Yuddha Kandam

25. Spies Visit Monkey Army

[Ravana sends Shukha and Sarana, his ministers, to judge the strength of the monkey army. They were caught by Vibheeshana. Rama allows them to see the monkey army and releases them. They go and advise Ravana to seek peace with Rama.]

When Rama the son of Dasaratha crossed the sea. Ravana told his ministers Sukha and Sarana as follows. 25.1

The monkey army has entirely crossed the impassable sea and the construction of bridge over the sea by Rama is incomparable. 25.2

"I am not able to believe that a bridge could be constructed across the ocean and I definitely need to analyze the strength of the monkey army." 25.3

"Become not recognizable to others, enter the army of monkeys and count the real numbers of their army, their strength, as to which monkeys are important among them, which ministers of Rama and Sugreeva have come together, which monkeys are leading in front, which monkeys are valorous, how that bridge was constructed across the ocean full of water, how the encamping is done for those great monkeys; the determination, strength and the striking senses of Rama and of the heroic Lakshmana." 25.4- 25.7

"Please also find out who is the commander -in-chief of those powerful monkeys and after knowing that you should come back speedily." 25.8

After the Rakshasas Sukha and Sarana were ordered this way, they assumed the form of monkeys and entered the army of monkeys. 25.9

After that Sukha and Sarana were not able to count the numbers of the army of monkeys and their hair stood erect due to wonder. 25.10

That army was stationed on the tops of mountains, round about the waterfalls, in the caves, on the sea-shores, in the woodlands and in the gardens. It was either in the process of crossing the ocean, or was intending to cross it in its entirety. It had either encamped or was still encamping, making a terrible noise. The two Rakshasas saw that very strong and imperturbable sea of army. 25.11-25.12

The greatly lustrous Vibheeshana could find out them through their disguise and he caught hold of Sukha and Sarana and told Rama. 25.13

"Oh Rama who wins over other enemy cities, These are Sukha and Sarana who are ministers of the king of Rakshasas and they have come here from Lanka as spies." 25.14

They both saw Rama and were trembling and having lost the hope of being alive, greatly scared, with folded hands in salutation told Rama. 25.15

"Oh gentle son of Raghu clan, we both came here because we were sent by Ravana to know everything about your entire army." 25.16

Rama the son of Dasaratha, who is interested in welfare of all beings, after hearing their words, told them with a smile. 25.17
"If you have seen the entire army and seen all of us well and accomplished the task with which you were entrusted, you are free to go, when you want." 25.18

"If you have not seen any particular aspect, you can see them now and Vibheeshana will again show it to you in its entirety." 25.19

"Having been caught by us, there is no need for you to fear for the messengers who are caught without weapons should not be killed." 25.20

"Oh Vibheeshana, always be ready to shoot an arrow on our enemies, but let these Rakshasa spies who have come in disguise be set free." 25.21

"Oh Rakshasas, when you back to your city tell my words as I told you to Ravana, the brother of Khubera and the king of Rakshasas." 25.22

"I desire that you show us the strength which you exhibited while abducting Sita now along with your army and friends to us as well as our army." 25.23

"Tomorrow morning you will see my arrows destroying, the city of Lanka, along with forts and arches as well as the army of Rakshasas." 25.24

"Oh Ravana, tomorrow at day break, I will release my dreadful anger on you, Just like Indra, the king of devas throws the Vajrayudha." 25.25

When Rama ordered like this to the Rakshasas called Sukha and Sarana, They said, "Victory to you" and admired Rama who loved Dharma, and then went back to Lanka and spoke to the king of Rakshasas. 25.26-25.27

"Ok king of Rakshasa, Vibheeshana caught us with the intention of killing us and the very lustrous Rama seeing it who is the soul of Dharma set us free. 25.28

"Where the four eminent persons who are equal to the protector of the worlds, the valiant ones skilled in the use of weapons and of proven prowess namely Rama the son of Dasaratha, the famous Lakshmana, the great and resplendent Vibheeshana and Sugreeva whose valour is equal to Indra the Lord of devas, are stationed at the same place, they can uproot the city of Lanka with its ramparts and arches and transplant it elsewhere, even if all the monkeys do not do anything." 25.29-25.31

"Such is the personality of Rama that with his weapons, he alone destroy the city of Lanka, even if the other three people do not do anything." 25.32

"That army protected by Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva is unconquerable, even if devas and asuras join together." 25.33

"The army of the forest living monkeys are cheerful are interested in fighting the war. This is sufficient. Make peace with them and offer the daughter of king of Mithila back to the son of Dasaratha. 25.34

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

26. Ravana Surveys Monkey Army

[Ravana climbs on a tall tower to see the monkey army. Shukha introduces various monkey chiefs and tells him about the strength of their respective armies.]

Hearing those truthful and fearless words of Sarana, the king Ravana spoke to him in reply as follows. 26.1

"Even if I am attacked by devas, Gandharwas and Rakshasas together or even if there if fear to me from all the three worlds, I am not going to give back Sita." 26.2

"Oh gentle one, since you have been harassed by the monkeys too much, being with a fearful mind, you want to me to speedily give back Sita." 26.3

"Which enemy can defeat me in the battle?" was the harsh word said by Ravana the king of Rakshasas. Then Ravana climbed the roof of his white tower like house which was the height of several Palmyra trees with a desire to see Rama's army. 26.4-26.5

Ravana who was benumbed with anger along with those spies saw, the ocean, mountain and forests which were completely filled with monkeys. 26.6

Seeing that shore less and innumerable great army of monkeys, the king Ravana again asked Sarana. 26.7

"Who are the important monkeys among them? Who are very strong and valorous among them? Which of them would be in the front of their army with great enthusiasm?" 26.8

"Who can influence Sugreeva? Who are the chief of battalions? What can influence these monkeys? Oh Sarana, tell all these things in detail to me." 26.9

After hearing the words of the king of Rakshasas, Sarana, as per what he has seen told about the important chiefs of monkeys. 26.10

"He who is facing Lanka and is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of soldier monkeys by whose great shout, Lanka with all its ramparts, all its decorations along with all the mountains and forests are resounding, is the great soul Sugreeva who is the king of all animals that sit on branches and in the front of the army the monkey named Nala who is the commander is standing." 26.11-26.13

"That valiant monkey, who holds his arms high, who tramples the earth under his feet as he marches, whose face is turned towards Lanka, who in fury is knitting his brows very much, who is resembling a mountain- peak in stature, who is like filaments of a lotus in hue, who is in excess of anger continuously and lashes out his tail with a swish of which can be heard in ten regions, is the prince named Angadha, anointed by Sugreeva the king of monkeys and is challenging you to the battle." 26.14-26.17

"He is son of Vali who is like him and is very dear to Sugreeva and he has come to the front in the interests of Rama, Like Varuna comes for the sake of Indra." 26.18

"It is due to his intelligence that daughter of Janaka was found by the very speedy Hanuman as he desires for the welfare of Rama." 26.19

"That Valorous one has brought with very many units of monkey army commanded by various chiefs and he is approaching to crush you with his own army." 26.20

"Next to Angadha, surrounded by large army stands the valorous Nala who is the one who built the bridge, ready for battle with you." 26.21

"These excellent monkeys, numbering a thousand crores and eight lakhs, who have been lodged in sandalwood groves, yelling like a lion's roar and after having stiffened their limbs, are knitting their eye-brows raised in anger. These valiant monkeys, who are terrific and fierce having a ferocious zeal are going to follow Nala. Nala himself with his aforesaid army aspires to smash Lanka forthwith." 26.22-26.24

