Kishkindha Kand

कुन्देन्दीवरसुन्दरावतिबलौ विज्ञानधामावुभौ शोभाढ्यौ वरधन्विनौ श्रुतिनुतौ गोविप्रवृन्दप्रियौ। मायामानुषरूपिणौ रघुवरौ सद्धर्मवर्मौं हितौ सीतान्वेषणतत्परौ पथिगतौ भक्तिप्रदौ तौ हि नः।।1।। ब्रह्माम्भोधिसमुद्भवं कलिमलप्रध्वंसनं चाव्ययं श्रीमच्छम्भुमुखेन्दुसुन्दरवरे संशोभितं सर्वदा। संसारामयभेषजं सुखकरं श्रीजानकीजीवनं धन्यास्ते कृतिनः पिबन्ति सततं श्रीरामनामामृतम्।।2।।

The two Raghu brothers, Shri Ram and Lakshman, are lovely as the kunda flower and the blue lotus, immensely strong, abodes of wisdom, radiant with beauty, wielding noble bows, praised by the Vedas, and dear to cows and Brahmins. Assuming human forms through Maya, armored in true dharma and full of benevolence, intent on the search for Sita, journeying on the road and bestowers of devotion — may they protect us. Blessed are the virtuous ones who ever drink the nectar of Shri Ram's name, which arose from the ocean of Brahma, destroys the impurities of the Kali age, is imperishable, ever shines on the beautiful moon-like face of Shri Shambhu (Shiva), is the medicine for the disease of worldly existence, the giver of joy, and the very life of Shri Janaki (Sita).

मुक्ति जन्म महि जानि ग्यान खानि अघ हानि कर जहँ बस संभु भवानि सो कासी सेइअ कस न।। जरत सकल सुर बृंद बिषम गरल जेहिं पान किय। तेहि न भजसि मन मंद को कृपाल संकर सरिस।।

Knowing Kashi to be the birthplace of liberation, a mine of knowledge, and the destroyer of sins, where Shambhu (Shiva) and Bhavani (Parvati) dwell — why should one not serve such a Kashi? O dull mind, why do you not worship Shankara, who drank the terrible poison when all the hosts of gods were burning? Who is as compassionate as Shankara?

आगें चले बहुरि रघुराया। रिष्यमूक परवत निअराया।। तहँ रह सचिव सहित सुग्रीवा। आवत देखि अतुल बल सींवा।। अति सभीत कह सुनु हनुमाना। पुरुष जुगल बल रूप निधाना।। धरि बटु रूप देखु तैं जाई। कहेसु जानि जियँ सयन बुझाई।। पठए बालि होहिं मन मैला। भागौं तुरत तजौं यह सैला।। बिप्र रूप धरि कपि तहँ गयऊ। माथ नाइ पूछत अस भयऊ।। को तुम्ह स्यामल गौर सरीरा। छत्री रूप फिरहु बन बीरा।। कठिन भूमि कोमल पद गामी। कवन हेतु बिचरहु बन स्वामी।। मृदुल मनोहर सुंदर गाता। सहत दुसह बन आतप बाता।। की तुम्ह तीनि देव महँ कोऊ। नर नारायन की तुम्ह दोऊ।।

Shri Ram walked on further and drew near the Rishyamuka mountain, where Sugriva lived with his ministers. Seeing the two of boundless strength approaching, greatly frightened Sugriva said, 'Listen, Hanuman, two men, treasuries of power and beauty, are coming. Take the form of a student and go to see them, and by signs let me know in your heart what you learn. If Bali has sent them with evil intent, I will at once flee and abandon this mountain.' Taking the form of a Brahmin, Hanuman went there, bowed his head and asked, 'Who are you two, with dark and fair bodies, roaming the forest like warriors in Kshatriya form? Walking with tender feet upon the hard ground — for what reason do you wander the forest, O lords? Your soft, charming, beautiful limbs bear the unbearable heat and wind of the forest. Are you one of the three chief gods? Or are you both Nara and Narayana?'

जग कारन तारन भव भंजन धरनी भार। की तुम्ह अकिल भुवन पति लीन्ह मनुज अवतार।।1।।

'Are you the cause of the world, its deliverer, the destroyer of worldly existence and of the earth's burden? Or are you the lord of all the worlds who has taken a human incarnation?'

कोसलेस दसरथ के जाए । हम पितु बचन मानि बन आए।। नाम राम लछिमन दौउ भाई। संग नारि सुकुमारि सुहाई।। इहाँ हरि निसिचर बैदेही। बिप्र फिरहिं हम खोजत तेही।। आपन चरित कहा हम गाई। कहहु बिप्र निज कथा बुझाई।। प्रभु पहिचानि परेउ गहि चरना। सो सुख उमा नहिं बरना।। पुलकित तन मुख आव न बचना। देखत रुचिर बेष कै रचना।। पुनि धीरजु धरि अस्तुति कीन्ही। हरष हृदयँ निज नाथहि चीन्ही।। मोर न्याउ मैं पूछा साईं। तुम्ह पूछहु कस नर की नाईं।। तव माया बस फिरउँ भुलाना। ता ते मैं नहिं प्रभु पहिचाना।।

Shri Ram replied, 'We are the sons of Dasharath, king of Kosala. Obeying our father's command, we came to the forest. Our names are Ram and Lakshman, two brothers, and with us was a delicate, lovely woman. Here a demon carried off Vaidehi (Sita); O Brahmin, we wander searching for her. We have told you our story; now, O Brahmin, tell us your own tale.' Recognizing the Lord, Hanuman fell and clasped his feet — that joy, O Uma, cannot be described. His body thrilled, no words came from his mouth as he gazed at the beautiful form. Then, gathering courage, he offered praise, joyful at heart at having recognized his Lord. 'It was proper for me, a servant, to ask out of duty; but why, O Lord, do you ask like an ordinary man? Under the sway of your Maya I wander deluded, and so I did not recognize you, my Lord.'

एकु मैं मंद मोहबस कुटिल हृदय अग्यान। पुनि प्रभु मोहि बिसारेउ दीनबंधु भगवान।।2।।

'I am one dull-witted, deluded, crooked of heart and ignorant; and moreover, O Lord, friend of the humble, O God, you concealed yourself from me.'

जदपि नाथ बहु अवगुन मोरें। सेवक प्रभुहि परै जनि भोरें।। नाथ जीव तव मायाँ मोहा। सो निस्तरइ तुम्हारेहिं छोहा।। ता पर मैं रघुबीर दोहाई। जानउँ नहिं कछु भजन उपाई।। सेवक सुत पति मातु भरोसें। रहइ असोच बनइ प्रभु पोसें।। अस कहि परेउ चरन अकुलाई। निज तनु प्रगटि प्रीति उर छाई।। तब रघुपति उठाइ उर लावा। निज लोचन जल सींचि जुड़ावा।। सुनु कपि जियँ मानसि जनि ऊना। तैं मम प्रिय लछिमन ते दूना।। समदरसी मोहि कह सब कोऊ। सेवक प्रिय अनन्यगति सोऊ।।

'Though, O Lord, I have many faults, a servant should never be forsaken by his Master. O Lord, the soul is deluded by your Maya, and it is delivered only through your grace. Beyond that I swear by you, O Raghubir — I know no means of worship. A servant relying on his master, a son on his father, a wife on her husband, and one nourished by the master remain carefree.' Saying this he fell, agitated, at Ram's feet, revealing his own true form (as Hanuman), love filling his heart. Then Raghupati lifted him and pressed him to his heart, soothing and cooling him with the water (tears) of his own eyes. 'Listen, monkey, do not feel low at heart; you are dear to me, twice as dear as Lakshman. All call me impartial, yet the servant of exclusive devotion is specially dear to me.'

सो अनन्य जाकें असि मति न टरइ हनुमंत। मैं सेवक सचराचर रूप स्वामि भगवंत।।3।।

'He alone is exclusively devoted, O Hanuman, whose conviction never wavers — that I am the servant, and the Lord God is the very form of all creation, moving and unmoving.'

