Yuddha Kandam

37. Rama Finalizes War Strategy

[Vibheeshana's ministers go in to the city and find out the plans of Ravana. Accordingly Rama divided his army to attack the four gates and finalizes as to who should lead each of these sections.]

Meanwhile, Rama the king of men and Sugreeva the king of monkeys, Hanuman the son of the wind God, Jambhavan the king of the Bears, Vibheeshana the Rakshasa, Angadha the son of Vali, Lakshmana, Sushena along with his relations, Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Kumuda, Nala and Panasa, all having reached the enemy's territory, assembled to take counsel together. 37.1-37.3

"Observe this city of Lanka protected by Ravana, which is difficult to defeat by asuras, devas, serpents, and Gandharwas joined together." 37.4

"In this city Ravana the lord of Rakshasas stays always. Let us discuss about ways and means by which we can achieve our objective." 37.5

When they were talking like this, Vibheeshana the younger brother of Ravana spoke the following meaningful and polished words. 37.6

"My ministers Anala, Sarabha, Sampathi and Praghasa had gone to the city of Lanka and have returned just now." 37.7

"They assumed the form of birds and they entered the army of our enemy and they have seen closely the action that is being taken by them and returned." 37.8

"Oh Rama, I would tell you in detail the exact position as informed to me of the arrangements being made by the bad soul Ravana." 37.9

"Prahastha with his army is standing near the eastern gate. Mahaparswa and Mahodara of mighty prowess are at the southern gate." 37.10

"Indrajit surrounded by many Rakshasas is standing at the western gate with harpoons, swords, bows, spears and hammers together with warriors furnished with weapons of various kinds." 37.11

"The northern gate is protected by Ravana himself, who is an expert in magical chants with several thousands of Rakshasas armed with many weapons and with thousands of Rakshasas moving here and there armed with lances." 37.12-37.13

"Virupaksha along with a great Rakshasa army, armed with great spears, swords and bows is standing in the centre of the fort." 37.14

"All these ministers Observed these arrangements of the army inside the fort and have speedily returned to this place." 37.15

"The elephants and chariots number some ten thousand each, the cavalry twenty thousand and there are more than a crore foot soldiers. These strong and intrepid Rakshasas endeavoring to kill someone in battle have ever been their sovereign's favorites." 37.16-37.17

"Oh king, for each Rakshasa there are ten lakhs who are available in the vicinity itself." 37.18

The mighty Vibheeshana introduced those ministers of his too Rama, after telling the news brought by them pertaining to Lanka. 37.19
Those ministers again confirmed what was said by Vibheeshana and that good younger brother of Ravana with a view to please Rama told the lotus eyed one further. 37.20

"Oh Rama when Ravana went for a war against Khubera, along with him sixty lac Rakshasas, who were similar to Ravana in his bad character, in his luster, in his prowess, his strength, his pride and in his valour went along with him." 37.21-37.22

"By this report I am not trying to arouse your wrath nor your fear nor trying to irritate you, for I am sure you are capable due to valour even to kill the devas." 37.23

"You having set out with this great army of monkeys divided in to four divisions are capable of destroying Ravana." 37.24

After Rama heard these words of the younger brother of Ravana, for the sake of attacking his enemies, he gave the following order." 37.25

"At the eastern gate of Lanka, the great monkey Nila assisted by large number of monkeys will attack Prahastha." 37.26

"Angadha the son of Vali surrounded by mighty army of monkeys would oppose in the southern gate, the Rakshasas Maha Parswa and Mahodhara." 37.27

"Let Hanuman the son of wind God with an incomparable army break the western door along with large number of monkeys." 37.28

"I am myself determined to slay that wicked one who owing to the boon he has received, enjoys oppressing multitudes of asuras and Dhanavas, as also the magnanimous sages and who ranges the world, pestering all beings. With the aid of Lakshmana, I shall forcibly enter the northern gate where Ravana is stationed along with his army." 37.29-37.31

Let the king of monkeys Sugreeva, the king of bears Jambhavan and the younger brother of the king of Rakshasas occupy the central place of the army." 37.32

"No monkey should assume the human form in this battle, so that their monkey form would help us to recognize them." 37.33

"Among our own people also, the form of monkeys will become a sign of recognition for us. Seven of us only will attack the enemy in our human form, I, my brother Lakshmana, who is full of valour, my friend Vibheeshana and his four companions." 37.34-37.35

After saying this to Vibheeshana, for the sake of getting success in their enterprise, that Rama who is a wise leader, made up his mind to climb on mount Suvela and from there observed the very pretty slope of that mountain. 37.36-37.37

After that Rama along with a very big army making his mind to destroy his enemies set out to Lanka with great happiness and excitement. 37.38

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

38. Rama at Suvela Mountain

[Rama along with his army chiefs climb the Suvela mountain and has a good glimpse of the city of Lanka. He spends that night there.]

Rama, who was followed by Lakshmana, having made up his mind to ascend Mount Suvela, spoke in a gentle and prime voice to Sugreeva and to Vibheeshana who was the knower of what is right, a Rakshasa devoted to him and who was experienced in giving advice and a knower of prescribed rules. 38.1-38.2

"We would ascend this good king of mountains Suvela which is blessed with hundreds of minerals and will stay there for today's night" 38.3

"We shall see Lanka the place of that Rakshasa Ravana, the evil-minded one by whom my wife was abducted for the sake of his own death, who did not understand Dharma properly, who did not know what good character is and in whom noble lineage was not seen and by whom that contemptible act was done with an inferior mind of a Rakshasa." 38.4-38.5

"My anger is increasing when that base Rakshasa is praised due to the basest of sin committed by him and I shall definitely witness his death." 38.6

"Anyone who does a sinful act, is caught by the noose of the God of death and such base souls by the mistakes they do debase their clan." 38.7

"Discussing like this with a mind full of anger against Ravana, Rama climbed up the Suvela mountain with its pretty peaks. 38.8

Along with other people Lakshmana carrying a great bow and arrows climbed after him and Sugreeva, Vibheeshana along with their ministers also followed them. 38.9

Hanuman, Angada, Nila, Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavya, Sarabha, Gandhamadana, Panasa, Kumuda, Hara, Rambha the chief of the troops, Jambhavan, Sushena, the greatly wise Rishabha, Durmukha of great splendour, Shatabali the monkey and other hundreds of monkeys who are fast-moving, who can wander easily on mountains with a speed akin to that of wind, ascended that Suvela mountain which Rama had ascended. 38.10- 38.13

All of them climbed the mountain taking not much time and after reaching the top of its peak saw Lanka like it was a town hanging from the sky. 38.14

Those monkey chiefs saw Lanka with excellent gates, lustrous ramparts and completely filled with Rakshasas. 38.15

Those monkey lords also saw another rampart consisting of blue Rakshasas, standing together on that great rampart. 38.16

All those monkeys seeing those Rakshasas who were thirsting for war, made different type of noises and all this was being watched by Rama. 38.17

Then the sun went down heralding the coming of dusk and the knighted lighted by the full moon arrived. 38.18
"After that, Rama along with Lakshmana as well as Sugreeva the Lord of monkeys together with troops and captions of troops, duly greeted welcomingly and treated hospitably Vibheeshana and stayed with joy on the mountain resort of Suvela." 38.19

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

39. Rama Surveys Lanka

[Rama along with the army chiefs had a good idea of Lanka. Some monkeys do go near the city. Rama is surprised at the great opulence of the city.]

