Yuddha Kanda: Chapter 4

श्रुत्वा हनूमतो वाक्यं यथावदनुपूर्वशः। ततोऽब्रवीन्महातेजा रामः सत्यपराक्रमः॥
Hearing Hanumăn's speech duly from the beginning, the exceedingly energetic Rāma having truth for this prowess, said.

यनिवेदयसे लङ्कां पुरीं भीमस्य रक्षसः। क्षिप्रमेनां वधिष्यामि सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते॥
What you say 'I shall speedily destroy the city of this dreadful Raksasa,' is true, I tell you.

अस्मिन्मुहूर्ते सुग्रीवप्रयाणमभिरोचय। युक्तो मुहूर्ते विजये प्राप्तो मध्यं दिवाकरः॥
Therefore, at this very moment arrange for Sugrīva's march. The Sun has attained his meridian at this proper moment, capable of conferring victory.* *The moment is named abhijit.

सीतां हृत्वा तु तद्यातु क्वासौ यास्यति जीवितः। सीता श्रुत्वाभियानं मे आशामेष्यति जीविते। जीवितान्तेऽमृतं स्पृष्ट्वा पीत्वाऽमृतमिवातुरः॥
Let Rāvana carry away Sītā (to his own country), whither shall Ravana, living, repair? Like a dying person who has taken a deathdispelling drug and drunk ambrosia, Sītā, hearing of my preparations for war, shall inspire hope of life.

उत्तराफाल्गुनी ह्यद्य श्वस्तु हस्तेन योक्ष्यते। अभिप्रयाम सुग्रीव सर्वानीकसमावृताः॥
To-day the Northern Phālguni (is in the ascendant); and to-morrow the moon shall be in conjunction with Hasta.* O Sugriva, shall we set our, surrounded by the entire host? *Hastā sprung from Punarvasu is the star of doom, portending death to Rāvana. The Northern Phālguni, is Sita's natal star. The expedition begun during the influence of this star, augurs deliverance to Vaidehi.

निमित्तानि च पश्यामि यानि प्रादुर्भवन्ति वै। निहत्य रावणं सीतामानयिष्यामि जानकीम्॥
The omens I witness, augur, that, having slain Ravana, I shall bring back Janaki.

उपरिष्टाद्धि नयनं स्फुरमाणमिमं मम। विजयं समनुप्राप्तं शंसतीव मनोरथम्।७।।
The upper lid of my eye throb; and it betook that my desire has indeed been had.

ततो वानरराजेन लक्ष्मणेन सुपूजितः। उवाच रामो धर्मात्मा पुनरप्यर्थकोविदः॥
Then honoured by the monkey-king as well as Lakşmaņa, the righteous Rāma, understanding the import of things, again said.

अग्रे यातु बलस्यास्य नीलो मार्गमवेक्षितुम्। वृतः शतसहस्रेण वानराणां तरस्विनाम्॥
Surrounded by hundreds and thousands of fast-speeding monkeys, let Nīla go ahead of this force, for surveying the route.

फलमूलवता नीलशीतकाननवारिणा। पथा मधुमता चाशु सेनां सेनापते नय॥
O Nīla, do you, O general, expeditiously take the army by a path furnished with fruits and roots, having cool waters of the woods, and replenished with honey.

दूषयेयुर्दुरात्मानः पथि मूलफलोदकम्। राक्षसाः पथि रक्षेथास्तेभ्यस्त्वं नित्यमुद्यतः॥
The wicked Raksasas vitiate* fruits, roots and water along the way. You, ever not the alert, should preserve these from the Rākṣasa. *By means of poison, etc.

निम्नेषु वनदुर्गेषु वनेषु च वनौकसः। अभिप्लुत्याभिपश्येयुः परेषां निहितं बलम् ॥
And, bounding down into hollow places, mountain-fastnesses, and woods, let the rangers of the wilds, spy the posted detachments of the enemy.

यत्तु फल्गु बलं किंचित्तदत्रैवोपपद्यताम्। एतद्धि कृत्यं घोरं नो विक्रमेण प्रयुज्यताम्॥
Let those that are incompetent, stay here. This business is dreadful, and we should apply our best strength in conducting the same.

सागरौघनिभं भीममग्रानीकं महाबलाः। कपिसिंहाः प्रकर्षन्तु शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः॥
Therefore let the foremost monkeys gifted with prodigious prowess lead forth like a host of terrible ocean, the choice portion of the army, numbering hundreds and thousands.

