Part 29

Having despatched those monkeys in a southern direction, Sugriva spoke unto the monkey named Sushena, resembling a mass of clouds. Approaching his father-in-law, Tara's father, possessed of dreadful prowess, the king, bowing and with joined hands, spoke unto him. And Sugriva commanded the Maharshi's son, Maricha, and the mighty ape, Archishmat, surrounded hy the heroic foremost of monkeys,-- possessing the splendour of Mahendra, gifted with sense and vigor; and resembling the offspring himself of Vinata in brightness; and Marichi's son,--the Marichas--the mighty Archirmalyas,--all these sons of the saint[145] --(to march) towards the West, saying,--"Ye monkey-chiefs, let twice hundred thousand monkeys led by Sushena (set out) to search Vaidehi. Ye foremost of monkeys, do ye explore the Saurashtras, the Bahlikas, the Chandrachitras, and (other) populous and fair provinces and spacious cities, and Kukshi, dense with _Punnagas_,[146] and filled with _Vakulas_ and _Uddalakas_; as well as the tracts covered with _Ketaka_ trees; and auspicious streams bearing their cool waters westward; and the forests of ascetics; and mountains embosoming woods. There having explored tracts resembling deserts, and cold cliffs towering high, and the West, covered with mountain ranges, and extremely difficult of access,--and proceeding at a little more to the west, it behoves you to have a view of the sea. And proceeding on, ye monkeys, ye shall see (the ocean), whose waters abound in whales and alligators, ye monkeys.[147] Then the apes shall sport in tracts covered by _Ketakas_, and dense with _Tomalas_ and woods of cocoanuts. There shall ye look for Sita and the mansion of Ravana, in hills and woods on the shores of the sea; and (explore) Murachipattana, and the delightful Jatapura, and Avanti, and Angalapa, as well as in the wood (called) Alakshita, and spacious monarchies, and emporiums. There is a mighty mountain where the Sindhu falls into the sea, Somagiri by name; having an hundred summits and tall trees. In its plateaus there are certain birds (called) Sinhas. These lift up to their nests whales and elephants. The proud elephants carried to the nests and remaining on the summits of the mountain, possessing the roar of clouds,having been gratified (with food), range around this extensive table-land filled with water. The monkeys, capable of wearing shapes at will, should swiftly search its golden summit towering to the sky and filled with graceful trees. Proceeding further, the monkeys shall behold the golden summit of Pariyatra rising from the sea and extending over an hundred _yojanas_. There dwell all around in a body four and twenty _kotis_ of ascetic Gandharbas, resembling fire, dreadful, practicising impiety, and like unto flames of fire. The monkeys of dreadful prowess should not present themselves before those, nor should they take any fruits from that country. Those heroes are hard to approach; and they are truthful and possessed of great might. And there they of dreadful prowess stow away their fruits and roots. There ye should needfully search for Janaki. Ye have no fear whatever from them; do ye only follow your native nature as monkeys. There, in hue like lapises, abounding in various kinds of trees and plants, is a mighty hill of an adamantine basis, called Vajra; beautiful, famous, and measuring an hundred _yojanas_ in height and area. There let the monkeys carefully explore the caves. On the fourth side of the Ocean is a mountain named Chakravan. There Vicwakarma forged the discus (called) _Sahasrara_. There, slaying Panchajana and the Danava, Hayagriva,[148] the Best of male beings obtained the discus as well as the conch. In those beautiful plateaus and huge caves, ye should everywhere search for Ravana with Videha's daughter. Sunk in the depths of the sea, is a very great mountain named Varaha, having golden peaks and measuring four and sixty _yojanas._ In it is a city named Pragjyotisha, all of gold. There dwells the wicked Danava named Naraka.[149] There do ye everywhere search for Ravana along with Vaidehi in the beautiful plateaus and huge caves. Passing beyond that foremost of mountains, whose sight betrays the secret of its bowels being freighted with gold, (ye shall come upon) the mountain Sarvasauvarna, furnished with fountains and cascades. Coming to it, elephants, and boars, and lions, and tigers, on all sides roar ceaselessly, wrought up by the echoes their own cries have produced. This is the mountain named Megha, where the graceful green-horsed vanquisher of Paka, Mahendra, was installed king by the gods. Having passed by that mountain protected by Mahendra, ye shall repair to sixty thousand hills of gold; in hue like the infant sun, and blazing on all sides and embellished by blossoming golden trees. In the midst of them is established as king, Meru, best of mountains. Formerly the Sun being well pleased, conferred a boon on this mountain, and he addressed the mountain, saying,--'By my grace all the hills that are under thy protection, shall be golden day and night; and also those gods Gandharbas and Danavas that shall dwell in thee, shall be filled with reverence for me and to the boot attain a golden glory.' Coming to the excellent mountain Meru, Vicwadevas, the Vasus, the Maruts and the celestials, adore the Sun in the western twilight. Adored by them, the Sun, becoming invisible, repaireth to the Setting hill.[150] In half a _muhurta_, the Sun swiftly passes over this (mountain), measuring, as it does, ten thousand _yojanas_. On its peak rises an edifice; resembling the sun (in splendour); consisting of palatial mansions built by Vicwakarma; and graced by goodly trees rife with various birds,--the residence of the high-souled Varuna, bearing the noose in his hand. Between Meru and the Setting hill, towers a tall palm having ten heads. Golden and graceful, it shineth on a variegated dais. In all these, difficult of access, as also in rivers and tanks, ye should thoroughly search for Ravana along with Vaidehi. There dwells there the righteous and famous Merusavarni, sanctified by virtue of his own asceticism, and like unto Brahma, himself.[151] Bowing down your heads to the earth, ye should ask the Maharshi Merusavarni, resembling the sun, touching Mithila's daughter. On the departure of night, the sun dispells the darkness of the world to this extent, and then enters the Setting hill. Ye foremost of monkeys, the monkeys are able to proceed thus far. Beyond this, of what is sunless and boundless I know nothing. Having come to Vaidehi and Ravana's mansions, and arrived at the Setting-hill, do ye return on the month being complete. Ye must not stay above a month; and if ye do, ye must be slain by me. And along with you goeth that hero, my father-in-law. Ye, abiding by his orders, should listen to all that he sayeth. My mighty-armed father- in-law. gifted with great strength, is my spiritual preceptor. All of you possessed of prowess, yourselves certainly constitute the measure whereby to ascertain the wisdom or otherwise of a course. Making this one also into a measure, survey the western quarter. Having requited the good that hath been done to us, we shall attain our end. De ye also determine what else is agreeable (unto Rama), and in consonance with place, season and profit, should be performed by you in the matter of this business." Then those monkeys-- the monkey chiefs headed by Sushena, having heard Sugriva's deft speech, set out for the quarter protected by Varuna.

