Part 3

"Desirous of doing that which would be acceptable to subject, king Dacaratha, from fulness of affection, wished to instal as his associate in the kingdom his beloved and meritorious eldest son, Rama, of infallible prowess, and endued with sterling virtues, and ever intent on the welfare of the people. Beholding the provisions for the installation, that lady the king's consort, Kaikeyi, who had previously been promised two boons, even asked for these, _viz_., the exile of Rama, and the installation of Bharata. Bound by the ties of duty in consequence of that promise of his, king Dacaratha banished his favorite son Rama. In pursuance of his father's promise, and with the view of compassing the pleasure of Kaikeyi, that heroic one, commanded by his sire, wended into the forest. And on the eve of his departure for the forest, that enhancer of Sumitra's joy and favorite of his brother (Rama), his dear brother Lakshmana, endowed with humility, displaying brotherliness, followed him out of affection. And as Rohini followeth the moon, Rama's beloved spouse, sprung in Janaka's line--like unto an embodiment of Divine power-- dear (unto Rama) as life itself, and engaged in acts of good, and furnished with every auspicious mark, and the best of wives, followed Rama. Having been followed far by his father Dacaratha along with the citizens, Rama met with the virtuous and beloved king of the Nishadas; and then in company with Guha, Lakshmana,and Sita, dismissed his charioteer on the banks of the Ganges at Sringaverapura. Then wending from one wood to another, and having crossed many broad rivers, they, in accordance with Bharadwaja's directions, arrived at the Chitrakuta; and constructing a romantic abode, the three began to live there as they listed. And they spent their days in delight, even like gods and Gandharbhas. And when Rama had reached the Chitrakuta, king Dacaratha, distressed on account of his son, went to heaven, bewailing the latter. And when Dacaratha had ascended heaven, the mighty Bharata, although pressed by the Brahmanas headed by Vasistha, to rule the kingdom, did not wish for dominion. And that hero went after Rama into the forest, with the view of propitiating that worshipful one. And having come to the high- souled Rama, with truth for his prowess, he besought his brother, with every mark of respect. And Rama said unto Bharata these words,--"Thou too, O thou conversant with duty, art king." And the exceedingly generous, illustrious and mighty Rama of a cheerful countenance did not wish for the kingdom, in consonance with his father's injunction. And having made over unto Bharata, as his substitute on the throne, his own sandals, Bharata's elder brother repeatedly forbade him. And then Bharata,finding his desire not obtained,touched Rama's feet, and began to rule at Nandigrama, expecting the return of Rama. And when the auspicious Bharata, firm in promise and of subdued sense, had gone away, Rama again perceiving there the influx of citizens and others, eagerly entered Dandaka. And having entered that mighty forest, the lotus-eyed Rama slew the Rakshasa, Viradha, and saw Sarabhanga, Suitikshna, Agastya and Agastya's brother. And he then, directed by Agastya, gladly possessed himself of Indra's bow, the inexhaustible arrows, the scimitar, and the quiver. And while Rama was dwelling there with the rangers of woods, the sages came to him in a body for the destruction of the Asuras and Rakshasas. Thereupon in the presence of those ascetics like unto flaming fire, inhabiting the Dandaka forest, he promised to slay those Rakshasas in battle. And it was while he was living there that, that dweller of Janasthana, the Rakshasi Surpanakha, capable of assuming any form at will, was disfigured. And it was while living there in the society of the inhabitants of Janasthana, that Rama slew in battle the Rakshasas Khara and Tricira and Dushana, together with their followers, who all had been stirred up by the words of Surpanakha. And fourteen thousand Rikshasas were slain in that battle. And learning of the destruction of his relatives, Ravana wrought into frenzy by anger, sought the aid of a Rakshasa named Maricha. And although strongly dissuaded by Maricha,saying "Thou ought not to enter into hostilities with that powerful one. Do thou, therefore, O Ravana, excuse me!" Yet, disregarding those words of his, Ravana, urged on by Fate, went into that asylum in company with Maricha. And that one (Maricha) commanding illusions, having drawn far the king's sons (Rama and Lakshmana) he (Ravana) carried away Rama's wife, slaying the vulture Jatayu. And beholding the vulture slain and learning of the carrying off of Mithila's daughter, the descendant of Raghu, deprived of sense, bewailed in grief. And having with unassuaged sorrow burnt the vulture Jatayu, as he was searching for Sita in that wood, he fell in with a Rakshasa, Kavandha by name, of a dreadful and deformed shape. Having slain him, the mighty-armed one burnt his body,--and thereupon he went to heaven. And the Rakshasa addressed Rama, saying, "Do thou, O descendant of Raghu, repair unto the female ascetic, Savari, conversant with all systems of morality." Reparing to Savari, that destroyer of foes, gifted with exceeding energy, Rama, the son of Dacaratha, highly honored by Savari, met with Hanuman on the banks of the Pampa. Then, agreeably to Hanuman's advice, the exceedingly powerful Rama saw Sugriva and detailed unto him all, specially touching Sita. Then the monkey Sugriva, having heard all from Rama, was well pleased with Rama