गजश्च गिरिसंकाशो गवयश्च महाबलः। गवाक्षश्चाग्रतो यातु गवां दृप्त इवर्षभः॥
And let Gaja resembling a hill, and the exceedingly powerful Gavaya, and that monkey, Gavaksa, master of the leaping ones,* like a haughty bull among kine, go in the van of the monkey-host. *i.e. monkeys.

यातु वानरवाहिन्या वानरः प्लवतां पतिः। पालयन्दक्षिणं पार्श्वमृषभो वानरर्षभः॥ गन्धहस्तीव दुर्धर्षस्तरस्वी गन्धमादनः। यातु वानरवाहिन्याः सव्यं पार्श्वमधिष्ठितः॥
And let that foremost of monkeys, Rşabha, go, protecting the right wing (of the army); and let Gandha, irresistible like an elephant with the fragrant temporal juice trickling down, and the vehement Gandhamādana, go,* protecting the left wing (of the monkey-army). *The verb is singular, instead of dual, as also the qualifying epithet, Pārsamadishthita. But the sense is clear. on

यास्यामि बलमध्येऽहं बलौघमभिहर्षयन्। अधिरुह्य हनूमन्तमैरावतमिवेश्वरः॥
And, cheering the army, I myself, mounted on Hanumān, like the Lord (mounted) on Airāvata, shall march in the midst of the forces.

अङ्गदेष संयातु लक्ष्मणश्चान्तकोपमः। सार्वभौमेन भूतेशो द्रविणाधिपतिर्यथा॥
Like the lord of wealth and master of riches, mounted Sārvabhauma, let Lakşmaņa resembling the Destroyer, march forth, mounted on Angada.

जाम्बवांश्च सुषेणश्च वेगदर्शी च वानरः। ऋक्षराजो महाबाहुः कुक्षिं रक्षन्तु ते त्रयः॥
And let that king of bears, the long-armed Jāmbavān, Sușeņa, and the monkey, Vegadarci, protect the rear (of the forces).

राघवस्य वचः श्रुत्वा सुग्रीवो वाहिनीपतिः। व्यादिदेश महावीर्यो वानरान्वानरर्षभः॥
Hearing Rāghava's words, that foremost of monkeys and lord of the army, the exceedingly energetic Sugrīva, issued his orders.

ते वानरगणाः सर्वे समुत्पत्य महौजसः। गुहाभ्यः शिखरेभ्यश्च आशु पुप्लुविरे तदा॥
And anon those highly powerful monkeys issuing up from caves and mountain-summits, began to bound (on all sides).

ततो वानरराजेन लक्ष्मणेन च पूजितः। जगाम रामो धर्मात्मा ससैन्यो दक्षिणां दिशम्॥
Thereafter, honoured by the king of monkeys and also Laksmana, the righteous Rāma, accompanied by his forces, set out in a southerly direction.

शतैः शतसहस्रश्च कोटिभिश्चायुतैरपि। वारणाभैश्च हरिभिर्ययौ परिवृतस्तदा॥
He marched, surrounded by hundreds and thousands, Koțis and Ayutas of monkeys resembling elephants.

तं यान्तमनुयान्ती सा महती हरिवाहिनी। हृष्टाः प्रमुदिताः सर्वे सुग्रीवेणापि पालिताः॥
The marching was followed by the mighty host of monkeys' and all those maintained by Sugrīva were filled with joy and betrayed demonstrations of delight.

आप्लवन्तः प्लवन्तश्च गर्जन्तश्च प्लवङ्गमाः। श्वेलन्तो निनदन्तश्च जग्मुर्वै दक्षिणां दिशम्॥
Bounding by way of guarding the flanks of the forces, and leaping in front of the army for pioneering, blustering, emitting leonine roars, and uttering cries, the monkeys made towards the south.

भक्षयन्तः गुमन्धीनि मधूनि च फलानि च। उद्वहन्तो महावृक्षान्मञ्जरीपुञ्जधारिणः॥
And some partook of perfumed honey and fruits, and some bore mighty trees, holding the sprouts.

अन्योन्यं सहसा दृप्ता निर्वहन्ति क्षिपन्ति च। पतन्तश्चोत्पतन्त्यन्ये पातयन्त्यपरे परान्॥
And some in pride (of strength) suddenly raised others and threw them down. And some fell and were anon up, and some brought others down.

रावणो नो निहन्तव्यः सर्वे च रजनीचराः। इति गर्जन्ति हरयो राघवस्य समीपतः॥
We shall slay Rāvana, as also all the rangers of the night'; thus did the monkeys, roar out in the presence of Rāghava.

