own clan." 16.3

"Oh Rakshasa, the people of the clan insult and humiliate the members of their own clan who is a great leader, an educated one, a person following Dharma and one who is valorous." 16.4

"These horrible members of our own clan have concealed thoughts and treacherous minds and these bad ones rejoice at the sufferings of the members of their own clan." 16.5

"Please hear the musical verses spoken by elephants in Padmavana long ago, when they saw men holding noose in their hands." 16.6

"To us fire, noose or weapons do not cause any fear but the horrifying people our clan driven by selfishness definitely causes fear." 16.7

"These people our clan without any doubt will inform our strategy to our enemies enabling them to catch us and so it is well known that fear of people of our clan is greatest to us." 16.8

"In cow there is wealth, in members of our clan there is fear, in ladies there is fickleness and there is austerity among Brahmins." 16.9

"Oh soft one, people are venerating me not because they like you and I obtained all these riches by sitting tight on head of my enemies." 16.10

"Just like drops of water falling on the leaves of lotus does not cling to it, the friendship with ungentlemanly people does not last long." 16.11

"Though the clouds of autumn makes roaring sounds, it cannot wet the earth and like that the friendship with ungentlemanly people does not last." 16.12

"Like the honeybee drinking honey does not stick to it due to desire for more, you also are one who does not stick to friendship." 16.13

"Like a honey bee cannot drink honey from the flower of grass, friendship and love cannot be extracted from ungentlemanly people." 16.14

"Like an elephant dirtying itself pouring on itself dust by its trunk after its bath, the friendship with ungentlemanly people gets dirtied like that." 16.15

"Oh person moving at night, if these words had been uttered by someone else, he would cease to exist in a moment, oh breaker of our clan, a curse on you." 16.16

When these harsh words were heard by Vibheeshana who was a man of justice, armed with a mace and four of his assistant Rakshasas, he soared in to the sky. 16.17

Vibheeshana who was greatly angered, after rising in to the sky spoke these words to his brother who was the king of Rakshasas. 16.18

"Oh king you are my elder brother and so please say whatever you like, for according to Dharma an elder brother is equivalent to our own father but I am not able to tolerate these harsh words from you." 16.19

"Oh ten faced one, I spoke to you proper words aimed at your welfare but one with a ill composed mind cannot understand words spoken by a well-wisher." 16.20

"It is easy to get people who always speak the words that you love, but those people who speak proper words which are not pleasing are difficult to find." 16.21

"All beings are dragged away tied by the noose of God of death but I am not able to save you as you are in the house that is burning." 16.22

"I do not want to see you killed by Rama using his deadly arrows, which are like flaming fire decorated with gold." 16.23

"Persons who are strong and valiant and who are skilled in use of weapons, when the proper time comes sink down like a dam constructed on sand." 16.24

"As an elder brother, please bear with my words spoken to you desiring your welfare. Please take care of yourself, the city and its Rakshasas, Be safe. I am going away,. Become happy because of my absence." 16.25-16.26

"Oh person moving at night, Due to my desire for your welfare, I might have used words restraining you and you might not have liked them. This is because persons who near their end do not accept the advice of well-wishers." 16.27

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

17. Vibheeshana Seeks Protection

[Vibheeshana along with his four ministers seeks protection from Rama. The monkeys suspect hi,. Rama asks the opinion of monkey chiefs. Only Hanuman feels that he should be accepted.]

After the younger brother of Ravana spoke these harsh words to Ravana, immediately he arrived at the place of Rama and Lakshmana. 17.1

The monkey lords standing on the ground saw on the sky him who was like Meru Mountain and who was shining like lightning. 17.2

They also saw his four assistants who were huge and valorous, They were also carrying weapons and were wearing ornaments. 17.3

He was looking like a mountain of clouds and having shine like Vajrayudha and valorous one was having divine weapons and wearing divine ornaments. 17.4

Sugreeva the king of monkeys seeing Vibheeshana among those five people, being intelligent became worried along with other monkeys. 17.5

After thinking for a moment, he spoke to the monkeys along with monkey lords including Hanuman. 17.6

"See these well-armed Rakshasa along with four others and there is no doubt that they are coming to kill us." 17.7

When the best of the monkeys heard the words of Sugreeva, he lifted Sala trees as well as mountains and spoke as follows. 17.8

"Oh king, quickly order us, so that we can kill those wicked ones so that those fools will fall on the ground dead." 17.9

When they were talking to each other like this Vibheeshana reached the northern shore and comfortably stopped there. 17.10

That very intelligent one, staying comfortably in the sky itself, spoke in a loud voice to them after seeing Sugreeva and other monkeys. 17.11

"There is Rakshasa with bad conduct who is the king of the Rakshasas and I am the younger brother of that bad one and known as Vibheeshana. 17.12

"He is the one who abducted Sita from Janasthana after killing Jatayu and that pathetic lady who is being held captive is being held against her will and is guarded by Rakshasis." 17.13

"I persuaded Ravana again and again by various type of words and arguments to return Sita safely to Rama." 17.14

"Being encouraged by God of death, he did not accept my advice just like a perverted person does not accept medicine." 17.15

"He told harsh words to me, treated me as his servant and also insulted me and I forsaking my son and wife, have come to surrender to Rama." 17.16

"Please inform quickly that great soul Rama, who protects the entire world, that Vibheeshana has come." 17.17

Hearing these words Sugreeva who does things swiftly hurriedly told these words to Rama in front of Lakshmana. 17.18

"Unexpectedly he who is an enemy belonging to the enemy army has come here to kill all of us like owls destroying the crow." 17.19

"O, destroyer of enemies! You should be aware of the design, distribution, leading of the army and the secret service of the monkeys and also of your foes. May good come to you!" 17.20

"The Rakshasas who can take any form they like can vanish too and they are heroic as well as deceitful and so we cannot trust them. 17.21

"He may be a spy sent by Ravana the King of Rakshasas and there is no doubt that he can become one of us and create differences between us." 17.22

"Otherwise that intelligent one can find out our weaknesses or having gained our confidence, he may even attack us." 17.23

"We can accept the army provided by friends of the forest or accept the help of hereditary paid warriors but we should avoid taking help from the enemy." 17.24

"He is by nature a Rakshasa who is the brother of our enemy who has directly come over from him and so how can we trust him?" 17.25

