The Valmiki Ramayana

by Amish Tripathi

  Chapter 3(69)

  Kabandha knew about the purport of words. He instructed Rama about the way he would get Sita back. He then again addressed him in words that were full of meaning. ‘O Rama! Resort to the western direction, along this auspicious path along which beautiful and blossoming trees can be seen—jambu, priyala, panasa, plaksha, nyagrodha, tinduka, ashvattha, karnikara, chuta378 and others. Either climb the trees, or use force to make the fruit fall down on the ground. They are like amrita. Having eaten, proceed. Pass over excellent regions, from mountain to mountain and from forest to forest. O brave ones! In this way, go to Lake Pampa. O Rama! It is decorated with sandbanks. The banks are even on all sides, so that one can descend into the water. It is not slippery. There is no moss, nor any pebbles. It is adorned with lotuses and water lilies. O Raghava! There are swans, cranes, curlews and kingfishers. They frequent the waters of the Pampa and call out in gentle tones. Those auspicious birds do not know how to avoid men who seek to hunt them, because they have never seen them. However, you can eat those birds. They are plump, like vessels full of ghee. O Raghava! There are rohitas,379 vakratundas380 and nalaminas.381 O Rama! The best of fish from the Pampa can be killed with arrows. Without any difficulty, Lakshmana will remove their scales, fins and bones, grill them and give them to you to eat. After you have eaten the fish, he will use vessels made of leaves382 to offer you the auspicious waters of the Pampa, fragrant with the scent of lotuses. It is pleasant, cool and not polluted. Lakshmana will then collect the clean water that sparkles like crystal in a lotus leaf and drink it. The apes who roam in the forest lie down in a large and excellent mountain cavern. O supreme among men! Roaring like bulls, they will come to the Pampa, in search of water, and you will see them in that form. O Rama! Adorned in garlands of flowers collected from the trees, they will come there in the evening. On seeing the auspicious waters of the Pampa, your sorrow will vanish.

  O Raghava! Your mind will delight there in the many tilakas, naktamalakas383 and blooming blue and red lotuses. O Raghava! No man has ever made garlands out of those flowers, which do not decay or fade. O Kakutstha! Having gone there, you will see a mendicant lady named Shabaree, wandering around. She has lived for a long time. She is always devoted to dharma and is worshipped by all creatures. O Rama! You are like a god and having seen you, she will go to the world of heaven. O Rama! After that, stick to the western bank of the Pampa. O Kakutstha! You will see a hermitage that is hidden extremely well. The elephants are incapable of entering that hermitage. That is because the rishi Matanga has laid out the grove in that fashion. That forest is like a forest of the gods, like Nandana. O Rama! It is full of many birds and you will find delight there. Rishyamuka, with many blossoming trees, is right in front of the Pampa. It is protected by baby elephants and it is extremely difficult to climb it. In earlier times, the generous Brahma had constructed it. O Rama! If a man reaches the summit of that mountain and lies down there, when he wakes up, he obtains all the riches he dreamt of in his sleep. However, if a person who is wicked in deeds and inappropriate in conduct climbs it, rakshasas seize him while he is asleep and strike him. O Rama! The great noise of baby elephants trumpeting and playing can be heard around the Pampa and by the residents of Matanga’s hermitage. Supreme elephants clash against each other and become wet with flows of blood. They are spirited, with the complexions of clouds. They clash, roam around separately and clash again. Having drunk the sparkling, clean and undecaying waters, the residents of the forest withdraw and collectively enter the forest again. O Rama! There is a large and radiant cave in that mountain. O Kakutstha! A large boulder prevents entry and it is extremely difficult to enter it. Right in front of the eastern entry to the cave, there is a large lake with cool waters. It is beautiful and there are many trees, laden with roots and fruits, there. With four other apes, Sugriva resides there. He can sometimes also be found on the summit of the mountain.’

  After this, adorned in a radiant garland with the complexion of the sun, the valiant Kabandha, stationed in the sky, took his leave from the two of them, Rama and Lakshmana. The immensely fortunate Kabandha was stationed in the sky near them and they gave him permission to leave. He told them, ‘Leave, so that you may be successful in your objective.’ Delighted, Kabandha took their permission and departed. Kabandha obtained his own form, surrounded in prosperity and radiant in all his limbs. Moving further away in the sky, he glanced towards Rama and said, ‘Strike that friendship.’

