Lanka Kand

रामं कामारिसेव्यं भवभयहरणं कालमत्तेभसिंहं योगीन्द्रं ज्ञानगम्यं गुणनिधिमजितं निर्गुणं निर्विकारम्। मायातीतं सुरेशं खलवधनिरतं ब्रह्मवृन्दैकदेवं वन्दे कन्दावदातं सरसिजनयनं देवमुर्वीशरूपम्।।1।। शंखेन्द्वाभमतीवसुन्दरतनुं शार्दूलचर्माम्बरं कालव्यालकरालभूषणधरं गंगाशशांकप्रियम्। काशीशं कलिकल्मषौघशमनं कल्याणकल्पद्रुमं नौमीड्यं गिरिजापतिं गुणनिधिं कन्दर्पहं शङ्करम्।।2।। यो ददाति सतां शम्भुः कैवल्यमपि दुर्लभम्। खलानां दण्डकृद्योऽसौ शङ्करः शं तनोतु मे।।3।।

I worship Shri Ram, whom even Shiva (the enemy of Kama) adores, remover of the fear of worldly existence, a lion to the mad elephant of Death, lord of yogis, attainable through knowledge, treasure of virtues, unconquered, beyond attributes and change, beyond Maya, lord of the gods, ever intent on slaying the wicked, the one God of the Vedas and sages; I bow to Him who is bright as a cloud, lotus-eyed, appearing in the form of the King of the earth. I bow to Shankar (Shiva), whose body is beautiful as the conch and moon, clad in a tiger-skin, wearing fierce serpents of death as terrible ornaments, dear to whom are the Ganga and the moon, lord of Kashi, remover of the sins of the Kali age, wish-granting tree of blessedness, the praiseworthy consort of Girija, treasure of virtues, destroyer of Kamadeva. That Shambhu who bestows on the good even Kaivalya, which is so hard to attain, and who punishes the wicked, may that Shankar grant welfare to me.

लव निमेष परमानु जुग बरष कलप सर चंड। भजसि न मन तेहि राम को कालु जासु कोदंड।। सिंधु बचन सुनि राम सचिव बोलि प्रभु अस कहेउ। अब बिलंबु केहि काम करहु सेतु उतरै कटकु।। सुनहु भानुकुल केतु जामवंत कर जोरि कह। नाथ नाम तव सेतु नर चढ़ि भव सागर तरिहिं।।

Lav, nimesh, paramanu, yug, year and kalpa are the arrows of fierce Time; O mind, why do you not worship that Ram whose very bow is Time itself? Hearing the ocean's words, Shri Ram summoned his ministers and said: 'Now why delay? Build a bridge so the army may cross over.' Jamvant, with folded hands, said: 'Listen, O glory of the Sun dynasty; O Lord, your very Name is the bridge by which men cross the ocean of worldly existence.'

यह लघु जलधि तरत कति बारा। अस सुनि पुनि कह पवनकुमारा।। प्रभु प्रताप बड़वानल भारी। सोषेउ प्रथम पयोनिधि बारी।। तब रिपु नारी रुदन जल धारा। भरेउ बहोरि भयउ तेहिं खारा।। सुनि अति उकुति पवनसुत केरी। हरषे कपि रघुपति तन हेरी।। जामवंत बोले दोउ भाई। नल नीलहि सब कथा सुनाई।। राम प्रताप सुमिरि मन माहीं। करहु सेतु प्रयास कछु नाहीं।। बोलि लिए कपि निकर बहोरी। सकल सुनहु बिनती कछु मोरी।। राम चरन पंकज उर धरहू। कौतुक एक भालु कपि करहू।। धावहु मर्कट बिकट बरूथा। आनहु बिटप गिरिन्ह के जूथा।। सुनि कपि भालु चले करि हूहा। जय रघुबीर प्रताप समूहा।।

'How long does it take to cross this small ocean?' Hearing this, Hanuman spoke again: 'The Lord's might is a mighty submarine fire that first dried up all the ocean's water; then the tears of the enemies' weeping women filled it again, and that is why it became salty.' Hearing this very clever remark of Hanuman, the monkeys rejoiced, gazing at Ram's form. Jamvant called the two brothers Nal and Nila and told them the whole matter: 'Remembering Ram's might in your hearts, build the bridge; it will take no effort.' Then he called the host of monkeys and said, 'All listen to a request of mine: hold Ram's lotus-feet in your hearts, and let the bears and monkeys perform a feat. Run, O mighty troops of monkeys, and bring groups of trees and mountains.' Hearing this, the monkeys and bears set off with roars, crying 'Victory to the might of Raghubir!'

अति उतंग गिरि पादप लीलहिं लेहिं उठाइ। आनि देहिं नल नीलहि रचहिं ते सेतु बनाइ।।1।।

They playfully lift up very tall mountains and trees, and bring and give them to Nal and Nila, who construct and build the bridge.

सैल बिसाल आनि कपि देहीं। कंदुक इव नल नील ते लेहीं।। देखि सेतु अति सुंदर रचना। बिहसि कृपानिधि बोले बचना।। परम रम्य उत्तम यह धरनी। महिमा अमित जाइ नहिं बरनी।। करिहउँ इहाँ संभु थापना। मोरे हृदयँ परम कलपना।। सुनि कपीस बहु दूत पठाए। मुनिबर सकल बोलि लै आए।। लिंग थापि बिधिवत करि पूजा। सिव समान प्रिय मोहि न दूजा।। सिव द्रोही मम भगत कहावा। सो नर सपनेहुँ मोहि न पावा।। संकर बिमुख भगति चह मोरी। सो नारकी मूढ़ मति थोरी।।

The monkeys bring huge rocks and give them, and Nal and Nila take them like balls. Seeing the very beautiful construction of the bridge, the ocean of mercy, Shri Ram, smiled and said: 'This land is exceedingly lovely and excellent; its boundless glory cannot be described. Here I shall install Shambhu (Shiva); this is the highest resolve in my heart.' Hearing this, the monkey-king (Sugriva) sent many messengers, who called and brought all the great sages. Installing the lingam and worshipping it duly, Ram said: 'None is as dear to me as Shiva. One who calls himself my devotee yet is an enemy of Shiva shall never attain me, even in a dream. One who is averse to Shankar yet desires devotion to me is hell-bound, a fool of little sense.'

संकर प्रिय मम द्रोही सिव द्रोही मम दास। ते नर करहि कलप भरि धोर नरक महुँ बास।।2।।

'He who is dear to Shankar but hostile to me, and he who is hostile to Shiva yet claims to be my servant, such men dwell in dreadful hell for a whole kalpa.'

जे रामेस्वर दरसनु करिहहिं। ते तनु तजि मम लोक सिधरिहहिं।। जो गंगाजलु आनि चढ़ाइहि। सो साजुज्य मुक्ति नर पाइहि।। होइ अकाम जो छल तजि सेइहि। भगति मोरि तेहि संकर देइहि।। मम कृत सेतु जो दरसनु करिही। सो बिनु श्रम भवसागर तरिही।। राम बचन सब के जिय भाए। मुनिबर निज निज आश्रम आए।। गिरिजा रघुपति कै यह रीती। संतत करहिं प्रनत पर प्रीती।। बाँधा सेतु नील नल नागर। राम कृपाँ जसु भयउ उजागर।। बूड़हिं आनहि बोरहिं जेई। भए उपल बोहित सम तेई।। महिमा यह न जलधि कइ बरनी। पाहन गुन न कपिन्ह कइ करनी।।

'Those who behold the sight of Rameshwar will, after leaving their bodies, go to my abode. One who brings and offers Ganga water upon it will attain liberation of union with me. One who becomes desireless and, abandoning deceit, worships Shiva, to him Shankar will grant devotion to me. One who beholds the bridge built by me will cross the ocean of existence without any toil.' Ram's words pleased everyone's hearts, and the great sages returned to their own hermitages. O Girija, this is Raghupati's way: he ever shows love to those who are humble before him. Nal and Nila, the skilled ones, built the bridge, and by Ram's grace their fame shone bright. Those very stones that sink others and drown them now became like ships. This glory belongs neither to the ocean, nor to the nature of the stones, nor to the doing of the monkeys.

श्री रघुबीर प्रताप ते सिंधु तरे पाषान। ते मतिमंद जे राम तजि भजहिं जाइ प्रभु आन।।3।।

By the might of Shri Raghubir, the stones floated across the ocean. Those are dull-witted who abandon Ram and go to worship some other lord.

बाँधि सेतु अति सुदृढ़ बनावा। देखि कृपानिधि के मन भावा।। चली सेन कछु बरनि न जाई। गर्जहिं मर्कट भट समुदाई।। सेतुबंध ढिग चढ़ि रघुराई। चितव कृपाल सिंधु बहुताई।। देखन कहुँ प्रभु करुना कंदा। प्रगट भए सब जलचर बृंदा।। मकर नक्र नाना झष ब्याला। सत जोजन तन परम बिसाला।। अइसेउ एक तिन्हहि जे खाहीं। एकन्ह कें डर तेपि डेराहीं।। प्रभुहि बिलोकहिं टरहिं न टारे। मन हरषित सब भए सुखारे।। तिन्ह की ओट न देखिअ बारी। मगन भए हरि रूप निहारी।। चला कटकु प्रभु आयसु पाई। को कहि सक कपि दल बिपुलाई।।

Having built the bridge exceedingly firm and strong, it pleased the merciful Lord's heart to behold it. The army set out, beyond description; the monkey warriors and their hosts roared. Climbing up beside the bridge-head, Raghurai gazed at the vastness of the merciful ocean. To behold the Lord, the source of compassion, all the multitudes of water-creatures appeared, crocodiles, alligators, various fishes and serpents, with bodies a hundred yojanas huge. There were even creatures who would devour these, and others whom even these feared. They gazed at the Lord and would not turn away though pushed away; all became delighted and happy at heart. Because of their throng the water could not be seen; they were absorbed, gazing on Hari's form. The army set off, having received the Lord's command; who can describe the vastness of the monkey host?

सेतुबंध भइ भीर अति कपि नभ पंथ उड़ाहिं। अपर जलचरन्हि ऊपर चढ़ि चढ़ि पारहि जाहिं।।4।।

At the bridge there was a great crowd; some monkeys flew through the sky, while others crossed to the far shore by climbing over the water-creatures.

अस कौतुक बिलोकि द्वौ भाई। बिहँसि चले कृपाल रघुराई।। सेन सहित उतरे रघुबीरा। कहि न जाइ कपि जूथप भीरा।। सिंधु पार प्रभु डेरा कीन्हा। सकल कपिन्ह कहुँ आयसु दीन्हा।। खाहु जाइ फल मूल सुहाए। सुनत भालु कपि जहँ तहँ धाए।। सब तरु फरे राम हित लागी। रितु अरु कुरितु काल गति त्यागी।। खाहिं मधुर फल बटप हलावहिं। लंका सन्मुख सिखर चलावहिं।। जहँ कहुँ फिरत निसाचर पावहिं। घेरि सकल बहु नाच नचावहिं।। दसनन्हि काटि नासिका काना। कहि प्रभु सुजसु देहिं तब जाना।। जिन्ह कर नासा कान निपाता। तिन्ह रावनहि कही सब बाता।। सुनत श्रवन बारिधि बंधाना। दस मुख बोलि उठा अकुलाना।।

Seeing such a spectacle, the two brothers, the merciful Raghurai and Lakshman, went on smiling. Raghubir crossed over with his army; the throng of monkey-chiefs cannot be described. On the far shore the Lord made his camp and gave orders to all the monkeys: 'Go and eat the sweet fruits and roots.' Hearing this, the bears and monkeys ran here and there. All the trees bore fruit for Ram's sake, abandoning the law of season and off-season. They eat the sweet fruits and shake the trees, and hurl mountain-peaks toward Lanka. Wherever they found roaming demons, they surrounded them all and made them dance in mockery. They bit off their noses and ears with their teeth, and, letting them go, made them proclaim the Lord's glory. Those whose noses and ears were cut off told Ravana the whole story. Hearing of the bridging of the ocean, the ten-mouthed Ravana started up in agitation and spoke.

बांध्यो बननिधि नीरनिधि जलधि सिंधु बारीस। सत्य तोयनिधि कंपति उदधि पयोधि नदीस।।5।।

In his agitation Ravana babbled many words for the ocean: 'He has bridged the ocean, the water-store, the sea, the deep, the lord of waters! Truly the ocean has been bridged; the ocean, the sea, the lord of rivers, trembles.'

