Part 30

On the monkey-chiefs having departed, Rama said unto Sugriva,--"How is it that thou knowest all the quarters of this earth?" Thereupon, the self-controlled Sugriva, bowing low, said unto Rama,--"Do thou listen to my words. I shall relate everything. When Vali pursued the Danava Dunduvi,[157] wearing the form of a buffalo, towards the Malaya mountain, Mahisha entered a cave of that mountain. And Vali also, desirous of slaying the Asura, entered Malaya. And I was made to stand at the mouth in humble guise; nor did Vali issue out, although a good year rolled away. Then the cave became filled with blood gushing out vehemently. Seeing this, I became amazed, and exercised with the poison of grief on account of my brother. And I, losing my sense, thought that my superior had for certain been slain. And I placed a crag huge as a hill at the mouth of the cave. (And thought I), 'Mahisha, unable to issue out, needs must meet his end.' And despairing of his (Vali's) life, I retraced my steps to Kishkindha. And obtaining the spacious kingdom along with Tara and Uma, I began to pass my days in peace in company with his counsellors. Then came that foremost of monkeys, having slain him (Mahisha). Thereupon, I, influenced by fear, in consideration of his dignity, made over to him his monarchy. But Vali, his senses exercised with sorrow, anxious to slay me, in company with his counsellors, pursued me, who took to my heels. Hotly pursued and chased by Vali, I surveyed various streams and woods and cities. And I surveyed the earth like the hoof-print of a cow, or the image reflected from a mirror, or a fire-brand whirled (in the air.)[158] Then repairing to the East, I see various trees, and mountains, and charming caves, and diverse tanks. And there I behold the Ascending mountain decked with gold,--and that daily abode of Apsaras--the sea of milk. And chased by Vali, and flying on, I suddenly veered round, and then again, master, off I went. And changing that direction, I again made for the South crowded with trees belonging to Vindhya, and embellished with sandal woods. Then seeing Vali in the mountain among trees, from the south I, pursued by Vali, betook myself to the western quarter. And beholding various countries, and arriving at that foremost and best of mountains-- Asta[159]--I turned to the north; and (passed) Himavat, and Meru, and the Northern sea. But pursued by Vali, refuge find I none. Then out spake Hanuman endeued with understanding, 'O king, now I remember me how that lord of monkeys, Vali, was cursed by Matanga in this very hermitage. If Vali enters (into this asylum), his head becomes cleft in hundred. There we shall dwell happily without anxiety,' O king's son, thereupon, we went to the Rhisyamuka mountain, nor did then Vali enter there from fear of Matanga. Thus, king, did I actually see all the world. And from that place I came to this cave."

[157] The real name of this Danava is mayavi. He is confusedly called Dunduvi and Mahisha, the latter, in consequence of the implication that his father having assumed the shape of a buffalo, he has also a like shape.--T.

[158] The commentator remarks that "like the hoof-print of a cow" espresses the ease with which Sugriva travelled the earth; "like a fire brand whirled" conveys his vehement speed; and "like the image reflected on a mirror" signifies the lucidity of his perception.--T.

[159] The Setting hill.--T.

SECTION XLVII.

The principal monkeys, having been ordered by the monkey-king, speedily went in all directions to their destinations for the purpose of seeing Vaidehi. And on all sides they explore watery expanses, and streams, and lawns, and commons, and cities, and tracts rendered impassable by torrents. And the leaders of monkey-herds search all those countries, described by Sugriva,--containing mountains, woods and forests. Engaged during the day in search of Sita, at night the monkeys seek the ground (for sleep). In every place, by day coming to trees aye enjoying every season, and crowned with fruits, the monkeys prepared their beds at night.[160] Counting that day[161] as the first, the principal monkeys, after the month had run out, resigning all hope, came to the Fountain and met with the monkey-king. And having explored the Eastern regions, as directed, the exceedingly strong Vinata not having been able to see Sita, came back, in company with his counsellors. And then that mighty ape, Satavali, daunted in spirits, arrived with his forces, after having searched all through the North. And having searched the West in company with his monkeys, Sushena, on the month being complete, presented himself before Sugriva. And coming to Sugriva seated along with Rama behind the Fountain, and saluting the former, Sushena said unto Sugriva, --"Searched have been all the mountains, and deep woods, and streams, and islands embosomed in the ocean, and the various provinces. And also searched have been all the caves which have been described by thee; and searched have been all the groves entertwined with plants; and thickets; and difficult and uneven grounds. And huge animals have been sought out and slain (by us). And all the impracticable places we have explored again and again. O lord of monkeys, possessed of great strength and nobly born, it is Hanuman who will be able to ascertain the whereabouts of Mithila's daughter. And the Wind's son, Hanuman, hath followed even the path by which Sita hath gone."