and in the presence of fire, made friends with him. Then the king of monkeys, out of friendship, mournfully related unto him all about his hostilities with Vali. And then Rama vowed that he would slay Vali. Thereupon the monkey described unto Raghava the prowess of Vali, and he feared lest Rama should not prove a match for Vali. And with the view of convincing Raghava (as to Vali's might), Sugriva showed unto him the huge corpse of Dundabhi, resembling a large hill. And looking at the skeleton, Rama endued with exceeding prowess, smiling the while, with his toe cast it off at the distance of full ninety miles. And with a single mighty shaft he pierced seven palmyra palms, a hill, and the sixth nether world, carrying conviction into Sugriva. Thus convinced, the mighty monkey well pleased went with Rama towards the cave called Kishkinda. And having arrived there, that best of monkeys Sugriva of a tawney and golden hue, set up loud roars. And at those mighty sounds, out came the lord of monkeys and having obtained Tara's consent, came before Sugriva for battle. Then Raghava killed Vali on the spot with a single shaft. And, in compliance with Sugriva's request, having slain Vali in battle, Raghava conferred the kingdon on Sugriva. Then that best of monkeys having summoned all the various monkeys, sent them in various directions it search of Janaka's daughter. Then at the suggestion of the vulture Sampati, the mighty Hanuman crossed the salt sea extending for a hundred _yojanas_. And arriving at the city of Lanka, ruled by Ravana, he found Sita in the midst of an Asoka wood, absorbed in thought. And then having shown her the sign, he related unto her all about the friendship between Rama and Sugriva, and having cheered Videha's daughter, he smashed the gate of the palace. Then having slain five generals, and seven counsellors' sons, and grinded the heroic Aksha, he was bound fast (by the arms of Indrajit). Then knowing that in virtue of the grand-sire's boon, he was free, he forgave those Rakshasas that were leading him (to Ravana). Then having burnt down the city of Lanka, with the exception of the place occupied by Mithila's daughter, the mighty one returned, with the intention of delivering the glad tidings unto Rama. And that one of immeasurable soul having come before the high souled Rama, and circled him, addressed him, saying,--"I have truly seen Sita." Then accompanied by Sugriva, Rama repaired to the shore of the mighty ocean, and with shafts resembling the sun, vexed the deep. Then that lord of rivers--the Ocean--showed himself. And agreeably to the advice of the Ocean, Nala constructed a bridge (over the water). By that bridge Rama went to the city of Lanka,--and slew Ravana in battle. And having recovered Sita, Rama experienced high shame (in consequence of Sita's having lived so long in Ravana's place), and used harsh language towards Sita in the presence of all. Incapable of hearing it, the chaste Sita entered flaming fire. Thereupon assured by Agni as to the sinlessness of Sita, Rama became exceedingly pleased, and was honored by all the deities. And at the great act of Rama's, the three worlds with all that was mobile and immobile in them, as well as the sages and gods, were well pleased with the mighty-souled Raghava. Then installing that foremost of Rakshasas, Bibhisana, on the throne of Lanka, Rama was perfectly easy, and rejoiced exceedingly. Then Rama, obtaining a boon from the celestials, revived the monkeys fallen in battle, and surrounded by friends, set out for Ayodhya on the car Pushpaka. And repairing to Bharadwaja's hermitage, Rama, having truth for his prowess, despatched Hanuman to Bharata. Then talking over past affairs, accompanied with Sugriva, Rama, mounted on the Pushpaka, departed for Nandigrama. Having arrived at Nandigrama, the sinless Rama sheared himself of his matted locks along with his brothers, and, laving regained Sita, got back his kingdom. And Dacaratha's son, the auspicious Rama, lord of Ayodha, hath been ruling those happy subjects of his, even like a father. (During his reign) his subjects will enjoy happiness, and contentment, and become hale, and grow in righteousness, and be devoid of mental disquietude and disease, and free from the fear of famine. And no person is to witness his son's death, and women will be ever chaste, and never bear widowhood. And no fear of conflagration (will exercise people), nor creatures be drowned in water. And no danger will come from the wind, --nor any suffer from fever. And no fear will come from hunger, Or from thieves. And cities and provinces will be filled with corn and wealth. And all will live happily as at the Golden age, And having performed with countless gold an hundred horse sacrifices, and bestowed with due rites _ayutas_ and _kotis_[2] of kine on learned persons, and countless wealth on famous Brahmanas, Raghava will establish an hundred royal families, and will employ each of the four castes in its own duties. And having reigned for ten thousand and as many hundred years, Rama will depart for the regions of Braha. He that readeth this sacred, sin-destroying, merit-bestowing history of Rama like unto the Veda itself, becometh cleansed from all sin. And the man that readeth this Ramayana conferring length of days, after death, is honored in heaven, along with his sons, and grandsons, and relations. If a Brahmana readeth it, he attaineth excellence in speech; if a Kshatriya, he acquireth lordship over landed possessions; if a Vaisya, abundance of wealth in trade; and if a Sudra, greatness."