All the monkey chiefs spent their night on the top of the mountain and those valorous ones saw many parks and gardens in Lanka. 39.1

Seeing those prettily leveled and very broad gardens which were very pretty to look at, all of them became surprised. 39.2

Thick with Champaka, Ashoka, Vakula, Sala and palmyra trees, covered with groves of Tamala and Panasa trees, surrounded with rows of Nagakesara trees, Lanka looked splendid on all sides like the city of Amaravati reigned by Indra the god of devas, with green lawns and variegated avenues and with beautiful trees of various kinds like Hintala, Arjuna, Nipa Saptaparna in full flowering, Tilaka, Karnikara and Patal whose crests were laden with flowers and which were intertwined with climbers laden with multi-coloured flowers and red tender leaves. 39.3-39.6

Those trees were full of scented and greatly wonderful flowers as well as fruits just like human beings have lot of ornaments. 39.7

That pretty garden resembling Chithratha, the garden of Khubera was greatly charming like Nandana the garden of Devendra. 39.8

In that garden filled with small waterfalls, the music of small cranes and sound of dancing peacocks and singing of cuckoos was heard. 39.9

Then, those joyful monkeys, brave and assuming any shape at will, entered the aforesaid groves and gardens, with birds always excited with joy, with wandering bees, with clusters of trees occupied by cuckoos, having peculiar sounds of birds and song of the large bees, abounding with sounds of kura birds with the music of wagtails and cries of cranes. 39.10-39.12

When those mighty and splendid monkeys entered there, scented breeze which had touched several flowers blew across the garden. 39.13

Some of the monkey warriors left their battalions with the permission of Lord Sugreeva went towards Lanka decorated by flags. 39.14

Those monkeys expert in making loud noise frightened several birds and displeased elephants and other animals made the city of Lanka tremble. 39.15

They all walked with great speed trampling the earth by their feet and raised dust by their feet, which went up immediately. 39.16

Frightened by that sound, bears lions buffaloes elephants, deer and birds trembled and got terrified and hastened towards all the ten different directions. 39.17

The solitary peak of Trikuta mountain, which was so high and appeared as if it was touching the sky and was all over covered with flowers resembling gold and spread to an extent of ten Yojanas; bright was charming to look at, pretty, glorious, majestic, inaccessible even to the birds, and was hard to be ascended by people even by the mind and how much more difficult by the act of walking? 39.18-39.19

The city of Lanka which was ten Yojanas broad and twenty yojanas long was located on the top of that mountain. 39.20

The towers of the town on the top of the mountain looked like white clouds on the sky and had ramparts made of gold and silver. 39.21

That Lanka was greatly decorated by palaces and towers and looked like the sky with clouds at the end of summer and resembled the land of Vishnu between earth and sky. 39.22

A palace, duly graced with a thousand pillars, which looked like a peak of Mount Kailasa was there in the City of Lanka, which was always protected by a complete army of Rakshasas. The palace seemed to be scraping the skies and was seen as an ornament to the City of Ravana. 39.23-39.24

The glorious Rama the elder brother of Lakshmana along with monkeys saw that charming golden city of Ravana, graced with mountains picturesque with various minerals, splendid with gardens reechoing with songs of birds of every kind, frequented by varieties of deer, richly endowed with various kinds of flowers, inhabited by Rakshasas of every degree and duly flourishing, having increased its wealth. 39.25-39.27

The elder brother Of Lakshmana seeing that city completely occupied by palaces and which looked like heaven was greatly surprised. 39.28

Rama with his great army saw that City, full of precious gems, having all kinds of facilities, adorned with rows of mansions, having excellent doors with huge mechanical appliances and with a large armed forces protecting the City. 39.29

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

40. Sugreeva Attacks Ravana

[When Rama and others are standing on Suvela mountain, Ravana stands at the top of city gate. Sugreeva jumps at him and breaks his crown. Both of them wrestle with each other. Sugreeva jumps back to the mountain.]

Then Rama along with Sugreeva and the monkey troop leaders climbed up to the top of Suvela mountain which was two Yojanas broad. 40.1

After standing there for a little time when Rama saw all the ten directions, he saw on the top of Trikuta mountain the city of Lanka constructed by Viswakarma with nice arrangements and many pretty gardens. 40.2

There above a gateway, stood the invincible Ravana the lord of Rakshasas, who was being fanned with white whisks on both sides, was graced with a triumphal parasol, was smeared with red sandal paste, adorned with scarlet ornaments, attired in raiment embroidered in gold, resembling a dark cloud, who bore on his breast scars of wounds inflicted on him by elephant of Indra with his tusks, wrapped in a cloak of red colour resembling the colour of hare's blood and looking like a mass of clouds in the sky enveloped with sunshine at sunset. 40.3-40.6

He was seen by the king of the monkeys as well as Rama but as soon as Sugreeva saw the king of Rakshasas he stood up. 40.7

Due to the fierceness of his anger, he merged his courage and strength and from the top of the mountain jumped to the place of the tower. 40.8

He then saw the Rakshasa for a moment, and then that fearless soul, regarded that Rakshasa as a mere straw and then spoke. 40.9

"Oh Rakshasa, I am the friend and servant of Rama who is the lord of the world and today you will not be spared by the luster of that king of kings." 40.10

Saying like this all at once, Sugreeva jumped over the Rakshasa and pulled his great shining crown and threw it on the earth." 40.11

When he was trying to rush to him then that Rakshasa spoke "You are one with a good neck [Sugreeva] but soon you will be one without neck." 40.12

Then Ravana lifted Sugreeva and threw him on earth but bouncing like a ball Sugreeva flung his enemy with his arms. 40.13

Ravana and Sugreeva of great strength carried on the duel which was unbearable and perspiration broke out on their limbs, and their bodies turned red with blood and each clung to other paralyzing his opponent's movements resembling a silk-cotton tree and Kimshuka trees, followed by blows of fists, slaps of hands blows of elbows and blows of fingers on each other. 40.14-40.15

Having wrestled for a long time in the center of the flat floor of the gate way, each in turn repeatedly lifting their bodies and bending their feet in a particular way, the two highly swift combatants remained in that flat roof of the gate way. 40.16

Crushing one another and with their bodies clung together, they both dropped down between the defensive walls and the moat. They would leap up again, seizing each other from the ground, after pausing an instant to regain their breath. 40.17

With arms interlaced like the ropes joined together, they remained locked together in the struggle. Both of them, who had received training in wrestling and fully endowed with might, were now moving to and fro in the arena. 40.18

Both of them who looked like a tiger and lion with tusks growing like the king of the elephants, after interlacing their hands tried their strength and fell on the ground together. 40.19

Thereafter rising, those two heroes hurled themselves at each other, circling around the arena again and again, like skilled and mighty wrestlers, and they never got easily tired. 40.20

Like two great elephants they with their enormous arms resembling the trunks, of those elephants those two warriors were keeping track of each other and fought vehemently for a long time and moved speedily in a circular arena. 40.21

Approaching each other like two wild cats fighting for a piece of meat and trying to kill each other, they stood growling again and again. 40.22

The two warriors, Sugreeva and Ravana, who were skilled in wrestling, executed innumerable and myriad revolutions, taking up diverse postures, moving in a curves like an ox's urine, coming and going, stepping sideways, having a retrograde motion to avoid blows, turning about abandoning the attack, dashing towards each other, leaping, standing firm and erect, retreating, turning sideways, rushing in a bent posture, running lifting their foot to kick the opponent and by letting go or stealing away. 40.23-40.26

Meanwhile, Ravana decided to commence using his magic power and realizing it, Sugreeva flew into the sky triumphantly shaking off all fatigue, while Ravana, baffled by Sugreeva stood confounded there all alone. 40.27-40.28

Thus that blessed lord of the monkeys who was the son of Sun God, got fame in war after reducing the Rakshasa Ravana to tiresomeness, climbed up in to the broad sky and went near Rama who was standing in the middle of monkeys. 40.29

Then that son of God after doing this act, with the speed of the wind rejoined his own army and got the great applause of the blessed son of Raghu clan and was honoured by all the monkey chiefs 40.30

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

41. Angadha as Emissary

[The monkey army with its commanders lay siege the city of Lanka. Rama sends Angadha as an emissary to Ravana. Not prepared to surrender Ravana, tries to catch hold of Angadha but he escapes and goes back to Rama.]

