शान्तं शाश्वतमप्रमेयमनघं निर्वाणशान्तिप्रदं
ब्रह्माशम्भुफणीन्द्रसेव्यमनिशं वेदान्तवेद्यं विभुम् ।
रामाख्यं जगदीश्वरं सुरगुरुं मायामनुष्यं हरिं
वन्देऽहं करुणाकरं रघुवरं भूपालचूड़ामणिम्।।1।।
I adore the Lord of the universe bearing the name of Rama, the Chief of Raghu’s line and the crest-jewel of kings, the mine of compassion, the dispeller of all sins, appearing in human form through His Maya (deluding potency), the greatest of all gods, knowable through Vedanta (the Upanisads), constantly worshipped by Brahma (the Creator), Sambhu (Lord Siva) and Sesa (the serpent-god), the bestower of supreme peace in the form of final beatitude, placid, eternal, beyond the ordinary means of cognition, sinless and all-pervading.
नान्या स्पृहा रघुपते हृदयेऽस्मदीये
सत्यं वदामि च भवानखिलान्तरात्मा।
भक्तिं प्रयच्छ रघुपुङ्गव निर्भरां मे
कामादि दोषरहितं कुरु मानसं च।।2।।
There is no other craving in my heart, O Lord of the Raghus: I speak the truth and You are the Spirit indwelling the hearts of all. Grant me intense devotion to Your feet, O crest-jewel of Raghus, and free my mind from faults like concupiscence etc.
अतुलितबलधामं हेमशैलाभदेहं
दनुजवनकृशानुं ज्ञानिनामग्रगण्यम्।
सकलगुणनिधानं वानराणामधीशं
रघुपतिप्रियभक्तं वातजातं नमामि।।3।।
I bow to the son of the wind-god, the beloved devotee of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus), the chief of the monkeys, the repository of all virtues, the foremost among the wise, a fire to consume the forest of the demon race, possessing a body shining as a mountain of gold and a home of immeasurable strength.
1/60
जामवंत के बचन सुहाए। सुनि हनुमंत हृदय अति भाए।।
तब लगि मोहि परिखेहु तुम्ह भाई। सहि दुख कंद मूल फल खाई।।
Hanuman was much delighted at heart to hear the heartening speech of Jambavan. He said, “Suffering hardships and living on bulbs, roots and fruits, wait for me,
जब लगि आवौं सीतहि देखी। होइहि काजु मोहि हरष बिसेषी।।
यह कहि नाइ सबन्हि कहुँ माथा। चलेउ हरषि हियँ धरि रघुनाथा।।
till I return after seeing Sita. I am sure our object will be accomplished as I feel very cheerful.” So saying and after bowing his head to them all he set out full of joy with an image of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) enshrined in his heart.
सिंधु तीर एक भूधर सुंदर। कौतुक कूदि चढ़ेउ ता ऊपर।।
बार बार रघुबीर सँभारी। तरकेउ पवनतनय बल भारी।।
There was a beautiful hill on the seacoast; he lightly sprang on to its top. And invoking the Hero of Raghus line again and again, the son of the wind-god took a leap with all his might.
जेहिं गिरि चरन देइ हनुमंता। चलेउ सो गा पाताल तुरंता।।
जिमि अमोघ रघुपति कर बाना। एही भाँति चलेउ हनुमाना।।
The hill on which Hanuman planted his foot while leaping sank down immediately into the nethermost region (Patala). Hanuman sped forth in the same way as the unerring shaft of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).
जलनिधि रघुपति दूत बिचारी। तैं मैनाक होहि श्रमहारी।।
Knowing him to be Sri Rama’s emissary, the deity presiding over the ocean spoke to mount Mainaka,* “Relieve him of his fatigue, O Mainaka (by allowing him to rest on you).”
दो0- हनूमान तेहि परसा कर पुनि कीन्ह प्रनाम।
राम काजु कीन्हें बिनु मोहि कहाँ बिश्राम।।1।।
Hanuman simply touched the mountain with his hand and then made obeisance to it saying, “There can be no rest for me till I have accomplished Sri Rama’s work.”
2/60
जात पवनसुत देवन्ह देखा। जानैं कहुँ बल बुद्धि बिसेषा।।
सुरसा नाम अहिन्ह कै माता। पठइन्हि आइ कही तेहिं बाता।।
The gods saw the son of the wind-god sweeping along; and in order to test his extraordinary strength and intelligence they sent Surasa, a mother of serpents, who came near him and said:
आजु सुरन्ह मोहि दीन्ह अहारा। सुनत बचन कह पवनकुमारा।।
राम काजु करि फिरि मैं आवौं। सीता कइ सुधि प्रभुहि सुनावौं।।
“The gods have provided me a meal today.” On hearing these words the son of the wind-god said in reply, “Let me return after accomplishing Sri Rama’s errand and tell my lord the news of Sita.
तब तव बदन पैठिहउँ आई। सत्य कहउँ मोहि जान दे माई।।
कबनेहुँ जतन देइ नहिं जाना। ग्रससि न मोहि कहेउ हनुमाना।।
Then I will approach you and enter your mouth; I tell you the truth. Mother, only let me go now.” When, however, she would not let him go on any account, Hanuman said, “Then why not devour me?”
जोजन भरि तेहिं बदनु पसारा। कपि तनु कीन्ह दुगुन बिस्तारा।।
सोरह जोजन मुख तेहिं ठयऊ। तुरत पवनसुत बत्तिस भयऊ।।
She distended her mouth to a distance of eight miles, while the chief of monkeys grew double the size of her mouth. She stretched her mouth to a circumference of a hundred and twenty-eight miles, and the son of the wind-god immediately took a form covering two hundred and fifty-six miles.
जस जस सुरसा बदनु बढ़ावा। तासु दून कपि रूप देखावा।।
सत जोजन तेहिं आनन कीन्हा। अति लघु रूप पवनसुत लीन्हा।।
Even as Surasa expanded her jaws the chief of the monkeys manifested a form twice as large as her mouth. When she further expanded her mouth eight hundred miles wide, the son of the wind-god assumed a very minute form,
बदन पइठि पुनि बाहेर आवा। मागा बिदा ताहि सिरु नावा।।
मोहि सुरन्ह जेहि लागि पठावा। बुधि बल मरमु तोर मै पावा।।
by which he entered her mouth and came out again and bowing his head to her begged leave to proceed. “I have gauged the extent of your wit and strength, the errand for which the gods had despatched me.
दो0-राम काजु सबु करिहहु तुम्ह बल बुद्धि निधान।
आसिष देह गई सो हरषि चलेउ हनुमान।।2।।
You will accomplish all the work of Sri Rama, a storehouse that you are of strength and intelligence.” Having blessed Hanuman she departed and Hanuman too joyfully resumed his journey (through the air).
3/60
निसिचरि एक सिंधु महुँ रहई। करि माया नभु के खग गहई।।
जीव जंतु जे गगन उड़ाहीं। जल बिलोकि तिन्ह कै परिछाहीं।।
There was a demoness who dwelt in the ocean and would catch the birds in the air by conjuring tricks. Seeing on the surface of the water the reflection of the creature that coursed in the air-
गहइ छाहँ सक सो न उड़ाई। एहि बिधि सदा गगनचर खाई।।
सोइ छल हनूमान कहँ कीन्हा। तासु कपटु कपि तुरतहिं चीन्हा।।
she would catch it and the bird was unable to move. In this way she would devour birds everyday. She employed the same trick against Hanuman, but the chief of monkeys at once saw through her game.
ताहि मारि मारुतसुत बीरा। बारिधि पार गयउ मतिधीरा।।
तहाँ जाइ देखी बन सोभा। गुंजत चंचरीक मधु लोभा।।
The valiant son of the wind-god dispatched her and swept across the ocean, resolute of mind as he was. Reaching the other shore he gazed on the loveliness of the forest with the bees humming in quest of honey.
नाना तरु फल फूल सुहाए। खग मृग बृंद देखि मन भाए।।
सैल बिसाल देखि एक आगें। ता पर धाइ चढेउ भय त्यागें।।
Trees of various kinds looked charming with fruits and flowers; and he was particularly delighted at heart to see the numerous birds and beasts. Beholding a huge mountain ahead of him, he fearlessly ran up to its summit.
उमा न कछु कपि कै अधिकाई। प्रभु प्रताप जो कालहि खाई।।
गिरि पर चढि लंका तेहिं देखी। कहि न जाइ अति दुर्ग बिसेषी।।
The chief of the monkeys, O Uma (Parvati), deserved no credit for it: it was all attributable to the glory of the Lord, who devours Death himself. Climbing up the hill he surveyed Lanka, a most marvellous fortress that defied description.
अति उतंग जलनिधि चहु पासा। कनक कोट कर परम प्रकासा।।
It was very high and was enclosed by the ocean on all sides. The ramparts of gold shed great lustre all round.
छं=कनक कोट बिचित्र मनि कृत सुंदरायतना घना।
चउहट्ट हट्ट सुबट्ट बीथीं चारु पुर बहु बिधि बना।।
गज बाजि खच्चर निकर पदचर रथ बरूथिन्ह को गनै।।
बहुरूप निसिचर जूथ अतिबल सेन बरनत नहिं बनै।।1।।
The charming city was enclosed by a fortification wall of gold inlaid with precious stones of various kinds, and contained many beautiful houses, cross roads, bazars, lovely streets and lanes, and was decorated in everyway. Who could count the multitudes of elephants, horses and mules, the crowds of foot soldiers and chariots and the troops of demons of every shape-a formidable host beyond all description ?
बन बाग उपबन बाटिका सर कूप बापीं सोहहीं।
नर नाग सुर गंधर्ब कन्या रूप मुनि मन मोहहीं।।
कहुँ माल देह बिसाल सैल समान अतिबल गर्जहीं।
नाना अखारेन्ह भिरहिं बहु बिधि एक एकन्ह तर्जहीं।।2।।
Groves and orchards, gardens and parks, lakes and also wells, big and small, looked charming; daughters of human beings, Nagas, gods and Gandharvas (celestial musicians) enraptured with their beauty the minds of even hermits. Here roared mighty wrestlers endowed with huge mountainlike forms. They grappled with one another in many ways in different courts and challenged one another to a duel.
करि जतन भट कोटिन्ह बिकट तन नगर चहुँ दिसि रच्छहीं।
कहुँ महिष मानषु धेनु खर अज खल निसाचर भच्छहीं।।
एहि लागि तुलसीदास इन्ह की कथा कछु एक है कही।
रघुबीर सर तीरथ सरीरन्हि त्यागि गति पैहहिं सही।।3।।
Myriads of champions possessing frightful forms sedulously guarded the city on all sides. Elsewhere the vile demons feasted on buffaloes, human beings, cows, donkeys and goats. Tulasidasa has briefly told their story only because they will drop their bodies at the sanctuary of Sri Rama’s arrows and thereby attain the supreme state.
दो0-पुर रखवारे देखि बहु कपि मन कीन्ह बिचार।
अति लघु रूप धरौं निसि नगर करौं पइसार।।3।।
Seeing a host of guards defending the city, the chief of the monkeys thought to
himself, ìLet me assume a very minute form and enter the city at night.
4/60
मसक समान रूप कपि धरी। लंकहि चलेउ सुमिरि नरहरी।।
नाम लंकिनी एक निसिचरी। सो कह चलेसि मोहि निंदरी।।
Hanuman assumed a form as small as a gnat and, invoking the Lord in human semblance (Bhagavan Sri Rama), headed towards Lanka. (At the gateway of Lanka) lived a demoness, Lankini by name. “Where should you be going heedless of me?” she said.
जानेहि नहीं मरमु सठ मोरा। मोर अहार जहाँ लगि चोरा।।
मुठिका एक महा कपि हनी। रुधिर बमत धरनीं ढनमनी।।
“Fool, have you not been able to know who I am? Every thief hereabout is my food.” The great monkey dealt her such a blow with his fist that she toppled down vomiting blood.
पुनि संभारि उठि सो लंका। जोरि पानि कर बिनय संसका।।
जब रावनहि ब्रह्म बर दीन्हा। चलत बिरंचि कहा मोहि चीन्हा।।
Then, recovering herself, Lanka (Lankini), stood up, and joining her palms in dismay, humbly addressed him, “When Brahma granted Ravana the boon he had asked for, the Creator furnished me with the following clue (to the extermination of the demon race) while departing:-
बिकल होसि तैं कपि कें मारे। तब जानेसु निसिचर संघारे।।
तात मोर अति पुन्य बहूता। देखेउँ नयन राम कर दूता।।
‘When you get discomfited by a blow from a monkey, know that all is over with the demon race.’ I must have earned very great merit, dear Hanuman, that I have been blessed with the sight of Sri Rama’s own messenger
दो0-तात स्वर्ग अपबर्ग सुख धरिअ तुला एक अंग।
तूल न ताहि सकल मिलि जो सुख लव सतसंग।।4।।
“In one scale of the balance, dear son, put together the delights of heaven and the bliss of final beatitude; but they will all be outweighed by a moment’s joy derived from communion with the saints.”
5/60
प्रबिसि नगर कीजे सब काजा। हृदयँ राखि कौसलपुर राजा।।
गरल सुधा रिपु करहिं मिताई। गोपद सिंधु अनल सितलाई।।
“Enter the city with the Lord of Ayodhya enshrined in your heart and accomplish all your business. Poison is transformed into nectar, foes turn friends, the ocean contracts itself to the size of a cow’s footprint, fire becomes cool
गरुड़ सुमेरु रेनू सम ताही। राम कृपा करि चितवा जाही।।
अति लघु रूप धरेउ हनुमाना। पैठा नगर सुमिरि भगवाना।।
“Enter the city with the Lord of Ayodhya enshrined in your heart and accomplish all your business. Poison is transformed into nectar, foes turn friends, the ocean contracts itself to the size of a cow’s footprint, fire becomes cool
मंदिर मंदिर प्रति करि सोधा। देखे जहँ तहँ अगनित जोधा।।
गयउ दसानन मंदिर माहीं। अति बिचित्र कहि जात सो नाहीं।।
He ransacked every mansion and saw countless warriors here and there. Then he made his way into Ravana’s palace, which was marvellous beyond words.
सयन किए देखा कपि तेही। मंदिर महुँ न दीखि बैदेही।।
भवन एक पुनि दीख सुहावा। हरि मंदिर तहँ भिन्न बनावा।।
He saw the demon chief buried in sleep; but he did not find Videha’s Daughter there. He then noticed another splendid building, with a temple sacred to Sri Hari standing apart.
दो0-रामायुध अंकित गृह सोभा बरनि न जाइ।
नव तुलसिका बृंद तहँ देखि हरषि कपिराइ।।5।।
The mansion had the weapons (bow and arrow) of Sri Rama painted on its walls and was beautiful beyond words. The monkey chief rejoiced to see clusters of young Tulasi plants there.
6/60
लंका निसिचर निकर निवासा। इहाँ कहाँ सज्जन कर बासा।।
मन महुँ तरक करै कपि लागा। तेहीं समय बिभीषनु जागा।।
“Lanka is the abode of a gang of demons; how could a pious man take up his residence here?” While the monkey chief was thus reasoning within himself, Vibhisana (Ravana’s youngest brother) woke up.
राम राम तेहिं सुमिरन कीन्हा। हृदयँ हरष कपि सज्जन चीन्हा।।
एहि सन हठि करिहउँ पहिचानी। साधु ते होइ न कारज हानी।।
He began to repeat Sri Rama’s name in prayer and Hanuman was delighted at heart to find a virtuous soul. “I shall make acquaintance with him at all events; for one’s cause would never suffer at the hands of a good man.”
बिप्र रुप धरि बचन सुनाए। सुनत बिभीषण उठि तहँ आए।।
करि प्रनाम पूँछी कुसलाई। बिप्र कहहु निज कथा बुझाई।।
Having thus resolved he assumed the form of a Brahmana and accosted Vibhisana. As soon as he heard Hanuman’s words he rose and came where the latter was. Bowing low he enquired after the Brahmana’s welfare: “Tell me all about you, holy sir.
की तुम्ह हरि दासन्ह महँ कोई। मोरें हृदय प्रीति अति होई।।
की तुम्ह रामु दीन अनुरागी। आयहु मोहि करन बड़भागी।।
Are you one of Sri Hari’s own servants (Narada and others)? My heart is filled with exceeding love at your sight. Or are you Sri Rama Himself, a loving friend of the poor, who have come to bless me (by your sight)?
