Yuddha Kanda: Chapter 75

ततोऽब्रवीन्महातेजाः सुग्रीवो वानरेश्वरः। अयं विज्ञापयंश्चापि हनूमन्तमिदं वचः॥
Then the exceedingly energetic lord of monkeys, Sugrīva, said to Hanumān these words fraught with import,

यतो हतः कुम्भकर्णः कुमाराश्च निषूदिताः। नेदानीमुपनिरिं रावणो दातुमर्हति ॥
Inasmuch as Kumbhakarma has been slain as also the princes,' Rāvana can no longer defend the city.

ये ये महाबलाः सन्ति लघवश्च प्लवंगमाः। लङ्कामभिपतन्त्वाशु गृह्योल्काः प्लवगर्षभाः॥
Now let those principal monkeys that are endowed with great strength and that are furnished with fleetness, taking fire-brands (in their hands) rapidly rush towards Lankā.

ततोऽस्तं गत आदित्ये रौद्रे तस्मिन्निशामुखे। लङ्कामभिमुखाः सोल्का जग्मुस्ते प्लवगर्षभाः॥
Then when the Sun had set and at the terrific front of Night, those foremost of monkeys marched towards Larikā, equipped with firebrands.

उल्काहस्तैहरिगणैः सर्वतः समभिदुताः। आरक्षस्था विरूपाक्षाः सहसा विप्रदुद्रुवुः।५।।
Charged at all points by nur bers of monkeys armed with fire-brands, those firece-eyed (Rākş asas) that guarded the gates.* suddenly fled away. *Araksasthā-according to some means gates. According to others, a gulma or division of an army.

गोपुराट्टप्रतोलीषु चर्यासु विविधासु च। प्रासादेषु च संहृष्टाः ससृजुस्ते हुताशनम्॥
Thereat (the monkeys) delighted set fire to gates and upper apartments and spacious highways and various by-ways and edifices.

तेषां गृहसहस्राणि ददाह हुतभुक्तदा।। प्रासादाः पर्वताकाराः पतन्ति धरणीतले।७।।
The fire' burnt their mansions by thousands; and mountain-like superstructures toppled headiong to the earth. 1. Hutabhuk-lit. eater of sacrificial offspring's, a designation of fire. 2. According to the commentator this refers to the fire lighted by the monkeys. I differ.

अगुरुर्दह्यते तत्र परं चैव सुचन्दनम्। मौक्तिका मणयः स्निग्धा वजं चापि प्रवालकम्।८।।
There burnt aguru, and sweet sandal, and pearls, and sheeny gems, and diamonds and corals.

क्षौमं च दह्यते तत्र कौशेयं चापि शोभनम् । आविकं विविधं चौर्ण काश्चनं भाण्डमायुधम्।९।। नानाविकृतसंस्थानं वाजिभाण्डपरिच्छदम्। गजौवेयकक्ष्याश्च रथभाण्डांश्च संस्कृतान्॥ तनुत्राणि च योधानां हस्त्यश्वानां च चर्म च।
There burnt linen and fine silk and avikas and various kinds of woollen cloths; and vessels of gold, and weapons; divers kinds of furniture, trappings and omaments of steeds; cords for tying elephants; burnished ornaments for cars; armour of warriors; and hides of horses and elephants.

खड्गा धनूंषि ज्याबाणास्तोमराङ्कुशशक्तयः॥ रोमजं वालजं चर्म व्याघ्रजं चाण्डजं बहु। मुक्तामणिविचित्रांश्च प्रासादांश्च समन्ततः॥ विविधानत्रसंघातानग्निर्दहति तत्र वै।
Swords and bows and bow-strings and arrows and tomaras' and ankusas and darts. And blankets and chowris and tiger-skins and musk and other things. And pearls and excellent gems; and edifices all around. And there the fire burn heap of various kinds of arms. 1. An Iron club. 2. The hook used to drive an elephant.

