Part 7

[24] Being half-man and half-beast.--T.

SECTION XVIII.

When the horse-sacrifice of the high-souled Dacaratha had been completed, the immortals, accepting each his share, returned whence they had come. And the monarch, having observed all the rules of initiation, entered the palace with his equipage and retinue. And the lords of the earth, having been received suitably by the king, with glad hearts set out for their own countries, saluting that foremost of ascetics (Rhishyasringa). And clad in bright apparel, the delighted forces belonging to those graceful kings repairing to their own homes, looked exceedingly beautiful. When the lords of the earth had gone away, the graceful king Dacaratha re-entered his palace, with the foremost of regenerate ones at his head. And followed by the intelligent monarch with his retinue, Rhishyasringa, having been duly honored, set out with Santa. Having thus dismissed them all, the king, his object attained, began to dwell there happily, expecting sons.

And then when tbe six seasons had rolled away after the completion of the sacrifice, in the twelfth month, on the ninth lunar day, under the influence of the Punarvasu asterism, when the Sun, the Moon, _Saturn_, _Jupiter_, and _Venus_ were at _Arius_, _Capricorn_, _Libra_, _Cancer_, and _Pisces_, --and when Jupiter had arisen with the Moon at Cancer, Kaucalya gave birth to that lord of the universe, bowed unto by all the worlds, Rama, the descendant of Ikshwaku, furnished with excellent marks,--the one half of Vishnu,-- exceedingly righteous, with rosy eyes, and mighty arms, and crimson nether lip, and endowed with a voice like the sound of a kettledrum. Then on having given birth to that son of immeasurable prowess, Kaucalya looked resplendent, like Aditi on having brought forth that foremost of celestials--the wielder of the thunder-bolt. And then was born of Kaikeyi, Bharata, having truth for prowess, endowed with all the virtues, and the very fourth part of Vishnu. And then Sumitra gave birth unto Lakshmana and Satrughna, heroic, and skilled in all weapons, and endowed with the half of Vishnu. And Bharata of purged intelligence was born under the asterism _Pushya_, when the Sun had entered _Pisces_; while the two sons of Sumitra were born when the Sun arose in Cancer, under the asterism of _Aslesha_.[25]

And thus were separately born four high-souled sons unto the king, crowned with qualities, and graceful, and in loveliness resembling the constellations _Prosthapada_[26] Thereat the _Gandharbas_ began to chaunt sweetly, and the _Apsaras_ to dance. And the celestial kettledrums sounded; and there showered down blossoms from the sky. And high festivities were commenced by the multitude in Ayodhya. And the spacious highways became filled with players and dancers, glittering with all kinds of gems, and resounding with the music of singers and performers on instruments. And the king bestowed gifts upon bards and genealogists and penegyrists, and he also gave kine by thousands to Brahmanas.

And when the eleventh day had gone by, the king performed the Naming ceremony of his sons. And experiencing great delight, Vasishtha conferred the names. And the high- souled eldest one was called Rama; and Kaikeyi's son was called Bharata; and Sumitra's son was called Lakshmana,-- and the last was named Satrughna. And the king fed the Brahmanas as well as the inhabitants rural and urban; and he bestowed heaps of jewels upon Brahmanas. Thus did he celebrate the natal rites of the princes. And among all those princes, the eldest, Rama, like unto Ketu,[27] and the special delight of his father, became the object of general regard, even as the self-create Himself. And all of them were versed in the Vedas, and heroic, and intent upon the welfare of others. And all were accomplished in knowledge; and endowed with virtues. And among them all, the exceedingly puissant Rama, having truth for prowess, was the desire of every one, and spotless like unto the Moon himself.[28] He could ride on elephants and horses, and was an adept in managing cars. And he was ever engaged in the study of arms, and aye occupied in ministering unto his sire. And even from early youth, that enhancer of auspiciousness, Lakshmana, was ever attached unto his eldest brother Rama, that delight of all. And like unto another life of Rama, Lakshmana furnished with auspiciousness was in everything attentive to Rama's wishes, even at the neglect of his own person. And that foremost of persons did not even attain sleep without Rama's company,--nor did he partake any sweetmeat that was offered, unless Rama partook it with him. And when mounted on horse-back, Raghava went a-hunting, Lakshmana went at his back bow in hand, protecting him. And that younger brother of Lakshmana, Satrughna, likewise became ever dearer unto Bharata than life itself.