"The younger brother of Ravana whose name is Vibheeshana along with his four assistant Rakshasas has approached you for protection." 17.26

"Oh Rama who can judge what is right, I feel that this Vibheeshana has been sent by Ravana and we have to first arrest him." 17.27

"Oh faultless one, he has come here sent by a crooked Rakshasa and when you start trusting him, he would attack you using his powers of illusion." 17.28

"This Vibheeshana is definitely the brother of the cruel Ravana and so let us kill him and give severe punishment to his assistants." 17.29

"After the chief of the army who was an expert in talk expressed his views hurriedly, Rama the master of words thereafter preferred to be silent." 17.30

The very strong Rama after hearing these words of Sugreeva told the monkeys sitting in front of chief Hanuman who was near him." 17.31

"The very reasonable opinion about the brother of king Ravana spoken by Sugreeva was also heard by you." 17.32
"An efficient and intelligent person desirous of the everlasting welfare of his friend, should advise him, when he faces difficulties." 17.33

When Rama asked them like this, those monkeys who wanted to do good to Rama, without any hesitation freely told their respective opinion. 17.34

"Oh Raghava, in these three worlds, there is nothing that you do not know but with a view of honouring us, you are asking our opinion." 17.35

"You are wedded to Dharma, you consider truth as your penance, you have unfailing valour, you have unfailing memory, you are committed to the welfare of your friends and you take action only after proper investigation." 17.36

"And so one by one your intelligent and very efficient ministers would tell about their opinion about this matter." 17.37

Then the very intelligent monkey Angadha told first Rama that Vibheeshana should be tested first before taking any decision. 17.38

"Vibheeshana who has directly come from our enemy should always be suspected and so soon, he cannot be considered as a trustworthy person." 17.39

"The people who cheat move about hiding their real nature and attack us at our weak places and lead to great misfortune." 17.40

"One should take decision only after examining the possible merits and demerits and accept a particular action if it is likely to lead to good and reject it if it is likely to lead to bad." 17.41

"If we find lot of faults in him let us reject him but if we find only good in him let us accept him." 17.42

Then Sarabha told the following meaningful words. "Oh tiger among men, let us send a spy to follow him and report to us." 17.43

"Suppose we send a spy who is extremely intelligent who would examine his activities, then we can take a decision according to justice." 17.44

Jambhavan who could see this matter with the sayings of scriptures advised in a faultless way after examining the good and bad of it. 17.45

"This Vibheeshana has come from the king of Rakshasas who is our greatest enemy and is a great sinner and has arrived at an improper place and time and so by all means he should be suspected." 17.46

Then Mainda who is an expert in discriminating bad from good and who has great command over his words spoke these reasonable words. 17.47

"Oh king of kings This Vibheeshana is indeed the younger brother of Ravana and so let us find about him by questioning him using sweet words." 17.48

"Oh bull among men, then after knowing his mind and concluding whether he is bad or good one, we have to take decision as per our intelligence." 17.49

Then the best among ministers who was highly civilized Hanuman told smooth, meaningful, sweet and brief words. 17.50

"Even Bruhaspathi cannot excel you in your capacity to talk as you possess exalted intelligence. You are also powerful, best among men, intelligent and efficient." 17.51

"I am not talking to cause a fight and not to excel over others and Oh Rama, I am talking about this due to the importance of the matter." 17.52

"I am seeing error in the judgment of ministers regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the matter and I feel that a judicial investigation is not possible." 17.53

"Without entrusting a work, it is not possible to judge the ability of any one and I feel that it is too early to entrust any job to this stranger." 17.54

"The idea of some ministers to send a spy on him is impracticable as that particular method is greatly impractical." 17.55

"It has been said that Vibheeshana came at the wrong time and place. I desire to tell my opinion on this and so kindly listen." 17.56

"He has taken this decision after comparing merits and demerits between you and Ravana and has decided you are superior to him now only and hence the time and place seems to be all right." 17.57

"After seeing the wickedness in Ravana and the great valour in you, it is worthy of his judgement to decide to come to you." 17.58

"Some ministers told that since he is a stranger, it is only proper to question him before accepting him. But please hear my views." 17.59

"When he who is wise man is being questioned, he would start doubting you and one who comes as a friend becomes faithless, if he is questioned." 17.60

"Oh king without great skills in judging between different voices and tones, it is not possible to judge speedily about his intention." 17.61

"I do not see any bad intention in him or in his talk. And his clear and composed face makes me not to have any doubt in him." 17.62

"A person intent on cheating does not approach fearlessly and with confidence and he does not look like a bad one and so I do not have any doubt in him." 17.63

"It is not possible to hide the emotions in one's face and even if it is hidden, his deeper intentions get revealed through the face." 17.64

"Oh expert in action, an action has to be done at the proper time and place and leads to fruitful results only if it is done speedily." 17.65

"Seeing your perseverance, noticing the improper behaviour of Ravana, hearing about death of Vali. hearing about crowning of Sugreeva, intelligently desiring for this kingdom, he has come here. Taking into consideration, this aspect alone, it is proper to accept him." 17.66-17.67

"I have told you this to the best of my ability after noting the sincerity of this Rakshasa and after hearing the words of mine, you have to judge on this matter." 17.68

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

18. Rama Accepts Vibheeshana

[Sugreeva is against giving protection to Vibheeshana. Rama makes him agree quoting Sastras as well by telling several incidents. Sugreeva agrees and they decide to accept the surrender of Vibheeshana.]

