Kāṇḍa 3

3.1.1 Entering the great forest, the Daṇḍaka wilderness, the self-possessed and invincible Rāma beheld the precinct of the ascetics' hermitage.

3.1.2 Surrounded by kuśa grass and bark cloth, pervaded by the radiance of Brahmā, it blazed forth, difficult to behold — like the disk of the sun flaming in the sky.

3.1.3 It was a refuge for all beings, its courtyard always well-swept, perpetually honored and danced upon by troops of Apsarases.

3.1.4 It was adorned with broad fire-shelters, sacrificial ladles and vessels, antelope skins, kuśa grass, sacred fuel, water-pots, fruits and roots.

3.1.5 Ringed with great forest trees bearing auspicious sweet fruits, consecrated by bali offerings and fire-oblations, holy and resounding with the chanting of the Veda.

3.1.6 Encircled by wild flowers and a lotus-pond thick with blooms, inhabited by self-restrained ascetics subsisting on fruits and roots, clad in bark cloth and black antelope hides.

3.1.7 Surrounded by ancient sages effulgent as the sun and fire, adorned by great seers of controlled diet and holy conduct.

3.1.8 That place resembled the abode of Brahmā, reverberating with Vedic recitation, beautified by blessed brāhmaṇas who knew Brahman.

3.1.9 Beholding that precinct of the ascetics' hermitage, the glorious Rāghava of great splendor strung his great bow and advanced.

3.1.10 Those great seers, possessed of divine knowledge, seeing Rāma, came forward joyfully to meet him and the illustrious Vaidehī as well.

3.1.11 Those walkers of righteousness, firm in their vows, beholding him like the rising moon, pronouncing auspicious blessings, received him with honor.

3.1.12 The forest-dwelling ascetics gazed in wonder at Rāma's physical form, his noble bearing, his beauty, his delicacy, and the grace of his appearance.

3.1.13 All those forest wanderers beheld Vaidehī, Lakṣmaṇa, and Rāma with eyes that seemed not to blink, as though gazing at marvels.

3.1.14 There the blessed ones, devoted to the welfare of all beings, lodged Rāghava as a guest in the leaf-thatched hall.

3.1.15 Then those blessed sages, blazing like fire, walkers of righteousness, having duly honored Rāma with proper rites, brought water for him.

3.1.16 Having offered roots, flowers, forest fruits and the hermitage to the great-souled one, those knowers of dharma then spoke with joined palms.

3.1.17 "The king is protector of the dharma of his people, refuge of the greatly renowned, worthy of worship and of honor, the wielder of the rod of justice, the master."

3.1.18 "A king who protects his subjects receives a fourth share of Indra's merit, O Rāghava; therefore the king, honored by all the world, enjoys wealth even from forests."

3.1.19 "We dwell within your domain and must be protected by you; whether you reside in the city or the forest, you are our king and lord of the people."

3.1.20 "We who have laid down the rod, conquered anger, and mastered our senses — we ascetics whose wealth is austerity — must always be protected by you as though we were in the womb."

3.1.21 Having spoken thus, they honored Rāghava along with Lakṣmaṇa with fruits, roots, wild flowers, and various other foods.

3.1.22 Other accomplished ascetics, blazing like Vaiśvānara fire, righteous in conduct, likewise gratified the lordly Rāma in proper fashion.

3.2.1 Rāma, having been duly received as a guest, then, toward the rising of the sun, took leave of all the sages and plunged into the forest.

3.2.2 Crowded with herds of various animals, frequented by tigers and wolves, its trees, creepers and thickets fallen and broken, its pools of water hard to see.

3.2.3 Rāma, followed by Lakṣmaṇa, beheld the interior of that forest bereft of calling birds, but resounding with the cries of swarms of crickets.

3.2.4 In the midst of that forest filled with fearsome beasts, Kākutstha encountered a man-eater, tall as a mountain peak, roaring with a mighty voice.

3.2.5 Deep-eyed, vast-mouthed, misshapen, with a belly like a poison-pot — repulsive, uneven, towering, grotesque, and terrible to behold.

3.2.6 He was clad in a tiger skin soaked in fat and drenched in blood, his gaping mouth inspiring terror in all creatures — like Death itself with jaws flung wide.

3.2.7 Three lions, four tigers, two wolves, ten spotted deer, and the great head of an elephant with its tusks, all smeared with marrow and fat —

3.2.8 — were hung upon an iron spit. That one, roaring with a great voice, upon seeing Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā the daughter of Maithilī —

3.2.9 — rushed at them in violent fury like Death the Destroyer come for living creatures, uttering a fearsome roar as if shaking the very earth.

3.2.10 Seizing Vaidehī with one arm and withdrawing, he then spoke: "You two bear matted hair and bark cloth, yet travel with a wife — your lives are forfeit."

3.2.11 "You have entered the Daṇḍaka forest bearing arrows, bows and swords. How can two who pass as ascetics dwell here in the company of a woman?"

3.2.12 "Who are you two sinners, walkers of unrighteousness, defilers of sages? I am the Rākṣasa named Virādha, and this impenetrable forest is mine."

3.2.13 "I roam here always, armed, devouring the flesh of sages. This woman of beautiful form shall become my wife, and I shall drink the blood of you two sinners in battle."

3.2.14 Hearing the arrogant and boastful words thus spoken by the evil-souled Virādha, Sītā, daughter of Janaka, became distraught and trembled with anguish like a plantain tree in the wind.

3.2.15 Seeing the lovely Sītā clutched in Virādha's embrace, Rāghava spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, his face parched with grief.

3.2.16 "See, dear Saumya, the daughter of King Janaka, my wife, virtuous in conduct, the illustrious princess reared in the utmost comfort — now placed in Virādha's lap."

3.2.17 "Whatever was intended against us, whatever boon was sought and obtained — all of Kaikeyī's scheming has come to swift fruition this very day, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.2.18 "She who was not satisfied with the kingdom, that far-sighted one who had me — declared a blessing to all beings — sent to the forest for the sake of her son: that middle mother of mine has now achieved her desire."

3.2.19 "O Saumitre, there is no grief deeper for me than the touch of another man upon Vaidehī — not the death of my father, not the seizure of my rightful kingdom."

3.2.20 As Kākutstha spoke thus, overwhelmed by tears and grief, Lakṣmaṇa, enraged, spoke — restrained, yet hissing like a great serpent.

3.2.21 "You who are like Vāsava, the lord of all beings, why do you grieve as though you had no protector, O Kākutstha, when I, your servant, stand here?"

3.2.22 "Struck down today by my arrow in fury, the Rākṣasa Virādha, bereft of life, shall have the earth drink his blood."

3.2.23 "The rage that was in me against Bharata, who coveted the kingdom — that I shall now release upon Virādha, as the wielder of the thunderbolt hurls his bolt upon a mountain."

3.2.24 "Driven by the force and speed of my arm's strength, let a great arrow fall upon his broad chest, let it strip the life from his body, and let him then fall spinning to the earth."

3.3.1 Then Virādha spoke again, filling the forest with his voice, asking the two about themselves: "Tell me who you two are, and where you intend to go."

3.3.2 Then Rāma of very great splendor addressed the Rākṣasa with his blazing countenance as he questioned them, declaring his own lineage of Ikṣvāku.

3.3.3 "Know us as two Kṣatriyas endowed with proper conduct, roaming the forest. We, in turn, wish to know you: who are you, roaming the Daṇḍaka forest?"

3.3.4 Virādha then addressed Rāma of true valor: "Very well, I shall tell you, O king — hear what is mine, O Rāghava."

3.3.5 "I am the son of Jaya; my mother is Śatahradā. All Rākṣasas in the world call me Virādha."

3.3.6 "By my austerities I have also obtained, by the grace of Brahmā, invulnerability to weapons in this world, and the quality of being neither cleavable nor pierceable."

3.3.7 "Abandon this woman and flee the way you came, without a backward glance. I shall not take your lives — go, make haste and preserve yourselves."

3.3.8 Rāma, his eyes reddened with anger, replied to that Rākṣasa of misshapen form, Virādha of evil mind:

3.3.9 "Wretch! Shame on you, base creature — you seek death. You shall certainly find it in battle. Stand fast; you shall not leave me alive."

3.3.10 Then Rāma, stringing his bow, nocking razor-sharp arrows with great speed, struck the Rākṣasa.

3.3.11 He released seven arrows from his string-fitted bow — arrows with golden flights, of great velocity, swift as Suparṇa and the wind.

3.3.12 Piercing the body of Virādha, who was clad in peacock feathers, those arrows fell to the ground drenched in blood, blazing like fire.

3.3.13 He — uttering a mighty roar — raised a pike tall as Indra's banner, and stood blazing forth like Death with gaping jaws.

3.3.14 That pike, resembling a thunderbolt, blazing in the sky like fire — Rāma, foremost of weapon-bearers, split it asunder with two arrows.

3.3.15 Saumitre broke the left arm of that fearsome being, while Rāma swiftly broke the right arm of the Rākṣasa.

3.3.16 His arms broken, the agitated Rākṣasa fell swiftly to the earth — like a cloud-mass, like a mountain split by the thunderbolt. Then Virādha spoke to Kākutstha, bull among men:

3.3.17 "Kausalyā is indeed blessed in her son — I recognize you, dear one: you are Rāma, and the greatly blessed Vaidehī, and the greatly glorious Lakṣmaṇa."

3.3.18 "By a terrible curse I entered this Rākṣasa form — I am the Gandharva named Tumburu, cursed by Vaiśravaṇa."

3.3.19 "And when I sought to propitiate him, the greatly glorious one said to me: 'When Rāma, son of Daśaratha, slays you in battle —'"

3.3.20 "'— then you shall regain your true nature and go to heaven.' Thus spoke King Vaiśravaṇa to me, who had been attached to the Apsarā Rambhā."

3.3.21 "When I did not attend upon him he became enraged and pronounced the curse. By your grace I am freed from this most dreadful curse; I shall now go to my own abode. May you be well, O scorcher of enemies."

3.3.22 "Not far from here, a league and a half away, dwells the righteous and valiant great sage Śarabhaṅga, O dear one, blazing like the sun."

3.3.23 "Go to him swiftly; he will arrange what is best for you. And cast me into a pit, O Rāma, then depart in good health."

3.3.24 "This is the eternal law for Rākṣasas who have departed life: those who are interred in a pit attain eternal worlds."

3.3.25 Having thus addressed Kākutstha, Virādha, pierced by arrows, the mighty one, laid down his body and attained heaven.

3.3.26 Lifting up that open-throated, spike-eared one roaring with a dreadful sound, they cast Virādha bellowing into a pit.

3.3.27 Then those two, bearing bows adorned with gold, having slain the Rākṣasa and taking Maithilī between them, roamed joyfully through the great forest — like the moon and sun standing together in the sky.

3.4.1 Having slain Virādha, that demon of terrible strength, in the forest, the valiant Rāma then embraced Sītā, comforted her, and spoke to his brother Lakṣmaṇa of blazing splendour.

3.4.2 "This forest is terrible and difficult to traverse, and we are not accustomed to woodland living. Let us quickly go to Śarabhaṅga, that treasury of ascetic merit."

3.4.3 And so Rāghava proceeded to the hermitage of Śarabhaṅga.

3.4.4 Near Śarabhaṅga—that one whose soul had been purified by asceticism and who possessed the radiance of a god—Rāma beheld a great and wondrous sight.

3.4.5 He saw the lord of the gods, his form blazing like the sun and fire combined, not touching the earth.

3.4.6 The god was adorned with brilliant ornaments, wore spotless garments, and was being venerated by many great-souled beings of his own kind.

3.4.7 From a distance Rāma beheld his chariot standing aloft in the sky, yoked with tawny horses, resembling the newly risen sun.

3.4.8 He saw a pure white parasol resembling a dense pale cloud or the orb of the moon, adorned with varied garlands.

3.4.9 Two foremost fly-whisks of yak-tail hair, fitted with golden handles of great worth, were held by forest women and waved above his head.

3.4.10 Many gandharvas, immortals, siddhas, and supreme sages were praising the god stationed in the sky with choice words of hymn.

3.4.11 Beholding the Performer of a Hundred Sacrifices there, Rāma said to Lakṣmaṇa: "Those tawny horses moving through the sky—these are certainly the divine horses of Puruhūta, of Śakra, of whom we have heard tell."

3.4.12 "And these, O tiger among men, who stand around the chariot in hundreds upon hundreds—young, wearing earrings, swords in hand—"

3.4.13 "—on each one's chest gleam garlands like flames; they all bear the appearance, O son of Sumitrā, of twenty-five years of age."

3.4.14 "For such, they say, is the eternal age of the gods—just as these tiger-like men appear, so pleasing to behold."

3.4.15 "Stay here a moment with Vaidehī, Lakṣmaṇa, while I find out clearly who this radiant one in the chariot is."

3.4.16 Having thus addressed Saumitri with the words "remain right here," Kākutstha advanced toward the hermitage of Śarabhaṅga.

3.4.17 Then the lord of Śacī, seeing Rāma approaching, took leave of Śarabhaṅga and said this to the celestials:

3.4.18 "That Rāma is coming here. Until he has not yet spoken to me, lead on to the conclusion; thereafter he is worthy to behold me."

3.4.19 "I shall behold him ere long as one who has conquered and accomplished his purpose—for a great deed, exceedingly hard for others to perform, is yet to be done by him."

3.4.20 Thus speaking, the wielder of the thunderbolt took his leave of the ascetic, paid him honour, and with his chariot yoked to tawny horses, that subduer of foes ascended to the sky.

3.4.21 When the Thousand-Eyed one had departed, Rāghava with his companions approached Śarabhaṅga, who was tending his sacred fire.

3.4.22 Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa clasped his feet; then, having received his invitation and being granted a place to stay, they sat down at his bidding.

3.4.23 Then Rāghava asked about Śakra's visit, and Śarabhaṅga reported all of it to Rāghava.

3.4.24 "This granter of boons, O Rāma, wished to convey me to Brahmaloka—won by fierce austerity, hard to reach for those who have not disciplined their souls."

3.4.25 "Knowing you, O tiger among men, to be near at hand, I would not go to Brahmaloka without having seen you, my cherished guest."

3.4.26 "Having met with you, I shall depart to the triple heaven frequented by the gods. Accept from me, O tiger among men, the imperishable, auspicious worlds I have won—both those of Brahmā and those on the back of the firmament."

3.4.27 Thus addressed by the sage Śarabhaṅga, Rāghava, that tiger among men versed in all the scriptures, spoke his reply:

3.4.28 "I myself shall win all the worlds, O great sage. But now I desire a dwelling-place appointed for me here in this forest."

3.4.29 Thus addressed by Rāghava, who was equal in might to Śakra, the greatly wise Śarabhaṅga spoke again:

3.4.30 "Go to the ascetic Sutīkṣṇa in a pure spot, in a delightful region of the forest; he will arrange a dwelling for you."

3.4.31 "This is the path, O tiger among men. Behold me for a moment, dear one, while I shed these limbs as a serpent sheds its worn-out skin."

3.4.32 Then, having built up the fire and offered oblations of clarified butter with the proper mantras, the greatly resplendent Śarabhaṅga entered the sacrificial flames.

3.4.33 The fire consumed the great-souled one's body hair and head hair, then his withered skin, then his bones, his flesh, and his blood.

3.4.34 And he became like fire incarnate, a youth renewed; Śarabhaṅga rose up from that funeral pyre and blazed with light.

3.4.35 Transcending the worlds of those who maintain the sacred fires, of the great-souled sages, and of the gods, he ascended to Brahmaloka.

3.4.36 That doer of meritorious deeds, that bull among twice-borns in the world, beheld the Grandfather accompanied by his attendants; and the Grandfather too, beholding that twice-born, rejoiced and said, "Welcome, thou art truly welcome."

3.5.1 When Śarabhaṅga had attained heaven, assembled throngs of sages came forward to meet Kākutstha Rāma, blazing with splendour.

3.5.2 Vaikhānasas, Vālakhilyas, Saṃprakṣālas, Marīcipas, many Aśmakuṭṭas, and ascetics who subsisted on leaves—

3.5.3 —those who used their teeth as mortar, and others who were Unmajjakas; sages who subsisted on water, and others who lived on air—

3.5.4 —those who dwelt in the open sky, those who slept on the bare ground, those who stood upright and had mastered their senses, and those who wore constantly wet garments—

3.5.5 —those ever engaged in muttering sacred syllables, those devoted to austerity, and those who practised the five-fire penance—all endowed with the glory of Brahmā and firmly steadied in yoga: these ascetics from the hermitage of Śarabhaṅga came to Rāma.

3.5.6 Having approached Rāma, the best among upholders of dharma, the assembled sages, knowing the highest dharma, composed of mind, spoke to him who was supremely learned in dharma:

3.5.7 "You are the great warrior foremost of this Ikṣvāku lineage, and the lord of the earth, as Maghavan is the lord of the gods."

3.5.8 "You are renowned in the three worlds for your glory and your valour; in you abide devotion to a father's vow, truthfulness, and dharma in full bloom."

3.5.9 "Having come to you, O lord, great-souled one, learned in dharma and fond of dharma, we shall speak as suppliants—and may you be pleased to pardon us this."

3.5.10 "Great adharma would befall that king, dear Rāma, who takes the sixth part of tribute yet does not protect his subjects as a father protects his sons."

3.5.11 "One who is ever engaged, protecting all dwellers of his realm as his own life-breath, as sons dear as life itself—"

3.5.12 "—such a one attains, O Rāma, eternal fame lasting many years; and having reached the realm of Brahmā, he is glorified even there."

3.5.13 "Whatever supreme dharma a sage subsisting on roots and fruits performs—a quarter share of that accrues to a king who protects his subjects with righteousness."

3.5.14 "This great assembly of forest-dwellers, composed mostly of brahmins, is being slaughtered grievously by rākṣasas, O Rāma, as though it had no lord, though you are its lord."

3.5.15 "Come and behold the bodies of the sages, those who had purified their souls, slain in manifold ways throughout the forest by the terrible rākṣasas—so many of them."

3.5.16 "A great carnage is being wrought upon those who dwell by the river Pampā, along the Mandākinī, and upon those who make their home on Citrakūṭa."

3.5.17 "Thus we can no longer endure the terrible injury being done to ascetics in the forest by the rākṣasas of fearful deeds."

3.5.18 "Therefore we have come to you, the refuge-giver, seeking refuge. Protect us, O Rāma—we who are being slain by the night-wanderers."

3.5.19 Having heard this from the ascetics—those men of tapas—the dharma-souled Kākutstha addressed all the ascetics: "You ought not speak to me in this fashion; I am one who takes orders from ascetics."

3.5.20 "I have come here by good fortune precisely to accomplish your purpose; this sojourn of mine in the forest shall bear great fruit. I desire to slay in battle the rākṣasas who are the enemies of the ascetics."

3.5.21 Having granted a boon to those whose wealth was tapas, the hero, steadfast in dharma, conducted himself nobly with those ascetics; and together with Lakṣmaṇa, accompanied by those ascetics, he proceeded onward to Sutīkṣṇa himself.

3.6.1 Rāma, that scorcher of foes, accompanied by his brother and by Sītā, went to the hermitage of Sutīkṣṇa together with those twice-born sages.

3.6.2 Travelling a long way, crossing rivers full of water, he beheld a vast mountain range towering like a great rain cloud.

3.6.3 Then those two best of the Ikṣvāku line, the two Rāghavas, entered that forest thick with diverse trees, together with Sītā.

3.6.4 Having entered the awesome forest with its many flowering and fruit-bearing trees, he saw in a secluded spot a hermitage adorned with garlands of bark-cloth strips.

3.6.5 There, seated, wearing matted locks caked with mud and grime, great in his asceticism—Rāma duly addressed the ascetic Sutīkṣṇa.

3.6.6 "I am Rāma, O Blessed One; I have come to behold you. So speak to me, O knower of dharma, O great sage of true valour."

3.6.7 He then gazed upon Rāma, that hero, the best among upholders of dharma, and embraced him with both arms, saying these words:

3.6.8 "Welcome indeed to you, O hero Rāma, best among upholders of dharma! This hermitage, now that you have entered it, is like one that has found a master."

3.6.9 "Waiting for you alone, O greatly renowned one, I have not ascended to the world of the gods from this place by abandoning my body upon the earth, O hero."

3.6.10 "From when you took up residence at Citrakūṭa, having been deprived of your kingdom, I heard of your coming here, O Kākutstha; and Indra, the king of the gods, the Performer of a Hundred Sacrifices, declared that all the worlds had been won by me through my meritorious deeds."

3.6.11 "In those worlds frequented by gods and sages, won by me through austerity—by my grace, roam freely together with your wife and with Lakṣmaṇa."

3.6.12 To that blazing great sage of fierce austerity and truthful speech, the self-possessed Rāma replied as Vāsava might reply to Brahmā:

3.6.13 "I myself shall win the worlds, O great sage. But I desire a dwelling-place appointed for me here in this forest."

3.6.14 "You have been described to me by Śarabhaṅga and by the great-souled Gautama as one skilled in all matters and devoted to the welfare of all beings."

3.6.15 Thus addressed by Rāma, the great sage, renowned through the worlds, flooded with great joy, spoke sweet words:

3.6.16 "This very hermitage, O Rāma, is endowed with good qualities; take your delight here. Frequented always by assemblies of sages, it abounds in roots and fruits."

3.6.17 "Herds of deer, O greatly renowned one, come to this hermitage, roam about fearlessly, tempting one to hunt, and depart again."

3.6.18 Hearing those words of the great sage, the elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa—the steadfast one—spoke, drawing his bow with arrow nocked:

3.6.19 "Those deer that come in herds, O greatly fortunate one, I would slay with a sharp-edged arrow blazing like a thunderbolt—"

3.6.20 "—but then you would be implicated in that act, and what could be more troublesome than that? Therefore I do not think a long stay in this hermitage advisable."

3.6.21 Having spoken thus to that granter of boons, Rāma went to perform the evening rites; and having observed the western twilight, he settled there for the night.

3.6.22 Then the great-souled Sutīkṣṇa himself, having duly honoured those two bulls among men, gave them wholesome food fit for an ascetic, as the twilight ended and night set in.

3.7.1 Rāma, together with Saumitri, having been honoured by Sutīkṣṇa, passed the night there and awoke at dawn.

3.7.2 Rising at the proper hour, the Rāghava, together with Sītā, performed his ritual ablution with cool water fragrant with lotuses.

3.7.3 Then Vaidehī, Rāma, and Lakṣmaṇa duly worshipped the fire and the gods at dawn, in that forest hermitage of ascetics.

3.7.4 Beholding the rising sun, freed from all impurity, they approached Sutīkṣṇa and spoke these gentle words.

3.7.5 "We have dwelt here in comfort, O reverend one, honoured by you who are yourself worthy of honour. We take our leave and must depart; the sages urge us on."

3.7.6 "We hasten to visit the entire circle of hermitages of those virtuous sages who dwell in the Daṇḍaka forest."

3.7.7 "We wish to take leave of you along with these foremost of sages — ever steadfast in dharma, restrained through austerity, blazing like arrows of fire."

3.7.8 "While the sun has not yet blazed with unbearable heat — like a prosperity obtained by a crooked path yet unattained by those without lineage."

3.7.9 "So long do we wish to go" — having spoken thus, the Rāghava, together with Saumitri and Sītā, bowed at the feet of the sage.

3.7.10 The foremost of sages raised the two as they touched his feet, embraced them firmly with affection, and spoke these words.

3.7.11 "Go your way without mishap, O Rāma, together with Saumitri and with this Sītā who follows you like your own shadow."

3.7.12 "Visit the delightful hermitages of these ascetics who dwell in the Daṇḍaka forest, O hero — those whose souls have been purified by austerity."

3.7.13 "You shall see forests abundant with fruits and roots, in full flower, where herds of deer are tranquil and flocks of birds at peace."

3.7.14 "You shall see ponds and lakes with clusters of blooming lotuses, clear waters, scattered with kāraṇḍava ducks."

3.7.15 "You shall see mountain streams delightful to the eye, and charming forests resounding with the calls of peacocks."

3.7.16 "Go, my dear child; and you too, Saumitre, shall also go. After seeing all this, you must return again to my hermitage."

3.7.17 Thus addressed, the Kākutstha replied "So be it," and together with Lakṣmaṇa, having circumambulated the sage, began to depart.

3.7.18 Then Sītā of the large eyes handed the two brothers their auspicious quivers and bows, and thereafter the two bright swords.

3.7.19 Having strapped on the auspicious quivers and taken up the twanging bows, both Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa issued forth from the hermitage to go.

3.8.1 As Raghunandana set out, having been given leave by Sutīkṣṇa, Vaidehī spoke these words to her husband in an affectionate voice.

3.8.2 "This great dharma is attained by an exceedingly subtle discipline; it is achievable here by one who has turned away from the vices born of desire."

3.8.3 "There are precisely three vices arising from desire: false speech, which is the foremost; and graver than that, the other two — approaching another's wife, and violent cruelty without enmity."

3.8.4 "False speech has never been nor will ever be in you, O Rāghava; still less the desire for other men's wives, which destroys dharma."

3.8.5 "All of this, O mighty-armed one, can be borne by those who have mastered their senses; and I know that your senses are indeed under your control, O fair to behold."

3.8.6 "But this third vice, the terrible injury to the lives of others, done without enmity out of delusion — that is now upon you."

3.8.7 "You have pledged, O hero, to slay the rākṣasas in battle for the protection of the sages who dwell in the Daṇḍaka forest."

3.8.8 "It is for this reason that you set out with your brother into the forest renowned as Daṇḍaka, bearing arrows and bow."

3.8.9 "Seeing you thus set out, my mind is filled with anxiety; pondering on what befits you, let me speak what may be for your highest good."

3.8.10 "I do not approve of your going into the Daṇḍaka, O hero; hear the reason I shall state as I speak."

3.8.11 "You have gone into the forest bearing arrows and bow in hand, with your brother; seeing all the forest-dwellers, might you not spend your arrows freely?"

3.8.12 "For warriors here, the bow and the fuel of fire standing near one another greatly inflame the power of that energy."

3.8.13 "Long ago, O mighty-armed one, there was, they say, an ascetic — truthful, pure — who delighted in deer and birds in a certain sacred forest."

3.8.14 "To create an obstacle to his austerity, Indra, the lord of Śacī, came to the hermitage in the guise of a soldier, sword in hand."

3.8.15 "That excellent sword was left in the hermitage grounds; it was given as a deposit in trust to him who persevered in his sacred austerity."

3.8.16 "Having received that weapon, intent on guarding the deposit, he wandered through the forest carrying it, protecting the trust placed in him."

3.8.17 "Wherever he went to gather roots and fruits, he would not go without that sword, so intent was he on guarding the deposit."

3.8.18 "Constantly carrying the weapon, that ascetic, rich in austerity, gradually developed a fierce disposition, abandoning his resolve in austerity."

3.8.19 "Then that sage, addicted to violence, heedless, dragged down by adharma, went to hell through constant association with that weapon."

3.8.20 "Out of love and deep respect I remind you, not instruct you: that disposition should in no way be entertained by you who have taken up the bow."

3.8.21 "I do not wish, O hero, for the thought of slaying the rākṣasas sheltering in the Daṇḍaka without cause, or of slaying people without offence."

3.8.22 "For heroic warriors living in the forests with disciplined minds, the purpose of the bow is only this: to protect those in distress."

3.8.23 "What place has the weapon here? What place has the forest? What place the warrior's dharma, and what place austerity? These are discordant — let the duty of the place be honoured."

3.8.24 "That intellect becomes tainted of its nobility through resort to weapons; when you return to Ayodhyā you will practise the warrior's dharma again."

3.8.25 "The delight of my mothers-in-law and father-in-law would be undying if you were to renounce the kingdom and become a devoted sage."

3.8.26 "From dharma arises wealth; from dharma happiness arises; through dharma all is obtained — dharma is the essence of this world."

