Part 8

"Having vanquished Yama, the foremost of celestials, Rāvana delighting in warfare, saw his adherents. And seeing Rāvana, with his person bathed in blood, bettered by the weapon discharged at him, they were seized with surprise. And hailing him with victory, the councillors headed by Māricha, having been encouraged by Rāvana, ascended Pushpaka. And then the Raksha entered the region of waters—the abode of Daityas and serpents, well protected by Varuna. And arriving at Bhogavati—the city governed by Vāsuki, he brought the serpents under subjection and then, delighted, bent his course to the palace—Manimayi. There dwelt the Nivatakavachas, who had obtained boons. Those Daityas were possessed of prowess and endowed with strength,—carrying various weapons, breathing high spirits and invincible in battle. And the Dānavas and Rākshasas growing enraged fell to raving each other with darts and tridents, Kuliças and axes and _pattiças_. And as they fought one entire year passed away and neither side obtained victory or was worsted. And then that way of the triune sphere, that God, the undeteriorating Great-father, swiftly presented himself on the scene mounted on his excellent car. And making the Nivatakavachas desist from battle the ancient great-father spake in clear words—’Even the celestials and the Asuras are not able to vanquish this Rāvana in battle; nor can the Dānavas backed by the gods can destroy you. Do you therefore turn your minds to making friends with the Rākshasa. All interests are forsooth the common possession of friends.’ Thereat Rāvana made friends with the Nivatakavachas in the presence of Fire; and then rejoiced greatly. And duly honored (by them) Daçānana passed there a year, without any feeling of that place being different from his own home: and spent his time agreeably. And having learnt there an hundred sorts of illusion, he directed his course to Rasatala, searching for the city of the lord of waters. And then going to the city named Açma ruled by the Kalakayas, (Rāvana) slew the Kalakayas endowed with terrific strength; and then with his sword cut off his brother-in-law,⁵⁹ the husband of Surpanakhā, the mighty Vidyutjibha possessed of terrific strength; as that Rākshasa in the encounter was licking (the limbs of Rāvana’s followers).⁶⁰ Having vanquished him, he, in a moment, destroyed four hundred Daityas. And then the lord of Rākshasas saw the grand abode of Varuna resembling a mass of white clouds, and effulgent like unto Kailāça itself;—and also saw the milk-conserving Surabhi stationed there; from the streams of whose milk was produced the ocean named Kshiroda.⁶¹ And there Rāvana saw the mother of kine and the foremost of bulls; from whom springeth that maker of night the mild-beaming-moon; taking refuge under whom subsist the prime saints and those living on froth, the froth⁶² (of milk); and wherefrom sprang ambrosia as well as the Swadha of Swādhā-subsisting ones,⁶³ even her that goeth with human beings under the name of Surabhi. Having gone round this wonderful (cow), Rāvana entered the exceedingly dreadful abode of Varuna guarded by various kinds of forces. And then he beheld Varuna’s splendid mansion, streaming with hundreds of torrents, resembling a mass of autumnal clouds, and always wearing a delightful aspect. And killing the generals of the forces, after having been resisted by them, he addressed the warriors, saying,—’Do you speedily acquaint your king with this. Rāvana hath come here seeking battle. Do thou give him fight, or say with joined hands, "I have been defeated by thee," and then thou hast no fear whatever.’ In the meantime the sons and grandsons of the high-souled Varuna, as well as those of Pushkara issued forth. And they, endowed with every virtue, accompanied by their own forces, yoked cars furnished with the effulgence of the rising Sun, and coursing at the desire of their riders. And then there took place a mighty encounter capable of making people’s down stand on end, between the sons of the lord of waters, and those of the intelligent Rāvana. And in a short while that entire host of Varuna was brought down by the highly powerful councillor of that Rākshasa Daçagriva. And seeing their own forces brought to straits in the conflict and driven back in the fight with networks of shafts, and down on the ground and seeing Rāvana in Pushpaka, Varuna’s sons swiftly shot into the welkin with their fleet-footing cars. And after they had attained a station of equal vantage (with Rāvana) in the sky,⁶⁴ great was the encounter that then took place in the sky, resembling the encounter of the deities and the Dānavas. And turning away Rāvana in the conflict by means of shafts resembling fire, they, exceedingly rejoiced, emitted various shouts. And then Mahodara, enraged on seeing the king sore pressed, casting off fear, and wrought up with rage, began to go around, eager for fight. And smit with his mace by Mahodara, Varuna’s sons coursing at will and resembling the wind (in velocity), dropped down to the ground. And having slain those warriors and also those horses of Varuna’s sons (Mahodara) seeing them lying down deprived of their cars swiftly sent up a tremendous cheer. And destroyed by Mahodara, their cars and horses together with their foremost charioteers, lay low on the earth. And then forsaking their cars, the sons of the high-souled Varuna, stationed in the sky, did not experience any pain⁶⁵ by virtue of their native power. And having stretched their bows they pierced Mahodara, and then, all together they greatly angered prevented Rāvana. As the clouds, with a thousand torrents cleave a mountain, so they, with dreadful shafts, resembling thunderbolts and discharged off the bows, pierced him. Thereupon the Ten-necked (demon), excited with wrath like the fire of dessolution, pierced them to their very vitals with highly dreadful arrows. And stationed above, he showered on them variegated maces, _Vallās_,⁶⁶ _Pātticas_, _saktis_ and huge _Sataghnis_.

