Part 28

Xhen that lord of monkeys, the successful Sugriva, spake unto Rama--lion among men and destroyer of hostile hosts-- saying, "Those foremost monkeys endeued with strength and capable of wearing any shape at will, and possessed of the splendour of the mighty Indra,--that inhabit my territories, have come and stationed themselves. And these monkeys-- dreadful, and resembling Daityas and Danavas--are accompanied by powerful monkeys of terrific prowess, who have displayed their virtue in many a field,--and are of famed renown in battle and, powerful, and who have mastered languor and are celebrated in prowess and sterling in their profession. O Rama, these _kotis_ of apes that have arrived, inhabiting earth and water and various mountainous tracts, are at thy service. All abide by thy command--all are intent upon the welfare of their master, and, O subduer of foes, they are competent to bring about thy end. And in company with many thousands and innumerable ones that have shewn their ability in many a field, have come monkeys dreadful, and resembling Daityas and Danavas. If, O lion among men, thou conceive that the time is ripe, tell it (unto me). It behoves thee to command those forces, remaining under thy sway. Although I am full well acquainted with the work in which they are to be employed, yet thou ought to order them as to what they are to accomplish." When Sugriva had spoken thus, Dacaratha's son, Rama, embracing him with his arms, said, "O placid one, do thou learn whether Videha's daughter is alive or not; as well as ascertain the country, where, O thou endowed with eminent wisdom, liveth Ravana. Having come at Vaidehi and Ravana's abode, shall I then appoint the time along with thee. O lord of monkeys, I am not the master in this matter, nor Lakshmana: thou art the cause of this undertaking, as well as, O monarch of monkeys, the lord. Do thou therefore, O lord, command these as to what is to be done by them in my behalf. O hero, thou certainly knowest my business. My second friend (Lakshmana being first), thou art potent, wise, conversant with seasonableness, cognizant of profit, and engaged in our welfare." Thus addressed, Sugriva in presence of Rama and the intelligent Lakshmana, said unto a leader of herds and lord of apes, named Vinata, having the splendour of a hill, blazing and emitting sounds as those of clouds, "O foremost of monkeys, accompanied with apes resembling the sun and the moon, thou cognizant of time, place and morals, and sagacious in deciding course of action,--surrounded by hundreds and thousands of active apes, march towards the Eastern quarter, furnished with woods, forests and hills. There, in mountain fastnesses, and forests and rivers, do thou search Videha's daughter, Sita, as well as the abode of Ravana. And while on the search around for Rama's beloved wife, Sita, daughter-in-law unto Dacaratha, thou shouldst search the beautiful Bhagirathi, and the Sarayu, and the Kauciki; the Kalindi, and the charming Yamuna, and the mighty hill bordering thereon; and the Saraswati, and the Sindhu, and the Sona with water resembling ruby; and the Mahi and Kalamahi, garnished with woods and hills,--the large tracts--Brahmamalas, Videhas, and Malavans, and Kacikosalas, and Magadhas, and Pundras, and Angas; and grounds native to silkworms, and containing mines of silver; and mountains and cities embosmed in the sea. Do thou also search through the houses in Mandara, --belonging to people having ears resembling cloths, reaching their nether lips, and mouths resembling iron, --one-footed and fleet withal; and whose descendants never deteriorate;--and to anthropophagi; and hunters dwelling on islands; having sharp hair, gold-hued, pleasing, and subsisting on raw fish; and to creatures--tiger-man forms--terrible to behold; and, ye dwellers of woods, do ye carefully search those places that are accessible by crags and bounds,--and the island of Yava, adorned by seven several kingdoms, and the island of Suvarna, and Rupayaka,--thronged by gold miners. And, going beyond the island of Yava, (one comes upon) the hill called Sisira, which pierceth the heavens by its peaks, and is inhabited by gods and demons. In all these mountain fastnesses, cascades and woods, do ye together search for the renowned wife of Rama. Then, arriving at the rapid red waters going under the name of Sona,and repairing to the other shore of the ocean, the abode of Siddhas and Charanas, do ye search all round for Ravana in company with Sita in the sweet sacred spots and picturesque woods. And ye should explore forests, mountain-sprung streams, wild tracts subject to storms, and mountains containing caverns. Then it behoves you to examine horrible ocean islands, heaving