पुरस्तादृषभो नीलो वीरः कुमुद एव च। पन्थानं शोधयन्ति स्म वानरैर्बहुभिः सह ॥
Before (the army), Rsabha, the heroic Nila, and Kumuda, along with many monkey, went on clearing the route.

मध्ये तु राजा सुग्रीवो रामो लक्ष्मण एव च। बलिभिर्बहुभिर्भीमैर्वृतः शत्रुनिबर्हणः॥
In the middle were king Sugrīva, Rāma and Laksmana, environed by innumerable powerful and terrible monkeys.

हरिः शतबलिर्वीरः कोटिभिर्दशभिर्वृतः। सर्वामको ह्यवष्टभ्य ररक्ष हरिवाहिनीम्॥
The heroic monkey, Satabali, surrounded by ten Kotis (of troops), alone on all sides protected that monkey host.

कोटीशतपरीवारः केसरी पनसो गजः। अर्कश्च बहुभिः पार्श्वमेकं तस्याभिरक्षति॥
Accompanied by an hundred Kotis, Kesari, Panasa, Gaja* and Arka, by means of many protected that host on every side. *Some other than the first mentioned Gaja.

सुषेणो जाम्बवांश्चैव ऋक्षैर्बहुभिरावृतौ । सुग्रीवं पुरतः कृत्वा जघनं संररक्षतुः॥
Taking Sugriva before them, Susena, and Jāmbavān, surrounded by innumerable bears, protected the rear (of the army).

तेषां सेनापतिर्वीरो नीलो वानरपुंगवः। संयतश्चरतां श्रेष्ठस्तद्बलं पर्यवारयत्॥
That foremost of rangers possessed of excellence, and of restrained senses, the heroic Nīla, general (of the army), kept going round the ranks.

वलीमुखः प्रजङ्घश्च जम्भोऽथ रभसः कपिः। सर्वतश्च ययुर्वीरास्त्वरयन्तः प्लवङ्गमान्॥
Valimukha, and Prajangha, Jambha and the monkey Rabhasa, vent everywhere, urging on the monkeys.

एवं ते हरिशार्दूला गच्छन्ति बलदर्पिताः। अपश्यन्त गिरिश्रेष्ठं सह्यं गिरिशतायुतम्॥ सरांसि च सुफुल्लानि तटाकानि वराणि च।
While thus marching, breathing pride of strength, those tiger-like monkeys saw that foremost of mountains Sahya crowned with hundreds o trees, and weary expanses laughing with flowers, and beautiful tanks.

रामस्य शासनं ज्ञात्वा भीमकोपस्य भीतवत्॥ वर्जयनगराभ्याशांस्तथा जनपदानपि। सागरौघनिभं भीमं तद्वानरबलं महत्॥ निःससर्प महाघोरं भीमघोषमिवार्णवम्।
Knowing the order of Rāma of dreadful wrath, that terrible and mighty host, exceedingly terrific and resembling the bosom of the deep, cowed down through fear, leaving behind cities and villages and provinces, went like the deepsounding sea.

तस्य दाशरथे: पार्श्वे शूरास्ते कपिकुञ्जराः॥ तूर्णमापुप्लुवुः सर्वे सदश्वा इव चोदिताः।
At the side of Daſaratha's son those heroic monkeys resembling elephants, proceeded by bounds, like noble horses, spurred on.

कपिभ्यामुह्यमानौ तौ शुशुभाते नरर्षभौ॥ महद्भयामिव संस्पृष्टौ ग्रहाभ्यां चन्द्रभास्करौ।
Those foremost of men, mounted on the monkeys, looked beautiful like this Sun and the Moon half eclipsed by the two mighty planets, viz., Rahu and Ketu.

ततो वानरराजेन लक्ष्मणेन सुपूजितः।॥ जगाम रामो धर्मात्मा ससैन्यो दक्षिणां दिशम्।
Then well honoured by Sugrīva and Laks maņa, the righteous Rāma proceeded towards the South, accompanied by his army.

तमङ्गदगतो राम लक्ष्मणः शुभया गिरा।॥ उवाच परिपूर्णार्थं पूर्णार्थप्रतिभानवान्।
Then Lakşmaņa, furnished with consummate sense and promptitude, who was mounted on Angada spoke to Rāma, inviting words, fraught with import.