दो0-तब हनुमंत कही सब राम कथा निज नाम।
सुनत जुगल तन पुलक मन मगन सुमिरि गुन ग्राम।।6।।
Thereupon Hanuman told him all about Sri Rama and disclosed his identity as well. The moment Vibhisana heard this a thrill ran through the body of both and they were transported with joy at the thought of Sri Rama’s host of virtues.
7/60
सुनहु पवनसुत रहनि हमारी। जिमि दसनन्हि महुँ जीभ बिचारी।।
तात कबहुँ मोहि जानि अनाथा। करिहहिं कृपा भानुकुल नाथा।।
“Hear, O son of the wind-god, how I am living here: my plight is similar to that of the poor tongue, that lives in the midst of the teeth. Will the Lord of the solar race, dear friend, ever show His grace to me, knowing me to be masterless?
तामस तनु कछु साधन नाहीं। प्रीति न पद सरोज मन माहीं।।
अब मोहि भा भरोस हनुमंता। बिनु हरिकृपा मिलहिं नहिं संता।।
Endowed as I am with a sinful (demoniac) form, I am incapable of doing any Sadhana (striving for GodRealization); and my heart cherishes no love for the Lord’s lotus-feet. But I am now confident, Hanuman, that Sri Rama will shower His grace on me; for one can never meet a saint without Sri Hari’s grace.
जौ रघुबीर अनुग्रह कीन्हा। तौ तुम्ह मोहि दरसु हठि दीन्हा।।
सुनहु बिभीषन प्रभु कै रीती। करहिं सदा सेवक पर प्रीती।।
It is only because the Hero of Raghu’s race has been kind to me that you have blessed me with your sight unsolicited.” “Listen, Vibhisana: the Lord is ever affectionate to His servants;
कहहु कवन मैं परम कुलीना। कपि चंचल सबहीं बिधि हीना।।
प्रात लेइ जो नाम हमारा। तेहि दिन ताहि न मिलै अहारा।।
for such is His wont. Tell me what superior birth can I claim-a frivolous monkey vile in everyway, so much so that if anyone mentions our name early in the morning he is sure to go without any food that day.
दो0-अस मैं अधम सखा सुनु मोहू पर रघुबीर।
कीन्ही कृपा सुमिरि गुन भरे बिलोचन नीर।।7।।
“Listen, my friend: though I am so wretched, the Hero of Raghu’s race has shown His grace even to me !” And his eyes filled with tears as he recalled the Lord’s virtues.
8/60
जानतहूँ अस स्वामि बिसारी। फिरहिं ते काहे न होहिं दुखारी।।
एहि बिधि कहत राम गुन ग्रामा। पावा अनिर्बाच्य बिश्रामा।।
It is not to be wondered that those who knowingly forget such a lord and go adrift should be unhappy.” Thus recounting Sri Rama’s virtues, Hanuman derived unspeakable solace.
पुनि सब कथा बिभीषन कही। जेहि बिधि जनकसुता तहँ रही।।
तब हनुमंत कहा सुनु भ्राता। देखी चहउँ जानकी माता।।
Then Vibhisana fully narrated how Janaka’s Daughter had been living there. Thereupon Hanuman said, “Listen, brother: I should like to see Mother Sita:”
जुगुति बिभीषन सकल सुनाई। चलेउ पवनसुत बिदा कराई।।
करि सोइ रूप गयउ पुनि तहवाँ। बन असोक सीता रह जहवाँ।।
Vibhisana fully explained to him the method of seeing Her and the son of the wind-god took leave of Vibhisana and proceeded on his errand. Assuming the same (minute) form as he had taken before, he repaired to the Asoka grove where Sita dwelt.
देखि मनहि महुँ कीन्ह प्रनामा। बैठेहिं बीति जात निसि जामा।।
कृस तन सीस जटा एक बेनी। जपति हृदयँ रघुपति गुन श्रेनी।।
He mentally bowed to Her as soon as he saw Her. Obviously She had been squatting away the hours of the night. Emaciated in body, She wore a single braid* of matted hair on Her head and repeated to Herself the list of Sri Rama’s excellences.
दो0-निज पद नयन दिएँ मन राम पद कमल लीन।
परम दुखी भा पवनसुत देखि जानकी दीन।।8।।
She had Her eyes fixed on Her own feet, while Her mind was absorbed in the thought of Sri Rama’s lotus feet. The son of the wind-god felt supremely miserable to see Janaka’s Daughter sad.
9/60
तरु पल्लव महुँ रहा लुकाई। करइ बिचार करौं का भाई।।
तेहि अवसर रावनु तहँ आवा। संग नारि बहु किएँ बनावा।।
Concealing himself among the leaves of a tree he mused within himself, “Come, sir, what should I do?” At that very moment Ravana arrived there gaily adorned and accompanied by a troop of women.
बहु बिधि खल सीतहि समुझावा। साम दान भय भेद देखावा।।
कह रावनु सुनु सुमुखि सयानी। मंदोदरी आदि सब रानी।।
The wretch tried to prevail upon Her in many ways through friendly advice, allurements, threats and estrangement. Said Ravana, “Listen, O beautiful and wise lady:
तव अनुचरीं करउँ पन मोरा। एक बार बिलोकु मम ओरा।।
तृन धरि ओट कहति बैदेही। सुमिरि अवधपति परम सनेही।।
I will make Mandodari and all other queens your handmaids, I swear, provided you cast your look on me only once.” Interposing* a blade of grass between Herself and Ravana and fixing Her thoughts on Her most beloved lord (Sri Rama), the King of Ayodhya, Videha’s Daughter rejoined:
सुनु दसमुख खद्योत प्रकासा। कबहुँ कि नलिनी करइ बिकासा।।
अस मन समुझु कहति जानकी। खल सुधि नहिं रघुबीर बान की।।
“Listen, O ten-headed monster: can a lotus flower ever expand in the glow of a fire-fly?” “Ponder this at heart,” continued Janaka’s Daughter; “perhaps you have no idea what Sri Rama’s shafts are like,
सठ सूने हरि आनेहि मोहि। अधम निलज्ज लाज नहिं तोही।।
O wretch. You carried me off at a time when there was none by my side; yet you do not feel ashamed, O vile and impudent rogue!”
दो0- आपुहि सुनि खद्योत सम रामहि भानु समान।
परुष बचन सुनि काढ़ि असि बोला अति खिसिआन।।9।।
Hearing himself likened to a glow-worm and Sri Rama compared to the sun, and exasperated at Her harsh words, the monster drew out his sword and said:
10/60
सीता तैं मम कृत अपमाना। कटिहउँ तव सिर कठिन कृपाना।।
नाहिं त सपदि मानु मम बानी। सुमुखि होति न त जीवन हानी।।
Sita, you have offered me an insult; I will accordingly cut off your head with my relentless sword. If not, obey my command at once; or else you lose your life, O beautiful lady.”
स्याम सरोज दाम सम सुंदर। प्रभु भुज करि कर सम दसकंधर।।
सो भुज कंठ कि तव असि घोरा। सुनु सठ अस प्रवान पन मोरा।।
“My lord’s arm is lovely as a string of blue lotuses and shapely and long as the trunk of an elephant, O ten-headed monster. Either that arm or your dreadful sword will have my neck: hear this my solemn vow, O fool.
चंद्रहास हरु मम परितापं। रघुपति बिरह अनल संजातं।।
सीतल निसित बहसि बर धारा। कह सीता हरु मम दुख भारा।।
(Turning to Ravana’s glittering scimitar) Take away, O Candrahasa*, the burning anguish of my heart caused by the fire of separation from the Lord of the Raghus. You possess a cool, sharp and good blade; therefore, relieve the burden of my sorrow,” Sita said.
सुनत बचन पुनि मारन धावा। मयतनयाँ कहि नीति बुझावा।।
कहेसि सकल निसिचरिन्ह बोलाई। सीतहि बहु बिधि त्रासहु जाई।।
On hearing these words he rushed forward to kill Her; it was Queen Mandodari (Maya’s daughter) who (intervened and) pacified him with words of good counsel. Summoning all the demonesses (posted there) he said, “Go and intimidate Sita in every way.
मास दिवस महुँ कहा न माना। तौ मैं मारबि काढ़ि कृपाना।।
If she does not accept my advice in a month’s time I will draw my sword and behead her.”
दो0-भवन गयउ दसकंधर इहाँ पिसाचिनि बृंद।
सीतहि त्रास देखावहि धरहिं रूप बहु मंद।।10।।
(Having issued these instructions) the ten headed Ravana returned to his palace; while the host of fiendesses in the Asoka grove assumed various kinds of hideous forms and intimidated Sita.
11/60
त्रिजटा नाम राच्छसी एका। राम चरन रति निपुन बिबेका।।
सबन्हौ बोलि सुनाएसि सपना। सीतहि सेइ करहु हित अपना।।
One of these demonesses, Trijata by name, was devoted to Sri Rama’s feet and perfect in spiritual wisdom. She summoned all her companions, told them her dream and exhorted them to serve Sita and thus bless themselves.
सपनें बानर लंका जारी। जातुधान सेना सब मारी।।
खर आरूढ़ नगन दससीसा। मुंडित सिर खंडित भुज बीसा।।
“In my dream a monkey burnt Lanka and the whole demon host was killed. As for the ten-headed Ravana, I saw him mounted on a donkey, all naked, with his heads shorn and his twenty arms chopped off.
एहि बिधि सो दच्छिन दिसि जाई। लंका मनहुँ बिभीषन पाई।।
नगर फिरी रघुबीर दोहाई। तब प्रभु सीता बोलि पठाई।।
In this fashion he went his way to the south*; and it so appeared that Lanka had passed into the hands of Vibhisana. Sri Rama’s victory was proclaimed (by beat of drum) throughout the city:
यह सपना में कहउँ पुकारी। होइहि सत्य गएँ दिन चारी।।
तासु बचन सुनि ते सब डरीं। जनकसुता के चरनन्हि परीं।।
it was then that the Lord (Sri Råma) sent for Sita. This dream, I loudly
proclaim, will come true a few days hence. "They were all dismayed to hear her words
and fell at the feet of Janakaís Daughter.
दो0-जहँ तहँ गईं सकल तब सीता कर मन सोच।
मास दिवस बीतें मोहि मारिहि निसिचर पोच।।11।।
Then they all dispersed in various directions and Sita anxiously thought within Herself: ” At the end of a long month this vile monster will slay me.”
12/60
त्रिजटा सन बोली कर जोरी। मातु बिपति संगिनि तैं मोरी।।
तजौं देह करु बेगि उपाई। दुसहु बिरहु अब नहिं सहि जाई।।
With joined palms She said to Trijata, “Mother, you are my only companion in adversity. Therefore, quickly devise some means whereby I may be enabled to cast off this body; for this desolation, which is so hard to bear, can no longer be endured.
आनि काठ रचु चिता बनाई। मातु अनल पुनि देहि लगाई।।
सत्य करहि मम प्रीति सयानी। सुनै को श्रवन सूल सम बानी।।
Bring some wood and put up a pyre; and then, my mother, set fire to it. Thus prove the genuineness of my love for the Lord, O wise lady. Who will stand Ravana’s words,that pierce the ear like a shaft?”
सुनत बचन पद गहि समुझाएसि। प्रभु प्रताप बल सुजसु सुनाएसि।।
निसि न अनल मिल सुनु सुकुमारी। अस कहि सो निज भवन सिधारी।।
On hearing these words she clasped Sita’s feet and comforted Her by recounting the majesty, might and glory of Her lord. “Listen, O tender lady: no fire can be had at night.” So saying she left for her residence.
कह सीता बिधि भा प्रतिकूला। मिलहि न पावक मिटिहि न सूला।।
देखिअत प्रगट गगन अंगारा। अवनि न आवत एकउ तारा।।
Sita said (to Herself) “Heaven itself has turned hostile to me; there is no fire to be had and I cannot be cured of my agony otherwise. Sparks of fire are visibly seen in the heavens; but not a single star drops to the earth.
पावकमय ससि स्त्रवत न आगी। मानहुँ मोहि जानि हतभागी।।
सुनहि बिनय मम बिटप असोका। सत्य नाम करु हरु मम सोका।।
The moon, though all fire, refuses to rain sparks, as if conscious of my wretchedness. Hear my prayer, O Asoka tree: take away my sorrow and answer to your name*.
नूतन किसलय अनल समाना। देहि अगिनि जनि करहि निदाना।।
देखि परम बिरहाकुल सीता। सो छन कपिहि कलप सम बीता।।
Your fresh and tender leaves bear the colour of flames; therefore, supply me with fire and do not aggravate my agony beyond limits.” The moment seemed like an age† to Hanuman as he beheld Sita extremely distressed due to Her separation from Her lord.
सो0-कपि करि हृदयँ बिचार दीन्हि मुद्रिका डारी तब।
जनु असोक अंगार दीन्हि हरषि उठि कर गहेउ।।12।।
Then, taking thought within himself, Hanuman (the monkey chief) dropped down the signet ring, as though the Asoka tree had thrown a spark (in response to Her prayer). She sprang up with joy and took it in Her hand.
13/60
तब देखी मुद्रिका मनोहर। राम नाम अंकित अति सुंदर।।
चकित चितव मुदरी पहिचानी। हरष बिषाद हृदयँ अकुलानी।।
Now She saw the charming ring with the name of Sri Rama most beautifully engraved on it. Recognizing the ring She looked at it with wonder and was agitated at heart with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow.
जीति को सकइ अजय रघुराई। माया तें असि रचि नहिं जाई।।
सीता मन बिचार कर नाना। मधुर बचन बोलेउ हनुमाना।।
” Who can conquer the invincible Lord of the Raghus and such a (divine) ring cannot be prepared through Maya ( a conjuring trick).” As Sita thus indulged in fancies of various kinds, Hanuman spoke in honeyed accents and
रामचंद्र गुन बरनैं लागा। सुनतहिं सीता कर दुख भागा।।
लागीं सुनैं श्रवन मन लाई। आदिहु तें सब कथा सुनाई।।
began to recount Sri Ramacandra’s praises. The moment they reached Sita’s ears Her grief took flight. She listened with all Her soul and ears while Hanuman narrated the whole story from the very beginning.
श्रवनामृत जेहिं कथा सुहाई। कहि सो प्रगट होति किन भाई।।
तब हनुमंत निकट चलि गयऊ। फिरि बैंठीं मन बिसमय भयऊ।।
“Wherefore does she who has told this tale, which is like nectar to my ears, not reveal herself?*” Thereupon Hanuman drew near Her, while Sita sat with her back turned towards him, full of amazement.
राम दूत मैं मातु जानकी। सत्य सपथ करुनानिधान की।।
यह मुद्रिका मातु मैं आनी। दीन्हि राम तुम्ह कहँ सहिदानी।।
“I am Sri Rama’s messenger, mother Janaki: I solemnly swear by the all-merciful Lord Himself. This ring has been brought by me, O mother; Sri Rama gave it to me as a token for you.”
नर बानरहि संग कहु कैसें। कहि कथा भइ संगति जैसें।।
“Tell me what brought about this fellowship between a man and a monkey.” Then Hanuman explained the circumstances in which a union was brought about between men and monkeys.
दो0-कपि के बचन सप्रेम सुनि उपजा मन बिस्वास।।
जाना मन क्रम बचन यह कृपासिंधु कर दास।।13।।
As She heard the monkey’s affectionate words Her soul trusted him and She recognized him to be a servant of the all-merciful Lord in thought, word and deed.
14/60
हरिजन जानि प्रीति अति गाढ़ी। सजल नयन पुलकावलि बाढ़ी।।
बूड़त बिरह जलधि हनुमाना। भयउ तात मों कहुँ जलजाना।।
Perceiving him to be a devotee of Sri Hari She developed an intense affection for him. Her eyes filled with tears and a thrill ran through Her body. “To me who was being drowned in the ocean of desolation, dear Hanuman, you have come as a veritable bark.
अब कहु कुसल जाउँ बलिहारी। अनुज सहित सुख भवन खरारी।।
कोमलचित कृपाल रघुराई। कपि केहि हेतु धरी निठुराई।।
Now tell me, I adjure you, the welfare of all-blissful Sri Rama (the Slayer of Khara) and His younger brother (Laksmana). Wherefore has the tender-hearted and compassionate Lord of the Raghus become so hard-hearted?
