Part 13

Having been thus addressed, Vaidehi unaffected by fear, although exercised with grief, placing a blade of grass between herself and Ravana, answered him, saying, "There was a king named Dacaratha, the bridge of righteousness, like unto a mountain, ever bearing regard towards the truth, and renowned among men, whose son is Raghava. He is named Rama, and is righteous-souled and celebrated over the three worlds. He is long-armed, of expansive eyes,--like unto a celestial--he is my husband. Born in the race of the Ikshwakus, he hath the shoulders of a lion and is possessed of exceeding effulgence--the same that along with his brother, Lakshmana, shall take thy life. If thou hadst wronged me forcibly in his presence, thou wouldst have lain in battle in Janasthana even as Khara." All the mighty Rakshasas of grim visages, whom thou hast extolled (before me) shall be deprived of their venom before Rama, as serpents are before Suparna. The shafts decorated with gold shot by the bow-string of Raghava, shall pierce their bodies, as the waves of the Ganga (beat against) her banks, Although, O Ravana, thou mayst be incapable of being slain either by the gods or the Asuras, yet having roused the high hostility of Raghava, thou wilt not be able to liberate thy life. The strong Raghava will compass the end of what remains of thy life. Like the life of a beast tied to the sacrificial stake, thy own is incapable of being reclaimed, Should Rama look at thee with eyes aglow with anger, thou, O Rakshasa, wouldst be consumed even as Manmatha was by Rudra. He who is able to bring down the Moon or destroy him, and to drink up the ocean dry, will surely liberate Sita from here. Thy days are numbered, and auspiciousness hath bidden thee adieu. Thou art shorn of strength, and thy senses have been dulled. And it is owing to thee that Lanka shall be subject to widowhood. That thou by force hast for naught carried me away from the side of my husband --this sinful act can never conduce to thy felicity. That exceedingly effulgent lord of mine along with my husband's younger brother, summoning up their energy, is fearlessly dwelling in the vacant Dandaka. By means of an arrowy shower in conflict, he will take thy prowess and strength, thy hauteur and wickedness out of thy person. When urged by the Destroyer, the destruction of creatures is perceptible, then, coming under the sway of the Destroyer, men become careless in their actions. Having outraged me, thou, O worst of Rakshasas, thy time come; for compassing thy own destruction as well as that of the Rakshasas and those dwelling in thy inner apartment. A Chandala cannot tread the dais reared in the midst of a sacrifice beauteous with ladles, and vessels, and sanctified by the twice-born ones. So I, the religiously wedded wife of that one, ever intent on virtue, and (always) firm in my vows, is incapable, thou vilest of Rakshasas, of being touched by thee, a sinner. How can the female that hath always sported with her mate amidst lotuses, cast her eyes on a shag staying among rushes. Do thou either bind or destroy this body deprived of sensation. This body will I not protect, nor yet this life, O Ravana; and I shall not be able to bring blame on myself in this world." Having said these harsh words in wrath, Videha's daughter, Janaki, did not there again say anything unto Ravana. Hearing Sita's words, harsh and calculated to make one's down stand on end, Ravana answered her in words tending to excite one's apprehension, "Hear, O Maithili, my words. O damsel if, O thou of sweet smiles, within this time thou do not turn thyself unto me, the cooks shall cut thee off in pieces to serve my morning meal." Having herself spoken thus, Ravana,--challenger of foes-- growing exceedingly wroth, addressed the Rakshasis in these words, "Ye frightful Rakshasis terrible to behold, subsisting on flesh and gore, do ye at once crush her pride." As soon as he had said this, those frightfnl and terrible Rakshasis with joined hands encircled Maithili. Then the grim-visaged king Ravana, as if riving the earth by his tread, proceeding a pace or two, said, "Do ye take Maithili to the wood of _Asokas_. There surrounding her, do ye secretly guard her; and there (sometimes) by storming, and (at others) by means of soft speech, do ye all strive to bring Mithila's daughter, like a wild female elephant, under your sway." Thus commanded by Ravana, those Rakshasis taking Maithili along with them, went to the _Asoka_ wood, abounding with trees granting every desire, and filled with various kinds of fruits and flowers; and frequented by fowls fraught with juices at all seasons. And as a doe comes under the subjection of tigresses, Janaka's daughter, Maithili, her frame worked up with grief, came under the sway of the Rakshasis. And like a female deer fast bound by a trap, Janaka's timid daughter Maithili, agitated by the mighty grief, did not attain respite. And greatly up-braided by the fierce eyes (of the Rakshasis), Maithili did not know repose; and, afflicted with grief and fear, she, remembering her beloved lord along with Lakshmana swooned away.