3.8.27 "Dharma is attained by the wise through diligent self-mortification by various restraints; happiness is not obtained from happiness alone."

3.8.28 "Ever of pure mind, O gentle one, practise dharma in this forest of austerity; for all the three worlds are truly known to you in their essence."

3.8.29 "This has been spoken by me out of a woman's impulsiveness; who indeed is capable of instructing you in dharma? Reflecting with your brother, do what seems fit without delay."

3.9.1 Hearing these words thus spoken by Vaidehī who was devoted to her husband, Rāma, established in dharma, replied to the Maithilī.

3.9.2 "What is beneficial has been spoken by you, O queen, words befitting your affection and reflecting your noble lineage, O daughter of Janaka, knower of dharma."

3.9.3 "But I shall say, O queen, what you yourself have stated: warriors bear the bow so that the cry of distress shall not be heard."

3.9.4 "And those sages in the Daṇḍaka forest, O Sītā, afflicted and firm in their vows, have themselves come to me — those deserving refuge have sought my refuge."

3.9.5 "Dwelling in the forest devoted to dharma, subsisting on roots and fruits, they find no peace, frightened by the rākṣasas of cruel deeds."

3.9.6 "Though engaged season by season in various restraints in the forest, they are devoured by terrible rākṣasas who live upon human flesh."

3.9.7 "Those sages dwelling in the Daṇḍaka forest, being thus devoured, said to me — those best of twice-born: 'Come to our aid.'"

3.9.8 "I, having heard these words thus fallen from their lips, paid reverence at their feet and spoke this reply."

3.9.9 "'May your honours be gracious to me — this shame of mine is incomparable, that those such as you brāhmaṇas, whom I should approach, have had to approach me.' And I said in the assembly of twice-born: 'What shall I do?'"

3.9.10 "Then all of them together uttered this speech: 'We are greatly oppressed in the Daṇḍaka forest by the many rākṣasas who change form at will, O Rāma; you are worthy to protect us.'"

3.9.11 "When the time for the fire-oblation arrives and at the times of sacred rites, O sinless one, those unconquerable rākṣasas who feed on flesh assail us."

3.9.12 "For us ascetics, those practitioners of austerity who are harassed by rākṣasas and seek a course of refuge, you are the highest refuge."

3.9.13 "By the power of austerity we are indeed capable of slaying the night-wanderers; but we do not wish to squander the austerity long accumulated."

3.9.14 "Austerity, O Rāghava, is beset with many obstacles and is hard to perform; therefore we do not release a curse even as we are being devoured by the rākṣasas."

3.9.15 "Therefore protect us as we are tormented by the rākṣasas who dwell in the Daṇḍaka forest, you together with your brother — for we have no lord but you in the forest."

3.9.16 "And I, having heard these words, pledged the complete protection of the sages in the Daṇḍaka forest, O daughter of Janaka."

3.9.17 "Having pledged, I am not able, while living, to act otherwise than my promise to the sages — truth is ever dear to me."

3.9.18 "I would sooner abandon my life, or even you, O Sītā, along with Lakṣmaṇa, than a pledge once given — and especially one given to brāhmaṇas."

3.9.19 "Therefore the protection of the sages must necessarily be done by me, O Vaidehī — even if I had not spoken, and how much more having made a solemn pledge?"

3.9.20 "These words you have spoken to me out of love and affection; I am pleased, O Sītā — for one dear is not instructed against what is right. It is fitting and befitting your lineage, O beautiful one."

3.9.21 Having spoken these words, the great-souled Rāma, bearing his bow, together with Lakṣmaṇa, departed with his beloved Sītā, princess of Mithilā, into the beautiful hermitage-forests.

3.10.1 Rāma went in front, the slender-waisted Sītā in the middle, and Lakṣmaṇa, bow in hand, followed behind.

3.10.2 The two of them, beholding various mountain plateaus, forests, and lovely rivers of every kind, journeyed on together with Sītā.

3.10.3 They saw sārasa cranes and cakravāka birds roaming the sandy river banks, and lotus-covered lakes teeming with water-birds.

3.10.4 They saw spotted deer moving in herds, rutting-mad horned animals, buffaloes, wild boars, and elephants that are the enemies of trees.

3.10.5 Traveling a long way, as the sun descended, they together beheld a beautiful lake extending a full yojana.

3.10.6 It was crowded with lotuses and blue water-lilies, graced by herds of elephants, and filled with sārasa cranes, haṃsas, kādamba ducks, and other water-fowl.

3.10.7 From that beautiful lake with its clear waters, the sounds of song and music were heard, yet nothing could be seen.

3.10.8 Then, out of curiosity, Rāma and the great warrior Lakṣmaṇa approached the sage named Dharmabhṛt to inquire.

3.10.9 "Having heard this most wondrous thing, great curiosity has arisen in all of us, O great sage. Please explain well what this is."

3.10.10 Thus addressed by the righteous Rāghava, that sage of virtuous soul then began to relate the full glory of the lake.

3.10.11 "This lake, O Rāma, is named Pañcāpsaras and is eternal; it was created through the austerities of the sage Māṇḍakarṇi."

3.10.12 "For the great sage Māṇḍakarṇi had practiced severe austerities for ten thousand years, subsisting on air alone, standing in water."

3.10.13 "Then all the gods, headed by Agni, were alarmed and, gathering together, said to one another: 'This sage is seeking the position of one among us.'"

3.10.14 "Then, commissioned by all the gods to obstruct his austerity, five chief apsarases, their splendor flickering like lightning, were sent."

3.10.15 "By those apsarases, the sage who knew past and future was then brought under the sway of Kāma, for the accomplishment of the gods' purpose."

3.10.16 "Those five apsarases became the sage's wives, and their hidden dwelling was built in this lake."

3.10.17 "There those five apsarases, dwelling at ease, delight the sage who, though devoted to austerity, retains the vigor of youth."

3.10.18 "As they sport, this sound of instruments mixed with the jingling of ornaments and the delightful sound of singing is heard."

3.10.19 Calling it wonderful, the illustrious Rāghava, along with his brother, accepted the account of that purified soul.

3.10.20 While he was thus narrating, they beheld a hermitage precinct enclosed by kuśa grass and bark-cloth garments and surrounded by various trees.

3.10.21 Kākutstha Rāghava then entered that beautiful hermitage precinct along with Vaidehī and Lakṣmaṇa.

3.10.22 Dwelling there in great comfort, honored by the great sages, he visited in turn the hermitages of those ascetics.

3.10.23 He, the master of great weapons, had previously stayed near those sages—sometimes for ten months, sometimes for a full year.

3.10.24 Somewhere for four months, elsewhere for five or six, in other places for more than that, and sometimes for more than a year and a half.

3.10.25 Rāghava dwelt happily for three months or eight months at a time; dwelling thus in the hermitages of the sages and enjoying himself in all manner of ways, ten years passed for him.

3.10.26 The illustrious Rāghava, the knower of dharma, after wandering about with Sītā, returned once more to the hermitage of Sutīkṣṇa.

3.10.27 Arriving at that hermitage, honored by the sages, Rāma the subduer of enemies dwelt there for some time.

3.10.28 Then, residing in the hermitage, on one occasion Kākutstha humbly approached that great sage, and seated beside Sutīkṣṇa, spoke thus:

3.10.29 "O venerable one, I have always heard from storytellers that the foremost of sages, Agastya, dwells in this forest."

3.10.30 "But on account of the vastness of this forest, I do not know in what place the holy hermitage of that wise great sage lies."

3.10.31 "By your grace, I would go with my brother and with Sītā to pay reverence to the sage Agastya."

3.10.32 "This great wish turns over in my heart—that I might myself serve that best of sages."

3.10.33 Hearing these words of the righteous Rāma, the sage Sutīkṣṇa, delighted, replied thus to the son of Daśaratha:

3.10.34 "I too was wishing to tell you precisely this—go to Agastya, together with Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā, O Rāghava."

3.10.35 "By good fortune you yourself speak to me of this matter now. I shall tell you, dear one, where the great sage Agastya dwells."

3.10.36 "Go four yojanas from the hermitage, dear one; then to the south lies the great and beautiful hermitage of Agastya's brother."

3.10.37 "In a mostly dry forest region, beautiful with a grove of pippalī trees, abundant with flowers and fruits, lovely, resounding with various birds—

3.10.38 "—there are various lotus pools with clear, auspicious waters, thronged with haṃsas and kāraṇḍava ducks, graced by cakravāka birds."

3.10.39 "Having passed one night there, O Rāma, set out in the morning, taking the southern direction along the flank of the forest tract."

3.10.40 "Proceeding thence for one yojana, you will reach Agastya's hermitage in a delightful forest region thickly covered with trees; there Vaidehī and Lakṣmaṇa will delight in dwelling with you."

3.10.41 "For that forest region is charming and dense with many trees. If you have decided to see that great sage Agastya, resolve to depart this very day, O greatly illustrious one."

3.10.42 Hearing this from the sage, Rāma paid homage to him along with his brother, and set out toward Agastya with his younger brother and Sītā.

3.10.43 Beholding wondrous forests and mountain peaks resembling clouds, and lakes and rivers as they came along the path,

3.10.44 traveling comfortably by the path indicated by Sutīkṣṇa, greatly joyful, he spoke these words to Lakṣmaṇa:

3.10.45 "This must indeed be the hermitage of the holy-actioned brother of the great-souled sage Agastya, which is now visible."

3.10.46 "For behold—the trees of this forest, recognizable on the path in their thousands, are bent low with the weight of fruits and the load of blossoms."

3.10.47 "This fragrance wafted from this forest by the wind is the suddenly arising pungent scent of ripened pippalī fruits."

3.10.48 "Here and there are visible neatly gathered piles of wood; and along the path one sees cut darbha grass with the luster of vaidūrya gems."

3.10.49 "And in the midst of the forest, resembling the peak of a dark cloud, the tip of smoke from the fire of the resident ascetics is clearly visible."

3.10.50 "At secluded tīrthas, twice-born ones who have bathed are making flower offerings with blossoms gathered by themselves."

3.10.51 "This must indeed be the hermitage of Agastya's brother, just as I heard it described in Sutīkṣṇa's words, O gentle one."

3.10.52 "This is the direction made safe and sheltering by that one's brother, who with great power suppressed death out of desire for the welfare of the worlds, through his holy deeds."

3.10.53 "Here, it is said, the cruel Vātāpi and also Ilvala, two great demons who were killers of brāhmaṇas, once dwelt together as brothers."

3.10.54 "Ilvala, assuming the form of a brāhmaṇa and speaking the refined language, would mercilessly invite brāhmaṇas under the pretext of a śrāddha."

3.10.55 "Then the brother, after transforming his brother into the form of a ram, would feed those twice-born guests with him according to the rite of the śrāddha."

3.10.56 "After those brāhmaṇas had eaten, Ilvala would call out in a loud voice: 'Vātāpi, come forth!'"

3.10.57 "Then Vātāpi, hearing his brother's call, bleating like a ram, would tear through the bodies of the brāhmaṇas and burst forth."

3.10.58 "By those two flesh-eating shape-shifters operating together in this way, thousands of brāhmaṇas were constantly destroyed."

3.10.59 "Then the great sage Agastya, implored by the gods, having partaken of the śrāddha, ate that great demon."

3.10.60 "Then, after saying 'The meal is complete' and performing the hand-rinsing rite, Ilvala spoke thus: 'Brother, come forth.'"

3.10.61 "But to that brother speaking thus—the slayer of brāhmaṇas—the wise Agastya, foremost of sages, replied with a smile:"

3.10.62 "'How can your brother, now digested by me, have the power to come forth—the demon in the form of a ram who has gone to the abode of Yama?'"

3.10.63 "Then, hearing those words announcing his brother's death, the night-roving demon, in his rage, began to assail the sage."

3.10.64 "He charged at that foremost of twice-born ones, but was utterly consumed by the blazing-glorious sage with a glance like fire, and met his death."

3.10.65 "This is the hermitage of his brother, graced by a lake and forest—he by whose compassion for brāhmaṇas this difficult deed was done."

3.10.66 As Rāma thus narrated, together with the son of Sumitrā, the sun set and the hour of twilight came.

3.10.67 Having observed the western twilight rite with his brother according to the prescribed manner, he entered the hermitage and paid homage to that sage.

3.10.68 Properly received by that sage, Rāghava spent that one night there, having partaken of roots and fruits.

3.10.69 When that night had passed and the disk of the sun was bright, Rāghava addressed that brother of Agastya:

3.10.70 "I pay you reverence, O venerable one; I have dwelt here in comfort through the night. I take my leave of you; I go to see your elder brother, my preceptor."

3.10.71 Told 'You may go' by him, the delight of Raghu's line departed, beholding that forest as he went along the indicated path.

3.10.72 He saw nīvāra grasses, jackfruit trees, palms, timiśa, vañjula, dhava, ciribilva, madhūka, bilva, and tinduka trees—

3.10.73 —trees in bloom, wound about by creepers with flowering tips, Rāma beheld by the hundreds in that wilderness.

3.10.74 He saw trees uprooted by elephant trunks, graced by monkeys, and resounding in their hundreds with flocks of intoxicated birds.

3.10.75 Then the lotus-eyed Rāma spoke to the heroic Lakṣmaṇa, increaser of prosperity, who followed close behind:

3.10.76 "Just as the trees have glossy leaves, just as the deer and birds are tame—the hermitage of the great sage of cultivated soul is not far off."

3.10.77 "Known in the world as 'Agastya's' by his own deeds alone, his hermitage is visible—the remover of fatigue for the weary."

3.10.78 "Its forest filled with abundant smoke, adorned with garlands of bark garments, with herds of deer at rest, and resounding with various birds—

3.10.79 "—this is the hermitage of him who with great power suppressed death for the welfare of the worlds, and by whose holy deeds the southern quarter was made a place of refuge."

3.10.80 "This is his hermitage precinct—by whose power this southern quarter, through fear of him, is not oppressed by rākṣasas."

3.10.81 "From the time this quarter was secured by his holy deeds, from that time the night-roaming demons have been without enmity and at peace."

3.10.82 "This southern quarter bears the venerable one's name as 'Agastya's quarter,' renowned in the three worlds as inviolable by those of cruel deeds."

3.10.83 "Obeying his command so as not to constantly obstruct the sun's path, the great Vindhya mountain does not grow."

3.10.84 "This is the beautiful hermitage of long-lived Agastya, famed for his deeds in the world, frequented by tame deer."

3.10.85 "This virtuous one, worshipped by the worlds, ever devoted to the welfare of the good—he will unite us, who have now arrived, with what is most beneficial."

3.10.86 "Here I shall propitiate that great sage Agastya, O gentle one, and I shall dwell here for the remainder of my forest exile, O lord."

3.10.87 "Here gods with gandharvas, siddhas, and supreme sages constantly attend upon Agastya who is disciplined in his diet."

3.10.88 "No liar, no cruel one, nor a rogue, nor a savage man, nor one given to sensual indulgence could live here—such is the power of this sage."

3.10.89 "Here gods, yakṣas, nāgas together with birds dwell with regulated diet, wishing to worship dharma."

3.10.90 "Here supreme sages, great-souled siddhas, having abandoned their bodies and taken new bodies, have gone to heaven in celestial vehicles resembling the sun."

3.10.91 "Here gods, propitiated by auspicious beings, grant the state of yakṣa, immortality, and various kingdoms."

3.10.92 "We have arrived at the hermitage precinct; enter first, O son of Sumitrā, and announce to the sage that I have come here with Sītā."

3.11.1 Lakṣmaṇa, younger brother of Rāghava, entering the hermitage precinct, approached a disciple of Agastya and spoke these words:

3.11.2 "There was a king named Daśaratha; his eldest son, the mighty Rāma, has come to see the sage, together with his wife Sītā."

3.11.3 "I am his younger brother named Lakṣmaṇa, devoted and loyal to him, if you have heard of me."

3.11.4 "We have entered this most formidable forest by our father's command; we all wish to see the venerable one—please inform him."

3.11.5 Hearing those words of Lakṣmaṇa, the sage wealthy in austerities said 'So be it' and entered the fire-chamber to announce the news.

3.11.6 Entering and joining his palms, he straightforwardly announced to the foremost sage, invincible through his austerities, the arrival of Rāma:

3.11.7 "These two sons of Daśaratha, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, have entered the hermitage precinct together with Sītā, his wife."

3.11.8 "They have come, those two subduer of enemies, to see you and to serve you; it is right that you command what should be done next."

3.11.9 Then, having heard from his disciple of the arrival of Rāma together with Lakṣmaṇa and the highly blessed Vaidehī, he spoke these words:

3.11.10 "By good fortune Rāma has come after so long to see me today; for his coming was indeed longed for by me also in my heart."

3.11.11 "Let Rāma be honored and brought in with his wife and Lakṣmaṇa; let him be ushered into my presence. Why has he not already been brought in?"

3.11.12 Addressed thus by the sage, the great-souled knower of dharma, the disciple bowed and said 'Very well,' his hands joined in reverence.

3.11.13 Then the disciple emerged in haste and said to Lakṣmaṇa: 'Where is Rāma? Let him come to see the sage; let him enter himself.'

3.11.14 Then Lakṣmaṇa went to the hermitage precinct along with the disciple and presented Kākutstha and Sītā, daughter of Janaka.

3.11.15 The disciple, speaking Agastya's words with due humility, ushered him in properly, with all honor, for the purpose of receiving hospitality.

3.11.16 Then Rāma entered with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, gazing at the hermitage thronged with peaceful deer.

3.11.17 There he saw the altar of Brahman, and likewise the altar of Agni, the altar of Viṣṇu, the altar of Mahendra, and the altar of Vivasvat;

3.11.18 the altar of Soma, the altar of Bhaga, the altar of Kubera, the altar of Dhātṛ, the altar of Vidhātṛ, and likewise the altar of Vāyu;

3.11.19 Then the sage himself came forth surrounded by his disciples; Rāma saw him ahead, blazing with the radiance of sages, and the hero spoke to the prosperity-increasing Lakṣmaṇa:

3.11.20 "This is the venerable sage Agastya who comes forth, O Lakṣmaṇa; by his majesty I recognize him as the treasury of austerities."

3.11.21 Having spoken thus, the mighty-armed scorcher of foes, supremely delighted, grasped the feet of sun-radiant Agastya.

3.11.22 Having paid reverence, the righteous Rāma stood with joined palms, together with Vaidehī Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.

3.11.23 Receiving Kākutstha and honoring him with a seat and water, and asking after his welfare, Agastya said: 'Be seated.'

3.11.24 Having offered oblations to the fire, presented the arghya offering, and honored the guest, he gave them food according to the dharma of a forest-dweller.

3.11.25 Then the foremost sage, the knower of dharma, having first seated himself, spoke to Rāma who sat with joined palms, that expert in dharma:

3.11.26 "Truly, O Kākutstha, an ascetic who behaves otherwise—not properly receiving a guest—would in the next world eat his own flesh like a false witness."

3.11.27 "A king of all the worlds who walks in dharma, a great warrior—you are a beloved guest deserving of worship and honor who has arrived."

3.11.28 Having spoken thus and honored Rāghava as desired with fruits, roots, flowers, and other things, he then spoke again:

3.11.29 "This divine and mighty bow, adorned with gold and diamond, belonging to Viṣṇu, O tiger among men, was fashioned by Viśvakarman—

3.11.30 "—this supreme arrow, infallible, bright as the sun, given by Brahman; and these two quivers of inexhaustible arrows were given to me by Mahendra—

3.11.31 "—filled with sharp arrows blazing like fire; and this great silver scabbard, and this sword adorned with gold—

3.11.32 "—with this bow, O Rāma, having slain great demons in battle, Viṣṇu in former times took the resplendent glory of the heaven-dwellers."

3.11.33 "Accept this bow, those two quivers, the arrow, and the sword for victory, O giver of honor, as the thunderbolt-holder accepts his bolt."

3.11.34 Having spoken thus, the greatly glorious venerable Agastya, after giving all those excellent weapons to Rāma, spoke again:

3.12.1 "O Rāma, I am pleased; good fortune to you; O Lakṣmaṇa, I am fully content that you have come to pay reverence to me together with Sītā."

3.12.2 "The fatigue of the road afflicts you two greatly; and evidently Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, also yearns for comfort."

3.12.3 "For she is delicate and not unaccustomed to hardships; yet she has reached the forest with its many adversities, impelled by her love for her husband."

3.12.4 "Arrange it so that Sītā may find delight here, O Rāma; she has done what is difficult, following you in the forest."

3.12.5 "For this is the nature of women, O delight of Raghu's line, innate since creation: they love a man when he is prosperous and abandon him when he is in adversity."

3.12.6 "Women follow the fickleness of lightning, the sharpness of weapons, and the swiftness of Garuḍa and the wind."

3.12.7 "But this wife of yours is free from these faults, praiseworthy and worthy of acclaim, just as the goddess Arundhatī herself."

3.12.8 "And this region will be adorned by the place where you, O subduer of foes, will dwell with the son of Sumitrā and with this Vaidehī."

3.12.9 Thus addressed by the sage, Rāghava, with joined palms, spoke humble words to the sage who blazed like a fire:

3.12.10 "I am blessed, I am favored—the foremost of sages, the granter of boons, is fully satisfied with the virtues of me together with my brother and wife."

3.12.11 "But do indicate to me a region with water and many forests, where I might establish a hermitage and dwell in contentment."

3.12.12 Then the foremost sage, hearing Rāma's words, reflecting for a moment, the righteous and resolute one spoke words yet more resolute:

3.12.13 "Two yojanas from here, dear one, is a region abounding in roots, fruits, and water, rich with many animals, beautiful, celebrated as Pañcavaṭī."

3.12.14 "Going there, establishing a hermitage with the son of Sumitrā, take your delight, keeping faithfully to your father's word as it was spoken."

3.12.15 "For this entire history of yours is known to me, O sinless one, both through the power of my austerities and through my affection for Daśaratha."

3.12.16 "And the wish dwelling in your heart has been discerned by me through austerity—the desire to reside here in this forest of austerities with me."

3.12.17 "Therefore I tell you: go to Pañcavaṭī; for that forest region is lovely, and Maithilī will delight there."

3.12.18 "That region is praiseworthy, not too far, O Rāghava, and near the Godāvarī; Maithilī will delight there."

3.12.19 "Abundant in roots and fruits, filled with various flocks of birds, secluded, O mighty-armed one, holy and lovely as well—

3.12.20 "—and you too, together with your wife and capable of protection, dwelling there, O Rāma, will protect the ascetics."

3.12.21 "This great grove of madhuka trees is visible, O hero; one must go to the north of it, heading toward the nyagrodha tree."

3.12.22 "Then ascending the high ground not far from the mountain, one reaches the forest perpetually in bloom, renowned as Pañcavaṭī itself."

3.12.23 Thus addressed by Agastya, Rāma together with the son of Sumitrā took proper leave of that truth-speaking sage.

3.12.24 The two of them, granted leave by him and having made obeisance at his feet, set out from that hermitage toward Pañcavaṭī together with Sītā.

3.12.25 The two sons of the lord of men, having taken up their bows, with quivers fastened on, fearless in battle, proceeded with collected minds toward Pañcavaṭī by the path indicated by the great sage.

3.13.1 Now, as the delight of Raghu's line was on his way to Pañcavaṭī, he encountered midway a vulture of enormous body and fearsome might.

3.13.2 Seeing that bird perched in the forest, the two illustrious ones, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, thought it a rākṣasa, and asked: "Who are you?"

3.13.3 He, as if gladdening them with a sweet and gentle voice, said: "Know me, my child, as a companion of your own father."

3.13.4 Recognising him as his father's friend, Rāghava honoured him; then he calmly inquired about his lineage and name.

3.13.5 Hearing Rāma's words, that twice-born one — for a bird too is twice-born — disclosed to him his lineage and his own origin, which traces back to the source of all living beings.

3.13.6 "O mighty-armed one, hear from the beginning as I recount all the Prajāpatis who existed in former times, O Rāghava."

3.13.7 "Kardama is the first among them; Vikṛta comes next; then Śeṣa, Saṃśraya, and the valiant Bahuputra."

3.13.8 "Sthāṇu, Marīci, Atri, and the greatly powerful Kratu; Pulastya, Aṅgiras, Pracetas, and likewise Pulaha."

3.13.9 "Dakṣa, Vivasvān, and then Ariṣṭanemi, O Rāghava; and the greatly resplendent Kaśyapa was the last among them."

3.13.10 "The Prajāpati Dakṣa had sixty daughters — so we have heard — all renowned, O Rāma of great glory."

3.13.11 "Kaśyapa took eight of those slender-waisted women: Aditi and Diti, Danu, and also Kālakā,"

3.13.12 "Tāmrā, Krodhavaśa, Manu, and also Analā. Then Kaśyapa, well pleased, spoke again to those maidens:"

3.13.13 "'You shall bear sons equal to me, lords of the three worlds.' Aditi agreed with that intent, O Rāma — as did Diti and Danu."

3.13.14 "Kālakā too agreed, O mighty-armed one; the remaining ones were not of that mind. From Aditi were born the thirty-three gods, O subduer of foes."

3.13.15 "The Ādityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, and the Aśvins, O scorcher of foes. Diti bore sons, the illustrious Daityas, my child."

3.13.16 "This earth was formerly theirs alone, a sea of divine rites. Danu bore a son named Aśvagrīva, O subduer of foes."

3.13.17 "Naraka and Kālaka were born of Kālakā. And Tāmrā gave birth to five daughters: Krauñcī, Bhāsī, Śyenī, Dhṛtarāṣṭrī, and Śukī."

3.13.18 "These five daughters of Tāmrā are famed throughout the worlds. Krauñcī gave birth to owls; Bhāsī bore the bhāsa birds."

3.13.19 "Śyenī bore hawks and vultures, all of great brilliance. Dhṛtarāṣṭrī bore all manner of geese and bar-headed geese,"

3.13.20 "and cakravāka birds too did that fair lady produce. Śukī gave birth to Natā, and from Natā was born Vinatā."

3.13.21 "Krodhavaśa, O Rāma, bore ten daughters of her own: Mṛgī, Mṛgamandā, Hari, and Bhadramadā,"

3.13.22 "Mātaṅgī, Śārdūlī, Śvetā, and Surabhī, and also Surasā endowed with all auspicious marks, and Kadrukā."

3.13.23 "All deer are the offspring of Mṛgī, O best of men. From Mṛgamandā come bears, as well as sṛmaras and cāmaras."

3.13.24 "Then Bhadramadā bore a daughter named Irāvatī; and Irāvatī's son is Airāvata, the great elephant who is lord of the worlds."

3.13.25 "From Hari come the haras and also the ascetic monkeys. Śārdūlī bore golāṅgūlas and tigers as her sons."

3.13.26 "From Mātaṅgī come elephants as her offspring, O bull among men. And Śvetā bore as her son the white-eyed directional elephant."

3.13.27 "Then, O Rāma, the goddess Surabhī bore two daughters — well be it with you — one named Rohiṇī, and the illustrious Gandharvī."

3.13.28 "Rohiṇī bore cows; Gandharvī bore horses as her sons. Surasā bore the nāgas, O Rāma, and Kadrukā bore the serpents."

3.13.29 "Manu bore humankind for the great-souled Kaśyapa — brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, and śūdras, O bull among men."

3.13.30 "Brāhmaṇas were born from his mouth; kṣatriyas likewise from his chest; vaiśyas were born from his thighs; śūdras from his feet — so the Vedic tradition declares."

3.13.31 "Analā also bore all trees bearing sacred fruits. Vinatā is the granddaughter of Śukī, and Kadrukā is the sister of Surasā."

3.13.32 "Kadrukā bore a thousand nāgas who uphold the earth. Vinatā had two sons: Garuḍa and Aruṇa."

3.13.33 "From that Aruṇa I was born, and Saṃpāti is my elder brother. Know me as Jaṭāyus, son of Śyenī, O subduer of foes."