सहज बानि सेवक सुख दायक। कबहुँक सुरति करत रघुनायक।।
कबहुँ नयन मम सीतल ताता। होइहहि निरखि स्याम मृदु गाता।।
Does the Chief of the Raghus ever remember me-He who is by natural disposition a source of delight to His servants ? Will my eyes, dear Hanuman, be ever gladdened by the sight of His swarthy and delicate limbs?”
बचनु न आव नयन भरे बारी। अहह नाथ हौं निपट बिसारी।।
देखि परम बिरहाकुल सीता। बोला कपि मृदु बचन बिनीता।।
Words failed Her and Her eyes swam with tears. “Ah, my lord ! You have entirely forgotten me.” Seeing Sita sore distressed due to Her separation from Her lord, Hanuman addressed Her in soft and polite accents:
मातु कुसल प्रभु अनुज समेता। तव दुख दुखी सुकृपा निकेता।।
जनि जननी मानहु जियँ ऊना। तुम्ह ते प्रेमु राम कें दूना।।
“The Lord and His younger brother (Laksmana) are both doing well, mother, except for the fact that the all-merciful is sorrowful because of Your sorrow. Do not feel vexed at heart, mother; Sri Rama loves You twice as much as You love Him.
दो0-रघुपति कर संदेसु अब सुनु जननी धरि धीर।
अस कहि कपि गद गद भयउ भरे बिलोचन नीर।।14।।
Mother, compose Yourself now and hear the message of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus).” Even as he uttered these words, the monkey’s voice was choked with emotion and his eyes filled with tears.
15/60
कहेउ राम बियोग तव सीता। मो कहुँ सकल भए बिपरीता।।
नव तरु किसलय मनहुँ कृसानू। कालनिसा सम निसि ससि भानू।।
Sri Rama said: Ever since I have been separated from you, Sita, everything to me has become its very reverse. The fresh and tender leaves on the trees look like tongues of fire; nights appear as dreadful as the night of final dissolution and the moon scorches like the sun.
कुबलय बिपिन कुंत बन सरिसा। बारिद तपत तेल जनु बरिसा।।
जे हित रहे करत तेइ पीरा। उरग स्वास सम त्रिबिध समीरा।।
Beds of lotuses are like so many spears planted on the ground, while rain-clouds pour boiling oil as it were. Those that were friendly before have now become tormenting; the cool, soft and fragrant breezes are now like the breath of a serpent.
कहेहू तें कछु दुख घटि होई। काहि कहौं यह जान न कोई।।
तत्व प्रेम कर मम अरु तोरा। जानत प्रिया एकु मनु मोरा।।
One’s agony is assuaged to some extent even by speaking of it; but to whom shall I speak about it? For there is no one who will understand. The reality about the chord of love that binds you and me, dear, is known to my soul alone;
सो मनु सदा रहत तोहि पाहीं। जानु प्रीति रसु एतेनहि माहीं।।
प्रभु संदेसु सुनत बैदेही। मगन प्रेम तन सुधि नहिं तेही।।
and my soul ever abides with you. Know this to be the essence of my love.” Videha’s Daughter was so absorbed in love the moment She heard the Lord’s message, that She lost all consciousness of Her body.
कह कपि हृदयँ धीर धरु माता। सुमिरु राम सेवक सुखदाता।।
उर आनहु रघुपति प्रभुताई। सुनि मम बचन तजहु कदराई।।
Said the monkey, “Mother, collect Yourself, and fix Your thoughts on Sri Rama, the delight of His servants. Reflect on the glory of the Lord of the Raghus and shake off all faint-heartedness upon my word.”
दो0-निसिचर निकर पतंग सम रघुपति बान कृसानु।
जननी हृदयँ धीर धरु जरे निसाचर जानु।।15।।
“The hosts of demons are like so many moths, while the shafts of the Lord of the Raghus are like flames. Have courage in Your heart, mother, and take the demons as consumed.”
16/60
जौं रघुबीर होति सुधि पाई। करते नहिं बिलंबु रघुराई।।
रामबान रबि उएँ जानकी। तम बरूथ कहँ जातुधान की।।
Had the Hero of Raghu’s line any news about You, the Lord of the Raghus would not have tarried. The moment Sri Rama’s arrows make their appearance like the sun, the demon host would be scattered like the shadows of night.
अबहिं मातु मैं जाउँ लवाई। प्रभु आयसु नहिं राम दोहाई।।
कछुक दिवस जननी धरु धीरा। कपिन्ह सहित अइहहिं रघुबीरा।।
Mother, I would take You to Him this very moment; but, I swear by Rama, I have no such orders from the Lord. Therefore, wait patiently for some days more, mother, till the Hero of Raghu’s line arrives with the troops of monkeys.
निसिचर मारि तोहि लै जैहहिं। तिहुँ पुर नारदादि जसु गैहहिं।।
हैं सुत कपि सब तुम्हहि समाना। जातुधान अति भट बलवाना।।
Slaughtering the demons, He will take You away; while Narada and the other sages will glorify Him in all the three spheres of creation.” “But, my son, all the monkeys must be pygmies like you, whereas the demons are mighty and great warriors.
मोरें हृदय परम संदेहा। सुनि कपि प्रगट कीन्ह निज देहा।।
कनक भूधराकार सरीरा। समर भयंकर अतिबल बीरा।।
I have grave misgivings in my heart on this score.” On hearing this the monkey revealed His natural form, colossal as a mountain of gold, terrible in battle, possessing great might and full of valour.
सीता मन भरोस तब भयऊ। पुनि लघु रूप पवनसुत लयऊ।।
Sita now took comfort in Her heart and the son of the wind-god thereupon resumed his diminutive appearance.
दो0-सुनु माता साखामृग नहिं बल बुद्धि बिसाल।
प्रभु प्रताप तें गरुड़हि खाइ परम लघु ब्याल।।16।।
“Listen, mother: monkeys possess no great strength or intelligence either; but, through the Lord’s might, the most tiny snake might swallow Garuda (the king of birds and the mount of Bhagavan Visnu).”
17/60
मन संतोष सुनत कपि बानी। भगति प्रताप तेज बल सानी।।
आसिष दीन्हि रामप्रिय जाना। होहु तात बल सील निधाना।।
Sita felt gratified at heart even as She heard the monkey’s words full of devotion and revealing Sri Rama’s majesty, glory and strength. Recognizing him as the beloved of Sri Rama She gave him Her blessing: “May you become a repository of strength and virtue, dear child.
अजर अमर गुननिधि सुत होहू। करहुँ बहुत रघुनायक छोहू।।
करहुँ कृपा प्रभु अस सुनि काना। निर्भर प्रेम मगन हनुमाना।।
May you ever remain immune from old age and death and prove to be a storehouse of good qualities, my son; and may the Lord of the Raghus shower His abundant grace on you.” The moment the words “May the Lord be gracious to you” reached his ears Hanuman was utterly overwhelmed with emotion.
बार बार नाएसि पद सीसा। बोला बचन जोरि कर कीसा।।
अब कृतकृत्य भयउँ मैं माता। आसिष तव अमोघ बिख्याता।।
May you ever remain immune from old age and death and prove to be a storehouse of good qualities, my son; and may the Lord of the Raghus shower His abundant grace on you.” The moment the words “May the Lord be gracious to you” reached his ears Hanuman was utterly overwhelmed with emotion.
सुनहु मातु मोहि अतिसय भूखा। लागि देखि सुंदर फल रूखा।।
सुनु सुत करहिं बिपिन रखवारी। परम सुभट रजनीचर भारी।।
Listen, mother: I am feeling frightfully hungry at the sight of these trees laden with delicious fruits.” “I tell you, my son, this grove is guarded by most valiant and mighty demons.”
तिन्ह कर भय माता मोहि नाहीं। जौं तुम्ह सुख मानहु मन माहीं।।
“Mother, I am not at all afraid of them, only if I have your hearty approval.”
दो0-देखि बुद्धि बल निपुन कपि कहेउ जानकीं जाहु।
रघुपति चरन हृदयँ धरि तात मधुर फल खाहु।।17।।
Seeing the monkey perfect in strength and wit, Janaka’s Daughter said, ” Go, my son, and enjoy the luscious fruit with your heart fixed on Sri Rama’s feet.
18/60
चलेउ नाइ सिरु पैठेउ बागा। फल खाएसि तरु तोरैं लागा।।
रहे तहाँ बहु भट रखवारे। कछु मारेसि कछु जाइ पुकारे।।
Bowing his head he went forth and entered the grove; and having eaten the fruit he began to break down the trees. A number of warriors had been posted there as guards; some of them were killed by him, while the rest took flight and cried for help,
नाथ एक आवा कपि भारी। तेहिं असोक बाटिका उजारी।।
खाएसि फल अरु बिटप उपारे। रच्छक मर्दि मर्दि महि डारे।।
“O lord, a huge monkey has made his appearance and laid waste the Asoka grove. He has eaten fruits, uprooted trees, and, having crushed the watchmen, has laid them on the ground.
सुनि रावन पठए भट नाना। तिन्हहि देखि गर्जेउ हनुमाना।।
सब रजनीचर कपि संघारे। गए पुकारत कछु अधमारे।।
” On hearing this, Ravana despatched a number of his champions. Hanuman roared when he saw them and slaughtered the whole demon host. A few that had survived though well-nigh killed, escaped screaming.
पुनि पठयउ तेहिं अच्छकुमारा। चला संग लै सुभट अपारा।।
आवत देखि बिटप गहि तर्जा। ताहि निपाति महाधुनि गर्जा।।
Ravana then sent prince Akshaya Kumar, who sallied forth with a vast number of his best warriors. Seeing them approach, Hanuman seized a tree and threatened them and, having overthrown the prince, roared with a loud yell.
दो0-कछु मारेसि कछु मर्देसि कछु मिलएसि धरि धूरि।
कछु पुनि जाइ पुकारे प्रभु मर्कट बल भूरि।।18।।
Some he slew, some he crushed and some he seized and pounded with dust. And some who escaped cried, “O lord, the monkey is too strong for us.”
19/60
सुनि सुत बध लंकेस रिसाना। पठएसि मेघनाद बलवाना।।
मारसि जनि सुत बांधेसु ताही। देखिअ कपिहि कहाँ कर आही।।
The King of Lanka flew into a rage when he heard of his son’s death and sent the mighty Meghanada. “Kill him not, my son, but bind him. Let us see the monkey and ascertain wherefrom he comes.”
चला इंद्रजित अतुलित जोधा। बंधु निधन सुनि उपजा क्रोधा।।
कपि देखा दारुन भट आवा। कटकटाइ गर्जा अरु धावा।।
Meghanada (the conqueror of Indra) sallied forth, a peerless champion, seized with fury at the news of his brother’s death. When Hanuman saw this fierce warrior approach, he gnashed his teeth and with a roar rushed forward to meet him.
अति बिसाल तरु एक उपारा। बिरथ कीन्ह लंकेस कुमारा।।
रहे महाभट ताके संगा। गहि गहि कपि मर्दइ निज अंगा।।
He tore up a tree of enormous size and smashed with it the car, thus rendering the crown prince of Lanka without any transport. As for the mighty warriors who accompanied him, Hanuman seized them one by one and crushed them by the weight of his limbs.
तिन्हहि निपाति ताहि सन बाजा। भिरे जुगल मानहुँ गजराजा।
मुठिका मारि चढ़ा तरु जाई। ताहि एक छन मुरुछा आई।।
Having finished them off, he closed with Meghanada. It was like the encounter of two lordly elephants. Striking the opponent with his clenched fist, Hanuman sprang and climbed up a tree; while Meghanada lay unconscious for a moment.
उठि बहोरि कीन्हिसि बहु माया। जीति न जाइ प्रभंजन जाया।।
He rose again and resorted to many a delusive device; but the son of the wind-god was not to be vanquished.
दो0-ब्रह्म अस्त्र तेहिं साँधा कपि मन कीन्ह बिचार।
जौं न ब्रह्मसर मानउँ महिमा मिटइ अपार।।19।।
Meghanåda ultimately fitted to his bow the arrow known as Brahmåstra (the weapon
presided over by Brahmå), when Hanumån thought within himself: ìIf I submit not to Brahmåís
own weapon, its infinite glory will be cast to the winds
20/60
ब्रह्मबान कपि कहुँ तेहि मारा। परतिहुँ बार कटकु संघारा।।
तेहि देखा कपि मुरुछित भयऊ। नागपास बाँधेसि लै गयऊ।।
He launched the Brahmastra against Hanuman, who crushed a whole host even as he fell. When he saw that the monkey had swooned, he entangled the latter in a noose of serpents* and carried him off.
जासु नाम जपि सुनहु भवानी। भव बंधन काटहिं नर ग्यानी।।
तासु दूत कि बंध तरु आवा। प्रभु कारज लगि कपिहिं बँधावा।।
Now, Parvati, is it conceivable that the envoy of the Lord whose very name enables the wise to cut asunder the bonds of mundane existence should come under bondage? No, it was in the service of the Lord that Hanuman allowed himself to be bound.
कपि बंधन सुनि निसिचर धाए। कौतुक लागि सभाँ सब आए।।
दसमुख सभा दीखि कपि जाई। कहि न जाइ कछु अति प्रभुताई।।
When the demons heard that the monkey had been captured and noosed, they all rushed to the court in order to enjoy the spectacle. The monkey arrived and saw Ravana’s court: his superb glory baffled description.
कर जोरें सुर दिसिप बिनीता। भृकुटि बिलोकत सकल सभीता।।
देखि प्रताप न कपि मन संका। जिमि अहिगन महुँ गरुड़ असंका।।
Even gods and regents of the quarters stood meek with joined palms, all watching the movement of his eyebrows in great dismay. But the monkey’s soul was no more disturbed at the sight of his power than Garuda (the king of birds) would be frightened in the midst of a number of serpents.
दो0-कपिहि बिलोकि दसानन बिहसा कहि दुर्बाद।
सुत बध सुरति कीन्हि पुनि उपजा हृदयँ बिषाद।।20।।
When the ten-headed monster saw the monkey he laughed and railed at him. But
presently he recalled his sonís death and felt sad at heart.
21/60
कह लंकेस कवन तैं कीसा। केहिं के बल घालेहि बन खीसा।।
की धौं श्रवन सुनेहि नहिं मोही। देखउँ अति असंक सठ तोही।।
Said the king of Lanka, “Who are you, monkey, and by whose might have you wrought the destruction of the grove? What, did you never hear my name? I see you are an exceptionally bold wretch.
मारे निसिचर केहिं अपराधा। कहु सठ तोहि न प्रान कइ बाधा।।
सुन रावन ब्रह्मांड निकाया। पाइ जासु बल बिरचित माया।।
For what offence did you kill the demons? Tell me, fool, are you not afraid of losing your life?” “Listen, Ravana: recall Him by whose might Maya (Nature) brings forth numberless universes;
जाकें बल बिरंचि हरि ईसा। पालत सृजत हरत दससीसा।
जा बल सीस धरत सहसानन। अंडकोस समेत गिरि कानन।।
y whose might, O ten-headed monster, Brahma, Hari (Visnu) and ∫sa (Siva) carry on their respective function of creation, preservation and destruction; by whose might the thousand-headed serpent (Sesa) supports on his head the entire globe with its mountains and forests,
धरइ जो बिबिध देह सुरत्राता। तुम्ह ते सठन्ह सिखावनु दाता।
हर कोदंड कठिन जेहि भंजा। तेहि समेत नृप दल मद गंजा।।
who assumes various forms in order to protect the gods and teach a lesson to wretches like you; who broke Siva unbending bow and crushed with it the pride of a host of princes;
खर दूषन त्रिसिरा अरु बाली। बधे सकल अतुलित बलसाली।।
who assumes various forms in order to protect the gods and teach a lesson to wretches like you; who broke Siva unbending bow and crushed with it the pride of a host of princes;
दो0-जाके बल लवलेस तें जितेहु चराचर झारि।
तासु दूत मैं जा करि हरि आनेहु प्रिय नारि।।21।।
By an iota of whose might you were able to conquer the entire creation, both
animate and inanimate, and whose beloved spouse has been stolen away by you. Know
me to be His envoy
22/60
जानउँ मैं तुम्हारि प्रभुताई। सहसबाहु सन परी लराई।।
समर बालि सन करि जसु पावा। सुनि कपि बचन बिहसि बिहरावा।।
“I am aware of your glory: you had an encounter with Sahasrabahu* and won distinction in your contest with Vali.†” Ravana heard the words of Hanuman but laughed them away.
