Part 15

Hearing Dhumraksha slain, Ravana--lord of the Rakshasas--overwhelmed with a mighty rage, began to sigh like a serpent. And collied with passion, and sighing hot for a long time, he addressed a cruel Rakshasa--the exceedingly strong Vajradanshtra,[164]--"Go thou, O hero. Go out, environed by the Rakshasas. Slay Dacaratha's son--Rama--and Sugriva along with the monkeys". Thereupon hastily answering "So be it," that foremost of the Rakshasas skilled in illusion, marched forth surrounded by many a leader[165] of armies, furnished with elephants and steeds, mules and camels,--with his mind concentrated; and adorned with innumerable variegated flags and banners. And then decked out with curious _keyuras_ and a tiara, and wearing armour, he rushed out with his bow in his hand. And then going round his flaming vehicle, adorned with pennons and garnished with gold, the king[166] ascended the same. And equipped with slender swords and curious _tomaras_ and smooth maces and _bhindipalas_ and bows and darts and _patticas_ and scimitars and discuses and clubs and sharpened axes, the multiform infantry march bearing arms in their hands. And all those powerful and flaming Rakshasas wore variegated raiments. And heroic elephants in rut resembling mountains in motion, marched, being led by those well-skilled in battle carrying _tomaras_ and hooks in their hands. And mighty steeds bearing auspicious marks, marched, ridden by heroes. And that entire Rakshasa army, as it marched forth, resembled clouds in summer roaring with lightning. And (the Rakshasas) sallied forth through the Southern Entrance, where that leader of herds--Angada--was stationed. And as they went out, evil omens appeared. From the cloudless yet fierce sky meteors began to shoot. And throwing up flames from their mouths, dreadful jackals began to emit cries. And frightened beasts betokened the destruction of the Rakshasas in battle, And warriors began to tumble down in an ominous way. Witnessing these evil omens, the exceedingly powerful and energetic Vajradanshtra, assuming patience, set out, eager for encounter. And seeing them flee away, the monkeys, yearning for victory, set up tremendous shouts, filling all the cardinal points. And then there came on a terrific encounter of the monkeys and the Rakshasas, dreadful, of terrific deeds, and wishing for each other's death. And warriors fraught with high spirits, springing up, dropped down to the earth, their bodies and hands riven, and all their persons bathed in blood. And some approaching each other, with bludgeons in their hands, without turning away from the field, discharged various weapons at each other. And there were heard sounds of trees and rocks and weapons,--mighty and dreadful and capable of striking terror into the heart. And dreadful and mighty were the sounds of car-wheels, and conchs and trumpets and drums. And some, casting off weapons, engaged in a hand to hand combat by means of slaps, and kicks, and bones, and trees. And some Rakshasas, having their bodies broken, were killed by means of thighs, and some were crushed with crags by Danavas invincible in battle. And Vajradanshtra, resembling the noose-handed destroyer, frightening the monkeys, ranged in that field fatal to people. And Rakshasas, possessed of strength; equipped with various weapons, transported with passion, slew the monkey-forces. And then in the conflict the proud Wind-god's son, influenced by twofold wrath, spread havoc among the Rakshasa ranks, like the Fire at the universal dissolution. And the energetic Angada possessed of the prowess of a lion, with his eyes coppery with wrath, upraising a tree, began to spread terrible destruction among the Rakshasas, even as a lion destroyeth tiny deer. And attacked by Angada there, the Rakshasas of dreadful vigor, with their heads riven, fell down like unto trees that have been uprooted. And the earth became frightful (to behold), being covered with variegated cars and standards and steeds and the bodies of monkeys and of Rakshasas and streams of blood. And adorned with chains, and _Keyuras_, and attires, and umbrellas, the field of battle looked like an autumnal night. And agitated by Angada's impetuosity, that mighty army of Rakshasas began to shake, even as water trembleth, moved by the wind.

[164] Lit.--the thunder-toothed.

[165] _Valai_--forces--is interpreted _leaders_ by the commentator.

[166] Vajradanshtra.--T.

SECTION LIV.

