Valmiki Ramayana - September 21

September 21 - sargas 35 and 36 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Two short sargas that show how a modicum of wisdom,  timely, friendly, and considerate speech, as well as due apology, can set right a difficult situation and avoid permanent damage to relationships.

***

On hearing the piercing words of anger and warning by Lakshmana, Tara steps forward. She says,

नैव लक्ष्मण वक्तव्यो नायं परुषमर्हति       ।

हरीणामीश्वरः श्रोतुं तव वक्त्राद् विशेषतः   ॥ 

नैवाकृतज्ञः सुग्रीवो न शठो नापि दारुणः    ।

नैवानृतकथो वीर न जिह्मश्च कपीश्वरः        ॥

"Lakshmana, such words should not be spoken. Sugriva, the lord of all vanaras, should not hear such words from especially you.

"Oh hero, Lakshmana, Sugriva, the lord of vanaras, is neither ungrateful, nor deceitful, nor evil, nor a liar, nor a crooked one to be thus addressed."

Tara explains how Sugriva won his kingdom and comfort entirely owing to Sri Rama's great act. Before that, he had been wandering for long in the mountains without his people in utter misery. He had come into such a great life with Ruma and Tara and all the creature comforts that he had gone overboard in indulging in pleasures. But such is life. 

स हि प्राप्तं न जानीते कालं कालविदां वरः ।

विश्वामित्रो महातेजाः किं पुनर्यः पृथग्जनः   ॥

देहधर्मगतस्यास्य परिश्रान्तस्य लक्ष्मण  ।

अवित्रप्तस्य कामेषु रामः क्षन्तुमिहार्हति ॥

"You know how sage Vishwamitra lost a whole ten years in the company of a woman and did not realize the terrible waste of his tapas merits or those years. He was supreme among those who know the value of time, and was full of ascetic radiance. And yet he succumbed. What then of a common person like Sugriva? Sugriva has succumbed to the new-found pleasures of the flesh after his long years of adversity. That is why he is not satisfied yet. Under these circumstances, Sri Rama should forgive Sugriva magnanimously."

Tara adds that such uncontrolled anger was unbecoming of a noble hero like Lakshmana and therefore he should cool down and be kind to Sugriva.

Tara goes on to explain that according to her, Sugriva's noble nature was such that he would readily sacrifice Ruma, Tara, and Angada along with his entire kingdom and its wealth if it served the cause of Sri Rama. Sugriva was keen to see Sita reunited with Sri Rama just like the star Rohini with her husband the moon, Chandra.

And consider this. शतकोटिसहस्राणि लङ्कायां किल राक्षसाम् Lanka was guarded by millions of rakshasas milling around Ravana. Therefore to kill Ravana and retrieve Sita was no mean task. This was made clear even by Vali before dying, as Tara had been told later. 

Therefore Sugriva has sent out orders for all the great vanara and bear warriors to assemble within a very short time. With such a large army of great warriors, and with Sugriva's leadership, a proper effort was imminent to find and bring back Sita. Therefore Lakshmana should give up his anger. 

Tara points out how the red-eyed Lakshmana had struck terror in all the vanaras and vanara women in the palace.

***

Seeing Lakshmana placated by Tara's words, Sugriva, who had sobered down, first tore off the splendid necklace around his own neck and came to Lakshmana, in a gesture of sincere apology.

"Laksmana, all that I had lost - my kingdom, my people, my freedom and honour - getting all that back I owe to Sri Rama's benevolence. How can I ever think of repaying him adequately? It is impossible. Indeed, it will be he who will kill Ravana and retrieve Sita, of course with some help from me and the vanara army."

Sugriva humbly submits that he should be pardoned for any transgressions and omissions. 

***

Lakshamana has completely cooled down by now and speaks pleasantly.

यस्ते प्रभावः सुग्रीव यच्च ते शौचमीदृशम् ।

अर्हस्त्वं कपिराज्यस्य श्रियं भोक्तुमनुत्तमम्  ॥

सहायेन च सुग्रीव त्वया रामः प्रतापवान्    ।

वधिष्यति रणे शत्रूनचिरान्नत्र संशयः        ॥

कं तु शीघ्रमितो वीर निष्क्रम त्वं मया सह   ।

सान्त्वयस्व वयस्यं च भार्याहरणदुःखितम्   ॥

"Oh Sugriva, with your incomparable valour, and now as I see this humility and readiness to accept and correct mistakes, I think you surely deserve to rule the vanara kingdom and enjoy its supreme prosperity for long.    

"Indeed, with your assistance, the mighty Sri Rama will soon kill the rakshasas. There is no doubt about it at all.

"So, now, you please come at once with me to go and meet Sri Rama. Please console him as he is deeply distressed over losing his beloved wife Sita."

Lakshmana finally adds, 

मया त्वं परुषाण्युक्तस्तत् क्षमस्व सखे मम 

"And my friend, kindly forgive me for those very harsh words that I spoke to you."

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥  

Valmiki Ramayana - September 20

September 20 - Sargas 33 and 34 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Valmiki gives another description of a great city - this time Kishkindha. I continue to marvel at his wordsmithery and also at the ancient Indian "totally urban" mindset. 

Whereas our scriptures are replete with great descriptions of the circle of life in the forest, they also contain frequent references to how man lives in the city. In fact, Purusha, or man, means one who lives in the city! Even in the Bhagavadgita, Sri Krishna says, "navadvaare pure dehii", meaning that this body with nine apertures is the city in which the human soul dwells.

Then Valmiki goes on to report a very interesting dialogue between Lakshmana and Tara.

***

Lakshmana entered Kishkindha. Although described as a cave, inside it was a full-fledged capital city, full of wonderful mansions, studded with precious stones, well-appointed, and laid out for all the various vanara chiefs. (Specific references are made to the important vanaras' mansions, eg Nila, Nala, Tara, Hanuman, and even the mansion of Jambavan is mentioned). There were trees full of fragrant flowers and delicious fruits. Valmiki says that the citizens of Kishkindha were divinely endowed vanaras capable of changing their form at will, looking very healthy and handsome, and all looked very happy. The women are especially mentioned as very attractive, confident, and very well dressed, and wearing many ornaments. There was music and dance everywhere and in fact, the sound of dancing bells increased Lakshmana's anger!

हरिभिः संवृतद्वारं बलिभिः शस्त्रपाणिभिः     ।

दिव्यमाल्यावृतं शुभ्रं तप्तकाञ्चनतोरणम्      ॥

सुग्रीवस्य गृहं रम्यं प्रविवेश महाबलः           ।

अवार्यमाणः सौमित्रिर्महाभ्रमिव भास्करः       ॥ 

"Lakshmana entered the front door of Sugriva's white palace which looked very beautiful, with a torana of golden flowers, and with divine garlands strung everywhere. It was guarded well by strong vanaras bearing weapons. But the mighty Lakshmana was like the effulgent sun who enters even a dense black cloud easily."

Lakshmana passed many chambers full of a variety of beautiful women, sporting, and singing. Hearing their anklets he was bashful. At the same time, he was greatly provoked. He held his bow and gave a mighty twang to its string that resonated frighteningly everywhere.

This alarmed Sugriva who was still getting out of his inebriation. He knew from Angada and others that Lakshmana had arrived. But he was unable to understand this extreme anger. He pleaded with Tara, "oh, please explain what wrong I have done to Lakshmana! Why is he angry?  Tara, you had better go at once and meet Lakshmana and find out why he is so upset. I know his nobility and that he won't harm a woman."

Tara too was inebriated, with her girdle loosened. She was ashamed of her wardrobe malfunction as she went to Lakshmana and bowed. Lakshmana was bashful and did not look up at her. Tara asked, " Oh, Lakshmana, what has occasioned this great anger in you!? Who dare approach you, looking like a forest fire ready to burn down everything?"