[160] The sense is rather obscure, it being difficult to understand the relation their beds bore to the neighbouring trees.--T.

[161] _i.e._ the day of their departure.--T.

SECTION XLVIII.

The monkey Hanuman in company with Tara and Angada swiftly set out for the quarter assigned by Sugriva. And having proceeded far along with all those foremost of monkeys, he explored the caves and woods of Vindhya; spots inaccessible in consequence of streams intervening in front of mountains; and tanks; and tracts filled with trees; and various mountains rife with wild trees. And having searched in all directions, the monkeys could not find Maithili, Janaka's daughter Sita. And subsisting on various fruits and roots, they were overcome with fatigue, after searching dreadful forests, void of water, still and tenantless, as well as other forests of a similar nature. And having searched that country as well mighty forests containing caves, those leaders of monkey-herds fearlessly explored other places, difficult of access, where the trees are fruitless, and without flowers and foliage; where the streams are waterless, and where roots even are rare; where there are no buffaloes, or deer, or elephants, or tigers, or birds--or any other animals that are found in forests. And there are there neither trees, nor annual plants, nor creepers, nor herbs,--and in that place there are no pleasant pools, with cool leaves, and filled with blown lotuses; and it hath been renounced by the black-bees. There dwelleth a Maharshi, Kandu by name, an eminently pious, and truthful ascetic, irascible, and irrepressible because of his practice of self-discipline. In that wood his son, a boy of ten years, his sands having run out, breathed his last; and it is for this that the mighty ascetic hath come under the influence of passion. And cursed by that high-souled one, the entire mighty forest hath become unfit to harbour (any creatures); difficult of entrance; and devoid of birds and beasts. They[162] carefully search the skirts of its woods, mountain-caves, and the sources of its streams. And those high-souled ones, devoted to the good of Sugriva, did not find Janaka's daughter, or her ravisher, Ravana. And entering (into a wood), they saw a terrible Asura, concealed by the shrubs and plants--of dreadful deeds, and cherishing no fear even of the gods. And seeing that dreadful Asura, seated like a hill, and resembling a mountain, they all tightened their cloths. And that strong one also, saying unto the monkeys, "Destroyed are ye," and uplifting his clenched fist, rushed after them in rage. And as he darted suddenly, Angada, the son of Vali, knowing, "This is Ravana," administered unto him a slap. Struck by Vali's son, that Asura, his mouth vomitting blood, fell down to the earth like a hill toppled down. And on his having breathed his last, the monkeys, elated with victory, thoroughly searched that mountain cavern. And when they had satisfied themselves that the cave had been searched all through, the dwellers of the woods entered another fearful mountain cavern. And after having searched (that place) also, they came out fatigued; and with desponding hearts sat them down at a distance under the shade of a tree.

[162] _i.e._ the monkeys.

SECTION XLIX.

