Valmiki Ramayana - October 4

October 4 - Sargas 61 and 62 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Two descriptive sargas that make me feel really good! 

***

When the sage Nishakara sees Sampati, he is shocked to find Sampati in such a wretched condition, all burnt up and nearly lifeless. He asks what caused this.

Sampati, a bit shamefacedly, tells him of the foolhardy attempt by him and Jataayu to fly beyond the sun.

कैलासशिखरे बद्ध्वा मुनीनामग्रतः पणम्     ।

रविः स्यादनुयातव्यो यवदस्तं महागिरिम्       ॥

"Revered sage, some time ago, Jataayu and I made a vow, in the presence of  ascetics,  that we would scale the skies and fly beyond the horizon where the sun sets at Mount Kailsasa."

Sampati then describes the sights below as they rose in the sky.  Exactly the same way any first-time flier would narrate afterwards what he had seen, agog with excitement, from his window-seat on the plane. 

"The earth receded rapidly below us. Cities looked like the track marks of chariots. We could hear dim sounds of dancing by red-attired girls.  We heard Vedic chants by brahmins. As we rose towards the sun, the earth looked like a green carpet of grass.  Rivers looked like threadwork! Mountains looked like pebbles. "

Sampati and Jataayu suddenly began to feel extreme heat. They were sweating profusely and felt scorching pain. Soon they were in a stupor. 

Sampati tells how they lost their sense of direction (a faculty using which such high-flying birds constantly navigate long paths infallibly). It seemed the end of the world had come. At this point, Sampati says, the sun seemed as close to them as the earth was. Jataayu dived down towards the earth. He was getting burnt by the sun. Sampati dived after him and covered him with his wings for protection.

आशङ्के तं निपतितं जनस्थाने जटायुषम्  ।

अहं तु पतितो विन्ध्ये दग्धपक्षो जडीकृतः   ॥

"I suspect that Jataayu might have dropped down in Janasthana. I myself fell down in the Vindhya mountains here- my wings were burnt and I was unconscious."

राज्येन हीनो भ्रात्रा च पक्षभ्यां विक्रमेण च    ।

सर्वथा मर्तुमेवेच्छन् पतिष्ये शिखराद् गिरेः    ॥

"Dear sage, by my act of foolishness, I have lost my kingdom, lost my brother, lost my wings, and all my strength. Indeed, I want simply to roll down from the mountain and die."

***

Sage Nishakara listens to Sampati's story with great commiseration. He knows that both Jataayu and Sampati are wonderful souls.

The sage goes into a moment of deep meditation. When he comes back to the normal plane, he tells Sampati:

पक्षौ तु ते प्रपक्षौ च पुनर्यौभविष्यतः       ।

प्राणाश्च चक्षुषी चैव विक्रमश्च बलं च ते  ॥   

"Sampati, I have some good news for you. I can see into the future and know that you will get your feathers and wings back as before. You will regain your Pranas (life-force) as well as strength and keen far-vision. 

पुराणे सुमहत्कार्यं भविष्यति मया श्रुतम्  ।

दृष्टं मे तपसा वैव श्रुत्वा च विदितं मम    ॥

"Dear Sampati, I have heard it before from the Puranas, and have visualised it now in my meditation, that a supreme task will be undertaken by you in future."

Sage Nishakara narrates to Sampati the story of Sri Rama as it will come to pass a thousand years hence. The prince of Ikshwakus Sri Rama will be banished, and his wife abducted by Ravana. Ravana will tempt Sita in his fabulous kingdom with all royal inducements. But Sita will be steadfast and refuse to touch anything, refusing even food and drink. Fearing that she will lose her life, Indra arranges a portion of amruta (ambrosia) to be delivered to her. She makes a prayer for the welfare of Sri Rama and Lakshmana and offers the major part of that divine food to the gods to take care of the two brothers. The remaining amruta that she partakes of will sustain her for as long as is needed until she is saved.

Sri Rama's messenger vanaras will arrive where Sampati will be living at that time. They will be desperately searching for Sita's whereabouts.

***

Sampati is asked by the sage Nishakara to narrate all this to the vanaras and give them the much-needed motivation to continue their search for Sita, and tell them where to find her. At that time, Sampati will get his wings and everything else back.

The sage says that by his ascetic power, he can restore to Sampati his wings and strength and everything right away, but he wants Sampati to stay in the same place and be met by the vanaras. So Sampati has to wait. As far as Nishakara himself is concerned, much as he would love to have the darshan of Sri Rama when all this happens, he has decided to give up his body.

Sage Nishakara tells Sampati that his good deed in helping Sri Rama's cause will bring happiness to brahmins, sages, gods, and even others who live in that region.

***

These prophetic words were spoken a thousand years before the present time when Sampati is narrating this to the vanaras.

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्         ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - October 3

October 3 - Sargas 59 and 60 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Sampati's assurance to the vanaras about their imminent success in discovering Sita's whereabouts delights the vanaras. He then continues his gripping narrative. 

***

Sampati's information of where Sita is held in captivity by Ravana is simply nectar-like to the mighty vanaras. Jambavan, the senior bear, gets up and approaches Sampati, and asks, "pray, tell us more about where Sita is. Has she been seen by anyone else too?"

Jambavan adds, "Whoever abducted Sita is foolish and ignorant of Sri Rama's thunderbolt-like arrows or the speed and power of Lakshmana's arrows."

Sampati is happy that the vanaras have been cheered up. He continues,

"Oh vanaras, now hear from whom I got more information. You know that I have been on this mountain, without locomotion or strength. I have been sustained for long years by the food brought dutifully by my own son, Suparshva.

"Like gandharvas have intense passion, serpents show intense anger, deer show intense fear always, and we vultures have great hunger. So imagine my disappointment when one evening my son returned late without any food for me.  

***

Suparshva narrated to his father how he had gone promptly to the Mahendra mountain looking for food. "I looked down at the vast number of creatures moving about in the ocean and was about to decide what food to pick for you. Imagine my surprise when I saw a huge. dark, cloud-like man carrying off a lady who looked radiant as the sun. As I planned to strike them for food, the man politely asked me to give them the right of way. You know me, I would not strike a polite person. Then that dark man fled away in great splendour. 

"The great sages who were residing below in hermitages knew me and now spoke to me. 

स च मे रावणो राजा रक्षसां प्रतिवेदितः    ।

हरन्दाशरथेर्भार्यां रामस्य जनकात्मजाम्     ॥

भ्रष्टाभरणकौशेयां शोकवेगपराजिताम्      ।

रामलक्ष्मणयोर्नाम क्रोशन्तीं मुक्तमूर्धजाम्  ॥   

"Oh, Suparshva! it's your good luck that you were not struck down by the demon. He is the king of rakshasas known as Ravana. He is abducting Sita, daughter of King Janaka, wife of Sri Rama, son of King Dasharatha. You can see that Sita has dropped off her ornaments, her silk robe is slipping, as she is being carried off by force. She is crying piteously, calling out the names of Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Her hair is dishevelled."

Suparshva told his father that he had been delayed as a result of that encounter. Sampati felt helpless then too, as he could not act on his desire to go and save Sita.

***

But Sampati now tells the vanaras, "Let me at least help you to succeed in your mission. You, vanaras, are mightily strong. Even gods would not take you on. Sri Rama and Lakshmana have fierce arrows that can subdue the three worlds. Therefore, eventhough Ravana, the ten-headed demon, is strong, it will not be difficult for you to achieve your task. Do not worry about the time limit set. Focus on doing the right thing to achieve your objective. Do not hesitate in accepting the challenges. "

***

Sampati bathed in the sea and offered his ablutions to his departed brother, Jataayu. Afterwards, Angada and other vanaras came and sat around him. Sampati had gained their confidence and respect.

Sampati continued his narrative. After having his wings burnt down by the sun's rays. he fell down in this mountain range. He regained his faculties and memory slowly. He started observing all the life around him, especially the birds and the animals. 

It is now a thousand years since the demise of a sage by name Nishakara who had lived in his hermitage nearby. Sampati decided to somehow make the painful descent slowly from the mountain and go in the thorny darbha grass to have the darshan of the sage Nishakara. 

He and his brother Jataayu had been meeting the sage in olden times.