Lakshmana spoke. "Oh lady, do you realize that your husband is totally engrossed in sense pleasures and is so busy with drink and women that he has ignored his royal duties as well as his responsibility towards us? It is already four months!"

नहि धर्मार्थसिध्यर्थं पानमेवं प्रशस्यते ।

पानादर्थश्च कामश्च धर्मश्च परिहीयते   ॥

"Oh lady, you should know that drinking and inebriation ruins a man's prospect of discharging his Dharma. Indeed, drinking compromises one's pursuit of righteousness, enterprise, and even true enjoyment of life."

Lakshmana urged Tara that not fulfilling one's promise to one's trusted and close friends was ruinous and most unworthy. She is wise and should therefore school Sugriva appropriately.

***

Tara now replied.

"Oh, Prince, this is not the time to get angry with your friends. Indeed Sugriva is committed to carrying out his duty. So even if he has made some mistake you should forgive him. Indeed you are pre-eminent in your virtues and have performed great austerities. So you should not yield to anger.

"I know that Sugriva has crossed the four months time limit. But you see, he has given in to carnal desires and voluptuousness. So he has forgotten to act. Being immune to carnal desires, you do not understand the predicament of Sugriva."

न देशकालौ हि यथार्थधर्माववक्षते कामरतिर्मनुष्यः            ।

तं कामवृत्तं मम संनिकृष्टं कामाभियोगाच्च विमुक्तलज्जम्    ॥ 

क्षमस्व तावत् परवीरहन्तस्त्वद्भ्रातरं वानरवंशनाथम्             ।

"Oh, slayer of mighty foes, you ought to realize that neither the question of the appropriateness of time and place nor whether such action is in accordance with one's righteous obligations can hold back a man who is overcome with carnal passion. Realising that Surgiva is in my company and fully surrendered to sexual desires, with no sense of shame, please do forgive Sugriva, the chief of vanaras, considering him your brother."

Tara argued that even ascetic sages after long periods of penance had not escaped carnal temptations. And by the way, Lakshmana would be glad to know that Sugriva had already given orders and a great many vanaras and others in his army had started assembling nearby for the intended mission.

Tara invited Lakshmana to set aside his bashfulness and come into the women's quarters to meet Sugriva.

***

Sugriva jumped out of his bed, rising with Ruma and other women whom he was sporting with, on seeing the mighty Lakshmana spewing anger. Sugriva was like a tall tree shaking in the wind.

Lakshmana did not mince his words.

पूर्वं कृतार्थो मित्राणां न तत्प्रतिकरोति यः     ।

कृतघ्नः सर्वभूतानां स वध्यः प्लवगेश्वर        ॥

गीतोऽयं ब्रह्मणा श्लोकः सर्वकालनमस्कृतः    ।

दृष्ट्वा कृतघ्नं क्रुद्धेन तन्निबोध प्लवङ्गम           ॥

गोघ्ने चैव सुरापे च चौरे भग्नव्रते तथा                ।

निष्कृतिर्विहिता सद्भिः कृतघ्ने नास्ति निष्कृतिः    ॥ 

"Oh Vanara, Sugriva, listen. Having once secured favours from a friend and got what one wanted, if one does not repay the debt by discharging his commitment to that friend, he is indeed punishable by the death penalty.

"Let me quote to you a famous shloka attributed to a brahmin who had been angered by the betrayal shown by his friend. 

"The killing of a cow, or misdeed of inebriation by drink, or theft, or breaking one's religious vows - all of them have rituals that have been prescribed by the wise for penitence and absolution. But the deed of betraying someone's friendship is indeed beyond penitence or forgiving."

***

Lakshmana reminds Sugriva that he owes all his good life now to Sri Rama. If Sugriva does not keep his side of the commitment, he will quickly go where Vali went. If only Sugriva had known the true power of Sri Rama's arrows, he would not have been so deficient in his behaviour.

***

॥      श्रीरामजयम्       ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 19

September 19 - Sargas 31 and 32 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Lakshmana arrives at Kishkindha's gate breathing flames of anger. All the varana chiefs come and see the sight of a supreme warrior ready to unleash mayhem.

Lakshmana tells Angada to go and inform Sugriva that he has come. Sugriva is in no state to understand what is imminent as he is still immersed in sex. Angada is deeply distressed.

At last, the huge noise made by all the vanaras attracts Sugriva's attention. When he hears that Lakshmana has arrived, looking like a cosmic conflagration, he wonders what could have caused this anger? Had Sugriva done any wrong!?

It takes Hanuman to remind Sugriva that he has certainly been derelict in his duty towards Sri Rama and thereby invited the utmost danger from Raghava who has been shortchanged. 

***

Sri Rama's words work Lakshmana into a rage. He says of Sugriva, 

न भोक्ष्यते वानरराज्यलक्ष्मीं तथाहि नाभिक्रमतेऽस्य बुद्धिः 

"This vanara Sugriva is not likely to enjoy the prosperity of his kingship for too long, that's why his mind is not directed towards us and our condition." Lakshmana vows to kill Sugriva. Let Angada and other vanaras undertake the search for Sita. 

Sri Rama, a slayer of even mighty enemies but one full of consideration for those who come to him for refuge, asks Lakshmana to cool down and hold himself together,

तां प्रीतिमनुवर्तस्व पूर्ववृत्तं च सङ्गतम्  

"Lakshmana, please get back to a friendly mood for the sake of Sugriva's friendship forged recently. Just remind him in conciliatory words that he has forgotten his commitment."

Lakshmana, wielding his bow and arrows, proceeds to Kishkindha. He gives vent to his anger by chopping down trees and crushing rocks with his foot on the way.

***

When Lakshmana saw the portals of Kishkindha guarded by huge vanaras wielding weapons, his anger doubled. The vanaras were scared to see a cataclysmic Lakshmana arrive, radiating anger. They rushed to Sugriva's inner chamber to report the matter. But they found Sugriva engaged in love-making with Tara. The dismayed vanaras returned to their guard posts. A moment of confrontation looked imminent. Lakshmana shone even more brightly in his anger, remembering Sugriva's derelict behaviour.

***

बाणशल्यस्फुरज्जिव्हः सायकासनभोगवान्  ।

स्वतेजोविषसम्भूतः पञ्चास्य इव पन्नगः    ॥

तं दीप्तमिव कालाग्निं नागेन्द्रमिव कोपितम्   ।

समासाद्याङ्गदस्त्रासाद् विषादमगमत् परम्      ॥

सोऽङ्गदं रोषताम्राक्षः संदिदेश महायशाः       ।

सुगरीवः क्थ्यतां व्तस ममागमनमित्युत         ॥

"Lakshmana's iron-tipped arrows looked like the swishing forked tongue of the deadly snake, his bow itself like the raised hood of the king cobra. Lakshmana resembled in his rampant conflagration of rage the five-hooded celestial serpent king.

"Angada, in deadly fright and distress, tentatively approached Lakshmana, who looked like the fire of dissolution, dangerous like the god of serpents when provoked.

"Lakshmana, the glorious one, with his eyes reddened in anger, spoke to Angada. "Son, please go and inform Sugriva that I have arrived." "

***

Lakshmana also instructs Angada, 

"Tell him precisely this message: 

Lakshmana, burning in the grief of his elder brother Sri Rama, awaits you, Sugriva, at the gate. Pray, listen to his words, if you please."

"Angada, give him this message and return here at once."

***

An agitated Angada rushed to the inner chamber, and bowed to Tara,  Sugriva, and Ruma, holding their feet. But his words were lost on an intoxicated and aroused Sugriva.

***

Meanwhile, the vanara warriors arrayed at the gate did not know what to do. True to monkey behaviour, they raised a babel of tumultous noise. This sound was enough to whip up Sugriva's senses.