[1] Lit, a great saint. The word, however, signifies one belonging to a particular order of saints.--T.

[2] _Ayuta_ is ten thousand; and _koti_ is ten millions.--T

SECTION II.

Hearing those words of Narada, that one of virtuous soul, skilled in speech, together with his disciples, worships that mighty sage. And having received due honors, the celestial asking for and receiving permission (to depart), went to the etherial regions. And when Narada had left for the celestial regions, that holy person went to the banks of the Tamasa hard by the Jahnavi. And having arrived at the banks of that river, the pious one, observing a holy spot devoid of mud, spoke into his disciple standing by, saying,--"O Bharadwiya, behold this holy spot devoid of mud. And it is beautiful, and contains pleasant waters, even like the minds of good men. Do thou, child, put down thy pitcher, and give me my bark. I will bathe even in this Tamasa, the best of holy spots." Thus accosted by the high- souled Valmiki, Bharadwaja ever intent upon serving his spiritual guide, presented the sage his bark. And that one of subdued senses, having received his bark from his disciple, began to range around, surveying that extensive forest. In the vicinity of the wood, that worshipful one espied a pair of Kraunchas, emitting melodious notes, and ranging around in perfect peace of mind. At this juncture, a wicked-minded fowler, singling out the male without any cause of hostility, slew him in the very presence of the holy man. And observing him struggling on the earth, bathed in blood his help-mate began to bewail in piteous accents, at the prospect of her separation from her copper-crested oviparous husband, engaged in sport with extended plumage. Finding the oviparous one thus brought down by the fowler, the piety of that pious and righteous-souled Rishi was excited exceedingly. Then considering it to be an unrighteous deed, with a heart moved with pity, that twice-born one, beholding the weeping Kraunchi, spoke these words,--"O fowler, since thou hast slain one of a pair of Kraunchas, thou shalt never attain prosperity!" Having uttered this, he thought within himself, "What is this that I have said, afflicted with grief for the bird?" Revolving thus in his mind, that highly-wise one and best of sages addressed his disciple, saying,--"This speech that I have uttered is of equal feet and accents; and is capable of being chaunted according to measure to stringed accompaniment. Let it therefore go forth as a _sloka_ as it has come out of my sorrow!" When the sage had spoken thus, his disciple, well pleased, assented to his excellent speech; and thereat that pious person was gratified. Then having duly performed his ablutions at that holy spot, the reverend sage retraced his steps, pondering over the incidents touching the _sloka_. And his disciple also, accomplished in learning, and of I meek demeanour, followed Valmiki, carrying on his back a pitcher filled with water.