The unconquerable Rama who was pleased after hearing what was told by the son of wind God replied with a firm mind, his opinion. 18.1

"I also desire to tell you my opinion about Vibheeshana and I want you all who are interested in my welfare to hear it." 18.2

"I do not forsake anyone who comes to me with friendship in spite of his having any defect because learned people say that acceptance of such a person is irreproachable." 18.3

Sugreeva examined and analyzed the words spoken by Rama and that monkey chief gave this auspicious reply. 18.4

"It seems that this night traveler who forsook his elder brother when he was in deep trouble is very dangerous for he may betray any one at any time." 18.5

When that son of Kakustha clan, who is really valorous, heard the words of the king of monkeys, he looked round everyone, smiled a little and spoke to Lakshmana who has an auspicious look. 18.6-18.7

"Without reading the Sasthras and without serving old people, it is not possible to speak such words as spoken by the king of monkeys." 18.8

"If we examine it with concentration, it appears to me that there is something peculiar in these circumstances and it occurs among kings and ordinary people." 18.9

"It is told that persons of the same family and kings of adjoining kingdom become enemies due to some adversities and that one has come here because of it." 18.10

"But people of the family who are not sinners do respect the interests of their own family members who are their well-wishers but in case of kings even a virtuous person also is under suspicion." 18.11

"Regarding the defect that you told about his being coming from the side of the enemy, I will quote what shastras say about it and please hear." 18.12

"We do not belong to the same family and one who desires to be a king is also a Rakshasa and he appears to be greatly learned and that is why he is acceptable." 18.13

"People who are of the same family do not live together happily and without fear of each other and due to this a split occurs between them and a great sense of fear prevails among them. That is why Vibheeshana should be accepted." 18.14

"Not all brothers are similar to Bharatha, not all people are sons and fathers like me and not all people are friends like you." 18.15

When Rama told like this Sugreeva along with Lakshmana the wise stood up and saluted him and Sugreeva told him like this." 18.16

"Oh best among those who have patience, please realize that this night traveler might have been sent by Ravana and it is better to imprison him." 18.17

"Oh mighty armed Rama, The faultless on, This Rakshasa has been sent to kill you who are unsuspecting, or to kill Lakshmana or me in trust. He came here with a crooked mind. He with his counsellors is fit to be imprisoned. Is not Vibheeshana the brother of cruel Ravana?" 18.18-18.19

After saying like this to the best of Raghu Dynasty, Sugreeva, the chief of the army, who was expert in speech kept silent. 18.20

Rama heard these words of Sugreeva and after analyzing it, told these auspicious words to the chief of the monkeys. 18.21

"What does matter if this night walker is a good one or a bad one as he is incapable of causing even a little harm to me." 18.22

"Oh king of the monkeys, if I desire, I can kill these ghosts, Dhanavas and Yakshas who are living in this world by using the tip of my finger." 18.23

"It is heard that a dove received his enemy who came seeking its protection as per rules oh hospitality and offered him, his own self as food." 18.24

"Oh Lord of the monkeys, if that dove can receive the hunter who has killed his wife with hospitality, how much more a man like me should do?" 18.25

Please hear the verses composed by sage Kandu who was son of sage Kanva who was wedded to Dharma and a votary of truth. 18.26

"Oh tormentor of enemies, if a person begs making a cup out of his hand, if a person is miserable and if a man comes seeking refuge, even if he is your enemy, he should not be killed, with the aim of not being classified as cruel." 18.27

"Even if an enemy is arrogant or is oppressed, if he comes seeking your protection, with a greatly disciplined mind he should be protected even by forsaking our own life." 18.28

"If he does not protect him due to fear, passion and desire, using his own strength, he would be reproached by the world as a sinner." 18.29

"If a man who sought protection is not protected and dies before the eyes of a person who could have protected him, that person who dies takes away all the reward for good action from the man who did not protect him and dies." 18.30

"There is a great defect in not protecting those who surrender to you for he will lose heaven as fame and his strength and valour would be destroyed." 18.31

"I will do according to the great words of Kandu for I will become a votary of dharma, famous and would go to heaven." 18.32
"If any one surrenders to me once and begs me saying, ‘I am yours’, I would protect him from all beings and this is my pledge." 18.33

"I have given him protection whether he is Vibheeshana or Ravana himself. And so monkey chief, bring him here." 18.34

When the Lord of monkeys heard the words of Rama, due to his close friendship with Rama, he told like this. 18.35

"Oh Rama, who knows Dharma, the crest jewel among lords of the world, what surprise is there in thinking that you, duly endowed with true essence of life and established in a right path, speak these venerable words?" 18.36

"My inner self also tells me that Vibheeshana is a pure soul, after I examine him from all angles, his appearance and from my inference." 18.37

"Oh Rama let speedily that greatly wise Vibheeshana also become equal to us and let him be blessed with our friendship." 18.38

After hearing the words of the king of monkeys Sugreeva, the king of the men acknowledged it and held a meeting with Vibheeshana which was like the meeting between Indra and Garuda. 18.39

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

19. Vibheeshana is Crowned

[Vibheeshana's surrender is accepted by Rama after he tells about the strengths of Rakshasa army. As per orders of Rama, Lakshmana consecrates Vibheeshana as the king of Rakshasas. Vibheeshana suggests Rama to request help from Varuna to build a bridge. Rama commences his penance.]

When Rama promised him protection, the very intelligent Vibheeshana who was the brother of Ravana bent down and glanced towards the earth. 19.1

That soul of Dharma, Vibheeshana descended on the earth happily from the sky along with his faithful companions and reached near Rama. 19.2

Then Vibheeshana along with his four Rakshasas saluted the feet of Rama and told the following words to Rama which was suitable as per Dharma, right and joyful. 19.3

"I am the younger brother of Ravana and I was insulted by him and I have come to surrender before you, who is the protector of all beings." 19.4

"I have forsaken my Lanka, friends as well as wealth and my country, myself and my pleasures are from now on under your control." 19.5

When he heard these words, Rama told him, with a soothing look in his eyes, and in a soothing tone, "Please tell me in detail about the strength and weakness of the Rakshasas." 19.6-19.7

When who does all actions with stability asked that Rakshasa like this, he started telling about the strength of Ravana's army in detail. 19.8

"Ravana the son of the king is protected by a boon given by Lord Brahma that he cannot be killed by all beings including Gandharwas, Yakshas, serpents and birds." 19.9

After the next elder brother of mine is greatly valorous and is the lustrous Kumbhakarna who has enough strength to fight Lord Indra." 19.10

"Oh Rama, you must have heard about the commander-in-chief of Ravana called Prahastha who defeated Manibhadra in a battle on mount Kailas." 19.11

"If furnished with gloves made of the skin of Iguana, Indrajit wearing an armour which no arrow can pierce, becomes invisible when fighting a battle." 19.12

"Oh Rama, that glorious Indrajit, had pleased the God of fire and so can strike the enemy in the battle field with huge formations, while remaining invisible." 19.13

"The Rakshasas called Mahaparswa, Mahodhara and Akampana, who are equivalent in valour to the guardians of the world are the commanders of Ravana's army." 19.14

"Hundred crores of Rakshasas who can assume any form they want and who eat flesh and blood reside in Lanka." 19.15
 