"Thereupon with the arrows the infantry were greatly exhausted like unto young elephants six years old, fallen in mire. Beholding Varuna’s sons thus worn out and overwhelmed the highly powerful Rāvana roared in delight like unto clouds. Thereupon emitting loud cries the Rākshaha, like unto a cloud, with a downpour of diverse shafts, destroyed the offspring of Varuna. Thereupon they were all defeated and fell dead on the ground and all their followers fled away from the field of battle to their homes. Rāvana spoke unto them.—’Do ye communicate this to Varuna.’ Whereto his minister Prahasta replied unto Rāvana saying—’O great king—Varuna’s sons are slain and the lord of waters, whom thou art inviting for battle, hath gone to the region of Brahmā, to hear songs. While the king is away, what is the use of taking trouble, O hero? And all these heroic sons (of Varuna) have been vanquished.’ Hearing these words and spreading his own name the lord of Rākshasas expressing sign of joy, issued out of Varuna’s abode. And returning by the way by which he had come, the Raksha, stationed in the welkin, proceeded towards Lankā."

⁵⁹ _Cyalā_ means a wife’s brother, Vidyujjibha was however, _the husband of his sister_.—T.

⁶⁰ This explanation is the commentator’s.

⁶¹ Lit. the sea of milk.

⁶² A typical instance of the lengths which the self-denial of the Hindu sages went is furnished by the case of a certain class of ascetics, who, abstaining from every other kind of food, lived solely on the froth of milk, falling off from the udders after the calf had drunk it. This froth-drinking, in preference to drinking the milk itself was dictated by a motive of charity—_viz_, not to deprive the calf of her legitimate fare.—T

⁶³ The ancestral manes.

⁶⁴ Ere this Rāvana was fighting on Pushpaka, while Varuna’s sous fought on the earth.

⁶⁵ By virtue of their immortal origin.

⁶⁶ An arrow with a crescent-shaped head.

SECTION XXIV.