Having entered the hermitage along with his disciple, that one knowing duty, while apparently engaged in diverse kinds of talk, revolved in his mind the circumstances connected with the verses. And it came to pass that desirous of seeing the best of sages, there arrived that lord and creator of all, the effulgent Brahma, furnished with four countenances. Beholding him, Valmiki rose up suddenly and, wondering greatly, humbly and silently stood before him with folded hands. And duly bending low in reverence Valmiki offered that deity water to wash his feet, and other things for reception. And having sat down on a highly-honored seat, that worshipful one enquired after the welfare of that sage Valmiki knowing no deterioration; and then asked him to be seated. And having been seated in the presence of the Grand-sire of all, Valmiki, his mind running upon the self-same subject, became plunged in thought. "What a sin hath been committed by that wicked-minded one, incited by hostile feeling, when he without cause slew that sweetly-singing Krauncha!" And thereupon, again lamenting that female Krauncha, he, in grief of heart, mentally recited those verses. Then smiling, Brahmft spoke unto that excellent sage,--"Those verses of thine which thou hast composed shall attain celebrity: no doubt need be entertained on this head. It is because I had intended so, that those verses had come out of thy lips. Do thou now, O best of saints, compose the entire history of Rama. Do thou relate unto the world the history of the righteous-souled and intelligent Rama crowned with qualities. And do thou, and thou hast heard it from Narada, relate all that is known, and all that is unknown to thee, O wise one, concerning Rama, and Lakshmana, and Videha's daughter, and all the Rakshasas. And even what is not known to Narada, shall be unfolded unto thee. And no words of thine in this poem shall contain an untruth. Do thou, therefore, compose into verses this delightful story of Rama. And as long as the mountains and the seas exist on earth, thy history of Ramayana will spread among men. And as long as this story of Ramayana shall retain currency, thou shalt reside both in this world and in mine." Having said this, the worshipful Brahma disappeared there. And thereat the sage and his disciples marvelled greatly. And his disciples sang those verses again and again; and, momentarily experiencing pleasure, said unto him with exceeding wonder,--"Those verses, composed of equal accents, and furnished with four parts, have been sung by the mighty saint, have, in virtue of frequent repetition, been associated with a world of pathos, and have attained the eminence of a _sloka_. And now it is the intention of that illustrious and self centered sage to compose the entire Ramayana in this metre."

The great ascetic Valmiki of gracious appearance and unparalleled renown has composed hundreds of verses in melodious measure, couching the significance of the history of Rama's line. Listen to the annals of the foremost of Raghu's race, and the destruction of the Ten-headed one composed by the ascetic, with _Samasas_, _Sandhis_, _Prakritas_, and _Pratayas_; and lucid with sweet and equally-accented words.

SECTION III.