"A monkey called Shweta of silver colour who is quick-witted and clever, of terrific prowess and a warrior renowned in the three worlds, has come to Sugreeva swiftly, dividing the army of monkeys and bringing great delight to the troops, he goes back to the back of the army" 26.25-26.26

"There is a mountain called Ramya, on the banks of River Gomati. That mountain is filled with various kinds of trees is also called Samrochana. An army-chief, named Kumuda used to roam around that mountainous region. He also rules that kingdom. He is the leader for lakhs of monkeys. He has a very long hair-coppery, yellow, pale and white and hideous to look up to. Thrown about on his tail is the intrepid and fierce monkey called Kanda. He yearns to fight and boast that he will destroy Lanka with his forces." 26.27-26.30

"Oh, king, He who resembles a tawny lion with a long mane and who is looking at Lanka attentively as though he wishes to consume it with his glasses, who dwells mostly on the mountains of Krishna and Sahya of Vindhya range of pleasing aspect, is the General named Rambha. Three thousand crores of excellent monkeys, who are formidable of impetuous valour and vigour, surround him who is marching ahead and follow in his foot-sets to destroy Lanka." 26.31-26.33

"Oh, king, Look, The one who is yawning continuously and shaking his ears, he is the one who does not have any fear of death, one who never retreats from a battle, but violently moves with rage, who again sees obliquely, he who lashes out his tail and roars like a lion with great vigour, he who constantly dwells on the lovely Salveya mountain, he is Sarabha by name, the commander of monkeys with immense energy and devoid of fear." 26.34-26.36

"Oh king, all his battalion consisting of one lakh forty thousand monkeys who are called Viharas are very strong." 26.37

"The one who is like a great cloud, enveloping the space and who stays in the middle of monkey-warriors like Indra the king of devas, one who wishes for a battle whose great voice is heard like the roll of drums, is the General named Panasa, who is always invincible in battle. He dwells in Pariyatra, a mountain that is exceeded by none in height." 26.38-26.40

"He is served by fifty lakhs commanders who obediently carry out his orders as he is an excellent commander." 26.41

"He who is encamped with sixty lakhs monkeys which is his army on the sea-shore which is like a second ocean is the commander called Vinata who resembles Dardura mountain [in size] and is positioned there lending charm to the formidable army marching ahead and moves about, drinking the water of River Vena, the foremost of all rivers." 26.42-26.44
"A monkey chief called Kradhana is calling you for battle after keeping his valorous and very strong monkeys in proper battalions." 26.45

'There is one monkey called Gavya with the colour of Red Chalk who nourishes his body, who is forever proud of his strength who is with great luster standing facing you with anger and hatred towards you." 26.46

"He is served by seventy lakh monkeys and he wishes to crush Lanka using only his army." 26.47

"These very valorous commanders and commander-in-chiefs who can take any form they like have put their army in different distinct units and so it is difficult to count them." 26.48

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

27. Monkey Army Further Described

[The spies give a detailed account of all the monkey leaders and the army that they command.]

"As you are keenly examining the monkey chiefs, I shall tell you about those who would like to show their valour even by facing death for the sake of Rama." 27.1

"There is a monkey called Hara, who has terrific acts to his credit. The hair on his tail, measuring many fathoms, soft, red in colour, yellow, white and super-white, wavy and shining like the rays of the sun standing erect thrown about are dragging along the ground." 27.2-27.3

"Hundreds and thousands of monkey army leaders have resolved to be servants of Sugreeva and they are all following him carrying trees with the intention of attacking Lanka soon." 27.4

"Oh king, Those who appear black like black-clouds and similar to black collyrium are extremely ferocious bears, truly mighty in combat, who are in exceedingly in large number, indefinable like the other shore of an ocean, and those whom you are observing reside in mountains, plains and on river-banks. They are all coming towards you." 27.5-27.7

"Oh king, He who is standing in the middle, with terrific eyes and of fearful appearance, encircled by all like Parjanya [the rain-god] being encircled by clouds is the army-chief called Dhumra, the Lord of all bears, who drinks the waters of River Narmada and resides on an excellent mountain named Rikshavanta." 27.8-27.9

"See beside him Jambhavan the younger brother of his who is like a mountain, has a form like his brother and great in valour. He is the commander of other great commanders who is calm, behaves well with elders and impatient in battle." 27.10-27.11

"Once he had rendered very great help to Lord Indra in the battle between Devas and Asuras and he got very many boons." 27.12

"Jambhavan's troops who have a huge body, resembling the Rakshasas, having thick hair and endowed with unlimited energy, wander about, climbing mountain-heights and hurl massive rocks as big as huge clouds and they do not have a fear in facing death." 27.13-27.14

"Oh king, This Lord of monkeys who is the commander of commanders called Dhambha who whether he is in a hurried fury or leaping or standing still is stared at by all other monkeys. He along with his bulky troops dwells on Sahasraksha mountain." 27.15-27.16

"He who, walking on all fours touches with his flanks, a mountain situated at a distance of one Yojana and reaches for an object one Yojana high and obtains it with his body, whose huge form no other four-legged animal has, by which that intelligent monkey fought with Indra, the king of devas but he was not defeated, is a commander of commanders and the grand-father of monkeys, famous as Samnadana by name." 27.17-27.19

"This valorous one is equal in Valour to Indra, the king of devas and he was born to a young Gandharwa maiden called Krishna Varthamana and he was born to help devas in the battle between Devas and Asuras." 27.20

"O king of Rakshasas, This commander named Krathana, the son of the king Visravasa, the illustrious one, sits beneath the Jambu tree, on that mountain, the king of peaks, which is frequented by Kinnaras, and which mountain affords delight constantly to your brother. It is near there, Krathana, that fortunate one, that powerful lord of the monkeys, whose prowess in not confined to words in battles, stays happily." 27.21-27.23

"He is surrounded by thousand crore monkeys and hopes to crush the city of Lanka by his own army." 27.24

"He normally roams round the shores of Ganges terrorizing the leaders of the herds of elephants remembering the old enmity between monkeys and elephants. He is the commander and leader of monkeys called Pramathim who dwells in mountain-caves, and subdues wild elephants and thundering and uprooting trees." 27.25-27.26

"That excellent army chief of monkeys, takes shelter, on the foremost of mountains Mandara and the mountain called Usarbija on the shores of Ganges where he passes life happily just like Indra." 27.27

"Hundred thousand thousands monkeys who are proud of their strength and valour and who have radiant forearms and keep on roaring follow him." 27.28

"He is the leader of these great monkeys and Oh king, he is their commander and is called Pramathi and it is difficult to conquer him." 27.29

"He whom you are watching as a cloud raised by wind is Pramathi. At that place, a great quantity of red illumined dust is tossed about and raised by wind in various ways in different directions. Energetic and excited army of monkeys is also stationed there along with Pramathi." 27.30-27.31

"Oh king, One hundred lakhs of monkeys with their black faces and with scary looks and with great strength, after crossing of the bridge, surrounds their troop-leader who is a monkey called Gavaksha and are making a roaring noise and ready to crush Lanka by their bodily strength." 27.32-27.33