खायउँ फल प्रभु लागी भूँखा। कपि सुभाव तें तोरेउँ रूखा।।
सब कें देह परम प्रिय स्वामी। मारहिं मोहि कुमारग गामी।।
“I ate the fruit because I felt hungry and broke the boughs as a monkey is wont to do. One’s body, my master, is supremely dear to all; yet those wicked fellows would insist on belabouring me,
जिन्ह मोहि मारा ते मैं मारे। तेहि पर बाँधेउ तनयँ तुम्हारे।।
मोहि न कछु बाँधे कइ लाजा। कीन्ह चहउँ निज प्रभु कर काजा।।
to return their blows. Still your son (Meghanada) put me in bonds; but I am not at all ashamed of being bound, keen as I am to serve the cause of my lord.
बिनती करउँ जोरि कर रावन। सुनहु मान तजि मोर सिखावन।।
देखहु तुम्ह निज कुलहि बिचारी। भ्रम तजि भजहु भगत भय हारी।।
I implore you with joined palms, Ravana: give up your haughtiness and heed my advice. Think of your lineage and view things in that perspective; in any case disillusion yourself and adore Him who dispels the fear of His devotees.
जाकें डर अति काल डेराई। जो सुर असुर चराचर खाई।।
तासों बयरु कबहुँ नहिं कीजै। मोरे कहें जानकी दीजै।।
Never antagonize Him who is a source of terror even to Death, that devours all created beings, both animate and inanimate, gods as well as demons. And return Janaka’s Daughter at my request
दो0-प्रनतपाल रघुनायक करुना सिंधु खरारि।
गएँ सरन प्रभु राखिहैं तव अपराध बिसारि।।22।।
Lord ›r∂ Råma, the Slayer of Khara, is a protector of the suppliant and an ocean
of compassion. Forgetting your offences, He will give you shelter if you but turn to Him
for protection
23/60
राम चरन पंकज उर धरहू। लंका अचल राज तुम्ह करहू।।
रिषि पुलिस्त जसु बिमल मंयका। तेहि ससि महुँ जनि होहु कलंका।।
“Install the image of Sri Rama’s lotus feet in your heart and enjoy the uninterrupted sovereignty of Lanka. The glory of the sage Pulastya (your grandfather) shines like the moon without its spot; be not a speck in that moon.
राम नाम बिनु गिरा न सोहा। देखु बिचारि त्यागि मद मोहा।।
बसन हीन नहिं सोह सुरारी। सब भूषण भूषित बर नारी।।
“Install the image of Sri Rama’s lotus feet in your heart and enjoy the uninterrupted sovereignty of Lanka. The glory of the sage Pulastya (your grandfather) shines like the moon without its spot; be not a speck in that moon.
राम बिमुख संपति प्रभुताई। जाइ रही पाई बिनु पाई।।
सजल मूल जिन्ह सरितन्ह नाहीं। बरषि गए पुनि तबहिं सुखाहीं।।
“Install the image of Sri Rama’s lotus feet in your heart and enjoy the uninterrupted sovereignty of Lanka. The glory of the sage Pulastya (your grandfather) shines like the moon without its spot; be not a speck in that moon.
सुनु दसकंठ कहउँ पन रोपी। बिमुख राम त्राता नहिं कोपी।।
संकर सहस बिष्नु अज तोही। सकहिं न राखि राम कर द्रोही।।
Listen, O ten-headed Ravana, I tell you on oath: there is none to save him who is opposed to Sri Rama. Sankara, Visnu and Brahma* in their thousands are unable to protect you, an enemy of Sri Rama.”
दो0-मोहमूल बहु सूल प्रद त्यागहु तम अभिमान।
भजहु राम रघुनायक कृपा सिंधु भगवान।।23।।
“Abandon pride, which is the same as Tamoguna (darkness), rooted as it is in ignorance and is a source of considerable pain; and adore Lord Sri Rama, the Chief of the Raghus and an ocean of compassion.
24/60
जदपि कहि कपि अति हित बानी। भगति बिबेक बिरति नय सानी।।
बोला बिहसि महा अभिमानी। मिला हमहि कपि गुर बड़ ग्यानी।।
Although Hanuman gave him exceedingly salutary advice, full of devotion, discretion, dispassion and wisdom, the most haughty Ravana laughed and said, “We have found a most wise Guru in this monkey !
(Turning towards Hanuman he continued)
मृत्यु निकट आई खल तोही। लागेसि अधम सिखावन मोही।।
उलटा होइहि कह हनुमाना। मतिभ्रम तोर प्रगट मैं जाना।।
Death hangs over your head, O wretch; that is why you have started exhorting me, O vile monkey.” “Just the contrary is going to happen;” retorted Hanuman. “I clearly perceive that you are labouring under some mental illusion.”
सुनि कपि बचन बहुत खिसिआना। बेगि न हरहुँ मूढ़ कर प्राना।।
सुनत निसाचर मारन धाए। सचिवन्ह सहित बिभीषनु आए।
Hearing these words of Hanuman Ravana got nettled. “Why not some of you quickly kill this fool?” As soon as the demons heard it, they rushed forward to kill him. That very moment came Vibhisana (Ravana’s youngest brother) with his counsellors.
नाइ सीस करि बिनय बहूता। नीति बिरोध न मारिअ दूता।।
आन दंड कछु करिअ गोसाँई। सबहीं कहा मंत्र भल भाई।।
Bowing his head he made humble entreaty: “It is against all statecraft: an envoy must not be killed. He may be punished in some other way, my master.” All exclaimed to one another, “This is sound counsel, brother.”
सुनत बिहसि बोला दसकंधर। अंग भंग करि पठइअ बंदर।।
Hearing this the ten-headed Ravana laughed and said, “All right, the monkey may be sent back mutilated.
दो-कपि कें ममता पूँछ पर सबहि कहउँ समुझाइ।
तेल बोरि पट बाँधि पुनि पावक देहु लगाइ।।24।।
“A monkey is very fond of his tail: I tell you this secret. Therefore, swathe his tail with rags soaked in oil and then set fire to it.”
25/60
पूँछहीन बानर तहँ जाइहि। तब सठ निज नाथहि लइ आइहि।।
जिन्ह कै कीन्हसि बहुत बड़ाई। देखेउँûमैं तिन्ह कै प्रभुताई।।
“When the tailless monkey will go back, the wretch will bring his master with him, and I shall have an opportunity of seeing his might, whom he has so lavishly exalted .”
बचन सुनत कपि मन मुसुकाना। भइ सहाय सारद मैं जाना।।
जातुधान सुनि रावन बचना। लागे रचैं मूढ़ सोइ रचना।।
Hanuman smiled to himself on hearing these words. “Goddess Sarada has proved helpful to me, I believe.” On hearing Ravana’s command the stupid demons started doing as they were bid.
रहा न नगर बसन घृत तेला। बाढ़ी पूँछ कीन्ह कपि खेला।।
कौतुक कहँ आए पुरबासी। मारहिं चरन करहिं बहु हाँसी।।
Not a rag was left in the city nor a drop of ghee (clarified butter) or oil, the tail had grown to such a length through Hanuman’s playful gesture. The citizens thronged to see the fun; they kicked Hanuman ji’s tail and jeered much at him.
बाजहिं ढोल देहिं सब तारी। नगर फेरि पुनि पूँछ प्रजारी।।
पावक जरत देखि हनुमंता। भयउ परम लघु रुप तुरंता।।
With beating of drums and clapping of hands they took him round the city and then set fire to his tail. When Hanuman saw the fire blazing, he immediately assumed an utterly diminutive size,
निबुकि चढ़ेउ कपि कनक अटारीं। भई सभीत निसाचर नारीं।।
and slipping out of his bonds sprang to the attics of the gold palace, to the dismay of the demonesses.
दो0-हरि प्रेरित तेहि अवसर चले मरुत उनचास।
अट्टहास करि गर्जéा कपि बढ़ि लाग अकास।।25।।
At that moment, impelled by God, all the forty-nine* winds began to bluster. Hanuman roared with a loud laugh and swelled to such a size that he seemed to touch the sky
26/60
देह बिसाल परम हरुआई। मंदिर तें मंदिर चढ़ धाई।।
जरइ नगर भा लोग बिहाला। झपट लपट बहु कोटि कराला।।
Though colossal in size, Hanuman appeared most nimble-bodied; he ran and sprang from palace to palace. The city was all ablaze and the people were at their wit’s end. Terrible flames burst forth in myriads and piteous cries were heard everywhere:
तात मातु हा सुनिअ पुकारा। एहि अवसर को हमहि उबारा।।
हम जो कहा यह कपि नहिं होई। बानर रूप धरें सुर कोई।।
“O father ! Ah, my mother ! Who will save us at this hour? As I said, he is no monkey but some god in the form of a monkey.
साधु अवग्या कर फलु ऐसा। जरइ नगर अनाथ कर जैसा।।
जारा नगरु निमिष एक माहीं। एक बिभीषन कर गृह नाहीं।।
Parvati, (continues Lord Siva,) Hanuman went unscathed because he was the messenger of Him who created fire itself. He burnt the whole of Lanka from one end to the other and then leapt into the ocean.
ता कर दूत अनल जेहिं सिरिजा। जरा न सो तेहि कारन गिरिजा।।
उलटि पलटि लंका सब जारी। कूदि परा पुनि सिंधु मझारी।।
Such is the result of despising a noble soul: the city is being consumed by fire as though it had no master.” In the twinking of an eye Hanuman burnt down the whole city barring the solitary house of Vibhisana.
दो0-पूँछ बुझाइ खोइ श्रम धरि लघु रूप बहोरि
जनकसुता के आगें ठाढ़ भयउ कर जोरि।।26।।
After quenching his tail and relieving his fatigue he resumed his diminutive form and stood before Janaka’s Daughter with joined palms.
27/60
मातु मोहि दीजे कछु चीन्हा। जैसें रघुनायक मोहि दीन्हा।।
चूड़ामनि उतारि तब दयऊ। हरष समेत पवनसुत लयऊ।।
Be pleased, Mother, to give me some token, such as the Lord of the Raghus gave me.” She thereupon unfastened the jewel on Her head and gave it to the son of the windgod, who gladly received it.
कहेहु तात अस मोर प्रनामा। सब प्रकार प्रभु पूरनकामा।।
दीन दयाल बिरिदु संभारी। हरहु नाथ मम संकट भारी।।
“Convey my obeisance to Him, dear son, with these words: ‘My lord is all sufficient; yet recalling Your vow of kindness to the afflicted, relieve, O master, my grievous distress.’
तात सक्रसुत कथा सुनाएहु। बान प्रताप प्रभुहि समुझाएहु।।
मास दिवस महुँ नाथु न आवा। तौ पुनि मोहि जिअत नहिं पावा।।
Repeat to him, my son, the episode of Indra’s son (Jayanta) and remind the Lord of the might of His arrows. If the Lord does not arrive here within a month, he will not find me alive.
कहु कपि केहि बिधि राखौं प्राना। तुम्हहू तात कहत अब जाना।।
तोहि देखि सीतलि भइ छाती। पुनि मो कहुँ सोइ दिनु सो राती।।
Tell me, Hanuman, how can I preserve my life; for you too, my son, now speak of going. Your sight had brought relief to my heavy heart: I have before me now the same dreary days and weary nights.
दो0-जनकसुतहि समुझाइ करि बहु बिधि धीरजु दीन्ह।
चरन कमल सिरु नाइ कपि गवनु राम पहिं कीन्ह।।27।।
Reassuring Janaka’s Daughter he consoled Her in many ways and, bowing his head at Her lotus feet, set forth to meet Sri Rama
28/60
चलत महाधुनि गर्जेसि भारी। गर्भ स्त्रवहिं सुनि निसिचर नारी।।
नाघि सिंधु एहि पारहि आवा। सबद किलकिला कपिन्ह सुनावा।।
While leaving he roared aloud with such a terrible noise that the wives of the demons miscarried. Taking a leap across the ocean he reached the opposite shore and greeted his fellow-monkeys with a shrill cry of joy.
हरषे सब बिलोकि हनुमाना। नूतन जन्म कपिन्ह तब जाना।।
मुख प्रसन्न तन तेज बिराजा। कीन्हेसि रामचन्द्र कर काजा।।
They were all delighted to see Hanuman and felt as if they had been born anew. He wore a cheerful countenance and his body shone with a brilliance which left no doubt in their mind that he had executed Sri Ramacandra’s commission.
मिले सकल अति भए सुखारी। तलफत मीन पाव जिमि बारी।।
चले हरषि रघुनायक पासा। पूँछत कहत नवल इतिहासा।।
They all met him and felt as delighted as a fish writhing with agony for lack of water would feel on getting it. They then gladly proceeded to see the Lord of the Raghus,
तब मधुबन भीतर सब आए। अंगद संमत मधु फल खाए।।
रखवारे जब बरजन लागे। मुष्टि प्रहार हनत सब भागे।।
asking and telling the latest events. On their way they all entered Sugriva’s garden called Madhuvana and with Angada’s consent began to eat the luscious fruit. When the guards interfered, they were beaten with fists till they took to their heels.
दो0-जाइ पुकारे ते सब बन उजार जुबराज।
सुनि सुग्रीव हरष कपि करि आए प्रभु काज।।28।।
They all approached Sugriva and complained that the Crown Prince was laying waste the royal garden. Sugriva rejoiced to hear this; for he concluded that the monkeys must have returned after accomplishing the Lord’s business.
29/60
जौं न होति सीता सुधि पाई। मधुबन के फल सकहिं कि खाई।।
एहि बिधि मन बिचार कर राजा। आइ गए कपि सहित समाजा।।
“If they had failed to get any news of Sita, they could never dare to eat the fruit of Madhuvana.” While the king was thus musing, the monkey chiefs arrived with their party.
आइ सबन्हि नावा पद सीसा। मिलेउ सबन्हि अति प्रेम कपीसा।।
पूँछी कुसल कुसल पद देखी। राम कृपाँ भा काजु बिसेषी।।
Drawing near they all bowed their head at his feet and the lord of the monkeys received them all most cordially and enquired after their welfare . “It is well with us, now that we have seen your feet. By Rama’s grace the work has been accomplished with remarkable success.
नाथ काजु कीन्हेउ हनुमाना। राखे सकल कपिन्ह के प्राना।।
सुनि सुग्रीव बहुरि तेहि मिलेऊ। कपिन्ह सहित रघुपति पहिं चलेऊ।
It is Hanuman, Your Majesty, who did everything and saved the life of the whole monkey host.” Hearing this Sugriva embraced him again and then proceeded with all the monkeys to see the Lord of the Raghus.
राम कपिन्ह जब आवत देखा। किएँ काजु मन हरष बिसेषा।।
फटिक सिला बैठे द्वौ भाई। परे सकल कपि चरनन्हि जाई।।
When Sri Rama saw the monkeys approaching with their mission duly accomplished, He was particularly delighted at heart. The two brothers were seated on a crystal rock and all the monkeys went and fell at Their feet.
दो0-प्रीति सहित सब भेटे रघुपति करुना पुंज।
पूँछी कुसल नाथ अब कुसल देखि पद कंज।।29।।
The all-merciful Lord of the Raghus embraced them all with affection and asked of their welfare. “All is well with us, now that we have seen Your lotus feet.”
30/60
जामवंत कह सुनु रघुराया। जा पर नाथ करहु तुम्ह दाया।।
ताहि सदा सुभ कुसल निरंतर। सुर नर मुनि प्रसन्न ता ऊपर।।
Said Jambavan, “Listen, O Lord of the Raghus: he on whom You bestow Your blessings is ever lucky and incessantly happy; gods, human beings and sages are all kind to him.
सोइ बिजई बिनई गुन सागर। तासु सुजसु त्रेलोक उजागर।।
प्रभु कीं कृपा भयउ सबु काजू। जन्म हमार सुफल भा आजू।।
He alone is victorious, modest and an ocean of virtues; his fair renown shines brightly through all the three spheres of creation. Everything has turned out well by the grace of my Lord; it is only today that our birth has been consummated.