3.13.34 "I shall be a companion and protector for you, if you so wish. And I shall guard Sītā, my child, when you go out together with Lakṣmaṇa."

3.13.35 Honouring Jaṭāyus, Rāghava embraced him joyfully and bowed in reverence; for that self-possessed one heard again and again from Jaṭāyus of the old friendship with his father.

3.13.36 Entrusting Maithilī Sītā to that supremely powerful bird's care, he proceeded to that Pañcavaṭī together with Lakṣmaṇa, longing to burn his enemies as fire burns moths.

3.14.1 Then, having arrived at Pañcavaṭī — teeming with diverse serpents and wild beasts — Rāma addressed his brother, the blazing-splendoured Lakṣmaṇa.

3.14.2 "We have arrived at this place as directed by the great sage. This, dear Lakṣmaṇa, is the region of Pañcavaṭī, with its flowering groves."

3.14.3 "Let your gaze range all around; you are skilled in forest matters. In which spot shall our hermitage suitably be made?"

3.14.4 "Where Vaidehī may delight, and you and I as well, O Lakṣmaṇa — let such a place be found, one close to a body of water."

3.14.5 "A place where the forest is charming and the water is charming, and where firewood, flowers, kuśa grass, and water are close at hand."

3.14.6 Thus addressed by Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa — hands folded in reverence — spoke these words to Kākutstha in the presence of Sītā:

3.14.7 "I am subject to you, O Kākutstha — were you to stand thus a hundred years. Tell me yourself: 'Build it in this pleasing spot.'"

3.14.8 Greatly pleased by that speech of Lakṣmaṇa's, that one of great splendour, reflecting carefully, approved of a place endowed with every virtue.

3.14.9 Stepping onto that beautiful spot with the work of building the hermitage in mind, Rāma took the son of Sumitrā by the hand and said:

3.14.10 "This ground is level and beautiful, surrounded by flowering trees. Here, dear Lakṣmaṇa, you should build our hermitage properly."

3.14.11 "Not far away one can see this lovely lotus-pond, adorned with lotuses — fragrant lotuses that rival the sun — gleaming with lotus-blooms."

3.14.12 "Just as described by the sage Agastya of purified soul, here flows the lovely Godāvarī, lined with flowering trees."

3.14.13 "Thronged with geese and kāraṇḍava ducks, adorned with cakravāka birds, neither too far nor too close, frequented by herds of deer."

3.14.14 "Resonant with the cries of peacocks, lovely and lofty, riddled with many caves, the hills are visible, dear Lakṣmaṇa, clad in full-blossomed trees."

3.14.15 "With golden, silver, and copper minerals here and there across the slopes, the mountains gleam like elephants adorned with the most devout markings."

3.14.16 "Adorned with śāla trees, palmyras, tamāla, date-palms, jackfruit and mango trees, nīvāra grass, timiśa trees, and puṃnāga trees,"

3.14.17 "and covered with mango, aśoka, tilaka, campaka, and ketaka trees, as well as with flowering shrubs and creepers of every kind."

3.14.18 "With sandalwood, syandana, nīpa, jackfruit, and lakuca trees; dhava, aśvakarṇa, khadira, śamī, kiṃśuka, and pāṭala trees."

3.14.19 "This place is sacred, this place is pure, this place abounds in animals and birds. Here we shall dwell, O son of Sumitrā, together with this bird."

3.14.20 Thus addressed by Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa — slayer of enemy heroes and supremely mighty — in no time built his brother's hermitage.

3.14.21 A leaf-hut, spacious and well-plastered with earth, firmly pillared, framed with long bamboo poles, and very beautiful.

3.14.22 The glorious Lakṣmaṇa then went to the river Godāvarī; having bathed and gathered lotuses, he returned having accomplished his errand.

3.14.23 Then, having offered a floral oblation and performed the pacificatory rites in the prescribed manner, he presented to Rāma the hermitage thus completed.

3.14.24 Seeing that hermitage built — gentle and fair — together with Sītā, Rāghava entered the leaf-hut and felt the utmost joy.

3.14.25 Greatly delighted, he then embraced Lakṣmaṇa with both arms, and spoke these words, tender and heartfelt:

3.14.26 "I am pleased with you, O lord; great is the deed you have done. For this reason the embrace I have given you is your due reward."

3.14.27 "With you as a son — one who knows feelings, one who is grateful, one who knows dharma, O Lakṣmaṇa — my father, that righteous soul, has not truly passed away."

3.14.28 Having spoken thus to Lakṣmaṇa, Rāghava — that increaser of glory, self-controlled — dwelt happily in that fruit-abundant place.

3.14.29 For some time that righteous soul dwelt there, attended by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa, like an immortal in the world of heaven.

3.15.1 As the great-souled Rāghava was dwelling there in contentment, with autumn's passing, the beloved season of hemanta — early winter — commenced.

3.15.2 One day, as night turned to dawn, the delight of Raghu's line set out to bathe at the lovely river Godāvarī.

3.15.3 The valiant son of Sumitrā, bowing respectfully, water-pot in hand, followed behind him along with Sītā, and spoke these words:

3.15.4 "That beloved season you hold dear has arrived, O sweet-spoken one — by which the auspicious year seems adorned, as if decked out in finery."

3.15.5 "The world grows rough with frost; the earth is garlanded with grain; the waters are no longer agreeable to touch; fire, the carrier of oblations, is most welcome."

3.15.6 "The virtuous, having worshipped the ancestors and the gods with offerings of the new first-fruits, complete the new-grain rite in due season, purged of all impurity."

3.15.7 "The kingdoms, rich in desire for plenty and blessed with abundant dairy produce; the earth's protectors rove about, eager for conquest, setting out on campaign."

3.15.8 "As the sun clings steadfastly to the direction frequented by Yama, the northern quarter shines no more brightly, like a woman deprived of her tilaka."

3.15.9 "Rich in frost by nature and now with the sun far away, the mountain Himavat lives up to its name — the snow-mountain — most manifestly."

3.15.10 "The days bring extreme ease for travel; at noon they are pleasant to the touch; the sun in them is pleasant — yet shade and water are unwelcome."

3.15.11 "The days now shine with a mild sun, veiled in mist, sharply cold, with steady breezes, the forests bare of creatures, blasted by frost."

3.15.12 "The nights now pass — their open-sky sleeping done, led onward by the Puṣya star, reddened by frost, cold, and grown longer still."

3.15.13 "His beauty transferred to the sun, the moon's orb reddened by frost — like a mirror clouded by breath — the moon no longer shines."

3.15.14 "The moonlight, soiled by frost, does not gleam even on a full-moon night; it appears, like Sītā darkened by the sun's glare, but does not shine with beauty."

3.15.15 "Cold to the touch by nature, and now pierced by frost, the western wind blows in this season twice as cold as before."

3.15.16 "The forests, wrapped in mist, filled with barley and wheat, grow beautiful at sunrise, resounding with the cries of krauñca birds and sārasa cranes."

3.15.17 "Rice plants, golden in lustre, slightly drooping with heads full of grain shaped like date-palm blossoms, stand beautifully."

3.15.18 "With its rays drawing near yet veiled in frost and mist, the sun rising at a great distance appears like the moon."

3.15.19 "Lacking strength to warm in the morning, pleasant to the touch at noon, deep red and yet faintly pale, the sunlight shines beautifully upon the earth."

3.15.20 "Wet with the fall of dew, the grassy ground of the forests, bathed in the young morning sunlight, shines beautifully."

3.15.21 "Swathed in the darkness of dew, covered over by the darkness of mist, the rows of trees in the forest — flowerless — appear as though deep in slumber."

3.15.22 "Their waters covered with vapour, their sārasa cranes identifiable only by their cries, with banks of frost-wet sand — the rivers shine now in this season."

3.15.23 "From the fall of frost, from the mildness of the sun, and from the cold — even water not seized by fire is, for the most part, still savoured warm."

3.15.24 "Their leaves yellowed and withered with age, their stamens and pericarp shed, reduced to mere stalks, blasted by frost — the lotus pools no longer shine."

3.15.25 "In this very season, O tiger among men, Bharata, that righteous soul, is practising austerity in the city, afflicted with sorrow, out of devotion to you."

3.15.26 "Having renounced the kingdom, honour, and many varied pleasures, he sleeps — a man of austerity with regulated diet — on the cold bare ground."

3.15.27 "He too, at this very hour, no doubt rising for his ablutions, ever attended by the counsellors of the realm, proceeds to the river Sarayū."

3.15.28 "Raised in the utmost comfort, tender by nature, now tormented by the frost — how does he plunge into the Sarayū in the hours before dawn?"

3.15.29 "Lotus-petal-eyed, dark-complexioned, glorious, with a slender waist yet great in stature, knowing dharma, truthful, restrained by modesty, master of his senses —"

3.15.30 "— sweet of speech, gentle, long-armed, subduer of foes — having given up various pleasures entirely, he has taken refuge wholly in the noble path."

3.15.31 "Heaven has been conquered by your brother Bharata, that great-souled one, who, even though you are in the forest, follows your example in austerity."

3.15.32 "'Bipeds follow the father's nature, not the mother's' — so runs the world-famous saying; but Bharata has made it otherwise."

3.15.33 "She whose husband is Daśaratha and whose son is the virtuous Bharata — how, then, is that Kaikeyī, our own mother, so cruel in her designs?"

3.15.34 As the righteous Lakṣmaṇa spoke these words out of affection, Rāghava — unable to bear that reproach of his mother — replied:

3.15.35 "Your middle mother must not be reviled in any way, my child. Speak rather only of Bharata, the lord of the Ikṣvāku line."

3.15.36 "Even my mind — firm in its resolve to dwell in the forest, steadfast in its vow — is again made foolish, scorched as it is by longing for Bharata."

3.15.37 Lamenting thus, Kākutstha reached the river Godāvarī there, and together with his younger brother and with Sītā performed his ablutions.

3.15.38 Then, having offered water to the ancestors and the divinities, they praised the sun newly risen and the gods, composed and intent.

3.15.39 Having completed his ablutions, Rāma shone resplendent — with Sītā as his second and together with Lakṣmaṇa — as the blessed lord Rudra, ever joyful, shines with the daughter of the mountain king after his own ablutions.

3.16.1 Having performed the ablution ritual, Rāma together with Sītā and Saumitri departed from that bank of the Godāvarī and proceeded to their own hermitage.

3.16.2 Having reached that hermitage, Rāghava together with Lakṣmaṇa performed the morning religious rites and entered the leaf-hut.

3.16.3 That great-armed Rāma, seated in the leaf-hut with Sītā, shone like the moon adorned with stars; together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa he engaged in various conversations.

3.16.4 While Rāma sat there with his mind absorbed in conversation, a certain rākṣasī came to that place by chance.

3.16.5 She was Śūrpaṇakhā by name, sister of the rākṣasa Daśagrīva; approaching Rāma, she beheld him who resembled a god.

3.16.6 He had the chest of a lion, great arms, and eyes resembling lotus petals; he was tender of form, of great essence, and bore the marks of a sovereign.

3.16.7 Beholding Rāma, dark as the blue lotus, radiant as the god of love, comparable to Indra himself, the rākṣasī was overpowered by passion.

3.16.8 He was fair-faced while she was ugly-faced; he had a trim waist while she was great-bellied; he had wide eyes while she had misshapen eyes; he had beautiful hair while her locks were copper-red.

3.16.9 He was lovely in form while she was disfigured; he had a beautiful voice while she had a terrifying voice; he was young while she was old and fearsome; he was gentle while she spoke ill.

3.16.10 He was righteous in conduct while she was deeply wicked; he was pleasing while she was unpleasant to behold. Possessed by passion born of the body, the rākṣasī addressed Rāma:

3.16.11 "You have come to this region which is frequented by rākṣasas, wearing matted locks in the guise of an ascetic, accompanied by a wife, bearing a bow and arrows — how so?"

3.16.12 Thus addressed by the rākṣasī Śūrpaṇakhā, the scorcher of foes, with his straightforward nature, began to tell her everything.

3.16.13 "There was a king named Daśaratha, of the valor of the gods; I am his eldest son, known among men by the name Rāma."

3.16.14 "This is my younger brother named Lakṣmaṇa, devoted to following me; and this is my wife, the Vaidehī, celebrated by the name Sītā."

3.16.15 "By the command of the king my father, and constrained by my mother as well, desiring righteousness and seeking the good of dharma, I have come here to dwell in the forest."

3.16.16 "But I wish to know about you — tell me, who are you, whose are you? And what is the reason for your coming here? Tell me the truth."

3.16.17 The rākṣasī, tormented by passion, having heard his words, said: "Listen, O Rāma — I shall speak to you words that are true in meaning."

3.16.18 "I am a rākṣasī named Śūrpaṇakhā, able to take any form at will; I roam this forest alone, instilling terror in all."

3.16.19 "I have a brother named Rāvaṇa, a rākṣasa, lord of the rākṣasas; and Kumbhakarṇa, ever deep in slumber, of great strength."

3.16.20 "Then there is Vibhīṣaṇa, righteous of soul, not given to rākṣasa ways; and my brothers Khara and Dūṣaṇa, both renowned for their valor in battle."

3.16.21 "Surpassing all of them, O Rāma, upon seeing you for the first time I have come with my heart set on you as my husband, O best of men. Be my husband at last — what will you do with Sītā?"

3.16.22 "She is deformed and disfigured — she is not a fitting match for you; I alone am a proper match for you. Regard me in the form of a wife."

3.16.23 "I shall devour this deformed, wicked, hideous, shrunken-bellied human woman together with your brother here."

3.16.24 "Then, beholding mountain peaks and various forests, you shall wander through the Daṇḍakas with me, O beloved."

3.16.25 Thus addressed, Kākutstha, skilled in speech, laughed at the intoxicated-eyed one and began to speak these words.

3.17.1 Then Rāma, with a smile and smooth words at his pleasure, addressed Śūrpaṇakhā who was ensnared in the noose of passion:

3.17.2 "I am already married, dear lady; this is my beloved wife. For women of your kind, the condition of co-wifehood is very difficult to bear."

3.17.3 "This younger brother of mine, virtuous, handsome, endowed with prosperity, and not yet married, is named Lakṣmaṇa, a man of valor."

3.17.4 "Without a wife as yet and seeking one, young and handsome — this one would make a fitting husband for a beauty such as yours."

3.17.5 "Seek this brother of mine as your husband, O wide-eyed one, O fine-hipped one — without a rival co-wife, like the sun's radiance on Mount Meru."

3.17.6 Thus addressed by Rāma, the rākṣasī bewildered by passion suddenly turned away from Rāma and spoke to Lakṣmaṇa:

3.17.7 "I, of excellent complexion, am a fitting wife for your beauty; with me you shall wander through all the Daṇḍakas in happiness."

3.17.8 Thus addressed by the rākṣasī, Saumitri, skilled in speech, smiled at Śūrpaṇakhā and replied with fitting words:

3.17.9 "How would you wish to become the wife of a servant like me? I am subject to my noble elder brother, O lotus-complexioned one."

3.17.10 "Become the junior wife of that noble one who has accomplished his purpose and is rich in attainment; rejoice in your spotless beauty, O wide-eyed one."

3.17.11 "Abandoning this deformed, wicked, utterly infatuated, great-bellied, old wife, he will surely take you as his own."

3.17.12 "For what wise man, O fine-complexioned one, O fine-hipped one, would direct his affection toward a human woman, forsaking this exquisite beauty of yours?"

3.17.13 Thus addressed by Lakṣmaṇa, that hideous shrunken-bellied one, inexperienced in mockery, took his words to be true.

3.17.14 She, bewildered by passion, then addressed Rāma, the scorcher of foes, who sat in the leaf-hut — formidable even alongside Sītā:

3.17.15 "Clinging to this deformed, wicked, hideous, shrunken-bellied, old wife, you do not regard me highly."

3.17.16 "Today I shall devour this human woman before your eyes; then I shall roam with you without a rival, at perfect ease."

3.17.17 Having spoken thus, with eyes blazing like firebrands, she rushed in great fury at the deer-eyed Sītā, like a great meteor rushing at the star Rohiṇī.

3.17.18 The mighty Rāma, enraged, seized her as she charged like the noose of Death, and then spoke to Lakṣmaṇa:

3.17.19 "With cruel and ignoble beings, O Saumitri, one must never jest. See how the Vaidehī barely escapes with her life, O gentle one."

3.17.20 "This disfigured, wicked, utterly infatuated, great-bellied rākṣasī — you must disfigure her further, O tiger among men."

3.17.21 Thus commanded, Lakṣmaṇa, filled with fury, in the sight of Rāma drew his sword and the mighty one cut off her ears and nose.

3.17.22 With her ears and nose cut off, the dreadful Śūrpaṇakhā let out a discordant shriek and fled into the forest in the direction from which she had come.

3.17.23 That disfigured, most dreadful rākṣasī, drenched in blood, let out various cries like a rain-cloud in the monsoon season.

3.17.24 Streaming blood on all sides, terrible to behold, she flung up her arms, roaring, and plunged into the great forest.

3.17.25 Then, disfigured as she was, she approached Khara who was stationed at Janasthāna surrounded by troops of rākṣasas — that brother of fierce energy — and fell to the ground before him like a thunderbolt falling from the sky.

3.17.26 Then, faint with fear and confusion, drenched in blood, that sister of Khara recounted everything to him — the arrival of Rāghava in the forest together with his wife and Lakṣmaṇa, and the mutilation done to her own person.

3.18.1 Seeing his sister fallen thus, disfigured and drenched in blood, the rākṣasa Khara, scorched by wrath, questioned her:

3.18.2 "You who are endowed with strength and valor, who go where you will, who take any form at will — by whom have you been reduced to this condition, brought to a state equal to death?"

3.18.3 "Among gods, gandharvas, spirits, and great-souled sages — who is this one of such great valor who has disfigured you in this way?"

3.18.4 "For I see no one in the world who would do harm to me, save for the thousand-eyed Mahendra, the chastiser of Pāka himself."

3.18.5 "Today I shall drain his life-breaths with arrows that put an end to life, as a crane sucks up milk clinging to water."

3.18.6 "When he has been slain by me in battle, his vital points severed by arrows, whose frothy red blood shall the earth drink?"

3.18.7 "Whose flesh will the birds, gathering joyfully, tear from the body and devour, of him who has been slain by me in battle?"

3.18.8 "Neither gods nor gandharvas, neither piśācas nor rākṣasas will be able to rescue him from my grasp in the great battle, wretched as he will be."

3.18.9 "Recovering your senses gradually, you must tell me about the one by whom you, arrogant in the forest, were overpowered and defeated."

3.18.10 Having heard her brother's words, especially his rage, Śūrpaṇakhā then spoke these tearful words:

3.18.11 "They were two young men endowed with beauty, tender of form yet of great strength, with eyes as wide as white lotuses, wearing bark garments and black antelope skins."

3.18.12 "Resembling the king of the gandharvas, bearing the marks of sovereignty — whether they be gods or humans, I cannot determine."

3.18.13 "I saw there a young woman endowed with beauty, adorned with all ornaments, slender-waisted, standing between the two of them."

3.18.14 "Those two, acting together on account of that woman, have reduced me to this condition, like a wretched masterless creature."

3.18.15 "In the forefront of battle I wish to drink the frothy blood of that one of crooked conduct, and of those two as well, slain there."

3.18.16 "This would be my first wish fulfilled by you, dear brother — that I might drink their blood in battle, hers and those two men's alike."

3.18.17 While she was still speaking thus, enraged Khara dispatched fourteen rākṣasas of great strength, resembling Death itself:

3.18.18 "Two humans, well-armed, wearing bark garments and black antelope skins, have entered the dreadful Daṇḍaka forest together with a woman."

3.18.19 "Having slain those two and that wicked woman, you must return; and my sister here shall drink their blood."

3.18.20 "This desired wish of my sister — let it be accomplished swiftly, O rākṣasas; go and crush those two by your own might."

3.18.21 Thus commanded, those fourteen rākṣasas set out thither together with her, like storm-clouds driven by the wind.

3.19.1 Then the terrible Śūrpaṇakhā, having come to Rāghava's hermitage, described to the rākṣasas those two brothers together with Sītā.

3.19.2 They saw Rāma, of mighty strength, seated in the leaf-hut together with Vaidehī Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.

3.19.3 Seeing them — and the rākṣasī who had come — the glorious Rāghava spoke to his brother Lakṣmaṇa, blazing with energy.

3.19.4 "For a moment, O Saumitri, stand guard close beside Sītā — I shall slay these ones who have come here following her track."

3.19.5 Having heard this word of Rāma, who knows the self, Lakṣmaṇa honored Rāma's command with the reply: "So be it."

3.19.6 And Rāghava, the righteous one, strung his great bow adorned with gold, and then addressed those rākṣasas.

3.19.7 "We two are sons of Daśaratha, brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa; we have entered the difficult Daṇḍaka forest together with Sītā."

3.19.8 "Living on fruits and roots, self-restrained, ascetics who walk in dharma, dwelling in the Daṇḍaka forest — why do you harm us?"

3.19.9 "I have come, bow in hand, by the command of the sages, to slay you wicked ones who commit outrages in the great forest."

3.19.10 "Stay right here, contented, and do not advance — if you value your lives, turn back, O night-roamers."

3.19.11 Having heard his words, those fourteen rākṣasas — slayers of brāhmaṇas, tridents in hand — replied in great fury.

3.19.12 With reddened eyes, those fierce ones addressed Rāma, whose eyes are red at the corners, who speaks sweetly though he addresses harsh things, whose prowess is gladly witnessed.

3.19.13 "You have provoked the anger of our master, the great-souled Khara — you yourself shall lose your life today, slain by us in battle."

3.19.14 "What power does one lone man have to stand before many of us at the forefront of battle — much less to fight us in combat?"

3.19.15 "By our iron clubs, tridents, and battle-axes, hurled by our arms, you shall forfeit your life, your valor, and the bow clutched in your hand."

3.19.16 Having spoken thus in fury, those fourteen rākṣasas, weapons and swords upraised, charged at Rāma alone — and hurled their spears at Rāghava, the unconquerable.

3.19.17 Kākutstha cut all those fourteen spears to pieces with exactly as many arrows adorned with gold.

3.19.18 Then, blazing with great energy and utterly enraged, he took up fourteen iron-shafted arrows, sun-bright and whetted on stone.

3.19.19 Taking up his bow and drawing it to its full extent, aiming at his rākṣasa targets, Rāghava released those arrows like thunderbolts hurled by Śatakratu.

3.19.20 Those sharp shafts with golden nocks, blazing and adorned with gold, blazed in the sky with the brilliance of great meteors.

3.19.21 Those arrows, drenched in blood, swiftly pierced through the rākṣasas' chests and drove into the ground with the sound of thunderbolts.

3.19.22 With their hearts split open, they fell to the ground like trees severed at the root — their limbs wet with blood, disfigured, their lives extinguished.

3.19.23 Seeing them fallen on the ground, the rākṣasī, overcome with rage and terror, let out a dreadful cry.

3.19.24 Śūrpaṇakhā, shrieking a great cry, swiftly went to Khara and, her blood somewhat dried, fell down again in anguish before him, like a creeper weeping its sap.

3.19.25 Having seen the rākṣasas laid low in battle, Śūrpaṇakhā fled; the sister of Khara then reported fully and entirely the slaughter of all those rākṣasas.

3.20.1 Seeing Śūrpaṇakhā fallen again, Khara spoke in anger with measured words to her who had come bringing news of calamity.

3.20.2 "I have just now dispatched those valiant rākṣasas, feeders on blood, for your sake — why do you weep again?"

3.20.3 "Devoted and loyal, ever well-disposed to me — even while slaying enemies they are not to be slain, for they would not disobey my word."

3.20.4 "I wish to hear this — what is the cause for which you writhe on the ground again, crying out like a serpent, 'Ah, my master!'?"

3.20.5 "Why do you lament as though without a protector when I, your protector, stand here? Rise up, rise up — do not fear; let this helplessness be abandoned."

3.20.6 Thus addressed and fully consoled by the formidable Khara, she wiped her tear-filled eyes and spoke to her brother Khara.

3.20.7 "Those fourteen fierce and valiant rākṣasas were sent by you to slay Rāghava together with Lakṣmaṇa, for my sake."

3.20.8 "But all of them — furious, tridents and battle-axes in hand — were slain in battle by Rāma with arrows that pierced their vital points."

3.20.9 "Seeing those mighty ones fallen to the ground in an instant, and witnessing Rāma's great feat, a tremendous terror seized me."

3.20.10 "I am afraid, deeply agitated, and dejected, O night-roamer — I have come again to you for refuge, seeing danger on every side."

3.20.11 "Why do you not rescue me, sinking in the vast ocean of grief — haunted by crocodiles of despair, its waves a garland of terror?"

3.20.12 "And these flesh-eating rākṣasas who came following my track have been slain on the ground by Rāma with sharpened arrows."

3.20.13 "If you have compassion for me and for those rākṣasas, if you have power and energy against Rāma, O night-roamer — then destroy this thorn of the rākṣasas who dwells in the Daṇḍaka forest."

3.20.14 "If you will not slay today this enemy of mine, Rāma, then I shall cast away my life right before your eyes, without shame."

3.20.15 "I consider with my mind and see that you are not capable of standing face to face in battle against bow-armed Rāma in great combat."

3.20.16 "You think yourself a hero but are no hero, your prowess is falsely claimed — for you cannot slay those two men, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa."

3.20.17 "Leave Janasthāna quickly with your kinsmen — for one without substance and of little valor, what kind of dwelling is this place?"

3.20.18 "Overwhelmed by the blazing power of Rāma, you will swiftly perish — for Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, is endowed with blazing power, as is his brother of mighty valor, by whom I was disfigured."

3.21.1 Thus provoked by Śūrpaṇakhā, the valiant Khara then spoke, among the rākṣasas, words that were harsher than his name implied.

3.21.2 "This boundless wrath of mine born from your dishonor cannot be held back — like salt water risen in a flood."

3.21.3 "I do not count Rāma as formidable by his valor — he is a mere mortal whose life is exhausted; he has destroyed himself by his wicked deeds and today shall relinquish his life."

3.21.4 "Let these tears be checked and this agitation abandoned — I shall send Rāma together with his brother to the abode of Yama."

3.21.5 "Today, O rākṣasī, you shall drink the warm blood of Rāma as he lies on the ground, his life barely remaining, struck down by my battle-axe."

3.21.6 She, delighted upon hearing the words that issued from Khara's mouth, foolishly praised her brother again as the best among rākṣasas.

3.21.7 First rebuked by her and then praised again, Khara at that moment spoke to the army commander named Dūṣaṇa.

3.21.8 "Fourteen thousand rākṣasas who follow my will, of terrible swiftness, who never retreat in battles —"

3.21.9 "— dark as storm clouds in color, fierce, cruel in their deeds, who roam like lions among men, mighty, of terrible power —"

3.21.10 "— of these rākṣasas, proud as tigers, with great gaping mouths, of mighty splendor, fully roused for every effort — have them marshaled, dear Dūṣaṇa."

3.21.11 "Bring quickly for me, dear Dūṣaṇa, my chariot, bows, bright-colored arrows, swords, and diverse, sharpened lances."

3.21.12 "I, skilled in battle, wish to march out at the fore, for the slaughter of that insolent Rāma on behalf of the great-souled descendants of Pulastya."

3.21.13 While he was yet speaking, Dūṣaṇa announced the great chariot, bright as the sun, yoked with excellent dappled horses.

3.21.14 That chariot was shaped like the peak of Mount Meru, adorned with burnished gold, with golden wheels, unobstructed, with a pole inlaid with vaidūrya gems.

3.21.15 It was adorned all over with auspicious images in gold: fish, flowers, trees, the moon and sun, flocks of birds, and stars.

3.21.16 Fitted with standards and swords, adorned with tinkling bells, yoked with fine horses — upon this chariot Khara mounted in fury.