निज बिकलता बिचारि बहोरी। बिहँसि गयउ ग्रह करि भय भोरी।। मंदोदरीं सुन्यो प्रभु आयो। कौतुकहीं पाथोधि बँधायो।। कर गहि पतिहि भवन निज आनी। बोली परम मनोहर बानी।। चरन नाइ सिरु अंचलु रोपा। सुनहु बचन पिय परिहरि कोपा।। नाथ बयरु कीजे ताही सों। बुधि बल सकिअ जीति जाही सों।। तुम्हहि रघुपतिहि अंतर कैसा। खलु खद्योत दिनकरहि जैसा।। अतिबल मधु कैटभ जेहिं मारे। महाबीर दितिसुत संघारे।। जेहिं बलि बाँधि सहजभुज मारा। सोइ अवतरेउ हरन महि भारा।। तासु बिरोध न कीजिअ नाथा। काल करम जिव जाकें हाथा।।

Reflecting on his own agitation, Ravana laughed, hid his fear, and went to his palace. Mandodari heard that the Lord had come and, as if in mere sport, had had the ocean bridged. Taking her husband's hand, she brought him to her own chamber and spoke in most charming words. Bowing her head at his feet and spreading her aanchal in supplication, she said: 'Hear my words, beloved, and give up anger. O Lord, one should quarrel only with one whom one can defeat by intellect and strength. What comparison is there between you and Raghupati? Truly it is as between a firefly and the sun. He who slew the mighty Madhu and Kaitabh and destroyed the great heroic sons of Diti, he who bound Bali and slew the thousand-armed one, that very One has descended to remove the earth's burden. Do not make enmity with Him, O Lord, in whose hands are Time, Karma and the fate of every living being.'

रामहि सौपि जानकी नाइ कमल पद माथ। सुत कहुँ राज समर्पि बन जाइ भजिअ रघुनाथ।।6।।

'Handing over Janaki to Ram and bowing your head at his lotus-feet, entrust the kingdom to your son, go to the forest, and worship Raghunath.'

नाथ दीनदयाल रघुराई। बाघउ सनमुख गएँ न खाई।। चाहिअ करन सो सब करि बीते। तुम्ह सुर असुर चराचर जीते।। संत कहहिं असि नीति दसानन। चौथेंपन जाइहि नृप कानन।। तासु भजन कीजिअ तहँ भर्ता। जो कर्ता पालक संहर्ता।। सोइ रघुवीर प्रनत अनुरागी। भजहु नाथ ममता सब त्यागी।। मुनिबर जतनु करहिं जेहि लागी। भूप राजु तजि होहिं बिरागी।। सोइ कोसलधीस रघुराया। आयउ करन तोहि पर दाया।। जौं पिय मानहु मोर सिखावन। सुजसु होइ तिहुँ पुर अति पावन।।

'O Lord, Raghurai is compassionate to the humble; even a tiger does not devour one who comes before it in surrender. Whatever needed doing, you have done and finished; you have conquered gods, demons, and all moving and unmoving creation. The saints declare such a rule, O ten-headed one: in the fourth stage of life a king should go to the forest. There, my lord, one should worship Him who is Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer. That very Raghubir, loving to the surrendered, worship Him, O Lord, giving up all attachment. He for whose sake the great sages strive, and kings abandon their kingdoms to become detached, that very lord of Kosala, Raghuraya, has come to show mercy upon you. O beloved, if you accept my counsel, your fair fame will become most holy in the three worlds.'

अस कहि नयन नीर भरि गहि पद कंपित गात। नाथ भजहु रघुनाथहि अचल होइ अहिवात।।7।।

Saying this, her eyes filling with tears and her body trembling, she grasped his feet: 'O Lord, worship Raghunath, so that my wedded fortune may remain unbroken.'

तब रावन मयसुता उठाई। कहै लाग खल निज प्रभुताई।। सुनु तै प्रिया बृथा भय माना। जग जोधा को मोहि समाना।। बरुन कुबेर पवन जम काला। भुज बल जितेउँ सकल दिगपाला।। देव दनुज नर सब बस मोरें। कवन हेतु उपजा भय तोरें।। नाना बिधि तेहि कहेसि बुझाई। सभाँ बहोरि बैठ सो जाई।। मंदोदरीं हदयँ अस जाना। काल बस्य उपजा अभिमाना।। सभाँ आइ मंत्रिन्ह तेंहि बूझा। करब कवन बिधि रिपु सैं जूझा।। कहहिं सचिव सुनु निसिचर नाहा। बार बार प्रभु पूछहु काहा।। कहहु कवन भय करिअ बिचारा। नर कपि भालु अहार हमारा।।

Then Ravana lifted up Maya's daughter (Mandodari), and the wicked one began to boast of his own greatness: 'Listen, dear, you fear in vain; what warrior in the world is equal to me? Varuna, Kuber, the Wind-god, Yama and Death, all the guardians of the quarters I have conquered by the strength of my arms. Gods, demons and men are all under my sway; from what cause has fear arisen in you?' In many ways he reassured her, then went and sat again in the assembly. Mandodari understood in her heart that this pride had arisen because he was in the grip of Death. Coming to the assembly, he asked his ministers: 'By what means shall we fight the enemy?' The ministers said: 'Listen, O lord of the demons; why do you ask again and again, O Lord? Say, what fear is there to ponder? Men, monkeys and bears are our food.'

सब के बचन श्रवन सुनि कह प्रहस्त कर जोरि। निति बिरोध न करिअ प्रभु मत्रिंन्ह मति अति थोरि।।8।।

Hearing everyone's words, Prahasta said with folded hands: 'Righteous policy forbids making enmity, O Lord; the ministers have very little sense.'

कहहिं सचिव सठ ठकुरसोहाती। नाथ न पूर आव एहि भाँती।। बारिधि नाघि एक कपि आवा। तासु चरित मन महुँ सबु गावा।। छुधा न रही तुम्हहि तब काहू। जारत नगरु कस न धरि खाहू।। सुनत नीक आगें दुख पावा। सचिवन अस मत प्रभुहि सुनावा।। जेहिं बारीस बँधायउ हेला। उतरेउ सेन समेत सुबेला।। सो भनु मनुज खाब हम भाई। बचन कहहिं सब गाल फुलाई।। तात बचन मम सुनु अति आदर। जनि मन गुनहु मोहि करि कादर।। प्रिय बानी जे सुनहिं जे कहहीं। ऐसे नर निकाय जग अहहीं।। बचन परम हित सुनत कठोरे। सुनहिं जे कहहिं ते नर प्रभु थोरे।। प्रथम बसीठ पठउ सुनु नीती। सीता देइ करहु पुनि प्रीती।।

'The foolish ministers speak only flattery to please their master; O Lord, the matter will not be settled this way. A single monkey crossed the ocean and came; everyone recounted his exploits within their hearts. Did none of you feel hunger then? When he was burning the city, why did you not seize and eat him? Such counsel sounds pleasant to hear but brings sorrow ahead; yet the ministers gave the Lord such advice. He who bridged the ocean as if in sport and encamped with his army on Mount Suvela, that sun-like man shall we eat, O brother? They all speak boasting with puffed-up cheeks. Dear one, hear my words with great respect, and do not think me a coward. Those who speak and hear only pleasant words are found in multitudes in the world; but those who speak and hear words that are beneficial though harsh to hear, such men, O Lord, are few. First send an envoy, listen to this policy, give back Sita, and then make friendship.'

नारि पाइ फिरि जाहिं जौं तौ न बढ़ाइअ रारि। नाहिं त सन्मुख समर महि तात करिअ हठि मारि।।9।।

'If, on getting back his wife, they turn homeward, then do not prolong the quarrel; but if not, then, O father, resolutely give battle face-to-face on the field.'

यह मत जौं मानहु प्रभु मोरा। उभय प्रकार सुजसु जग तोरा।। सुत सन कह दसकंठ रिसाई। असि मति सठ केहिं तोहि सिखाई।। अबहीं ते उर संसय होई। बेनुमूल सुत भयहु घमोई।। सुनि पितु गिरा परुष अति घोरा। चला भवन कहि बचन कठोरा।। हित मत तोहि न लागत कैसें। काल बिबस कहुँ भेषज जैसें।। संध्या समय जानि दससीसा। भवन चलेउ निरखत भुज बीसा।। लंका सिखर उपर आगारा। अति बिचित्र तहँ होइ अखारा।। बैठ जाइ तेही मंदिर रावन। लागे किंनर गुन गन गावन।। बाजहिं ताल पखाउज बीना। नृत्य करहिं अपछरा प्रबीना।।

'If you accept this counsel of mine, O Lord, your fair fame in the world will be secured either way.' Enraged, the ten-necked Ravana said to him: 'Who taught you, fool, such wisdom? From now on there is doubt in my heart; you have become like a weed at the bamboo's root that destroys its own kind.' Hearing his father's exceedingly harsh and terrible words, Prahasta went home speaking harsh words in return. Good counsel does not appeal to Ravana, just as medicine does not help one who is in the grip of death. Knowing it was evening, the ten-headed one went to his palace, gazing proudly at his twenty arms. On the peak of Lanka stood a most wondrous mansion where a dance and revelry was held. Ravana went and sat in that mansion, and the Kinnaras began to sing his praises. Cymbals, drums and veena played, and skilled Apsaras danced.

सुनासीर सत सरिस सो संतत करइ बिलास। परम प्रबल रिपु सीस पर तद्यपि सोच न त्रास।।10।।

Like a hundred Indras, he indulges in ceaseless pleasures; and though the most powerful enemy stands over his head, he feels neither worry nor fear.

इहाँ सुबेल सैल रघुबीरा। उतरे सेन सहित अति भीरा।। सिखर एक उतंग अति देखी। परम रम्य सम सुभ्र बिसेषी।। तहँ तरु किसलय सुमन सुहाए। लछिमन रचि निज हाथ डसाए।। ता पर रूचिर मृदुल मृगछाला। तेहीं आसान आसीन कृपाला।। प्रभु कृत सीस कपीस उछंगा। बाम दहिन दिसि चाप निषंगा।। दुहुँ कर कमल सुधारत बाना। कह लंकेस मंत्र लगि काना।। बड़भागी अंगद हनुमाना। चरन कमल चापत बिधि नाना।। प्रभु पाछें लछिमन बीरासन। कटि निषंग कर बान सरासन।।

Here, on Mount Suvela, Raghubir descended with his army, a very great throng. He saw one lofty peak, most lovely, level and especially white. There Lakshman, with his own hands, arranged and spread beautiful tender leaves and flowers; upon that lay a lovely soft deerskin, and on that seat the merciful Lord took his place. The Lord rested his head on the monkey-king Sugriva's lap, with his bow and quiver to his left and right. With his two lotus-hands he was adjusting his arrows, while Vibhishan spoke counsel into his ear. Blessed were Angad and Hanuman, who pressed his lotus-feet in various ways. Behind the Lord sat Lakshman in the hero's posture, with quiver at his waist and bow and arrow in hand.

एहि बिधि कृपा रूप गुन धाम रामु आसीन। धन्य ते नर एहिं ध्यान जे रहत सदा लयलीन।।11(क)।। पूरब दिसा बिलोकि प्रभु देखा उदित मंयक। कहत सबहि देखहु ससिहि मृगपति सरिस असंक।।11(ख)।।

In this manner Ram, the abode of grace, form and virtue, sat there; blessed are those men who remain ever absorbed in this meditation. Looking toward the east, the Lord saw the risen moon and said to all: 'Behold the moon, fearless like the lord of beasts, the lion.'

पूरब दिसि गिरिगुहा निवासी। परम प्रताप तेज बल रासी।। मत्त नाग तम कुंभ बिदारी। ससि केसरी गगन बन चारी।। बिथुरे नभ मुकुताहल तारा। निसि सुंदरी केर सिंगारा।। कह प्रभु ससि महुँ मेचकताई। कहहु काह निज निज मति भाई।। कह सुग़ीव सुनहु रघुराई। ससि महुँ प्रगट भूमि कै झाँई।। मारेउ राहु ससिहि कह कोई। उर महँ परी स्यामता सोई।। कोउ कह जब बिधि रति मुख कीन्हा। सार भाग ससि कर हरि लीन्हा।। छिद्र सो प्रगट इंदु उर माहीं। तेहि मग देखिअ नभ परिछाहीं।। प्रभु कह गरल बंधु ससि केरा। अति प्रिय निज उर दीन्ह बसेरा।। बिष संजुत कर निकर पसारी। जारत बिरहवंत नर नारी।।

'Dwelling in the mountain-cave of the eastern quarter, a mass of supreme majesty, splendor and strength, the moon-lion, having torn open the temple-globe of the mad elephant of darkness, roams the forest of the sky. The stars scattered across the sky are like pearls, the adornment of the night-beauty.' The Lord said: 'What is the dark spot within the moon? Tell me, brothers, each your own view.' Sugriva said: 'Listen, O Raghurai; in the moon appears the reflection of the earth.' Someone said: 'Rahu struck the moon, and that darkness fell upon its face.' Another said: 'When Brahma fashioned Rati's face, he took the choicest essence from the moon; the hollow left became visible in the moon's heart, and through that gap the sky's shadow is seen.' The Lord said: 'The moon is the brother of poison; it gave that dearest poison a home in its own heart. Spreading out its rays laden with poison, it burns men and women who are parted from their loved ones.'

कह हनुमंत सुनहु प्रभु ससि तुम्हारा प्रिय दास। तव मूरति बिधु उर बसति सोइ स्यामता अभास।।12(क)।। पवन तनय के बचन सुनि बिहँसे रामु सुजान। दच्छिन दिसि अवलोकि प्रभु बोले कृपा निधान।।12(ख)।।

Hanuman said: 'Listen, O Lord; the moon is your dear servant. Your image dwells within the moon's heart, and it is that which appears as the dark spot.' Hearing the words of the Wind's son, the wise Ram smiled. Looking toward the south, the Lord, the abode of mercy, spoke.