The wild animals like tigers, bears, elephants and deer as well as snakes around the sage's hermitage would not harm him. The trees were always full of flowers and fruits and a gentle breeze blew. This was the result of his spiritual power.

Sampati continues,

"Sage Nishakara came out and saw me in my miserable condition. He at once realised that my wings had been burnt down. He recalled how Jataayu and I used to visit him and touch his feet like humans and take his blessing."

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - October 2

October 2 - The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. See what the Mahatma says about Ramanama. 

Today we read sargas 57 and 58 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Sampati narrates the story of Jataayu and his own exploits and how he lost his wings. 

Being no ordinary bird but tracing his lineage to Garuda's own, Sampati uses his special vision to confirm that Sita has been kept in Ravana's Lanka a hundred yojanas to the south of the coast. He also says that his spiritual insight tells him that the vanaras will be successful in establishing contact with Sita and returning alive. 

***

The vanaras are scared that Sampati is evil and will kill them all and eat them. But on second thought, they think that any way they all wish to die and now at least they will be doing a good act feeding a hungry bird and he will give them a quick death too. Angada climbs up and helps Sampati to come down.

On Sampati's request, Angada begins to describe the story of how they have come there:

बभूवर्क्षरजाो नाम वानरेनद्रः प्रतापवान्                ।

ममार्यः पार्थिवः पक्षिन् धार्मिकौ तस्य चात्मजौ    ॥ 

 

"Oh noble bird! There was the mighty king of vanaras by name Riksharajaa. His two sons are my father Vali and our king Sugriva. They were good beings. Vali when he was alive was renowned in the world for his great valour and ruled Kishkindha."

राजा कृत्स्नस्य जगत इक्ष्वाकूणां महारथः        ।

रामो दाशरथिश्श्रीमान् प्रविष्टो दण्डकावनम्     ॥  

"The supreme lord of the word, the great warrior of Ikshvaku lineage, is Sri Rama, son of Dasharatha. On his father's order, he came to live in Dandakarnya along with his wife, Sita,  daughter of King Janaka, and his younger brother, the valiant Lakshmana.

"Ravana the rakshasa plotted and abducted Sita. "

रामस्य तु पितुर्मित्रं जटायुर्नाम गृध्रराट्      ।

ददर्श सीतां वैदेहीं ह्रियमाणां विहायसा   ॥

रावणं विरथं कृत्वा स्थापयित्वा च मैथिलीम् ।

परिश्रान्तश्च वृद्धश्च रावणेन हतो रणे             ॥

एवं गृध्रो हतस्तेन रावणेन बलीयसा             ।

संस्कृतश्चापि रामेण जगाम गतिमुत्तमम्         ॥  

"The lord of all birds was Jataayu, an ally of King Dasharatha. He saw Sita being carried away by Ravana in his aerial chariot. Jataayu at once attacked Ravana and destroyed his chariot, bringing Sita down from his grasp. But after a sustained battle, being old and tired, Jataayu was mortally wounded by Ravana.  He was later discovered by Sri Rama who came to know from his last words what had happened. Sri Rama performed Jataayu's last rites with reverence owed to ancestors. Jataayu attained the higher world as a result."

"Sri Rama forged a friendship with Sugriva who had been driven away along with his trusted lieutenants by my father Vali. Sri Rama killed Vali and made Sugriva the king. We were commissioned by Sugriva to go southward and search for Sita. But we got lost in a magical forest and cave. Our time limit of one month is long past. Our success in sighting Sita is only as much as one's sighting the sun at night time. Unable to face for our failure the severe punishment we are sure to get from Sugriva, Sri Rama, and Lakshmana, we have decided to end our lives. "

***

Sampati sheds tears. He tells the vanaras,

"Oh vanaras, know that the mighty bird Jataayu who died trying to save Sita is my own younger brother. How I wish to avenge his death by killing Ravana! But alas, I have lost my wings and am too old and infirm.

"In ancient times, when the Indra -Vrittrasura battle was fought, Jataayu and I  decided to fly up to the heavens to challenge Indra himself. We were passing beyond the sun. 

आवृत्याकाशमार्गेण जवेन स्वर्गतौ भृशम्   ।

मध्यं प्राप्ते तु सूर्ये तु जटायुरवसीदति        ॥

तमहं भ्रातरं दृष्ट्वा सूर्यरश्मिभिरार्दितम्         ।

पक्षाभ्यां छादयामास स्नेहात् परमविह्वलम्  ॥

निर्दग्धपत्रः पतितो विन्धयेऽहं वानरर्षभाः    ।

अहमस्मि्न् वसन् भ्रातुः प्रवृत्तिं नापलक्षये    ॥      

"We brothers flew heavenward with great thrust and speed and approached Surya, the sun god, with his blazing rays, dangerously close. Jataayu was afflicted. Seeing my brother engulfed in the scorching rays of the sun, I quickly covered him with my large wings to relieve him from his plight. 

"That moment, the sun burnt down my wings. I fell with a thud in these Vidhya mountains. Oh vanara warriors, thus it is that I am confined to this spot all this time, and have lost track of my brother Jataayu."

Angada had by now developed trust and even respect for Sampati. He said, "Sir, would you kindly tell us if you know the whereabouts of that rakshasa Ravana?"

"Dear vanaras, I am old, infirm, and without wings. Otherwise, I would have gladly participated actively in Sri Rama's mission. Now I can help you only with my words.

"You should know that I know even the depths of the netherworld ruled by lord Varuna of the seas. I know the places covered by Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama. But now I am incapable in every way.

"I did see a young, radiant, lady being carried away in the sky by Ravana. She looked like a streak of lightning as she writhed in the grip of Ravana who loomed like a dark cloud. She was crying out, "Oh Sri Rama! Oh Lakshmana, come save me!", and she was dropping off her golden ornaments.

"I know this Ravana. He is the half-brother of Kubera, the lord of wealth. He rules from the beautiful city of Lanka built by Vishwakarma himself, the architect of the gods, originally for Kubera. The city has golden gates, and many gold structures and mansions, all girded by a wall of radiant sunny colour.

"I know that you can find Sita in her silk robes, a picture of dejection, confined by Ravana there. She is guarded by rakshasis. This place is to the south of the seashore, a hundred yojanas away.

"I must tell you that the power of sight of birds matches their altitude of flight. Sparrows that feed on grain are  at the lowest rung. Then crows that perch on trees and feed on fruits.  Cranes fly higher. Then hawks and vultures. We of the Garuda clan have the vision to see Sita and Ravana a hundred yojanas away. 

"My intuition tells me you will succeed in going and meeting Sita and returning safely. Find a way to cross the ocean.

"Now, vanaras, I wish to perform my brother's water rites. Please take me to the edge of the ocean."

***

॥         श्रीरामजयम्          ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - October 1

October 1 - Sargas 55 and 56 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Angada rejects Hanuman's suggestion, citing Sugriva's track record which was lacking in righteousness. He and the vanaras lie down on darbha grass on the seashore and recount amidst much wailing how their fate has been blighted. Angada loudly recounts to Hanuman the story of Kaikeyi's misconduct triggering a whole series of wretched events leading to Jataayu's martyrdom and Sita's abduction and how now they are laying down their lives.

All this is heard by a giant bird, ancient and deathless, emerging from a cave on the mountain. He is Sampati, elder brother of Jataayu. He announces himself and asks the vanaras to carry him down as he has lost his wings long ago, and tell him everything, leaving no detail however small.

***

Today happens to be the 164th day of my Valmiki Ramayana parayana which started on Sri Rama Navami.

Around 330 sargas have been covered -we are more than halfway along the glorious path of Sri Rama's life journey (that is the literal meaning of Ramayana).

***

Although Hanuman's advice was rooted in Dharma and based on statesmanship, Angada is too distraught to listen to him. He has a ready answer; Sugriva is bad and will never do good by Angada.

स्थैर्यमात्ममनःशौचमानृशंस्यमथार्जवम्           ।

विक्रमश्चैव धैर्यं च सुग्रीवे नोपपद्यते               ॥

विस्मृतो राघवो येन स कस्य सुकृतं स्मरेत्        ।

राज्ये पुत्रः प्रतिष्ठाप्यः सुगुणो निर्गुणोऽपि वा    ।

कथं शत्रुकुलीनं मां सुग्रीवो जीवयिष्यति          ॥

"Dear Hanuman, it seems you do not know Mr.Sugriva. Noble qualities like steadfastness, purity of mind and soul, compassion, transparency, valour, and forbearance are foreign to his nature. 