देखि पवन सुत पति अनुकूला। हृदयँ हरष बीती सब सूला।। नाथ सैल पर कपिपति रहई। सो सुग्रीव दास तव अहई।। तेहि सन नाथ मयत्री कीजे। दीन जानि तेहि अभय करीजे।। सो सीता कर खोज कराइहि। जहँ तहँ मरकट कोटि पठाइहि।। एहि बिधि सकल कथा समुझाई। लिए दुऔ जन पीठि चढ़ाई।। जब सुग्रीवँ राम कहुँ देखा। अतिसय जन्म धन्य करि लेखा।। सादर मिलेउ नाइ पद माथा। भैंटेउ अनुज सहित रघुनाथा।। कपि कर मन बिचार एहि रीती। करिहहिं बिधि मो सन ए प्रीती।।

Seeing the Lord favorable, Hanuman rejoiced at heart and all his sorrow ended. 'O Lord, on the mountain lives the monkey-king Sugriva; he is your servant. O Lord, make friendship with him; knowing him to be humble, make him free from fear. He will have Sita searched for and will send crores of monkeys here and there.' Explaining all this, Hanuman took both brothers upon his back. When Sugriva saw Ram, he counted his life supremely blessed. He met them respectfully, bowing his head at their feet, and embraced Raghunath along with his younger brother. Yet in his mind the monkey Sugriva wondered, 'Will these two truly keep friendship with me?'

तब हनुमंत उभय दिसि की सब कथा सुनाइ।। पावक साखी देइ करि जोरी प्रीती दृढ़ाइ।।4।।

Then Hanuman narrated the whole story of both sides, and, making Fire (Agni) the witness, he formed and firmly strengthened the bond of friendship between them.

कीन्ही प्रीति कछु बीच न राखा। लछमिन राम चरित सब भाषा।। कह सुग्रीव नयन भरि बारी। मिलिहि नाथ मिथिलेसकुमारी।। मंत्रिन्ह सहित इहाँ एक बारा। बैठ रहेउँ मैं करत बिचारा।। गगन पंथ देखी मैं जाता। परबस परी बहुत बिलपाता।। राम राम हा राम पुकारी। हमहि देखि दीन्हेउ पट डारी।। मागा राम तुरत तेहिं दीन्हा। पट उर लाइ सोच अति कीन्हा।। कह सुग्रीव सुनहु रघुबीरा। तजहु सोच मन आनहु धीरा।। सब प्रकार करिहउँ सेवकाई। जेहि बिधि मिलिहि जानकी आई।।

They made friendship, keeping nothing hidden between them; Lakshman told all of Ram's story. Sugriva said with eyes brimming with tears, 'O Lord, you will surely meet the daughter of the King of Mithila (Sita). Once, along with my ministers, I was sitting here deliberating. I saw a woman being carried through the sky; helpless in another's power, she was wailing greatly. She kept crying, 'Ram, Ram, O Ram!' Seeing us, she dropped a bundle of cloth.' Ram asked for it, and Sugriva at once gave it; Ram pressed the cloth to his heart and grieved deeply. Sugriva said, 'Listen, Raghubir, give up your grief and take courage in your mind. In every way I will render service so that Janaki may be found and brought back.'

सखा बचन सुनि हरषे कृपासिधु बलसींव। कारन कवन बसहु बन मोहि कहहु सुग्रीव ।।5।।

Hearing his friend's words, the ocean of compassion and epitome of strength (Ram) rejoiced, and said, 'For what reason do you dwell in the forest — tell me, Sugriva?'

नात बालि अरु मैं द्वौ भाई। प्रीति रही कछु बरनि न जाई।। मय सुत मायावी तेहि नाऊँ। आवा सो प्रभु हमरें गाऊँ।। अर्ध राति पुर द्वार पुकारा। बाली रिपु बल सहै न पारा।। धावा बालि देखि सो भागा। मैं पुनि गयउँ बंधु सँग लागा।। गिरिबर गुहाँ पैठ सो जाई। तब बालीं मोहि कहा बुझाई।। परिखेसु मोहि एक पखवारा। नहिं आवौं तब जानेसु मारा।। मास दिवस तहँ रहेउँ खरारी। निसरी रुधिर धार तहँ भारी।। बालि हतेसि मोहि मारिहि आई। सिला देइ तहँ चलेउँ पराई।। मंत्रिन्ह पुर देखा बिनु साईं। दीन्हेउ मोहि राज बरिआई।। बालि ताहि मारि गृह आवा। देखि मोहि जियँ भेद बढ़ावा।। रिपु सम मोहि मारेसि अति भारी। हरि लीन्हेसि सर्बसु अरु नारी।। ताकें भय रघुबीर कृपाला। सकल भुवन मैं फिरेउँ बिहाला।। इहाँ साप बस आवत नाहीं। तदपि सभीत रहउँ मन माहीं।। सुनि सेवक दुख दीनदयाला। फरकि उठीं द्वै भुजा बिसाला।।

'O Lord, Bali and I are two brothers; there was such love between us as cannot be described. A son of Maya named Mayavi came to our city. At midnight he challenged us at the city gate; Bali could not bear the enemy's defiance. Bali rushed out, and seeing him the demon fled. Then I too went, following my brother. He entered a great mountain cave, and Bali told me, 'Wait for me one fortnight; if I do not return by then, know that I have been killed.' I stayed there a month, O slayer of Khara, and a great stream of blood flowed out of the cave. Thinking Bali was killed and would come and kill me, I placed a rock over the cave and fled. The ministers, seeing the city without a ruler, forcibly gave me the kingdom. When Bali, having slain the demon, returned home and saw me, enmity grew in his heart. He beat me severely like an enemy, and took away all my wealth and my wife. In fear of him, O merciful Raghubir, I wandered distressed through all the worlds. Here on Rishyamuka he cannot come because of a curse, yet even so I remain frightened at heart.' Hearing his servant's sorrow, the two mighty arms of the compassionate-to-the-humble Lord throbbed with resolve.

सुनु सुग्रीव मारिहउँ बालिहि एकहिं बान। ब्रम्ह रुद्र सरनागत गएँ न उबरिहिं प्रान।।6।।

'Listen, Sugriva, I will kill Bali with a single arrow. Even if Brahma and Rudra (Shiva) come to grant him refuge, his life shall not be saved.'

जे न मित्र दुख होहिं दुखारी। तिन्हहि बिलोकत पातक भारी।। निज दुख गिरि सम रज करि जाना। मित्रक दुख रज मेरु समाना।। जिन्ह कें असि मति सहज न आई। ते सठ कत हठि करत मिताई।। कुपथ निवारि सुपंथ चलावा। गुन प्रगटे अवगुनन्हि दुरावा।। देत लेत मन संक न धरई। बल अनुमान सदा हित करई।। बिपति काल कर सतगुन नेहा। श्रुति कह संत मित्र गुन एहा।। आगें कह मृदु बचन बनाई। पाछें अनहित मन कुटिलाई।। जा कर चित अहि गति सम भाई। अस कुमित्र परिहरेहि भलाई।। सेवक सठ नृप कृपन कुनारी। कपटी मित्र सूल सम चारी।। सखा सोच त्यागहु बल मोरें। सब बिधि घटब काज मैं तोरें।। कह सुग्रीव सुनहु रघुबीरा। बालि महाबल अति रनधीरा।। दुंदुभी अस्थि ताल देखराए। बिनु प्रयास रघुनाथ ढहाए।। देखि अमित बल बाढ़ी प्रीती। बालि बधब इन्ह भइ परतीती।। बार बार नावइ पद सीसा। प्रभुहि जानि मन हरष कपीसा।। उपजा ग्यान बचन तब बोला। नाथ कृपाँ मन भयउ अलोला।। सुख संपति परिवार बड़ाई। सब परिहरि करिहउँ सेवकाई।। ए सब रामभगति के बाधक। कहहिं संत तब पद अवराधक।। सत्रु मित्र सुख दुख जग माहीं। माया कृत परमारथ नाहीं।। बालि परम हित जासु प्रसादा। मिलेहु राम तुम्ह समन बिषादा।। सपनें जेहि सन होइ लराई। जागें समुझत मन सकुचाई।। अब प्रभु कृपा करहु एहि भाँती। सब तजि भजनु करौं दिन राती।। सुनि बिराग संजुत कपि बानी। बोले बिहँसि रामु धनुपानी।। जो कछु कहेहु सत्य सब सोई। सखा बचन मम मृषा न होई।। नट मरकट इव सबहि नचावत। रामु खगेस बेद अस गावत।। लै सुग्रीव संग रघुनाथा। चले चाप सायक गहि हाथा।। तब रघुपति सुग्रीव पठावा। गर्जेसि जाइ निकट बल पावा।। सुनत बालि क्रोधातुर धावा। गहि कर चरन नारि समुझावा।। सुनु पति जिन्हहि मिलेउ सुग्रीवा। ते द्वौ बंधु तेज बल सींवा।। कोसलेस सुत लछिमन रामा। कालहु जीति सकहिं संग्रामा।।