"Oh king. This army-chief called Kesari, the chief of the commanders of monkeys, wanders in Kanchana mountain wherein there are trees which yield fruits in all seasons, inhabited by large black-bees, to which the sun circumambulates clock-wise, the mountain shining with its own colour and splendour, by whose brightness, the animals and birds always shine with the same colour, whose plateau on the top of the mountain the great sages do not leave, wherein trees, all mango-trees are laden with fruits on all sides because of that there are honey-bees of excellent variety." 27.34-27.37

"Oh faultless king, There are sixty thousand mountains in that beautiful golden mountain ranges. There is an excellent mountain in the middle of that mountain range as you are in the middle of that Rakshasas. In that mountain range there, in the last mountain where these monkeys reside. Some of the monkeys are tawny coloured, some are white-coloured and with nails as their weapons, having four tusks, with nails as their weapons having four tusks like lions, difficult to be approached like tigers, resembling fire and serpents vomiting poison with their very long coiling tails, resembling elephants in rut, equal to mighty mountains and making great thunderous sound like that of clouds. All of them stand looking on your Lanka as if they are about to crush it." 27.38-27.42

"Oh king, He who stands in the middle is the powerful leader of the monkeys who ever faces the sun, who is a wise man, eager to conquer you and is famous in the world by the name, Shatabali. He swears to destroy Lanka with his troops." 27.43-27.44

"The monkey called Shatabali is strong, brave and valorous and well known for his manly vigour and does not bother about his life which he is willing to sacrifice to Rama." 27.45

"Each of the monkeys Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Nala, Neela are surrounded by battalions of one crore monkeys each." 27.46

"There are many other great monkeys who are living on the Vindhya mountain and each of them are fast paced and it is impossible to count them." 27.47

"Oh king, All of them are highly prominent, their stature equals to the high hills and all of them are capable in a moment to level the earth by uprooting and razing all its mountains to the ground." 27.48

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

28. Spies Show Rama and Lakshmana

[They continue identifying many more monkey chiefs including Sugreeva, Then they describe Rama and Lakshmana. They also tell Ravana about the total size of the army.]

After the king of Rakshasas heard the account given by Sarana, Sukha pointed out the army of monkeys to him and spoke. 28.1

"Oh king those monkeys whom you who are like huge elephants and huge banyan trees which stand on banks of river Ganges and Sala trees which stand on the Himalaya mountain would be able assume any form that they wish and are equal to Devas and Rakshasas and have the power of devas in a battle." 28.2-28.3

"They are twenty one thousand crores and thousand Shuankus and Hundred Vrundas in number [these are explained later in this chapter]. 28.4

"All those ministers of Sugreeva who always live in Kishkinda though monkeys are born to devas and Gandharwas and can assume any form that they want." 28.5

"The lads standing there with the looks of devas are Mainda and Dvividha are twins and no one is equal to them in war." 28.6

"These twins who have consumed nectar of immortality with the consent of Brahma are hoping that with their power they would be able to destroy Lanka." 28.7

"There you see a monkey who stands like an intoxicated elephant, who by his strength and fury can even churn the oceans. Oh Lord, he had come in search of the daughter of Videha to Lanka and that monkey whom you have seen earlier has come gain." 28.8-28.9

"That monkey who crossed the ocean is the eldest son of Kesari and is also the son of wind God and is well known as Hanuman." 28.10

"Oh Lord, that monkey can take any form he likes, is strong and pretty and he can move like his Lord, the wind God." 28.11

"When he was child and hungry, they say that without any effort he jumped three thousand Yojanas saying that he will eat the Sun God for otherwise my hunger will not be appeased, as he was greatly intoxicated with his own strength." 28.12-28.13

"Without being able to reach that God who is beyond the reach of, devas, Deva Rishis and Rakshasas, he fell on the top of the mountain where sun rises." 28.14

"When he fell on the mountain one of his jaws [Hanu] was broken by a stone and because he has a strong jaw afterwards, he was called Hanuman." 28.15

"I know about that monkey through one of my close friends. It is not possible to describe his, strength, form and his great power." 28.16

"He using his own power wants to destroy Lanka. How can you forget this monkey who like a comet lighted Lanka? Some of those fires are still burning." 28.17

"Nearby is a dark coloured warrior with eyes like lotuses he is a chief warrior among Ikshuvaku clan, his heroism is well-known in the world, his sense of duty never wavers, nor does he ever go against Dharma, he knows how to use Brahma's weapon and is conversant with Veda, he is the most learned of the Vedic scholars, he shatters the firmament with his arrows, and rends even the earth, his anger is akin to that of Death, his valour is equal to that of Indra the god of devas, his consort is Sit a who was taken away by you from a place called Janasthana. He is Rama who has come to wage war on you, Oh king". 28.18-28.21

"That man, having the luster of pure gold, with a broad chest, having red eyes, with black and curled hair, standing at the right side of Rama, is called Lakshmana, who is only interested in the care and welfare of his brother. He is skilled in leadership of war and excellent among the wielders of all weapons." 28.22-28.23

"He is short tempered, difficult to be defeated, valorous, wise, strong and is standing near the right arm of Rama and is the soul of Rama outside his body." 28.24

"He does not bother for his life, if it is for the sake of Rama and he desires to kill all the Rakshasas himself alone." 28.25

"He who is standing on the right side near to Rama who is surrounded by Rakshasas is the king Vibheeshana." 28.26

"He who has been consecrated as the king of Lanka by the king of kings is enraged with you and would fight the battle with you." 28.27

"The other monkey whom you see as an unshakable mountain and standing in the centre of monkeys is the Lord of all chiefs of monkeys and he is with a boundless energy and who, like a Himalayan hill, very much radiating the other monkeys by his splendour, glory, wisdom, strength and his noble descent, who occupies along with the chiefs of Army Generals, a secret place called Kishkindha, with its forests and trees and which place inaccessible because of its impassable mountains, in which is established a good fortune of devas and human beings, whose charming and golden coloured garland with hundred lotuses is beautifying and that person is Sugreeva. This garland along with a lady called Tara as well as the permanent kingdom of monkeys were presented to him by Rama after having killed Vali." 28.28-28.32

"Wise men call one hundred lakhs as crore and hundred thousand crores is a Shankha." 28.33

"A hundred thousand Shankas are said to be one Maha Shanka. A hundred thousand Maha Shankas are called one Vrindam here. A hundred thousand Vrindas are said to be one Maha Vrindam. A hundred thousand Mahavrindas are called one Padmam here. A hundred thousand padmas are said to be one Mahapadmam. A hundred thousand Mahapadmas are called one Kharvam here. A hundred thousand kharvas are said to be one Mahakharvam. A hundred thousand Mahakharvas are called one Samundram. A hundred thousand Samudras are said to be one ogha here. A hundred thousand oghas are acclaimed a one Mahaugha." 28.34-28.38

"This Sugreeva, the king of monkeys, having great strength and valour is always surrounded by a colossal army and is approaching you to make war, accompanied by the valiant Vibheeshana and the ministers, as also a hundred thousand crores of Shankas, a thousand Mahashankas, a hundred Vrindas, a thousand mahavrindas, a hundred padmas, a thousand Mahapadmas, a hundred kharvas, samudras and Mahaughas of the same number, and a crore of Mahanghas whole army as such is identical of an ocean." 28.39-28.43

"Oh great king after observing this great army who are having the blazing luster of planets and who have already arrived, you may have to put in very great effort to win and to avoid defeat." 28.44

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

29. Ravana Sends Another Group of Spies

[Greatly angry with Shukha and Sarana for praising the enemy Ravana dismisses them. He sends another spy to study about the habit of Rama and Lakshmana and ither commanders. They are also caught and released back by Rama.]