हृतामवाप्य वैदेहीं क्षिप्रं हत्वा च रावणम्॥ समृद्धार्थः समृद्धार्थामयोध्यां प्रतियास्यसि। महान्ति च निमित्तानि दिवि भूमौ च राघव॥ शुभानि तव पश्यामि सर्वाण्येवार्थसिद्धये।
Speedily recovering Vaidehi, who has been carried away, and slaying Rāvana, you will, your end attained, return to Ayodhyā, who shall also have her desire. O Rāghava, I see all the great auspicious omens on earth and in the sky, signifying success to you.

अनुवाति शिवो वायुः सेनां मृदुहितः सुखः॥ पूर्णवल्गुस्वराश्चेमे प्रवदन्ति मृगद्विजाः। प्रसन्नाश्च दिश: सर्वा विमलश्च दिवाकरः॥ उशना च प्रसन्नार्चिरनु त्वां भार्गवो गतः। ब्रह्मराशिविशुद्धश्च शुद्धाश्च परमर्षयः। अर्चिष्मन्तः प्रकाशन्ते ध्रुवं सर्वे प्रदक्षिणम्॥
Mildly and grateful does the blessed breeze blow behind the army, inspiring pleasure. And the birds and beasts are crying in sonorous voices. And all the points (of the compass) appear pleasant; and the lord of day is cloudless. Bhrgu's son, Usanas also wear for you an auspicious aspect, and Dhruva is without blemish. And all the Rșis, pure and furnished with lustre, go round Dhruva.

त्रिशङ्कुर्विमलो भाति राजर्षिः सपुरोहितः। पितामहः पुरोऽस्माकमिक्ष्वाकूणां महात्मनाम्।।४९ विमले च प्रकाशेते विशाखे निरुपद्रवे। नक्षत्रं परमस्माकमिक्ष्वाकूणां महात्मनाम्॥
And before us shine the grandfather of the high-souled Ikşavākus; the spotless Rājarși Trisaiku, with his priest.-And stainless and free from disturbances appear Visākhā. This is the racial star of us, the high-souled Ikșwākus.

नैर्ऋतं नैर्ऋतानां च नक्षत्रमतिपीड्यते। मूलो मूलवता स्पृष्टो धूप्यते धूमकेतुना॥
Nairta, the radical star of the Nairtas, is sore afflicted and, touched by the rod-bearing Dhumaketu is in trouble.

सर्वं चैतद्विनाशाय राक्षसानामुपस्थितम्। काले कालगृहीतानां नक्षत्रं ग्रहपीडितम्॥
All this is for the destruction of the Rākşasas. At the fated time, those that are in the clutches of Death, have their stars afflicted by the planets.

प्रसन्नाः सुरसाश्चापो वनानि फलवन्ति च। प्रवान्ति नाधिका गन्धा यथर्तुकुसुमा दुमाः॥
The water is dear and tastes sweet; and the woods are stocked with fruit. And the odorous gale does not blow strongly; and the trees are furnished with all blossoms of the season.

व्यूढानि कपिसैन्यानि प्रकाशन्तेऽधिकं प्रभो। देवानामिव सैन्यानि संग्रामे तारकामये। एवमार्य समीक्ष्यैतत्प्रीतो भवितुमर्हसि ॥
O lord, this host of monkeys appear splendid to the height, as did the celestial host on the occasion of the destruction of Tāraka. Seeing all this, you should, O noble one, feel delighted.

इति भ्रातरमाश्वास्य हृष्टः सौमित्रिब्रवीत्। अथावृत्य महीं कृत्स्नां जगाम हरिवाहिनी॥
Having thus consoled his brother, Sumitrā's son, feeling enlivened, said this. The monkeyhost went on, covering the earth.

ऋक्षावानरशार्दूलैर्नखदंष्ट्रायुधैरपि। कराग्रैश्चरणाप्रैश्च वानरैरुद्धतं रजः॥ भीममन्तर्दधे लोकं निवार्य सवितुः प्रभाम्।
The mighty dust raised by bears, monkeys, and tigers, having for their weapons nails and teeth, with the foreparts of their feet and hands, enveloped the world, and the splendour of the sun was obscured.

सपर्वतनाकाशं दक्षिणां हरिवाहिनी॥ छादयन्ती ययौ भीमा द्यामिवाम्बुदसंततिः।
And as clouds envelope the sky, the mighty monkey-host went on, covering up the Southern quarter with its mountains, woods, and sky.

उत्तरन्त्याश्च सेनायाः सततं बहुयोजनम्॥ नदीस्रोतांसि सर्वाणि सस्यन्दुर्विपरीतवत्।
As they marched covering many a yojana, the streams seemed as if they flowed in an opposite direction.* *Kataka remark-"As when clouds, drift past, the Moon it is that seems to send accross the sky, as the monkey-army marched on, the rivers seemed to flow in an opposite direction.” Rāmānuja says that the waters of the streams dashed by the monkeys, held an opposite course. The former interpretation is hardly satisfactory, and Rāmānuja seems to be right.

