The Valmiki Ramayana
Page 41
Translated by Bibek Debroy
PENGUIN BOOKS
Contents
Aranya Kanda
Kishkindha Kanda
Sundara Kanda
Footnotes
Chapter 3(1)
Chapter 3(2)
Chapter 3(3)
Chapter 3(4)
Chapter 3(5)
Chapter 3(6)
Chapter 3(7)
Chapter 3(8)
Chapter 3(10)
Chapter 3(11)
Chapter 3(12)
Chapter 3(13)
Chapter 3(14)
Chapter 3(15)
Chapter 3(16)
Chapter 3(17)
Chapter 3(18)
Chapter 3(19)
Chapter 3(20)
Chapter 3(21)
Chapter 3(22)
Chapter 3(23)
Chapter 3(24)
Chapter 3(25)
Chapter 3(26)
Chapter 3(27)
Chapter 3(28)
Chapter 3(29)
Chapter 3(30)
Chapter 3(31)
Chapter 3(32)
Chapter 3(34)
Chapter 3(35)
Chapter 3(36)
Chapter 3(37)
Chapter 3(38)
Chapter 3(39)
Chapter 3(40)
Chapter 3(41)
Chapter 3(42)
Chapter 3(43)
Chapter 3(44)
Chapter 3(45)
Chapter 3(46)
Chapter 3(47)
Chapter 3(48)
Chapter 3(49)
Chapter 3(50)
Chapter 3(51)
Chapter 3(52)
Chapter 3(53)
Chapter 3(54)
Chapter 3(55)
Chapter 3(57)
Chapter 3(58)
Chapter 3(59)
Chapter 3(60)
Chapter 3(62)
Chapter 3(63)
Chapter 3(64)
Chapter 3(65)
Chapter 3(66)
Chapter 3(67)
Chapter 3(68)
Chapter 3(69)
Chapter 3(70)
Chapter 3(71)
Chapter 4(1)
Chapter 4(2)
Chapter 4(3)
Chapter 4(4)
Chapter 4(5)
Chapter 4(6)
Chapter 4(8)
Chapter 4(9)
Chapter 4(11)
Chapter 4(12)
Chapter 4(13)
Chapter 4(14)
Chapter 4(16)
Chapter 4(17)
Chapter 4(18)
Chapter 4(19)
Chapter 4(20)
Chapter 4(21)
Chapter 4(22)
Chapter 4(23)
Chapter 4(24)
Chapter 4(26)
Chapter 4(27)
Chapter 4(29)
Chapter 4(30)
Chapter 4(31)
Chapter 4(32)
Chapter 4(33)
Chapter 4(34)
Chapter 4(36)
Chapter 4(37)
Chapter 4(38)
Chapter 4(39)
Chapter 4(40)
Chapter 4(41)
Chapter 4(42)
Chapter 4(43)
Chapter 4(44)
Chapter 4(45)
Chapter 4(46)
Chapter 4(47)
Chapter 4(48)
Chapter 4(49)
Chapter 4(50)
Chapter 4(51)
Chapter 4(52)
Chapter 4(53)
Chapter 4(54)
Chapter 4(55)
Chapter 4(56)
Chapter 4(57)
Chapter 4(58)
Chapter 4(59)
Chapter 4(60)
Chapter 4(62)
Chapter 4(63)
Chapter 4(64)
Chapter 4(65)
Chapter 4(66)
Chapter 5(1)
Chapter 5(2)
Chapter 5(3)
Chapter 5(4)
Chapter 5(5)
Chapter 5(6)
Chapter 5(7)
Chapter 5(8)
Chapter 5(9)
Chapter 5(11)
Chapter 5(12)
Chapter 5(13)
Chapter 5(14)
Chapter 5(16)
Chapter 5(17)
Chapter 5(18)
Chapter 5(19)
Chapter 5(20)
Chapter 5(21)
Chapter 5(22)
Chapter 5(24)
Chapter 5(26)
Chapter 5(27)
Chapter 5(28)
Chapter 5(31)
Chapter 5(32)
Chapter 5(33)
Chapter 5(34)
Chapter 5(35)
Chapter 5(36)
Chapter 5(37)
Chapter 5(38)
Chapter 5(39)
Chapter 5(40)
Chapter 5(41)
Chapter 5(42)
Chapter 5(43)
Chapter 5(44)
Chapter 5(45)
Chapter 5(46)
Chapter 5(47)
Chapter 5(48)
Chapter 5(49)
Chapter 5(50)
Chapter 5(51)
Chapter 5(52)
Chapter 5(53)
Chapter 5(55)
Chapter 5(56)
Chapter 5(57)
Chapter 5(58)
Chapter 5(59)
Chapter 5(60)
Chapter 5(62)
Chapter 5(63)
Chapter 5(64)
Chapter 5(65)
Chapter 5(66)
Acknowledgements
For Professor Shailendra Raj Mehta
CHAPTER THREE
Aranya Kanda
Sarga (1): 22 shlokas
Sarga (2): 24 shlokas
Sarga (3): 27 shlokas
Sarga (4): 36 shlokas
Sarga (5): 21 shlokas
Sarga (6): 22 shlokas