'Those who do not grieve at a friend's sorrow — merely to look upon them is a grave sin. A true friend regards his own mountain-like sorrow as small as dust, but his friend's dust-like sorrow as great as Mount Meru. Those in whom such a nature has not naturally arisen — why do such fools forcibly make friendship? A good friend restrains one from the wrong path and leads him on the right one, reveals his virtues and conceals his faults; he harbors no doubt in giving and receiving, and always does good according to his power. In times of calamity his affection grows a hundredfold — the Vedas declare these to be the marks of a saintly friend. But one who speaks sweet, contrived words to your face while nursing ill will and crookedness within, whose heart is as crooked as a serpent's course — such a bad friend, O brother, is best abandoned. A wicked servant, a miserly king, a bad wife, and a treacherous friend — these four are painful as a spear. O friend, give up your worry; by my strength I will accomplish your task in every way.' Sugriva said, 'Listen, Raghubir, Bali is very mighty and unshakable in battle.' He showed him the bones of the demon Dundubhi and the tala palm trees; and Raghunath knocked them down effortlessly. Seeing his boundless strength, Sugriva's love increased, and he became convinced that Ram would slay Bali. Again and again he bowed his head at Ram's feet, and, recognizing the Lord, the monkey-king rejoiced in his heart. Knowledge arose in him, and he said, 'O Lord, by your grace my mind has become steady. Renouncing happiness, wealth, family, and greatness, I will render service. These are all obstacles to devotion to Ram — so say the saints who worship your feet. Enemy and friend, joy and sorrow in the world are all creations of Maya, not the ultimate truth. Bali is my supreme benefactor, by whose grace I have met you, O Ram, remover of grief. One with whom we quarrel in a dream — on waking and reflecting, the mind feels ashamed. Now, O Lord, grant me such grace that, renouncing all, I may worship you day and night.' Hearing the monkey's words filled with detachment, Ram, bow in hand, smiled and said, 'Whatever you have said is all true; O friend, my words never prove false. Like a juggler with his monkey, Maya makes everyone dance — thus, O king of birds (Garuda), the Vedas sing of Ram.' Then Raghunath took Sugriva along and set out, taking bow and arrows in hand. Then Raghupati sent Sugriva ahead; gaining assurance, he went near and roared. Hearing this, Bali rushed out in fury. His wife (Tara) caught his feet and counseled him, 'Listen, husband, those whom Sugriva has met are two brothers, the very epitome of splendor and strength. They are the sons of the King of Kosala, Lakshman and Ram, who can conquer even Death in battle.'

कह बालि सुनु भीरु प्रिय समदरसी रघुनाथ। जौं कदाचि मोहि मारहिं तौ पुनि होउँ सनाथ।।7।।

Bali said, 'Listen, timid one, Raghunath is impartial and equal-visioned to all. Even if by chance he should kill me, then too I shall be blessed (and attain salvation).'

अस कहि चला महा अभिमानी। तृन समान सुग्रीवहि जानी।। भिरे उभौ बाली अति तर्जा । मुठिका मारि महाधुनि गर्जा।। तब सुग्रीव बिकल होइ भागा। मुष्टि प्रहार बज्र सम लागा।। मैं जो कहा रघुबीर कृपाला। बंधु न होइ मोर यह काला।। एकरूप तुम्ह भ्राता दोऊ। तेहि भ्रम तें नहिं मारेउँ सोऊ।। कर परसा सुग्रीव सरीरा। तनु भा कुलिस गई सब पीरा।। मेली कंठ सुमन कै माला। पठवा पुनि बल देइ बिसाला।। पुनि नाना बिधि भई लराई। बिटप ओट देखहिं रघुराई।।

Saying this, the greatly proud Bali went forth, regarding Sugriva as insignificant as a blade of grass. The two clashed; Bali threatened fiercely, struck with his fist and roared with a mighty sound. Then Sugriva, becoming distressed, fled, for the fist-blow had struck him like a thunderbolt. He thought, 'What I told merciful Raghubir has come true — this is no brother of mine, this is death for me. You two brothers are of identical form; in that confusion I did not strike him.' Ram touched Sugriva's body with his hand; his body became firm as adamant and all his pain vanished. He placed a garland of flowers around his neck and sent him back again, endowing him with immense strength. Then the fight resumed in many ways, while Raghunath watched from behind a tree.

बहु छल बल सुग्रीव कर हियँ हारा भय मानि। मारा बालि राम तब हृदय माझ सर तानि।।8।।

Sugriva did much trickery and used force, but he lost heart and grew afraid. Then Ram, drawing the bow and taking aim at his heart, struck Bali.

परा बिकल महि सर के लागें। पुनि उठि बैठ देखि प्रभु आगें।। स्याम गात सिर जटा बनाएँ। अरुन नयन सर चाप चढ़ाएँ।। पुनि पुनि चितइ चरन चित दीन्हा। सुफल जन्म माना प्रभु चीन्हा।। हृदयँ प्रीति मुख बचन कठोरा। बोला चितइ राम की ओरा।। धर्म हेतु अवतरेहु गोसाई। मारेहु मोहि ब्याध की नाई।। मैं बैरी सुग्रीव पिआरा। अवगुन कबन नाथ मोहि मारा।। अनुज बधू भगिनी सुत नारी। सुनु सठ कन्या सम ए चारी।। इन्हहि कुद्दष्टि बिलोकइ जोई। ताहि बधें कछु पाप न होई।। मुढ़ तोहि अतिसय अभिमाना। नारि सिखावन करसि न काना।। मम भुज बल आश्रित तेहि जानी। मारा चहसि अधम अभिमानी।।

Struck by the arrow, Bali fell distressed to the ground; then, rising, he sat up and saw the Lord before him — dark of limb, with matted locks upon his head, red eyes, and an arrow fitted to the bow. Gazing again and again, he fixed his mind upon Ram's feet, and, recognizing the Lord, he counted his birth fulfilled. With love in his heart but harsh words on his lips, gazing toward Ram he said, 'O Lord, you incarnated for the sake of dharma, yet you killed me like a hunter. I was the enemy and Sugriva was dear to you — for what fault did you slay me, O Lord?' Ram replied, 'A younger brother's wife, a sister, a son's wife, and a daughter — listen, fool, these four are all to be regarded as one's own daughter. Whoever looks upon them with an evil eye — there is no sin in killing him. Fool, you were filled with excessive pride and gave no ear to your wife's counsel. Knowing Sugriva to be sheltered under the strength of my arm, you still sought to kill him, O base and arrogant one.'

सुनहु राम स्वामी सन चल न चातुरी मोरि। प्रभु अजहूँ मैं पापी अंतकाल गति तोरि।।9।।

'Listen, Ram, no cleverness of mine can prevail against you, my Master. O Lord, even now I am a sinner; but at this final hour of death, my refuge is you.'

सुनत राम अति कोमल बानी। बालि सीस परसेउ निज पानी।। अचल करौं तनु राखहु प्राना। बालि कहा सुनु कृपानिधाना।। जन्म जन्म मुनि जतनु कराहीं। अंत राम कहि आवत नाहीं।। जासु नाम बल संकर कासी। देत सबहि सम गति अविनासी।। मम लोचन गोचर सोइ आवा। बहुरि कि प्रभु अस बनिहि बनावा।।

Hearing Ram's exceedingly gentle words, he touched Bali's head with his own hand and said, 'I will make your body immortal — keep your life.' Bali replied, 'Listen, ocean of compassion, birth after birth the sages strive, yet at the end the name Ram does not come to their lips. By the power of whose name Shankara grants everyone at Kashi the same imperishable liberation — that very Lord has come before my eyes. Would you, O Lord, ever fashion such a foolish arrangement (of drawing me back into worldly life)?'