सरांसि विमलाम्भांसि दुमाकीर्णाश्च पर्वतान्॥ समानभूमिप्रदेशांश्च वनानि फलवन्ति च। मध्येन च समन्ताच्च तिर्यक्चाधश्च साविशत्।।६० समावृत्य महीं कृत्स्नां जगाम महती चमूः।
They while proceeding, took rest by pools of clear water, on mountains covered with trees, on plains and in forests teeming with fruits. Some moving straight, some moving askance, and some moving on the earth, that enormous monkey-host went on covering the entire earth.

ते हृष्टवदनाः सर्वे जग्मुर्मारुतरंहसः॥ हरयो राघवस्यार्थे समारोपितविक्रमाः।
They were all of delighted countenances and gifted with the velocity of the wind. And these monkeys devoted all their energy to the accomplishment of Rāghava's work.

हर्ष वीर्य बलोद्रेकान्दर्शयन्तः परस्परम्॥ यौवनोत्सेकजादपद्विविधांश्चक्रुध्वनि।
They were displaying to each other their joy, prowess and energy. And influenced with the vanity of youth they set up diverse cries.

तत्र केचिद्भुतं जग्मुरुत्पेतुश्च तथापरे॥ केचित्किलकिलां चक्रुर्वानरा वनगोचराः। प्रास्फोटयंश्च पुच्छानि संनिजघ्नुः पदान्यपि॥
Some proceeded with speed, some leaped, some set up cries expressing joy, some were uplifting their tails, and some were striking the ground with their feet.

भुजान्विक्षिप्य शैलांश्च दुमानन्ये बभञ्जिरे। आरोहन्तश्च शृङ्गाणि गिरीणां गिरिगोचराः॥
Some, stretching forth their arms, were breaking the hills, and others the trees. And other were ascending the tops of the hills.

महानादान्प्रमुञ्चन्ति क्ष्वेडामन्ये प्रचक्रिरे। ऊरुवेगैश्च ममृदुर्लताजालान्यनेकशः।॥
Some began to make terrible sounds, and other made a tingling noise. And many others blasted the creepers with the velocity of their thighs.

जम्भमाणाश्च विक्रान्ता विचिक्रीडुः शिलानुमैः। ततः शतसहस्रैश्च कोटिभिश्च सहस्रशः॥ वानराणां सुघोराणां श्रीमत्परिवृता मही।
Some were engaged in sporting with trees and rocks. And thus was the earth enveloped with millions and koțis of fearful monkeys.

सा स्म याति दिवारानं महती हरिवाहिनी॥ प्रहृष्टमुदिताः सर्वे सुग्रीवेणाभिपालिताः। वानरास्त्वरिता यान्ति सर्वे युद्धाभिनन्दिनः। प्रमोक्षयिषवः सीतां मुहूर्त क्वापि नावसन्॥
Thus the enormous monkey host went on day and night. And all those monkeys, delighted, guided by Sugrīva, and taking delight in battle, went on speedily. And they did not take rest even for a moment, desirous of rescuing Sītā.

ततः पादपसंबाधं नानावनसमायुतम्। सह्यपर्वतमासाद्य वानरास्ते समारुहन्।७० ।।
Thereupon, getting at the mount Sahya covered with various trees and forests, those monkeys ascended it.

काननानि विचित्राणि नदीप्रस्रवणानि च। पश्यन्नपि ययौ रामः सह्यस्य मलयस्य च॥
Rāma went on beholding the variegated forest, rivers and fountains of the mount Sahya and Malaya.

चम्पकांस्तिलकांचूतान्प्रसेकान्सिन्दुवारकान्। तिनिशान्करवीरांश्च भजन्ति स्म प्लवङ्गमाः॥ अशोकांश्च करांश्च प्लक्षन्यग्रोधपादपान्। जम्बुकामलकानागन्भजन्ति स्म प्लवङ्गमाः॥
Those monkeys broke down various treesCampakas, Tilakas, mangoes, Prasekas, Sinduvaras, Tinisas and Karaviras, Asokas, Karanjas, Plaksas, Nyagrodhas, Jambukas and Amalakas.

प्रस्तरेषु च रम्येषु विविधाः काननद्रुमाः। वायुवेगप्रचलिताः पुष्पैरवकिरन्ति तान्॥
And seated on picturesque rocks, various forest trees, shaken by the wind, showered flowers on them.