Seeing the signs of the battle on the body of Sugreeva, Rama the elder brother of Lakshmana, after hugging Sugreeva told him. 41.1

"You have done this great adventure without properly consulting me; such rash adventures are never attempted by a king." 41.2

"Oh valorous one interested in adventure, this reckless act done by you, has caused great anxiety to me, your army and Vibheeshana." 41.3

'Oh valorous one, oh destroyer of enemies, Oh mighty armed annihilator of enemies, if some misfortune had happened to you, what could we have done to release Sita, and also to the greatly strong Bharatha, to Lakshmana and the still younger Shatrugna and also to myself." 41.4-41.5

"I had decided that if you had not come back, knowing well your valour which is equal to Sun, Indra and Varuna, to kill Ravana along with his sons along with his army and steeds, to hold the coronation of Vibheeshana as king of Lanka and later consecrate Bharatha as the king Of Ayodhya and then to retire to the forest." 41.6-41.7

When Rama spoke like this Sugreeva replied like this, "Oh Raghava seeing Ravana the abductor of your wife and also knowing about my innate strength, how else could I have acted." 41.8-41.9

When the valorous Sugreeva told like this, Rama complimented him and told Lakshmana who was greatly full of auspiciousness. 41.10

"Oh Lakshmana, after dividing the forests with fresh waters and trees laden with fruits, it is necessary to divide the army in to segments and be always ready." 41.11

"I am scared that that I will see a great tragedy which would reduce the number of people in this world and also a mass destruction to the bears and monkeys. 41.12

"Harsh winds are blowing, the earth is shaking, the tips of the mountains are shaking and those elephants which carry the earth are trumpeting." 41.13

"Sinister clouds horrifyingly bitter roar violently like carnivorous animals and let fall a rain mixed with drops of blood." 41.14

"The dusk is of the red colour of the red sandalwood is looking horrific and from the sun, a blazing fire ball falls down." 41.15

"Wild animals and birds shout pitiably and are wretched and are ominous and facing the sun they inspire great fear." 41.16

"The moon has lost its luster and is surrounded by red black rays, similar to the time of final deluge and is creating sorrow at night." 41.17

"Oh Lakshmana, on the disk of the sun a fiery halo with a black mark is observed and reduced of its luster the Sun is having a coppery colour." 41.18

"Oh Lakshmana, the stars do not look like the way they should and are foretelling their intention to speed up the time of deluge." 41.19

"The crows, eagles and vultures are circling the sky at a lower level and Jackals also howling making inauspicious sounds." 41.20

"The earth will be crowded with rocks, darts and daggers used by monkeys and demons, will become a slime of flesh and blood." 41.21

"Let us speedily attack the invincible town ruled by Ravana, and surround it by monkeys on all sides." 41.22

The elder brother of Lakshmana after speaking like this to Lakshmana, speedily got down from the top of the mountain. 41.23

That Rama ah was the soul of Dharma after getting down from the mountain, examined his unconquerable army." 41.24

Rama who is an expert in matters of time, along with Sugreeva got ready his army for attack, at the appropriate moment. 41.25

That very strong one armed with a bow marched at the most suitable time marched along with his army, facing the city of Lanka. 41.26

Then, Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Jambhavan the king of bears, Nala, Nila and Lakshmana accompanied Rama. 41.27

After that the great army consisting of monkeys and bears marched covering the vast area of land accompanying Rama. 41.28

Then those monkeys who were destroyers of enemies and who resembled elephants took hold of hundreds of mountain peaks as well as well grown trees. 41.29

Within a short time those brothers Rama and Lakshmana, who were both destroyers of enemies, reached Lanka which was the city of Ravana. 41.30

The monkeys, encouraged by the sound of Rama's voice and obedient to his command, halted before the city of Lanka which was decorated with flags, beautiful and splendid with pleasure-gardens, having an unusual rampart which is inaccessible with its elevated arched door-ways and invincible even to the devas. 41.31-41.32

After reaching the city of Lanka, which was ruled by Ravana, the heroic Rama, the son of Dasaratha, accompanied by Lakshmana, stopped near the northern gate, where Ravana was in command. Who else but Rama is capable of protecting the army and besieging that gate, regulated by Ravana, similar to an ocean regulated by Varuna, guarded by awful Rakshasas on all sides and creating fear to the weak as the under regions of earth is guarded by Rakshasas. 41.33-41.36

Rama saw there the army of Ravana armed with various strange type of weapons and armours. 41.37

Nila, the valiant commander -in-chief of monkeys together with Mainda and Dvivida reached and stopped before the Eastern gate. 41.38

Angadha of very mighty prowess, together with Rishabha, Gavaksha, Gaja and Gavya took charge of the Southern gate. 41.39

The strong monkey Hanuman together with Prajangha, Tarasa and other warriors, guarded the western gate. 41.40

Sugreeva, along with all the chiefs of monkeys equal to the strength of Garuda as well as Vayu the god of the wind, was stationed himself in the middle of the army. 41.41

The highly reputed generals of monkeys along with thirty six crores of monkeys besieged the city along with great Sugreeva exerting pressure on monkeys. 41.42

As per the order of Rama Lakshmana and Vibheeshana distributed one crore of monkey army soldiers at each gate of the city. 41.43

Behind Rama and not far from him, Sushena together with Jambhavan, followed by a multitude of forces, stood at the intermediate post. 41.44

Those lions among monkeys who were possessing lion like teeth holding rocks and trees were with joy waiting for the signal to the war." 41.45

All of them were lashing their tails, using their jaws and nails as weapons and were shaking in every limb and had their faces set grimly. 41.46

Some were having the strength of ten elephants and some having strength of ten times ten and some were having the strength of one thousand elephants. 41.47

Some were having the strength of an ogha [large number] of elephants. Some were endowed with a strength of ten times to that. some others there were chiefs of monkeys, having an immeasurable strength. 41.48

That collection of monkeys there was greatly magical and wonderful and it appeared as if it was a swarm of locusts. 41.49

Due to the monkeys who reached Lanka and by all those stationed already beneath its walls, the air and earth seem to be completely filled with monkeys. 41.50

A hundred divisions of one lakh each of bears and monkeys poured towards the gates of Lanka, while others proceeded to fight on every side. 41.51

All the mountains on all sides were covered by the monkeys and a crore of them were ranged near the city. 41.52

When the city of Lanka was surrounded by the monkeys each holding a tree in their hand, even wind was not entering the city. 41.53

The Rakshasas who were as valorous as Indra, the ruler of devas seeing themselves besieged by cloud like monkeys who were equal to them in valour were stuck with sudden terror." 41.54

