Part 50

Casting his eyes on Lanka, the monkey, his wish attained, increasing his person and bursting with spirits, considered as to how to give the _coup de grace_ to his exertions. "What recently is to be done by me here to finish this business, that may afflict them the more? I have ravaged the wood, and slain the choice Rakshasas, and destroyed by main force a portion of the army. Now it remains to demolish the fortifications. On the fortifications being destroyed, my work shall have its toils crowned with joy. By undergoing slight labor in this business, I shall have my pains furnished with fruit. That bearer of sacrificial offerings[414] who flameth on my tail,--it is my duty to propitiate him with these excellent edifices." Thereat that mighty monkey, with his tail aglow, and resembling a cloud (luminous) with lightning, began to range before the dwellings in Lanka. And that monkey with a calm mind, eying (all round), ranged one house from another, and gardens, and stately piles. And that one gifted with exceeding vehemence, and in strength resembling the Wind, bounding up set fire unto the dwelling of Prahasta. Then Hanuman endowed with prowess, leaping up, set unto Mahaparcwa's mansion fire resembling that at the universal dissolution. And (then) the mighty monkey darting up, set fire unto Vajradanshtra's; and (then) that highly energetic one set fire unto Suka's and unto the intelligent Sarana's. And the leader of monkey bands in the same way burnt down Indrajit's mansion; and then he burnt the abodes of Sumali and Jamvumali; and Racmiketu's mansion and Suryyacatru's, and Hraswakarna's, and the Rakshasa Romaca's; and the houses of Yuddhonmattn, and Matta, and the Rakshasa Dwajagriva, and the calm Vidyujjibhwa, and Hastimukha; and of Karala, and of Vicala, and of Sonitaksha; and Kumbhakarna's mansion, and Nikumbha's, and the residence of Yajnacatru, and of Brahmacatru. And leaving alone the dwelling of Vibhishana, that exceedingly energetic one--foremost of monkeys--by and by burnt (all the houses there). And in those costly mansions and dwellings, that famous one, that foremost of monkeys, burnt all the wealth of those affluent persons.-- Having passed the dwellings of all, that powerful and auspicious one approached the residence of the lord of Rakshasas, Ravana. And in that foremost of mansions, adorned with various gems, resembling Meru or Mandara, graced with diverse auspicious things, he set unto the same, fire flaming at the end of his tail. And the heroic Hauuman roars, resembling a cloud (appearing) at the end of a _Yuga_. And assisted by the wind, that highly powerful and vehement one (Fire) flaimed up, like fire at the wreck of all, and the fire attained energy. And the wind spreading the flaming fire all round those dwellings, those mansions furnished with golden networks; and containing pearls and gems; enjewelled and magnificent, were shorn of their splendour. And cracked edifices began to topple down to the ground, like the mansions of Siddhas falling from the firmament on the exhaustion of their righteousness. And there arose a mighty uproar of those Rakshasas, as, bereft of their good fortune, despairing of preserving their abodes, they rushed in all directions,--"Forsooth it is Fire himself that hath come hither in the form of a monkey." And females crying with babes on their breasts, suddenly plunged (into the fire). And some fair ones with hair dishevelled, and surrounded on all sides with fire, as they fell down from dwellings, looked lovely like lightning from the welkin. And he (Hanuman) saw various kinds of metals, mixed with diamonds, and coral, and lapises and pearls and silver, runing down in streams from the mansions. And as Fire is not cloyed with wood and straw, Hanuman never at all felt satiety on slaying