Finding his own army destroyed by the might of Angada, the exceedingly powerful Rakshasa--Vajradanshtra--was overcome with rage. And stretching his dreadful bow of the splendour of Sakra's thunder-bolt, he began to shower shafts among the monkey-ranks. And the foremost among the heroic Rakshasas also, stationed on cars, furnished with various arms, warred on in the encounter. And the heroic monkeys also--foremost of their kind--with rocks in their hands, fought around in united strength. And in that conflict, the Rakshasas began to incessantly shower _ayutas_ among the flower of the monkey-army. And the monkeys,--pre-eminently valiant, and resembling mad elephants, kept showering over the Rakshasas mountain-trees and mighty rocks. And then took place a hot contest among heroic warring monkeys and Rakshasas, eager for encounter. And some, with their heads unbroken, had their arms and legs torn; and their bodies pierced with weapons, and laved with blood. And monkeys and Rakshasas lay down in the dirt,--thronged with numbers of Kankas, and vultures; and swarming with flocks of jackals. And striking affright to the timid, on the earth started up (spectral) headless trunks,--with their arms and heads torn, and their bodies torn all over. And monkeys and Rakshasas began to drop down to the earth. And the army of night-rangers, being brutally handled by the monkey-hosts, broke up at every point at the very sight of Vajradanshtra. And seeing the Rakshasas, distressed with fright and harassed by the monkeys, the powerful Vajradanshtra, with his eyes crimson-hued with choler, entered the arena, bow in hand,--frightening the monkey-forces. And he began to pierce the monkeys with straight-speeding shafts winged with Kanka feathers; And he pierced simultaneously seven, eight, nine, five, monkeys (in the field). And the exceedingly powerful Vajradanshtra, sported into a towering passion, began to cleave the docile ranks. And thereat terrified, the monkeys, with their bodies cut with arrows, rushed towards Angada, like vultures resorting to the Creator. And finding the monkey-ranks disordered, Vali's son in a rage cast his eyes on Vajradanshtra, who also was eying him. And Vajradanshtra and Angada fought fiercely with each other over and over again; ranging the field like a tiger and a mad elephant[167]. Then (Vajradanshtra) with hundreds and thousands (of shafts) resembling tongues of flames, pierced the powerful son of the monkey in the vitals. Thereupon Vali's son of mighty strength and tremendous prowess, with his body covered all over with blood, hurled a tree at Vajradanshtra. And seeing the tree in full career, the Rakshasa without betraying any agitation, severed it in pieces; and the tree, thus assailed, fell to the earth. And seeing that feat of Vajradanshtra, that foremost of monkeys, taking up a huge crag, hurled it (at his foe) and sent up shouts. And seeing this descend upon him, that powerful one, calmly leaping down from his vehicle, stood on his feet on the ground. And the crag discharged by Angada, coursing on in the field, dashed to pieces the car along with the wheels and the _Kuvara_ as well as the horses. And then the monkey, taking up another prodigious peak crowned with trees, let it alight on Vajradanshtra's head. Thereat vomitting blood, Vajradanshtra, deprived of his senses, for a moment overcome with stupor, stood embracing his mace, sighing. And then the night-ranger, recovering his senses, with his mace, in high rage hit at the breast Vali's son staying in the field. And thereupon, giving up his mace, he entered into a boxing encounter (with Angada). And hitting each other there, they both--the monkey and the Rakshasa,--began to vomit blood, and were overcome with fatigue consequent on the thrashing each sustained; and they endowed richly with prowess, appeared like Angaraka and Budha.[168] Then the exceedingly energetic Angada--best of monkeys--uprooting a tree, stood there, covered with flowers and leaves. And (Vajradanshtra) took a shield composed of ass's hide,[169] and a sword broad and sightly, covered with bells, and graced with a leathern sheath. And the monkey and the Rakshasa displayed curious and graceful movements. And attacking each other, they gave shouts, eager for victory. And with blood flowing from their wounds, they looked beautiful like blossoming Kincukas. And warring, both, overcome with fatigue, went to the ground on their knees. Anon in the twinkling of an eye, that powerful monkey--Angada--started up, with his eyes glowing,--like unto a serpent that hath been smitten with a rod. And (at length) with his stainless and sharpened sword, Vali's son, endeued with exceeding strength severed Vajradanshtra's huge head. And the graceful head of that one having his body covered with blood, cut off by the sword, falling to the ground with its eyes rolling, was severed in twain. Seeing Vajradanshtra slain, the Rakshasas, overwhelmed with fear and exceedingly agitated, in pitiful plight, with woe-begone faces and heads hung in shame,--fled towards Lanka, attacked (all the while) by the monkeys. Having compassed Vajradanshtra's destruction, the powerful son of Vali, endowed with exceeding strength, in the midst of the monkey-army experienced great joy on being honored by the monkeys, like the wielder of the thunder-bolt--the thousand-eyed (Deity)--surrounded by the celestials.

[167] _Harimattagajaviva--lit_, like a lion and a mad elephant. The commentator however, remarks, that the contest of a lion with an elephant is incompatible in the nature of things, for even an elephant _dreaming_ of a lion, gives up the ghost!--T.