3.21.17 Seeing him mounted on the chariot, the rākṣasas of terrible valor stood surrounding him, and surrounded the mighty Dūṣaṇa as well.

3.21.18 Standing on his chariot, Khara looked upon all the rākṣasas — those great bowmen with their dreadful shields, weapons, and standards — and commanded: "March out!"

3.21.19 Then that rākṣasa army — with dreadful shields, weapons, and standards — marched out from Janasthāna with a great roar and tremendous speed.

3.21.20 With clubs, battle-axes, very sharp tridents and hatchets, swords, and discuses held in hand, and gleaming javelins —

3.21.21 — with lances, dreadful spiked clubs, oversized bows, maces, iron hammers, and thunderbolt-weapons grasped in their hands, terrible to behold —

3.21.22 — fourteen thousand of those most dreadful rākṣasas, followers of Khara's will, marched forth from Janasthāna.

3.21.23 Seeing those rākṣasas of terrible valor advancing, Khara's own chariot followed close behind them.

3.21.24 Then the charioteer, knowing Khara's intent, urged on those dappled horses adorned with burnished gold.

3.21.25 Urged on, that swift chariot of Khara — the slayer of foes — filled all the cardinal and intermediate directions with its sound.

3.21.26 The mighty Khara, whose voice is harsh, his fury grown great, roaring like a cloud raining hailstones, urged the charioteer on again, hastening like Death itself to slay his enemy.

3.22.1 As that dreadful army, inauspicious as a river of blood, set out, a great roaring cloud, dark as a donkey's hide, rained down upon it.

3.22.2 His swift horses, yoked to the chariot, stumbled and fell on their own on the royal road in a flower-strewn level place.

3.22.3 A dark halo edged with blood appeared, resembling a wheel of firebrands, encircling the sun.

3.22.4 Then a huge and terrible vulture alighted on the tall golden-shafted standard, clutching and perching upon it.

3.22.5 Near Janasthāna, flesh-eating beasts and birds, braying with harsh voices, made various discordant cries.

3.22.6 In the blazing quarter of the sky, dreadful jackals uttered terrifying, inauspicious howls, portending ill for the living.

3.22.7 Fearsome storm-clouds, resembling cleaved mountains, carrying rain dried within, made the sky no sky—obscuring it utterly.

3.22.8 A terrible, oppressive darkness arose that made the hair stand on end; neither the cardinal directions nor the intermediate ones could be clearly discerned.

3.22.9 A glow the color of wet blood appeared though it was not twilight, and dreadful beasts and birds cried out facing toward Khara.

3.22.10 Jackals, ever portending ill in battle, terrible in their appearance, howled before the army with mouths belching flames.

3.22.11 A headless torso (kabandha), resembling an iron bar, was seen near the sun; and the great planet Svarbhānu seized the sun though it was not an eclipse-node.

3.22.12 A fierce wind blew; the sun became devoid of luster; and stars with the faint glow of fireflies rose though it was not night.

3.22.13 Lotus-pools saw their fish and birds withdraw and their lotuses close; and at that moment trees stood bare of flowers and fruit.

3.22.14 Dust of a cloud-red hue was stirred up with no wind, and mynahs (sārikā) there called out in mournful, broken cries.

3.22.15 Fiery meteors fell with terrible sounds; and the earth itself trembled along with its mountains, forests, and groves.

3.22.16 Even as the wise Khara stood in his chariot roaring, his left arm trembled involuntarily, and his voice faltered.

3.22.17 His gaze, looking all about, became tearful; a pain arose in his forehead; yet from delusion he did not turn back.

3.22.18 Beholding those great portents, hair-raising as they were, Khara laughed and addressed all the rākṣasas:

3.22.19 "All these terrible great portents that have arisen—I heed them not. In my valor I am the strong one; I regard them as I would the weak."

3.22.20 "Even the stars I could bring down from the vault of heaven with my sharp arrows. Enraged, I visit death upon all who are subject to death."

3.22.21 "Without slaying that Rāghava—intoxicated with his strength—and his brother Lakṣmaṇa with my sharp arrows, I have no desire to turn back."

3.22.22 "Let my sister have her desire fulfilled by drinking the blood of those two—for whose sake the destruction of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa has come about."

3.22.23 "Never anywhere have I suffered defeat in battle—this is plain to you all; I speak no untruth."

3.22.24 "Enraged, I could slay even the king of the gods riding his intoxicated Airāvata with thunderbolt in hand—what then of these two mere mortals?"

3.22.25 Hearing that rākṣasa's roar, the great army felt incomparable exultation—though it was already ensnared in the noose of death.

3.22.26 And noble sages, gods, gandharvas, siddhas, and cāraṇas assembled, eager to witness the battle.

3.22.27 Gathering together, those of meritorious deeds spoke among themselves: "May there be welfare for the cows, the brāhmaṇas, and all beings held in esteem."

3.22.28 "May Rāghava be victorious in battle over the night-roaming descendants of Pulastya, just as Cakra-handed Indra was victorious over all the foremost asuras."

3.22.29 Saying this and much else besides, the great seers beheld that army of rākṣasas whose lives were already spent.

3.22.30 Khara swiftly drove his chariot out ahead of the army; seeing that rākṣasa advance, the other rākṣasas also sallied forth.

3.22.31 Śyenagāmī, Pṛthugrīva, Yajñaśatru, Vihaṃgama, Durjaya, Karavīrākṣa, Paruṣa, and Kālakārmuka—

3.22.32 Meghamālī, Mahāmālī, Sarpāsya, and Rudhirāśana—these twelve of great valor set forth surrounding Khara on all sides.

3.22.33 And four foremost commanders—Mahākapāla, Sthūlākṣa, Pramāthī, and Triśiras—followed behind Dūṣaṇa.

3.22.34 That fearsome, battle-hungry, utterly terrible army of rākṣasa warriors suddenly descended upon those two princes as clouds descend upon the sun and moon at eclipse-time.

3.23.1 When Khara of fierce valor marched toward the hermitage, Rāma along with his brother witnessed those very portents.

3.23.2 Seeing those great and terrible portents arise—hair-raising and harmful to all creatures—he spoke these words to Lakṣmaṇa:

3.23.3 "O mighty-armed one, behold these great portents that have arisen to sweep away all living beings—portending the destruction of all the rākṣasas."

3.23.4 "Those harsh, donkey-hued clouds rolling in the sky, raining down streams of blood and uttering braying sounds—"

3.23.5 "And all my arrows, Lakṣmaṇa—they who delight in battle—smoke; and my gold-backed bows tremble."

3.23.6 "The manner in which these forest-roaming birds cry out here foretells that danger has come upon us and that our lives hang in uncertainty."

3.23.7 "A great clash of battle will surely occur—of this there is no doubt; this arm of mine, throbbing again and again, proclaims it."

3.23.8 "O hero, your face appearing bright and serene at this juncture portends our victory and the enemy's defeat."

3.23.9 "For those about to engage in battle whose faces, O Lakṣmaṇa, appear lustreless—their lives dwindle away."

3.23.10 "One who desires good fortune and who suspects danger must make provision against what is yet to come—so must a wise man act."

3.23.11 "Therefore, taking Vaidehī, bearing arrows in hand and bow strung, take shelter in the difficult cave of the mountain, dense with trees—"

3.23.12 "I wish to encounter them head-on. Do not oppose this word of mine. By my feet I adjure you—go, my dear, and without delay."

3.23.13 Thus addressed by Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, taking his arrows and bow along with Sītā, took shelter in the difficult cave.

3.23.14 When Lakṣmaṇa had entered the cave together with Sītā, Rāma said "Good, the duty is assigned," and donned his armor.

3.23.15 Adorned with that armor blazing like fire, Rāma appeared in the darkness like a smokeless fire leaping up.

3.23.16 The valiant one, raising his great bow and taking up his arrows, stood there filling all the directions with the twang of his bowstring.

3.23.17 Then the gods along with gandharvas, siddhas, cāraṇas, and guhyakas, greatly alarmed, spoke among themselves:

3.23.18 "Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds—and Rāma alone, righteous of soul. How will this battle unfold?"

3.23.19 Then the army of the yātudhānas appeared on all sides with deep reverberating sounds, with fearsome armor, weapons, and banners.

3.23.20 Uttering lion-roars, bellowing at one another, twanging their bows, and yawning again and again—

3.23.21 —and beating kettledrums with resounding noise, their tumultuous clamor filled that forest completely.

3.23.22 Terrified by that sound, the beasts of prey roaming the forest fled to wherever it was silent, not looking back.

3.23.23 That army of great momentum, holding various weapons aloft, deep and ocean-like, advanced toward Rāma.

3.23.24 Rāma too, skilled in battle, casting his eyes in all directions, beheld Khara's army drawn up and advancing with battle intent.

3.23.25 Drawing his terrible bow and pulling arrows from his quiver, he summoned fierce wrath for the slaughter of all the rākṣasas.

3.23.26 Enraged, he became difficult to look upon, blazing like the fire at the end of an eon; seeing him possessed by that radiance, the forest deities trembled.

3.23.27 The form of Rāma enraged was seen then as that of Piṇākin Śiva ready to strike down the sacrifice of Dakṣa.

3.24.1 Khara, arriving at the hermitage along with his vanguard, beheld Rāma gripping his bow, enraged and the slayer of foes.

3.24.2 Seeing him, Khara raised his bow with its string in place, and roaring like a donkey, urged his charioteer: "Drive forward toward Rāma."

3.24.3 At Khara's command the charioteer drove the horses toward where the mighty-armed Rāma stood alone, wielding his bow.

3.24.4 Seeing him charge forward, all those night-roaming companions shouted with great cries and surrounded him.

3.24.5 Khara, having plunged into the midst of those yātudhānas, appeared like the red-limbed Mars risen in the midst of stars.

3.24.6 Then all those night-roamers, enraged, rained various weapons upon that invincible Rāma of the terrible bow.

3.24.7 The rākṣasas, intent on fury, struck Rāma in battle with iron clubs, spears, javelins, swords, and battle-axes.

3.24.8 Those mighty ones, resembling storm-clouds, roaring loudly, charged at Kākutstha Rāma in battle, intent on killing him.

3.24.9 Those mighty rākṣasas discharged showers of arrows upon Rāma, like great rainclouds drenching the king of mountains with their torrents.

3.24.10 Surrounded by those terrible hosts of rākṣasas, Rāghava appeared like Mahādeva surrounded by his host of attendants on festival days.

3.24.11 Those weapons hurled by the yātudhānas, Rāghava received with his own shafts, as the ocean receives the floods of rivers.

3.24.12 Though his body was pierced by those terrible weapons, Rāma did not waver—like a great mountain struck by many blazing thunderbolts.

3.24.13 Rāghava, pierced and drenched in blood over all his limbs, appeared like the sun enveloped by twilight clouds.

3.24.14 The gods, gandharvas, siddhas, and great seers were filled with dismay seeing him—one man—surrounded by many thousands.

3.24.15 Then Rāma, greatly enraged, drew his bow to a full circle and released sharp arrows by the hundreds and then thousands.

3.24.16 Rāma released with ease in battle those straight-flying, heron-feathered arrows—difficult to ward off, difficult to endure, resembling the noose of Time.

3.24.17 Those arrows released so effortlessly by Rāma into the enemy's army bore away the lives of the rākṣasas like the nooses fashioned by Time.

3.24.18 Piercing through the bodies of the rākṣasas, those arrows, soaked in blood and blazing with the radiance of kindled fire, shone as they passed through the sky.

3.24.19 Innumerable, exceedingly fierce arrows of Rāma—life-takers of rākṣasas—poured forth from the orb of his bow.

3.24.20 With those arrows he shattered bows, the tops of standards, and coats of armor; he struck off heads and the many thighs adorned with bracelets—thighs resembling elephant trunks.

3.24.21 Then, pierced by nālīka and nārāca arrows with their sharp points and by vikarṇi shafts, the night-roamers emitted terrible cries of anguish.

3.24.22 That army, tormented by Rāma's sharp arrows that pierced the vital points, found no ease—like a dry forest in fire.

3.24.23 Some of the night-roaming heroes of tremendous strength, exceedingly enraged, hurled spears, swords, and battle-axes at Rāma.

3.24.24 The mighty-armed Rāghava, intercepting those weapons with his arrows, robbed them of their lives in battle and severed their necks.

3.24.25 And the night-roamers who remained there, despondent and tormented by arrows, fled toward Khara himself seeking refuge.

3.24.26 Dūṣaṇa, taking all of them back and reassuring them, charged at Kākutstha—enraged as Yama before Rudra.

3.24.27 All of them, having turned back and now fearless under Dūṣaṇa's shelter, once more charged at Rāma, armed with śāla trees, palmyra palms, and rocks.

3.24.28 That battle—between Rāma and those rākṣasas—became wondrous, tumultuous, hair-raising, and supremely terrible.

3.25.1 That deadly shower of trees and boulders, the righteous Rāghava received and intercepted with his sharp arrows.

3.25.2 Having received that onslaught, like a bull with eyes half-closed, Rāma gathered his supreme wrath for the purpose of slaying all the rākṣasas.

3.25.3 Then, seized by fury and blazing as though with inner fire, he rained arrows upon the entire host together with Dūṣaṇa from all sides.

3.25.4 Then the enraged general Dūṣaṇa, destroyer of enemies, seized a bar-mace resembling a mountain peak, terrible enough to make one's hair stand on end.

3.25.5 It was wrapped in bands of gold, a crusher of divine armies, bristling with sharp iron spikes, and drenched with the fat of enemies.

3.25.6 Terrifying to the touch like the vajra and the thunderbolt, a splitter of enemy citadels, resembling a great serpent — seizing that bar-mace, the cruel-actioned night-roamer Dūṣaṇa flew at Rāma in battle.

3.25.7 As Dūṣaṇa came rushing upon him, Rāghava severed both his arms — ornaments and all — with two arrows.

3.25.8 The mace fell from the hands of the severed-armed one and crashed to the forefront of the battlefield, enormous, like Indra's banner toppled.

3.25.9 His arms scattered wide, Dūṣaṇa fell to the earth like a great spirited elephant whose tusks have been broken off.

3.25.10 Seeing Dūṣaṇa fallen slain on the battlefield, all living beings cried out "Well done! Well done!" and honoured Kākutstha.

3.25.11 At that moment three enraged vanguard commanders, ensnared by the noose of death, joined forces and charged at Rāma: Mahākapāla, Sthūlākṣa, and the mighty Pramāthin.

3.25.12 The rākṣasa Mahākapāla raised a huge spear, Sthūlākṣa seized a broad sword, and Pramāthin took up a battle-axe.

3.25.13 Seeing those three rushing at him, Rāghava received them with sharp, keen-tipped arrows as one receives guests who have arrived.

3.25.14 The scion of Raghu severed Mahākapāla's head and crushed Pramāthin with countless floods of arrows.

3.25.15 He filled Sthūlākṣa's eyes with sharp arrows; Sthūlākṣa fell slain to the ground like a great branching tree cut down.

3.25.16 Then, with arrows blazing like fire and adorned with gold and iron, the radiant Rāma slew the remainder of that army.

3.25.17 Those gold-fletched, smoke-trailing shafts blazing like fires struck down those rākṣasas as thunderbolts strike down great trees.

3.25.18 In the vanguard of battle, Rāma slew a hundred rākṣasas with a single hundred of his arrow-swift shafts, and a thousand with a thousand.

3.25.19 Their armour and ornaments shattered, their bows cut and broken, smeared with blood, those night-roaming rākṣasas fell to the ground.

3.25.20 The entire earth, spread with those fallen in battle, their hair loose, drenched in blood, looked like a great sacrificial altar strewn with kuśa grass.

3.25.21 In an instant that great dreadful forest, its rākṣasas slain, became a hell-like swamp of flesh and blood.

3.25.22 Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds were slain by the single human Rāma, fighting on foot.

3.25.23 Of that entire host, only the great warrior Khara remained, and the rākṣasa Triśiras — and Rāma, the destroyer of foes.

3.25.24 Then, seeing that fearsome force destroyed in the great battle by the mighty Rāma, Khara mounted his great chariot and advanced on Rāma, like Indra with his thunderbolt upraised.

3.26.1 As Khara advanced toward Rāma, the rākṣasa army-commander named Triśiras intercepted him and spoke these words.

3.26.2 "Appoint me instead, O valiant one; withdraw yourself from this rash act. Watch the mighty-armed Rāma laid low in battle."

3.26.3 "I swear truly to you and I touch my weapons: I will kill Rāma, who deserves death at the hands of all rākṣasas."

3.26.4 "Either I am death to him in battle, or he is death to me in battle. Restrain your own eagerness to fight; be a spectator for a moment."

3.26.5 "If Rāma is slain, you may return to Janasthāna rejoicing; or if I am slain, you may then come forward to fight Rāma."

3.26.6 Khara, gratified by Triśiras' eagerness for death, gave him permission: "Go, fight!" and Triśiras proceeded toward Rāghava.

3.26.7 And Triśiras, mounted on his splendid chariot drawn by swift horses, charged at Rāma in battle like a three-peaked mountain in motion.

3.26.8 Like a great thundercloud releasing masses of rain-streams, he loosed torrents of arrows and gave forth a sound like a water-drenched war-drum.

3.26.9 Seeing the rākṣasa Triśiras coming at him, Rāghava received him with his bow, shaking out sharp arrows.

3.26.10 That tumultuous and great clash between Rāma and Triśiras, both exceedingly powerful, was like the clash between a lion and an elephant.

3.26.11 Then, struck on the forehead by three of Triśiras' arrows, Rāma — impatient, angered, greatly provoked — spoke these words.

3.26.12 "Ah, such is the strength of this brave rākṣasa warrior — I am grazed on the forehead by arrows that feel like flowers! Now receive my arrows too, discharged from the bowstring."

3.26.13 So saying, in great fury, enraged, he shot fourteen arrows resembling venomous serpents into Triśiras' chest.

3.26.14 With four well-jointed arrows, the radiant Rāma brought down Triśiras' four horses.

3.26.15 With eight arrows he struck down the charioteer onto the floor of the chariot, and with an arrow Rāma also severed Triśiras' upraised banner.

3.26.16 Then, as the night-roaming rākṣasa leaped from his destroyed chariot, Rāma pierced him in the heart with arrows; he became senseless.

3.26.17 And the immeasurably great-souled Rāma, with wrath, struck off that rākṣasa's three heads with three swift, powerful arrows.

3.26.18 That night-roamer, pressed by Rāma's arrows and vomiting blood, fell to the ground, his own three heads having fallen before him.

3.26.19 Then the surviving remnant of the rākṣasas who had taken shelter with Khara broke and fled; they did not stand firm, like deer terrified by a tiger.

3.26.20 Seeing them flee, Khara turned them back in fury, then himself rushed directly at Rāma, as Rāhu rushes at the moon.

3.27.1 Seeing Dūṣaṇa slain in battle together with Triśiras, and witnessing Rāma's prowess, even Khara felt fear.

3.27.2 Seeing the irresistible, mighty rākṣasa army — and even Dūṣaṇa and Triśiras — slain by the single Rāma,

3.27.3 that army mostly destroyed — disheartened as he surveyed it, the rākṣasa Khara advanced upon Rāma, as Namuci once advanced upon Vāsava.

3.27.4 Drawing his powerful bow mightily, Khara hurled iron-headed arrows that feed on blood at Rāma, like enraged venomous serpents.

3.27.5 Snapping his bowstring repeatedly, displaying his mastery of missile-science, Khara on his chariot traced tactical paths across the battlefield with his arrows.

3.27.6 The great warrior filled all the cardinal and intermediate directions with arrows; seeing him, Rāma also took up his great bow.

3.27.7 With arrows irresistible as spark-shooting fires, he made the sky without gaps, like a rain-cloud with its downpour.

3.27.8 The surrounding sky became void of voids — everywhere dense with arrows — from the sharp shafts loosed by Khara and Rāma together.

3.27.9 The sun did not shine then, enveloped in a net of arrows, as both warriors fought in their mutual fury to kill the other.

3.27.10 Then with nālikā-arrows, iron shafts, and keen-tipped flanged arrows, he struck Rāma in battle as if goading a great elephant with prods.

3.27.11 All living beings beheld that rākṣasa standing in his chariot, bow in hand, looming over the field, like Death himself with his noose in hand.

3.27.12 Yet seeing him — mighty as a lion, moving with a lion's gait — Rāma felt no alarm, as a lion does not tremble before a lesser beast.

3.27.13 Then on his great chariot blazing like the sun, Khara drew up to Rāma in battle, as a moth draws near to fire.

3.27.14 Then Khara cut Rāma's bow along with its arrow at the grip, displaying his swiftness of hand against the great-souled Rāma.

3.27.15 And then taking up seven more arrows blazing like Indra's thunderbolt, he struck Rāma on his armour in battle, in his fury.

3.27.16 Then that armour of Rāma, radiant as the sun, struck by Khara's well-jointed arrows, fell to the ground.

3.27.17 Thus pierced by arrows in all his limbs and incensed with anger, Rāghava blazed in battle like a smokeless fire burning.

3.27.18 Then Rāma, crusher of enemies, strung another great bow with a deep resounding twang, for the annihilation of his foe.

3.27.19 Taking up that supremely great Vaiṣṇava bow which had been bestowed as a gift by the great sage, he rushed against Khara.

3.27.20 Then with gold-fletched, well-jointed arrows, the greatly enraged Rāma cut down Khara's battle standard in the fight.

3.27.21 That beautiful golden banner, severed in many pieces, fell to the earth like the sun descending at the gods' command.

3.27.22 Enraged, Khara, knowing the vital points, pierced Rāma in the limbs with four arrows and in the heart — as one might goad a great elephant with lances.

3.27.23 Rāma, pierced by many arrows discharged from Khara's bow, his limbs drenched with blood, became exceedingly incensed.

3.27.24 He, the foremost of archers and supreme bowman, gripping his bow in the great battle, released six well-aimed arrows.

3.27.25 With one arrow he struck Khara on the head; with two he struck him on both arms; and with three crescent-faced arrows he smote him on the chest.

3.27.26 Then afterwards, the great-splendoured Rāma, desirous of killing the rākṣasa and enraged, took up thirteen iron arrows whetted on stone, blazing like the sun.

3.27.27 Then with one arrow he cut the yoke, with four he felled the four horses, and with the sixth in battle he severed the head of Khara's charioteer.

3.27.28 With three he destroyed the triple-bamboo chariot-pole, the mighty one with two cut the axle, with the twelfth arrow he severed Khara's bow together with its arrow; and then, smiling as it were, with the thirteenth — blazing like the vajra — Rāghava, equal to Indra, pierced Khara in battle.

3.27.29 His bow shattered, his chariot destroyed, his horses slain, his charioteer killed, Khara then leaped down and stood on the ground, mace in hand.

3.27.30 At that feat of the great warrior Rāma, the gods and the great sages gathered there, stationed at the prows of their celestial vehicles, rejoiced and honoured him with joined palms.

3.28.1 Then Rāma, of great radiance, first gently and then harshly addressed Khara, who stood dismounted from his chariot, mace in hand.

3.28.2 Standing amid a great force of elephants, horses, and chariots, you have performed a most terrible deed that all the worlds condemn.

3.28.3 One who is cruel, a doer of evil deeds, and a cause of terror to all beings cannot endure even if he be lord of the three worlds.

3.28.4 One who acts against the world's order, O night-roaming demon, all people destroy sharply, as one destroys a venomous snake that approaches.

3.28.5 He who, out of greed or passion, commits sins and does not understand, ruined, he sees his own end — as a Brahmin woman watches a hailstone melt away.

3.28.6 What fruit do you think you will obtain, O demon, by slaying the noble ascetics, those who walk in righteousness, dwelling here in the Daṇḍaka forest?

3.28.7 Those who do evil deeds, the cruel and those condemned by the world, do not long retain their lordship once gained — like trees whose roots have rotted.

3.28.8 The doer inevitably reaps the terrible fruit of evil action when the time comes around, as a tree blooms in its season.

3.28.9 The fruit of evil actions is swiftly obtained in this world, O night-wandering demon, like food laced with poison once it has been eaten.

3.28.10 I am a king appointed to slay those who commit terrible sin and who seek what is harmful to the world — I have come to take your life, O night-prowler.

3.28.11 Today the gold-adorned arrows I release will tear through you and fall upon you as serpents descend upon an anthill.

3.28.12 Those righteous ones whom you devoured in the Daṇḍaka forest — today, slain in battle along with your army, you shall follow them.

3.28.13 May the great sages whom you once harmed, now seated in their celestial cars, look down today and behold you laid low by arrows, fallen into hell.

3.28.14 Strike as you wish, make your utmost effort, O disgrace to your lineage — today I shall strike off your head as one strikes down a palm fruit.

3.28.15 Thus addressed by Rāma, Khara, enraged with blood-red eyes, laughed and replied to Rāma, overcome with fury.

3.28.16 Having slain mere common rākṣasas in battle, O son of Daśaratha, how do you praise yourself — though self-praise is ignoble?

3.28.17 Truly valiant and mighty men, the bulls among men, say nothing of themselves, even when filled with their own blazing splendour.

3.28.18 Only the ignoble, the undisciplined, the stains upon the Kṣatriya order in this world boast uselessly, as you, O Rāma, boast.

3.28.19 What hero in battle would invoke his lineage and sing his own praises unprompted, when the hour of death has arrived?

3.28.20 In every way your smallness has been revealed by your boasting, like fool's gold revealed by the fire of a touchstone.

3.28.21 Do you not see me standing here, mace in hand, immovable as a mountain bearing the earth, streaked with its veins of ore?

3.28.22 I am fully capable, mace in hand, of taking your life in battle — even as Yama with noose in hand rules the three worlds.

3.28.23 There is much indeed I could say to you, yet I will not — for should the sun set, battle would thereby be hindered.

3.28.24 Fourteen thousand rākṣasas have been slain — by destroying you today I shall wipe away their tears.

3.28.25 Having spoken thus, in supreme fury Khara hurled that great mace, blazing like a thunderbolt, at Rāma.

3.28.26 That great blazing mace, released from Khara's arm, reduced trees and shrubs to ash as it flew toward Rāma.

3.28.27 As that blazing mace, like death's own noose, flew through the air toward him, Rāma shattered it into many pieces with his arrows.

3.28.28 Shattered and pierced by those arrows, it fell to the ground, like a great serpent brought down by the power of mantras and herbs.

3.29.1 Having split that mace with his arrows, Rāghava, devoted to righteousness, smiled and spoke these fierce words to Khara.

3.29.2 You have shown the full extent of your strength, O vilest of rākṣasas — you are more feeble than I, and your roaring was in vain.

3.29.3 This mace, pierced by my arrows, has gone to the ground — a refutation of your arrogant boasting.

3.29.4 As for what you said — "I shall wipe away the tears of the slain rākṣasas" — that too was a false boast.

3.29.5 From this base, mean-natured, false-living demon I shall take his life as Garuḍa seizes the amṛta.

3.29.6 Today the earth shall drink your blood, foaming and bubbling, as my arrows split open your throat and rend your body.

3.29.7 With every limb smeared in dust, your two arms fallen and outstretched, you shall sleep embracing the earth as if she were a rare and beloved woman.

3.29.8 When you lie sunk in the deepest sleep, O disgrace of the rākṣasas, these Daṇḍaka forests shall become a refuge for those who now have no refuge.

3.29.9 With Janasthāna become a place of slaughter for your rākṣasas by my arrows, the sages shall roam fearlessly in every part of the forest.

3.29.10 Today the rākṣasī women, their kinsmen slain, faces drenched with tears, wretched and themselves a terror to others, shall scatter in flight.

3.29.11 Today, O night-prowler, those wives who belong to a lineage fitted for such a lord as you shall come to taste the full flavour of grief.

3.29.12 O cruel-natured one, petty of soul, ever a thorn to Brāhmaṇas — because of you the sages cast their oblations into the fire with trembling hands.