"The king along with these Rakshasas waged a war with the guardians of the world and they as well as the devas were defeated by the wicked Ravana." 19.16

The best of the Raghu clan after hearing these words of Vibheeshana, examined all these with great attention and spoke these words. 19.17

"Oh Vibheeshana I know about these facts about Ravana and I know that all those which you told were true." 19.18

"After killing Ravana, his son as well as Prahastha, I will make you the king here. Please hear this truth from me." 19.19

"Even if Ravana hides himself deep in Rasatala or Patala or even if he seeks the presence of Brahma, I shall definitely kill him." 19.20

"I will not enter Ayodhya without killing Ravana together with his sons, companions and relatives in battle. I take oath on my three brothers." 19.21

Hearing the words of Rama, who is stable in his action, the soul of Dharma Vibheeshana saluted him by bowing his head and spoke. 19.22

"I will help you in killing the Rakshasas when we attack the Lanka and as per my strength I will also enter in to the army." 19.23

When Vibheeshana told like this Rama hugged him told Lakshmana "Dear one go and bring the sea water." 19.24

"Oh Lakshmana with great self respect, quickly consecrate with this water, Vibheeshana as king of Rakshasas, so that I am pleased." 19.25

Hearing the words of Rama, Lakshmana consecrated Vibheeshana as king, as per the order of Rama in between the monkey lords. 19.26

Noticing the grace of Rama, all those monkeys, produced a great sound and said "Great, Great." 19.27

Then Hanuman and Sugreeva asked Vibheeshana, "How can we cross this tumultuous ocean which is the home of Varuna along with this great army of monkeys which has great splendour?" 19.28

"Please tell us the manner in which we would be able to cross this Lord of streams and rivers swiftly along with our army?" 19.29

When those followers of Dharma asked like this to Vibheeshana, he replied," The king Rama should surrender and take refuge with the God of ocean." 19.30

"This immeasurable great ocean was dug by Sagaras and so this great ocean would be inclined to obey Rama who belongs to the clan of Sagaras." 19.31

When the learned Rakshasa told like this, Sugreeva went to the place where Rama and Lakshmana were there. 19.32
Then after informing them about the auspicious words of Vibheeshana, the long necked Sugreeva advised Rama to approach and make a request to the ocean. 19.33

Since Rama by nature was pious, he liked the idea and along with Lakshmana and the monkey chief Sugreeva, wanting to follow the great advice of Vibheeshana told them with a smile. 19.34-19.35

"Oh Lakshmana, I like the advice of Vibheeshana and since Sugreeva is very learned and you are an expert in giving counsel, both of you take a decision in this matter and inform me." 19.36

When they were told like those two valorous people Sugreeva and Lakshmana with proper courtesy told like this. 19.37

"Oh tiger among men Rama, there is no reason for us not to like the advice of Vibheeshana which is soothing at this difficult time and it is agreeable to both of us." 19.38

"Without building a bridge across the horrifying ocean which is the home of Varuna, it is not possible to reach Lanka even for Indra and devas." 19.39

"Let us do according to the meaningful advice of Vibheeshana and since we have already wasted time in this endeavor, let the ocean be commanded to yield passage to the army to reach Lanka ruled by Ravana." 19.40-19.41

Having been told like this, Rama sat on the shore of the ocean covered by Kusha grass and appeared like fire trying to reach the altar. 19.42

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

20. Ravana's Attempt to Influence Sugreeva

[One spy informs Ravana about the might of the monkey army. He sends a spy called Shuka to influence Sugreeva to go back. Shuka is caught by the monkeys.]

After that a valorous Rakshasa called Sardula came and saw the army under the command of Sugreeva which was ready for the battle. 20.1

He was the spy of Ravana, the evil natured king of Rakshasas and after seeing the army of monkeys from all the sides, he returned back speedily to Lanka and told the king. 20.2

"A very huge army of monkeys and bears, which is boundless and immeasurable, which is like a second ocean is approaching Lanka." 20.3

"The brothers Rama and Lakshmana who are the sons of Dasaratha who are excellent men endowed with beauty have come in search of Sita and they are keeping on the shores of this great ocean. 20.4-20.5

"Oh king, that army is spread out for a distance of ten Yojanas [Twenty miles] and you can swiftly verify this truth." 20.6

"Oh great king, you need to send your messengers quickly to verify the truth. Under these circumstances conciliation, surrendering and sowing dissensions are the only options." 20.7

When Ravana the king of Rakshasa heard these words of Sardula, he was disturbed and swiftly decided about the course of action and spoke to the Rakshasa called Sukha who is best among those who know their duty. 20.8

"You go to Sugreeva quickly on my behalf and under my command and in a gentle voice tell him these words of mine." 20.9

"Oh king, you are very strong and born in a great family, being the son of Riksharaja, From this battle you are not going to gain anything, Oh lord of monkeys, you are like a brother to me." 20.10

"Suppose I have abducted the wife of that great prince, it should not matter to you at all and so you go back to Kishkinda." 20.11

"This Lanka cannot be reached by monkeys at all. Even Devas and Gandharwas are not able to reach it and so how can men and monkeys reach here?" 20.12

Thus ordered by the king of Rakshasas, that Rakshasa Shuka assumed a form of the bird and started flying in the sky. 20.13

Proceeding in the sky continuously over the ocean, he stood on the sky and told Sugreeva the following words. 20.14

Shuka repeated the words of that wicked Ravana, as it was told to him and at that time the monkeys were trying speedily to reach for him in the sky to tear of his wings and to strike him. 20.15

Those monkeys forcibly caught that Rakshasa on the sky and brought him down forcibly to the earth. 20.16

When the monkeys were troubling that Shuka, he told Rama, "Oh Rama of Kakustha clan, messengers are not killed and so please restrain your monkeys." 20.17

"A messenger would tell only the opinion of his lord and never talks about his opinion. But there are other messengers who speak about their own opinion and they deserve to be killed." 20.18

Hearing words of Sukha and the nature of his complaint Rama told the monkeys who were trying to kill him, "Do not kill." 20.19

Seeing that there was no fear from the monkeys, Sukha who had become light feathered, stood in the space and started taking again. 20.20

"Oh Sugreeva who is in rich in courage and who is very strong and valorous, "What shall I tell Ravana, who makes the world cry?" 20.21