"He did the heinous act of incest by cohabiting with my mother Tara, who was his elder brother's wife. He forgot the promise he made solemnly to Sri Rama and he had to be reminded harshly by a furious Lakshmana to start Sita's search. Such a man would do no good ever by me. I am his enemy Vali's son.  

"Hanuman, I tell you. I know what Sugriva will do as soon as he begets a son. Whether that son is worthy or totally useless, he will install him as his successor.  So there is no chance of his wanting to see me alive. 

"My death at his hands is certain. So dear vanaras and veteran heroes here! I bid you all goodbye. I shall lay down my life here and now. You will have to help Sri Rama find Sita. 

"Please go back and report everything and convey my respects to King Sugriva, Queen Ruma, and my pitiable mother, such a noble and wise soul, Tara. She will surely die of distress at my going this way."

All the vanaras decide, amidst loud wailing, that they would also rather die along with Angada than go and face the tyrant, the evil Sugriva. They all start remembering Vali and tell one another how great he was as their king.

They all say their prayers with water ablutions, and lie down on darbha grass, facing east but with their mats facing south, the direction of Death.

***

The vanaras could not stop telling one another the sad stories of how Sri Rama was wrongly banished to the forest, of Dasharatha's death, of Sri Rama's killing the rakshasas who were terrorizing Janasthana, then Ravana's trickery and abduction of Sita, then the heroic Jataayu's martyrdom, then the alliance between Sri Rama and their king Sugriva, the subsequent death of Vali, and now their fruitless search for Sita.

Their loud wailings amidst hot tears resonated from all the mountains around and created a rather frighteningly loud cacophony.

And as if that was not enough, they now saw a huge bird on the hill. He was unbelievably large and old. They could sense his relishing the prospect of devouring them. He had stirred out of his cave hearing their noises.

They heard him say this to himself:

विधिः किल नरं लोके विधानेनानुवर्तते   ।

यथायं विहितो भक्ष्यश्चिरान्मह्यमुपागतः   ॥

परम्पराणां भक्षिष्ये वानराणां मृतं मृतम्    ।

उवाचैतद् वचः पक्षी तान्  निरीक्ष्य प्लवङ्गमान् ॥    

The vanaras heard the big bird muttering to himself, "Indeed, Destiny rules men's lives as pre-ordained. See how life has now provided me food after my long period of starvation. 

"I see these vanaras are laying down their lives. I shall eat one by one as they die. " 

***

Angada now was even more distressed and turned to Hanuman.

"What Hanuman, in the name of Sita, the god of Death Yama seems to have arrived in the form of this bird! Sri Rama's task remains unaccomplished, Sugriva's order is unfulfilled. And now this attack from this bird of prey!"

"I remember how the great bird Jataayu fought Ravana heroically to prevent his carrying off Sita. He gave up his life for Sri Rama. But where are we? We have failed Sri Rama and now are drained of energy and hope. If only Jataayu had not died, all this would not have happened! Sri Rama would have arrived in time to deal with Ravana. I blame Kaikeyi roundly for setting this chain of adverse events in motion - Sri Rama's banishment, Dasharatha's death, the abduction of Sita, the death of my father Vali..."

***

That ancient bird Sampati was deeply distressed to hear that his younger brother Jataayu had lost his life. He addressed the vanaras. 

तदिच्छेयमहं श्रोतुं विनाशं वानरर्षभाः      ॥

भ्रातुर्जटायुषस्तस्य जनस्थाननिवासिनः    ।

तस्यैव च मम भ्रातुः सखा दशरथः कथम्  ॥

यस्य रामः प्रियः पुत्रो ज्येष्ठो गुरुजनप्रियः  ।

सूर्यांशुदग्धपक्षत्वान्न शक्नोमि विसर्पितुम्  ॥

इच्छेयं पर्वतादस्मादवतर्तुमरिंदमाः             ।

Sampati called out to the vanaras: "Oh mighty vanaras! I wish to know how the demise of my brother Jataayu came about. He lived in Janasthana in Dandakaranya. King Dasharatha was a close ally of my brother's. I also know that the eldest son of Dasharatha is the noble Sri Rama, beloved of all elders and wise people.

"My wings were burnt by Surya-the sun god's rays. Therefore I cannot come down on my own. Please help me get down to be in your midst."

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्              ॥ 

  

Valmiki Ramayana - September 30

September 30 - Sargas 53 and 54 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Two interesting sargas that reveal the thought processes of the vanaras including Angada and Tara in the face of their failure to discover Sita's whereabouts. 

Then, Hanuman's strategem and considered advice in private to Angada. 

***

The vanaras were now at the seashore. That place was also full of trees.

ततस्ते ददृशुर्घोरं सागरं वरुणालयम्         ।

अपारमभिगर्जन्तं घोरैरूर्मिभिरावृतम्          ॥

विन्ध्यस्य तु गिरेः पादे सम्प्रपुष्पितपादपे    ।

उपविश्य महाभागाश्चिन्तामापेदिरे तदा      ॥  

"Then the vanaras beheld the frighteningly vast ocean, the abode of god Varuna. It was endless and intractable, was roaring with terrifying waves.

"And also, since they were at the foothills of the mountain range that ended there, They also saw big trees. Their branches were bending down, laden with huge quantities of bright flowers, a clear sign of the arrival of spring. This plunged those glorious vanaras into a mood of deep despair. "

दृमान्वासन्तिकान्दृष्ट्वा बभूवुर्भयशङ्किताः। 

"Looking at the trees clearly heralding the season of spring, the vanaras went into fright and bewilderment."

Prince Angada, heroic in his youth and of a huge physical build read everyone's mood. There were clear signs that they had certainly transgressed Sugriva's ultimatum of one month,. He thought over the matter and spoke:

"Oh, dear vanaras, we started our journey in Ashvayuja month. We had clear instructions on what we had to accomplish. Do you realise that the set time limit is long past? 

"You are all exemplary in bravery and have adhered to my instructions, and spared no effort to search for Sita. Now that we have failed, there is no scope for feeling cheerful. I think the only course is for all of us to lie down here and fast unto death.

"Let us bid farewell in our minds to our families and dear ones. It will be better than suffering a painful torturous death that awaits us from the king.

"I well know how Sugriva hated me. It was not he who chose to install me as the prince. It was the great Sri Rama who would wrong no one in this world. So now Sugriva will grab his chance to destroy me. 

"I shall now sit here on the sacred shores of the sea and lay down my life." (The ancient method of suicide was to lie down without food and water, stop one's breath through yoga and give up the body. The Jains practise that even now as a sacred custom.)

The vanaras joined a chorus that Sugriva would kill them all in the presence of their families. What a terrible thought!

The vanara Tara, senior and respected among them all, now spoke.

"Why die? Let us simply go back into that wondrous magical cave of plenty we just emerged from. There we will have all the food and drink and live happily. Nobody, not Sugriva nor even Indra, can come and enter there and discover us." The vanaras jumped at this happy solution. So they need not die!

***

Hanuman was quietly looking on. He respected Tara, who, Valmiki mentions here, was moon-faced and good at heart. But such a course as he recommended? No way.

Hanuman knew Angada was a brave and able successor to Vali and Sugriva. Angada had great intellect, "ashtangas" of physical attributes, four kinds of strength, and the ourteen qualities mandated for a great king. So Angada should be saved from taking the wrong course. Hanuman should stop Angada from listening to Tara, something as unwise as Indra taking advice from Shukra (the preceptor of asuras- Indra's enemies!)

There are four strategems stated in ancient wisdom to be pursued by anyone who wants to do something successfully in his interactions with others in important situations. Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda. Sama is playing up to the person's ego and winning him over by praise.  Dana is giving gifts and inducements. Bheda is creating a division and getting the person not to listen to his counsellors (divide and rule). Danda is the use of force to get your way.