3.29.13 As Rāghava spoke thus in fierce passion in battle, Khara, his voice even harsher in rage, reviled him harshly.

3.29.14 You are thoroughly puffed up with pride and fearless even in the face of peril — that is why you do not discern what should and should not be said, for you are already in the grip of death.

3.29.15 Those men who are ensnared in the noose of Death know not what should or should not be done — their six senses are utterly swept away.

3.29.16 Having spoken thus to Rāma, furrowing his brow in fury, the night-roaming demon then caught sight of a great śāla tree nearby.

3.29.17 Looking all around for a weapon to use in battle, he fixed his gaze upon that tree and baring his teeth uprooted it.

3.29.18 Lifting it aloft with both arms and roaring mightily, that one of great power hurled it at Rāma, crying out: "You are slain!"

3.29.19 Rāma, of blazing valour, cut down that oncoming tree with a shower of arrows, then drew up fierce fury within himself to slay Khara in battle.

3.29.20 Then Rāma, perspiring, his eyes red at their corners with rage, pierced Khara in battle with a thousand arrows.

3.29.21 From the gaps between the arrows blood flowed forth in great foaming streams, like the rushing flow of water cascading from a mountain spring.

3.29.22 Though made frantic by the arrows in combat with Rāma, Khara, intoxicated by the smell of blood, rushed swiftly at him.

3.29.23 As he charged in frenzied fury, drenched in blood, Rāma — skilled in weaponry — with swift, measured steps yielded ground slightly before him.

3.29.24 Then Rāma took up an arrow blazing like fire for the killing of Khara in battle — a second rod of Brahmā, as it were.

3.29.25 That arrow — given formerly by the wise king of the gods, Maghavat (Indra) — the righteous-souled Rāma nocked and released it toward Khara.

3.29.26 Released with the bow raised, that mighty arrow, thundering like a thunderclap, struck Khara square in the chest.

3.29.27 Khara fell to the ground, consumed by the fire of that arrow, even as Andhaka was burned up by Rudra himself in the Śveta forest.

3.29.28 Khara fell slain — as Vṛtra fell by the thunderbolt, as Namuci fell by the foam, as Bali fell struck by Indra's thunderbolt.

3.29.29 Then all the royal sages and the great seers assembled together, honoured Rāma with joyful hearts, and spoke these words.

3.29.30 For this very purpose did the great and resplendent Mahendra, the chastiser of Pāka, the destroyer of cities, come to the sacred hermitage of Śarabhaṅga.

3.29.31 You were brought to this region by the device of the great sages, for the purpose of slaying these cruel rākṣasas of evil deeds.

3.29.32 This task of ours has been accomplished by you, O son of Daśaratha — the great sages shall now live and follow righteousness in the Daṇḍaka forests in peace.

3.29.33 In the meantime, the heroic Lakṣmaṇa, together with Sītā, emerged from the mountain fortress and happily entered their hermitage.

3.29.34 Then the victorious hero Rāma, honoured by the great sages, entered the hermitage, greeted with reverence by Lakṣmaṇa.

3.29.35 Seeing him — the destroyer of enemies, the bringer of joy to the great sages — Vaidehī was filled with delight and embraced her husband.

3.30.1 Then Śūrpaṇakhā, having seen fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds slain single-handedly by Rāma,

3.30.2 and Dūṣaṇa, Khara, and Triśiras slain in battle, let out once more a great cry, like a cloud bursting.

3.30.3 Having witnessed this deed of Rāma's, impossible for others to accomplish, she went in extreme agitation to Laṅkā, the realm protected by Rāvaṇa.

3.30.4 She saw Rāvaṇa at the fore of his palace, blazing with splendour, seated in the company of his ministers as Vāsava sits surrounded by the Maruts.

3.30.5 Seated upon a splendid golden throne brilliant as the sun, placed upon a golden dais, blazing like fire.

3.30.6 Unconquerable in battle by gods, gandharvas, spirits, and great-souled sages alike — a hero with gaping mouth like Death himself.

3.30.7 His body bearing scars made by Indra's thunderbolt in battles between gods and asuras, his chest scarred and furrowed by the tusks of Airāvata.

3.30.8 Twenty-armed, ten-headed, with splendid attire, broad-chested, heroic, bearing the marks of royalty.

3.30.9 His complexion like polished vaidūrya gem, wearing earrings of burnished gold, with handsome arms, white teeth, a vast mouth, and a form like a mountain.

3.30.10 His body struck hundreds of times by Viṣṇu's discus in battles with the gods, and likewise by all the weapons of the devas.

3.30.11 Who stirs the unstirrable oceans, swift in action, who hurls the peaks of mountains and crushes the gods.

3.30.12 Destroyer of righteousness, violator of others' wives, wielder of all divine weapons, ever a disrupter of sacrifices.

3.30.13 Who went to the city of Bhogavatī, defeated Vāsuki, and then overpowering Takṣaka, carried off his beloved wife.

3.30.14 Who went to Mount Kailāsa, defeated Kubera who rides men as his vehicle, and seized his wish-fulfilling aerial chariot, the Puṣpaka.

3.30.15 Who, mighty in valour, out of rage devastates the celestial garden of Caitraratha, and the lotus pond, and the grove of Nandana, and the parks of the gods.

3.30.16 Who, standing like a mountain peak, holds back with his own arms the mighty Sun and Moon when they rise — those two of great splendour who afflict their foes.

3.30.17 Who, resolute, in ancient times performed asceticism for ten thousand years in the great forest, and then offered his own heads to Svayambhū (Brahmā).

3.30.18 Whom gods, dānavas, gandharvas, piśācas, birds, and serpents cannot threaten with death in battle — save only a mortal man.

3.30.19 He of great might who seizes the soma from the sacrificial vessels — the holy and gratifying offerings — when the twice-born perform their sacred rites.

3.30.20 That pillager of duly performed sacrifices, cruel, slayer of Brāhmaṇas, of corrupt conduct, harsh, without compassion, intent on harming subjects — Rāvaṇa, a terror to all beings and to all the worlds.

3.30.21 The rākṣasī saw her cruel and mighty brother — adorned with divine garments and ornaments, beautified with divine garlands — the lord of the rākṣasas, the illustrious delight of the Paulastya lineage.

3.30.22 Displaying her blazing, wide eyes, overcome with fear, confusion, and anguish, Śūrpaṇakhā — who had walked fearlessly before but was now disfigured by the great-souled Rāma — spoke these most terrible words to him.

3.31.1 Then Śūrpaṇakhā, wretched and enraged, spoke harsh words to Rāvaṇa, the terror of the world, in the midst of his ministers.

3.31.2 "You are intoxicated with sensual pleasures, wandering at will, unchecked — you do not perceive the terrible danger that has arisen, which ought to be understood."

3.31.3 "A lord of the earth who is addicted to vulgar pleasures, ruled by desire, and greedy — his subjects do not hold him in esteem, just as they regard a cremation-ground fire."

3.31.4 "A king who does not himself attend to affairs at the proper time perishes together with his kingdom and those very affairs."

3.31.5 "Men shun from afar a lord of men who has no proper intelligence-network, who is hard to approach, and who has lost self-mastery — as elephants shun the mire of a river."

3.31.6 "Those lords of men who have lost self-mastery and do not protect their realm do not shine with prosperity, just as mountains do not shine within the ocean."

3.31.7 "Having made enemies of those with composure — gods, gandharvas, and dānavas — lacking intelligence-service and being fickle, how will you remain a king?"

3.31.8 "O best among conquerors, those lords of men whose intelligence-network, treasury, and statecraft are not under their own control are equal to common people."

3.31.9 "Because lords of men see through their spies all matters even from afar, kings are therefore called 'those of far-reaching sight.'"

3.31.10 "I consider you to be without proper intelligence-service, surrounded by ordinary ministers — for you did not perceive the slaughter of your own people in Janasthāna."

3.31.11 "Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds have been slain by Rāma alone, and Khara together with Dūṣaṇa as well."

3.31.12 "Safety has been granted to the sages, the Daṇḍaka forest has been made secure, and Janasthāna has been overrun by Rāma, whose deeds are effortless."

3.31.13 "But you, Rāvaṇa, are greedy, heedless, and dependent on others — you who do not perceive the danger that has arisen in your own domain."

3.31.14 "All creatures do not rush to the aid of a king in misfortune who is harsh, gives little, is heedless, arrogant, and deceitful."

3.31.15 "Even his own people slay a lord of men in his misfortune who is excessively proud, unapproachable, self-conceited, and irascible."

3.31.16 "He who does not attend to affairs and does not fear dangers will swiftly be cast from his kingdom and become wretched, equal to a blade of grass."

3.31.17 "One may find use in dry wood, in clods of earth, even in dust — but there is no use in lords of the earth who have fallen from their station."

3.31.18 "Just as a garment already worn, or a garland already crushed, so one fallen from kingship is without value even if capable."

3.31.19 "A king who is vigilant, omniscient, who has conquered his senses, is grateful, and is devoted to righteousness — such a king endures long."

3.31.20 "Though asleep with his eyes, he is awake with the eye of statecraft; and whose anger and favor are clearly manifest — such a king is honored by the people."

3.31.21 "But you, Rāvaṇa of wicked intellect, are devoid of these virtues — you by whose spies the great slaughter of your rākṣasas was not made known to you."

3.31.22 "One who despises others, addicted to sense-pleasures, ignorant of the true nature of distinctions of place and time, of disordered intellect in judging merits and faults — such a ruined king will soon come to total destruction."

3.31.23 Thus having considered with his intellect those own faults enumerated by her, Rāvaṇa — the lord of those who move in the night, endowed with wealth, pride, and power — reflected for a long while.

3.32.1 Then Rāvaṇa, himself aroused to anger, questioned Śūrpaṇakhā who was speaking harsh words in anger, in the midst of his ministers.

3.32.2 "Who is this Rāma? What is his valor? What is his form, and what his prowess? And for what reason has he entered the Daṇḍaka forest, which is so very hard to penetrate?"

3.32.3 "What is Rāma's weapon, with which the rākṣasas were slain, and Khara was killed in battle along with Dūṣaṇa and Triśiras?"

3.32.4 Thus addressed by the lord of rākṣasas, the rākṣasī, overcome with rage, then began to describe Rāma in proper order.

3.32.5 "Rāma, son of Daśaratha, is long-armed, broad-eyed, clad in barkcloth and black antelope skin, and equal in beauty to the god of love."

3.32.6 "Drawing his bow that resembles Indra's rainbow, with his golden armlets, he releases blazing iron arrows like mighty venomous serpents."

3.32.7 "In the battle I could not see Rāma, that great warrior, taking up his terrible arrows, releasing them, or drawing his bow — so swift was he."

3.32.8 "Yet I saw that army being slain by showers of arrows, as the finest crop is struck down by Indra's hailstorms."

3.32.9 "Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible valor have been slain by sharp arrows by that one man fighting on foot."

3.32.10 "In somewhat more than half a muhūrta, Khara together with Dūṣaṇa was slain; safety was granted to the sages, and the Daṇḍaka forest was made secure."

3.32.11 "I alone escaped somehow, scorned by that great-souled Rāma, that knower of the self, who was reluctant to slay a woman."

3.32.12 "His brother too is of great splendor, equal in valor by virtue of his qualities, devoted and loyal — the mighty one named Lakṣmaṇa."

3.32.13 "Intolerant of insult, unconquerable, a victor, valiant, wise, and powerful — he is the right arm of Rāma, always like his life-breath moving outside him."

3.32.14 "Rāma's lawful wife is the renowned Vaidehī, named Sītā, broad-eyed, of excellent hips, slender-waisted."

3.32.15 "Neither goddess, nor gandharvī, nor yakṣī, nor kiṃnarī — no woman of such beauty have I ever seen before on this earth."

3.32.16 "He whose wife Sītā might be, whom she might joyfully embrace — that one would surpass even Indra the destroyer of citadels in all the worlds."

3.32.17 "She is of good character, praiseworthy of form, without peer in beauty on earth — she is the fitting wife for you, and you would be the fitting husband for her."

3.32.18 "Her of the broad hips and full, high breasts, of lovely face — I set out to bring her to you for your wife."

3.32.19 "When you behold that Vaidehī today, whose face is like the full moon, you will fall under the command of the arrows of Manmatha, the god of love."

3.32.20 "If the desire for her as your wife arises in you, then quickly raise your right foot here for the march to victory."

3.32.21 "Do what is dear to those rākṣasas likewise, O lord of rākṣasas, by slaying that cruel Rāma who dwells in the hermitage."

3.32.22 "Having slain him with sharp arrows, and Lakṣmaṇa the great chariot-warrior, you will enjoy Sītā, deprived of her lord, easily and as you please."

3.32.23 "If this my speech pleases you, O lord of rākṣasas, then let my words be carried out without hesitation, O Rāghava."

3.32.24 "Having heard of the night-wanderers stationed in Janasthāna slain by Rāma's straight-flying arrows, and knowing that Khara and Dūṣaṇa have been killed, you ought today to undertake the proper course of action."

3.33.1 Then Śūrpaṇakhā, having heard that hair-raising speech, took leave of the ministers, and having determined upon her course of action, departed.

3.33.2 And having pursued that matter, having properly comprehended it, and having weighed the strengths and weaknesses of faults and merits,

3.33.3 Having thus made his own firm resolve — "this is what must be done" — he, of steadfast mind, then went to the charming vehicle-hall.

3.33.4 Having gone to the vehicle-hall, the lord of rākṣasas then secretly commanded the charioteer: "Let the chariot be yoked."

3.33.5 Thus commanded, the charioteer of swift movements yoked in an instant that excellent chariot which was his master's favorite.

3.33.6 Mounting the golden chariot that could go wherever desired, adorned with jewels, yoked with mules of piśāca-faces, ornamented with gold,

3.33.7 With a roar resembling that of a thundercloud, the glorious lord of rākṣasas, younger brother of Kubera the lord of wealth, set forth to the lord of rivers and streams — the ocean.

3.33.8 He with the white fly-whisk and white parasol, the ten-faced one, gleaming like polished vaidūrya gemstone, adorned with refined gold ornaments —

3.33.9 Ten-mouthed, twenty-armed, of magnificent attire, enemy of the gods, slayer of the lords of sages — like the king of mountains himself with ten peaks.

3.33.10 Mounted on his wish-moving chariot, the lord of rākṣasas shone resplendent like a cloud wreathed with lightning, accompanied by cranes in the sky.

3.33.11 The mighty one gazed upon the landscape with its mountains and ocean shores, strewn with thousands of trees bearing manifold flowers and fruits,

3.33.12 Surrounded on all sides by lotus-pools with cool and auspicious waters, covered with vast hermitage sites possessing sacrificial altars,

3.33.13 Thronged with plantain and āḍhakī plants, adorned with coconut palms, with śāla, palm, tamāla and other trees in full bloom,

3.33.14 Beautified by great sages of most rigorously regulated diet, and by thousands of nāgas, suparṇas, gandharvas, and kiṃnaras,

3.33.15 Adorned with siddhas who have conquered desire, and with cāmaṇas, Ājas, Vaikhānasas, Māṣas, Vālakhilyas, and Marīcipas,

3.33.16 Enveloped by thousands of apsarases bearing divine ornaments and garlands, of divine beauty, versed in the arts of sport and love,

3.33.17 Frequented by the radiant wives of gods, invested with beauty, and traversed by throngs of gods and dānavas who subsist on ambrosia,

3.33.18 Filled with haṃsas, krauñcas, and plavas, resounding with the calls of sārasas, its vaidūrya-gem floor charming and gleaming with the ocean's luminosity,

3.33.19 White and vast celestial vehicles adorned with divine garlands, resounding with musical instruments and song, on every side —

3.33.20 Wish-moving vehicles of those who had won worlds through austerities, flying about — thus did the younger brother of Kubera behold gandharvas and apsarases.

3.33.21 He saw thousands of gentle, fragrance-satisfying sandalwood groves with their resinous sap at their roots,

3.33.22 And forests and garden-groves of the finest agaru trees, and of takkola, jātī, and fragrant fruit trees,

3.33.23 And flowers of the tamāla tree, thickets of pepper plants, and heaps of pearls drying along the shore,

3.33.24 And beds of conch-shells and heaps of coral, and mountains of gold and silver everywhere,

3.33.25 And charming springs and pellucid lakes endowed with treasure and grain, surrounded by gem-like women,

3.33.26 He looked upon cities dense with elephants, horses, and chariots, and that even, uniformly pleasant land with its gentle-to-the-touch breezes,

3.33.27 He saw the riverine land of the lord of rivers, resembling heaven. There he beheld a cloud-like banyan tree surrounded by sages.

3.33.28 That tree whose branches extended a hundred yojanas in all directions — to one of whose branches the mighty Garuḍa came, carrying an elephant and a great-bodied tortoise for his meal.

3.33.29 That best of birds, the mighty Suparṇa, suddenly broke that leafy branch of it with the weight, the great-powered one.

3.33.30 There were assembled Vaikhānasas, Māṣas, Vālakhilyas, Marīcipas, Ajas, and Dhūmras — great sages gathered together.

3.33.31 Out of compassion for them, Garuḍa swiftly took up that branch of a hundred yojanas, together with both the elephant and the tortoise,

3.33.32 And that righteous-souled best of birds, having consumed that meat with one foot, having struck the Niṣāda country with the branch, gained incomparable joy, having freed the great sages.

3.33.33 And with that very joy, his power doubled, the wise one formed the resolve to fetch the ambrosia.

3.33.34 Having churned through the iron nets and broken open the finest jeweled chamber, he then fetched the ambrosia that was guarded in Mahendra's abode.

3.33.35 That banyan tree frequented by hosts of great sages, bearing the mark made by Suparṇa, named Subhadrā — this the younger brother of Kubera beheld.

3.33.36 Having gone to the far shore of the ocean, the lord of rivers, he saw a hermitage set apart in a holy, charming forest-grove.

3.33.37 There he saw the rākṣasa named Mārīca, wearing a black antelope skin, bearing matted locks and barkcloth, of regulated diet.

3.33.38 Rāvaṇa met with that rākṣasa according to proper courtesy, and thereafter, skilled in speech, spoke these words.

3.34.1 "O Mārīca, dear one, hear the words I now speak to you. I am in distress, and for me in distress you are indeed the highest refuge."

3.34.2 "You know Janasthāna, where my brother Khara dwells, and the mighty-armed Dūṣaṇa, and my sister Śūrpaṇakhā as well."

3.34.3 "And the greatly resplendent flesh-eating rākṣasa Triśiras, and many other valiant night-roving rākṣasas of unerring aim."

3.34.4 "Those rākṣasas dwell there under my command and as my appointed garrison, oppressing in that great forest the sages who walk in righteousness."

3.34.5 "Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds, valiant and unerring in aim, following the will of Khara —"

3.34.6 "— those great-powered ones now dwelling in Janasthāna met in total dependence upon one another in battle with Rāma."

3.34.7 "By that Rāma, inflamed with wrath, without speaking a single harsh word, his bow was set to work with arrows at the forefront of battle."

3.34.8 "Fourteen thousand rākṣasas of terrible deeds were slain with sharp arrows by that human fighting on foot."

3.34.9 "Khara was slain in battle and Dūṣaṇa was felled; having also killed Triśiras, he made the Daṇḍaka forest free from fear."

3.34.10 "This Rāma, disgrace of the kṣatriyas, banished by his angry father along with his wife as one whose life-force is spent — he is the slayer of that army."

3.34.11 "He is without virtue, harsh, cruel, foolish, greedy, with unmastered senses, one who has abandoned dharma — a soul of adharma, devoted to the harm of all beings."

3.34.12 "By him, without cause in the forest, relying solely on his own courage, my sister was disfigured by the cutting off of her ears and nose."

3.34.13 "His wife Sītā, who resembles the daughter of a god, I shall carry away by force from Janasthāna. Be my helper in this."

3.34.14 "With you, O great-powered one, standing at my side as my helper, and with my brothers, I do not give thought even to all the gods in battle."

3.34.15 "Therefore be my helper — you are capable, O rākṣasa; in valour, in battle, and in pride there is none equal to you."

3.34.16 "For this purpose I have come to your presence, O night-rover. Hear the act of assistance to be performed at my word."

3.34.17 "Becoming a golden deer dappled with silver spots, roam before Sītā at the hermitage of that Rāma."

3.34.18 "Sītā, upon seeing you in the form of a deer, will without doubt urge her husband and Lakṣmaṇa saying: 'Catch it!'"

3.34.19 "Then, once those two have gone away and the place is empty, I shall carry off Sītā at my ease without hindrance, as Rāhu seizes the moon's radiance."

3.34.20 "Afterwards, when Rāma is wasted by the abduction of his wife, I shall strike him at ease, assured and satisfied in my inmost heart."

3.34.21 Upon hearing Rāvaṇa's words, the great-souled Mārīca's mouth became dry and he was seized with terror.

3.34.22 He, with mind terrified and downcast, knowing the might of Rāma, addressed Rāvaṇa in that great forest with joined palms, speaking words that were truthful and salutary both for him and for himself.

3.35.1 Having heard the words of the lord of rākṣasas, the highly wise Mārīca, skilled in speech, replied to the lord of rākṣasas:

3.35.2 "Men who ever speak pleasing words, O king, are easily found; but one who speaks and one who hears what is unpleasant yet salutary — both are rare."

3.35.3 "Surely you do not perceive Rāma — of great valour and exalted in virtues, comparable to Mahendra and Varuṇa — for you are of wayward conduct and restless mind."

3.35.4 "I hope, dear one, that all the rākṣasas on earth may be well; I hope that Rāma, when angered, may not make the world free of rākṣasas."

3.35.5 "I hope that the daughter of Janaka has not arisen to be the end of your life; I hope that Sītā may not become the cause of a great calamity."

3.35.6 "I hope that the city of Laṅkā, having obtained you as its lord — unrestrained and acting on desire — may not perish along with all its rākṣasas and with you."

3.35.7 "For a king of your kind — acting on desire, of evil character, taking wicked counsel — that foolish one destroys himself, his own people, and his kingdom."

3.35.8 "Rāma was not abandoned by his father, nor is he in any way transgressor of decorum; he is not greedy, nor of evil character, nor a disgrace to the kṣatriyas."

3.35.9 "The increaser of Kausalyā's joy is not devoid of the virtues of dharma; he is not cruel — indeed he is devoted to the welfare of all beings."

3.35.10 "Seeing his father, a man of truthful speech, deceived by Kaikeyī, the dharma-souled one said 'I shall do it,' and thereupon went forth to the forest."

3.35.11 "For the sake of Kaikeyī's desired happiness and his father Daśaratha's, he abandoned his kingdom and pleasures and entered the Daṇḍaka forest."

3.35.12 "Rāma is not harsh, dear one, nor ignorant, nor of unmastered senses; what is untrue has never been heard of him — you ought not speak so."

3.35.13 "Rāma is dharma embodied, a righteous man of true valour, king of all the world as Vāsava is king of the gods."

3.35.14 "How do you wish to forcibly carry away his Vaidehī, protected by his own blazing energy, as though stealing the radiance of the sun?"

3.35.15 "You ought not rashly enter that Rāma-fire blazing in battle, unapproachable, fed by bow and sword, with arrows as its flames."

3.35.16 "That hero, bearing bow and arrows, whose blazing mouth is spread wide with his bow, whose flames are arrows, intolerant, the destroyer of enemy armies —"

3.35.17 "— having abandoned kingdom, ease, and your own dear life, you ought not, dear one, rush up to Rāma here, who is the very end of you."

3.35.18 "Immeasurable is the blazing energy of him whose Janakātmajā she is; you are not able to carry her away in the forest, for she takes refuge in Rāma's bow."

3.35.19 "The slender-waisted Sītā, ever devoted, more dear to him than his own life, is like the flame of a blazing sacrificial fire — to touch her is to be consumed."

3.35.20 "Why undertake this futile effort, O lord of rākṣasas? Should you be seen by him in battle, that is the end of your life — your life, your happiness, and your kingdom, all so difficult to obtain."

3.35.21 "Together with all your ministers, with the righteous Vibhīṣaṇa placed foremost among them, having deliberated and resolved upon your own course of action —"

3.35.22 "— having weighed well the strengths and weaknesses of faults and virtues, and knowing truly your own strength and that of Rāghava, you ought to determine what is beneficial for you and act accordingly."

3.35.23 "But I think it is not fitting for you to meet the son of the king of Kosala in battle. Hear again this excellent, fitting, and appropriate word, O lord of night-rovers."

3.36.1 "Once upon a time, roaming this earth out of my own valour, bearing the strength of a thousand elephants, mountain-like in form —"

3.36.2 "— dark as a rain-cloud, with earrings of refined gold, causing fear to the world, crowned, armed with a club, I roamed the Daṇḍaka forest eating the flesh of sages."

3.36.3 "Then the great sage Viśvāmitra, dharma-souled and terrified of me, went himself to Daśaratha, lord of men, and said this:"

3.36.4 "'Let this Rāma, with concentrated mind, protect me during the ritual observance period; a terrible fear from Mārīca has arisen for me, O lord of men.'"

3.36.5 "Thus addressed, the dharma-souled king Daśaratha at that time replied to the greatly blessed great sage Viśvāmitra:"

3.36.6 "'This Rāghava is not yet sixteen years old and has not mastered weapons; but whatever army of mine will march with me — I shall slay your enemy, O best of sages, as you desire.'"

3.36.7 "Thus addressed, the sage replied again to the king: 'Other than Rāma, no force in the world is sufficient against that rākṣasa.'"

3.36.8 "'Even though a boy, this one of great blazing energy is capable of subduing him. I shall go taking Rāma — may you be well, O scorcher of foes.'"

3.36.9 "Having spoken thus, the sage Viśvāmitra, exceedingly pleased, took that son of the king and went to his own hermitage."

3.36.10 "Then Rāma, consecrated for the sacrifice in the Daṇḍaka forest, stood there wondrously bending his bow."

3.36.11 "A beautiful youth whose secondary marks had not yet appeared, dark-complexioned, of auspicious eyes, wearing a single garment, bearing his bow, with a topknot adorned by a golden garland —"

3.36.12 "— illuminating the Daṇḍaka forest with his own blazing energy, Rāma appeared at that time like a new moon rising."

3.36.13 "Then I, resembling a rain-cloud, with earrings of refined gold, powerful, having obtained a boon, came to that hermitage out of pride."

3.36.14 "Seen by him as I entered, he instantly raised his weapon. But upon seeing me, without any agitation, he strung his bow."

3.36.15 "Despising Rāghava out of delusion — thinking 'this is just a boy' — I rushed with great haste toward Viśvāmitra's sacrificial altar."

3.36.16 "Then a sharp arrow was released by him, the destroyer of enemies; struck by it, I was hurled into the sea a hundred yojanas away."

3.36.17 "Driven away by the velocity of Rāma's arrow, my wits reeling, I was cast down by him into the deep ocean waters. After a long time regaining my senses, dear one, I made my way back to the city of Laṅkā."

3.36.18 "Thus was I merely released at that time, while your helpers were slain — by that Rāma who had not yet mastered all weapons, a boy of effortless deeds."

3.36.19 "Therefore, if you, though warned by me, enter into conflict with Rāma, you will swiftly meet a terrible calamity and perish."

3.36.20 "You will bring grief and calamity upon the rākṣasas who delight in sport and the arts of pleasure, who are distinguished by their gatherings and festivals."

3.36.21 "You will see the city of Laṅkā, crowded with mansions and palaces, adorned with jewels of every kind, ruined on account of the Maithilī."

3.36.22 "Even those who do no evil themselves, innocent ones, are destroyed by another's sin through association with sin — as fish perish in a lake infested with a serpent."

3.36.23 "You will see rākṣasas whose bodies are anointed with divine sandal-paste and adorned with divine ornaments, struck down upon the ground — through your fault."

3.36.24 "You will see night-rovers fleeing in all ten directions, their wives stolen, with wives, survivors of slaughter, shelterless."