those foremost of Rakshasas. And the Earth could not contain the Rakshasas slain by Hanuman. And as Rudra had burnt down Tripura, the vehement and high-souled monkey, Hanuman, burnt down Lanka. And rising to the brow of Lanka's mount,[415] the fire of terrific energy kindled by the impetuous Hanuman, spread wide his tongues. And with the Wind assisting him, the smokless Fire in the dwellings, with his flames feeding on the bodies of the Rakshasas representing sacrificial offerings, spread his magnitude, touching the horizen--resembling the conflagration kindled at the universal dissolution. And possessing the fierce energy of a _koti_ suns, the mighty Fire completely encompassing the entire Lanka, increased (in volume), riving the mundane Egg with various sounds resembling thunder-claps. And the Fire of terrific might, having his flames resembling _Kincuka_ blossoms, rising up to the sky, clouds caused by volumes of smoke arising from extinguished fire, in hue resembling blue lotuses, looked exceedingly beautiful. "Either the thunder-bolt-bearing Indra the Great--chief of celestials, or Yama himself, or Varuna, or the Wind-god, or the Fire generated by Rudra's third eye, or the Sun, or Dhanada, or Soma. This is no monkey,--this is verily _Kala_[416] himself. Or is this the Rakshasa-annihilating Fire of Brahma himself--the Great-sire of all, the four-faced Disposer of the world's destinies,-- come hither, wearing the form of a monkey? Or is this Vishnu's Energy, inconceivable, unutterable, infinite and sole, and of surpassing power,--now come hither in its own illusory nature, assuming a monkey-form?" Seeing that city suddenly consumed, with her souls, dwellings, and trees, Rakshasas of note, assembled together, thus talked unto each other. And then Lanka, suddenly consumed with Rakshasas, horses, cars, serpents, crowds of birds, beasts and trees, began to bewail tumultuously and loud in forlorn guise,--"O father! O son! O love! O friend! O lord of my life and frame! all our religious merit is abolished." Indulging in various lamentations, the Rakshas thus created a mighty and frightful uproar. And with the flames encircling her, and her foremost heroes fallen, and her warriors destroyed, Lanka, overcome by the might of Hanuman's wrath, became as if she had been blighted by an imprecation. Then the mighty-minded Hanuman beheld the Rakshasas in terror and trepidation and castdown, and Lanka marked by fire and bright flames, even as the Self-sprung eyeth the world destroyed by his rage. And devastating the forest filled with many excellent trees, slaying many a terrible Rakshasa in conflict, and burning down the city of Lanka filled with picturesque houses, the monkey, Hanuman, Wind-god's son, stationed himself there. And destroying many a Rakshasa, felling many trees in the forest and setting fire to the houses of the Rakshasas, the high-souled (monkey) became engaged in thoughts touching Rama. Thereupon all the celestials praised highly the high-souled, excellent and mighty son of the Wind-god, foremost of heroic monkeys, gifted with the velocity of the Wind. And all the celestials, the foremost ascetics, the _Gandharbas_, the _Vidhyadharas_, the _Pannagas_, and all other great heroes, attained excess of delight. And having devastated the forest, slain the Rakshasas in conflict and burnt the grand city of Lanka, the great monkey appeared there. And seated on the variegated top of a splendid and high mansion, the foremost of monkeys, spreading the rays of his burning tail, looked like unto the sun of many rays. And having consumed the city of Lanka, the great monkey quenched the fire of his tail in the ocean. Thereupon beholding Lanka burnt down, the celestials along with Gandharbas, Siddhas, and the great ascetics, were struck with wonder.