When the eminently wise Angada, fatigued, spake unto all the monkeys, cheering them,--'Woods, and mountains, and rivers, and impenetrable wilds, and valleys, and mountain caverns have been thoroughly searched. But Janaki we have failed to find anywhere,--or that wicked wight, the Rakshasa that hath ravished Sita. And we have spent a great part of the term that had been assigned by Sugriva of stern commands. Therefore, banishing languor, sadness, and invading drowsiness, do ye together search all round. Do ye so search Sita, that she may be found out (by us). High spirits, ability and forwardness in action, are said to conduce to success. Therefore it is that I speak thus unto you. Ye dwellers of the wood, do ye to day rummage this impenetrable wood; renouncing grief, do ye again search through this forest. Those who act, for certain behold the fruit of their endeavours; but if people once give way to grief, they cannot again attain vigor. Ye monkeys, king Sugriva is irascible; and inflicteth sharp punishments. He should be always feared, as also the magnanimous Rama. I tell you this for your good. Act accordingly, if ye list. And do ye also express what else ye are capable of." Hearing Angada's words Gandhamadana said in candid words faint from thirst and fatigue,--"What Angada hath said unto us is worthy of him, and is beneficial and good. Do you follow his speech. Let us afresh search hills, caves and rocks, vacant forests and mountain cascades,--in accordance with what the high-souled Sugriva hath laid down. Let all in a body rummage the wood, and the mountain caverns." There rising up, the mighty monkeys again began to range the South close with forests belonging to Vindhya. And the monkeys ascended the Silvern Hill resembling the autumnal welkin, graceful, and furnished with summits and valleys. And eager to behold Sita, those excellent monkeys began to search the Lodhra wood, and the Saptaparna forests. And ascending its top,[163] those ones endeued with immense prowess, experiencing fatigue, could not find Vaidehi, the beloved spouse of Rama. And having surveyed that hill having many a grot, so far as the eye could range, the monkeys looking all round, descended (the eminence). And having descended to the earth, the monkeys, bewildered, and losing their consciousness, rested for a while at the foot of a tree. And their fatigue having gone off a little, the monkeys, having been refreshed for a while, again prepared to explore the whole South. And the monkey chiefs, headed by Hanuman, having set out (on the search), began to range all through Vindhya.

[163] _i. e._ the top of the Silvern Hill.--T.

SECTION L.

The monkey, Hanuman, in company with Tara and Angada searcheth the caves and woods of Vindhya,--caverns all around haunted by lions and tigers, and in vast inaccessibls cascades in that foremost of mountains. And they came to the south-western summit of the mountain. And when they sojourned there, their (appointed) term had not expired. And that spacious country, consisting as it did, of caves and grots and woods, was difficult to search. And there the wind-god's offspring searched all over the mountain. And each apart remaining at no great distance from the others, Gaya, Gavakha and Gavaya, Sarava, Gandhamadana, Maindi, Dwivida, and Hanuman, Jambavan, the youthful prince Angada, and Tara, remaining in sight of the wood, after having searched the South--lands covered with mountain ranges, were searching (about), when they espied an unenclosed cavity, difficult of entry, named Vrikshavila, guarded by a Danava. And tried by hunger and thirst, worn out with fatigue, seeking for water, they found that cavity surrounded by trees and plants. And, with their bodies drenched and reddened with lotus dust, Kraunchas and swans and cranes and Chakravakas, came out of the cavity. And drawing nigh to that fragrant and inaccessible cave, those superior monkeys were struck with amaze, and became eager (to enter into it). And with their minds filled with doubt, those vigorous foremost of monkeys gladly approached that cave; abounding in diverse animals, resembling the residence of the lord of Daityas,[164] dazzling, and dreadful, and impenetrable on all sides.--Then Hanuman the son of the wind-god, possessed of the splendour of a mountain-summit, cognizant of woods and forests, said unto the grim-visaged apes, "Having explored the South, (containing) countries enveloped with mountain chains, we have ail got fatigued, but we have failed to find Mithila's daughter. And from yonder cave come out swarms of swans and cranes and _kraunchas_ and _chakravakas_, drenched with water. For certain here is a well or a watery expanse. And at the mouth of the cave there are these cool trees." Hanuman having said this, all the monkeys went into the cave covered with darkness; without the sun or the moon, capable of making one's down stand on end. And seeing lions, and birds and beasts (ranging around), those tiger-like monkeys entered that cave covered with darkness. And (there) neither their ken, nor their vigor, nor yet their prowess was baffled: and their speed resembled the wind, and their sight remained unimpaired albeit in darkness. And those foremost of monkeys rushed into the cavity; and beheld displayed (before them) an excellent and charming scene. And embracing each other in that fearful cave rife with various trees, they passed over an hundred _yojanas_. And deprived of their sense, and tried with thirst, and bewildered, and thirsting for water, they for a time vigilantly descended in darkness down the cave. And emaciated, with woe-begone faces, and spent, those monkeys despairing of their lives, (at last) saw light. And those mild ones, coming to a spot free from darkness, saw golden trees, possessed of the brightness of flaming fire. And Salas and palms, and Tamalas, Punnagas, Vanjulas, and Dhavas, Champakas, Naga trees, Karnikaras in flower; with variegated golden bunches and twigs, and crests of clusters, and plants,--embellished with golden garniture; resembling the infantine sun,--on daises composed of lapises;--golden trees with resplendent bodies, having the hues of purple lapises; and lotus-plants flocked with fowls; and (spots) surrounded by large golden trees, like unto the infantine sun; and tanks with large fishes of gold and lotuses, containing pleasant waters--all these they saw there. And the monkeys saw there golden as well as silvern vehicles, and elegant dwellings all round veiled with nets of pearls; having golden balconys; with their grounds paved with gold and silver; and furnished with lapis lazulis. And on all sides they saw trees bearing fruits and flowers resembling coral; and golden black bees, and honey all round, and various spacious seats and beds about dight with gold and jewels. And searching in that cave, the exceedingly effulgent heroic monkeys saw heaps of golden, silver and bell-metal vessels; and heaps of excellent _aguru_ and sandal; and pure fruits and roots; and costly vehicles and various kinds of sapid honey; and loads of costly attire; and lots of variegated woolen cloths and deer-skins; as well as a female, from near. And they found her there, wearing a black deer-skin,-- a female ascetic, with restrained fare--as if flaming in energy. Amazed, the monkeys sat them down in a body. And then Hanuman asked her,--"Who art thou? And to whom doth this cave belong?" And Hanuman like unto a hill, bowing down unto the old women with joined hands, asked her, saying,--'Who art thou? And tell me, to whom belong this edifice and the cave as well as all these jewels."