"And again journeyed in the city of Açma (the followers of Rāvana) dreadful in fight. There the Ten-necked demon beheld a highly picturesque house—adorned with networks of pearls, having gateways crested with Vaidurjas, golden pillars and abounding in pavements. And the stairs, of that picturesque house resembling the abode of Mahendra, covered with girdles, were made of crystal. Beholding that excellent boost the highly powerful Rāvana thought within himself—’Whose is this beautiful house, resembling the summit of Meru? Go O Prahasta, and learn quickly whose house is this.’ Thus ordered, Prahasta entered that excellent house—and finding none in one appartment he entered another and thus entering seven apartments he at last saw a flame of fire. There was a man in that flame, who, when seen, laughed aloud. Hearing that dreadful laughter Prahasta’s down stood on their end. There was another man in that flame, as if in a swoon, engarlanded with golden lotuses, incapable of being looked at, like the sun, and resembling the Yama’s self. Beholding that the night-ranger speedily issued out of the house and communicated it unto Rāvana. Thereupon, O Rāma, having descended from Pushpaka, the Ten-necked demon, black as collyrium, entered that house. (Immediately) obstructing the door there stood a huge-bodied man, dreadful like Siva—his tongue was all flame, his eyes were red, rows of teeth beautiful, lips like _Bimba_, his form was handsome, nose dreadful, neck like a shell marked with three lines, jaws were spacious, beards thick, bone fleshy, teeth huge and his appearance was all dreadful. And taking up an iron mace he stood at the gate. Beholding him, Daçānana’s hairs stood on their end—his heart and body trembled. And seeing these bad omens, O Rāma, he began to think within himself. He thus meditating that man said—’What art thou thinking, O Rākshasa? Tell me all in confidence. I shall confer upon thee the hospitality of fighting, O hero, O night-ranger.’ Having said this he again spoke unto Rāvana, saying—’Dost thou wish to enter into conflict with Bali, or what else is thy intention?’ Rāvana was so overwhelmed that his hairs stood on their end; but resorting to calmness he said—’O thou foremost of those skilled in speech, who residest in this house? I shall fight with him; speak out what thou wishest.’ He again said (to Rāvana)—’The lord of Dānavas lives here—he is highly generous, heroic, and hath truth for his prowess. He is gifted with many qualities, resplendent like unto Yama with mace in his hand or the newly risen sun and incapable of being defeated in conflict, impetuous, invincible, victorious, powerful, a veritable ocean of accomplishments, sweet-speeched, supporter of the dependants, fond of preceptor and Brahmans, always waiting for opportune hours, gifted with high powers, truthful, of a handsome person, skilful, gifted with all accomplishments, heroic and engaged in the study of the Vedas. He sometimes walks on foot and moves about like the wind—he shines like fire and spreads heat like the sun. He travels with the gods, spirits, serpents and birds. He does not know fear; dost thou wish to fight with him? If thou dost wish to fight with Bali, O lord of Rākshasas, O thou gifted with great energy, do thou speedily enter (this house) and engage in the encounter.’ Being thus addressed the Ten-necked demon entered where Bali was. Beholding the lord of Lankā, the foremost of Dānavas, resembling the flaming fire, and hard to look at like the sun, laughed. And taking that Rākshasa by the hand and placing him on his lap he said. ’O Ten-necked lord of Rākshasas, O thou having long arms, what desire of thine may I satisfy? Do thou tell me what for thou hast come hither.’ Being thus addressed by Bali Rāvana said—’I have heard, O illustrious sir, that formerly thou wast bound by Vishnu. Forsooth I am capable of releasing thee from the bonds.’ Hearing that Bali laughed and said—’Hear, I shall relate to thee what thou hast asked, O Rāvana. The red-hued man, who stands always at the door—by him formerly all the leading Dānavas and other powerful lords were brought into subjection—by him I was also bound. He is invincible like unto death; who is there on this earth that can deceive him? He, who stands at the door, is the destroyer of all beings, creator and preserver and the lord of the three worlds. Thou dost not know him nor do I. He is identical with past, future and present and is the lord. He is Kali and he is Time—the destroyer of all beings. He is the destroyer and the creator of the three worlds—and he slays all beings mobile and immobile. And that lord of all gods again creates the universe without beginning or end. O night-ranger, he governs and preserves all sacrifices, gifts and oblations to fire. Forsooth he is the creator and the preserver of the universe—there is none so wonderful in the three worlds. O son of Pulasta, He hath been guiding the former Dānavas, myself, yourself like so many beasts bound with ropes. Vitra, Danu, Suka, Sambhu, Nishumbha, Sumbha, Kālanemi, Prahlada and others, Kuta, Vairochana, Mridu, Jamala, Arjuna, Kansa, Kaitabha, and Madhu used to impart heat like the sun, appear resplendant like the rays, move about like air and pour showers like Indra. All of them celebrated many a sacrifice and were engaged in austere penances. All of them were high-souled and considered the practice of Yoga as a great virtue. Having got by an immense accession of wealth they enjoyed many pleasures, made many gifts, celebrated many sacrifices, studied (many lores) and governed their subjects. They were all protectors of their own kith and kin and slayers of enemies; and in battle, there was none equal to them in the three worlds. They were all heroic, of a high pedigree, versed in all sacred writings, proficient in all branches of learning and indomitable in warfare. Having defeated thousands of celestials in conflict, the high-souled ones conquered the regions. They were always engaged in those works which were not liked by the celestials and used to maintain their own men. They were all inflated with pride and haughtiness and effulgent like the newly-risen sun. The glorious Hari, the lord Vishnu, knoweth only how to bring about their destruction who perpetually assail the celestials. He creates all these and He, bringing about their destruction, existeth in Himself at the time of dissolution. These highly powerful and high-souled Danava chiefs, assuming shapes at will, have been destroyed by the glorious God. Besides, all these heroes, who have been heard of as being irrepressible and invincible in warfare, have been discomfitted by the wondrous power of Kritānta.’ Having said this the lord of Dānavas again spoke unto the lord of Rākshsas—’O hero, O thou gifted with great strength, take that flaming discus which thou beholdest and come to my side. I shall then relate to thee the means of eternal liberation. Do what I have told thee, O thou having long arms. Delay not Rāvana.’ Hearing this the highly powerful Raksha proceeded, laughing, O descendant of Raghu, where that celestial _kundala_ was. Rāvana, proud of his prowess, easily took it up but could not move it by any means. And being ashamed that highly powerful one again attempted. As soon as it was uplifted the Rākshasa dropped down on ground, bathed in a pool of blood, like unto an uprooted Sāla tree. In the meantime there arose a sound from Pushpaka, and the councillors of that lord of Rākshasas cried aloud. Regaining his sense that Raksha rose up in a moment and lowered his head in shame. Bali said to him—’Do thou come, O foremost of Rākshasas and hear my words. O hero, the _kundala_, crested with jewels, which thou didst assay to take up, is an ornament for the ear of one of my forefathers. This fell here on the ground, O thou gifted with great strength; another _kundala_ was thrown on the summit of the mountain. Besides these _kundalas_ his crown was also cast off on the ground before the altar during the encounter. Formerly none bore enmity towards my ancestor Hiranya Kasipu—Time death, or illness. He had no death during the day, night, evening or morning. O foremost of Rākshasas, he did not experience death from any weapon whatsoever. He created a dreadful enmity with Prahlada. This conflict having taken place with the high-souled and heroic Prahlada there rose up a dreadful figure of man-lion—a terror unto all, O foremost of Rākshasas. And that terrible figure casting his looks about, all the worlds were over-whelmed.