Hearing these worlds, that chief of monkeys who is the bull among all monkeys and who was very strong., told these words to the Rakshasa called Sukha who was the spy of Ravana and who was blameless. 20.22

"Oh Ravana neither are you my friend, nor do you deserve my sympathy. You are not dear to me and you have never helped me. Since you are the enemy of Rama you along with associates deserve to be killed like Vali was killed." 20.23

"Oh king of Rakshasas, I would kill you along with your sons, relatives and clansmen, I would come to Lanka along with my great army and turn the entire city in to ashes." 20.24

"O, foolish Ravana! You along with your younger brother will not be left alive by Rama, even if you are protected by all including Indra or even if you have disappeared or obtained, the solar orbit or entered the nethermost subterranean region or even if approached the lotus feet of Shiva." 20.25-20.26

"I do not see any one including the ghosts, Rakshasas, Gandharwas and Asuras in all the three worlds coming to protect you." 20.27

"You killed the extremely old Jatayu in war but why is it that you did not try to abduct Sita who is with broad eyes in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana." 20.28

"The noble of the Raghu clan who is great, very strong and who cannot be even defeated by devas whom you do not know properly would kill you." 20.29

The good monkey Angadha who was the son of Vali told," Oh intelligent Sugreeva, He does not appear to be a messenger but a spy." 20.30

"Standing there in the sky he has estimated the strength of our entire army. Let us arrest him and let him not go back to Lanka and this finds favour with me." 20.31

Commanded by the king, the monkeys jumped up in the air and caught hold of him and tied him securely and becoming helpless, he started wailing loudly. 20.32

When Sukha was harassed by those monkeys who were fierce, he cried loudly to attract the attention of the highly principled Rama, who is the son of Dasaratha. 20.33

"My wings are being pulled out forcibly. My eyes are being pierced. If I die, all the sins incurred by me between my birth and my death would fall to your share." 20.34-20.35

Rama who heard his wailings, did not allow him to be killed by the monkeys as he had come only as a messenger. 20.36

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

21. Rama's Anger at Ocean

[When the ocean does not respond to his penance, Rama gets angry and is about it to dry it by his arrow, Lakshmana stops him.]

Then Raghava spread Dharbha grass on the ocean bank, and saluting eastward he laid himself on that Durbha bed with his hand as his pillow and appeared like he was sleeping on a snake. 21.1

His arm, in which he wore golden gem studded armlets and most excellent ornaments of pearls had been touched by many great ladies earlier. 21.2-21.3

His hands were applied with sandal and agaru paste earlier were shining like early morning Sun. 21.4

Earlier Sita used to make those hands shine by keeping her head on it and it resembled the Thakshaka snake supported by the water of Ganga. 21.5

That arm which resembled a yoke increased the sorrow of his enemies and was delightful to his friends and it was now placed on the shore of the sea. 21.6

That arm whose skin had been hardened by the strokes of the bow string, the left arm resembling a great mace and that mighty right arm that bestowed thousands of cows in charity was used as a pillow. Rama, the competent man and the mighty armed said:" Either crossing of the ocean or a death should occur to me today". Making that resolve he laid down by the ocean, restraining his speech and with a pious disposition according to tradition. 21.7-21.9

According to traditional rule Rama who was lying down on the Durbha bed on earth spent three nights there. 21.10

That man of justice who was diplomatic, waited for the ocean which was the lord of the rivers for three nights there. 21.11

Though honoured according to his greatness by the self-subdued Rama, the careless ocean did not appear in his personal form to Rama. 21.12

Due to getting angry on the ocean Rama's eyes turned blood red in colour and he spoke these words to Lakshmana who was nearby and who was having auspicious look. 21.13

"Due to its great arrogance the ocean has not made its appearance. Indeed qualities calmness, tolerance kind speech and straight -forwardness which are the qualities of noble men give weak results, when directed towards those having no virtues." 21.14

"That bad man who flatters himself and runs all over the world shamelessly like a horse set out at liberty is only appreciated by the world. 21.15

"In this world it is not possible to obtain fame and glory at the end of battle by peaceful means." 21.16

"Oh Lakshmana see how this ocean which is the home of crocodiles is going to be broken by my arrows and get suffocated on all its sides." 21.17

"Oh, Lakshmana, watch these coils of water snakes, the huge bodies of alligators and the trunks of sea elephants which are going to be shattered by me." 21.18

"I am going to dry up this ocean with its conches, shells, fishes and crocodiles in this great battle." 21.19

"I think this home of crocodiles is going to consider me as soft man incapable of doing anything and I feel it is a mistake to show our soft side to certain people." 21.20

"The Ocean is not appearing before me in its true form. Oh Son of Sumithra, bring my bow and my arrows which are like poison. I would then dry up this ocean and we can go to Lanka by foot." 21.21-21.22

"Being very angry now, I will shake this ocean, even if it is unshakable. I will force the ocean, which is demarcated by banks and agitated with thousands of waves, bereft of a boundary, by my arrows. I will agitate the great ocean, thronged with great Rakshasas." 21.23-21.24

After telling this that holder of the bow with eyes widened by anger became fearsome to look at like the blazing fire at the deluge." 21.25

He pressed the horrifying bow, twanged it and made the world shake, he released a fierce winged arrow which was like the Vajrayudha of Indra." 21.26

Those lustrous and very great arrows travelling with great speed entered the ocean striking the water snakes with great terror. 21.27

When the water fishes and alligators were suddenly disturbed became much more disturbed due to the wind. 21.28

And that great ocean was shaken by the multitude of waves which was full of large number of conches and smoke came out of it. 21.29

Sea snakes with lustrous faces and with glittering eyes and very powerful Rakshasas who were living in Patala were greatly disturbed. 21.30

Waves in thousands resembling the Vindhya and Mandhara mountains jumped from the sea along with several crocodiles. 21.31

That ocean with its large number of fluctuating waves, and with its scared serpents and Rakshasas and with huge crocodiles coming out, became full of noise. 21.32

Then the son of Sumithra rushed towards Rama who was stretching his bow with very great speed, taking a deep breath and shouting "No further, No further" and took hold of Rama's bow. 21.33

"Even without destroying the ocean by you, you being a great hero. Your purpose would be served. Men like you should get into this type of anger. Oh gentle Rama you should think of some other alternative." 21.34

The Brahma rishis and deva sages, who were standing on the sky made great sound saying "Alas" and further said "No further." 21.35

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

22. Bridge on Ocean

[When Rama is about to shoot the arrow of Brahma, the god of ocean appears before him and requests Rama to use the expertise of the monkey Nala who was the son of Visvakarma to build a bridge across the sea, the arrow of Brahma is used to make the Maru desert fertile. The monkeys build a bridge to Lanka in five days and start crossing over.]