  Chapter 3(70)

  In the forest, the two of them followed the path to the Pampa that had been indicated by Kabandha. Those two best of princes resorted to the western direction.384 In the mountain, they saw many small trees that were laden with fruit. Having seen those, Rama and Lakshmana proceeded, so as to see Sugriva. The two descendants of the Raghu lineage found an abode on the slopes of the mountain. The two Raghavas then approached the Pampa’s western bank. They reached the western bank of Lake Pampa and saw Shabaree’s beautiful

  hermitage there. They reached that hermitage, shrouded by many trees. Having seen that beautiful place, they approached Shabaree. On seeing them, the successful one arose and joined her hands in salutation. She touched Rama’s feet and that of the intelligent Lakshmana. The mendicant was firm in her vows and Rama addressed her. ‘Have you been able to conquer all the impediments? Are your austerities prospering? O one rich in austerities! Have you been able to control your anger and your food? Are you observing the rituals? Is there happiness in your mind? O one who is beautiful in speech! Has your service to your seniors become successful?’

  The successful and ascetic lady, who had observed the norms laid down for virtuous ones, was thus asked by Rama. The aged one replied to Rama. ‘There were those I served. When you arrived in Chitrakuta, those ones, unmatched in radiance, left for heaven, astride vimanas. Those immensely fortunate maharshis are knowledgeable about dharma. They told me, “Rama will come to this sacred hermitage. With Soumitri, you should receive him as a guest. Once you have seen him, you will go to the supreme and undecaying worlds.” O bull among men! O tiger among men! I have collected many kinds of forest fare for you from the banks of the Pampa.’ The one with dharma in his soul was thus addressed by Shabaree, who was never deprived from access to knowledge.385 Raghava told Shabaree, ‘I have heard about your powers from Danu’s great-souled son.386 If you so think, I desire to directly see what I have heard about.’387 These are the words that emerged from Rama’s mouth. Hearing these, Shabaree showed the two of them the great forest. ‘Behold. It is full of animals and birds and is like a dense cloud. O descendant of the Raghu lineage! This is famous as Matanga’s forest. My immensely radiant preceptors, cleansed in their souls, were here. They knew about mantras. In this tirtha, they offered oblations, worshipping with the use of mantras. There is a sacrificial altar to the west and I have kept it clean. With trembling hands,388 they made efforts to render offerings of flowers. O supreme among the Raghu lineage! Behold. The power of their austerities exists even now. The altars are unmatched in their radiance and are illuminating the directions with their resplendence. Because of fasting, they could not make the exertions required to leave this place.389 Behold! As soon as they thought of it, the seven seas assembled here. After they had their baths, they placed their garments made of bark on these trees. O descendant of the Raghu lineage! Even today, they have not yet dried. You have seen this entire forest. You have heard everything that deserves to be heard. I wish to obtain your permission to cast aside this body. I desire to go near the ones with cleansed souls, the sages whom I have served in this hermitage.’

  Raghava, with Lakshmana, heard the words of the one who was devoted to dharma. With delight on his face, he granted her permission to depart. Having obtained Rama’s permission, she offered herself as an oblation into the fire. Dazzling like a flaming fire, she went to heaven. Maharshis who perform good deeds find pleasure in a place. Immersing herself in meditation, Shabaree went to that sacred spot.

  Chapter 3(
71)

  Because of her own deeds, Shabaree went to heaven. With his brother Lakshmana, Raghava started to think. The one with dharma in his soul thought about the powers of those great-souled ones. Raghava spoke to Lakshmana, who was single-mindedly devoted to ensuring his welfare. ‘O amiable one! I have seen this hermitage and the many wonders performed by those self-controlled ones. It is full of many animals, tigers and birds that are trusting. O Lakshmana! We must properly touch the water of this tirtha, which has the seven seas in it, and satisfy the ancestors through water rites. This will destroy all that is inauspicious in us and good fortune will present itself. O Lakshmana! My mind will be delighted if we do this now. O tiger among men! My heart is full of auspicious sentiments. Come. Therefore, let us go to the Pampa, which is pleasant to behold. Not very far from there, Mount Rishyamuka can be seen. Sugriva, with dharma in his soul and the son of the one with the rays, resides there with four apes, always terrified because of fear from Vali. I wish to hurry and see Sugriva, bull among apes. O amiable one! The task of finding out where Sita has gone devolves on him.’ Thus addressed, Soumitri told Rama, ‘Let us quickly go there. My mind is also urging us to hurry.’