SECTION LVI.

Having slain the Rakshasa, Maricha, able to wear shapes at will, who had been ranging in the form of a deer, Rama speedily turned back along the path. On Sita having entered Lanka, the great father addressed the gratified Devendra of an hundred sacrifices, "For bringing about the weal of the three worlds, and the woe of the Rakshasas, Sita hath been taken into Lanka by the wicked-minded, Ravana. Devoted unto her husband, the exalted lady always brought up in happiness, not seeing her husband, and seeing (on the other hand) environed by numbers of Rakshasis,--is hungering after the sight of her lord. The city of Lanka is situated on the shores of the lord of rivers and streams. How can Rama get a knowledge of that blameless one, staying there? Brooding over the various ills she hath undergone, that exceedingly rare damsel is passing her days. Surely she will resign her existence. Great is the doubt that hath arisen as to Sita putting a period to her existence. Having thyself from here, do thou see the fair-faced Sita. Having entered the city of Lanka, offer excellent clarified butter." Thus addressed by the reverend chastiser of Paka, Devendra in company with sleep, approached the city ruled by Ravana. He then addressed sleep, saying, "Go thou; and stupify the Rakshasas." Thus accosted by Maghavat, that goddess, exceedingly delighted, for securing success to the work of the celestials, covered the Rakshasas with stupor. In the meanwhile, that god, the thousand-eyed lord of Sachi went to (Sita) staying in the woods, and spoke unto her these words, "I am the sovereign of the celestials. Good betide thee! I am here, O thou of luminous smiles! For securing success unto the work of the magnanimous Raghava, I will lend my aid unto thee. Do not, O daughter of Janaka, grieve. Through my grace, he shall along with his forces cross over the ocean. And, O excellent wench, I have by my supernal power, stupified the Rakshasis. And, O Sita, for this reason, I along with sleep, taking these rice,--rice boiled in clarified butter, have, O Vaidehi, come unto thee. If thou partake of these from my hand, thou shalt never beuteous one, be afflicted either with hunger or thirst, thou of thighs resembling _rambha_ (trunks), for years." Thus addressed, Sita, alarmed, said, "How can I know thee for Devendra, Sachi's husband, staying here? By the side of Rama and Lakshmana, I had beheld the signs of the celestials. If, O Devendra, thou art thyself the sovereign of the celestials, show those unto me." Hearing Sita's words, the lord of Sachi did accordingly. He did not touch the earth with his feet, and his eyes remained winkless. He bloomed in youth, and the blossoms did not fade on his attire. Thereupon knowing him for Vasava, Sita was overjoyed. And weeping, she spoke regarding Raghava, "By luck it is that I had heard of that mighty-armed one along with his brother. As is my father-in-law, the king, as is the master of Mithila, so art thou (unto me), thou whom I behold to-day; my husband hath now found a protector.-- And by thy command, O Devendra, will I partake of this _payasa_ cooked with milk, which hath been offered unto me, and which shall enhance (the prosperity) of our race." Thereupon taking the _payasa_ from Indra's hands, that Maithili of luminous smiles (mentally) offered it unto her husband as well as Lakshmana. "If my mighty lord live along with his brother, let this through my reverence for them, be theirs." She then partook of the _payasa_ herself. Having thus eaten it, that one of excellent countenance, had her hunger and rising sorrow removed; and attaining a mental tendency from Indra, Janaki grew glad with reference to the Kakutshthas. And Sakra also for bringing about the success of Raghava's work, with a pleased mind, went to the abode of celestials. And greeting Sita again and again, that high-souled celestial, in company with sleep went back to his own abode."

SECTION LVII.