[164] _i. e._ the subterranean regions.--T.

SECTION LI.

Having said this unto that female clad in a piece of black deer-skin, Hanuman asked that highly religious ascetic practising pious offices, "Having rashly entered this cave enveloped in gloom, we have been exercised with hunger and thirst; and are extremely faint. And, having entered this mighty cave underneath the earth, we have become thirsty. And seeing all these wonderful phenomena, we have become afflicted, and bewildered; and have lost our sense. To whom belong these golden trees resembling the infantine sun; and the pure fruits and roots; and the houses and vehicles of gold and silver,--veiled in networks of jewels, and furnished with golden windows? And by whose energy are these golden trees (here), bearing flowers, crowned with fruits, grateful to the sight, and breathing rich odour? And golden lotuses spring in lucent water,--how golden fishes are discovered in it along with tortoises! Have these sprung from thy power; or do they owe their existence to the ascetic energy of any other? It behoves thee to relate all this unto us who are ignorant of everything." Thus addressed by Hanuman, the female ascetic practising righteousness, and engaged in the welfare of all beings, replied unto Hanuman,-- "O foremost of monkeys, there is one, named Maya, spreader of illusions. By him hath this entire golden grove been constructed through his wonderful power of construction. He that hath reared this excellent golden grove, and this charming mansion, was formerly the Vicwakarma[165] of the principal Danavas. Having for a thousand years practised austerities in this vast foiest, he obtained a boon from the Great-father,-- in virtue of which he had attained consummate mastery in his art, as well as absolute control over the materials required therein. Having accomplished everything, that powerful one, commanding every enjoyment, for a time happily dwelt in this mighty forest. Then he, happening to conceive a passion for an Apsara, Hema (by name), Purandara,vigorously wielding his thunder-bolt, struck him dead. Then Brahma conferred on Hema this fine forest and this golden mansion, with the perpetual privilege of enjoying every pleasure herein. I, Sayamprabha by name,--the daughter of Merusavarni, guard this house of Hema, O foremost of monkeys. Hema, skilled in dance and song, is my dear friend. Having received her blessing, I guard this vast forest. What is thy errand? And why is it that ye have arrived at these lone woods? And how have you managed to see this inaccessible forest? Having partaken of these fruits and roots intended for use, and drunk, do ye detail all this to me."