Hanuman, Valmiki says, decided on Bheda. He called Angada aside and spoke:

त्वं समर्थतरः पित्रा युद्धे तारेय वै ध्रुवम्     ।

दृढं धारयितुं शक्तः कपिराज्यं यथा पिता ॥

"Dear prince Angada, let me tell you that you are certainly more capable than your deceased father Vali (and hence Sugriva). You are the worthy son of the wise queen Tara.  After Vali and Sugriva, there is no question that you shall rule the kingdom of vanaras very well and for long.

"But Angada, suppose we all go into that cave now. Do you think these vanaras will continue to obey you? They will sorely miss their families and life in Kishkindha. Some of them will surely betray you and go back. It will be a short step from there for Sugriva to come after you for defying his orders.

"You can't hold us down by any strategy from defying you and going back. At least some of us like Jambavan, Nila, Nala and me. Then imagine. Would you like to take on the mighty Sugriva and his army who will come to punish you? Not at all a wise course."

Hanuman now adds a vital point. 

"You may think you are safe inside that impenetrable cave. Not at all correct. Lakshmana's fierce arrows will break into that cave and shatter it in an instant as if it is a leaf-wrapping of food. You know that Lakshmana has an inexhaustible quiver of such arrows. In fact, he can even split mountains with thunderbolt-like strikes. (See how Hanuman takes Lakshmana's name. Angada had seen Lakshmana in his full fury. He had little knowledge of Sri Rama's prowess).

"Then these monkeys will not stay by your side.

"There is a much, much, better way. Let us all go back to Sugriva in all humility. Let us confess to him what efforts we made and how we have failed. I know for a fact that Sugriva is a reasonable man. He is good-intentioned like your father and likes to have pleasant relationships. He is true to his promise. He will spare you for sure. Your mother is very dear to Sugriva and he would never do anything that displeases her. So, go back!"

***

॥             श्रीरामजयम्             ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 29

September 29 - Sargas 51 and 52 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

After the ascetic Swayamprabha explains to Hanuman and other vanaras what the history of that wonderful place is, she offers them generous hospitality with food and drink. 

Later, on hearing Hanuman's story of their continuing search for Sita, using her spiritual powers, she transports the vanaras out of that cavern and to a spot near the seashore.

***

Hanuman explains to the ascetic woman that the vanaras were in deep distress due to hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and seeing the mouth of this cave with perhaps water and other things, as many birds were flying out happily, they had transgressed into her cave.  Now, frankly, they all were disoriented and frightened by the magical sights inside.

काञ्चनानि विमानानि राजतानि गृहाणि च   ।

पुष्पिताः फलवन्ताश्च पुण्याः सुरभिगन्धवः  ॥

काञ्चनानि च पाद्मानि जातानि विमले जले ।

आत्मानमनुभावं च कस्य चैतात्तपोबलम्     ॥ 

"Pray, venerable lady, these golden structures, silver palaces encrusted with gems, these trees with the full splendour of flowers and fruits and fragrances, all golden and luminous, these golden lotuses in crystal clear waters, all these - are these created by your own spiritual powers? Or, by whom else?"

The lady replies:

"Oh, supreme vanara, this golden forest and everything else were created by the magical prowess of a demon called Mayaa. He was the Vishwakarma or chief architect of the demons. 

"Mayaa did tapas for a thousand years in the dense forest and secured as Brahma's boon the wealth of Shukra. He later created these mansions and everything else with his powers. He lived here happily for a while. Then he fell in love with an apsara (celestial maiden) called Hema. The lord of celestials, Indra, then punished him for that act and drove him out of here. Brahma then gave this place as a gift to the apsara, Hema. I am the daughter of Meru Sauvarni, and a close and trusted friend of Hema. Hema is wonderfully gifted in music and dance (and perhaps busy everywhere). She asked me to move in here and take care of it.

"Pray, vanara, you now tell me why you are all roaming in the forest and have managed to come here. But that can in fact wait. Please first of all refresh yourselves and partake of all these foods, fruits and roots, and drinks, and satisfy yourselves."

***

The grateful vanaras are happy to feast on the fare offered and feel much much better soon.

Thereupon, the ascetic repeats her request for information on what had brought the vanaras there.

Hanuman replies:

राजा सर्वस्य लोकस्य महेन्द्रवरुणोपमः    ।

रामो दाशरथिश्श्रीमान्प्रविष्टो दण्डकावनम्  ॥

लक्ष्मणेन सह भ्रात्रा वैदेह्या चापि भार्यया  ।

तस्य भार्या जनस्थानाद् रावणेन हृता बलात्  ॥

"Noble lady, the supreme lord of all, equal in glory to Indra and Varuna, is the prince and son of Dasharatha of Ayodhya, Sri Rama. (Notice how Hanuman introduces Sri Rama as equal to Indra. This is needed to establish a certain regard for them in the eyes of Swayamprabha). 

"Sri Rama, for some reason, arrived in Dandaka forest, along with his younger brother Lakshmana and his wife, daughter of Janaka, Sita. 

"Sita was abducted from Janasthana by the rakshasa Ravana."

Hanuman explains how Sri Rama then befriended Sugriva, lord of all vanaras. Sugriva has despatched this army of vanaras to seek out Sita's whereabouts as well as information about Ravana. They took the blessings of Sage Agastya and came here, led by their prince Angada. But their search thus far has been in vain and also, they were deeply overcome by fatigue, hunger, and thirst.

Seeing this magical cave, they entered, on Hanuman's advice, and struggled through the dark passage holding each other for safety.

Hanuman now says,

आथित्यधर्मदत्तानि मूलानि च फलानि च ।

अस्माभिरुपभुक्तानि बुभुक्षापरिपीडितैः    ॥

यत्त्वया रक्षतास्सर्वे म्रियमाणा बुभुक्षया     ।

ब्रूहि प्रत्युपकारार्थं किं ते कुर्वन्तु वानराः    ॥

"Oh kind lady, by your righteous hospitality, we have eaten the sumptuous fare of fruits and roots and felt relieved of our suffering from hunger. You have indeed saved us from death by starvation. Please now be so kind as to tell us in what way the vanaras can repay you with true gratitude for your kind act."

The lady, who had disclosed by now her name as Swayamprabha (self-luminous), replies,

सर्वेषां परितुष्टास्मि वानराणां तरस्विनाम्  ।

चरन्त्या मम धर्मेण न कार्यमिह केनचित्   ॥

"Dear Hanuman,  Indeed I am already much pleased by the conduct of all of you powerful and good vanaras. In my ascetic Dharma, in fact, I lack nothing and nothing, therefore, need be done for me in return."

Hanuman then adds, in a dejected voice, that they have failed to accomplish the orders of their lord Sugriva who had commissioned them to discover Sita's whereabouts. The ultimatum of one month had also passed while they were wandering in this place. Now they really had nothing to look forward to in life.

Would she help them get out of this magical cavern so that they may go on searching for Sita?

Swayamprabha replies:

जीविता दुष्करं मन्ये प्रविष्टेन निवर्तितुम्    ।

तपसः सुप्रभावेण नियमोपार्जितेन च       ॥

सर्वानेव बिलादस्मात् तारयिष्यामि वानरान् ।

निमीलयत चक्षूंषि सर्वे वानरपुङ्गवाः         ॥

ततो निमीलिताः सर्वे सुकुमाराङ्गुलैः  करैः    ।

निमेषान्तरमात्रेण बिलादुत्तारितास्तया        ॥ 

"Dear Hanuman, it is impossible for anyone who has entered here to get out alive. However, by virtue of my spiritual powers acquired after much-regulated tapas, I shall now transport you out of this place. For this, all of you great vanaras have to close your eyes tight, as I tell you, "

Valmiki says, "thus did all the vanaras obediently close their eyes tight with their fists which had tender fingers. Lo! In less than a minute, they all found themselves standing outside that cave, thanks to Swayamprabha."

Notice how the poet Valmiki does not miss a chance to point out that even mighty simians have very human-like, in fact, tender and pink-looking fingers 😀.

Thereupon, to a most grateful Hanuman and others, Swayamprabha points out the Prasravana mountain and the yonder seashore. Blessing them to get all success, she goes back into the cave.

***

॥       श्रीरामजयम्        ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 28

September 28 - Sargas 49 and 50 of Kishkindha Kanda.