मारुतः सुखसंस्पर्शो वाचि चन्दनशीतलः। षट्पदैरनुकूजद्भिर्वनेषु मधुगन्धिषु ॥
There blew in those forests filled with the smell of honey, a wind of pleasant touch, cool as the Moon, accompanied by the hummings of the bees.

अधिकं शैलराजस्तु धातुभिस्तु विभूषितः। धातुभ्यः प्रसृतो रेणुर्वायुवेगेन घट्टितः॥ सुमहद्वानरानीकं छादयामास सर्वतः।
That mount was richly embellished with diverse metals. And dust issuing from these metals and thickened by the air, enveloped on all sides the huge monkey-host.

गिरिप्रस्थेषु रम्येषु सर्वतः संप्रपुष्पिताः।७७।। केतक्यः सिन्दुवाराश्च वासन्त्यश्च मनोरमाः। माधव्यो गन्धपूर्णाश्च कुन्दगुल्माश्च पुष्पिताः।७८।। चिरिबिल्वा मधूकाश्च वंजुला बकुलास्तथा। रञ्जकास्तिलकाश्चैव नागवृक्षाश्च पुष्पिताः। ७९ ।। चूताः पाटलिकाश्चैव कोविदाराश्च पुष्पिताः। मुचुलिन्दार्जुनाश्चैव शिंशपाः कुटजास्तथा ॥ हिन्तालास्तिनिशाश्चैव चूर्णका नीपकास्तथा। नीलाशोकाश्च सरला अङ्कोलाः पद्मकास्तथा॥
There blossomed in that picturesque mountain-vale Ketakis, Sinduvāras, beautiful Vasantis, Madhavis, Gandhapurnas, Kundas, Cirivilvas, Madhūkas, Vañjulas, Bakulas, Ranjakas, Tilakas, Nagas, mangoes, Patalikas, Kovidāras, Muculindas, Arjunas, “insapas, Kutajas, Hintālas, Tinisas, Curnakas, Nipakas, Nila-asokas, Saralas, Ankolas and lotuses.

प्रीयमाणैः प्लवङ्गैस्तु सर्वे प्रयाकुलीकृताः। वाप्यस्तस्मिनिगरौ रम्याः पल्वलानि तथैव च।॥ चक्रवाकानुचारिताः कारण्डवनिषेविताः। प्लवैः क्रौञ्चैश्च संकीर्णा वराहमृगसेविताः॥ ऋक्षस्तरक्षुभिः सिंहै: शार्दूलश्च भयावहैः। व्यालैश्च बहुभिर्भीमैः सेव्यमानाः समन्ततः।॥ पद्मः सौगन्धिकैः फुल्लैः कुमुदैश्चौत्पलैस्तथा। वारिजैविविधैः पुष्पै रम्यास्तन जलाशयाः॥
All these trees were greatly disturbed by those monkeys, delighted with their view. There were in that mountain many a picturesque lake and pond filled with Cakravākas and Kārandavas, ducks, Krauñcas and the mount abounded on all sides with boars, deer, and terrible bears, lions and tigers and various other fearful animals, and it was beautified with full blown lotuses, Jilies, Utpalas and various other fragrant trees growing in the water.

तस्य सानुषु कूजन्ति नानाद्विजगणास्तथा। स्नात्वा पीत्वोदकान्यत्र जलेक्रीडन्ति वानराः॥
Various birds set up their musical choir on the summit of that mount. And bathing and drinking, these monkeys sported in the water.

अन्योन्यं प्लावयन्ति स्म शैलमारुह्य वानराः। फलान्यमृतगन्धीनि मूलानि कुसुमानि च।८७।। बभञ्जुर्वानरास्तत्र पादपानां मदोत्कटाः। द्रोणमात्रप्रमाणानि लम्बमानानि वानराः॥ ययुः पिबन्तः स्वस्थास्ते मधूनि मधुपिङ्गलाः। पादपानवभञ्जन्तो विकर्षन्तस्तथा लताः॥ विधमन्तो गिरिवरान्प्रययुः प्लवगर्षभाः। वृक्षेभ्योऽन्ये तु कपयो नदन्तो मधुदर्पिताः॥ अन्ये वृक्षान्प्रपद्यन्ते प्रपिबन्त्यपि चापरे। बभूव वसुधा तैस्तु संपूर्णा हरिपुङ्गवैः । यथा कलमकेदारैः पक्वैरिव वसुंधरा ॥
Ascending the mount these monkeys continually bounded. And excited with drink, they crumbled into pieces the ambrosia-smelling fruits, roots and flowers of the trees. And those monkeys yellow as honey, delighted, feasted on mangoes, long and measuring a Drona. Breaking down the trees, blasting the creepers, bounding from one tree to another and making the mount Sahya echo, those leading monkeys went on delighted and excited with drink. Some ascending the trees, and others drinking, the whole earth was enveloped with those monkeys, and seemed as if beautified with ripe paddy crops.

