Part 35

[209] Hanuman--T.

[210] Bull.--T.

[211] _Pavana._ The commentator takes this word in its literal meaning. _He that purifieth contemplative spirits by imparting knowledge_. Ramanuya would interpret the epithet as meaning Rama. This is reading into the author a sense which the passage does not plainly yeild.--T.

[212] Another reading is: _sa mahasatwasannada--The clans of these mighty creatures.--T_

[213] _Parihara_, according to Kataka, implies _excellence_. Tirtha says it means _bracelets_. I follow him.--T.

[214] Above his shoulders.--T.

[215] The legend is that Indra or Mahendra--i. e. Indra the Great--once took into his head to clip the pinnions of all the mountains. Hence the fright--T.

[216] _Parvatasthavivanalam_--like two fires on a mountain. It evidently means _two active craters_ in a mountain. At least this rendering, without missing in sense, imparts a material sublimity to the passage rarely paralleled in literature. The commentator, however, takes the word to mean forest-conflagration.--T.

[217] Under water.--T.

[218] by his progress.--T.

[219] The sense is hard to hit. The commentator says, that agitated by Hanuman's speed, the clouds began to pour down showers on the ocean.--T. _

[220] For his relationship with Wind whose son was Hanuman.--T.

[221] Wrath in consequence of his inability to accept his offerings.--T.

[222] _Pitupanthanam_--the text means "his father's path"--Wind being Hanuman's father the passage means--"aerial way."--T.

[223] _Tat dristwa--Seeing this_, occurs twice in this passage, I render it once only.--T.

[224] The third feat, remarks Ramanuya, is Hanuman's issuing oat of Surasa's mouth. The preceding two are not mentioned.--T.

[225] A kind of alco or agallochum.--_Wilson_.--T.

[226] Brahma had conferred on her a boon that she should secure her prey by pulling at it by means of its shadow.--T.

[227] _i. e. of securing his shadow.--T_.

[228] Garuda.

SECTION II.