***

Angada requested Sugriva's two trusted senior ministers Plaksha and Prabhava to go brief Sugriva. They had direct access to Sugriva at all times. They went and briefed the king that of the two righteous brothers, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, who had been displeased, Lakshmana had come, "riding the chariot of Sri Rama's cause and driven by his message as the charioteer." Obviously, Sugriva, after regaining his kingdom and wealth thanks to Sri Rama's great act, had neglected his reciprocal commitment.

The ministers say Lakshmana's frightening rage had agitated the vanara warriors considerably. Sugriva should go at once, along with his people, and placate Lakshmana. 

***

Sugriva started reasoning. He had not committed any misdeed towards Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Perhaps his enemies had poisoned their minds, carrying some tales. In any case, he was keen to preserve his valuable friendship. 

***

It is time for Hanuman to speak.

"Oh king, you have forgotten your promise. Sri Rama restored you your kingship and prosperity as he had promised. Obviously, he has sent Lakshmana to remind you of your duty. In your intoxication, you have forgotten your commitment. You are not even aware that the season has changed and the time for your military expedition (in search of Sita) is more than imminent.

कृतापराधस्य हि ते नान्यत्पश्याम्यहं क्षमम् । 

अन्तरेणाञ्जलिं बद्ध्वा लक्ष्मणस्य प्रसादनात्॥ 

"Oh king, I do not see any recourse for you but to go at once to Lakshmana and supplicate to him with folded hands, seeking his forgiveness for your dereliction of duty".

Hanuman tells Sugriva that he should bow down along with his people to Lakshmana and beg forgiveness much like a recalcitrant wife would of her husband.

***

॥      श्रीरामजयम्       ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 18

September 18 - Sargas 29 and 30 of Kishkindha Kanda.

The earliest poem in world literature is Valmiki Ramayana. It is our scripture and the eternal inspiration for our national spirit, enshrined even in the Indian constitution. 

It is a different matter that we allowed invaders to destroy the sanctity of Sri Rama's birthplace and had to fight in courts to build a temple there.

But let us read Valmiki. 

He is timeless. His words resonate with beauty, insight, wisdom, captivating story-telling, and the power of bringing characters to life inside our hearts and heads. Our every moment spent in reading Valmiki is more precious than a whole life time spent in the business of life.

Today's sargas have three parts 

- how Hanuman wakes up Sugriva's sense of duty to Sri Rama in the midst of his wallowing in carnal pleasures. 

- how Sri Rama pines all the more for Sita with the onset of autumn. 

-how he instructs Lakshmana to go and sternly remind Sugriva that the time is up for commencing the search for Sita.

***

The monsoon has passed. But Sugriva is engrossed in the company of his women. He has Ruma back. He also cohabits with Tara, who has become his woman as per sanctioned social practice there. He is not bothered with administration or anything else. His life is compared by Valmiki to that of Indra immersed in sporting with his apsaras in heaven.

Thankfully, Sugriva's minister is Hanuman. He more than makes up for Sugriva's lack of responsibility. Hanuman goes to Sugriva and wakes up his dormant conscience. 

***

Valmiki says that Hanuman broached the subject respectfully and carefully, so that Sugriva would not think he is being reprimanded but merely reminded of something he always intended to do.

राज्यं प्राप्तं यशश्चैव कौली श्रीरभिवर्धिता ।
मित्राणां सङ्ग्रहश्शेषस्तं भवान्कर्तुमर्हति   ॥

यस्तु कालव्यतीतेषु मित्रकार्येषु वर्तते        ।

स कृत्वा महतोऽप्यर्थान्न मित्रार्थेन युज्यते ॥

यदिदं मित्रकार्यं वीर नोमित्रकार्यमरिन्दम    ।

क्रियतां राघवस्यैतद्वैदेह्याः परिमार्गणम्     ॥

तदिदं वीर कार्यं ते कालातीतमरिन्दम        ।

प्राणत्यागाविशङ्केन कृतं तेन तवप्रियम्      ।

तस्य मार्गाम वैदेहीं पृथिव्यामपि चाम्बरे    ॥

Hanuman says, 

"Dear Sugriva, it is a happy situation that you have secured your kingdom back, your reputation, your pride in the famous lineage, and enhanced prosperity accrued from kingship. All that remains is for you to take care of your friendships and alliances.

"If someone discharges his responsibility towards his friend after the right time is past, then it will not bear fruit as far as his friend is concerned, even if it is done with much effort. So time is of the essence in keeping promises to friends.

"The fulfilment of a commitment towards your friend in this instance happens to be the effort to launch a thorough search for Sri Rama's abducted wife Sita. Oh vanquisher of foes, Sugriva, I am sorry to say that this task remains outstanding and the time is already past.

"Please recall how Sri Rama risked his life and fulfilled your request to kill Vali and get your kingdom back. We therefore need to launch a search everywhere in the three worlds, and under the sea if needed, to find Sita."

Hanuman also gently reminds Sugriva that Sri Rama is capable of destroying any enemy, whether he is a god or a demon or anyone else. He is the supreme warrior with divine weapons. So incurring his wrath is a terrible blunder.

On Hanuman's advice,  Sugriva at once sends for Nila, his trusted lieutenant. He tells him to assemble from everywhere all the vanaras and rikshas (bears) that have allegiance to him within two weeks. The mightiest army should be brought together for embarking on Sita's search. Any vanara who defies this command will be put to death. Nila will also command the entire army for this project. Let Nila go with Angada and inform all the elder leaders among vanaras and cascade this order.

***

With the passage of monsoon, the terrain around the Prasravana mountain wears a very different look. Blue skies, thinning rivers, and birds singing different tunes, invite Sri Rama's attention. No longer the torrents of rain and skies darkened by huge clouds. The sun shines and moonlight is brilliant. This makes Sri Rama again pine ardently for Sita's company. Valmiki treats us to many verses again describing Sri Rama's mood as he remembers the sweetness and excitement during the first union of lovers and how much Vaidehi would be missing right now the beauties of this forest.

One day, when Lakshmana returns from his hunting and gathering, he finds Sri Rama in a swoon of sorrow. When Sri Rama recovers, he tells Lakshmana that they have been delayed in going and helping Sita. 

सरांसि सरितो वापीः काननानि वनानि च   ।
तां विना मृगशाबाक्षीं चरन्नाद्य सुखं लभे     ॥

"Dear Lakshmana, although I am wandering along these beautiful rivers, lakes and in wonderful forests full of attractions, I am without my doe-eyed Sita and therefore in utter grief. I also wonder in what circumstances she must be, facing hardships and torn by the pain of separation."

Lakshmana chides Sri Rama. What is this weak mindset and defeatism?

क्रियाभियोगं मनसः प्रसादं समाधियोगानुगतं च कालम्।
सहायसामर्थ्यमदीनसत्त्वःस्वकर्म हेतुं च कुरुष्व हेतुम्     ॥

"Dear brother, engage in yoga and meditation. Regain your serenity and cheerfully strive. You will also get help in your effort. Work therefore towards our objective rather than give in to depression."

Lakshmana says Sita cannot be harmed by anyone inasmuch as a forest fire cannot be tamed. A thorough endeavour will surely bring Sita back.  Sri Rama cheers up. He thanks Lakshmana for speaking wise and encouraging words that seem straight from Sama Veda. Indeed their task ahead is clearly cut out for them.

But. A huge but as Sri Rama the poet again speaks up describing the contrast of the beautiful autumn season compared to the monsoon. Alas, all this means that the four months have passed. Such a long time and yet no effort has even been started to go and search for Sita!

