Valmiki Ramayanam

Valmiki Ramayanam
Aranya Kandam
Index
1. Rama Enters Dandakaranya 41. Ravana's Proposal to Mareecha
2. Rama Meets Viradha 42. Sita Sees Golden Deer
3. Fight with Viradha 43. Sita's Request for Deer
4. Viradha is Killed 44. Mareecha is Killed
5. Rama Meets Sage Sarabhanga 45. Lakshmana in Search of Rama
6. Sages Meet Rama 46. Ravana as Mendicant
7. Rama Meets Sage Sutheeshna 47. Ravana Reveals Identity
8. Rama Talks to Sage Sutheeshna 48. Ravana Introduces Himself
9. Sita Advises Rama 49. Ravana Carries Sita
10. Rama Replies to Sita 50. Jatayu Advises Ravana
11. Rama's Life in Dandakaranya 51. Jatayu and Ravana Fight
12. Agasthya Gives Vishnu's Bow to Rama 52. Ravana Abducts Sita
13. Agasthya Directs Rama to Panchavati 53. Sita Reasons with Ravana
14. Rama Meets Jatayu 54. Ravana Reaches Lanka with Sita
15. Lakshmana Builds Hermitage in Panchavati 55. Ravana's Attempt to Convince Sita
16. Winter Description 56. Ravana's Threat to Sita
17. Soorpankha Meets Rama 57. Rama Returns to Janasthana
18. Lakshmana Disfigures Soorpanakha 58. Rama Finds Hermitage Empty
19. Khara sends Soldiers to Capture Rama 59. Lakshmana Reports to Rama
20. Rama Kills Khara's Soldiers 60. Rama Wails for Sita
21. Soorphanaka Berates Khara 61. Initial Search for Sita
22. Khara Goes to War Against Rama 62. Rama in Sorrow
23. Khara's March 63. Rama is Upset
24. Rama's Preparation for War Against Khara 64. Rama Finds Traces of Attack on Sita
25. Rama and Khara's Army War 65. Lakshmana's Advice to Rama
26. Rama Kills Dhooshana 66. Lakshmana Consoles Rama
27. Rama Kills Trisiras 67. Rama and Jatayu
28. Rama's Fight with Khara 68. Jatayu's Death
29. Rama's Fight with Khara Continues 69. Rama Meets Ayomukhi
30. Khara's Death 70. Kabandha's Arms
31. Ravana is informed about Khara's Death 71. Kabandha's Story
32. Soorpanakha Meets Ravana 72. Kabandha's Request to Rama
33. Soorpanakha's Complaint to Ravana 73. Kabandha's Guidance
34. Soorpanakha's Description of Rama and Sita 74. Rama Meets Sage Sabari
35. Ravana at Mareecha's Hermitage 75. Rama Reaches Pampa
36. Ravana Requests for Mareecha's Assistance
37. Mareecha tries to Dissuade Ravana
38. Mareecha's Narration: Interaction with Rama
39. Mareecha's Narration: Encounter with Rama
40. Ravana Threatens Mareecha
Vedanta Spiritual Library | www.celextel.org Page 2 of 228 Valmiki Ramayanam - Aranya Kandam
Ramayanam - Aranya Kandam
By Sage Valmiki
Translated by P. R. Ramachander
Section: III
Aranya Kandam [Aranya Section]
[This book starts with the reaching of Rama to Dandakaranya (literally punishing forests) and ends
with the abduction of Sita by Ravana and killing of Kabandha who advises Rama to meet Sabari and
later Sugreeva.]
1. Rama Enters Dandakaranya
[Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana enters the Dandaka forest. The poet then describes the forest
as the house of several sages. Those sages receive Rama, Lakshmana and Sita hospitably and seek
their protection.]
That Rama steeped in the knowledge of himself and one who cannot be defeated entered the great
Dandakaranya and saw several hermitages of saints. 1.1
That place with several cloths made of grass was filled with the aura of Vedic wealth and was like the
disc of the sun, difficult to see by the naked eye. 1.2
That place which gave protection to all beings had courtyards filled with many deer and surrounded
by flocking birds and was kept very clean. 1.3
Daily being worshipped by dancing groups of celestial maidens, with broad fire places, vessels, hides
grass, sticks meant for sacrifice, pots filled with water and fruits and roots for the Yagna that place
shined and it was also blessed with huge shining trees. 1.4-1.5
That place was sanctified by auspicious offerings in the fire, filled up with the sound of chanting of
Vedas by Brahmins, was with scattered flowers and lotus ponds filled with lotus flowers and
surrounded by self-restrained old and great sages living on fruits and roots and dressed in bark
garments as well as deer skin." 1.6-1.7
Those great sages who were taking food according to rules were shining with auspiciousness and
their hermitages were shining like the abode of Brahma and filled with sound of chanting of Vedas.
1.8
It was shining with venerable Brahmins who were scholars of Vedas and seeing those clusters of
hermitages, Rama, untied his bow and went inside with great luster. 1.9
Those sages who had divine knowledge after seeing Rama and Sita were well pleased and went to
receive them. 1.10
Seeing that famous follower of Dharma shining like a moon along with Lakshmana and Sita, those
saints chanting auspicious greetings went forward to receive them. 1.11-1.12
Those people, who lived in the forest, saw the very pretty Rama with auspicious features and pretty
form with great awe. 1.13
Without battling their eye lashes and with great wonder those people living in the forest saw Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita. 1.14
Those great people who were interested in the welfare of all beings, took the guests inside a leaf
thatched hut and made them sit comfortably. 1.15
Those great people who can be compared to fire and who were followers of Dharma then extended
hospitality to Rama and offered him water. 1.16
Those followers of Dharma after offering fruits, roots and flowers from the hermitage to the great
Rama, with salutations told him. 1.17
"Sir, you are very famous as the protector of Dharma, and offer protection to those who seek it from
you. You are also fit to be worshipped, a gentleman and one who awards punishment." 1.18
"Oh Rama in this world the king is considered quarter of Indra and so he enjoys pleasures and is
respected by people." 1.19
"As we are living in your kingdom, we should be protected by you, whether we stay in the city or in the
forest as you are the lord and king of the people." 1.20
"Oh king, we have won over our anger, have control our senses, unarmed and are people whose
wealth is their penance and we are like your children and so you should protect us always." 1.21
After telling this, they offered to Rama along with Lakshmana with reverence fruits, roots as well as
flowers from the forest, as well as different eatables. 1.22
Like that those sages and Sidhas resembling fire and great followers of Dharma and law pleased the
god like Rama in a fitting manner. 1.23
This is the end of First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki
as the First Epic.
2. Rama Meets Viradha
[Viradha a giant with horrifying form appears before Rama and takes hold of Sita and keeps her on
his lap. Rama is slightly scared as well as horrified. Lakshmana tells Rama that he would kill Viradha.]
That Rama who was greatly satisfied, immediately after sun rise took leave of those saints, entered
the forest. 2.1
That Rama saw who was followed by Lakshmana saw that the forest was crowded with many types
of animals and occupied by boars and tigers. Many of the trees, climbers and bushes had been
cleared there and it was difficult to find water bodies and it was filled with noise of birds and insects.
2.2-2.3
While Sita and Rama were wandering in that place populated by horrible beasts they saw a man
eater who looked like the tip of the mountain. 2.4
That funny person was having huge eyes, broad mouth, greatly large belly and had the looks of a
disfigured and disgusting person and had dreadful appearance. 2.5
Wearing a skin of a tiger, drenched with marrow, sprinkled with blood, with wide mouth open that
being was frightening all beings like the god of death. 2.6
He was holding by its teeth three lions, four tigers, two wolves. ten deer and head of an elephant and
was wet with the marrow of those animals and pierced with a iron spear the head of a great elephant
and produced very great sound. 2.7
Seeing Rama, Lakshmana and Sita the princess of Mithila, he ran towards them with great anger as if
it is the God of death. 2.8
Creating a very horrible sound and also shaking the earth, he caught hold of Sita and kept her on its
lap and then said. 2.9
"Both of you with matted hair and dressed in bark along with your wife have entered this
Dandakaranya wearing the bow and arrows and your life is going to end now." 2.10
"How is it that though you are saints, you are living with your wife? You are youngsters not following
Dharma and ones insulting the saints." 2.11
"I am Viradha by name and wander well-armed in this impassable forests always eating the flesh of
sages." 2.12
"This very blessed lady would become my wife and I would drink the blood of both of you in the
battle." 2.13
Hearing the bad and very proud words of that bad soul Viradha, the daughter of Janaka became
bewildered out of fear. 2.14
Sita due to great fear was shaking like a banana plant in a strong wind and Rama, seeing the pure
one in the hold of Viradha, with a parched throat, told Lakshmana. 2.15-2.16
"Oh gentle one, see how the famous daughter of king Janaka who is my wife observing all virtues and
who is brought up with all love, has been caught by Viradha" 2.17
"Oh Lakshmana, what Kaikeyi desired for us through her boon, has already has happened to us
today." 2.18
"That far sighted lady not being contented with asking the kingdom for her son, sent me who is loved
by all beings to the forest and the desire of my middle mother has now been fulfilled." 2.19-2.20
"The touching of Sita by others is the greater sorrow to me than my father's death or the stealing of
my kingdom." 2.21
While the son of Kakustha clan spoke like this and was shedding tears, Lakshmana angry like a
elephant which has been tied, said. 2.22
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, Oh Lord of all beings, you are like Indra and when I am in your service why
are becoming sad?" 2.23
"I who am very angry is going to kill this Rakshasa by an arrow and his blood would be drunk by this
earth." 2.24
"I will release the anger that I have on Bharatha who yearned for the kingdom on this Viradha and it
will hit him like the Vajrayudha of Indra." 2.25
"By the speed generated by the strength of my arms, the arrow that I sent would fall with high speed
on his body and he will die and body after turning would fall on the earth. 2.26
This is the end of Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
Valmiki as the First Epic.
3. Fight with Viradha
[Viradha tells Rama that he cannot be harmed by any weapon due to the boon of Brahma. Though
Rama and Lakshmana fight with him using arrows they are not able to harm him. Viradha caught hold
of Rama and Lakshmana and carries them inside the forest.]
Afterwards Viradha completely filling up the forest asked, "Please tell me who you, young people, are
and where are you going?" 3.1
Then That Viradha echoing his voice in the forest said, "I am asking both of you, young men? Why
are you not speaking? Where are you going?" 3.2
Then the greatly lustrous one told that Rakshasa with a burning face, "we belong to the Ikshuvaku
clan." 3.3
"We are the people observing the Dharma of Kshatriyas and have now come to the forest and we
wish to know about you and to know why you are wandering in the Dandaka forest?" 3.4
To Rama who was shining due to truth that Viradha said, "Great, Oh king, I would tell and understand
that well, Oh Raghava." 3.5
"I am the son of Java and my mother is Sathahrudha and I am called Viradha by all the Rakshasas on
earth." 3.6
"By pleasing Lord Brahma by great penance I got a boon that I cannot be killed or cut or slit by any
weapon." 3.7
"Leave this lady here and without any requirements go away from here with speed, then both your
lives would not be taken." 3.8
Rama replied with a blood shot eyes due to anger to that Rakshasa Viradha with an ugly body and
who had evil intentions. 3.9
"Fie upon you, oh knave, you are in the quest of death due to evil acts and surely you would get it in
this fight. Stay there, as your life would not be spared." 3.10
Then after getting ready his bow, Rama shot at him very sharp arrows with great speed aiming
properly at the Rakshasa," 3.11
From that bow seven arrows of with a sting which were ornamented in gold and which had very great
speed were released and they had speed of Garuda and the wind God. Those arrows, which were
equal to hell along with feathers of peacock, pierced the body of Viradha but fell on the ground coated
with blood. 3.12- 3.13
When the arrows stuck that Rakshasa, he kept Sita down, took a spear and rushed towards Rama
and Lakshmana.. 3.14
Then that Rakshasa making a very loud horrible sound, taking a spear which was similar to the flag of
Indra, appeared with his mouth open like the God of death. 3.15
And these two brothers showered arrows with great luster on the Rakshasa called Viradha who
looked like a god of death who destroys other beings. 3.16
Then that Rakshasa laughed loudly and yawned and as he was yawning all those arrows which were
coming swiftly at him fell down. 3.17
That Rakshasa due to the boon that he has obtained just by mere touch regulated the five airs of his
body, took the spear and ran after Rama and Lakshmana. 3.18
That spear which was like the Vajrayudha shined in the sky was cut by use of two arrows by Rama
who was one who scared his enemies. 3.19
That spear which was broken by Rama's arrow fell on the ground like mount Meru being broken in to
two pieces by Vajrayudha. 3.20
Then both of them lifted their sword which looked like a black serpent and at once fell upon him and
struck with that weapon. 3.21
Being struck that angry Rakshasa intended to set out after catching those tiger among men who
cannot be shaken. 3.22
Having understood his intention Rama told Lakshmana "Let him carry us through this path and there
is no need to stop him." 3.23
"Oh son of Sumithra, let the Rakshasa carry us, for the direction by the nocturnal one is the proper
direction." 3.24
Puffed up with great pride due to his great strength that one who moves at night held them on his
shoulders and started moving. 3.25
Carrying them on his shoulders that Viradha who moves in darkness with loud screaming proceeded
to the forest. 3.26
He entered the forest which was like a great cloud and which was filled with trees of various shapes
and also filled various type of wonderful birds, foxes and various wild animals. 3.27
This is the end of Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
4. Viradha is Killed
[Rama and Lakshmana break the hands of Viradha. He falls down. Since weapons are not able to kill
him, they prepare to bury him. He tells them that he is Dhumburu cursed by Khubera and would
regain his form if killed by Rama. He tells them to go to the hermitage of Sarabhanga and dies. Rama
and Lakshmana bury him.]
Sita seeing that both Rama and Lakshmana were being carried away on the great shoulders of the
Rakshasa shouted at the top of her voice. 4.1
"The truthful and pure Rama who is the son of Dasaratha and who is of great character, along with
Lakshmana is being taken away by a dreadful Rakshasa" said Sita. 4.2
"I would be eaten away by the bears, tigers and panthers here and so Rakshasa I am saluting you to
take me away and leave those sons of Kakustha clan. 4.3
When Rama and Lakshmana heard those words of Vaidehi they started speedily actions to kill that
wicked person. 4.4
With great anger the son of Sumithra broke one of his shoulders and Rama broke the right shoulder
quickly. 4.5
That confused Rakshasa who was like a dark cloud and who was without both shoulders fell on the
ground like a mountain felled by the Vajrayudha." 4.6
They lifted the Rakshasa holding his knees, fists and feet and dropped him down again and again
and pounded him on the ground. 4.7
Though stuck and wounded by many arrows, cut by the swords and repeatedly pounded, that
Rakshasa was not dead. 4.8
That Gentle Rama who protects from fear those who are afraid, after observing that the mountain like
Rakshasa could not be killed told Lakshmana. 4.9
"Oh tiger among men, this Rakshasa due to the boons obtained by penance cannot be killed by any
weapon and so let us bury him." 4.10
"Oh Lakshmana, this elephant like Rakshasa is angry and reflects the glow of anger in him; to bury
him, dig a big pit." 4.11
After telling that a big pit may be dug that valorous Rama stood there firmly keeping his leg on the
neck of Viradha. 4.12
Hearing Rama say these words that Viradha in a gentle manner told the son of the Kakustha clan
who was tiger among men. 4.13
"Oh tiger among men, I have been killed by your strength which is equal to that of Indra and without
realizing that being disillusioned I spoke those words earlier. 4.14
"I now know you Rama as the good son of Kausalya and Sita as a great lady and Lakshmana as a
great man." 4.15
"I was Thumburu, a celestial Gandharwa singer who was cursed by Khubera and took this ugly
repulsive form." 4.16
When I appeased him, that great lord said, "When you would be killed in war by Rama, the son of
Dasaratha, you would get back your original form." 4.17
"This curse was given to me by the king Khubera when I did not present for his service as I was
involved in love with Rambha." 4.18
"Oh Rama who troubles his enemies, by your grace, I have got rid of my curse and I am going to my
own world wishing you safety and luck." 4.19
"Oh lad, half a Yojana [one mile] distance from here lives a famous saint Sarabhanga who has luster
like the sun and you go and meet him speedily and he would bestow fame on you." 4.20-4.21
"You may go with safety after burying me in this pit for burying a Rakshasa is eternal Dharma and
would take them to heaven." 4.22
That Viradha, who was hurt by the arrows, after speaking like this to the son of the Kakustha clan, left
the body and reached the heaven. 4.23
When Rama heard these words, he ordered Lakshmana to dig a very wide pit to bury that Rakshasa
of dreadful acts who was like an elephant and that valorous one stood there with his feet on the neck
of that Rakshasa called Viradha. 4.24-4.25
Then Lakshmana after fetching a very big spade and dug a big pit by the side of that great Rakshasa
called Viradha. 4.26
Then Rama took his feet and released the pressure on the neck of Viradha and he with pointed ears
fell in to the pit with roaring terrible sound. 4.27
Both those valorous Rama and Lakshmana who were stable in war and brave, moved together swiftly
and with great strength lifted the Rakshasa who was roaring and dropped him in the pit. 4.28
Seeing that the big Asura could not be killed by arrows or any other weapons, those tiger among men
and who were intelligent and efficient undertook to kill Viradha in that pit. 4.29
Viradha himself wanted to die at the hands of Rama in a true manner with force and he himself
revealed to those people who were wandering in the forest that he could not be killed by any
weapons. 4.30
When Rama heard those words of the Rakshasa, he intended to kill him by placing him in a pit and
when they were placing him in the pit he shouted in a loud voice which echoed in the forest. 4.31
Rama and Lakshmana appeared to be joyous when placing that Viradha in a pit, since that would end
the fear in that forest and then the covered the Rakshasa with boulders and mud. 4.32
After killing that Rakshasa, Rama and Lakshmana who were endowed with golden bows took care of
Sita and then both of them moved in the forest resembling the sun and moon in the sky. 4.33
This is the end of Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
5. Rama Meets Sage Sarabhanga
[When Rama approaches hermitage of Sarabhanga, he sees Indra talking to him but Indra leaves
without meeting Rama. Sarabhanga tells Rama that Indra offered to take him to the world of Brahma
but he refused as he wanted to meet Rama. He then advises Rama to go to the hermitage of
Sutheeshna and then gives up his body.]
After killing that very strong Rakshasa Viradha in the forest, after embracing Sita and comforting her,
that Valorous elder brother Rama told Lakshmana who had great luster. 5.1
"Since we are not inhabitants of the forest, life in this impassable forest is difficult and let us go
quickly to meet Sarabhanga who is rich with penance." 5.2
When Raghava approached the hermitage of Sarabhanga, he could see a great wonder near that
divine sage with a purified soul. 5.3-5.4
In the sky he saw Indra the lord of the three worlds, shining like the Sun and the fire, wearing similarly
shining ornaments and dressed in spotlessly clean dress mounted on a chariot that was not touching
the earth adored and worshipped by many great souls. 5.5-5.6
He saw that Chariot was standing in space and was yoked to horses of green colour, which was
shining like a young sun, which was similar to dense white clouds and which was similar to the moon.
5.7-5.8
He saw the very pure Umbrella which was decorated by a multi colour garland along with fans with
golden handles which were fanned by two deva women near the head of Indra. 5.9
That great Indra was being praised by Gandharwas, Sidhas, devas and very many great sages, all of
them standing on the sky. 5.10
When Indra was seen to be talking with sage Sarabhanga, noticing Indra, Rama told to Lakshmana.
5.11
Rama seeing that Chariot showed it to Lakshmana "see that shining wonder, Oh Lakshmana which is
the chariot travelling in the sky and shining like a Sun." 5.12-5.13
"Those horses which we are seeing are owned by Devendra, which we have heard travel in the sky
and that is really wonderful." 5.14
"Oh tiger among men, Oh son of Sumithra around the chariot one hundred young men wearing ear
studs are standing and each of them are holding a sword in their hands. All of them have very broad
chest and they wear red coloured cloths and it is difficult to overpower them as they look like huge
tigers. Each of them also wears chains which give out luster similar to fire and they all appear to be
about twenty five years old." 5.15-5.17
"Seeing those men who are among the best, we can presume that they are devas, who do not seem
to grow old at all." 5.18
"Oh Lakshmana, you stay here for a little time along with Vaidehi, and I would go there to find out
clearly about who this shining person is." 5.19
Requesting the son of Sumithra to wait there, the son of Kakustha clan went towards the hermitage of
Sarabhanga. 5.20
Then Indra, the husband of Sachi seeing the approaching Rama, went near the sage Sarabhanga
and told to him privately as follows. 5.21
"Here comes Rama and I would not talk to him now as he would be eligible to talk to me only after he
completes his mission. I am sure that in another short time he would accomplish his task and that
task, which he would succeed, would be impossible for others to complete." 5.22-5.23
Then that Indra, after telling this to that sage and after honouring him, got in to the chariot yoked to
the horses and went to the heaven. 5.24
Seeing that Indra was departing Rama went back and along with his companions went towards
Sarabhanga who was worshipping the fire. 5.25
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita saluted the feet of that saint and responding to the instruction to sit,
occupied a seat. 5.26
Then Rama asked about the visit of Indra with that sage Sarabhanga and he told about it completely
to Rama. 5.27
"Oh Rama, Since I have done very great penance and attaining that which is very difficult to attain by
others, he wanted to take me to the world of Brahma." 5.28
"Oh tiger among men, since I knew that you are very nearby, I did not want to go to the world of
Brahma, without seeing you." 5.29
"Oh tiger among men, only after meeting you, who is a great by performance of Dharma, I wanted to
go to heaven for being served by Devas." 5.30
"Oh tiger among men, I have conquered the auspicious heavens where the stay never diminishes and
there are in the higher planes of Lord Brahma, and you may accept them from me." 5.31
"When told like this by the sage Sarabhanga, Rama, the tiger among men who is an expert in all
Sasthras replied like this." 5.32
"Oh great sage, I would earn myself all the worlds myself. I need to a place for stay in the forest and
so please guide me." 5.33
When the Raghava who is equal in strength to Indra told like this, the greatly learned Sarabhanga
again told like this." 5.34
"Oh Rama, A soul of Dharma called Sutheeshna who is glorious and a follower of Dharma lives in this
forest and you approach him he will guide you in this matter." 5.35
"You go and approach that sage Sutheeshna and he would show you a clean place to stay in this
pretty forest and then you can stay there." 5.36
"Oh Rama, you travel in the opposite direction of Mandakini which carries flowers in boats and you
would reach that place." 5.37
"Oh tiger among men, please for a moment see in this direction and see my body, for I am going to
shed off this dilapidated body like a snake sheds its skin." 5.38
Then the great lustrous Sarabhanga entered the fire kindled by chanting of Manthras in the sticks of
sacrificial fire." 5.39
Then that fire burnt the hair on his body as well as his head and his worn out skin as well as his flesh.
5.40
The great Sarabhanga rose from that fire with a youthful form and after emerging out, he looked
splendid. 5.41
Then he went out of the world of priests who constantly kindled fire, great sages and after going
beyond the world of devas went to the world of Brahma. 5.42
That great Brahmin who did blessed deeds in the world saw Lord Brahma and his people and Lord
Brahma also saw that Brahmin and gladly welcomed him. 5.43
This is the end of Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki
as the First Epic.
6. Sages Meet Rama
[Many great sages of the forest meet Rama and tell him, how they are troubled and killed by
Rakshasas. They request him to protect them. Rama promises to do that and goes in search of
hermitage of Sutheeshna.]
When Sarabhanga reached heaven, many groups of sages came together and approached Rama
who was having great luster and is the son of the Kakustha clan. 6.1
Vaikasanas, Valakhilyas, who washed their bodies frequently, Marichakas, Asmakutas, saints who
eat leaves as food, saints who de husk grains with their teeth and eat them, saints who keep only the
head above the water, saints who only use their limbs as bed, saints who do not lie down, saints who
live out in the open, saints who take liquid food, saints who live only on air, saints who are seated on
top of trees, saints who sleep on bare ground, those who observe penance of fast, saints who have
restrained all emotions, saints who always wear wet cloths, sages who meditate always, sages who
do penance surrounded by fire beneath the sun and many other saint met Rama in the hermitage of
Sarabhanga along with Brahmins who were practicing steadfast yoga. 6.2-6.6
Those groups of sages who were experts in Dharma having reached there, met Rama, the greatest
among practitioners of Dharma and told him. 6.7
"You are the very heroic one of earth belonging to the clan of Ikshuvakus and one of their important
lords and similar to Indra among devas." 6.8
"You are well known in all the three worlds, for your valour, devotion to your father, steadfast
adherence to truth and Dharma." 6.9
"We have come to you oh great one, who is an expert in Dharma as well as lover of Dharma and we
are telling you about our need and we deserve your pardon for that." 6.10
"Oh lord, that king would not be doing an act as Dharma if he collects one sixth of the income from all
but fails to protect them." 6.11
"He who loves all the people of his country more than his life and considers them equal to his children
and protects all of them in a proper manner forever, would get fame for a very long time and attain the
world of Brahma and would remain there and will be appreciated there also." 6.12-6.13
"Out of the benefits got by sages and saints living on roots and fruits by their observing the divine
Dharma, one fourth of it would go to the king." 6.14
"Oh Rama, most of those who observe Vanaprastha stage of life are Brahmins and in spite of their
having a ruler like you, they are tortured and killed like orphans." 6.15
"Come in to the forest and see for yourself the bodies of those sages who were meditating on God
but were killed by the Rakshasas by the fierce Rakshasas," 6.16
"A war was waged between those who live on the Chithrakuta and those living near Pampa river
which is near river Mandakini." 6.17
"We are not able to tolerate the greatly treacherous acts of those very horrible Rakshasas in the
forest." 6.18
"So we have come seeking protection by you because you are the one capable of protecting us and
since we are being killed by the Rakshasas, protect us from them." 6.19
"Oh valorous one, we cannot find any other person in the world who can protect us and so Oh prince
protect us from all those Rakshasas." 6.20
Hearing this from the sages, that son of Kakustha clan who was an expert in Dharma told those
sages like this. 6.21
"It is not fitting for you to entreat like this to me but as sages you should have ordered me as I am
entering this forest for a personal purpose." 6.22
"For I have entered this forest as per the orders of my father and also to ward off, the evil acts of the
Rakshasas against you all." 6.23
"Just be chance I came to this forest to fulfill your task and so my stay in the forest surely would lead
to good results." 6.24
"I desire to kill those Rakshasas who trouble you sages in a war and oh sages who have earned the
treasure of penance, you are going to see the valour of my brother and myself." 6.25
After promising protection to the sages rich in penance that man who was firm in Dharma along with
his brother Lakshmana and those great ascetics started to meet Sutheeshna who deserves to be
respected. 6.26
This is the end of Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
7. Rama Meets Sage Sutheeshna
[Rama goes to the hermitage of Sutheeshna. The sage advised them to stay there itself as he was
preparing to go to heaven.]
Rama the destroyer of enemies, along with Lakshmana and Sita as well as those sages went to the
hermitage of Sutheeshna. 7.1
After going with difficulty for a long distance, after crossing many rivers with plenty of pure water,
Rama saw a mountain which looked like a great cloud. 7.2
Then the sons of the Ikshuvaku clan along with Sita entered a forest dense with various trees. 7.3
Then they saw in that the harsh forest which was full of trees with lot of flowers and fruits a lonely
hermitage where the bark dresses were hung for drying. 7.4
There they saw a sage of advanced penance Sutheeshna with dirty and soiled matted hair and as per
his duty, Rama spoke to him. 7.5
"Oh God like sage, I am Rama and I have come to see you a great sage of valour, who is a follower
of Dharma and who radiates truth and so please talk to me." 7.6
Then that sage seeing the courageous Rama, who was the best among those who follow Dharma,
hugged him with his hands and told. 7.7
"Oh Rama, great one of Raghu clan who is observer of truth, welcome to you and with your coming
this hermitage has a lord to protect it." 7.8
"Oh valorous one, Without going to heaven after leaving the earth, I am waiting for you who is with
great fame, when I heard that you have left your kingdom and reached Chithrakuta." 7.9
"Oh son of Ikshuvaku clan, Indra who is the king of devas had come here and that great deva who is
also the God of devas told me that I have won over all the worlds due to my blessed deeds." 7.10-
7.11
"Those places which have been won by me are desirable even to the divine sages and you along with
Sita and Lakshmana can move about in those places by my grace. 7.12
To that great sage who had done very great penance and who is the votary of truth, Rama who had
great self-respect replied. 7.13
"Oh great sage, I would myself attain those great places and I desire you to direct me to a place of
residence in the forest." 7.14
"You maintain welfare everywhere and are interested in the well-being of all people and you were
introduced to me by the sage Sarabhanga of Gautama clan." 7.15
When Rama told like this, that great sage who was famous in all the three worlds spoke these sweet
words of happiness coupled with greatness. 7.16
"Oh Rama, this place where many sages have moved in is a good place and you can move in to this
hermitage blessed with fruits and roots." 7.17
"Oh greatly famous one, groups of various animals move about freely in to this hermitage tempting
the inmates without any fear." 7.18
"There is no problem in this hermitage except the movement of wild animals and hearing those words
Rama as well as Lakshmana without any fear lifted their bows and arrows and told these fearless
words. 7.19
"Oh great saint, if groups of wild animals come here, we would kill all of them using these sharp
edged arrows which are comparable to thunderbolts." 7.20
"Oh sage, you please get ready. Are there any other things more difficult than that? We feel that our
stay here would not be long." 7.21
After having spoken that way Rama, seeing that the dusk has set in, Rama completed the worship of
the dusk facing west and decided to stay there in that delightful hermitage of Sutheeshna along with
Lakshmana and Sita. 7.22-7.23
After the dusk has passed and night has set in the sage Sutheeshna himself offered pure food to the
great among men and also offered them great hospitality. 7.24
This is the end of Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
8. Rama Talks to Sage Sutheeshna
[Rama wants to go to the hermitages of all other saints in Dandakaranya. Sutheeshna approves the
idea and wants them to stay in his hermitage whenever they like. Rama takes leave of sage
Sutheeshna.]
Rama and Lakshmana who were honourably treated by sage Sutheeshna, spent the night there and
woke up in the morning. 8.1
Rama along with Sita got up at the usual time and touched the cold water with the fragrance of lotus
flower. 8.2
Then at the proper time Vaidehi, Rama and Lakshmana worshipped the fire as well as devas
according to rules in the hermitage of the sage and after seeing the sun without blemishes after it
rose, approached Sutheeshna and spoke these gentle words. 8.3-8.4
"We had a good stay here, oh God like sage, being greatly treated by you and as the sages are
hastening us up, we would like your permission to leave." 8.5
"We are hurrying up as we want to see all the hermitages of all the blessed saints who live in the
Dandakaranya forest." 8.6
"We seek your permission to go along with these virtuous sages, who are self-controlled and as pure
as fire." 8.7
"We wish to leave before the sun starts shining leading to intolerable heat, like one of improper
lineage getting wealth in an improper way." Saying this, Rama, Lakshmana along with Sita touched
the feet of the saint. 8.8-8.9
The sage lifted Rama and Lakshmana who bent and touched his feet, embraced them tightly and said
the following. 8.10
"Oh Rama along with son of Sumithra and this Sita who is following you like your shadow go safely in
this path." 8.11
"Oh Rama see the beautiful location of hermitages of the people living in Dandakaranya and oh
valorous one, in them live sages who are steadfast in their penance." 8.12
"You will see pretty forests with roots and fruits in abundance, with plenty of flowers, with best
collection of animals, with spots filed with peaceful birds and forest areas with full bloomed lotus
flowers, with pure water sources, With pretty tanks and lakes filled with ducks, with waterfalls coming
down from the mountain and filled with sound of peacocks." 8.13-8.15
"Oh dear child, you may go and Oh Lakshmana you may also go and after seeing all the other
hermitages you may again come here." 8.16
After this was told that son of Kakustha clan along with Lakshmana, went round the sage with
reverence and began to leave from there. 8.17
Then Sita gave those two brothers auspicious quivers, bows as well as arrows and also gave them
pure swords. 8.18
That Rama and Lakshmana, after tying those auspicious quivers and after taking those arrows and
bows which make thunderous twang started to go away from the hermitage. 8.19
Those two pretty sons of Raghu clan, blessed with auspiciousness and shining with their own luster,
bearing the bow and arrows started along with Sita. 8.20
This is the end of Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
9. Sita Advises Rama
[Sita feels that Rama should not get in to killing spree of Rakshasas without any enmity with them.
She illustrates this with an instance of a great sage getting a sword from Indra and using it to kill
others and then he goes to hell.]
Addressing the son of the Raghu clan who was going forth after taking permission from Sutheeshna,
Vaidehi told these friendly words from her heart. 9.1
"Your great self will not attain Dharma if we are examining it minutely in this world by acting based on
your desires." 9.2
"By taking recourse to one's desires three things are attained and these are telling untrue words
which is very bad, desiring someone else's wife and getting angry without enmity." 9.3
"Since in the past you never told untrue words, it cannot be there in future and Oh Raghava, how can
desiring some else's wife which destroys dharma be in you?" 9.4
"Oh king among men, that never was within your heart and never it will be there, Oh Rama, Oh prince
as you are always interested in your wife." 9.5-9.6
"You are a follower of Dharma, a teller of truth, follower of your father's words and in you Dharma,
truth and everything good is established." 9.7
"And oh great man, for the one who has won over his senses, it is possible for you to shoulder all this
and oh graceful one, I know well, about how you control your senses." 9.8
"The third one is torturing others only due to your anger which is done without your realizing it and I
think that you are having it now." 9.9
"Oh valorous one, you have given your word to those sages who live in Dandakaranya, that you
would kill Rakshasas for protecting the sages." 9.10
"Because you have arrived here with your brother armed with bow and arrows, this forest has got the
name punishing forest." 9.11
"Seeing that my well prepared mind is filled with anxiety, for thinking about bearing, I think that which
is not good for you would happen." 9.12
"Oh valorous one, I do not like your going to the Dandaka forest and I will tell you the reason, please
hear it." 9.13
"When you enter the forest armed with bow and arrow, along with your brother, would you not use
those against those who travel in the forest." 9.14
"For the Kshatriyas, bow within their reach is like a fuel within reach of fire, for both increase the
strength." 9.15
"Oh very strong one, long time back, there was a saint who was pure and truthful and that forest was
occupied by birds and animals." 9.16
"Indra, the husband of Sachi came in the form of a soldier to the hermitage holding a great sword to
create disturbance to the penance." 9.17
"He then gave that great sword to the hermitage for safe keeping, when the saint was sitting in
penance." 9.18
'He who received that weapon, to protect the trust that was placed on him, moved about in the forest
always keeping the sword with him." 9.19
"Wherever he goes, whether it is to collect fruits or roots, the saint who was interested in guarding it,
did not go without the sword." 9.20
"That Saint rich in penance, slowly got in to the habit of carrying the weapon and he slowly got in to
the habit of becoming angry losing his determination to do penance." 9.21
"And then with the constant company of the weapon, that sage started getting associated with acts
which are not according to Dharma and went to hell." 9.22
"This is the story that happened due to the constant association with weapon showing association
with weapon is like the fuel getting associated with fire." 9.23
"I am telling all this with love and respect and not reminding you or teaching you and request you not
at any time hold your bow and kill the Rakshasas who are living in Dandaka without any enmity, for a
hero does not like to kill anyone without an offence being committed." 9.24-9.25
"Those Kshatriyas and heroes who are habituated to stay in the forest, use their bow only to protect
those who suffer." 9.26
"Where it the weapon? Where is the forest? Where is the principle of Kshatriyas? Where is penance?
All these are inconsistent and so let us follow the laws of the land." 9.27
"By doing service to weapons, the mind gets maligned and you may follow the habit of Kshatriyas and
go back to Ayodhya." 9.28
"The Love of my father in law and my mother in law will live forever, if without bothering about the
kingdom, you live a life of a saint." 9.29
"Wealth shines because of Dharma, pleasure shines because of Dharma, due to Dharma we would
get everything and the entire essence of earth is Dharma." 9.30
This is the end of Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
10. Rama Replies to Sita
[Rama tells Sita that the sages of Dandakaranya have been constantly troubled by those Rakshasas,
who prevent them from doing their penances and fire sacrifices. As per their request, he had
promised them that he would kill or drive away those Rakshasas. Since truth is dearer to him than
anything else, he cannot desist from that.]
Hearing those words of Vaidehi told because of her devotion to him, That Rama who was firm on
following Dharma replied like this to Janaki. 10.1
"Oh Lady who knows Dharma, Oh daughter of Janaka, You have spoken friendly, pleasing and
beneficial words which shows your great heritage." 10.2
"Oh divine lady, what shall I reply to those befitting words, which mentioned that when a Kshatriya
takes the bow, the tears of misery ceases to flow." 10.3
"Oh Sita, Those suffering sages of Dandakaranya who are firm in their resolute penance have
themselves approached me for protection." 10.4
"Living always in the forest and subsisting on tubers and fruits, they do not get pleasure due to being
scared by the cruel acts of Rakshasas." 10.5
"The very large Rakshasas who eat human flesh, eat away the sages living in Dandakaranya and
those great Brahmins have come to me asking to save them." 10.6
"After I heard the words that fell from their mouth, I consoled them by my words and told them, "Be
gracious to me, this is greatly insulting to me as these should have been done by myself without your
request." 10.7-10.8
"And then I asked those Brahmins in front of me, "what should I do?" and then all of them together
spoke out to me." 10.9
"In Dandakaranya there are many Rakshasas who can assume any form that they want and they
torture and trouble us, Rama and so protect us from that." 10.10
"Oh matchless one, they reach us when we are doing Homa and on full and new moon days and
those flesh eating Rakshasas, who are impossible to resist trouble us." 10.11
"We who are sages who do penance, when troubled by those Rakshasas, were searching for
protection and you are our only ultimate protector." 10.12
"Due to the power of the penance that we have done, we are indeed capable to kill those night farers
but we do not want to waste, the power of penance that we have earned in a long time." 10.13
"There are many obstacles for doing our penance and observing penance also has become greatly
difficult and so though we are being eaten by them, we do not curse them." 10.14
"Those sages of Dandakaranya who were being persecuted by the Rakshasas said, "since you are
the lord of the jungle, along with your brother protect us." 10.15
"Oh, daughter of Janaka, hearing those words, I have given my word for complete protection of those
sages of Dandakaranya." 10.16
"Having promised like this to the sages, it is not possible for me to change this course, as truth is dear
to me, is it not?" 10.17
"Now I am prepared to lose my life and to forfeit even Lakshmana and you, rather than going back
from the promise that I gave to those Brahmins." 10.18
"So Sita, even If I have not been requested, I have to look after the sages and Oh Vaidehi, so it is not
proper to break my promise." 10.19
"Oh Sita, you told those words out of love to me and due to your good heart and I am contented and
would not tolerate uninterested ones advising me." 10.20
"Oh pretty one, your correct and appropriate words are proper to your heritage, and you are my
companion in observing Dharma and dearer to me than my own soul." 10.21
After that great one told these words to dear Sita who was the princess of Mithila, Armed with bow,
Rama and Lakshmana went to the pretty forest of penance. 10.22
This is the end of Tenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
11. Rama's Life in Dandakaranya
[Rama stayed in various places in Dandakaranya for the first ten years. He happened to see the lake
of Five Apsara maidens. Later he goes back to hermitage of sage Sutheeshna. Sutheeshna directs
him to go to sage Agasthya's ashram. On the way to the hermitage of brother of Agasthya, Rama tells
about how Agasthya destroyed Vatapi and how under his care the southern side of the country
prospers. They reach the hermitage of Agasthya.]
