Part 25

And they[270] were rendered inert in the field; and the army of the monkey-leaders was stupified, with Sugriva and Nila and Angada and Jambavan,--and they did not show any signs of activity. Thereupon, seeing them dispirited, that foremost of intelligent persons--Bibhishana--cheering them up with his peerless speech, said,--"Ye heroes of the king of monkeys, do not give way to fear. This is not the time to indulge in grief at this place; for the sons of the noble one,[271]--inactive and depressed, and seeming to be wounded with the showers of Indrajit's shafts,--are in reality in this plight, for showing reverence unto the words[272] of the Self-sprung one.--On him the Self-sprung hath conferred the mighty Brahma, weapon of unfailing power; and the king's sons are doing honour to it by lying down on the field of battle. Why then do ye grieve now?" Hearing the words of Bibhishana and honoring the Brahma weapon, Hanuman spoke as follows:--"The host of the quick-paced monkeys hath been slain by this weapon. Let us go and console them who are still living". And those two great heroes--Hanuman and that foremost of the Rakshasas, with fire-brands in their hands, began to range to and fro in the battle field. And they beheld there the earth strewn on all sides with monkeys lying down like so many hills and various shining weapons. And some of these monkeys were deprived of their tails, some of their hands, some of their thighs, some of their legs, some of their fingers, and some of their heads. And blood was gushing out from the persons of some, and others were urinating out of fear. And Bibhishana and Hanuman beheld there Sugriva, Angada, Nila, Gandhamldana, Jambavan, Sushena, Vegadarshin, Mainda, Nala, Jyotimukha, and the monkey, Dwivida,--almost slain. And Bibhishana and Hanuman saw in the field seven and sixty kotis of fleet-footing monkeys slain (in battle) at the fifth part of the day by the darling of the Self-sprung. And surveying that host worsted, dreadful like the surges of the sea, Hanuman and Bibhishana began to search for Jambavan. And finding that heroic son of Prajapati, afflicted with natural decrepitude, aged, and resembling smouldering fire,--wounded with hundreds of shafts, Pulastya's son said,--"O noble one, hath not thy life been destroyed with those sharp shafts?" Hearing Bibhishana's words, Jambavan--best of bears--evoking utterance with extreme effort, said,--"O foremost of Nairitas, endowed with exceeding prowess, I know thee by thy voice. Having my person pierced with sharp shafts, I cannot see thee with my eyes. Doth he through whom Anjana as well as Mataricwa[273] are blessed with fair offspring,--doth that prince of monkeys--Hanuman--live?" Hearing Jambavan's speech, Bibhishaua said,--"Why, passing by the son of the high and mighty,[274] dost thou enquire after the Wind-god's offspring? O noble one, thou dost not show that overflowing affection either for king Sugriva or Raghava that thou showest for the son of the Wind-god". Hearing Bibhishana's words, Jambavan said,--"Hear, O foremost of Rakshasas, why I enquire after the Wind-god's son. While this hero is alive, this force, albeit destroyed, liveth; but if Hanuman is reft of life, although living, we are destroyed. O child, if the Wind-god's offspring, resembling his sire himself or (the deity of) Fire in prowess, is alive, there is hope for our lives". Then approaching that aged one, Hanuman--son unto the Wind god--saluted him humbly, holding Jambavan's feet. Hearing Hanuman's voice, that foremost of monkeys, with his senses sorely smarting, deemed himself as having regained his life. Then that exceedingly energetic one addressed Hanuman, saying,--"Come, O powerful monkey. It behoveth thee to rescue the monkeys. There is none else. Endowed with profuse prowess, thou art the greatest friend of these. This is the hour when thou shouldst display thy might. Any other see I not. Do thou cheer up this host consisting of bears and monkeys; and do thou also heal the wounds of these two tormented by them. Bounding sheer over the main, thou, O Hanuman, shouldst repair to the Himavan--foremost of mountains. There thou wilt see that best of mountains--the golden Rishabha of terrific aspect, and, smiter of foes, the peak also of Kailaca. Lying in the Up of these two, thou, O hero, O powerful monkey, wilt see the mountain of medicines, fraught with healing herbs of all kinds. On its summit thou wilt find four medicinal herbs flaming and illumining the ten cardinal quarters--_viz_., Mritasanjivani,[275] Vicalyakarani,[276] Suvarnakarani,[277] and the mighty medicine, Sandhani. O Hanuman, providing thyself with these, thou shouldst come hither without delay. Do thou, O offspring of the Wind-god[278] bringing back lives unto these monkeys, cheer them up". Thereat Hanuman filled himself with energy, even as the Ocean heaveth with the force of the winds (blowing on its breast). And ascending the summit of that mountain,[279] and hurting it with his tread, that hero--Hanuman--appeared like a second mountain, And crushed under the tread of that monkey, the mountain was dispirited; and sore distressed, it could hardly contain itself. And the trees on it began to topple to the earth; and on account of the vehemence of the monkey, they flamed up. And smitten by Hanuman, its peaks were scattered around. And monkeys could no longer dwell on that foremost of mountains, which, being hard pressed (by Hanuman), was trembling all over, with its slopes covered with broken trees and rocks. And with her giant gateways shaking, and the doors of her edifices broken, that night Lanka, overwhelmed with fright, seemed to be dancing. And the offspring of the Wind-god, resembling a mountain itself, bringing that mountain to sore straits, agitated the entire earth with her Oceans. And hurting the mountain with his tread, he, opening wide his mouth resembling that of a mare, sent up loud shouts, terrifying the night-rangers. And hearing those tremendous roars as he kept emitting cries, the powerful Rakshasas were quite stupified. And bowing down unto the Ocean, that subduer of enemies, the Wind-god's son, endowed with dreadful prowess, began to ponder over the mighty mission with which he had been entrusted in the interests of Raghava.