And on account of those exalted and well-beloved sons of his, Dacaratha experienced the excess of joy, like unto the Grand-sire on account of the celestials. And when they came to be furnished with knowledge, and crowned with virtues, and endowed with bashfulness and fame, and to attain wisdom in everything, and to be far-sighted,Dacaratha, the father of such powerful and flamingly effulgent sens, became delighted even like that lord of worlds--Brahma. And those best of men, ever engaged in the study of the Vedas, were accomplished in the art of archery--and always intent upon ministering unto their father.

And once upon a time, when the virtuous king Dacaratha, surrounded by his priests and friends, was reflecting about the nuptials of his sons, unto that high-souled one engaged in thought in the midst of his counsellors came the mighty ascetic Viswamitra. And desirous of seeing the king, he said unto the warders,--"Do ye speedily announce that I, Gadhi's son, sprung in the Kucika line, have come!" Hearing those words of his, they urged on by them, all hurriedly began to run towards the royal chambers. And coming to the royal apartments, they communicated to Ikshwaku's descendant the arrival of the ascetic Viswamitra. Hearing those words of theirs, Dacaratha surrounded by his priests, went out delightedly to meet him, like Vasava going out to meet Vrihashpati.[29] And having come unto that ascetic observing vows and of flaming energy, the monarch with a cheerful countenance offered him the _Arghya_. And there- upon, having accepted the king's _Arghya_ in accordance with the ordinance, he enquired of the lord of men as to his continued prosperity and peace. And the exceedingly virtuous descendant of Kucika asked the king concerning the welfare of the exchequer, and the provinces; and the peace of his friends and acquaintances. "And are thy captains submissive: and hast thou vanquished thy foes? And hast thou performed well the human and the divine rites?" And approaching Vasishtha and the other anchorites, that foremost of ascetics of exalted piety duly asked them touching their welfare. And having been properly received by the monarch, they with glad hearts entered the royal residence, and sat them down according to precedence. Then gladly worshipping the mighty ascetic, Viswamitra, the exceedingly generous king, well-pleased, addressed him, saying,--"Like unto the obtaining of ambrosia, like unto a shower in a land suffering from drouth, like unto the birth of sons of worthy wives to him without issue, like unto the recovery of a lost thing, yea,--like unto the dawning of a mighty joy, I consider this thy arrival. illustrious ascetic, thou art well come. What is even that which is nearest to thy heart. What shall I do for thee, experiencing sincere pleasure? Thou, O Brahmana, art worthy of my best services. By luck it is that, O bestower of honor, I have gained thee. To-day my birth hath been crowned with fruit--to day hath my life attained its object. And truly yesternight hath been succeeded by an auspicious morning, since I have beheld thee. Having first attained exceeding effulgence by virtue of austerities performed for obtaining the title of _Rajarshi_, thou hast afterwards obtained the status of a _Brahmarshi_. Thou art worthy of manifold homage from me. This thy exceedingly holy arrival appeareth wonderful. O lord, by beholding thee, surely my body hath been rendered pure. Tell me, what is it that thou wouldst have,--and what is the purpose of thy coming? I wish that I may be obliged by doing thy will. And, O thou of excellent vows, thou ought not to hesitate. I will every way accomplish thy will for thou art my god. O regnerate one, surely great prosperity cometh to me in consequence of thy coming, in as much as it shall be the means of bringing me entire and excellent merit, O Brahmana!" Hearing this soul-soothing, ear-charming, and free-humble speech that was uttered, that illustrious prime of ascetics crowned with virtues, and furnished with all perfections, experienced exceeding delight.

[25] The ninth lunar mansion.--T.

[26] Otherwise called _Uttarabhadrapada_ and _Purvabhadrapada_.--T.

[27] The ninth of the planets.--T.

[28] The Moon is a male in Sanskrit.--T.

[29] The text has _Brahmanam_. Vrihashpati is the Brahma of the gods--_Vrhashpatir devanam Brahma_,--according to Sruti--T

SECTION XIX.