"’Thereupon taking him up with his arms he destroyed him with his nails. The person, who is standing at the door, is this supreme Yasudeva, void of passion. I shall now relate to thee the words of that supreme God; do thou hear, if thy heart is filled with spiritual thoughts. The person, who is standing at the door, hath brought into subjection, in thousands of years, a thousand of Indras, an Ayuta of gods and hundreds of great Rishis.’ Hearing these words Rāvana said—’(I have seen) Kritānta, the lord of spirits with Death himself, with hairs standing erect. Serpents and scorpions are his hairs—his tongue is hard as the lightning, his teeth are dreadful—his eyes are red and he is gifted with great velocity and a terror unto all beings. He is incapable of being looked at like unto the sun, unconquerable in battle and is the chastiser of the sinners. He even was defeated by me in conflict. There I did not feel the least pain or fear, O lord of Dānavas. I do not know (this person)—it behoveth thee to give me an account.’

"Hearing the words of Rāvana Bali said—’He is the lord Hari—Nārāyana—the protector of the three worlds. He is Ananta,⁶⁷ Kapila,⁶⁸ Jishnu,⁶⁹ and the highly effulgent Man-lion.⁷⁰ He is Kratudhāma,⁷¹ Sudhāma,⁷² and hath the dreadful mace in his hand. He is like unto the twelve Adityas, Purana and the excellent Purusha; he is like unto the red clouds—the lord of gods and the best god. O thou having long arms, he is encircled by flames, a great devotee and fond of devotees; this lord preserveth the universe and hath created it. And he, gifted with great strength, brought about destruction in the form of Time; and this Hari, with a discus in his hand, is sacrifice and is being worshipped in sacrifices. He is at one with all gods—all beings, all worlds and all knowledge. He is all forms, the great form, Baladeva and hath long arms; he slayeth heroes, hath heroic eyes, is imperishable and the preceptor of the three worlds. All these sages, who long for final liberation, meditate upon him—he, who can know this Purusha, is not sullied with sins. By remembering him, hearing of him and worshipping him, every thing can be obtained.’ Hearing these words of Bali, the highly powerful Rāvana, having his eyes reddened with ire, issued out with uplifted weapon. Beholding him thus excited, the lord Hari, with a club in his hand, thought within himself, O Rāma, ’I shall not slay this sinner for the satisfaction of Brahmā’ and assuming his own shape disappeared. And not beholding that Purusha there, the night-ranger issued out of the abode of Varuna, shouting with joy. He went away by the way he had come."