नाथ पवनसुत कीन्हि जो करनी। सहसहुँ मुख न जाइ सो बरनी।।
पवनतनय के चरित सुहाए। जामवंत रघुपतिहि सुनाए।।
The achievement of Hanuman (the son of the wind-god) cannot be described even with a thousand tongues.” Jambavan then related to the Lord of the Raghus the charming exploits of Hanuman (the son of the wind-god).
सुनत कृपानिधि मन अति भाए। पुनि हनुमान हरषि हियँ लाए।।
कहहु तात केहि भाँति जानकी। रहति करति रच्छा स्वप्रान की।।
The All-merciful felt much delighted at heart to hear them and in His joy He clasped Hanuman once more to His bosom. “Tell me, dear Hanuman, how does Janaka’s daughter pass her days and sustain her life?”
दो0-नाम पाहरु दिवस निसि ध्यान तुम्हार कपाट।
लोचन निज पद जंत्रित जाहिं प्रान केहिं बाट।।30।।
“Your Name keeps watch night and day, while Her continued thought of You acts as a pair of closed doors. She has Her eyes fastened on Her own feet; Her life thus finds no outlet whereby to escape.”
31/60
चलत मोहि चूड़ामनि दीन्ही। रघुपति हृदयँ लाइ सोइ लीन्ही।।
नाथ जुगल लोचन भरि बारी। बचन कहे कछु जनककुमारी।।
“When I was leaving, She gave me this jewel from the top of Her head.” The Lord of the Raghus took it and pressed it to His bosom. “My lord, with tears in both Her eyes Janaka’s Daughter uttered the following few words:
अनुज समेत गहेहु प्रभु चरना। दीन बंधु प्रनतारति हरना।।
मन क्रम बचन चरन अनुरागी। केहि अपराध नाथ हौं त्यागी।।
‘Embrace the feet of my lord and His younger brother crying; O befriender of the distressed, reliever of the suppliant’s agony, I am devoted to Your feet in thought, word and deed; yet for what offence, my lord, have You forsaken me?
अवगुन एक मोर मैं माना। बिछुरत प्रान न कीन्ह पयाना।।
नाथ सो नयनन्हि को अपराधा। निसरत प्रान करिहिं हठि बाधा।।
I do admit one fault of mine, that my life did not depart the moment I was separated from You. That, however, my lord, is the fault of my eyes, which forcibly prevent my life from escaping.
बिरह अगिनि तनु तूल समीरा। स्वास जरइ छन माहिं सरीरा।।
नयन स्त्रवहि जलु निज हित लागी। जरैं न पाव देह बिरहागी।
The agony of separation from You is like fire, my sighs fan it as a gust of wind and in between stands my body like a heap of cotton, which would have been consumed in an instant. But my eyes, in their own interest (i.e., for being enabled to feast themselves on Your beauty) rain a flood of tears; that is why the body fails to catch the fire of desolation.
सीता के अति बिपति बिसाला। बिनहिं कहें भलि दीनदयाला।।
Sita’s distress is so overwhelmingly great, and You are so compassionate to the afflicted, that it is better not to describe it.”
दो0-निमिष निमिष करुनानिधि जाहिं कलप सम बीति।
बेगि चलिय प्रभु आनिअ भुज बल खल दल जीति।।31।।
“Each single moment, O fountain of mercy, passes like an age to Her. Therefore, march quickly, my lord, and vanquishing the miscreant crew by Your mighty arm, recover Her.”
32/60
सुनि सीता दुख प्रभु सुख अयना। भरि आए जल राजिव नयना।।
बचन काँय मन मम गति जाही। सपनेहुँ बूझिअ बिपति कि ताही।।
When the all-blissful Lord heard of Sita’s agony, tears rushed to his lotus eyes. “Do you think anyone who depends on me in thought, word and deed can ever dream of adversity?”
कह हनुमंत बिपति प्रभु सोई। जब तव सुमिरन भजन न होई।।
केतिक बात प्रभु जातुधान की। रिपुहि जीति आनिबी जानकी।।
Said Hanuman: “There is no misfortune other than ceasing to remember and adore You. Of what account are the demons to You? Routing the enemy You will surely bring back Janaka’s Daughter.”
सुनु कपि तोहि समान उपकारी। नहिं कोउ सुर नर मुनि तनुधारी।।
प्रति उपकार करौं का तोरा। सनमुख होइ न सकत मन मोरा।।
“No one endowed with a body-a god, human being or sage-has put me under such obligation, Hanuman, as you have done. Even my mind shrinks to face you; how, then, can I repay your obligation?
सुनु सुत उरिन मैं नाहीं। देखेउँ करि बिचार मन माहीं।।
पुनि पुनि कपिहि चितव सुरत्राता। लोचन नीर पुलक अति गाता।।
Listen, my son: I have thought over the question and concluded that the debt which I owe you cannot be repaid.” Again and again as the Protector of the gods gazed on Hanuman His eyes filled with tears and His body was overpowered with a thrill of emotion.
दो0-सुनि प्रभु बचन बिलोकि मुख गात हरषि हनुमंत।
चरन परेउ प्रेमाकुल त्राहि त्राहि भगवंत।।32।।
Even as Hanuman listened to the words of his lord and gazed on His countenance he experienced a thrill of joy all over his body and fell at His feet, overwhelmed with love and crying: “Save me, save me (from the tentacles of egoism), my lord.”
33/60
बार बार प्रभु चहइ उठावा। प्रेम मगन तेहि उठब न भावा।।
प्रभु कर पंकज कपि कें सीसा। सुमिरि सो दसा मगन गौरीसा।।
Again and again the Lord sought to raise him up; he, however, was so absorbed in love that he would not rise. The lotus hand of the Lord rested on his head. Gauri’s lord (Siva) was overcome with emotion as He called to mind Hanuman’s enviable lot.
सावधान मन करि पुनि संकर। लागे कहन कथा अति सुंदर।।
कपि उठाइ प्रभु हृदयँ लगावा। कर गहि परम निकट बैठावा।।
But, recovering Himself, Siva resumed the most charming narrative. The Lord lifted up Hanuman and clasped him to His bosom; then He took him by the hand and seated him very close to Him.
कहु कपि रावन पालित लंका। केहि बिधि दहेउ दुर्ग अति बंका।।
प्रभु प्रसन्न जाना हनुमाना। बोला बचन बिगत अभिमाना।।
“Tell me, Hanuman, how could you burn Ravana’s stronghold of Lanka, a most impregnable fortress?” When Hanuman found the Lord so pleased, he replied in words altogether free from pride.
साखामृग के बड़ि मनुसाई। साखा तें साखा पर जाई।।
नाघि सिंधु हाटकपुर जारा। निसिचर गन बिधि बिपिन उजारा।
“A monkey’s greatest valour lies in his skipping about from one bough to another. That I should have been able to leap across the ocean, burn the gold city, kill the demon host and lay waste the Asoka grove-
सो सब तव प्रताप रघुराई। नाथ न कछू मोरि प्रभुताई।।
-was all due to Your might; no credit, my lord, is due to me for the same.”
दो0- ता कहुँ प्रभु कछु अगम नहिं जा पर तुम्ह अनुकुल।
तब प्रभावँ बड़वानलहिं जारि सकइ खलु तूल।।33।।
“Nothing is unattainable, my lord, to him who enjoys Your grace. Through Your might a mere shred of cotton can surely burn a submarine fire (the impossible can be made possible).
34/60
नाथ भगति अति सुखदायनी। देहु कृपा करि अनपायनी।।
सुनि प्रभु परम सरल कपि बानी। एवमस्तु तब कहेउ भवानी।।
“Therefore, be pleased, my lord, to grant me unceasing Devotion, which is a source of supreme bliss.” When the Lord, O Parvati, heard the most artless speech of Hanuman He said, “Be it so !”
उमा राम सुभाउ जेहिं जाना। ताहि भजनु तजि भाव न आना।।
यह संवाद जासु उर आवा। रघुपति चरन भगति सोइ पावा।।
Uma , he who has come to know the true nature of Rama can have no relish for anything other than His worship. Even he who takes this dialogue (between Sri Rama and Hanuman) to heart is blessed with devotion to Sri Rama’s feet.
सुनि प्रभु बचन कहहिं कपिबृंदा। जय जय जय कृपाल सुखकंदा।।
तब रघुपति कपिपतिहि बोलावा। कहा चलैं कर करहु बनावा।।
On hearing the words of the Lord the whole host of monkeys cried, “Glory, glory, all glory to the gracious Lord, the fountain of bliss !” The Lord of the Raghus then summoned Sugriva (the King of the monkeys) and said, “Make preparations for the march.
अब बिलंबु केहि कारन कीजे। तुरत कपिन्ह कहुँ आयसु दीजे।।
कौतुक देखि सुमन बहु बरषी। नभ तें भवन चले सुर हरषी।।
Why should we tarry any longer? Issue orders to the monkeys at once.” The gods who were witnessing the spectacle rained down flowers in profusion and then gladly withdrew from the lower air to their own celestial spheres.
दो0-कपिपति बेगि बोलाए आए जूथप जूथ।
नाना बरन अतुल बल बानर भालु बरूथ।।34।।
Sugriva (the lord of the monkeys) quickly summoned the commanders of the various troops and they presented themselves in multitudes. The troops of monkeys and bears, though varying in colour, were all unequalled in strength.
35/60
प्रभु पद पंकज नावहिं सीसा। गरजहिं भालु महाबल कीसा।।
देखी राम सकल कपि सेना। चितइ कृपा करि राजिव नैना।।
The mighty bears and monkeys bowed their head at the Lord’s lotus feet and roared. Sri Rama surveyed the whole monkey host and cast on them His gracious lotus-like eyes.
राम कृपा बल पाइ कपिंदा। भए पच्छजुत मनहुँ गिरिंदा।।
हरषि राम तब कीन्ह पयाना। सगुन भए सुंदर सुभ नाना।।
Emboldened by His grace the monkey chiefs vied as it were with huge mountains equipped with wings. Sri Rama then sallied forth glad of heart and many were the delightful and auspicious omens that occurred to Him .
जासु सकल मंगलमय कीती। तासु पयान सगुन यह नीती।।
प्रभु पयान जाना बैदेहीं। फरकि बाम अँग जनु कहि देहीं।।
It was in the fitness of things that good omens should appear at the time of His departure (on an expedition) whose glory itself embodies all blessings. Videha’s Daughter came to know of the Lord’s march; the throbbing of Her left limbs apprised Her of the same as it were.
जोइ जोइ सगुन जानकिहि होई। असगुन भयउ रावनहि सोई।।
चला कटकु को बरनैं पारा। गर्जहि बानर भालु अपारा।।
But what were good omens for Janaka’s Daughter foreboded evil for Ravana.* Who could adequately describe the army as it marched with its countless monkeys and bears roaring.
नख आयुध गिरि पादपधारी। चले गगन महि इच्छाचारी।।
केहरिनाद भालु कपि करहीं। डगमगाहिं दिग्गज चिक्करहीं।।
With no weapon other than their sharp claws, they carried rocks and trees (that they had uprooted on the way) and marched now in the air and now on land, for they had unhampered motion everywhere. The bears and monkeys roared like lions as they marched, while the elephants guarding the eight cardinal points shook and trumpeted.
छं0-चिक्करहिं दिग्गज डोल महि गिरि लोल सागर खरभरे।
मन हरष सभ गंधर्ब सुर मुनि नाग किन्नर दुख टरे।।
The elephants of the eight cardinal points trumpeted, the earth rocked, the mountains trembled and the oceans were agitated. The Gandharvas, gods, sages, Nagas and Kinnaras, all felt delighted at heart to perceive that their troubles were over.
कटकटहिं मर्कट बिकट भट बहु कोटि कोटिन्ह धावहीं।
जय राम प्रबल प्रताप कोसलनाथ गुन गन गावहीं।।1।।
Myriads of formidable monkey warriors gnashed their teeth (in a bellicose mood); while many more millions dashed forward crying “Glory to Sri Rama, Kosala’s lord, of mighty valour” and hymning His praises.
सहि सक न भार उदार अहिपति बार बारहिं मोहई।
गह दसन पुनि पुनि कमठ पृष्ट कठोर सो किमि सोहई।।
Even the great lord of serpents (Sesa) found himself unable to bear the crushing weight of the belligerent troops and felt dizzy again and again. But each time he would struggle by clutching with his teeth the hard shell of the divine Tortoise.
रघुबीर रुचिर प्रयान प्रस्थिति जानि परम सुहावनी।
जनु कमठ खर्पर सर्पराज सो लिखत अबिचल पावनी।।2।।
The scratches thus made by his teeth would make one imagine as if, knowing the departure of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu’s line) on His glorious expedition to be a most attractive theme, the serpent-king was inscribing its immortal and sacred story on the Tortoise’s back.
दो0-एहि बिधि जाइ कृपानिधि उतरे सागर तीर।
जहँ तहँ लागे खान फल भालु बिपुल कपि बीर।।35।।
Continuing His march in this way the All-merciful arrived at the seashore and halted there. The host of valiant bears and monkeys began to guttle fruits all round there
36/60
उहाँ निसाचर रहहिं ससंका। जब ते जारि गयउ कपि लंका।।
निज निज गृहँ सब करहिं बिचारा। नहिं निसिचर कुल केर उबारा।।
Ever since Hanuman left after burning down Lanka the demons there had lived in constant terror. In their own houses they thought, “There is no hope for the demon race now.
जासु दूत बल बरनि न जाई। तेहि आएँ पुर कवन भलाई।।
दूतन्हि सन सुनि पुरजन बानी। मंदोदरी अधिक अकुलानी।।
If his messenger was mighty beyond words, what good would result when the master himself enters the city?” When Mandodari (Ravana’s principal queen) heard from her female spies what the citizens were saying, she felt much perturbed.
रहसि जोरि कर पति पग लागी। बोली बचन नीति रस पागी।।
कंत करष हरि सन परिहरहू। मोर कहा अति हित हियँ धरहु।।
Meeting her lord in seclusion she fell at his feet and with joined palms addressed to him words steeped in wisdom: “My lord, avoid all strife with Sri Hari. Take my words to your heart as a most salutary advice.
समुझत जासु दूत कइ करनी। स्त्रवहीं गर्भ रजनीचर धरनी।।
तासु नारि निज सचिव बोलाई। पठवहु कंत जो चहहु भलाई।।
My lord, if you seek your own welfare, call one of your ministers and send back with him the consort of that prince (Sri Rama), the very thought of whose messenger’s doings makes the wives of the demons miscarry.
तब कुल कमल बिपिन दुखदाई। सीता सीत निसा सम आई।।
सुनहु नाथ सीता बिनु दीन्हें। हित न तुम्हार संभु अज कीन्हें।।
Just as a frosty night spells disaster to a bed of lotuses, so Sita has come here as a bane to your race. Listen, my lord: unless you return Sita, not even Sambhu (Lord Siva) and Brahma (the creator) can be of any good to you.
दो0–राम बान अहि गन सरिस निकर निसाचर भेक।
जब लगि ग्रसत न तब लगि जतनु करहु तजि टेक।।36।।
“Rama’s arrows are like a swarm of serpents, while the demon host can only compare with frogs. Therefore, giving up obstinacy, devise some means of safety before the serpents devour them.”
37/60
श्रवन सुनी सठ ता करि बानी। बिहसा जगत बिदित अभिमानी।।
सभय सुभाउ नारि कर साचा। मंगल महुँ भय मन अति काचा।।
When the foolish Ravana, who was known all the world over for his haughtiness, heard Mandodari’s admonition, he roared with laughter, “A woman is timorous by nature, it is truly said.
जौं आवइ मर्कट कटकाई। जिअहिं बिचारे निसिचर खाई।।
कंपहिं लोकप जाकी त्रासा। तासु नारि सभीत बड़ि हासा।।
She entertains fear even on an auspicious occasion; for her mind is very weak. If the monkey host comes, the poor demons would feast on them and sustain themselves. The very guardians of the spheres tremble for fear of me; how ridiculous that you, my wife, should be afraid!”
अस कहि बिहसि ताहि उर लाई। चलेउ सभाँ ममता अधिकाई।।
मंदोदरी हृदयँ कर चिंता। भयउ कंत पर बिधि बिपरीता।।
So saying he laughed and embraced her and then left for his council-chamber exhibiting great fondness for her. Mandodari, however, felt troubled at heart and thought that heaven had turned against her lord.