Killing the Rakshasa, Maricha assuming shapes at will and ranging in the shape of a deer, Rama vended speedily his way. And as he hurried himself, eager to behold Maithili, jackals began to howl hideously at his back. Hearing their harsh cries, capable of making one's hair stand on end, Rama struck with fear at the voices of the jackals, became filled with alarm. "Ah! I consider this as inauspicious-- that these jackals are crying. Escaping being devoured by the Rakshasas, may fair fortune befall Vaidehi! If Lakshmana should have heard the cries which Maricha, knowing my voice, and fixing on the means of harming me, uttered in the form of a deer, Saumitri, hearing that voice, leaving Mithila's daughter and commissioned by herself, must have come near me. Surely, the Rakshasas in a body are desirous of slaying Sita. Becoming a golden deer, Maricha, having allured me far, transformed himself into a Rakshasa, as soon as he had been struck with my shafts; and exclaimed, 'Ah! Lakshmana, slain am I.' It is doubtless, we having left (Sita), whether all is well with her. I having raised the hostility of the Rakshasas for the sake of Janasthana; and many and dreadful are the omens I see (around me)." Thus reflecting as he heard the bowlings of the jackals, the self-possessed Rama with hasty steps returned to the asylum. Raghava went back to Janasthana, alarmed in consequence of his having been drawn away by the Rakshasa in the form of a deer. And birds and beasts approached that high-souled one distressed and depressed in spirit; and staying on his left set up frightful cries. As he was witnessing the exceedingly dreadful signs, Raghava saw Lakshmana coming with a lacklustre (countenance); and Lakshmana came up to Rama. And depressed in spirit, he was rendered still more sad by that one who, afflicted with depression shared his sorrow. And, seeing that (Lakshmana) had come, leaving Sita in that solitary wood frequented by Rakshasas, his brother fell to reprimanding him. And taking Lakshmana's left; hand, the son of Raghu in extreme distress sweetly spake these rough words, "Alas! Lakshmana, thou hast committed a censurable act; leaving Sita, O mild one, thou hast come hither. Is it well with her? I make no doubt, O hero, but that Janaka's daughter hath either been slain or devoured by Rakshasas ranging the forest. And, considering the many omens that take place before me, O Lakshmana, I do not know whether we shall light upon welfare of Janaka's daughter Sita being alive, O best of men. And as these multitudes of beasts and these jackals are crying frightfully in the flaming direction,[60] I do not know, O thou of mighty strength, whether it is well with that daughter of the king. This Rakshasa, who, wearing the shape of a deer, and, alluring me, had drawn me far, hath in some sort been slain by me with much ado; and he became a Rakshasa at the time of his death. Yet my mind is poor and cheerless; and my left eye throbs. Doubtless, O Lakshmana, Sita is not,--she is either carried away, or dead, or is wandering on the way.

[60] _i. e._ The quarter presided over by the sun, _viz._, the East.--T.

SECTION LVIII.

Seeing Lakshmana cast down, cheerless, and come without Vaidehi, the righteous son of Dacaratha, asked him, saying, "Where, O Lakshmana is that Vaidehi, who hath followed me unto the Dandaka forest, and leaving whom thou hast come hither? Where is that one of a slender waist, who is the help in trouble of me, deprived of my kingdom, dispirited, and running about the Dandakas? Without whom, hero, I cannot live for a moment--where is that life's help of me Sita resembling the daughter of a celestial? O Lakshmana, without Janaka's daughter (hued) like burning gold, I covet not the sovereignty of the celestials or the earth. Liveth Vaidehi, dearer unto me than life? Shall this exile of mine be of no avail? O Sumitra's son, on my dying for Sita and thy returning (to the city,) shall Kaikeyi have her desire, and attain felicity; and shall Kaucalya,-- her son dead, and herself wearing the guise of a female mendicant, humbly wait upon Kaikeyi when she shall have succeeded in obtaining the kingdom for her son? If Vaidehi live, I will then return to the asylum; but O Lakshmana, if that one of excellent character should happen to be dead, I will also renounce my life. If, O Lakshmana, Vaidehi ever preluding her speech with a smile should not speak to me when I arrive at the asylum, I shall give up my life. Do thou tell me, O Lakshmana, whether Videha's daughter liveth or not; or whether, in consequence of thy acting heedlessly, that forlorn wench hath been devoured by Rakshasas. Of a tender frame, and a mere girl, Vaidehi, never having experienced unhappiness being cast down, surely weepeth for my separation. When that exceedingly wicked Rakshasa cried, "Lakshmana" at the top of his voice, wast thou also seized with fear? And I apprehend that voice resembling mine was heard by Vaidehi; and, despatched by her from fear, thou mayst have come hither swiftly to see[61] me. Thou hast every way acted unwisely in having left Sita alone in the wood. By this thou hast afforded opportunity to the cruel Rakshasas to repair the mischief (I have done them). The Rakshasas subsisting on flesh are aggrieved because of Khara having been slain; and now, without doubt, those terrible ones have slain Sita. Alas! absolutely sunk am I in peril, O destroyer of foes. What shall I do now? I fear such an event was appointed for me." Thus thinking of Sita, paragon among women, Raghava hastily went to Janasthana in company with Lakshmana. Taking to task his younger brother of distressed visage, Rama, afflicted with hunger and thirst, and dejected in spirits, sighing heavily with a countenance turned pale, entered the asylum and found it vacant. And entering his own asylum, that hero went to the play-grounds (of Sita) and remembering the sporting ground (of Sita) in that abode, he was filled with grief and his down stood on end.