3.36.25 "You will see Laṅkā — surrounded by a net of arrows, enveloped in tongues of fire, its dwellings burnt to ash — this is without doubt."

3.36.26 "Thousands of women are your household, O king. Be devoted to your own wives; protect your own lineage, O rākṣasa."

3.36.27 "Honour, prosperity, kingdom, and your own dear life — if you wish to enjoy these long, do not do what is displeasing to Rāma."

3.36.28 "If, though earnestly restrained by me your friend, you persist by force and violate Sītā, you will go — with your strength exhausted, your life taken by Rāma's arrow, together with your kinsmen — to the realm of Yama."

3.37.1 In this way I was barely freed from him in that combat. Now hear what further occurred even after that.

3.37.2 Undeterred even after being so dealt with by those two rākṣasas, I entered the Daṇḍaka forest together with them, both of them having taken the form of deer.

3.37.3 With blazing tongue, a great body, sharp horns, and immense strength, I roamed the Daṇḍaka forest as a mighty beast, feeding on flesh.

3.37.4 O Rāvaṇa, utterly terrible, I roamed about at sacrificial fires, at sacred fords, at holy trees — harassing the ascetics there.

3.37.5 Slaying the pious ascetics in the Daṇḍaka forest, I drank their blood and devoured their flesh.

3.37.6 Eating the flesh of sages, cruel and intoxicated with blood, I wandered through the Daṇḍaka forest, terrifying all who dwelt there.

3.37.7 While I was thus ranging through the Daṇḍaka forest as a transgressor of righteousness, I then encountered Rāma — an ascetic abiding in dharma.

3.37.8 And the illustrious Vaidehī, and Lakṣmaṇa the great warrior — an ascetic of regulated diet, devoted to the welfare of all creatures.

3.37.9 I — recalling old enmity and thinking him merely an ascetic — showed contempt for the mighty Rāma dwelling in the forest.

3.37.10 In a form of a deer with sharp horns, full of rage, mindless, remembering his previous blow against me, I rushed at him with intent to kill.

3.37.11 He drew his great bow with force and released three sharp arrows, destroyers of enemies, swift as Garuḍa or the wind.

3.37.12 Those three arrows, thunderbolt-like, utterly terrible, feeding on blood, and straight-jointed, came flying together and struck.

3.37.13 I, the cheat, knowing Rāma's prowess and having felt his power before, sprang up and fled — and both those rākṣasas were slain.

3.37.14 Barely escaping Rāma's arrow alive, I was banished here, and now I live as a composed ascetic, disciplined and intent.

3.37.15 In every tree I see Rāma wearing bark-cloth and black antelope skin, bearing his bow, like Death himself with a noose in hand.

3.37.16 In my fear I see thousands of Rāmas, O Rāvaṇa — this entire forest appears to me as if it were Rāma himself.

3.37.17 Even in solitude, O lord of rākṣasas, I see only Rāma — seeing Rāma even in my dreams, I start up senseless.

3.37.18 O Rāvaṇa, every name beginning with the syllable 'ra' — and even jewels and chariots — causes terror in me, so frightened am I of Rāma.

3.37.19 I know his power well — battle with him is not fitting for you. Either fight Rāma in battle, or make peace, O rākṣasa. If you wish to see me again, speak no further of Rāma.

3.37.20 This counsel, spoken by me for the good of your kinsmen — if you do not heed it as spoken, you and your kinsmen shall lose your lives, slain today in battle by Rāma's straight-flying arrows.

3.38.1 Rāvaṇa, thus addressed by Mārīca with words appropriate and fitting, did not accept them — as one who desires death refuses medicine.

3.38.2 The lord of rākṣasas, driven by fate, spoke harsh and unsuitable words to Mārīca, who had spoken what was wholesome and beneficial.

3.38.3 "What is told to me by you, O Mārīca, is altogether improper in meaning — utterly fruitless speech, like seed sown in barren ground.

3.38.4 By your words you cannot shake my resolve in battle against Rāma — especially not against that sinful, foolish mortal.

3.38.5 He who abandoned friends, kingdom, mother, and father alike — and at the ordinary words of a woman departed to the forest at one step.

3.38.6 Sītā, more dear to him than life, must certainly be taken from that slayer of Khara in combat — before your very eyes.

3.38.7 Such, O Mārīca, is the firm resolve that abides in my heart — it cannot be turned back even by the gods and asuras with Indra at their head.

3.38.8 When asked, you ought to speak of fault or virtue, of risk or remedy — in determining what is to be done in this matter.

3.38.9 A wise minister who desires his own welfare, when questioned, should speak to the king with hands raised in reverence.

3.38.10 The lord of the earth should be addressed with speech that is not contrary, beginning with gentleness, auspicious, beneficial, and delivered with proper courtesy.

3.38.11 But the beneficial counsel that is spoken condescendingly, O Mārīca — a king worthy of honour does not rejoice in such words, stripped as they are of respect.

3.38.12 Kings of immeasurable might bear five natures: those of Agni, Indra, Soma, Yama, and Varuṇa — heat and valour, graciousness, punishment, and serenity.

3.38.13 Therefore kings are to be honoured and revered in all circumstances. But you, not understanding dharma, have resorted to mere delusion.

3.38.14 You address me, your guest, with such harsh words out of malice. I do not question merits and faults, nor what is appropriate for myself, O rākṣasa — in this matter, you ought to render me assistance.

3.38.15 Becoming a golden deer, dappled with silver spots, you shall entice Vaidehī and then go where you please.

3.38.16 Seeing you, a magical golden deer, Maithilī — full of wonder — will quickly say to Rāma: 'Bring me this creature.'

3.38.17 And when Kākutstha has gone away, and Lakṣmaṇa too, I shall carry off Vaidehī at ease, just as the thousand-eyed Indra carried off Śacī.

3.38.18 Having accomplished this task, go where you please, O rākṣasa. I shall give you half the kingdom, O Mārīca of good vows."

3.38.19 "Go, dear one, travel a safe path for the accomplishment of this task. Having obtained Sītā and deceived Rāghava without battle, I shall return to Laṅkā with you, my purpose fulfilled."

3.38.20 "You shall carry out this task for me, even by compulsion — for one who opposes a king never prospers in any way."

3.38.21 "Should you encounter him, your life will be in peril — death is certain if you oppose me today. Having considered this properly with your mind, do that which is best for you here."

3.39.1 Thus commanded, the night-wanderer Mārīca, though the order was contrary to his counsel, spoke harsh words to the lord of rākṣasas.

3.39.2 "By what evil-doer has this destruction been counselled to you, O night-wanderer — destruction of you with your sons, your kingdom, and your ministers?

3.39.3 "What sinful one, O king, does not rejoice in your happiness? By whom has this gateway to death been pointed out to you as a course of action?

3.39.4 "Clearly your enemies, O night-wanderer — weak in valour — desire to see you destroyed, restrained by one mightier than yourself.

3.39.5 "By what base and malicious counsellor has this been advised to you — one who desires to see you perish by your own deed, O night-wanderer?

3.39.6 "Your ministers, O Rāvaṇa, deserve death and yet are not slain — those who do not restrain you in every way when you have strayed onto a wrong path.

3.39.7 "Indeed, a king swayed by passion who has taken a wicked path must be restrained in every way by virtuous men — yet you, who ought to be restrained, are not being restrained.

3.39.8 "Dharma, wealth, pleasure, and glory — ministers attain all these through the favour of their lord, O best of conquerors, O night-wanderer.

3.39.9 "But in the reverse case, all that becomes worthless, O Rāvaṇa — and other people too suffer calamity on account of a flawed master.

3.39.10 "For dharma and victory both have the king as their root, O best of conquerors. Therefore the lord of men must be protected in all circumstances.

3.39.11 "A kingdom cannot be governed by one who is harsh, O night-wanderer, nor by one who is contrary, nor by one who is ill-bred, O rākṣasa.

3.39.12 "Ministers who give harsh counsel are broken along with their king in adversity — just as swift chariots with poor drivers come to ruin on rough terrain.

3.39.13 "Many virtuous men in the world, who practised dharma fittingly, have been ruined together with their households because of the transgressions of others.

3.39.14 "Subjects guarded by a harsh and perverse master do not flourish, O Rāvaṇa — just as sheep do not thrive when guarded by a jackal.

3.39.15 "All the rākṣasas will surely perish, O Rāvaṇa — those whose king you are: harsh, evil-minded, with unmastered senses.

3.39.16 "You have brought about this terrible crow-and-palm coincidence upon yourself. What is auspicious in this — that you shall perish together with your army?

3.39.17 "After killing me, that Rāma will swiftly slay you as well. By this I consider my purpose fulfilled — that I die slain by an enemy.

3.39.18 "At the very sight of Rāma, consider me already slain. And know yourself slain too, along with all your kinsmen, once you have abducted Sītā.

3.39.19 "If you bring Sītā from her hermitage, with me as your accomplice — neither you shall exist, nor I, nor Laṅkā, nor the rākṣasas.

3.39.20 "Though restrained by me who wish you well, you do not endure this counsel, O night-wanderer — for men whose lives are spent, resembling the dead, do not accept the benefit spoken by friends."

3.40.1 Having spoken thus harshly, Mārīca then said to Rāvaṇa, "Let us go," reduced to submission by fear of the lord of night-wanderers.

3.40.2 "I have again come face to face with him who bears bow, arrows, and sword, and whose weapon was raised for my slaying — my life is already as good as destroyed."

3.40.3 "Yet what can I do when you, O wicked one, are like this? I shall go. May it be well with you, O night-wanderer."

3.40.4 That rākṣasa was overjoyed by those words; embracing him tightly, he spoke as follows.

3.40.5 "This speech of yours, full of courage, sounds as if it were said at my own bidding. Now you are truly Mārīca; formerly you were a different night-wanderer."

3.40.6 "Mount quickly this sky-ranging chariot adorned with jewels, yoked with donkeys bearing the faces of piśācas, together with me."

3.40.7 Thereupon Rāvaṇa and Mārīca mounted that chariot, which resembled an aerial vehicle, and departed swiftly from that hermitage-region.

3.40.8 As they traveled they observed towns and forests, mountains and all rivers, kingdoms and cities below.

3.40.9 Arriving at the Daṇḍaka forest, the lord of rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa, together with Mārīca, then saw the hermitage of Rāghava.

3.40.10 Descending from that golden-ornamented chariot and taking Mārīca by the hand, Rāvaṇa spoke these words.

3.40.11 "That hermitage-site of Rāma, encircled by banana trees, is visible yonder. Friend, do swiftly that for the sake of which we have come."

3.40.12 Hearing those words of Rāvaṇa, the rākṣasa Mārīca thereupon transformed himself into a deer and began to roam about at the entrance of Rāma's hermitage.

3.40.13 His horn-tips were of finest gems; his face was of mingled white and black hues, like a red lotus and a blue water-lily; his ears were like indranīla-blue lotuses.

3.40.14 His neck was somewhat arched, his belly resembled the indranīla gem in hue, his flanks were like the madhūka flower, and his body was like the filaments of a lotus.

3.40.15 His hooves resembled vaidūrya gems; his shanks were slender and well-knit; his tail, held aloft, gleamed with the colors of Indra's rainbow.

3.40.16 With a mind-entrancing, glossy complexion and covered all over with gems of many kinds, in an instant the rākṣasa became a deer of supreme beauty.

3.40.17 Illuminating the lovely forest and that hermitage-site of Rāma, the rākṣasa, having assumed that mind-enchanting, wondrous form—

3.40.18 —variegated with minerals of many kinds, for the purpose of enticing Vaidehī, moved about properly among the green meadows on all sides.

3.40.19 Adorned with hundreds of silver spots and having become pleasing to behold, he wandered about, snapping off and nibbling the tender shoots of trees.

3.40.20 Going toward the banana grove, resting now here now there among the karṇikāra trees, moving at a slow pace, he sought at that time to be seen by Sītā.

3.40.21 That great deer, his back dappled like a lotus, shone brilliantly as he wandered at ease in the vicinity of Rāma's hermitage.

3.40.22 That foremost of deer would go forward and then return, roaming about; having gone away for a moment with speed, he would come back again.

3.40.23 He would play again, then seat himself on the ground once more; approaching the hermitage gate, he would move off toward herds of deer.

3.40.24 Followed by herds of deer, he would return once more — the rākṣasa, having assumed deer-form, yearning to be seen by Sītā.

3.40.25 He wheeled about in varied circles, bounding through them; and all the other deer that roamed the forest looked up and saw him—

3.40.26 —approached him, sniffed him, and then fled in all ten directions. That rākṣasa, intent on the slaughter of deer, also pursued those wild deer—

3.40.27 —yet for the purpose of concealing his true nature he did not devour them even when he touched them. At that very time Vaidehī of lovely eyes—

3.40.28 —intent on gathering flowers, was moving among the trees — karṇikāras, aśokas, and mango trees — she of intoxicating eyes.

3.40.29 Plucking flowers and roaming about with her lovely face — she who was undeserving of forest-life — that foremost of women beheld that gem-jeweled deer, its limbs variegated with pearls and precious stones.

3.40.30 That deer with beautiful teeth and lips, its body-hair like silver mineral, she gazed upon with eyes wide open in wonder, and with affection.

3.40.31 And that deer, made of illusion, looking back at her — Rāma's beloved — roamed about there as if setting the forest ablaze with its brilliance.

3.40.32 Never before having seen such a deer, all made of varied gems, Sītā, the daughter of Janaka, was seized by the greatest astonishment.

3.41.1 She of beautiful hips, while gathering flowers, gazed intently at that deer adorned on both flanks with hues of gold and silver—

3.41.2 —and, filled with delight, that woman of flawless limbs and the color of refined gold called out to her husband and also to Lakṣmaṇa bearing his weapons.

3.41.3 Those two tigers among men, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, called by Vaidehī, scanning that spot, then both saw the deer.

3.41.4 But Lakṣmaṇa, suspicious upon seeing it, said to Rāma: "This deer — I take it to be none other than the rākṣasa Mārīca."

3.41.5 "O Rāma, kings who roamed the forest on the hunt, rejoicing, have been slain in the forest by this wicked deceiver who changes form at will."

3.41.6 "This form of an illusory deer has been fashioned by this master of māyā — O tiger among men of brilliant valor, it is like a city of the Gandharvas."

3.41.7 "For a deer of this kind, variegated with gems, does not exist anywhere in the world, O Rāghava, O lord of the earth — this is undoubtedly illusion."

3.41.8 Interrupting Kākutstha who was speaking thus, Sītā of the pure smile spoke, thrilled with delight, her mind stolen away by the ruse.

3.41.9 "O noble son, that deer ravishes my mind with its beauty. Bring it here, O mighty-armed one — it shall be our plaything."

3.41.10 "Here at our hermitage-site many auspicious-looking deer wander together — camaras, sṛmaras, and others—"

3.41.11 "—bears, herds of spotted deer, monkeys, and kiṃnaras too roam here, O mighty-armed one, most beautiful in form and of great strength—"

3.41.12 "—yet no deer equal to this one has ever been seen before, O king, in radiance, grace, and brilliance, as this foremost of deer."

3.41.13 "With limbs variegated in many colors, studded all over with gem-spots, illuminating the forest serenely, it shines like the moon."

3.41.14 "Ah, what beauty! Ah, what splendor! And what a lovely richness of voice! That wondrous, marvelous deer steals away my heart, it seems."

3.41.15 "If this deer comes to be captured alive by you, it would become a wonder and shall cause amazement."

3.41.16 "When our forest-exile is complete and we return to dwelling in the kingdom, this deer shall serve as an ornament for the inner apartments."

3.41.17 "This divine deer-form shall cause amazement to noble Bharata, to my lord, to my mothers-in-law, and to myself, O lord."

3.41.18 "If this foremost of deer does not come to be taken alive by you, O tiger among men, its beautiful hide shall be mine."

3.41.19 "When this creature has been slain, I wish to sit upon its skin, which is made of jāmbūnada gold, spread out on a grass mat."

3.41.20 "This excessive desire may be considered dreadful and unlike what is fitting for women — yet it is the wondrous beauty of this creature that has aroused it in me."

3.41.21 By that deer with golden hair, with horns of finest gems, with the color of the newly risen sun, with the luminosity of the path of the stars — Rāghava's mind too was seized by wonder.

3.41.22 Having heard Sītā's words thus and having seen that wondrous deer, Rāghava, filled with delight, spoke to his brother Lakṣmaṇa.

3.41.23 "See, Lakṣmaṇa, this yearning of Vaidehī directed toward the deer. By reason of its supreme beauty this deer shall not escape today."

3.41.24 "Neither in Nandana forest nor in the domain of Caitraratha — where then in the whole earth, O son of Sumitrā, is there any deer equal to this one?"

3.41.25 "Lovely rows of hair, running both against and with the grain, adorned with golden spots of varied hues, shine beautifully upon this deer."

3.41.26 "See its tongue as it yawns — blazing, like a flame of fire, issuing from its mouth like lightning from a cloud."

3.41.27 "With a face of masāra and galvarka gems, a belly resembling conch-shells and pearls — whose mind, tell me, would that deer of indescribable form not entice?"

3.41.28 "Upon seeing this form with the radiance of jāmbūnada gold, divine and made of gems of many kinds, whose mind would not be overcome by wonder?"

3.41.29 "Kings who are bowmen slay deer in the great forest during the hunt, O Lakṣmaṇa, for the sake of both their flesh and sport."

3.41.30 "Wealth is also sought through enterprise in the great forest, as are various minerals, along with gems, precious stones, and gold."

3.41.31 "All that which is the wealth-essence of men — wealth that increases accumulation — is found here in the forest, just as it was conceived in the mind of Śukra, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.41.32 "The purpose for which a man in need of wealth roams without hesitation — that very wealth the knowers of artha-śāstra and wealthy men praise, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.41.33 "On the supremely precious golden hide of this jewel among deer, the slender-waisted Vaidehī will sit with me."

3.41.34 "Neither the kādalī, nor the priyakī, nor a rug, nor wool would be comparable to this in softness of touch — such is my judgment."

3.41.35 "This glorious deer here, and that divine one who roams the sky — both are divine deer: the deer of the stars and the deer of the earth."

3.41.36 "Even if this is as you say to me, Lakṣmaṇa — that it is the māyā of a rākṣasa — then slaying him is all the more necessary for me."

3.41.37 "For it was by this cruel, unrestrained Mārīca, roaming the forest previously, that foremost sages were harmed."

3.41.38 "By him many kings, supreme archers, were slain after setting out on the hunt — therefore this deer must be killed."

3.41.39 "In former times Vātāpi here, having subdued ascetics and entered their bellies, slew brāhmaṇas from within, as a foetus destroys a mule."

3.41.40 "Once, after a long time, he encountered in the world the great sage Agastya, endowed with spiritual power, and became his food."

3.41.41 "Seeing him about to rise up and resume that form, the blessed one smiled and spoke these words to Vātāpi."

3.41.42 "'O Vātāpi, you have disregarded and by your power oppressed the foremost of brāhmaṇas in the world of the living — therefore you are now reduced to old age.'"

3.41.43 "Therefore, O Lakṣmaṇa, that rākṣasa would not fare otherwise than Vātāpi did — whoever disrespects one like me, constantly devoted to dharma and with conquered senses."

3.41.44 "This one shall be slain as Vātāpi was by Agastya — may his fate be no different. Here you remain armed and disciplined, and guard Maithilī."

3.41.45 "O delight of the Raghu line, the task that must be done by us depends on her safety. I shall either kill this one or take the deer alive."

3.41.46 "Until I go swiftly, O son of Sumitrā, to bring the deer — watch over Vaidehī, O Lakṣmaṇa, whose longing is set upon the deer-hide."

3.41.47 "For today this deer shall not escape, its hide being the chief prize. You must be vigilant, remaining at the hermitage with Sītā."

3.41.48 "I shall slay the spotted deer with a single arrow; having slain it and taken its hide, I will return quickly, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.41.49 "With the auspicious, exceedingly mighty bird Jaṭāyu, wise as he is, present on the right hand, O Lakṣmaṇa, be vigilant — guard Maithilī every moment, alert in every direction."

3.42.1 Having instructed his brother thus, the delight of the Raghu line, of great splendor, girded on his sword with a hilt of jāmbūnada gold.

3.42.2 Then taking up his triple-bent bow, the ornament of his person, and fastening on two quivers, he set out, striding with bold steps.

3.42.3 Deceiving him — having looked at the approaching king of kings — the deer vanished from sight out of fear; then it reappeared once more.

3.42.4 With sword girded and bow in hand, he ran in the direction of the deer; he beheld it shining before him, as if ablaze with its own radiance.

3.42.5 Again and again glancing back, the bow-bearing deer fled through the great forest, sometimes advancing beyond arrow's range, then luring him on.

3.42.6 Alarmed and agitated, leaping as if into the sky, now visible and now invisible in certain new spots—

3.42.7 —like the autumn moon's disk veiled by scattered clouds, it appeared only for a moment, then shone out repeatedly from afar.

3.42.8 By this repeated appearing and disappearing he drew Rāghava far away; Kākutstha grew angry, yet was helpless, deluded by him.

3.42.9 Then the deer halted, exhausted, taking refuge in the shade in a green meadow, and was seen from not far away, surrounded by wild deer.

3.42.10 Seeing it, Rāma of great splendor, resolute in his intention to slay it, notched an arrow to his firm bow and drew it back with great force, he of mighty strength—

3.42.11 —and aiming at that very deer, let fly a blazing, flaming arrow, bright as a glowing serpent, fashioned by the divine weapons-lore of Brahman.

3.42.12 That foremost arrow, piercing violently through the deer-form, cleaved the very heart of Mārīca like a thunderbolt.

3.42.13 Leaping up the height of a tāla tree, he fell wounded by the arrow, crying out a dreadful cry as he fell to the earth, his life almost gone; dying, Mārīca abandoned that artificial body.

3.42.14 Knowing the appointed moment had come, he then uttered a voice exactly like Rāghava's own, crying: "Ah, Sītā! Lakṣmaṇa!"

3.42.15 Pierced to the vital core by that incomparable arrow, abandoning the deer-form, Mārīca, that immense-bodied one, took on his own rākṣasa form as he gave up his life.

3.42.16 Thereupon, struck by the arrow, the rākṣasa appeared with variegated armlets, adorned with all his ornaments, wearing a golden garland, with great fangs.

3.42.17 Seeing that rākṣasa of dreadful appearance fallen to the ground, Rāma went in mind to Sītā, remembering the words of Lakṣmaṇa.

3.42.18 "Having cried out thus, 'Ah, Sītā! Lakṣmaṇa!' with a great voice, this rākṣasa has died — upon hearing that, what will become of Sītā?"

3.42.19 "And to what state will the mighty-armed Lakṣmaṇa be driven?" — reflecting thus, the righteous Rāma felt his body hair bristle with apprehension.

3.42.20 There, having slain that rākṣasa in deer-form and having heard that cry, a sharp fear born of anguish entered Rāma.

3.42.21 Having slain another spotted deer and taken its flesh, Rāghava ran in haste, making his way back toward Janasthāna.

3.43.1 Recognizing that cry of anguish as matching her husband's voice in the forest, Sītā said to Lakṣmaṇa: "Go — find Rāghava."

3.43.2 "My life finds no steady ground, nor does my heart hold still, for I have heard with intensity that cry of one in utmost agony."

3.43.3 "You must save your brother who is crying out in the forest — run swiftly to that brother who is seeking refuge."

3.43.4 Thus addressed, Lakṣmaṇa did not go, for he knew his brother's command — just as a bull fallen under the power of lions cannot move.

3.43.5 Then the daughter of Janaka, enraged, spoke to him there: "O Saumitri, you are your brother's enemy disguised as a friend."

3.43.6 "You who in this situation do not go to your brother — you desire Rāma's destruction, O Lakṣmaṇa, for my sake."

3.43.7 "I think calamity is dear to you; there is no affection in you for your brother — that is why you stand at ease without even looking for that one of great splendor."

3.43.8 "For what purpose have you come here as the chief one, while I remain here — what could I do for him if he is in peril?"

3.43.9 So speaking, the Vaidehī was overwhelmed with tears of grief; Lakṣmaṇa then addressed Sītā who trembled like a doe.

3.43.10 "O goddess, among gods, humans, gandharvas, birds, rākṣasas, piśācas, kiṃnaras, and beasts —

3.43.11 — and even among terrible dānavas, O beautiful one, there exists none who could oppose Rāma in battle, who is the equal of Indra."

3.43.12 "Rāma cannot be slain in battle; you ought not to speak thus. I do not dare to abandon you in this forest without Rāghava."

3.43.13 "His strength is irresistible even by the forces of the mighty, even by all three worlds arrayed together with their lords and with the Maruts."

3.43.14 "Let your heart be at peace; abandon this anguish. Your husband will return swiftly, having slain that excellent deer."

3.43.15 "That was not clearly his voice, nor could any deity be harmed. It is the illusion of that demon, resembling a phantom city of the gandharvas."

3.43.16 "You are a deposit, O Vaidehī, entrusted to me by the great-souled Rāma, O one of lovely limbs; I do not dare to forsake you here."

3.43.17 "We have made enemies of these night-roaming demons, O auspicious one, O goddess, on account of the slaying of Khara and the destruction of the forces at Janasthāna."

3.43.18 "Rākṣasas emit voices by their craft in the great forest, O Vaidehī — those whose sport is violence; you ought not to be troubled by this."

3.43.19 So addressed by Lakṣmaṇa, she grew furious, her eyes reddened, and she spoke harsh words to the truthful Lakṣmaṇa.

3.43.20 "O ignoble one, O pretender of compassion, O cruel one, O stain upon your lineage — I think this is what you desire, and that is why you speak thus."

3.43.21 "It is no wonder that wickedness of this sort should arise among rivals, O Lakṣmaṇa — among cruel men like you who always move in secret."

3.43.22 "You are utterly corrupt — you follow Rāma alone into the forest, concealing yourself for my sake, or perhaps sent by Bharata."

3.43.23 "How could I, who have as my husband Rāma — dark as the blue lotus, with eyes like lotus petals — desire another man?"

3.43.24 "Right before your eyes, O Saumitri, I will cast off my life — of this there is no doubt; without Rāma I cannot live on this earth even for a moment."

3.43.25 Thus spoken to harshly by Sītā with words that made the moon shudder, Lakṣmaṇa — who had mastered his senses — joined his palms and said to Sītā:

3.43.26 "I do not dare to give a reply, for you are a deity to me. But words unbecoming — that is no wonder among women, O Maithilī."

3.43.27 "For this is the nature of women as seen in these worlds: they are lawless, fickle, sharp-tongued, and sowers of discord."

3.43.28 "Let all the forest-dwellers hear me as witnesses: harsh words have been spoken to me by you — I who speak only what is right."

3.43.29 "Shame on you — perish! — for thus suspecting me, who stands firm in the word of my elder, owing to your corrupt womanly nature."

3.43.30 "I will go where Kākutstha is. May you fare well, O fair-faced one; may all the forest deities protect you, O large-eyed one."

3.43.31 "Yet the terrible omens that are appearing before me — may I, upon returning, still see you together with Rāma."

3.43.32 So addressed by Lakṣmaṇa, the daughter of Janaka, weeping, then replied with sharp words, overwhelmed with tears.

3.43.33 "I shall enter the Godāvarī without Rāma, O Lakṣmaṇa, or else I will hang myself — or I will cast off my body from a precipice."

3.43.34 "Or I will drink sharp poison, or I will enter fire — but I will never touch, even with a footstep, any man other than Rāghava."

3.43.35 Having thus reviled Lakṣmaṇa, Sītā, filled with grief, beat her own belly with her hands while weeping in her sorrow.

3.43.36 Saumitri, looking upon her who appeared in anguish, downcast, weeping, with wide eyes, tried to reassure her — yet Sītā said not a word more to that brother of her husband.

3.43.37 Then Lakṣmaṇa, saluting Sītā with joined palms, bowing slightly, and casting many a backward glance at Maithilī, the self-possessed one departed toward Rāma.