Rama proceeding first followed by the very pretty Sita who was in the middle, followed by Lakshmana
armed with a bow proceeded further. 11.1
They [Rama and Lakshmana] saw many mountains and forests of diverse types and also saw very
pretty rivers along with Sita. 11.2
Seeing those rivers on which cranes and Chakravaka birds moved over the sand banks, they also
saw lakes having lotus flowers and water birds. 11.3
They moved watching spotted deer in herds and madly acting large bison as well bear and elephants
which were breaking trees. 11.4
They went to a great distance by the time of sun setting and there they saw a charming big lake of
one Yojana dimension. It was full of lotus and water lilies and was decorated by large number of
elephants and it also had storks, swans and Kadamba water birds. 11.5-11.6
In the enchanting waters of that lake they heard songs played by musical instruments but they were
not able to see any one. 11.7
Those great fighters due to curiosity asked about it to the sage called Dharmabrutha who was
following them. 11.8
"Oh great sage, after hearing this greatly wonderful music, great inquisitiveness has been created
among us and please tell us clearly about it." 11.9
Thus being asked by the soul of Dharma Raghava, that sage, speedily started telling about the
greatness of lake. 11.10
"This is an all season lake called "Five Apsaras" built by a sage called Mandakarni by using his power
of penance." 11.11
"That great sage Mandakarni did penance for ten thousand years staying in water and consuming air
only." 11.12
"Then the worried devas met with each other and with Agni in the lead, started conversing among
themselves." 11.13
"That sage is praying for the position of one of us" Thinking like this, all the dwellers of heaven
developed a broken mind." 11.14
"So all those devas decided to cause hindrance to the penance of the sage and sent five important
Apsara maidens who were like lightning." 11.15
"Then those Apsara maidens, for fulfilling the work of Devas, got that sage who knew about this and
the other world, entangled him in the web of passion." 11.16
"Those five Apsara maidens became his wives and then he created this lake and made them live
underneath it." 11.17
"When those Apsara maidens were leading a pleasant life there, they gratified the sage, who has
assumed youthfulness by the power of penance." 11.18
"This delightful melodies are being heard, due to their playing musical instruments mingled with the
sound of ornaments when they are engaged in play." 11.19
"The account of the great sage is indeed wonderful" Said Raghava along with his brother who was
very famous. 11.20
When he was talking like this, he saw a group of hermitages circled by cloth made of grass, which
was encompassed by solemn chant of Veda and Rama entered in to it along with Lakshmana and
Vaidehi. 11.21
Then that son of Kakustha clan stayed in that great cluster of hermitages for some time with pleasure
being venerated by saints. Then the great expert in arrows went to visit the sages near whom he had
resided earlier, once again. 11.22-11.23
He stayed in one place for ten months, in another place for one year, in another place for four
months, somewhere else for five months, yet another place for six months, some other place more
than one month, one and half months, three months and eight months in other places. 11.24-11.25
Like that living in hermitages of saints he comfortably lived happily, ten long years elapsed
comfortably for him. 11.26
Going round that knower of Dharma Raghava along with Sita once again reached the great hermitage
of sage Sutheeshna. 11.27
After coming to that hermitage, that destroyer of enemies Rama, stayed there for some more time,
honoured by the sages there. 11.28
Then one day that son of Kakustha clan with humility said to the great sage Sutheeshna who was
sitting nearby. 11.29
"I have heard from narratives of others that the very great and godly sage Agasthya is staying in our
forest." 11.30
"Due to the forest being very large I do not find that place. Where is his holy hermitage of the great
sage situated?." 11.31
"I want to meet that godly sage for requesting his blessings along with my younger brother and Sita,
and wish to approach that sage and introduce myself." 11.32
"To visit that great sage is my desire and keeps on occurring again and again, and I want to serve
that great sage myself." 11.33
Hearing these words of Rama that sage Sutheeshna who is the soul of Dharma replied Rama,
gladdening his heart. 11.34
"I also desired to tell you that Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana should approach that great sage
Agasthya." 11.35
"By luck you yourself have talked to me about this subject and now I will tell you where that great
sage lives." 11.36
"After you go four Yojanas [8 miles] from here, on the south you would find the hermitage of the
brother of sage Agasthya." 11.37
"When you reach that place you would see a shining forest of Pippali trees, which is full of flowers
and fruits and echoes with sound of various type of birds." 11.38
"There are many lakes there with peaceful waters, teeming with partridges and swans and shining
with Chakravaka birds. Oh Rama spend one night there and proceed from there next day." 11.39
"Within a Yojana distance from there on the southern direction, on the side of the forest clump is the
hermitage of Agasthya." 11.40
"In that pretty forest with many shining trees, you, Lakshmana and Sita would enjoy much, for is it not
forest with many trees?" 11.41-11.42
"Suppose you have made up your mind to see the great sage Agasthya, then take a decision to go
today itself." 11.43
When Rama heard this, along with his brother he saluted the sage and immediately started to see
Agasthya along with his brother and Sita. 11.44
Seeing the pretty forests, cloud like mountains, lakes, rivers and walking along the pathway as per
the advice of Sutheeshna travelled comfortably and told Lakshmana the following with great joy.
11.45-11.46
"This is definitely the hermitage of the brother of Agasthya who has done blessed deeds and who is a
great soul." 11.47
"I think it because, in the forest by its side, I see thousands of trees which are bending under the
weight of flowers and fruits." 11.48
"I perceive that the smell of the fruits of Pippali fruits is wafting from there, as the wind is carrying the
sour smell of that fruit." 11.49
"Here and there I see the collection of firewood and I also the snipped Durba shining like a gem."
11.50
"From the middle of the forest, and from the top of the hermitage, I am able to see the tip of the
smoke and it looks like, the vertex of a black thick cloud." 11.51
"The Brahmins are taking bath in several sacred waters and then make an offering of flowers using
the flowers collected by them." 11.52
"Oh simple one, from the words of Sutheeshna that I heard, this is the hermitage of the brother of
Agasthya." 11.53
"Agasthya destroyed the aridity of this region, wishing for the welfare of all and made this place
liveable and this hermitage is of his brother." 11.54
"Once upon a time two cruel brothers named Vathapi and Ilwala and they were great asuras who
used to kill Brahmins." 11.55
"Ilwala used to dress as a Brahmin and used to speak civilized tongue and he would invite Brahmins
without pity saying that it was Sradham [annual ceremony for manes]." 11.56
"Making his brother in to the form of a ram, Ilwala used to cook his brother and feed the Brahmins
according to rituals of Sradha." 11.57
"When the Brahmin has eaten that food, Ilwala used to say in a very loud done, "Vathapi come out "
11.58
"Hearing the words of his brother that Vathapi, bleating like a ram, slowly and slowly tearing the body
of the Brahmin, used to come out." 11.59
"Those people who could assume any form they want, used to this way killed in thousands, Brahmins,
who were greedy for meat." 11.60
"Devas then prayed to the great sage Agasthya and when he was invited, he also ate that great
asura." 11.61
"Then with ritual was over, Ilwala giving the saint a sip of water at the end, started calling his brother
to come out." 11.62
"Then the great one among sages, Agasthya mockingly told that killer of Brahmins who was talking to
his brother." 11.63
"Under what power would that Rakshasa who has been digested me, come out, for your brother who
took the form of a ram has gone to Yama." 11.64
"Then he after hearing the news of the death of his brother, that night walker started assaulting the
sage in great anger." 11.65
"When he rushed towards him, that king of Brahmins, who had the shine of penance, burnt him with
the fire in his eyes and thus sent him to death." 11.66
"This hermitage which shines with forests and lakes belongs to the brother of Sage Agasthya, who
has performed this impossible act out of compassion to Brahmins. 11.67
When Rama completed his narration to Lakshmana, the sun went down and the dusk was initiated.
11.68
Then according to rules those brothers worshipped the dusk in the west, and then entered in to the
hermitage and were greeted by the sage. 11.69
Rama was well received by the sage and they ate fruits and roots and spent one night there in that
hermitage. 11.70
After spending the night there, when the rose up, the sons of the Raghu clan took leave from the
brother of Agasthya. 11.71
"Oh Godly sage, we salute you. We have spent the night comfortably and we are bidding you farewell
because we would like to go to see Agasthya who is your teacher as well as brother." 11.72
When the saint said "you may go", the son of Raghu clan started from there and proceeded through
the path indicated earlier by Sutheeshna." 11.73
He travelled further seeing Neevara trees, Jack fruit trees, Sala trees, Asoka trees, lemon trees, Bilwa
trees, Madhuka trees and Tinduka trees. 11.74
Rama saw hundreds of flowering trees hit by elephant's trunk, shining with presence of monkeys, with
hundreds of lusty birds, fully flowers and enriched by the whirling climbing plants. 11.75-11.76
Then the lotus eyed Rama told to the valorous and glorious Lakshmana who was closely following
him. 11.77
"Seeing the trees with velvety leaves and animals and birds which do not look tired, I think that the
hermitage of that greatly contemplative saint is not very far from here." 11.78
"I am able to see the hermitage of him who is famous as Agasthya in this world only because of his
own deeds and it seems to cure all tiresomeness." 11.79
"It is covered with huge smoke and cloths made of grass are hanging there; it is overcrowded with
peaceful deer and overloaded with sounds of birds." 11.80
"Agasthya destroyed the aridity of this region, wishing for the welfare of all and made this place
livable and this hermitage is of his brother." 11.81
"Agasthya, by whose association the Rakshasas dare not even see the southern direction or
prepared to live there, lives here." 11.82
"From the time that Agasthya of pious deeds started living in the Sothern direction, all those who walk
at night remained calm and without enmity." 11.83
"This southern side is also known by the name of saint Agasthya in all the three worlds and people
there found it hard to do cruel deeds." 11.84
"The Vindhya mountain which due to its constant growth was preventing Sun God's travel across the
globe, obeyed his message and stopped from growing and he is long lived, famous in the world for
his great deeds and he is adored by well-behaved animals." 11.85-11.86
"He is worshipped by the world, gentle, takes care of the interests of good people and when we go
and meet him, his blessing would be beneficial." 11.87
"Oh Lakshmana, I wish to worship that saint Agasthya, who is a great sage and oh gentle one, I wish
to spend our rest of the time in the forest, here." 11.88
"There devas, Gandharwas, Sidhas and great sages would always be worshipping that sage
Agasthya, who is self-disciplined and self-regulated." 11.89
"There a liar, a cruel person nor an adamant one nor one who tortures men can live due to the nature
of this sage." 11.90
"There devas, Yakshas, serpents and birds live together wishing to worship that personification of
Dharma with disciplined food habits." 11.91
"There the great souls and Sidhas, travelling in planes shining like Sun, after leaving their mortal
body, blessed by that sage go to heaven." 11.92
"There, to those who worship the sage, gods grant the position of Yakshas or devas or grant them
different kingdoms." 11.93
"We have arrived at the hermitage and so Oh son of Sumithra, enter in to it first and tell the sage that
me and Sita have arrived." 11.94
This is the end of Eleventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
12. Agasthya Gives Vishnu's Bow to Rama
[Rama is hospitably received by sage Agasthya. He gives him Vishnu's Bow, Brahma's arrows and
Indra's inexhaustible quivers.]
Then Lakshmana the younger brother of Rama entered the hermitage, met a disciple of sage
Agasthya and told him. 12.1
"There was a king called Dasaratha and he had a very strong [dynamic] son and that Rama along
with his wife has reached here to see the sage." 12.2
"My name is Lakshmana and I am his dedicated brother who is his obedient devotee. Possibly you
have heard about us?" 12.3
"We have come to this very severe forest as per the order of our father, Please tell the god like sage
that we wish to see him." 12.4
When that sage rich in penance heard the words of Lakshmana, he assented and entered in the room
where fire is kept to inform the sage. 12.5
That dear disciple of Agasthya speedily approached sage, saluted him and told the sage who has
done very difficult penance, and told him exactly similar to what Lakshmana told that Rama has
come. 12.6
"The sons of Dasaratha called Rama and Lakshmana have arrived at the gate of the hermitage along
with their wife Sita." 12.7
"Those destroyers of enemies have come to see you and then serve you and please tell me what I
should do." 12.8
Having heard from the disciple that Rama and Lakshmana have come along with Vaidehi that great
one told the following. 12.9
"I was having a great desire in my mind to see Rama for a long time and providentially, he himself
has come to see me." 12.10
"Go and hospitably receive Rama along with his wife and Lakshmana and bring them near me. Why
have you not brought him already?" 12.11
When the great sage who was expert in Dharma told like this that disciple saluted and told him, "As
you say." 12.12
That very jittery disciple went out and told Lakshmana, "Where is Rama? He may enter and see the
sage on his own." 12.13
Then Lakshmana along with that disciple went to the gate of the hermitage and saw the son of
Kakustha clan and the daughter of Janaka. 12.14
Then the disciple told the words as told by Agasthya and made him, showing him the hospitality that
suits him. 12.15
Then Rama entered the hermitage along with Sita and Lakshmana and looking over it saw a docile
deer there. 12.16
Rama entered inside the hermitage and saw therein the altars of Brahma, Agni [fire God], Vishnu,
Indra, Sun, Moon, Bhaga [Goddess of fortune], Khubera, Dhatha, Vidatha, Swayambhuva Manu,
Vayu [wind god], the great Varuna who wields the noose, Gayathri, the Vasus, the king of serpents,
Garuda, Lord Karthikeya [Subrahmanya] and the god of death. 12.17-12.20
Then the sage surrounded by his disciples came out and Rama saw him glowing in luster greater
than all others. 12.21
Then Rama told Lakshmana who increased auspiciousness, "the God like sage Agasthya is coming
out and I understand that in the matter of penance he is greater than all other sages." 12.22-12.23
After saying this, that great son of Raghu clan, fell at the feet of Agasthya who shined like Sun and
touched his feet. 12.24
After introducing himself to that soul of Dharma that attractive Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana
stood with saluting hands. 12.25
After receiving the son of Kakustha clan and after offering him seat as well as water and after
enquiring about his welfare he asked him to sit. 12.26
After worshipping the fire and offering water to it and after having worshipped the guests, he offered
them food as per Dharma of a Vanaprastha. 12.27
After sitting himself first, that great sage who was a follower of Dharma and spoke to Rama who was
sitting with folded hands. 12.28
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, If a sage does not worship fire, offer sacrificial water, worship the guests,
then he is a false sage and in the hell we would be made to eat his own flesh." 12.29
"You are the king of the world treading through the path of Dharma and a great warrior. You, being fit
to be worshipped and respectable, have become my dear guest." 12.30
After saying this Agasthya offered fruits, roots, flowers and so many other things to Rama and
worshipped him as per his desire and told Rama. 12.31
"Here is the divine bow ornamented in gold, which was made by Viswakarma for the use of Lord
Vishnu, the tiger among males and here is the sun like arrows which never get over and which
belonged to Lord Brahma," 12.32
Here are the quivers belong to Indra which can never be exhausted which is completely filled with
arrows which shine like fire and here is the sword decorated by gold in excellent golden sheath."
12.33-12.34
"Oh Rama once using this bow Lord Vishnu killed very many great asuras and brought back the luster
to the occupants of heavens." 12.35
"Oh Rama who treasures respect, take this bow, arrows, quiver and the sword and wield them and
achieve victory like Indra did with Vajrayudha." 12.36
After telling this that greatly resplendent sage gave all those weapons to Rama and then Agasthya
again spoke. 12.37
This is the end of Twelfth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
13. Agasthya Directs Rama to Panchavati
[When Rama asks for a suitable place to stay, Agasthya indicates that he should stay in Panchavati.
Rama immediately agrees to that advice and proceeds to Panchavati.]
"Rama, I am happy, safety to you. Lakshmana, I am happy, for your coming along with Sita to pay
your respect." 13.1
"The pathway that you have taken is full of strain and painful for you two, as evident by the sweat
above the neck and it is also clear on seeing Sita, the daughter of Janaka." 13.2
"She is pretty and delicate and had not undergone this type of suffering earlier and has come to this
treacherous forest due to her love towards you." 13.3
"Oh Rama, see whatever you do, would keep her entertained for she has followed you to the forest in
an impossible act." 13.4
"Oh Son of Raghu clan this is the nature of women ever since the creation started, they would be with
husband when things are fine but would leave him in difficult times." 13.5
"Women are mercurial like hundred streaks of lightning, as sharp as weapons and with speed of
Garuda or the wind." 13.6
"But this, wife of yours is free of all such defects and she like lady Arundathi merits appreciation and
is exemplary." 13.7
"That particular place you want to stay along with Lakshmana and Vaidehi, Oh Rama is indeed
blessed, Oh destroyer of enemies." 13.8
When the sage told like this, Rama with folded hands in salutation spoke these amiable words to the
sage who was shining like fire. 13.9
"Oh great sage, I am blessed and I am privileged due to the virtue of my brother and wife and also
due to my Guru being pleased with me." 13.10
"But please direct me to a big forest with plenty of water, so that I can erect hermitage there and live
happily." 13.11
Hearing the words of Rama that great courageous sage, who is the follower of Dharma replied, after
thinking for some time and told him these courageous words. 13.12
"Oh lad, two yojanas from here there is a place well known as Panchavati, which has lot of water,
fruits as well as roots and very many deer." 13.13
"When you go there along with son of Sumithra and erect a hermitage there, you would be happy that
you are following the words of your father." 13.14
"Oh matchless one, I know about all that happened to you due to the power of my penance as well as
my friendship with your father Dasaratha." 13.15
"I know that in your mind you have decided to stay with me by my power of penance that you want to
stay in this forest of mine with me but I am advising you to go to Panchavati." 13.16
"That place is praiseworthy and not very far from here but I am sure that Sita would find that pretty
forest and enjoy herself there." 13.17
"Maithili would feel happy in that place near Godavari with plenty of roots, fruits and is blessed with
various types of birds and oh great one, it is blessed as well as pretty." 13.18-13.19
"You being one observing good ritualistic behaviour are also capable of providing protection to the
many sages living there." 13.20
"Oh valorous one, don't you see a forest of flower liquor trees in that great forest. If you go north of
that you would go near a banyan tree." 13.21
"If you climb up to a mountain there, not far away is the famous Panchavati with its forest flowering
daily." 13.22
When Agasthya told like this, Rama along with son of Sumithra saluted that sage and took leave from
the sage who was teller of truth. 13.23
After he permitted them to go they saluted his feet and left that hermitage to Panchavati along with
Sita. 13.24
Those sons of the king wearing the bow, with braced up quivers went resolutely and without agitation
towards Panchavati following the path indicated by the sage. 13.25
This is the end of Thirteenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
14. Rama Meets Jatayu
[On the way to Panchavati Rama meets Jatayu who is the friend of Dasaratha and son of Aruna,
Jatayu tells Rama about the origin of different type of animals and beings in this world. Since he lived
near Panchavati, he undertakes to protect Sita when both of them are absent.]
While the son of the Raghu clan was going to Panchavati, in the mid-way he saw an eagle with a big
body and who was greatly valorous. 14.1
Those great Rama and Lakshmana on seeing it in the forest, suspecting it as a Rakshasa asked him,
"Who are you?" 14.2
He replied them sweetly and in a soft tone, as if to please them "Oh lad, I am a friend of your father."
14.3
Rama knowing him as his father's friend respected him and Rama asked him about his clan as well
as his name." 14.4
Hearing Rama's word asking about his clan and about him, that bird told him about the genesis of all
beings. 14.5
"Oh Rama hear, In the olden times there existed lords of the people and please hear me about all of
them." 14.6
"The first among them was Kardhama Prajapathi, who was followed by Vikrutha and later Sesha and
still later Samsarya who had many valorous sons. He was followed in that order by Sthanu, Marichi,
Athri, The very strong Krathu, Pulasthya, Aangeera, Prachetha, Pulaha, Daksha, Vivaswan and
Arishtanemi. Oh Rama, after him the greatly lustrous Kashyapa was born at the end". 14.7-14.9
"Oh very famous Rama, we hear that Daksha Prajapathi had sixty very famous daughters. "14.10
"Kashyapa accepted eight of those daughters who had slender waist. They were Adithi, Dithi, Dhanu,
Kaalaka, Thaamra, Krodhavasaa, Manu and Anala." 14.11
"Kashyapa who was in love with those eight maids told in turn to them, "please give birth to sons who
are lords of the three world similar to me.." 14.12
"Oh intelligent Rama, Adhithi, Dithi, Kaalaaka and Dhanu agreed with his proposal while others did
not give heed to it." 14.13
"Oh destroyer of the enemies, Adithi gave birth to devas called Aadhithyas [12], Vasus [8], Rudras
[11] and Aswins [2], a total of 33 of them. 14.14
"Oh lad, Dithi gave birth to the famous Daithyas and this earth with its forests, oceans, belonged to
them earlier." 14.15
"Oh destroyer of enemies, Dhanu gave birth to Aswagreeva [Hayagreeva] Kaalaaka gave birth to
Kalaka and Naraka." 14.16
"But Thaamraa gave birth to five world famous girls Krounchi, Bhaasi, Sayeani, Drutharashtri and
Sukhee." 14.17
"Krounchi gave birth to owls, Bhaasi gave birth to Vultures, Sayeani gave birth to greatly shining
eagles and Vulcans, Drutharashtri gave birth to swans and also other water birds." 14.18-14.19
"Drutharashtri also gave birth to Chakravaka birds; let them be safe, Shuki gave birth to Nata and her
daughter was Kadru." 14.20
"Oh, Rama, Krodhavasa gave birth to ten of her self-same daughters namely Mrigi, Mrigamanda,
Hari, Bhadramanda, Maatangii, Sharduulii, Shweta, Surabhii, and like that to Surasa, who is
embodied with all giftedness, and even to Kadruva." 14.21-14.22
"The children of Mrugee were all the types of deer, Mrigamandhas children were bears and Srimaras
and Yaak and oxen." 14.23
"Bhadramanda gave birth to Iravathi and she gave birth to the elephant Iravatha, who is the elephant
which is the lord of the earth." 14.24
"Hari's offspring are lions and mighty as well as monkeys and Sarduli gave birth to baboons and
tigers." 14.25
"Oh Rama Mathangi's children were elephants and Shwetha gave birth to eight elephants which are
guardians of eight directions." 14.26
"Oh Rama then Surabhi gave birth to two daughters, the very famous Rohini and Gndharwi, May you
be safe." 14.27
"Rohini produced cows, Gandharwi gave birth to sons who were horses, Surasr gave birth to serpents
and Kadru gave birth to ordinary snakes." 14.28
"For the great soul Kashyapa lady Manu produced Manushyas [Men] consisting of Brahmins,
Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Shudras." 14.29
"From the Vedas we hear that Brahmins were born out of face, Kshatriyas from the chest, Vaisyas
from the two thighs And Shudras from the two feet." 14.30
"Anala gave birth to trres bearing all fruits and I will tell you about Vinatha, the daughter's daughter of
Shuki and about Kadru, the sister of Surasa." 14.31
"Kadru gave birth to a thousand headed serpent who bears the earth, and Vinatha gave birth to
Garuda and Aruna." 14.32
"Oh destroyer of enemies, I was born out of Aruna and Sampathi is my elder brother and so know me
as Jatayu son of Syeni." 14.33
"If you wish I can help you out during your stay here, for this impassable forest is full of wild animals
and Rakshasas and I can protect Sita, when you or Lakshmana go out." 14.34
Raghava honoured Jatayu by gladly hugging him and bowing to him and that kind hearted Rama
recognizing Jatayu's friendship with his father, Rama spoke again and again to Jatayu. 14.35
Then Rama taking Sita, the princess of Mithila along with the very powerful bird went to Panchavati in
the company of Lakshmana with a view to destroy the enemies like fire destroys the butterflies. 14.36
This is the end of Fourteenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
15. Lakshmana Builds Hermitage in Panchavati
[After Rama chose the proper place for living, Lakshmana built a strong hermitage there, in
Panchavati.]
After reaching Panchavati filled with various types of animals and snakes, Rama told Lakshmana who
was shining like fire. 15.1
"Oh good natured one, as directed by the sage we have come to this place called Panchavati full of
flowering trees." 15.2
"You being an expert on building hermitages, please see all the directions of this forest and decide on
the place very suitable for our hermitage." 15.3
"Oh Lakshmana, look for a place where Maithili can entertain herself along with you and me, where
you can see a water source nearby, where the forest beauty enhances the beauty of the location, and
where plenty to sticks for sacrifice and flowers for worship are available." 15.4-15.5
When Rama told him like this Lakshmana with folded hands in salute in front of Sita, told the son of
Kakustha clan. 15.6
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, even I live for one hundred years, I would be dependent on you, so you
only choose the place and I would act as per your wish." 15.7
That great Rama was greatly pleased by the words of Lakshmana and he thought and checked all
aspects and chose a place which has all the good aspects. 15.8
After choosing a very pretty place to build the hermitage, Rama held the hands of son of Sumithra
and told. 15.9
"Oh gentle one, surrounded by trees which are fully bloomed and without any ups and downs, this
place is very suitable to build a hermitage." 15.10
"This place with a tank nearby with fully opened lotus flowers of great fragrance shining like Sun is
pretty." 15.11
"As indicated by the supreme soul sage Agasthya, the river Godavari which is surrounded by
flowering trees with swans, ducks, and Chakravaka birds." 15.12
"Oh pleasing one, not far from here, you can hear deer making love and peacocks making sound
while eating grains and you can also see innumerable caves and sandy beaches." 15.13-15.14
"These mountains which look like huge mountains have ores of gold, silver and copper, and they look
like windows on the mountains." 15.15
"The place is full of Sala and palm trees growing densely and not allowing light inside. There are also
Thamala trees, date palms, Jack fruit trees, plants of wild rice, Thimisa trees, Pongamia trees, mango
trees which make the place shine, Asoka trees, Thilaka trees Champaka trees, Kethaka trees,
climbing plants on trees with flowers emitting fragrance, Sandalwood trees, Kadamba trees, leafy
plants which creep and cover the ground, Aswakarna and Khadira plants and Sami and Kimsuka and
Patala trees which provide fire wood." 15.16-15.18
"This is holy. This is sacred. This has many types of animals and oh son of Sumithra we will stay with
the bird Jatayu." 15.19
When Rama told like this to Lakshmana, who is the destroyer of his enemies, that powerful one built
a hermitage for his brother speedily." 15.20
Lakshmana built a very spacious cottage made of grass after leveling and raising the earth for raised
floor for the cottage. He built strong pillars with long bamboos and on those pillars he made excellent
rafters, and the branches of Shamli trees were spread out, twined firmly with twines of grass strands,
and with the cross-laid bamboos for thatching, and over that blades of Kusha grass and leaves of
Kaasha are spread and well over-covered for the roof, and thus that very great mighty Lakshmana
made that best and very spacious leaf-cottage with a level surface for residence of Raghava and that
worthy residence was a feast to the eye. 15.21-15.23
Immediately that Lakshmana went to the river Godavari, took bath and after finishing the good task of
picking lotus flowers came back. 15.24
After making the offering of flowers, he invoked peace as per ritualistic rules, he showed Rama the
hermitage constructed by him. 15.25
After seeing that peaceful hermitage along with Sita, expressed happiness with the hermitage with
roof of leaves. 15.26
With great happiness Rama hugged Lakshmana with his hands tightly and very affectionately and
told him. 15.27
"Oh Lord, by your great act, I am very much pleased and I have given this hug, for the sake of what
you have done." 15.28
"My righteous father was not aware of your capacity to understand feelings of others, your feelings of
gratefulness, your expertise in Dharma of you who were his son. 15.29
That Rama who was increaser of auspiciousness, after saying like this to Lakshmana resided in that
place prosperously. 15.30
That Soul of Dharma along with Sita and served by Lakshmana lived there for some time, like Devas
living in heaven. 15.31
This is the end of Fifteenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
16. Winter Description
[This is a clear and detail description of the climate crops and rituals of the winter season. During the
talk when Lakshmana criticizes Kaikeyi Rama is not able to tolerate it.]
When the great Rama was living happily, when the winter season came to an end, the winter season
which he liked set in. 16.1
During a day the son of Raghu clan had gone to bathe in the pretty Godavari river at night. 16.2
Along with Sita, the valorous son of Sumithra holding the water pot went slightly bent and he told.16.3
Lakshmana said to the pleasantly speaking Rama, "the season which is dear to you has arrived, and
it appears to be decorated well in this auspicious year." 16.4
"The world is harsh with fog but it will blessed with vegetation and it is difficult to drink water and nice
to sit near fire altars." 16.5
"The saints after appeasing the manes by worship during Utharayana [Northern Solstice] and after
offering oblations at the proper time and performing solstice rituals become free of evils." 16.6
"In this season, the people of rural areas who would be expecting a good crop would get abundant
milk from their cows and kings would be thinking of going to conquer other." 16.7
"The sun after serving the direction ruled by God of death steadily, is going to the north inspirited, like
a woman without Tilak [red mark on forehead] on her forehead." 16.8
"With the Sun far away, the Snow gets settled hard would make the name of Himalayas as the
mountain of snow appropriate." 16.9
"It is pleasant to move about in the afternoon in this season as during day time the sun's rays are very
comfortable and during this time, the shade and water are uncomfortable." 16.10
"The sun's rays would be soft during this season with very cold breeze blowing all the time and due to
being destroyed by the frost, the forest would be lonely and peaceful." 16.11
"During this time, people do not sleep outside and due to the month of Pushya approaching, due to
frost the early mornings are filled with frost, and the duration of night with three Yaama increases."
16.12
"With Moon's radiance covered by sun, all round the moon there is a red Aura and like a mirror on
which a mouthful of air is blown, the moon is not shining well." 16.13
"Even on a full moon day the moon does not shine as usual due to its being covered by frost, Like
Sita not appearing bright, when she is exposed to torrid sun light." 16.14
"The season by nature is cold because of it being hit by snow and the wind blowing from the westerly
direction is doubly cold." 16.15
"The forest is covered by the dew drops and the forest has plenty of crops of barley and wheat and
when the sun starts shining the Krouncha birds and swans sing sweetly." 16.16
"The rice crop with fully filled up rice and bent with the weight of grain is bent like the flowers of date
palms and shines like gold." 16.17
"The extended rays of the sun covered by snow and frost make it look like the moon, when it rises up
in the morning." 16.18
"Due to the Sun not fully picking up its strength in the forenoon, it is very pleasant during the
afternoon when it shines splendidly on earth being reddish white colour." 16.19
"Due the drop of the dew the grassland is slightly moistened but the forests shine due to the mild heat
of the sun settled on it." 16.20
"In the forest the very thirst elephants, after they touch the cold and pure water by their black trunk,
withdraw it speedily not able to bear the cold." 16.21
"Like the inefficient army not entering the battle field, the aquatic birds sit on the shore, not plunging in
to the water due to fear." 16.22
"Enveloped by the darkness of the forest as well as the darkness of snow, the forest without any
flowers appeared to be sleeping with closed eyes." 16.23
"In the waters covered by the tear like dews the existence of swans could be found out only by their
sounds and the river banks were completely covered with snow." 16.24
"Due to the fall of snow, due to sun being dim due the cold, the water flowing from the top of the
mountain is generally tasty." 16.25
"Lotus flowers in the tanks faded due to their long life with only stalks remaining due to their withered
filaments and pericarp having falling down are not good to look at." 16.26
"At this time, oh tiger among men that soul of dharma Bharatha full of sorrow, due to his great
devotion to you, is performing penance." 16.27
"Giving up kingdom, self-respect and different type of pleasures, like an ascetic, he takes limited food
and sleeps on the floor in this cold." 16.28
"He also, at this time may be going to river Sarayu for taking his bath as usual surrounded by his
subjects." 16.29
"How can Bharatha, having been brought up with a pleasure filled life, he who is delicate and
deserves comfort, take bath in this latter part of night in river Sarayu." 16.30
"That Bharatha having likes lotus petal, who is heroic, who is black, who has a narrow waist, who is
great, who is the speaker of truth, who maintains a low profile, who has control over his sense
organs, who speaks lovingly, who is sweet, who has long arms and who is the destroyer of his
enemies, after giving up all pleasures is completely dependent only on you." 16.31-16.32
"Our Brother Bharatha who is great is living in the forest and does penance there is following you
loyally and has even restrained his wish to go to heaven." 16.33
"He follows his father and proved as false the saying in the world that human beings follow their
mother." 16.34
"How did it happen that Kaikeyi who is seen as one with cruel conduct had a husband like Dasaratha
and a well behaved son like Bharatha?" 16.35
When Lakshmana was saying like this due to his love towards Rama, unable to tolerate the fault
finding of his revered mother, Rama told. 16.36
"Oh lad, do not criticize our middle mother like this but you can speak about Bharatha, the lord of the
Ikshuvaku clan." 16.37
"Though my mind has taken a firm decision of penance in the forest, due to my being in great love
with Bharatha, I waver like a child when I hear things like this." 16.38
"I remember his sweet words soothing my heart, which are equal to the nectar of immortality and they
please me." 16.39
"When will I be able to again meet Bharatha who is a great soul and the valorous Shatrugna along
with you." 16.40
After wailing like this, they both reach the river Godavari and there that son of Kakustha clan, took
bath along with his younger brother along with Sita. 16.41
Then they offered water oblations to their manes as well as God and then they prayed to God Surya
and sung about that God. 16.42
Accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana Rama completed his bath and Rama looked like Lord Shiva
along with the daughter of the mountain and Nandi. 16.43
This is the end of Sixteenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
17. Soorpankha Meets Rama
[Soorpanakha, the sister of Ravana happens to meet Rama and is attracted towards him. She tells
Rama that she would like to get married to him.]
After taking bath Rama, Sita and son of Sumithra went back to their hermitage in the banks of river
Godavari. 17.1
After reaching their hermitage Rama and Lakshmana did the rituals to be done before noon and went
inside the hermitage. 17.2
Rama who was worshipped by sages there stayed happily there and discussed with Lakshmana
regarding diverse matters. 17.3
The long armed Rama sitting inside the hermitage along with Sita, shined like moon good sitting
along with Chitra. 17.4
When Rama was sitting there curious to know about several matters, by an accident a Rakshasi
came over to that place. 17.5
She was a Rakshasi named Soorpanakha, who was a sister of a ten necked Rakshasa and she
approached near Rama who was like thirty devas. 17.6
She resembled a strong armed man, had a chest like that of lion, eyes resembling lotus petals, with
arms hanging up to her thigh, having a glowing face, was pleasant to look at, walked like a mighty
elephant, had matted hair, was pretty, looked like a strong man having royal traits, had a skin of the
colour of blue lotus, glowed like God of love and as glorious as Indra and seeing Rama that Rakshasi
was attracted with great passion towards him. 17.7-17.9
While Rama had a pretty face, she had a horrible face, while Rama had a slender waist, she had a
big belly, while Rama had broad eyes, she had ugly eyes, while he had black pretty hair, she had
copper red coloured hair, When Rama had an attractive form she had an ugly form, while he had a
good voice she had voice like dog, while he was young she was old, she talks to the right and she
talks to the left, While he was well behaved, she had a bad behaviour and when he was nice to look
at, she had an undesirable form And that Rakshasi caught in the throes of passion told as follows.
17.10-17.12
"Oh Rama you have matted hair, look like a saint and is with your wife and are also holding a bow
and arrow and with all this you look like a Kshatriya. Why have you come? Please tell me truth."
17.13
The destroyer of enemies after hearing these words of Soorpanakha, being honest in his thinking
started to tell her everything. 17.14
Untruth was not acceptable to Rama especially in a hermitage that too in the presence of women.
17.15
"There was a king called Dasaratha who was valorous like Devas and I am eldest son and I am
famous among the people with the name of Rama." 17.16
"He is my younger brother whose name is Lakshmana and he always follows me and she is my wife
who is the princess of Videha and she is called Sita." 17.17
"By the order of the king who is my father and my mother and bound by Dharma and with a view to
establish Dharma, I have come to reside in forest." 17.18
"I wish to know about you. Please tell me who you are as well as where from are you. You do not look
like a Rakshasi to me as you have pretty limbs." 17.19
"Please tell me truly as to what purpose you have come here." Hearing these words but overtaken by
passion that Rakshasi said. 17.20
"Oh Rama, be pleased to hear my words. I am a Rakshasi called Soorpanakha, who can take any
form that I like. I terrorize everyone and move about in this part of the forest." 17.21-17.22
"My brother Ravana who is strong is the king of all Rakshasas. He is valorous and son of Visravas
and I hope you have heard about him." 17.23
"My brothers are the very strong Kumbhakarna, the soul of Dharma Vibheeshana who is a Rakshasa
and the very famous heroes in war called Khara and Dhooshana." 17.24
"I came leaving all of them and as soon as I saw you, I have approached you as my husband." 17.25
"I am having great powers and can move about where I like with my strength,. Be my husband for a
long time. What do you intend to do with Sita?" 17.26
"Being ugly and deformed, she is not suitable to be your wife, and since I am having a form like yours,
you make me your wife." 17.27
"I will eat this deformed, unchaste, frightful fat bellied woman along with your brother also." 17.28
"After that seeing the peaks of mountains and forests along with me, you darling can roam about this
Dandakaranya." 17.29
When told like this Rama laughed at that lady who had bewitching eyes and that expert in
conversation started telling these words. 17.30
This is the end of Seventeenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
18. Lakshmana Disfigures Soorpanakha
[Rama directs her to Lakshmana who redirects her to Rama. When Soorpanakha tries to catch hold
of Sita, Lakshmana cuts of her nose and ears. She goes to Khara who is her brother and who lives in
Janasthana.]
Then Rama told in clear and lucid manner to Soorpanakha who was tied up in the throes of passion,
smilingly. 18.1
"Oh lady, I was married to this woman and she is my dear wife and to people like you becoming a co-
wife would be painful." 18.2
"There is my younger brother who is of good character and also good looking. He is a gentleman who
is valorous and without a wife." 18.3
"Though he is a youth, he has not been accompanied by his wife. He being good looking and very
much matching to you, would be a proper husband to you." 18.4
"And so broad eyed lady, serve my brother as his wife. You being with having this lips, without any
rival wife, both of you would shine like Sun on mount Meru." 18.5
That Rakshasi who was in the throes of passion thus egged by Rama like this left Rama, approached
Lakshmana and told. 18.6
"With a blessed complexion and form I would be a suitable wife to you.. You can have pleasure with
me and wander all over Dandaka." 18.7
The son of Sumithra, who is an expert in conversation, after hearing this from the Rakshasi, with a
smile cleverly told Soorpanakha. 18.8
"Why do you want to become a maid servant to a servant by becoming my wife, for lotus eyed lady, I
am a servant of my brother." 18.9
"Oh Broad eyed one, oh woman of pure complexion, Oh happy lady, you are pure and sinless, it
would be better if you become younger wife of that gentleman," 18.10
"He will leave out that ugly looking, unchaste, frightful woman, whose belly is hanging and would only
be devoted you." 18.11
"How will he, who is having discrete tastes, leave you, who has a very pretty form and a blessed
colour and possess as wife a mere human being." 18.12
When Lakshmana told her like this that horrible one with a drooping belly, without understanding that
those were meant to tease her, thought them to be true. 18.13
Then she who was passionate, approached the destroyer of foes and who was difficult to be faced by
enemies, seated in the hermitage with Sita and told him. 18.14
"You are holding to your wife, who is an ugly horrible lady with a flat belly and also an old hag; not
properly honouring me." 18.15
"While you are watching I would eat away this human wife of yours and I would be able to move
about very happily with you without any rival." 18.16
After saying this that woman with amber colures fiery eyes, angrily leapt upon Sita who was fawn
eyed like a giant meteor hurling itself on the star Rohini. 18.17
Rama who was very strong reprimanded her and after stopping from trying to fall in the noose of
death told Lakshmana. 18.18
"Oh gentle Lakshmana, somehow teasing seems to be inappropriate to deal with this cruel woman.
Please see that Sita survives." 18.19
"Oh tiger among men, you should deform this cruel, unchaste and intoxicated Rakshasi with a big
belly." 18.20
Instructed like this the very strong and angry Lakshmana, took the sword which was by the side of
Rama lifted it and cut off her nose and ears. 18.21
That dreadful Soorpanakha, with her ears and nose cut off, made an ugly horrifying noise and ran
away by the way that she came. 18.22
That bad looking very terrifying Rakshasi, being drenched in blood, thundered like a cloud in rainy
season and made various types of sounds. 18.23
That dreadful looking woman with blood dripping from various places, held her arms high, when she
was shouting and entered the great forest. 18.24
That disfigured one went to Janasthana where Khara lived surrounded by many Rakshasas and fell
down before him like a thunderbolt from the sky. 18.25
"Rama has come to the forest along with his wife and along with Lakshmana and he has disfigured
me ", said the sister of Khara from whom blood was flowing. 18.26
This is the end of Eighteenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
19. Khara sends Soldiers to Capture Rama
[Soorpanakha complains to her brother about Rama, and he sends fourteen army chiefs with her so
that they all can be captured so that Soorpanakha can drink their blood.]