The vanaras, led by Angada and Tara, and showing full confidence in Hanuman, move through difficult terrains and dense forests with much difficulty. 

If we remember how the police of two states, Karnataka and Tamilnadu, found it hard to locate Dr.Rajkumar and Veerappan and how that search went on for months and even so unsuccessfully, we can begin to appreciate what the vanaras were up against. 

Ravana was the fiercest rakshasa, and an unconquerable emperor, commanding a large terrain and a huge army, with his box of tricks and powers. This was the dense, dense, south Indian Western ghats rain forest range, intractable for most of history, till some roads were built a few hundred years ago. Wild animals like tigers and elephants roamed in large numbers. 

Also, remember that drinking water bodies in mountains are always few and far between. 

***

Angada, who was in charge of the large contingent of vanaras, noticed that they were tired, hungry, thirsty, and very disheartened. The period of 30 days was about to end. And absolutely no inkling of where Sita might be.

Imagine Colombus or Vasco da Gama leading a ship of tired sailors with depleted food and water. How did he motivate the sailors to carry on? 

Prince Angada shows his leadership qualities when he speaks to the gathered vanaras under the tree:

वनानि गिरयो नद्यो दुर्गाणी गहनानि च ।

दरी गिरिगुहाश्चैव विचिताः सर्वमन्ततः   ॥

तत्र तत्र सहास्माभिर्जानकी न च दृश्यते     ।

तथा रक्षोऽपहर्ता च सीतायाश्चैव दुष्कृती  ॥ 

"Dear vanaras, we have searched thoroughly everywhere, in dense forests, on mountains, in rivers, in massive forts and deep caves. But we have found no trace of the glorious queen Janaki Sita nor of the despicable rakshasa who abducted her. 

"The time limit set by the draconian lord Sugriva is over. The only course left for us is to carry on in our search without let up."

विहाय तन्द्रीं शोकं च निद्रां चैव समुत्थिताम्     ।

विचिनुध्वं यथा सीतां पश्यामो जनकात्मजाम्  ॥

अनिर्वेदं च दाक्ष्यं च मनसश्चापराजयः             ।

कार्यसिद्धिकराण्याहुस्तस्मादेतद्ब्रवाम्यहम्        ॥ 

"Giving up laziness, defeatism, even sleep that is overpowering us, we should redouble our efforts until we succeed in our search for Sita. 

"The wise maintain that zeal, capability, and fortitude will surely overcome defeat and achieve success in whatever one undertakes. That is why I am saying this."

Angada again says that Sugriva will treat failure harshly and that they were all committed to serving the cause of Sri Rama. So there was no question of giving up.

The vanara Gandhamadana, although weakened by thirst, added in his parched voice that Angada was right and they should carry out his command.

The vanaras got up and resumed the search. Difficult mountains, dense forests, and many deep and dark caves ...nothing was left unexplored. Again they were fully exhausted and came to rest under a large tree.

***

The 30-day time limit was over. Hanuman continued his assiduous efforts, searching every nook and corner of every forest, mountain, and cave. The monkeys did not want to lose each other. So they trundled together, holding each other through dark regions. 

Suddenly they saw the mouth of a large cave, describable as a rikshabilam (cave of bears).  It was covered with creepers and bushes. (Imagine a scene from Avatar).  The vanaras were naturally curious, but also afraid. It looked like the abode of a rakshasa and seemed to be harbouring many kinds of animals.

Hanuman, whom Valmiki compares here to a huge mountain, came and spoke:

अस्माच्चापि बिलद्धंसाः क्रौञ्चाश्च सह सारसैः     ।

जलाद्राश्चक्रवाकाश्च निष्पतन्ति स्म सर्वशः         ॥

नूनं सलिलवानत्र कूपो वा यदि वा ह्रदः             ।

तथा चेमे बिलद्वारे स्निग्धास्तिष्ठन्ति पादपाः       ॥

"Look, friends, this cave is interesting. Out of it are flying swans and cranes and egrets. The chakravaka birds coming out are dripping wet and covered with red pollen. Therefore I am certain there is a hospitable place inside, and a plentiful source of water, surely a well or a pond. There appear to be many trees on the other side too, which may yield us our fruits."

Taking a lead, Hanuman entered that dark cave. The vanaras followed him, very edgily. It was indeed too dark for anyone else to see, but not for these vanaras who had powers to see even in great darkness. That foreboding place was yet scary for them, and they walked holding one another. They could hear the cries of tigers and lions inside.

Lo and behold! Some distance had been covered when the place opened up to reveal an enchanting, veritable, heaven.  The vanaras were disoriented by hunger, thirst, and exhaustion, and had walked in a strange darkness. So they took time to get adjusted to this.

They saw a stunning sight of a rich forest, all lit up, with tall sala, tamala, tala, champaka, naga and other trees.

The trees were divine. They had golden fruits and glitter of their own. The vanaras also saw altars and palace-fronts all decorated with gold, silver, and gems. There were strangely attractive fishes and tortoises. The palaces had attractive windows encrusted with pearls. Honey and fruits were dripping from the trees. Golden bees were buzzing around.

The vanaras saw beds and couches all decorated and fit for kings. There were even vehicles; utensils made of precious metals. A wide array of eatables was on display; many kinds of drinks. Here and there lay heaps of gold.

Stop and think. If you were a vanara there at that moment, what would be your thought!? Well, perhaps, you had stumbled on Ravana's secret palace and hideout! So Sita must be......

Just then, the vanaras saw an old lady. She was an ascetic, dressed in barks and deerskin. She shone with a rare lustre, acquired through tapas, no doubt. She looked like someone who never ate. The vanaras were frightened stiff.

Hanuman approached the lady. 

ततो हनूमान् गिरसंनिकाशः 

      कृताञ्जलिर्तामभिवाद्य वृद्धाम्      ।

 पप्रच्छ का त्वं भवनं बिलं च

      रत्नानि चेमानि वदस्व कस्य          ॥

"Thereupon, Hanuman, who was looking like a mountain in size, bowed down to that old woman and spoke words of respect. Then he inquired of her who she was, and to whom that cave palace with its treasures and everything else belonged."

***

॥            श्रीरामजयम्             ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 27

September 27 - Sargas 47 and 48 of Kishkindha Kanda.

The search parties return empty-handed from the north, east, and west within the time limit of one month.

The southward party of Hanuman and others encounter strange experiences, but there is no sign of Sita anywhere.

***

The vanaras despatched northward, eastward, and westward  searched most diligently every city, mountain, cave, and forest for Sita. They used to fan out at daybreak and exert themselves all day, only to retire at night very tired and hungry. They found fruit-laden trees and managed to eat whatever they could,  at night. 

विचित्य दिवसं सर्वे सीताधिगमने ़धृताः   ।

आसाद्य रजनीं शय्यां चक्रुः सर्वेष्वहःसु ते  ॥

"They spent every day making a thorough search in every nook and corner for Sita, resting only at nightfall on the bare earth wherever they found spots. "

तदहः प्रथमं कृत्वा मासे प्रस्रवणं गताः         ।

कपिराजेन संगम्य निराशाः कपिकुञ्जराः     ॥ 

"On the day that the one-month period ended, all the vanaras from the three directions returned to Prasravana mountain and reported to their lord Sugriva their disappointing news that they could not gather any information on Sita's whereabouts."

The vanara chiefs were apprehensive of Sugriva's anger on account of their failure. Yet, they went up to him.

Valmiki narrates how Sushena, Shatabali, Vinata, recounted all their adventures in crossing mountains and rivers, searching everywhere, even in intractable forests and deep caves, but in vain.

But all of them held out the same hope as Sugriva. Sugriva had seen that Sita was being carried off southward towards his Lankapuri by Ravana. Now that the ablest one of all, Hanuman himself, had been sent southward, he would be able to get good news about Sita.

***

Hanuman, along with the vanara chiefs Tara and Angada, thoroughly combed the Vindhyas, looking in every cave. They all travelled to many forts and cities and relentlessly looked for Sri Rama's queen Sita. They managed with whatever forest fare was available and were very conscious of the lapse of time. But no sign of Sita.