  The lord of the earth emerged from the hermitage. With the lord Lakshmana, he went to the Pampa. Everywhere, he saw large trees that were laden with flowers. There were plover birds, peacocks, aquatic birds and parrots. Many other birds called out in that great forest. Rama saw many other trees and diverse kinds of lakes. Tormented by desire, he saw that supreme lake.390 From a distance, Rama approached it, full of water. He bathed in a lake, a lake that was named after Matanga. Rama, Dasharatha’s son, was overcome by sorrow. He entered the area of the lake, one that was covered with lotuses. There were tilakas, ashokas, punnagas, bakulas,391 uddalas392 and reeds. They were like obstructions to that beautiful grove and the water, where lotuses brushed against each other. The water was like crystal and the sand was always soft. There were large numbers of fish and turtles and the banks were adorned with trees. The creepers clung to each other, like friends. It was frequented by kinnaras, serpents, yakshas and rakshasas. It was enveloped by many trees and creepers. The store of water was auspicious and cool. There were clumps of fragrant lotuses and lilies, red and white. There were clumps of blue lotuses and with many other colours, it looked like a many-hued painting. There were pink and black lotuses, full of fragrance. It was surrounded by flowering mango trees, and peacocks called. With Soumitri, Rama saw the Pampa. Filled with desire, Dasharatha’s spirited son lamented. There were tilakas, citrus trees, banyan trees, white trees, blossoming karaviras,393 flowering punnagas, malatis,394 kundas,395 creepers, bhandiras,396 nichulas,397 ashokas, saptaparnas,398 ketakas and atimuktakas.399 There were many other trees and it400 looked like an ornamented woman.

  The mountain, full of minerals, spoken about earlier, was near its banks. With blossoming and colourful groves, it was famous as the Rishyamuka. Riksharaja’s son was the great-souled ape. That immensely valorous one ruled over the place and was famous as Sugriva. He401 then addressed Lakshmana, with truth as his valour, in these words. ‘O bull among men! Go to Sugriva, Indra among apes. We must go a long distance to accomplish the great task.’ Looking at the forest, they progressively proceeded and saw the auspicious Pampa and saw those groves. There were flocks of many kinds of birds there.

  This ends Aranya Kanda.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Kishkindha Kanda

  Sarga (1): 49 shlokas

  Sarga (2): 28 shlokas

  Sarga (3): 25 shlokas

  Sarga (4): 26 shlokas

  Sarga (5): 18 shlokas

  Sarga (6): 23 shlokas

  Sarga (7): 23 shlokas

  Sarga (8): 45 shlokas

  Sarga (9): 24 shlokas

  Sarga (10): 29 shlokas

  Sarga (11): 52 shlokas

  Sarga (12): 38 shlokas

  Sarga (13): 27 shlokas

  Sarga (14): 21 shlokas

  Sarga (16): 27 shlokas

  Sarga (17): 45 shlokas

  Sarga (18): 57 shlokas

  Sarga (19): 28 shlokas

  Sarga (20): 25 shlokas

  Sarga (21): 16 shlokas

  Sarga (22): 26 shlokas

  Sarga (23): 30 shlokas

  Sarga (24): 44 shlokas

  Sarga (25): 38 shlokas

  Sarga (26): 23 shlokas

  Sarga (27): 46 shlokas

  Sarga (28): 32 shlokas

  Sarga (29): 52 shlokas

  Sarga (30): 43 shlokas

  Sarga (31): 22 shlokas

  Sarga (32): 27 shlokas

  Sarga (33): 19 shlokas

  Sarga (34): 23 shlokas

  Sarga (35): 20 shlokas

  Sarga (36): 37 shlokas

  Sarga (37): 34 shlokas

  Sarga (38): 37 shlokas

  Sarga (40): 47 shlokas

  Sarga (41): 52 shlokas

  Sarga (42): 62 shlokas

  Sarga (43): 16 shlokas

  Sarga (44): 15 shlokas

  Sarga (45): 17 shlokas

  Sarga (46): 14 shlokas

  Sarga (47): 22 shlokas

  Sarga (48): 22 shlokas

  Sarga (49): 32 shlokas

  Sarga (50): 19 shlokas

  Sarga (51): 19 shlokas

  Sarga (52): 33 shlokas

  Sarga (53): 21 shlokas

  Sarga (54): 20 shlokas

  Sarga (55): 21 shlokas

  Sarga (56): 19 shlokas

  Sarga (57): 34 shlokas

  Sarga (58): 29 shlokas

  Sarga (59): 21 shlokas

  Sarga (60): 16 shlokas

  Sarga (61): 15 shlokas

  Sarga (62): 15 shlokas

  Sarga (63): 23 shlokas

  Sarga (64): 35 shlokas

  Sarga (65): 36 shlokas

  Sarga (66): 44 shlokas

  Chapter 4(1)