बैठेउ सभाँ खबरि असि पाई। सिंधु पार सेना सब आई।।
बूझेसि सचिव उचित मत कहहू। ते सब हँसे मष्ट करि रहहू।।
As he occupied his royal seat in the council-chamber, he received intelligence that all the invading host had arrived on the other side of the ocean. He thereupon asked his councillors; “Give me proper advice.” They however, laughed and submitted, “Only remain quiet, my lord.
जितेहु सुरासुर तब श्रम नाहीं। नर बानर केहि लेखे माही।।
Your Majesty experienced no difficulty when you conquered the gods and demons. Of what account, then, can men and monkeys be?”
दो0-सचिव बैद गुर तीनि जौं प्रिय बोलहिं भय आस।
राज धर्म तन तीनि कर होइ बेगिहीं नास।।37।।
When a minister, a physician and a religious preceptor- these three use pleasing words from fear or hope of reward, the result is that dominion, health and faith-all the three forthwith go to the dogs.
38/60
सोइ रावन कहुँ बनि सहाई। अस्तुति करहिं सुनाइ सुनाई।।
अवसर जानि बिभीषनु आवा। भ्राता चरन सीसु तेहिं नावा।।
It was such a contingency that presented itself before Ravana. They all extolled him only to his face. Perceiving it to be an opportune hour, Vibhisana (Ravana’s youngest brother) arrived and bowed his head at his brother’s feet.
पुनि सिरु नाइ बैठ निज आसन। बोला बचन पाइ अनुसासन।।
जौ कृपाल पूँछिहु मोहि बाता। मति अनुरुप कहउँ हित ताता।।
Bowing his head once more he occupied his own seat and, when ordered to speak, addressed him thus: “Since Your gracious Majesty has asked me my opinion I tender it, dear brother, according to my own lights and in your own interest.
जो आपन चाहै कल्याना। सुजसु सुमति सुभ गति सुख नाना।।
सो परनारि लिलार गोसाईं। तजउ चउथि के चंद कि नाई।।
Let him who seeks after his welfare, good reputation, wisdom, a good destiny after his death and joys of various kinds turn his eyes away from the brow of another’s wife even as one should refuse to see the moon on the fourth night (of the bright half) of a lunar month.
चौदह भुवन एक पति होई। भूतद्रोह तिष्टइ नहिं सोई।।
गुन सागर नागर नर जोऊ। अलप लोभ भल कहइ न कोऊ।।
Even though a man happened to be the sole lord of the fourteen spheres, he would certainly fall if he turned hostile to living beings. No one will speak well of a man who has the slightest avarice even if he were an ocean of virtues and clever too.
दो0- काम क्रोध मद लोभ सब नाथ नरक के पंथ।
सब परिहरि रघुबीरहि भजहु भजहिं जेहि संत।।38।।
“Lust, anger, vanity and covetousness are all paths leading to hell. Abjuring, all these adore the Hero of Raghu’s line, whom saints worship
39/60
तात राम नहिं नर भूपाला। भुवनेस्वर कालहु कर काला।।
ब्रह्म अनामय अज भगवंता। ब्यापक अजित अनादि अनंता।।
Sri Rama, dear brother, is no mere human king; He is the Lord of the universe and the Death of Death himself. He is the Brahma (Absolute) who is free from the malady of Maya, the unborn God, all-pervading, invincible, without beginning or end.
गो द्विज धेनु देव हितकारी। कृपासिंधु मानुष तनुधारी।।
जन रंजन भंजन खल ब्राता। बेद धर्म रच्छक सुनु भ्राता।।
An ocean of compassion, He has assumed the form of a human being for the good of Earth, the Brahmana, the cow and the gods. Listen, brother: He delights His devotees and breaks the ranks of the impious and is the champion of the Vedas and true religion.
ताहि बयरु तजि नाइअ माथा। प्रनतारति भंजन रघुनाथा।।
देहु नाथ प्रभु कहुँ बैदेही। भजहु राम बिनु हेतु सनेही।।
Giving up enmity with Him, bow your head to Him; for the Lord of the Raghus relieves the distress of those who seek refuge in Him. My master, restore Videha’s Daughter to the Lord Sri Rama, and adore Him, the disinterested friend of all.
सरन गएँ प्रभु ताहु न त्यागा। बिस्व द्रोह कृत अघ जेहि लागा।।
जासु नाम त्रय ताप नसावन। सोइ प्रभु प्रगट समुझु जियँ रावन।।
On being approached, He forsakes not even him who has incurred sin by wishing ill to the whole world. Bear this in mind, Ravana: the same Lord whose Name destroys the threefold agony has manifested Himself (in human form).
दो0-बार बार पद लागउँ बिनय करउँ दससीस।
परिहरि मान मोह मद भजहु कोसलाधीस।।39(क)।।
“Again and again I fall at your feet and pray you, Ravana: abandoning pride, infatuation and arrogance, adore the Lord of Kosala.
मुनि पुलस्ति निज सिष्य सन कहि पठई यह बात।
तुरत सो मैं प्रभु सन कही पाइ सुअवसरु तात।।39(ख)।।
The sage Pulastya (our grandfather) had sent this message to us through a disciple of his. Availing myself of this golden opportunity, dear brother, I have immediately conveyed it to you.”
40/60
माल्यवंत अति सचिव सयाना। तासु बचन सुनि अति सुख माना।।
तात अनुज तव नीति बिभूषन। सो उर धरहु जो कहत बिभीषन।।
Ravana had a very old and sagacious minister named Malyavan. He felt much gratified to hear Vibhisana’s words. “Your younger brother, dear son, is the very ornament of wisdom. Therefore, take to heart what Vibhisana says.”
रिपु उतकरष कहत सठ दोऊ। दूरि न करहु इहाँ हइ कोऊ।।
माल्यवंत गृह गयउ बहोरी। कहइ बिभीषनु पुनि कर जोरी।।
“Both these fools glorify the enemy ! Is there no one here who will remove them out of my sight ?” Malyavan thereupon returned to his residence, while Vibhisana began again with joined palms:
सुमति कुमति सब कें उर रहहीं। नाथ पुरान निगम अस कहहीं।।
जहाँ सुमति तहँ संपति नाना। जहाँ कुमति तहँ बिपति निदाना।।
“Wisdom and unwisdom dwell in the heart of all: so declare the Puranas and Vedas, my lord. Where there is wisdom, prosperity of every kind reigns; and where there is unwisdom misfortune is the inevitable end.
तव उर कुमति बसी बिपरीता। हित अनहित मानहु रिपु प्रीता।।
कालराति निसिचर कुल केरी। तेहि सीता पर प्रीति घनेरी।।
Perversity has obviously taken possession of your heart; that is why you account your friends as foes and your enemies as friends. And that is why you are so very fond of Sita, who is the very night of destruction* for the demon race.”
दो0-तात चरन गहि मागउँ राखहु मोर दुलार।
सीत देहु राम कहुँ अहित न होइ तुम्हार।।40।।
“Clasping your feet I beseech you: grant this prayer of mine as a token of affection for me. Restore Sita to Rama so that no harm may come to you.
41/60
बुध पुरान श्रुति संमत बानी। कही बिभीषन नीति बखानी।।
सुनत दसानन उठा रिसाई। खल तोहि निकट मुत्यु अब आई।।
Vibhisana spoke wisdom and that too in words that had the approval of the wise, as well as of the Puranas and Vedas. Ravana, however, rose in a fury as soon as he heard them. “O wretch, your death is imminent now.
जिअसि सदा सठ मोर जिआवा। रिपु कर पच्छ मूढ़ तोहि भावा।।
कहसि न खल अस को जग माहीं। भुज बल जाहि जिता मैं नाही।।
O fool, you have always lived on my generosity; yet, O dullard, you have favoured the enemy’s cause. Tell me, wretch, if there is any one in this world whom I have failed to conquer by the might of my arm.
मम पुर बसि तपसिन्ह पर प्रीती। सठ मिलु जाइ तिन्हहि कहु नीती।।
अस कहि कीन्हेसि चरन प्रहारा। अनुज गहे पद बारहिं बारा।।
Dwelling in my capital you cherish love for the hermits ! If so, go and join hands with them, O fool, and teach wisdom to them.” So saying, he kicked his younger brother, who in his turn clasped his brother’s feet again and again.
उमा संत कइ इहइ बड़ाई। मंद करत जो करइ भलाई।।
तुम्ह पितु सरिस भलेहिं मोहि मारा। रामु भजें हित नाथ तुम्हारा।।
Uma, here lies the greatness of a saint, who returns good for evil. “It is well you have beaten me, since you are like a father to me. But your welfare, my lord, lies in adoring Sri Rama.”
सचिव संग लै नभ पथ गयऊ। सबहि सुनाइ कहत अस भयऊ।।
Taking his ministers with him Vibhisana departed through the air exclaiming so as to make himself heard by all:-
दो0=रामु सत्यसंकल्प प्रभु सभा कालबस तोरि।
मै रघुबीर सरन अब जाउँ देहु जनि खोरि।।41।।
“Sri Rama is true to His resolve and all-powerful; while your councillors are all doomed. I, therefore, now betake myself to the Hero of Raghu’s line for protection; blame me no more.”
42/60
अस कहि चला बिभीषनु जबहीं। आयूहीन भए सब तबहीं।।
साधु अवग्या तुरत भवानी। कर कल्यान अखिल कै हानी।।
No sooner had Vibhisana left with these words than the doom of them all was sealed. Disrespect to a saint, Parvati, immediately robs one of all blessings. The moment Ravana abandoned Vibhisana the wretch lost all his glory.
रावन जबहिं बिभीषन त्यागा। भयउ बिभव बिनु तबहिं अभागा।।
चलेउ हरषि रघुनायक पाहीं। करत मनोरथ बहु मन माहीं।।
Indulging in many expectations Vibhisana, however, gladly proceeded to the Lord of the Raghus.
देखिहउँ जाइ चरन जलजाता। अरुन मृदुल सेवक सुखदाता।।
जे पद परसि तरी रिषिनारी। दंडक कानन पावनकारी।।
“On reaching there I will behold those lotus-feet with ruddy soles, so soft and so delightful to the devotees. Nay, I will behold those feet whose very touch redeemed the §Rsi’s wife (Ahalya), that hallowed the Dandaka forest,-
जे पद जनकसुताँ उर लाए। कपट कुरंग संग धर धाए।।
हर उर सर सरोज पद जेई। अहोभाग्य मै देखिहउँ तेई।।
that Janaka’s Daughter has locked up in Her bosom, that chased the delusive deer and that dwell as a pair of lotuses in the lake of Siva heart. I am really blessed that I am going to see those very feet.
दो0= जिन्ह पायन्ह के पादुकन्हि भरतु रहे मन लाइ।
ते पद आजु बिलोकिहउँ इन्ह नयनन्हि अब जाइ।।42।।
“I will go today and presently behold with these eyes of mine those very feet in whose wooden sandals Bharata’s mind remains absorbed !”
43/60
एहि बिधि करत सप्रेम बिचारा। आयउ सपदि सिंधु एहिं पारा।।
कपिन्ह बिभीषनु आवत देखा। जाना कोउ रिपु दूत बिसेषा।।
Cherishing such fond expectations Vibhisana instantly crossed over to the other side of the ocean (where Sri Rama had encamped with His host). When the monkeys saw Vibhisana coming, they took him for some special messenger of the enemy.
ताहि राखि कपीस पहिं आए। समाचार सब ताहि सुनाए।।
कह सुग्रीव सुनहु रघुराई। आवा मिलन दसानन भाई।।
Detaining him outside they approached Sugriva (the lord of the monkeys) and told him all the news. Said Sugriva, “Listen, O Lord of the Raghus: Ravana’s brother (Vibhisana) has come to see You.”
कह प्रभु सखा बूझिऐ काहा। कहइ कपीस सुनहु नरनाहा।।
जानि न जाइ निसाचर माया। कामरूप केहि कारन आया।।
The Lord, however, asked, “What do you think of the matter, my friend?” The lord of the monkeys replied, “Listen, O Ruler of men: the wiles of these demons are beyond one’s comprehension. One does not know wherefore he has come, capable as he is of taking any form he likes.
भेद हमार लेन सठ आवा। राखिअ बाँधि मोहि अस भावा।।
सखा नीति तुम्ह नीकि बिचारी। मम पन सरनागत भयहारी।।
Obviously the fool has come to spy out our secrets; what appeals to me, therefore, is that he should be taken prisoner and detained.” “Friend, you have thought out a wise course: but My vow is to dispel all fears from the mind of those who seek refuge in Me.”
सुनि प्रभु बचन हरष हनुमाना। सरनागत बच्छल भगवाना।।
Hanuman rejoiced to hear these words of the Lord, who cherished paternal affection for His protege.
दो0=सरनागत कहुँ जे तजहिं निज अनहित अनुमानि।
ते नर पावँर पापमय तिन्हहि बिलोकत हानि।।43।।
Those people who forsake a suppliant, apprehending evil from him are vile and sinful; their very sight is abominable.”
44/60
कोटि बिप्र बध लागहिं जाहू। आएँ सरन तजउँ नहिं ताहू।।
सनमुख होइ जीव मोहि जबहीं। जन्म कोटि अघ नासहिं तबहीं।।
I will not abandon even the murderer of myriads of Brahmanas, if he seeks refuge in Me. The moment a creature turns its face towards Me the sins incurred by it through millions of lives are washed away.
पापवंत कर सहज सुभाऊ। भजनु मोर तेहि भाव न काऊ।।
जौं पै दुष्टहदय सोइ होई। मोरें सनमुख आव कि सोई।।
A sinner by his very nature is averse to My worship. Had Vibhisana been wicked at heart, could he ever dare to approach Me?
निर्मल मन जन सो मोहि पावा। मोहि कपट छल छिद्र न भावा।।
भेद लेन पठवा दससीसा। तबहुँ न कछु भय हानि कपीसा।।
That man alone who has a pure mind can attain to Me; I have an aversion for duplicity, wiles and censoriousness. Even if Ravana has sent him to find out our secrets, we have nothing to fear or lose,
जग महुँ सखा निसाचर जेते। लछिमनु हनइ निमिष महुँ तेते।।
जौं सभीत आवा सरनाई। रखिहउँ ताहि प्रान की नाई।।
O lord of the monkeys. Laksmana, O my friend, can dispose of in a trice all the demons the world contains. And if he has sought shelter with Me out of fear, I will cherish him as My own life
दो0=उभय भाँति तेहि आनहु हँसि कह कृपानिकेत।
जय कृपाल कहि चले अंगद हनू समेत।।44।।
“In either case bring him here,” the All-merciful laughed and said. “Glory to the merciful Lord,” cried the monkeys and proceeded with Angada and Hanuman (to usher in Vibhisana).
45/60
सादर तेहि आगें करि बानर। चले जहाँ रघुपति करुनाकर।।
दूरिहि ते देखे द्वौ भ्राता। नयनानंद दान के दाता।।
The monkeys respectfully placed Vibhisana ahead of them and proceeded to the place where the all-merciful Lord of the Raghus was. Vibhisana beheld from a distance the two brothers who ravished the eyes of all.
बहुरि राम छबिधाम बिलोकी। रहेउ ठटुकि एकटक पल रोकी।।
भुज प्रलंब कंजारुन लोचन। स्यामल गात प्रनत भय मोचन।।
Again as he beheld Sri Rama, the home of beauty, he stopped winking and stood stockstill with his gaze intently fixed on the Lord. He had exceptionally long arms, eyes resembling the red lotus and swarthy limbs that rid the suppliant of all fear.
सिंघ कंध आयत उर सोहा। आनन अमित मदन मन मोहा।।
नयन नीर पुलकित अति गाता। मन धरि धीर कही मृदु बाता।।
His lion-like shoulders and broad chest exercised great charm, while His countenance bewitched the mind of countless Cupids. The sight brought tears to his eyes and a deep thrill ran through his body. He, however, composed his mind and spoke in gentle accents:
नाथ दसानन कर मैं भ्राता। निसिचर बंस जनम सुरत्राता।।
सहज पापप्रिय तामस देहा। जथा उलूकहि तम पर नेहा।।
“My lord, I am Ravana’s brother. Having been born in the demon race. O Protector of gods, my body has the element of Tamas (inertia and ignorance) preponderating in it and I have a natural affinity for sins even as an owl is fond of darkness
दो0-श्रवन सुजसु सुनि आयउँ प्रभु भंजन भव भीर।
त्राहि त्राहि आरति हरन सरन सुखद रघुबीर।।45।।
“Having heard with my own ears of Your fair renown I have come to You with the belief that my lord (You) dissipates the fear of rebirt h. Save me, save me, O Hero of Raghu’s line, reliever of distress, delighter of those who take refuge in you.”