Once they entered a strange forest with tree stumps shorn of all greenery, the whole region water-less and desolate with even no insects in sight. This was a  region cursed by a rishi by the name of Kandu whose sixteen-year-old son had died there. In his anger, the rishi had turned the place into a lifeless land. Finding the going very tough, Hanuman and the rest of vanaras moved to the next region which was full of creepers and bushes. 

There a huge demon appeared all of a sudden, ready to kill the vanaras. He rushed towards them, ready to devour them. Angada was quick to act.

तमापतन्तं सहसा वालिपुत्रोऽङ्गदस्तदा     ।

रावणोऽयमिति ज्ञात्वा तलेनाभिजघान ह ॥

"Thinking that the demon attacking them was none other than Ravana, Vali's brave son Angada at once leapt at him and struck a powerful blow with his palm."

Struck by Angada, the demon fell to the ground, vomiting blood and lay dead. Then the hopeful vanaras enthusiastically searched everywhere around for Sita, in the nearby forests and deep caves. But alas, there was no Sita.

Finally, all the vanaras collected under a tree, looking jaded and dejected after meeting with no success at all in their search for Sita.

***

॥           श्रीरामजयम्           ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 26

September 26 - Sargas 45 and 46 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Every vanara chief assigned to the big mission of searching for Sita in one of the four directions is filled with extraordinary enthusiasm and zestful zeal. They all make a huge noise, as is, Valmiki says, natural for vanaras.

नन्दन्तश्चोन्नदन्तश्च गर्जन्तश्च प्लवङ्गमाः      ।

क्ष्वेडन्तो धावमानाश्च विनन्दन्तो महाबलाः ॥

अहमेको वधिष्यामि प्राप्तं रावणमाहवे । 

ततश्चोन्मथ्य सहसा हरिष्ये जनकात्मजाम्  ॥

"The mighty vanaras then raised a tumult of noise, shouting war-like slogans of valour and leaping about in the air. 

" Every one of them claimed that he would strive with every effort to fulfill the mission, dealing with every mountain and forest hurdle with ease and terrorising any enemies. 

" I will single-handedly kill Ravana when he meets me in battle. Then, I will churn the enemy army and bring back Sita, the daughter of Janaka!" 

Such great roars of enthusiasm filled the air as the parties departed, leaving Sugriva very pleased. 

Sri Rama and Lakshmana went back to their cave on Prasravana, to wait out the month optimistically. 

***

After the search parties departed, Sri Rama asked a very pertinent question to Sugriva. 

"Oh, king, from where did you get this encyclopaedic knowledge of the world, with so much detail of geographies and peoples? This is simply incredible!" 

Sugriva reverentially replied. 

"Oh noble Sri Rama, when Vali went into the cave to engage Dundubhi rakshasa who had called for battle taking the form of a buffalo, Vali remained inside that cave for a whole year. I waited patiently outside at its mouth, hearing war cries. After a year, the sounds died out and blood gushed out of the mouth of the cave. Distressed beyond imagination at Vali's plausible death and Dundubhi's impending attack, I sealed the cave with a huge rock and returned to Kishkindha. "

" Imagine my utter surprise and joy when Vali returned. But alas! He took my coronation in the interim to have been sheer treachery and came to kill me and my lieutenants. I had to flee for my life. "

ततोऽहं वालिना तेन सोऽनुबद्धः प्रधावितः  । 

नदीश्च विविधाः पश्यन् वनानि नगराणि च  ॥ 

आदर्शतलसंकाशा ततो वै पृथिवी मया     । 

अलातचक्रप्रतिमा दृष्टा गोष्पदवत् कृता    ॥

"Therefore, Sri Rama, I had to flee, pursued by the violent Vali, everywhere, seeing so many rivers and forests and cities, without respite. 

" You might say that the whole world was seen by me as if in a (rearview!?) mirror in a rapid motion view, indeed looking like a ring of fire that I was fleeing constantly. In fact the whole earth was reduced in my mind to a small hoof-mark of a cow, so much of the earth did I cover so fast. "

Himalayas to the seas, so many lands and peoples, from Vindhyas to sandal forests in the south... All passed Sugriva repeatedly in a flash. 

After this thrilling description of a relentless chase and escapades, Sugriva says that Hanuman, his brilliant minister, one day said:

"Oh Sugriva! I just remembered something! There is one place Vali cannot catch you in! 

मतङ्गेन तदा शप्तो ह्यस्मिन्नाश्रममण्डले      । 

प्रविशेद् यदि वै वाली मूर्धास्य शतधा भवेत् ॥

" As a consequence of Vali's defiling the Matanga Ashrama in Rishyamuka, the sage Matanga pronounced a curse on Vali that if he ever dared enter that ashrama region, his head would split into a thousand pieces!" 

"Thus, did I, Sri Rama, along with my close counsellors, land up in Rishyamuka as a safe haven where you met me. I stopped running away from Vali. True enough, as Hanuman had said, Vali dared not come there to attack me." 

***

॥      श्रीरामजयम्      ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - September 25

September 25 - Sargas 43 and 44 of Kishkindha Kanda. 

Sugriva despatches the Northward search party with clear instructions about what to expect and how to look for Sita.

Finally, Sugriva calls Hanuman aside and expresses complete confidence that it will be Hanuman alone who will be able to discover Sita's location and bring the good news, irrespective of challenges from anyone in the three worlds.

Sri Rama is immensely pleased to know about Hanuman's strengths and maturity. He calls him aside and requests him to take his signet ring to show Sita and alleviate her anxiety.

***

Sugriva calls the mighty vanara warrior Shatavali and asks him to take a hundred thousand-strong army and proceed northward in search of Sita and Ravana's hideout. He describes the northern regions eloquently with an easy familiarity with the terrain. Out of many shlokas, I shall quote only a few:

तत्तु शीघ्रमतिक्रम्य कान्तारं रोमहर्षणम्      ।

कैलासं पाण्डुरं प्राप्य हृष्टा यूयं भविष्यथ   ॥

तत्र पाण्डुरमेघाभं जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृतम्    ।

कुबेरभवनं रम्यं निर्मितं विश्वकर्मणा       ॥

Sugriva says, "Northward, after you cross Himalayan peaks, you come to a large desolate flat land with no vegetation (an obvious reference to the Tibetan plateau). Passing that quickly, as it is most inhospitable, you arrive at the delightful snowy mountain Kailasa. You will surely be thrilled to see that peak. There exists the exquisite white mansion, embellished with gold,  of Kubera, built by Vishwakarma himself. "

We know that Ravana is the younger step-brother of the deity of wealth, Kubera, and Ravana evicted him from Lanka and usurped his pushpaka vimana. 

Sugriva tells the vanaras that there is every chance that Sita may have been hidden away in that region. 

Sugriva describes many lands and peoples, mostly of a different race than the ones in the Indian peninsula, who are good looking, and worship the sages and gods diligently. 

There is finally the abode of the gods where live Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There is an ocean there in the middle of which is the mountain over which is heaven.

Sugriva tells this party also that they should not proceed beyond a certain point as there is no chance of life. They should come back quickly, after getting the good news of Sita's whereabouts. The time limit is one month. After returning triumphantly, they can enjoy their lives in the company of family and friends. 

It is vital, Sugriva says, that Sita is discovered and Sri Rama is satisfied, as it is the Dharmic responsibility owed by Sugriva. 

***

Notice how Sugriva does not extend the death threat to two search parties - the north and especially the south. He knows that Ravana has been operating in those two spheres. So their thoroughness is more important than returning quickly.

***

Now Sugriva calls Hanuman aside and says a few important words:

सासुराः सहगन्धर्वाः सनागनरदेवताः      ।

विदिताः सर्वलोकास्ते ससागरधराधराः  ॥

गतिर्वेगश्च तेजश्च लाघवं च महाकपे        ।

पितुस्ते सदृशं वीर मारुतस्य महौजसः     ॥

तेजसा वापि ते भूतं न समं भुवि विद्यते      ।

सद् यथा लभ्यते सीता तत्त्वमेवानुचिन्तय   ॥

त्वय्येव हनुमन्नस्ति बलं बुद्धिः पराक्रमः     ।

देशकालानुवृत्तिश्च नयश्च नयपण्डित         ॥ 

Sugriva tells Hanuman, "along with gods, gandharvas, nagas and other deities, all creatures in the seas and on mountains - the whole world knows you, Hanuman, for what you are!