[168] The asterisms so called.

[169] What could this weapon be like?--T.

SECTION LV.

Hearing Vajradanshtra slain by the son of Vali, Ravana said unto the general of his forces, standing before him with joined hands,--"Let invincible Rakshasas of dreadful prowess, march forth, placing before them Akampana, skilled in all weapons and arms. He is capable of chastising foes as well as of protecting his own and leading them; and he is excellent in warfare. And he is always desirous of my prosperity, and always loveth warfare. He will conquer the Kakutsthas, as well as Sugriva endowed with exceeding strength, and, without doubt, slay all the other dreadful monkeys". Taking Ravana's command, that highly powerful one endowed with fleet vigor, marshalled those forces. Then equipped with various arms, the foremost of Rakshasas, having dreadful eyes (in their heads), and of dreadful forms, marched forth, urged on by their general. And, ascending a large car, adorned with burnished gold, Akampana, possessed of the splendour of clouds,[170] and cloud-hued, and furnished with a voice resembling the roar of clouds, went out, environed by Rakshasas of terrific forms. And Akampana, resembling the sun in power, was incapable[171] of being shaken in fight by the very gods, and of being beheld by them.[172] And as, burning for battle, he rushed out in wrath, the steeds drawing his car suddenly lost their energy. And the left eye of that one delighting in encounter, began to throb. And his countenance grew pale, and his voice faltered. And in a fair day, it looked foul with the wind breathing roughly. And fierce and frightful beasts and birds began to emit cries. And that lion-shouldered one like a tiger in prowess, without heeding these ominous occurences, marched forth into the field. And as that Rakshasa was setting out along with the Rakshasas, he set up mighty roars as if agitating the deep. And the mighty army of monkeys was seized with trepidation at that sound. And then there took place a mighty encounter of the Rakshasas and the monkeys equipped staying in fight with trees and rocks; who had given up all concern for their selves in behalf of Rama and Ravana. And each side desirous of slaying the other, the monkeys and the Rakshasas were exceedingly strong and heroic and like unto mountains. And each party storming at the other, in that conflict were heard loud cries emitted by those swift-speeding ones in anger. And fearful was the dust red-hued that was raised incessantly by the monkeys and the Rakshas; and it enveloped the ten cardinal points. And in the field of battle, each enveloped with that dust raised, pale as silk, could not be discovered by the other. And in consequence of that dust arising, neither standard, nor ensign, nor shield, nor steed, nor weapon, nor car could be seen. And the fierce cries alone of those roaring and rushing were heard in that dreadful battle; but their forms were not visible to the sight. And in that conflict in the dark then monkeys enraged slew monkeys, and Rakshasas Rakshsasas. And monkeys and Rakshasas slaying (indiscriminately) friends and foes, made the earth wet with blood, and miry. And then with showers of blood the dust was layed; and the earth was covered with corpses. And Rakshasas and monkeys fast slew each other vigorously with trees and darts, maces and _pracas_, rocks, bludgeons and _tomaras_, and by means of their arms resembling bludgeons, coped with their adversaries appearing like hills. And in the encounter monkeys slew Rakshasas of dreadful deeds. And in their turn Rakshasas, wrought up with passion, bearing in their hands _pracas_ and _tomaras_ destroyed monkeys wielding dire arms. And that leader of the force--Akampana--growing wroth, inspired with cheerfulness all the Rakshasas endowed with dreadful vigor. And the monkeys forcibly snatching away the weapons (of the Rakshasas), began to rive the Rakshasas with mighty trees and giant crags. In the meanwhile those heroes among the monkeys--Kumuda, Nila and the exceedingly exasperated Mainda, summoned the utmost impetuosity they were masters of. And those foremost of monkeys and redoubtable able warriors without much ado began to spread quite a carnage in the van of the Rakshasa army, and by means of various arms terribly beat the Rakshasas.

[170] There is a pun here on the word _Akampana_--lit.--_one incapable of being shaken_.--T.

[171] Possessed of a person measuring, according to the commentator, a mass of clouds. I give the apparent sense, which answers.--T.

[172] Monkeys.

SECTION LVI.