Having heard the entire history of the intelligent Rama, capable of conferring religious merit and the two other cognate objects, as well as emancipation, Valmiki again sought to get insight into it. And, seating himself facing the east on a cushion of _kusa_ grass, and sipping water according to the ordinance, he addressed himself to the contemplation of the subject through _yoga_. And by virtue of his _yoga_ powers, he clearly observed before him Rama, and Lakshmana, and Sita, and Dacaratha together with his wives in his kingdom, laughing, and talking, and acting, and bearing themselves as in real life. And he saw into all that was endured by Rama firm in promise, with his wife for the third. And like an _emblic myrobalan_ on his palm, that righteous-souled one, by virtue of his yoga, perceived all that had happened as well as all that would happen in future. And having truly seen everything by virtue of his contemplation, that magnanimous one set about recording the charming Rama's history. And agreeably to what had been related by the mighty-souled Narada, that worshipful saint composed the history of Ragu's line, conferring profit and pleasure, and impregnated with qualities fraught with them, and, like unto the ocean, abounding in riches, and captivating ear and mind. And Rama's birth, and mighty prowess, and kindness to all, and popularity, and forbearance, and good- ness, and truthfulness, and the wonderful converse he had with Viswamitra; and the nuptials of Janaki; and the snapping of the bow; and the hostilities of Rama with Rama (Parasurama); and the noble qualities of Dacaratha's son; and Rama's installation; and the enmity of Kaikeyi; and the obstacle in the way of the installation; and the exile of Rama; and the king's grief, lamentations, and departure for the other regions; and the grief of the subjects, and their dismissal by Rama to Ayodhya; and the tidings of the lord of Nishadas; and the charioteer's return; and the crossing of the Ganges; and Rama's interview with Bharadwaja; and his arrival at Chitrakuta in consonance with Bharadwaja's injunction; and Rama's building a mansion there and sojourn; and Bharata's arrival, and his propitiation of Rama; and Rama's offering oblations to the manes of his father; and the installation of the sandals; and Bharata's dwelling at Nandigrama; Rama's removal to Dandaka and destruction of Viradha; Rama's interview with Sarabhanga and meeting with Sutikshna; and Sita's companionship with Anusuya, and the latter's painting the former; and Rama's interview with Agastya, and his obtaining the bow from him; and the story of Surpanakha and her disfigurement; and the slaughter of Khara Tricira; and the exertions of Ravana; the destruction of Maricha, and the carrying away of Vaidehi; Raghava's lamentations, and the death of the king of vultures; Rama's encounter with Kavandha, (a headless demon) and his view of Pampa; Rama's interview with Savari, and his subsistence there on fruits and roots; Rama's lamentations, at Pampa, and meeting with Hanuman; the former's sojourn to the Rishyamukha, and interview with Sugriva; Rama's raising the confidence of Sugriva, and his friendship with the latter; and the encounter between Vali and Sugriva; the destruction of Vali, the establishment of Sugriva on the throne; and Tara's lamentation; the understanding between Rama and Sugriva as to the time for commencing the march; Rama's stay during the rainy season; and the ire of the lion of Raghu's race; the levying of forces; and the despatch of envoys in different directions; and the assignment by Sugriva of different quarters to the monkeys; the making over of his ring by Rama to Hanuman; Jambubana's discovery of the cave; the fasting of the monkeys on the shore of the ocean; Hanuman's interview with Sampati; Hanuman's ascension of the mountain, and his bounding over the main; and his sight of the Mainaka at the injunction of Ocean; the ring of Rakshasis; Hanuman's meeting with the Rakshasa Chyagraha; Hanuman's destruction of Sinhikaya; and Hanuman's sight of Lanka, and his entrance by night into Lanka; his ascertaining of conduct in times of helplessness; his journey to the tavern; and his sight of the inner apartments; and his sight of Ravana and of his car Pushpaka; his walk to the Asoka wood, and sight there of Sita; his presentation of the ring to Sita and converse with her; and the roaring of the Rakshasis; and dreaming of the dream by Trijata; Sita's handing a gem to Hanuman; and the breaking down of trees; and the flight of the Rakshasis, and slaughter of the slaves; and the wind-god's Son being taken captive; and his terrible roars while burning down Lanka; and his bounding back over the ocean; and the forcible possession of honey; and Hanuman's consoling Raghava, and handing him the gem; Rama's interview with Ocean; and Nala's constructing the bridge, the army's crossing of the ocean; and the nightly seige of Lanka; and Rama's interview with Bibhishana; the communication as to the means of destruction; and the destruction of Kumbhakarna and Meghananda; and the destruction of Ravana, and the recovery of Sita in enemy's city; and the sprinkling of Bibhishana, and the sight of Pushpaka; Rama's return towards Ayodhya, and meeting with Bharadwaja; despatch of Hanuman; and Rama's meeting with Bharata; and the installation of Rama; and the dismissal of all the forces; and Rama's pleasing his subjects, and renunciation of Sita,--all else besides concerning Rama on earth, that hath not yet taken place,--have been dealt with by the worshipful sage in the last book.

SECTION IV.