नानाविधान्गृहांश्चित्रान्ददाह हुतभुक्तदा॥ आवासाराक्षसानां च सर्वेषां गृहगृनुनाम्। हेमचित्रतनुत्राणां स्रग्भाण्डाम्बरधारिणाम्॥ सीधुपानचलाक्षाणां मदविह्वलगामिनाम्। कान्तालम्बितवस्त्राणां शत्रुसंजातमन्युनाम्॥ गदाशूलासिहस्तानां खादतां पिबतामपि। शयनेषु महार्हेषु प्रसुप्तानां प्रियैः सह ॥ त्रस्तानां गच्छतां तूर्णं पुत्रानादाय सर्वतः।
Then the fire burnt various kinds of curious structures, and the dwellings of Räkşasas and all house-holders. And there the fire flaming up again and again burnt down by hundreds and thousands the houses of the denizons of Lanka, clad in curious golden mail; and wearing wreaths and ornaments and attires; having their eyes wildly moving in intoxication; reeling in drink; those whose paramours were dressed in flowing apparels; or those wroth with their foes; or bearing maces and darts and swords in their hands; or engaged in eating or drinking; or asleep with their beloved on costly couches; or who, agitated with fright, were hastily going taking their sons with them.

तेषां शतसहस्राणि तदा लङ्कानिवासिनाम्॥ अदहत्पावकस्तत्र जज्वाल च पुनः पुनः। सारवन्ति महार्हाणि गम्भीरगुणवन्ति च॥ हेमचन्द्रार्धचन्द्राणि चन्द्रशालोत्तमानि च। तत्र चित्रगवाक्षाणि साधिष्ठानानि सर्वशः॥ मणिविदुमचित्राणि स्पृशन्तीव दिवाकरम्। क्रौञ्चबर्हिणवर्णानां भूषणानां च निःस्वनैः।।२० नादितान्यचलाभानि वेश्मान्यग्निर्ददाह सः। ज्वलनेन परीतानि तोरणानि चकाशिरे॥ विद्युद्भिरिव नद्धानि मेघजालानि धर्मगे। ज्वलनेन परीतानि गृहाणि प्रचकाशिरे॥ दावाग्निदीप्तानि यथा शिखराणि महागिरेः।
That fire burnt down firm-based rich dwellings furnished with innumerable apartments, and garnished with golden Moons and crescents, and mansions having graceful crests; and variegated windows and daises raised there, embellished with rubies and lapises, and seeming to touch the Sun; and piles resembling mountains in grandeur, and resonant with the cries of Krauñas and peacocks and the tinklings of omaments. The flaming gateways all round appeared like clouds in the rainy season lighted up by lightning, or like the peaks of a mighty mountain ablaze with forest-conflagration.

विमानेषु प्रसुप्ताश्च दह्यमाना वराङ्गनाः॥ त्यक्ताभरणसंयोगा हाहेत्युच्चैर्विचुक्रुशुः।
And superb damsels asleep in lofty edifices, being burnt, cast away their ornaments and shrieked bitterly saying "Alas! Woe is me". * Vimäna, according to Rämānuja, is a sevenstoried edifice.

तत्र चाग्निपरीतानि निपेतुर्भवनान्यपि॥ वज्रिवज्रहतानीव शिखराणि महागिरेः।
Consumed by the fire, buildings began to drop down like the summits of a mighty mountain smite with the thunder-bolt of the thunderer.

तानि निर्दह्यमानानि दूरतः प्रचकाशिरे॥ हिमवच्छिखराणीव दह्यमानानि सर्वशः।
And those burning, appeared from a distance like the peaks of Himalaya aglow.

हार्दह्यमानैश्च ज्वालाप्रज्वलितैरपि॥ रात्रौ सा दृश्यते लङ्का पुष्पितैरिव किंशुकैः।
In consequence of those tops of the edifices burning and of the living flames, that night Lankā looked as if swarming with flowering Kinsukas.

हस्त्यध्यक्षैर्गजैर्मुक्तैर्मुक्तैश्च तुरगैरपि।। बभूव लङ्का लोकान्ते भ्रान्तग्राह इवार्णवः॥
With elephant-riders, and elephants, and steeds let loose, Lankä appeared like the Ocean at the hour of Universal tumbling, with its ferocious aquatic animals whirling in wild chaos.

अश्वं मुक्तं गजो दृष्ट्वा क्वचिद्रीतोऽपसर्पति। भीतो भीतं गजं दृष्ट्वा क्वचिदश्वो निवर्तते॥
Sometimes, an elephant seeing a steed let loose, was flying away in fear, and sometimes a horse seeing a frightened elephant, was stopping, himself seized with fear.