देखु बिभीषन दच्छिन आसा। घन घंमड दामिनि बिलासा।। मधुर मधुर गरजइ घन घोरा। होइ बृष्टि जनि उपल कठोरा।। कहत बिभीषन सुनहु कृपाला। होइ न तड़ित न बारिद माला।। लंका सिखर उपर आगारा। तहँ दसकंघर देख अखारा।। छत्र मेघडंबर सिर धारी। सोइ जनु जलद घटा अति कारी।। मंदोदरी श्रवन ताटंका। सोइ प्रभु जनु दामिनी दमंका।। बाजहिं ताल मृदंग अनूपा। सोइ रव मधुर सुनहु सुरभूपा।। प्रभु मुसुकान समुझि अभिमाना। चाप चढ़ाइ बान संधाना।।

'Look, Vibhishan, at the southern quarter, the massing of clouds and the play of lightning. Softly, sweetly the dense clouds thunder; may it not rain harsh hailstones.' Vibhishan said: 'Listen, O merciful one; it is neither lightning nor a garland of clouds. On the peak of Lanka stands a mansion where the ten-necked Ravana watches the revelry. Bearing the dark Meghadambar canopy on his head, he seems like a very dark mass of cloud. Mandodari's ear-ornaments, O Lord, seem like flashing lightning. Matchless cymbals and mridangas play, and that, O king of gods, is the sweet sound you hear.' The Lord smiled, understanding Ravana's pride, and strung his bow and fitted an arrow.

छत्र मुकुट ताटंक तब हते एकहीं बान। सबकें देखत महि परे मरमु न कोऊ जान।।13(क)।। अस कौतुक करि राम सर प्रबिसेउ आइ निषंग। रावन सभा ससंक सब देखि महा रसभंग।।13(ख)।।

Then with a single arrow he struck down the canopy, the crown and the ear-ornaments; all fell to the ground before everyone's eyes, yet no one understood the secret. Having wrought such a wonder, Ram's arrow returned and entered his quiver. The whole assembly of Ravana was terrified, seeing their revelry so utterly broken.

कंप न भूमि न मरुत बिसेषा। अस्त्र सस्त्र कछु नयन न देखा।। सोचहिं सब निज हृदय मझारी। असगुन भयउ भयंकर भारी।। दसमुख देखि सभा भय पाई। बिहसि बचन कह जुगुति बनाई।। सिरउ गिरे संतत सुभ जाही। मुकुट परे कस असगुन ताही।। सयन करहु निज निज गृह जाई। गवने भवन सकल सिर नाई।। मंदोदरी सोच उर बसेऊ। जब ते श्रवनपूर महि खसेऊ।। सजल नयन कह जुग कर जोरी। सुनहु प्रानपति बिनती मोरी।। कंत राम बिरोध परिहरहू। जानि मनुज जनि हठ मन धरहू।।

The earth did not quake, nor was there any special wind; their eyes saw no weapon or missile. All pondered in their hearts: 'A terribly fearful ill-omen has befallen us.' Seeing the assembly frightened, Ravana laughed and, contriving a clever argument, said: 'He whose heads keep falling continually is destined for good fortune; so what ill-omen is it that mere crowns have fallen for me? Go to your homes and sleep.' All bowed their heads and went to their houses. From the moment the ear-ornament fell to the ground, anxiety dwelt in Mandodari's heart. With tearful eyes and folded hands she said: 'Hear my prayer, O lord of my life. O husband, give up hostility with Ram; do not, thinking him a mere man, cling to obstinacy in your mind.'

बिस्वरुप रघुबंस मनि करहु बचन बिस्वासु। लोक कल्पना बेद कर अंग अंग प्रति जासु।।14।।

'He is the universal form, the jewel of the Raghu dynasty; trust his words. The Vedas conceive the whole universe as present in his every single limb.'

पद पाताल सीस अज धामा। अपर लोक अँग अँग बिश्रामा।। भृकुटि बिलास भयंकर काला। नयन दिवाकर कच घन माला।। जासु घ्रान अस्विनीकुमारा। निसि अरु दिवस निमेष अपारा।। श्रवन दिसा दस बेद बखानी। मारुत स्वास निगम निज बानी।। अधर लोभ जम दसन कराला। माया हास बाहु दिगपाला।। आनन अनल अंबुपति जीहा। उतपति पालन प्रलय समीहा।। रोम राजि अष्टादस भारा। अस्थि सैल सरिता नस जारा।। उदर उदधि अधगो जातना। जगमय प्रभु का बहु कलपना।।

'The nether worlds are his feet, the abode of Brahma is his head, and the other worlds rest in his various limbs. The play of his eyebrows is terrible Time; his eyes are the sun, his hair the mass of clouds. His nostrils are the Ashwini-kumaras; night and day are his endless blinking. The ten directions are his ears, so the Vedas declare; the wind is his breath, the Vedas his own speech. Greed is his lower lip, Yama his terrible teeth; Maya is his smile, and the guardians of the quarters are his arms. Fire is his face, Varuna his tongue; creation, preservation and dissolution are his activity. The mass of his body-hair is the whole of vegetation; the mountains are his bones and the rivers his web of veins. The oceans are his belly, the nether hells his lower parts; the Lord is the very universe, so what more can be imagined of him?'

अहंकार सिव बुद्धि अज मन ससि चित्त महान। मनुज बास सचराचर रुप राम भगवान।।15(क)।। अस बिचारि सुनु प्रानपति प्रभु सन बयरु बिहाइ। प्रीति करहु रघुबीर पद मम अहिवात न जाइ।।15(ख)।।

'Egotism is Shiva, intellect is Brahma, the mind is the moon, and higher consciousness is the great principle; dwelling as a man among all moving and unmoving creation is the Lord Ram himself. Considering this, O lord of my life, listen: give up hostility with the Lord and cherish love for Raghubir's feet, so that my wedded fortune may not be lost.'

बिहँसा नारि बचन सुनि काना। अहो मोह महिमा बलवाना।। नारि सुभाउ सत्य सब कहहीं। अवगुन आठ सदा उर रहहीं।। साहस अनृत चपलता माया। भय अबिबेक असौच अदाया।। रिपु कर रुप सकल तैं गावा। अति बिसाल भय मोहि सुनावा।। सो सब प्रिया सहज बस मोरें। समुझि परा प्रसाद अब तोरें।। जानिउँ प्रिया तोरि चतुराई। एहि बिधि कहहु मोरि प्रभुताई।। तव बतकही गूढ़ मृगलोचनि। समुझत सुखद सुनत भय मोचनि।। मंदोदरि मन महुँ अस ठयऊ। पियहि काल बस मतिभ्रम भयऊ।।

Hearing his wife's words, Ravana laughed: 'Oh, how mighty is the power of delusion! People rightly describe the nature of women: eight faults ever dwell in their hearts, rashness, falsehood, fickleness, deceit, fear, indiscretion, impurity and mercilessness. You have painted the enemy's form as vast and told me of an immense terror; but all that, dear, is naturally under my control, as I now understand by your favor. I know your cleverness, my dear; in this way you are really extolling my own greatness. Your talk, O doe-eyed one, is profound, delightful to grasp and freeing from fear to hear.' Mandodari resolved in her mind that her husband's intellect was deluded, being in the grip of Death.

एहि बिधि करत बिनोद बहु प्रात प्रगट दसकंध। सहज असंक लंकपति सभाँ गयउ मद अंध।।16(क)।। फूलह फरइ न बेत जदपि सुधा बरषहिं जलद। मूरुख हृदयँ न चेत जौं गुर मिलहिं बिरंचि सम।।16(ख)।।

Making much such merriment, at dawn the ten-headed Ravana appeared; naturally fearless and blind with pride, the lord of Lanka went to the assembly. Though clouds rain nectar, the reed neither flowers nor bears fruit; likewise the fool's heart gains no wisdom even if he meets a guru equal to Brahma himself.

इहाँ प्रात जागे रघुराई। पूछा मत सब सचिव बोलाई।। कहहु बेगि का करिअ उपाई। जामवंत कह पद सिरु नाई।। सुनु सर्बग्य सकल उर बासी। बुधि बल तेज धर्म गुन रासी।। मंत्र कहउँ निज मति अनुसारा। दूत पठाइअ बालिकुमारा।। नीक मंत्र सब के मन माना। अंगद सन कह कृपानिधाना।। बालितनय बुधि बल गुन धामा। लंका जाहु तात मम कामा।। बहुत बुझाइ तुम्हहि का कहऊँ। परम चतुर मैं जानत अहऊँ।। काजु हमार तासु हित होई। रिपु सन करेहु बतकही सोई।।

Here, at dawn, Raghurai awoke and, summoning all his ministers, asked their counsel: 'Tell me quickly, what plan should we make?' Jamvant, bowing his head at his feet, said: 'Listen, O all-knowing dweller in every heart, treasure of wisdom, strength, splendor, dharma and virtue. I offer counsel according to my own understanding: send Bali's son Angad as an envoy.' The good counsel pleased everyone's minds, and the merciful Lord said to Angad: 'O son of Bali, abode of wisdom, strength and virtue, go to Lanka, dear, for my purpose. What need have I to explain much to you? I know you are exceedingly clever. Speak with the enemy such words as serve our purpose and are also for his good.'

प्रभु अग्या धरि सीस चरन बंदि अंगद उठेउ। सोइ गुन सागर ईस राम कृपा जा पर करहु।।17(क)।। स्वयं सिद्ध सब काज नाथ मोहि आदरु दियउ। अस बिचारि जुबराज तन पुलकित हरषित हियउ।।17(ख)।।

Placing the Lord's command on his head and bowing at his feet, Angad rose; he alone becomes an ocean of virtues and a master upon whom Ram bestows his grace. 'All my tasks are already accomplished, for the Lord has honored me.' Reflecting thus, the young prince's body thrilled with joy and his heart was gladdened.

बंदि चरन उर धरि प्रभुताई। अंगद चलेउ सबहि सिरु नाई।। प्रभु प्रताप उर सहज असंका। रन बाँकुरा बालिसुत बंका।। पुर पैठत रावन कर बेटा। खेलत रहा सो होइ गै भैंटा।। बातहिं बात करष बढ़ि आई। जुगल अतुल बल पुनि तरुनाई।। तेहि अंगद कहुँ लात उठाई। गहि पद पटकेउ भूमि भवाँई।। निसिचर निकर देखि भट भारी। जहँ तहँ चले न सकहिं पुकारी।। एक एक सन मरमु न कहहीं। समुझि तासु बध चुप करि रहहीं।। भयउ कोलाहल नगर मझारी। आवा कपि लंका जेहीं जारी।। अब धौं कहा करिहि करतारा। अति सभीत सब करहिं बिचारा।। बिनु पूछें मगु देहिं दिखाई। जेहि बिलोक सोइ जाइ सुखाई।।

Bowing at his feet, holding the Lord's greatness in his heart, Angad set off, bowing his head to all. With the Lord's might in his heart, naturally fearless, the valiant son of Bali, a hero in battle, entered the city. There Ravana's son was playing, and they came face to face. From words to words the friction grew, for both were of matchless strength and in the vigor of youth. When that one raised his foot to kick at Angad, Angad seized his foot and, whirling him, dashed him to the ground. Seeing the mighty warrior, the throng of demons fled here and there, unable even to cry out. They did not tell one another the secret; understanding his death, they kept silent. An uproar arose in the city: 'The kind of monkey who once burned Lanka has come again.' 'Now what will the Creator do to us?' all pondered, greatly frightened. Without being asked, they show him the way; whoever looks at him shrivels with fear.

गयउ सभा दरबार तब सुमिरि राम पद कंज। सिंह ठवनि इत उत चितव धीर बीर बल पुंज।।18।।

Then, remembering Ram's lotus-feet, Angad went to the assembly-court; with a lion's gait he glanced here and there, a mass of steadfastness, valor and strength.

तुरत निसाचर एक पठावा। समाचार रावनहि जनावा।। सुनत बिहँसि बोला दससीसा। आनहु बोलि कहाँ कर कीसा।। आयसु पाइ दूत बहु धाए। कपिकुंजरहि बोलि लै आए।। अंगद दीख दसानन बैंसें। सहित प्रान कज्जलगिरि जैसें।। भुजा बिटप सिर सृंग समाना। रोमावली लता जनु नाना।। मुख नासिका नयन अरु काना। गिरि कंदरा खोह अनुमाना।। गयउ सभाँ मन नेकु न मुरा। बालितनय अतिबल बाँकुरा।। उठे सभासद कपि कहुँ देखी। रावन उर भा क्रौध बिसेषी।।

At once Ravana sent a demon who informed him of the news. Hearing it, the ten-headed one laughed and said: 'Call and bring him in; where is the monkey?' Getting the command, many messengers ran and brought the elephant-among-monkeys, Angad. Angad saw the ten-faced Ravana seated, like a living mountain of collyrium, his arms like trees, his heads like mountain-peaks, his rows of body-hair like many creepers, his mouth, nostrils, eyes and ears comparable to mountain caves and caverns. The mighty, valiant son of Bali entered the assembly, his mind not shrinking in the least. The members of the assembly rose on seeing the monkey, and great wrath arose in Ravana's heart.