महेन्द्रमथ संप्राप्य रामो राजीवलोचनः। आरुरोह महाबाहुः शिखरं दुमभूषितम्॥
And reaching the mount Mahendra, the largearmed Rāma, having eyes like lotuses, ascended the summit adorned with diverse trees.

ततः शिखरमारुह्य रामो दशरथात्मजः। कूर्ममीनसमाकीर्णमपश्यत्सलिलाकुलम्॥
Getting at the top, Daśaratha's son espied the vast deep filled with tortoises and fishes.

ते सह्यं समतिक्रम्य मलयं च महागिरिम्। आसेदुरानुपूर्येण समुद्रं भीमनिःस्वनम्। ॥
There upon, passing by the mounts Sahya and Malaya and arranging their enormous host, they* by and by reached the roaring deep. *The monkey leader.

अवरुह्य जगामाशु वेलावमनुत्तमम्। रामो रमयतां श्रेष्ठः ससुग्रीवः सलक्ष्मणः॥
And descending therefore, Rāma, the foremost of those who minister happiness to all, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa and Sugrīva, entered the forest situate on the banks of the ocean.

अथ धौतोपलतलां तोयौधैः सहसोत्थितैः। वेलामासाद्य विपुलां रामो वचनमब्रवीत्॥
Reaching the expansive banks having rocks there on and continually washed by the rising billow, Rāma spoke these words.

एते वयमनुप्राप्ताः सुग्रीव वरुणालयम्। इहेदानी विचिन्ता सा या नः पूर्वमुपस्थिता॥
O Sugrīva we have arrived at the abode of Varuņa. Now has arisen in my mind what I had not thought of before.

अतः परमतीरोऽयं सागरः सरितां पतिः। च चायमनुपायेन शक्यस्तरितुमर्णवः॥
This ocean, the lord of the streams, whose other side is not seen, cannot be crossed over without some excellent measure.

तदिहैव निवेशोऽस्तु मन्त्रः प्रस्तूयतामिह । यथेदं वानरबलं परं पारमवाप्नुयात्॥
Let the monkey-host be encamped here therefore, and then concert a plan by means of which they might get at the other side.

इतीव स महाबाहुः सीताहरणकर्शितः। रामः सागरमासाद्य वासमाज्ञापयत्तदा॥
And reaching the shores of the ocean, the large-armed Rāma, stricken with grief for Sītā, ordered their encampment, saying.

सर्वाः सेना निवेश्यन्तां वेलायां हरिपुङ्गव। संप्राप्तो मन्त्रकालो नः सागरस्येह लङ्घने॥
O foremost of monkeys, do you encamp your host on the bring of the ocean. Now has arrived the hour for counsel, when we should devise some plan for crossing over the main.

स्वां स्वां सेनां समुत्सृज्य मा च कश्चित्कुतो व्रजेत्। गच्छन्तु वानराः शूरा ज्ञेयं छन्नं भयं च नः॥
I fear the Rākşasas at every step, for they are greatly illusion creating, let the leaders therefore go to their own hosts and let them not proceed anywhere else, renouncing them.

रामस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा सुग्रीवः सहलक्ष्मणः। सेनां निवेशयत्तीरे सागरस्य दुमायुते॥
Hearing the words of Rama, Sugrīva along with Lakşmana, encamped the army on the brink of the ocean, covered with trees.

विरराज समीपस्थं सागरस्य त तद्बलम्। मदुपाण्डुजलः श्रीमान्द्वितीय इव सागरः॥
Stationed near the main, the monkey-host in consequence of their resemblance in colour with blue contents of the deep, looked like a second ocean.

वेलावनमुपागम्य ततस्ते हरिपुङ्गवाः। निविष्टाश्च परं पारं काङ्माणा महोदधेः॥
There upon, reaching the shore, those leading monkeys engaged in concerning a plan to cross over the vastly deep.

तेषां निविशमानानां सैन्यसंनाहनिःस्वनः। अन्तर्धाय महानादमर्णवस्य प्रशुश्रुवे॥
The tumult, of that monkey-host encamped there, was heard above the roaring of the deep.