Seeing his sister fallen there disfigured and coated with blood, That Rakshasa Khara became very
angry and enquired. 19.1
"Get up, tell me about your delusion and confusion and tell me clearly about who reduced you to this
ugly form." 19.2
"Who would hurt with his finger tip, the black innocent snake, with fangs full of poison sitting nearby
playfully?" 19.3
"Who would tie the rope of death on his neck out of ignorance or who would dare to trouble you and
drink the good quality poison?" 19.4
"You are bold, strong, do according to your whims and take any form as you like. Who lead you to this
plight so that his death is imminent?" 19.5
"Which person among Devas, Gandharwas, Bhoothas and the great sages have reduced you to this
ugly form?" 19.6
"I do not see anyone in this world who dares to offend me, even among devas, including the thousand
eyed Indra who controls Pakasura." 19.7
"Now I will take away his life from his body by fatal arrows like the swan taking milk from a mix of milk
and water." 19.8
"When my arrows contact his vital parts, he would be killed and his blood like foam will drench this
earth." 19.9
"Which flock of birds are going to eat his flesh, after biting and pulling it from his body, after I kill him
in a battle ?" 19.10
"Whether he is deva, Gandharwa, devil or a Rakshasa, when that helpless man is dragged by me in
the battle, nobody would be in a position to save him." 19.11
"When you regain your consciousness, you can tell me slowly about that rude man, who defeated in
the forest and made advances to you." 19.12
Hearing these especially angry words from her brother, That Soorpanakha spoke these words while
shedding tears. 19.13
"They are two very handsome young men called Rama and Lakshmana, who are very strong, having
broad lotus like eyes, wearing bark and hide of a black deer, who live on fruits and roots, who are
self-restrained ascetics, who are followers of Dharma and the sons of king Dasaratha." 19.14-19.15
"They like kings of Gandharwas and are with auspicious marks and I am not able to guess whether
they are gods or men." 19.16
"In between them is a young pretty lady who is decorated by ornaments and who is seen to have a
slender waist." 19.17
"I have been made like this by both of them and brought to the state of an orphan for the sake of that
woman." 19.18
"We should think of killing that woman in a battle as I want to drink her foaming blood as she is a
crooked lady." 19.19
"But my wish which is going to be fulfilled by you is that I should be able to drink the blood of those
brothers as well." 19.20
When she was talking like this Khara became angry and he ordered fourteen very strong ones, each
of them equal to the God of death. 19.21
"Two men, blessed with various weapons and dressed in bark and deer skin along with a young lady
has entered this Dandaka forest." 19.22
"You should go and kill them both as well as the lady of bad behaviour and my sister would drink the
blood of all of them." 19.23
"Oh Rakshasas, it is the dear wish of my sister that and by your own power imprison them both so
that her wish is fulfilled." 19.24
Having been ordered this way those fourteen Rakshasas along with Soorpanakha went to that place
like a cloud in the sky. 19.25
But then those nocturnal Rakshasas with sharp arrows were not able to face the lustrous Rama, like
a wild elephant is not able to face the forest fire.
This is the end of Nineteenth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
20. Rama Kills Khara's Soldiers
[Rama chooses to fight with the fourteen Rakshasas sent by Khara and kills all of them easily.
Soorpanakha reports about it to her brother Khara.]
Then that horrible Soorpanakha came to the hermitage of Rama and showed those brothers as well
as Sita to those Rakshasas. 20.1
They saw the very strong Rama sitting in the leaf thatched hut and also saw Sita, the princess of
Videha along with Lakshmana. 20.2
Then that gentleman Rama seeing those who have come along with the Rakshasi told his brother
Lakshmana blazing like fire. 20.3
"Oh son of Sumithra, for a short time stay with Sita inside the hermitage and I shall kill those
Rakshasas who have come in her way." 20.4
After hearing those words of wise Rama, Lakshmana in turn honoured those words of Rama. 20.5
Rama lifted that great bow which was decorated with gold and tied that bow and told the Rakshasas
as follows. 20.6
"We are the sons of Dasaratha and known as Rama and Lakshmana and we have entered this
inaccessible forest Dandakaranya along with my wife Sita." 20.7
"We are self restrained ascetics eating only fruits and roots and are the followers of Dharma and are
living in Dandakaranya. Why are you troubling us?" 20.8
"For killing the sinners and offenders like you in a great war who are troubling the sages, I came well
equipped with all weapons." 20.9
"Stay here happily, if you are not interested in returning back alive or else if you want to be alive, you
may return." 20.10
Those fourteen Rakshasas, who were killers of Brahmins and who were armed with a spear, hearing
these words became extremely angry. 20.11
"You have made our great lord Khara angry and you would fight with us and would be killed in that
fight." 20.12
"Alone how you can have the strength to face many people in the war? You cannot even face us and
where is the question of war." 20.13
"When we send against you many spears with triple edge and iron bars, you will give up your life as
well as the bow held in your hand." 20.14
After saying those fourteen Rakshasas became very angry and threw those spears at him, who
cannot be defeated. 20.15
That son of Kakustha clan cut off all those fourteen spears by sending individual arrows decorated by
gold and broke them in to pieces. 20.16
Then that greatly lustrous one who was an angry man took fourteen arrows sharpened on stone and
which were shining like a sun. 20.17
Then he took the bow stretched it and aiming at those Rakshasas and released those arrows
comparable to the Vajrayudha of Indra. 20.18
Those arrows decorated in gold and having feathers attached to them were shining speedily went and
fell on their bodies and shattered those Rakshasas on their chest and drenched them with blood like
the Vajrayudha of Indra going to the earth. 20.19
With their chest cut in to pieces and bodies drenched in blood, they fell dead on the ground like trees
whose roots have been cut. 20.20
Seeing them falling dead on the ground, the Rakshasi got very angry and being frightened released a
huge wailing sound. 20.21
With the little blood getting dried like the exuding gum of the Sallaki tree which is cut, she became
frightened and after coming in front of Khara, fell down. 20.22-20.23
Then becoming mad with sorrow, in front of her brother, that lady with a sad face, made great noise
and shed tears. 20.24
Having seen the Rakshasa falling in battle, that sister ran round her brother and told Khara in detail
about the killing of those Rakshasas. 20.25
This is the end of Twentieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
21. Soorphanaka Berates Khara
[When again Soorpanakha goes to Khara, he jeers at her and Soorpanakha who is angry, calls him a
coward and a weak person and tells that he cannot defeat Rama.]
Seeing her fall down again Khara who got very angry and told Soorpanakha, spoke in clear words
about her unfortunate situation. 21.1
"Just now, to please you, I had sent those valorous Rakshasas, who feed on blood as per your wish.
Why are you crying again now?" 21.2
"They are my devotees and are always fond of me and are my well-wishers. Even being attacked,
they are not killed by others and they never fail to carry out my orders." 21.3
"I want to know why are you doing this again? Why are you shouting "Oh Lord" and rolling on the
ground like a serpent?" 21.4
"When I am standing her as a lord, why are you crying like an orphan? Do not fear; Get up and leave
out that worry." 21.5
When that invincible lady was addressed like this by Khara, wiping out her tearful eyes, she told
Khara. 21.6
"Since my ears and nose were chopped off, I came before you drenched in blood and you also
pacified me. 21.7
"You sent along with me fourteen valorous Rakshasas to kill Rama, along with Lakshmana so as to
please me." 21.8
"Those spirited ones went before Rama armed with spears and iron rods and they were all killed in
the war by sharp arrows which split their vitals." 21.9
"When I saw those very strong ones fall on earth within a second, the great act of Rama greatly
frightened me." 21.10
"Oh mover at night, I am scared as well as sad and again I had come to seek your protection, as I am
always afraid." 21.11
"Who will save me from this sea of sorrow, populated by crocodiles of distress and filled everywhere
with waves of fear." 21.12
"Those Rakshasas, who live on flesh, who accompanied me, were killed by sharp arrows of Rama
and fell on the ground." 21.13
"Oh wanderer at night, if you have any pity on me and you want to protect me, if there is any
Rakshasa who has equal luster like Rama, go and kill that thorn for Rakshasas by going to
Dandakaranya." 21.14
"If you do not kill my enemy Rama now itself, oh shameless one, in front of you itself, I will give up my
life." 21.15
"Thinking with my brain, I presume that you cannot stand in war against the great Rama, even along
with your army." 21.16
"If you claim to be a hero and do not have the strength to kill Rama, a mere human being, then your
claim of hero is a myth." 21.17
"Oh Rakshasa, oh blot to our clan living in Dandakaranya, if you have power and brilliance like that of
Rama, kill him." 21.18
"You are a weakling, you have very little valour and you should quickly go away with your people from
Janasthana. For what type of position are you occupying here? 21.19
"You would be defeated by the brilliance of Rama and surely you would be destroyed soon, for that
son of Dasaratha, Rama is endowed with great brilliance and also his brother is greatly valorous as
he was the one who disfigured me." 21.0-21.21
That Rakshasi with a big belly wailed in several different ways and she cried beating her belly as she
was very sad. 21.22
This is the end of Twenty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
22. Khara Goes to War Against Rama
[After getting angry at Soorpanakha and promising that he will kill Rama, Khara marches along with
Dhooshana, his commander and other fourteen thousand Rakshasas to kill Rama].
When Khara was put to shame by Soorpanakha in this way, standing in the middle of Rakshasas,
Khara replied harshly. 22.1
"By the insults you have heaped on me, my anger has become matchless and like excessive flow of
salt water it is unbearable to me." 22.2
"I do not bother about Rama who is a valorous man of short span of life due to his own bad conduct
and now he will leave this world." 22.3
"So control your tears, get rid of your excitement, I will lead Rama and his brother to the country of
God of death." 22.4
"Oh Rakshasi, I will kill Rama with a short span of life, today by my axe and you can drink his blood
today." 22.5
"Hearing the words that fell from the mouth of Khara, she was happy and due to her foolishness, she
again started praising her great brother." 22.6
Hearing from her earlier berating him and now praising him, he started talking to Dhooshana his
commander. 22.7
"Please get ready fourteen thousand Rakshasas who are under my control, who act according to my
thoughts and who have great speed in war." 22.8
"They are also of the colour of blue black clouds, dreadful, performers of cruel acts, Torturers of other
people, strong and powerful." 22.9
"Oh soft one, get all those Rakshasas who are arrogant like tigers, having big mouths, powerful,
drunk with pride and make them ready quickly." 22.10
"Oh gentle one, quickly get ready my chariot, bows, arrows, different type of swords and Sharp
Shakthi missiles." 22.11
"I would like to go in the front of these members of Paulasthya clan, who are experts in warfare to kill
that Rama, who has indiscipline." 22.12
When Khara was telling like this, at that time Dhooshana got ready a huge chariot of the colour of sun
pulled by horses of variegated colours. 22.13
Then that Khara who looked patient, mounted that chariot which looked like the Peak of Meru
Mountain, decorated with the pure gold, with gold wheels, studded with costly gems. The carriage of
the chariot was engraved with figures made of gold, like fish, flowers, trees, Sun, stars, flocks of
auspicious birds, flags and swords, shining with small bells, yoked to good horses. 22.14-22.16
When that Rakshasa mounted his chariot, other Rakshasas of great valour along with Dhooshana
stood prepared to go. 22.17
Khara seeing those great warriors who were holding great weapons and possessing dreadful shields
and also holding other weapons and flag ordered them to start. 22.18
Then that Rakshasa army who were wearing dreadful shields, weapons and flag started from
Janasthana making great noise. 22.19
Those fourteen thousand Rakshasas who acted according to the wishes of Khara, took in their hand
maces, piercing weapons, tridents, sharp axes used in battle, swords, wheels, splinters, iron clubs,
powerful spears, dreadful iron bars of giant size, bows made of bamboo, clubs and knives which were
frightening to look at like the Vajrayudha of Indra and departed from Janasthana, 22.20-22.22
Those Rakshasas of great valour who were going speedily to attack marched forward and Khara's
chariot also went slightly behind. 22.23
Thereafter the charioteer of Khara driving a chariot decorated in gold and drawn by horses of variety
of colours, knowing the mind of Khara drove fast. 22.24
That Chariot of Khara, who was the killer of enemies, went speedily filling all major and intermediate
directions with great sound. 22.25
Khara whose anger was progressively increasing made horrible sound like the cloud producing rain of
hail stones and went speedily, like the god of death and impelled the charioteer to go still faster."
22.26
This is the end of Twenty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
by Valmiki as the First Epic.
23. Khara's March
[Right from beginning Khara's army saw very bad omens. Though they were bad omens, Khara
decided on the war. Sages and Devas assembled in the sky to see the war.]
A fierce dark cloud of the colour of donkey, rained dreadful inauspicious water of red colour on the
marching army. 23.1
Those great horses which can move with high speed which were yoked to the chariot, when they
were travelling in the royal path on which flowers were spread stumbled and fell down. 23.2
When the Sun took its position on the sky, its middle part was dark and the edges were of colour of
blood and it moved like a fire brand created ring. 23.3
On the flag flying on the golden staff, a very frightening vulture with a huge body settled down. 23.4
Beasts and birds, that live on flesh collected in Janasthana, in a harsh voice produced different wrong
signals and screamed. 23.5
The fearsome jackals running towards light, giving out very frightful sound indicated inauspiciousness
to the Rakshasas. 23.6
The clouds looking like scattered mountains poured rain of the blood red colour was fearsome and
the sky looked different from normal sky. 23.7
A terrible darkness spread all over and was frightening and produced horripilation, even the four
directions and the intermediate directions were not bright. 23.8
Even before the time for sun set, the twilight was red appearing like a raw wound and the wild
animals and birds like Kanka birds, Jackals and eagles produced horrifying sounds facing Khara
indicating their great fear. 23.9
Jackals which appeared scared ran towards Khara screeching as if fire was produced from their
mouth. These ill omens indicate inauspiciousness and provided dreadful evidence of what is likely to
happen. 23.10
The Kethu planet was seen at the end of Sun appearing like a rod of iron and that great planet sun
appeared to be eclipsed on days other than new moon by Rahu and it appeared it speedily lead the
sun to darkness. 23.11-23.12
Even before night fall the stars shined like fire flies, which lead to disappearance of fishes and birds.
The lotus in the ponds dried up and fruits and flowers started falling from the trees. 23.13
Without any strong wind, a brownish cloud of dust rose up and the Saarika birds thoughtlessly started
singing, "Vichi Kuchi." 23.14
The thunderstorm accompanied by falling of the meteors gave a sight of dreadfulness and mountains
and forests were shaken up. 23.15
The left shoulder of Khara who was sitting shouting in the chariot, throbbed excessively and being
shaken violently his throat throttled. 23.16
While he was examining all over, his eyes were filled with tears and his forehead started to have
pains but in spite of all this he did not return back. 23.17
Seeing that great disturbance causing horripilation, Khara laughingly addressed all his Rakshasas
and told. 23.18
"Though I see terrifying events boding calamity like a strong and valorous man dealing with the weak,
I do not take them seriously." 23.19
"Using my sharp arrows I can even bring down the stars from the sky and if I am angry I can even
make the death die." 23.20
"I do not want to return back without killing Rama who is proud of his strength and his brother
Lakshmana, using my sharp arrows." 23.21
"Let my sister become contented by drinking the blood of Rama and Lakshmana, due to whom this
great conflict arose." 23.22
"I have never faced defeat in any war and all of you are aware of it and you all know that I am not
telling a lie." 23.23
"I can even kill the angry Indra, the king of devas riding on intoxicated divine elephant Iravatha and
armed with Vajrayudha and what of these petty human beings." 23.24
Hearing that great roar of Khara, the Rakshasas of the great army became incomparably happy
though they were falling in to the trap of death. 23.25
Sages, devas, Gandharwas, Sidhas, Charanas and other great people assembled on the sky with a
desire to see the war. 23.26
Those blessed people who were assembled there spoke among themselves "Let the cows and
Brahmins associated with good people be safe." 23.27
"Let Rama win over the clan of Paulasthya like Vishnu, the holder of wheel won earlier over the
Rakshasas." 23.28
When those great sages were talking with each other on many more aspects and devas riding on
their planes were eagerly waiting, they saw the Rakshasas who were nearing the end of their
life.23.29-23.30
Khara driving in a chariot went fast along with his great army and seeing that the Rakshasas also
travelled with great speed. 23.31
Syenagami, Pruthugreeva, Yagnasatru, Vihangama, Durjaya, Karaviraksha, Parusha, Kalakarmukha,

Methmali, Mahamali, Sarpasya, Rudhirasana and Mahaveerya - all twelve of them walked along with
Khara. 23.32-23.33
That army of Rakshasas, who had high speed, who were desirous of war and who were very strong
marched with speed towards the sons of the king, like the garland of planets march towards Sun and
moon. 23.34
This is the end of Twenty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
24. Rama's Preparation for War Against Khara
[Rama asks Lakshmana and Sita to hide in a cave and decided to fight alone. He also sees the bad
omens which greet Khara's army. He sees good omens. The army of Khara arrives and Rama is
ready for the battle.]
Observing the arrival of Khara who was coming with his evil valour, Rama also saw the omens of
danger accompanying Khara. 24.1
Rama seeing those dreadful events which were harmful to the people and which creating horripilation
due to fear and which indicated mass destruction Rama told Lakshmana. 24.2
"Oh greatly strong one, please notice this greatly disturbing events, which indicate disturbance and
destruction of all beings including Rakshasas." 24.3
"The sky is covered with disturbing clouds of the red colour of donkey, which are harsh sounding and
which gives rise to rains of the colour of blood." 24.4
"The arrows which emit smoke are congratulating me for a successful war and the bows decorated by
gold are moving circularly." 24.5
"We are also seeing the birds moving in the forest with chirping, warning about the danger in front of
us and the uncertainty of our lives." 24.6
"Without any doubt, great loss of life would take place. Oh valorous one, I find my shoulder is
throbbing again and again indicating that victory is nearby and that our enemies would face defeat.
also your face looks bright and lustrous indicating our success." 24.7-24.8
"Oh Lakshmana, while one prepares for the war, if one loses the shine of his this is indicative of the
fact that his life span would be reduced." 24.9
"A great sound of the loud shouting of the Rakshasas is being heard and also we hear the beating of
war drums by those Rakshasas who do cruel deeds." 24.10
"When dangerous events are anticipated by a learned man, he plans his activities in such a way that
the danger is avoided." 24.11
"And so completely armed with bows and arrows, take Vaidehi to an inaccessible cave covered by
trees on the mountains." 24.12
"I do not desire you to disobey these words of mine as this is the word based on the honour of my
feet. Please keep going without any delay." 24.13
"Without any doubt you are valiant and very strong and can kill all the Rakshasas yourself but I desire
to kill these night farers myself." 24.14
When Rama told like Lakshmana armed with bows and arrows, took Sita with him and hid himself in
an inaccessible cave. 24.15
When Sita and Lakshmana entered the cave to hide themselves Rama said, "Great, a job is
accomplished" and wore an armour. 24.16
When he wore that armour he was looking like a blazing fire and in that darkness he shined like a
smokeless fire. 24.17
That valorous one lifted up his great bow and created a very great sound by the twangs of his bow
and filled all directions with that sound. 24.18
Then Devas, Gandharwas, Sidhas and Charanas assembled there with a desire of seeing the war of
that great man. 24.19
Sages, great persons and the great Brahmarishis who have performed great deeds, assembled there
and started discussing among themselves. 24.20
"Let the cows and Brahmins who are the well-wishers of the world be safe. Let Rama gain victory in
the war over Rakshasas of the Paulasthya clan like Lord Vishnu won over all the Rakshasas." 24.21
After saying this. they again started discussing among themselves. How will the war result when
Rama who is fighting alone faces the fourteen thousand powerful Rakshasas." 24.22-24.23
Royal sages along with their followers, Sidhas, great Brahmins along with great curiosity as well as
Devas on the air planes eagerly awaited there. 24.24
Then Seeing Rama with great luster waiting to fight the war, all beings were alarmed with great fear.
24.25
The form of Rama who acts without any stress was incomparable and his angry form was similar to
Rudra holding his Pinakini bow. 24.26
Then the army of Rakshasas raining majestic sound as well as dreadful shrieks carrying weapons
and banners appeared near to that place. 24.27
That forest was filled by the roar of a lions made by some, twangs of bow raised by some, the
shouting of soldiers with each other, the sound of advancing army, the sound of proclamation, the
sound raised from big drums and the tumultuous sound of the forest. 24.28-24.29
Being scared by that sound the wild animals from that forest got scared and ran away to a silent spot
without even looking back. 24.30
The terrifying army carrying different types of weapons and which looked like the majestic sea came
near Rama. 24.31
The expert in warfare Rama turned his eyes all over to see that army of Rakshasas which had come
ready for the war. 24.32
With great anger Rama stretched his great bow and took out arrows from his quiver intending to kill
all the Rakshasas. 24.33
It was difficult to even look at the angry Rama burning like the fire at the time of final deluge and
seeing the luster emanating from him all the forest deities ran away from there. 24.34
When we see at the very angry face of Rama, it was like the face of Lord Shiva, who had come to kill
Daksha. 24.35
Seeing the lustrous Rama standing at the top of the battle ground, all beings, became scared and ran
away from there. 24.36
The army of the Rakshasas with their weapons, ornaments and flags and with armours which shined
like fire looked like a mass of blue clouds at time of sun rise. 24.37
This is the end of Twenty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
25. Rama and Khara's Army War
[Though the war was started by Khara, it was mainly his soldiers who fought against Rama. He killed
and wounded most of them. Dhooshana encouraged them and the war continued.]
Khara who came to the hermitage along with hiss soldiers saw Rama, the killer of enemies standing
there angry and holding the bow and arrow. 25.1
Seeing him, Khara after lifting the bow and arrow made a terrible sound and ordered his charioteer to
go in front of him. 25.2
As per the orders of Khara, the charioteer drove the horses and made them stand in front of the
mighty armed Rama standing alone armed with a bow and arrow. 25.3
Seeing him rush there, all those Rakshasas roared and creating a big sound and his ministers
surrounded him. 25.4
Khara who stood on the chariot in the middle of the Rakshasas, looked like the planet mars in
between the bevy of stars. 25.5
Then Khara took one thousand arrows and sent them against Rama of matchless power and after
assaulting him he raised a big sound. 25.6
Then all the Rakshasas in great anger sent many type of weapons at Rama, who was holding a huge
bow and who cannot be defeated. 25.7
Those Rakshasas bent upon vengeance threw at him, hammers, spears with sharp edge, tridents,
barbed missiles, swords and battle axes continuously. 25.8
Those very powerful Rakshasas resembling a huge cloud created huge sound came with eagerness
on chariots, horses, elephants looking like mountains and ran forward. 25.9
That group of Rakshasas inundated Rama with their arrows, like the king of mountains is drowned by
the rains from the great clouds. 25.10
Rama surrounded by those horrible group of Rakshasas looked like Lord Shiva being surrounded by
large number of Attendants during dusk. 25.11
Rama received the arrows sent by those Rakshasas, like the sea receiving waters being showered by
several rivers. 25.12
Though being hit on various parts of the body by those terrible arrows, Rama was not pained just like
the mountain is not hurt even if it is hit by many thunderbolts. 25.13
Rama being wounded all over and bleeding through all his wounds looked like Sun surrounded by
clouds at the time of dusk. 25.14
Devas, Gandharwas, Sidhas and great sages seeing that Rama left alone was surrounded by many
thousands of Rakshasas became sad. 25.15
Then Rama became extremely angry bending his great bow and released hundreds of thousands of
arrows continuously. 25.16
Rama sent those unstoppable and unbearable arrows decorated with heron's fathers, which looked
like the staff of Yama, going straight to the aim without missing it. 25.17
Those arrows shot playfully by Rama easily pulled out the life of the Rakshasas who were enemy
warriors like the noose of God of death. 25.18
Those arrows broke the bodies of the Rakshasas in to pieces and made them drenched in their blood
and shined forth in the sky like, they looked like the red flames of the burning fire. 25.19
Countless excessively ferocious Rakshasas died from the fatal arrows emanating from the bow of
Rama. 25.20
In the war the arrows sent by Rama's bow cut off hundreds of thousands of bows, tips of flags,
armours, heads, shoulders as well as thighs of Rakshasas, and also the thighs and trunks of the
elephant. 25.21
He also killed horses yoked to the chariots decorated with gold along with the charioteers and killed
Rakshasas riding on elephants as well as elephants, those who ride on horses along with horses,
soldiers in the infantry, and sent them all to the abode of death." 25.22-25.23
After that, the terrible and pitiable cries of Rakshasas, who were torn and pulled apart by the iron
arrows, was heard. 25.24
The army whose vital parts were torn apart by those sharp arrows did not get any relief just like the
dried up forest attacked by fire. 25.25
Some very strong valorous soldiers armed with trident, sword and battle axe faced Rama in the front
and threw those divine weapons at him. 25.26
The strong armed Rama prevented all those weapons from falling on him and took out their lives by
cutting of their neck. 25.27
Their broken heads, armours and bows were thrown down on the earth like just as trees fell by the
blows of the divine Garuda. 25.28
Then all those Rakshasas suffering intense pain due to being hit by the arrows of Rama ran towards
Khara for taking refuge. 25.29
Dhooshana after pacifying all of them, again brought them together and like the God of death
approaching Lord Shiva, approached Rama with great wrath. 25.30
Becoming dependent on Dhooshana all of them became fearless and returned to attack Rama
carrying Sala trees, palm trees as well as stones. 25.31
Some strong Rakshasas holding tridents, hammers in their hands and some others holding bows
together sent arrows and other weapons on Rama, while continuously raining stones at him. 25.32
Again a fierce war which was dreadful, wonderful as well as thrilling started between Rama and those
Rakshasas. 25.33
They who were angry advanced on Rama from all directions and they completely surrounded him in
four directions and four sub directions and started showering him with arrows and sending other
missiles on Rama and Rama made a frightful great sound and released the very powerful Gandharwa
arrow at them. 25.34-25.36
And then Rama released thousands of arrows from the curvature of his bow and they went on filling
all the directions. 25.37
Those Rakshasas who were hurt by those terrible arrows could not see due to the speed, Rama
taking them out nor his sending but only saw him drawing them. 25.38
The darkness created by the arrows completely covered the sky including the Sun and it looked to the
Rakshasas that Rama was not sending those arrows by spewing them out. 25.39
The earth was by those who were falling at the same time, by those who were being killed at the
same time and those who fell were lying scattered all over the ground. 25.40
Those Rakshasas numbering in thousands who were killed had fallen all over the place being cut in
to pieces and being pierced all over. 25.41
In that war Rakshasas having been killed by Rama's arrows, the entire land was filled with their limbs
which were cut off, heads with head dresses, shoulders dressed with ornaments of different kinds and
cut off thighs and knees; different chariots with horses decorated with streamers used as an insignia
of royalty, best of elephants, different flags and garbs; with different types of weapons like tridents,
swords, darts, battle axes scattered all over; with crushed pieces of broken stones and arrows
dispersed over the ground was frightening to see. 25.42-25.45
This is the end of Twenty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
26. Rama Kills Dhooshana
[Rama killed the valorous Dhooshana and all his army. He also killed the army chiefs sent by Khara.]
When Dhooshana saw that his army is being shattered, he ordered five thousand powerful
Rakshasas with great speed and who never retreated to attack Rama. 26.1
They started showering tridents, iron rods, swords, rain of stones and trees, continuously on Rama
from all directions. 26.2
After stopping the shower of those stones and trees which would be greatly fatal, that soul of Dharma
sent very sharp arrows at them. 26.3
Receiving that shower of weapons like a bull with closed eyes, Rama with great anger, started killing
those Rakshasas. 26.4
The very infuriated Rama endowed with great luster, with arrows made Dhooshana and his army as
ineffective. 26.5
Dhooshana the commander in chief who was the spoiler of enemies became angry sent arrows which
were like thunderbolts at Rama and virtually countered the attack of Rama. 26.6
Then That Rama with great anger using his bent and great bow cut off the bow of that valorous one
and also killed his four horses. 26.7
After killing those horses with his sharp arrows, with crescent moon shaped arrow, he cut off the head
of the charioteer and with three other arrows pierced the chest of that asura. 26.8
With broken bow, with no chariot with horses and charioteer dead, Dhooshana grabbed a mountain
like mace, which was ornamented in gold, which was hair rising, which had been used to beat the
army of devas, which had sharp spikes attached to it, which was saturated with enemy fat, which was
equal to Vajrayudha to touch and which was used to destroy the towers of the enemy. 26.9-26.11
Dhooshana who was a cruel Rakshasa rushed towards Rama holding that mace which was like a
great serpent. 26.12
That Rama seeing that Dhooshana rushing towards him, using two arrows cut off both his hands,
which were ornamented. 26.13
When his hands of his were cut off that great mace fell in the battle field and he with his cut off hands
looked like the cut off flag of Indra. 26.14
With both his hands strewn round him, the Dhooshana fell on the earth like a haughty gigantic
elephant falling down when his tusks are broken. 26.15
Seeing Dhooshana who was killed in battle falling on the ground, all beings praised the son of
Kakustha clan saying "great, great." 26.16
When this was happening, three very angry chiefs of the army called Mahakapala, Sthoolaksha and
the very strong Pramadhi ran towards Rama not understanding that they are running towards death.
26.17
The Rakshasa Mahakapala carrying a huge trident, Sthoolaksha with an iron crowbar and Pramadhi
with an axe came towards Rama. 26.18
After noting those Rakshasas rushing towards him with sharp edged weapons, Rama quickly
received them with sharp arrows as if one receives a guest. 26.19
Mahakala's head was cut off by divine arrows and using innumerable arrows he also killed Pramadhi
and both of them fell on the ground like a very big tree with its branches. 26.20-26.21
Rama filled both the eyes of Sthoolaksha with many arrows and with a flow of five thousand arrows,
in a moment five thousand followers of Dhooshana were sent to the place of God of death. 26.22
Seeing that Dhooshana and his army followers were killed, the very angry Khara ordered his very
strong chiefs of army this way. 26.23
"Now you see that Dhooshana and his great army have been killed. So now taking the very great
army, you all fight with that bad human being and use all sort of weapons and kill him." 26.24
After angry Khara spoke like this his twelve army chiefs, Syenagami, Pruthugriva, Yajna satru,
Vihanga, Durjaya, Karaveeraksha, Parusha, Kalakarmuka, Meghamali, Mahamali, Sarpasya,
Rudhirasana who were very valorous along with their army men advanced towards Rama releasing
excellent arrows at him. 26.26-26.28
Then using his arrows decorated by gold and shining like a raging fire, that Rama who had great
luster killed the remaining army. 26.29
Those gold tipped arrows looked as if they were fires covered with smoke and completely destroyed
all the Rakshasas like a thunderbolt destroys mighty trees. 26.30
With a single stroke he killed one hundred Rakshasas with one hundred arrows and similarly killed
one thousand Rakshasas with one thousand arrows. 26.31
They fell down cut and broken and stained with blood with shattered shields and ornaments which
were broken to pieces by the arrows. 26.32
The entire battle field strewn with those by those who have fallen with spread out hair, by those who
were drenched in blood and by those who were cut in to pieces made it look like a sacrificial alter
spread with Kusa grass. 26.33
Within a moment, that dreadful forest with the Rakshasas, who have been killed, looked like hell
whose soil has been soaked with flesh and blood. 26.34
Those very powerful fourteen thousand Rakshasas were killed by Rama, a single human being
standing on the ground. 26.35
Among the huge army only the great hero Khara, a Rakshasa called Trisiras and Rama only were left
remaining alive. 26.36
All the other greatly powerful, dreadful and unbearable Rakshasas were killed in that battle by the
elder brother of Lakshmana. 26.37
Seeing that he has lost his army with great power in the battle by the mighty Rama who was alone,
Khara got in to his great chariot and went forward like Indra who has raised his Vajrayudha. 26.38
This is the end of Twenty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
27. Rama Kills Trisiras
[Trisiras, the army commander of Khara who had three heads was killed by Rama in a tough battle.]
When Khara was going to face Rama, Trisiras, the Rakshasa commander of his army went near him
and told him. 27.1
"Oh valorous one, leave out this needless adventure and assign the job to me and See the very
strong Rama falling down in the battle." 27.2
"By touching my weapons, I take an oath that I would kill Rama who deserves to die for killing all
Rakshasas." 27.3
"For a moment, restrain yourself from fighting in this battle and be a witness for my killing Rama in the
battle or my being killed by him,." 27.4
"If Rama is killed by me, become happy and go back to Janasthana, otherwise if I die, you can then
face him in battle." 27.5
Thus Khara was requested by Trisiras who was anxious to meet with death and Khara gave him
permission to fight with Rama and told, "You may go." 27.6
Trisiras who was a like a mountain with three peaks got in to a shining chariot yoked with horses and
went to attack Rama. 27.7
That Trisiras unleashed multitude of arrows like a very huge cloud and produced fatal roar like a
dampened drum. 27.8
Raghava seeing that Rakshasa with three heads coming to him shook his bow and released very
sharp arrows as retaliation. 27.9
Between the great Rama and Trisiras a tumultuous war took place and they shot arrows at each other
and fought like a strong lion and an elephant. 27.10
Hit by three arrows of Trisiras on his forehead Rama became angry and intolerant, and in a very
agitated way told. 27.11
"Oh this Rakshasa who is greatly valorous has sufficient amount of strength that by his flower like
arrows my forehead is only scratched." 27.12
Saying that, "You may now receive arrows from me", the agitated and angry Rama released from the
string of his bow, poison like fourteen arrows and hit the chest of Trisiras. 27.13
Then the lustrous one sent four arrows which were well jointed and hit the four swift horses and killed
them. 27.14
He hit the charioteer with eight arrows and the very lofty flag on the top of the chariot with one arrow
and cut it off. 27.15
Then Rama hit that Rakshasa who was running away from the destroyed chariot with arrows on his
chest and that Rakshasa became numb. 27.16
That man of boundless strength Rama with great ire with swift and sharp arrows cut off the heads of
that Rakshasa. 27.17
Attacked by the arrows of Rama that one who travels during night vomited blood and when his three
heads were cut off fell down. 27.18
Those Rakshasas who were remaining and who were under protection of Khara got greatly scared by
the tiger like Rama and retreated and sped off like a deer. 27.19
That Khara seeing his retreating army became angry, personally made them turn back and leaped on
Rama like Rahu and Kethu try to leap on the moon. 27.20
This is the end of Twenty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana
composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.
28. Rama's Fight with Khara
[The war between Khara and Rama is ferocious. Though Khara succeeds in wounding Rama a few
times, Rama destroys the chariot of Khara and makes him to come for a fight with a mace.]
Seeing that in the war Trisiras is also killed along with Dhooshana, Khara was greatly shaken by the
might of Rama. 28.1
That very strong Rakshasa seeing that Rama fighting alone has killed the unbeatable army of
Rakshasas along with Trisiras as well as Dhooshana and seeing his entire army has been killed
without willingness approached Rama like the Rakshasa Namuchi approached Indra. 28.2-28.3
Khara pulling with all his strength his bow he sent several arrows desirous of eating the blood at
Rama and they went against him like angry serpents. 28.4
Sitting on his chariot making a twang with his bow he released arrows with both his hands in very
many directions, exhibiting his skill of use of weapons. 28.5
That great warrior seeing Khara filing up arrows in all directions and sub directions, Rama also
started filling with arrows. 28.6
Rama filled the place with unbearable arrows which released sparks of fire, like the rain God fills the
earth with rain, leaving no free space. 28.7
Due to the sharp arrows sent by Rama and Khara the sky and all the surroundings were filled with
arrows and it appeared as if the sky is not there at all. 28.8
Due to those two who were eager to kill each other, the arrows they sent formed a net in the sky and
the sun was not to be seen. 28.9
With tubular arrows with sharp point and arrows with the crescent end, Khara hit Rama like a great
elephant being hit by a goad. 28.10
When the Rakshasa came riding a chariot holding a bow, all beings felt as if the God of death had
come with his noose. 28.11
Khara seeing Rama who has killed all his army and was standing boldly, thought that that
indefatigable one would be greatly tired by that time. 28.12
Seeing Khara who was a resembling a lion, that Rama who walks like a lion was not agitated like one
seeing a petty wild animal. 28.13
That Khara who travelled in a radiant chariot like the Sun god reached near Rama like a butterfly has
reached the fire. 28.14
Then Khara due to the trick of his hand released the hand grip of Rama from the bow with an arrow
fitted in to it, which he was holding. 28.15
That very angry Khara drew seven more arrows that equalled the thunder bolt of Indra and hit the
armour that Ram was wearing. 28.16
Then, with one thousand arrows, he caused pain to Rama and that Khara made an extremely loud
war cry. 28.17
With those very sharp arrows that were released by Khara, the armour of Rama who was shining like
a sun was completely destroyed and fell on the ground. 28.18
When those arrows hit him in all parts of his body, Rama became greatly enraged and Rama of the
clan of Raghu flared up in the war like a fumeless flaming fire. 28.19
Then that enemy destroyer Rama, strung the bow string to another thunderously great bow and
strung it properly to kill the enemy. 28.20
Holding that very great and auspicious bow of Vishnu given to him by the sage Agasthya, taking the
choicest arrow Rama rushed towards Khara. 28.21
Using that arrow with golden decoration and curved ends, the very angry Rama cut off, the war flag of
Khara. 28.22
The severely shattered golden flag which was worth seeing fell on the ground as if the sun fell on the
earth due to the curse of the gods. 28.23
That angry Khara, who knew the vital points of the body to strike, hit Rama on the chest with four
arrows and also on the other limbs like one who would hit an elephant with the goad. 28.24
That Rama hit by various arrows which were released from the bow of Khara, became one with
bleeding limbs and became very angry. 28.25
That greatest among the archers, in that great war, took the big bow and sent six arrows pointedly
directed. 28.26
He hit the head of Khara with one arrow, the hands with two arrows and with three arrows with the
crescent ended arrows hit his chest. 28.27
Then afterwards he took arrows of great luster comparable to the sun and sent thirteen of them with
the aim to kill the Rakshasa. 28.28
That very strong Rama who equals Indra in warfare as if it is a sport in war, send one arrow to break
the yoke of the chariot of Khara, four on those dappled horses, one on the head of the charioteer of
Khara, three arrows aimed at the three parts of the chariot, two on the axle of the fragmented chariot,
making in all eleven arrows.. With one arrow he cut off the bow of Khara and with another thunderbolt
like thirteenth arrow he impaled Khara. 28.29-28.31
With his broken bow, without chariot, with dead horses, with dead charioteer, Khara hopped on the
ground, took a mace and stood strongly on the earth. 28.32
Seeing the act of Rama who was a great hero, devas as well as the great sages along with those
sitting on the planes, worshipped Rama with folded hands. 28.33
This is the end of Twenty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
29. Rama's Fight with Khara Continues
[Rama tells Khara that due to sins that he has done to innocent sages he will surely be killed. Khara
tells Rama, that a valorous one should not indulge in self-praise. Rama cuts off the mace of Khara.]