प्रियाविहीने दुःखार्ते हृतराज्ये विवासिते    ।
कृपां न कुरुते राजा सुग्रीवो मयि लक्ष्मण ॥

"Oh Lakshmana, the king Sugriva seems to have no consideration for me, when I have lost my wife, lost my kingdom, and suffering untold misery during my banishment. 

"Perhaps Sugriva is so busy making merry that he has forgotten his promise. Perhaps he does not deign to think of me now as I am so lowly and miserable right now. The period of four months is gone. Why this delay, then?

"Go, Lakshmana! Go and tell Sugriva that my bow and arrows are equally powerful even now. I can send him to join the company of his slain brother Vali. This time I shall annihilate all his people too.

"If the evil Sugriva thinks that it was a one-sided bargain and he owes me nothing, he is sadly mistaken. He should without any further delay fulfil his commitment as his utmost Dharma and help us find Sita. "

Lakshmana is incited by these words into a fit of rage towards Sugriva.

***

॥       श्रीरामजयम्      ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - September 17

September 17 - Sarga 28 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Let's just take up this one sarga today... We see the poet in Sri Rama! 

***

Sri Rama and Lakshmana are camping out in a cave on Prasravana mountain. Monsoon breaks out in all its glory. One can infer from the descriptions so far of forests, mountains, animals, and rivers that this had to be somewhere in Deccan plateau. The present-day Hampi, the medieval capital of Vijayanagara empire, was Pampa in Ramayana times. 

***

Sri Rama the poet describes the glory of monsoon and how it makes him miss his beloved Sita very much.

अयं स कालः सम्प्राप्तः समयोऽद्य जलागमः ।

सम्पश्य त्वं नभो मेघैः संवृतं गिरिसन्निभैः      ॥

नवमासधृतं गर्भं भास्करस्य गभस्तिभिः          ।

पीत्वा रसं समुद्राणां द्यौः प्रसूते रसायनम्       ॥ 

"Dear Lakshmana, witness the skies occupied by mountains of dark clouds! Indeed the time of monsoon has arrived.

"It seems that the sky has become impregnated, through the rays of the sun, with the juices from the oceans and borne its pregnancy for a full nine months (the months from October to June) and is now delivering the baby - the most precious life-giving juice of rain that it bestows on the whole earth!"

There are over sixty verses in which Sri Rama describes the monsoon and its ramifications. I shall translate but a few as a sample, to show you how great a poet we have in our divine hero, Sri Rama!

"Lakshmana, I think we can climb these clouds as a staircase and garland the sun with kutaja and arjuna flowers!"

"The sky sighs in its gentle-blowing winds. The clouds are tinged with the golden-red colour of the setting sun, like a blushing lover!"

"Lakshmana, indeed the earth has been burnt dry in the summer before it is getting flooded with rain. The rising steam is akin to Sita's hot tears of grief..."

"This mountain has been bathed fresh in the fragrances of arjuna and ketaka flowers, much as Sugriva was consecrated in the ceremonial bath..."

"The mountains, covered in dark clouds, with rainwater coursing down in rivulets, appear like brahmacharis sitting on dark antelope skins and wearing their sacred thread as they recite the Vedas (the chant of the wind)".

"Oh, look, Lakshmana! That streak of lightning against the dark cloud is like Vaidehi held in the grasp of Ravana as he flew away..."

Sri Rama very much feels the passion of lovers, what with the rain and the flowers dripping wet...He points to swans making their way back to Manasasarovar and chakravaka birds coming to join their mates. He remarks how the monsoon cries a halt to royal expeditions and even the trader's carts unable to negotiate the muddy and slushy roads. He notices the jambu and mango fruits falling from the trees in season. 

The peacocks are having a dance and singing festival. He says the white herons flying in formation seem like garlands of flowers bedecking the clouds. The fresh grown tender green grass speckled with red insects multiplying in the season remind him of a woman with a green veil speckled with a red dye.

Sri Rama says this is the season when Lord Vishnu goes into Yoga Nidra. He notices how elephants are roaming and trumpeting happily, except those separated from their mates. The rumble of clouds seems like battle cries of tuskers fighting over a mate.

There is a musical concert in the forest. The humming of bees are its vinas (strings), the croaking of frogs its hand drums, the clouds make noises like kettle drums. 

It seems the rivers filled with flowers and surrounded by birds making their way enthusiastically to the ocean are indeed women hurrying to their lovers carrying flowers as their gifts.

Bhadrapada...the month for reciting the Sama Veda has come. Sri Rama remembers Bharata in Ayodhya. He also remembers the noise of a swelling Sarayu river, comparing it to the noise of the citizens of Ayodhya when they will receive him on his return.

Again Sri Rama descends into despondency. Will Sugriva keep his promise and help bring back Sita? Lakshmana reassures him, "let the rainy four months pass, and you will see that Sugriva will do the needful without fail."

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्      ॥  

Valmiki Ramayana - September 16

September 16 - Sargas 26 and 27 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Sugriva is coronated in a grand ceremony. On Sri Rama's instruction, he anoints Angada as the prince regent.

Sri Rama tells Sugriva that the monsoon season is unsuitable for starting the search for Sita. That should be pursued after 4 months. During this period, he and Lakshmana will camp in a cave on the Prasravana mountain nearby.

***

Sugriva arrives, dripping from his ceremonial bath after cremating Vali, surrounded by all his lieutenants and chiefs. Hanuman addresses Sri Rama:

भवत्प्रसादात्काकुत्स्थ पितृपैतामहंं महत्   ।

महात्मनां सुदुष्प्रापं प्राप्तं राज्यमिदं प्रभो   ॥

भवता समनुज्ञातः प्रविश्य नगरं शुभम्        । 

अर्चियिष्यति माल्यैश्च रत्नैश्च त्वां विशेषतः ॥

"Revered Sri Rama, by your grace, this glorious kingdom, made noble by the deeds of our forefathers, not open to rulership easily even for great ones, has now been acquired by our Chief Sugriva.

"Kindly accompany Sugriva and enter the auspicious city of Kishkindha along with his chiefs. He shall propitiate you there especially with garlands and jewels."

Sri Rama replies in all politeness and grace, 

चतुर्दश समाः सौम्य ग्रामं वा यदि वा पुरम्  ।

न प्रवेक्ष्यामि हनुमन् पितुर्निर्देशपालकः      ॥

प्रविष्टो विधिवद्वीर: क्षिप्रं राज्येऽभिषिज्यताम् ।

इममप्यङ्गदं वीरं यौवराज्येऽभिषेचय             ॥

"Dear Hanuman, I shall not enter the city of Kishkindha as I am bound by my word to my father that for fourteen years I shall not enter any village or city. Let the mighty warrior and great leader Sugriva be properly crowned as the supreme king of all vanaras." Turning to Sugriva, Sri Rama instructs him, "This brave warrior Angada shall be anointed the prince regent. He equals you in might and deserves to be crowned as the prince of Kishkindha."

Sri Rama also informs Sugriva that the rainy season has just started. The next four months are inclement for undertaking the search for Sita or for an encounter with Ravana.  He shall therefore go and wait out this period with Lakshmana in a cave nearby. Sugriva should enjoy his kingship and comforts in the meanwhile.

There is an elaborate description of the coronation of Sugriva. This is the first time Valmiki treats us to a narration of all the rituals and ceremonies of a grand coronation. We missed that last time when Sri Rama's installation as prince regent was nipped in the bud by Kaikeyi.

Suffice it to say that the vanaras (surely not to be equated with monkeys) followed all the Vedic rituals of the coronation with great pomp and splendour. Valmiki says the rituals went 

शास्त्रदृष्टेन विधिना महर्षिविहितेन च - "according to the scriptural injunctions and as ordained by great rishis".  The golden canopy, golden throne, crown, white fans, welcome rituals by sixteen maidens, flowers, herbs and unguents, garlands, fine clothes, sandal paste, honey, seats of tiger skin, jewels, auspicious water from the seas brought in golden pots, worship of brahmins, rituals of fire worship, recitation of mantras, are all listed.