[165] The name of the celestial architect.--T.

SECTION LII.

Then to all the monkey-chiefs, after they had rested, the female ascetic, engaged in righteous practices, eagerly said these words,--"Ye monkeys, if your pain hath gone off in consequence of the fare of fruits which you have partaken, and also if it be fit to be heard by me, I would listen to your narration." Hearing her words, Hanuman, the son of the wind-god, in all candour began to relate everything faithfully. "The Sovereign of all this world, resembling Mahendra or Varuna, Rama, the graceful son of Dacaratha, entered the woods of Dandaka, in company with his brother, Lakshmana, as well as his spouse, Vaidehi. His wife hath been forcibly carried off by Ravana. His friend is that heroic king, the monkey named Sugriva. By that monarch of the foremost monkeys have we been despatched (hither). And we have, joining company with these prime monkeys headed by Angada, come to the South, protected by Yama, and inhabited by Agastya. And we have been commissioned, 'Do ye all search for the Rakshasa Ravana, wearing forms at will, along with Videha's daughter, Sita'. Having searched through the forest as well as the ocean on the South, we, becoming hungry, sat down at the foot of a tree. And with pallid countenances, we all, absorbed in thought, sank in a wide sea of anxiety, which we could not cross. And casting our eyes around, we spyed a huge cave covered with trees and plants and enveloped in gloom. And (it came to pass that) from this (cave) came out swans, drenched with water, with drops of water on their wings,--and plumed _kuravas_ and cranes. 'Let us enter here', said I unto the monkeys. And they also arrived at that conclusion.[166] And thereupon they, bestirring themselves, entered into the cave. And firmly griping each other's hands, they at once made entry into the cave covered with darkness. This is our errand; and it is on this job that we have come. And having come to thee, hungry and exhausted, we,who had been sore tried by hunger, have been entertained with fruits and roots, agreeably to the code regulating hospitality. And as thou hast saved the monkeys, who were weary and suffering from hunger, tell (me),--what benefit shall the monkeys do thee in return?" Thus addressed by the apes, the all-knowing Sayamprabha replied unto the monkey-chiefs, saying,--"Well pleased am I with the fast-footing monkeys. But by one engaged in my duties, there is no work that is desiderated." Thus accosted in excellent words fraught with asceticism and righteousness, Hanuman spoke unto that one of faultless eyes, saying,--"We all take refuge in thee, practising piety. The term that had been fixed by the high-souled Sugriva in respect of us, shall all be spent in this cave. Therefore it behoveth thee to deliver us from this place. And it behoveth thee to save us, exercised with fear for Sugriva,--who, happening to override Sugriva's command, shall lose our lives. And, further, O thou that practisest righteousness, great is the task that is to be performed by us. But if we stay here, that work of ours shall remain unaccomplished." Thus addressed by Hanuman, the ascetic said,--"Once entering, hard it is for any one to return (hence) alive. But by the potency of my asceticism acquired through self-discipline, I shall deliver all the monkeys from this den. Ye foremost of monkeys, do ye close your eyes. No one is able to issue out of this place without closing one's eyes." Then they,eagerly desirous of going out, closed their sight[167] with their hands furnished with tender fingers. And the magnanimous monkeys, with their faces covered with their palms, were in the twinkling of an eye, liberated from the den by her. And then the pious anchoret spoke unto them there. And when they had come out of the fearful den, cheering them up, she said,-- "This is the fair Vindhya mountain filled with various trees and herbs. This is the Pracravana hill; and this is the great deep. Fair Fortune! I go to my abode, ye foremost of monkeys." Having spoken thus, Sayamprabha entered that captivating cave.

[166] Namely, _that water was to be found there_.--T.

[167] The text has _nimilitah--and thus they closed their eyes_. This redundant epithet has been left out in the translation, as it would render the version extremely awkward.--T.

SECTION LIII.