सो नयन गोचर जासु गुन नित नेति कहि श्रुति गावहीं। जिति पवन मन गो निरस करि मुनि ध्यान कबहुँक पावहीं।। मोहि जानि अति अभिमान बस प्रभु कहेउ राखु सरीरही। अस कवन सठ हठि काटि सुरतरु बारि करिहि बबूरही।।1।। अब नाथ करि करुना बिलोकहु देहु जो बर मागऊँ। जेहिं जोनि जन्मौं कर्म बस तहँ राम पद अनुरागऊँ।। यह तनय मम सम बिनय बल कल्यानप्रद प्रभु लीजिऐ। गहि बाहँ सुर नर नाह आपन दास अंगद कीजिऐ।।2।।

'That very Lord, whose virtues the Vedas ever sing as 'neti, neti' (not this, not this), whom the sages obtain only sometimes through meditation after conquering the breath and mind and rendering the senses free of desire — knowing me to be greatly under the sway of pride, that Lord bids me keep my body. What fool would obstinately cut down the celestial wish-fulfilling tree to raise a fence of thorny babool? Now, O Lord, look upon me with compassion and grant the boon I ask: in whatever womb I am born by the force of karma, there let me have love for Ram's feet. This son of mine, Angad, equal to me in humility and strength — O boon-bestowing Lord, please accept him; taking him by the arm, O Lord of gods and men, make Angad your own servant.'

राम चरन दृढ़ प्रीति करि बालि कीन्ह तनु त्याग। सुमन माल जिमि कंठ ते गिरत न जानइ नाग।।10।।

Fixing firm love upon Ram's feet, Bali gave up his body — as effortlessly and painlessly as a serpent does not even notice a garland of flowers slipping from its neck.

राम बालि निज धाम पठावा। नगर लोग सब ब्याकुल धावा।। नाना बिधि बिलाप कर तारा। छूटे केस न देह सँभारा।। तारा बिकल देखि रघुराया । दीन्ह ग्यान हरि लीन्ही माया।। छिति जल पावक गगन समीरा। पंच रचित अति अधम सरीरा।। प्रगट सो तनु तव आगें सोवा। जीव नित्य केहि लगि तुम्ह रोवा।। उपजा ग्यान चरन तब लागी। लीन्हेसि परम भगति बर मागी।। उमा दारु जोषित की नाई। सबहि नचावत रामु गोसाई।। तब सुग्रीवहि आयसु दीन्हा। मृतक कर्म बिधिबत सब कीन्हा।। राम कहा अनुजहि समुझाई। राज देहु सुग्रीवहि जाई।। रघुपति चरन नाइ करि माथा। चले सकल प्रेरित रघुनाथा।।

Ram sent Bali to his own supreme abode, and all the people of the city ran out in distress. Tara wailed in many ways; her hair came loose and she could not compose her body. Seeing Tara distraught, Raghuraya imparted knowledge to her and removed her delusion: 'Of earth, water, fire, sky, and air these five is this base body composed. That very body lies dead before you, but the soul is eternal — for whom, then, do you weep?' Knowledge arose in her; she fell at his feet and begged the boon of supreme devotion. O Uma, like a wooden puppet, Ram the Lord makes everyone dance. Then he gave orders to Sugriva, and all the funeral rites were duly performed. Ram instructed his younger brother, 'Go and give the kingdom to Sugriva.' Bowing their heads at Raghupati's feet, they all went, directed by Raghunath.

लछिमन तुरत बोलाए पुरजन बिप्र समाज। राजु दीन्ह सुग्रीव कहँ अंगद कहँ जुबराज।।11।।

Lakshman at once summoned the townspeople and the assembly of Brahmins. He gave the kingdom to Sugriva and made Angad the crown prince.

उमा राम सम हित जग माहीं। गुरु पितु मातु बंधु प्रभु नाहीं।। सुर नर मुनि सब कै यह रीती। स्वारथ लागि करहिं सब प्रीती।। बालि त्रास ब्याकुल दिन राती। तन बहु ब्रन चिंताँ जर छाती।। सोइ सुग्रीव कीन्ह कपिराऊ। अति कृपाल रघुबीर सुभाऊ।। जानतहुँ अस प्रभु परिहरहीं। काहे न बिपति जाल नर परहीं।। पुनि सुग्रीवहि लीन्ह बोलाई। बहु प्रकार नृपनीति सिखाई।। कह प्रभु सुनु सुग्रीव हरीसा। पुर न जाउँ दस चारि बरीसा।। गत ग्रीषम बरषा रितु आई। रहिहउँ निकट सैल पर छाई।। अंगद सहित करहु तुम्ह राजू। संतत हृदय धरेहु मम काजू।। जब सुग्रीव भवन फिरि आए। रामु प्रबरषन गिरि पर छाए।।

O Uma, there is no well-wisher in the world equal to Ram — no guru, father, mother, brother, or lord is his like. This is the way of gods, men, and sages alike: all show love for their own selfish ends. Sugriva, once distressed day and night in dread of Bali, his body covered with many wounds and his heart burning with worry — that very Sugriva Ram made the monkey-king, so exceedingly compassionate is Raghubir's nature. Even knowing this, people forsake such a Lord — no wonder, then, that men fall into the net of calamity! Then Ram summoned Sugriva again and instructed him at length in the ways of kingship. The Lord said, 'Listen, Sugriva, lord of monkeys, I will not enter any town for fourteen years. Summer has passed and the rainy season has come; I shall stay nearby, sheltered on the mountain. You rule along with Angad, and ever keep my task in your heart.' When Sugriva returned to his palace, Ram took up his abode on the Pravarshan mountain.

प्रथमहिं देवन्ह गिरि गुहा राखेउ रुचिर बनाइ। राम कृपानिधि कछु दिन बास करहिंगे आइ।।12।।

Beforehand the gods had prepared and kept ready a beautiful mountain cave, so that Ram, the treasure of compassion, might come and dwell there for some days.

सुंदर बन कुसुमित अति सोभा। गुंजत मधुप निकर मधु लोभा।। कंद मूल फल पत्र सुहाए। भए बहुत जब ते प्रभु आए ।। देखि मनोहर सैल अनूपा। रहे तहँ अनुज सहित सुरभूपा।। मधुकर खग मृग तनु धरि देवा। करहिं सिद्ध मुनि प्रभु कै सेवा।। मंगलरुप भयउ बन तब ते । कीन्ह निवास रमापति जब ते।। फटिक सिला अति सुभ्र सुहाई। सुख आसीन तहाँ द्वौ भाई।। कहत अनुज सन कथा अनेका। भगति बिरति नृपनीति बिबेका।। बरषा काल मेघ नभ छाए। गरजत लागत परम सुहाए।।

The beautiful forest, full of blossoms, was exceedingly lovely, and swarms of bees hummed, greedy for honey. Roots, tubers, fruits, and leaves grew abundant and lovely from the time the Lord came. Seeing the charming, incomparable mountain, the king of gods (Ram) stayed there with his younger brother. Gods, taking the forms of bees, birds, and deer, along with Siddhas and sages, rendered service to the Lord. The forest became auspicious from the moment Rama-pati took up his abode there. On a crystal rock, very white and beautiful, the two brothers sat happily. Ram told his younger brother many stories — of devotion, detachment, royal policy, and wisdom. In the rainy season, clouds spread across the sky and, thundering, looked exceedingly lovely.

लछिमन देखु मोर गन नाचत बारिद पैखि। गृही बिरति रत हरष जस बिष्नु भगत कहुँ देखि।।13।।

'Lakshman, behold my flock of peacocks dancing at the sight of the clouds — with joy as great as that of a detached householder or devotee of Vishnu when he beholds a fellow devotee of the Lord.'