Sugriva made Angada prince regent and embraced him.  All the vanaras repeatedly extolled the greatness of Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Sugriva was extremely happy to be reunited with his queen Ruma.

***

Sri Rama chose to go and reside in a cave on Prasravana mountain. It was a most picturesque location with a wide range of beautiful tall trees, a number of wild animals including lions and tigers whose roars were heard all the time, with crystal clear water bodies, mineral deposits, flower bushes of many kinds...

***

Sri Rama points to each one of the sights with great delight and admiration of nature's glory.

Sri Rama describes a beautiful river, full of lotuses and attracting many varieties of birds, that flows eastward.

And at once, he is plunged into the despair of separation from his beloved Sita. He says all these wonderful beauties of nature only torment him. 

He wonders if Sugriva will remember his promise. As they heard many sounds of merriment and music from the Kishkindha city not too far away, it is clear that Sugriva is having a great time. He has got his wife back, his kingship, and all the royal luxuries, along with his friends and relatives. (Sri Rama has lost every single one of these things).

Seeing Sri Rama drop into depression, Lakshmana cheers him up.

भवान्क्रियापरो लोके भवान् देवपरायणः ।

आस्तिको धर्मशीलश्च व्यवसायी च राघव ॥

तत्सपरिवारं तं निर्मूलं कुरु राक्षसम्    ।

अहं तु खलु ते वीर्यं प्रसुप्तं प्रतिबोधये  ॥

"Dear Sri Rama, you are the mighty lord full of enterprise and divine glory. You also are devoted to gods. You believe in the truth of righteousness and act always in the right way. Let us wait for the rainy season to pass. Before long, you shall destroy from his very roots that evil Ravana with all his people, like a wild forest fire.   I am simply stating the power of your dormant power  which is now like a fire that smoulders beneath the ash and smoke for a little while before eruption."

Sri Rama thanks Lakshmana for his affectionate, reassuring, and motivational words. He says he has got over his despondency and will patiently wait out the intervening months before Sugriva fulfils his promise.

***

॥        श्रीरामजयम्         ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 15

September 15 - Sargas 24 and 25 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

It is now the turn of Sugriva to express deep remorse, distress, and even defeatism. It is a pointer to his personality. Even Tara pleads with Sri Rama to shoot the same arrow and despatch her to join her husband in heaven.

Sri Rama uses a few succinct words to bring them back to reality and advises them to take care of their earthly responsibilities. Lakshmana directs Sugriva and Angada in conducting Vali's last rites properly.

***

Sri Rama is standing by, radiant in his divine glory, watching silently the mourning going on. Sugriva approaches him and says,

यथा प्रतिज्ञातमिदं नरेन्द्र 

       कृतं त्वया दृष्टफलं च कर्म     ।

ममाद्य भोगेषु नरेन्द्रसूनो

       मनो निवृत्तं हतजीवितेन         ॥

अस्यां महिष्यां तु भृशं रुदत्यां

        पुरेऽतिविक्रोशति दुःखतप्ते    ।

हते नृपे संशयतेऽङ्गदे च

        न राम राज्ये रमते मनो मे        ॥

"Oh King Rama, you have fulfilled your promise and killed Vali. I now see its consequence. I have lost interest in life and also in kingship and its pleasures.

"Seeing Vali's queen lamenting so profoundly, and seeing how the whole city is plunged in grief over the death of their king, and knowing that Angada may die in distress and not survive this bereavement, Oh Rama, my mind is not attracted anymore to the kingdom."

Sugriva regrets that earlier, his exilement and the ill-spoken words of Vali had provoked his anger and made the idea of killing Vali agreeable. But now he feels very hurt and wishes he had somehow eked out a living in Rishyamuka without all these developments.

Sugriva recalls how Vali had told him, even at the height of their hostility, that he would not kill him. Even during their final combat, Vali had told a Sugriva, beaten up and smarting on the ground, that he should save himself and not come back again to fight. Sugriva is now full of remorse that he, on the other hand, had wished for and accomplished Vali's death. Fie on himself! Sugriva also quotes how Indra's sin of killing a brahmin had been absorbed by the earth, water, and women and Indra had been absolved. But Sugriva has no such recourse. He is going to suffer the sin of commissioning his brother's killing.

Sugriva says the elephant of sin is pressing him down has a tail of the treacherous murder of his brother,  its eyes, head, and tusks being all sorrow. The tusker is ready to strike him down as he strikes the river bank.

Sugriva feels guilty of destroying the vanara clan and becoming most unworthy of a brother like Vali and a son like Angada. He wants to immolate himself. He says the other vanara chiefs will fulfill his commitment to Sri Rama of searching for Sita.

An impassive-looking Sri Rama is himself moved to tears hearing all this. He looks towards Tara. Vali's minister and others go and bring Tara, who has been lying down embracing Vali.

***

For the first time, as she approached Sri Rama, Tara saw him, He was standing with bow and arrow, resplendent like the sun, regal in every aspect, divine like Indra.

***

Tara desribes Sri Rama...

त्वमप्रमेयश्च दुरासदश्च जितेन्द्रियश्चोत्तमधार्मिकश्च ।

अक्षय्यकीर्तिश्च विचक्षणश्च क्षितिक्षमावान्क्षतजोपमाक्षः ॥

"Oh Rama, you are inestimable and unassailable in your glory, self-controlled, supremely righteous, of boundless fame, extremely wise, comparable to earth in forbearance, and with red-cornered eyes symbolic of a great warrior. With your divine form, bow, and arrows in hand, you can destroy any enemy.

"May I request you to kill me by the same arrow as you shot Vali with? I want to join him, as he is pining for me. Heaven and its damsels hold no charm for Vali. You yourself know the pangs of separation that a young man feels when he is separated from his beloved wife.

"Don't hesitate, thinking of the sin attached to the killing a woman. Know that I an inseparable part (ardhangini) of Vali."

Sri Rama responds.

मा वीरभार्ये विमतिं कुरुष्व लोको हि सर्वो विहितो विधात्रा ।

तं चैव सर्वं सुखदुःखयोगं लोकोऽब्रवीत्तेन कृतं विधात्रा     ॥

"Oh noble queen of a glorious warrior, do not give way to this despondency. Everything that happens in this world is due to Destiny. Destiny determines one's lot of happiness and sorrow and thus is the understanding always.

"All the three worlds are governed by Destiny, nobody can transgress it. I can assure you will become happy again after your son is crowned as the prince regent. That is also Destiny. You know that the wives of brave warriors do not grieve the departed."

Tara pulls herself together on hearing these words.

***

Sri Rama tells Sugriva, Angada, and Tara to grieve no more as it does no good to the departed soul. They should engage in their pending duties. Vali's funeral should not be delayed.

Sri Rama also says that even God cannot avert the course of karma and its fruition, which is all dictated by the nature of beings that drive them in various ways. Time operates, not caring for relationships or friendships. (Resonates deeply with Bhagavadgita).

Vali has attained heaven as the fruit of his good deeds. He should not be mourned.

***

Now Lakshmana takes charge. He asks Sugriva's lieutenant to go and arrange for a royal palanquin to convey Vali's mortal remains. This is arranged well and immediately. Vali is placed on the palanquin by a sobbing Sugriva. Vali makes his last journey in great royal splendour with regalia. 

Vali's funeral is conducted by Sugriva, Angada, and other vanaras with the utmost deference and in accordance with the customs. His funeral bier is made with sandalwood and all choice materials.

The oblation of water is made after the cremation.

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्      ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 14

September 14 - Sargas 22 and 23 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Vali departs after giving some valuable advice to Sugriva and Angada. Tara again laments her widowhood.