Seeing those greatest of the monkey leaders pointed out by Shuka-viz. the most valorous Lakshmana who is Rama's right arm, his own brother Vibheeshana standing close to Rama, the terribly powerful Sugreeva the king of all monkeys, the strong Angadha grandson of Indra the wielder of Vajrayudha, the powerful Hanuman, the invincible Jambhavan, Sushena, Kumuda, Nila, Nala the excellent of monkeys, Gaja, Gavaksha, Sharabha, Mainda and Dvivida- that heart of that became agitated a little and he was enraged and then abused those two ministers Shuka and Sarana who had told him in detail about them. 29.1-29.5

To that Sukha and Sarana who saluted him with face looking down Ravana spoke very harsh, merciless, angry and excited words. 29.6

"It is not befitting for ministers who eke their life out of me to utter such unpleasant words, since the king has the power to give them any type of punishment or reward." 29.7

"On those enemies who have come to war with us and who are adverse us, you both have showered your praise. Is it proper?" 29.8

"You have served your teachers, elders and old people in a non-effective manner and it is clear that you have not grasped the essence of principles of political science." 29.9

"But suppose you have understood them, it is clear that you have forgotten them. And you are carrying a great burden of ignorance. In spite of such foolish ministers like you, If I am still the king, it is a great miracle." 29.10

"Why is it that you are not fearing death after telling such harsh words to me, who judges about good and evil by my tongue?" 29.11

"In spite of outbreak of fire in the forest, trees may survive but those who commit treachery against the king cannot survive." 29.12

"Had not my anger been mellowed down by the earlier service done by you, I would have killed both of you for praising my enemy?" 29.13

"Keep away being near to me. Go away from here. I do not desire to kill you because of good service done by you earlier. I consider both of you as dead because you were ungrateful and unfaithful to me." 29.14

After Ravana told like this to them, both Sukha and Sarana felt ashamed to see Ravana and went away after saluting and greeting him saying, "Be victorious." 29.15

Then Ravana told Mahodhara who was standing near him, "Go and immediately bring me spies who are expert in justice." 29.16

Mahodhara immediately ordered that spies should be brought and as per the orders of the king the spies came there and they saluted him and wished him victory. 29.17-2918

Then Ravana, the king of Rakshasas told the following words to those spies who were valorous, devoted him, and free from fear. 29.19

"Go from here and investigate the activities of Rama and also find out his advisors and intimate friends and also those people who joined with him because of liking him." 29.20

"Find out when he sleeps and when he wakes up and also about what he intends to do now. And you have to come back after intelligently understanding everything about him." 29.21

"Even a learned enemy who is the ruler of earth, if studied well by using a spy can easily be defeated without much effort." 29.22

The spies agreed with the sentiment expressed, saluted the king of Rakshasas and after going round him, with Shardula as their leader left that place. 29.23

Those great Rakshasa spies after going round the great Rakshasa king started to the place where Rama and Lakshmana is there. 29.24

They went after disguising themselves went and saw Rama and Lakshmana along with Sugreeva and Vibheeshana near the Suvela mountain. 29.25

When they saw the great army, they were fear stricken and they were seen by the great Rakshasa who was the chief of Rakshasas [Vibheeshana]. 29.26

Accidentally they were seen by Vibheeshana who said about Shardula, "This person is a wicked person" and he alone was seized. 29.27

When the monkeys were about to kill Shardula, Rama saved him and that very kind Rama got released the other Rakshasas also. 29.28

Harassed by those courageous and fast paced monkeys, though they lost their consciousness, they somehow returned back to Lanka. 29.29

Those Rakshasa spies who normally moved outside, told the very strong Ravana that Rama was camping near the Suvela mountain. 29.30

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

30. Shardula Describes Rama's Army

[On questioning by Ravana, the spy tells him about troubles he underwent and how Saved him. On questioning by Ravana he tells about the great monkey chieftains and their genealogy. He also tells about Rama and Lakshmana.]

Then the spies informed the king of Lanka about the camping imperturbable army of Rama near the Suvela mountains. 30.1

After hearing the news of the reaching Rama and his great army from the spies, Ravana was little worried and he asked Shardula. 30.2

"Oh Rakshasa, your complexion is not what it should be and you look miserable. I hope you have not fallen as a victim in to the hands of those angry monkeys." 30.3

Thus questioned by Ravana, that Rakshasa Shardula started answering him slowly to Ravana who was a tiger among Rakshasas. 30.4

"Oh king it is not possible to spy upon on that very strong and Valorous monkeys who are protected by Rama." 30.5

"It is not possible to talk or interrogate them for finding out anything for the entire path is protected by monkeys who look like mountains." 30.6

"As soon as I entered in to their army, I was forcibly caught and examined and questioned in very many ways." 30.7

"I was beaten from all sides with knees, fists, teeth and hands and I was paraded in the midst of the monkey army by those angry ones." 30.8

"After being taken round everywhere I was taken before Rama's court and blood was flowing from all my limbs and I was shivering." 30.9

"When the monkeys were about to kill me, when I asked for protection from Rama, he said, "Stay, stay." 30.10

"The great sea has been filled up with stones and boulders and having reached the gates of Lanka, Rama is standing there well-armed." 30.11

"That greatly lustrous one, after getting me released arranged the marching army in the form of an eagle and surrounded by monkeys he is marching towards Lanka." 30.12

"Before he reaches our ramparts please do one thing-either return Sita or get prepared for a great war." 30.13

That chief of monkeys Ravana though worried in the mind, after hearing these words, replied Shardula using these great words." 30.14

"Even if the devas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas come to a battle with me or even If I am afraid of the entire world, I will not give back Sita." 30.15

After telling these words Ravana again told, "Were you able to spy on the army?" Who are the important valorous monkeys among them?" 30.16

"How do the unconquerable monkeys look like? What is their power? Whose sons and grandsons are they? Oh Rakshasas, please tell me this information." 30.17

"I will take a decision only after knowing their strength and weaknesses. Is it not necessary for us to count those among them who wish to fight in the battle." 30.18

After hearing these words of Ravana, that excellent spy Shardula started telling these words in front of Ravana. 30.19

"Sugreeva the son of Riksharajas is indeed unconquerable. Here is the famous Jambhavan who is the son of Gadgada." 30.20

"There is one more son of Gadgada and the other is the son of Bruhaspathi the Guru of Indra, whose son Hanuman is the one who destroyed the Rakshasas." 30.21

"The other is Sushena a follower of Dharma and valorous who is the son of Yama and then there is a monkey called Dadhimukha who is cool minded and son of moon god." 30.22

"Durmukha, Sumukha and Vega Darsi are perhaps specially created by Lord Brahma in the form of monkeys as the personification of death." 30.23

"There is the commander-in-chief Nila the son of the fire God and there is Hanuman who is the son of god of wind." 30.24

"There is young Angadha, Indra' s grandson who is the strong and invincible one, the mighty Mainda and Dvinda born of the twin gods called Aswini Kumaras, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sharabha and Gandhamadhana the five sons of Yama the God of Death all of them resembling Yama at the time of dissolution of the world, besides the valiant ten crores of monkeys who are yearning for battle who are all here. I will not be able tell about the remaining glorious sons of god." 30.25-30.27