3.44.1 Spoken to harshly by her, the younger brother of Rāghava, though angered, yearning intensely for Rāma, set out quickly.

3.44.2 At that very moment Daśagrīva, having quickly seized upon the opportunity, approached the Vaidehī bearing the form of a wandering ascetic.

3.44.3 Clad in a smooth saffron robe, wearing a topknot, carrying an umbrella and sandals, and hanging upon his left shoulder the staff and water-pot, he approached the Vaidehī in the guise of a wandering ascetic.

3.44.4 That one of tremendous strength approached her in the forest, bereft of her two protectors, as a great darkness approaches a twilight bereft of the sun and moon.

3.44.5 He then beheld that youthful, illustrious princess — as a fierce planet regards Rohiṇī deprived of the Moon.

3.44.6 Seeing that fierce, evil-deeded one, the trees rooted in Janasthāna did not tremble, and the wind did not blow.

3.44.7 And the swift-flowing Godāvarī river, seeing him with blood-red eyes gazing about, out of fear began to flow sluggishly.

3.44.8 Rāvaṇa, the ten-headed one, seeking to exploit the gap left by Rāma's absence, during that interval approached the Vaidehī in the form of a mendicant.

3.44.9 The inauspicious one in an auspicious form drew near to the Vaidehī who was lamenting for her husband — as Saturn approaches Citrā.

3.44.10 That evil one, in his auspicious form, covered as a well is covered with grass, stood watching the illustrious Vaidehī, the wife of Rāma.

3.44.11 Auspicious, with beautiful teeth and lips, with a face like the full moon, seated in the leaf-hut, oppressed by tears and grief —

3.44.12 — her with lotus-petal eyes and garbed in yellow silk, that Vaidehī was approached by the night-roaming demon of evil mind.

3.44.13 Pierced by the arrows of the god of love, uttering sacred Vedic sounds, the lord of rākṣasas spoke courteous words in that secluded place.

3.44.14 Rāvaṇa praised her who was the foremost among the three worlds, blazing with her beauty like Śrī without her lotus.

3.44.15 "Who are you, glowing like gold, robed in yellow silk, wearing a lovely garland of lotuses like a lotus-pool?"

3.44.16 "Are you Modesty, Prosperity, Fame, the auspicious Lakṣmī, or an apsaras, O fair-faced one? Are you Fortune, O one of lovely limbs, or Rati who roams at will?"

3.44.17 "Your teeth are even, peaked, glossy, and white; your eyes are wide, clear, reddened at the corners, with dark irises."

3.44.18 "Your hips are wide and full, your thighs are like the trunks of an elephant — firm, round, well-matched, and bold."

3.44.19 "Your two breasts are full and high-nippled, lovely, smooth like palm fruits, adorned with choice jewels, beautiful."

3.44.20 "O beautiful-smiled, beautiful-toothed, beautiful-eyed, graceful one — you steal my mind as a river-bank is taken by water."

3.44.21 "Your waist is measured by a hand's span, your hair is lovely, your breasts are firm — you are neither goddess, nor gandharva woman, nor yakṣī, nor kiṃnarī."

3.44.22 "Never before have I seen a woman of such beauty on the face of this earth; and your dwelling in this thicket stirs my mind."

3.44.23 "Turn back — may you fare well; you ought not to dwell here. This is the abode of terrible rākṣasas who take on any form they wish."

3.44.24 "Lofty and delightful palaces, city-gardens — prosperous, fragrant — are fitting for you to inhabit."

3.44.25 "The finest garlands, the finest drink, the finest garments, O beautiful one — and a husband who is the finest — I consider these fitting for you, O dark-eyed one."

3.44.26 "Who are you among the Rudras, or among the Maruts, O pure-smiling one? Among the Vasus, O one of lovely limbs, you appear to me as a deity."

3.44.27 "The gandharvas do not come here, nor the gods, nor the kiṃnaras — this is the abode of rākṣasas. How then have you come here?"

3.44.28 "Here there are monkeys, lions, leopards, tigers, deer, bears, hyenas, and vultures — how are you not afraid of them?"

3.44.29 "Of terrible, swift-moving elephants in rut — how do you not fear them, alone in this great wilderness, O forest-faced one?"

3.44.30 "Who are you, whose are you, and whence do you come? For what reason do you wander alone in the dreadful Daṇḍaka forest, O auspicious one, haunted by rākṣasas?"

3.44.31 Thus praised by the evil-souled Rāvaṇa — and seeing him as a brahmin guest who had arrived — Maithilī honored that Rāvaṇa who had come with all the courtesies due to a guest.

3.44.32 First bringing a seat and welcoming him with water for the feet, she then said to that one of pleasant appearance: "Everything is ready."

3.44.33 Seeing him who had arrived in the garb of a twice-born, bearing bowl and staff — one impossible to dismiss given the appearance he showed — Maithilī invited him in the manner of a brahmin, as he had come.

3.44.34 "Here is a seat, brahmin, please be seated; and receive this water for the feet. Here too is excellent food of the forest, prepared for you — partake of it here at your leisure."

3.44.35 Being thus invited, Rāvaṇa looked at Maithilī, the wife of a king, who spoke with full courtesy, and laughing, he fixed his mind upon her abduction — and thereby upon his own destruction.

3.44.36 Then, waiting for her well-attired husband gone hunting, she looked out and saw only that great, green forest — but not Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.

3.45.1 Then the Vaidehī, questioned by Rāvaṇa — who desired to abduct her — in the form of a wandering ascetic, declared herself.

3.45.2 Reflecting "This is a brahmin and a guest — if left unaddressed he might curse me," Sītā reflected for a moment and then spoke.

3.45.3 "I am the daughter of the great-souled Janaka, king of Mithilā; Sītā is my name — may you fare well — the wife of Rāma, O foremost of twice-born."

3.45.4 "For a year I dwelt in the household of Rāghava, enjoying human pleasures, fulfilled in every desire."

3.45.5 "Then, after a year, my husband, together with the royal ministers, resolved to consecrate Rāma as king."

3.45.6 "But while the consecration of Rāghava was being prepared, the noble Kaikeyī — so she is named — asked a boon of my father-in-law."

3.45.7 "Kaikeyī, having bound my father-in-law with a former boon, asked of that husband of hers — bound to truth, foremost among kings — two things: my exile and the consecration of Bharata."

3.45.8 "'I will not eat today, nor sleep, nor drink at any time — this is the end of my life, if Rāma is consecrated' —

3.45.9 — so spoke Kaikeyī; my honorable father-in-law implored her with gifts upon gifts, but she did not withdraw her demand."

3.45.10 "My husband is of great splendor, twenty-five years of age, renowned in the world as Rāma — virtuous, truthful in speech, pure, wide-eyed, long-armed, devoted to the welfare of all beings."

3.45.11 "When Rāma came to his father's presence for the consecration, Kaikeyī quickly spoke these words to my husband:"

3.45.12 "'Hear this that has been decreed by your father for me, O Rāghava: this kingdom, free of thorns, is to be given to Bharata.'"

3.45.13 "'And you indeed must dwell in the forest for fourteen years — go forth into exile, O Kākutstha, and free your father from falsehood.'"

3.45.14 "'So be it,' said Rāma to Kaikeyī without any fear; and my husband of firm vows carried out her words."

3.45.15 "To give but never receive, to speak truth and never falsehood — this, O brahmin, is Rāma's vow, certain and supreme."

3.45.16 "His half-brother, named Lakṣmaṇa, is powerful — a tiger among men, Rāma's companion, a slayer of enemies in battle."

3.45.17 "That brother named Lakṣmaṇa, a walker of the path of dharma, of firm vow, followed him with bow in hand as he went into exile with me."

3.45.18 "We three, deprived of the kingdom on account of Kaikeyī, wander this deep forest with vigor, O foremost of twice-born."

3.45.19 "Rest here awhile; you may stay here. My husband will come bringing an abundance of forest-produce."

3.45.20 "And you — tell me truly your name, lineage, and family; and for what purpose do you wander alone in the Daṇḍaka forest, O twice-born?"

3.45.21 While Sītā, the wife of Rāma, was speaking thus, the mightily powerful Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas, replied sharply.

3.45.22 "I am the one by whom the worlds have been terrified — gods, asuras, and serpents together; I am that one called Rāvaṇa, O Sītā, the lord of the host of rākṣasas."

3.45.23 "Having seen you, golden-hued, clad in silk, I find no pleasure in my own wives, O blameless one."

3.45.24 "Among the many excellent women brought from here and there — may you fare well — become the chief queen of all of them for me."

3.45.25 "There is a great city of mine called Laṅkā in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by the sea, situated upon a mountain-peak."

3.45.26 "There, O Sītā, you will roam the forests with me; you will no longer long for this life in the wilderness, O passionate one."

3.45.27 "Five thousand female attendants, adorned with all ornaments, will serve you, O Sītā, if you become my wife."

3.45.28 Thus addressed by Rāvaṇa, the daughter of Janaka, enraged, her limbs without blemish, disregarding the demon, replied:

3.45.29 "I am devoted to Rāma — my husband immovable as a great mountain, resembling Mahendra, unperturbable as the great ocean."

3.45.30 "I am devoted to Rāma — long-armed, broad-chested, striding with a lion's prowess, a man-lion, resembling a lion."

3.45.31 "I am devoted to Rāma — his face like the full moon, heroic, princely in bearing, master of his senses, of wide fame, long-armed."

3.45.32 "And you — a jackal desires me here, a lioness beyond reach. I cannot be touched by you, as the sun's radiance cannot be grasped."

3.45.33 "You surely see many golden trees, O dull-witted Rāvaṇa — you who desire the beloved wife of Rāghava."

3.45.34 "You desire to extract a fang from the mouth of a hungry lion — that swift foe of deer, that venomous serpent."

3.45.35 "You desire to carry off Mandara, the foremost of mountains, with your bare hand; you desire to drink the Kālakūṭa poison and walk away unharmed."

3.45.36 "You rub your eye with a needle, you lick a razor with your tongue — you who desire to possess the beloved wife of Rāghava."

3.45.37 "You desire to swim the ocean with a boulder hung about your neck; you desire to snatch both the sun and the moon with your hands — you who desire to violate the beloved wife of Rāma."

3.45.38 "You desire to carry off a blazing fire with a cloth — you who desire to abduct the virtuous wife of Rāma, O so-called auspicious one."

3.45.39 "You desire to walk upon the points of iron-tipped spears — you who desire to possess a wife worthy of Rāma."

3.45.40 "As great as the difference between a lion and a jackal in the forest; as great as the difference between a rivulet and the ocean; as great as the difference between the finest wine and sour rice-beer — so great is the difference between Daśaratha's son and you."

3.45.41 "As great as the difference between gold and lead; as great as the difference between sandalwood and muddy water; as great as the difference between an elephant and a cat in the forest — so great is the difference between the son of Daśaratha and you."

3.45.42 "As great as the difference between a crow and Garuḍa, son of Vinatā; as great as the difference between a grebe and a peacock; as great as the difference between a sāras crane and a vulture in the forest — so great is the difference between the son of Daśaratha and you."

3.45.43 "Even if I were taken by you — while Rāma, equal in might to the thousand-eyed Indra, stands with bow and arrow in hand — I would not decay, as a thunderbolt swallowed by a fly would not decay."

3.45.44 Having spoken that word with pure heart and clear sight to that night-roaming demon, she — the slender one — trembled from a shuddering of her limbs, like a plantain tree shaken by the wind.

3.45.45 Observing Sītā trembling, that Rāvaṇa — equal in power to Death — declared his lineage, his strength, his name, and his deeds, in order to cause her fear.

3.46.1 As Sītā spoke thus, Rāvaṇa, enraged and harsh of speech, drew his brows together on his forehead and replied.

3.46.2 "I am the half-brother of Vaiśravaṇa, O fair-complexioned one — Rāvaṇa by name, be it known to you, the ten-necked one, mighty in valor."

3.46.3 "Before whom gods together with gandharvas, piśācas, birds, and serpents flee in terror, just as creatures flee always before Death."

3.46.4 "By whom Vaiśravaṇa, his half-brother, was on some occasion brought to single combat out of wrath, and was defeated in battle through valor."

3.46.5 "Tormented by fear of me, he abandoned his own prosperous abode and now dwells on Kailāsa, the best of mountains — he whose vehicle is men."

3.46.6 "Whose celestial chariot named Puṣpaka, lovely and going wherever one wills, was seized by force — O fair one — in which I travel through the sky."

3.46.7 "When my anger arises, the gods headed by Śakra flee in all directions, terrified, merely upon beholding my face, O Maithilī."

3.46.8 "Wherever I stand, the wind blows there with apprehension; the sun with his fierce rays becomes cool out of fear."

3.46.9 "Wherever I stand or move, the trees stand with their leaves motionless and the rivers with their waters stilled."

3.46.10 "Beyond the ocean lies my beautiful city named Laṅkā, full of terrible rākṣasas, even as Amarāvatī is full of Indra's hosts."

3.46.11 "That lovely city is encircled by a gleaming white rampart, its inner courtyards of gold and its gateways of vaidūrya gems."

3.46.12 "Thronged with elephants, horses, and chariots, resounding with the music of instruments, adorned with gardens teeming with trees that yield every desired fruit."

3.46.13 "Living there with me, O Sītā, O princess, you will not tire of the pleasures of human women, O noble-minded one."

3.46.14 "Enjoying both human and divine pleasures, O fair-complexioned one, you will not remember Rāma — a mere mortal whose life is spent."

3.46.15 "The eldest son, feeble in valor, who was sent to the forest by King Daśaratha after establishing his beloved other son on the throne —"

3.46.16 "What will you do with that Rāma who has lost his kingdom, whose wits have gone astray, O wide-eyed one, that wretched ascetic of a hermit?"

3.46.17 "You ought not to reject me, the lord of all rākṣasas, who has come here of his own desire, who is pierced by the arrows of the love-god."

3.46.18 "For having rejected me, O timid one, you will come to grief, as Urvaśī did when she struck away Purūravas with her foot."

3.46.19 Thus addressed, the daughter of Videha, angry and red-eyed, spoke harsh words to the lord of rākṣasas in that solitary place.

3.46.20 "How do you desire to do evil, invoking as your own the divine Vaiśravaṇa, worshipped by all beings, as your brother?"

3.46.21 "All the rākṣasas will surely perish, O Rāvaṇa, whose king you are — harsh, evil-minded, with senses uncontrolled."

3.46.22 "One might carry off Śacī, Indra's wife, and still survive; but there is no life for anyone who carries me away, Rāma's wife."

3.46.23 "One might long survive having violated Śacī — of incomparable beauty — from the hand of the Vajra-bearer; but for one who has violated a woman like me, there is no escape, even if you have drunk the nectar of immortality."

3.47.1 Hearing Sītā's words, the mighty ten-necked one slapped one hand against the other and assumed a very great bodily form.

3.47.2 He then spoke again insistently to the Maithilī: "I think you have not heard of my valor and might — you are surely mad."

3.47.3 "Standing in the sky, I could lift the earth with these arms; I could drink the ocean dry, and standing in battle I could slay Death himself."

3.47.4 "I could block out the sun with sharp arrows; I could split the very earth asunder. O madwoman, see me, who take whatever form I will — I am a husband who grants every desire."

3.47.5 As Rāvaṇa thus spoke, his two eyes — edged with yellow, blazing like fire — became red with rage.

3.47.6 Instantly casting off the gentle form of a mendicant, Rāvaṇa — the younger brother of Vaiśravaṇa — assumed his own form, resembling the form of Death.

3.47.7 With blood-red eyes, resplendent, wearing earrings of molten gold, ten-faced, bearing bow and arrows — thus did the ranger of the night appear.

3.47.8 Abandoning the disguise of a wandering mendicant, that great-bodied Rāvaṇa, lord of rākṣasas, resumed his own true form.

3.47.9 With eyes reddened by anger, blazing like a mass of storm-clouds, clad in crimson garments, he stood gazing upon the Maithilī, that jewel among women.

3.47.10 Then Rāvaṇa spoke to that Maithilī, whose hair-ends were dark, who shone like the sun's radiance, adorned with garments and ornaments.

3.47.11 "If you desire a husband renowned in the three worlds, take refuge in me, O fair-hipped one — I am a fitting husband for you."

3.47.12 "Give yourself to me for all time — I am worthy of praise, I shall be your beloved; O fair one, never shall I do you any displeasure. Abandon your attachment to a mortal; direct your heart toward me."

3.47.13 "What virtues could make you attached to Rāma — fallen from his kingdom, his purpose unaccomplished, of limited lifespan — you fool, who consider yourself wise?"

3.47.14 "That one of evil mind who, at a woman's word, abandoned his kingdom and his companions and now lives in this forest haunted by serpents —"

3.47.15 Having spoken thus to the Maithilī — who deserved only kind treatment, who spoke sweet words — Rāvaṇa seized Sītā as the planet Mercury seizes Rohiṇī in the sky.

3.47.16 With his left hand he grasped lotus-eyed Sītā by her hair, and with his right hand he clasped her about the thighs.

3.47.17 Beholding him — towering like a mountain peak, sharp-fanged, long-armed, resembling Death — the forest deities fled away in terror.

3.47.18 And there appeared Rāvaṇa's great chariot — wrought of illusion, divine, yoked with braying asses, its body of gold, resounding with a harsh din.

3.47.19 Then that great-voiced one, having terrified her with harsh words, lifted the daughter of Videha into his lap and placed her upon the chariot.

3.47.20 Seized thus, the glorious Sītā cried out with a great shriek in her distress: "Rāma!" — to Rāma who was far away in the forest.

3.47.21 Then Rāvaṇa, consumed by desire, lifted her who was unwilling — struggling and twisting like the wife of the king of serpents — and soared upward.

3.47.22 Then she, being carried away through the sky by the lord of rākṣasas, cried out loudly, like one maddened, her mind bewildered, as though stricken by illness.

3.47.23 "O Lakṣmaṇa, O great-armed one, who bring joy to the heart of your elder — you do not know that I am being carried away by a rākṣasa who takes any form he wills!"

3.47.24 "O Rāghava, you who have abandoned life, happiness, and wealth for the sake of righteousness — do you not see me being carried away in unrighteousness?"

3.47.25 "Are you not the subduer of the arrogant, O scorcher of foes? How is it you do not chastise Rāvaṇa for this wicked deed?"

3.47.26 "Surely the fruit of an arrogant man's deed is seen quickly; even Time here becomes a participant, as in the ripening of a harvest."

3.47.27 "He has committed this deed with a mind struck by doom — he will suffer from Rāma a terrible calamity that brings his life to an end."

3.47.28 "Alas, now Kaikeyī together with her kinsmen will be gratified, for I — the lawful and glorious wife of the righteous and desiring-of-virtue Rāma — am being carried away."

3.47.29 "I take my leave of Janasthāna and of the blooming karṇikāra trees — quickly announce to Rāma: Rāvaṇa is carrying Sītā away!"

3.47.30 "I salute Mālyavān, Śikharī, and the mountain Prasravaṇa — quickly announce to Rāma: Rāvaṇa is carrying Sītā away!"

3.47.31 "I salute the Godāvarī river resounding with swans and sārasa cranes — quickly announce to Rāma: Rāvaṇa is carrying Sītā away!"

3.47.32 "And the divinities that reside in the various trees of this forest — I bow to them all: announce to my husband that I have been abducted."

3.47.33 "Whatever beings live here as well — I take refuge in all of them, even in the herds of deer and the flocks of birds."

3.47.34 "Tell him: 'Sītā, dearer to her husband than life itself, has been carried away helpless by Rāvaṇa — she has been abducted.'"

3.47.35 "Knowing of me, the great-armed and mighty one will retrieve me by his valor even from the beyond — even from one taken by Vaivasvata himself."

3.47.36 "O Jaṭāyu, you must faithfully report the whole account of my abduction to Rāma and to Lakṣmaṇa, completely and without remainder."

3.48.1 Jaṭāyu, who had been asleep, heard that cry and quickly beheld Rāvaṇa and saw the daughter of Videha.

3.48.2 Then that best of birds, resplendent as a mountain peak, with a sharp beak, perched upon a forest tree, uttered a clear and noble speech.

3.48.3 "O ten-necked one, I stand in ancient dharma, grounded in truth — I am named Jaṭāyu, king of vultures, and I am mighty."

3.48.4 "Rāma, son of Daśaratha, comparable to Mahendra and Varuṇa, is king of all the worlds and is devoted to the welfare of those worlds."

3.48.5 "This glorious and fair-hipped woman named Sītā, the lawful wife of that lord of the world — it is she whom you desire to carry off."

3.48.6 "How could a king who abides in dharma lay hands upon another's wife? The wife of a king must especially be protected, O great one. Turn back your base intent of violating another's wife."

3.48.7 "A wise man should not do what others would condemn in him; upon reflection, the wives of others must be protected as one's own."

3.48.8 "The learned, in matters of artha or kāma not explicitly covered in the śāstras, determine dharma by following the example of the king, O delight of the eastern people."

3.48.9 "The king is dharma, and kāma, and the supreme treasury of wealth; whether dharma issues in good or evil — it proceeds with the king as its root."

3.48.10 "Evil by nature and fickle — how have you, O best of rākṣasas, come to possess sovereignty, like a sinner who has somehow boarded a celestial chariot?"

3.48.11 "A man's inherent nature cannot be wiped away; O noble one — nay, do not pursue this — prosperity does not dwell long in the house of those with corrupt souls."

3.48.12 "When the mighty Rāma, righteous of soul, has committed no offense against your realm or city, how do you transgress against him?"

3.48.13 "If Khara, stationed at Janasthāna, transgressed and was formerly slain by Rāma of effortless action — that was on account of Śūrpaṇakhā's instigation."

3.48.14 "Tell the truth here: what transgression of Rāma's is it — on account of which you would carry off the wife of that lord of the world?"

3.48.15 "Release the daughter of Videha at once, lest his terrible gaze burn you — blazing like fire — as Indra's thunderbolt burned Vṛtra."

3.48.16 "Binding a venomous serpent in the hem of your garment, you do not perceive it; nor do you see the noose of Death fastened about your neck."

3.48.17 "That burden alone is worth bearing, O gentle one, which does not weigh a man down; that food alone is worth eating which, when digested, causes no illness."

3.48.18 "An act that produces no dharma, no fame, no glory in this world, but only distress for the body — who would undertake such a deed?"

3.48.19 "For sixty thousand years since my birth, O Rāvaṇa, have I been duly following the ancestral and grandfatherly path of kingship."

3.48.20 "Old as I am, and young as you are — an archer mounted on a chariot, armored and bearing arrows — even so you will not depart safely with the daughter of Videha."

3.48.21 "You are not capable of forcibly carrying away the daughter of Videha before my eyes — no more than one can remove a firmly grounded Vedic truth by means of clever arguments."

3.48.22 "Fight if you are a hero — stand your ground a moment, Rāvaṇa — you will lie slain upon the earth, just as Khara did before."

3.48.23 "By whom daityas and dānavas have been slain again and again in battle — that bark-clad Rāma will slay you in combat before long."

3.48.24 "What can I do, when those two princes are gone so far away? You surely flee quickly, O base one — you are without doubt afraid of them."

3.48.25 "While I yet live, you shall not carry away this beautiful one — lotus-eyed Sītā, the beloved great wife of Rāma."

3.48.26 "I must assuredly do what is dear to that great-souled Rāma — even at the cost of my life — and likewise what is dear to Daśaratha."

3.48.27 "Stop, stop, O ten-necked one — wait a moment, behold, Rāvaṇa — I shall offer you the hospitality of battle to the full measure of my life, O ranger of the night; I shall bring you down from your magnificent chariot like a fruit from its stalk."

3.49.1 When Rāvaṇa was thus rightly addressed by Jaṭāyu, all twenty eyes of that enraged one blazed like fire.

3.49.2 His eyes crimson with rage, his earrings of heated gold swinging, the lord of rākṣasas, overcome with fury, rushed at the king of birds.

3.49.3 The collision between those two in that great forest was tumultuous, like that of two storm-driven clouds clashing in the sky.

3.49.4 That battle between the vulture and the rākṣasa was wondrous, like that of two mighty winged mountains, the Mālyavat peaks.

3.49.5 Then the mighty one rained upon the king of vultures arrows — nālīkas, nārācas, and vikarṇis with sharp tips — all exceedingly fearsome.

3.49.6 Jaṭāyu, the lord of birds that ride on wings, intercepted those showers of arrows, those weapons of Rāvaṇa, in the battle.

3.49.7 With his two feet armed with sharp talons, that most excellent of birds, immensely powerful, slashed many wounds all over Rāvaṇa's body.

3.49.8 Then Daśagrīva, burning with anger and longing to crush his foe, seized ten terrible arrows resembling the staff of Death.

3.49.9 With those arrows — drawn to the full, flying straight, sharp-tipped, and terrifying — that exceedingly mighty one pierced the vulture.

3.49.10 Seeing Jānakī on the rākṣasa's chariot, her eyes filled with tears, he gave no thought to those arrows and charged straight at the rākṣasa.

3.49.11 Then with his two feet, that most radiant lord of birds shattered his arrow-set bow, adorned with pearls and gems.

3.49.12 And with his wings, that most radiant lord of birds scattered Rāvaṇa's quiver of arrows that blazed like fire.

3.49.13 The mighty one also slew in battle his fleet mules — those divine, swift animals with golden trappings and demon-like faces.

3.49.14 He also smashed the magnificent chariot — fitted with its triple shaft, going at will, blazing like fire, beautifully adorned with gems and gold — and likewise the parasol resembling the full moon, together with the fly-whisks.

3.49.15 His bow shattered, his chariot wrecked, his horses slain, his charioteer killed, Rāvaṇa fell to the ground, clutching Vaidehī in his lap.

3.49.16 Seeing Rāvaṇa fallen on the ground with his vehicle destroyed, all beings praised the king of vultures, crying "Bravo! Bravo!"

3.49.17 But seeing that leader of the bird host exhausted by old age, Rāvaṇa leaped up again with renewed vigour, seizing Maithilī.

3.49.18 Seeing him joyfully bearing the daughter of Janaka away in his lap, the king of vultures, Jaṭāyu, soared up and spoke these words.

3.49.19 "O Rāvaṇa, O dim-witted one, you carry off the wife of Rāma, whose arrows strike like the thunderbolt — this is truly for the destruction of the rākṣasas."

3.49.20 "Together with your allies and kinsmen, your ministers, your army, and your retinue, you drink this poison as a thirsty man drinks water."

3.49.21 "Those who are heedless and do not perceive the consequence of their actions quickly perish — just as you shall perish."

3.49.22 "You are bound in the noose of Time — wherever you go, how will you escape it? Like a water-creature that swallows a baited hook and is caught for slaughter."

3.49.23 "The two Kākutsthas are never to be assailed, O Rāvaṇa; the Rāghavas will never tolerate this violation of their hermitage."

3.49.24 "The deed you have done, O coward, is censured by the world. This is the path of a thief — it is not the way trodden by heroes."

3.49.25 "Fight if you are a hero — stand a moment, O Rāvaṇa! You shall lie slain on the ground just as your brother Khara did."

3.49.26 "The deed that a man embarks on at the hour of his doom is one leading to his own destruction, one contrary to dharma — and that is the deed you have undertaken."

3.49.27 "Who then would carry out that action whose consequence is sin? Not even the lord of the worlds, the blessed Svayambhū, would do it."

3.49.28 Having spoken those righteous words to that rākṣasa, the valiant Jaṭāyu fell with great force upon the back of Daśagrīva.

3.49.29 Seizing him and raking him all over with sharp talons, he mounted him as a mahout mounts a rogue elephant.

3.49.30 He tore at him with his talons, burying his beak into his back, and tore out his hair — Jaṭāyu, who fights with talons, wings, and beak as weapons.

3.49.31 Tormented again and again by the king of vultures in this way, that rākṣasa trembled, his lips quivering with indignation.