घन घमंड नभ गरजत घोरा। प्रिया हीन डरपत मन मोरा।। दामिनि दमक रह न घन माहीं। खल कै प्रीति जथा थिर नाहीं।। बरषहिं जलद भूमि निअराएँ। जथा नवहिं बुध बिद्या पाएँ।। बूँद अघात सहहिं गिरि कैंसें । खल के बचन संत सह जैसें।। छुद्र नदीं भरि चलीं तोराई। जस थोरेहुँ धन खल इतराई।। भूमि परत भा ढाबर पानी। जनु जीवहि माया लपटानी।। समिटि समिटि जल भरहिं तलावा। जिमि सदगुन सज्जन पहिं आवा।। सरिता जल जलनिधि महुँ जाई। होई अचल जिमि जिव हरि पाई।।

The clouds gather densely and thunder terribly in the sky, and my heart, separated from my beloved, trembles. The lightning flashes but does not stay within the cloud, just as the affection of a wicked person is never steady. The clouds rain, bending low near the earth, just as the wise grow humble on gaining knowledge. The mountains bear the beating of the raindrops, just as saints endure the harsh words of the wicked. The small streams, filling up, break their banks and rush along, just as a base person grows arrogant with even a little wealth. The water falling on the ground turned muddy, just as Maya clings to the soul. Gathering little by little, the water fills the pond, just as good qualities come to gather in a good person. The river-water flows into the ocean and becomes still, just as the soul becomes still and at peace on attaining Hari.

हरित भूमि तृन संकुल समुझि परहिं नहिं पंथ। जिमि पाखंड बाद तें गुप्त होहिं सदग्रंथ।।14।।

The earth is green, thickly covered with grass, so that the path can no longer be made out — just as the true scriptures become hidden amid heresy and false argument.

दादुर धुनि चहु दिसा सुहाई। बेद पढ़हिं जनु बटु समुदाई।। नव पल्लव भए बिटप अनेका। साधक मन जस मिलें बिबेका।। अर्क जबास पात बिनु भयऊ। जस सुराज खल उद्यम गयऊ।। खोजत कतहुँ मिलइ नहिं धूरी। करइ क्रोध जिमि धरमहि दूरी।। ससि संपन्न सोह महि कैसी। उपकारी कै संपति जैसी।। निसि तम घन खद्योत बिराजा। जनु दंभिन्ह कर मिला समाजा।। महाबृष्टि चलि फूटि किआरीं । जिमि सुतंत्र भएँ बिगरहिं नारीं।। कृषी निरावहिं चतुर किसाना। जिमि बुध तजहिं मोह मद माना।। देखिअत चक्रबाक खग नाहीं। कलिहि पाइ जिमि धर्म पराहीं।। ऊषर बरषइ तृन नहिं जामा। जिमि हरिजन हियँ उपज न कामा।। बिबिध जंतु संकुल महि भ्राजा। प्रजा बाढ़ जिमि पाइ सुराजा।। जहँ तहँ रहे पथिक थकि नाना। जिमि इंद्रिय गन उपजें ग्याना।।

The croaking of frogs is pleasant in all directions, as if crowds of student-Brahmins are reciting the Vedas. New leaves appeared on many trees, just as discernment arises in a seeker's mind. The arka and jabasa plants became leafless, just as under a good rule the enterprise of the wicked comes to nothing. Search as one may, no dust is found anywhere, just as anger drives dharma far away. How lovely the earth looks, rich with crops, like the wealth of a benevolent giver. In the darkness of the night the fireflies shine, as if an assembly of hypocrites has gathered. In the heavy rain the field-embankments break, just as women go astray when left unrestrained. The clever farmers weed their fields, just as the wise cast off delusion, intoxication, and pride. The chakravaka birds are nowhere seen, just as dharma flees on the coming of the Kali age. On barren, saline soil the rain falls but no grass grows, just as no lust arises in the heart of a devotee of Hari. The earth shines full of various creatures, just as the people flourish under good governance. Here and there many weary travelers halt, just as the senses grow still on the rise of knowledge.

कबहुँ प्रबल बह मारुत जहँ तहँ मेघ बिलाहिं। जिमि कपूत के उपजें कुल सद्धर्म नसाहिं।।15(क)।। कबहुँ दिवस महँ निबिड़ तम कबहुँक प्रगट पतंग। बिनसइ उपजइ ग्यान जिमि पाइ कुसंग सुसंग।।15(ख)।।

Sometimes a strong wind blows and the clouds scatter here and there, just as in a family where a bad son is born, righteous conduct is destroyed. Sometimes in daytime there is thick darkness, and sometimes the sun shines forth — just as knowledge is destroyed by bad company and arises through good company.

बरषा बिगत सरद रितु आई। लछिमन देखहु परम सुहाई।। फूलें कास सकल महि छाई। जनु बरषाँ कृत प्रगट बुढ़ाई।। उदित अगस्ति पंथ जल सोषा। जिमि लोभहि सोषइ संतोषा।। सरिता सर निर्मल जल सोहा। संत हृदय जस गत मद मोहा।। रस रस सूख सरित सर पानी। ममता त्याग करहिं जिमि ग्यानी।। जानि सरद रितु खंजन आए। पाइ समय जिमि सुकृत सुहाए।। पंक न रेनु सोह असि धरनी। नीति निपुन नृप कै जसि करनी।। जल संकोच बिकल भइँ मीना। अबुध कुटुंबी जिमि धनहीना।। बिनु धन निर्मल सोह अकासा। हरिजन इव परिहरि सब आसा।। कहुँ कहुँ बृष्टि सारदी थोरी। कोउ एक पाव भगति जिमि मोरी।।

The rainy season has passed and the autumn has come; Lakshman, behold, how exceedingly beautiful! The kasa grass has flowered and spread over all the earth, as if the rains have manifested their old age (in white). The star Agastya has risen and dried the water on the paths, just as contentment dries up greed. The rivers and lakes shine with clear water, like the heart of a saint from which pride and delusion have gone. Slowly the water of rivers and lakes dries up, just as the wise renounce attachment. Knowing it to be autumn, the wagtails came, just as good deeds become pleasant on gaining the right time. The earth, free of mud and dust, looks lovely, like the conduct of a king skilled in polity. As the water shrinks, the fish grow distressed, like an ignorant householder without wealth. Free of clouds, the sky shines clear, like a devotee of Hari who has renounced all desires. Here and there a little autumn rain falls, just as some rare soul attains devotion to me.

चले हरषि तजि नगर नृप तापस बनिक भिखारि। जिमि हरिभगत पाइ श्रम तजहि आश्रमी चारि।।16।।

Kings, ascetics, merchants, and beggars set out joyfully, leaving the town — just as the followers of the four stages of life (ashrams), on gaining devotion to Hari, give up all their toil.

सुखी मीन जे नीर अगाधा। जिमि हरि सरन न एकउ बाधा।। फूलें कमल सोह सर कैसा। निर्गुन ब्रम्ह सगुन भएँ जैसा।। गुंजत मधुकर मुखर अनूपा। सुंदर खग रव नाना रूपा।। चक्रबाक मन दुख निसि पैखी। जिमि दुर्जन पर संपति देखी।। चातक रटत तृषा अति ओही। जिमि सुख लहइ न संकरद्रोही।। सरदातप निसि ससि अपहरई। संत दरस जिमि पातक टरई।। देखि इंदु चकोर समुदाई। चितवतहिं जिमि हरिजन हरि पाई।। मसक दंस बीते हिम त्रासा। जिमि द्विज द्रोह किएँ कुल नासा।।

The fish are happy in the deep water, just as one in the refuge of Hari has not the least trouble. The blossomed lotuses adorn the lake, just as the formless Brahman appears beautiful when it takes on form. The bees hum melodiously and incomparably, and beautiful birds make many kinds of sweet sounds. The chakravaka bird is grieved at heart at the sight of night, just as a wicked person is pained at the sight of another's prosperity. The chataka bird cries out in intense thirst for it, just as one hostile to Shankara finds no happiness. The autumn sun by day and the moon by night dispel the heat and darkness, just as the sight of a saint removes sins. Seeing the moon, the flock of chakor birds gaze at it, just as devotees of Hari gaze upon Hari when they attain him. The mosquitoes and gnats perished with the coming dread of winter, just as a family is destroyed by committing enmity toward Brahmins.