46/60
अस कहि करत दंडवत देखा। तुरत उठे प्रभु हरष बिसेषा।।
दीन बचन सुनि प्रभु मन भावा। भुज बिसाल गहि हृदयँ लगावा।।
When the Lord saw Vibhisana falling prostrate with these words, He immediately started up much delighted. The Lord rejoiced at heart to hear his humble speech and, taking him in His long arms, clasped him to His bosom.
अनुज सहित मिलि ढिग बैठारी। बोले बचन भगत भयहारी।।
कहु लंकेस सहित परिवारा। कुसल कुठाहर बास तुम्हारा।।
Meeting him with His younger brother (Laksmana) He seated him by His side and spoke words that dispelled the fear of His devotee: “Tell me, king of Lanka, if all is well with you and your family, placed as you are in vicious surroundings.
खल मंडलीं बसहु दिनु राती। सखा धरम निबहइ केहि भाँती।।
मैं जानउँ तुम्हारि सब रीती। अति नय निपुन न भाव अनीती।।
You live day and night in the midst of evil-minded persons; I wonder how you are able to maintain your piety, my friend, I know all your ways: you are a past master in correct behaviour and are averse to wrong-doing.
बरु भल बास नरक कर ताता। दुष्ट संग जनि देइ बिधाता।।
अब पद देखि कुसल रघुराया। जौं तुम्ह कीन्ह जानि जन दाया।।
It is much better to live in hell, dear Vibhisana; but may Providence never place us in the company of the wicked.” “All is well with me now that I have beheld Your feet, O Lord of the Raghus, and since You have shown Your mercy to me, recognizing me as Your servant.
दो0-तब लगि कुसल न जीव कहुँ सपनेहुँ मन बिश्राम।
जब लगि भजत न राम कहुँ सोक धाम तजि काम।।46।।
“There can be no happiness for a creature nor can its mind know any peace even in a dream so long as it does not relinquish desire, which is an abode of sorrow, and adore Sri Rama (Yourself).
47/60
तब लगि हृदयँ बसत खल नाना। लोभ मोह मच्छर मद माना।।
जब लगि उर न बसत रघुनाथा। धरें चाप सायक कटि भाथा।।
“That villainous crew-greed, infatuation, jealousy, arrogance and pride- haunts the mind only so long as the Lord of the Raghus does not take up His abode there, armed with a bow and arrow and with a quiver fastened at His waist.
ममता तरुन तमी अँधिआरी। राग द्वेष उलूक सुखकारी।।
तब लगि बसति जीव मन माहीं। जब लगि प्रभु प्रताप रबि नाहीं।।
Attachment to the world is like a dark night fully advanced, which is so delightful to the owls of attraction and aversion; it abides in the heart of a creature only so long as the sun of the Lord’s glory does not shine there.
अब मैं कुसल मिटे भय भारे। देखि राम पद कमल तुम्हारे।।
तुम्ह कृपाल जा पर अनुकूला। ताहि न ब्याप त्रिबिध भव सूला।।
Having seen Your lotus feet, O Rama, I am now quite well and my grave fears have been set at rest. The threefold torments of mundane existence cease to have any effect on him who enjoys Your favour, my gracious lord.
मैं निसिचर अति अधम सुभाऊ। सुभ आचरनु कीन्ह नहिं काऊ।।
जासु रूप मुनि ध्यान न आवा। तेहिं प्रभु हरषि हृदयँ मोहि लावा।।
I am a demon vilest of nature and have never done any good act. Yet the Lord whose beauty even sages fail to perceive with their mind’s eye has been pleased to clasp me to His bosom.
दो0–अहोभाग्य मम अमित अति राम कृपा सुख पुंज।
देखेउँ नयन बिरंचि सिब सेब्य जुगल पद कंज।।47।।
Ah, I am blessed beyond measure, O all-gracious and all-blissful Rama, in that I have beheld with my own eyes the lotus feet which are worthy of adoration even to Brahma and Siva.”
48/60
सुनहु सखा निज कहउँ सुभाऊ। जान भुसुंडि संभु गिरिजाऊ।।
जौं नर होइ चराचर द्रोही। आवे सभय सरन तकि मोही।।
“Listen, My friend: I tell you My nature, which is known to Bhusundi, Sambhu (Lord Siva) and Girija (Parvati) too. If a man, even though he has been an enemy of the whole animate and inanimate creation, comes terror-stricken to Me,
तजि मद मोह कपट छल नाना। करउँ सद्य तेहि साधु समाना।।
जननी जनक बंधु सुत दारा। तनु धनु भवन सुह्रद परिवारा।।
seeking My protection and discarding vanity, infatuation, hypocrisy and trickeries of various kinds, I speedily make him the very like of a saint. The ties of affection that bind a man to his mother, father, brother, son, wife, body, wealth, house, friends and relations are-
सब कै ममता ताग बटोरी। मम पद मनहि बाँध बरि डोरी।।
समदरसी इच्छा कछु नाहीं। हरष सोक भय नहिं मन माहीं।।
like so many threads which a pious soul gathers up and twists into a string wherewith he binds his soul to My feet. Nay, he looks upon all with the same eye and has no craving and his mind is free from joy, grief and fear.
अस सज्जन मम उर बस कैसें। लोभी हृदयँ बसइ धनु जैसें।।
तुम्ह सारिखे संत प्रिय मोरें। धरउँ देह नहिं आन निहोरें।।
A saint of this description abides in My heart even as mammon resides in the heart of a covetous man. Only saints of your type are dear to Me; for the sake of none else do I body Myself forth.”
दो0- सगुन उपासक परहित निरत नीति दृढ़ नेम।
ते नर प्रान समान मम जिन्ह कें द्विज पद प्रेम।।48।।
“Those men who worship My personal form, are intent on doing good to others, firmly tread the path of righteousness, and are steadfast in their vow and devoted to the feet of the Brahmanas are dear to Me as life.”
49/60
सुनु लंकेस सकल गुन तोरें। तातें तुम्ह अतिसय प्रिय मोरें।।
राम बचन सुनि बानर जूथा। सकल कहहिं जय कृपा बरूथा।।
Listen, O king of Lanka; you possess all the above virtues; hence you are extremely dear to Me.” On hearing the words of Sri Rama all the assembled monkeys exclaimed, “Glory to the All-merciful !”
सुनत बिभीषनु प्रभु कै बानी। नहिं अघात श्रवनामृत जानी।।
पद अंबुज गहि बारहिं बारा। हृदयँ समात न प्रेमु अपारा।।
Vibhisana’s eagerness to hear the Lord’s speech, which was all nectar to his ears, knew no satiety. He clasped His lotus feet again and again, his heart bursting with boundless joy.
सुनहु देव सचराचर स्वामी। प्रनतपाल उर अंतरजामी।।
उर कछु प्रथम बासना रही। प्रभु पद प्रीति सरित सो बही।।
“Listen, my lord, Ruler of the whole creation-animate as well as inanimate, Protector of the suppliant and Knower of all hearts: I did have some lurking desire in my heart before; but the same has been washed away by the stream of devotion to the Lord’s feet.
अब कृपाल निज भगति पावनी। देहु सदा सिव मन भावनी।।
एवमस्तु कहि प्रभु रनधीरा। मागा तुरत सिंधु कर नीरा।।
Now, my gracious Lord, grant me such pure devotion (to Your feet) as that which gladdens Siva heart.” “So be it”, replied the Lord, staunch in fight, and immediately asked for the water of the sea.
जदपि सखा तव इच्छा नाहीं। मोर दरसु अमोघ जग माहीं।।
अस कहि राम तिलक तेहि सारा। सुमन बृष्टि नभ भई अपारा।।
“Even though, My friend, you have no craving, My sight in this world never fails to bring its reward.” So saying, Sri Rama applied on his forehead the sacred mark of sovereignty and a copious shower of flowers rained down from the heavens.
दो0-रावन क्रोध अनल निज स्वास समीर प्रचंड।
जरत बिभीषनु राखेउ दीन्हेहु राजु अखंड।।49(क)।।
Thus did the Lord of the Raghus save Vibhisana from being consumed by the fire of Ravana’s wrath, fanned to fury by his own (Vibhisana’s) breath (words), and bestowed on him unbroken sovereignty.
जो संपति सिव रावनहि दीन्हि दिएँ दस माथ।
सोइ संपदा बिभीषनहि सकुचि दीन्ह रघुनाथ।।49(ख)।।
Nay, He conferred on Vibhisana with much diffidence the same fortune which Lord Siva had bestowed on Ravana after the latter had offered his ten heads to Him in a sacrifice.
50/60
अस प्रभु छाड़ि भजहिं जे आना। ते नर पसु बिनु पूँछ बिषाना।।
निज जन जानि ताहि अपनावा। प्रभु सुभाव कपि कुल मन भावा।।
Those men who worship anyone else, giving up such a (benign) lord, are mere beasts without a tail and a pair of horns. Recognizing Vibhisana as His own man the Lord accepted him in His service; the amiability of His disposition gladdened the heart of the whole monkey host.
पुनि सर्बग्य सर्ब उर बासी। सर्बरूप सब रहित उदासी।।
बोले बचन नीति प्रतिपालक। कारन मनुज दनुज कुल घालक।।
Then the All-wise, who dwells in the heart of all, is manifest in all forms, though bereft of all and unconcerned, and who had appeared in human semblance with a specific motive and as the exterminator of the demon race, spoke words strictly observing the rules of decorum:
सुनु कपीस लंकापति बीरा। केहि बिधि तरिअ जलधि गंभीरा।।
संकुल मकर उरग झष जाती। अति अगाध दुस्तर सब भाँती।।
“Listen, O lord of the monkeys and O valiant sovereign of Lanka, how are we to cross the deep ocean full of alligators, snakes and all varieties of fishes, most unfathomable and difficult to cross in everyway?”
कह लंकेस सुनहु रघुनायक। कोटि सिंधु सोषक तव सायक।।
जद्यपि तदपि नीति असि गाई। बिनय करिअ सागर सन जाई।।
“Listen, O Lord of the Raghus,” replied the king of Lanka, “Although Your arrow ifself can dry up innumerable oceans, yet propriety demands that You should approach the ocean and request the deity presiding over it (to allow You a passage).
दो0-प्रभु तुम्हार कुलगुर जलधि कहिहि उपाय बिचारि।
बिनु प्रयास सागर तरिहि सकल भालु कपि धारि।।50।।
My lord, the deity presiding over the ocean is an ancestor of Yours; hence he will think over the question and suggest some means (of crossing the ocean).* The whole host of bears and monkeys will thus be able to cross the ocean without much ado.”
51/60
सखा कही तुम्ह नीकि उपाई। करिअ दैव जौं होइ सहाई।।
मंत्र न यह लछिमन मन भावा। राम बचन सुनि अति दुख पावा।।
“Friend, you have suggested an excellent plan; let us try it and see if Providence helps it.” This counsel, however, did not find favour with Laksmana, who was greatly pained to hear Sri Rama’s words.
नाथ दैव कर कवन भरोसा। सोषिअ सिंधु करिअ मन रोसा।।
कादर मन कहुँ एक अधारा। दैव दैव आलसी पुकारा।।
“No reliance can be placed on the freaks of fortune. Fill your mind with indignation and dry up the ocean. Fate is a crutch for the mind of cowards alone; it is the indolent who proclaim their faith in fate.”
सुनत बिहसि बोले रघुबीरा। ऐसेहिं करब धरहु मन धीरा।।
अस कहि प्रभु अनुजहि समुझाई। सिंधु समीप गए रघुराई।।
Hearing this the Hero of Raghu’s line laughed and said, “We shall do accordingly; pray, ease your mind.” Reassuring His younger brother (Laksmana) with these words the Lord of the Raghus went to the seashore.
प्रथम प्रनाम कीन्ह सिरु नाई। बैठे पुनि तट दर्भ डसाई।।
जबहिं बिभीषन प्रभु पहिं आए। पाछें रावन दूत पठाए।।
First of all He bowed His head and greeted the ocean and then, spreading some Kusa grass on the shore, took His seat thereon. As soon as Vibhisana proceeded towards the Lord, Ravana sent spies after him
दो0-सकल चरित तिन्ह देखे धरें कपट कपि देह।
प्रभु गुन हृदयँ सराहहिं सरनागत पर नेह।।51।।
Assuming the false appearance of monkeys they witnessed all the doings of Sri Rama and praised in their heart the Lord’s virtues and His fondness for those who come to Him for protection.
52/60
प्रगट बखानहिं राम सुभाऊ। अति सप्रेम गा बिसरि दुराऊ।।
रिपु के दूत कपिन्ह तब जाने। सकल बाँधि कपीस पहिं आने।।
They openly commenced applauding Sri Rama’s amiability and in the intensity of their emotion forgot their disguise. The monkeys now recognized them as the enemy’s spies; they bound them all and brought them in the presence of Sugriva (the lord of the monkeys).
कह सुग्रीव सुनहु सब बानर। अंग भंग करि पठवहु निसिचर।।
सुनि सुग्रीव बचन कपि धाए। बाँधि कटक चहु पास फिराए।।
Said Sugriva, “Listen, all you monkeys: mutilate the demons and dismiss them.” Hearing Sugriva’s command the monkeys ran and paraded them in bonds all through the camp.
बहु प्रकार मारन कपि लागे। दीन पुकारत तदपि न त्यागे।।
जो हमार हर नासा काना। तेहि कोसलाधीस कै आना।।
The monkeys, then started belabouring them right and left; the demons piteously cried for help, yet the monkeys would not let them alone. “Whosoever robs us of our nose and ears, we adjure him by Sri Rama not to do so.”
सुनि लछिमन सब निकट बोलाए। दया लागि हँसि तुरत छोडाए।।
रावन कर दीजहु यह पाती। लछिमन बचन बाचु कुलघाती।।
When Laksmana heard this, he called them all near him; and moved to pity he laughed and immediately had them released. “Give this note into Ravana’s hands and tell him: read, destroyer of your race, what Laksmana says.”
दो0-कहेहु मुखागर मूढ़ सन मम संदेसु उदार।
सीता देइ मिलेहु न त आवा काल तुम्हार।।52।।
“Further convey to the fool by word of mouth my generous message: surrender Sita and make peace or your hour is come.
53/60
तुरत नाइ लछिमन पद माथा। चले दूत बरनत गुन गाथा।।
कहत राम जसु लंकाँ आए। रावन चरन सीस तिन्ह नाए।।
Bowing their head at Laksmana’s feet the spies immediately departed, recounting the virtues of Sri Rama. With Sri Rama’s praises on their lips they entered Lanka and bowed their head at Ravana’s feet.
बिहसि दसानन पूँछी बाता। कहसि न सुक आपनि कुसलाता।।
पुनि कहु खबरि बिभीषन केरी। जाहि मृत्यु आई अति नेरी।।
The ten-headed monster laughed and asked them the news: “Report me, Suka, your own welfare and then tell me the news about Vibhisana whom death has approached very near.
करत राज लंका सठ त्यागी। होइहि जब कर कीट अभागी।।
पुनि कहु भालु कीस कटकाई। कठिन काल प्रेरित चलि आई।।
The fool left Lanka where he was ruling; the wretch will now be crushed as a weevil with barley-grains. Tell me next all about the host of bears and monkeys, that has been driven over here by a cruel destiny.
जिन्ह के जीवन कर रखवारा। भयउ मृदुल चित सिंधु बिचारा।।
कहु तपसिन्ह कै बात बहोरी। जिन्ह के हृदयँ त्रास अति मोरी।।
It is the poor soft-hearted sea that has stood as a protector of their lives. Lastly tell me the news about the ascetics (Rama and Laksmana) whose heart is obsessed with unceasing terror of me.