"That young man is Rama, the son of Dasaratha, who has a body like lion and he was the one who killed Dhooshana, Khara and Trisiras." 30.28

"In this world there is no one who has got prowess equal to Rama and he was the one who killed the god of death Kabandha and Viradha." 30.29

No one in this earth would be capable of describing Rama's good qualities and he was the one who killed all the Rakshasas living in Janasthana." 30.30

"There is Lakshmana who is the soul of Dharma who is strong as elephant and a tiger, in the path of whose arrows of even Indra, the king of devas cannot stand." 30.31

"Sweta and Jyotirmukha are the sons of the sun-god, a monkey called Hemakuta, another son of Varuna, Nila the son of Viswakarma the strong and the best of monkeys, as well as that mighty and swift Durdhara the son of Vasus are all here." 30.32-30.33

"There is the best of the Rakshasas Vibheeshana who is your brother and having got the city of Lanka, he likes to be in the best interest of Rama." 30.34

"Thus I have described in detail about the entire army stationed in Mount Suvela and it is for you to take decision as to what needs to be done." 30.35

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

31. Ravana's Attempt to Convince Sita

[Ravana with the help of a conjurer makes a head of Rama dripping with blood. He tells Sita that Rama and his army was killed by Prahastha. Then he asks Vidyujihwa to bring Rama's head and Rama's bow. He orders Sita to be submissive to him since Rama is no more.]

Ravana the king of Rakshasas was informed that Rama along with his un-defeatable army has camped on the mount Suvela. 31.1

When Ravana heard from the spies that the very strong Rama has arrived, he was little agitated and spoke like this to his ministers. 31.2

"The time for consultation has arrived and let all the ministers come here quickly with keen and attentive minds." 31.3

As soon as these order was heard all the ministers came with great speed and Ravana held consultations with those Rakshasas who were his ministers. 31.4

The dreadful one discussed with them what needs to be done and after coming out of that meeting of the ministers, he went back to his palace. 31.5

Then he who is a great conjurer send word for the very strong Vidhyujihwa who was an expert in magical illusions and together they went to the place of Sita. 31.6

Then the king of Rakshasas spoke to that conjurer Vidhyujihwa, "We will have to create an illusion to deceive Sita, the daughter of Janaka." 31.7

"Oh Rakshasa, conjure a head of Rama and along with bow and arrows and then present it to me." 31.8

When told like that Vidhyujihwa sais "So be it", and by his great magical efforts made one and showed it to Ravana and the king became very happy and gave him an ornament. 31.9

That exceedingly strong Rakshasa duly entered the forest of Asoka trees with great eagerness to see Sita. 31.10

Then that younger brother of Khubera saw that pitiable Sita, who did not deserve that fate, sitting looking down at the earth, drowned in great sorrow due to the thoughts about her husband. 31.11-31.12

Approaching Sita who was surrounded by horrifying Rakshasis at a distance who were chanting his name in delight, Ravana spoke these bold words to Sita. 31.13

"Oh Lady, he whom you depended on and repelled me when I try to console you, your husbanded that murderer of Khara has been killed in the battle." 31.14

"For all times your root has been cut off be me and so also your pride has been destroyed and because of your very great sorrow, now you will become my wife." 31.15

"Oh fool, give up this resolution of yours, for what can you do with a dead person and oh lady become my wife and become the chief of all my consorts." 31.16

"With less of good deeds and a lost purpose you think, you are very learned. Now hear about the killing of your husband similar to killing of Vruthrasura." 31.17

"Rama is supposed to have come with a great army led by the monkey king Sugreeva on the sea shore to kill me." 31.18

"When the sun was about to set, Rama with his huge army settled on the northern sea shore here." 31.19

"His army which was stationed here, being greatly tired was comfortably sleeping at mid night and they were approached by our spies." 31.20

"My very great army which was led by Prahastha killed the army of Rama at night at that place and they also killed Rama and Lakshmana." 31.21

"Those wielding harpoons, maces, discus, daggers, sticks, great arrows spears, shining maces with spikes, picks lances, darts, massed weapons, clubs and wheels, made use of them again and again in order to strike down all the monkeys." 31.22-31.23

"Prahastha with bubbling enthusiasm cut off the head of Rama who was sleeping using his mighty sword without facing any resistance." 31.24

"Fortunately Vibheeshana who tried to flee with speed was caught and held captive and Lakshmana and other monkeys ran in all directions." 31.25

"Sugreeva with his neck broken and Hanuman whose jaw was removed were laid down and killed by the Rakshasas." 31.26

"Jambhavan who was trying to stand on his knees was killed in the war and very many monkeys were cut off like a tree using very sharp edged weapons." 31.27

"Mainda and Dvivida - those two great killers of their enemies who were long bodied and the foremost of the monkeys became groaning and breathless and their limbs bathed in blood-were cut to pieces at the waist-level, by swords." 31.28-31.29

"Panasa, crying for help was stretched on the earth under a tree of the same name[Jack fruit tree] and was pierced by putting him in a pit. The exceedingly valiant Kumuda on his part, shrieking, was killed by a hail of arrows." 31.30-31.31

"Angadha, who was adorned with many bracelets lies fallen down, emitting blood on all sides, as he was pierced by the demons with many arrows, after approaching near him." 31.32

"All those monkeys were crushed by elephants and very many fast moving chariots were lying there like water rich clouds broken by a gale." 31.33

"All those outsiders fled in terror when they were pursued by the Rakshasas who were striking on their back, like elephants running when pursued by elephants." 31.34

"Some of the monkeys fell in the sea and some sought shelter in the sky. And some other bears with the monkeys climbed the trees." 31.35

"In the banks of the ocean, in mountains and in forests, large number of monkeys by Rakshasas who were having misshapen eyes." 31.36

"Thus your husband along with his army was killed by my army and this head drenched in blood and coated with dust has been seen." 31.37

Then that king of Rakshasas Ravana who is extremely difficult to fight with, spoke these words to the Rakshasis so that Sita will overhear them. 31.38

"Oh Rakshasis, go and bring that Vidhyujihwa who is capable of doing cruel acts, who is the one who brought the head of Rama from the battlefield." 31.39

Then Vidhyujihwa came there holding the head of Rama along with the bow and arrows and he stood there after saluting Ravana. 31.40

When that Rakshasa who was standing there that king Ravana spoke to that Vidhyujihwa who had a large tongue and was inching nearer to him. 31.41

"Speedily place the head of Rama in front of Sita and let that miserable one see the final state of her husband." 31.42

As soon as he heard this that Rakshasa kept her darling's head near to Sita and disappeared speedily from that place. 31.43

Then Ravana threw in front of Sita a with great bow saying, "Here is the bow of Rama which is famous in all the three worlds" 31.44

"This is the bow with its cord stretched, belonging to Rama, that was brought back by Prahastha, after killing that hero in the night." 31.45

Then that Ravana threw the head bought by Vidhyujihwa as well as the bow in front of Sita and said to the daughter of Janaka, "Now you become submissive to me." 31.46

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

32. Sita Wails

[Sita blames Kaikeyi for her bad fate. She wails over her fate and blames herself. A messenger comes and summons Ravana for an important meeting. As soon as he left the so called head and bow of Rama also disappears.]