When those monkey troops were advancing a big sound arose which was similar to the sound of waves of ocean beating its banks. 41.55

Due that great noise, Lanka with its ramparts, arches, mountains and forests began to shake. 41.56

That army of monkeys protected by Rama and Lakshmana as well as Sugreeva became even more unconquerable than that the army of devas and Dhanavas. 41.57

Having thus ranged his forces, with a view to destroy the Rakshasas, Rama who knew about the four expedients of Sama, Dhana, Bhedha and Danda to be employed in succession, took counsel again and again with his ministers and arrived at a decision. Calling to his mind the duty of the kings, Rama who was eager to undertake what was to be done next, in concurrence with Vibheeshana, summoned Angadha the son of Vali and spoke to him as follows. 41.58-41.60

"Oh gentle monkey, go and meet the ten necked one who is unfortunate, devoid of kingship and who has lost his splendour due to approaching death and tell my words to him., after entering the city of Lanka without any fear." 41.61

"Oh Rakshasa who moves at night In your reckless arrogance, you have oppressed sages, celestials, Gandharwas and their wives, serpent - Rakshasas, Yakshas the semi-divine beings and kings. From now on, that arrogance, born of the boon you received from Brahma the Lord of creation, should be subdued." 41.62-41.64

"I would definitely inflict a great punishment on you for abducting my wife and I am standing at the gates of Lanka along with the rod of punishment." 41.65

"Oh Rakshasa, if you are killed by me, You will attain the position of devas, great sages and the Royal sages." 41.66

Oh basest Rakshasa, use the same method of not showing your strength but the power of illusion when you abducted Sita." 41.67

"If you do not surrender to me and do not return Sita to me, I will make this world one without Rakshasas by my powerful arrows." 41.68

"This pious minded Vibheeshana, the foremost among Rakshasas has come to me. Surely, this illustrious Rakshasa will obtain the kingdom of Lanka, which will henceforth be free from troubles." 41.69

"You cannot enjoy this kingdom without Dharma even for a moment as you are a sinful Rakshasa having stupid followers around you and is one with defeated soul." 41.70

"Oh Rakshasa, otherwise get ready for the battle, after gathering courage and laying your hands on your valour. Then you will be killed by arrows and rest in peace." 41.71
"Oh traveler at night, even if you take the form of a bird and run about in all the three worlds, you will not be alive as soon as you come in to the range of my eyes." 41.72

"I am telling for your benefit, be ready for your obsequies. See Lanka properly, for your living further is in my hands." 41.73

When Rama who never got tired of his actions told like this to son of Tara, he jumped in to the air with a luster of burning fire and marched ahead." 41.74

Within a moment he reached the home of Ravana and saw that Ravana who was seated and discussing with his ministers. 41.75

That monkey chief Angadha wearing golden bracelets landed in a place close to the king and stood there like a flaming torch. 41.76

After introducing himself, Angadha repeated the excellent words of Rama, as it was told to him without adding or subtracting anything to Ravana in the presence of his ministers. 41.77

"I am the son of Vali and Angadha is my name and I am the emissary of Rama, the king of Kosala and of stable exploits. Have you heard of him?" 41.78

Rama called Raghava who adds joy to his mother Kausalya speaks to you thus: "Oh Ruthless one, come and enter in to war with me as a representative of your clan." 41.79

"I shall kill you along with your ministers, sons, cousins and other relatives. You being dead, all the three worlds would get rid of fear.'" 41.80

"Now, I shall uproot you, a thorn to the sages and an enemy to devas, demons, semi-divine beings, Gandharwas, serpent-gods and Rakshasas." 41.81

"Unless you bow before me and return back Sita, you would be killed by me and Vibheeshana would become the king." 41.82

Hearing those harsh words from the monkey chief. Ravana the king of Rakshasas became under the control of anger. 41.83

He became red eyed with anger and ordered his ministers, "Let this stupid one be caught and then killed." 41.84

As soon a they heard the words of Ravana, four terrible Rakshasas caught hold of him who resembled a shining torch. 41.85

Then the prudent and valorous monkey, of his own accord came under their control, to exhibit his prowess in front of those monkeys. 41.86

Then catching hold of those who clung to his arms, Angadha leapt on to the palace which resembled a mountain. 41.87

All those four Rakshasas were shaken out, by the great speed of Angadha and fell down on the ground, even when the king of Rakshasas was watching. 41.88

From the top of the palace, which was as tall as the mountain was climbed by that son of Vali, even when Ravana was seeing. 41.89

That roof of the palace, trampled by Angadha, crumbled like the peak of Himalayan range was shattered long ago by lightening - before Ravana's gaze. 41.90

After breaking the roof of the house and announcing his name loudly and roaring with great sound, Angadha rose up in that air. 41.91

Causing great worry to Rakshasa and great joy to the monkeys, he reached the middle of monkeys and went near Rama. 41.92

Seeing the roof of his palace destroyed Ravana got in to very great anger and foreseeing his own destruction he became jittery. 41.93

Surrounded by many monkeys who were roaring with delight, Rama on his part was already proceeding ahead for the battle, with intent to wipe out his enemy. 41.94 At that time, Sushena the highly valiant monkey who resembled a mountain was surrounded by innumerable monkeys, who had ability change their form at will. 41.95

Under the order of Sugreeva who was invincible, Sushena was patrolling the gates and wandering like a moon among the stars. 41.96

Seeing hundreds of divisions of those monkeys encamped under the walls of Lanka, marshalled on the shores of the sea, the Rakshasas were amazed and some others were terror-struck while others, overjoyed at the prospect of fighting and even leapt up in exultation. 41.979-41.98

Those miserable Rakshasas on seeing that the entire extensive space between the walls and the moat were being occupied by the monkeys, and looked like a second rampart cried out, "Alas" in panic. 41.99

As a result of that the miserable tumult in the capital city of the Rakshasas, the soldiers of Ravana seized hold of their great weapons and sallied forth like the winds that blow at the time of deluge. 41.100

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

42. Commencement of War

[Rama orders his monkey army to attack. They fill up the moat, brake fortifications and climb on fort walls. Ravana orders his Rakshasa army to attack. A huge battle commences between them.]

Then all the Rakshasas went to the home of Ravana and informed him that their city has been besieged by Rama and the monkeys. 42.1

Hearing about the besieging of the city, that Rakshasa became very angry and after doubling the arrangements climbed up to the top of his house. 42.2

Then he saw that Lanka, its forests and its waters were covered by innumerable groups of monkeys who were interested in the war. 42.3

Seeing that those monkeys had covered the earth and made it look brown, in great confusion, he thought "How can they all be killed?" 42.4

That Ravana regained his confidence after thinking for a long time, with his eyes widened in surprise, Ravana saw Rama and the other monkey chiefs. 42.5

Rama with lot of joy along with the army marched forward and saw that Lanka is being protected from all four sides and was filled with Rakshasas. 42.6

That son of Dasaratha after seeing Lanka decorated by various types of flags, with great distress thought of Sita in his heart. 42.7

"Here lives the doe eyed, daughter of Janaka who is suffering for my sake and who is sorrowful and sleeps on bare earth." 42.8

When the votary of Dharma thought about how Vaidehi is made to suffer, he immediately ordered his army of monkeys to destroy their enemies. 42.9

When these words were spoken by Rama who never gets tired, those monkeys interested in the war filled the air with shouts resembling the roar of the lion. 42.10

"We shall tear this Lanka in to pieces by either by our bare hands or by using mountain peaks," thus decided all the monkeys by general consent. 42.11