दो0–की भइ भेंट कि फिरि गए श्रवन सुजसु सुनि मोर।
कहसि न रिपु दल तेज बल बहुत चकित चित तोर।।53।।
Did you meet them or did they beat their retreat on hearing my fair renown? Why should you not speak of the enemy’s prowess and strength; your wits seem utterly dazed.”
54/60
नाथ कृपा करि पूँछेहु जैसें। मानहु कहा क्रोध तजि तैसें।।
मिला जाइ जब अनुज तुम्हारा। जातहिं राम तिलक तेहि सारा।।
My lord, just as you have so kindly put these questions to me, so do you believe what I say and be not angry. No sooner had your younger brother (Vibhisana) met Sri Rama then the latter applied the sacred mark of sovereignty on his forehead.
रावन दूत हमहि सुनि काना। कपिन्ह बाँधि दीन्हे दुख नाना।।
श्रवन नासिका काटै लागे। राम सपथ दीन्हे हम त्यागे।।
When the monkeys heard that we were Ravana’s (Your majesty’s) spies, they bound us and persecuted us in many ways. They were about to cut off our ears and nose; but when we adjured them by Rama not to do so, they let us go.
पूँछिहु नाथ राम कटकाई। बदन कोटि सत बरनि न जाई।।
नाना बरन भालु कपि धारी। बिकटानन बिसाल भयकारी।।
You have enquired, my lord, about Sri Rama’s army; but a thousand million tongues would fail to describe it. It is a host of bears and monkeys of diverse hue and gruesome visage, huge and terrible.
जेहिं पुर दहेउ हतेउ सुत तोरा। सकल कपिन्ह महँ तेहि बलु थोरा।।
अमित नाम भट कठिन कराला। अमित नाग बल बिपुल बिसाला।।
He who burnt your capital and killed your son (Aksa) is the weakest of all the monkeys. The army includes innumerable champions with as many names, fierce and unyielding monsters of vast bulk and possessing the strength of numberless elephants.”
दो0-द्विबिद मयंद नील नल अंगद गद बिकटासि।
दधिमुख केहरि निसठ सठ जामवंत बलरासि।।54।।
Dvivida, Mainda, Nila, Nala, Angada, Gada, Vikatasya, Dadhimukha, Kesari, Nisatha, Satha and the powerful Jambavan are some of them.”
55/60
ए कपि सब सुग्रीव समाना। इन्ह सम कोटिन्ह गनइ को नाना।।
राम कृपाँ अतुलित बल तिन्हहीं। तृन समान त्रेलोकहि गनहीं।।
Each of these monkeys is as mighty as Sugriva (the king) and there are tens of millions like them; who can dare count them? By the grace of Sri Rama they are unequalled in strength and reckon the three spheres of creation as of no more account than a blade of grass.
अस मैं सुना श्रवन दसकंधर। पदुम अठारह जूथप बंदर।।
नाथ कटक महँ सो कपि नाहीं। जो न तुम्हहि जीतै रन माहीं।।
I have heard it said, Ravana, that the commanders of the various monkey-troops alone number eighteen thousand billions. In the whole host, my lord, there is not a single monkey who would not conquer you in battle.
परम क्रोध मीजहिं सब हाथा। आयसु पै न देहिं रघुनाथा।।
सोषहिं सिंधु सहित झष ब्याला। पूरहीं न त भरि कुधर बिसाला।।
They are all wringing their hands in excess of passion; but the Lord of the Raghus does not order them (to march).” ‘We shall suck the ocean dry with all its fish and serpents or fill it up with huge mountains.
मर्दि गर्द मिलवहिं दससीसा। ऐसेइ बचन कहहिं सब कीसा।।
गर्जहिं तर्जहिं सहज असंका। मानहु ग्रसन चहत हहिं लंका।।
Nay, we shall crush the ten-headed Ravana and reduce him to dust.’ Such were the words that all the monkeys uttered. Fearless by nature, they roared and bullied as if they would devour Lanka.
दो0–सहज सूर कपि भालु सब पुनि सिर पर प्रभु राम।
रावन काल कोटि कहु जीति सकहिं संग्राम।।55।।
“All the monkeys and bears are born warriors and, besides, they have Lord Sri Rama over their head. Ravana, they can conquer in battle even millions of Yamas (death personified).”
56/60
राम तेज बल बुधि बिपुलाई। सेष सहस सत सकहिं न गाई॥
सक सर एक सोषि सत सागर। तव भ्रातहि पूँछेउ नय नागर॥
A hundred thousand Sesas would fail to describe the greatness of Sri Rama’s valour, strength and intelligence. With a single shaft He could dry up a hundred seas; yet, being a master of propriety, He consulted your brother (Vibhisana)
तासु बचन सुनि सागर पाहीं। मागत पंथ कृपा मन माहीं।।
सुनत बचन बिहसा दससीसा। जौं असि मति सहाय कृत कीसा।।
and in accordance with his suggestion He is asking passage of the ocean with a heart full of compassion.” The ten-headed monster laughed to hear these words. “It was because of such wits that he (Rama) took monkeys for his allies.
सहज भीरु कर बचन दृढ़ाई। सागर सन ठानी मचलाई।।
मूढ़ मृषा का करसि बड़ाई। रिपु बल बुद्धि थाह मैं पाई।।
That is why, confirming the advice of my brother, who is a born coward, he is persistent in demanding of the ocean (like a pet child) something which is impossible. Fool, why do you bestow false praise on the enemy, whose might and wisdom I have fathomed.
सचिव सभीत बिभीषन जाकें। बिजय बिभूति कहाँ जग ताकें।।
सुनि खल बचन दूत रिस बाढ़ी। समय बिचारि पत्रिका काढ़ी।।
Triumph and glory in this world are inaccessible to him who has a cowardly counsellor like Vibhisana.” The spy waxed angry to hear the words of the wicked monarch and taking it to be an opportune moment he took out the letter (from Laksmana).
रामानुज दीन्हीं यह पाती। नाथ बचाइ जुड़ावहु छाती॥
बिहसि बाम कर लीन्ही रावन। सचिव बोलि सठ लाग बचावन।।
“Sri Rama’s younger brother (Laksmana) gave me this note; have it read, my lord, and soothe your heart.” Ravana laughed when he took the letter in his left hand; and summoning his minister, the fool asked him to read it out.
दो0–बातन्ह मनहि रिझाइ सठ जनि घालसि कुल खीस।
राम बिरोध न उबरसि सरन बिष्नु अज ईस।।56(क)।।
Beguiling your mind with flattering words, O fool, do not bring your race to utter ruin. By courting enmity with Sri Rama you will not be spared even though you seek the protection of Visnu, Brahma or Siva.
की तजि मान अनुज इव प्रभु पद पंकज भृंग।
होहि कि राम सरानल खल कुल सहित पतंग।।56(ख)।।
Therefore, abandoning pride, like your younger brother, either seek the lotus feet of the Lord as a bee or be consumed with your family like a moth into the fire of Sri Rama’s shafts, O wretch.
57/60
सुनत सभय मन मुख मुसुकाई। कहत दसानन सबहि सुनाई।।
भूमि परा कर गहत अकासा। लघु तापस कर बाग बिलासा।।
Ravana was dismayed at heart as he listened to the above message but wore a feigned smile on his face and spoke aloud for all to hear: “The younger hermit’s grand eloquence is just like attempt of a man lying on the ground to clutch with hands the vault of heaven.”
कह सुक नाथ सत्य सब बानी। समुझहु छाड़ि प्रकृति अभिमानी।।
सुनहु बचन मम परिहरि क्रोधा। नाथ राम सन तजहु बिरोधा।।
Said Suka, “My lord, giving up haughtiness take every word of it as true. Abandon passion and give ear to my advice: my lord, avoid a clash with Sri Rama. The Hero of Raghu’s line is exceedingly mild of disposition,
अति कोमल रघुबीर सुभाऊ। जद्यपि अखिल लोक कर राऊ।।
मिलत कृपा तुम्ह पर प्रभु करिही। उर अपराध न एकउ धरिही।।
even though He is the lord of the entire universe. The Lord will shower His grace on you the moment you meet Him, and will not take to heart even a single offence of yours.
जनकसुता रघुनाथहि दीजे। एतना कहा मोर प्रभु कीजे।
जब तेहिं कहा देन बैदेही। चरन प्रहार कीन्ह सठ तेही।।
Pray, restore Janaka’s Daughter to Sri Rama; at least concede this request of mine.” When Suka asked him to surrender Videha’s Daughter, the wretch kicked him.
नाइ चरन सिरु चला सो तहाँ। कृपासिंधु रघुनायक जहाँ।।
करि प्रनामु निज कथा सुनाई। राम कृपाँ आपनि गति पाई।।
Suka, however, bowed his head at Ravana’s feet and proceeded to the place where the all-merciful Lord of the Raghus was. Making obeisance to the Lord he told Him all about himself and by Rama’s grace recovered his original state.
रिषि अगस्ति कीं साप भवानी। राछस भयउ रहा मुनि ग्यानी।।
बंदि राम पद बारहिं बारा। मुनि निज आश्रम कहुँ पगु धारा।।
He was an enlightened sage; it was by Agastya’s curse, Parvati, that he had been transformed into a demon. Adoring Sri Rama’s feet again and again the sage returned to his hermitage.
दो0-बिनय न मानत जलधि जड़ गए तीन दिन बीति।
बोले राम सकोप तब भय बिनु होइ न प्रीति।।57।।
Although three days had elapsed, the crass ocean would not answer the Lord’s prayer. Sri Rama thereupon indignantly said, “There can be no friendship without inspiring fear.”
58/60
लछिमन बान सरासन आनू। सोषौं बारिधि बिसिख कृसानू।।
सठ सन बिनय कुटिल सन प्रीती। सहज कृपन सन सुंदर नीती।।
“Laksmana, bring Me My bow and arrows; I will dry up the ocean with a missile presided over by the god of fire. Supplication before an idiot, friendship with a rogue, inculcating liberality on a born miser,
ममता रत सन ग्यान कहानी। अति लोभी सन बिरति बखानी।।
क्रोधिहि सम कामिहि हरि कथा। ऊसर बीज बएँ फल जथा।।
talking wisdom to one steeped in worldliness, glorifying dispassion before a man of excessive greed, a lecture on mindcontrol to an irascible man and a discourse on the exploits of Sri Hari to a libidinous person are as futile as sowing seeds in a barren land.”
अस कहि रघुपति चाप चढ़ावा। यह मत लछिमन के मन भावा।।
संघानेउ प्रभु बिसिख कराला। उठी उदधि उर अंतर ज्वाला।।
So saying, the Lord of the Raghus strung His bow and this stand (of the Lord) delighted Laksmana’s heart. When the Lord fitted the terrible arrow to His bow, a blazing fire broke out in the heart of the ocean;
मकर उरग झष गन अकुलाने। जरत जंतु जलनिधि जब जाने।।
कनक थार भरि मनि गन नाना। बिप्र रूप आयउ तजि माना।।
the alligators, serpents and fishes felt distressed. When the god presiding over the ocean found the creatures burning, he gave up his pride and, assuming the form of a Brahmana, came with a gold plate filled with all kinds of jewels.
दो0-काटेहिं पइ कदरी फरइ कोटि जतन कोउ सींच।
बिनय न मान खगेस सुनु डाटेहिं पइ नव नीच।।58।।
Though one may take infinite pains in watering a plantain it will not bear fruit unless it is hewed. Similarly, mark me, O king of birds, (continues Kakabhusundi,) a vile fellow heeds no prayer but yields only when reprimanded.
59/60
सभय सिंधु गहि पद प्रभु केरे। छमहु नाथ सब अवगुन मेरे।।
गगन समीर अनल जल धरनी। इन्ह कइ नाथ सहज जड़ करनी।।
The god presiding over the ocean clasped the Lord’s feet in dismay. “Forgive, my lord, all my faults. Ether, air, fire, water and earth- all these, my lord, are dull by nature.
तव प्रेरित मायाँ उपजाए। सृष्टि हेतु सब ग्रंथनि गाए।।
प्रभु आयसु जेहि कहँ जस अहई। सो तेहि भाँति रहे सुख लहई।।
It is Maya (Cosmic Nature) which brought them forth for the purpose of creation under an impulse from You; so declare all the scriptures. One would attain happiness in life only by remaining where he has been placed by the Lord.
प्रभु भल कीन्ही मोहि सिख दीन्ही। मरजादा पुनि तुम्हरी कीन्ही।।
ढोल गवाँर सूद्र पसु नारी। सकल ताड़ना के अधिकारी।।
My Lord has done well in giving me a lesson; but You have fixed certain limits for everyone. A drum, a rustic, a Sudra, a beast and a woman-all these deserve instructions.
प्रभु प्रताप मैं जाब सुखाई। उतरिहि कटकु न मोरि बड़ाई।।
प्रभु अग्या अपेल श्रुति गाई। करौं सो बेगि जौ तुम्हहि सोहाई।।
By the Lord’s glory I shall be dried up and the army will cross over; but this will bring no credit to me. Your command, however is inviolable; thus declare the Vedas, I shall do at once what pleases You.”
दो0-सुनत बिनीत बचन अति कह कृपाल मुसुकाइ।
जेहि बिधि उतरै कपि कटकु तात सो कहहु उपाइ।।59।।
On hearing his most submissive words the all-merciful smiled and said, “Tell me, dear father, some device whereby the monkey host may cross over.”
60/60
नाथ नील नल कपि द्वौ भाई। लरिकाई रिषि आसिष पाई।।
तिन्ह के परस किएँ गिरि भारे। तरिहहिं जलधि प्रताप तुम्हारे।।
My lord, the two monkey brothers, Nila, and Nala, got a boon in their childhood from a sage. Touched by them even huge mountains will float on the ocean by Your glory.
मैं पुनि उर धरि प्रभुताई। करिहउँ बल अनुमान सहाई।।
एहि बिधि नाथ पयोधि बँधाइअ। जेहिं यह सुजसु लोक तिहुँ गाइअ।।
Cherishing my lord’s (Your) greatness I too shall help You to the best of my ability. In this way, my lord, have the ocean bridged, so that this glorious achievement of Yours may be sung in all three spheres of creation.
एहि सर मम उत्तर तट बासी। हतहु नाथ खल नर अघ रासी।।
सुनि कृपाल सागर मन पीरा। तुरतहिं हरी राम रनधीरा।।
With this arrow, my Lord, exterminate a race of vile criminals inhabiting my northern coast.” On hearing this, Sri Rama, who was as tender-hearted as He was staunch in battle, immediately relieved the agony of Ocean’s heart.
देखि राम बल पौरुष भारी। हरषि पयोनिधि भयउ सुखारी।।
सकल चरित कहि प्रभुहि सुनावा। चरन बंदि पाथोधि सिधावा।।
The god presiding over the ocean was rejoiced and gratified to witness Sri Rama’s astounding might and valour. He related to the Lord all the doings (of those villains); and bowing to His feet, Ocean took his leave.
छं0-निज भवन गवनेउ सिंधु श्रीरघुपतिहि यह मत भायऊ।
यह चरित कलि मलहर जथामति दास तुलसी गायऊ।।
The god presiding over the ocean left for his home; the idea (of bridging the ocean) commended itself to the blessed Lord of the Raghus. This story (of Sri Rama’s exploits in this Kanda), which wipes out the impurities of the Kali age, has been sung by Tulasidasa according to his own (poor) lights.
सुख भवन संसय समन दवन बिषाद रघुपति गुन गना।।
तजि सकल आस भरोस गावहि सुनहि संतत सठ मना।।
The excellences of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) are an abode of delight, a panacea for all doubt and an unfailing remedy for sorrow. Therefore, giving up all other hope and faith, ever sing and hear them, O foolish mind.
दो0-सकल सुमंगल दायक रघुनायक गुन गान।
सादर सुनहिं ते तरहिं भव सिंधु बिना जलजान।।60।।
A recital of the virtues of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus) bestows all blessings. Those who reverently hear them cross the ocean of mundane existence without any bark.
मासपारायण, चौबीसवाँ विश्राम
[PAUSE 24 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
इति श्रीमद्रामचरितमानसे सकलकलिकलुषविध्वंसने
पञ्चमः सोपानः समाप्तः ।
(सुन्दरकाण्ड समाप्त)
Thus ends the fifth descent into the Manas lake of Lord Sri Ram’s exploits, that eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.