Sita saw the head and bow which were illusion. She heard Ravana narrating about Rama's friendly relationship with Sugreeva, as earlier told to her by Hanuman. Recognizing that head as that of Rama, with a proof resembling her husband's eyes, facial complexion, hair, expanse of his forehead and the beautiful jewel worn on the top of his head, she was very much afflicted with sorrow and cried like an osprey and abused Kaikeyi who was the originator of the present calamity. 32.1-32.3

"Oh Kaikeyi, become happy with your achievement because the son who used to make the clan happy has been killed.. The entire clan has been destroyed by your quarrelsome nature." 32.4

"What undesirable act has been done by Rama to you so that you sent my husband to the forest in exile, wearing cloths of bark." 32.5

After saying that. the miserable one was trembling and the young one fell on the ground, like a Banana tree which was cut off. 32.6

Almost within a second she consoled herself,. Regained consciousness and started crying after seeing that illusory head of Rama. 32.7

"Oh great one who followed valour as a great penance, you have now been killed and I have become a witness to your last state and a widow." 32.8

"It is said that the death of a husband earlier to her is due to the fault of the lady and you who have a soft saintly nature has gone ahead of me." 32.9

"You who have been trying to protect me has fallen down to this sad state leaving me immersed in the ocean of grief." 32.10

"My mother in law Kausalya who brought you up tenderly as a son, Oh Rama, has become similar to a cow who has lost its calf." 32.11

"Oh Rama, astrologers had mentioned that you would have a long life and their words have become a lie and you have become short lived." 32.12

"Or else you might have slipped in to a state of stupor even though you were conscious and possibly the God of death who brings all beings to end chose that time." 32.13

"How is it that you did not foresee your death as you are an expert in science of good management and how is it that you who are an expert in warding off calamities were not able foresee this difficulty?" 32.14

"Terrible dark night which is cruel and horrifying has encircled me, Oh lotus eyed one, by snatching away you from me." 32.15

"Oh mighty bull among men, you left me who is leading the life of a saint and by lying on earth, you have embraced the auspicious lady earth as your darling." 32.16

"Oh valorous one, here is that bow decorated by gold, which is liked by me and which was sincerely worshipped by you with sandal paste and flowers." 32.17

"Oh spotless one of mine, surely in heaven you might have met your father who is my father in law along with other manes from your clan." 32.18

"Though you have taken leave of the pious clan of Royal sages, you have done a great act by which you shine like a star in heaven." 32.19

"Oh king why are you not looking at me and why are you not answering me? You got me as a girl when you were a boy and made me your wife who is a co-traveler." 32.20

" Oh son of Kakustha clan, Remember that at the time of marriage you had promised that we will travel together and since I am sorrowing, take me also along with you." 32.21

"Oh best one, why have you left me and gone away leaving me like this? Why have you left me who is sorrowing in this world and gone to the other world?" 32.22

"That auspicious and pretty body of yours which used to get cuddled by me is now being dragged by the wild animals." 32.23

"Though from the beginning you were worshipping fire and the lord after giving ample gifts, why is it that you are not getting cremated by the sacrificial fire that you were maintaining." 32.24

"Kausalya would be able to receive only Lakshmana when he goes back though she did send three people to the exile." 32.25

"When she enquires about all of us, that Lakshmana will tell her about your slaughter at night in an alley by those Rakshasas." 32.26

"Hearing that you were killed while sleeping and that I have been kept in the house of a Rakshasa, her heart will break and she will be no more." 32.27

"That valorous and faultless one who had crossed the ocean for the cause of this unworthy women was killed while crossing a small puddle." 32.28

"Due to great illusion Rama married me who is a stain on my race, without realizing that this wife would be the cause of his death." 32.29

"Even though as a wife who showed hospitality to all his guests, I am weeping now, possibly because in my previous birth, I had refused an excellent gift to someone." 32.30

"Oh Ravana immediately arrange to kill me just after you killed Ravana and unite this wife with her husband and you would do an auspicious act." 32.31

"Oh Ravana, join my head with his head and my body with his body and then I shall attain the same salvation as that of my husband." 32.32

The wide eyed Sita after sorrowing like this and wailed like this after her husband as well as the bow of her husband. 32.33

When Ravana was watching Sita who was wailing like this, One Rakshasa who was royal guard approached and saluted him and told. 32.34

After saluting him, he said, "May victory be yours my lord", and after thus making him pleased informed him that Prahastha the commander of the army has come. 32.35

"Prahastha has come with all other ministers and Oh Lord he has sent me, so that he can meet you." 32.36

"Oh king, who has great patience, there is some urgent work regarding royal duties and so please give them audience now." 32.37

"Hearing this communication by the Rakshasa, Ravana left the Asoka Forest and went to see his ministers." 32.38

After having discussed with his ministers about the things that need to be done and after understanding the prowess of Rama, he arranged for getting actions done as per the need. 32.39

As soon as Ravana departed from there, the head as well as the greatly distinguished bow vanished from there. 32.40

And at that time Ravana after holding consultations with his valorous ministers, he decided upon the measures that he would adopt against Rama, 32.41

Ravana, the king of Rakshasas who was resembling the God of death, talked to all his generals who were interested in his welfare and who were standing nearby. 32.42

"By the audible sound of the drum, raised by beating it with stick, summon all our army without telling them the reason." 32.43

Then, the messengers said "So be it" as they were obedient to his words and instantly gathered a huge army together and informed their lord longing for fight, that they had already assembled the army. 32.44

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

33. Sarama Consoles Sita

[Sarama, a friend of Sita, tells her that she had investigated in various ways and found out that Rama's head was only an illusion. At that time the sound of marching of the army of Rama and Ravana are heard.]

Seeing the very bewildered Sita, an affectionate Rakshasi called Sarama approached Sita who was her beloved friend. 33.1

Sarama the soft spoken woman, consoled Sita who was disillusioned by the king of Rakshasas and who was greatly sorrowing. 33.2

Sarama who was assigned by Ravana to protect Sita was a kind hearted woman who was firm in her austerities and was a good friend to Sita and protected her. 33.3

She saw her friend Sita had lost her consciousness and had just got up after rolling in the earth like a female horse. 33.4

That friend with good austerities consoled Sita and told her, "Let your mind not be perturbed." 33.5

"Oh coward, Oh broad eyed one, by hiding under the sky, I heard all that Ravana told you as well as all that reply that you gave him, without fear because of my friendship with you." 33.6-33.7

"Oh Maithili, all the reasons for Ravana going out agitated from here is known to me as I had gone out from here to find out about that." 33.8

"It is not possible to attack Rama while he is sleeping because that tiger among men is always aware of himself and so killing him at that time is impossible." 33.9

"It is also not possible to kill all the monkeys who live on the tree because they are being protected by Rama, just like Indra protects other devas." 33.10

"O, Sita! Rama, who is endowed with long and well rounded arms and an illustrious man, who has a large chest, who is a man of great energy, an archer well known in the world, a man endowed with muscularity, a righteous minded man, a person of celebrity on earth, a man of eternal strength and a protector for himself and for others has not been killed when he is with his brother Lakshmana, a man of high descent, a knower of doctrines of conduct and behavior, the killer of a stream of enemy forces, a man of inconceivable strength and valor, a venerable man and an annihilator of adversaries." 33.11-33.13

"That Ravana, who is the enemy of all the world and one with a perverse mind, due to the anger against you has played a magical trick of illusion against you." 33.14