[414] _Vide ante.--T._

[415] _Trikuta_ on which Lanka rested.--T.

[416] A name of Yama.--T.

SECTION LV.

Beholding Lanka burnt down and devastated and the demons terrified,the monkey Hanuman began to reflect. And worked up with fear and remorse, he reflected,--"What a mighty iniquity have I perpetrated by burning down Lanka of my own accord? Blessed are those high-souled ones who control their wrath by dint of their own good sense, like unto fire quenched by water. What iniquity is there which cannot be perpetrated by the angry? They can even slay the worshipful and vilify the pious with harsh words. The angry cannot decide what should be spoken and what not. There is no vice which cannot be committed by them, and there is nothing which cannot be spoken by them. He is the proper person who can subdue his rising ire by means of forgiveness as a serpent leaves off his worn skin. O fie on me who am vicious-minded, shameless and the perpetrator of a mighty iniquity. Not thinking of Sita, I have slain my master with fire. Forsooth hath the worshipful Janaki been burnt, since the whole city of Lanka hath been devastated with fire. And she being burnt, foolishly have I spoilt the work of my master. I have defeated the great object for which I have laboured so much. In burning down Lanka, I have not saved Sita. To have burnt down Lanka is assuredly a trifle, but in my ire I have lost my great object. Forsooth hath Janaki been consumed, since I behold no spot in Lanka which is not made desolate with fire-- in fact the whole city hath been reduced to ashes. As I have committed such an injury under the influence of my perverse understanding, it behoveth me to relinquish my life here. I shall jump into this flame or into a submarine fire, or I shall resign my mortal frame to the animals that infest the ocean. For, living, I shall not be able to face that lord of monkeys, and how shall I, having spoilt their work utterly, show myself unto those foremost of men? I have through my culpable passion furnished an illustration of the reckless monkey-nature, which is well known over the three worlds. Fie on this activity, born of (the quality of) passion, which is the source of incompetence and rashness; since although capable, I did not protect Sita. On Sita having met with destruction, both of them[417] shall cease to exist; and on their ceasing to exist, Sugriva shall die along with his friends. And hearing these tidings, how shall the righteous Bharata, attached unto his brother (Rama), along with Satrughna, live? And on the virtuous Ikshwaku race being extinct, without doubt, all the subjects shall be overwhelmed with grief. Therefore, I of curst luck hath had my harvest of virtue and profit taken away; and being under the influence of baleful passion, I am the cause of the destruction of creatures." As he was reflecting thus, he bethought him of auspicious omens which he had witnessed since. "Or it may be that one of charming limbs hath been preserved by her proper energy. The blessed one may not have met with her end, for fire doth burn fire. And Fire should not touch the spouse of that virtuous one of immeasurable energy,--who is protected by by her own character. And that bearer of sacrificial offerings hath not burnt me, is owing to Rama's power and the virtue of Vaidehi. And why should she that is a very goddess unto the three brothers, Bharata and the others, and that hath enchanted the mind of Rama, meet with destruction? And when that everywhere unspent Lord, having burning for his office, hath not consumed my tail, why shoud he burn the exalted lady?" Then Hanuman with wonder again thought of the sight of the golden mountain under the water.[418] "By virtue of her asceticism, veracity, and devotion unto her lord, she it is that can consume Fire, but Fire cannot burn her." And as Hanuman was thinking of the magnitude of that revered lady's religious merit, he heard the converse there of high-souled Charanas. "Ah! hard is the feat that Hanuman hath forsooth achieved. He hath created a terrific and fierce conflagration in the abode of the Raksha. The females of Rakshas accompanied by boys and old folks, are flying amain; and in consequence of the hubbub it seems as if (Lanka) is in lamentation through her mountain-caverns. Burnt is this city of Lanka with her turrets, walls and gateways; and we are astonished that Janaki is not burnt." These words resembling ambrosia Hanuman heard (at that time); and his mind was filled with joy. And what through the auspicious omens that he had witnessed, and what through the speech of the saints, Hanuman was delighted (beyond measure). Then the monkey, with his end attained, knowing that the king's daughter was unhurt, became bent upon returning after seeing her once again.

[417] Rama and Lakshmana.--T.

[418] Remembering the incident of his seeing the mountain Mainaka through Sita, Hanuman was put in mind of Sita's superhuman power.--T.

SECTION LVI.