Rama spoke softly but firmly and forbiddingly to Khara who had lost his chariot and was standing with
a mace. 29.1
"Though you had a gigantic army consisting among other things of elephants, horses, chariots, you
had done detestable deeds and heinous crimes in this Dandaka forest." 29.2
"Those who cause sufferings to all beings by doing ruthless deeds, cannot stand up for his own self,
even if he is lord of three worlds." 29.3
"Oh night walker, those who are doing acts against all living beings would be killed by everyone like a
person killing a vicious serpent when he comes across it." 29.4
"One who does sins due to avarice, passion, without thought and with happiness, would see the
results of his actions at the end like a Brahmani lizard eating hailstones." 29.5
"The sages who live in Dandakaranya are followers of dharma and Oh Rakshasa, what results do you
achieve by killing them?" 29.6
"Even if the cruel people do some sin and are hated by all the world earn wealth and live lavishly,
they would not last long like a tree with dilapidated roots." 29.7
"One who does sins will definitely get its horrible result at the right time, like trees will yield fruits only
in the proper season." 29.8
"Not long after a sin is done, the people would get the results like the one who eats poisonous food,
Oh Rakshasa." 29.9
"I am the king who has arrived here to stop those who do cruel deeds of sin that are not at all liked by
the old, Oh Rakshasa." 29.10
"The arrows of mine decorated with gold would be released on you like the snake from the snake pit
and they after tearing you in to pieces will re-enter my quiver." 29.11
"Those followers of Dharma whom you have eaten in Dandakaranya would go first and you along with
your army would go behind them to heaven." 29.12
"When I wound [kill] you with my arrows in your hellish situation, you would see those great sages
whom you have eaten earlier riding in planes." 29.13
"Oh, worst member of your clan, if you make an effort to attack me, I am going to toss your head like
the fruit of palm tree." 29.14
When Rama talked like this that Khara who was angry and had blood red eyes replied back to Rama,
laughing at him and convulsed in anger." 29.15
"Oh son of Dasaratha, after killing some rustic Rakshasas, how are you praising yourself when you
are not praise worthy?" 29.16
"Those best among men, who are valorous and victorious will not boast like this, for they will not be
proud of their valour." 29.17
"Oh Rama, those frivolous and undignified Kshatriyas who are not perfect souls would boast without
meaning and you are doing similarly." 29.18
"Which valorous one would boast of his lineage in the war? I think that the time when death is nearing
is not the proper time to praise oneself." 29.19
"Your idiocy which is for always present in you is clearly brought out by your praise of yourself, like
the leaf blade of grass caught in fire seems to have an image of gold in it." 29.20
"You are not seeing me here holding a mace but are seeing a big unshakeable mountain with great
many ores supported by the earth." 29.21
"Me with only the mace is sufficiently capable of taking your life in this war, like the god of death can
take away the life of all just being having a noose." 29.22
"Though I have desire to tell you many things, I am not telling them now because the sun is about to
set and this would create disruption of the war." 29.23
"You have killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas and by killing you, I would wipe out the tears of their
wives." 29.24
After saying this, the angry Khara who has great biceps threw the mace, which was shining like a
thunderbolt at Rama. 29.25
That shining mace after it was released from the hands of Khara, burning the trees and shrubs all
round was nearing Rama. 29.26
When that great and dangerous mace which was like the noose of god of death was nearing him,
Rama using several arrows cut it off in the sky itself. 29.27
That mace split by the arrows fell on the ground like a snake that springs to attack is made to fall by
the use of the power of chants and medicines. 29.28
This is the end of Twenty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
30. Khara's Death
[Rama kills Khara and devas and sages praise him. Lakshmana and Sita come out of the cave to join
him. And those three go to their hermitage.]
Rama who loves Dharma, after breaking that mace using his arrows, with a smile told these
frustrating words top Khara. 30.1
"Oh wretched among Rakshasas, you have now shown all your strength to me and you are roaring
like a lunatic who does not have any strength." 30.2
"That mace which made you talk pompous words has fallen to the ground after it was broken by my
arrows and thus your pride also has been killed." 30.3
"Your word, that you would wipe away the tears of the wives of the dead Rakshasas, was a word of
vanity of yours." 30.4
"Oh Rakshasa who is debased, having cruel character and who behaves based on lies, I would take
away your life now like the Garuda took away the pot of nectar." 30.5
"When I cut off your head using my arrow, blood would gush out along with froth and foam and the
earth would drink your blood." 30.6
"With blood coating all over your body, with both your arms severed, you would sleep embracing the
earth like one who was trying to get an impossible lady." 30.7
"Oh notorious Rakshasa after you start that sleep of yours, this Dandaka forest will start supporting
those sages who do not have any support." 30.8
"When my arrows make Janasthana [place of people] in to the place of death by killing your
Rakshasas, the sages would wander fearlessly all over the forest." 30.9
"With all their relatives being killed the Rakshasis who were scaring others would run away from here
with tear stained face, being pitiable due to fear." 30.10
"The wife of the Rakshasa who was killed must be from a similar clan like yours and would be
enjoying from sorrow of others so that their life is meaningless." 30.11
"Since you are atrocious in conduct, a cruel person and one who daily kills Brahmins, apprehensive
about you the sages pour the oblations in fire with hesitation." 30.12
In the war when Rama was thus impetuously talking like this to Khara started to intimidate due to
anger and started talking to him in a braying tone. 30.13
"Even though surrounded by fear, you are a fearless man and though under the grip of death you are
haughty and do not know what to speak and what not to speak." 30.14
"Those men who are caught in the noose of the God of death do not know what to do and not do and
as their six sense organs cease to function." 30.15
After telling like this to Rama, with raised eye brows due to great rage was searching all over for
something to be used as weapon and that Rakshasa not far from there saw a very huge Sala tree.
30.16
Khara after biting his lips uprooted that great tree by his very powerful hands, lifted it and threw it
aiming at Rama shouting "You are now dead." 30.17-30.18
That Rama with great fame cut that tree which was coming at him by use of several arrows,
experienced great anger and decided to kill Khara. 30.19
With sweat covering him all over the body, Rama with his eyes turned red due to anger, using
thousands of arrows pierced the body of Khara. 30.20
Due to those arrows which had pierced, lot of foamy blood started flowing from those wounds and he
looked like the Prasavana Mountain with large number of waterfalls. 30.21
In the war being completely stuck by the arrows of Rama that Khara became like one intoxicated by
the smell of blood and started running quickly towards Rama. 30.22
Seeing him approaching him in a highly agitated manner, hastening with every step with flowing blood
due to the wounds made by the arrows, Rama moved aside a little. 30.23
Then Rama, with an intention of killing Khara in the war, took out a fire like arrow, which looked like
the divine staff of Brahma. 30.24
That soul of Dharma then took out an arrow given by Indra, the great king of devas, kept it on the bow
and sent it towards Khara. 30.25
That great arrow which was released by Rama after bending his bow, made a sound like a
thunderbolt and pierced the chest of Khara and he fell down. 30.26
Then that Khara fell on the earth burnt by that arrow which was like fire, similar to Yama being burnt
by Shiva in Swetharanya. 30.27
That Khara fell down like Vruthra killed by Indra, like Namuchi killed by the froth of the sea and Bala
was killed by Vajrayudha of Indra. 30.28
Then all the royal sages as well as the great sages joined together and happily worshipped Rama
and told him. 30.29
"Rama only for this purpose the great Indra who killed Paka, who broke forts and who had a great
luster came to the auspicious hermitage of Sarabhanga." 30.30
"You were brought here by the great sages by a clever plan for killing these great sinful Rakshasas
who are cruel." 30.31
"Oh son of Dasaratha, by the act that you have done here, the sages of Dandaka would lead a
pleasant life and follow acts of Dharma." 30.32
When this was going on, the devas and Charanas together, played great sound on the Dhundhubhi
drum and joyously caused a rain of flowers on Rama making great sound. 30.33
"Within a period less than half an hour Rama with his sharp arrows killed fourteen thousand powerful
Rakshasas and also Khara and Dhooshana in a great battle." 30.34-30.35
"What a great act is the performance of Rama who is greatly learned. This efficiency and valour
cannot be even seen in Lord Vishnu." After telling like this all Devas went back as they have come.
30.36
During this time the valorous Lakshmana and Sita came out from the cave and with joy entered the
hermitage. 30.37
Then the victorious Rama after being worshipped by those great sages entered the hermitage and
Lakshmana worshipped him there. 30.38
That Vaidehi after seeing her husband Rama who has killed the enemies and brought happiness to
the sages, embraced him. 30.39
Seeing those Rakshasas, who have been killed, that daughter of Janaka became happy and she was
happier to see that Rama had done the right thing. 30.40
That daughter of Janaka, seeing Rama who had killed the Rakshasas and who was worshipped by
the joyful sages, again embraced that one with a moon like face and became very happy. 30.41
This is the end of Thirtieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
31. Ravana informed about Khara's Death
[A spy called Akampana tells Ravana about the killing of Khara and his army. When Ravana wants to
for a war, he dissuades him and suggests that he abduct Sita so that Rama would die automatically.
Ravana meets Mareecha who tells him all about Rama and sends him back.]
Speedily leaving Janasthana, Akampana, entered Lanka and with great haste told Ravana. 31.1
"Oh king, many Rakshasas living in Janasthana has been killed. Khara also has been killed in the war
and I have escaped and have come here." 31.2
Hearing that the ten headed one with reddened eyes due to great anger and which looked as if they
will burn others asked Akampana. 31.3
Oh Akampana who has lost his wife, who has destroyed the very pretty Janasthana? Who has
chosen the option of not returning back to the world?" 31.4
"Anyone who displeases me cannot live happily, whether it is Indra, Khubera, Yama or even Vishnu."
31.5
"I am the god of death to God of death, I can burn fire, I wish to associate death along with death
according to dharma." 31.6
"If I get angry I can burn even Sun and the fire by my great luster. I am interested in stopping the
speed of wind also." 31.7
Akampana saluted the very angry Ravana and in a voice shivering with fear begged protection from
Ravana. 31.8
The ten headed one, who was a great Rakshasa, promised protection to him and that grateful one
using clear words told. 31.9
"Rama the son of Dasaratha is a lad whose body is built like a lion. He has round and strong arms
and shoulder like a bull." 31.10
"He is a hero of great fame who is credited with matchless valour and he has destroyed Janasthana
along with Khara and Dhooshana." 31.11
After hearing this from Akampana that Ravana, who is the king of Rakshasas, breathed like the king
of serpents and told the following. 31.12
"Did that Rama come to Janasthana along with Indra and all other devas? You may please tell,
Akampana." 31.13
Hearing this reply of Ravana, that Akampana started telling about the strength and valour of that
great Rama. 31.14
"His name is Rama. He is greatly lustrous and the greatest among those who wield the bow and he
has very many auspicious arrows and is equal to Indra." 31.15
"Lakshmana is his younger brother who has great strength, bright red eyes, voice like a drum and has
a face like moon. He has similar appearance like Rama." 31.16
"With his company, they are like wind and fire and he is a great king and it is due to him that
Janasthana fell down from its glory." 31.17
"They are not gods but they are great people and there is no need to investigate it. The golden
flagged arrows released by Rama turned in to five hooded serpents and killed all the Rakshasas."
31.18
"Those scared Rakshasas from whichever place they went, they saw only Rama standing in their
front and this way he destroyed Janasthana like fire." 31.19-31.20
Hearing the words of Akampana Ravana told, "I will go to Janasthana and kill Rama and
Lakshmana." 31.21
When these words were released Akampana replied, "Oh king, hear from me in detail about the
strength and valour of Rama. Please listen." 31.22
"Rama gets unbearable anger and he is greatly famous for his valour. He can easily stop the speed of
the flow of water using his arrows." 31.23
"That Rama can easily destroy even all the planets and stars in the sky and if gets angry he can lift
the drowning earth from the sea." 31.24
"That great lord can break the boundary of the ocean and can drown all the worlds in it and he can
arrest the speed of the sea wind using his arrows." 31.25
"That very famous one, who is the tiger among men can destroy the world by his valour and also
recreate that world." 31.26
"Oh ten headed one, you cannot win over Rama in a battle along with all Rakshasas just like a sinner
cannot hope to enter the heaven." 31.27
"I do not think that all Devas and asuras together can kill him, but there is a way to kill him and hear it
with single pointed attention." 31.28
"His wife is the prettiest Sita, who is black with well-formed limbs and with a very thin middle. She is a
gem among women and decorates herself with gem." 31.29
There is no equal to that pretty women among devas, asuras and Gandharwas and what to tell
among the mere human beings." 31.30
"You go and steal the woman who is his wife in that great forest and being passionately in love with
her, Rama will give up his life." 31.31
Ravana the king of Rakshasas liked these words and that very strong one started thinking about what
Akampana has told him. 31.32
"Very good, with a charioteer, early morning, I would go alone and will get that happy Vaidehi in to
this great town." 31.33
After telling this Ravana got in a chariot drawn by donkeys with the colour of the sun and illuminating
all directions, he commenced his journey. 31.34
When the chariot of the king of Rakshasas was going through the way of stars, it lighted the sky just
like the moon. 31.35
He reached the hermitage of Mareecha and met the son of Thataka. Mareecha worshipped that king
with different types of foods which can be eaten or chewed. 31.36
Mareecha personally worshipped him and offered him seat and water and in a meaningful manner
using suitable words Mareecha spoke. 31.37
"How about welfare, oh king of the world, Oh God of Rakshasas, Your coming here so quickly creates
doubts in my mind." 31.38
When Mareecha spoke this way, Ravana that king with great luster, who was an expert in speech
afterwards told these words. 31.39
"I feel unprotected because Rama, capable of doing very difficult jobs, has killed all those of
Janasthana who cannot be killed and I need your help as a minister to steal his wife." 31.40
Mareecha having heard the words of the king of Rakshasas told, "the one who told you about is your
enemy in the form of a friend and oh tiger among Rakshasas, having been pleased by you, who will
not enjoy your company?"" 31.41-31.42
"Please tell me, who told you to bring Sita here. They want cut of the crown of the world of
Rakshasas." 31.43
"Without doubt, he who encouraged you in this is your enemy. He desires you to pluck the poisonous
fangs from the mouth of a serpent." 31.44
"By whose act or word have you been lead in to this wrong path? Oh king, who has hit you on your
forehead, while you were having a sound sleep?" 31.45
"Oh, Ravana, it will not be proper to raise an eye to see Rama in war, who will be then like a majestic
elephant that has an impeccable dynasty and bloodline as its mammoth trunk, personal radiance as
its indomitable might, very firm pair of arms as its pernicious tusks, more so, who will be with the
redolence of the irrepressible lineage of Raghavas." 31.46
"It is not proper for you to wake up the sleeping Rama who is a man in the form of lion, who is a lion
with its tail touching its waist in great anger, the killer of deer in front of learned Rakshasas and who
stores sharp arrows all over his body like sharp edged fangs." 31.47
"His bow is a crocodile, his shoulders are swamps, arrows are giant tides, and battle with him is like
the mouth of hell, and it is not proper to jump in to it, Oh king of Rakshasas." 31.48
"Oh king of Rakshasas, Oh God of Lanka, be pleased. Please know that it is proper for you to go
back to Lanka and enjoy your days with your own wives and let the wife of Rama enjoy the forest."
31.49
When Mareecha told like this to the ten headed Ravana, he returned back to Lanka and entered in to
his best of homes. 31.50
This is the end of Thirty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
32. Soorpanakha Meets Ravana
[Soorpanakha feeling helpless goes and meets Ravana. His power, greatness and bad acts are
described. With fear Soorpanakha starts telling him.]
Then Soorpanakha seeing that the fourteen thousand Rakshasas being killed by great act single
handedly by Rama, as well as seeing the killing of Dhooshana. Khara and Trisiras again started
making great sound like a cloud. 32.1-32.2
Seeing the acts of Rama, which was difficult for others to do getting very scared she started to go to
Lanka ruled by Ravana. 32.3
She Saw Ravana sitting on the top of the aerial throne with ministers and shining brilliantly like Indra
sitting with Maruths and his ministers. 32.4
Ravana was seated on a divine golden seat, which was shining like a sun and blazing like fire that
glows when abundant ghee is poured in to it, built on a altar build by golden bricks. 32.5
That valorous Ravana who cannot be defeated in war by Devas, Gandharwas, sages and other great
souls was sitting like the God of death sitting with open jaws. 32.6
He had wounds created by Vajrayudha during the war between Devas and Asuras and marks on the
chest created by the tips of tusks of Iravatha elephant. 32.7
He with ten necks and twenty hands was dressed fabulously and with his broad chest, he was shining
like a king. 32.8
He was shining like Vaidoorya [cat's eye] gem, wearing ear globes made of pure gold and had well
formed arms, white teeth and wide mouth and was comparable to a mountain. 32.9
In hundreds of war with Devas he had been hurt by the wheel of Vishnu and also he has been hit by
other great weapons. 32.10
Though he was hit by devas, none of his limbs has been hurt and he can perturb, imperturbable and
was very quick in his actions. 32.11
He was the one who could throw mountains, has tormented Devas, destroyed the base of Dharma
and has cast evil eye on the wife of other persons. 32.12
He was knowledgeable in the use of all divine weapons, he prevented always Yagnas, reached the
city of Bhogawathi and defeated the serpent Vasuki and abducted the dear wife of Takshaka after
defeating him. 32.13
That Ravana went to Kailasa Mountain, defeated Khubera and took away forcibly the Pushpaka
Vimana, in which one can fly as he likes. 32.14
Due to great anger he had destroyed the Chaithratha garden as well as the lotus pond of Khubera,
The Nandana Vana of Indra and several such gardens. 32.15
He was a scorcher of enemies and appeared like a peak of a mountain and could stop the powerful
moon and sun from rising by his great arms. 32.16
He had done great penance in a great forest for ten thousand years and offered his own heads to the
self-born Shiva. 32.17
He was not afraid of devas, asuras, Gandharwas, ghosts, birds, serpents in war with them except for
men. 32.18
When the Brahmins consecrate auspicious Yagnas, that very strong one made impure, the places
suitable for Yagnas and stopped the offerings of Soma Juice. 32.19
He disrupted Yagnas when they were at the peak; he was a cruel killer of Brahmins; he was with bad
character; he was harsh and merciless against people and acted against their welfare. 32.20
That Rakshasi saw her valorous brother Ravana who was very powerful and who was feared by all
beings. 32.21
He was attired greatly wearing divine cloths and ornaments, was shining wearing divine garlands,
was sitting on his seat like Sun and was sitting on a raised throne like the God of death of God of
death. 32.22
After reaching that Rakshasi greatly affected by fear spoke to the king of Rakshasas, who was strong,
who was the child of the Paulasthya clan, who was the killer of enemies and who was surrounded by
his ministers. 32.23
That broad eyed fearless wanderer Soorpanakha who was disfigured by a great man, addressing
him, exhibiting herself with fear and delusion told. 32.24
This is the end of Thirty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
33. Soorpanakha's Complaint to Ravana
[Sorrpanakha not only complains to Ravana but tells him that he is a bad king, after detailing qualities
of a good and bad king.]
That distressed and anguished Soorpanakha spoke to Ravana who tortures the world, who was
sitting in the middle of his ministers. 33.1
"Being intoxicated, always trying to get pleasure out of passion, always acting with impulse and
lacking self-control, you are not able to understand the cruel fear that has arisen." 33.2
"Being vulgar king, addicted to pleasures, acting only according to his own wishes and greedy, you
would not be liked by people like the fire in the cremation ground." 33.3
"That king who does not attend to his work at the proper time would be destroyed along with his
kingdom and his works." 33.4
"The king difficult to meet, and who does not have self-control and who does not employ spies is kept
away by people like a muddy river." 33.5
"Those undisciplined kings without self-control and having no influence over his country or who does
not protect it, do not prosper or shine like a mountain in the middle of water." 33.6
"You are not clear headed with devas, Gandharwas and saints and become inimical with them and
have not employed any spies and are fickle minded and how can you become an able king?" 33.7
"Oh Rakshasa you are childish and lack brain and do not know that you do not know and how can
you become an able king?" 33.8
"Oh best among those who achieve victory, the spies, treasury and state policy is not under your
control and so you are not like a king but like a commoner." 33.9
"Since the king would be able to see all issues from a distance using the spies, these kings are called
far sighted." 33.10
"Your system of spying is primitive and the ministers surrounding you are fools and that is why you do
not know about killing of your own people in Janasthana." 33.11
"Fourteen thousand cruel Rakshasas were killed by Rama along with Khara as well as Dhooshan a."
33.12
"Rama who can perform acts with ease, has given protection to all sages and made Dandaka safe for
them after attacking Janasthana and capturing it." 33.13
"Oh Ravana, you are greedy, intoxicated and in the control of others and so not aware of the fear that
has arisen in your own kingdom." 33.14
"All beings who are in trouble do not run for protection from a king who is not sharp, not generous,
intoxicated, proud and adamant." 33.15
"A king who is arrogant, one who cannot be approached, one who is proud of himself and one who is
short tempered is put an end by his own people when they are in difficulties." 33.16
"A king who does not do deeds which should be done, fears those whom he should not fear, would be
surely toppled down and would be desperate and worthless like a blade of grass." 33.17
"Even dried up wood, clods of earth or even dust would be of value sometimes but not a king thrown
out by the people." 33.18
"Like a cloth worn and discarded or garlands worn and later crushed, a king who has been thrown out
would be useless even if he is able to do things." 33.19
"An alert king who knows everything, who has good control over his senses, who is grateful and is a
follower of Dharma would continue to be a king for a long time." 33.20
"A king, who is awake even while sleeping to morals, who has sacrificed his anger and who is
attentive would be worshipped by the people." 33.21
"Oh Ravana, you being evil minded and devoid of all the good qualities and are not able to know the
killing of your own people from your spies." 33.22
"A king who find faults with others, who is addicted to pleasures, who lacks capacity to judge the time
and place and who lacks sense of discrimination and does not have right wisdom, will soon destroy
himself as well as the kingdom." 33.23
That Ravana who is the god of Rakshasas who is wealthy, arrogant and strong hearing her tell his
mistakes, by his own intelligence understood them and started thinking over. 33.24
This is the end of Thirty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
34. Soorpanakha's Description of Rama and Sita
[To the pointed question from Ravana, Soorpanakha describes the valour and power of Rama. She
also praises the beauty of Sita and tells Ravana to make her his own and kill Rama and Lakshmana.
He also tells that she was harmed when she was trying to abduct Sita for his sake.]
Seeing that Soorpanakha speaking those unpalatable words, the angry Ravana, who was sitting in
the middle of his ministers, asked. 34.1
"Who is Rama? How valorous is he? How does he look like? How brave he is? For what reason has
he entered Dandakaranya ?' 34.2
"By using which weapon did Rama kill those innumerable number Rakshasas of Kara, Trisiras as well
as Dhooshana?" 34.3
When the king of Rakshasas asked like this, that Rakshasi in very great anger started describing
about that Rama faithfully. 34.4
"Rama is the son of Dasaratha who has long arms, broad eyes, dressed in deer skin and bark and
has the form like the god of love." 34.5
"His bow which is banded in gold is similar to that of Indra, drawing which he sends glittering iron
arrows which are like snake." 34.6
"In that war I could not see Rama taking those dreadful arrows from the quiver, aiming those arrows
and releasing them due to the speed with which it was done." 34.7
"I saw him destroying the great army by the rain of his arrows which was just like Indra destroying the
crops by a rain of hailstones." 34.8
"While standing alone on foot only, he killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas with a gross form within
twenty minutes along with Khara and Dhooshana." 34.9
"Rama gave protection to the sages and made Dandaka a safe place for them and that great one left
me only alive but after insulting me because he was not inclined to kill women as he followed laws.
34.10-34.11
"His brother Lakshmana like him had great luster and good qualities; equalled him in his valour. That
valorous one loved Rama and was his devotee." 34.12
"He is impatient, invincible, very courageous, wins over all, wise and strong and he is the right hand
of Rama, and the soul of Rama moving round him." 34.13
"Rama's wife who has broad eyes and face like full moon is the dear one who was interested only in
looking after Rama's pleasures." 34.14
"She who is famous has pretty hair, pretty nose and a pretty form and looked like a goddess in the
forest and was shining like Goddess of wealth." 34.15
"That auspicious one was shining with gold colour and had red coloured nails and she was Sita, the
princess of Videha and had narrow waist." 34.16
"I have not seen a lady with her pretty form earlier in this earth or among devas or among
Gandharwas or among Yakshas or among Kinnaras." 34.17
"If one gets Sita as wife or if she embraces any one with love, he would live longer in this world than
Devendra." 34.18
"She is of good character, praiseworthy in appearance in this world, and incomparable and she would
be a matching wife to you and you would be a matching husband to her." 34.19
"Oh great armed one, when I was trying to get her who has broad hips, who has big and erect
breasts, for making her who has an auspicious face to be your wife, the very strong Lakshmana with
cruelty disfigured me." 34.20
"If you were to see Vaidehi who has a face like full moon today, you would be affected by the arrows
of the God of love." 34.21
"If in your opinion, you want to make her your wife, you quickly raise your right foot, so that you can
go there quickly." 34.22
"Oh king of Rakshasas, do a favourable act to the Rakshasas by killing that cruel Rama, who lives in
the hermitage." 34.23
"If by your sharp arrows kill that hero Lakshmana also you can enjoy like with the widowed Sita as
much as you like." 34.24
"Oh King of Rakshasas, if you like my words, then without any hesitation follow my words, Oh
Ravana." 34.25
"Oh king of Rakshasas, by your own power, after properly assessing everything, forcefully abduct Sita
who is delicate and charming in all respects and make her your wife." 34.26
"After understanding the unerring power of the arrows of Rama, after clearing understanding about
the killing of Rakshasas as well as Khara and Dhooshana in Janasthana, I hope you will decide on
your future course of action." 34.27
This is the end of Thirty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
35. Ravana at Mareecha's Hermitage
[Ravana feels that it is a very good idea and he starts his journey from his palace secretly. He sees
the place where Garuda broke the branches of a tree. He reaches the hermitage of Mareecha.]
Then thrilled by hearing the words of Soorpanakha, Ravana took leave from his ministers, thought
about the task on hand and went. 35.1
After thinking about pros and cons of the actions to be undertaken, after considering the good and
bad as well as strength and weakness of that matter, deciding on the course to be followed that one
who acts according to his own decision made by a firm mind, Ravana went to the place of his
vehicles. 35.2-35.3
Ravana went to the place of his vehicles in a secretive way, ordered his charioteer to get ready a
chariot for him quickly. 35.4
As soon as the orders were received that Charioteer who was himself valorous quickly got ready the
choicest chariot in a matter of seconds. 35.5
That brother of Khubera, the lord of the Rakshasas got in to a golden chariot, which was decorated by
gems, which was pulled by donkeys with the face of ghosts and which can go to any place that we
desire and went towards the ocean making sound like storm clouds. 35.6-35.7
The ten headed one looking like a king of mountain with ten peaks, the enemy of Gods, the killer of
great sages, the lord of Rakshasas attended by white yak tail fans, with white umbrellas held over
him, having a body like a lustrous Vaidoorya, wearing pure gold ear globes, with ten heads, twenty
hands, dressed in good looking cloths got in to the chariot which goes to places as per our wish and
ascended the light encircled sky and accompanied by cranes and shined like clouds. 35.8-35.10
That valorous one saw and examined mountains on the sea shore, with trees with varying type of
fruits and flowers spread in thousands. 35.11
He saw lotus ponds filled with cold and auspicious water, sprawling hermitages with raised altars
spread everywhere. 35.12
That area was completely covered by Banana plants which were encircled by shining and pretty
coconut palms, Sala trees which were in flower, Palms as well as Tamala trees 35.13
That are shined with Nagas, Suparnas, Gandharwas in thousands, Kinnaras, Ajaas, Vaikhasanas,
Maashas, Mareechipaas, Vaalakhilyas, great sages who were disciplined in their food habits, who
having conquered their desires looked splendid and Sidhas and Charanas. 35.14-35.15
The place was surrounded by ladies of enchanting beauty decked in divine garlands and ornaments,
with thousands of ladies engaged in different sport activities and Apsaras. 35.16
The prosperous goddesses served by wives of devas and gods in search of nectar and groups of
devas and asuras were wandering here and there. 35.17
The radiance of the sea enhanced by flocks of swans and Krouncha birds as well as Sarasa birds
and filled with their sounds was shining with a stretch paved by Vaidoorya stones. 35.18
Going hastily in the Sun, the brother of Khubera saw white and spacious aerial chariots on all sides
controlled by those who had conquered the higher worlds by their penance. These chariots were
decked with heavenly garlands, were ringing divine music and could fly where one desired. There
were Gandharwas and Apsaras as well. 35.19-35.20
He saw tree trunks emitting resins, sandalwood trees with a delightful scent and thousands of other
great trees. 35.21
In the forest especially he saw Aguroona trees as well as orchards of Takkolla trees and nutmeg
trees with fine scent. 35.22
He saw Tamala trees I full bloom, clusters of Pepper Shrubs and large collection of drying pearls.
35.23
He also saw stretches of conches, heaps of corals all over the beach and he also saw gold and silver
mountains. 35.24
He continued seeing waterfalls that delighted the mind, ponds with pleasant water, cities filled with
wealth and grains, and gem like women shining and cities with elephants, horses and chariots. 35.25
All over the leveled pretty sea breeze which were soft to touch were blowing and he also the
matchless king of oceans comparable to heaven. 35.26
Then he saw a big banyan tree with its branches which stretched two hundred miles wide which
looked like a cloud, which was occupied by many sages. 35.27
Earlier the very strong Garuda taking an elephant and tortoise of a very huge body sat on these
branches for eating them. 35.28
When that great among winged creatures Garuda, who was very strong sat on that branch full of
leaves, it broke due to great weight. 35.29
The great sages Vaikhanasa. Masha, Valakilya, Marichipa, Aja and Dhoomra together were doing
penance on that branch. 35.30
Due to pity for them Garuda carried the branch of one hundred yojanas length along with elephant
and the tortoise with great speed. 35.31
The soul of Dharma, the greatest among birds, with one feet ate the meat of the elephant and
Tortoise and destroyed the province of NIshadhas [Rakshasa settlement] by dropping the branch on it
and got matchless happiness by getting the blessing of those sages. 35.32-35.33
Due to their happiness, his strength increased to double and that intelligent one decided to get the
nectar. 35.34
After breaking the iron bars of the windows and after breaking the gem studded home, he secretly
brought out the nectar from the city of Indra. 35.35
That brother of Khubera saw that banyan tree which was named as Subadhra with good leaves and
on which the sages preferred to stay. 35.36
After going to the other end of the ocean which was the Lord of the rivers, he saw a pretty lonely
hermitage inside the forest. 35.37
There he saw a Rakshasa called Mareecha who was wearing a deer skin, had matted hair and was
observing disciplined food habits. 35.38
When Ravana reached there that Rakshasa Mareecha received him as per rules of receiving a king
and fulfilled all his wishes. 35.39
After worshipping Ravana and offering him food and water, Mareecha spoke to him very meaningful
words. 35.40
"Oh Lord of the Rakshasas, I hope everyone is Okay in Lanka. For what purpose have you come
back here so quickly? 35.41
After the greatly lustrous Mareecha spoke these words and Ravana that expert in speech again
started telling Mareecha 35.42
This is the end of Thirty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
36. Ravana Requests for Mareecha's Assistance
[Ravana informs Mareecha about incidents in Janasthana and requests him to become a golden
deer, entice Sita and move away Rama, so that he can abduct her. Mareecha is disturbed at this
prospect]
"Oh dear Mareecha, please hear my words as I am in deep anguish and you are the only one who
can help me in this distress." 36.1
"You know well about my brother Khara who lives in Janasthana along with the very strong
Dhooshana and my sister Soorpanakha along with Trisiras the eater of flesh. Apart from that, many
Rakshasas killed in warfare were living there. They were living there permanently and as per my
order gave trouble to the sages who follow Dharma and live in that great forest." 36.2-36.4
"There were fourteen thousand Rakshasas living there doing frightening deeds who were valorous
and experts in use of weapons who assist Khara." 36.5
"All of those very strong ones,. Who lived in Janasthana with support of the entire group fought with
Rama, armed with different king of weapons lead by Khara and Dhooshana." 36.6
"Becoming very angry that Rama in the battle field, without telling even a single harsh word, shot
arrows from his bow." 36.7
"That man standing on foot, killed the greatly shining fourteen thousand people using very sharp
arrows." 36.8
"Khara was killed in the battle in which Dhooshana also fell and Trisiras also was slain and Dandaka
forest was made fearless." 36.9
"That Rama with temporary life span was sent to forest due to anger of his father along with his wife
and that wretched Kshatriya killed all of them." 36.10
"That man of bad conduct, who is harsh, sharp, stupid, mean, slave of his senses, immoral, not
wedded to dharma is harming other people for his pleasure." 36.11
"Without enmity and based only on his strength, he cut off the ears and nose of my sister and his wife
Sita who is living in Janasthana is like the daughter of Gods and I want to abduct her by my strength
using your help." 36.12-36.13
"Oh strong one, with your help by my side as well as the help of my brothers, even devas would
hesitate to fight with me. And so, oh Rakshasa, who is capable one, please help me." 36.14-36.15
"There is no one equal to you in valour, and deceit and you are one who is the trickster, greatly
valorous one and an expert in fight with illusion." 36.16
"Oh Rakshasa, I have come to meet you for this purpose only and so please hear my words and help
me in this task." 36.17
"You become a great looking golden deer with silver spots and move in front of Sita who is in the
hermitage of Rama." 36.18
"Without any doubt Sita would see you in your form as deer and she will ask her husband and
Lakshmana to catch you and give you to her." 36.19
"By this trick Sita would be alone and lonely and I would abduct her, like Rahu adducts the luster of
the moon." 36.20
"Then when Rama becomes sad at his wife being stolen, I would without obstruction I would retaliate
at that great one." 36.21
Hearing the story of Rama, the great Mareecha became greatly worried and his throat becomes dried
up. 36.22
After wetting his lips with his tongue and feeling as if his eyes were not blinking like a dead person,
with great distress he looked at Ravana. 36.23
With great fear knowing about the valour of Rama with folded hands he told words aimed at the
welfare of Ravana as well as his welfare. 36.24
This is the end of Thirty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
37. Mareecha tries to Dissuade Ravana
[Mareecha who knows about Rama, tells Ravana, that going against rama is like an invitation to
death oh himself, his people and his country.]
That expert in conversation heard the words of Ravana, who was the king of Rakshasas, and that
very intelligent Mareecha replied to the king of Rakshasas. 37.1
"Oh king, it is easy to get people who talk nicely to you and the person who talks words that are not to
your liking and which is for your good are rare." 37.2
"You are not able to understand the great valour of Rama or his great character who is like the great
Indra and Varuna, due to your ill-informed spies." 37.3
"Oh lad, do you think that there will be safety to any Rakshasa in the world now, because the very
angry Rama would make the world bereft of Rakshasas." 37.4
"Did this Sita came in to this world to mark your end and I am sure that due to Sita a very great
tragedy is going to happen." 37.5
"By getting you who is bent upon your own destruction, the city of Lanka would get destroyed along
with you and its people." 37.6
"A king like you who is passionate by nature, with bad characters and having sinners as advisors
would destroy, himself, his country and his people." 37.7
"Rama who is the enhancer of the happiness of his mother Kausalya, was forsaken by his father and
there is no disrespect in him nor is there bad character, avarice, miserliness, lack of Dharma, nor evil
doing to other beings and he is a great Kshatriya and does good only to all beings." 37.8-37.9
"Seeing his father being deceived that follower of Dharma said, "I would prove that I am a votary of
truth" and came to the forest." 37.10
"For obeying the wishes of Kaikeyi as well as his father, he gave up the country as well as pleasures
and entered the Dandaka forest." 37.11
"Oh lad, Rama is ruthless, not an ignorant one and has won over his sense organs and it is not
proper for you talk about rumours heard about him." 37.12
"Rama is the personification of Dharma and is pious, truthful and valorous and he in the king of all
worlds, like Indra is the king of devas." 37.13
"It is Rama's luster that is protecting Vaidehi. Then how do you propose to rob her as it would be like
trying to rob the luster from the sun." 37.14
"Rama is an arrow with flame with bow and sword as its fuel and so cannot be meddled with and
Rama will shine like fire in the war and you dare not enter it." 37.15
"His bow is an open pit of fire and his flaming arrows are the burning fire and when the Rama is angry
and wears his bow and sharp arrows steal life of the enemy's army and oh lad do not give up your
kingdom and pleasures and abandon your life to that Rama who is a god of death in person." 37.16-
37.17
"Matchless is his power to whom the daughter of Janaka belongs, and you are not competent to steal
her when she is protected by Rama's bow." 37.18
"That pretty lady, who belongs to the lion among men with the chest of lion, is his wife; dearer to him
than his life and always loyal to him." 37.19
"You would not be in a position to reach Maithili, the darling of that effulgent one as she is the flame
of that burning fire who is called as Sita." 37.20
"Oh king of Rakshasa, why are attempting this useless action, please understand that if Rama looks
at you in war, that would be your last moment." 37.21
"The life, happiness and even the kingdom are difficult to obtain and if you want to enjoy them for a
long time, do not do anything which Rama does not like." 37.22
"You take this decision after consulting all your ministers keeping in front Vibheeshana who is the
follower of Dharma. Please judge the merits and demerits, examine the strength and weaknesses,
understand your own strength as well as that of Rama, decided on good and bad results to you and
take an appropriate decision. 37.23-37.24
Oh king of Rakshasas, I do not like the idea of your meeting Rama, the prince of Kosala kingdom in a
war. Please listen to my appropriate and beneficial advice again." 37.25
This is the end of Thirty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
38. Mareecha's Narration: Interaction with Rama
[Mareecha tells about how Rama protected the Yagna of Viswamithra, threw him to a distance of one
hundred Yojanas and he advises him not to interfere with Rama.]
"Once upon a time I, who was like a blue rich cloud, wearing ear globes made of pure gold, wearing a
crown, and holding an iron bar as a weapon, with valour comparable to a mountain possessing the
strength of one thousand elephants, was wandering in the Dandaka forests creating great fear in the
mind of people and eating the flesh of ascetics. 38.1-38.2
"At that time the soul of Dharma, a great sage called Viswamithra who was frightened of me, went
himself to king Dasaratha and told him." 38.3
"Oh king due to an asura called Mareecha, great fear has arisen in my mind and so please send
Rama to protect us during the time of Yagna." 38.4
"When that soul of Dharma requested like to this king Dasaratha, he replied to that great sage in the
following way." 38.5
"My son Raghava is only twelve years old and is not experienced in use of arrows and if you desire
so, I will come to help you with my army." 38.6
"Oh great among sages, with the help of my great army which has four divisions, I would kill all the
Rakshasas whom you consider as enemies." 38.7
"When told like this, the great sage told king Dasaratha, "Nobody in the world except Rama is a
match to that great Rakshasa." 38.8
"Oh king you have protected even devas in war and the acts of war you participated is famous in all
the three worlds." 38.9
"Oh destroyer of enemies, I desire that your great army stays here only. Though Rama is a child, he
is very capable and greatly lustrous and capable of killing my enemies. Let you be safe." 38.10-38.11
"After telling that great sage took Rama, the son of the king along with him and lovingly took him to
the hermitage of Viswamithra." 38.12
"Then in the Dandakaranya, Viswamithra took the vows to perform the Yagna, there Rama stood in
guard holding his bow which was kept ready." 38.13
"That Rama who was beardless, gentle having a lotus petal like eyes, clad in a single garment,
holding a bow, having a knotted hair, wearing a luminous gold chain and by his luster spread light in
Dandakaranya forest. and he looked like a full moon that has just risen." 38.14-38.15
"At that time me looking like a huge dark cloud, wearing bright golden ear globes, who was strong
and blessed with many boons arrived at that hermitage." 38.16
"As soon as I arrived raising my weapon, I entered that place but was seen by Rama without any fear
and he started to string the arrow to his bow." 38.17
"Without knowing I thought I am much more powerful than Raghava and I entered quickly to the place
where Viswamithra's yajna was in progress." 38.18
Then an arrow was released by that destroyer of enemies and it struck me and I was thrown in to a
sea at a distance of one hundred yojanas." 38.19
"Due to his desire for not killing me that valorous one tried to protect me by throwing me away and I
fell there unconscious." 38.20
"Oh lad, I who was thrown far away in the sea water, after a long time gained consciousness and
went back to city of Lanka." 38.21
"By Rama who has not completed his studies in archery and who could complete any work easily, I
was spared that way but those who came to help me were destroyed." 38.22
"Oh Ravana, in spite of being prevented by me, if you enter in to conflict with Rama, you will soon
face great danger." 38.23
"You will bring great sorrow to the Rakshasas who are experts in the sport of love and who celebrates
festivals together as a community." 38.24
"You will ruin the city of Lanka filled with magnificent royal mansions and decorated by varied type of
gems, by taking the princess of Mithila there." 38.25
"Though you do not sin, by mixing in the company of sinners, you would be destroyed like a fish in the
company of large number of snakes." 38.26
"By your defects you will make the Rakshasas who apply divine sandalwood on their bodies and who
decorate themselves with divine ornaments, to be killed and lie on the bare earth." 38.27
"You will see that after Rama slays Rakshasas, remaining ones either in the company of wives or
their wives being abducted, with no one to look after them would flee in all ten directions." 38.28
"Without any doubt you would see Lanka with burning buildings, filled with net of arrows and
surrounded by flames of fire." 38.29
"There is no greater sin than sexual dalliance with the wives of other people though you are married
to one thousand pretty women." 38.30
"You please get engaged only with your wives, so that you can protect your clan, prestige, prosperity
and kingdom and also your life." 38.31
"If you wish enjoy your life for a long time in a greater measure with peaceful wives as well as
peaceful friends, please do not offend Rama." 38.32
"In spite of my warning by an earnest friend like me, if you forcefully violate Sita, your life would be
pulled out by the arrows of Rama and power along with relations get reduced and you will go to the
land of Yama." 38.33
This is the end of Thirty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
39. Mareecha's Narration: Encounter with Rama
[Mareecha tells how his two companions were killed by Rama when he went to attack him in the form
of a deer. He tells that he is scared of anything whose name starts with letter "Ra". He tells Ravana
that he would not obey him.]