Sarga (7): 19 shlokas
Sarga (8): 29 shlokas
Sarga (9): 21 shlokas
Sarga (10): 92 shlokas
Sarga (11): 34 shlokas
Sarga (12): 25 shlokas
Sarga (13): 36 shlokas
Sarga (14): 29 shlokas
Sarga (15): 39 shlokas
Sarga (16): 25 shlokas
Sarga (17): 26 shlokas
Sarga (18): 21 shlokas
Sarga (19): 25 shlokas
Sarga (20): 18 shlokas
Sarga (21): 26 shlokas
Sarga (22): 34 shlokas
Sarga (23): 27 shlokas
Sarga (24): 28 shlokas
Sarga (25): 24 shlokas
Sarga (26): 20 shlokas
Sarga (27): 30 shlokas
Sarga (28): 28 shlokas
Sarga (29): 35 shlokas
Sarga (30): 22 shlokas
Sarga (31): 23 shlokas
Sarga (32): 24 shlokas
Sarga (33): 38 shlokas
Sarga (34): 22 shlokas
Sarga (35): 23 shlokas
Sarga (36): 28 shlokas
Sarga (37): 20 shlokas
Sarga (38): 21 shlokas
Sarga (39): 20 shlokas
Sarga (40): 32 shlokas
Sarga (41): 49 shlokas
Sarga (42): 21 shlokas
Sarga (43): 37 shlokas
Sarga (44): 36 shlokas
Sarga (45): 45 shlokas
Sarga (46): 23 shlokas
Sarga (47): 36 shlokas
Sarga (48): 27 shlokas
Sarga (49): 40 shlokas
Sarga (50): 42 shlokas
Sarga (51): 25 shlokas
Sarga (52): 29 shlokas
Sarga (53): 35 shlokas
Sarga (54): 32 shlokas
Sarga (55): 20 shlokas
Sarga (56): 20 shlokas
Sarga (57): 25 shlokas
Sarga (58): 35 shlokas
Sarga (59): 29 shlokas
Sarga (60): 52 shlokas
Sarga (61): 16 shlokas
Sarga (63): 26 shlokas
Sarga (64): 36 shlokas
Sarga (65): 31 shlokas
Sarga (66): 15 shlokas
Sarga (67): 31 shlokas
Sarga (68): 22 shlokas
Sarga (69): 36 shlokas
Sarga (70): 27 shlokas
Sarga (71): 26 shlokas
Chapter 3(1)
Rama, in control of his atman, entered the impenetrable and great forest of Dandakaranya1 and saw a circle of hermitages of the ascetics. Kusha grass and bark were strewn around and the place was pervaded by all the signs of the brahman. It blazed and was difficult to look at, like the solar disc in the sky. The region was always the refuge of all creatures. Large numbers of apsaras always worshipped it and danced around there. There were large altars for sacrificial fires and ladles, vessels, deer skin and kusha grass. There were large trees and auspicious trees in the forest, laden with succulent fruit. Homage was rendered through sacrificial offerings and oblations. The place echoed with sounds of the brahman. Wild flowers were everywhere. There were female elephants with male elephants. It was populated by aged sages who possessed the radiance of the sun and the fire. They were self-controlled and were attired in bark and antelope skin, surviving on fruits and roots. The region was adorned by these sacred and supreme rishis, who were restrained in what they ate. Resounding with the sound of the brahman, it was as remarkable as Brahma’s abode. It was ornamented by those immensely fortunate brahmanas who knew about the brahman. The handsome Raghava saw that circle of hermitages of the ascetics. The immensely energetic one advanced, taking off the string from his great bow.