Lifting up great mountain peaks as well as huge stones and breaking huge trees, those monkey chiefs got ready for the battle. 42.12

For fulfilling the favourite job of Rama, they after diving themselves in to columns started climbing on the walls of Lanka and Ravana kept watching them. 42.13

They who were of golden colour, having copper coloured faces and who were prepared to give up their life for sake of Rama, marched towards Lanka, armed with mountains, rocks and trees. 42.14

Those monkeys demolished innumerable defensive walls and arches with blows from trees, mountain-tops and fists. 42.15

The monkeys filled up the moats containing clear water, with sand, mountain, mountain tops, grass and logs of woods. 42.16

After that the monkey commanders scaled the walls of the city of Lanka, taking with them battalions of monkeys in thousands, in crores and even hundreds of crores. 42.17

The monkeys started breaking the golden arches and breaking down the gates that equaled the peak of Kailasa the mountainous abode of Shiva the Lord of Destruction. 42.18

Those monkeys who resembled great elephants rushed towards Lanka springing, leaping and also roaring. 42.19

The monkeys, who can assume any form that they like, shouting "Victory to the mighty Rama and the valiant Lakshmana. Victory of Sugreeva protected by Raghava" and roaring, rushed towards the defensive walls of Lanka. 42.20-42.21

The monkey chiefs Virabahu, Subahu, Nala and Panasa after storming the defensive walls of the city took their positions on them. And at that time they also formed several battalions of army there. 42.22

Kumuda surrounded by ten crores of monkeys, who acted as if they have already won, stood besieging the eastern gate. 42.23

To help him a monkey called Prasabha and a very strong Panasa, surrounded by many other monkeys came. 42.24

The valiant Shathabali came to the southern door surrounded by twenty crores of monkeys and stood surrounding it. 42.25

Sushena the monkey who was the father of Tara arrived at the western gate, surrounded by crores of crores of monkeys and stood there besieging it. 42.26

Rama along with the son of Sumithra reached the northern gate along with Sugreeva and surrounded by the monkey army. 42.27

They were accompanied by crores of bears under the strong Dhumra, who is a destroyer of his enemies and they took up position near Rama. 42.28

Vibheeshana of great energy with mace in hand, clad in defensive armour and accompanied by his watchful ministers, took his position where the mighty Rama is stationed. 42.29

Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sharabha and Gandhamadana galloping on all sides, defended the army of monkeys. 42.30

Then Ravana who was drowned in great anger commanded his great army to set out of their camps for war immediately. 42.31

Immediately after hearing these words from the mouth of Ravana, a great noise originated from the army of Rakshasas. 42.32

The Rakshasas beat the kettle drums, whose middle disc was white as moon loudly using a stick of gold, and raised a great sound. 42.33

The conches in hundreds and thousands blared forth a very great sound due to being blown by the horrifying Rakshasas with their cheek extended completely. 42.34

Those Rakshasas with their dark bodies with the white conch kept on their lips, shined like clouds which were bordered by lightning and a row of white cranes. 42.35

As soon as Ravana ordered, those battalions of his armies rushed forth, which resembled the lashing out of the ocean when it is swollen by clouds at time of deluge. 42.36

Then great sound also rose from the monkey army which had filled up the ridges, planes and caves of the Malaya mountain. 42.37

The sound raised by conches and drums by the Rakshasas and the lion like roaring of the monkeys echoed and re-echoed on the earth, sky and the sea. 42.38

The trumpeting of elephants, the neighing of the horses, the clattering of the chariot-wheels and the sounds of the foot-steps and the sound of the couches re-echoed over the earth, sky and sea. 42.39

In the meantime a very horrifying war commenced between the monkeys and the Rakshasas and it resembled the battle between devas and asuras. 42.40

Exhibiting, their own prowess, the Rakshasas started to attack the monkeys with their maces, tridents, Shakthi and axes. 42.41

Then those huge sized monkeys started with speed striking with, trees, mountain tops, nails and teeth and raised their war cry "Victory to Lord Sugreeva." 42.42-42.43

Some of the terrifying Rakshasas shouted, "Victory, Victory to the king" and announced their names.

Some of those Rakshasas standing on the wall hooked the monkeys standing on earth using metal hooks. 42.44

This made the monkeys very angry and they jumped in to the air and dragged down those Rakshasas standing on the walls by catching them with their hands. 42.45

The battle between the monkeys and the Rakshasas turned in to a happening of wonder and left lot of swampy ground of blood and flesh. 42.46

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

43. Escalation of War

[The war between Rakshasas and monkeys escalated between one to war between their leaders. Many Rakshasa leaders were killed. Many monkey soldiers were also killed.]

Then those very wise monkeys and the Rakshasas started getting engaged in a harsh battle and the ferocity of the army went up greatly. 43.1

Those Rakshasas and the chiefs, doing terrific acts being eager to win in Ravana's name, marched ahead on horses with golden trappings or elephants resembling pointed flames, or in chariots flashing like the sun and themselves wearing beautiful armours, creating reverberant sounds in all the ten directions. 43.2-43.3.

The monkeys also wanting great victory, marched against the army of those Rakshasas who can take any form they like. 43.4

Among those of the monkeys and Rakshasas who ran against each other, individual fight started taking place. 43.5

The Rakshasa Indrajit fought with Angadha the son of Vali in a great battle which resembled the fight between Lord Shiva and Angadha. 43.6

A monkey called Sampathi who can never be conquered in war fought with Prajangha and Hanuman was fighting with Jambumali. 43.7

The very angry Rakshasa Vibheeshana who was the younger brother of Ravana fought with a Rakshasa called Mithragna who was greatly fiery in battle. 43.8

Gaja of great strength fought with a demon called Tapana and Nila too of great energy fought with Nikumbha. 43.9

Sugreeva the king of monkeys fought with Praghasa and Lakshmana fought with Virupaksha who fought well. 43.10

The invincible Rakshasas called Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Mitraghna and Yajnakopa confronted with Rama. 43.11

Vajramushti fought with Mainda and Dvivida fought with Asaniprabha and thus the monkey chiefs were fighting with the horrifying Rakshasas. 43.12

Pratapana, the valiant Rakshasa, terrific and invincible in battle fought well with Nala of intense speed in battle. 43.13

The strong monkey well known as Sushena, the son of God of death, engaged in battle with Vidhyunmali. 43.14

Some of those fearful monkeys after fighting with several big Rakshasas, got in to one to one fight with some other horrifying Rakshasas. 43.15

There thus happened a horrifying battle which made hairs to stand erect between Rakshasas and monkeys, both of wanting to win. 43.16

Streams of blood and tufts of hair flowed from the bodies of monkeys as well as Rakshasas which carried dead bodies like a timber by a stream. 43.17

Indrajit struck with great anger on Angadha, who can scatter the enemy army, by a mace and it looked like Indra was himself beating with Vajrayudha. 43.18

The glorious Angadha who was a fast moving monkey then stuck the golden variegated chariot, charioteer and horses of Indrajit. 43.19

Sampati, who was struck by Prajangha with three arrows, killed Prajangha using an Ashvakarna tree, at the peak of the combat. 43.20

Jambumali who was riding on a chariot took out a very strong Shakthi from his chariot and banged the chest of Hanuman using it. 43.21

Hanuman the son of wind God then climbed in to his chariot and threw down the chariot along with the Rakshasa. 43.22