Having crossed over the ocean incapable ot being repressed, that one endowed with great strength, staying at the plateau of Chitrakuta, and having refreshed himself, cast his eyes on Lanka. And covered with showers of blossoms poured down by the trees, that monkey possessed of prowess then appeared there like Pushpamaya.[229] And having cleared an hundred _yojanas_, that monkey gifted with first-rate prowess, did not heave sighs or feel any fatigue. "I am competent to bound over many hundreds of _yojanas_. What then is this end of the ocean measuring an hundred _yojanas_ only?" And that foremost of those endowed with energy and the prime of monkeys,--gifted with speed, went to Lanka,[230] having crossed over the mighty main. And seeing blue lawns, and perfumed woods, replete with honey and filled with mountains, he held his way by the central thoroughfare, And that foremost of monkeys, the energetic Hanuman, went by hills filled with trees, and ranges of blossoming woods. And stationing himself in that mountain, the offspring of the Wind-god beheld woods and groves and Lanka established at the brow of the mountain. And that elephant of a monkey surveyed _Saralas_, and _Karnikaras_, and dates in full flower, _Piyalas_, _Muchulindas_, _Kutajas_ and _Ketakas_, _Piyangus_ warm with aroma, and _Nipas_, and _Saptachchhadas_; _Asanas_, _Kovidaras_, and flowering _Karaviras_, and trees bearing blossoms, filled with swans and _Karandavas_, and covered with lotuses and lilies; and charming sporting hills[231] and various watery expanses; and extensive tracts covered with diverse trees bearing flowers and fruits at all seasons, and gardens exceedingly beautiful to behold. And drawing near unto Lanka embellished with lilies and environed by a moat tilled with lotuses, that one graced with auspiciousness, that graceful monkey, Hanuman, beheld Lanka vigilantly guarded by Ravana, in consequence of Sita having been carried away,--with Rakshasas bearing fierce bows ranging all around,--that mighty and captivating capital surrounded by a golden wall, filled with edifices resembling cliffs and looking like autumnal clouds, and elevated yellowish highways; abounding in hundreds of banners mounted on the walls, and beautified with pennons and streamers with noble golden gateways painted with plants; and resembling the metropolis of the very sovereign of the celestials. And that graceful monkey saw Lanka situated on the top of the mountain, filled with splendid yellow-white palaces, like unto a city stationed in the sky: ruled by the lord of Rakshasas and reared by Vicwakarma himself. And the monkey, Hanuman, beheld Lanka, as if moving in the sky: with her walls furnished with daises for her hips, the immense waters and woods for her cloth, _Sataghnis_ and darts for her hair-ends: and pennons on her walls for ear-rings,--built as if by the agency of the Mind; and constructed by Vicwakarma himself. And arriving at the Northern gate resembling the mansion of Kailaca, and cleaving, as it were, the welkin, and as if holding the firmament with lofty and glorious edifices, and observing the sea; his dreadful enemy, Ravana; the city teeming with poisonous snakes,--as well as the method of defence (displayed in it)--the monkey reflected,--"Even if the monkeys came here, they should fail to achieve success; for Lanka is incapable of being taken in battle by the celestials themselves. Even if the mighty-armed Raghava should reach this terrible-looking and impregnable Lanka reared by Ravana, what could he do? Opportunity find I none either for conciliation with the Rakshasas, or for (winning them over) by gifts, or for sowing dissensions among them, or for conquering them in fight. Of all the monkeys, four only endowed with (exceptional) celerity,--viz., Vali's son, Nila, the intelligent king, and myself, have the power to come over here. When I have ascertained whether Vaidehi is alive or not, I shall, after interviewing Janaka's daughter, think about this." Then that elephantine monkey, stationed on the summit of that mountain, for a while bethought himself as to the success of Rama.