with waves, terrific, resounding,--of haughty bearing in consequence of winds. There, huge-bodied Asuras, hungering for a long period, permitted by Brahma, capture creatures, resorting to shades. And adroitly arriving at that great sea, like unto clouds at the universal dissolution, inhabited by mighty snakes, sending loud sounds,--and there, after passing the terrific sea of red waters called Yellow, ye will behold a mighty knarled Salmali, There, built by Vicwakarman, peak-like, gigantic, resembling Kailaca, (towereth) the mansion of Vinata's offspring, named Mandeha. There, grim Rakshasas named Mandehas, resembling hills, of diverse shapes, capable of inspiring fear, hang head foremost on the rocks. Day after day at sunrise, these Rakshasas heated (by solar rays) and struck dead by Brahma energy,[134] again and again (hang on the crags). Then wilt thou, O thou that art hard to repress, proceeding, view the sea named Kshiroda, having the hue of pale clouds, and looking like a necklace, because of the ripples (on its surface). In it there are the mighty white mountains going by the name of Rishada, covered with trees bearing oderous blossoms; as well as the tank known under the name of Sudarcana, swarming with swans and shining silver lotuses having golden filaments. Desirous of sport, resort to this tank delighted troops of Vivudhas and Charanas, Yakshas, Kinnaras and Apsaras. Leaving behind Kshiroda, ye monkeys, ye will soon after behold the Jalada sea, striking terror into all beings. There presideth that mighty ire-born Energy of him,[135] (embodied in) the mouth of a mule. This wondrous (universe) containing mobile and immobile things and fraught with great impetus, is the aliment of this Energy. There are heard the cries of feeble creatures inhabiting the sea, who began to wail on witnessing the mouth of the mule. On the north of the Swadu sea, lie thirteen _yojanas_ (of land), named Jatarupacila,[136] exceeding spacious, and of the splendour of gold. There, ye monkeys, ye will behold that serpent, the holder of Earth--resembling the moon, and with expansive eyes like lotus-petals--seated at the summit of the mount,-- that one worshipped of all deities, having a thousand heads,-- the god Ananta, clad in blue apparel. And by the dais (there) at the top of the mount is the golden palm, planted by that high souled one,--which is like a banner. The chief of the celestials reared it in the Eastern region. After that is the fair Rising mountain. Its golden peak measuring a hundred _yojanas_, reaching unto the heavens, rises nobly, with mountains at its base; and looks beautiful with Salas, palms, Tamalas, and flowering Karnikaras,--golden, splendid and resembling the sun. There,[137] spreading a _yojana_ around, towering up ten, is the peak named Saumanasa--all certainly of gold. There, formerly on the occasion of invading the earth with three paces, that foremost of persons, Vishnu, planting his first foot, planted the other on the summit of Meru. The sun, having passed by Jamvudwipa on the north, and, arriving at that mighty and eminent summit, (Saumanasa), again becometh visible to the dwellers of Jamvudwipa. There are seen those Valakhilya Maharshis, named Vaikhanasas,--wearing the hue of the sun, leading an ascetic mode of life. This is the island of Sudarcana, before which all creatures inspire energy and have their sight granted to them. You should search for Ravana with Vaidehi all round the top of that mountain as well as in its forests and woods. (Here) the first twilight enfolded in the glory of the golden hill and that of the high-souled Sun, appeareth roseate. As this is the first gateway of both Earth and Heaven, and as the sun first rises in this quarter, this is called the East. Ye should search the breast of its mountain, and fountains, and caves for Ravana in company with Vaidehi. Beyond that, is the exceedingly impassable Eastern quarter, thronged by the celestials,--covered with darkness and devoid of the sun and the moon. Do ye search for Janaki in all those rocks, woods and streams as well as in such spots as I have not mentioned. Ye foremost of monkeys, the monkeys are competent to proceed thus far. Beyond this, of the tract without sun and without limit, I know nothing. Meeting with Vaidehi and (arriving at) Ravana's mansion, do ye, having reached the Rising hill, turn back, when it shall be a full month. Do not stay longer than a month. If ye do, ye shall be slain by me. Having attained your end, do ye turn back, having met with Maithili. Having adroitly explored (the tract) loved of Mahendra, plated with woods, do ye, ye monkeys, having come at Sita--the beloved wife of that descendant of Raghu--desist, attaining happiness."