***

Taking his last few breaths, Vali opens his eyes with difficulty and sees Sugriva. He says:

युगपद्विहितं तात न मन्ये सुखमावयोः ।

सौहार्दं भ्रातृयुक्तं हि तदिदं तात नान्यथा   ॥

प्रतिपद्य त्वमद्यैव राज्यमेषां वनौकसाम्   ।

"Dear brother, Perhaps Destiny did not want us both to be happy at the same time nor enjoy the filial cordiality between brothers.

"Now that I am departing for the abode of Yama, please accept this kingdom, and rule over all the vanaras and bears that roam the forests."

Vali also casts his eye on his dear son, Angada, and requests Sugriva:

त्वमेवास्य हि दाता च परित्राता च सर्वशः ।

भयेष्वभयदश्चैव यथाऽहं प्लवगेश्वर         ॥

"Dear Sugriva, now you are everything to my dearer-than-life son Angada. He is talented and will act with courage and competence in war, shoulder to shoulder with you. But you have to be his loving father, provider, protector, in all ways, as I have been, oh King of the vanaras!"

Vali calls Angada and tells him not to expect the highly indulgent and accommodative treatment he used to get from Vali, but act with total obedience to Sugriva and bring honour.

Vali also advises Sugriva to heed all advice from the very wise and discerning Tara, the daughter of Sushena.  He says, "she has uncanny insght and सर्वतः परिनिष्ठिता - highly competent in every way. यद्येषा साध्विति ब्रूयात्  If Tara recommends any course of action as the correct one, go with her advice without a second thought, because what she says always come out right."

Vali stresses that Sugriva should honour his commitment to Sri Rama and do what is needed.

Vali hands over his divine golden necklace in its full splendour to Sugriva.

Sugriva is terribly grief-stricken by all this and watches as Vali breathes his last.

The vanaras are unable to come to terms with Vali's death. They recall how he had fought a celestial (Gandharva) by name Golabha for fifteen years day and night and managed to win that battle. How come he is now lying dead? They all feel orphaned and that it is the end of the world.

Valmiki says Tara, looking at the face of her dead husband, looked as destroyed as a creeper that falls to earth miserably when the tree it clings too is cut down.

***

Tara continues to speak in the same vein as before when she came to the battlefield and saw Vali dying. 

She now adds

शूराय न प्रदातव्या कन्या खलु विपश्चिता     ।

शूरभार्यां हतां पश्य सद्यो मां विधवां कृताम्  ॥ 

"Let wise men never marry their daughter to a brave warrior, lest her fate be like mine, since the warrior will likely lose his life prematurely in battle, and make her a widow like I have now become."

Tara feels very intensely distressed in her widowhood. She says her pride is crushed and she is in a bottomless ocean of grief. She says a widow gets only pity from people even if she has wealth and is well-supported by her sons.

***

Nila, the vanara lieutenant of Surgiva, comes and pulls out Sri Rama's shining arrow from Vali's chest. Blood spurts all around. Tara asks Angada to come and bow down to his father. The poor youth comes and clasps his father's feet. Tara speaks deliriously about how Vali ignored her good advice, went to battle with Sugriva, and has now left them all in ruin.

***

॥    श्रीरामजयम्      ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 13

September 13 - Sargas 20 and 21 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Tara's piteous lament and Hanuman's intercession. 

***

To understand war, and its ugly consequences, we are treated ever so often with descriptions of a woman's grief over her dead warrior man. This lament of Tara as she comes to Vali is such a moment.

हृदयं सुस्थितं मह्यं दृष्ट्वा निपतितं भुवि ।

यन्न शोकाभिसंतप्तं स्फुटतेऽद्य सहस्रधा ॥

सुग्रीवस्य त्वया भार्या हृता स च विवासितः ।

यत् तत् तस्य त्वया व्युष्टिः  प्राप्तेयं प्लवगाधिप ॥

निशश्रेयसपरा मोहात््त्वया चाहम विगर्हिता   ।

यैषाब्रुवं हितं वाक्यं वानरेन्द्र नितैषिणी            ॥ 

"My dear, my mind was at peace till now. But on seeing you, fallen on the ground, how come my heart which has been torched by utter grief is not shattering into a thousand pieces!?

"You grabbed Surgiva's wife and banished him. That is how this battle between you two came about and now its final outcome for you. I am sure you understand that, oh, king of the simians (who jump from tree to tree)!

"As your constant well-wisher, whatever advice I gave you was summarily rejected by you out of your delusion. Now you realize the meaning of my words, my lord, oh, lord of vanaras!"

Tara goes on to say some poetic things about how great a ruler Vali was, how he had been the refuge of all vanaras, and how now he has started on a journey to heaven, courting the earth herself and later to meet the glorious apsaras in heaven, who will be most attracted to the hero Vali.

Expressing her concern for Angada, Tara calls him to come and seek the fond blessing of his father. Her lament starts an outburst of grief from all other wives of Vali who come and surround him, mourning the imminent death of their handsome, ever-powerful hero, resplendent in his gold ornaments.

Tara lies quietly, looking most wretched in her grief, eschewing food and drink.

***

Hanuman comes to Tara, who looks like a star fallen from heaven (a pun on the word Tara).

He speaks consolingly and calmly, explaining how every creature reaps the rewards of his actions, good and bad, in the here and the hereafter. This is the inexorable law.

The following words are straight out of Bhagavadgita as it were.

शोच्या शोचसि कं शोच्यं दीनं दीनाऽनुकम्पसे ।

कस्य कोवाऽनुशोच्योऽस्ति देहेऽस्मिन् बुद्बुदोपमे  ॥ 

"Oh, noble lady, why do you grieve, whom do you grieve for? Why are you miserable, and whom do you consider miserable? Who has to mourn whom in this world of the embodied souls, when all life is as transient as a bubble of water!?"

Hanuman extols Tara to focus on Angada, and make him take care of all responsibilities in the future including Vali's last rites. He says Tara should know the impermanence of life and simply engage in doing good.  After all, Vali lived a full and fulfilling life, full of great deeds with his able reign over millions of vanaras. He is now going where his just destiny takes him. So he should not be mourned over. Now Tara and Angada have to take care of the vanaras. 

Hanuman recommends to Tara to make Angada the king. He should also perform Vali's rites.

This plunges Tara into deeper grief. She says that for her, embracing a dead Vali is more precious than embracing a hundred Angadas. All decisions are now left to Sugriva, Angada's uncle who is now responsible for Angada. For Tara, her only choice now is to join Vali in his last journey.

***

॥          श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 12

September 13 - Sargas 18 and 19 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Sri Rama explains to Vali the Dharmic sanctions and justifications for his well-meditated actions. 

Vali concedes that Sri Rama's arguments have convinced him that he had done wrong and this punishment was mete. He requests that Angada is taken good care of as he is still a tender youth.

Tara comes to see Vali.

***

Vali has spoken words ostensibly full of Dharma and had made the right accusations of Sri Rama for wrongfully shooting the arrow at Vali when they were not in a battle with each other.

Sri Rama replies, asking Vali to listen calmly.

इक्ष्वाकूणामियं भूमिः सशैलवनकानना     ।

मृगपक्षिमनुष्याणां निग्रहानुग्रहेष्वपि         ॥

तां पालयति धर्मात्मा भरतः सत्यवानृजुः     ।

तस्य धर्मकृतादेशा वयमन्ये च पार्थिवाः      ।

चरामो वसुधां कृत्स्नां धर्मसंतानमिच्छवः    ॥

"Vali, this forest and mountain range, with all its animals, birds, and denizens, is a part of the territory ruled by Ikshwakus. The Ikshwakus maintain the rule of law to protect the welfare of everyone here. The ruler is King Bharata, righteous and transparent. We are his royal representatives dispensing his righteous administration in these parts, moving about and redressing wrong and establishing Dharma.