Then seeing Janaki seated at the foot of the Sinsapa tree, (Hanuman) saluting her said,--"By luck it is that I see thee unhurt." Then eying him again and again as he was on the point of departing, Sita said unto Hanuman in words informed with affection for her husband,--"If, my child, it liketh thee, do thou, O stainless one, stay here today in some retired spot. To-morrow having refreshed thyself, thou shalt set out. Thy vicinity, O monkey, for a while beguiles me of slender luck of my measureless grief. Thou wilt go, O powerful monkey; but ere thou return, it is, O foremost of monkeys, doubtful whether I shall live. And, O hero, the not seeing thee shall try me sorely, who have fallen from one misfortune into a greater one, and who, my mind distracted, have been exercised by sorrow. And, O hero, this mighty doubt is (ever) present before me. How shall that exceedingly powerful one or that host of monkeys or those two sons of that man of men, albeit backed by mighty monkeys, cross over the ocean incapable of being crossed? Three beings have the power to bound over the deep;-- Vinata's offspring, thou, and the Wind-god. Then in this business at hand hard to accomplish, what means dost thou, versed in business, see, whereby the end may be attained?-- O slayer of hostile heroes, thou alone art quite competent to perform this task; and thou shalt attain fame through thy rising prowess. But if blocking up Lanka with his forces, that afflictor of enemies, Kakutstha, taketh me (from hence,) then that shall be worthy of him.--Therefore do thou so order things that that powerful and high-souled hero in conflict, may act as becomes himself." Hearing her resonable, affectionate and pregnant speech, that hero, Hanumin, answered,--"O noble lady, that lord and foremost of monkeys, Sugriva gifted with strength, is determined on thy behalf. And that master of monkeys, Sugriva, O Vaidehi, surrounded by thousands and Kotis of monkeys, shall speedily come here (for the purpose). And those best of men, those heroes, Rama and Lakshmana, coming together, shall afflict Lanka with their arrows. And slaughtering the Rakshasa with his own adherents, Raghu's son, O exceedingly fair one, shall ere long take thee back to his palace.--O gentle damsel, do thou console thyself. Remain, expecting the hour. Soon shalt thou see Ravana slain in battle by Rama. On the lord of Rakshasas being slain along with his sons, councilors, and friends, thou shalt meet with Rama as Rohini meeteth with the Moon. At once shall Kakutstha come, accompanied by the foremost of monkeys,--who, conquering (Ravana) in conflict, shall remove thy grief." Having thus consoled Videha's daughter, Hanuman, son unto the Wind-god, setting his heart upon departure, saluted Vaidehi. And having soothed Vaidehi, and displayed his surpassing strength, having rendered the city disconsolate, and baffled Ravana, exhibited his terrific might, and saluted Vaidehi, Hanuman became bent upon returning, crossing over the mid-sea. Then that repressor of foes, the powerful monkey, anxious to see his master, ascended Aristha, foremost of mountains; (as if covered) with a sheet consisting of blue woods of tall _padmakas_, and clouds lying in the interspace between peaks,--and displayed from love by the glad light of the Sun; appearing to be beholding with the minerals scattered about serving for its eyes; seeming to be reciting aloud in consequence of the solemn sound of waters, to be carolling clearly through its many fountains, and to stay with uplifted arms by means of _devadarus_; appearing to be crying distressfully on account of cascades sounding all round; seeming to be trembling in consequence of verdant autumnal woods waving, and to be piping on account of _kichakas_ vocal through the breeze; eloquent; with the foremost poisonous serpents appearing to be sighing forth ire; appearing to be sunk in contemplation on account of caverns covered with snow and looking solemn in consequence; as if moving about by means of hills looking like its cloud-legs; seeming to yawn in the sky with peaks towering heavenwards,--scattered with summits, and graced with innumerable caves; surrounded with _salas_, palms, _tamalas_, Karnas, and bamboos; graced with spreading and flowering underwoods; abounding in various beasts, and decked with mineral streams,--containing numerous rills,-- thronged with collections of crags; frequented by Maharshis, and Yakshas, and Gandharbas and Kinnaras and serpents; impracticable in consequence of plants and trees; with caverns harbouring lions; filled with tigers and other (ferocious beasts); and furnished with trees having tasteful fruits and roots. And the Wind-god's offspring--foremost of monkeys--ascended that mountain. Aud on the lovely level of that mountain, the crags, crushed with sounds under the tread of that one burning to behold Rama and wrought up with excess of joy, were scattered all round. And ascending that lordly hill, the mighty monkey magnified himself, desirous of going from the southern to the northern shore of the salt waters. And getting to the top of the mountain, that hero, son unto the Wind-god, cast his eyes upon the dreadful main inhabited by terrible snakes. And that foremost of monkeys, offspring of the Wind-god,[419] (mentally) went from the south to the north, as if it were the air. And then that best of mountains, sore pressed by the monkey, began to emit cries, and with various creatures (on it), entered underneath the Earth, with its peaks tottering and its trees toppling. And borne down by the violence of his thighs, trees bearing flowers, being shattered, as if destroyed by Sakra's weapon, fell to the ground. And the dreadful yells of mighty lions in pain, inhabiting caves, entered the ear, piercing the heavens. And Vidyadharis with their attires falling off and their ornaments disordered, suddenly rose from the mountain[420] unto the sky. And exceedingly powerful and mighty snakes of virulent venom,--having flaming tongues, with their hoods and necks tortured, began to roll (on the earth). And Kinnars and serpents, Gandharbas, Yakshas and Vidyadharas, forsaking that foremost of mountains in affliction, took refuge in the sky. And that graceful mountain also, tormented by that powerful one, entered the nether regions with its tall trees and summits. And that mountain, which (heretofore) had measured ten _yojanas_ in area and thirty in height, became level with the earth. And desirous of crossing over the salt waters, with their shores menaced by sounding (waves), the monkey rose to the sky.

[419] _Maruta_--this term is used twice in this sloka, once for Hanuman, and next for the Wind-god. One of these is left out on the score of redundency.--T.

[420] _Dharanidharat_.--_ab_.--from the holder of the Earth, the latter being supposed to rest on a mountain.--T.

SECTION LVII.