[134] The commentator explains: _energy darted from the three orders.--T._

[135] Sage Aurvi.--T.

[136] Lit. _of gold and stone.--T._

[137] The commentator says that this locative refers to the summit of the Rising hill.--T.

SECTION XLI.

Then having sent away that mighty host of monkeys, Sugriva despatched to the South others competent to perform tlie several tasks entrusted to them. And appointing the exceedingly mighty Angada as the leader of those heroic monkeys, that hero, the lord of monkey bands, conversant with the countries intended to be explored, despatched heroes endowed with speed and prowess, headed by Angada, Nila the son of Fire, and the monkey Hanuman, and the exceedingly energetic Jambavan, son unto the Great-father, and Suhotra, and Sarari, and Saragulma, Gaya, Gavakshya, and Gavaya, Sushena, Vrishabha, Mainda, Dwivida, and Gandhamadana, and Ulkamukha and Ananga--sons of Fire both. And the lord of monkeys began to describe unto the monkey-chiefs those tracts in those directions, that were difficult of access. "Ye will behold Vindhya having an hundred summits, and brushed with various trees and shrubs, and the romantic river Narmada, frequented by mighty serpents; and the Godavari,[138] and that mighty river, the captivating Krishnaveni, and the Mekhalas and Utkalas, and the cities of Dacarna; and Avravanti and Avanti, and the Vidarbhas and Nishtikas and the charming Mahishakas.[139] And ye will see also the Matsyas and Kalingas and Kaucikas all round, and the forest of Dandaka, with mountains, rivers and caverns; and the river Godavari,[140] and the Andhras, and Paundras, the Cholas, the Pandyas, and the Keralas. Then shall ye repair to the mountain Ayomukha,[141] plated with ore, having taking summits, graceful, furnished with picturesque flowering woods,-- the mighty mountain having groves of excellent sandal. At the foot of the Malaya mountain endeued with exceeding energy, ye will behold the noble stream Kaveri, of pleasant waters, where sport troops of Apsaras. (There) you will see that foremost of saints, Agastya, resembling the sun. Permitted by that gratified high-souled one, ye will cross over the great river, Tamraparni, abounding in alligators. Like a youthful female in relation to her lover, she (Tamraparni), with both her waters as well as islets concealed under beautiful sandal woods, bathes in the sea. Proceeding (therefrom), the monkeys shall see the grand golden gates belonging to the walls of the capital of the Pandyas. Then arriving at the main, ye shall ascertain your ability or otherwise of crossing the same. In the bosom of the deep there, Agastya hath placed that foremost of mountains--the charming Mahendra, having picturesque plateaus; golden, and beautiful,--with a portion of it sunk in the great ocean. For aye, He of a thousand eyes at _Parvas_ visiteth this mountain embellished by various blossoming trees and creepers; beauteous with divinities, and saints, and the foremost Yakshas and Apsaras; thronged by numbers of Siddhas and Charanas; and of surpassing loveliness. On its other shore is an island extending over an hundred _yojanas_, inaccessible to men[142] and of splendid aspect. Do ye explore it all round. There, in particular, ye must every way search for Sita. That country belongs to the impious Ravana, worthy of being slain--the lord of Rakshasas, like unto the thousand-eyed (deity) in splendour. In the midst of the Southern sea belonging to him (Ravana), there is a Rakshasi, named Anga, who procureth her prey by casting her shadow. Having (by your search) satisfied yourselves as to those countries where ye might suspect Sita to be, do ye, your doubts dispelled, proceeding