--And, then upraising his tail resembling a serpent, bending his back, contracting his ears, and opening his mouth looking like that of a mare, that one possessed of terrific impetuosity, bounded into the sky. And with the vehemence of his rush,--he carried away in his wake whole tracts of trees, and rocks, and crags, and inferior monkeys;[280] and after having been carried away some distance by the vehemence of his arms and thighs, they, at length losing their velocity, fell into the waters (of the Ocean.) And stretching his arms resembling serpents, the son of the Wind-god endowed with the prowess of Garuda[281] coursed on towards the monarch of mountains, as if making all the quarters tremble. And seeing the sea with its hosts of billows rolling furiously, and with the confederacies of aquatic animals bewildered by the angry waters, he coursed on rapidly, like the discus discharged by the hand of Vishnu. And surveying hills and birds and pools and rivers and tanks and splendid cities and flourishing provinces, that one equal to his sire himself in celerity, held his way. And that hero--Hanuman--like unto his father in prowess, and incapable of being fatigued, vigorously proceeded along the orbit of the Sun. And that powerful monkey possessed of the speed of the Wind itself, and having mighty impetuosity, careered, making all sides resound with his roars. And remembering Jambavan's words, that redoubtable monkey, son unto the Wind-god, possessed of terrific prowess, and resembling a mountain, suddenly saw (before him) the Himavan: furnished with countless cascades and numerous caves and rivulets; with splendid summits appearing like massess of pale clouds; and graced with various trees. And arriving at that lord of mighty mountains, furnished with excellent towering golden summits, he saw the great sacred asylums (of the ascetics), inhabited by the flower of celestial saints. And he saw Brahmakoca[282] and Rajatalaya[283] and Sakralaya[284] and Rudracarapramoksha[285] and Hayanana[286] and the flaming Brahmaciras,[287] and the servants of Vaivacwata.[288] And he saw the abode of the Fire-god, and the abode of Vaicravana and the effulgent Suryyanivandhana.[289] and the abode of Brahma,[290] and the bow of Sankara, and the navel of the Earth.[291] And he saw Kailaca of terrific aspect, and the stone[292] of Himavan, and that bull,[293] and the golden mountain, and that foremost of mountains furnished with all medicinal herbs, flaming, and illuminated with every kind of medicinal plants. And beholding that flaming mass of fire, the offspring of Vasava's[294] emissary wondered. And bounding up to the lord of medicinal mountains, he fell to searching for the drugs. And that mighty monkey--the Wind-god's son--leaving behind a thousand _yojanas_, began to range the mountain containing the divine remedies in its entrails. And those potent medicines, in that foremost of mountains, knowing (before-hand) that one was coming seeking for them, rendered themselves invisible. And not seeing them, the high-souled Hanuman was angered; and from wrath he set up roars. And not brooking that, (Hanuman) with eyes resembling glowing fire, addressed that foremost of mountains, saying,--"What is this that thou hast decided on, that thou showest no compassion for Raghava? But, O lord of mountains, to-day witness thyself, overpowered by my arms and torn in pieces!" And (anon) on a sudden, he violently rooted up its summit with trees and elephants and gold, and furnished with a thousand varieties of ore,--having its tops torn and its slopes aflame. And uprooting it, he sprang into (the bosom of the air), terrifying the worlds containing celestials and the lords thereof. And hymned by countless rangers of the air, that one endowed with the terrific impetuosity of Garuda himself, taking that summit furnished with the splendour of the Sun, went along the orbit of the Sun. And near the Sun, that Sun-like one seemed to be another Sun. And with that mountain, the offspring of the bearer of perfumes appeared surpassingly grand, like very Vishnu equipped with the flaming discus having a thousand edges. And seeing him, the monkeys shouted,--and he also, seeing then, shouted in delight. And hearing their tremendous cheers, those residing in Lanka shouted still more dreadfully. And then the high-souled one dropped on that best of mountains in the midst of the monkey-forces; and, bowing down unto the principal monkeys there, he embraced Bibhishana. And then those sons of that king of men, smelling the perfume of that mighty medicine, were then and there healed of their wounds; and the heroic monkeys also sat up. And all the heroic monkeys were instantly healed and cured; and those also that were slain (in battle), through the smell of that best of drugs, sat up, like persons risen after sleep at break of day. Ever since the monkeys and Rakshasas had begun to fight, for maintaining honor, all those Rakshasas that were slain there by the mighty monkeys, were thrown into the sea. Then that monkey, the offspring of the bearer of fragrance, endowed with terrific speed, took that medicinal mountain (back) unto Himavan and again presented himself before Rama.