जथा मत्त गज जूथ महुँ पंचानन चलि जाइ। राम प्रताप सुमिरि मन बैठ सभाँ सिरु नाइ।।19।।

As a lion strides amid a herd of mad elephants, so Angad, remembering Ram's might in his mind, sat down in the assembly, bowing his head.

कह दसकंठ कवन तैं बंदर। मैं रघुबीर दूत दसकंधर।। मम जनकहि तोहि रही मिताई। तव हित कारन आयउँ भाई।। उत्तम कुल पुलस्ति कर नाती। सिव बिरंचि पूजेहु बहु भाँती।। बर पायहु कीन्हेहु सब काजा। जीतेहु लोकपाल सब राजा।। नृप अभिमान मोह बस किंबा। हरि आनिहु सीता जगदंबा।। अब सुभ कहा सुनहु तुम्ह मोरा। सब अपराध छमिहि प्रभु तोरा।। दसन गहहु तृन कंठ कुठारी। परिजन सहित संग निज नारी।। सादर जनकसुता करि आगें। एहि बिधि चलहु सकल भय त्यागें।।

Ravana asked, "Who are you, monkey?" Angad replied, "I am the messenger of Shri Ram, O Ravana. There was friendship between you and my father, so for your good I have come, brother. You are of the noble line of Pulastya, his grandson; you worshipped Shiva and Brahma in many ways, won boons and accomplished all your aims, and conquered the guardians of the world and all kings. Yet, whether through a king's pride or through delusion, you carried off Sita, the Mother of the world. Now hear my auspicious counsel: the Lord will forgive all your offences. Take a blade of grass in your teeth and an axe at your throat, and with your kinsfolk and your own women, and respectfully placing Sita in front, go to Him in this way, casting off all fear."

प्रनतपाल रघुबंसमनि त्राहि त्राहि अब मोहि। आरत गिरा सुनत प्रभु अभय करैगो तोहि।।20।।

"Say: 'O protector of the humble, jewel of the Raghu dynasty, save me, save me now!' Hearing such distressed, humble words, the Lord will make you fearless."

रे कपिपोत बोलु संभारी। मूढ़ न जानेहि मोहि सुरारी।। कहु निज नाम जनक कर भाई। केहि नातें मानिऐ मिताई।। अंगद नाम बालि कर बेटा। तासों कबहुँ भई ही भेटा।। अंगद बचन सुनत सकुचाना। रहा बालि बानर मैं जाना।। अंगद तहीं बालि कर बालक। उपजेहु बंस अनल कुल घालक।। गर्भ न गयहु ब्यर्थ तुम्ह जायहु। निज मुख तापस दूत कहायहु।। अब कहु कुसल बालि कहँ अहई। बिहँसि बचन तब अंगद कहई।। दिन दस गएँ बालि पहिं जाई। बूझेहु कुसल सखा उर लाई।। राम बिरोध कुसल जसि होई। सो सब तोहि सुनाइहि सोई।। सुनु सठ भेद होइ मन ताकें। श्रीरघुबीर हृदय नहिं जाकें।।

Ravana said, "Young monkey, speak with care! Fool, do you not know me, the enemy of the gods? Tell me your name and your father's name, brother — on what basis should I accept this friendship you speak of?" Angad replied, "My name is Angad, son of Bali; did you ever have a meeting with him?" Ravana grew uneasy hearing this and said, "There was a monkey called Bali; I knew him." (Then he sneered:) "So you are Angad, Bali's boy — born to be a fire that destroys its own house. You did not perish in the womb; you were born in vain, and with your own mouth you call yourself an ascetic's messenger. Now tell me, where is Bali these days?" Smiling, Angad answered, "In ten days go to Bali, embrace your friend and ask his welfare. Whatever good comes of enmity with Ram, he will tell you all of it. Listen, fool — such divisive thoughts arise only in the mind of one who does not hold Shri Ram in his heart."

हम कुल घालक सत्य तुम्ह कुल पालक दससीस। अंधउ बधिर न अस कहहिं नयन कान तव बीस।।21।

"Yes, my clan is truly a destroyer of families, and you, O ten-headed one, are the protector of families! Even a blind and deaf man would not say such a thing — and you have twenty eyes and twenty ears (yet speak so foolishly)."

सिव बिरंचि सुर मुनि समुदाई। चाहत जासु चरन सेवकाई।। तासु दूत होइ हम कुल बोरा। अइसिहुँ मति उर बिहर न तोरा।। सुनि कठोर बानी कपि केरी। कहत दसानन नयन तरेरी।। खल तव कठिन बचन सब सहऊँ। नीति धर्म मैं जानत अहऊँ।। कह कपि धर्मसीलता तोरी। हमहुँ सुनी कृत पर त्रिय चोरी।। देखी नयन दूत रखवारी। बूड़ि न मरहु धर्म ब्रतधारी।। कान नाक बिनु भगिनि निहारी। छमा कीन्हि तुम्ह धर्म बिचारी।। धर्मसीलता तव जग जागी। पावा दरसु हमहुँ बड़भागी।।

"Shiva, Brahma, and the whole host of gods and sages long to serve whose feet — being the messenger of that very Lord, we are said to have disgraced our clan? Does not even such an absurd thought split your heart?" Hearing the monkey's harsh words, Ravana rolled his eyes and said, "Wretch, I bear all your bitter speech, for I know statecraft and dharma." Angad said, "Your righteousness we too have heard about — you stole another man's wife! As your guard I saw it with my own eyes; did you not drown in shame, O keeper of holy vows? Seeing your sister with her nose and ears cut off, you showed such 'forbearance' out of regard for dharma! Your righteousness is famed throughout the world; we too are fortunate to have gained your sight."

जनि जल्पसि जड़ जंतु कपि सठ बिलोकु मम बाहु। लोकपाल बल बिपुल ससि ग्रसन हेतु सब राहु।।22(क)।। पुनि नभ सर मम कर निकर कमलन्हि पर करि बास। सोभत भयउ मराल इव संभु सहित कैलास।।22(ख)।।

Ravana said, "Do not prattle, dull creature; foolish monkey, behold my arms! To swallow the vast might of the world-guardians, they are all like the demon Rahu (that seizes) the moon. And when my host of arms rested upon the lotuses in the lake of the sky, they shone like swans — that is, when I lifted Mount Kailash with Shiva upon it."

तुम्हरे कटक माझ सुनु अंगद। मो सन भिरिहि कवन जोधा बद।। तव प्रभु नारि बिरहँ बलहीना। अनुज तासु दुख दुखी मलीना।। तुम्ह सुग्रीव कूलद्रुम दोऊ। अनुज हमार भीरु अति सोऊ।। जामवंत मंत्री अति बूढ़ा। सो कि होइ अब समरारूढ़ा।। सिल्पि कर्म जानहिं नल नीला। है कपि एक महा बलसीला।। आवा प्रथम नगरु जेंहिं जारा। सुनत बचन कह बालिकुमारा।। सत्य बचन कहु निसिचर नाहा। साँचेहुँ कीस कीन्ह पुर दाहा।। रावन नगर अल्प कपि दहई। सुनि अस बचन सत्य को कहई।। जो अति सुभट सराहेहु रावन। सो सुग्रीव केर लघु धावन।। चलइ बहुत सो बीर न होई। पठवा खबरि लेन हम सोई।।

Ravana said, "Listen, Angad — tell me, which warrior in your army will fight with me? Your lord Ram is weakened by separation from his wife; his younger brother Lakshman is dejected, sunk in that same grief. You and Sugriva are both like riverbank trees (easily uprooted), and my own younger brother (Vibhishana) too is a great coward. Jambavan the minister is very old — how can he now go into battle? Nala and Nila know only a craftsman's work. There is one monkey of great strength who came first and burned the city." Hearing this, Angad said, "Tell me truly, O demon-king — did the monkey really burn the city? That a mere little monkey burned mighty Ravana's city — who, hearing such a thing, would call it true? The one you praise as so great a warrior is only Sugriva's minor errand-runner; he wanders about a great deal, but is no real hero — we sent him merely to fetch news."

सत्य नगरु कपि जारेउ बिनु प्रभु आयसु पाइ। फिरि न गयउ सुग्रीव पहिं तेहिं भय रहा लुकाइ।।23(क)।। सत्य कहहि दसकंठ सब मोहि न सुनि कछु कोह। कोउ न हमारें कटक अस तो सन लरत जो सोह।।23(ख)।। प्रीति बिरोध समान सन करिअ नीति असि आहि। जौं मृगपति बध मेड़ुकन्हि भल कि कहइ कोउ ताहि।।23(ग)।। जद्यपि लघुता राम कहुँ तोहि बधें बड़ दोष। तदपि कठिन दसकंठ सुनु छत्र जाति कर रोष।।23(घ)।। बक्र उक्ति धनु बचन सर हृदय दहेउ रिपु कीस। प्रतिउत्तर सड़सिन्ह मनहुँ काढ़त भट दससीस।।23(ङ)।। हँसि बोलेउ दसमौलि तब कपि कर बड़ गुन एक। जो प्रतिपालइ तासु हित करइ उपाय अनेक।।23(छ)।।

Ravana said, "Truly the monkey burned the city without his lord's leave; so he did not go back to Sugriva, but hid himself out of fear." Angad replied, "You speak all truly, Ravana; hearing it I feel no anger. Indeed, there is no one in our army so worthless that fighting against you would befit him. Friendship or enmity should be made only with an equal — such is the rule of policy; if a lion were to kill frogs, would anyone praise that? Though it is beneath Ram, and slaying you would even be a blot on Him, yet, mark this, Ravana — the wrath of the Kshatriya race is unrelenting." With the bow of crooked, cutting speech and the arrows of his words, the enemy monkey scorched Ravana's heart; his retorts were like tongs that seemed to pluck the mighty Ravana apart bit by bit. Then, laughing, the ten-crowned one said, "The monkey has one great virtue: whoever maintains him, he serves that master's interest by many devices."

धन्य कीस जो निज प्रभु काजा। जहँ तहँ नाचइ परिहरि लाजा।। नाचि कूदि करि लोग रिझाई। पति हित करइ धर्म निपुनाई।। अंगद स्वामिभक्त तव जाती। प्रभु गुन कस न कहसि एहि भाँती।। मैं गुन गाहक परम सुजाना। तव कटु रटनि करउँ नहिं काना।। कह कपि तव गुन गाहकताई। सत्य पवनसुत मोहि सुनाई।। बन बिधंसि सुत बधि पुर जारा। तदपि न तेहिं कछु कृत अपकारा।। सोइ बिचारि तव प्रकृति सुहाई। दसकंधर मैं कीन्हि ढिठाई।। देखेउँ आइ जो कछु कपि भाषा। तुम्हरें लाज न रोष न माखा।। जौं असि मति पितु खाए कीसा। कहि अस बचन हँसा दससीसा।। पितहि खाइ खातेउँ पुनि तोही। अबहीं समुझि परा कछु मोही।। बालि बिमल जस भाजन जानी। हतउँ न तोहि अधम अभिमानी।। कहु रावन रावन जग केते। मैं निज श्रवन सुने सुनु जेते।। बलिहि जितन एक गयउ पताला। राखेउ बाँधि सिसुन्ह हयसाला।। खेलहिं बालक मारहिं जाई। दया लागि बलि दीन्ह छोड़ाई।। एक बहोरि सहसभुज देखा। धाइ धरा जिमि जंतु बिसेषा।। कौतुक लागि भवन लै आवा। सो पुलस्ति मुनि जाइ छोड़ावा।।

(Ravana sneered on:) "Blessed is the monkey who, for his master's work, casts off shame and dances here and there; dancing and leaping he pleases people and serves his master — skilled in that dharma. Angad, your race is master-devoted; why should you not praise your lord's virtues in this way? I am a very wise connoisseur of merit; I pay no heed to your bitter chatter." Angad said, "Your connoisseurship of merit — truly the son of the Wind (Hanuman) told me of it! He wrecked your grove, killed your son and burned your city, yet you did him no harm at all! Considering that gracious nature of yours, O Ravana, I made bold to come; having come, I have seen — whatever this monkey says, you feel no shame, no anger, no offence." Ravana said, "If such is your wit, monkey, no wonder you got your own father killed," and laughing he added, "Having eaten your father, I would then eat you too — but now something has occurred to me. Knowing you to be a vessel of Bali's pure fame, I do not slay you, base proud one. Tell me — how many Ravanas are there in the world? Hear as many as I have heard with my own ears: one went to the netherworld to conquer King Bali and was tied up in the horse-stable, where the children beat him at play until Bali took pity and set him free; another was seen by the thousand-armed one (Sahasrabahu), who ran and seized him like some strange creature and carried him home for sport, until sage Pulastya went and got him released."

एक कहत मोहि सकुच अति रहा बालि की काँख। इन्ह महुँ रावन तैं कवन सत्य बदहि तजि माख।।24।।

"One more (Ravana) I feel very ashamed even to mention — he remained tucked under Bali's armpit. Among all these, Ravana, which one are you? Tell me truly, casting off your anger."