beyond that, (Lanka), search for the spouse of that monarch endeued with unbounded energy. In the sea extending over an hundred _yojanas_, a lovely hill, named Pushpitaka, the abode of Siddhas and Charanas; resembling the rays of the sun or the moon,-- resting on the waters of the ocean, looks splendid, piercing the heavens with its giant peaks. Of this (mountain), there is a particular golden summit, which the sun approaches. It is incapable of being beheld by the ungrateful or the atheistical. Bowing your heads down unto this hill, let the monkeys search on. Leaving behind that irrepressible one, (ye will come upon) a mountain difficult of approach, extending over fourteen _yojanas_, named Suryyavan. Passing by that also, (ye will see) a mountain, named Vidyut, filled with trees, beautiful at all seasons, and bearing all desirable fruits. There, feeding upon excellent and costly fruits and roots, and drinking delicious honey, let the monkeys pass beyond it. There is the hill named Kunjara, grateful both to the eye and the mind,--where Vicwakarma had built the abode of Agastya.[143] There (rises) that stately golden pile, adorned with various gems, extending over one _yojana_, and ten in height. In it[144] also there is that palace, which is the abode of snakes; having spacious ways, incapable of being captured, guarded around, and protected by dreadful snakes and sharp-toothed serpents of virulent poison; where dwelleth Vasuki, the exceedingly terrible king of snakes. Proceeding heedfully, ye must explore that Bhogavati palace; as also whatever concealed places may lie there. Going beyond that place, (ye will see) the mighty mountain named Rhrishava, in the form of a bull, full of all gems, and possessed of grace,-- where are produced excellent _Gocirshaka_, _Padmaka_, and _Haricyama_ sandals, and which in effulgence resembles fire. But, seeing that sandal, ye must by no means ask any questions: certain Gandharbas, named Rohitas, are on guard over that wood--the lords of Gandharbas, in splendour like unto five suns,--Cailusha, Gramani, Ciksha, Cuka, and Babhru. After that, (Rhishava), at the extremity of the Earth is the abode of persons of pious acts, whose bodies are composed of the Sun, the Moon and Fire. And there reside persons who have won the heavenly regions. After that are the awful regions of the ancestral manes, which ye must not approach. This is the metropolis of Yama, covered by deep gloom. Ye heroic monkey chiefs, ye can seek thus far. Further there is no course for those endeued with motion. Having examined all these, as well others that may come within your ken, it behoves you, after having ascertained Vaidehi's course, to return (hither). He that, returning within a month, shall say,--"I have seen Sita," shall pass his days in happiness, enjoying affluence like mine own and indulging all pleasures. He shall be dearer unto me than life itself, and none dearer (unto me) than he; and although he might commit innumerable wrongs, still should he become my friend. Possessed of immeasurable strength and prowess, and sprung from lines crowned with sterling virtues, do ye strive manfully in such a glorious way that the king's daughter may be recovered."

[138] The commentator says, "The Godavari flowing through the countries to the east of the Vindya mountains."--T.

[139] Some texts read--Rishtikas instead.--T.

[140] The tract, according to Ramanuja, watered by the Godavari in the vicinity of Dandaka.--T.

[141] Another name of this hill is Malaya.--T.

[142] "Because," says the commentator, "of the profusion of gold in it."--T.

[143] _i. e. in that hill._

[144] _i. e. in that hill._

SECTION XLII.