[270] _i.e._ Rama and Lakshmana.

[271] Dacaratha.

[272] Mantra.

[273] The Wind-god.

[274] _Vide Hamlet._

[275] _Lit._ reviving the dead.

[276] _Lit._ healing wounds inflicted by darts.

[277] _Lit._ transmuting any thing to gold.

[278] _Gandhabahatanaya_--lit., son unto the bearer of smell--a designation of the Wind in Sanskrit.--T.

[279] Trikuta.

[280] Residing in the Trikuta mountain.

[281] The text has, _the Foe of serpents_--an appellation of Garuda

[282] The place of Hiranyagarbha.

[283] The place of Rajatanabha--_silver-naveled_--another form of Hiranyagarbha.

[284] The abode of Sakra.

[285] The place wherefrom Rudra discharged his arrow on the occasion of the destruction of Tripura.

[286] The place of the Horse-necked.

[287] The place of the deity presiding over the Brahma weapon.

[288] An appellation of Yama.

[289] The spot where the suns meet.

[290] The place of the four-faced Brahma.

[291] The spot of Prajapati.

[292] On which Rudra sat when engaged in asceticism.

[293] Which had been mentioned by Jambavan.

[294] The emissary of Vasava in his cloud-form is the Wind driving the cloud; and the passage refers to Hanuman.--T.

SECTION LXXV.