[145] Marichi.--T.

[146] _Rottleria Tinctoria.--T._

[147] The grammar of these slokas is exceedingly vicious; and it has cost the Translator no small amount of labor to assign the necessary logical _nexus_ in a good many places.--T.

[148] Lit. _horse-necked.--T._

[149] _i.e. in the Varaha hill.--T._

[150] The commentator remarks: "Although not expressly stated, it is implied that the islands to the west of it are also to be searched."--T.

[151] Like unto Prajapati dwelling by Mahameru.--T.

SECTION XLIII.

Having directed his father-in-law to proceed to the West, that best of monkeys, the all-knowing king Sugriva, lord of apes, then spake unto the heroic monkey, named Satavala, words fraught with good unto himself as well as unto Rama,--"Surrounded by hundreds and thousands of rangers of the forest like thyself, in company with the offspring of Yama as well as the counsellors in a body, do thou, O thou possessed of prowess, entering the northern quarter furnished with the Hima caila, search everywhere for the illustrious spouse of Rama.--Having performed this task satisfactorily, and brought about what is dear unto Dacaratha's son, we shall, O best of those that achieve success, be freed from our debts. The high-souled Raghava hath done us good. If we can serve him in turn, our life shall be crowned with success. Even the life of him that accomplishes the work of one to whom the former is not obliged, is successful,--what then is to be said in respect of him that hath served one formerly? Pondering this, those that are engaged in our welfare, should so act that Janaki may be discovered. And this formemost of men is worthy of being honored by all creatures; and Rama--captor of hostile capitals--hath also found delight in us. Endowed with sense and prowess, do ye explore these many inaccessible places, rivers and mountains. Having searched there Mlechahhas, Pulindas, Surasenas, Prasthalas, Bharatas, Kurus, and Madrakas, and Varadas, as well as the cities of Kambojas, Yavanas and Sakas, do ye explore Himavan. And in tracts of Lodhras and Padmakas, and in Devadaru woods[152] do ye search thoroughly for Ravana along with Videha's daughter. Then, coming upon the hermitage of Soma, frequented by gods and Gandharbas, do ye repair to the mountain called Kala possessing spacious plateaus. In those mighty mountains, as also in others and in their caves, do ye search for that exalted lady, the blameless wife of Rama. Having passed beyond that mighty mountain containing gold in its womb, it behoves you to go to the mountain called Sudarcana. Then (lies) the mountain called Devasakha, the home of feathered tribes; abounding in various fowls,and embellished with diverse trees. In its golden tracts, fountains and caves, do ye search for Ravana along with Videha's daughter. Going beyond it, (ye come upon) a vacant land, measuring an hundred _Yojanas_, without mountains, or rivers, or trees; and void of all living beings. Speedily passing that desert land capable of making one's hair stand on end, ye shall feel delighted, on coming to the pale Kailaca. There (ye will behold) the charming mansion of Kuvera,resembling pale clouds, of burnished gold, built by Vicwakarma; where (lies) the spacious tank overflowing with lotuses and lilies, thronged with swans and Karandavas, and frequented by troops of Apsaras. There king Vaicravana, the lord of Yakshas, bowed down unto by all creatures,--the graceful giver of riches--sporteth along with the Guhyakas. In the offshoots belonging to Kailaca resembling the moon, as also in their caverns,do ye thoroughly search for Ravana in company with Vaidehi. And coming to the Krauncha mountain,ye shou1d,having your wits about you, enter its inaccessible cavern; for that is well known as difficult of entrance. There dwell certain Maharshis, high-souled, of effulgence resembling that of the sun--complete god-like shapes,--who are sought by the deities themselves. And ye should thoroughly explore the other caves of Krauncha, its plateaus and peaks; its passes and sides. (Then is) the treeless Manasa--abode of birds--the scene of Kama's austerities. Way there is none for creatures, or for gods, or for Rakshasas. That also must be explored by you,--that mountain with plains and plateaus. Going beyond Krauncha, (ye shall see) the mountain, named Mainaka. There is the residence of the Danava, Maya, reared by himself. Mainaka also with its plains, plateaus and woods must