Then that noble one of the Raghu clan spoke these harsh words to the ocean, "Oh Great Ocean, I will dry you up till the Patala." 22.1

"Oh ocean, when your water is consumed by my arrow, you would get dried up and a huge mountain of sand will appear in you and all the creatures within you would be destroyed." 22.2

"Oh ocean, by the rain of arrows that would leave my bow, the monkeys could walk down to the other shore and reach Lanka." 22.3

"Oh Ocean, which is the home of the Rakshasas, by your intelligence you are not able to recognize my power or prowess and you will repent at my hands." 22.4

Fixing the Brahmastra which is similar to the rod of Brahma on his bow that very strong one stretched the arrow. 22.5

When Rama was stretching his bow keeping that arrow, the earth suddenly seems to split and the mountains seem to shake. 22.6

Darkness spread all over the world and all directions became not visible and rivers and lakes seem to get agitated. 22.7

The moon, sun and the stars did not move directly. Though the sun's rays lighted the sky, the sky was covered by darkness and it shined with a blaze of hundreds of meteors while thunders echoed with an unparalleled sound in the sky. 22.8-22.9

Series of divine storms blew in their very gross forms sweeping away clouds and breaking huge trees. 22.10

The wind broke the mountain peaks, broke off the points of the rocks. Winds of great speed struck together in the sky and emitted flashes of radiance proceeding from lightning with a great sound and then there were great thunders. 22.11

All the beings that were visible to the eye wailed along with the sound of thunders and even beings which were not visible made great sound and all the creatures were overpowered, agitated and were scared and did not move due to great fear. 22.12-22.13

After that in the great ocean, water tides along with marine creatures and Rakshasas developed great speed and due to that speed, the swelling waters crossed in to the shore and travelled one Yojana inside the land. 22.14-22.15

Seeing the ocean which was overflowing Rama the destroyer of his enemies did not retreat before the ocean swelled and crossed its limits. 22.16

The God of the ocean then arose from the middle of the ocean, similar to the sun rising at dawn from Mount Meru. 22.17

The God of the ocean along with the snakes with flaming jaws appeared with the colour of emerald decorated by Gold. 22.18

The valorous god of ocean, the lord of rivers, wearing a garland of pearls, with his eyes looking like lotus leaves, using a pretty garland made of all kinds of flowers as ornament on his head, with ornaments of purified gold, adorned with excellent jewels made of pearls from his domain, decorated with different kinds of gems and metals, resembling Himalaya mountain, wearing on his broad chest a locket shedding a white luster, resembling a Kousthubha gem and hanging in the middle of a single string of pearls, with a multitude of waves whirled around him, encircled by the clouds and winds, escorted by rivers mainly the Ganga and Sindhu, endowed with diverse forms resembling various deities, approached Rama with joined palms, who stood with arrows in hand, addressing him first as 'Oh Rama!' and spoke the following words: 22.19-22.24

"Oh Rama with tender heart, the earth, wind, sky, water and fire remain stable in their nature and go towards the eternal path." 22.25

"And due to this I am extremely deep and impossible to swim across and it is unnatural for me to be shallow. I am going to tell you a method to cross me." 22.26

"Oh son of the king, I cannot solidify my waters with alligators either because of desire or ambition or fear or love." 22.27

"Oh Rama, I will make it possible so that all of you including the monkeys can cross me by a path and bear the army while they cross me. The alligators would not be aggressive on them while they cross over." 22.28

Then Rama told the ocean, "Please hear, oh home of Varuna, this arrow should not go in vain and should descend on some place." 22.29

After hearing the words of Rama and after seeing that great arrow, the great and lustrous ocean told Raghava. 22.30

"On my northern parts there is a holy place called Drumatalaya and similar to you, it is well known in this world." 22.31

"Numerous dacoits who do very many cruel deeds known as the sinful Abheeras drink my waters there." 22.32

"I am not able to bear the sinful touch of these great sinners and so I request this arrow which is great to be released on them, thus making it not go in vain." 22.33

Hearing these words of the great ocean, Rama released that shining arrow to the place indicated by the ocean. 22.34

The place where that arrow which had the luster of Vajrayudha descended was the famous desert called Maru [Malwar]. 22.35

Then with great sound that arrow pierced the earth there was the place where water from Rasatala gushed to that place from a cleft in the earth. 22.36

And that well that was created became well known as Vruna and the water gushing out from there resembled the ocean. 22.37

With a horrifying sound the arrow of Rama fell there and dried up the water in those cavities. 22.38

That place became famous in all the three worlds as the desert of Maru. The learned and valorous Rama the son of Dasaratha who resembled Devas dried up that cleft and gave a boon to that place. 22.39-22.40

Due to granting of a boon by Rama, that desert of Maru became the most suitable place for cattle rearing, a place with very little of disease, producing tasty fruits and roots, with a lot of ghee, a lot of milk and various kinds of sweet- smelling herbs. Thus it became an auspicious and suitable move, bestowing these merits. 22.41-22.42

When the cavity in that desert was burning, the ocean which is the lord of the rivers told Rama who had great knowledge of science as well as great books. 22.43

"Oh gentle one, that person with the name Nala is the son of Viswakarma, He has been given a boon by his father and he is equal to Viswakarma [architect of devas]." 22.44

"Let him build the bridge with great enthusiasm and I would hold it for he is just like his father." 22.45

After saying this the God of ocean disappeared and Nala, the great monkey chief stood up and told the following words to the very strong Rama. 22.46

"As told by the great ocean I have the ability of my father and I would construct a bridge across this wide ocean." 22.47

"This ocean which is a formidable body of water has given passage to Rama due to its fear of punishment as Rama wanted a bridge to be constructed across it." 22.48

On the Mandhara mountain Viswakarma gave the following boon to my mother, "Oh Lady, the son who will be born to you would be exactly like me." 22.49