And witnessing that mighty exploit of the foremost of the monkeys, Akampana waxed furious with wrath. And transported with passion, he, twanging his mighty bow, seeing that feat of his foe, addressed his charioteer saying,--"O charioteer, swiftly conduct thou the car to that same place. These powerful ones are slaying innumerable Rakshasas in fight. And all those vigorous monkeys of dreadful deeds stay before me, armed with trees and rocks. Those, pluming themselves overmuch on their martial worth, I intended to slay in battle. And all this Rakshasa force appeared to be harassed by these". Then on a car drawn by moving steeds, Akampana from a distance attacked the monkeys with showers of arrows. And thereat the monkeys could not so much as maintain their ground in the field,--and how could they fight? And broken by the arrows of Akampana, they began to fly. And the exceedingly strong Hanuman, seeing his kindred come under the masterdom of Death and follow the course pursued by the shafts of Akampana, advanced (to the conflict). And seeing that mighty monkey, all those heroic prime monkeys together surrounded (Hanuman) in the field. And those best of monkeys, seeing Hanuman stay, grew strong by relying on that strong one. And even as the great Indra showereth down rain, Akampana showered shafts on Hanuman resembling a mountain-summit in grandeur. And without casting a thought on the showers of arrows poured on his person, that monkey gifted with exceeding strength, set his heart on compassing the death of Akampana. And laughing, that exceedingly energetic offspring of the Wind-god rushed after that Raksha, as if making the Earth herself tremble. And the form of that one roaring and flaming up in energy, was irresistible, like unto the appearance of a flaming fire. And thinking that he was unfurnished with any arms, that foremost of monkeys, waxing wroth, vehemently rooted up a hill. And taking that huge hill, the Wind-god's son endowed with prowess, sending up a tremendous roar, began to whirl it with a single arm. And as of yore Purandara had in encounter pursued Namuchi with the thunder-bolt, (Hanuman) pursued that best of Rakshasas--Akampana. And Akampana, seeing that uplifted crag, from a distance cut it off with mighty crescent-shaped shafts. And finding that mountain-top severed by the shafts of the Raksha and scattered in pieces, Hanuman was seized with a mighty wrath. And that monkey, wrought up with rage and pride, grasping an Acwakarna elevated like unto a hill, at once uprooted it. And taking that broad-shouldered Acwakarna, that one furnished with high splendour, with great glee whirled it above the ground. And thereat rushing amain vehemently, (Akampana) speedily broke the trees.[173] And (seeing this), Hanuman, transported with passion, rived the earth with his kicks. And Hanuman slaughtered elephants, and the riders thereof, and cars with their riders, and dreadful Rakshasas, and footmen. And seeing the enraged Hanuman resembling the Finisher armed with trees and destructive, the Rakshasas began to fly fast. And seeing that one enraged, terrific unto the Rakshasas, the heroic Akampana was agitated greatly and sent up shouts. And Akampana pierced Hanuman endowed with exceeding prowess with four and ten shafts, sharpened and capable of cleaving the bodies of people. And thus covered with iron arrows and whetted darts, that hero--Hanuman--looked like a hill covered with trees. And that huge-bodied one endowed with wondrous prowess and great strength, appeared like a flowering Acoka or a fire without smoke. And then uprooting another tree, (Hanuman) summoning up his best impetuosity, swiftly hit Akampana--foremost of Rakshasas--on the head. And slain with that tree by that high-souled monkey-chief wrought up with passion, that Rakshasa fell down and died.[174] And seeing that foremost of Rakshasas--Akampana--slain (and lying) on the ground,--the Rakshasas were extremely aggrieved, and (appeared) like trees in an earthquake. And those Rakshasas defeated, leaving their arms behind, made for Lanka in fear, pursued by the monkeys. And with their hair flowing loosely, (the Rakshasas), afflicted with affright, and despirited and beaten, fled fast, with the water of fatigue running down their persons. And crushing down each other, they entered the city in a panic, momentarily casting their looks behind them. When the Rakshasas had entered Lanka, the exceedingly mighty monkeys, assembled together, paid homage unto Hanuman. And Hanuman, gifted with strength, honored the seniors each as he deserved in consideration of his lineage. And the monkeys eager for victory shouted with might and main, and began to drag the Rakshasas with the view of taking their lives. And that mighty monkey--son unto the Wind god--having destroyed the Rakshasas and arrived (in the midst of the host), attained heroic glory,--even as did Vishnu, having slain that destroyer of enemies--the mighty and dreadful Asura possessed of exceeding strength,--stationed in the van of the forces. And then the deities and Rama himself and the highly powerful Lakshmana, and also the monkeys headed by Sugriva, and Bibhishana endowed with great strength, honored that monkey.

[173] Why plural? So it is, however, in the text.--T.

[174] This sentence, "And slain......and died" reads foolish. But the original is answerable for--in logical parlance--this identical proposition.--T.

SECTION LVII.