[232] "I cannot in this form succeed in entering the city of the Rakshasas, guarded by wily and powerful Rakshasas. I should, while engaged in searching for Janaki, deceive all the strong and highly energetic Rakshasas gifted with prowess. For attaining this mighty object, it behoveth me to enter Lanka, at night in a shape invisible yet well suited to the end in view." And beholding the city in that state, difficult of being subdued by the celestials and Asuras (combined), Hanuman, sighing momentarily, thought within himself,--"How can I, without being discovered by the impious lord of Rakshasas, Ravana, succeed in seeing Janaka's daughter, Maithili? How can the work of Rama cognizant of self (be so managed that it) may not be brought to naught? How can I see Janaka's daughter singly in secret? Actions on the very eve of success, on being obstructed by adverse season and place, and through the agency of unreflecting envoys, come to nought, even as darkness is dispelled on sunrise. And in respect of what should be undertaken and what not, even the certain decision (of a master assisted by his counsellors), because of a heedless messenger, doth not appear in all its beauty: messengers (foolish) yet proud of their knowledge, bring every business to nought. How can I so manage that my business may not suffer? How can I avoid recklessness? How can my bounding over the deep bear fruit? On my being seen by the Rakshasas, the work of Rama cognizant of self, desirous of the destruction of Ravana, shall be marred. Even if I wear a Rakshasa form, I cannot anywhere remain undiscovered by the Rakshasas. What shall I say of any other form? Even the wind, I conceive, doth not stray here, unperceived. Nothing whatever is here that is unknown to the Rakshasas of redoubtable deeds. Should I stay here embodied in my native form, I shall come by destruction; and the interest also of my master shall suffer. Therefore, diminishing myself, I shall at night, for compassing the welfare of Raghava, enter Lanka in my own form. Entering at night Ravana's capital difficult of access, I shall, obtaining entry into every dwelling seek Janaka's daughter." Having made up his mind thus, the heroic Hanuman, extremely eager to see Vaidehi, wished for the setting of the sun. On the sun having set, at night the Wind-god's son, contracting his person, reducing himself to the dimensions of a cat, became wonderful to behold. And at dusk, the powerful Hanuman, springing up, entered the charming city of Lanka with its well divided highways; furnished with rows of edifices having golden pillars, and net-works,--resembling the metropolis of the Gandharbas. And he saw that splendid city containing seven-storied and eight*storied edifices, studded with crystal and adorned with gold. And the dwellings of the Rakshasas were embellished with these (ornaments). And graceful golden gateways belonging to the Rakshasas everywhere lent splendour unto Lanka adorned all over. Beholding Lanka, wonderful and of inconceivable loveliness, the mighty monkey, desirous of beholding Vaidehi, became depressed and delighted at the same time. And he (entered Lanka) engarlanded with yellow edifices joined together, with the ornamented arches of her gateways furnished with nets of precious gold; famed (all over the world); ruled by the arm of Ravana, and vigilantly guarded by night-rangers of dreadful strength. And as if ministering unto him,[233] the Moon furnished with many thousands of rays arose with the stars in the midst of the sky, spreading lunar light over all creatures. And that heroic monkey beheld the Moon possessing the sheen of a conch, and hued like milk or the lotus-stalk, arisen and afloat (in the welkin), like a swan swimming in a tank.