न हि मां केवलं रोषात् त्वं विगर्हितुमर्हसि   ।

तदेतत् कारणं पश्य यदर्थं त्वं मया हतः     ॥

भ्रातुर्वर्तसि भार्यायां त्यक्त्वा धर्मं सनातनम्  ।

अस्य त्वं धरमाणस्य सुग्रीवस्य महात्मनः     ।

रुमायां वर्तसे कामात् स्नुषायां पापकर्मकृत्  ॥

प्रचरेत नरः कामात् तस्य दण्डो वधः स्मृतः    ।

भरतस्तु महीपालो वयं त्वादेशवर्तिनः   ।

त्वं च धर्मादतिक्रान्तः कथं शक्यमुपेक्षितुम्   ॥

"Vali, do not accuse me in your anger. Please understand the reason for my killing you. You have transgressed the righteous injunction from time immemorial that you shall treat your younger brother as your son and treat his wife as your daughter-in-law. By your arrogance and disregard for Dharma, and by courting advice from other immoral people, you have desecrated the rule by lustfully violating Ruma, the wife of this righteous man Sugriva, when he is still alive, and committed the ultimate sin. The prescribed punishment for this immoral act is death. 

"Bharata is the king of these parts and dedicated to preserving the rule of righteous conduct. We are acting under his orders and maintaining the rule of law in these parts. How could I then ignore your most sinful transgression?"

Sri Rama goes on to explain that once it is necessary that capital punishment is to be administered, its method and time will be at the discretion of the ruler. Killing Vali as Sri Rama did is perfectly within this principle.

Yes, Sri Rama did forge an alliance with Sugriva on account of his search for his lost wife Sita and for restoring Sugriva's status. He had given the promise that he will kill Vali to right the wrong done to Sugriva. Sri Rama had no other agenda in this matter.

Sri Rama concludes that whatever he has done has the full sanction of rishis and sages and is according to the law of Manu. 

He also assures that the sin that had been incurred by Vali by his heinous act had been absolved by the administration of the punishment. It was the time-honoured wisdom that just as it was the ruler's responsibility to do what is right, the one punished properly is absolved of his sin and cleansed. 

Sri Rama also quotes the example of King Mandhata of Ikshwakus who did not hesitate in giving the most severe punishment to an ascetic whose misconduct warranted a similar course of action on his part. Therefore Sri Rama was only upholding the rule of Dharma practised by his ancestors assiduously.

***

Vali now expressed his contrition at his misconduct and accepted Sri Rama's punishment as just. He said:

मामप्यवगतं धर्माद् व्यतिक्रान्तपुरस्कृतम्      ।

धर्मसंहितया वाचा धर्मज्ञ परिपालय           ॥

"Sri Rama, now I have also understood what my misconduct was and why this punishment was given. You have acted in accordance with the Dharma scriptures. You are indeed wise and continue your good work."

Now Vali chokes as he speaks the next words. 

न चात्मानमहं शोचे  न तारां नापि बान्धवान्   ।

यथा पुत्रं गुणज्येष्ठमङ्गदं कनकाङ्गदम्           ॥  

तारेयो राम भवता रक्ष्णीयो महाबलः            ॥

"Rama, I am not distressed on my own account, nor on account of Tara, nor my relatives. But indeed, I am deeply distressed about the future of my only son, dear Angada, who is full of promise and virtue and a mere youth of golden complexion. He is tender, and not fully mature and capable to deal with life's challenges.  I beseech you to protect him and ensure his welfare, as he has a bright future as a great hero."

Vali also requests that Sri Rama should ensure that Sugriva is fair and kind to Angada and does not dishonour him.  Vali requests Sri Rama to show the same affection to Angada as to Sugriva, and to ensure that Tara would not be made to suffer by Sugriva. Indeed he adds that Sri Rama should show the same level of affection as he has for Bharata and Lakshmana towards Sugriva and Angada. Vali is confident that anyone who comes under Sri Rama's protection and counsel could conquer the world and be extremely happy.

***

Saying this, Vali fell silent as life faded rapidly from his body.

Sri Rama assured Vali that Angada would be loved and cared for by Sugriva as much as Vali had done and Vali should leave the matter in Sri Rama's hands. Vali had been cleansed and needed to grieve no more.

***

Tara heard that Vali had been slain by Sri Rama. She rushed out of the cave along with Angada and ran towards where Vali lay in the mud, battered and bleeding and struck by Sri Rama's arrow.

She saw how monkeys were fleeing away in all directions, panicking at the sight of Sri Rama's mighty bow. She stopped them, and asked how they could forsake their king like this, and what fear made them run away? After all the score had been settled between the two brothers by Sri Rama's arrow. But the vanaras cautioned Tara, "go away and protect your son, prince Angada, as Rama could any time discharge another arrow and kill him too. Let the golden gates of Kishkindha be closed and under protection, Angada be anointed as king at once." They reminded Tara that many monkeys had been wronged and alienated by Vali and separated from their wives. They would all come back now and seize Kishkindha.

Tara full of pathos said, 

पुत्रण मम किं कार्यं राज्येन च किमात्मना   ।

कपिसिंहे महाभागे तस्मिन्भर्तरि नश्यति      ॥

पादमूलं गमिष्यामि तस्यैवाहं महात्मनः      ।

योऽसौ रामप्रयुक्तेन शरेण विनिपातितः    ॥

"Oh, vanaras, of what interest is my son, or this kingdom, to me now, after my dear husband, the mighty vanara and great Vali, lies destroyed on the ground? I shall seek his feet and go with him, that alone is my interest after he has been laid low by Rama's arrow."

***

Tara saw the great Vali, son of Indra, who had performed the most impressive deeds of valour by hurling mountains and could frighten away enemies with a mere roar, now struck and lying in the mud. She passed Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Surgiva standing by and went to Vali. She fell down to the ground in utter agony. Surgiva looked on with much distress as she mourned grievously along with poor Angada.

***

॥        श्रीरामजयम्         ॥ 

 

      

Valmiki Ramayana - September 11

September 11 - Sargas 16 and 17 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Vali summarily dismisses the caution advised by his queen Tara. 

न च कार्यो विषादस्ते राघवं प्रति मत्कृते ।

धर्मज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च कथं पापं करिष्यति    ॥

निवार्तस्व सह स्त्रीभिः कथं भूयोऽनुगच्छसि  ।

सौहृदं दर्शितं तावन्मयि भक्तिस्त्वया कृता   ॥

प्रतियोत्साम्यहं गत्वा सुग्रीवं जहि सम्भ्रमम्   ।

दर्प चास्य विनेष्यामि न च प्राणैर्वियोक्ष्यते     ॥

Vali is first irritated by Tara's advice. He tells her that being the supreme, undefeated, king of vanaras, he has none to fear in this world. He could not also ignore a battle cry,  especially from his despicable brother.

"Dear Tara, you have no reason at all to fear anything untoward will happen to me from Rama. You have yourself described him to be a knower of Dharma and one's duty, so he will not do anything sinful.

"Tara, you please go back with the other women of the palace. Do not come with me. You have shown your devotion and concern for my well-being.

"I shall go and merely respond to Sugriva's battle cry. I shall remove his arrogance and beat him up, but his life will be spared."

A weeping Tara circumambulates Vali, prays for his safety and returns to the palace.

***

Vali sees a glowing Sugriva, radiant and ready. On seeing Vali, Sugriva roars that he will kill Vali with fists.  Vali rushes and pounces on Sugriva. Sugriva rains a blow on him. Vali gives him a very powerful blow. A bleeding Sugriva looks and uproots a sala tree and thrashes Vali with it. Vali reels from the blow. Soon he recovers and the brothers go at each other with fists, kicks, throwing trees and rocks in fierce combat. 