  Rama went to the lake, full of lotuses, lilies and fish. His senses were overcome and with Soumitri, he started to lament. On seeing it, his senses were filled with delight and he started to tremble. Overcome by desire, he addressed Soumitri. ‘O Soumitri! Behold. Pampa’s1 grove is auspicious to behold. The trees, with tops like mountains, are radiant. Grief is tormenting me and my senses are suffering because of Bharata’s misery and Vaidehi’s abduction. The blue-and-yellow grass seems to be even more radiant and it is strewn with flowers from many trees, like a carpet. O Soumitri! The breeze is pleasant and this is the time when Manmatha wanders around. This month is filled with fragrant scents and there are flowers and fruits on the trees. O Soumitri! The forests are laden with flowers. Behold their forms. A shower of flowers has been created, like rain during the monsoon season. There are many groves and trees on the beautiful plains. The force of the wind is making them wave and the flowers are showering down on the ground. The wind that blows is pleasant to the touch, like cool sandalwood. Bees are humming in the fragrant forests. There are lovely flowers on the beautiful slopes of the mountain. Large and radiant trees cling on to the summit of the mountain. In every direction, look at the karnikara trees, with flowers on their tops. They look like men attired in yellow garments, decorated with ornaments made out of molten gold. O Soumitri! This is the spring, when many kinds of birds call. The separation from Sita is igniting a sorrow in me. I am overcome by sorrow and Manmatha is tormenting me more. The cuckoo is calling happily and seems to be summoning me. O Lakshmana! This datyuha2 is calling out to me from this beautiful mountain waterfall. O Lakshmana! I am already overcome by Manmatha and its call is drying me up further. The male birds are freely moving around in their unblemished flocks. O Soumitri! Delighted, the bhringaraja3 is calling out in a melodious tone. O Soumitri! Sorrow and worry over that fawn-eyed one4 are tormenting me, like a cruel forest conflagration in the month of Chaitra.5 Suffused by desire, on the slopes of the mountains, peacocks are surrounded by peahens and this is increasing my desire. O Lakshmana! Behold. On the slopes of the mountains, afflicted by desire, peahens are dancing around their husbands, the peacocks.
It is evident that in the forest, no rakshasa has abducted the peacock’s beloved. Without her, living in this month of flowers is extremely difficult for me. O Lakshmana! Behold. At the end of the winter, the forests are rich with a burden of flowers. However, these flowers are futile for me. Delighted, the birds are calling out amidst their flocks. They are summoning each other and this is making me mad with desire. It is certain that Sita, under someone else’s subjugation, will be grieving like me. My beloved is young,6 with eyes like the petals of lotuses and is gentle in speech. The breeze bears the fragrance of flowers. Though it is as cold as snow, it is pleasant to the touch. However, thinking of that beautiful one, it seems to me to be like a fire. At that time,7 this crow perched on a tree and called happily. Though she is not here, the bird is still cawing.8 There, a bird9 told us about Vaidehi’s abductor. This bird will lead us to the large-eyed one. O Lakshmana! Behold. In the forest, the birds are calling from the tops of the trees full of flowers, and this enhances desire. O Soumitri! Look at the colourful forests around the Pampa. Like rising suns, there are dazzling lotuses in the water. The sparkling waters have lotuses and blue water lilies. The Pampa, with red lotuses, is full of swans and ducks. At the end of the colourful forest, there are always chakravaka birds there. Herds of elephants and animals come there, desiring the radiant water. O Lakshmana! When I see the petals of lotus buds, I think that they are like Sita’s eyes. The pleasant breeze, emanating from amidst the trees, carries pollen from the lotuses. But when it blows, it is like Sita’s breath. O Soumitri! Look at the mountain peaks to the south of the Pampa. Full of flowers, the trunks of the karnikara trees are extremely beautiful. There is one that is like a king of mountains over the others. It is decorated with minerals. Driven by the force of the wind, a wonderful dust has been generated there. O Soumitri! Everywhere, the slope of that mountain is full of flowers. The beautiful kimshuka trees are making it blaze and the leaves are hidden behind flowers. There are fragrant flowers along the banks of the Pampa—malati, mallika, shanda and blossoming karaviras.10 In the spring, there are blooming ketakis and sindhuvaras.11 Everywhere, there are madhavis and kunda creepers, full of fragrances.12 There are chiribilvas, madhukas, vanjulas, bakulas, champakas, tilakas and flowering nagavrikshas.13 There are neepas, varanas, flowering kharjuras, ankolas, kurantas, churnakas and paribhadrakas.14 There are chutas, patalas and flowering kovidaras.15 Muchukundas and arjunas can be seen on the slope of the mountain.16 There are ketakas, uddalakas, shirishas, shimshapas, dhavas, shalmalis, kimshukas, raktas, kurubakas, tinishas, naktamalas, chandanas and syandanas.17 O Soumitri! Many diverse kinds of flowers are spread out on the slopes of the mountain and they have made the rocks yellow and red in complexion. O Soumitri! Behold. At the end of the winter, the trees are blooming with flowers. This is the month of flowers and the blossoming flowers seem to be competing against each other. O Soumitri! Behold these cool waters, filled with lotuses. Chakravakas are roaming around and karandavas frequent the place.18 Is if full of plavas and krounchas and the place is frequented by boars and deer.19 Because of the calling of the birds, the Pampa is even more beautiful. These many kinds of delighted birds are igniting desire in me. I remember the young one,20 with a face like the moon and eyes like lotuses. Behold. On the slope, there are female spotted deer with male deer. And then, I have been separated from Vaidehi, the one with eyes like a fawn.’