"In that clash with him, I had been somehow released. Please hear what happened recently which
does not have any remedy." 39.1
"I along with two Rakshasas without any worry on my part, taking the form of deer entered the
Dandaka forest." 39.2
"I took the form of a huge deer with shining tongue, big body, sharp teeth and with great strength was
wandering in the Dandakaranya, eating flesh." 39.3
"Oh Ravana, in that dreadful form, I wandered in places with sacrificial fire, near sacred waters, near
hermitages and near fig trees, torturing the sages." 39.4
"Killing sages who follow Dharma in Dandakaranya, drinking their blood and eating their flesh, I
wandered there." 39.5
"I who was one who ate the flesh of the sages and one who hated Dharma, intoxicated by drinking
the blood behaved cruelly with those who wander in the forest." 39.6
"There again I encountered Rama, the follower of dharma, Vaidehi and the very strong Lakshmana
who is also a great warrior." 39.7
"Ignoring Rama who was a sage eating restricted food, acting for the welfare of all beings and who
was very strong, I who had gone to the forest, thinking that he is only an ascetic and also
remembering the old enmity, in the form of a deer, I ran towards him with great anger in the form of a
deer and pointing at him with my sharp horns, and forgetting his strike at me in the past." 39.8-39.9
"He, that destroyer of enemies, then drew his great bow, producing the sound of the whiz of Garuda
released three sharp arrows at me." 39.10
"Those three arrows with strong bends, all equal to Vajrayudha, which were well targeted came for
eating my blood." 39.11
"I being wicked, remembering about his earlier great valour and being scared, in a bewildered state
ran away and the other two Rakshasas were killed." 39.12
"After saving myself from the arrows of Rama somehow, I got out alive and now being composed in
my mind, have started to live the life of an ascetic, who has given up everything." 39.13
"In all trees I am seeing him dressed in deer skin and bark, holding a bow, looking like the God of
death with his noose." 39.14
"Oh Ravana due to fear I see thousands of Rama and it appears to me that the entire forest is filled
with the form of Rama." 39.15
"Oh king of Rakshasas, even when I am alone, I see only Rama and seeing Rama in my dream, I reel
and become senseless." 39.16
"Oh Ravana, any word starting with letter "Ra", frightens me of Rama and even words like Rathna
[Gem] and Radha [Chariot] creates fear in me." 39.17
"Knowing his great power, it is not proper for you to wage a war against him for that son of Raghu
clan can even kill great Rakshasas like Bali and Namoochi." 39.18
"There are many people who strictly follow Dharma, but due to the mistake of others they are
destroyed along with their family." 39.19
"Oh Rakshasa, like that I am going to be destroyed because of your mistakes. So do whatever you
think is proper and I am not going to follow you." 39.20
"Rama has great luster, great power and great strength. Would he become the God of death of the
world of Rakshasas?" 39.21
"Due to Soorpanakha, Khara came from Janasthana and before he exceeded his limits, he was killed
by Rama who can achieve anything and please tell me sincerely in what way Rama exceeded his
limits." 39.22-39.23
"Oh Ravana, I have spoken these words aiming at the welfare of our relatives and if you do not follow
the words spoken by me, you along with our relations will perish in the war by Rama's arrows which
move straight. 39.24
This is the end of Thirty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
40. Ravana Threatens Mareecha
[Ravana tells that he did not ask his advice and threatens to kill him, if he disobeys him. He also says
that if both of them succeed in their plot, he would give him half his kingdom.]
That Rakshasa did not accept Mareecha's words though they were competent and logical, like a man
desirous of dying does not take the suitable medicine. 40.1
That king of Rakshasas hearing the very suitable words which were good for him, spoken by
Mareecha, driven by fate made a harsh and inappropriate reply. 40.2
"Oh Mareecha, the words told by you are inappropriate and they are useless like the seeds sown in
saline soil." 40.3
"Your words are incapable of dissuading me especially from a combat with Rama who is sinner and a
foolish man." 40.4
"Hearing the primitive words of a lady, he came at once to the forest leaving, friends, kingdom,
mother as well as father." 40.5
"I consider it essential to abduct his wife whom he loves more than his life, in your presence since he
killed Khara in war." 40.6
"Oh Mareecha, I have decided my mind on that and nobody can stop me from that including Indra,
devas and asuras." 40.7
"You are supposed to tell me about merits or demerits or about dangers or tricks involved in this task
only if I ask you to tell about it." 40.8
"If a king asks for it, then only the minister can talk with folded hands, though he is an intellectual or
astute advisor." 40.9
"A king should be addressed in gentle words which pleases his heart, which are not unfavorable to
him
and should be told to him with courtesy." 40.10
"Oh Mareecha, A king does not feel happy even good words of advice, if they are told in an
oppressive way as he deserves respect." 40.11
"Very powerful kings assume the five forms of Fire, Indra, moon, Varuna and Yama." 40.12
"Oh Rakshasa, a great king like fire normally possesses heat, valour, commanding power, gentleness
and grace and therefore a king should be respected under all circumstances." 40.13
"You who do not know Dharma but deluding yourself that you know it and you have talked with an evil
mind cruel and harsh words to me, who has arrived as your guest." 40.14
"I did not ask you about the merits or demerits nor asked you about desirability or otherwise and Oh
Rakshasa with great valour, I only asked you this much." 40.15
"You have to assist me in this great task. Please hear my words about what you should do." 40.16
"You transform yourself to a rare deer of golden colour with silver spots and roam here and there in
front of the hermitage of Rama for attracting Vaidehi towards you and later you can go wherever you
want." 40.17-40.18
"Seeing that deer of illusion Sita would be greatly wonder struck and request Rama to get that deer to
her with haste." 40.19
"When the attention of the son of Kakustha clan is diverted, after moving to a distance, imitating the
voice of Rama, you cry in a loud tone "Hey Sita, Hey Lakshmana" 40.20
"Hearing that, as requested by Sita, Lakshmana would follow scared and confused the same path of
Rama, out of love." 40.21
"When Kakustha and Lakshmana are away from there, I would comfortably get the lady Sita, like
Indra got Sachi Devi." 40.22
"Oh Rakshasa, after accomplishing this task, you can do wherever you want and Oh Mareecha who
does good penance, then I would give you half my kingdom." 40.23
"Oh gentle one, go in to that peaceful path and get engaged in accomplishing the task and I would
accompany you in my Chariot to the Dandaka forest." 40.24
"After deceiving Rama and getting Sita without any war, I would return back after accomplishing the
task along with you." 40.25
"Oh Mareecha, If you do not do this task, now itself I will kill you and this task then would be done by
me using force, because a person who disobeys the king does not live with comfort." 40.26
“You may not live after facing Rama in combat but if you oppose me your death by me is definite now
and so think about intelligently and take a decision as to what is desirable under these
circumstances." 40.27
This is the end of Fortieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
41. Ravana's Proposal to Mareecha
[Mareecha says that he would prefer to be killed by the enemy than by Ravana and agrees to
Ravana's proposal.]
When that Rakshasa heard this unfavorable order of the king, that Mareecha told these harsh words
to the king of Rakshasas. 41.1
"Oh Rakshasa, who has advised you to do this sinful action which would lead to your destruction
along with all your sons, all your kingdoms and all your ministers?" 41.2
"Who is that sinner who cannot tolerate, you being happy? BY whose advice have you been taken to
the gates of death?" 41.3
"It is clear that some Rakshasa who lacks valour desires your destruction and wants you to be
obstructed by a stronger power." 41.4
"Oh Rakshasa, which debased person who is not interested in your welfare has given you this advice,
Which will lead you to your self-destruction." 41.5
"Oh Ravana, all your ministers who did not prevent you from taking this wrong path should be put to
death." 41.6
"When a king is passionate by nature and travels in that chosen path, the ministers should have
resisted him. Why were you not forbidden from doing forbidden tasks by the good people?" 41.7
"Oh Rakshasa, Oh greatest among the victorious, the ministers attain Dharma, desires, wealth and
fame due to the grace of their Lord who is the king." 41.8
"Oh Ravana, if this does not take place everything would become useless and due to the bad trait of
the king calamities would result." 41.9
"Oh best among victorious, king is the root of Dharma and victory and so a king need to be protected
at all costs at every stage." 41.10
"Oh king, Oh Rakshasa, a very sharp one, one with hostility and one who has humility cannot rule the
kingdom properly." 41.11
"Those ministers who adopt wrong strategies are quickly overthrown along with the king, like a
speedy horses driven by a slow charioteer on a rough path." 41.12
"In this world, even those pious people, who do their duty properly are ruined along with their kith and
kin by mistakes committed by others." 41.13
"Citizens who are ruled by a king who is cruel as well as un-favourable, would not prosper like the
goats protected by the jackal." 41.14
"Oh Ravana, all those Rakshasas ruled by you, who is cruel, evil minded and slave to passion would
definitely perish." 41.15
"Due to you, I am facing the dreadful death for no real reason at all, but who will repent for you when
you and your army would be destroyed." 41.16
"Not long after killing me, Rama will kill you too. Though I will be dying in the hands of enemy, I would
have accomplished my desire." 41.17
"Be assured that, just by Rama's looks, I would be killed and on the abduction of Sita, please
understand that you along your kith and kin would also be killed." 41.18
"Suppose you are able to get out Sita with my help, be assured that you, me, kingdom of Lanka as
well as the Rakshasas would no more be there." 41.19
"Please heed this warning from me who is your well-wisher and Oh Rakshasa, if you do not heed my
words remember that those who do not heed the advice of well-meaning friends would be almost
dead and will have a short life span." 41.20
This is the end of Forty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
42. Sita Sees Golden Deer
[Ravana and Mareecha reach the hermitage of Rama. Mareecha turns in to an attractive golden deer.
After lot of effort Sita sees him and gets attracted to him.]
After telling these distasteful words to Ravana, Mareecha with distress said, "let us go" due to his fear
to the lord of the Rakshasas. 42.1
"If he who carries the bows and arrows sees me once again, that one would raise his weapon and
make my life to come to an end." 42.2
"Whoever exhibits his bravery before Rama would not return back alive. You, who have been hit by
the Danda of Yama, may please know that he is another form of Yama." 42.3
"Oh lad with a bad soul, what can I possibly do for I am going now, and let good come to you, Oh
Rakshasa." 42.4
Due to his words Ravana became very happy, hugged and embraced him tightly and told the
following. 42.5
"Excellent Mareecha, You are now acting according my wish and that is appropriate. Earlier you were
someone else and now you are really Mareecha." 42.6
"Get in to this flying chariot which is decked with gems and which is drawn by devils with face of
donkeys and go along with me." 42.7
"Once you tempt Vaidehi, you can go wherever you want and when no one is there I would make Sita
the princess of Mithila to accompany me." 42.8
When Ravana and Mareecha ascended that chariot which was like an airplane, they departed from
that hermitage quickly. 42.9
Then they saw cities, forests, mountains streams, kingdoms which were passing by. 42.10
Mareecha and the king of Rakshasas, after reaching Dandakaranya, saw the hermitage of Rama.
42.11
After getting down from the chariot decorated with golden ornaments, Ravana helped Mareecha by
his hand and told him. 42.12
"This hermitage surrounded by Banana plants is the place for which we have come. And please do
the act for which we have come here." 42.13
Hearing the words of Ravana that Rakshasa Mareecha became a deer and started roaming near the
entrance of hermitage of Rama. 42.14
He assumed a form which was wonderful to look at, with antlers decorated by excellent gems and
face dappled with white and black spots. 42.15
The mouth of the deer was blue like a blue sapphire, with mouth like red pink lotus petals, ears like
blue lotus and it was having a raised neck. 42.16
His white stomach was shining like jasmine flowers and like a moon as well as diamond, th e side part
of the body which was golden in colour was shining like Madhuka flowers, rest of the body was
shining like filaments of lotus flowers and hooves were like Vaidoorya stones and its legs were slim
and strong and in good shape. 42.17
Its multi coloured tail was pointing upward shining like rainbow and the animal had a shining
complexion with inlaid gems of many kinds. 42.18
Within a moment Mareecha transformed himself in to a very pretty deer and the forest and also
hermitage of Rama was shining due to his luster. 42.19
That Rakshasa assuming a mind bewitching form with a aim of tempting Vaidehi, and had colours of
different ores and he freely moved about in grass lands feeding grass. 42.20-42.21
That variegated deer with hundreds of silver spots was lovely to look at and wandered about nibbling
young leaves of trees and shoots. 42.22
It went to the Banana groove and moved here and there near the Karnikara trees and moved slowly
with an aim of stealing the attention of Sita. 42.23
That great deer, with its back like a red lotus flower, comfortably wandered near the hermitage of
Rama. 42.24
That best deer went from there but again came back and after swiftly going from there it retuned there
speedily. 42.25
It played at one place, sat there for some time and with impatience came back and went along with a
deer herd. 42.26
That Rakshasa who has become a deer, followed other deer herds but again came back, with the
desire of being seen by Sita it jumped, sprang and ran round in circles. 42.27
The other animals who were wandering in the forest came near and sniffed this deer ran away in all
the ten directions. 42.28
Since he was a Rakshasa the Mareecha was interested in killing other animals of the forest and for
protecting his intention, he did not kill them to feed. 42.29
At that time, Vaidehi with auspicious looks, who was busy plucking flowers from trees, came near that
place. 42.30
The lady with intoxicating eyes went to pluck flowers Karnika, Asoka and mango trees, since she who
had dazzling eyes wanted to pluck flowers. 42.31
That divine damsel who did not deserve to live in the forest saw the deer which was fully decorated
by gems, with pearls inlaid all over the body. 42.32
She with pretty lips and teeth saw that deer of deception, and that wide eyed damsel was wonder
struck and stared at that deer with affection. 42.33
That deceptive deer saw the wife of Rama who was illuminating that forest and wonderfully moved
around again. 42.34
Since she had not seen earlier a deer decorated by several gems, that daughter of Janaka
experienced very great surprise. 42.35
This is the end of Forty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
43. Sita's Request for Deer
[Sita requests Rama for the deer and Lakshmana warns that it may be Mareecha. Rama decides to
either bring the deer alive or dead. He requests Lakshmana to take care of Sita.]
Sita, the lady with good hips, one of flawless beauty, while plucking flowers saw that splendid deer
which was of the colour of gold and silver and after seeing that was delighted shouted to draw the
attention of Rama and Lakshmana who were standing fully armed. 43.1-43.2
When summoned by Vaidehi those tiger among men, Rama and Lakshmana looked around and
when their attention was drawn to it, saw the animal. 43.3
Lakshmana when he saw that animal became doubtful and told Rama "I do not think that animal is
anybody except Mareecha." 43.4
"Many kings, who came for hunting in the forest for joy, were killed by this malicious imposter who
can change his form at will." 43.5
"Oh tiger among men, this deceitful one has taken the form of a radiant deer of illusion which is like
the city of Gandharwas that does not exist. 43.6
"Oh Raghava, nowhere does this type of deer decorated by gems exist and oh lord of the world, this
is definitely an act of cheating." 43.7
When Lakshmana was telling like this, that lady with a pretty smile Sita whose mind was captivated
by the skin of the animal told. 43.8
"Oh husband, this pretty deer has stolen my mind. Oh Great hero, if you bring it to me, we can play
with it." 43.9
"In this hermitage of ours there are many deer walking about in groups along with antelopes and
Yaks." 43.10
"Oh very strong one, spotted antelopes in groups, monkeys as well as Kinnaras which are good to
look at which steal the minds are also moving about." 43.11
"Oh king I have never before seen a similar looking great deer, which is pretty, glittering and patient."
43.12
"It has peculiar body parts of different colours and has been decorated by various gems. It is shining
and illuminating the forest like moon." 43.13
"What a pretty form, what rich looks, what a shine and what a pretty sound it produces? This deer
with his varied type of body has stolen my mind." 43.14
"If you are able to catch it while it is living, it would be a great surprise and it will generate wonder of
wonders." 43.15
"After our exile is over, this deer, when we go back to the kingdom, will add beauty to your private
apartment." 43.16
"Oh king, this deer with its pretty form would create surprise in Bharatha, my mother in law, you as
well as me." 43.17
"If this great and pretty deer cannot be caught when it is alive, then Oh tiger among men, it's pretty
hide would become mine." 43.18
"If this deer is killed then I would use its hide of golden colour on a cushion like grass and sit on it very
comfortably." 43.19
"This wish coming from a lady may sound passionate, terrible and not desirable but this animal's
beauty creates great surprise in me." 43.20
Its golden colour, horns inlaid with gems, its colour resembling young sun, it looks that resemble the
path of the stars, created great sense of wonder in Rama also. 43.21
Rama after hearing Sita's words and after seeing the greatly wonderful deer, attracted by its form and
encouraged by Sita, Rama told these happy words to Lakshmana. 43.22-43.23
"See Lakshmana how Sita desires me to go after the deer, which due to its great looks does not
appear to live in the forest. There is no deer of this beauty in either, the garden of Indra or
Chaithraratha which is Khubera's garden and how can we find such an animal on earth." 43.24-43.25
"Its hairs from top to bottom or from bottom to top are beautiful and the golden drops on the body of
this deer are indeed beautiful." 43.26
"Please see its outstretched tongue which shines like a flame of fire and you can see it like a streak of
lightning falling from the cloud." 43.27
"Its face is shining with the colour of sapphire; its belly is having the shine of conch and whose mind
will not be tempted by this most elegant animal." 43.28
"Oh Lord Lakshmana, whose mind would not be filled with wonder on seeing this deer which glitters
in its golden colour and adorned with different coloured gems?" 43.29
"Oh Lakshmana, kings who come here to hunt for meat or just for fun may kill this great deer in this
great forest." 43.30
"In the dense forest, wealth consisting of gems, minerals, gold and different type of ores would be
collected with difficulty." 43.31
"Oh Lakshmana, the essence of all that forest wealth, promotes the growth of treasuries, like the
things that are desired by the mind of Shukra fills his treasury." 43.32
"Oh Lakshmana, one who wishes for materialistic fulfilments of his desire, moves about without
thinking and that is why economists are called materialistic people." 43.33
"Vaidehi with a pretty middle would sit along with me on the golden colour hide of this excellent gem
of a deer." 43.34
"I do not think that hide of a black spotted deer or sheep or goat is not comparable to this hide in
smoothness." 43.35
"This great deer and divine deer seen on the sky are both divine this being deer of earth and that deer
of heavens." 43.36
"Oh Lakshmana, if what you say is true that this is not a deer but a transformed Rakshasa, then also,
I should bring death to it." 43.37
"That cruel and evil minded Mareecha, while moving in the forest has tortured and harassed several
great sages." 43.38
"Several kings, who were great archers hunting in the forest, were killed by him while they were
waking up and so this deer deserves to be killed." 43.39
"Previously Vatapi used to enter the stomach of saints, humiliate and kill them like the female mare
calf killing its mother while in womb." 43.40
"After a long time that Vatapi entered greedily in to the stomach of the great sage Agasthya, who had
great luster and was made in to food by him." 43.41
"When after he was eaten he wanted to rise up in the stomach, taking his real form that great sage
with a smile told." 43.42
"Oh Vatapi in this world of living beings, without caring for them, you insulted many great Brahmins
with your power and on that account you are being digested by me." 43.43
"Oh Lakshmanan, I hope this one is not like Vatapi. He may underestimate me for my qualities of
Dharma and control over senses and I would kill him like Agasthya killed Vatapi." 43.44
"Oh son of the Raghu clan, you be here ready and alert and protect Mythili because the actions that
we do in future depends on her." 43.45
"Oh Lakshmana, I would either kill or catch this deer and I will bring the deer speedily back." 43.46
"Oh Lakshmana see how Sita desires greatly to the hide of that deer and as the hide of the deer is
important, I will not allow the deer to live." 43.47
"Oh Lakshmana, you be vigilant in the hermitage and look after Sita and I would kill that deer by just
one arrow and after getting his hide, I would return quickly." 43.48-43.49
"Oh Intelligent Lakshmana, you take care of Mythili, doubting that danger would come from all
directions at all times and also the king of birds would go round the hermitage protecting her. 43.50
This is the end of Forty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
44. Mareecha Killed
[Mareecha makes Rama run behind him to a long distance. Rama kills the Golden deer. It takes its
original Rakshasa form shouts "Oh Sita, Oh Lakshmana" imitating the voice of Rama. Rama is
worried and starts back.]
After the son of Raghu clan instructed his brother like this, he tied to his waist a golden sword with
great luster. 44.1
That warrior of unmatched valour in this world took his bow which was like an ornament to him and
ties two quivers on his back after bending them thrice. 44.2
Seeing the great king coming towards him due to fear and with an aim of deceiving him, the deer
disappeared first and again came before him and Rama after tying the sword securely and lifting the
bow followed him quickly. 44.3
Rama saw the shining animal in front of him and that one who held the bow saw that deer running
ahead, again and again turning back and looking at him. It was running beyond the reach of his bow
now and then and was tempting him. Suspecting it would be caught and being scared, it flew up in
the sky. Being seen and not being seen at times in the forest, it looked like the moon of the autumn
season surrounded by scattered clouds. 44.4-44.6
Mareecha who had assumed the form of a deer appeared very near at times and at others he
appeared very off and appearing and disappearing and running away, he took far away from the
hermitage. 44.7-44.8
That son of Kakustha clan became angry due to tiresomeness created by this tempting and sought a
shade and waited in the green grass. 44.9
That Rakshasa who assumed the deer form, maddened Rama and was seen by him not far off but
surrounded by many animals. 44.10
Feeling that Rama desired to catch him, that deer ran further to a far off place and out of fear for a
moment disappeared. 44.11
Seeing it again far away coming out of a group of trees that greatly lustrous Rama decided to kill that
deer. 44.12
Then the destroyer of enemies, that strong Rama became very angry, lifted an arrow which was
shining like the Sun, joined it firmly with his bow, drew it with all his force and sent that arrow created
by Brahma which travelled like a serpent aimed at that deer. 44.13-44.14
That great arrow tore the body of that Rakshasa in the deer form and reached the heart and pierced
it. 44.15
Pierced by that arrow, that Rakshasa jumped to the height of a palm tree shouted in a loud way and
fell on the floor almost dead. 44.16
Mareecha who was breathing his last gave up his false form and recollected the words of Ravana
who wanted Lakshmana should also be sent away so that he can abduct Sita. 44.17-44.18
Realizing that proper time has come, he imitated the voice of Rama and shouted, "Hey Sita, Hey
Lakshmana." 44.19
The matchless arrow of Rama stuck his vital parts and that Rakshasa gave up his deer form;
assumed back his big body and gave up his life. 44.20
Seeing the horrible looking Rakshasa who was lying and moving his limbs on the ground drenched
with blood, Rama remembered the words of Lakshmana and his mind went back to Sita. 44.21-44.22
"This is the magic of Mareecha as was clearly foretold by Lakshmana and in the same way as told by
him, I have killed Mareecha." 44.23
"That Rakshasa Mareecha screamed in a loud manner, "Hey Sita, Hey Lakshmana" and then died.
Having heard it, what would Sita be thinking, what would Lakshmana with great hands be thinking,"
and when the soul of Dharma Rama reflected this was he was greatly worried and stunned." 44.24-
44.25
Because of killing the Rakshasa and because of his shouting that way before his death then Rama
was greatly sad as well as scared and despondent 44.26
Then Rama killed another deer, collected its meat and departed quickly towards Janasthana. 44.27
This is the end of Forty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
45. Lakshmana in Search of Rama
[Janaki first requests Lakshmana to go and help his brother and when he refuses saying that his
brother is very strong she tells that Lakshmana wants to possess her. Wounded by this Lakshmana
decides to go in search of Rama.]
Hearing the sound of pain which was her husband's voice from the forest Sita told Lakshmana, "You
go to Rama and find out what happened." 45.1
"My heart is trembling and my soul is not in place where it should be there after hearing the cry of
anguish from the forest requesting for help. You ought to go to protect your brother." 45.2
"You run quickly there as your brother is requesting for help just like a bull which has been caught by
a lion." 45.3
As per the instructions of his brother, he did not move from there and seeing that the very angry
daughter of Janaka told him. 45.4
"Oh Son of Sumithra, you are an enemy of your brother in the form of a friend, for in this situation you
are not going to help your brother." 45.5
"You desire for the destruction of Rama for my sake and I know for sure that you are not going to help
Rama because of greed." 45.6
"I think that you do not have any love towards your brother and that is why you are standing here
though Rama with great luster is not there." 45.7
"You are standing here without attending to the main duty for which you have come by not going
there when he is in difficulty and what is the use of my being here?' 45.8
Saying like that Vaidehi stood there drowning in her tears due to great sorrow and Lakshmana told
her, who was shivering like a female deer. 45.9
"Oh Vaidehi, there is no doubt that even devas, Gandharwas asuras, serpents and men cannot win
over your husband." 45.10
"Oh auspicious one, Rama is like Indra in war and cannot be faced by devas, Men, Gandharwas,
birds, Rakshasas, devils, Kinnaras, wild animals and horrible asuras." 45.11-45.12
"Rama cannot be killed in war and so you should not talk like this and I am not interested to go,
leaving you alone here." 45.13
"He cannot be resisted by even mighty strong people or by well-equipped armies and in the three
worlds there is no one who can fight with him, even if they are helped by Gods." 45.14
"Relieve your heart and give up your sorrow, your husband would come back quickly after killing that
great deer." 45.15
"It is clearly not his voice but one created by illusion by somebody like the city of Gandharwas,
possibly by that Rakshasa." 45.16
"Oh Vaidehi. you have been deposited by Rama with me for safe keep; I am not willing to leave by
leaving you here, oh blessed lady." 45.17
"Oh Vaidehi after we have killed Khara in Janasthana, we have developed enmity with the
Rakshasas." 45.18
"In this great forest Rakshasas who wander torturing others speak in many voices and so you should
not get worried." 45.19
Hearing these words, Sita became greatly enraged and with her eyes turning blood red, she told
these harsh undesirable words to Lakshmana who was a votary of truth. 45.20
"Oh man of bad conduct, oh cruel one, Oh blot to your clan, I think that the distress of Rama is
pleasing you." 45.21
"Oh Lakshmana, in spite of seeing the great distress of Rama you speak such words and if this
occurs among rivals it would not be surprising. You seem to be cruel and walking with disguise."
45.22-45.23
"You are bad one who is following Rama when he is alone, for my sake covering your true intention,
possibly instigated by Bharatha." 45.24
"Your or Bharatha's intention will never be fulfilled. Would I leave my husband who is black like a blue
lotus, having eyes like a lotus flower and love ordinary men like you?" 45.25
"Oh son of Sumithra, I would give up my life in your presence now, for without Rama I do not want to
live on this earth even for a second." 45.26
Hearing these harsh and uncivil words of the agitated Sita, Lakshmana who has won over his senses
told her with folded hands in salutation. 45.27
"You are like a goddess to me and I do not intend to reply you. Oh Maithili such unworthy words
coming from a woman is not surprising as, in the world it is well known that ladies exhibit such
characters." 45.28-45.29
"Ladies are beyond Dharma, whimsical, inconsistent, sharp tongued capable of wounding others. Oh
Vaidehi, who is the daughter of king Janaka, I cannot tolerate such words for they are red hot arrows
piercing my ears." 45.30
"I am arguing for justice and so your harsh tone is not justified. Let all those who are in this forest
bear witness to what I say." 45.31
"Fie on you. By doubting me you may be ruined by the natural callous conduct of ladies as I am only
following my elder brother's words." 45.32
"I am going to see Rama, Oh blessed one, be safe. Let all the gods of forest protect you, oh broad
eyed one." 45.33
"I see dreadful omens before me and I am not sure whether I would be able to see you along with
Rama on my return, Oh Vaidehi, the daughter of Janaka." 45.34-45.35
When Lakshmana told her like this, the daughter of Janaka started crying and she with tear drenched
eyes replied harshly. 45.36
"Oh Lakshmana, without Rama I will enter river Godavari and bind myself to death or I will sacrifice
this body by falling from difficult terrain." 45.37
"I will drink strong poison or enter raging fire but I will not touch any other male except the son of
Raghu clan even by my foot." 45.38
Like this, with great sorrow, Sita started blaming Lakshmana, by hitting her belly with her own hands."
45.39
The son of Sumithra seeing the sad state of that dejected lady who has broad eyes, consoled her but
Sita refused to speak to the brother of her husband. 45.40
Then Lakshmana, after saluting Sita and after bending little to show his respect, looked at her thought
of various ways to protect her and started to join Rama. 45.41
This is the end of Forty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
46. Ravana as Mendicant
[As soon as Lakshmana goes away Ravana takes the form of a mendicant and approaches Janaki.
He praises her beauty and without any suspicions, Janaki receives him inside the hermitage
hospitably.]
When she spoke thus rudely to him, the younger brother got very angry, and wanted to see Rama
and started from there with speed. 46.1
Then immediately Ravana assumed a form of a Sannyasi and taking advantage of the opportunity
approached Vaidehi. 46.2
Wearing good quality ochre cloths, with hair knotted, holding umbrella, wearing sandals, with
auspicious staff and water pot hanging over his left shoulder, looking like a mendicant Ravana
approached Vaidehi. 46.3
In the forest, when both brothers who were like the Sun and Moon were absent, Ravana who was
very strong at the time of dusk, when the darkness starts to spread. 46.4
Then the exceedingly cruel Ravana saw the young lady who was wife of Rama and who was famous,
like a sinister planet looks at Rohini when the moon was absent. 46.5
The trees of Janasthana seeing him of greatly fierce actions started shaking and wind ceased to
blow. 46.6
The fast flowing river Godavari seeing him with red blood shot eyes, out of great fear started flowing
steadily. 46.7
Waiting for the time when Rama would be absent, seeing that a chance has come, the ten headed
Rakshasa, Ravana in the form of a mendicant reached near Vaidehi. 46.8
That evil on in the form of a good mendicant went near the lady who was worried about her husband
like the planet Saturn moving towards the "Chithra" star. 46.9
That sinner looking like one having humility like a deep well-being hidden by grass stood looking at
Vaidehi, the wife of Rama who was famous. 46.10
The wicked Rakshasa with a cruel mind seeing that auspicious lady who had pretty lips and teeth,
who was resembling a full moon, who was sitting in her hermitage affected by sorrow and tears, who
was having eyes like lotus leaf like eyes and who was dressed in yellow silk cloth went near her.
46.11-46.12
That king of Rakshasas being wounded by the arrows of God of love came chanting Vedas spoke
these humble words. 46.13
That Ravana praised her, "among the greatest ladies of the world your body is shining brightly like the
Goddess Lakshmi without the lotus flower." 46.14
"Who are you with the golden colour, who has worn the yellow silk cloth and an auspicious lotus
garland, looks like the lotus pond itself?" 46.15
"Oh blessed one, oh lady with a pretty face, are you, "Hri", or the goddess of shyness, or Keerthi, or
the goddess of fame, or goddess of auspiciousness, or goddess of wealth, or Lakshmi, or Apsaras or
goddess of fortune or Rathi the goddess of love, who is freely moving about?" 46.16
"You have white and very pretty teeth which are evenly placed and you have clear and broad eyes
with black eye balls and with a reddish tinge in the corner." 46.17
"You have broad hips, stout thighs like the trunk of an elephant, you have pretty round heavy breasts
decorated by gems, which droop slightly due to its weight, with the nipples projecting out, which are
shining and delightful like two palm fruits." 46.18-46.19
"Oh Lady with a pretty smile who has pretty teeth, oh lovely lady with very pretty eyes, you are
stealing my mind like the water of the river steals its bank, your slender waist can be caught within the
fist of the hand and have pretty hair and compact chest." 46.20-46.21
"Oh Lady, I have not seen such a beauty as yours in the earth or among gods or among Gandharwas
or among Kinnaras or among Yakshis." 46.22
"With unmatched beauty in this world and with delicate youthfulness, you are living in this forest and
this is maddening my heart." 46.23
"Move away from here as this forest, where horrible Rakshasas who can change their form at will
reside, is not a proper place for you to reside." 46.24
"You deserve to stroll in terraces of palaces, pretty gardens in towns which are both luxurious and
fragrant." 46.25
"Oh pretty one, you deserve the choicest garlands, food as well as cloths and also the choicest
husband would only be suitable to you." 46.26
"Oh blessed lady do you belong to the Rudras, or Maruths or Vasus for you appear to me to be one
among Devas." 46.27
"Devas, Kinnaras and Gandharwas do not come to this place, since only Rakshasas live here. How
did you happen to come here?" 46.28
"Monkeys, lions, panthers bears, Hyenas and wild Kanka birds only live here, and are you not
frightened by them?" 46.29
"In this great forest powerful and horrifying animals like the elephants in rut move about and being
alone are you not scared by them." 46.30
"Oh auspicious one, who are your people? Where do you come from? Why are you moving about in
this Dandaka, where horrible Rakshasas live?" 46.31
When that Ravana who was a bad soul but has come in the form of a Brahmin praised her like this
that Maithili received that Ravana like a honored guest and worshipped him. 46.32
That pleasant looking lady first offered him who looked like a sage, a seat and then offered him water
for drinking and told him, "everything is ready." 46.33
That Maithili seeing him in the form of a Brahmin holding a begging bowl made of pumpkin shell,
without having any doubt about his bad intentions, invited that Brahmin. 46.34
"Oh Brahmin, here is the seat for you. Sit on that freely. Here is water for drinking, please take it.
Here is the best food prepared out of forest products kept ready for you. Please take it without any
hesitation." 46.35
Ravana who was being invited with words of cordiality, looked at Maithili, who was the wife of a king
and decided to abduct her away with force without knowing that he was inviting his own death. 46.36
Sita anxiously awaited her husband gone for hunting as also Lakshmana but she saw only greens
everywhere in the forest but she did not see Rama and Lakshmana. 46.37
This is the end of Forty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
47. Ravana Reveals Identity
[Sita answers the mendicant truthfully and with courtesy. Ravana then tells her that his intention was
to abduct her and make her his chief queen. Sita starts trembling with fear.]
Seeing that evil intentioned Ravana, who had come in the form of a mendicant, Vaidehi started to tell
him about herself. 47.1
"If I do not answer his questions properly, he being a Brahmin as well as a guest he may curse me"
thought Sita for a moment and then started answering him. 47.2
"Oh best among the Brahmins, I am Maithili the daughter of the great soul Janaka and I am called
Sita and wife of Rama." 47.3
"I lived in the house of Ikshuvaku clan for twelve years, enjoying all the pleasures of human beings
and all my desires were fulfilled." 47.4
"In the thirteenth year the king had consultations along with other kings and ministers, about crowning
Rama ". 47.5
"When arrangements for the consecration of Rama were being made, the lady called Kaikeyi asked
for a boon from her husband." 47.6
"Based on the earlier promise made to her, by my father in law who was a truthful and great king, she
asked due to my lack of good fortune for coronation of her son Bharatha and banishment of my
husband Rama for fourteen years." 47.7
"She said, "I will not eat nor drink nor sleep, if Rama is consecrated and this would be the end of my
life" 47.8
"When Kaikeyi told like this, my father in law who respected her begged her to accept any other
alternative, but she did not agree to them." 47.9
"At that time my lustrous husband was only twenty five years old and I was eighteen at that time."
47.10
"My husband who was known in the world as "Rama", is blessed with good character, speaks only
truth and is pure at heart. He has broad eyes, powerful arms and looks after welfare of all beings."
47.11
"His father, the greatly lustrous Dasaratha, who was overcome by passion, Kaikeyi being most loved
by him, did not carry out the coronation of Rama." 47.12
"When Rama went to see his father for the sake of coronation, Kaikeyi without hesitation told these
words to my husband." 47.13
"Oh Raghava, please hear the orders of your father from me. This kingdom would be given to
Bharatha to rule without any obstacles." 47.14
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, you have to live like a sage for fourteen years in the forest, for saving your
father from falsehood." 47.15
"When told like this by Kaikeyi, my husband Rama who is a fearless man and firm in his resolves said
to her, "so be it." 47.16
"The matchless penance of Rama, Oh Brahmin, is to give and not take and speak no other words
except truth." 47.17
"The Valorous Lakshmana, who is the son of the second mother of Rama, who is the tiger among
men and slayer of his enemies in the battle, has also come with him to help him." 47.18
"That brother Lakshmana follows Dharma as well as strict penance and a wielder of bow has come
along with me when Rama was banished." 47.19
"He with matted hair and the form of a sage, who daily follows Dharma and has won over his senses,
has entered the Dandaka forest along with me and his brother." 47.20
"The three of us who have been banished by Kaikeyi to the forest are, Oh Brahmin, wandering in the
forest with great luster." 47.21
"Take rest for a while. You can also stay here. My husband would come now carrying large quantity
of meat of deer, alligator as well as boar." 47.22-47.23
"Oh Brahmin, tell me your name, clan and family and also tell me for what purpose you are wandering
alone in this Dandakaranya." 47.24
When the wife of Rama asked like this, that very strong king of Rakshasas gave a reply which was
ruthless. 47.25
"Oh Sita, I am one who is called Ravana, the king of Rakshasas, of whom the entire world including
devas, asuras and serpents are scared and shiver" 47.26
"Oh flawless lady who is of golden complexion, after seeing you clad in silk garments, I am not getting
interested in making love to my own wives." 47.27
"Among all the women whom I have brought, after winning several wars, you would become my chief
queen, safety unto you." 47.28
"My city Lanka is a great city in the middle of the ocean and it is situated on a peak of mountain
surrounded by the ocean." 47.29
"There, Oh Sita, you can stroll along with me in the pleasure gardens and oh pretty one, by that, you
will not miss your life in the forest." 47.30
"Oh Sita, if you become my wife, five thousand well ornamented lady attendants would be waiting on
you." 47.31
When Ravana told like this that daughter of Janaka became very angry and that lady with blemish
less limbs replied without any care to the Rakshasa. 47.32
"I am a faithful follower of my husband Rama, who is unshakable like a huge mountain, who is similar
to Devendra and imperturbable like the mighty sea." 47.33
"I am a loyal wife of Rama who is endowed with all virtues, a refuge like a banyan tree, speaker of
truth and a great hero." 47.34
"I am the faithful wife of Rama. , who has powerful arms, who has broad chest, who walks like a
marching lion, lion among men and really a lion." 47.35
"I am the loyal wife of Rama, who has a face like full moon, son of a king, one who has won over his
senses, greatly famous in earth and a great soul." 47.36
"You are after all a Jackal who wants a lioness like me who is difficult to get and you cannot even
touch me because I am like the rays of the Sun." 47.37
"Oh Ravana, you who desire the dear wife of Rama is an unfortunate one and you will certainly see
the golden tree [death]." 47.38
"You are trying to pull the teeth of a hungry and powerful lion which is the enemy of all animals and
also you are wishing to pull the fangs from a powerful poisonous snake." 47.39
"You are wishing to carry the great mountain Mandhara by your hand and you want to go back safely
after drinking the Kalakoota poison." 47.40
"if you are aiming at violating the dear wife of Rama, you are rubbing your eyes with a needle and
licking a sharp sword." 47.41
"Anyone who desires to assault the dear wife of Rama is trying to cross the sea with a big stone tied
to the neck or trying to carry the moon and Sun in both hands." 47.42
"If you desire to catch the virtuous wife of Rama, you are trying to hold a blazing fire with a cloth in
hand." 47.43
"If you want to seek the worthy wife of Rama, you are trying to walk on the sharp edge of tridents."