Then the exceedingly energetic lord of monkeys, Sugriva, said unto Hanuman these words fraught with import,--"Inasmuch as Kumbhakarna hath been slain as also the princes,[295] Ravana can no longer defend the city.[296] Now let those principal monkeys that are endowed with great strength and that are furnished with fleetness, taking fire-brands (in their hands) rapidly rush towards Lanka". Then when the Sun had set and at the terrific front of Night, those foremost of monkeys marched towards Lanka, equipped with fire-brands. And charged at all points by numbers of monkeys armed with fire-brands, those fierce-eyed (Rakshasas) that guarded the gates[297] suddenly fled away. And thereat, (the monkeys) delighted set fire to gates and upper apartments and spacious high-ways and various by-ways and edifices. And the fire[298] burnt their[299] mansions by thousands; and mountain-like superstructures toppled headlong to the earth. And there burnt _aguru_, and sweet sandal, and pearls, and sheeny gems, and diamonds and corals. And there burnt linen and fine silk and _avikas_ and various kinds of woolen cloths; and vessels of gold, and weapons; divers kinds of furniture, trappings and ornaments of steeds; cords for tying elephants; burnished ornaments for cars; armour of warriors; and hides of horses and elephants. And swords and bows and bow-strings and arrows and _tomaras_[300] and _ankucas_[301] and darts. And blankets and _chowris_ and tiger-skins and musk and other things. And pearls and excellent gems; and edifices all around. And there the fire burneth heaps of various kinds of arms. And then the fire burnt various kinds of curious structures, and the dwellings of Rakshasas and all householders. And there the fire flaming up again and again burnt down by hundreds and thousands the houses of the denizons of Lanka,--clad in curious golden mail; and wearing wreaths and ornaments and attires; having their eyes wildly moving in intoxication; reeling in drink; those whose paramours were dressed in flowing apparels; or those wroth with their foes; or bearing maces and darts and swords in their hands; or engaged in eating or drinking; or asleep with their beloved on costly couches; or who, agitated with fright, were hastily going taking their sons with them.--And that fire burnt down firm-based rich dwellings furnished with innumerable apartments, and garnished with golden Moons and crescents,--and mansions having graceful crests; and variegated windows and daises raised there, embellished with rubies and lapises, and seeming to touch the Sun; and piles resembling mountains in grandeur,--and resonant with the cries of Kraunchas and peacocks and the tinklings of ornaments. And the flaming gateways all round appeared like clouds in the rainy season lighted up by lightning, or like the peaks of a mighty mountain ablaze with a forest-conflagration. And superb damsels asleep in lofty edifices,[302] being burnt, cast away their ornaments and shrieked. And consumed by the fire, buildings began to drop down like the summits of a mighty mountain smit with the thunder-bolt of the thunderer. And those burning, appeared from a distance like the peaks of Himalaya aglow. And in consequence of those tops of the edifices burning and of the living flames, that night Lanka looked as if swarming with flowering Kincukas. And with elephant-riders, and elephants, and steeds let loose, Lanka appeared like the Ocean at the hour of Universal tumbling,--with its ferocious aquatic animals whirling in wild chaos. Sometimes, an elephant seeing a steed let loose,--was flying away in fear; and sometimes a horse seeing a frightened elephant, was stopping, himself seized with fear.--And on Lanka burning, the mighty main with the reflection (of the conflagration) looked like an Ocean of red waters. And in a short time that city set on fire by the monkeys, looked like the earth glowing at the time of the Universal dissolution. And the cries of the females amidst the drift of smoke, heated by the flames, could be heard from an hundred Yojanas. And as Rakshasas having their bodies burnt came out of houses, monkeys eager for encounter on a sudden sprung upon them. And the shouts of the monkeys and the cries of the Rakshasas made the ten cardinal quarters and the ocean and the Earth resound.