The maharshis possessed divine insight. They were delighted to see that Rama and the illustrious Sita were approaching. The followers of dharma saw him,2 like a rising moon. Firm in their vows, they received them, with all the auspicious rites. The residents of the forest were astounded on seeing Rama’s form. He was handsome, powerful, prosperous and graceful and attired well. All the residents of the forest did not blink and were surprised to see Vaidehi, Lakshmana and Rama. All those immensely fortunate ones were engaged in the welfare of all beings and received the guest, Raghava, in their huts made out of leaves. Those immensely fortunate ones were like the fire. Following the indicated rites, the followers of dharma honoured Rama and received him properly, offering him water. All those in the hermitages knew about dharma. They offered the great-souled one roots, flowers and fruits from the forest. Joining their hands in salutation, they said, ‘The king ensures adherence to dharma among the people. He is the immensely illustrious refuge. He is revered and worshipped. He wields the staff of chastisement and is a senior. O Raghava! He is a fourth part of Indra and protects the subjects.3 Therefore, the king is worshipped by the people and enjoys the best among objects of pleasure. We reside in your kingdom and you are the one who will protect us. Whether you are in the city or whether you are in the forest, you are the king and the lord of the people. O king! We have cast aside our own staffs of chastisement. We have conquered anger and we have conquered our senses. We, stores of austerities, must always be protected by you, like a foetus inside a womb.’ Having said this, they worshipped Raghava and Lakshmana with fruits, roots, flowers and many other kinds of forest fare. There were other successful ascetics, who were like the fire. Following the proper and appropriate rites, they worshipped him, like the lord of the gods.
Chapter 3(2)
Rama was thus treated to hospitality. When the sun arose, he took leave of all the sages and entered the forest. It was full of a large number of animals and frequented by tigers and wolves. There were devastated trees, creepers and bushes and waterbodies that were terrible to behold. The birds did not chirp, but the sound of crickets could be heard. Followed by Lakshmana, Rama saw that the centre of the forest was like that. In the middle of the forest, surrounded by many such terrible animals, Kakutstha saw one who lived off human flesh. He was like the summit of a mountain and uttered a loud noise. His eyes were deep and his mouth was huge and horrible. His stomach was also horrible. He was gruesome, malformed, tall, hideous and horrible to behold. He was attired in a tiger skin that was wet with fat and smeared with blood. All creatures found him to be dreadful, like the Destroyer with a gaping mouth.4 His iron spear had impaled on it three lions, four tigers, two wolves, ten spotted deer and the fat-smeared, tusked and gigantic head of an elephant. He roared in a loud voice. On seeing Rama, Lakshmana and Maithilee Sita, he became enraged and rushed towards them, like the Destroyer towards beings. As he roared loudly, the earth seemed to quake. He grasped Vaidehi in his lap, went some distance away, and told them, ‘You wear matted hair and are attired in bark. With your wife, you will not live for a long time. You have entered Dandakaranya with arrows, bows and swords in your hands.5 What kind of an ascetic are you, since you are residing here with a woman? You are wicked and following adharma. You have defiled the status of a sage? With my weapons, I roam around in this impenetrable forest and am a rakshasa6 named Viradha. I always devour the flesh of rishis. This beautiful woman will be my wife. The two of you are wicked. I will drink your blood in an encounter.’ The insolent and evil-souled Viradha said this.
On hearing these proud words, Janaka’s daughter was terrified. In her anxiety, Sita trembled, like a plantain tree in a storm. On seeing that the auspicious Sita was in Viradha’s lap, with a dry mouth, Raghava addressed Lakshmana in these words. ‘O amiable one! Look at the one who created herself from King Janaka.7 She is my wife, auspicious in conduct. But she is in Viradha’s lap. This illustrious princess was reared in a great deal of happiness. O Lakshmana! Kaikeyee had a cherished boon. Exactly as she had intended, the objective has swiftly befallen us today. She is a far-sighted person and was not content with obtaining the kingdom for her son. Though I am engaged in the welfare of all creatures, I was dispatched to the forest. My mother, the one in the middle,8 has achieved her desire today. O Soumitri! Vaidehi being touched by another is a greater misery for me than my father banishing me or the loss of my own kingdom.’ In a grieving voice that choked with tears, Kakutstha said this. Enraged, like a sighing serpent, Lakshmana said, ‘You should not be like one without a protector. You are the protector of all creatures and are Vasava’s equal. O Kakutstha! When I am serving you, why are you tormented? In my rage, I will now slay the rakshasa with my arrow. Viradha’s life is over and the earth will drink his blood. I was angry with Bharata when he desired the kingdom. I will release that rage on Viradha now, like the wielder of the vajra releasing the vajra on a mountain. This speedy and long arrow will receive a greater force from the strength of my arms. It will descend on his large chest and take away life from his body, which will then whirl around and fall down on the ground.’