47.44
"The difference between you are Rama is like that of the difference between lion and the Jackal, like
the difference between the sea and the ditch and like the difference between wine and dirty water."
47.45
"The difference between the son of Dasaratha and yourself is like the difference between gold and
lead, that between sandal paste and slime and that between elephant and a cat." 47.46
"The difference between son of Dasaratha and you is like the difference between eagle and a crow,
between peacock and a crane and between swan and a vulture." 47.47
"The Rama with the strength the thousand eyed Indra, when he stands armed with a bow and arrow,
even if I am abducted will to allow you to become old and I will act on you like a diamond swallowed
by a fly." 47.48
After forcefully telling like this to the Rakshasa, the body of the lady of pure thoughts started trembling
like a Banana plant caught in a storm. 47.49
That Ravana who was powerful like death started giving an account about his clan, his strength and
his deeds, to the lady who was shivering with a view to make her more scared. 47.50
This is the end of Forty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
48. Ravana Introduces Himself
[Ravana then tells Sita in detail about himself and his exploits. He promises her a very happy life with
him in Lanka. He also tells her that he is a brother of Khubera and owns the Pushpaka Vimana.]
When Sita spoke like this, Ravana arching his eyebrows to his forehead, using agitated and harsh
words replied her. 48.1
"Oh lady whose beauty cannot be described, Vaisravana, the lord of riches is my step mother's son
and my name is Ravana, safety to you, and I am famous as the ten headed one." 48.2
"People including Devas, Gandharwas, ghosts, Patakas and serpents get scared on seeing me who
is like death and run away." 48.3
"Due to some other reason a great war took place between me and Vaisravana my brother from my
step mother and in the individual war between us I won over him due to my great anger and power."
48.4
"That Khubera who rides on men, due to great fear towards me, left his own prosperous home and is
living on Kailasa, the great mountain." 48.5
"Oh auspicious lady, due to my valour, I gained from him the aero plane called Pushpaka, which goes
to any place one desires, in which I wander in the skies." 48.6
"Oh Maithili, devas who see my face when is angry start shivering and start running away scared,
with Indra in the forefront." 48.7
"If the wind God sees me, with great hesitation he blows mildly and so is the sun and moon and out of
fear the scorching sun becomes cool." 48.8
"Wherever I stay or move about, the trees with full of leaves become still and the river remains with
still water." 48.9
"If I cross the sea, there exists my auspicious city of Lanka and it is full of horrifying Rakshasas and is
equal to Indra's Amravati." 48.10
"That white city enclosed by a wall shines and the city has golden gates with doors encrusted with
Vaidoorya." 48.11
"It is crowded with horses, elephants and chariots and is filled with music from wind pipe instruments.
It has trees yielding all round the year and looks splendid as it is filled with pleasure gardens." 48.12
"Oh Sita who rules my mind, there you would live with me and would never remember the human
ladies." 48.13
"Oh blessed lady, enjoying the divine pleasures of mortals with me, you will not remember the human
being called Rama with a short span of life." 48.14
"King Dasaratha crowned his most loved son there sending away his elder son of inferior intellect to
the forest." 48.15
"Oh broad eyed one, Rama who has been banished to the forest has lost his capacity to think and
what will you do with that sage who does penance." 48.16
"You do not deserve to reject me who is the lord of all the Rakshasas, who has come here due to
passion for you, who has succumbed to the arrows of God of love." 48.17
"After rejecting me, you would feel greatly sorry like Urvasi who rejected Pururuvas and kicked him by
her feet." 48.18
"Oh auspicious beauty, that Rama in war is not even equal to my fingers and so you be happy in
getting me by your luck." 48.19
When Vaidehi hear these words she was enraged and her eyes turned red and in that lonely place
she spoke harsh words to that king of Rakshasas. 48.20
"Why did you do inauspicious deeds instead of showing regard to your brother who is the God
Vaisravana who is being saluted by all beings?" 48.21
"Oh Ravana, you would get all the Rakshasas destroyed, because they have a cruel and evil minded
king who does not have control over his senses." 48.22
"It may be possible to lead a life after abducting Sachi, the wife of Indra but after carrying away the
wife of Rama there would not be any life." 48.23
"Oh Rakshasa, you may hope to live long after snatching the pretty Sachi from the hands of Indra
who Carries the Vajrayudha but after assaulting me, even if you drink nectar of immortality t you
would not be alive." 48.24
This is the end of Forty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
49. Ravana Carries Sita
[Then Ravana shows her his real form and holding her by hair and supporting her with his hand on
her thighs, he carries her to his chariot. Sita wails and requests all birds and trees to tell Rama about
her abduction. Then she sees Jatayu and tells him to inform Rama about his plight.]
Hearing the words of Sita, that ten headed one with great fame kept one hand in another hand and
got ready to assume his usual giant form. 49.1
He again told the following words," Due to great madness, you have not understood about my valour
and courage." 49.2
"I can lift the entire earth including the sky by my bare hands; I can drink the entire ocean and wage a
war and kill death itself." 49.3
"I can hide the Sun, I can shatter the earth by use of sharp arrows and I can assume any form of I
like, Oh mad woman, see me as your husband who can fulfill all your desires." 49.4
When the angry Ravana was talking like this his eyes having the brilliance of Sun shined like flaming
fire and in the corners of his eyes amber colour developed. 49.5
That Ravana shed his form of a gentle mendicant and assumed and that brother of Vaisravana
assumed a form similar to God of death. 49.6
With very red eyes, decorated with pure gold ornaments, desperate with anger, resembling a black
rich cloud, with ten heads and armed with bows and arrows, Ravana the Rakshasa stood before her.
49.7
The king of Rakshasas Ravana, discarding the form of a mendicant, assumed his own form and
stood with a huge body, dressed in reddish attire, observing the gem of the woman stood before her.
49.8-49.9
That Ravana addressed Maithili who had a black hair which was shining like the sun and who was
dressed in best of cloths and ornaments and spoke. 49.10
"Oh lady, If you are interested in having a husband who is famous in all the three worlds, Oh blessed
lady depend on me, because I would be a husband suitable to you." 49.11
"Oh auspicious lady, you may serve me for a long time as your dear one, for at any time, I would not
do anything that is not liked by you and so give up your inclination to a mere human form and place
your love on me." 49.12-49.13
"Rama has been banished from his country and he is of limited span of life and has not so far
achieved anything and Oh foolish women who thinks that you are wise what is the point in loving him.
Obeying the words of a woman, he left all his friends and he is living in the forest haunted by wild
animals. Oh lady with a inferior brain." 49.14-49.15
After telling these words to Maithili who deserved love and who spoke pleasing words, that Rakshasa
caught in the web of passion, went near her and that Ravana caught her, like the planet Budha
[Mercury - the son of moon] catching hold of Rohini [wife of moon]. 49.16
He lifted Sita who had lotus like eyes with his left hand holding her hair and with his right hand
supporting her thighs. 49.17
Seeing him who looked like death, had sharp teeth, great hands and who looked like a mountain, the
gods of the forest ran away from there. 49.18
Then the magical divine chariot drawn by donkeys, making noise like a donkey appeared before
Ravana and her who had a golden body. 49.19
Then Ravana, berating her with harsh words and in a loud tone, lifted Vaidehi from his body part and
placed her on the chariot. 49.20
Held by Ravana that famous one shouted loudly with sorrow and pain "Oh Rama", addressing Rama
who had gone far away in the forest. 49.21
At that time that passionate Ravana held her who did not love him and who was writhing like a king of
serpents and fled from there. 49.22
Then she who was being taken by the king of Rakshasas over the sky, shouted like a mad women in
delirious condition and screamed in great pain. 49.23
"Oh very strong Lakshmana who pleases the mind of elders, you do not know that I am being carried
away by a impetuous Rakshasa." 49.24
"Oh Rama you sacrificed pleasure and wealth in life for the sake of Dharma and are you not seeing
me carried away against Dharma?" 49.25
"Oh scorcher of enemies, oh punisher of the undisciplined ones, why are you not punishing this
undisciplined act of Ravana?" 49.26
"The results of an immoral act cannot be immediately seen similar to time acting as a supporting
factor for the ripening of a crop." 49.27
"By this act that you do, which takes your mind shattered by time, you would suffer great sorrow and
darkness in your life due to Rama." 49.28
"Alas, Kaikeyi and her friends would now be happy, because I who am a lover of Dharma, famous
one and a virtuous wife is being abducted." 49.29
"Oh fully flowered Karnika trees of Janasthana, I am taking leave of you, please tell quickly Rama that
Ravana is abducting Sita." 49.30
"I salute the Malyavana peak of the Prasravana mountain; you may please tell quickly that Ravana is
abducting Sita." 49.31
"I salute the river Godavari which is full of swans and cranes; you may please tell quickly that Ravana
is abducting Sita." 49.32
"I salute the deities of the forest filled with trees; you may please tell quickly that Ravana is abducting
Sita." 49.33
"I seek refuge and plead with all those animals, and living beings living in this forest including groups
of animals and birds." 49.34
"Please tell my husband who loves me more than his own life that the helpless Sita is being abducted
by Ravana." 49.35
"Knowing that I have been abducted that very strong Rama with great hands would get me back,
even if Vaivasvatha, the God of death abducts me." 49.36
She who was big eyed, who was extremely sad and crying like this, then saw the eagle sitting on the
tree. 49.37
That beautiful lady who was in the grip of Ravana after seeing him was shaken by great sorrow,
screamed loudly. 49.38
"Please see me now being carried away from here like an orphan, in a desperate way by the sinful
Ravana who is the king of Rakshasas." 49.39
"It is not possible for you to prevent him by your strength because this Rakshasa is cruel, well armed,
evil minded and capable of winning." 49.40
"Oh Jatayu, please tell Rama as well as Lakshmana about the details of my abduction as it happened
here." 49.41
This is the end of Forty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
50. Jatayu Advises Ravana
[Jatayu who recognizes Ravana advises him to follow the path of Dharma and though he is very old
gets ready to fight with Ravana.]
Jatayu who was resting on the tree heard that sound and Saw quickly Ravana as also Sita also. 50.1
That great bird who was like a flock of mountains and who had a sharp beak sitting on the top of the
tree uttered these auspicious words. 50.2
"Oh ten headed one, I am Jatayu, the mighty strong king of eagles, wedded to ancient Dharma as
well as truth." 50.3
"Rama, the son of Dasaratha is the king comparable to Indra and Varuna and takes care of the
welfare of all the worlds." 50.4
"She whom you are trying to abduct is the auspicious and famous lady Sita, who is the wife of the lord
of all the worlds." 50.5
"Oh king who adheres to Dharma, how can you violate the wife of others and you being very strong
should specially protect the wives of other kings." 50.6
"Take away from your mind, the thought of touching someone else's wife and this thought should not
enter a brave man who condemns others for such behaviour. You should protect the wife of others
like you protect your own wife." 50.7
"Oh son of Paulasthya, learned men take decision on Dharma based on the behavior of the king,
even if a Dharma, Artha or Kama is not mentioned in Sastras." 50.8
"The king is the best repository of Dharma, Kama as well as wealth and so whether an act is a bad
Dharma or Good Dharma is decided based on king's behaviour." 50.9
"Oh best among the Rakshasas, you are sinful and fickle by nature, By doing what wicked deed,
could you get, the wealth like a aero plane." 50.10
"Passion is the conduct of some people and this cannot be erased and prosperity will not last long in
the house of such bad souls." 50.11
"Rama who is greatly strong and has not offended you either in your country or in your city and so
why do you want to offend that follower of Dharma?" 50.12
"If for the sake of Soorpanakha, Khara of Janasthana, trespassed Rama who is a hero unsurpassed
character and got killed because of that, please tell me the principle by which Rama went against
Dharma and also tell me why you are stealing the wife of that Lord of the world, because of that."
50.13-50.14
"Leave Vaidehi at once so that she would not burn you, with a fierce look from her eyes which are like
the thunderbolts of Indra which killed Vruthrasura." 50.15
"You are not aware of the poisonous snake that you have tied to your cloth and you are not seeing
the noose of the God of death tightening around your neck." 50.16
"Oh gentle one, a man should carry only a burden which does not overburden him and also eat only
that much would which would be healthy for him." 50.17
"Who will practice that Dharma which does not bring him fame and glory and who will do acts which
brings sufferings to the body?" 50.18
"Ravana, I was born sixty thousand years ago from that time I ruled the kingdom which I got my father
and forefathers in a proper way." 50.19
"I am old and you are youth having bows, arrows as well as a chariot but in spite of that, I will not
allow you to go safely carrying Vaidehi," 50.20
"You are not strong enough to carry using Vaidehi in my sight, just like the everlasting rules of Vedas
cannot be refuted by arguments of logic." 50.21
"Oh Ravana, wait for a minute and fight with me in war, if you are valorous and like Khara you would
be slain and fall dead to the ground." 50.22
"Soon that Rama clad in bark, who has killed several Rakshasas and Dhanavas many times also will
kill you." 50.23
"Since the sons of the king have gone to a far off distance, I do not know what to do? Oh debased
one, without any doubt, you are going to be destroyed by fear towards them." 50.24
"As long as I am alive, I will not allow you to take the auspicious, lotus eyed Sita who is the dear
queen of Rama." 50.25
"I am sure that my act would be liked by that great soul and I would it for Rama and Dasaratha, even
by giving up my life." 50.26
"Stay there, stay there, oh ten headed one, see me for a minute and I would show you the hospitality
of war even by giving up my life, Oh Rakshasa. Like a fully ripened fruit dropping from its stalk, I
would make you fall from the chariot." 50.27-50.28
This is the end of Fiftieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
51. Jatayu and Ravana Fight
[Jatayu destroys the chariot of Ravana during a great fight. Ravana who held Janaki left her and cut
off the wings of Jatayu. Janaki became sad as if her relative was dying.]
When his just opinions were told by Jatayu, all the twenty eyes of Ravana shined like fire due to great
anger. 51.1
The intolerant king of Rakshasas with blood red eyes due to anger and with his bright gold ear globes
jumped on the king of the birds. 51.2
The matchless fight between them in the forest was tumultuous and appeared like the clash between
two black clouds brought about by a great wind. 51.3
Then a wonderful war took place between the vulture and the Rakshasa appeared like a war between
two winged mountain ranges of Malya. 51.4
Then that strong one rained reed shafts, sharp and exceedingly dreadful arrows as well as iron shafts
at the vulture king. 51.5
Jatayu, the vulture who was the king of birds endured the net work of arrows as well as the missiles
sent by Ravana. 51.6
That strong one and the great bird with his sharp nails as well as feet caused many wounds on the
body of Ravana. 51.7
Then with great anger the ten headed one sent ten fierce darts all equal the rod of death, with a
desire to hit his enemy. 51.8
He then released fully arrows of great strength which had sharp ends, whetted and sharp crescent
shaped arrows which pierced the vulture. 51.9
Seeing Janaki with tears in her eyes sitting on the chariot, without bothering about the arrows of the
Rakshasa, Jatayu attacked again. 51.10
That king of the birds who had great luster broke with his feet the bow along with arrows which were
encrusted with gems. 51.11
Flying in to great anger, he took another bow and started the rained arrows in hundreds and
thousands. 51.12
The king of birds in the midst of those sea of arrows shone like a bird which has returned back to its
nest. 51.13
He who has great power scattered all those arrows to a distance by his wings and by his feet he
again broke the great bow. 51.14
That very brave king of birds who was shining like fire, using his wings broke in to pieces the shield of
Ravana. 51.15
In that war the very powerful devils with a donkey face who were covered with gold and who were
enriched with great speed were killed. 51.16
Then he broke the great chariot which was endowed with three pretty bamboo reeds, which could go
wherever it desired, which was glowing like fire and decorated by gems and gold. 51.17
He then violently pulled down, the umbrella which was shining along with the fans along with those
Rakshasas who were holding them. 51.18
Again the powerful and glorious king of the birds with his beak cut off the huge head of the charioteer.
51.19
With his bow being broken without chariot, without horses and without the charioteer, holding Vaidehi
on his lap that Ravana jumped on the ground. 51.20
Seeing Ravana fallen on the ground without his chariot, all the beings appreciated the king of vultures
by saying "Great, Great." 51.21
Seeing the old king of the flock of birds, greatly tired due to the great fight, the happy Ravana took
Vaidehi and flew in to the sky. 51.22
The king of vultures who had great luster seeing the happy Ravana going away with the daughter of
Janaka in his custody, flying up chased Ravana and after chasing him, he obstructed him and told.
51.23
"Sita is the wife of Rama whose arrows can hit like Vajrayudha, which would lead to the destruction of
all Rakshasas, Oh foolish one." 51.24
"You are drinking like a thirsty man, this poisoned drink which will lead to the death of friends,
relations, ministers army and all your allies." 51.25
"Those who do not know the consequences and one who does not have capacity of discrimination
would be destroyed speedily and you would be destroyed quickly." 51.26
"You have been tied by the noose of God of death and how can you escape, like a fish caught in the
fish hook after biting the bait." 51.27
"Oh Ravana those unassailable sons of Kakustha dynasty will not any time condone, your entering
that hermitage." 51.28
"Like a coward, you did not act which would be despised by the world for a valorous hero would not
adopt the method of a thief." 51.29
"If you are a valorous hero in the battle field, wait for a moment, for Rama will make you lie down
dead like your brother Khara." 51.30
"Only when death is nearby a man would do such acts and you have undertaken this unrighteous act,
for the destruction of your own soul." 51.31
"If sin is attached to an action which good man will undertake it, even if he happens to be the lord of
the entire world and who was born himself?" 51.32
Jatayu spoke these auspicious words to the Rakshasa and then he fell on the back of the Rakshasa
with ten heads. 51.33
Jatayu held Ravana and wounded him badly by using his nails and it was like the Mahout trying to
calm down a mad elephant. 51.34
He who was having his claws, nails and beak as the only weapon wounded Ravana's back severely
by using his beak and claws and he started to pluck off his hair. 51.35
Being exasperated again and again by that king of vultures, with intolerance rising in him, the
Rakshasa staggered to the right so that he can hit the vulture at his back. 51.36
Clutching Sita on his left side securely, with great anger that aggrieved Ravana, quickly hit back at
Jatayu with his palm. 51.37
Jatayu the lord of the birds and destroyer of his enemies using his beak outstripped Ravana and tore
away his ten left arms [He was holding Vaidehi by his left hand] 51.38
Those ten arms which were torn off immediately appeared again, like the poisonous snakes coming
out from their pits. 51.39
Then out of great anger Ravana threw away Sita and hit the vulture king with all his hands and feet.
51.40
Then a battle took place for some time between those matchless heroes who were the chief of the
Rakshasas and the chief of the birds. 51.41
Ravana then took his sword and cut off the wings, sides and feet of Jatayu, who was fighting for the
sake of Rama. 51.42
Due to that horrible act of Ravana, when his wings were cut off, that great vulture fell on the earth
with very less life span left for him. 51.43
Seeing Jatayu fallen down on the earth soaked in blood, Vaidehi ran near him like he was her own
relative and became sad. 51.44
The king of Lanka saw Jatayu who was shining like a blue cloud, who had white undersides and who
was greatly valorous and appeared like a fire which had become peaceful. 51.45
Seeing him like a wingless chariot on the earth, felled there by the quick blows of Ravana, Sita who
had a face like a shining moon hugged him and then that daughter of Janaka started wailing. 51.46
This is the end of Fifty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
52. Ravana Abducts Sita
[Ravana caught hold of Sita and started flying away. The entire nature cried for her. Lord Brahma and
the great sages felt that the time for death of Ravana was nearing.]
That lady with the face of the king of stars seeing that Ravana has stuck down, the king of vultures
wept due to great grief. 52.1
"People who know the auspicious signs as well as bad omens based on the noise of birds would
definitely read the pleasure and pain of man from them." 52.2
"Oh Rama you are still not aware of the terrible disaster which happened to me but I feel that for my
sake the animals and birds are running to tell the son of Kakustha can about that." 52.3
"Due to my sin and bad luck, the bird which has come forward to save me is lying on the ground
dead." 52.4
That blessed and greatly lady shouted bitterly "please save me, Oh Rama, Oh Lakshmana", as if
feeling that they were nearby to save her. 52.5
Ravana came running near that lady, whose ornaments and garlands were crushed and who was
weeping like a helpless orphan. 52.6
To her who was embracing the huge trees like a climbing plant shouting "Rama, Rama" though Rama
was not in that forest, that king of Rakshasas who looked like the god of death told, Leave it, leave it"
and caught hold of hair thus bringing his death near to himself. 52.7-52.8
When Sita was insulted like this, all moving and non moving beings not respectable, the forest was
covered by darkness, the wind did not blow and the Sun did not shine brightly. 52.9
Seeing with his divine eye, the desperate Sita grasped and being carried away Lord Brahma said,
"The job has been done." 52.10
Those great sages who lived in Dandakaranya forest though they were all pained by it, felt happy at
seeing Sita being grasped because they could see in it casually the destruction of Ravana. 52.11-
52.12
That Ravana who was the king of Rakshasas took her away to the sky, when she was crying and
chanting "Rama, Rama", as well as Lakshmana. 52.13
Wearing shining golden ornaments and dressed in yellow silk that princess shined like lightning in the
sky. 52.14
With the yellow silk cloth flying over him, Ravana also shined like a mountain, over which there was a
yellow flame. 52.15
Vaidehi's most auspicious fragrant copper coloured lotus petals rained all over Ravana. 52.16
Her golden coloured silk cloth which was flying in the sky, was exposed to the bright rays of the Sun
and shined like a cloud of golden colour. 52.17
Because she was being held under the arm of Ravana in the sky, her pretty nose and face without
Rama being there, shined like a lotus flower without stalk. 52.18
Sita's was beautiful with pretty forehead and beautiful hair looked by the inner side of a lotus flower
without any marks and her flawless white nice shining teeth which was decorated, her nice nose, her
lovely red lips. She was constantly weeping and wiping away her tears and her pure face looked like
a moon and being held by Ravana it looked like a moon trying to break out from the blue cloud.
52.19-52.21
Being shaken by Ravana, her auspicious moon like face without a shine and looked like a moon
which was seen in the day time. 52.22
That golden coloured Maithili being held by the Rakshasa king who had blue limbs shone like the
metal girdle made of gold with inlaid blue gem stones. 52.23
That bright lotus like lady of golden colour wearing shining gold ornaments was shining like lightning
coming out of dark cloud, when she was held by the dark Ravana. 52.24
By the sound made by the ornaments of Vaidehi, that Ravana looked like a water rich dark cloud,
which was roaring. 52.25
When Sita was being carried away the flowers with which she decorated her head fell like a rain of
flowers and fell on the ground. 52.26
That rain of flowers swirling round due to the great speed with which Ravana was going and covered
all over the body of the ten headed one. 52.27
The rain of flowers went towards the younger brother of Vaisravana, like a bright garland of stars
going round the tall and pure Meru Mountain. 52.28
From the feet of Vaidehi, her anklet studded with gems dropped down on earth like with a pleasant
sound and it looked like an orb of lightning. 52.29
The lady Vaidehi looking red like the tender leaves of thee tree with the king of Rakshasas who was
in blue in colour looked like the golden chain used to tie the elephant adding to its glitter. 52.30
She with her natural beauty, who was being carried by the younger brother of Vaisravana in the sky
looked like a huge shining comet. 52.31
Her fire coloured ornaments fell on the earth creating loud sound like the weak stars which were
falling from the sky. 52.32
The pearl chain that fell from the middle of the breasts of Vaidehi, looked like the waters of river
Ganga falling from the sky. 52.33
The trees full of different types flocks of birds which were shaken at the top by the gust of the wind
seem to say to Sita, "Be not afraid." 52.34
The faded lotus flowers and disturbed animals living in water disturbed by great fear in the lotus
ponds were feeling sorry for Sita just like one feels sorry to a friend who has stopped to breath. 52.35
The lions, tigers and other wild animals collected together due to sorrow jumped and ran chasing the
shadow of Sita. 52.36
When Sita was being carried away the water falls from the mountains indicated their tears and the
peaks indicated that they lifted up their arms. 52.37
Even the Sun who has great luster after seeing Sita being carried away, became gloomy, shed his
luster and a white disc appeared round him. 52.38
All beings wailed in groups saying, "where is Dharma, where is truth, where is honesty, where is
compassion, when Ravana is stealing Vaidehi, the wife of Rama." 52.39
The young deer with an upset face with desperate looks wept looking up at the direction where Sita
was being taken though they were not able to see clearly due to tears hiding their eyes. 52.40
Similarly the gods of the forest seeing Sita reduced to the state of weeping and crying out loudly and
also weeping, were greatly shaken. 52.41
That ten headed one was carrying Vaidehi, who was crying in a sweet voice, "Rama, Lakshmana",
who was looking all over the ground, with disheveled hair and with her auspicious mark in forehead
wiped out, was really travelling fast towards his own death. 52.42-52.43
Then Maithili with pretty teeth and sweet smile without any relatives and unable to see Rama and
Lakshmana became pale faced and greatly scared. 52.44
This is the end of Fifty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
53. Sita Reasons with Ravana
[Sita tells Ravana that he has done a horrible act and would be killed for that.]
Seeing him flying to the sky that Maithili, the daughter of Janaka became very sad and greatly
disturbed and became miserable due to intense fear. 53.1
That Sita with red coloured eyes due to crying with fury, weeping in a very sad state told the king of
Rakshasas who had very big eyes. 53.2
"Oh mean Ravana, are you ashamed of what you have done? Knowing that I am separated from my
husband, you have come and stolen me and are running away?" 53.3
"You being a bad soul, coward and wanting to abduct me, sent away my husband in the form of a
deer." 53.4
"You have also killed this king of vultures, who was an old friend of my father in law and who wanted
to protect me." 53.5
"Oh basest of the Rakshasas, I have seen your valour now for you have not won me after announcing
a war." 53.6
"After carrying out such an act, how is it that you are not ashamed, for you have abducted a lady
when she is alone." 53.7
"You would be told as one who has done a debased act by all the world as you are cruel, unrighteous
and one who boasts that he is brave." 53.8
"Fie upon your heroism and strength, about which you boasted. Your behaviour which caused sorrow
to a family is condemnable by the world." 53.9
"What can be done now, as you are running away speedily, for even if you stay here for a moment,
you would not be alive." 53.10
"If for a moment you fall in to the vision of the sons of the king, even if you are supported by all your
army, you would not live for a moment." 53.11
"You would not be able to endure even a touch of their arrows, just like a bird cannot endure even a
mere touch of forest fire." 53.12
"Oh Ravana, for your own well being, it is only proper that you release me. If you do not, becoming
greatly angry for your assaulting me, my husband and his brother would cause your destruction and
so release me." 53.13
"Oh mean fellow, on the other hand if you due to your enterprise want to steal me with force, such a
thought would become useless." 53.14
"Without seeing my god like husband, I would not hold on to my life for a long time in the custody of
my enemy." 53.15
"At the time of death, man, he resorts to behaviour which is opposite to Normal and at that time you
would be able to see or foresee what is good for your own self." 53.16
"Those who desire to die, will not see anything which is good for them. I am able to see around your
neck, the noose of God of death." 53.17
"It is clear that you are not afraid of anything that causes fear and it is evident that you have started
seeing golden trees." 53.18
"Oh Ravana you will be seeing the horrible river Vaitharani [river of death] in which torrents of blood
flows and you are also seeing the forest with trees having sword like leaves." 53.19
"You will see a silk cotton tree with flowers of golden colour with great Vaidoorya stones as leaves
and will have sharp iron thorns there [sinners are made to hug this tree in hell.] 53.20
"Oh pitiless one, you will not be able to survive long after deceiving me in the guise of a great soul,
like a man who has drunk poison." 53.21
"Oh Ravana, you have been tied by the noose of god of death which is difficult to remove. Where will
you go to get safety from my husband?" 53.22
"Within a short time, without taking help from his brother, he has killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas
for Rama is a strong man well versed in all weapons. How will such Rama not kill you, who had stolen
his wife?" 53.23-53.24
Vaidehi, who was in the grip of Raghava, filled with fear and sorrow spoke many such harsh words
and cried pathetically." 53.25
That pretty lady who was greatly helpless, who was talking lot and piteously crying was carried away
by the sinner Ravana and he turned to her whose body was trembling. 53.26
This is the end of Fifty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
54. Ravana Reaches Lanka with Sita
[On the way seeing five monkeys sitting on a mountain top, Sita ties her ornaments in her upper
cloths and drops it amidst them. Ravana reaches Lanka along with Sita. He asks Rakshasis to guard
her and instructs eight Rakshasas to go to Janasthana and watch Rama and report about Rama's
movements to him.]
That Vaidehi who was being taken away and not seeing any one to protect her saw five great
monkeys standing on a mountain top. 54.1
In between them that broad eyed one dropped her auspicious ornaments tied in her silken upper cloth
hoping that they would tell about this to Rama. 54.2
The ten headed one speedily rushing did not realize that the cloth containing ornaments was thrown
down by Sita 54.3
Those tawny eyed great monkeys without blinking their eyes that broad eyed lady Sita who was
crying loudly and bitterly. 54.4
That king of Rakshasas crossed the river Pampa and travelled towards Lanka carrying Vaidehi who
was crying. 54.5
That Ravana carried her, who was his death with great joy, like one carrying a sharp fanged and
highly poisonous female snake in his lap. 54.6
He speedily crossed like an arrow travelling over forests, rivers, mountains, lakes through the
sky.54.7
After travelling some distance crossed the ocean which was a temple of Varuna, which was the
abode of whales and crocodiles, which cannot be exhausted and which was the refuge of all waters.
54.8
Vaidehi who was being carried away was bewildered on seeing the abode of Varuna, which had
whirling waves and which was obstructed by serpents and fishes. 54.9
Those Charanas who were travelling through the sky along with accomplished sages seeing Ravana
told, "This is your end." 54.10
That Ravana carrying Sita who was turning round and round entered the city of Lanka without
realizing that the pretty one was personification of his death. 54.11
Ravana passing the well formed avenues of the city of Lanka, crossed many guarded gates of the
palace and entered his private apartment. 54.12
Ravana left Sita who was a lady who had dark side long glances and lost in sorrow and delusion
there like the Asura Maya hid is illusory powers." 54.13
That Ravana ordered those horrible looking female ghosts that nobody should be allowed to see Sita
without his permission. 54.14
"Pearls, gems, gold, cloths, ornaments and whatever else she desires should be given to her as per
my permission." 54.15
"Anyone who tells any word which is not even slightly liked by Vaidehi out of ignorance does not love
his life." 54.16
That famous king of Rakshasas after telling like this to the Rakshasis, came out and thought about
what should be done and saw eight very valorous flesh eating Rakshasas. 54.17-54.18
That valorous one, deluded due to the strength of his boons, praised those strong Rakshasas and
told them. 54.19
"Quickly go along with all sort of weapons to Janasthana which is a place of death of Khara and also
his former residing place." 54.20
"In That Janasthana which does not have any Rakshasas, completely depending on your strength
and valour live without fear." 54.21
"My great army which was stationed there in Janasthana, along with Khara and Dhooshana was
destroyed by the arrows of Rama." 54.22
"In me due to my courage and anger there is great intolerance and enmity has been created against
that Rama." 54.23
"Due to my enmity I want to destroy those enemies in war and I would not get sleep without slaying
them." 54.24
"I want now to kill Rama who has killed Khara and Dhooshana and then only I would be happy similar
to a man not having wealth would not be happy till he gets it." 54.25
"Living at Janasthana all of you, all of you please get me exact information as to what Rama is doing."
54.26
"Let all Rakshasas act with alertness while being there and your duty is to keep on trying to kill
Rama." 54.27
"I know about your strength from various battle fronts and that is the reason why you are being
deputed to Janasthana." 54.28
"Hearing those pleasing and meaningful words, those Rakshasas saluted Ravana, left Lanka all
together to Janasthana without anybody seeing them." 54.29
Then Ravana, seeing Sita and thinking about how he got her, became very happy, forgetting about
the highest enmity he gained with Rama and due to illusion rejoiced." 54.30
This is the end of Fifty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
55. Ravana's Attempt to Convince Sita
[Ravana shows Sita round his palace and tells her about the invincibility of Lanka. He tells her to
forget Rama, who can never reach there. He tells her to enjoy life with him as his chief wife.]
Ravana after sending those eight horrifying Rakshasas who has great strength, due to his perverted
thought process felt like an accomplished man. 55.1
He who has been hit by the arrow of the love God started thinking about Vaidehi and so hastened to
Sita in that beautiful home. 55.2
Then that Ravana who was the king of Rakshasas entered his home and saw the greatly sorrowing
Sita in between the Rakshasis. 55.3
Piteous, face full of tears, weighed down by burden of sorrow, sinking like a boat overpowered by a
gust of wind, who was like a single deer separated from the pack, by hounds surrounding them, and
head bent down, that Sita was approached by the Rakshasa was shown his house which was equal
to the house of devas, though she was pathetic and full of grief. 55.4-55.6
His home was a complex of palaces and mansions served by thousands of women and, abode of
flocks of birds of different kinds, with delightful looking pillars studded with gold, crystals, silver
diamonds and precious stones, wonderful sounding drums and glittering golden entrances. 55.7-55.8
Ravana climbed the wonderfully pretty golden staircase along with her. The mansion there was
covered by golden trellis and had windows made of silver looked great. 55.9-55.10
That ten headed one showed Maithili his own house with floor which was plastered with white
coloured gems and crystals. 55.11
Ravana showed her who was greatly sorrowing, wells with steps which was surrounded by trees as
well as lotus tanks. 55.12
After showing Vaidehi the great house completely, with a desire to allure Sita, that soul of sin told the
following words. 55.13
"Oh leaving out the old people and children, I am the lord of ten crores of Rakshasas, all of whom are
great workers apart from another twenty crores." 55.14
"Only for me there are thousand attendants. I would place all of them as well as diplomacy of ruling
the country are under your control. Oh Broad eyed one I consider you greater than my life." 55.15-
55.16
"Several thousands of women are married to me and you would be god to them being my wife who is
dearest to me." 55.17
"Why do you have a different mind? Please take interest in my words and you should show pity to me
who is burning out of desire for you." 55.18
"Limited by the ocean this Lanka is two hundred miles in length and this cannot be attacked by Indra
or devas or asuras." 55.19
"Among devas, Yakshas, Gandharwas and birds, I do not see any one equal in prowess to me."55.20
"What will you do with Rama, who is a human being with less luster, who has been banished from his
country, who is pitiable and short lived." 55.21
"Oh Sita, give your hand to me and I will be a good husband to you. Oh coward, youth is of short
duration and so enjoy it with me." 55.22
"Oh blessed one, give up the idea of seeing Raghava gain, for does he have the power to reach this
place physically or even mentally" 55.23
"It is not possible to tie with a rope the wind which is blowing in the sky with speed and it is not
possible to catch the top of the flame of burning fire." 55.24
"Oh pretty one, I do not see any one in the three worlds to take you by his valour as you are being
protected by my shoulders." 55.25
"You please rule over this very great kingdom of Lanka and you would be attended by me as well as
all devas and all moving and not moving beings." 55.26
"Once you are consecrated, be contended and keep me entertained. All the effects of bad deeds
done by you have been washed out by your stay in the forest and now enjoy the fruits of Dharma that
you have done." 55.27
"Oh Maithili along with me, put all the garlands and divine fragrances and all important ornaments."
55.28
"Oh charming lady, I have won over from my brother Vaisravana, a strong aero plane called
Pushpaka, which shines like the Sun." 55.29
"That matchless aero plane is very broad and pretty and in that you can roam about happily along
with me." 55.30
"Oh blessed lady, your face looks like lotus, is pure and pretty to look at but is not having a shine
because of your sorrow." 55.31
When he was talking like this Sita covered her moon like with her cloth and cried making her face wet
with tears. 55.32
Ravana that sinner who was the king of Rakshasas seeing her miserable situation in which she was
thoughtful and worrying, again told her. 55.33
"Oh Vaidehi, there is no need to think that this would be against dharma as you have been lead in to
this path by fate and this is acceptable to the sages." 55.34
"I am bending and bowing my head and touching your feet, quickly grant my desire and then I would
become your slave." 55.35
"I have become desolate and have spoken these words with a dried throat and know that this Ravana
has never bowed his head to a lady." 55.36
After the ten headed Ravana who had fallen in the clutches of death told like this to Maithili, the
daughter of Janaka, he decided that Sita will be his only." 55.37
This is the end of Fifty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
56. Ravana's Threat to Sita
[When Sita refuses to accept him, he gives her one year time to change her mind and commands his
Rakshasi maids to break her pride.]
When he told her like this, the sorrowing Vaidehi, who was not afraid, kept a straw in between them
and spoke like this to Ravana. 56.1
"Raghava is the son of king Dasaratha who is stable like a dam in following Dharma, a teller of only
truth and greatly and greatly renowned." 56.2
"Rama that soul of Dharma is well known in all the three worlds and has long hands, wide eyes and is
like God and is my husband." 56.3
"He was born in the clan of Ikshuvakus, has shoulder like lion and has great luster; he with his brother
Lakshmana would steal your life." 56.4
"If I had been attacked by you forcefully in his presence, then you would be lying dead in Janasthana
along with innumerable Rakshasas including Khara." 56.5
"Those dreadful very strong Rakshasas about whom you spoke are snakes without poison against
Raghava like serpents against Garuda." 56.6
"The gold tipped arrows which would be released from the string of his bow would shatter your body
like the waves shattering the banks of river Ganga." 56.7
"Oh Ravana, even if you cannot be killed by devas and asuras, after creating the great enmity with
Rama, you cannot come out alive." 56.8
"That powerful Raghava would put an end to your life and like an animal ready to be sacrificed and
tied to the sacrificial post, it is difficult for you to survive." 56.9
"If Rama sees you with his eyes shining with anger, Oh Rakshasa, you would be burnt down and land
in great shame." 56.10
"He can make the moon fall on the earth and destroy the sea by drying it up and will he not be able to
get Sita freed?" 56.11
"Your life span is getting reduced, your wealth is getting reduced, your strength is getting reduced,
your senses are getting weak and Lanka would become a widow because of you." 56.12
"This sin which you have committed would not bring good results, for you have brought me from the
side of my husband without any feelings." 56.13
"With the help of Gods, my husband who has great luster, without any fear and depending only on his
valour is living in Dandaka." 56.14
"He in a fight with you using his rain of arrows would remove your pride, strength, valour and
haughtiness from yourself." 56.15
"The beings face destruction when fixed by time, and by the blunders you have committed, you are
going to be in the custody of death." 56.16
"Oh basest among Rakshasas, having assaulted me, the time has already come for your destruction
as well as all Rakshasas and women in your private apartments." 56.17
"In the middle of the place of Yagna, where the vessels and materials have been kept ready and
where Brahmins are uttering the chants, a debased man born in a family of out-castes cannot
pollute." 56.18
"I am a daily observer of Dharma, a virtuous wife, and chaste to my husband, Oh basest of
Rakshasas, who is a sinner, you cannot touch me." 56.19
"How can a swan playing daily with a royal swan in the lotus pond, see the water crow resting on the
grass lands?" 56.20
"Oh Rakshasa, when this body has no signs of movement, you can bind it or bury it and I am not
bothered to protect this body even it is alive but I cannot bear any ignominy in this world." 56.21
When Vaidehi spoke these angry and harsh words, Ravana did not speak anything to Maithili.56, 22
Hearing the harsh words of Sita which caused his hairs to stand erect, he replied to her in words
which caused fear. 56.23
"Oh pretty lady Maithili, hear my words. After the passage of twelve months, if you do not accept my
hand, Oh lady with a pretty smile, my cooks would cut you in to small pieces and offer it to my
breakfast." 56.24-56.25
After telling these harsh words, Ravana who made his enemies wail, told these angry words to the
Rakshasis. 56.26
Addressing those fierce looking, loathsome eaters of flesh and drinkers of blood, he said, "Soon
destroy her pride by frightening her." 56.27
As soon as he spoke like this, those horrifying Rakshasi crowd saluted him and surrounded the lady
Maithili." 56.28
Then the fierce looking Ravana stamped the earth and shook it as if trying to tear it away and told
those horrifying Rakshasis. 56.29
Let Maithili be taken to the Asoka grove and there she may be kept in hiding by all of you surrounding
her." 56.30
"There by terrorizing and again consoling her, you may bring her under your control the wild female
elephant." 56.31
When Ravana instructed the Rakshasis this way, taking Maithili with her they went to the Asoka
grove, Where different types of trees yielded flowers and fruits all round the year and during all
seasons was crowded by different type of birds. 56.32-56.33
Engulfed in grief, that Maithili, who was the daughter of Janaka, in the custody of those Rakshasis felt
like a deer in the custody of tigers. 56.34
Under going great sorrow, that Maithili, the daughter of Janaka who was a coward did not have peace
like the deer caught in the net. 56.35
Maithili who was troubled by those women with ugly eyes did not get peace and went on
remembering her godlike husband and due to fear and sorrow lost her consciousness. 56.36
This is the end of Fifty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
57. Rama Returns to Janasthana
[Rama greatly worried by the deer imitating his voice and also the bad omen he notices, returns back
to his hermitage. On the way he meets Lakshmana and finds fault with him.]