"In speed, agility, radiance, flexibility, oh, great vanara, Hanuman, you are fully equal to your great father the Windgod Vayu, with his divine glory.

" Either in brilliance, or special powers, there is just no one to equal you on earth. Therefore, Hanuman, please apply your mind well to the question of how to bring back Sita.

"Dear Hanuman, you are the master of making right decisions always, based on time and place. You alone possess the prowess, bravery, and intelligence to accomplish this task. More than anything else, you know soft diplomacy and a way of achieving our ends astutely and gently. You are a master in that!"

What an introduction to the world's greatest superhero ever. I feel blessed even to read this.

***

Sri Rama, now fully cognizant of Hanuman's vital mission, calls him aside. He is already feeling happy that the mission would be successful. He then takes out his signet ring, with its distinct appearance and markings that would enable Sita to know for sure that Hanuman had come as Sri Rama's emisssary. 

मत्सकाशादनुप्राप्तमनुद्विग्नाऽनुपश्यति  "Dear Sita, daughter of king Janaka, will recognise you as having come on my behalf and so will react without agitation."

"Dear Hanuman, hearing Sugriva's words and knowing your calibre in every aspect, I am sure you will succeed in this mission."

Hanuman reverently receives the ring from Sri Rama and places it securely on his head, and bows down with folded hands. He then prostrates to Sri Rama and leaves. 

***

Valmiki says Hanuman stood out then in the assembly of all those mighty vanaras who looked like shining stars, like the brilliant full moon in the cloudless autumn sky.

***

॥       श्रीरामजयम्       ॥ 

  

Vakmiki Ramayana - September 24

September 24 - Sargas 41 and 42 of Ksihkindha Kanda.

Now Sugriva selects his ablest lieutenants (वानरान् अभिलक्षितान्), under the leadership of Angada and despatches them to the south. His choice of the vanaras indicates that he is certain they will return with success.

नीलमग्निसुतं चैव हनूमन्तं च वानरम्    ।

पितामहसुतं चैव जाम्बवन्तं महौजसम्  ॥  

तेषामग्रेसरं चैव बृहद्बलमथाङ्गदम्         ।

विधाय हरिवीराणामादिशद् दक्षिणां दिशम् ॥

"Sugriva now called out Nila, son of Agni, the glorious Hanuman, the mighty Jambavan, son of Brahma, and in fact also Suhotra, Sarari, Saragulma, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sushena, Vrishabha, Mainda, Dvivida, Vijaya, Gandhamadana, Ulka, and Asanga, and under the leadership of the ablest, Angada, of great strength, directed these powerful vanaras to proceed southward. "

What follows is a description of the Indian peninsula. It appears that the south team had the largest variety of lands to cover, and Sugriva shows that he is confident that they will meet with success in discovering where Sita has been stowed away by Ravana.

Starting with the Vindhyas, the Narmada river, Dandakaranya, and so on, Sugriva mentions that the vanaras will be crossing Godavari, Krishna(veni), Mahanadi, Varada, and Mahabhaga rivers...They will pass countries like Mekhala, Utkala (Odisha), Dasarna, Asvavanti and Avanti...Vidarbha, Rishika, the beautiful country of Mashaka, Vanga, Kalinga, Kaushika... Andhra, Pundra, Chola, Pandya and even Kerala. All these are mentioned by Sugriva by name. He says there is an iron deposit-rich mountain Ayomukha (now Kudremukh with its iron ore mines!), the great peak (now Doddabetta!), and lots of sandal wood forests (Karnataka).

ततस्तामापगां दिव्यां प्रसन्नसलिलां शिवाम्    ।

तत्र द्रक्ष्यथ कावेरीं विहितामप्सरोगणैः            ॥

"Then you will set your eyes on the sacred river Cauvery with pure and auspicious waters, where celestial nymphs sport."

He mentions the hermitage of the sage Agastya, resplendent like the sun, on top of the Malaya mountain. Sugriva pointedly tells the vanaras to seek Agastya's blessings.

Then they will cross the Tamraparni river full of alligators, which they should cross with the sage's permission.

Sugriva says they will then come to the seashore, where the rivers meet the ocean like a woman meeting her lover. He gives a detailed description of the Pandya kingdom with the city of pearl gates.

At the edge of the ocean, on Mahendra peak, they should stop and decide their future course.

There is an island of a hundred yojanas, difficult to reach, in the ocean. 

तत्र सर्वात्मना सीता मार्गितव्या विशेषतः   ।

स हि देशस्तु वध्यस्य रावणस्य दुरात्मनः    ॥

"In that island, search for Sita thoroughly, all of you! For that island is the kingdom of the evil rakshasa Ravana, who deserves to be killed for his misdeed."

Sugriva describes more sights and places, mountains, and kingdoms, legendary female monsters who catch their victims by swallowing their shadows. Terrible ogres and even the afterworld of the departed ruled by Yama, which shall not be entered into.

Sugriva tells this south-bound team of heroes to return with cries of victory, "दृष्टा सीता" within a month, and whoever hero meets with success will be rewarded very generously and will be forgiven for any of his past misdeeds.

There is some consternation among commentators who wonder why Sugriva has described so many places north of Kishkindha (present-day Hampi). I have an explanation. I think the so-called South team had so much area to cover and they had to begin their advance from north of Vindhyas. Otherwise, the incongruity is inexplicable.

***

Now Sugriva orders his own father-in-law, Sushena, a senior vanara chief and father of queen Tara, to lead the search party going west. Sushena has many brilliant vanara warriors with divine powers in his party.

The western region of Saurashtra, Bahlika and so on, with forests of rare trees, cactus-filled deserts and the meeting point of Sindhu river with the ocean, as well as fantastic mountains with valleys on top, immeasurable fortunes in Gandharva-ruled lands which are impregnable, are all mentioned. Whales, alligators, sharks, are all mentioned. Sugriva mentions that there is land's end there when they reach the horizon, beyond which there will be no sun.

The abode of Varuna, god of the seas, may well be where Sita has been taken by Ravana. So every place has to be thoroughly searched in the western direction.

Sugriva repeats his ultimatum of 30 days and the death penalty for delays, adding that this applies despite the fact that Sushena is himself leading the search party. But he is confident that under Sushena's mature leadership, nothing untoward will come to pass.

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्     ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 23

September 23 - Sargas 39 and 40 of Kishkindha Kanda.

Valmiki mentions the several vanara chiefs and their immense armies as they descend on Rishyamuka. Their martial spirit is beginning to light up like a huge fire.

Sugriva, on instruction from Sri Rama, begins to despatch the armies in different directions, starting with the eastward search for Sita. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the terrain, landmarks, and peoples does not fail to impress us.

***

Sri Rama embraces Sugriva and praises his great quality of extending unstinting help in searching for Sita. He compares his reliable nature of friendship to the constancy of Indra who always gives rain and the sun god who always dispels darkness. Sri Rama expresses confidence that now with Sugriva's help, he will be able to retrieve Sita after killing the rakshasas.

Suddenly the skies darken as if it is nightfall. Millions of vanaras of every size and description descend in hordes there, filling up the skies like dense clouds, Valmiki gives a detailed description of each contingent, where they came from, who was their leader, and how they celebrated their arrival. It is a long list and many vanara chiefs are mentioned - Tara, Sushena, Nala, Nila, Kesari, even Jambavan (bears), Gavaksha (golongulas with cow tails), Dhumra (also bears), Durmukha, Panasa, Angada, Mainda, and Dvivida (twins sired by the Ashwini twin gods), Sarabha, Kumuda, Vahni, Ramhi and so on. 

कैलासशिखराकारैर्वानरैभीमविक्रमैः ।

वृतः कोटिसहस्रेण हनुमान्प्रत्यदृश्यत  ॥

"Hanuman was seen to arrive, surrounded by ten billion vanaras who were of terrific valour who looked like the mighty Kailasa peak itself."

The vanaras leapt up and roared constantly in martial enthusiasm. They looked fierce and dangerous. 

All the vanaras came and bowed down to Sugriva. He then presented the vanara chiefs by name to Sri Rama, introducing their mountainous locations, their army strength and so on. They all had magical strength and could assume any form they wished and explore any region on earth or underwater.