⁶⁷ Lit, eternal, endless. Here it is the name of Vishnu.

⁶⁸ A celebrated Muni or saint, the founder of the _Sankhya_ system of philosophy; the son of Kardama by Devahuti and according to some an incarnanation of Vishnu.

⁶⁹ Lit—victorious, or triumphant, a name of Vishnu.

⁷⁰ _Narasinha_—a. name of Vishnu. When prayed for by Prahlada to appear from a pillar Vishnu came out in the shape of man-lion and slew Hiranya-Kasipu—the king of Daityas and father of Prahlada.

⁷¹ Protector of sacrifices—a name of Vishnu.

⁷² Here it is evidently one of the names of Vishnu. In Vishnu Purana, Book I, Chapter X. we find another account, Vireyas, married to Gauri, had Sudaman, a Loka pala, or ruler of the east quarter, as his son.

SECTION XXV.

"Thereupon meditating for sometime the lord of Lankā went to the region of the sun and spent the night upon the picturesque summit of the mount Meru. And ascending the car Pushpaka having the velocity of the sun’s steeds, he, by various courses, went on and beheld the glorious sun, gifted with all radiance, purifying all, wearing golden _Keyuras_ and clothes crested with jewels. His beautiful countenance was adorned with a pair of excellent _Kundalas_; and his person was embellished with _Keyuras_, _Nishkas_ and garlands of red lotuses. His body was annointed with red sandal and was radiant with a thousand rays. And beholding that foremost of gods—the sun—that primeval deity, without end or middle, having Uchaisravas as his carrier, the witness of the world and the lord of the universe, the foremost of Rākshasas, being overwhelmed with his rays, said to Prahasta—’O minister, do thou proceed at my behest and communicate unto him my orders—"Rāvana hath arrived here for battle—do thou offer him fight." Or say "I have been defeated." Do thou follow one of these extremes.’ Hearing those words that Rākshasa proceeded towards the sun and beheld two gate-keepers—Pingala and Dandi by name. And communicating unto them the resolution of Rāvana he stood there silent, being over-powered with the rays of the sun. And approaching the sun, Dandi communicated unto him all this. Hearing of Rāvana’s intention from Dandi the intelligent sun—the enemy of night—wisely said to him—’Do thou proceed, O Dandi; either defeat Rāvana or tell him "I have been defeated." Do whatever thou wishest.’ Hearing those words he approached the high-souled Rākshasa and communicated unto him what the sun had said. Hearing the words of Dandi the lord of Rākshasas trumpeted his own victory and went away."

SECTION XXVI.

"Having spent the night on the picturesque summit of the mount Meru and thinking (for some time) the powerful lord of Lankā went to the region of the moon. (And he saw a person) proceeding, seated on a car, sprinkled with heavenly unguents and attended upon by Apsarās. And worn out with the satisfaction of desire he was being kissed there. Seeing such a person his curiosity was greatly excited. And beholding a Rishi there he said to him—’Welcome thou art, O celestial saint. Indeed thou hast come at a proper season. Who is this shameless wight that is going seated on a car and attended by Apsarās? Does he not perceive his object of fear?’ Being thus addressed by Rāvana, Parvata said—’O my child, O thou gifted with great intellect—Hear I shall describe to thee the truth. By him all the worlds have been conquered and Brahmā hath been propitiated And he is now proceeding to that excellent region full of bliss for obtaining final liberation. As all the worlds have been conquered by thee by virtue of thy asceticism, O lord of Rākshasas, so is he going, undoubtedly performing many pious actions and drinking Soma juice. O foremost of Rākshasas, thou art heroic, and hast truth for thy prowess. The powerful are never offended with the pious.’ Thereupon he espied an excellent, huge car, filled with all radiance and effulgence and the sound of musical instruments and singing. (And Rāvana said)—’O great Rishi, who is that person, gifted with great effulgence, who goeth surrounded by charming songsters, dancing-girls and Kinnaras?’ Hearing his words Parvata, the foremost of saints, again said—’He is heroic and a great warrior—he never returneth unsuccessful from a battle-field. Having performed many heroic feats in battle, and slain many enemies, he hath been assailed with many wounds in fighting and hath renounced his life for his master. Having destroyed many in battle, he hath at last been slain by his enemies and is perhaps now going either to the region of Indra or to some such place. This best of men is now being entertained by these well-versed in the art of singing and dancing.’