लङ्कायां दह्यमानायां शुशुभे च महोदधिः। छायासंसक्तसलिलो लोहितोद इवार्णवे॥
On Larkā burning, the mighty main with the reflection (of the conflagration) looked like an ocean of red waters.

सा बभूव मुहूर्तेन हरिभिर्दीपिता पुरी। लोकस्यास्य क्षये घोरे प्रदीप्तेव वसुंधरा ॥
In a short time that city set on fire by the monkeys, looked like the earth glowing at the time of the Universal dissolution.

नारीजनस्य धूमेन व्याप्तस्योच्चैर्विनेदुषः। स्वनो ज्वलनतप्तस्य शुश्रुवे शतयोजनम्॥
The cries of the females amidst the drift of smoke, heated by the flames, could be heard from an hundred Yojanas.

प्रदग्धकायानपरान्राक्षसान्निर्गतान्बहिः। सहसा ह्युत्पतन्ति स्म हरयोऽथ युयुत्सवः॥
As Rākşasas having their bodies burnt came out of houses, monkeys eager for encounter on a sudden sprung upon them.

उद्धृष्टं वानराणां च राक्षसानां च निःस्वनम्। दिशो दश समुद्रं च पृथिवीं च व्यनादयत्॥
The shouts of the monkeys and the cries of the Rākşasas made the ten cardinal quarters and the ocean and the Earth resound.

विशल्यौ च महात्मानौ तावुभौ रामलक्ष्मणौ। असंभ्रान्तौ जगृहतुस्ते उभे धनुषी वरे॥
On those high-souled ones both Rāma and Lakşmaņa-having been cured of their wounds, possessing themselves in calmness, took up their excellent bows.

ततो विस्फारयामास रामश्च धनुरुत्तमम्। बभूव तुमुलः शब्दो राक्षसानां भयावहः॥
Rāma drew that best of bows. And thereat there was heard a tremendous twang striking terror into the Rákşasas,

अशोभत तदा रामो धनुर्विस्फारयन्महत्। भगवानिव संक्रुद्धो भवो वेदमयं धनुः॥
And drawing his redoubtable bow, Rāma appeared like the reverend enraged Bhava, drawing his bow having sounds, and instinct with Brahma energy.

उद्देष्टं वानराणां च राक्षसानां च निःस्वनम्। ज्याशब्दस्तावुभौ शब्दावतिरामस्य शुश्रुवे॥
The twang of Rama's bow, drowning the roars of both the monkeys and die Rákşasas: was alone heard.

वानरोद्धृष्टघोषश्च राक्षसानां च निःस्वनः। ज्याशब्दश्चापि रामस्य त्रयं व्याप दिशो दश।३८॥
The ululations of the monkeys and the cries of the Raksasas and the rattle of Rama's bowthese three filled the ten cardinal quarters.

तस्य कार्मुकनिर्मुक्तैः शरैस्तत्पुरगोपुरम्। कैलासशृङ्गप्रतिमं विकीर्णमभवद्भुवि॥
With the shafts discharged from his bow, the gieway of the city resembling the summit of 1. islās. was crushed in pieces, scattered around cr the ground.

नतो रामशरान्दृष्ट्वा विमानेषु गृहेषु च। संनाहो सक्षसेन्द्राणां तुमुलः समपद्यत॥
See cs Rāma's shafts in cars and dwellings, the preparations for conflict were pushed on with great viour.

तेषां संनह्यमानानां सिंहनादं च कुर्वताम्। शर्वरी राक्षसेन्द्राणां रौद्रीव समपद्यत॥
An' in consequence of the foremost Rakşasas preparing for fight, and emitting roars, that night appeared like the Fatal Night itself.

आदिष्टा वानरेन्द्रास्ते सुग्रीवेण महात्मना। आसन्नं द्वारमासाद्य युध्यध्वं च प्लवंगमाः।॥
The foremost monkeys were directed by the high-souled Sugriva, saying, “You monkeys, do you fight, approaching the gate lying at hand.

यश्च वो वितथं कुर्यात्तत्र तत्राप्युपस्थितः। स हन्तव्योऽभिसंप्लुत्य राजशासनदूषकः॥
But he that fly from his ranks, should be slain by main force.