The horrible Pratapana ran with a roar send several arrows and hurt the body of Nala but suddenly Nala scratched out the eyes of the Rakshasa. 43.23

Pierced in the limbs by sharp arrows by Praghasa the swift-handed Rakshasa, Sugreeva the Lord of the monkeys immediately killed Praghasa with a Saptaparna tree. 43.24

Lakshmana after making the terrible looking Virupaksha suffer greatly by his rain of arrows at the end killed him with one arrow. 43.25

The invincible Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Mitrughna and Yajnakopa wounded Rama by their arrows. 43.26

Rama who became angry, chopped off the heads of those four Rakshasas by using four arrows which had fire like tips. 43.27

Struck with a fist by the monkey Mainda in the battle, Vajramushti along with his chariot fell on the ground like a watch-tower on a city-wall. 43.28

Nikumbha wounded Nila who was like the blue black collyrium by his sharp arrows similar to the rays of Sun hitting the cloud. 43.29

Then, Nikumbha the swift-handed demon again wounded Nila by a hundred arrows in the battle and laughed continuously. 43.30

Nila chopped the head of the charioteer of Nikumbha by the wheel of the same chariot in that fight, similar to Vishnu the Lord of preservation in a battle. 43.31

Even Dvivida, whose impact was like a flash of lightening of a thunder bolt, struck Ashaniprabha with a rock before the eyes of all the demons. 43.32

That Ashaniprabha wounded Dvivida the monkey leader by his thunder bolt-like arrows, while Dvivida was fighting with trees in the battle. 43.33

With his limbs struck by arrows, that Dvivida agitated as he was by anger, struck with a Sala tree, Ashaniprabha, his chariot and the horses. 43.34

Vidhyunmali sitting on the chariot using arrows decorated with gold and which made great sound struck Sushena. 43.35

The great monkey Sushena, seeing that he was sitting on the chariot, by throwing a great piece of rock of the mountain upturned the chariot. 43.36

That Rakshasa Vidhyunmali with great tact got out from the fallen chariot and stood there on the ground armed with a mace. 43.37

The great monkey Sushena along with great anger holding a huge mountain chased that Rakshasa. 43.38

That Rakshasa Vidhyunmali struck with the mace on the chest of the great monkey chief Sushena who was coming towards him. 43.39

That great monkey not bothering about the beating with the mace on his chest in that great battle, threw that stone at the Rakshasa and hit his chest. 43.40

Stuck violently by that rock on his chest Vidhyunmali, with his chest crushed, fell down dead. 43.41

Thus many strong Rakshasas were destroyed by those valiant monkeys there in a series of hand to hand encounters, similar to devas destroying Rakshasas. 43.42

The battle-field thus became scary with extra-ordinary spears, arrows, maces, javelins, lances and tridents shattered chariots and military horses and elephants in rut, monkeys and Rakshasas which had been killed, wheels axles and yokes broken and lying on the ground and frequented as it was by herds of jackals. 43.43-43.44

The headless trunks of monkeys and Rakshasas sprang up here and there in the midst of that great war, which resembled the war between devas and asuras. 43.45

They after being attacked by great monkeys and their limbs being covered with blood due to that attack longed for sun set and again assembled for another combat. 43.46

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

44. Indrajit's Fight

[Rama started killing several Rakshasas. With his chariot being destroyed by Angadha, Indrajit vanished from vision and continued his fight without being seen by any one and uses serpent arrows and makes Rama and Lakshmana fall.]

When the monkeys and Rakshasas were fighting a war, the sun set and night continued with destroying of lives. 44.1

With great enmity between each other and both desiring for their own victory, the night war between the monkeys and Rakshasas commenced. 44.2

The monkeys said to the Rakshasa, "You are a Rakshasa" and Rakshasas told the monkeys, "You are a monkey", and in the horrifying night of darkness, they killed each other. 44.3

In that army very loud sounds of talking like "strike", "tear apart", "come near" and "why are you running away" were being heard. 44.4

Those Black Rakshasas wearing golden battle dress, were shining like medicinal forests on the king of mountains. 44.5

In that great darkness which was difficult to tolerate, the very angry Rakshasas attacked and ate those monkeys with great speed. 44.6

Those strong monkeys with a terrific rage leapt forward and torn asunder by their sharp teeth, the steeds with gold ornaments on their head, the serpentine banners and frightened the army of Rakshasas. 44.7

Greatly angry the monkeys dragged the elephants, those who were riding the elephants, chariots, flags and flag staffs and broke them in to pieces with their teeth. 44.8

Rama and Lakshmana killed the foremost of Rakshasas who were visible and not visible by arrows which can be compared to venomous snakes. 44.9

The dust which rose from the hooves of horses and wheels of chariots completely blocked the eyes and ears of those who fought. 44.10

When the particular great war was in progress, the hair of people stood erect and very horrifying rivers of blood started flowing there. 44.11

Then the sound of drums, kettle drums arose and got mixed with the sound of conches and chariot wheels arose in that place. 44.12

The sound of wounded horses, Rakshasas and monkeys resonated and a terrible sound covered everywhere. 44.13

The great monkeys assassinated by spears, maces, and axes and the slaughtered Rakshasas, who were able to change their form at will, with their bodies appearing like mountains were lying there on the battle-field. And those weapons appeared to be offered up as a bounty of flowers by earth, which became not seen and rendered impassable by slime formed out of streams of blood. 44.14-44.15

That horrifying night proved very deadly to the monkeys as well as Rakshasas, like the night at deluge becomes horrifying to all beings. 44.16

Those Rakshasas who were there in that darkness of night, attacked Rama with a shower of arrows. 44.17

The sound that they made while coming to attack Rama as well as their roaring sound was like the sound of ocean at the final destruction of all beings. 44.18

Within the time of the twinkling of an eye Rama shot six arrows which were like the tongues of flame and killed six Rakshasas. 44.19

The unconquerable Yagnashatru, Mahaparashva, Mahodara, the giant bodied Vajradamshtra, both Shuka and Sarana - all those six having been beaten by Rama on their vital organs with a flood of his arrows, retreated from the battle and somehow survived for the rest of their life. 44.20-44.21

Using gold tipped arrows of varied patterns resembling the flames of fire Rama, cleared all directions as well as intermediate directions and made them without Rakshasas. 44.22

And all the valorous Rakshasas who stood facing Rama also perished just like moths coming in front of fire. 44.23

When the arrows with golden wings which were bright coloured started falling from all directions, it appeared as if fire flies are coming from all places in that autumnal night. 44.24

By the sounds made by the Rakshasas and roaring sound of the monkeys that terrible night became more terrible. 44.25

That great sound which was coming from all sides, the Trikuta mountain which was full of caves appeared to give rise to confused murmurs. 44.26

Long-tailed and black faced monkeys with their gigantic bodies and dark figure, crushed the Rakshasas with their arms and allowed them to be eaten by other animals. 44.27

Angadha who had come to the battle field to kill all his enemies all at once stuck, the chariot, charioteer and horses of the son of Ravana. 44.28

While that awful and very intense battle was going on, Indrajit a great expert in tricks of illusion, leaving the chariot, with its horses and charioteer killed by Angadha, vanished from that very spot itself. 44.29-44.30

All the devas and great sages seeing that act of accomplishment of the son of Vali were greatly pleased by the honourable son of Vali. 44.31

Since all the beings knew the magical power of Indrajit in war, seeing him being defeated by that great one made them pleased. 44.32

Then all the monkeys as well as Sugreeva and Vibheeshana were greatly delighted and praised him by saying "Good, very good." 44.33

Indrajit having been defeated by that one responsible for the big act who was the son of Vali was driven to horrifying anger. 44.34

That expert in war who was the son of Ravana and who had boons given by Brahma, after disappearing from vision and started shooting arrows which were as bright as lightning. 44.35

Becoming angry he sent harsh serpent arrows and with them hurt all the body parts of Rama as well as Lakshmana of the Raghu clan. 44.36

By enveloping with illusion, he confounded Rama and went on sending arrows being invisible and tied the brothers Rama and Lakshmana using those arrows. 44.37

All the monkeys saw those tiger among men being tormented quickly by those serpent arrows of that angry Rakshasa. 44.38

Not being able to hurt those two princes in his visible form, Indrajit, the son of the king of Rakshasas with his perverse mind, took recourse to magic in order to make them captive. 44.39

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

45. Rama and Lakshmana Fall to Indrajit's Arrows

[Though a search was ordered by Rama, the invisible Indrajit could not be located. With tormenting arrows, Indrajit fells down Rama and Lakshmana.]