Chapter 3(3)
At this, Viradha spoke again, making the forest echo with his words. ‘You should ask yourself. Who are you and where are you going? Tell me.’ The rakshasa’s face blazed like the fire and Rama told him about himself and the Ikshvaku lineage, since the extremely energetic one kept asking. ‘Know that we follow the conduct of kshatriyas, though we are roaming around in the forest now. However, we wish to know about you too. You roam around in Dandaka. Who are you?’ Viradha replied to Rama, for whom, truth was his valour. ‘O king! O Raghava! I will tell you. Listen. I am the son of Java and my mother is Shatahrada. All the rakshasas on earth refer to me as Viradha. Having performed austerities, I received the favours of Brahma. In this world, I would not be slain by any weapon, nor would it be able to penetrate me or slice through me. Cast aside this woman. Forget about her and go wherever you came from. Unless you run away, you will swiftly be robbed of your lives.’ The rakshasa’s eyes were red with rage. Viradha was wicked in intelligence and his body was malformed. Rama answered him. ‘O inferior one! Shame on you. In the pursuit of something that is inferior, it is certain that you are looking for your death. Remain steadfast in the encounter. You will not be able to escape with your life.’
&
nbsp; Rama strung his bow and affixed extremely sharp arrows to it. To slay the rakshasa, he aimed swiftly. From the excellent bow that had been strung, he released seven gold-shafted arrows that were extremely swift, like Suparna9 or the wind. Tufted with peacock feathers and like fire, they penetrated Viradha’s body and smeared with blood, fell down on the ground. He roared extremely loudly and raised a spear that was like Shakra’s standard. Having seized it, he dazzled, like the Destroyer with a gaping mouth. That spear was like the vajra and blazed in the sky, like a fire. Rama, supreme among those who wielded weapons, severed it with two of his arrows. Soumitri severed the left arm of that terrible one. Rama swiftly severed the rakshasa’s right arm. With his arms severed, the rakshasa quickly fainted and fell down on the ground like a cloud, resembling a mountain shattered by the vajra. Viradha uttered these words to Kakutstha, bull among men. ‘O son!10 I know you to be Kousalya’s excellent son and I also know the immensely fortunate Vaidehi and the immensely illustrious Lakshmana. I assumed this rakshasa body because of an extremely terrible curse. I am a gandharva11 named Tumburu and was cursed by Vaishravana.12 When I sought his favours, the immensely illustrious one13 said, “Dasharatha’s son, Rama, will kill you in an encounter and you will then obtain your natural form and go to heaven.” Because I was attracted to Rambha,14 I was not present when I should have been and King Vaishravana had angrily addressed me in this way. Through your favours, I have now been freed from that terrible curse and will go to my own abode. O scorcher of enemies! May you fare well. O son! The powerful Sharabhanga, with dharma in his soul, resides one-and-a-half yojanas15 from here and that maharshi is as resplendent as the sun. Quickly go to him and he will tell you what is best for you. O Rama! Fling me into a pit and go safely. This is the eternal dharma for rakshasas who have lost their lives.16 Those who are flung into pits obtain the eternal worlds.’ Viradha, afflicted by arrows, spoke to Kakutstha in this way. The mighty-armed one gave up his body and reached heaven. The one with ears like cones emitted a loud roar from his throat. As Viradha was flung into a pit, he roared in a terrible tone. Having slain the rakshasa, the ones with the colourful and golden bows rescued Maithilee. Delighted, like the moon and the sun stationed in the firmament, they continued to travel through the great forest.
Chapter 3(4)
Having slain that fiercely strong rakshasa, Viradha, in the forest, the valiant one embraced Sita and comforted her. Rama spoke to his brother, Lakshmana, who blazed in his energy. ‘This forest is impenetrable and difficult and we are not used to roaming around in the forest. We should quickly go to Sharabhanga, the store of austerities.’ Raghava went towards Sharabhanga’s hermitage, who possessed divine powers through his austerities and was in control of his atman. Near Sharabhanga’s hermitage, he saw a great and wonderful sight. He saw the lord of the gods astride a chariot that did not touch the ground. His form was resplendent, like the complexion of the sun and the fire. The god dazzled in blazing ornaments and garments. He was worshipped by many divinities and great-souled ones. The chariot was yoked to tawny steeds and travelled through the sky. He could be seen from a distance, like a young and rising sun, like excellent and white clouds, or like the lunar disc. There was a white umbrella, colourfully decorated with garlands. Two excellent women held two superb and extremely expensive whisks above his head and fanned him. The god was in the sky and gandharvas, immortals, siddhas17 and many supreme rishis praised him with their eloquent hymns.