तेषु वानरमुख्येषु दीप्तोल्कोज्ज्वलपाणिषु। स्थितेषु द्वारमाश्रित्य रावणं क्रोध आविशत्॥
As the principal monkeys stationed themselves at the gate, equipped with fire-brands, wrath took possession of Rävana.

तस्य जृम्भितविक्षेपाव्यामिश्रा वै दिशो दश। रूपवानिव रुद्रस्य मन्युर्गात्रेष्वदृश्यत॥
And as he yawned, the wind (blowing) from his mouth), filled the ten cardinal regions; and his wrath resembled that appearing in the person of Rudra.

स कुम्भं च निकुम्भं च कुम्भकर्णात्मजावुभौ । प्रेषयामास संक्रुद्धो राक्षसैर्बहुभिः सह ॥
And wrought up with a mighty rage, he sent forth Kumbha and Nikumbha-both sons of Kumbhakarna-in company with innumerable Raksasas.

यूपाक्षः शोणिताक्षश्च प्रज़जः कम्पनस्तथा। निर्ययुः कौम्भकर्णाभ्यां सह रावणशासनात्॥
In accordance with Ravana's command, Yupaksa and Sonitaksa, and Prajarigha, and Kampana went with Kumbhakarna's sons.

शशास चैव तान्सर्वान्राक्षसान्स महाबलान्। राक्षसा गच्छताद्यैव सिंहनादं च नादयन्।॥
Setting up leonine roars, he commanded all those highly powerful Raksasas, saying, "Do you go this very day for battle."

ततस्तु चोदितास्तेन राक्षसा ज्वलितायुधाः। लङ्काया निर्ययुर्वीराः प्रणदन्तः पुनः पुनः॥
Thus directed, those heroic heroic Rakşasas, equipped with flaming weapons, went out, roaring again and again.

रक्षसां भूषणस्थाभि भिः स्वाभिश्च सर्वशः। चकृस्ते सप्रभं व्योम हरयश्चाग्निभिः सह ॥
The firmament was illuminated with the splendour of the ornaments of the Rakşasas and the splendour of their persons and the fire kindled by the monkeys.

तत्र ताराधिपस्याभा ताराणां भा तथैव च। तयोराभरणाभा च ज्वलिता द्यामभासयत्॥
There the light of the moon and that of the stars and the brilliance of their omaments, combined, lighted up the welkin.

चन्द्राभा भूषणाभा च ग्रहाणां ज्वलिता च भा। हरिराक्षससैन्यानि भाजयामास सर्वतः॥
The beams of the Moon and the brilliance of the ornaments and the flaming splendour of the planets emblazoned all round the forces of the monkeys and Raksasas.

तत्र चार्धप्रदीप्तानां गृहाणां सागरः पुनः। भाभिः संसक्तसलिलश्चलोमिः शुशुभे ध्रुवम्॥
The light of half-burnt houses, again, falling on the restless ripples of the sea, made it wear an extremely beautiful aspect.

पताकाध्वजसंयुक्तमुत्तमासिपरश्वधम्। भीमाश्वरथमातंग नानापत्तिसमाकुलम्॥ दीप्तशूलगदाखड्गप्रासतोमरकार्मुकम्। तद्राक्षसबलं भीमं घोरविक्रमपौरुषम्॥ ददृशे ज्वलितप्रासं किङ्किणीशतनादितम्। हेमजालाचितभुजं व्यावेष्टितपरश्वधम्॥ व्याघूर्णितमहाशस्त्रं बाणसंसक्तकार्मुकम्। गन्धमाल्यमधूत्सेकसंमोदितमहानिलम्॥
Those dreadful Rākşasa hosts, possessed of dreadful prowess and energy, were seen-with ensigns and banners; excellent swords and parasvadhas,* (A platoon consisting of one chariot, one elephant, three horse and five foot.) terrific steeds and cars and elephants rife with paths,* (A kind of sword.) and flaming darts and clubs and scimitars and präsas and tomaras and bows; bearing blazing prāsas; ringing with the tinklings of hundreds of balls; with their arms encased in golden networks; flourishing axes; whirling their mighty weapons, fixing shafts on their bows; making the air swoon away with the perfumes of their wreaths; extremely terrific; swarming with heroes; sending out sounds like those of the sea.