"I am the real son of Viswakarma born out of his loins and I am similar to Viswakarma and this has been reminded to me by the God of ocean and I did not speak about it because I thought it is not proper to talk about myself without being asked." 22.50

"I am capable of building a bridge across the ocean, the home of Varuna and so let all the great monkeys help me to build the bridge." 22.51

Then sent by Rama all the monkey army jumped in joy on all sides and rushed towards the great forest in hundreds of thousands. 22.52

Those monkeys who resembled mountains broke mountain like rocks and trees and dragged them towards the sea. 22.53

Those monkeys filled the ocean with all types of trees like Sala and Asvakarna, Dhava and bamboo, Kutaja, Arjuna, palmyra, Tilaka, Tinisa, Bilva, Saptaparna, Karnika, in blossom as also mango and Asoka. 22.54-22.55

Those best of monkeys who live in the forest carried and brought some trees with roots and some without roots which looked like the flag post of Indra. 22.56

From here and there those monkeys brought Palmyra trees, pomegranate shrubs, coconut and Vibhitaka, Karira, Bakula and neem trees. 22.57

Those huge bodied monkeys who were very strong uprooted elephant sized rocks and mountains and brought them with machines. 22.58

The water which went up due to throwing of the mountains, rose up to the sky and came back again and gushed back to the ocean. 22.59

The rocks which were falling from all sides caused turbulence in the ocean. Others threw strings of hundred yojanas long to keep the rocks straight. 22.60

Nala started building the bridge in the middle of the ocean which was the lord of all rivers and the bridge was built at that time by those great monkeys who can do terrible acts. 22.61

Some monkeys held the pole for measuring the bridge, others collected different type of materials and by the command of Rama hundreds of thousands monkeys brought reeds and logs which were like the clouds and mountains and fastened parts of the bridge. 22.62-22.63

Some monkeys made the bridge with trees having blossomed ends and some monkeys who looked like Rakshasas caught hold of rocks resembling mountains and peaks and appeared to run here and there. 22.64

When the stones where thrown in the sea, mountains also fell at those spots, very great sound emanated from there. 22.65

On the first day itself fourteen Yojana of bridge was constructed speedily by those monkeys who were joyful and were resembling elephants. 22.66

Similarly on the second day twenty yojanas of bridge was speedily constructed by those mighty strong monkeys with huge bodies. 22.67

Similarly on the third day, twenty one yojanas of bridge was constructed in the ocean, speedily by the monkeys who had huge bodies. 22.68

On the fourth day twenty two yojanas of bridge was constructed by further hastening those monkeys with great speed. 22.69

The speedily working monkeys constructed twenty three Yojanas of the bridge on the fifth day and reached up to the other end of the sea. 22.70

Thus the very strong gentle monkey chief Nala who was the son of Viswakarma built a bridge on the ocean as his father would have done it. 22.71

The bridge constructed on the ocean which was the home of alligators by Nala was good to look at and auspicious and resembled the milky way in the sky. 22.72

With a wish to see the wonderful construction Devas, Gandharwas, Sidhas a well as great sages came and stood up on the sky. 22.73

Devas and Gandharwas saw that hundred Yojanas bridge which was ten Yojanas wide and which was constructed by Nala and understood that it was difficult to build. 22.74

The monkeys took long leaps and short and leaps shouted in joy. All other beings saw that construction of the bridge across the ocean as unimaginable, impossible and wonderful, causing their hair to stand on end in amazement. 22.75-22.76

It was a great spectacle to see those thousand crore of great monkeys cross to the other shore, immediately after building the bridge. 22.77

That great bridge, which was broad, well-constructed, glorious, well postured and held together firmly, looked beautiful like a separating straight line in the ocean. 22.78

And on the other shore of the sea Vibheeshana holding a mace along with his ministers stood up for invading the enemy. 22.79

Thereafter, Sugreeva on his part spoke to Rama, the truly brave man as follows: "O, valiant man, this ocean, the abode of alligators, is indeed vast and so you climb up on the shoulder of Hanuman and let Lakshmana climb up on the shoulder of Angadha. These monkeys can carry both of you while flying in the sky." 22.80-22.81

On front of the army the lustrous Rama who followed Dharma and Lakshmana marched along with Sugreeva. 22.82

Some monkeys went along the middle of the bridge. Some others went along the sides. Some others were seen jumping into water. Some others marched forward on the path. Some monkeys entered the sky and flew like Garuda the eagle. 22.83

The sound of marching monkeys masked the sound of the ocean which was huge and terrific. 22.84

After the monkeys crossed over to the other shore by the bridge constructed by Nala, Sugreeva made them camp on the shore where plenty of fruits and roots were available. 22.85

Seeing that the wonderful and extremely difficult act was completed, the devas, the Sidhas and Charanas along with great sages, immediately anointed him with sacred waters. 22.86

The Devas, Sidhas and others blessed Rama, who was duly respected by kings with their auspicious -words as follows:" O, king, Defeat the enemies. Rule the earth and ocean which are eternally for years." 22.87

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

23. Rama Notices Omens

[Omens indicating death and suffering to the monkey army is noticed by Rama. He becomes sad because of it.]

The elder brother of Lakshmana who was an expert in omens seeing the omens, hugged the son of Sumithra and told the following words. 23.1

"After taking over this land blessed with cool water and fruits, let us divide the army into battalions and set them up there." 23.2

"I foresee great fear which will destroy this world and torture of eminent heroes among monkeys, bears and Rakshasas." 23.3

"Dusty winds are blowing, the earth is shaking, the tops of the mountains are quivering and trees are falling down." 23.4

"Revolting clouds with the shape of wild beasts with horrifying sound are raining horrifying rain, with mixture of blood drops." 23.5

"The dusk of the colour of red sandalwood is very much dreadful and balls of fire fall from the blazing sun." 23.6

"All cruel birds and animals look pitiable and roaring out pitiably facing the sun and give rise to great fear." 23.7

"The moon rises as it would do at the time of final deluge and has a black and red halo and makes the mind depressed." 23.8

"O, Lakshmana, A dark stain appears on the cloudless solar disc, which is diminished, dreary, inauspicious and of copper colour." 23.9

"Great darkness is enveloping all the stars and seems to herald the final dissolution of the world." 23.10

"Crows, eagles, and vultures are flying nearer to the ground and Jackals are howling and give rise to inauspicious sound." 23.11