सुनु सठ सोइ रावन बलसीला। हरगिरि जान जासु भुज लीला।। जान उमापति जासु सुराई। पूजेउँ जेहि सिर सुमन चढ़ाई।। सिर सरोज निज करन्हि उतारी। पूजेउँ अमित बार त्रिपुरारी।। भुज बिक्रम जानहिं दिगपाला। सठ अजहूँ जिन्ह कें उर साला।। जानहिं दिग्गज उर कठिनाई। जब जब भिरउँ जाइ बरिआई।। जिन्ह के दसन कराल न फूटे। उर लागत मूलक इव टूटे।। जासु चलत डोलति इमि धरनी। चढ़त मत्त गज जिमि लघु तरनी।। सोइ रावन जग बिदित प्रतापी। सुनेहि न श्रवन अलीक प्रलापी।।

Ravana said, "Listen, fool — that mighty Ravana am I, whose arm's play Kailash, the mountain of Shiva, knows. My valour is known to Shiva himself, whom I worshipped by offering flowers on my heads. Cutting off my own lotus-heads with my own hands, I worshipped the Destroyer of Tripura (Shiva) countless times. My arms' might is known to the guardians of the directions, in whose hearts it still stings like a thorn, fool. The elephants that hold up the quarters know the hardness of my chest, whenever I went and grappled with them by force — their fierce tusks did not so much as dent it, but snapped like radishes on striking my chest. At whose stride the earth sways as a little boat rocks when a rutting elephant climbs aboard. That very Ravana, famed and mighty in the world, am I — have your ears never heard of him, O false babbler?"

तेहि रावन कहँ लघु कहसि नर कर करसि बखान। रे कपि बर्बर खर्ब खल अब जाना तव ग्यान।।25।।

"That very Ravana you call small, while you extol a mere man (Ram)! Barbarous, dwarfish, wicked monkey — now I have taken the full measure of your wisdom!"

सुनि अंगद सकोप कह बानी। बोलु सँभारि अधम अभिमानी।। सहसबाहु भुज गहन अपारा। दहन अनल सम जासु कुठारा।। जासु परसु सागर खर धारा। बूड़े नृप अगनित बहु बारा।। तासु गर्ब जेहि देखत भागा। सो नर क्यों दससीस अभागा।। राम मनुज कस रे सठ बंगा। धन्वी कामु नदी पुनि गंगा।। पसु सुरधेनु कल्पतरु रूखा। अन्न दान अरु रस पीयूषा।। बैनतेय खग अहि सहसानन। चिंतामनि पुनि उपल दसानन।। सुनु मतिमंद लोक बैकुंठा। लाभ कि रघुपति भगति अकुंठा।।

Hearing this, Angad angrily said, "Speak with care, base proud one! The thousand-armed Sahasrabahu, with his forest of countless arms, whose axe was like the all-consuming fire — whose axe was an ocean with sharp waves in which countless kings drowned again and again — that very warrior's pride fled at the mere sight of Ram; how then can He be a man, wretched Ravana? How do you call Ram a mere man, you crooked fool? He is the archer-Kamadeva among archers and the Ganga among rivers; the wish-cow among beasts and the wish-tree among trees; the gift of food among charities and nectar among all sweet things; Garuda among birds and the thousand-hooded Shesha among serpents; the wish-jewel Chintamani among stones, O Ravana. Understand, dull-wit: among all realms, is there a gain to equal Vaikuntha, or any attainment to equal unfailing devotion to Ram?"

सेन सहित तब मान मथि बन उजारि पुर जारि।। कस रे सठ हनुमान कपि गयउ जो तव सुत मारि।।26।।

"Then, along with your army, crushing your pride, laying waste your grove and burning your city — how, O fool Ravana, did the monkey Hanuman get away, after slaying your very son?"

सुनु रावन परिहरि चतुराई। भजसि न कृपासिंधु रघुराई।। जौ खल भएसि राम कर द्रोही। ब्रह्म रुद्र सक राखि न तोही।। मूढ़ बृथा जनि मारसि गाला। राम बयर अस होइहि हाला।। तव सिर निकर कपिन्ह के आगें। परिहहिं धरनि राम सर लागें।। ते तव सिर कंदुक सम नाना। खेलहहिं भालु कीस चौगाना।। जबहिं समर कोपहि रघुनायक। छुटिहहिं अति कराल बहु सायक।। तब कि चलिहि अस गाल तुम्हारा। अस बिचारि भजु राम उदारा।। सुनत बचन रावन परजरा। जरत महानल जनु घृत परा।।

Angad said, "Listen, Ravana, give up your cunning — why do you not worship Ram, the ocean of mercy? If, wretch, you turn Ram's foe, neither Brahma nor Shiva can save you. Fool, do not brag in vain; enmity with Ram will bring this end: your heads will fall to the ground before the monkeys, struck by Ram's arrows, and the bears and monkeys will knock those many heads about like balls in a game of polo. When Raghunath grows wrathful in battle and looses his fierce arrows, will your bragging last then? Considering this, worship the generous Ram." Hearing these words Ravana blazed up, as if clarified butter had been poured on a great fire.

कुंभकरन अस बंधु मम सुत प्रसिद्ध सक्रारि। मोर पराक्रम नहिं सुनेहि जितेउँ चराचर झारि।।27।।

Ravana said, "Kumbhakarna is such a brother of mine, and my famous son (Meghnad) is the very conqueror of Indra; have you not heard of my prowess — I have conquered the whole world of moving and unmoving beings!"

सठ साखामृग जोरि सहाई। बाँधा सिंधु इहइ प्रभुताई।। नाघहिं खग अनेक बारीसा। सूर न होहिं ते सुनु सब कीसा।। मम भुज सागर बल जल पूरा। जहँ बूड़े बहु सुर नर सूरा।। बीस पयोधि अगाध अपारा। को अस बीर जो पाइहि पारा।। दिगपालन्ह मैं नीर भरावा। भूप सुजस खल मोहि सुनावा।। जौं पै समर सुभट तव नाथा। पुनि पुनि कहसि जासु गुन गाथा।। तौ बसीठ पठवत केहि काजा। रिपु सन प्रीति करत नहिं लाजा।। हरगिरि मथन निरखु मम बाहू। पुनि सठ कपि निज प्रभुहि सराहू।।

Ravana said, "Fool! Joining a band of monkeys for help, Ram bridged the sea — is this his greatness? Many birds fly across the ocean, but they are not therefore heroes; hear this, all you monkeys. My arms are an ocean brimming with the water of strength, in which many gods, men and champions have drowned. My twenty arms are twenty fathomless, boundless seas — what hero is there who could reach their far shore? I made the world-guardians carry my water like slaves; and you, wretch, recite a king's fame to me! If in battle your lord is so great a warrior, whose glories you sing again and again, then why does he send an envoy? Is he not ashamed to seek friendship with his enemy? Behold my arms that churned Shiva's mountain — then, fool monkey, go on praising your lord!"

सूर कवन रावन सरिस स्वकर काटि जेहिं सीस। हुने अनल अति हरष बहु बार साखि गौरीस।।28।।

Ravana said, "What hero is there like Ravana, who with his own hands cut off his heads and, with great joy, offered them into the fire many times — Shiva himself is my witness!"

जरत बिलोकेउँ जबहिं कपाला। बिधि के लिखे अंक निज भाला।। नर कें कर आपन बध बाँची। हसेउँ जानि बिधि गिरा असाँची।। सोउ मन समुझि त्रास नहिं मोरें। लिखा बिरंचि जरठ मति भोरें।। आन बीर बल सठ मम आगें। पुनि पुनि कहसि लाज पति त्यागे।। कह अंगद सलज्ज जग माहीं। रावन तोहि समान कोउ नाहीं।। लाजवंत तव सहज सुभाऊ। निज मुख निज गुन कहसि न काऊ।। सिर अरु सैल कथा चित रही। ताते बार बीस तैं कही।। सो भुजबल राखेउ उर घाली। जीतेहु सहसबाहु बलि बाली।। सुनु मतिमंद देहि अब पूरा। काटें सीस कि होइअ सूरा।। इंद्रजालि कहु कहिअ न बीरा। काटइ निज कर सकल सरीरा।।

(Ravana continued:) "As my skulls burned, I looked and saw the fate the Creator had written on my own brow. I read there my death at a man's hand, and I laughed, judging the Creator's words to be false. Even recalling that, I feel no fear; Brahma wrote it in his dotage, with dull, mistaken wits. And you, fool, again and again recount another warrior's strength before me, casting off shame and honour." Angad said, "Among the modest of the world, Ravana, there is none like you! Modesty is your inborn nature — you never speak your own praises with your own mouth! The tale of your heads and the mountain stayed lodged in your mind, and so you have told it twenty times! And that arm-strength you keep buried in your heart — with which you 'conquered' Sahasrabahu, King Bali and Bali! Understand, dull-wit, and now have done — does cutting off one's own head make a man a hero? A conjuror, brother, is not called a warrior — he too cuts up his whole body (as a mere trick)!"

जरहिं पतंग मोह बस भार बहहिं खर बृंद। ते नहिं सूर कहावहिं समुझि देखु मतिमंद।।29।।

"Moths burn themselves out of delusion, and herds of donkeys bear heavy loads — yet they are not called heroes. Understand and see this, dull-witted one."

अब जनि बतबढ़ाव खल करही। सुनु मम बचन मान परिहरही।। दसमुख मैं न बसीठीं आयउँ। अस बिचारि रघुबीर पठायउँ।। बार बार अस कहइ कृपाला। नहिं गजारि जसु बधें सृकाला।। मन महुँ समुझि बचन प्रभु केरे। सहेउँ कठोर बचन सठ तेरे।। नाहिं त करि मुख भंजन तोरा। लै जातेउँ सीतहि बरजोरा।। जानेउँ तव बल अधम सुरारी। सूनें हरि आनिहि परनारी।। तैं निसिचर पति गर्ब बहूता। मैं रघुपति सेवक कर दूता।। जौं न राम अपमानहि डरउँ। तोहि देखत अस कौतुक करऊँ।।

Angad said, "Now, wretch, do not prolong the quarrel; hear my words and give up pride. Ravana, I did not come as a peace-envoy; considering something else, Raghubir sent me. Again and again the merciful Lord said, 'There is no glory in a lion killing a jackal.' Remembering the Lord's words in my heart, I have endured your harsh speech, fool. Otherwise, smashing your face, I would have carried Sita off by force! I know your strength, base enemy of the gods — you steal another's wife only from a lonely, unguarded place. You are the demon-king, swollen with pride; I am but the envoy of Raghupati's servant. If I did not fear bringing dishonour upon Ram, I would work such a marvel before your very eyes:"

तोहि पटकि महि सेन हति चौपट करि तव गाउँ। तव जुबतिन्ह समेत सठ जनकसुतहि लै जाउँ।।30।।

"I would dash you upon the ground, destroy your army, lay your city utterly waste, and — fool — carry off Janaka's daughter Sita along with your young women!"

जौ अस करौं तदपि न बड़ाई। मुएहि बधें नहिं कछु मनुसाई।। कौल कामबस कृपिन बिमूढ़ा। अति दरिद्र अजसी अति बूढ़ा।। सदा रोगबस संतत क्रोधी। बिष्नु बिमूख श्रुति संत बिरोधी।। तनु पोषक निंदक अघ खानी। जीवन सव सम चौदह प्रानी।। अस बिचारि खल बधउँ न तोही। अब जनि रिस उपजावसि मोही।। सुनि सकोप कह निसिचर नाथा। अधर दसन दसि मीजत हाथा।। रे कपि अधम मरन अब चहसी। छोटे बदन बात बड़ि कहसी।। कटु जल्पसि जड़ कपि बल जाकें। बल प्रताप बुधि तेज न ताकें।।

Angad said, "Even if I did so, there would be no glory in it; killing one already as good as dead is no manliness. A vile tantric, a slave of lust, a miser, an utter fool, the wretchedly poor, the infamous, the very aged, the ever-diseased, the perpetually angry, the hater of Vishnu, the enemy of the Vedas and the saints, the mere body-pamperer, the slanderer, the mine of sin — these fourteen, though alive, are as good as corpses. Considering this, wretch, I do not kill you; so now do not stir up my anger." Hearing this, the demon-lord angrily spoke, biting his lip and wringing his hands: "Base monkey! Now you wish to die — with a small mouth you speak great words. You prattle bitterly, fool, trusting the strength of one (Ram) who has neither strength, valour, wisdom nor lustre."

अगुन अमान जानि तेहि दीन्ह पिता बनबास। सो दुख अरु जुबती बिरह पुनि निसि दिन मम त्रास।।31(क)।। जिन्ह के बल कर गर्ब तोहि अइसे मनुज अनेक। खाहीं निसाचर दिवस निसि मूढ़ समुझु तजि टेक।।31(ख)।।

Ravana said, "Knowing him to be devoid of virtue and honour, his own father sent Ram into exile; that sorrow, and separation from his young wife, and on top of it, day and night, the fear of me (torment him). Men like those on whose strength you take such pride — the demons devour many of them day and night! Understand this, fool, and give up your obstinacy."