घोरं शूरजनाकीणं महाम्बुधरनिःस्वनम्। तदृष्ट्वा बलमायातं राक्षसानां दुरासदम्॥
Seeing the army of the Räkşasas incapable of being coped with advance, the monkey-forces began to move and send up loud cheers.

संचचाल प्लवंगानां बलमुच्चैर्ननाद च। जवेनाप्लुत्य च पुनस्तद्बलं रक्षसां महत्॥
Thereat that array of Räkşasas vehemently sprang forward before the force of the foe, like to insects plunging into a flame.

अभ्ययात्प्रत्यरिबलं पतंगा इव पावकम्। तेषां भुजपरामर्शव्यामृष्टपरिघाशनि॥
And whirling with their arms bludgeons and asanis, that army of Rakşasas appeared exceedingly grand.

राक्षसानां बलं श्रेष्ठं भूयः परमशोभत। तत्रोन्मत्ता इवोत्पेतुर्हरयोऽथ युयुत्सवः॥
The monkeys, eager for encounter, darted forward like maniacs, and began to despatch the night-rangers with rocks and trees and clenched fist.

तरुशैलैरभिघ्नन्तो मुष्टिभिश्च निशाचरान्। तथैवापततां तेषां हरीणां निशितैः शरैः॥
Rākşasas possessed of dreadful prowess with whetted arrows swiftly cut off the heads of falling monkeys.

शिरांसि सहसा जडू राक्षसा भीमविक्रमाः। दशनैर्हतकर्णाश्च मुष्टिभिभिन्नमस्तकाः।। शिलाप्रहारभग्नाङ्गा विचेरुस्तत्र राक्षसाः॥
The Rākşasas ranged there, with their ears torn with teeth, or their heads broken by blows, or their limbs crushed with the discharge of crags.

तथैवाप्यपरे तेषां कपीनामसिभिः शितैः। प्रवरानभितो जघ्नुर्घोररूपा निशाचराः॥
In the same way other grim-visaged nightrangers slew with sharpened swords the foremost of monkeys on all sides.

घ्नन्तमन्यं जघानान्यः पातयन्तमपातयत्। गर्हमाणं जगन्यिो दशन्तमपरोऽदशत्॥
And one about to slay another was himself slain by the latter; and one, about to bring another down, was himself brought down (by his adversary, and one that was railing at another, was in turn rebuked by his enemy; and one who was going to bite his foe, was himself bitten by him.

देहीत्यन्यो ददात्यन्यो ददामीत्यपरः पुनः। किं क्लेशयसि तिष्ठेति तत्रान्योन्यं बभाषिरे॥
One was crying 'Give.'* and his adversary anon give; and another, again said, I will give. Why put yourself to trouble? Stay. *Battle.

विप्रलम्भितशस्त्रं च विमुक्तकवचायुधम्। समुद्यतमहाप्रासं मुष्टिशूलासिकुन्तलम्॥ प्रावर्तत महारौद्रं युद्धं वानररक्षसाम्। वानरान्दश सप्तेति राक्षसा जघ्नुराहवे॥
Thus there did they accost each other. And there was waged a terrific encounter between the monkeys and the Rākşasas, in which arms lay scattered about; and armour and weapons strewn around; and mighty prāsas' were upraised; and which was fought with blows and darts and swords and Kuntalas? And in that conflict the Rākşasas slaughtered monkeys by tens and sevens. 1. A bearded dart. 2. What could this be like? The commentator is mute. Wilson has Kuntalik-butter-knife or scoop. Kuntala may, however, mean a plough.

विप्रलम्बितवस्त्रं च विमुक्तकवचध्वजम्। बलं राक्षसमालम्ब्य वानराः पर्यवारयन्॥
Then the monkeys hemmed in the Rākşasaforces, with their apparels falling off and with their mail and standards strewn around. swords and Kuntalas? And in that conflict the Rākşasas slaughtered monkeys by tens and sevens. 1. A bearded dart. 2. What could this be like? The commentator is mute. Wilson has Kuntalik-butter-knife or scoop. Kuntala may, however, mean a plough.

विप्रलम्बितवस्त्रं च विमुक्तकवचध्वजम्। बलं राक्षसमालम्ब्य वानराः पर्यवारयन्॥
Then the monkeys hemmed in the Rākşasaforces, with their apparels falling off and with their mail and standards strewn around.