be searched by you. There are all over, the homes of females with faces resembling those of horses. Going beyond that part, (ye shall come to) the asylum inhabited by Siddhas; where are ascetics--Valakhilyas, Siddhas and Vaikhanasas. Saluting those Siddhas, who have been cleansed of their sins on account of their asceticism, ye should in humble guise ask them concerning Sita. There is the Vaikhanasa tank filled with golden lotuses; and ranged by graceful cranes of the hue of the infant sun. Kuvera's vehicle, the elephant known (by the name of) Sarvabhauma, ever rangeth that country in company with she-elephants. Going beyond that expanse of water, (ye come upon) a sky void of stars, and where the sun and the moon have been put out; and that land is visible by the rays, as if of the sun, proceeding from (the persons of) self-luminous, god-like ones, who are reposing there, after achieving success in austerities. Leaving behind that region, (you come to) a stream named Sailoda. On its both banks are bamboos named Kichaka. These take the Siddhas to the other shore and bring them back again. There (are seen) the northern Kurus, the abode of those that have acquired religious merit. And there are tanks there with their waters crowned with golden lotuses. There are rivers by thousands with copious blue lapis leaves. And the pools here,resembling the tender sun, are embellished with assemblages of golden red lotuses. And that tract is every where filled with costly gems, and jewels, and woods of blue lotuses, having filaments splendid like gold; and with round pearls and costly jewels. And the rivers there have islets covered with gold; and are crowded with lovely hills of gold, bright as fire, furnished with all kinds of precious stones. And the trees there, thronged with birds, bear flowers and fruits daily; and, charged with savoury juices, publishing superb perfumes, and of delicious feel, they confer every wish. Other excellent trees bring forth attires of divers kinds, and ornaments decked with pearls and lapises,--coveted alike by males and females[153]. And other excellent trees bear fruits fit to be partaken at all seasons. And other excellent trees bring forth precious beds dight with costly jewels and furnished with variegated covers. And other trees bring forth charming wreaths, and costly drinks, and various kinds of viands. And females adorned with every accomplishment, and endowed with youth and beauty, and Gandharbas and Kinnaras, and Siddhas and Nagas and Vidyadharas, of blazing splendour, ceaselessly sport there in company with females. And all of righteous deeds, and all engaged in amorous disports, and all furnished with desire and profit,--dwell in that place in association with their females. And there are continually heard there the sounds of instruments and the voice of song mixed with sweet hilarous laughter, capable of taking all creatures. No one is depressed there; nor doth any one there want any desirable object; and day after day the delightful qualities find their developement there. Passing beyond that is the Northern ocean. In the bosom (of the deep) is the mountain named Somagiri, golden and of great dimensions. Albeit without the sun, yet through the brightness of the Soma mountain, tbe land shines forth with all the loveliness and reality of one warmed by the sun. There that Soul of the Universe, the adorable Sambhu, fraught with the spirits of the eleven Rudras--that lord of the gods--Brahma--dwelleth, surrounded by the Brahmarshis. Ye cannot proceed to the north of the Kurus; nor is there way in that region for any other creatures. And that mountain is named Soma, incapable of being entered even by the gods. Sighting this, you should speedily turn back. Ye foremost of monkeys, the monkeys are competent to proceed thus far. Beyond that, of regions sunless and limitless I know nothing. Ye should search all these which I have described (unto you); and ye should also turn your attention to others besides, which I have omitted to mention. Ye that are comparable unto the wind or fire, by accomplishing the work of beholding Videha's daughter, ye will do what is held as exceedingly dear unto Dacaratha's son as well as highly grateful to me. Then, having achieved success, do ye, along with your friends, honored by me, and crowned with every virtue, ye monkeys, with your enemies slain, range the earth in company with your wives,--the support of all beings."