[61] Some texts--_to rescue me.--T._

SECTION LIX.

When coming out of the hermitage, Raghu's descendant, Rama, after a while, from grief, spake these words to the son of Sumitra, "When confiding myself in thee, I had left Maithili with thee in the wood, why then didst thou go oat, leaving her behind? O Lakshmana, directly I saw thee approach, renouncing Maithili, my mind, apprehending great wrong, became really aggrieved. O Lakshmana, seeing thee coming at a distance, renouncing her, my left eye and arm as well as ray heart keep throbbing." Thus accosted, Lakshmana having auspicious signs, afflicted with great grief, said unto the aggrieved Rama, "I have not come hither, of my own accord, renouncing Sita; but I have come to thee, having been urged thereto by herself with rudeness. The cries of "O Lakshmana, save me," as if uttered by the master, came to the ears of Maithili. Hearing those distressful accents, Maithili from affection [for thee], breaking out into lamentations, and overwhelmed with fear, spoke unto me, "Off," "off." On being repeatedly urged, with "Go," I answered Maithili in these words, tending to inspire her confidence, 'I do not see such a Rakshasa, as can excite his fear. Do thou desist. These cries do not come from him; but must have been uttered by some one else. How can he that can rescue the celestials themselves, utter, O Sita, such a blame-worthy and base word as--save [me]? Some one far some purpose, assuming my brothers voice, is crying-- O Lakshmana, save me. O beauteous lady, these words, Save me--must have been uttered by some Rakshasa from fear. Thou shouldst not act like a mean woman. Do not be overwhelmed; and banish thy anxiety. There breathes no person, nor yet shall there be born any one in these three worlds who in the field shall vanquish Raghava in fight. Raghava is incapable of being beaten in battle by the very gods headed by Indra.' Thus addressed (by me) Vaidehi, deprived of her sense, shedding tears, spake unto me these cruel words, 'Thou cherishest the vile idea that on thy brother perishing, thou shalt come by me; but me thou shalt never have. As thou dost not go to him albeit he is crying loudly (for help), thou followest Rama in consonance with a hint from Bharata. A foe going about in disguise, thou followest Rama for my sake, prying into Raghava's draw backs; and it is for this that thou dost not go (to him)?' Thus accosted by Vaidehi, I, with eyes reddened in wrath, and my nether lip swollen in ire, rushed out of "the asylum." When Saumitri had spoken thus, Rama transported by grief, said unto Lakshmana, "O gentle one, thou hast done wrong in having come out hither without her. Although thou knewest (full well) that I was able to withstand the Rakshasas, yet didst thou sally out at the angry words of Mithila's daughter. I am not pleased with thee that hearing her harsh speech spoken in wrath, thou hast come hither, leaving Vaidehi behind. Thou hast every way done wrong in not acting out my mandate in consequence of being urged by Sita, and under the influence of indignation. That Rakshasa lieth low, being wounded by my shafts--that had drawn me away from the asylum wearing the form of a deer. I hit him stretching my brow slightly and fixing the shaft on it; when, renouncing his deer-form he became a Rakshasa wearing a bracelet and began to emit distressful shrieks. Wounded by my shaft, he, assuming my voice, and in accents capable of being heard from far, uttered those dreadful words fraught with dole, hearing which, thou hast come hither, renouncing Mithila's daughter."

SECTION LX.