भूमि जीव संकुल रहे गए सरद रितु पाइ। सदगुर मिले जाहिं जिमि संसय भ्रम समुदाइ।।17।।

The creatures that had crowded the earth during the rains went away on the coming of autumn, just as doubts and delusions all depart on meeting a true guru.

बरषा गत निर्मल रितु आई। सुधि न तात सीता कै पाई।। एक बार कैसेहुँ सुधि जानौं। कालहु जीत निमिष महुँ आनौं।। कतहुँ रहउ जौं जीवति होई। तात जतन करि आनेउँ सोई।। सुग्रीवहुँ सुधि मोरि बिसारी। पावा राज कोस पुर नारी।। जेहिं सायक मारा मैं बाली। तेहिं सर हतौं मूढ़ कहँ काली।। जासु कृपाँ छूटहीं मद मोहा। ता कहुँ उमा कि सपनेहुँ कोहा।। जानहिं यह चरित्र मुनि ग्यानी। जिन्ह रघुबीर चरन रति मानी।। लछिमन क्रोधवंत प्रभु जाना। धनुष चढ़ाइ गहे कर बाना।।

The rainy season has gone and the clear season has come, yet no news of Sita has been found, brother. 'If somehow I could get news of her even once, I would conquer even Death and bring her back in a moment. Wherever she is, if she is alive, brother, I would make every effort and bring her. Even Sugriva has forgotten my concern, now that he has gained his kingdom, treasury, city, and wife. With the very arrow with which I slew Bali, I will slay that fool tomorrow.' But by whose grace intoxication and delusion are removed — O Uma, can such a Lord ever be angry even in a dream? The sages and the wise, who have set their love on Raghubir's feet, know this play of his (that his anger is only feigned). Lakshman perceived the Lord to be angry, and strung the bow and took arrows in his hand.

तब अनुजहि समुझावा रघुपति करुना सींव।। भय देखाइ लै आवहु तात सखा सुग्रीव।।18।।

Then Raghupati, the epitome of compassion, counseled his younger brother, 'Show him some fear and bring him along, brother — our friend Sugriva.'

इहाँ पवनसुत हृदयँ बिचारा। राम काजु सुग्रीवँ बिसारा।। निकट जाइ चरनन्हि सिरु नावा। चारिहु बिधि तेहि कहि समुझावा।। सुनि सुग्रीवँ परम भय माना। बिषयँ मोर हरि लीन्हेउ ग्याना।। अब मारुतसुत दूत समूहा। पठवहु जहँ तहँ बानर जूहा।। कहहु पाख महुँ आव न जोई। मोरें कर ता कर बध होई।। तब हनुमंत बोलाए दूता। सब कर करि सनमान बहूता।। भय अरु प्रीति नीति देखाई। चले सकल चरनन्हि सिर नाई।। एहि अवसर लछिमन पुर आए। क्रोध देखि जहँ तहँ कपि धाए।।

Here at Kishkindha, Hanuman reflected in his heart that Sugriva had forgotten Ram's task. Going near, he bowed his head at Sugriva's feet and admonished him in all four ways (conciliation, gift, punishment, and division). Hearing this, Sugriva grew greatly afraid: 'Sense-pleasures have robbed me of my wisdom. Now, O son of the wind, send out hosts of messengers and monkey-troops here and there. Proclaim that whoever does not come within a fortnight will be slain by my own hand.' Then Hanuman summoned the messengers and honored them all greatly. He showed them fear, love, and policy, and they all set out, bowing their heads at his feet. At that very moment Lakshman arrived at the city, and seeing his anger the monkeys fled here and there.

धनुष चढ़ाइ कहा तब जारि करउँ पुर छार। ब्याकुल नगर देखि तब आयउ बालिकुमार।।19।।

Then Lakshman, stringing his bow, declared that he would burn the whole city to ashes. Seeing the city gripped by panic, Angad, the son of Bali, came out to him.

चरन नाइ सिरु बिनती कीन्ही। लछिमन अभय बाँह तेहि दीन्ही।। क्रोधवंत लछिमन सुनि काना। कह कपीस अति भयँ अकुलाना।। सुनु हनुमंत संग लै तारा। करि बिनती समुझाउ कुमारा।। तारा सहित जाइ हनुमाना। चरन बंदि प्रभु सुजस बखाना।। करि बिनती मंदिर लै आए। चरन पखारि पलँग बैठाए।। तब कपीस चरनन्हि सिरु नावा। गहि भुज लछिमन कंठ लगावा।। नाथ बिषय सम मद कछु नाहीं। मुनि मन मोह करइ छन माहीं।। सुनत बिनीत बचन सुख पावा। लछिमन तेहि बहु बिधि समुझावा।। पवन तनय सब कथा सुनाई। जेहि बिधि गए दूत समुदाई।।

Bowing his head at Lakshman's feet, Angad made his plea, and Lakshman assured him of safety. When Sugriva heard that Lakshman was full of anger, the monkey-king grew deeply anxious with fear and said, 'Hanuman, take Tara with you and go pacify the prince with humble entreaties.' Hanuman went with Tara, worshipped Lakshman's feet and praised Ram's glory; with requests they brought Lakshman into the palace, washed his feet and seated him on a couch. Then Sugriva bowed his head at Lakshman's feet, and Lakshman took him by the arms and embraced him. Sugriva said, 'O lord, no intoxication is like that of the senses; it deludes even a sage's mind in an instant.' Pleased at his humble words, Lakshman reassured him in many ways, and Hanuman related the whole account of how the bands of messengers had already been sent out.

हरषि चले सुग्रीव तब अंगदादि कपि साथ। रामानुज आगें करि आए जहँ रघुनाथ।।20।।

Then Sugriva set out joyfully with Angad and the other monkeys; placing Lakshman, Ram's younger brother, in front, they came to where Raghunath was.

नाइ चरन सिरु कह कर जोरी। नाथ मोहि कछु नाहिन खोरी।। अतिसय प्रबल देव तब माया। छूटइ राम करहु जौं दाया।। बिषय बस्य सुर नर मुनि स्वामी। मैं पावँर पसु कपि अति कामी।। नारि नयन सर जाहि न लागा। घोर क्रोध तम निसि जो जागा।। लोभ पाँस जेहिं गर न बँधाया। सो नर तुम्ह समान रघुराया।। यह गुन साधन तें नहिं होई। तुम्हरी कृपाँ पाव कोइ कोई।। तब रघुपति बोले मुसकाई। तुम्ह प्रिय मोहि भरत जिमि भाई।। अब सोइ जतनु करहु मन लाई। जेहि बिधि सीता कै सुधि पाई।।

Bowing his head at Ram's feet, with folded hands Sugriva said, 'O lord, there is no fault of mine; your Maya is exceedingly powerful, and one is freed from it only when you, Ram, show mercy. Gods, men, and sages are all mastered by the senses, my lord; and I am a mere lowly beast, a monkey, most passionate of all. He who is not pierced by the arrow of a woman's eyes, who stays awake through the dark night of fierce anger, and whose neck is never bound by the noose of greed—that man is your equal, O king of Raghus. This virtue is not gained by effort; only a rare one attains it by your grace.' Then Raghupati smiled and said, 'You are as dear to me as my brother Bharat. Now apply your mind and make every effort by which news of Sita may be found.'

एहि बिधि होत बतकही आए बानर जूथ। नाना बरन सकल दिसि देखिअ कीस बरुथ।।21।।

While this conversation was going on, troops of monkeys arrived; multitudes of monkeys of many different colors could be seen in every direction.