Hearing those astonishing words of that lion-like king, the highly-energetic Viswamitra with his down standing on end, said,--"O foremost of kings, sprung from an illustrious line, and having Vasishtha for thy guide, these words become thee alone on earth and no one else. Do thou, O best of kings, ascertain thy course in respect of the matter I bear in my heart; and do thou prove firm in promise! For celebrating a sacrifice, I, O foremost of men, abide by some prescribed course. And it comes to pass that two Rakshasas assuming shapes at will, have become bent upon disturbing the ceremony. And in that sacrifice which I have determined to bring to a completion, and which is on the eve of being completed, both these Rakshasas, Maricha and Suvihu, accomplished in arms and possessed of prowess, shower flesh and gore upon the altar. And on that ceremony being thus disturbed and my purpose thus frustrated, I considered my labors as all lost, and, therefore, have left my country in dejection. And, O monarch, I cannot bring myself to vent my wrath; for such is the nature of that business, that it is not proper for one engaged in it to utter a curse. Therefore, O foremost of monarchs, it behoves thee to grant me thy eldest son, the heroic Rama of genuine prowess, with the side-locks. By virtue of his own divine energy, he, being protected by me, is capable of even destroying those Rakshasas disturbing the ceremony. And I will, without doubt,confer upon him manifold blessings,--by means of which he will secure the golden opinions of the three worlds. And encountering Rama,they will by no means be able to stand him, nor is there any other who dares to slay them. And puffed up with energy, they have become ensnared at the hands of Kala,[30] --and, O best of monarchs, they are no match for Rama. Nor, king, ought thou to indulge in paternal affection. For ten nights only Rama is to remain there, with the object of slaying those foes to my sacrifice, those Rakshasas disturbing the rites. I tell thee, do thou consider the Rakshasas as already slain. I know full well Rama of sterling prowess,--as also the highly-energetic Vasishtha and the other ascetics present here. And if thou, O king, set thy heart upon acquiring religious merit and high fame on earth, do thou then grant me Rama! And, O Kakutstha,[31] if thy counsellors together with the Brahmanas having Vasishtha at their head, consent, do thou then dismiss Rama! Even this is my wish,--and he also hath come of age. Do thou, therefore, part with thy son, the lotus-eyed Rama, for the ten days of the sacrifice! Do thou act so, O descendant of Raghu, that the time appointed for the ceremony may not be overpassed. Good betide thee! Let not thy mind indulge in grief!"

Having said these words consistent with virtue and interest, the mighty-minded and highly-powerful Viswamitra paused. And hearing the auspicious words of Viswamitra, that foremost of kings shook with a mighty sorrow, and became bewildered. Then, having regained his sense, he rose up and became cast down through apprehension. Having heard the words of the ascetic, capable of rending the mind and heart, the bigh-souled king of men became stricken with grief and shook on his seat.

[30] Yama, the god of death.

[31] From _Kakud_, an emblem of royalty and _Stha_, residing,--meaning a prince, the grandson of Ikshwaku.--T.

SECTION XX.

Hearing the words of Viswamitra, that best of monarchs remained insensible for a time,--and then regaining his sense, spake thus,--"My lotus-eyed Rama is not yet turned of sixteen; and I do not perceive his fitness to cope with Rakshasas in battle. I am the lord of this _Akshaukini_[32] of forces. Marching with this, will I engage with the night- rangers. And these servants of mine are valiant, and warlike, and accomplished in weapons, and capable of fighting the Rakshasas,--therefore, it behoveth thee not to take Rama. And myself bow in hand, stationed at the van of the array, will battle with the rangers of the night as long as life is spared unto me. And then well protected, thy sacrifice will hold an unimpeded course. Therefore, I will repair thither,--and it behoveth thee not to take Rama. And youthful, and unaccomplished, and not knowing what constitutes strength and what not, and not equipped with the energy of science,--and unskilful in fight, he is not a match for Rakshasas,--they being deceitful warriors. Bereft of Rama, O best of ascetics, I cannot live for a moment. Therefore, it behoveth thee not to take him. If, O Brahmana, it is thy intention to take Rama, then, O thou of excellent vows, do thou also take me along with the _Chaturanga_[33] forces! O Kucika's son, I am sixty thousand years old; and (at this age) I have obtained Rama after undergoing extreme troubles,--it therefore becometh thee not to take Rama. And among the four sons of mine, I find my highest delight in Rama, my first-born, and the most virtuous of them all,--therefore, it behoveth thee not to take Rama. What is the prowess of the Rakshasas? And whose sons are they? And who, pray, are they? And what are the proportions of their bodies? And who protecteth them, O foremost of ascetics? And by what means shall either Rama, or my forces, or, O Brahmana, I myself be able to slay in fight those deceitful warriors--the Rakshasas? Do thou tell me, adorable one, inflated as they are by virtue of their prowess, how can I stand them in fight?" Hearing that speech of his, Viswatmitra said,--"There is a Rakshasa named Ravana, sprung from the line of Pulastya. Having obtained a boon from Brahma, he boldly opposeth himself to the three worlds, being possessed of great strength, and prowess, and backed by innumerable Rakshasas. And, O mighty monarch, I also hear that that lord of the Rakshasas is the very brother of Vacravana and the son of the ascetic Vicravan. And when that one possessed of mighty strength does not stoop to disturb the sacrifice himself, those powerful Rakshasas, Marich and Suvahu, being incited by him, disturb the rites." The ascetic having spoken thus, the king then answered him,--"I am incapable of standing that wicked-souled one in fight. Therefore, do thou, O thou versed in morality, extend thy favor unto my son! Of slender fortune as I am, thou art my guide and my god. Even the celestials and the _Danavas_ and the _Gandharbas_ and the Birds and the Snakes are incapable of bearing Ravana in battle--what then is man? He depriveth in conflict even the puissant of their prowess. I cannot fight either with him or with his forces. And, O foremost of ascetics, whether thou art accompanied with my son or my forces, thou wilt not be able to stand him. And how can I, O Brahmana, make over unto thee my son, of tender years, resembling an immortal, who is ignorant of warfare? I will not part with my son. The sons of Sunda and Upasunda resemble Kala himself in battle,--and it is they who are disturbing thy sacrifice. Therefore I will not part with my son. And Maricha and Suvahu are possessed of prowess, and accomplished in weapons. But with my friends I will repair to encounter one of them. If thou do not consent to this, I beseech thee with my friends, (do thou desist!)" Hearing these words of the lord of men, a mighty ire took possession of that foremost of regenerate ones, Kucika's son; and the fire of the Maharshi's wrath flamed up even like unto a fire fed by fuel and clarified butter.