Those two famous princes who were strong ordered ten monkey chiefs to search for the whereabouts of Indrajit. 45.1

Rama the tormentor of his enemies ordered both the sons of Sushena, Nila the chief of monkeys, Angada the son of Vali, the strong Sharabha, Dvivida, Hanuman, the very strong Sanuprastha, Rishabha and Rishabha skandha to do the job. 45.2-45.3

All those monkeys were thrilled with enthusiasm and immediately flung into the air brandishing huge trunks of trees in order to explore all the ten directions. 45.4

Indrajit who was an expert on arrows, using the great arrows speedily, released very many great arrows, arrested their speedy search. 45.5

Those monkeys of great speed, whose bodies were cruelly pierced by those arrows, were unable to see Indrajit in the illusory darkness, similar to the sun being obscured when it is veiled in clouds. 45.6

Indrajit with his arrows split up all vital parts of Rama and Lakshmana and which entered in to their body and thus he was victorious in battle. 45.7

The angry Indrajit densely sent and fixed serpentine arrows aimed at the body of Rama and Lakshmana. 45.8

Great amount of blood flowed from the opening of wounds in their body and both of them shined like Kimsuka trees in flowering. 45.9

Indrajit with colour resembling collyrium, with inflamed eyes turned red due to anger, while remaining still invisible spoke to Rama and Lakshmana. 45.10

"When I start fighting war becoming invisible even Indra the God of devas would not be able to see or approach me and how can you both?" 45.11

"Oh sons of the Raghu clan, having imprisoned you by the trick of arrows furnished with feathers of heron, since my soul is filled with wrath, I am going to send you to God of death." 45, 12

After saying like this to Rama and Lakshmana who were followers of Dharma, he pierced both of them with pointed sharp arrows and shouted with wild joy. 45.13

Indrajit who was of the colour of heaped collyrium stretched his big bow, again and again shot them with horrifying arrows in that great war. 45.14

He who was an expert in identifying vital parts send very sharp arrows at Rama and Lakshmana and hurt their vital parts. 45.15

In the battle ground those two completely tied by arrows, in a twinkling of an eye became incapable of even looking up. 45.16
Those two pierced by a great network of arrows, because they were pierced in their vital parts became exhausted and those two great archers who were lords of earth fell down on the earth, shaking violently like the flag staffs raised in honour of Indra, when the chord holding them is cut off. 45.17-45.18

Those two valorous ones were lying down on beds of heroes, completely bathed in blood and with all their limbs bristling with arrows and completely distressed. 45.19

There was not even finger breadth of their body from the tip of fingers to the end of feet which was not wounded and implanted with sharp arrows. 45.20

They being ferociously stuck down by a Rakshasa who can change his form at his will had blood gushing out of their body, like water coming out of a spring. 45.21

With his vital parts being pierced by the sharp arrows the very angry Indrajit, who had defeated Indra, the lord of devas, Rama fell down first. 45.22

Indrajit pierced Rama by arrows with golden arrows which had sharp points, which had downward movement, which go fast like Narachas, Demi-narachas, Bhallas [with wide tips], Anjalis, Vatsa Dantas, Simha Dantas and those shafts like unto razors. 45.23

Throwing away his bow bent at three places, adorned with gold, with its string loosened away and detached from the hold of his fist, Rama lied down on the battle-ground. 45.24

Seeing Rama, the tiger among men having due to the arrows, Lakshmana became hopeless and lost will to live. 45.25

Seeing his elder brother Rama, with his eyes resembling lotus-leaves, having fallen on the ground, wounded as he was by a network of arrows, Lakshmana felt sad. 45.26

Beholding that Rama, the monkeys too were in great sorrow and wept bitterly, filling their eyes with tears, being affected as they were by sorrow. 45.27

Those monkeys with Hanuman in front gathered at that place and stood surrounding Rama and Lakshmana, who were bound by a network of arrows and lying down on the battle ground. All of them were disturbed and afflicted sorrow. 45.28

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

46. Indrajit's Claim

[All the monkeys are confused and sad that Rama had fallen down. Vibheeshana tries to pep up Sugreeva saying that Rama is not dead but only fallen down. Indrajit goes and tells Ravana, that he has killed Rama. Ravana becomes greatly happy.]

Then all those monkeys surveying the earth and the sky, then saw the brothers Rama and Lakshmana covered with arrows. 46.1

Sugreeva and Vibheeshana came to that place after Indrajit retired from that place, like Indra retires after causing rain. 46.2

Nila, Dvivida, Mainda, Sushena, Kumuda, Angadha along with Hanuman forthwith began to grieve for Rama and Lakshmana. 46.3

Breathing faintly, bathed in blood. riddled with innumerable arrows, motionless and lying inactive, Rama and Lakshmana lay stretched on a bed of arrows, sighing like serpents, helpless, having very little prowess, their limbs smeared with a stream of blood, resembling two golden flags, They who were lying on heroes' couch, with tardy movement of their limbs, were surrounded by all the monkey leaders, whose eyes were suffused with tears. Seeing the two Raghavas, pierced by a multitude of arrows, all the monkeys along with Vibheeshana became perturbed. 46.4-46.7

The monkeys examined all over the atmosphere but were not able to see, the son of Ravana who was not visible due to his magical powers. 46.8

But Vibheeshana by his own magical powers was able to see him who was remaining hidden by his magical powers standing in front of him. 46.9

Though Indrajit was a great warrior who had no one comparable to him and who had done great unique acts, he preferred to remain invisible using the boon of Brahma, but was recognized by Vibheeshana who had great luster, prowess and glory. 46.10

Indrajit seeing those two who were lying down, appreciating his own great action was very happy and wanted to share his joy with the other Rakshasas. 46.11

"Brothers Rama and Lakshmana the killers of the very strong Khara and Dhooshana have been killed by my arrows." 46.12

"Even if all the sages, devas and Rakshasas join together and help them, they would not able to get themselves free out of the network of my arrows." 46.13

"These meaningless ones who were wearing away the very roots of us all, on whose account, the three watches of the night slipped past my father, who is unable even to touch his couch with his limbs and who remains absorbed in thought and stricken with grief and because of whom, the entire city of Lanka remains agitated, like a river during the rains, has been destroyed by me." 46.14-46.15

"The valour of Rama, Lakshmana as well as all the monkeys have been proved useless, similar to clouds in autumn." 46.16

After speaking like this to all the Rakshasas, that son of Ravana starting hitting at all the monkey chiefs who were watching. 46.17