जब तेहिं कीन्ह राम कै निंदा। क्रोधवंत अति भयउ कपिंदा।। हरि हर निंदा सुनइ जो काना। होइ पाप गोघात समाना।। कटकटान कपिकुंजर भारी। दुहु भुजदंड तमकि महि मारी।। डोलत धरनि सभासद खसे। चले भाजि भय मारुत ग्रसे।। गिरत सँभारि उठा दसकंधर। भूतल परे मुकुट अति सुंदर।। कछु तेहिं लै निज सिरन्हि सँवारे। कछु अंगद प्रभु पास पबारे।। आवत मुकुट देखि कपि भागे। दिनहीं लूक परन बिधि लागे।। की रावन करि कोप चलाए। कुलिस चारि आवत अति धाए।। कह प्रभु हँसि जनि हृदयँ डेराहू। लूक न असनि केतु नहिं राहू।। ए किरीट दसकंधर केरे। आवत बालितनय के प्रेरे।।

When Ravana thus reviled Ram, the chief of monkeys (Angad) grew fiercely enraged — for hearing Vishnu or Shiva reviled brings sin equal to killing a cow. The mighty monkey gnashed his teeth and struck the ground furiously with both his arms; the earth shook, the courtiers slipped from their seats, and, seized by a wind of terror, they fled. Steadying himself as he toppled, Ravana rose, but his beautiful crowns fell to the ground. Some he gathered and set back on his heads; some Angad flung toward the Lord (Ram). Seeing the crowns come flying, the monkeys fled, as if by fate meteors were falling in broad daylight. "Has Ravana in fury hurled them? Four thunderbolts come rushing furiously!" (they cried). The Lord smilingly said, "Do not be afraid at heart — these are no meteors, no thunderbolts, no comet, no Rahu; they are the crowns of the ten-headed Ravana, flung here by Bali's son (Angad)."

तरकि पवनसुत कर गहे आनि धरे प्रभु पास। कौतुक देखहिं भालु कपि दिनकर सरिस प्रकास।।32(क)।। उहाँ सकोपि दसानन सब सन कहत रिसाइ। धरहु कपिहि धरि मारहु सुनि अंगद मुसुकाइ।।32(ख)।।

Springing up, the son of the Wind (Hanuman) caught the crowns in his hands and set them near the Lord; the bears and monkeys gazed at the spectacle, the crowns shining bright as the sun. There in Lanka, the enraged Ravana angrily cried out to all, "Seize the monkey! Seize him and kill him!" — hearing which Angad only smiled.

एहि बिधि बेगि सूभट सब धावहु। खाहु भालु कपि जहँ जहँ पावहु।। मर्कटहीन करहु महि जाई। जिअत धरहु तापस द्वौ भाई।। पुनि सकोप बोलेउ जुबराजा। गाल बजावत तोहि न लाजा।। मरु गर काटि निलज कुलघाती। बल बिलोकि बिहरति नहिं छाती।। रे त्रिय चोर कुमारग गामी। खल मल रासि मंदमति कामी।। सन्यपात जल्पसि दुर्बादा। भएसि कालबस खल मनुजादा।। याको फलु पावहिगो आगें। बानर भालु चपेटन्हि लागें।। रामु मनुज बोलत असि बानी। गिरहिं न तव रसना अभिमानी।। गिरिहहिं रसना संसय नाहीं। सिरन्हि समेत समर महि माहीं।।

(Ravana ordered:) "In this way, let all my brave warriors rush out at once! Devour the bears and monkeys wherever you find them! Go and rid the earth of monkeys, but take the two ascetic brothers (Ram and Lakshman) alive!" Then the prince (Angad) angrily said, "Are you not ashamed to merely bluster? Die — cut your own throat, shameless destroyer of your line! Seeing my strength, does your chest not burst with shame? Wife-thief, treader of the evil path, wretch, heap of filth, dull-witted lecher! You rave abuse like a man in delirium; you have fallen into Death's grip, wicked man-eater! You will reap the fruit of this hereafter, when the bears and monkeys start slapping you! You dare say 'Ram is a man' — does your tongue not fall out, proud one? It will fall out, no doubt — along with your heads, upon the battlefield!"

सो नर क्यों दसकंध बालि बध्यो जेहिं एक सर। बीसहुँ लोचन अंध धिग तव जन्म कुजाति जड़।।33(क)।। तब सोनित की प्यास तृषित राम सायक निकर। तजउँ तोहि तेहि त्रास कटु जल्पक निसिचर अधम।।33(ख)।।

(Angad said,) "How is that man, O Ravana, by whom Bali was slain with a single arrow? Your twenty eyes are (as good as) blind! Fie on your birth, base-born fool! The multitude of Ram's arrows are already athirst for your blood; only from fear of them do I spare you, O bitter-babbling, base demon!"

मै तव दसन तोरिबे लायक। आयसु मोहि न दीन्ह रघुनायक।। असि रिस होति दसउ मुख तोरौं। लंका गहि समुद्र महँ बोरौं।। गूलरि फल समान तव लंका। बसहु मध्य तुम्ह जंतु असंका।। मैं बानर फल खात न बारा। आयसु दीन्ह न राम उदारा।। जुगति सुनत रावन मुसुकाई। मूढ़ सिखिहि कहँ बहुत झुठाई।। बालि न कबहुँ गाल अस मारा। मिलि तपसिन्ह तैं भएसि लबारा।। साँचेहुँ मैं लबार भुज बीहा। जौं न उपारिउँ तव दस जीहा।। समुझि राम प्रताप कपि कोपा। सभा माझ पन करि पद रोपा।। जौं मम चरन सकसि सठ टारी। फिरहिं रामु सीता मैं हारी।। सुनहु सुभट सब कह दससीसा। पद गहि धरनि पछारहु कीसा।। इंद्रजीत आदिक बलवाना। हरषि उठे जहँ तहँ भट नाना।। झपटहिं करि बल बिपुल उपाई। पद न टरइ बैठहिं सिरु नाई।। पुनि उठि झपटहीं सुर आराती। टरइ न कीस चरन एहि भाँती।। पुरुष कुजोगी जिमि उरगारी। मोह बिटप नहिं सकहिं उपारी।।

Angad said, "I am able to break your teeth, but Raghunath has not given me leave. Such is my anger that I could snap off all your ten heads, seize Lanka and drown it in the sea! Your Lanka is like a fig fruit, and you creatures dwell within it without a care; I, a monkey, would take no time to eat the fruit — but the generous Ram has not ordered it." Hearing this argument, Ravana smiled, "Fool, where did you learn such lying? Bali never bragged like this — mixing with ascetics, you have become a liar." (Angad replied,) "Truly I am a liar, and my two arms are false, if I do not tear out your ten tongues!" Recalling Ram's might, the monkey grew furious; in the midst of the assembly he took a vow and planted his foot firmly: "If you can move my foot, fool, then Ram shall turn back and I concede Sita as lost." Ravana told all his warriors, "Grip the monkey's foot and dash him to the ground!" Indrajit and other mighty ones, and many warriors here and there, sprang up eagerly. They pounce with all their strength and countless devices, but the foot will not budge; they sit down, bowing their heads. Again they rise and pounce, these foes of the gods, yet the monkey's foot does not stir a bit — just as a false yogi cannot uproot the tree of delusion.

कोटिन्ह मेघनाद सम सुभट उठे हरषाइ। झपटहिं टरै न कपि चरन पुनि बैठहिं सिर नाइ।।34(क)।। भूमि न छाँडत कपि चरन देखत रिपु मद भाग।। कोटि बिघ्न ते संत कर मन जिमि नीति न त्याग।।34(ख)।।

Warriors as mighty as crores of Meghnads sprang up joyfully; they pounce, but the monkey's foot does not move, and again they sit down bowing their heads. The monkey's foot does not leave the ground, and seeing this the enemy's pride departs — just as, despite crores of obstacles, the mind of the saints does not forsake righteous conduct.

कपि बल देखि सकल हियँ हारे। उठा आपु कपि कें परचारे।। गहत चरन कह बालिकुमारा। मम पद गहें न तोर उबारा।। गहसि न राम चरन सठ जाई। सुनत फिरा मन अति सकुचाई।। भयउ तेजहत श्री सब गई। मध्य दिवस जिमि ससि सोहई।। सिंघासन बैठेउ सिर नाई। मानहुँ संपति सकल गँवाई।। जगदातमा प्रानपति रामा। तासु बिमुख किमि लह बिश्रामा।। उमा राम की भृकुटि बिलासा। होइ बिस्व पुनि पावइ नासा।। तृन ते कुलिस कुलिस तृन करई। तासु दूत पन कहु किमि टरई।। पुनि कपि कही नीति बिधि नाना। मान न ताहि कालु निअराना।। रिपु मद मथि प्रभु सुजसु सुनायो। यह कहि चल्यो बालि नृप जायो।। हतौं न खेत खेलाइ खेलाई। तोहि अबहिं का करौं बड़ाई।। प्रथमहिं तासु तनय कपि मारा। सो सुनि रावन भयउ दुखारा।। जातुधान अंगद पन देखी। भय ब्याकुल सब भए बिसेषी।।

Seeing the monkey's strength, all lost heart within; then Ravana himself rose at the monkey's challenge. As Ravana grasped his foot, the son of Bali said, "By grasping my foot you will not be saved. Why not go and grasp Ram's feet instead, fool?" Hearing this, Ravana drew back, deeply abashed. He became stripped of splendour, all his majesty gone, like the moon dimmed at midday. He sat on his throne with head bowed, as though he had lost all his wealth. Ram is the Self of the world, the Lord of all life; being averse to Him, how can one find peace? (Shiva says:) Uma, by the mere play of Ram's eyebrow the universe comes into being and again meets its dissolution; He turns a blade of grass into a thunderbolt and a thunderbolt into a blade of grass — how then could His messenger's vow fail? Then the monkey counselled him in statecraft in many ways, but Ravana would not heed, for his hour had drawn near. Having crushed the enemy's pride and proclaimed the Lord's fair fame, King Bali's son departed, saying, "I do not slay you on the field, after toying with you again and again — why should I glorify myself now (by killing such as you)?" Earlier the monkey (Hanuman) had killed his son, and hearing all this, Ravana grew sorrowful. Seeing Angad's vow (fulfilled), the demons were all especially stricken with fear.

रिपु बल धरषि हरषि कपि बालितनय बल पुंज। पुलक सरीर नयन जल गहे राम पद कंज।।35(क)।। साँझ जानि दसकंधर भवन गयउ बिलखाइ। मंदोदरी रावनहि बहुरि कहा समुझाइ।।(ख)।।

Having crushed the enemy's strength, the son of Bali, that mass of might, rejoiced; his body thrilling and his eyes brimming with tears, he clasped Ram's lotus feet. Knowing it to be evening, Ravana went to his palace dejected, and Mandodari once more counselled him, explaining (his folly).

कंत समुझि मन तजहु कुमतिही। सोह न समर तुम्हहि रघुपतिही।। रामानुज लघु रेख खचाई। सोउ नहिं नाघेहु असि मनुसाई।। पिय तुम्ह ताहि जितब संग्रामा। जाके दूत केर यह कामा।। कौतुक सिंधु नाघी तव लंका। आयउ कपि केहरी असंका।। रखवारे हति बिपिन उजारा। देखत तोहि अच्छ तेहिं मारा।। जारि सकल पुर कीन्हेसि छारा। कहाँ रहा बल गर्ब तुम्हारा।। अब पति मृषा गाल जनि मारहु। मोर कहा कछु हृदयँ बिचारहु।। पति रघुपतिहि नृपति जनि मानहु। अग जग नाथ अतुल बल जानहु।। बान प्रताप जान मारीचा। तासु कहा नहिं मानेहि नीचा।। जनक सभाँ अगनित भूपाला। रहे तुम्हउ बल अतुल बिसाला।। भंजि धनुष जानकी बिआही। तब संग्राम जितेहु किन ताही।। सुरपति सुत जानइ बल थोरा। राखा जिअत आँखि गहि फोरा।। सूपनखा कै गति तुम्ह देखी। तदपि हृदयँ नहिं लाज बिषेषी।।

(Mandodari said,) "Beloved, understand in your heart and give up wicked counsel; you are no match for Raghupati in battle. Ram's younger brother drew a small line, and even that you could not cross — is this your manliness? Beloved, will you defeat in war one whose mere envoy has done such deeds? For sport the monkey leapt the ocean and came to your Lanka fearlessly, like a lion; slaying the guards he laid waste the grove, and before your very eyes he killed Aksha. He burned the whole city to ashes — where then was the pride of your strength? Now, husband, do not brag falsely; ponder a little in your heart what I say. Do not take Raghupati for a mere king, husband; know Him as the Lord of the moving and unmoving world, of matchless might. The power of His arrow, Maricha knew — but you would not heed his words, O base one. In Janaka's court were countless kings, and you too were there with your vast, matchless strength; when, breaking the bow, He wedded Sita, why did you not defeat Him in battle then? Indra's son learned His strength but little — Ram let him live, only seizing and piercing one eye. You have seen Surpanakha's plight, yet even so there is no real shame in your heart."

बधि बिराध खर दूषनहि लींलाँ हत्यो कबंध। बालि एक सर मारयो तेहि जानहु दसकंध।।36।।

(Mandodari said,) "Slaying Viradha, Khara and Dushana, and as if in play killing Kabandha, He struck down Bali with a single arrow — know that Ram, O Ravana!"