"Get rid of all your sorrow as great auspiciousness awaits you. The Goddess Lakshmi would bless you with all that is good due to her love for you, please listen." 33.15

"Rama has crossed the ocean along with the monkey army and has arrived and encamped on the southern shore of the sea." 33.16

"I see full implication in Rama along with Lakshmana settling down in the shore of the sea being well protected by the monkeys." 33.17

"Some swift moving Rakshasas sent by Ravana had brought a news to him that Rama has crossed the sea and has encamped on this shore." 33.18

"Oh broad eyed one, hearing about that Ravana the king of Rakshasas is holding consultations with all his ministers." 33.19

When that Rakshasi Sarama was talking like this to Sita a fearful sound was heard from the army which was prepared for the war." 33.20

Hearing that terrific sound created by the stick on the huge drums which sounded like a great thunder, Sarama who talked sweetly told Sita as follows. 33.21

"Oh scared one, the fearsome sound of this kettle drum is indicative, the preparation for a war and also hear the majestic sound of the drum which resembles the sound of thunder." 33.22

"Elephants in rut are being caparisoned for war. Chariot horses are being prepared for the battle. Thousands of horsemen carrying darts in their hands are also seen." 33.23

"Here and there soldiers ready for the battle are marching in thousands. The royal avenue is seen full of wonderful soldiers making one feel that they are like the swiftly moving ocean with the flood waters making great sound." 33.24

"See hurriedly, the sheen of polished weapons, shields and coats of mail sending forth luster of many hues like the splendor of fire consuming the forest in summer. The flurry of chariots, horses and elephants following the lead of Ravana as well as of energetic Rakshasas thrilled with joy is also seen." 33.25-33.27

"Please hear the sound of bells of elephants, the ratting of chariots, and the cry of neighing horses, resembling the flourish of trumpets. Here are the bustle of Rakshasas, carrying uplifted weapons in their hands; following under the leadership of Ravana. This bustling activity is causing hair to stand erect through great fear." 33.28-33.29

"Good luck which would destroy all your sorrows is arriving to you and a sense of fear has come to the Rakshasas. Like the Lord Indra, the lotus eyed Rama who has unimaginable valour would kill Ravana in war and your husband will take you back." 33.30-33.31

Your husband along with Lakshmana would exhibit their valour and like Lord Vishnu who is the killer of enemies along with Lord Indra exhibits his power against his enemies." 33.32

"As soon as Rama comes, I will see you who are his virtuous wife would be sitting on his lap thus fulfilling your desire after killing all your enemies." 33.33

"Oh pretty one, you would shed tears of joy and make the chest of Rama wet and when you are joined with him, I will see him holding you tightly to his breast." 33.34

"Before long oh divine Sita, the very strong Rama will loosen your one braid which has reached has grown past your hips and which you were wearing all these months." 33.35
"Oh honoured lady after seeing his face which is like the just risen full moon, you would get rid of all your sorrow, like a female snake casts off its skin." 33.36

"Oh Maithili after killing Ravana in great speed, Rama who deserves pleasure would find happiness in the company of his darling." 33.37

"After you join back with Rama with a great soul, you would like the earth with healthy crops after a rain." 33.38

"Oh lady, seek refuge in Rama who is your lord like the Sun God approaching mount Meru and like the horse going round and definitely Sun is the source of all beings." 33.9

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

34. Ravana's Decision on Sita

[Sita becomes consoled. When Sarama offered to carry a message to Rama, Sita requests her to find out the decisions of Ravana. She comes back and tells her that in spite of elders in his family, Ravana would not release her till he dies.]

Sita who became greatly sad by hearing words of Ravana was comforted and made happy by Sarama, just like a parched earth which received rain. 34.1

And thereafter she who knew the proper time to do any activity wishing to do more service to Sita

With a smile told her. 34.2

"Oh black eyed lady, I am capable of carrying a message of good will from you as also your words secretly to Rama and return." 34.3

"When I am travelling in the sky, supported only by myself neither wind or Garuda would be capable of following me." 34.4

When Sarama spoke like this Sita without any sorrow which affected her earlier spoke these sweet words." 34.5

"I know that you are capable of travelling in the sky as well as go to Rasathala but please know from me the service that you can do for me today." 34.6

"If your intention now is to help me and you are firm in this resolve, then I wish you go and find out what Ravana is doing now." 34.7

"That cruel and evil minded Ravana, who has capabilities in the shape of conjuring trick to make his enemies cry, makes me bemused like the liquor bemuses one, as soon as it is consumed." 34.8

"He gets me threatened all the time through words of the frightful Rakshasis who always sit round me, and insult me repeatedly." 34.9

"I am depressed and distrustful and have lost my stability and staying in this Asoka forest, I get distressed due to great fear." 34.10

"If you can inform me all the decisions that he takes after discussion with his ministers in the matter of keeping me captive or releasing me, it would be a great blessing to me." 34.11

Having been spoken like that, Sarama wiped away the tears from her face which had got moistened and replied her like this. 34.12

"Oh daughter of Janaka, if your opinion is like that, I would go and after knowing about the opinion of the enemies, I will return." 34.13

After telling this, she went near the Rakshasas and heard what Ravana was talking to his ministers. 34.14

She who is an expert on decision making after hearing the words of the bad soul Ravana took a decision and speedily returned to the Asoka forest." 34.15

When she returned back she saw Sita who looked like goddess Lakshmi bereft of lotus waiting for her. 34.16

After Sarama who spoke returned back Sita hugged her affectionately and offered personally a seat for her. 34.17

"After sitting here comfortably please tell about the plan of that that bad soul Ravana who is cruel and wicked." 34.18

When the trembling Sita asked Sarama like this she told her completely what Ravana told his ministers. 34.19

"The mother of Ravana spoke great words excellently pleading for your release and also Avidha the age old minister of Ravana pleaded for your release." 34.20

"Let the daughter of Mithila be given honourably to the king of men. Is not the wonderful incident that happened in Janasthana sufficient for us?" 34.21

"Which man in the world can cross the ocean, discover Sita, kill several Rakshasas in war ?" 34.22

"Though the old minister of his and his mother argued with him in various ways, he was not interested in releasing you, like a miser giving up his riches." 34.23

"Oh Maithili, he is not interested in releasing you till he attains his death and this is what that cruel Ravana decided along with his ministers." 34.24

"After that due to infatuation caused by his impending death, his determination to do what he said is very firm. He is not in a position to release you, not because of sheer fear but will hold you till he is actually defeated in battle through the carnage of all the Rakshasas and of himself." 34.25

"Oh dark eyed one, after killing Ravana in war by his sharp arrows, Rama will definitely take you back to Ayodhya." 34.26

At this time along with the sound of beating of drums and blowing of conches, they heard the sound caused by monkey army which made the earth shake. 34.27

Hearing the great sound raised by the monkey army, the king servants who had gone to Lanka lost their enthusiasm, looked pitiable and looked depressed as they could not foresee any thing good coming due to the fault of their king. 34.28

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

35. Malyavan Attempts to Dissuade Ravana

[When Ravana hears the marching of Monkey army, he again calls for a meeting. Mayavan who is his grand-father advises him to return back Sita.]