[229] A monkey so named.--T.

[230] Descending, remarks the comentator, from the mountain-summit.--T.

[231] Sporting hills according to Kataka. According to others, _akrira_ means a grove in general.---T.

[232] About rescuing his wife.--T.

[233] Hanuman.--T.

SECTION III.

Assuming the quality of goodness and energy on mount Lamva furnished with elevated summits, and resembling long masses of clouds, Hanuman, son unto the Wind-god capable of concluding in harmony with season, possessed of exceeding strength--an elephant among monkeys--entered Lanka by night, affluent with charming woods and waters--the city governed by Ravana; beautified with edifices resembling autumnal clouds; sounding like unto Vitapavati[234] herself--with infuriated elephants (stationed) at her graceful gateways; containing white gates with ornamented arches; resembling the handsome Bhogavati inhabited and protected by serpents. And suddenly coming to that (city) resembling Amaravati, scattered with clouds charged with lightning, having hosts of luminaries, and tumultuous with the roars of blustering blasts,--girt round by a mighty golden wall,--ringing with the tinklings of tiny bells; and embellished with pennons,--he growing exceedingly exhilarated, made towards the wall. And beholding the city all round, furnished with golden doors; having quadrangular courts composed of lapises; ornamented with plastered jeweled pavements studded with all gems, crystals, and pearls; with mad elephants of burnished gold and speckless white silver; with stairs of lapises,--(doors) devoid of dust with their centres composed of crystal and with stately halls; elegant,--and adjoining mansions seeming as if reaching up to the heavens; resounding with Kraunchas and peacocks; frequented by swans; and everywhere resonant with the sounds of trumpets and ornaments. And then beholding the city Lanka, resembling Vaswokasara,[235] and appearing to mount to the welkin, the monkey Hanuman was filled with rapture. And seeing the delightful, divine and prosperous city of Lanka belonging to the lord of Rakshasas, that one endowed with prowess thought within himself,--"This city protected by the forces of Ravana with their hands holding upraised arms, is incapable of being forcibly subdued by any other. This place can be easily entered by Kumuda, and Angada, as well as by that mighty monkey, Sushena; and also by Mainda and Dwivida. And there is way also for the offspring of the Sun, and that monkey, Kucaparva, as well as of that foremost of monkeys, Rikshya, and myself." And having witnessed the prowess of Raghava, as well as the vigor of Lakshmana, the monkey was filled with joy. And that redoubtable monkey beheld the metropolis of the monarch of the Rakshasas; having for her cloth the sea; for her pendants, cow-stalls and stables; for her breasts, turrets mounted on the walls for discharging missils,--decked out like a damsel; with her darkness dispelled by bright lights and the mighty planets. And as he was entering, that tiger-like mighty monkey son unto the Wind-god was met by the city in her native shape. And seeing that best of monkeys, Lanka, ruled by Ravana, arising of herself with her countenance rendered deformed, stood before the heroic son of the Wind; and, emitting a tremendous roar, addressed the offspring of the Wind god, saying,--"O thou that hast the woods for thy home, who art thou? And on what errand hast thou come hither? Tell me while yet thou hast thy vital powers left in thee. O monkey, for certain thou art unable to obtain entry into this Lanka, protected by the forces of Ravana, and carefully guarded on all sides." Thereat, the heroic Hanuman spoke unto her staying in front of him,--"I shall tell thee all about that anent which thou questionest me. Who art thou that having deformed eyes stayest at the gate of this city? And what for, O frightful one, dost thou rail at me in wrath?" Hearing Hanuman's speech, Lanka, capable of wearing forms at will, waxing wroth addressed the Wind-god's offspring, saying,--"I, who am incapable of being repressed, abiding by the mandate of the high-souled sovereign of the Rakshasas, protect this city. Thou art unable to enter this city, passing me by. Thou shalt to-day, losing thy life and slain by me, sleep (the sleep of death). O monkey, I am the City of Lanka myself. I every way guard (all that is here.") Hearing Lanka's words, Hanuman, son unto the Wind-god,--foremost of monkeys--exerting himself (to secure victory), stood like another hill. And seeing her appear in the form of a deformed female, that foremost and best of monkeys endeued with intelligence, possessed of prowess, said,--"I will behold the city of Lanka, crowned with turrets, walls and ornamented arches, it is for this that I have come here. Great is my curiosity. I come forsooth to see the woods and groves and gardens of Lanka here, --as well as her principal edifices." Hearing these words of his, Lanka capable of wearing forms at will, again addressed him in a speech fraught with disonant letters: "O thou of perverse understanding, O worst of monkeys, without (in the first instance) vanquishing me, thou canst not to-day behold this city ruled by the monarch of the Rakshasas." Thereat that tiger of a monkey said unto that female ranger of the night,--"After seeing this city, O gentle one, I shall go away even as I have come." Thereupon, setting up a mighty and terrible roar, Lanka filled with vehemence, struck at Hanuman with her palm. And that tiger-like monkey, the energetic offspring of the wind-god, on being lustily struck by Lanka, emitted a tremendous roar. And (Hanuman) fastened the fingers of his left hand into a box, and transported with rage, dealt it unto her. And considering that she was a female, he did not give way to excessive wrath. And struck at (by Hanuman), that ranger of the night, of a deformed face, her body overcome, suddenly dropped to the earth. And the energetic and heroic Hanuman, seeing her measure her length,--in consideration of her being a female, was filled with compassion. Thereat, exceedingly agitated, Lanka addressed the monkey, Hanuman, in humble words, with their letters faltering,--"O mighty-armed one, be propitious unto me! Do thou save me, O best of monkeys, O placid one. Those that are gifted with strength and are endeued with exceeding vigor, ever bear regard unto the dignity of the scriptures. By thy prowess, O monkey, hast thou, O hero, O thou gifted with wondrous strength, vanquished me myself, who am the City of Lanka. Listen to this narration, which I, O foremost of monkeys, deliver unto thee; as to bow the self-create Himself conferred a boon on me.' When a certain monkey shall by his prowess, bring thee under his sway, then shalt thou understand that a fear is come unto the Rakshahas'. And that time, O placid one, hath come unto me, in consequence of my meeting with thee. The truth ordained by the self-create knoweth no turning. The destruction of the unrighteous king Ravana together with all the Rakshasas, hath come about in consequence of Sita (having been carried away). Therefore, O best of monkeys, do thou enter the city ruled by Ravana; and accomplish such tasks as thou wishest to. Entering this splendid city lying under an imprecation, governed by the chief of the Rakshasas, do thou at thy will happily repairing everywhere, search for the chaste daughter of Janaka."