बानर कटक उमा में देखा। सो मूरुख जो करन चह लेखा।। आइ राम पद नावहिं माथा। निरखि बदनु सब होहिं सनाथा।। अस कपि एक न सेना माहीं। राम कुसल जेहि पूछी नाहीं।। यह कछु नहिं प्रभु कइ अधिकाई। बिस्वरूप ब्यापक रघुराई।। ठाढ़े जहँ तहँ आयसु पाई। कह सुग्रीव सबहि समुझाई।। राम काजु अरु मोर निहोरा। बानर जूथ जाहु चहुँ ओरा।। जनकसुता कहुँ खोजहु जाई। मास दिवस महँ आएहु भाई।। अवधि मेटि जो बिनु सुधि पाएँ। आवइ बनिहि सो मोहि मराएँ।।

Shiva says: 'O Uma, I have seen the army of monkeys; only a fool would try to count it.' Coming forward they bowed their heads at Ram's feet, and beholding his face all felt blessed. There was not a single monkey in that whole army whose welfare Ram did not ask after. This is nothing remarkable for the Lord, for Raghunath is of universal form and all-pervading. As they stood here and there awaiting his command, Sugriva instructed them all: 'It is Ram's work and my own request—O monkey bands, go forth in all four directions. Go and search for Janak's daughter, Sita, and return within a month, brothers. Whoever exceeds this time-limit and comes back without news, it shall be as though I have had him put to death.'

बचन सुनत सब बानर जहँ तहँ चले तुरंत । तब सुग्रीवँ बोलाए अंगद नल हनुमंत।।22।।

Hearing these words, all the monkeys set off at once in every direction; then Sugriva summoned Angad, Nal, and Hanuman.

सुनहु नील अंगद हनुमाना। जामवंत मतिधीर सुजाना।। सकल सुभट मिलि दच्छिन जाहू। सीता सुधि पूँछेउ सब काहू।। मन क्रम बचन सो जतन बिचारेहु। रामचंद्र कर काजु सँवारेहु।। भानु पीठि सेइअ उर आगी। स्वामिहि सर्ब भाव छल त्यागी।। तजि माया सेइअ परलोका। मिटहिं सकल भव संभव सोका।। देह धरे कर यह फलु भाई। भजिअ राम सब काम बिहाई।। सोइ गुनग्य सोई बड़भागी । जो रघुबीर चरन अनुरागी।। आयसु मागि चरन सिरु नाई। चले हरषि सुमिरत रघुराई।। पाछें पवन तनय सिरु नावा। जानि काज प्रभु निकट बोलावा।। परसा सीस सरोरुह पानी। करमुद्रिका दीन्हि जन जानी।। बहु प्रकार सीतहि समुझाएहु। कहि बल बिरह बेगि तुम्ह आएहु।। हनुमत जन्म सुफल करि माना। चलेउ हृदयँ धरि कृपानिधाना।। जद्यपि प्रभु जानत सब बाता। राजनीति राखत सुरत्राता।।

'Listen, Nil, Angad, Hanuman, and Jambavan of steadfast wisdom: all you brave warriors go together to the south and ask everyone for news of Sita. In thought, word, and deed devise the means and accomplish Ramchandra's work. The sun is warmed against with the back and fire with the front, but one's master must be served with the whole heart, casting off all deceit. Renouncing worldly illusion one should strive for the world beyond, and then all the sorrows born of worldly existence are erased. The true fruit of taking a human body, brother, is this—to worship Ram, giving up every other desire. He alone is truly wise and truly fortunate who is devoted to the feet of Raghubir.' Taking leave and bowing at Sugriva's feet, they set off joyfully, remembering Raghunath. Hanuman bowed his head last of all, and the Lord, knowing the task at hand, called him near. Ram touched his head with his lotus hand and, recognizing him as his own devotee, gave him his ring, saying, 'Reassure Sita in every way; tell her of my might and of my anguish of separation, and come back quickly.' Hanuman deemed his birth fulfilled and set off with the merciful Lord enshrined in his heart. Though the Lord knows all things, the protector of the gods observes the rules of statecraft.

चले सकल बन खोजत सरिता सर गिरि खोह। राम काज लयलीन मन बिसरा तन कर छोह।।23।।

They all went off searching the forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and caves; with their minds absorbed in Ram's work, they forgot all care for their own bodies.

कतहुँ होइ निसिचर सैं भेटा। प्रान लेहिं एक एक चपेटा।। बहु प्रकार गिरि कानन हेरहिं। कोउ मुनि मिलत ताहि सब घेरहिं।। लागि तृषा अतिसय अकुलाने। मिलइ न जल घन गहन भुलाने।। मन हनुमान कीन्ह अनुमाना। मरन चहत सब बिनु जल पाना।। चढ़ि गिरि सिखर चहूँ दिसि देखा। भूमि बिबिर एक कौतुक पेखा।। चक्रबाक बक हंस उड़ाहीं। बहुतक खग प्रबिसहिं तेहि माहीं।। गिरि ते उतरि पवनसुत आवा। सब कहुँ लै सोइ बिबर देखावा।। आगें कै हनुमंतहि लीन्हा। पैठे बिबर बिलंबु न कीन्हा।।

Wherever they met a demon, they took its life with a single blow. In many ways they searched the mountains and forests, and whenever they came upon a sage they all surrounded him to ask. Overcome by extreme thirst they grew distressed; they found no water and lost their way in the dense forest. Hanuman reasoned in his mind that everyone was about to die for want of water. Climbing to a mountain peak he looked in every direction and saw a marvel—a hole in the ground. Chakwa birds, cranes, and swans were flying about it, and many birds were entering into it. Hanuman came down from the mountain and led everyone to show them that cave. Placing Hanuman at their head, they entered the cave without delay.

दीख जाइ उपवन बर सर बिगसित बहु कंज। मंदिर एक रुचिर तहँ बैठि नारि तप पुंज।।24।।

Going inside they saw a lovely garden and a lake with many lotuses in full bloom, and there a beautiful temple where a woman, an embodiment of penance, sat.

दूरि ते ताहि सबन्हि सिर नावा। पूछें निज बृत्तांत सुनावा।। तेहिं तब कहा करहु जल पाना। खाहु सुरस सुंदर फल नाना।। मज्जनु कीन्ह मधुर फल खाए। तासु निकट पुनि सब चलि आए।। तेहिं सब आपनि कथा सुनाई। मैं अब जाब जहाँ रघुराई।। मूदहु नयन बिबर तजि जाहू। पैहहु सीतहि जनि पछिताहू।। नयन मूदि पुनि देखहिं बीरा। ठाढ़े सकल सिंधु कें तीरा।। सो पुनि गई जहाँ रघुनाथा। जाइ कमल पद नाएसि माथा।। नाना भाँति बिनय तेहिं कीन्ही। अनपायनी भगति प्रभु दीन्ही।।

From a distance they all bowed their heads to her, and when she asked, they told her their whole story. She then said, 'Drink water and eat these many delicious, beautiful fruits.' They bathed and ate the sweet fruits, and then all came near her. She told them her own story and said, 'I will now go to where Raghunath is. Close your eyes and leave the cave; you will find Sita, so do not despair.' When the heroes closed their eyes and opened them again, they all found themselves standing on the seashore. She then went to where Raghunath was, bowed her head at his lotus feet, and offered many kinds of supplication; the Lord granted her unfailing devotion.

बदरीबन कहुँ सो गई प्रभु अग्या धरि सीस । उर धरि राम चरन जुग जे बंदत अज ईस।।25।।

Placing the Lord's command upon her head, she went to the Badari forest (Badrikashram), holding in her heart the pair of Ram's feet that even Brahma and Shiva worship.