As Rama went on, his feet failed him, his left eye began to beat, and a trembling came over his frame. Seeing again and again all these signs, he continually kept on asking (Lakshmana), "Is it well with Sita?" Eager to behold Sita, he proceeded fast; but finding the abode empty, he was filled with anxiety. And proceeding with swiftness, throwing about his limbs, Raghu's son began to survey all around the hut. He then found it empty of Sita, like unto a tank in evil plight and bereft of lotuses--during the winter. And seeing the cottage empty, with its trees as if sorrowing, and its flowers faded, and its beasts and birds sunk in gloom,-- shorn of grace, worn out, forsaken by the sylvan deities, strewn with deer-skins and Kuca, and twists of Kasa, he wept again and again--"Hath the timid one been carried off, or is she dead, or hath any one eaten her up, or hath she vanished (from the earth), or hath she gone to the wood, or hath she gone to cull flowers and fruits, or hath she gone to the pool for procuring water, or hath she repaired to the river? Although he searched his beloved one carefully, yet he failed to find her out in the wood-land. And that graceful one with his eyes reddened with grief, seemed like a maniac. And he rushed from tree to tree, and bewailing being sunk in an occean of grief traversed all the rivers and mountains. "O _Kadamba_, hast thou seen where is that one fond of Kadamba groves? If knowest thou this do thou tell me of Sita having an auspicious countenance. O _Bilya_, tell me pray, if thou hast seen her, wearing silken cloth, resembling cool leaves and having breast like unto _Bilya_ fruits. Or, O Aryuna, she was very fond of thee, tell me if liveth that daughter of Janaka of slender frame. This _Kakuva_ knoweth for certain about Maithilee having thighs like unto _Kakuva_. Yon stands beautifully that _Banaspati_ being enveloped with creepers, flowers and leaves and filled with the hum of _Vramaras_. Surely doth this _Tilaka_ know about her who was fond of her. O _Asoka_, who doth remove sorrows, do thou make good thy name by making me, who am exercised with grief, see instantly my beloved (spouse). O _Tala_, if thou hast any pity on me do thou tell me whether thou hast beheld that fair damsel having breast resembling ripe _Tala_ fruits. Do thou tell me without fear, O Jambhu, if thou hast seen my dear one resembling in hue the river Jambhu. O _Karnikar_, thou appearest very beautiful with this blossoming flowers, tell me if thou hast seen my dear devoted wife who was fond of thee." Thus the highly famous Rama asking about Sita, nearing the various trees such as mangoe, Nipa, Mahasala, Panaca, Kurava, Pomegranate, Vakula, Pumnaga, Sandal and Keta began to traverse the forest like a maniac. Again addressed he the diverse animals--"O deer, knowest thou for certain about Janaki having the eyes of a doe; is she engaged in play with the does? O elephant, methinks thou dost know about the daughter of Janaka having thighs resembling thy trunk; pray tell me if thou hast beheld her. O tiger, fearlessly do thou relate unto me if thou hast seen my beloved Maithilee, having a countenance resembling Moon. O dear! O thou having eyes like unto lotuses! why dost thou fly away? Surely have I seen thee. Why dost thou not address me hiding thyself behind the tree? Wait, wait, O thou fair damsel, thou hast no compassion for me! Never hadst thou mock me before in this way! Why dost thou neglect me now? O exquisitely fair damsel, truly have I found thee out from this thy yellow silken cloth. I have seen thee flying away. Stand if thou hast any love for me. Or, O thou having a sweet smile, thou art not she; truly thou hast been killed or else thou wouldst not have neglected me at this time of dire affliction. True it is that she hath been devoured in my absence by the Rakshasas living on flesh having torn into pieces her limbs. Truly hath her face, resembling the full-moon, having beautiful teeth a fine nose and white Kundalas, become of pale countenance being brought under the possession of the Rakshasas. Her neck had the hue of sandal and was adorned with necklace--that beautiful tender neck was eaten up by the Rakshasas, my beloved wife wailing. Her arms were tender like leaves and adorned with various ornaments; truly have the Rakshasas eaten them up, shaken as they were, by throwing them here and there. Alas! did I leave her alone only to be devoured by the Rakshasas? And she hath been eaten up like one weak and helpless albeit she has many friends. O Lakshmana, O thou of mighty-arms, hast thou seen where my dear wife is? O dear! O Sita! where hast thou gone?" Bewailing again and again in this strain Rama began to range the forest. Sometimes leaping, sometimes walking in an uncertain direction, again and again he looked like one void of sense. And again intent on searching Sita he furiously engaged in traversing the rivers, mountains, fountains and the woods. He could not wait paitently anywhere. Entering a vast forest he searched every nook and corner for Maithilee; his desire was not satisfied and he again engaged with great labour in the finding out of his dear spouse.

SECTION LXI.