Then the great hero Raghava who was the conqueror of cities, marched forth along with mixed sound of drums and conches. 35.1

When Ravana the king of all Rakshasas heard that sound for a while he became thoughtful and looked towards his ministers. 35.2

The very strong Ravana who was the tormentor of the world and is the cruel king of all Rakshasas, then addressed the assembly of Rakshasas and without accusing any one spoke. 35.3

"I have heard that you have been talking about the crossing of ocean by Rama and about his prowess, valour and heroism." 35.4

"I know that all of you are truly valorous in war and in spite of that, on knowing about the valour of Rama, all of you look at each other in silence." 35.5

Hearing the words of Ravana, his maternal grandfather Malyavan who was very intelligent and wise told as follows. 35.6

"Oh king, that king who is an expert in all sciences and who follows the path of prudence, enjoys the kingship for a long time and compels his enemies for subjugation." 35.7

"He who concludes treaty of peace with his enemies or wages war at the proper time strengthens himself and attains great power." 35.8

"A treaty should be reached with the king who is weaker or equal to us, without ever underrating the enemy but he should wage war against enemy who is stronger." 35.9

"Oh Ravana because of that I like entering in to a treaty with Rama. Let Sita for whose sake this war is being fought be returned to him." 35.10

"All devas, sages and Gandharwas are wishing for the victory of Rama and so do not make him your enemy and please accept a treaty with him." 35.11

"The grandfather [Lord Brahma] created only two groups of people namely devas and Rakshasas and while Devas depend on Dharma, Rakshasas do not follow it." 35.12

'Oh Rakshasa, Dharma is always on the side of the great devas and Non righteousness is on the part of asuras and Rakshasas." 35.13

"When Dharma swallows Adharma, it is Kritha age and when Adharma starts swallowing Dharma, it is the Kali age." 35.14

"So when you were wandering in this world, the great Dharma was destroyed and Adharma favoured you and because of this your enemies are stronger than you." 35.15

"Due to your mistake, the well-nourished Adharma is swallowing us and you being favourable to Rakshasas, the clan of Rakshasas is growing." 35.16

"You who are interested in sensual pleasures and because of this, you did whatever you liked and this has created great fear among the sages who are like fire." 35.17

"The power of those sages is very great like an burning fire. Having purified their minds through penance, they are intent on promotion of Dharma, in as much as these Brahmins worship the gods through different principal sacrifices but they also pour oblations into the sacred fires with due ceremony and read the Vedas [Sacred texts] in a loud voice. Having subdued the Rakshasas, they continued to chant the sacred text, on hearing which all the Rakshasas have scattered in all directions, like the thundering clouds in a hot season." 35.18-35.20

"When the sages who themselves are like fire, worship fire, the smoke from that fire spreads all over and destroys the luster of all the Rakshasas." 35.21

"In different places when these people who are stable in their penance, practice severe austerity, this creates trouble to all Rakshasas." 35.22

"You have obtained a boon protecting yourself from Devas, Dhanavas and Yakshas but very powerful men, bears and monkeys have arrived here and they with stable valour are roaring like lions." 35.23-35.24

"I have been seeing very many omens which are horrifying and I foresee destruction of all the Rakshasas including myself." 35.25

"Terrific and monstrous clouds producing horrifying thunderous sound are causing rain of hot blood all over Lanka." 35.26

"Drops of tears fall from the weeping animals of transport, which have become discoloured, coated by dust and have lost their previous shine." 35.27

"Flesh eating animals like Jackals and eagles are howling loudly and fearsomely and entering Lanka and they also form groups in the forest." 35.28

"Black women with white teeth, talking adversely in their dreams are standing in front of the homes and laughing uproariously after robbing the houses." 35.29

"The Dogs come and eat the offerings made to God in the homes and donkeys are born to cows, rats and the mongoose." 35.30

"Cats mate with tigers, pigs mate with dogs and Kinnaras mate with Rakshasas as well as with men." 35.31

"Red footed white pigeons which are messengers of death move in different directions foretelling the death of all Rakshasas." 35.32

"The singing pet birds called Sarika are defeated by fighter birds and drop down on earth in pairs." 35.33

"Birds and wild animals, face towards the sun, cry out. Death, in the form of a frightful, monstrous and cruel blackish form with a shaven head casts his eyes on all our dwellings, both morning and evening. These and such other sinister omens appear." 35.34-35.35

"I deem Rama of stable vision as Lord Vishnu dwelling in human form. This Rama is not a mere human being, because he is one who built that most wonderful bridge which was built across the sea. O, Ravana! Conclude peace with Rama, who is the king of men. Having come to know of his acts, let that which is good for the future be done after a mature understanding." 35.36-35.37

Having spoken like this, the mighty Malyavan, who was foremost in valour among the bravest of warriors, being aware of what was passing in Ravana's mind, eyeing him, became silent. 35.38

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

36. Ravana Chides Malyavan

[Ravana tells that Malyavan was telling these words out of partiality and fear. Malyavan takes leave and goes away. Then Ravana assigns responsibility to different city gates to different heroes.]

The evil minded ten faced one, since he was already under the control of God of death, did not find the words of Malyavan suitable to his welfare. 36.1

Since he has already come under the grips of great anger, with eyes rolling in fury replied Malyavan. 36.2

"Though you are interested in my welfare you have spoken unsuitable and harsh words and have taken the side of the enemy and so your words have not entered my ears." 36.3

"How do you rate a feeble man like Rama who has come alone with only monkeys to help and banished by his father to the forest as efficient?" 36.4

"How do you rate me who is the god of the Rakshasas who is greatly fearsome to the devas and who has all qualities of valour as weak?" 36.5

"I think that you spoke those harsh words to me because you do not like my valour or due to partiality to the enemy or due to my encouragement." 36.6

"Which learned man who knows all Sasthras would speak thus harshly to a mighty person in power without intention to instigate him?." 36.7

"After having brought Sita who is like Goddess Lakshmi without a lotus, for what purpose should I return her to Rama, is it out of fear to him?" 36.8

"Within a few days you will see that, Rama along with crores of monkeys, Sugreeva and Lakshmana is killed by me." 36.9

"Why should this Ravana before whom even Devas cannot stand in a duel in war, entertain any fear in this war?" 36.10

"I would prefer to be cut in to two pieces rather than salute anybody and this is my innate quality from birth which cannot be removed." 36.11

"By accident if Rama has constructed a bridge across the sea, there is nothing to be surprised and no reason to fear him." 36.12

"I am promising on oath, that Rama who along with his monkeys has crossed the ocean will not go back alive." 36.13

Knowing Ravana was speaking excitedly with great anger, Malyavan was hesitant and did not speak anything in reply. 36.14

Since it was proper Malyavan wished victory to the king and as permitted by the king went back to his home. 36.15

Then Ravana held consultations with his ministers on things that need to be examined and started planning for matchless defense of Lanka. 36.16

Then he assigned the defense of eastern gate to the Rakshasa called Prahastha, the southern gate to the greatly valorous Mahaparswa and Mahodhara, the western gate to his son Indrajit who was an expert in great illusion along with large number of Rakshasas. 36.17-36.18

He then deputed Sukha and Sarana to guard the northern gate of the city and told that ministers that he himself would also come there. 36.19

He then placed an extremely valorous Rakshasa called Virupaksha along with several other Rakshasas in the centre of the city. 36.20

The great Rakshasa after creating this arrangement in Lanka assumed that his purpose has been accomplished for that particular time. 36, 21

Having ordered for adequate arrangements for the defense of the city, Ravana then allowed his ministers depart. Having been honoured with blessings of victory by those body of councilors, he entered his mighty and sumptuous inner apartments. 36.22

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