He struck Nila with nine arrows and Mainda as well as Dvivida with three great arrows each. 46.18

That wielder of a great bow stuck the chest of Jambhavan with one arrow and released ten arrows at Hanuman who was with great speed. 46.19

The son of Ravana stuck, both Gavaksha and Sarabha who were of boundless valour with two arrows each in that battle. 46.20

Then that son of Ravana wounded with very many arrows Angadha, the son of Vali as well as Gavaksha, the king of Goolamgulas. 46.21

Wounding all those monkeys with arrows which are like flames of fire, the highly courageous and strong son of Ravana started shouting in triumph. 46.22

Tormenting all those monkeys with very many arrows the great one laughed heartily and spoke the following words. 46.23

"Oh Rakshasas, be pleased to see those two brothers who have been tied by me using the horrifying network of arrows." 46.24

Those Rakshasas who were treacherous fighters on hearing this were filled with wonder and greatly appreciated his act. 46.25

All of them who resembled a cloud cried out in a loud voice "Rama is dead" and greatly honoured the son of Ravana. 46.26

Seeing the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana lying motionless and breathless on the floor, Indrajit thought they were dead. 46.27

Having won the battle Indrajit became very happy and entered back in to the city of Lanka spreading happiness among the Rakshasas. 46.28

Seeing Rama and Lakshmana pierced with many arrows on every limb and bone of their bodies, a great fear had taken possession of Sugreeva. 46.29

Then Vibheeshana spoke to the frightened king of monkeys whose face was covered with tears and whose eyes full of sorrow. 46.30

"Oh Sugreeva, enough of this great fear. Control the speed of these tears. All wars are like this and victory is never certain." 46.31

"Oh Valorous one, if there is some amount of luck remaining with us, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana would wake up from this insensible state." 46.32

"Oh Sugreeva, become more courageous and instil courage in me as oh monkey, I am one without protector. For those who have faith in Dharma and truth, there is no fear of death." 46.33

After having told this he wiped the tear stained eyes of Sugreeva with his hands moistened in water. 46.34

Then that follower of Dharma, took some water made it enchanted by chants and then wiped the eyes of Sugreeva. 46.35

After wiping the face of that king of monkeys who had great prowess, Vibheeshana told these words of comfort and good sense. 46.36

"Oh Sugreeva, Oh king of monkeys, this is not time to lose all hope and at this time too much attachment also leads to death." 46.37

"So after giving up hopeless sorrow, which ruins all actions, think on now on how best to serve the army which had Rama going before them." 46.38

'Or else let us protect Rama till he regains consciousness so that Rama and Lakshmana can drive away fear from all of us." 46.39

"There is no problem for Rama and he is not going to die for the splendour and luster which you can hardly find in dead people is still there in him." 46.40

"So console yourself and revive your own spirits, so that we can revive the confidence among this entire army. 46.41

"Oh great monkey, all these monkeys, having their eyes dilated due to fear, are murmuring some words into each other's ear as they are terrified" 46.42

"Seeing me run among the army to activate them, let all of them shed all their fear, like one discards used garland." 46.43

After consoling Sugreeva, that king of Rakshasas Vibheeshana, started consoling all monkeys who were pushing away. 46.44

Indrajit the great magician along with his great army, entered the city of Lanka and went to meet his father. 46.45

After meeting Ravana, greeting him and saluting him, he said the pleasing words to Ravana about death of Rama. 46.46

Ravana who was in the middle of other Rakshasas on hearing it, jumped from his seat with happiness and embraced his son. 46.47

Smelling his head, Ravana becoming happy by what he heard, made enquiries in the matter. Indrajit reported the matter as it happened, to his enquiring father, as to how both Rama and Lakshmana were made motion-less and luster-less by entwining them with arrows. 46.48-46.49

Hearing the words of Indrajit the great charioteer, Ravana with his heart filled with a torrent of joy, relinquished his great sorrow, caused on account of Rama and praised his son with pleasing words. 46.50

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

47. Rakshasas' Celebration

[Rakshasas in Lanka start celebrating the death of Rama and Lakshmana. As per instruction of Ravana, the Rakshasis take Sita in Pushpaka Vimana to the battle field. Sita seeing Rama and Lakshmana has fallen down wails.]

When the son of Ravana went back to Lanka, the monkeys and bears of his army surrounded and protected him. 47.1

Hanuman, Angadha, Nila, Sushena, Kumuda, Nala, Gaja, Gavaksha, Panasa, Sanuprastha and the mighty Jambhavan with Sunda, Rambha, Shatabali and Prithu all these monkeys, armed with trees, reorganized their ranks, stood alert, surveyed the directions of the sky up and down and on every side and, even if a grass stirred, they exclaimed, "It is a Rakshasa". 47.2-47.4

Meanwhile Ravana who was happy sent back his son Indrajit and sent word for the Rakshasis who were protecting Sita. 47.5

As per his order all the Rakshasis including Trijata appeared before him and to those Rakshasis, the God of the Rakshasas told with happiness. 47.6

"Go and tell Sita, that Rama and Lakshmana has been killed by Indrajit and take her in Pushpaka plane and show her Rama and Lakshmana lying dead in the battle field." 47.7

"She was proud because she was depending on him and because of that does not come near me. Her husband and his brother are lying dead in the battle field." 47.8

"Let Sita submit to me decorated by all ornaments without any apprehension, sorrow and without any hope for uniting with her husband." 47.9

"Personally Rama and Lakshmana have fallen under the sway of death on the battle-field today and finding no other support and hoping for nothing else, the broad-eyed Sita will voluntarily seek refuge in me." 47.10

Hearing those words of that bad soul Ravana, all those Rakshasis said, "So be it" and went near the Pushpaka plane. 47.11

Thereafter, those Rakshasis brought the Pushpaka Vimana as per the instructions of Ravana and carried it nearer to Sita who was staying in Asoka Garden. 47.12

Those Rakshasis then brought Sita who was sorrowing for her husband and made her climb up the Pushpaka Vimana belonging to the Rakshasas. 47.13

Then those Rakshasis along with Trijata climbed the Pushpaka with Sita and proceeded to show her Rama and Lakshmana. 47.14

Meanwhile Ravana the king of Rakshasas, with extreme joy, caused Lanka to be decorated with garlands and with flags and banners and arranged a proclamation to be made in Lanka announcing that Rama and Lakshmana had been slain by Indrajit in battle. 47.15-47.16
 
Sita going along with Trijata on the plane saw all the monkeys, slain and lying dead in the battle field. 47.17

Sita saw the joyful Rakshasas and dejected monkeys standing near Rama and Lakshmana. 47.18

Then, Sita saw those two warriors Rama and Lakshmana lying unconscious on the ground on a bed of arrows, their limbs pierced with arrows, riddled with weapons, their armour shattered, their bows cast aside at a distance and their entire body pierced by weapons. 47.19-47.20

On seeing those two brothers, who were valorous, had lotus like eyes, who were best of men, lying stretched on a bed of arrows there in that wretched plight like the two sons of the fire-god [Shikha and Vishakha] lying on a bed of reeds, Sita wailed piteously, stricken as she was with a great agony. 47.21-47.22

That dark eyed daughter of Janaka with faultless limbs seeing her husband as well as Lakshmana lying in dust sobbed. 47.23

Seeing those brothers who were having similar luster like the devas was stuck with sorrow and moved in to tears and believing in their death spoke with sorrow the following words. 47.24

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