***

Sugriva now bowed down to Sri Rama and said they awaited his orders. Sri Rama replied, embracing Sugriva, "oh mighty warrior and lord of vanaras, I wish to know whether Vaidehi is alive or not. Also where the rakshasa Ravana lives. "

अधिगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च            ।

प्राप्तकालं विधास्यामि तस्मिन्काले सह त्वया  ॥

"Oh Sugriva, after coming to know where Vaidehi is and where Ravana resides, I shall decide the proper time and course of action in consultation with you."

Sri Rama makes it clear that neither he nor Lakshmana will issue any commands to the vanara army. Sugriva is their supreme leader and the only one who should command them. So let Sugriva kindly decide and issue his orders.

***

Sugriva called one of his able commanders by the name of Vinata. He was huge like a mountain. In a voice resembling thunder, Sugriva gave him his orders in the presence of Sri Rama and Lakshmana.

देशकालनयैर्युक्तः कार्याकार्यविनिश्चये ।

वृतश्शतसहस्रेण वानराणां तरस्विनाम्   ॥

अधिगच्छ दिशं पूर्वां सशैलवनकाननाम् ।

तत्र सीतां च वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च   ॥

मार्गध्वं गिरिशृङ्गेषु वनेषु च नदीषु च       ।

"Oh Vinata, you are adept in taking timely decisions and knowing what to do. Surrounded by lakhs of vanaras, all of great valour, go eastward in the region full of mountains and forests. Go and search thoroughly for Sita and also explore Ravana's residence, looking in every mountain peak and forest and even in rivers."

Valmiki then makes Sugriva give an incredible amount of detail of the various regions and peoples they will encounter in the eastern direction. He names all the mighty rivers, their different types of waters; silkworms and silver mines; cannibals with long ears; people of golden complexion and handsome looks,  tiger-like men, forest dwellers and aborigines; regions beyond the Java island, mineral and gem deposit-rich lands; divine constructions by Vishwakarma and Garuda's abode; many kinds of demons; royal swans, lotuses with golden filaments, and so on. Even the golden peak Jatarupashila on which resides the divine snake Ananta is described. Sugriva mentions where Vishnu in his Trivikrama form placed his two steps.

The vanaras are told that they cannot proceed beyond a certain horizon as there is no light there. They should exert themselves tirelessly to locate Sita. They should return successfully within one month with happy faces.

In any case, if they delay their return beyond a month, they shall all be put to death. 

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्       ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - September 22

September 22 - Sargas 37 and 38 of Kishkindha Kanda describe how Sugriva efficiently gathers his immense army of vanaras and bears from the four corners of earth before proceeding to Sri Rama with Lakshmana to report the progress. 

***

Often, we read headlines in the Kannada newspapers that the government has issued such a stringent order that anyone who violates the order will face severe penalties. Such an order is described as "Sugrivaajne" - "Sugriva's order." We will be reading in these and next sargas about how the vanaras and bears were quite frightened of Sugriva's punishment and their obedience was always total.

***

Now Sugriva calls Hanuman. He issues stern orders that reinforce his earlier diktat to the senior vanaras to go and gather all the warriors within 2 weeks. This time he says it should be complied with in just ten days, with the penalty of death to any vanaras if they did not comply with the order and report here.

महेन्द्रहिमवद्विन्ध्यकैलासशिखरेषु च            ।

मन्दरे पाण्डुशिखरे पञ्चशैलेषु ये सिथिताः  ॥

तरुणादित्यवर्णेषु भ्राजमानेषु नित्यशः     ।

पर्वतेषु समुद्रान्ते पश्चिमस्यां च ये दिशि ॥

तांस्तांस्त्वमानय क्षिप्रं पृथिव्यां सर्ववानरान्    ।

सामदानादिभिः कल्पैर्वानरैर्वेगवत्तरैः        ॥

"Oh Hanuman, from the Mahendra mountain, from the Himalayas, from Vindhyas, from the peak of Kailasa, from the white peak Mandara mountain,  from the Panchashaila range, all the vanaras who reside there...

"from the mountain ranges that shine with the golden colour of the rising sun, from all over indeed, including the mountains on seashores, also from the western end of the earth,

"instruct all the vanaras of the entire planet to assemble without delay. Send for them with inducements of appeasement and praise, and stir them to act with speed. Send out your best senior vanaras, those who had already been instructed to do so, to double their efforts now and get every one of the vanaras and rikshas (bears) within ten days. "

Sugriva describes how these vanaras have divine powers, are like mountains in size and like elephants in strength, and travel so swiftly together as to cloud the sky. And all these vanaras owe their allegiance to the supreme lord, Sugriva. Therefore their absolute compliance shall be ensured by Hanuman and the senior vanara chiefs who shall fan out with a repeat instruction from Sugriva.

There is also a reference to how vanaras are prone to be lost in drink and carnal pleasures but they should be forced and induced as the case may be to comply at once and arrive in Rishyamuka.

Valmiki says that the order had its due effect and vanaras and rikshas started arriving in millions very quickly. A wide range of simians, some red in colour, some black like collyrium, some like molten gold, indeed all with impressive appearances, came in hordes. Some had tails like cows. Some had manes like lions. They fed on bananas, coconut milk, and so on, and yet they had terrific strength and fierce looks. They had mighty reputations for impossibly powerful deeds. And they were all thrilled that they had been enlisted by their king Sugriva ifor Sri Rama's service.

Enroute, the vanaras came to a place in the forest, where, under the canopy of a very large tree, a special yajna was being performed to propitiate Lord Shiva. The monkeys climbed that tree and beheld the Himalayan peaks.  The vanaras then came down and partook of the special fruits and roots offered as havis to the deity. These offerings were indeed special, tasting like nectar, and they conferred on the one eating them a feeling of satiation and freedom from hunger and thirst for a whole month. The vanaras collected this prasada (holy communion) and medicinal herbs as well as divine flowers from that yajna sacred fire altar.

Thus an incalculable number of vanaras and rikshas arrived in Kishkindha's vicinity in an incredibly short time. 

***

The vanaras arrived and reported duly to their king Sugriva. They offered him the special yajna prasada they had brought after the worship of Lord Shiva. Sugriva was immensely pleased. 

Lakshmana was very delighted by this swift and decisive progress made under Surgiva's order. He gently requested Sugriva that they should not delay going to Sri Rama now.

Sugriva instructed that a great palanquin be readied at once for him and Lakshmana. Sugriva requested Lakshmana to take his seat on it. Together with Lakshmana, Sugriva went in that special palanquin carried by terrific vanaras, along with a contigent of mighty vanaras carrying their weapons, in a procession to the mountain cave where Sri Rama was waiting. The procession with the ceremonial white umbrella, yak tail fans, and a musical band of wind and percussion instruments, made a pretty picture as the vanaras constantly cheered all the way.

Sugriva alighted and went and touched Sri Rama's feet. Sri Rama lifted him up and embraced him warmly.

Sri Rama said to Sugriva, 

"Indeed he is a great king who knows when to pursue Dharma, artha and kama (righteous duty, economic pursuits, and pursuit of pleasures) respectively. A king who does not know what is the right thing to do at the right time and engages in trivia will fall from his position like a man sitting on a tree dosing off carelessly and inadvertently.

" I am glad you are now with all your mighty warriors and chiefs. Please confer and decide what is the best course of action now."

Sugriva again bowed down to Sri Rama and replied, "Oh Lord Sri Rama, it is entirely by your grace that I have secured my kingship and the leadership of this large army. There is no question of my falling from my duty. 

 "These powerful vanaras are all sons of divine beings and possess incredible power as well as knowledge of how to enter the most inaccessible places.

ते त्वामाभिगमिष्यन्ति राक्षसं योद्धुमाहवे   ।

निहत्य रावणं सङ्ख्ये ह्यानयिष्यन्ति मैथिलीम्   ॥  

"These vanaras coming and reporting to you are the same who will go and kill Ravana along with his rakshasa troops and relatives and shall surely bring back Maithili Sita to you."

Hearing these words, Sri Rama looked very pleased and resembled in his radiant joy a blooming blue lotus.

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्      ॥