[152] Belonging, according to the commentator, to Himavan.--T.

[153] The present text, according to Kataka, drops a _sloka_, whose last line is, Beings possessed of powerful effulgence, sport here always in company with females."--T.

SECTION XLIV.

Sugriva had declared his conviction that he relied particularly upon Hanuman. And convinced as to the ability of that best of monkeys to accomplish the work, Sugriva, that lord of all the dwellers of the woods, well pleased, spoke unto Hanuman, son unto the wind-god, saying,--"O foremost of monkeys, neither on the earth, nor in the sky,[154] nor in the etherial regions,[155] nor yet in water, find I any obstacle to thy course. The entire worlds with Asuras, and Gandharbas, and Nagas, and men, and gods, with oceans, and the earth and the regions beneath--are well known unto thee. And thy motion, vehemence, energy and fleetness are, O hero, O mighty ape, even like those of thy sire, the powerful wind-god; and there exists no creature on earth that is like unto thee in energy. Therefore do thou bethink thee how Sita may be recovered. Even in thee, O thou versed in policy, are strength, and wit, and courage, and policy, and conduct in consonance with season and place." Thereat, understanding that success in the task depended upon Hanuman, and also knowing what Hanuman was, Raghava reflected,--"This lord of monkeys is every way confident concerning Hanuman; and Hanuman himself is even more confident of achieving succes in the work. He that hath been tested by his deed, and who hath been considered worthiest by his master, having been commissioned in this business,--success in the work is certain." Then beholding that monkey who was the fittest for the task, that exceedingly energetic one, (Rama), with his mind and senses exhilarated, considering himself as already crowned with success, felt the excess of joy. And well pleased, that subduer of enemies handed to Hanuman a ring inscribed with his name, as a sign unto Ihe king's daughter. "By this sign, O foremost of monkeys, Janaka's daughter will be able to see thee fearlessly, as one that hath come from me. Thy firmness, O hero, and sterling prowess, as well as Sugriva's saying, tell me greatly of success." Thereupon, taking that (ring), and raising his joined palms to his head, that foremost and best of monkeys, saluting (Rama's) feet, went away. Then taking with him that mighty host of monkeys, that hero, the son of the wind, resembled the moon of bright disc in the sky, garnished by the stars, after the clouds have departed. "O thou of excessive strength! I take refuge in thy might. O thou endowed with the prowess of the foremost of lions! do thou, O son of the Wind, O Hanuman, exert thyself so, summoning the great strength thou art master of, that we may obtain Janaka's daughter."[156]

[154] _Antariksha_--regions above the earth in which the birds fly.--T.

[155] _Amvara_--Upper air.

[156] The commentator says that this speech is equally attributable to Rama and Sugriva. But I think, it would fit Rama's lips to a nicety--T.

SECTION XLV.

Summoning all the monkeys, that foremost of monkeys, king Sugriva, spake unto them all touching the success of Rama's work. "The monkey-chiefs, knowing the stern command of their lord, should search in all these places." Then, covering up the earth like locusts, they marched away. Expecting tidings of Sita, Rama remained that month in the vicinity of that cascade, in company with Lakshmana. And that heroic monkey Satavali swiftly set out for the northern regions covered by the monarch of mountains. And that leader of monkey herds, Vinata, proceeded towards the eastern quarter. And that monkey, Hanuman--leader of monkey-herds--in company with Tara, Angada and others, went to the South, inhabited by Agastya. And that lord of monkeys, Sushena, lion among monkeys, went to the terrible western quarter, protected by Varuna. Then, having properly despatched (his forces) in all directions, that general of the monkey hosts, being pleased, gave himself up to sport. Thus despatched by the king, the monkey-chiefs proceeded apace respectively towards their destined quarters. And the monkeys possessed of great strength cried and howled and roared and shouted and rushed and sent up loud ululations. Thus despatched by the king, the leaders of monkey-herds, said, "We shall bring back Sita, and slay Ravana. I alone shall slay Ravana engaged in conflict. And slaying (him), I shall this very day swiftly carry off Janaka's daughter, trembling because of fatigue, (saying unto her), 'Rest thou.' I single-handed shall recover Janaki even from the nether regions. I shall uproot trees and rive mountains. I shall cleave the earth and vex the deep." (And some said), "I can, without doubt, clear a Yojana at one bound;" and another said, "I can clear an hundred;" and a yet another, "I can more than an hundred. And neither on earth, nor in sea, mountains, woods, nor nether regions, can my course be obstructed." Thus did the apes proud of their strength, severally speak in presence of the sovereign of the monkeys.

SECTION XLVI.