जेहिं जलनाथ बँधायउ हेला। उतरे प्रभु दल सहित सुबेला।। कारुनीक दिनकर कुल केतू। दूत पठायउ तव हित हेतू।। सभा माझ जेहिं तव बल मथा। करि बरूथ महुँ मृगपति जथा।। अंगद हनुमत अनुचर जाके। रन बाँकुरे बीर अति बाँके।। तेहि कहँ पिय पुनि पुनि नर कहहू। मुधा मान ममता मद बहहू।। अहह कंत कृत राम बिरोधा। काल बिबस मन उपज न बोधा।। काल दंड गहि काहु न मारा। हरइ धर्म बल बुद्धि बिचारा।। निकट काल जेहि आवत साईं। तेहि भ्रम होइ तुम्हारिहि नाईं।।

(Mandodari said,) "He who bound the lord of the waters (the ocean) as though in sport, and landed with His army on Suvela hill — the compassionate one, banner of the Sun's line, sent an envoy for your own good. He who churned your strength in your very court, moving among the crowd like a lion among a herd — whose servants are Angad and Hanuman, exceedingly gallant, fierce heroes in war — Him, beloved, you call again and again a mere man! You are swept along by empty pride, possessiveness and arrogance. Alas, husband, you have made enmity with Ram; helpless under Death's power, no wisdom arises in your mind. No one is slain by Death wielding a rod — approaching death first robs a man of his dharma, strength, wisdom and discernment. To him whose appointed hour draws near, my lord, delusion comes, just as it has come to you."

दुइ सुत मरे दहेउ पुर अजहुँ पूर पिय देहु। कृपासिंधु रघुनाथ भजि नाथ बिमल जसु लेहु।।37।।

(Mandodari said,) "Two of your sons are dead, your city burned; even now, beloved, mend all this. Worship Raghunath, the ocean of mercy, my lord, and win unblemished fame."

नारि बचन सुनि बिसिख समाना। सभाँ गयउ उठि होत बिहाना।। बैठ जाइ सिंघासन फूली। अति अभिमान त्रास सब भूली।। इहाँ राम अंगदहि बोलावा। आइ चरन पंकज सिरु नावा।। अति आदर सपीप बैठारी। बोले बिहँसि कृपाल खरारी।। बालितनय कौतुक अति मोही। तात सत्य कहु पूछउँ तोही।।। रावनु जातुधान कुल टीका। भुज बल अतुल जासु जग लीका।। तासु मुकुट तुम्ह चारि चलाए। कहहु तात कवनी बिधि पाए।। सुनु सर्बग्य प्रनत सुखकारी। मुकुट न होहिं भूप गुन चारी।। साम दान अरु दंड बिभेदा। नृप उर बसहिं नाथ कह बेदा।। नीति धर्म के चरन सुहाए। अस जियँ जानि नाथ पहिं आए।।

His wife's words struck him like arrows, and at daybreak he rose and went to the assembly. He sat puffed up on his throne, in great pride, forgetting all fear. Here (in Ram's camp) Ram summoned Angad, who came and bowed his head at the Lord's lotus feet. Seating him near with great honour, the merciful slayer of Khara smilingly said, "Son of Bali, I am much delighted; dear one, tell me truly what I ask. Ravana is the crest-mark of the demon race, whose matchless arm-strength is famed in the world; you brought down four of his crowns — tell me, dear one, by what means did you get them?" (Angad said,) "Listen, All-knowing Lord, giver of joy to the surrendered — those were no crowns, but a king's four virtues. Conciliation, gift, punishment and division dwell in a king's heart, O Lord, so declare the Vedas; these are the fair feet of statecraft and dharma — knowing this in my heart, I came to you (bearing them)."

धर्महीन प्रभु पद बिमुख काल बिबस दससीस। तेहि परिहरि गुन आए सुनहु कोसलाधीस।।38(((क)।। परम चतुरता श्रवन सुनि बिहँसे रामु उदार। समाचार पुनि सब कहे गढ़ के बालिकुमार।।38(ख)।।

(Angad continued,) "Since Ravana is devoid of dharma, averse to the Lord's feet, and helpless in Death's grip, those virtues forsook him and came (to you); hear this, O Lord of Kosala." Hearing this supreme cleverness, generous Ram smiled; then Bali's son told Him all the news of the fort (Lanka).

रिपु के समाचार जब पाए। राम सचिव सब निकट बोलाए।। लंका बाँके चारि दुआरा। केहि बिधि लागिअ करहु बिचारा।। तब कपीस रिच्छेस बिभीषन। सुमिरि हृदयँ दिनकर कुल भूषन।। करि बिचार तिन्ह मंत्र दृढ़ावा। चारि अनी कपि कटकु बनावा।। जथाजोग सेनापति कीन्हे। जूथप सकल बोलि तब लीन्हे।। प्रभु प्रताप कहि सब समुझाए। सुनि कपि सिंघनाद करि धाए।। हरषित राम चरन सिर नावहिं। गहि गिरि सिखर बीर सब धावहिं।। गर्जहिं तर्जहिं भालु कपीसा। जय रघुबीर कोसलाधीसा।। जानत परम दुर्ग अति लंका। प्रभु प्रताप कपि चले असंका।। घटाटोप करि चहुँ दिसि घेरी। मुखहिं निसान बजावहीं भेरी।।

When Ram received news of the enemy, He called all His counsellors near. "Lanka has four strong gates; consider by what means we should assault them." Then the monkey-king Sugriva, the bear-king Jambavan and Vibhishana, calling to mind the ornament of the Sun's dynasty, deliberated and firmed up the plan; they arrayed the monkey host in four divisions. They appointed commanders as befitted, then summoned all the troop-leaders. Recounting the Lord's might, they reassured them all, and hearing it the monkeys rushed forth with lion-roars. Joyfully they bow their heads at Ram's feet, and grasping mountain-peaks all the heroes run forth; the bears and monkeys roar and thunder, "Victory to Raghubir, Lord of Kosala!" Though they know Lanka to be a most formidable fortress, by the Lord's might the monkeys march on fearlessly. Forming a dense array, they surround it on all four sides, sounding war-drums and kettledrums at the front.

जयति राम जय लछिमन जय कपीस सुग्रीव। गर्जहिं सिंघनाद कपि भालु महा बल सींव।।39।।

"Victory to Ram, victory to Lakshman, victory to the monkey-king Sugriva!" The monkeys and bears, the very pinnacle of great might, roar with mighty lion-roars.

लंकाँ भयउ कोलाहल भारी। सुना दसानन अति अहँकारी।। देखहु बनरन्ह केरि ढिठाई। बिहँसि निसाचर सेन बोलाई।। आए कीस काल के प्रेरे। छुधावंत सब निसिचर मेरे।। अस कहि अट्टहास सठ कीन्हा। गृह बैठे अहार बिधि दीन्हा।। सुभट सकल चारिहुँ दिसि जाहू। धरि धरि भालु कीस सब खाहू।। उमा रावनहि अस अभिमाना। जिमि टिट्टिभ खग सूत उताना।। चले निसाचर आयसु मागी। गहि कर भिंडिपाल बर साँगी।। तोमर मुग्दर परसु प्रचंडा। सुल कृपान परिघ गिरिखंडा।। जिमि अरुनोपल निकर निहारी। धावहिं सठ खग मांस अहारी।। चोंच भंग दुख तिन्हहि न सूझा। तिमि धाए मनुजाद अबूझा।।

A great uproar arose in Lanka, which the arrogant ten-headed Ravana heard. Look at the audacity of these monkeys, he said with a laugh, and summoned his demon army: These monkeys have come driven by their doom; all my demons are hungry, so this is food that Providence has provided while you sit at home. Saying this the wicked one roared with laughter and ordered: My brave warriors, go forth in all four directions and seize and devour every bear and monkey. Uma (Parvati), Ravana was as proud as the lapwing bird that sleeps with its legs raised up toward the sky. The demons, taking his command, set off gripping in their hands fine spears, javelins, iron clubs, maces, terrible axes, tridents, swords, bludgeons and boulders. Just as foolish flesh-eating birds rush at a heap of red gems mistaking them for meat, not foreseeing the pain of their beaks being broken, so did these witless man-eating demons rush forth.

नानायुध सर चाप धर जातुधान बल बीर। कोट कँगूरन्हि चढ़ि गए कोटि कोटि रनधीर।।40।।

The mighty and valiant demon warriors, bearing many kinds of weapons, arrows and bows, climbed up onto the battlements of the fort. Crores upon crores of these steadfast warriors took their positions there.

कोट कँगूरन्हि सोहहिं कैसे। मेरु के सृंगनि जनु घन बैसे।। बाजहिं ढोल निसान जुझाऊ। सुनि धुनि होइ भटन्हि मन चाऊ।। बाजहिं भेरि नफीरि अपारा। सुनि कादर उर जाहिं दरारा।। देखिन्ह जाइ कपिन्ह के ठट्टा। अति बिसाल तनु भालु सुभट्टा।। धावहिं गनहिं न अवघट घाटा। पर्बत फोरि करहिं गहि बाटा।। कटकटाहिं कोटिन्ह भट गर्जहिं। दसन ओठ काटहिं अति तर्जहिं।। उत रावन इत राम दोहाई। जयति जयति जय परी लराई।। निसिचर सिखर समूह ढहावहिं। कूदि धरहिं कपि फेरि चलावहिं।।

On the battlements of the fort the warriors looked splendid, as if clouds had settled upon the peaks of Mount Meru. War drums and kettledrums thundered, and hearing their sound the warriors' hearts filled with eagerness. Countless trumpets and fifes blared, and hearing the din the hearts of cowards cracked with fear. The demons saw the array of the monkeys, mighty champions with huge bear-like bodies, who rushed on without heeding the difficult paths, tearing through mountains to force their way. Crores of these warriors gnashed their teeth and roared, biting their lips and fiercely challenging the foe. On one side rose the war-cry hailing Ravana, on the other side hailing Ram; the cries of Victory, Victory resounded as the battle raged. The demons hurled down whole masses of mountain peaks, and the monkeys leaped up, caught them, and flung them right back.

धरि कुधर खंड प्रचंड कर्कट भालु गढ़ पर डारहीं। झपटहिं चरन गहि पटकि महि भजि चलत बहुरि पचारहीं।। अति तरल तरुन प्रताप तरपहिं तमकि गढ़ चढ़ि चढ़ि गए। कपि भालु चढ़ि मंदिरन्ह जहँ तहँ राम जसु गावत भए।।

The bears and monkeys seized huge, terrible mountain fragments in their hands and hurled them onto the fort. They swooped down, grabbed the demons by the feet, dashed them upon the ground, and then again rushed forward challenging them. Full of nimble, fresh valour they sprang and leaped, and mounting the fort they climbed higher and higher. Ascending the mansions, the monkeys and bears began to sing the glory of Shri Ram all around.

एकु एकु निसिचर गहि पुनि कपि चले पराइ। ऊपर आपु हेठ भट गिरहिं धरनि पर आइ।।41।।

Each monkey seized one demon apiece and then ran off with him. The warriors fell to the ground, some on top and some beneath, crashing down upon the earth.

राम प्रताप प्रबल कपिजूथा। मर्दहिं निसिचर सुभट बरूथा।। चढ़े दुर्ग पुनि जहँ तहँ बानर। जय रघुबीर प्रताप दिवाकर।। चले निसाचर निकर पराई। प्रबल पवन जिमि घन समुदाई।। हाहाकार भयउ पुर भारी। रोवहिं बालक आतुर नारी।। सब मिलि देहिं रावनहि गारी। राज करत एहिं मृत्यु हँकारी।। निज दल बिचल सुनी तेहिं काना। फेरि सुभट लंकेस रिसाना।। जो रन बिमुख सुना मैं काना। सो मैं हतब कराल कृपाना।। सर्बसु खाइ भोग करि नाना। समर भूमि भए बल्लभ प्राना।। उग्र बचन सुनि सकल डेराने। चले क्रोध करि सुभट लजाने।। सन्मुख मरन बीर कै सोभा। तब तिन्ह तजा प्रान कर लोभा।।

By the mighty glory of Shri Ram the bands of monkeys crushed the throngs of demon warriors. The monkeys climbed the fort here and there, crying Victory to Raghubir, whose glory is like the sun. The hordes of demons fled, like masses of clouds scattered by a fierce wind. A great wailing arose in the city; children and distressed women wept. All together abused Ravana: While he reigns, he has summoned this death upon us. When Ravana heard with his own ears that his army was breaking, the enraged lord of Lanka rallied his warriors: Whoever I hear has turned his back on battle, him I shall slay with my terrible sword. You have devoured all my wealth and enjoyed many pleasures; now on the battlefield your lives have become dear to you. Hearing these harsh words all were terrified, and ashamed, the warriors went back in fury. Death facing the foe is a warrior's glory; so they cast off their clinging to life.

बहु आयुध धर सुभट सब भिरहिं पचारि पचारि। ब्याकुल किए भालु कपि परिघ त्रिसूलन्हि मारी।।42।।

Bearing many weapons, all the warriors clashed, challenging the foe again and again. They struck the bears and monkeys with iron clubs and tridents and threw them into distress.