सा वानराणां ध्वजिनी सुग्रीवेणाभिपालिता। त्रिधा निविष्टा महती रामस्यार्थपराभवत्॥
That huge army of the monkeys commanded by Sugrīva, and set up in three divisions, were deeply concerned with the accomplishment of Rāma's work.

सा महार्णवमासाद्य हृष्टा वानरवाहिनी। वायुवेगसमाधूतं पश्यमाना महार्णवम्॥
And reaching the shore of the vastly deep, that monkey host, delighted, beheld the ocean moved by the Wind.

दूरपारमसंबाधं रक्षोगणनिषेवितम्। पश्यन्तो वरुणावासं निषेदुहरियूथपाः॥ चण्डनक्रग्राहघोरं क्षपादौ दिवसक्षये। हसन्तमिव फेनैधैर्नृत्यन्तमिव चोर्मिभिः॥ चन्द्रोदये समुद्भूतं प्रतिचन्द्रसमाकुलम्। चण्डानिलमहाग्राहै: कीर्णं तिमितिमिङ्गिलैः॥
They waited there beholding the deep of unimpeded expanse, having its distant shore inhabited by the demons, and thronged with various aquatic animals. While up heaving its foam on the approach of eve, it appeared laughing and setting up its surges, it appeared to dance. It increased with the rising of the Moon and he reflected himself on its breast.

दीप्तभोगैरिवाकीर्णं भुजङ्गैर्वरुणालयम्। अवगाढं महासत्त्वैर्नानाशैलसमाकुलम्॥ सुदुर्गं दुर्गमार्ग तमगाधमसुरालयम्। मकरैर्नागभोगैश्च विगाढा वातलोलिताः।। उत्पेतुश्च निपेतुश्च प्रहृष्टा जलराशयः॥ अग्निचूर्णमिवाविद्धं भास्वराम्बुमहोरगम्। सुरारिनिलयं घोरं पातालविषयं सदा॥ सागरं चाम्बरप्रख्यमम्बरं सागरोपमम्। सागरं चाम्बरं चेति निर्विशेषमदृश्यत॥
That abode of Varuna was infested with gigantic sharks, whales and Timingalas, disturbed with the fury of the Wind, filled with serpents having flaming frames, and various aquatic animals and rocks, and was fathomless deep. It had picturesque fortresses on its marge and its other shore was hard to get at. And the Makarasand serpents living therein were moved by the Wind. The waters, as if delighted, were rising and falling. And having serpents of flaming frames underneath, it appeared as if sprinkled with scintillations of fire. And that terrible abode of the demons extended down to the regions inhabited by the Nāgas or serpents. The deep resembled the welkin and the welkin the deep, and there appeared no difference between them. 1. A large fabulous fish. 2. A marine monster confounded usually with the crocodile and shark.

संपृक्तं नभसाप्यम्भः संपृक्तं च नभोऽम्भसा। तादृग्रूपे स्म दृश्येते तारारत्नसमाकुले॥
The sky crested with stars and the deep filled with gems resembled each other.

समुत्पतितमेघस्य वीचिमालाकुलस्य च। विशेषो न द्वयोरासीत्सागरस्याम्बरस्य च॥
They sky enveloped with clouds and the ocean overflowing with surges presented no contrast whatsoever.

अन्योन्यैराहताः सक्ताः सस्वनुर्भीमनिःस्वनाः। ऊर्मयः सिन्धुराजस्य महाभेर्य इवाम्बरे॥
The waves of the mighty deep beating at each other continually, set up a sound resembling that of a trumpet in the sky.

रत्नौघजलसंनादं विषक्तमिव वायुना। उत्पतन्तमिव क्रुद्धं यादोगणसमाकुलम्॥
It was filled with diverse gems and its water was poisoned by means of the air. It was filled with various aquatic animals, and up heaving its billows, it appeared as if excited with ire.

ददृशुस्ते महात्मानो वाताहतजलाशयम्। अनिलोद्भूतमाकाशे प्रलपन्तमिवोर्मिभिः॥
There beheld those high-souled monkeys the mighty main agitated by the Wind and muttering as if with the Upheaval of the waves.

ततो विस्मयमापन्ना हरयो ददृशुः स्थिताः। भ्रान्तोर्मिजालसंनादं प्रलोलमिव सागरम्॥
There upon, overwhelmed with surprise, those monkeys, stationed there, espied the main brimming with rolling waters and moving as if (off its place).