"By the tridents, mountains and swords thrown by monkeys and Rakshasas, the earth will be covered with heaps of flesh and blood." 23.12

"We shall attack with great speed surrounded by monkeys, this evil town ruled by Ravana." 23.13

After saying this the charming Rama who is the conqueror of enemies in battle along with his bow walked to the front of the army facing the city. 23.14

All those monkey chiefs who were marching ahead with Vibheeshana and Sugreeva were desiring for the destruction of their audacious enemies. 23.15

By the acts and gestures of all those strong monkeys with the idea to please him, Rama became happy. 23.16

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

24. Rama at Lanka

[Rama and the monkey army reaches Lanka. Rama divided the army in to battalions and assigns job of its protection to various monkey leaders. Shukha the spy is released. He tells Ravana about the great danger. Ravana is not bothered, ]

That Assembly of valorous monkeys along with their king shined like the full moon of the autumn and the bright stars. 24.1

The earth which was pressed by a large number of monkeys who had energy like the sea trembled with a fear about their rapid movement. 24.2

Then those monkeys heard a great tumult from the city of Lanka which was accompanied by playing of various type of drums which made their hair to stand erect. 24.3

Hearing that sound the monkey leaders became happy but since they were not able to tolerate it, they shouted more loudly and it surpassed that sound. 24.4

The Rakshasas also heard the sound of the roar of the wildly delighted monkeys which sounded like a thunder from the sky. 24.5

The Son of Dasaratha saw the city of Lanka decorated with various types of flags and decorations and his heart which was full of grief thought about Sita. 24.6

"There Sita with deer like eyes has been imprisoned by Ravana just like the Rohini star is over shadowed by planet Mars." 24.7

After breathing a warm deep breath, seeing Lakshmana he told these heroic words which were beneficial to him at that time. 24.8

"Oh Lakshmana, see this city of Lanka, which appears to have been constructed on a hill top by Viswakarma, so that it appears to be touching the sky." 24.9

" When constructed earlier, the city of Lanka was filled with many towers and is covered by thick white clouds and looks like the city of Vishnu." 24.10

"The lustrous city of Lanka has many flowering gardens which have many fruit bearing trees and filled with singing birds and is comparable to Chaithratha, the garden of Khubera." 24.11

"See the happy birds, swarming bees and tree branches with lot of cuckoo birds which sway in the breeze." 24.12

Thus Rama the son of Dasaratha spoke with Lakshmana and then the army was divided in to battalions according to method mentioned in great books. 24.13

Then Rama ordered as follows "Let the valorous and invincible Angadha along with Nila occupy the middle position of this formation." 24.14

"Let the monkey named Rishabha along with several other monkey chiefs place themselves on the right side of the army." 24.15

"Let the strong and unconquerable Gandamadhana who is like an elephant in rut stand on the left side of the monkey army." 24.16

"I would stand in the front tip of the army along with Lakshmana. Let the great Jambavan, Sushena and Veghadarsi who are the monkey and bear chiefs protect the belly of the army." 24.17

"Let the rear of the army be protected by the king of monkeys, like very lustrous God Varuna protects the western side." 24.18

The several battalions of the monkey army, which was protected by great monkeys shined like the skies with the mass of clouds. 24.19

With the intention to crush the Rakshasas in battle, the monkey armed reached there after seizing peaks of mountains and trees. 24.20

All the monkeys resolved in their mind," Whether with the peak of mountains or even with bare fists, we will shatter this city of Lanka in to pieces." 24.21

Then the very lustrous Rama told Sugreeva, "Now the army has been divided properly let us release Shuka." 24.22

The very strong king of monkeys after hearing the words of Rama, as per the order of Rama released the emissary called Sukha. 24.23

After being troubled by the monkeys and now released by the words of Rama, Shuka trembling with fear reached the king of Rakshasas. 24.24

Ravana laughingly asked Sukha, "Why were your wings tied up? It appears that your wings have been plucked. Have you fallen as the victim of fickle minds." 24.25-24.26

Asked like that by the king Ravana, Shuka who was agitated with great fear, gave him the following excellent reply: "On the northern shore of the ocean, I conveyed your message in a smooth tone, conciliatory and without any ambiguity exactly as per your instructions." 24.27-24.28

"The monkeys as soon as they saw me, jumped on me with great anger and caught me. They started plucking my feathers and beating me with their fists." 24.29

"It is not possible to talk to those monkeys nor is it possible to question them. As they are by their nature short tempered and ferocious." 24.30

"Then Rama the killer of Kabandha, Viradha and Khara has come along with Sugreeva to the place where Sita is there." 24.31

"After constructing a bridge over the sea and having crossed the salty sea and after driving away the Rakshasas, Rama is standing here." 24.32

"Several thousand groups of monkeys and bears, who resemble the mountain and clouds are covering the earth." 24.33

"There is no possibility of a treaty between the army of the king of Rakshasas and that of the army of the monkeys." 24.34

"They would come to our ramparts son and before that you need either to return Sita or soon offer to do battle with them." 24.35

As soon as Ravana heard the words of Shuka, he with blood red eyes due to anger and eyes which looked like he will eat Sukha told. 24.36

"Even if I am frightened by the entire world or even if Devas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas come to a battle with me, I will not return back Sita. 24.37

"When would my arrows fall on Rama like the bees falling on a fully blossomed tree in the spring." 24.38

"When will I eat his body with his body covered with flowing blood due to the lustrous arrows released from my bow similar to burning torches destroying an elephant." 24.39

"Surrounded by a huge army, I shall eclipse the above mentioned army of Rama, like the rising sun, eclipses the bright stars." 24.40

"My speed is that of the ocean and my strength is like that of a wind and this is not known to the son of Dasaratha and that is why he wants to fight with me." 24.41

"Rama has not seen the serpent like arrows which are in my quiver and that is why he wants to fight with me." 24.42

"Rama is not aware of my prowess in battle. I shall using my arrow heads play on the string of my bow which resembles the Veena p0roducing sounds of victory and the terrible cries of the wounded would be the accompaniment with my arrows producing several musical notes, as soon as I enter the vast arena of battle with my enemy ranks." 24.43-24.44

"Neither Indra with thousand eyes, nor Varuna the God of the sea nor Yama with his fire like arrows nor Khubera with all his riches would be able to attack me in a battle." 24.45

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