इहाँ बिचारहिं कपि मन माहीं। बीती अवधि काज कछु नाहीं।। सब मिलि कहहिं परस्पर बाता। बिनु सुधि लएँ करब का भ्राता।। कह अंगद लोचन भरि बारी। दुहुँ प्रकार भइ मृत्यु हमारी।। इहाँ न सुधि सीता कै पाई। उहाँ गएँ मारिहि कपिराई।। पिता बधे पर मारत मोही। राखा राम निहोर न ओही।। पुनि पुनि अंगद कह सब पाहीं। मरन भयउ कछु संसय नाहीं।। अंगद बचन सुनत कपि बीरा। बोलि न सकहिं नयन बह नीरा।। छन एक सोच मगन होइ रहे। पुनि अस वचन कहत सब भए।। हम सीता कै सुधि लिन्हें बिना। नहिं जैंहैं जुबराज प्रबीना।। अस कहि लवन सिंधु तट जाई। बैठे कपि सब दर्भ डसाई।। जामवंत अंगद दुख देखी। कहिं कथा उपदेस बिसेषी।। तात राम कहुँ नर जनि मानहु। निर्गुन ब्रम्ह अजित अज जानहु।। हम सब सेवक अति बड़भागी। संतत सगुन ब्रह्म अनुरागी।।

Here the monkeys pondered in their hearts that the time-limit had passed and nothing had been accomplished. All together they talked among themselves: 'Without news, what shall we do, brothers?' His eyes filling with tears, Angad said, 'Death has come upon us both ways: here we have found no news of Sita, and if we return there, Sugriva will kill us. After slaying my father he meant to kill me too; it was Ram who saved me, not any kindness of his.' Again and again Angad said to them all, 'Death has surely come; of that there is no doubt.' Hearing Angad's words the monkey heroes could not speak, and tears streamed from their eyes. For a while they sat sunk in grief, and then they all resolved, 'O wise prince, without getting news of Sita we will not go.' Saying this, all the monkeys went to the shore of the salt sea and sat down on spread kusha grass. Seeing Angad's sorrow, Jambavan told a special tale and gave counsel: 'My son, do not think of Ram as a mere man; know him to be the formless, unconquerable, unborn Brahma. We are all his servants, most fortunate, ever devoted to the Brahma with form.'

निज इच्छा प्रभु अवतरइ सुर महि गो द्विज लागि। सगुन उपासक संग तहँ रहहिं मोच्छ सब त्यागि।।26।।

By his own will the Lord incarnates for the sake of the gods, the earth, cows, and Brahmins; and the worshippers of the Lord-with-form remain there with him, renouncing even liberation.

एहि बिधि कथा कहहि बहु भाँती गिरि कंदराँ सुनी संपाती।। बाहेर होइ देखि बहु कीसा। मोहि अहार दीन्ह जगदीसा।। आजु सबहि कहँ भच्छन करऊँ। दिन बहु चले अहार बिनु मरऊँ।। कबहुँ न मिल भरि उदर अहारा। आजु दीन्ह बिधि एकहिं बारा।। डरपे गीध बचन सुनि काना। अब भा मरन सत्य हम जाना।। कपि सब उठे गीध कहँ देखी। जामवंत मन सोच बिसेषी।। कह अंगद बिचारि मन माहीं। धन्य जटायू सम कोउ नाहीं।। राम काज कारन तनु त्यागी । हरि पुर गयउ परम बड़ भागी।। सुनि खग हरष सोक जुत बानी । आवा निकट कपिन्ह भय मानी।। तिन्हहि अभय करि पूछेसि जाई। कथा सकल तिन्ह ताहि सुनाई।। सुनि संपाति बंधु कै करनी। रघुपति महिमा बधुबिधि बरनी।।

As they spoke of these things in many ways, Sampati the vulture heard them from within a mountain cave. Coming out and seeing so many monkeys, he thought, 'The Lord of the world has provided me food. Today I shall devour them all; for many days I have been starving to death. Never have I had a bellyful, and today Providence has given it to me all at once.' Hearing the vulture's words the monkeys were terrified: 'Now death has truly come, we know it.' All the monkeys rose up on seeing the vulture, and Jambavan grew especially worried in his mind. Reflecting within, Angad said, 'Blessed is Jatayu; there is none like him, who gave up his body for Ram's sake and, supremely fortunate, went to Hari's abode.' Hearing these words full of joy and grief, the bird drew near, and the monkeys were afraid. Reassuring them, he went up and asked, and they told him the whole story. Hearing of his brother Jatayu's deed, Sampati described the glory of Raghupati in many ways.

मोहि लै जाहु सिंधुतट देउँ तिलांजलि ताहि । बचन सहाइ करवि मैं पैहहु खोजहु जाहि ।।27।।

'Take me to the seashore so that I may offer the water-libation to my brother. I will help you with my counsel, and you will find the one you are seeking.'

अनुज क्रिया करि सागर तीरा। कहि निज कथा सुनहु कपि बीरा।। हम द्वौ बंधु प्रथम तरुनाई । गगन गए रबि निकट उडाई।। तेज न सहि सक सो फिरि आवा । मै अभिमानी रबि निअरावा ।। जरे पंख अति तेज अपारा । परेउँ भूमि करि घोर चिकारा ।। मुनि एक नाम चंद्रमा ओही। लागी दया देखी करि मोही।। बहु प्रकार तेंहि ग्यान सुनावा । देहि जनित अभिमानी छड़ावा ।। त्रेताँ ब्रह्म मनुज तनु धरिही। तासु नारि निसिचर पति हरिही।। तासु खोज पठइहि प्रभू दूता। तिन्हहि मिलें तैं होब पुनीता।। जमिहहिं पंख करसि जनि चिंता । तिन्हहि देखाइ देहेसु तैं सीता।। मुनि कइ गिरा सत्य भइ आजू । सुनि मम बचन करहु प्रभु काजू।। गिरि त्रिकूट ऊपर बस लंका । तहँ रह रावन सहज असंका ।। तहँ असोक उपबन जहँ रहई ।। सीता बैठि सोच रत अहई।।

Performing his younger brother's funeral rites at the seashore, Sampati told his own story: 'Listen, O monkey heroes. In our early youth we two brothers flew up into the sky near the sun. My brother could not bear the heat and turned back, but I in my pride pressed on toward the sun. My wings burned in that boundless heat and I fell to the ground with a terrible cry. A sage named Chandrama, seeing me, took pity, and in many ways he imparted knowledge to me and freed me from the pride born of the body. He said: In the Treta age God will take a human form, and a demon will carry off his wife; the Lord will send messengers to seek her, and on meeting them you will be purified. Your wings will grow back, so do not worry; you shall show them the way to Sita. The sage's words have come true today. So heed my words and accomplish the Lord's work. Upon Mount Trikuta stands Lanka, where Ravana dwells, fearless by nature. There is an Ashoka grove where Sita sits, ever absorbed in grief.'

मैं देखउँ तुम्ह नाहि गीघहि दष्टि अपार।। बूढ भयउँ न त करतेउँ कछुक सहाय तुम्हार।।28।।

'I can see her, but you cannot, for a vulture's sight reaches far beyond measure. I have grown old, otherwise I would have given you some help.'

जो नाघइ सत जोजन सागर । करइ सो राम काज मति आगर ।। मोहि बिलोकि धरहु मन धीरा । राम कृपाँ कस भयउ सरीरा।। पापिउ जा कर नाम सुमिरहीं। अति अपार भवसागर तरहीं।। तासु दूत तुम्ह तजि कदराई। राम हृदयँ धरि करहु उपाई।। अस कहि गरुड़ गीध जब गयऊ। तिन्ह कें मन अति बिसमय भयऊ।। निज निज बल सब काहूँ भाषा। पार जाइ कर संसय राखा।। जरठ भयउँ अब कहइ रिछेसा। नहिं तन रहा प्रथम बल लेसा।। जबहिं त्रिबिक्रम भए खरारी। तब मैं तरुन रहेउँ बल भारी।।

'Whoever can leap across the hundred-yojana ocean—that wise one will accomplish Ram's work. Look at me and take heart: see how by Ram's grace my body has been restored. Even sinners who remember his name cross the vast, boundless ocean of existence. You are his messengers; cast off your cowardice, hold Ram in your hearts, and devise a plan.' Saying this, when the vulture flew away with his restored wings, the monkeys' minds were filled with great wonder. Each one spoke of his own strength, but about crossing the sea they all remained in doubt. 'I have grown old,' said the bear-king Jambavan; 'not a trace of my former strength remains in my body. When the foe of Khara became Trivikram, I was young and of mighty strength.'

बलि बाँधत प्रभु बाढेउ सो तनु बरनि न जाई। उभय धरी महँ दीन्ही सात प्रदच्छिन धाइ।।29।।

'While the Lord, as Vamana-Trivikram, was subduing King Bali, his body grew so vast that it cannot be described; yet within just two gharis I ran and made seven circumambulations of it.'