भय आतुर कपि भागन लागे। जद्यपि उमा जीतिहहिं आगे।। कोउ कह कहँ अंगद हनुमंता। कहँ नल नील दुबिद बलवंता।। निज दल बिकल सुना हनुमाना। पच्छिम द्वार रहा बलवाना।। मेघनाद तहँ करइ लराई। टूट न द्वार परम कठिनाई।। पवनतनय मन भा अति क्रोधा। गर्जेउ प्रबल काल सम जोधा।। कूदि लंक गढ़ ऊपर आवा। गहि गिरि मेघनाद कहुँ धावा।। भंजेउ रथ सारथी निपाता। ताहि हृदय महुँ मारेसि लाता।। दुसरें सूत बिकल तेहि जाना। स्यंदन घालि तुरत गृह आना।।

Overcome with fear the monkeys began to flee, though, Uma, in the end they would win. Someone cried, Where is Angad, where is Hanuman; where are the mighty Nal, Nil and Dwivid? When Hanuman heard that his side was in distress, the strong one had been stationed at the western gate, where Meghnad was doing battle and the gate, being very hard to breach, was not broken. The Son of the Wind grew intensely angry in his heart and roared, a warrior mighty as Death itself. He leaped up onto the fort of Lanka, and seizing a mountain rushed at Meghnad. He shattered Meghnad's chariot, struck down his charioteer, and dealt Meghnad a kick upon his chest. Realizing him to be in distress, a second charioteer quickly loaded him into the chariot and carried him home.

अंगद सुना पवनसुत गढ़ पर गयउ अकेल। रन बाँकुरा बालिसुत तरकि चढ़ेउ कपि खेल।।43।।

Angad heard that the Son of the Wind had gone up onto the fort alone. That gallant warrior, the son of Bali, sprang up and climbed the fort as if in monkey-sport.

जुद्ध बिरुद्ध क्रुद्ध द्वौ बंदर। राम प्रताप सुमिरि उर अंतर।। रावन भवन चढ़े द्वौ धाई। करहि कोसलाधीस दोहाई।। कलस सहित गहि भवनु ढहावा। देखि निसाचरपति भय पावा।। नारि बृंद कर पीटहिं छाती। अब दुइ कपि आए उतपाती।। कपिलीला करि तिन्हहि डेरावहिं। रामचंद्र कर सुजसु सुनावहिं।। पुनि कर गहि कंचन के खंभा। कहेन्हि करिअ उतपात अरंभा।। गर्जि परे रिपु कटक मझारी। लागे मर्दै भुज बल भारी।। काहुहि लात चपेटन्हि केहू। भजहु न रामहि सो फल लेहू।।

The two monkeys, enraged and eager for battle, remembering the might of Shri Ram in their hearts, rushed and climbed up onto Ravana's palace, crying out in the name of the Lord of Kosala. Seizing the palace along with its domes they demolished it, and seeing this the lord of demons was struck with fear. The crowds of women beat their breasts with their hands, crying, Now two mischief-making monkeys have come. Performing monkey-antics they terrified them and made them hear the fair fame of Shri Ramchandra. Then, grasping a golden pillar in their hands, they said, Let the havoc begin! Roaring, they fell amid the enemy host and began to crush them with the great strength of their arms. Some they struck with a kick, some with a slap, saying, You would not worship Ram, so now reap this fruit!

एक एक सों मर्दहिं तोरि चलावहिं मुंड। रावन आगें परहिं ते जनु फूटहिं दधि कुंड।।44।।

They crushed the demons one by one and, tearing off their heads, hurled them so they fell before Ravana like pots of curd bursting open.

महा महा मुखिआ जे पावहिं। ते पद गहि प्रभु पास चलावहिं।। कहइ बिभीषनु तिन्ह के नामा। देहिं राम तिन्हहू निज धामा।। खल मनुजाद द्विजामिष भोगी। पावहिं गति जो जाचत जोगी।। उमा राम मृदुचित करुनाकर। बयर भाव सुमिरत मोहि निसिचर।। देहिं परम गति सो जियँ जानी। अस कृपाल को कहहु भवानी।। अस प्रभु सुनि न भजहिं भ्रम त्यागी। नर मतिमंद ते परम अभागी।। अंगद अरु हनुमंत प्रबेसा। कीन्ह दुर्ग अस कह अवधेसा।। लंकाँ द्वौ कपि सोहहिं कैसें। मथहि सिंधु दुइ मंदर जैसें।।

Whenever they caught hold of the very greatest chiefs, they seized them by the feet and flung them toward the Lord. Vibhishan told Shri Ram their names, and Ram granted even those demons His own abode. These wicked man-eaters, feeders on the flesh of Brahmins, obtained the salvation that yogis long for. Uma, Ram is so tender-hearted and a mine of compassion that even the demons who remembered Him only in enmity, knowing this in His heart He granted them the supreme state. Tell me, Bhavani, who is so gracious as He? Hearing of such a Lord, the person who does not cast off delusion and worship Him is dull-witted and utterly unfortunate. The King of Ayodhya (Ram) said, Angad and Hanuman have entered the fort in this manner. The two monkeys looked splendid in Lanka, like two Mount Mandars churning the ocean.

भुज बल रिपु दल दलमलि देखि दिवस कर अंत। कूदे जुगल बिगत श्रम आए जहँ भगवंत।।45।।

Having crushed and trampled the enemy host by the strength of their arms, and seeing that the day was ending, the two leaped down, free of all fatigue, and came to where the Lord was.

प्रभु पद कमल सीस तिन्ह नाए। देखि सुभट रघुपति मन भाए।। राम कृपा करि जुगल निहारे। भए बिगतश्रम परम सुखारे।। गए जानि अंगद हनुमाना। फिरे भालु मर्कट भट नाना।। जातुधान प्रदोष बल पाई। धाए करि दससीस दोहाई।। निसिचर अनी देखि कपि फिरे। जहँ तहँ कटकटाइ भट भिरे।। द्वौ दल प्रबल पचारि पचारी। लरत सुभट नहिं मानहिं हारी।। महाबीर निसिचर सब कारे। नाना बरन बलीमुख भारे।। सबल जुगल दल समबल जोधा। कौतुक करत लरत करि क्रोधा।। प्राबिट सरद पयोद घनेरे। लरत मनहुँ मारुत के प्रेरे।। अनिप अकंपन अरु अतिकाया। बिचलत सेन कीन्हि इन्ह माया।। भयउ निमिष महँ अति अँधियारा। बृष्टि होइ रुधिरोपल छारा।।

They bowed their heads at the Lord's lotus feet, and seeing the mighty warriors, Raghupati was pleased at heart. Shri Ram graciously gazed upon the two, and they became free of weariness and supremely happy. Knowing that Angad and Hanuman had left, many bear and monkey warriors turned back. The demons, gaining strength in the darkness of dusk, rushed forth crying out in Ravana's name. Seeing the demon army the monkeys turned around, and the warriors clashed here and there, gnashing their teeth. Both armies, mighty, challenged one another repeatedly, and the warriors fought without accepting defeat. All the demons were great heroes and black, while the mighty monkeys were of many colours. Both hosts were strong and their warriors evenly matched, fighting with fury as if in sport. They fought like dense clouds of the rainy and autumn seasons driven together by the wind. The commanders Akampan and Atikaya, when their army began to waver, worked their illusion. In a moment intense darkness fell, and a rain of blood, stones and ash poured down.

देखि निबिड़ तम दसहुँ दिसि कपिदल भयउ खभार। एकहि एक न देखई जहँ तहँ करहिं पुकार।।46।।

Seeing the dense darkness on all ten sides, the monkey army was thrown into confusion. No one could see another, and they cried out to one another here and there.

सकल मरमु रघुनायक जाना। लिए बोलि अंगद हनुमाना।। समाचार सब कहि समुझाए। सुनत कोपि कपिकुंजर धाए।। पुनि कृपाल हँसि चाप चढ़ावा। पावक सायक सपदि चलावा।। भयउ प्रकास कतहुँ तम नाहीं। ग्यान उदयँ जिमि संसय जाहीं।। भालु बलीमुख पाइ प्रकासा। धाए हरष बिगत श्रम त्रासा।। हनूमान अंगद रन गाजे। हाँक सुनत रजनीचर भाजे।। भागत पट पटकहिं धरि धरनी। करहिं भालु कपि अद्भुत करनी।। गहि पद डारहिं सागर माहीं। मकर उरग झष धरि धरि खाहीं।।

Raghunath (Shri Ram) understood the whole secret and called Angad and Hanuman to Him. He explained the entire matter to them, and hearing it the monkey-chiefs rushed forth in anger. Then the gracious Lord smiled and strung His bow and swiftly shot a fiery arrow. Light spread everywhere and darkness was no more, just as doubts vanish when knowledge dawns. The bears and monkeys, gaining light, rushed on in joy, free of fatigue and fear. Hanuman and Angad roared in battle, and hearing their war-cry the demons fled. As they fled, the bears and monkeys seized them, dashed them to the ground, and performed wondrous deeds. Grabbing them by the feet they threw them into the ocean, where crocodiles, serpents and fishes caught and devoured them.

कछु मारे कछु घायल कछु गढ़ चढ़े पराइ। गर्जहिं भालु बलीमुख रिपु दल बल बिचलाइ।।47।।

Some were killed, some wounded, and some fled and climbed the fort. The bears and monkeys roared, having shaken the strength of the enemy army.

निसा जानि कपि चारिउ अनी। आए जहाँ कोसला धनी।। राम कृपा करि चितवा सबही। भए बिगतश्रम बानर तबही।। उहाँ दसानन सचिव हँकारे। सब सन कहेसि सुभट जे मारे।। आधा कटकु कपिन्ह संघारा। कहहु बेगि का करिअ बिचारा।। माल्यवंत अति जरठ निसाचर। रावन मातु पिता मंत्री बर।। बोला बचन नीति अति पावन। सुनहु तात कछु मोर सिखावन।। जब ते तुम्ह सीता हरि आनी। असगुन होहिं न जाहिं बखानी।। बेद पुरान जासु जसु गायो। राम बिमुख काहुँ न सुख पायो।।

Knowing that night had fallen, all four divisions of the monkeys came to where the Lord of Kosala was. Shri Ram graciously looked upon them all, and at once the monkeys were freed of their weariness. There Ravana summoned his ministers and told them all which of his warriors had been slain: The monkeys have destroyed half my army; quickly tell me what course we should adopt. Malyavan, a very aged demon, Ravana's maternal grandfather and his chief counsellor, spoke words of most sacred wisdom: Listen, dear son, to some counsel of mine. Ever since you carried off and brought Sita, ill omens beyond description have been occurring. He whose glory the Vedas and Puranas sing—no one who is hostile to Ram has ever found happiness.

हिरन्याच्छ भ्राता सहित मधु कैटभ बलवान। जेहि मारे सोइ अवतरेउ कृपासिंधु भगवान।।48(क)।। कालरूप खल बन दहन गुनागार घनबोध। सिव बिरंचि जेहि सेवहिं तासों कवन बिरोध।।48(ख)।।

The mighty Hiranyaksha with his brother (Hiranyakashipu), and the powerful Madhu and Kaitabh—He who slew them is that very Lord, the ocean of compassion, who has now taken birth (as Ram). He is Death itself to the wicked, the fire that burns the forest of evil, the abode of all virtues and of infinite wisdom. He whom even Shiva and Brahma serve—with Him, what enmity can there be?

परिहरि बयरु देहु बैदेही। भजहु कृपानिधि परम सनेही।। ताके बचन बान सम लागे। करिआ मुह करि जाहि अभागे।। बूढ़ भएसि न त मरतेउँ तोही। अब जनि नयन देखावसि मोही।। तेहि अपने मन अस अनुमाना। बध्यो चहत एहि कृपानिधाना।। सो उठि गयउ कहत दुर्बादा। तब सकोप बोलेउ घननादा।। कौतुक प्रात देखिअहु मोरा। करिहउँ बहुत कहौं का थोरा।। सुनि सुत बचन भरोसा आवा। प्रीति समेत अंक बैठावा।। करत बिचार भयउ भिनुसारा। लागे कपि पुनि चहूँ दुआरा।। कोपि कपिन्ह दुर्घट गढ़ु घेरा। नगर कोलाहलु भयउ घनेरा।। बिबिधायुध धर निसिचर धाए। गढ़ ते पर्बत सिखर ढहाए।।

Give up your enmity and return Sita (Vaidehi); worship the compassionate and supremely loving Lord. These words struck Ravana like arrows, and he cried, Away, you blackened-faced wretch, get out of my sight! You are old, or else I would have killed you; now do not show me your face again. Malyavan reasoned in his own mind: This ocean of grace (Ram) intends to kill Ravana. So he rose and went away muttering harsh words, and then the furious Meghnad spoke: In the morning you shall see my marvel; I will do much—why should I say little? Hearing his son's words Ravana felt reassured, and lovingly seated him upon his lap. While they were still deliberating, dawn broke, and again the monkeys attacked all four gates. In fury the monkeys besieged the impregnable fort, and a great uproar arose in the city. Bearing many kinds of weapons the demons rushed forth and hurled down mountain peaks from the fort.