***

Valmiki says they were swift like the Garuda and radiant like the sun and the moon. Their duel was indeed gruesome and impressive. Slowly, Sugriva started losing his strength and Vali redoubled his strikes. Sugriva anxiously cast glances in the direction of Sri Rama.

Sri Rama decided that he had to act. He chose a sharp gold-tipped arrow with silver ornamentation. He set it to his mighty bow and, pulling it back up to his shoulder with a hissing sound that alarmed all creatures around, released it. It went straight and pierced Vali's heart. Vali fell to the ground, held in the throes of death.

***

Vali lay spreadeagled on the ground, bleeding profusely. Valmiki compares him to Indra's glorious flag, fallen to the ground.

Although life was ebbing away, Vali's lustre and splendour and radiance were undiminished, protected as he was by the golden necklace given to him by his father, Indra.

Sri Rama and Lakshmana approached Vali, lying on the ground, full of admiration for the warrior he was. Vali spoke with much feeling.

"Oh Rama, you are the son of a noble king, and your fame is rooted in goodness. What merit did you earn by striking me when I was engaged in fighting another?

"A king has to be righteous, truthful, just, and act appropriately. Although I was warned by Tara, I went by your reputation.

"What made you strike me with your arrow? We are denizens of the jungle living on fruits and roots. You are human and from a great lineage. But I think you are a prerender and an opportunist.

साम दानं क्षमा धर्मस्सत्यं धृतिपराक्रमौ   ।

पार्थिवानां गुणा राजन् दण्डश्चाप्यपराधिषु ॥

"Kings should practice these - cultivating friendship by appeasement, or charity, or righteous acts, truthfulness, forbearance, and military prowess. They should also mete out just punishment to the culprits.

"You have displayed your unrighteousness and meanness by striking me. Men fight over land, wealth, or women. I have no quarrel with you on any of these three. Then why did you kill me? 

"I cannot imagine you hunted me for meat although I belong to an animal species. Vanaras are not eaten by humans as their hairy coat and flesh make them unsuitable.

"I tell you, if only you had come face to face in a battle today with me, I would have sent you to Yama.

"And you chose unwisely to align with Sugriva to get your wife back. If only you had come to me, I would have brought Maithili Sita back to you in a day, after going and defeating Ravana in his den. It was so easy for me to bring back Sita after killing Ravana. 

"Now, on my death, Sugriva will inherit the kingdom. That is only fair. But your killing me like this is most unrighteous and unjustifiable."

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्         ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 10

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi!

September 10 - Sargas 14 and 15 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Sugriva, wearing the garland fashioned from the gajapushpi creeper full of flowers, reaches the city of Kishkindha. Sugriva, Sri Rama, and others stop behind a clump of thick foliage as Sugriva describes the magnificent entrance of the golden archway to Kishkindha ruled by Vali. He again asks Sri Rama if he will adhere to his word and kill Vali. Sri Rama repeatedly assures Sugriva -

एकेनाहं प्रमोक्ष्यामि बाणमोक्षेण संयुगे ।

मम दर्शय सुग्रीव वैरिणं भ्रातृरूपिणम्   ॥ 

वाली विनिहतो यावद्वने पांसुषु चेष्टते    ।

यदि दृष्टिपथं प्राप्तो जीवन् स विनिवर्तते   ॥ 

अनृतं नोक्तपूर्वं मे चिरं कृच्छ्रेऽपि तिष्ठता ।

धर्मलोभपरीतेन न च वक्ष्ये कथञ्चन         ॥

"Dear Sugriva, you rest assured that with just a single arrow I will kill the enemy in an encounter. You have seen a demonstration of my capability with the bow and arrow when I split seven sala trees with a single arrow. You just have to arrange for the enemy, who is in the guise of your brother Vali, to appear before me. 

"When Vali will be killed by my arrow, he will fall down dead, biting the dust of this forest. He will not escape alive if I set my eyes on him.

"Know that I have never uttered a lie even when I was in adverse circumstances. Out of my attachment to righteousness, I shall never, in future also, utter a lie."

ततः स जीमूतकृतप्रणादो

          नादं ह्यमुञ्चत् त्वरया प्रतीतः  ।

सूर्यात्मजः शौर्यविवृद्धतेजाः 

          सरित्पतिर्वाऽनिलचञ्चलोर्मिः  ॥ 

"Thus emboldened by Sri Rama's solemn assurance, Sugriva now shone like the blazing sun, whose son he was, with his radiance and power greatly enhanced, and let out a terrific battle cry that was like the thunder of a huge dark cloud, and also akin to the tumultuous noise raised by waves of the ocean when struck by a hurricane."

***

Sugriva's battle cry rattled Vali into a fierce rage. He was in his women's quarter, along with his wife, Tara. This is the first time we hear of Tara. Tara, Ahalya, Sita, Mandodari (wife of Ravana), and Draupadi (from Mahabharata) are held out as five exemplary women from our Hindu epics.

Vali started to storm out in rage, to go and thrash Sugriva. Tara stopped him with an affectionate embrace. She had important words to say.

"Dear Vali, shake off your anger, although it is quite understandable, just as someone discards a  wasted garland. Go and fight Sugriva tomorrow morning. This will in no way imply any fear of the enemy or raise a doubt about your prowess in the encounter. 

"I have a specific reason to say this.

"Earlier, when Sugriva came and challenged you, you gave him a thorough thrashing. He went away to Rishyamuka. His return now naturally raises my suspicion. His returning so soon after a sure defeat is suspicious.

"His roar, full of arrogance and a newly found determination, should have some reason behind it. Certainly, he has some external help this time. That too, his ally must be a big one. Sugriva is clever by nature. He would have chosen his friend carefully, considering his ability.

"Oh hero, dear Vali, I have heard from our son Angada some news. Angada reported that when he went out into the forest, he collected reports from our spies that there are two heroic sons of the king of Ayodhya, Sri Rama and Lakshmana. They are invincible in war. They have come to help Sugriva.

"Sri Rama's prowess in war is like the fire of dissolution that destroys the world. He has slain strong enemies like Khara. He has come here to help Sugriva.

निवासवृक्षः साधूनामापन्नानां परा गतिः  ।

आर्तानां संश्रयच्यैव यशसश्चैकभाजनम्    ॥

ज्ञानविज्ञानसम्पन्नो निदेशे निरतः पितुः    ।

धातूनामिव शैलेन्द्रो गुणानामाकरो महान्  ॥    

"I have heard that Sri Rama is the sheltering tree for the virtuous. He is the ultimate refuge for the destitute and gives protection for all the distressed. He seems to have a monopoly on the reputation for goodness.

 "He is full of knowledge as well as higher wisdom. He is very dutiful in fulfilling his father's orders. Just as the mighty mountain is replete with rich minerals, Sri Rama is full of all noble qualities."

"Sri Rama is unconquerable in war. Therefore enmity with him is not desirable for you. Look, my beloved, I have nothing against you, I only wish your ultimate welfare. Please do as I suggest.

"Leave your enmity with Sugriva, Make friendship with Sri Rama.  Sugriva is your younger brother and deserves your protection, whether he is here or there. In fact, is he not your nearest and dearest relative on earth? Please abandon your hostility towards Sugriva, appease him with gifts and honour him, extend your brotherly affection towards him. Please do as I say, and trust me as your true well-wisher.

"Quieten your mind, do not give in to anger. The prince of Kosala is like Indra in splendour. Do not fight with Sri Rama."

***

Valmiki says that Tara's wise and beneficial words made no impression on Vali. 

पथ्यं न रोचते कालाभिपन्नस्य विनाशकाले  Good medicine does not appeal to one who is at death's door.

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्      ॥