[32] A complete army consisting of 1,09,350 foot, 65,610 horse, 21,870 chariots, and 21,870 elephants.--T.

[33] An army consisting of foot, horse, elephants, and cars.--T.

SECTION XXI.

Hearing those words of Dacaratha, composed of letters faltering with affection, Kucika's son, stirred up with anger, answered the monarch, saying,--"Having promised me first, thou endeavourest to renounce that promise of thine. This surely is unworthy of a descendant of Raghu,-- and this can bring destruction upon the dynasty. If, king, in acting thus, thou hast acted properly, I will then repair to the place whence I had come. O Kakuthstha's descendant false in promise, do thou attain happiness, being surrounded by thy friends." And when the intelligent Vicwamitra was exercised with wrath, the entire earth began to tremble, and the gods even were inspired with awe. And knowing that the entire universe was in trepidation, that mighty saint, the sedate Vasishtha of excellent vows, said these words unto the king,--"Born in the line of Ikshwaku, thou art the very second self of virtue. And endowed with patience, and auspicious, and observing excellent vows, thou ought not to renounce virtue. The descendant of Raghu is famed over the three worlds as righteous-souled. Do thou maintain thy habit of adhering to promise; for it doth not behove thee to act unrighteously. If having promised,--'I will do so,' thou dost not act up to thy word, the merit thou hast achieved by digging tanks and by performing sacrifices shall come to naught,--therefore do thou renounce Rama! Accomplished or not accomplished in weapons, the Rakshasas cannot bear him protected by Kucika's son, like ambrosia, by flaming fire. This one is Virtue incarnate: this one is the foremost of those possessing prowess. This one surpasseth all others in learning, and is the refuge of asceticism. This one is cognizant of all the weapons that exist in the three worlds furnished with mobile and imobile things; but others do not know him,--nor yet shall know him hereafter. And neither the gods, nor the saints, nor the immortals, nor the Rakshasas, nor the foremost of Gandharbas and Yakshas, nor the Kinnaras, nor the mighty Serpents can know him. And formerly while the descendant of Kucika was ruling bis kingdom, Siva conferred upon him the highly famous sons of Kricacwa in the shape of all weapons. And those sons of Kricacwa were the offspring of Prajapati's daughters. They were endowed with various forms, and were effulgent and dreadful. And Daksha's daughters of elegant waists, Jaya and Suprabha, brought forth an hundred exceedingly effulgent weapons. And by virtue of her boon, Jaya obtained fifty sons of immeasurable strength and endued with the power of becoming invisible for the purpose of slaughtering the hosts of the Asuras. And Suprabha also brought forth fifty sons named _Sanharas_, incapable of being borne, and infallible, and powerful. Kucika's son is adequately conversant with all those weapons. And that one knowing duty is also capable of creating wonderful weapons. And, O descendant of Raghu, there is nothing present, past, or future which is not known by that foremost of ascetics of high soul, and cognizant of morality. Such is the prowess of that highly famous Vicwamitra possessed of mighty energy. Therefore, O king, it behoveth thee not to hesitate in the matter of Rama's going. The descendant of Kucika is himself capable of repressing the Rakshasas; and it is in order to thy son's welfare that coming unto thee, he asketh for him of thee." At this speech of the ascetic, that foremost of Raghus, the king, well- pleased, became exceedingly delighted. And that famous one, relishing the journey of Rama, began to reflect in his mind about consigning him unto Kucika's son.

SECTION XXII.