[234] Alaka, the city of Kuvera, King of Yakshas.--T.

[235] Alaka

SECTION IV.

Having by his vigor vanquished the excellent City of Lanka capable of wearing forms at will, that exceedingly energetic foremost of monkeys, Hanuman, eudeued with prodigious prowess, leaped sheer over a wall, where doorway there was none; and that elephantine monkey gifted with great strength entered Lanka by night. And entering the city of Lanka, that one (ever) compassing the welfare of the monkey-king, set his left foot on the heads of his foes.[236] And entering in by night, the offspring of the Wind-god furnished with strength, proceeded along the high-way strewn with blossoms. And the monkey held his sway in the charming city of Lanka, resounding with grateful sounds mixed with laughter, and ringing with trumpet blasts. And with multitudes of mansions marked with the thunderbolt and the hook, and adorned with diamond windows, the charming metropolis looked splendid, like the welkin with clouds. And then Lanka, with handsome and variegated mansions of Rakshasas, resembling white clouds and arranged like lotus-leaves; and adorned on all sides with structures superscribed 'Vardhamana,' shone forth in all its glory. And that graceful one serving in the interests of the king of monkeys, ranging for Rama's behoof, beheld (Lanka) adorned with variegated wreaths; and was highly delighted. And moving from house to house, that foremost of monkeys observed on all sides various dwellings of diverse forms and color, and heard charming songs chanted in the three octaves[237] by damsels maddened with amour, resembling celestial Apsaras. And he also heard the jinglings of zones and the clash of bangles; and sounds of footsteps on stairs of edifices belonging to high-souled ones; and sounds proceeding from clapping hands; and the roaring of lions here and there. And (Hanuman) heard there in the mansions of the Rakshas, _Mantras_ recited by persons engaged therein, and those occupied in Vaidika studies. And (Hanuman) saw goblins and Rakshasas storming and eulogizing Ravana; and mighty swarms of Rakshas stationed, covering the highway. And in the central courtyard, he found innumerable spies of the Rakshasa (Ravana), some initiated, some bearing matted locks, some with their heads shaven, and some clad in cow-skins, some in cloths and some going stark naked; and (he found there persons) carrying handfuls of _darbha_ for their weapons, and (having) the sacrificial fire-place for their arms; and those bearing in their hands clubs and concealed weapons,[238] or holding rods as their aims, or having a single eye or a single complexion,[239] or having a single breast dangling down; and those looking dreadful with uneven attire;[240] and dwarfs frightful to behold; and bowmen; and swordsmen; and (warriors) carrying _sataghnis_ and clubs for their arms; those bearing excellent _parighas_ in their hands, or blazing in curious mail; persons not exceedingly fat, or exceedingly lean; not unduly tall, or unduly short; not extremely fair, or extremely dark; not unduly crooked, or unduly dwarfish; and those deformed, or many-formed, or endowed with beauty, or possessing splendour; standard bearers; and flag bearers. And (Hanuman) saw also various weapons; and those having for their arms darts and _vrikshas_, or bearing _patticas_ and _asanis_, or having _Kshepanis_[241] and nooses in their hands, saw that mighty monkey, or wearing wreaths, or having their persons daubed with pastes, or adorned with noble ornaments, or clad in various kinds of raiment; and many a one ranging wherever he listed; and those holding sharpened javelins; and mighty ones bearing _Vajras_; and hundreds and thousands of warriors garrisoned in the central courtyard and engaged in vigilantly guarding the interior,--having been directed by the lord of the Rakshas,--saw the monkey. And having seen that edifice situated in front of the inner appartment, that mighty monkey saw the famous mansion of the Rakshasa chief, pinnacled on the mountain-top, with huge golden arches over the gateway; surrounded by a moat enriched with pale lotuses; and completely guarded by a wall; resembling heaven itself; magnificent; resonant with grateful sounds; resounding with the neighing of horses and wondrous steeds; and adorned with cars and vehicles, chariots and dainty horse: elephants[242]; and four-tusked elephants resembling masses of white clouds;--and possessing graceful gateways. And the monkey entered the palace protected by the Rakshasa chief,--guarded by maddened beasts and birds, and thousands of goblins endowed with exceeding great prowess. And he (Hanuman) entered Ravana's inner apartment girt round with a wall consisting of blazing gold and _Jamvunada_;[243] having its top decorated with costly gems and pearls; and worshipped with excellent black _Aguru_ and sandal.

[236] The literal meaning is that, leaping over the wall, Hanuman first set his left foot on the hostile soil; and this act of his, as tending to the discomfiture of the foe, is looked upon by the author in the light of Hanuman setting his left foot on the heads of the Rakshasas. The setting of the left foot on an enemy's dominions, is considered by the scriptures as very inauspicious.--T.

[237] The three octaves referred to are _Mandra_ or the base tone, _Madhya_, or the middle tone, and _Tara_ or the high tone. These constitute the entire diapason of Hindu Music.--T.

[238] _Kuta_. The commentator says the word stands for a particular kind of weapons. Wilson has _concealed weapon_ for its English equivalent.--T.

[239] _The same complexion_ gives sense. But I render the passage literally.--T.

[240] _Bhugnavastran_.--Perhaps the text is corrupt. _Bhugnavahtran--person of deformed faces_--would render sense.--T.

[241] A short arrow thrown from the hand, or shot through a tube. _Wilson_.--T.

[242] Elephants of the size of horses.--T.

[243] _Jamvunada_ is a kind of gold having sixteen diverse colors.--T.

SECTION V.