And on those high souled ones--both Rama and Lakshmana--having been cured of their wounds, possessing themselves in calmness, took up their excellent bows. And Rama drew that best of bows. And thereat there was heard a tremendous twang striking terror into the Rakshasas. And drawing his redoubtable bow, Rama appeared like the reverend enraged Bhava, drawing his bow having sounds and instinct with Brahma energy. And the twang of Rama's bow, drowning the roars of both the monkeys and the Rakshasas,--was alone heard. And the ululations of the monkeys and the cries of the Rakshasas and the rattle of Rama's bow--these three filled the ten cardinal quarters. And with the shafts discharged from his bow, the gateway of the city resembling the summit of Kailaca was crushed in pieces, scattered around on the ground. And seeing Rama's shafts in cars and dwellings, the preparations for conflict were pushed on with great vigor. And in consequence of the foremost Rakshasas preparing for fight, and emitting roars, that night appeared like the Fatal Night itself. And the foremost monkeys were directed by the high-souled Sugriva, saying,--"Ye monkeys, do ye fight, approaching the gate lying at hand. But he that flyeth from his ranks, should be slain by main force". As the principal monkeys stationed themselves at the gate, equipped with fire brands, wrath took possession of Ravana. And as he yawned, the wind (blowing from his mouth), filled the ten cardinal regions; and his wrath resembled that appearing in the person of Rudra. And wrought up with a mighty rage, he sent forth Kumbha and Nikumbha--both sons of Kumbhakarna--in company with innumerable Rakshasas.--And in accordance with Ravana's command, Yupaksha and Sonitaksha, and Prajangha, and Kampana went with Kumbhakarna's sons. And, setting up leonine roars, he commanded all those highly powerful Rakshasas, saying,--"Do ye go this very day for battle". Thus directed, those heroic Rakshasas, equipped with flaming weapons, went out, roaring again and again. And the firmament was illuminated with the splendour of the ornaments of the Rakshasas and the splendour of their persons and the fire kindled by the monkeys. And there the light of the Moon and that of the stars and the brilliance of their ornaments,--combined, lighted up the welkin.--And the beams of the Moon and the brilliance of the ornaments and the flaming splendour of the planets emblazoned all round the forces of the monkeys and Rakshasas. And the light of half-burnt houses, again, falling on the restless ripples of the sea, made it wear an extremely beautiful aspect. And those dreadful Rakshasa hosts, possessed of dreadful prowess and energy, were seen,--with ensigns and banners; excellent swords and _paracwadhas_,[303] terrific steeds and cars and elephants rife with _paths_,[304] and flaming darts and clubs and scimitars and _yrasas_ and _tomaras_ and bows; bearing blazing _prasas_; ringing with the tinklings of hundreds of balls; with their arms encased in golden networks; flourishing axes; whirling their mighty weapons; fixing shafts on their bows; making the air swoon away with the perfumes of their wreaths; extremely terrific; swarming with heroes; sending out sounds like those of the sea. And seeing the army of the Rakshasas incapable of being coped with advance, the monkey-forces began to move and send up loud cheers. And thereat that array of Rakshasas vehemently sprang forward before the force of the foe, like unto insects plunging into aflame. And whirling with their arms bludgeons and _acanis_, that army of Rakshasas appeared exceedingly grand. And the monkeys, eager for encounter, darted forward like maniacs; and began to despatch the night-rangers with rocks and trees and clenched fist. And Rakshasas possessed of dreadful prowess with whetted arrows swiftly cut off the heads of falling monkeys. And the Rakshasas ranged there, with their ears torn with teeth, or their heads broken by blows, or their limbs crushed with the discharge of crags. And in the same way other grim-visaged night-rangers slew with sharpened swords the foremost of monkeys on all sides. And one about to slay another was himself slain by the latter; and one, about to bring another down, was himself brought down (by his adversary), and one that was railing at another, was in turn rebuked by his enemy; and one who was going to bite his foe, was himself bitten by him. And one was crying 'Give,'[305] and his adversary anon giveth; and another, again said,--'I will give. Why puttest thyself to trouble? Stay.' Thus there did they accost each other. And there was waged a terrific encounter between the monkeys and the Rakshasas,--in which arms lay scattered about; and armour and weapons strewn around; and mighty _pracas_[306] were upraised; and which was fought with blows and darts and swords and _Kuntalas_.[307] And in that conflict the Rakshasas slaughtered monkeys by tens and sevens. And then the monkeys hemmed in the Rakshasa-forces, with their apparels falling off and with their mail and standards strewn around.

[295] _Nishuditah--slain_, left out for euphony.

[296] _Upanirharam_ is a contested term. Kataka gives the sense adopted by me. Tirtha says it means 'Ravana cannot give battle in the open field.' According to others, it means 'He cannot offer truce to us'.--T.

[297] _Arakshah_--according to some means _gates_. According to others, a _gulma or division of an army_.--T.

[298] _Hutabhuk--lit_. eater of sacrificial offsprings--a designation of Fire.

[299] According to the commentator this refers to the fire lighted by the monkeys. I differ.--T.

[300] An Iron club.--T.

[301] The hook used to drive an elephant.--T.

[302] _Vimana_, according to Ramanuya, is a seven-storied edifice.--T.

[303] A platoon consisting of one chariot, one elephant, three horse and five foot.--T.

[304] A kind of sword.

[305] Battle.

[306] A bearded dart.

[307] What could this be like? The commentator is mute. Wilson has _Kuntalika_--butter-knife or scoop. _Kuntala_ may, however, mean a _plough_.--T.

SECTION LXXVI.