After killing the Rakshasa Mareecha in the deer form who was wandering taking any form he likes,
Rama swiftly returned from there. 57.1
He who was retuning with a desire to see Maithili speedily from there, he had the scream of Jackal
behind him which was cruel. 57.2
Recognizing that sound of the jackal which was dreadful and made one's hair to stand erect, he
started doubting and started worrying about it. 57.3
"I think that this shouting of the jackal is not auspicious. May be Vaidehi is not safe and has been
eaten by the Rakshasas." 57.4
"If Lakshmana had heard sound produced by Mareecha in the deer's form, which imitated in stretched
out fashion my voice, and is sent by Maithili, leaving her there alone, to see me, he would be arriving
here quickly and come towards me and come in to my presence" Rama thought. 57.5-57.6
"The fact that Mareecha came in the form of a golden deer and removed me from the place of
hermitage to a far off place and Mareecha shouted loudly assuming my voice that "I am being killed",
surely indicates that the Rakshasas are trying to kill Sita." 57.7-57.8
"I hope that both of them staying in this great forest would be safe, for by living in Janasthana I have
earned the enmity of Rakshasas and I am also seeing very many extremely bad omens." 57.9
When he was thinking like this he again heard the wailing of the jackal and then worriedly thinking
about how he was brought to this place by a Rakshasa in deer form, with great fear and doubt, Rama
came to Janasthana. 57.0-57.11
Those piteous animals and birds of the place with a dejected heart neared him who had a dejected
heart, placed him on the right side and produced horrifying crying sound. 57.12
Seeing those very terrible omens, Raghava hastened up and reached quickly his hermitage. 57.13
Rama arrived at Janasthana thinking about the welfare of the auspicious lady Sita and Lakshmana
who was very strong. 57.14
Then Lakshmana who was walking without any luster, not far away met Rama and the despondent
one met a more despondent one, and one who was sorrowing met a more sorrowing one. 57.15
At that time the elder brother Rama rebuked Lakshmana who was the younger brother for leaving
Sita in the desolate forest and coming towards him. 57.16
The son of Raghu clan took the right hand of Lakshmana in his hand and talked to him in a sweet
voice with harsh words piteously. 57.17
"Oh Lakshmana, your leaving Sita and coming here is blameable. Alas, would she be safe?' 57.18
"Oh Warrior to me there is always fear about the safety of the daughter of Janaka and I have a doubt
that she may be eaten away by Rakshasas who roam in this forest, for I see only evil omens." 57.19-
57.20
"Oh tiger among men, Oh Lakshmana, Would Sita, the daughter of Janaka be alive and be all right
completely?" 57.21
"Oh one of great strength herds of beasts including Jackals and also the birds are running towards
the direction of light and howling in a frightful manner. Hope the princess Sita is safe and I pray for
her safety." 57.22
"That Rakshasa turning him in to a deer took me to a far off distance and I killed him with great effort
and he took his own Rakshasa form on the verge of his death." 57.23
"My mind is greatly paining and I am greatly sorrowful, my left eye is throbbing and without any doubt,
Sita has either been killed or abducted and carried away from here." 57.24
This is the end of Fifty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
58. Rama Finds Hermitage Empty
[Rama and Lakshmana, who are both greatly worried reach their hermitage but found that Sita was
not to be seen there.]
Seeing the depressed Lakshmana in that lonely place, by the track which Sita normally took, the son
of Dasaratha asked. 58.1
"Where is that Vaidehi, who followed me when I started to Dandakaranya, leaving whom, you have
come here?" 58.2
"Where is that Vaidehi of slender waist, who helped me during the period of sorrow due to being
banished from the kingdom and running about in Dandakaranya?" 58.3
"Oh valorous one, Where is that Sita who is comparable to the daughters of Gods, who is a
companion to my life, without whom I do not have interest to live even for one moment?" 58.4
"Oh Lakshmana, without that golden coloured daughter of Janaka, I do not have to become the lord
of devas or Lord of the earth?" 58.5
"Is the Vaidehi whose life is dearer to me than my soul still alive? Oh gentle one, does my moving
about has become an imagination?" 58.6
"Oh son of Sumithra, when I die for the sake of Sita and when you go back, would the desire of
Kaikeyi would be fulfilled and would she become happy?" 58.7
"Oh gentle one, Would my saint like mother Kausalya, after her son is dead serve Kaikeyi whose son
is ruling the country?" 58.8
"Oh Lakshmana, Only if Vaidehi is alive, I will enter the hermitage and if she who is of good character
has been overpowered, I would give up my life." 58.9
"Oh Lakshmana, if I return back to the hermitage and Sita does not talk to me with a smile, I would be
ruined." 58.10
"Tell me Lakshmana, whether Sita was alive or whether she was eaten by a Rakshasa, when you
were not alert?" 58.11
"Sita is a delicate young lady who has never faced sorrow and clearly due to my separation she
would be sorrowing and upset in her mind." 58.12
Definitely when that Rakshasa who is a bad soul shouted using his tongue "Oh Lakshmana" in my
voice, fear might have been created in you. 58.13
"Vaidehi also hearing those words in a voice similar to mine might have been frightened and asked
you to enquire about me." 58.14
"By leaving Sita alone in the forest, definitely a problem has been created, for a chance has been
given to the Rakshasas to take revenge." 58.15
"Those flesh eating Rakshasas are sad because of my killing Khara and I have no doubt that Sita has
been killed by those horrible creatures." 58.16
"Ok killer of enemies, now I have become drowned in sorrow for all time and what can I do now that if
this is fated to happen this way?" 58.17
Thus worried about that blessed lady Sita, he reached Janasthana speedily in the company of
Lakshmana. 58.18
Finding fault about his dejected younger brother, feeling hungry as well as thirsty, sighing deeply with
a shrunk face and with a dejected colour, he looked at his resting place which was empty. Reaching
to their own hermitage and searching for her in places where she usually moved about, those
valorous one were worried and their hair stood erect. 58.19-58.20
This is the end of Fifty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
59. Lakshmana Reports to Rama
[When Rama finds fault with Lakshmana, he gives a detailed reply indicating how he was unjustly
provoked by Sita. Rama still feels that what he did was wrong.]
Rama the son of Raghu clan enquired from the son of Sumithra who had to leave the hermitage and
come to the forest. 59.1
"In spite of my telling you with confidence in you, why did you leave Sita along in the hermitage and
come over here?" 59.2
"Oh Lakshmana seeing you who have left Maithili and come over here, I felt that as per my doubt a
great sin has been committed." 59.3
"Oh Lakshmana, seeing you coming alone without Sita, my left eye started throbbing and so did my
shoulder and heart." 59.4
When the son of Sumithra who had all good qualities was told like this, again drowning all his sorrows
told the sorrowing Rama. 59.5
"I did not of my free will leave her alone and have come here but I was provoked by very angry words
of hers." 59.6
"Your shouting in a loud voice, "Oh Lakshmana, Oh Sita, please save me" entered in to the ears of
Maithili." 59.7
Hearing those words of suffering of yours, that Maithili with love towards you, and greatly scared and
crying she told me, "You go, you go." 59.8
"When I was provoked in various ways to go from there, I told Maithili in various words my confidence
in you." 59.9
"I do not see anything fearful would happen from Rakshasas to Rama and so get relieved and what
we heard was told by someone to make you fear." 59.10
"Oh Sita, he being capable of even saving the Gods is not expected to tell, like a contemptible
degraded man "Oh Sita save me." 59.11
"Oh auspicious lady, for what reason has a Rakshasa imitating my brother's voice shouted, "Save
me, save me." 59.12
The words "Oh Lakshmana save me" has been uttered by someone in an altered voice and so do not
get disturbed about it like a low caste woman." 59.13
"You seem to be greatly agitated but there is no need for that frustration and hold your peace. In all
the three worlds no such person is either born or going to be who can win over Rama in a war and
even the devas lead by Indra cannot defeat Rama in war." 59.14-59.15
"When I told this to Vaidehi whose mind was greatly deluded, in a pitiable manner shedding lot of
tears told me." 59.16
"You are having a sinful thought of getting me after the death of your brother but you will never be
able to gain me." 59.17
"You are very similar to Bharatha since though you have followed Rama in spite of your brother
shouting for help, you are not going to help him." 59.18
"You are his enemy in disguise and following him for getting me and you were waiting for an
opportunity to get Rama out and that is why, you are not going now." 59.19
"When Vaidehi told like this, I was agitated, and due to anger my eyes turned red and with quivering
lips, I came out of the hermitage." 59.20
When the son of Sumithra told like Rama became drowned in sorrow and told," Oh simple one, your
coming here was a wrong act." 59.21
"Though you knew well that I am competent to oppose the Rakshasas, you should not have left the
hermitage, in spite of the great anger of Sita." 59.22
"I am not happy with you for leaving deserting her because of the very harsh words spoken by her
due to anger." 59.23
"Because of the angry words of Sita, though you are always obedient to me, you did not obey my
orders." 59.24
"That Rakshasa who took me away from the hermitage in the guise of a deer, has been killed by my
arrow and lies dead." 59.25
"Hit by my arrow he felled down with great pain and shouted adapting a pretty voice told those words,
which made you desert Sita and come here." 59.26
This is the end of Fifty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
60. Rama Wails for Sita
[Rama in inconsolable. He searches for Sita everywhere and is greatly upset by the thought that Sita
might have been eaten by a Rakshasa.]
When Rama was moving about, his left eye throbbed excessively underneath and he stumbled and
started shivering. 60.1
After noticing the bad omens which were not auspicious again and again he thoughtfully aid, "Oh Sita
are you all right?" 60.2
So he went speedily with a desire to see Sita and seeing there the empty hermitage was greatly
broken hearted. 60.3
That son of Raghu clan ran through the cottage throwing things here and there and after seeing all
around and saw that the hermitage was empty of Sita and it looked like an ugly lotus pond without
beauty. 60.4-60.5
The trees looked as if they were crying, flowers, animal and birds looked dull and looked without
beauty and were scattered here and there, the forest gods had gone away and hermitage looked
empty with scatted deer skins, grass cushions and straw mats and was desolate and seeing that
original place Rama wept again and again. 60.6-60.7
"Sita might have been abducted or might have died or she must have been eaten up or that coward
must be hiding in the forest." 60.8
"Or she might have gone to pluck flowers or collect fruits or that pretty lady might have gone to the
river to collect water." 60.9
He searched all over the for his beloved in the forest but could not find her and he appeared with red
eyes due to grief and mad due to sorrow. 60.10
He ran from tree to tree, mountain to mountain and from river to river and wept and remained
immersed in sorrow. 60.11
"Oh dear Kadamba tree did you see her who loved Kadamba trees, and if you know please tell me
and beloved and gracious tree." 60.12
"Oh Bilwa tree, did you see a lady whose breasts are like Bilwa fruits, who was dressed in yellow silk
and was shivering like tender leaf?" 60.13
Oh Arjuna tree, if you know the whereabouts of the beloved of mine, who is a lover of Arjuna tree,
who is timid daughter of king Janaka, please tell me." 60.14
"Oh Kakubha tree which is rich with tender leaves and flowers, do you know where Maithili who has a
thigh like Kakubha stem is alive or dead?" 60.15
"This great Tilaka tree, whose glory is sung by the bees, it is clear knows about Sita, who is a lover of
Tilaka trees.," 60.16
"Oh Asoka tree who is the dispeller of sorrow, you make the man who has, a heart suffering from
sorrow, by your name [Asoka-no sorrow] and show me quickly my dear one." 60.17
"Oh Palmyra tree, have you seen her who has breasts like ripe fruits of a Palmyra tree and if so take
mercy on me and tell me where that blessed lady is?" 60.18
"Oh Jambu tree, have you seen my beloved whose body shines like Jambu fruit? If you know where
my darling is, tell me without hesitation." 60.19
"Oh Karnikara tree who has excessive fruits and flowers, please tell me if you have seen my good
wife who is the lover of Karnikara trees." 60.20
Rama of great fame enquired of Mango trees, Kadamba trees, Sala trees, Jack fruit trees, trees with
white flowers, Pomegranates, Jasmines, Madhavis and, Champaka trees, as well as Kethaki trees
going near them and seeing, wandering in confusion, looked like a mad man. 60.21-60.22
"Oh deer, do you know Maithili who has deer like eyes and who used to look at deer with great love,
may be found along with female deer." 60.23
"Oh elephant, if you have seen her whose thighs are like elephant trunk and who is known to you,
please do tell me." 60.24
"Oh tiger, if have seen by darling Maithili who has a moon like face, with confidence tell me without
fear." 60.25
"Oh darling, I see you at a distance and why are you running away? Why are you hiding behind the
trees and not talking to me." 60.26
"On blessed lady, stop, stop there, don't you have a pity towards me? How did you who are very fond
of teasing me, desert me now?" 60.27
"Oh lady with a blessed colour, the yellow colour of your silk apparel is indicating your presence here.
Why are you running away? Please stop because of my love towards you." 60.28
"Oh lady with a pretty smile, I hope that you have not been troubled and hurt and you should not have
left me and gone away when I am suffering." 60.29
"I am lovelorn for you, young lady and I feel the flesh eating Rakshasas have torn you to pieces and
have eaten you." 60.30
"With pretty teeth, beautiful nose, pretty ear globes she has a face like full moon but which due to
being eclipsed has lost all its luster." 60.31
"She has an auspicious and delicate neck of the colour of Champaka flower which is decorated by
ornaments and possibly when she was crying helplessly it was eaten away." 60.32
She has arms which are delicate which are like tender leaves and adorned with bangles and
bracelets and possibly, with tips of arm quivering they were severed and eaten up." 60.33
"That young one, who has many friends and relations, after being separated by me has been picked
by a Rakshasa for food and has left half eaten." 60.34
"Oh valorous Lakshmana, are you able to see Sita anywhere? Oh darling where have gone away, Oh
Sita" like this again and again Rama called out. 60.35
Keeping on telling like this he wandered all round the forest, some places walking with speed and yet
in other places walking up and yet other places, he collected all his strength and walked fast. Thus he
was seen searching Sita like a mad man. 60.36
He walked and rushed without stability in the forests, rivers, hills, streams, mountains and dense
forest. 60.37
Rama wandered all round the great forest, searching for his Maithili and without giving hope of finding
her, he again put in supreme efforts to search her. 60.38
This is the end of Sixtieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
61. Initial Search for Sita
[Rama is greatly grieving. Lakshmana consoles him and gives him hope. Both of them search for Sita
all over that place when they are not able to find Sita, Rama faints.]
Rama, the son of Dasaratha finding that the hermitage is empty and devoid of anybody, with seats
being disturbed, was not able to see Sita anywhere, held the radiant and etched shoulders of
Lakshmana and cried bitterly. 61.1-61.2
"Oh Lakshmana, where is Vaidehi? To which country she has gone? Oh son of Sumithra, who has
killed her? And who has eaten her up." 61.3
"Oh Sita, if you want to tease and play with me after hiding behind a tree, stop that fun because I am
greatly grieving for you." 61.4
"Oh simple Sita, those trustworthy young deer which used to play with you being separated from you
are thinking about you, with eyes full of tears." 61.5
"Oh Lakshmana, I cannot live without Sita and due to her abductions, I am feeling extremely sad. And
I feel when I go to heaven I will see there, my father who was the king." 61.6
"My father will clearly ask me there, I had taken a vow and sent you to the forest and how came you
how come without completing that period, you have come here and you look like one who does what
he pleases, not gentlemanly and a liar. Fie on you." 61.7-61.8
"I am helpless, deeply drowned in sorrow, with greatly shattered mind and Oh pretty lady Sita, where
have you gone leaving me like fame deserting a crooked person and oh lady with slender waist,
separated from you, I would give up my life." 61.9 -61.10
With a deep desire to see Sita, Rama was wailing like this and Sita who was not able to see Rama
was also drowned in sorrow. 61.11
To Rama the son of Dasaratha who was not able to see Sita, like a elephant sinking in a broad
marshy land, Lakshmana spoke these meaningful words consoling him. 61.12-61.13
"Oh greatly valorous Rama do not grieve, along with me put in efforts to search this big forest full of
creepers and trees." 61.14
"Maithili is mad after forests and likes to wander in the forest. She might be staying there seeing the
lotus ponds and trees full of flower." 61.15
"Or she must have reached the river which is full of fish and reeds, being desirous of bathing she
must be inside the water or she who loves fun may be hiding in the forest." 61.16
Oh bull among men, or she who is interested in scaring us, she must be hiding somewhere in forest,
with a view to know our real intentions and so oh noble one, let both of us start searching for her."
61.17
"We both will search the entire forest to find out the whereabouts of the daughter of Janaka and oh
son of Kakustha clan do not grieve." 61.18
By the loving advice of Lakshmana, Rama got some what composed and along with Lakshmana,
Rama started searching for Sita. 61.19
Both the sons of Dasaratha started searching all over the forests, mountains, rivers and lakes
entirely. 61.20
But those sons of Dasaratha were not able to find her on the slopes of mountains, caves and peaks,
while they searched for her. 61.21
After searching all the mountains Rama told Lakshmana, "I am not able to see Vaidehi on this
auspicious mountain, oh son of Sumithra." 61.22
Then Lakshmana drowned in sorrow, while wandering in the Dandaka forest told his lustrous brother
as follows. 61.23
"Oh greatly wise Rama, you would definitely get back Vaidehi, the daughter of Janaka, similar to Lord
Vishnu getting back the earth after suppressing Bali." 61.24
When Lakshmana told these words affectionately to Rama, he with a mind disturbed by sorrow,
piteously told the following words. 61.25
"Oh very wise one, I have searched the entire forest full of flowers and blossomed lotus flowers, the
slopes of mountains having many caves and mountains and I am not able to find Vaidehi, who is
dearer than my life to me." 61.26-61.27
Thus after crying over the abduction of Sita, Rama full of sorrow and misery lost his consciousness
for a moment. 61.28
Rama who was grieving, whose limbs were getting weak, and whose sense of judgement and
thinking was weak, after breathing hot and heavy reclined for a moment. 61.29
That lotus eyed Rama took lots of deep breath, Shrieked, "Hey darling" and got choked due to lots of
tears. 61.30
The Lakshmana who loved his relations and was a follower of Dharma, after consoling him various
ways humbly offered Rama his salutations. 61.31
Not caring for the words which came out from the lips of Lakshmana, being not able to see his darling
went on shrieking. 61.32
This is the end of Sixty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
62. Rama in Sorrow
[Rama decides that Sita is no more and as he does not have any wish to live, requests Lakshmana to
go back to Ayodhya.]
That mind of the soul of Dharma, not being able to Sita was filled with sorrow and that lotus eyed
Rama who was a greatly valorous one wailed. 62.1
That Rama, who was caught in love, though he was not seeing Sita, wept as if he is seeing Sita and
told the following words which he found difficult to speak. 62.2
"Oh darling, youm being a lover of flowers, are covering your body with the branches of Asoka tree
and increasing my sorrow." 62.3
"Oh lady, I am seeing both your thighs which look like Banana stem, hidden by the Banana plant and
I do not think you have power to hide from me." 62.4
"Oh auspicious lady, you are wandering in the Karnikara forest laughing and you are causing me by
teasing me. Please stop it." 62.5
"Oh darling Sita, what is the point of making fun of me when I am tired and such a teasing by you is
not liked by me now." 62.6
"The making fun in the place of the hermitage is not liked by me, though I know well that you love to
tease people. Oh broad eyed one, please come back as our home is empty." 62.7
"Oh Lakshmana, it is very clear to me Rakshasas have either eaten or abducted her for even when I
am weeping she is not coming to me." 62.8
"Oh Lakshmana these herds of deer with their eye full of tears, look like telling me that Sita has been
eaten away by Rakshasas." 62.9
'Oh lady, who is pleasant of auspicious colour, where have you gone? I feel that the desire of Devi
Kaikeyi would be fulfilled now." 62.10
"I have come along with Sita and how can I return without Sita again to the empty private apartments
of mine?" 62.11
"Without kindness the world will tell that I lack valour and due to abduction of Sita, I will be called a
timid man." 62.12
"After my stay in the forest is over, Janaka, the king of Mithila, would definitely enquire about my
welfare. And how can I face him then?" 62.13
"When the king of Videha sees me without my wife, due to the love for his daughter, he would be
upset and would be attacked by delusion." 62.14
"Or I will not go to the city ruled by Bharatha, for even the heaven would be empty for me without
Sita." 62.15
"Leaving me here you go back to the auspicious city of Ayodhya. For without Sita with me, I will not
even live for a moment." 62.16
"After going there embrace Bharatha tightly and tell my words, "Rama has permitted you to rule the
entire earth." 62.17
"My mother Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumithra your mother should be saluted by you as per my order
and they all should be protected by you with great effort." 62.18-62.19
"Oh Lakshmana, who punishes his enemy. you should explain in detail to my mother the loss of Sita
as well as me and make her understand it." 62.20
When Rama who was piteous wept like this after coming the forest about that lady with pretty hair,
Lakshmana's face was filled with great fear and he became greatly perturbed and very sad. 62.21
This is the end of Sixty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
63. Rama is Upset
[Rama is upset and imagines many horrifying things that could have happened to Sita and is greatly
upset. Though Lakshmana tries to console him, he is not able to.]
That prince without his darling was attacked by sorrow and delusion. Due to his grief and
nervousness, his brother became dismayed and sunk in grief. 63.1
Seeing brother Rama drowned in intense sorrow seeing that Lakshmana who himself was attacked
with great grief, after taking a deep breath Rama told these words which were in tune with his sorrow.
63.2
"In this world no one has done as much bad deeds as me and I do not think there is a second one.
Sorrow after sorrow is coming to break my heart and mind is shattered." 63.3
"Earlier I have sinful deeds as per my wish and as a consequence of that. I am suffering from sorrow
after sorrow." 63.4
"Oh Lakshmana, loss of the kingdom, separation from relatives, death of the father, separation from
mother all these constituted the fast progression of sorrow in a greater measure." 63.5
"Oh Lakshmana all my sorrows were pacified after coming to this empty and peaceful forest and due
to separation of Sita, they have again started like a big flame starting from pieces of dry wood." 63.6
"That coward princess of mine would have wept when she is being taken over the sky by the
Rakshasa and she must have wept and shrieked in a loud tone." 63.7
"The red coloured skin of that lady who is pleasing to look due to application of good paste of sandal
on her circular breasts, must have been now drenched in blood and not pleasing to look at." 63.8
"Her sweet, very clear and soft face and her prattling as well as her curly plaited hair, would not be
shining now, after getting in to the clutches of Rakshasa just like the moon caught by Rahu." 63.9
"The neck of my very well behaved beloved ornamented by a pearl chain, would have broken by the
Rakshasas in an isolated place so that they can drink her blood." 63.10
"When the Rakshasas dragged her with a magnetic eyes when she is left alone in a solitary forest
without me, she would have cried like a piteous she dove." 63.11
"Earlier that charitable one with a magnetic smile sitting along with me on this rock, used to talk many
words teasing and making fun of you." 63.12
"The river Godavari has been always liked by my beloved very-very much and I think she might have
gone there but no. She will not go there alone without me." 63.13
"Sita with a lotus like face and who has lotus like broad eyes should have gone to get lotus flowers
and even that is not possible since she has never gone there without me." 63.14
"She could have gone the thicket of many bloomed trees of several types in the forest inhabited by
flocks of birds and even that is not possible since she is a coward and would be scared to go there
alone." 63.15
"The Sun god knows all that is done by everyone being a witness of truth and falsehood of people
and so Oh Sun god please tell me whether my darling has gone somewhere or has she been eaten
by somebody as I am at all times sad." 63.16
"Oh wind god, there is no place in the world, where you are not there and there is nothing that you do
not know and so please tell me whether that lady of a great heritage has been killed or died on the
way or is she alive." 63.17
Like this with the body grieving a lot, Rama who was weeping lost his consciousness and Lakshmana
who is great fortitude and stable spoke these words which were relevant. 63.18
"Oh gentle brother, give up this sorrow and adopt stability and with enthusiasm start searching again,
because only men with enthusiasm are able to very difficult jobs." 63.19
These words of Lakshmana who had manly prowess were not bothered about by the one who
contributed greatness to Raghu clan and he further lost his stability and was overtaken by great
sorrow. 63.20
This is the end of Sixty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
64. Rama Finds Traces of Attack on Sita
[While searching Rama and Lakshmana see the flowers which Sita was wearing, a broken shield, a
destroyed chariot and footsteps of Sita chased by one with large footsteps. Rama flies in great anger
and promises to take revenge against the entire world.]
That pitiable man in a pitiable tone told this to Lakshmana, "Oh Lakshmana go speedily to Godavari
river and find out whether Sita has gone there to pluck lotus flowers?" 64.1
When Rama told like this, Lakshmana the winner over the warriors and destroyer of enemies went to
Godavari which was pretty. 64.2
After Lakshmana searched the river banks and not finding her, he told Rama, "I could not find in the
river and she is not answering me when I shouted loudly." 64.3
"Where else could Vaidehi, the destroyer of sorrow have gone? I am unable to find out that place
where she has gone." 64.4
After hearing words of Lakshmana, Rama who was deluded by great sorrow and grief, he himself
went to search river Godavari and not able to find her he said, "Where are you Sita?" 64.5-64.6
Events elements of nature did not tell that she has been taken away by king of Rakshasas who
deserved punishment and nor did river Godavari tell Rama about it. 64.7
Though the elements encouraged river Godavari to tell Rama about his beloved, when she was
asked by Rama about Sita, she did not tell. 64.8
Thinking about the fierce form of Ravana as well as thinking about that bad soul and getting scared,
that river did not tell him about Vaidehi. 64.9
Being disappointed because he was not able to find Sita near the river, Rama who wanted see Sita,
told Lakshmana. 64.10
"Oh gentle one, this Godavari river is not replying to my question and Oh Lakshmana, when I see
Janaka as well as my mother, what do I tell them about Vaidehi who is dear to them." 64.11
"Where has Vaidehi gone, who removed all my suffering due to getting banished from the kingdom as
well as when I was suffering due to hard life in forest." 64.12
"Without any people from my clan and also not able to see the princess, I would keep awake at night,
which would appear to me to be long." 64.13
"I will again roam about in Godavari, Janasthana and in Prasravana mountain to find whether Sita can
be seen anywhere. 64.14
"Oh greatly valorous one, these deer are looking at me again and again as if they want to tell me
something." 64.15
Rama, the tiger among men, with his eyes clouded by tears asked those deer, in response to their
gestures, "Where is Sita?" 64.16
When the king asked him like this, all the deer swiftly got up and all the deer looked at the sky
towards the southern direction, which was the direction Maithili was taken away and looking at the
king ran in the path of that direction. 64.17-64.18
When Lakshmana wanted to know more about that path, the deer further looked at that path and
wanted to show him that direction. 64.19
Lakshmana clearly understood their indications and with sorrow he told Rama who was his elder
brother. 64.20
"Oh lord, when you asked, "Where is Sita", all the deer got up and went on seeing the southern
direction and oh God like brother l think it would be right for us to go to the south western direction
and then possibly, we may find the indications about of the lady Sita." 64.21-64.22
Saying, "let us", that son of Kakustha clan started towards the southern direction, carefully examining
the path taken by Lakshmana. 64.23
Those brothers talking with each other went by that path and some flowers which had fallen on earth
in that path. 64.24
Rama seeing that rain of flowers on the earth and that very sorrowing man, told there words of sorrow
to Lakshmana. 64.25
"Oh Lakshmana, I am able to recognize these flowers and they are the same ones given me o
Vaidehi today morning." 64.26
"I think that the Sun, wind and famous earth are preserving these flowers and rendering act to please
me." 64.27
After saying like that to valorous Lakshmana, the bull among men, addressed the Prasravana
mountain and told. 64.28
"Oh lord of the mountain, have you seen a very pretty lady Sita, in this forest sorrowing for me?"
64.29
Like a lion addressing a small animal that angry Rama said, "Oh mountain, I would destroy all your
slopes if you do not show me the gold like Sita." 64.30-64.31
When Rama told that mountain like this, though it appeared to tell him something, it did not show Sita
to Rama. 64.32
Then Rama son of Dasaratha told that mountain looking at it, "You would be completely burnt by my
arrows and made in to ash and later you would not be fit to serve anyone, being bereft of trees and
grasses." 64.33
"Oh Lakshmana, if this river does not tell me about the noble Sita with a moon like face, by my arrows
I will make it dry." 64.34
When the very angry Rama was talking as if he wanted to burn the entire earth, then his eyes saw the
big footprints of a Rakshasa and then that of frightened Maithili running here and there, as if she was
anxious to see Rama and it appeared as if that Rakshasa was chasing Maithili. 64.35-64.36
When Rama noticed the movement of Sita and a Rakshasa, he saw a broken bow and quiver which
were lying scattered as well as many broken pieces of a chariot, his mind was greatly agitated and he
told his brother. 64.37-64.38
"Lakshmana, see the broken pieces of Sita's ornaments and many kinds of garlands belonging to
her." 64.39
"Oh son of Sumithra, Please also see many drops of splattered blood shining like drops of shining
gold spread all over the earth." 64.40
"Lakshmana, I think that the Rakshasas who can take any form cut her in to pieces, shared and ate
her." 64.41
"Oh son of Sumithra, on account of Vaidehi, both of them may be contradicting each with each other
and a great war might have been fought among them." 64.42
"Oh soft one, whose is this great huge bow decorated with gold and embedded with gold which is
broken and fallen here?" 64.43
"Whose is this broken golden armour, which shines like morning sun, studded with precious
Vaidoorya stones, lying on the ground?" 64.44
"Whose umbrella is this which had one hundred spokes, which shines and was decorated by divine
garlands, with broken handle lying on the ground." 64.45
"Whose devil faced huge and fierce donkeys are these, decorated with gold plates, which have been
killed in war?" 64.46
"Whose is this great chariot, which looks like burning fire, which has a shining flag broken and lying
upside down." 64.47
"Whose are these blunted arrows decorated with gold which are as big as an axle of a chariot, which
have been scattered all over? Who has done these monstrous deeds?" 64.48
"Oh Lakshmana see these two broken quivers full of arrows and the charioteer with whip and bridles
in his hand. Who might have killed him?" 64.49
"Oh tiger among men, Oh gentle one, who are these two fan carriers who have been slain and lying
down here? Whose head dress and ear rings are these which have been decorated by gems?"64.50
"From all these it is evident that they belong a male Rakshasa and you now see that enmity with them
has increased hundred fold and I would kill all of them." 64.51
"Oh gentle one, these Rakshasas with horrible form who can change their form at their will might
have abducted or eaten or killed that sage like lady and in this great forest her Dharma did not protect
Maithili." 64.52
"Oh Lakshmana, Oh gentle one, if Sita has been eaten or carried away by someone, in this world, no
God can make me happy. ?" 64.53
"Oh Lakshmana, all the beings of the world would disrespect, one who is compassionate, even if it is
the creator of the world due to ignorance." 64.54
"The gods of the three worlds would consider me as weak, because I am soft to look after the well
being of all, man of self constraint and have a merciful heart." 64.55
"Oh Lakshmana after reaching me all good characters have become bad but now onwards, my
character will shine forth to kill all beings including Rakshasas just like moon like luster being
converted like the great glow of Sun." 64.56-64.57
"Oh Lakshmana, from now on Yakshas, Gandharwas, devils, Rakshasas, Kinnaras and even men will
not be peaceful." 64.58
"Oh Lakshmana, you will see that by using my arrows and weapons, I will fill up the entire sky and
make it impossible for those who travel in all three worlds to descend to the earth." 64.59
"In all the three worlds, by my acts, the movement of the planets would be obstructed, the movement
of the moon would be obstructed, the luster of Sun, wind and fire would be reduced, the top of
mountains would be crushed, all water bodies would be completely dried up, trees, creepers and
shrubs would be destroyed and the oceans would be put an end and thus I would do acts destroying
the entire world." 64.60-64.62
"If my god does not return my Sita safely, within a short time, oh son of Sumithra, they will see my
valour and prowess." 64.63
"Oh Lakshmana, No being would be able to fly in the sky, because the net created by my arrows and
weapons would cover the sky completely." 64.64
"Oh Lakshmana, distressed by my arrows, beasts and birds would get madly disturbed and cross all
limits." 64.65
"By pulling the arrows up to my ears, which cannot be resisted by any one and sending them, I would
make this world devoid of Ghosts and Rakshasas, for the sake of Maithili" 64.66
"Now devas would realize the power of my feathered arrows sent by me in great anger, which would
reach to great distances." 64.67
"Neither Devas, asuras, ghosts and Rakshasas, will exist in all the three worlds which would be
destroyed by my anger." 64.68
"The worlds of devas, asuras, Yakshas and those of Rakshasas also, after being broken in to pieces
by my arrow, may not exist." 64.69
"If the Gods do not give back my Sita who has either been abducted or killed. I would destroy all the
worlds and make them without boundaries. 64.70
"If my darling Vaidehi in her real form is not given back to me, I would destroy all the three worlds
including all moving or stable beings living in them." 64.71
After saying this with eyes turned red due to anger Rama, who can conquer and cities of enemies
took the bow and took out a glowing arrow comparable to a poisonous snake and connected the
arrow to the bow and looked like the fire at time of deluge and told the following words. 64.72-64.73
"Just as time cannot stop the progression of age and occurring of death in case of all beings, Oh
Lakshmana, no one can prevent me when I am angry." 64.74
"I would burn the entire world including devas, Gandharwas, human beings, serpents and mountains,
If I am not handed over Sita who has pretty teeth, who does not have any blame and who is the
princess of Mithila." 64.75
This is the end of Sixty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
65. Lakshmana's Advice to Rama
[Lakshmana tells Rama that his anger should be against the one who abducted his wife and not
against the whole world. He tells him this is wrong. He advices Rama to do further search.]
Rama, who was deeply pained by the abduction of Sita, was burning like fire at the time of deluge
and wanting to destroy the entire world, was taking difficult breaths again and again and looked like
Lord Shiva getting ready to destroy all worlds at the end of all Yugas. Seeing Rama angry and in a
never before form, Lakshmana saluted him first and told him with his mouth dried up. 65.1-65.3
Previously you were gentle, self restrained and used to wish for the welfare of all beings. I think that
you should not become a slave to anger and start thinking as earlier." 65.4
"The shining in case of moon, Sun and wealth, the blowing in case of wind, and patience in case of
earth has always been present and like that your fame rests only on yourself.," 65.5
"How can you destroy the world for sake of mistake committed by one person? You do not know who
is responsible for breaking the Chariot used in war and also do not know for what reason it was
broken?" 65.6
"Oh prince, this place is damaged by hooves of horses and chariots and there drops of blood all over
and so it appears that a great battle was fought here." 65.7
"Oh Rama, who is best among those who speak and this war appears to be fought with only one
person present as the footprints of the second are not visible." 65.8
"It is not proper for just one person to destroy the world and the lords of earth should be soft, peaceful
and punish only if there is proper reason." 65.9
"You are the source of protection of al beings and their ultimate destination and who will think that
loosing of one's wife is desirable?" 65.10
"The rivers, the sea, the mountains, Devas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas are also good people and
are not capable of doing harm to you like the people who observe religious vows." 65.11
"Oh king, it is proper for you to search for that person who abducted Sita followed by me armed with
bows and arrows and helped by other great sages." 65.12
"We will search in sea, mountains, forests, caves and many terrible rivers and lotus ponds." 65.13
"Relentlessly we will search also in the world of Devas and Gandharwas for the one who abducted
your wife, till we find the one who abducted her." 65.14
"Oh Lord of Kosala, if the Gods do not return your wife with a gentle request, then at the right time we
would take suitable action." 65.15
"Oh king, if you are not able to get back Sita by sincerity, simplicity, humility and diplomacy, then
destroy them with your arrows, decorated by gold which are like Vajrayudha of that great Indra. 65.16
This is the end of Sixty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
66. Lakshmana Consoles Rama
[Lakshmana quotes several instances of people suffering and tells Rama that even if a calamity
occurs, he should get broken down like this. ]
Then Lakshmana, the son of Sumithra consoled Rama, who was drowned in sorrow, crying like an
orphan, engrossed in great love and who has lost the power of thinking due to great pain for a short
time and caught his feet tightly and addressed him. 66.1-66.2
"Oh Rama, king Dasaratha got you by doing great penance and by performing great deeds similar to
devas getting Amrutha [nectar]." 66.3
"From Bharatha, I came to know that Dasaratha passed to heaven, as he was unable to bear
separation from you due to your virtues." 66.4
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, if you cannot bear this sorrow which has come to you, which other ordinary
man who is weak, can bear it?" 66.5
"Oh tiger among men, if out of sorrow, you want to burn the world with your luster, how can ordinary
people who suffer get consolation?" 66.6
"This is but a normal happening in the world, similar to the curse given to Nakusha the son of Yayathi
who became an Indra which led to his degradation." 66.7
"Vasishta who was the priest of our father one day had one hundred sons but they were all killed in
another one day." 66.8
"Oh Rama, you are the votary of truth and you know the Goddess earth who is saluted by all the
world though, she is unshakeable, does shake some times." 66.9
"The very powerful Sun and Moon, the eyes of the world who are firmly established in Dharma are
affected by the eclipse." 66.10
"Oh great man, even great beings and also Devas and all beings on earth cannot be released from
the ties of the will of God." 66.11
"I have heard that even Indra and other devas also have their moments of suffering and ecstasies
and so oh tiger among men, it is not proper for you to grieve." 66.12
"Oh stainless soul, even if Vaidehi is ruined or abducted you should not sorrow like this like an
ordinary man." 66.13
"Oh Rama, you being one who always sees the truth should not worry like this, for men like you, even
facing great calamities do not lose their heart." 66.14
"Oh best among men, truly think with your brain for the very wise men with great brain judge the right
from wrong." 66.15
"Desired results cannot be obtained in cases where merits and demerits are not judged properly or
where unsteady decisions are taken or in cases where no decision is taken." 66.16
"Oh Rama, you yourself have told me several times about this and since you know it well, even
Bruhaspathi cannot teach you anything more." 66.17
"You are greatly wise and even Gods cannot fathom your intellect. I think that your sorrow has made
your intellect to sleep and I am only waking you up." 66.18
"Oh Bull of the Ikshuvaku dynasty, you are god like man who has unmatched valour. Try to know your
enemies and once known kill them." 66.19
"Oh bull among men, what is the need for destroying everything? After knowing the enemy who
sinned against you, you uproot him." 66.20
This is the end of Sixty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
67. Rama and Jatayu
[On further search Rama and Lakshmana see Jatayu who is about to die. He tells Rama that Sita is
abducted by Ravana. Rama's sorrow further increases]
Though he was elder, after hearing the wise consul of Lakshmana, he grasped its essence and
accepted that advise. 67.1
That great hero Rama controlled his rising anger and leaned on his wonderful bow and told
Lakshmana. 67.2
"Oh son, Oh Lakshmana, what should we do? Where will we go in search of Sita? By what method,
would we get back Sita?" Think clearly." 67.3
Lakshmana said to Rama who was reeling under sorrow, "It is proper for us to search in this
Janasthana, which is covered by many plants and creepers and also has many Rakshasas." 67.4
"Here difficult to climb mountains, caves, valleys, different type of horrifying caverns inhabited by
different type of animals and forests inhabited by Gandharwas and Kinnaras exist." 67.5-67.6
"And you should search in all these places accompanied by me. Oh Bull among men, great men who
have superior intellect like you, are not shaken by difficulties like the mountain is not shaken by a
great wind." 67.7
When told like Rama keeping his bow ready, mounted with a horrible arrow, along with Lakshmana
started roaming about in that forest." 67.8
Then he saw the great valorous bird Jatayu who looked like the top of the mountain lying on the
ground, wounded and drenched in blood. 67.9
Seeing him who was similar to a mountain, Rama told Lakshmana, "I feel without any doubt this one
has eaten Sita, the princess of Videha." 67.10
"It is clear this Rakshasa in this forest has taken the form of vultures and has eaten the broad eyed
Sita and is now relaxing happily. I will kill him with shining very sharp arrows which will go straight at
him." 67.11-67.12
Saying this Rama who was very angry took a razor sharp arrow and fixed it on the bow and stepped
towards the vulture and the earth up to sea shook. 67.13
That pitiable vulture spitting blood with foam spoke with very pitiable words like this to Rama the son
of Dasaratha. 67.14
"Oh long lived one, the queen whom you are searching in this great forest as carefully as one
searches for herbal medicine as well as my soul has been taken away by Ravana," 67.15
"Oh Rama, Oh Lakshmana that lady who was separated from you both was being taken away by
Ravana and I saw this." 67.16
"In the battle with Ravana, I reached Sita by breaking Ravana's chariot and that one who lost his
chariot made me fall on this earth." 67.17
"Oh Rama this is his broken bow and these are his quivers and here is the chariot which was broken
by me in battle with him." 67.18
"He is the charioteer of Ravana slain by me using my wings. When I was exhausted Ravana cut off
my wings by his sword. Then after taking Sita, the princess of Videha, he flew in the sky and since I
have already been killed by the Rakshasa, you need not kill me." 67.19-67.20
Hearing these facts, the sorrow of Rama who was in love with Sita doubled and he with face full of
tears became helpless and pitiable. 67.21
Throwing that Great Bow Rama hugged that king of vultures and fell on the ground and cried along
with Lakshmana. 67.22
Seeing the bird taking painful breaths in that lonely place which was difficult to reach, Rama was
affected by great sorrow and told Lakshmana. 67.23
"I have lost the kingdom, I had to live in the forest, Sita is lost and Jatayu is killed and these
misfortunes may even burn the fire." 67.24
"If I now enter a ocean which is filled with water by the rivers, my bad luck would completely dry even
that ocean." 67.25
"By this way I have been caught by a network of misfortunes and I think that nobody is more
unfortunate than me among all beings, including the moving and not moving." 67.26
"This very elderly king of vultures is the friend of my father and due to my bad luck, he is lying on the
ground at present." 67.27
After saying like this many times Rama along with Lakshmana caressed Jatayu and showed him the
affection towards a father. 67.28
Rama then hugged that king of vultures who has lost his wings and drenched with blood. "Where is
my Maithili who is like a soul to me?" and saying this he fell on the ground. 67.29
This is the end of Sixty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
68. Jatayu's Death
[Jatayu tells Rama that Sita wass abducted by Ravana, the son of Visravas and brother of Khubera.
He tells that Rama will get back Sita because any thing stolen at that time would be recovered.
Jatayu dies. Rama cremates him and offers him oblations.]
Rama seeing that vulture who has been thrown fiercely on the ground, told Lakshmana, these words
of great friendliness. 68.1
"It is for my sake that this bird made efforts to fight the battle with the Rakshasa and having been
defeated by the Rakshasa, he is about to give away his life." 68.2
"Oh Lakshmana, He is suffering too much and is about to give up his life which is difficult to give up
and as of now he appears, blank, agitated and not able to speak." 68.3
"Oh Jatayu, if you have sufficient strength talk to me again. Be safe and please tell me about
abduction of Sita and how you have been stuck down." 68.4
"For what reason has Ravana abducted that noble lady? What offence has I committed against him
based on which he has abducted her?" 68.5
"How was the pretty and moon like face of Sita when she was being abducted? And what did Sita tell
at that time, Oh great bird?" 68.6
"What is the form of that Rakshasa? How powerful is he? What did the Rakshasa do? Where does he
live? Oh father, please tell as I am asking you." 68.7
Afterwards, that piteous bird Jatayu, wailing, addressed Rama in a low tone and spoke these words."
68.8
"That king of Rakshasas Ravana assuming a magical form and producing dust of wind and clouds
took her away through the sky route." 68.9
"Oh Lad when I was completely tired that Rakshasa cut off my wings and taking Sita with him
travelled towards the south." 68.10
"Oh Raghava, my life is resisting, sight is whirling and I see golden usira roots grown on tree tops
similar to root hairs." 68.11
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, that Ravana has taken away Sita in the Vinda period and it is known that
things lost in this period, later speedily join the owner and that Ravana without bothering about this
has taken her to lose her quickly." 68.12
"By abducting your darling Sita the king of Rakshasas Ravana, is swallowing the hook just like the
fish and would be destroyed quickly." 68.13
"There is no need for you to worry about the daughter of Janaka for you will soon enjoy her company
after killing the Rakshasa." 68.14
When the vulture was conversing with an alert mind to Rama, blood mixed with flesh started flowing
from him indicating that he is dying. 68.15
The king of the birds gave up his life which was difficult to get while saying, "Ravana is the son of
sage Visravas and real brother of Khubera." 68.16
As Rama with folded hands was requesting the bird, please tell, please tell", the soul of the vulture left
its body and went to the sky. 68.17
Then he put down his head on the earth, stretched his leg and lifted his whole body and fell on the
ground. 68.18
Seeing the mountain like vulture with red eyes die, Rama who was already in great sorrow, pitiably
with great sorrow told Lakshmana. 68.19
"He lived happily for many years in this Dandakaranya, where many Rakshasas live and his life has
been shattered here." 68.20
"Being extremely old, he has lived for very many years and he is lying dead, for it is not possible to
escape the dictates of time." 68.21
"See Lakshmana, this vulture which has done help to me is dead and he was killed by the strong
Ravana when he tried to help Sita." 68.22
"He forsook the land of vultures which belonged to his ancestors and the king of birds has given up
his life for my sake." 68.23
"Oh Lakshmana even among those born from the womb of animals and birds, you would be able to
see good people who are followers of Dharma, valorous ones and protectors." 68.24
"Oh gentle one, Oh scorcher of enemies, the grief caused to me by the abduction is not as much as
the grief caused by the death of this vulture for my sake." 68.25
"Like the famous king Dasaratha of great fame deserves my worship, so does this king of birds
deserve it." 68.26
"Oh son of Sumithra, you collect firewood and I will generate fire by churning, as I wish to cremate the
vulture king as he died for me." 68.27
Then Raghava placed the body of the king of the world of birds on the pyre and told Lakshmana, "Oh
son of Sumithra, I will burn him who was killed by a Rakshasa with great anger." 68.28
"Oh great and mighty eagle, please attain that status which is attained by those who perform Yagnas,
those who kindle sacrificial fires, by those who do not return back alive and by those who give land as
gift, Purified by the fire that I have lit, please go and attain the incomparable heaven." 68.29-68.30
After telling this, Rama placed that god of birds on the funeral pyre and lit it, treating him similar to a
relative of his. 68.31
Then Rama along with the son of Sumithra who was valorous went to the forest and killed a large
stately deer, spread it before the pyre and offered it to the great bird. 68.32
That famed Rama took out the flesh of the deer from its skin made them in to balls and laid them on
the lovely grass and offered it to Jatayu. 68.33
Then Rama chanted those Manthras which would be chanted by Brahmins pertaining to father, which
were meant for sending a human being to heaven. 68.34
Those blessed sons of the king then went to river Godavari and offered oblations of water for the
sake of the king of vultures. 68.35
Thereafter both sons of Raghu clan took funeral bath in the river and offered oblations of water as per
scriptures to the king of vultures. 68.36
That king of vultures having done a very difficult job which will bring fame in the battle and was killed,
by having been offered funeral rites as per scriptures attained a holy and auspicious state 68.37
After offering water oblations to that great bird, after thinking about what has been told by the king of
birds and fixing their mind firmly on future course entered the forest like Vishnu and Indra. 68.38
This is the end of Sixty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
69. Rama Meets Ayomukhi
[When walking in the forest near the hermitage of Matanga, a Rakshasi called Ayomukhi attacks
them. Lakshmana catches hold of her and cuts her, nose ears and breasts. They see bad omens and
then they are both caught by a huge horrifying Rakshasa called Kabandha]
Then both Rama and Lakshmana after offering oblations started towards the south western direction
in the forest searching for Sita. 69.1
Both the princes of Ikshuvaku dynasty armed with bows, arrows and swords, walked towards south
western direction, first walking through the dense covered forest. 69.2
With many trees, shrubs and trees which had grown and spread all over, the way appeared
impenetrable, difficult to travel and appeared dreadful. 69.3
Those two very strong Rama and Lakshmana, forced themselves through that dense forest populated
by elephants and lions with speed and crossed that forest. 69.4
Then later those two courageous princes after going three kosas [about 11 km] from Janasthana
reached and entered the dense Krauncha forest. 69.5
Tormented by the abduction of Sita, eager to see Vaidehi both stopped here and there for awhile in
the forest which was dense and looked like formation of clouds of different kinds and which was filled
with many animals and snakes. 69.6-69.7
Then the brothers went three kosas east word crossing the Krauncha forest and they saw a very
terrible forest near the hermitage of Matanga filled with fearful animals and birds and which had
various types of animals and densely grown great trees and there the sons of Dasaratha saw a cave
filled with darkness which was majestic like Patala. 69.8-69.10
Those tiger among men reached the cave and not far from there saw a Rakshasi with a huge body
and an ugly face. 69.11
The two brothers Rama and Lakshmana saw a Rakshasi who was scary, timid, nauseating, had a
fearful appearance, had a big paunch, sharp teeth, very old, speaking undesirable words, was eating
formidable animals and had a spread out hair. 69.12-69.13
She came near them and saw Lakshmana who was walking in front and told him "Come on, let us
enjoy love play", and held Lakshmana. 69.14
After catching hold of the hand of the son of Sumithra and hugging him she told, "My name is
Ayomukhi and have been attracted by your heroic personality and you will live with me. Oh valorous
lord, for the rest of our lives we will wander over lofty hills, rivers and sand banks, making love there."
69.15-69.16
Lakshmana, the conqueror of enemies got very angry at this and took out his sword and cut off her
ears, nose and breasts. 69.17
That Rakshasi who had a gross appearance ran off shrieking and shouting in a changed tone, when
her ears and nose were cut off and went by the way she had come. 69.18
When she went away, the brothers Rama and Lakshmana, both of whom were destroyers of enemies
and had great luster walked further and reached a dense forest. 69.19
Lakshmana who had great luster, clean and one having good conduct and one who says the truth
told his brother who was shining like light, these words holding his hands in salutation. 69.20
"My strong shoulder is throbbing and my mind is agitated and I feel that these are undesirable
omens." 69.21
"Oh noble one, therefore be ready and heed my good words and advice as I have no doubt that the
period which is going to come would be full of perils. I am perplexed by this." 69.22
"That Vanchulaka bird is making a sound which is extremely frightening, possibly indicating our
victory in a war." 69.23
When both the lustrous brothers were further searching in the forest, a huge and tremendous sound,
as if the forest was being broken were heard by them. 69.24
A huge wind appeared to completely cover the sky and they heard a sound in the forest which
appeared to fill the entire sky. 69.25
When Rama along with his brother by his side was trying to find out the reason for that sound, Rama
saw a huge bodied Rakshasa with a huge stomach. 69.26
Then they saw prominently before them a head and neck less body with face on his stomach
reaching them. 69.27
That huge body was covered with hair standing up like bristles resembling a dark blue cloud and was
making sound like the cloud. 69.28
That one was having only one eye which was glowing like fire on its forehead and had huge
eyelashes, with reddish brown colour, stretched broad, which was capable of seeing to great
distances and a huge mouth, with a huge teeth and tongue licking on his huge mouth. 69.29-69.30
That dreadful one kept on eating lions, bears, deer and elephants, by taking them by stretching his
long arms which were One Yojana [two miles] long. 69.31
With his hands catching and taking various bears, flock of birds, several numbers of deer by both his
hands and also throwing them away that huge form came near the brothers and stood blocking their
way. 69.32
Then both of them saw that Kabandha [only body] with his body at a distance of one krosa [one and
half miles] mighty, frightening, gross and with his hands stretched out and it was frightening to see.
69.33-69.34
He after completely spreading his two great broad arms caught both the sons of Raghava clan and
hurt them with his strength. 69.35
Both of them in spite of their wielding huge swords and strong bows and in spite of a very shining
body became helpless when they were seized by that strong one. 69.36
Being a valorous hero, Rama was not pained much but Lakshmana being younger and not well
sheltered was greatly worried and with great disturbance in his mind told Rama. 69.37
"Oh valorous one, see me being helpless and caught by this Rakshasa and so Oh Raghava, leave
me here and free yourselves." 69.38
"It is my opinion that you Give me as a sacrifice to him and run away without being harmed and attain
Vaidehi soon." 69.39
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, Oh Rama, when you get back your kingdom belonging to our ancestors
and when you are ruling that kingdom, I desire that you remember about me." 69.40
When Lakshmana told like this, Rama told the son of Sumithra, "Oh Valorous one, do not be scared
and it is not proper for a hero like you to get worried." 69.41
In the meanwhile that cruel Kabandha who was great Rakshasa in a voice similar to thunder enquired
with Rama and Lakshmana. 69.42
"Who are you both having shoulders like a bull and carrying huge swords and bows. Since you have
reached this horrible place, you have become food to me." 69.43
"Being youth, you can tell me the purpose of your coming here. You have reached the place at the
correct time, as I am waiting here with hunger." 69.44
"Holding bows, arrows and sword both of you have entered my domain like bulls with pointed horns
and now it is not possible to be alive anymore." 69.45
Hearing these words of that bad soul Kabandha, with a dried up mouth Rama told Lakshmana. 69.46
"Oh truly valorous one, it is dreadful that from great difficulty we have progressed to greater difficulty
without finding my beloved and we are nearing the end of our life." 69.47
"Oh Lakshmana, the great power of god of death [time?] over persons is extremely evident and now
me and you have reached a point of great calamity." 69.48
"Oh Lakshmana, the power of god of death [time?] on people is very great and whether a person is
valorous, very strong and is knowledgeable of use of weapons in war, they cannot stand the power of
god of death [time] like barriers built with sand." 69-49-69.50
Thus told the very famous son of Dasaratha, who is stable in valour and truth, and who is determined
to act with a steadfast mind, on seeing the mighty valorous Lakshmana. 69.51
This is the end of Sixty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
70. Kabandha's Arms
[Rama and Lakshmana cut away the arms of the great Kabandha and he falls down. Then he starts
telling his story.]
Seeing those two brothers who were there, in this hold of his great rope like arms Kabandha told
them. 70.1
"You who are great Kshatriya heroes have been sent by God as food to appease my hunger and why
are you staying there losing your minds?" 70.2
Hearing that Lakshmana, who had gone through great suffering told him at the appropriate time, most
suitable words. 70.3
"This base Rakshasa wants to swallow you and me quickly and so let us cut off his long arms with our
swords." 70.4
"This terrible looking big bodied Rakshasa who has great valour in his arms, who has brought the
world under his control wants to kill us here." 70.5
"Oh lord of the world, it is not proper for a king to kill someone who has not done him any harm, like
animals which have been brought in the middle of a sacrifice should not be killed." 70.6
Hearing them talking like this among themselves that Rakshasa became very angry and he opened
his mouth to eat both of them. 70.7
Then those princes of the Raghu clan who were experts in knowledge of time and place took out their
swords and without any problem cut off both the arms. 70.8
Rama who can judge things quickly cut off his right arm with his sword and the valorous Lakshmana
cut off his left arm. 70.9
That great armed one losing both his arms fell on the ground screaming and making great sound, like
a stormy cloud falling from sky to earth, making all the directions tremble. 70.10
Seeing his cut off arms lying in the pool of blood, That Rakshasa piteously asked them. "Oh valorous
ones, who are you?" 70.11
When he was speaking like that, the auspicious looking Lakshmana revealed about the family of
Raghu to that great Kabandha. 70.12
"He is the world famous Rama born in the clan of Ikshuvaku and I am his younger brother. Please
know this." 70.13
"When he who has the power of God was living in this desolate forest a Rakshasa abducted his wife
and we have come here in search of her." 70.14
"Who are you? Why are you having only the body with a glittering mouth on your chest? Why are you
rolling without your calf muscles?' 70.15
When Lakshmana addressed Kabandha this way, he became greatly pleased remembering the
words of Indra told earlier. 70.16
"Welcome to you, Oh tiger among men. It was due to my luck that I was able to see you. It was due to
my luck that you have cut off my hands." 70.17
"Please listen oh tiger among men, when you tell you exactly how I got this ugly form from my usual
form due to my act of indiscipline." 70.18
This is the end of Seventieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by
71. Kabandha's Story
[Kabandha was the son of Dhanu and had a pretty form. He got a great boon from Brahma and later
when he fought with Indra, using Vajrayudha he plunged his head in to his body. He had told him that
he will get his pretty form back when his hands are cut by Rama and he is burnt. He promises to help
Rama after he gets back his divine form.]
"Oh Great one, Oh Rama with great strength and valour, earlier my form was famous in all the three
worlds and was comparable to Indra, Sun and Moon." 71.1
"I was greatly terrorizing the world after assuming this form and eventually used to frighten the sages
who were living in the forest." 71.2
"A sage called Sthoola Sira who was troubled by me using my unusual form, while he was collecting
firewood became very angry with me" 71.3
"After seeing me, he gave a dreadful curse that I would permanently have the form that I have
assumed." 71.4
"When I begged him to put an end to the curse given in great anger to me, he spoke the following
words." 71.5
"When Rama cuts away your arms in this desolate forest and burns you, you would again assume the
usual pretty form of yours." 71.6
"Oh Lakshmana, know me as the son of Dhanu who was shining in prosperity and by the anger of
Indra I obtained this form in a battle." 71.7
"I with great penance pleased the grandfather Lord Brahma and he blessed me with long life. This
boon made me greatly proud." 71.8
"Having obtained a long life span, I knew that Indra could not do anything to me and due to this I
opposed Indra in a battle in a thoughtless manner." 71.9
"By the weapon Vajra which had hundred knots in his arms, he made my lower limbs and head to go
inside my body." 71.10
"In spite of begging him to send me to the world of God of death he told, "Let words of Lords Brahma
become true." 71.11
"Due to being hit by the Vajra, my thigh bones, head and face had been broken and how could I live
long without taking food?." 71.12
"When I told like this to Indra, he himself created me long arms of one Yojana length and mouth and
sharp teeth in my stomach." 71.13
"I stretch all over my long arms in the forest and after pulling tiger, elephants and deer which move
about in the forest, I eat them." 71.14
"Indra also has told me "When Rama and Lakshmana come ant cut your arms you will reach
heaven." 71.15
"Oh Rama, of best of the kings, with this type of body in the forest, I thought that it is proper catch all
that I was able to catch." 71.16
"I was thinking that definitely you would come to this forest and this with this thought I was struggling
to maintain this body." 71.17
"Be safe. you are that Rama. As per the words of that great sage no one except Raghava had the
strength kill me." 71.18
"Oh great among me, I would give you very good advice to you both, when I am purified by use of fire
by you." 71.19
The soul of Dharma told this to Dhanu, after listening to all these words that he told Lakshmana.
71.20
"My wife of great fame Sita was abducted by Ravana with happiness and without difficulty when me
and my brother were not there." 71.21
"I only know his name and do not know anything about that Rakshasa's form and we do not know
anything about his power or his place of residence." 71.22
"Please show your pity on me who is suffering from sorrow and pain, who not have any one who will
help and who runs all over without knowing direction." 71.23
"We would now collect the fire wood broken by elephants, make a great pit in a place suitable for it
and do your cremation." 71.24
"You may please tell us, where Sita has been taken and whether she is alive or dead. You may
please do this auspicious help, if you know about it." 71.25
When Rama told this to the good Dhanu and then he, who is an expert in speech like Raghava, told
the words of welfare." 71.26
"Not being divine now, I do not know anything about Maithili as of now but when I assume the divine
form after burning, I will reveal about it to you." 71.27
"Oh Lord before being burnt, I do not have the power to know about the very powerful Rakshasa who
abducted Sita." 71.28
"Oh Raghava, due to the power of the curse, I am kept away from knowledge and having attained this
form all the world despises me." 71.29
"Before the sun God travelling in his vehicle gets tired and sets, you drop me in the pit and burn me
as per the ritualistic rules." 71.30
"Oh son of Raghu clan, if you drop me in the pit and burn me according to rules, I will let you know
about a man who knows that Rakshasa and would tell you about him." 71.31
"Oh Raghava, according to proper rules of justice you should make him your friend and he will extend
you his help, Oh warrior who acts swiftly." 71.32
"Oh Raghava, there is nothing in the three worlds that he does not know as for a different reason; he
was roaming about the entire world." 71.33
This is the end of Seventy First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
72. Kabandha's Request to Rama
[Kabandha tells them to go and Sugreeva in the banks of Pampa. He said that if Rama signs a treaty
with him, then he would help Rama to recover Sita. He also assures that Sita has not been harmed.]
After Kabandha told like this, those valorous kings after reaching to a mountain cave along with
Kabandha set fire to the body. 72.1
Lakshmana himself with big wooden torches lighted the funeral pyre from all directions and started
burning in all places. 72.2
That body of Kabandha was like a great and big ball of ghee and when the body was lighted by the
body's fat, fire slowly started to consume the body. 72.3
That strong Kabandha wearing unsoiled pair of cloths and divine garland rose from the funeral pyre
after shaking it and Kabandha shined like a smokeless fire. 72.4
Then he happily came out from the pyre speedily wearing clean cloths and ornaments all over his
body. 72.5
Sitting on a shining aero plane drawn by the swans with his luster he illuminated all the ten directions.
That Kabandha who had gone to the sky said the following to Rama. "Hear me, I will tell you about
the method of getting back Sita." 72.6-72.7
"Oh Rama, there are six methods to achieve anything. Any one suffering bad luck would be helped by
another one suffering bad luck." 72.8
"Oh Rama, You and Lakshmana are now going through a bad patch and due to abduction of your
wife and her possible ill treatment sorrow has come to you." 72.9
"Oh best friend, for achieving that matter you should make friends with him and in spite of thinking, I
do not find any method for you to achieve what you want." 72.10
"Please hear from me Rama. He is a monkey called Sugreeva and had to abandon his kingdom due
to anger of Vali, who is the son of Devendra." 72.11
"He who is greatly self respecting and valorous lives in the slope of a mountain called Rishyamooka
in a pretty palace near the river Pampa, along with four of his friends." 72.12
"That king of monkeys, is greatly valorous, has great splendour, very brilliant, a teller of truth, very
intelligent, blessed with humility, firm and great." 72.13
"He is efficient, brave, lustrous, mighty, heroic and very strong and has been banished by his brother
for the sake of the kingdom." 72.14
"He will help you as a friend who would be interested in your welfare, in finding out Sita and so do not
indulge mind in sorrow." 72.15
"Oh tiger of the Ikshuvaku clan, whatever is going to happen cannot be made to happen in a different
manner and it is not possible to act against time." 72.16
"Oh Rama, from here go quickly to meet the very strong Sugreeva and after going there make him
quickly as your friend and make a treaty without any ill will in the presence of fire." 72.17
"You should not insult Sugreeva, who is the king of monkeys as he would be grateful, take any form
he wishes, valorous, greatly strong and would be a seeker of your help." 72.18
"You are both young and strong enough and you can fulfill his work. Whether he is grateful or
ungrateful, he will do your work." 72.19
"He is the legal son of Riksharajas and the Sun god and he is wandering in the banks of Pampa
suspecting danger from Vali who is his enemy." 72.20
"Keeping your weapons ready go to Rishyamooka mountain which is the residence of the monkeys
and make that monkey who lives in forest as your true friend." 72.21
"That elephant among monkeys very clearly knows all those places occupied people who eat the
flesh of man and so go with tact and meet him." 72.22
"Oh Rama, Oh killer of enemies, There is not even a small thing that is unknown to him in this world,
where the sun shines." 72.23
"He with the help of his monkeys will search all over rivers, big mountains, mountain caves, caves
and they will find out your wife." 72.24
"Oh Raghava, he will send monkeys with very big body to search in all directions, your Sita who must
be sorrowing due to parting with you and find that blessed lady who is pure in the house of Ravana."
72-25-72.26
"That prominent among the monkeys would find your blameless wife, even if she is on the top of Meru
mountain or whether she is in the nether world by going there and after killing the Rakshasas they will
restore her to you." 72.27
This is the end of Seventy Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana
composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.
73. Kabandha's Guidance
[Kabandha Requests Rama to meet saint Sabari who lives in the hermitage of Matanga, proceed to
lake Pampa, climb up the Rishyamooka mountains and meet Sugreeva. He tells Rama to enter in to a
treaty with Sugreeva before fire.]
Kabandha after telling Rama about the method to get back Sita again told the following meaningful
words. 73.1
"Oh Rama take the peaceful path to the west which shines and is pleasing to the mind as you would
find many trees under flowering there. There are Jambu trees, Priyala trees, Jack-fruit trees, holy
Banyan tree, Plaksha trees [a tree from which milky latex oozes out], tinduka trees, holy fig trees
Karnikara of red and white flowers, Mango trees, trees that grow on dry soil, Tilaka trees, trees that
bloom at night, Agnimukhya and Asokha trees, Kadamba tree, Karaveera tree, red Asoka trees and
Paribhadraka trees." 73.2-73.4
"You may either climb those trees are fell them by your great strength and eat their nectar like fruits,
while proceeding ahead." 73.5
"Oh son of Kakustha clan, after crossing that you would come cross a forest in flowering. It can be
comparable to the Nandana Garden and the North Kuru state." 73.6
"The trees in the gardens have fruits dripping with sweetness in all seasons and is similar to
Chaithraratha garden of Khubera which yields fruits always." 73.7
"The trees there with huge bunches are bent due to the fruits they bear and shine like the clouds over
mountains." 73.8
"Lakshmana after climbing them would easily harvest those nectar like fruits, make them fall on the
ground and offer them to you." 73.9
"While pleasantly travelling from one forest to another forest and from one mountain to another
mountain, both of you who are valorous would reach the Pampa lake." 73.10
"Oh Rama, the slopes of the lake of Pampa is smooth soil without stones and it does not slip and
water is neither deep nor shallow and does not have moss but has lotus and lily flowers in full bloom."
73.11
"Oh Raghava in the waters of lake Pampa swans, ducks, Krouncha birds and Kurara birds are
jumping here and there and cooing." 73.12
"Not knowing anything about being killed those auspicious birds are not scared of human beings and
you can kill and eat them as those fat birds are like balls of ghee." 73.13
"Oh Rama i in that Pampa lake, Lakshmana who is endowed with devotion can kill choicest fish with
single bone, prawns, fish with crooked trunk and huge fish, remove their skins and wings and cook
them on iron skewers and offer them to you." 73.14-73.15
"And while you are with delight eating those fish Lakshmana can go to the tank which is pure, cold
and enjoyable and full of lotus flowers and bring that lotus scented, pure, clear water resembling
silver and crystal, in the lotus leaf and offer it to you." 73.16-73.17
"Oh best among men, you will also see there, huge boars which live in the mountain caves and roam
freely in the forest, which approach with desire that very lovely Pampa to drink water." 73.18-73.19
"Oh Rama when you stroll there in the evening, you will see trees with large number of flowers and
the cool water of Pampa and forget your sorrows." 73.20
"Oh Raghava there you will see the flowers of Tilaka trees, night jasmines, water lilies and lotus
flowers strewn all over, making your mind calm." 73.21
"Oh Rama there are no human beings to wear those flowers and the flowers in garlands made by
them will not wilt or drop." 73.22
"There the disciples of sage Matanga who were sages who normally are absorbed in meditation, were
bringing food from the forest for their teacher Matanga, and when they were tired due to exhaustion,
sweat drops from the body of those sages of great penance fell on earth and the flowers that
blossomed from those sweat drops never fade or wilt." 73.23-73.24
"Though they have gone long back, you can see their female attendant Sabari, who is an ascetic
living there." 73.25
"Oh Rama, She is a follower of Dharma saluted by all beings and she will go to heaven only after
seeing you, the God like Rama." 73.26
"You will see her in the unmatched and secret hermitage on the western bank of Pampa which is
difficult to see." 73.27
"Though there are many elephants in the forest and mountain nearby, those elephants do not attack
the hermitage due to rule established by the sage Matanga." 73.28-73.29
"In that forest equivalent to the forest of devas and which can be compared to the Nandana Garden,
which is full of several kinds of birds, you will give up your sorrow and enjoy." 73.30
"Rishyamooka which is full of flowering trees is situated in front of Pampa is very difficult to climb and
is protected by elephants. This lofty mountain was raised in the earlier days by the generous
Brahma." 73.31
"Oh Rama that man who sleeps on the top of that mountain, will get wealth in his dreams and after
waking up again he will get it." 73.32
"A person who does evil or sins who climbs that mountain would be thrown down while he is sleeping
by the Rakshasas and such a person who commits sin or evil cannot climb that mountain" 73.33-
73.34
"The roaring sound of baby elephants will be heard by those playing in Pampa and those residing in
hermitage of Matanga." 73.35
"Those strong and great elephants which resemble dark rain clouds dash it on each other and blood
flows from their body are then separated and scattered all over." 73.36
"The animals living in the forest drink the spotless clean and cold water of Pampa and after getting
relieved of their thirst, they go back to the forest." 73.37
"Seeing those bears and tigers shining like sapphire and antelopes which are never defeated, you will
get rid of your grief." 73.38
"Oh Rama of Kakustha clan on that mountain there exists a shining cave which is closed by a sheet
of rock and so it is difficult to enter the cave." 73.39
"On the eastern entrance of that cave there is a pond with pure cold waters. And that tank is
surrounded by trees yielding fruits and roots as also different kind of animal groups." 73.40
"Sugreeva lives there along with four of his friends and at times he is seen at the top of the mountain
also." 73.41
The courageous Kabandha wearing a flower garland after telling Rama and Lakshmana to go he
shined like the Sun god. 73.42
Both Rama and Lakshmana who were about to depart went near Kabandha who was in the sky and
waited for him and Kabandha told them "you may go now." 73.43
Then they told him, "We are going for succeeding in our aim" and well please Kabandha bade
farewell to them and went his way. 73.44
Then that Kabandha assumed his correct form and surrounded by luster he was equal to Sun god
and he told them, "While you make friendship with Sugreeva, enter in to a treaty with him." 73.45
This is the end of Seventy Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
74. Rama Meets Sage Sabari
[Rama goes near Pampa lake and from there to the Matanga hermitage and meets Sabari who has
been waiting for them. Sabari treats them with hospitality and then enters in to fire and gets
salvation.]
Those princes travelled towards the western direction as directed by Kabandha towards the lake
Pampa. 74.1
That Rama and Lakshmana crossing several mountains full of trees laden with honey like fruits set
out to see Sugreeva. 74.2
Those Rama and Lakshmana who belonged to the Raghu clan, stayed on the top of the mountain
and departed by the western path and neared the banks of Pampa. 74.3
Then they reached the western bank of the Pampa Lake which was a lotus pond and saw the
delightful hermitage of Sabari. 74.4
Then they reached the hermitage surrounded by very many trees and went towards Sabari who has
viewing those pretty trees. 74.5
Then that lady sage seeing them got up and saluted them, touched the feet of Rama as well as that
of the great Lakshmana. 74.6
As per the practice she offered them water to wash their feet as well as to drink and then Rama
spoke to that austere woman observing great penance. 74.7
"Oh lady with penance as wealth, I hope you do not face any obstacles in doing penance and I hope
you are able to control your anger and desire for food." 74.8
"Oh lady whose speech is pretty, how is your attainment in spiritual practices? I hope your mind is
pleasant and I hope you have been able to serve the teachers with good effect." 74.9
That great lady of penance who was sage who was recognized by other sages and who was old
spoke to Rama after receiving him. 74.10
"Today by being able to see you, I obtained the results of my penance and I think I have served my
teachers well and I have obtained good results." 74.11
"Oh great among men, Oh best among gods by worshipping you today my life has become fruitful
and I will also attain heaven." 74.12
"Oh son of Raghu clan, I have been sanctified by your gentle looks and oh destroyer of enemies, by
your grace I would reach the land that never fades." 74.13
"When you reached Chithrakuta in aerial vehicles of matchless luster, those whom I served,
ascended to heaven." 74.14
I have been told by those great sages who were great people and followers of Dharma, "Rama will
come to this blessed hermitage and you receive him along with son of Sumithra as guest and after
seeing them you will reach blessed inexhaustible world." 74.15-74.16
"Oh tiger among men, I have collected various forest foods for your sake, which are available on the
banks of Pampa." 74.17
When Sabari spoke in this way, that soul of Dharma Raghava addressed Sabari, who has never been
prevented from reading about divine knowledge." 74.18
"From that great soul Dhanu, I have heard about your power and if you think it proper I would like to
get personally acquainted with it." 74.19
When these words were released from the mouth of Rama, Sabari started showing him her great
garden." 74.20
"Oh Rama, this garden known as "Matanga Garden" which look like a splendid and solid cloud is filled
with many animals and birds and is very famous." 74.21
"Here my Gurus who were great visionaries have offered many sacrifices along with chant of
Manthras and sacred waters.," 74.22
"This is the altar in the west where, those revered ones, who were completely exhausted offered
flowers for worship with trembling hands." 74.23
"Oh best of the Raghu clan, even today due to the power of their penance are shining filing all
directions with great light." 74.24
"They did not have energy to move about and go to the sea for bathing due to fasting and just by their
thought all the seven seas came here together." 74.25
"Due to their ascetic strength, the bark cloth they have hung on trees for drying after their bath, have
even now not dried." 74.26
"Even today the flowers including lotus flowers offered by them to God have not shown any sign of
wilting." 74.27
"You have seen the entire forest and also have heard all that has to be heard. And now with your
permission I want to give up this body of mine." 74.28
"I wish to go near those great visionaries whom I served as an attendant I this hermitage of saints."
74.29
Rama and Lakshmana after hearing the words of that lady who followed Dharma, became very happy
hearing about those wonderful incidents. 74.30
Then Rama told that lady sage who is firmly established in her vow "You have worshipped me with
devotion and so now you can go as per your desire." 74.31
Thus spoken that old woman with matted locks wearing cloths of bark and deer hide, desiring to give
up her body immediately after taking permission from Rama offered herself in to fire and with a body
shining like fire went to heaven. 74.32-74.33
Adorned with divine ornaments, wearing divine garlands and unguents, wearing divine cloths and with
a form which was pleasing to look, she illuminated the place like a streak of lightning. 74.34
Sabari due to the practice of the penance of the soul went to that holy place frequented by holy seers,
accomplished people and great sages. 74.35
This is the end of Seventy Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
75. Rama Reaches Pampa
[Rama and Lakshmana reach the lake Pampa. They are anxious to climb the Rishyamooka mountain
and meet Sugreeva.]
When Sabari went to heaven in her own lustrous body, Rama started thinking along with his brother
Lakshmana. 75.1
Then after Rama, the soul of Dharma thought about the power of those great sages, Rama told
Lakshmana who was his completely focused well wisher. 75.2
"Please see this wonderful hermitage belonging to great souls, where deer and tiger live together in
implicit faith and which is served by all type of birds." 75.3
"Oh Lakshmana, here after bathing in the waters of the seven seas, we have also offered prayers
according to rules to our manes." 75.4
"We have got rid of the inauspicious time and now the auspicious time is within our reach and Oh
Lakshmana happiness is truly in my mind now and I feel auspiciousness has sprung up again." 75.5
"Come, let us go to Pampa, which is good to look at. The Rishyamooka mountain is shining not very
far off from here and there lives Sugreeva, the son of Sun god and the follower of Dharma being
scared daily of his brother Bali along with four other monkeys." 75.6-75.7
"Oh gentle one, I am in a hurry to see Sugreeva the mighty monkey, because the searching of Sita
depends on him." 75.8
To the courageous Rama who spoke like this the son of Sumithra replied "my heart is also hastening
me up. Let us go there." 75.9
Then that lord of men left that hermitage immediately and the Lord arrived in Pampa along with
Lakshmana. 75.10
Then they saw the sacred spot served by great sages. That Pampa with its various plants and
creepers provided good drinking water. With scented red lotuses, clusters of night lotuses,
combination of lotuses and white lilies and blue lotuses, that lake Pampa looked like a multi coloured
carpet." 75.11-75.12
Rama from a distance saw that source of drinking water, went near it and called it Matanga lake and
bathed in it. 75.13
Pampa tank was filled with red lotuses and had the fragrance of lotuses. The bank was full of mango
trees in bloom and trees of several kinds like Tilaka, trees with fruits abounding in seeds like Citron,
Dhavai trees, white trees in bloom, Karavera trees loaded with flowers, Punnaga trees, clusters of
Jasmine and Kunda shrubs, Banyan trees, so also reeds, Asoka trees, shrubs surpassing in
whiteness to pearls, and several other trees amazing and lovely spread all over, Rama and
Lakshmana passed by glancing at them. There were other trees with abundance of flowers, huge
trees, Koyashtikas trees with rind. Several different kinds of birds such as cranes, parrots, sparrows,
peacocks were found dwelling in the forest screaming aloud making noises. Seeing all these Rama
and Lakshmana went without being disturbed and with a composed mind in that forest. 75.14-75.19
Then Rama saw Pampa filled with the treasure of clean and cold water and it was surrounded by
groves of Asoka, Thilaka, Punnaga, Vakula and Udhalaka trees. 75.20
Rama, seeing various types of trees and various ponds, was affection by passionate feelings and
went to the Pampa. 75.21
That sides of the tank was full of trees with blossoms of flowers, beautiful Sala and Champaka trees
and the honeybees which collected honey from the flowers looked pretty and bright. The waters were
crystal clear with the scent of lotuses. The soft sands on the banks of Pampa gleamed. Rama saw
them again and again and said this to Lakshmana. 75.22-75.24
As told previously the Rishyamooka mountain, full of minerals was situated on the banks of Pampa
and it was surrounded by trees with divine flowers. 75.25
The greatly valorous monkey by the name of Sugreeva who was the son of the monkey king
Riksharaja resided there. 75.26
The bull among men told Lakshmana, "please go and meet Sugreeva" and he also further said these
words to Lakshmana who was valorous in truth 75.27
"Oh Lakshmana, how can I, being banished, pitiable, and with mind in love with her, lead this life
without her." 75.28
After telling this, under spell of the god of love, to Lakshmana who was hearing with concentration, he
entered the blue and pretty waters of Pampa. 75.29
After going a long distance on the great path, they gradually went through the forest observing the
forest with auspicious looks seeing several kinds of flocks of birds and at last saw Pampa. 75.30
This is the end of Seventy Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed
End of Aranya Kandam.
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1. Rama Enters Dandakaranya

Syenagami, Pruthugreeva, Yagnasatru, Vihangama, Durjaya, Karaviraksha, Parusha, Kalakarmukha,

and should be told to him with courtesy." 40.10

End of Aranya Kandam.

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