3.49.32 Rāvaṇa, clasping Vaidehī in his left arm, overwhelmed by pain and overcome with rage, struck Jaṭāyu with his open palm.

3.49.33 Jaṭāyu, that subduer of foes and master of harsh deeds, turning on him with his beak, then severed all ten of his left arms.

3.49.34 Then Daśagrīva, enraged and powerful, releasing Sītā, pounded the king of vultures with fists and feet.

3.49.35 For a moment a battle raged between those two of incomparable might — the foremost of rākṣasas and the greatest of birds.

3.49.36 As he strained himself on Rāma's behalf, Rāvaṇa drew his sword and cut off his wings, his feet, and his flanks.

3.49.37 His wings severed by that rākṣasa of terrible deeds, the vulture suddenly fell slain to the earth, barely alive.

3.49.38 Seeing Jaṭāyu fallen on the ground soaked in blood, Vaidehī ran toward him in grief, as toward her own kinsman.

3.49.39 The lord of Laṅkā beheld Jaṭāyu lying on the earth — dark as a blue storm-cloud in form, his breast very pale, his valour noble, quiescent as a forest-fire that has burned out.

3.49.40 Then Sītā, the daughter of Janaka, whose face shone like the moon, embraced once more that bird who rides on wings, lying struck down on the ground and crushed by Rāvaṇa's violence, and wept.

3.50.1 The lord of rākṣasas saw the vulture fallen on the ground, barely alive and quivering, near the hermitage of the Rāghavas.

3.50.2 She whose face was like the lord of stars, looking upon that king of vultures slain by Rāvaṇa, lamented in the deepest grief.

3.50.3 "Omens, knowledge of portents, and the sound and sight of birds are invariably manifest for men in matters of happiness and sorrow."

3.50.4 "Surely, O Rāma, you do not know of the great calamity, O son. Surely, O Kākutstha, the beasts and birds are running on my behalf."

3.50.5 "Save me today, O Kākutstha! O Lakṣmaṇa!" — the most excellent of women cried out in uttermost terror, so that those nearby could hear.

3.50.6 Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, rushed at Vaidehī, her garlands and ornaments dishevelled, lamenting like one without a protector.

3.50.7 As she clung like a creeper winding around the great trees, the lord of rākṣasas repeatedly called out "Let go, let go!"

3.50.8 As she cried out "Rāma! Rāma!" — bereft of Rāma in the forest — he who resembled Death seized her by the hair to end her life.

3.50.9 When Vaidehī was thus violated, the entire world, moving and unmoving, became lawless and was shrouded in blinding darkness.

3.50.10 Seeing Sītā seized and wretched with his divine eye, the illustrious Pitāmaha declared: "The purpose is accomplished."

3.50.11 All the great sages dwelling in the Daṇḍaka forest, beholding Sītā thus seized, were simultaneously filled with joy and anguish.

3.50.12 And Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, carrying her away into the sky as she wept calling "Rāma! Rāma! Lakṣmaṇa!", departed.

3.50.13 The princess, all her limbs adorned with burnished ornaments and clad in a yellow silk garment, shone like a flash of lightning named Saudāmanī.

3.50.14 With her yellow garment streaming in the wind, Rāvaṇa shone all the more gloriously, like a mountain lit by a lamp of fire.

3.50.15 The coppery, fragrant lotus petals of that most auspicious Vaidehī scattered and fell upon Rāvaṇa all around.

3.50.16 Her silk garment, streaming in the sky with the radiance of gold, glowed copper-red in the sun's rays, like a cloud at sunset.

3.50.17 Her spotless face, borne in Rāvaṇa's lap in the sky, did not shine without Rāma — like a lotus without its stalk.

3.50.18 It was as though the moon had risen cleaving a dark cloud: her face with its beautiful brow, lovely hair-line, the splendour of a lotus interior, unblemished, adorned with white, very pure, lustrous teeth.

3.50.19 Tear-streaked, her mascara smeared, yet lovely to behold like the moon, with a beautiful nose and charming copper-red lips, she blazed in the sky with a radiance like gold.

3.50.20 Her auspicious speech, shaken by the lord of rākṣasas, did not shine without Rāma, like the moon risen by day.

3.50.21 Maithilī, golden in complexion, shone against the dark-limbed lord of rākṣasas as a golden girdle resting against a sapphire.

3.50.22 The daughter of Janaka, lotus-fair and radiant as gold, adorned with burnished ornaments, shone against Rāvaṇa as lightning shining within a dark cloud.

3.50.23 With the jingling of Vaidehī's ornaments, the lord of rākṣasas became like a dark, pure storm-cloud sounding with thunder.

3.50.24 The shower of flowers fallen from her hair scattered all around and fell to the ground as Sītā was being carried off.

3.50.25 But that shower of flowers, scattered all around by the speed of Rāvaṇa's flight, returned and fell again upon Daśagrīva.

3.50.26 A stream of flowers fell back upon the younger brother of Vaiśravaṇa, pure as a garland of stars, as upon the most excellent of mountains, Meru.

3.50.27 An anklet set with jewels slipped from Vaidehī's foot — resembling a circle of lightning and tinkling sweetly — and fell to earth.

3.50.28 Red as the new shoot of a tree, Vaidehī adorned the dark-limbed lord of rākṣasas as a golden girth-strap adorns an elephant.

3.50.29 The younger brother of Vaiśravaṇa carried Sītā away through the sky, blazing with her own radiance like a great meteor in the heavens.

3.50.30 Her ornaments, fire-coloured and jingling, fell scattered to the earth like waning stars dropping from the sky.

3.50.31 The pearl necklace, bright as the lord of stars, that slipped from between Vaidehī's breasts and fell shone like the Gaṅgā fallen from heaven.

3.50.32 Struck by the blast of Rāvaṇa's passage, the trees teeming with flocks of various birds, their tops shaken, seemed to cry out "Fear not!"

3.50.33 The lotus ponds with their blossoms battered, their fish frightened and darting through the water, seemed to mourn for Maithilī as for a friend who had lost all hope.

3.50.34 Lions, tigers, deer, and birds, rushing together from all sides and then following the shadow of Sītā below, pursued her out of fury.

3.50.35 Their waterfalls like weeping eyes, their peaks like upraised arms, the mountains seemed to cry out aloud as Sītā was being carried off.

3.50.36 Seeing Vaidehī being carried off, the sun himself grew faint, his radiance shattered, the glorious one's disc turning pale.

3.50.37 "There is no dharma, where then is truth? There is no uprightness, no compassion — in a world where Rāvaṇa carries off Rāma's wife Vaidehī."

3.50.38 Thus all beings lamented in groups; the young deer, frightened and their faces pitiable, wept.

3.50.39 Looking up again and again with eyes clouded by falling tears, their bodies trembling greatly, the forest goddesses were overcome with grief.

3.50.40 Seeing Sītā crying out so loudly and sunk in such grief, crying out "Lakṣmaṇa! Rāma!" in a sweet voice —

3.50.41 — Vaidehī, who looked back again and again at the ground below, her hair dishevelled at the ends, her cosmetic marks smeared, was carried off by Daśagrīva to his own destruction, that noble-minded woman.

3.50.42 Then she, the beautiful-toothed, pure-smiling Maithilī, bereft of her kinsmen, not seeing Rāghava and Lakṣmaṇa, her face drained of colour, tormented by the weight of fear —

3.51.1 Seeing him soaring into the sky, Maithilī, the daughter of Janaka, grieved and utterly terrified, standing in the midst of great fear —

3.51.2 — her eyes copper-red with anger and weeping, Sītā, being carried off, addressed the fearsome-eyed lord of rākṣasas in piteous weeping with these words.

3.51.3 "You feel no shame, O vile Rāvaṇa, for this deed — you who, knowing me to be alone and unprotected, have stolen me and flee."

3.51.4 "Surely it was you yourself, O wicked-souled coward, who, wishing to abduct me, lured away my husband through the illusion of a deer-form; and even this one who rose to protect me has been struck down."

3.51.5 "Truly your valour is paramount, O most wretched of rākṣasas — you proclaim your name but in battle there is none whom you have conquered!"

3.51.6 "How do you feel no shame having done this most censurable deed — the abduction of another's wife, O vile one, in secret and when she is alone?"

3.51.7 "Men in the world will proclaim your despicable, most cruel, most unrighteous deed — you who fancy yourself a hero."

3.51.8 "Shame on your heroism and your character as you then proclaimed it — a disgrace to your lineage in the world! And shame on conduct such as yours!"

3.51.9 "What can be done if you flee only with speed! Stand even for a moment — you will not return alive!"

3.51.10 "Were you to come within sight of those two sons of kings, you would not be capable of living even a moment, even with your whole army."

3.51.11 "You are no more capable of enduring the touch of their arrows than a bird is capable of enduring the touch of a blazing fire in the forest."

3.51.12 "Do what is beneficial for yourself — release me, O Rāvaṇa. For my husband, angered by the violation done to me, together with his brother, will bring about your destruction if you do not release me."

3.51.13 "The purpose with which you wish to carry me off by force, O vile one, that purpose of yours will prove fruitless."

3.51.14 "Not seeing that husband of mine who is like a god, I, fallen into the enemy's power, cannot bear to sustain my life for long."

3.51.15 "Surely you do not consider what is good or beneficial for yourself, just as a mortal at the hour of death pursues what is contrary to his welfare."

3.51.16 "Indeed, for all those who are about to die, what is beneficial does not please them. I seem to see the noose of Time already fastened around your throat."

3.51.17 "That you feel no fear in this place of danger, O ten-faced one, evidently you are seeing only trees of gold before your eyes."

3.51.18 "You are beholding, O Rāvaṇa, the terrible river Vaitaraṇī flowing with streams of blood, and the dreadful forest whose leaves are swords."

3.51.19 "You shall behold the śālmalī tree, dreadful, studded with sharp iron thorns, its flowers of heated gold, its finest leaves of vaidūrya gem."

3.51.20 "Having done such a wrong to that great-souled one, you will not be able to sustain yourself for long — like a merciless one who has drunk poison."

3.51.21 "You are bound by the irresistible noose of Time, O Rāvaṇa — wherever you go, how will you find safety from my husband, that great-souled one?"

3.51.22 "He who in the mere twinkling of an eye slew fourteen thousand rākṣasas in battle without even his brother —"

3.51.23 "— how would that Rāghava, the hero, skilled in all weapons and mighty, not slay you with sharp arrows for stealing his beloved wife?"

3.51.24 This and much else that was harsh did Vaidehī, sitting in Rāvaṇa's lap, seized by fear and grief, lament pitifully.

3.51.25 Thus deeply afflicted and speaking many words, having first lamented pitifully, that sinful one carried off the high-spirited young princess, daughter of a king, writhing in his grasp, her body trembling all over.

3.52.1 As Vaidehī was being carried off, seeing no protector anywhere, she beheld five foremost monkeys stationed on a mountain peak.

3.52.2 The wide-eyed Maithilī, of beautiful form, dropped among them her upper garment of silk, bright as gold, and her auspicious ornaments — thinking they might report to Rāma.

3.52.3 She cast down that garment together with the ornaments into their midst; but Daśagrīva, bewildered and dull of wit, did not perceive her act.

3.52.4 The tawny-eyed bull-monkeys gazed with unblinking eyes at wide-eyed Sītā as she cried out pitifully.

3.52.5 Crossing beyond the Pampā lake, the lord of rākṣasas went, holding weeping Maithilī, with his face turned toward the city of Laṅkā.

3.52.6 Rāvaṇa, greatly exultant, seized her — his own death — even as one clasps in one's lap a sharp-fanged serpent of great venom.

3.52.7 Swiftly he traversed through the sky forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes, like an arrow released from a bow.

3.52.8 He came to the ocean — the home of Varuṇa, inexhaustible, the abode of timi-fish and crocodiles, the refuge of rivers — and crossed it.

3.52.9 As Vaidehī was being carried off, the ocean — Varuṇa's domain — became agitated with turbulent waves, its fish and great serpents restrained.

3.52.10 Then the Cāraṇas moving through the sky called out; the Siddhas too declared at that moment: "This, O Daśagrīva, is your end."

3.52.11 Taking on his lap Sītā as she writhed and struggled, Rāvaṇa entered the city of Laṅkā — his own death incarnate.

3.52.12 Reaching the city of Laṅkā with its great roads well laid out, he entered his own inner apartments, richly furnished with fully grown enclosures.

3.52.13 There Rāvaṇa placed dark-eyed Sītā, wholly overcome with grief and stupor, as Maya placed his demonic māyā.

3.52.14 Daśagrīva then spoke to the dreadful-looking demonesses: let no man or woman look upon Sītā without his sanction.

3.52.15 "Whatever she desires — pearls, gems, gold, garments, ornaments — all that shall be given to her in accordance with my wish."

3.52.16 "And she who speaks any unpleasant word to Vaidehī, whether from ignorance or knowingly — her life shall be forfeit."

3.52.17 Having spoken thus to those demonesses, the powerful lord of rākṣasas departed from the inner apartments and, pondering what was to be done, he beheld eight mighty flesh-eating rākṣasas.

3.52.18 That most mighty one, intoxicated by boons granted to him, beholding them, praised their strength and valor and spoke these words to them.

3.52.19 "Armed with various weapons, go from here swiftly and quickly to Janasthāna, the ruined place, the former abode of Khara."

3.52.20 "Stay there in Janasthāna, now empty with its rākṣasas slain, relying on your manly valor, casting fear far away."

3.52.21 "For the great force I had stationed in Janasthāna — along with Dūṣaṇa and Khara — has been slain in battle by Rāma's arrows."

3.52.22 "Hence an unprecedented rage mounts over my composure, and a great, dreadful enmity toward Rāma has arisen within me."

3.52.23 "I wish to repay that enmity to my enemy; truly I shall not find sleep without slaying my foe in battle."

3.52.24 "Slaying him now — Rāma the killer of Khara and Dūṣaṇa — I shall attain peace, as a pauper attains ease upon gaining wealth."

3.52.25 "While dwelling in Janasthāna, you must bring me true intelligence of all that concerns Rāma — what he is doing and how."

3.52.26 "All night-wanderers must go there without carelessness, and effort must ever be made toward the slaying of Rāghava."

3.52.27 "For I know your strength well from many a battle-front; and it is for that reason I have assigned you to this Janasthāna."

3.52.28 Then those eight rākṣasas, receiving these pleasing and weighty words, saluted Rāvaṇa and together departed from Laṅkā toward Janasthāna, vanishing from sight.

3.52.29 Having thus secured Sītā and taken possession of Maithilī, Rāvaṇa was greatly exultant; and having now committed himself to supreme enmity with Rāma, that rākṣasa was delighted through his own delusion.

3.53.1 Having dispatched the eight terrible, mighty rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa, through the confusion of his intellect, considered himself as having accomplished his purpose.

3.53.2 Thinking of Vaidehī, pierced through by the arrows of love, he hastily entered his beautiful dwelling, eager to see Sītā.

3.53.3 Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, entering that dwelling, saw Sītā in the midst of the demonesses, wholly given over to grief.

3.53.4 Her face filled with tears, wretched, crushed by the weight of sorrow, like a boat assailed by fierce winds sinking in the ocean.

3.53.5 Strayed from her herd of deer, like a doe surrounded by dogs, her face cast downward, wretched — the night-stalker approached her.

3.53.6 The lord of rākṣasas then forcefully showed that wretched, helpless one, overcome by grief, his palace comparable to the abode of the gods.

3.53.7 It was filled with mansions and palaces, frequented by thousands of women, thronged with diverse flocks of birds, adorned with gems of every kind.

3.53.8 With pillars of gold and refined gold, of crystal and silver, inlaid with diamond and vaidūrya, captivating to the eye.

3.53.9 Resounding with divine kettledrums, with archways of refined gold, he ascended with her the splendid golden stairway.

3.53.10 There were rows of palaces with latticed windows of ivory and silver, pleasing to behold, covered with golden nets.

3.53.11 The floors everywhere were variously decorated with plaster and gems; Daśagrīva showed all these to Maithilī in his own dwelling.

3.53.12 Rāvaṇa showed grief-stricken Sītā the long ponds and lotus pools covered with diverse flowers.

3.53.13 Having shown Vaidehī, the daughter of Janaka, all of that magnificent dwelling, the wicked-souled Rāvaṇa spoke these words to her.

3.53.14 "One hundred and twenty million night-wandering rākṣasas, excluding the old, the aged, and the young —

3.53.15 "Of all those — terrible in deed, O Sītā — I am the lord; one thousand of them stand ready, each one, to execute my commands."

3.53.16 "This entire realm and sovereignty of mine rests in you; my life too, O wide-eyed one — you are dearer to me than my own breath."

3.53.17 "Of the many thousands of women who are in my household, you, Sītā, shall be sovereign over them all — become my wife, my beloved."

3.53.18 "Come, what use is this contrary mind of yours? Find my words pleasing; I am consumed with longing — you ought to bestow your grace upon me."

3.53.19 "This Laṅkā, encircled by the ocean, spanning a hundred yojanas, cannot be assailed even by gods and asuras with Indra at their head."

3.53.20 "Neither among gods, nor yakṣas, nor gandharvas, nor among human sages — I see none in all the worlds who might equal me in valor."

3.53.21 "What will you do with Rāma — a mere mortal, wretched, bereft of his kingdom, a wandering ascetic, of little splendor, whose life is as good as gone?"

3.53.22 "Cherish me alone, O Sītā — I am a husband worthy of you; youth is impermanent, O timid one; enjoy yourself here with me."

3.53.23 "Direct not your mind to the sight of Rāghava, O most beautiful-faced one; who has the power to come here, O Sītā, even in imagination?"

3.53.24 "The mighty swift wind cannot be fettered in the sky with snares, nor the pure flame of blazing fire be grasped."

3.53.25 "In all three worlds I see none, O beautiful one, who by valor could take you away from the shelter of my arms."

3.53.26 "Rule with me this vast kingdom of Laṅkā; anointed with consecration waters, be content and give me delight."

3.53.27 "Whatever evil karma you have from former deeds has been expiated by your forest sojourn; now enjoy here the fruit of whatever good merit you have accumulated."

3.53.28 "Here all garlands, divine fragrances, O Maithilī, and the finest ornaments — enjoy all these with me."

3.53.29 "There is a chariot called Puṣpaka, O beautiful-hipped one, my brother Vaiśravaṇa's; that chariot is delightful and swift as thought."

3.53.30 "In it, O Sītā, sport with me to your heart's content; your face, lotus-like, pure, lovely to behold —

3.53.31 "Tormented by grief, O beautiful-formed one, it does not shine, O most lovely-faced one; enough of this shame on account of the transgression of dharma ascribed to you, O Vaidehī."

3.53.32 "This coming to you is a divine dispensation ordained by fate; these my feet, with affection, I press to my head before you."

3.53.33 "Grant me your favor swiftly; I am your devoted servant — let not these words spoken by me, as I wither with longing, be uttered in vain."

3.53.34 "Never indeed has Rāvaṇa bowed his head to any woman." Having thus spoken, Daśagrīva addressed Maithilī, the daughter of Janaka —

3.53.35 — thinking to himself: "She has fallen into the power of Fate; she is mine."

3.54.1 Thus addressed, Vaidehī, fearless though worn by grief, placing a blade of grass between herself and Rāvaṇa as a barrier, spoke in reply.

3.54.2 "There is a king named Daśaratha, immovable as a dyke of righteousness, known to all as true to his vows — whose son is that Rāghava."

3.54.3 "He is named Rāma, righteous-souled, renowned in all three worlds, long-armed, wide-eyed — he is my god, my husband."

3.54.4 "Born in the line of the Ikṣvākus, lion-shouldered, of great splendor — together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa, he will take your life."

3.54.5 "Were I, who am directly his, to be violated by you by force, you would lie slain in battle just as Khara was slain at Janasthāna."

3.54.6 "Those rākṣasas you have described as terrible in form and mighty — before Rāghava they are all venom-less, like serpents before Garuḍa."

3.54.7 "His arrows, adorned with gold, released from the bowstring, will tear through your body as waves batter the banks of the Gaṅgā."

3.54.8 "Even if you be invulnerable to asuras and gods, O Rāvaṇa, having provoked this great enmity, you will not escape him alive."

3.54.9 "That mighty Rāghava will be the destroyer of what remains of your life; your survival is as uncertain as that of a sacrificial beast bound to the post."

3.54.10 "Should Rāma look upon you with eyes ablaze with fury, you would be burnt to ash that very instant, O demon, and meet immediate destruction."

3.54.11 "He who could hurl the moon down from the sky or destroy it, who could dry up the ocean — such a one could liberate Sītā from here."

3.54.12 "Your life is spent, your fortune gone, your vitality gone, your senses gone; Laṅkā through your deed will be plunged into widowhood."

3.54.13 "This sinful act of yours — carrying me away from the forest, from my husband's side, against my will — will not yield happy results for you."

3.54.14 "For my husband, of great splendor, supported by the gods, dwells fearlessly in the desolate Daṇḍaka, relying on his valor."

3.54.15 "He will strip your pride, strength, valor, and arrogance from your limbs with a rain of arrows in battle."

3.54.16 "When the destruction of beings is seen, urged on by Time, then men fallen under Time's power grow heedless in their deeds."

3.54.17 "By violating me, that Time has arrived for you, O vilest of demons — for the slaughter of yourself, your rākṣasas, and your inner household."

3.54.18 "An altar set in the midst of a sacrifice, adorned with ladles and vessels, consecrated by the mantras of twice-born priests, cannot be defiled by a caṇḍāla."

3.54.19 "This body, now insensible — bind it or slay it; I hold neither this body nor my life dear, O demon; for I cannot bring upon myself disgrace in this world."

3.54.20 Having thus spoken these exceedingly harsh words out of anger to Rāvaṇa, Maithilī Vaidehī said nothing further to him there.

3.54.21 Having heard Sītā's harsh, hair-raising words, he then replied to Sītā with words designed to inspire terror.

3.54.22 "Hear my words, O Maithilī, O passionate one: if within twelve months' time you do not come to me, O lovely-smiling one, the cooks will then cut you to pieces for my morning meal."

3.54.23 Having spoken these harsh words, Rāvaṇa — the terror of his enemies — then in fury spoke these words to the demonesses.

3.54.24 "Swiftly, you demonesses of hideous and terrible appearance, eaters of flesh and blood, must break her pride."

3.54.25 At his mere word, those hideous and terrible demonesses, joining their palms in obeisance, surrounded Maithilī.

3.54.26 That king, Rāvaṇa of dreadful appearance, spoke to them, stamping his feet with such force it seemed to split the earth.

3.54.27 "Let Maithilī be taken to the Aśoka grove; let her be guarded there in secret, surrounded by her warders."

3.54.28 "There, with terrible threats and again with gentle words, bring Maithilī fully under control — as one tames a wild elephant cow."

3.54.29 Thus instructed by Rāvaṇa, those demonesses took hold of Maithilī and went to the Aśoka grove.

3.54.30 It was surrounded by trees bearing every desired fruit, covered with diverse flowers and fruits, frequented by birds intoxicated at every season.

3.54.31 And Maithilī, the daughter of Janaka, her limbs overcome by grief, having fallen into the power of the demonesses, was like a doe in the power of tigresses.

3.54.32 Maithilī found no comfort there, excessively threatened by those demonesses of disfigured eyes; remembering her beloved husband and dear brother-in-law, she fell into a state of unconsciousness, tormented by fear and grief.

3.55.1 Having slain Mārīca — the rākṣasa who roamed in the form of a deer, a shape-shifter at will — Rāma quickly turned back upon the path.

3.55.2 As he hurried along, eager to see Maithilī, a jackal behind him cried out with a harsh, ominous shriek.

3.55.3 Recognising that dreadful, hair-raising cry and deeply troubled by the jackal's omen, he fell into anxious reflection.

3.55.4 "Inauspicious indeed, I fear, is this howling of the jackal. May Vaidehī be safe and undevoured by the rākṣasas!"

3.55.5 "If Lakṣmaṇa were to hear that cry uttered in the form of a deer by Mārīca — who mimicked my voice as he discerned it — [he would come to me]."

3.55.6 "That son of Sumitrā, on hearing that voice and being urged by her — abandoning Maithilī — will quickly come here to my side."

3.55.7 "Surely the rākṣasas in concert have plotted the killing of Sītā, and by taking the form of a golden deer they have lured me away from the hermitage."

3.55.8 "Having drawn me far away, that rākṣasa Mārīca was struck by an arrow and cried out 'Ah, Lakṣmaṇa, I am slain!' — such were the words he uttered."

3.55.9 "May those two, left alone by me in the forest, be safe! For it is on account of Janasthāna that I have made enemies of the rākṣasas. And today many terrible omens appear."

3.55.10 Reflecting thus, having heard the jackal's cry and realising how he had been lured away by the rākṣasa in a deer's form, the Rāghava came to Janasthāna filled with deep misgiving.

3.55.11 Beasts and birds approached that great soul who was wretched and downcast of mind, circling him on his left side and uttering dreadful cries.

3.55.12 After seeing those exceedingly dreadful omens, the Rāghava then beheld Lakṣmaṇa approaching, his lustre gone.

3.55.13 Not far off, Lakṣmaṇa — despondent — met with Rāma — despondent; the grief-stricken one met with his grief-sharing companion.

3.55.14 Then the elder brother upbraided Lakṣmaṇa who had come [back], having abandoned Sītā alone in the desolate forest haunted by rākṣasas.

3.55.15 Taking Lakṣmaṇa by the left hand, the joy of the Raghu clan spoke these harsh words — grievous yet with a gentle resonance underneath.

3.55.16 "Ah, Lakṣmaṇa, what you have done is blameworthy — that you have come here abandoning Sītā, my good kinsman. May she yet be well!"

3.55.17 "I have no doubt, O hero, that the daughter of Janaka has in every way been destroyed or devoured by the forest-roaming rākṣasas."

3.55.18 "Yet even as these inauspicious signs multiply before me, may we still find Sītā whole, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.55.19 "This rākṣasa who resembled a deer — having lured me and led me far away — was killed only with great effort; and even as he died, he revealed his true rākṣasa nature."

3.55.20 "My mind here is wretched and joyless, and my left eye throbs with ill omen. Without doubt, Lakṣmaṇa, Sītā is no more — she has been carried off, or slain, or lies somewhere on the road."

3.56.1 Seeing the dejected Lakṣmaṇa returned alone, the son of Daśaratha — righteous in soul — questioned him anxiously about Vaidehī.

3.56.2 "Where is that Vaidehī who followed me when I departed into the Daṇḍaka forest, O Lakṣmaṇa — she whom you have abandoned and come here?"

3.56.3 "Where is that slender-waisted Vaidehī, my companion in sorrow, as I — fallen from my kingdom and miserable — wander through the Daṇḍaka wilds?"

3.56.4 "Without whom, O hero, I cannot endure to live even a moment — where is that Sītā, the companion of my very breath, like unto the daughter of the gods?"

3.56.5 "Sovereignty over the immortals or over the very earth itself — without that golden-hued daughter of Janaka I should not desire it, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.56.6 "Does Vaidehī still live — she who is dearer to me than life itself? Will this exile of mine, O gentle one, not prove to have been in vain?"

3.56.7 "On account of Sītā, O son of Sumitrā, if both you and I perish, will that Kaikeyī then be content and happy with her desire fulfilled?"

3.56.8 "The wretched Kausalyā, her son dead, will attend upon Kaikeyī — Kaikeyī who has her own son and her kingdom and her purpose fulfilled. May this not be so, O gentle one."

3.56.9 "If Vaidehī lives, I shall return to the hermitage; if she has met her end — however blameless her conduct — I shall give up my life, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.56.10 "If Vaidehī does not speak to me when I arrive at the hermitage — if Sītā no longer greets me with her smile — I shall perish, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.56.11 "Tell me, Lakṣmaṇa — does Vaidehī live or not? Has that hapless woman been devoured by the rākṣasas while you were heedless?"

3.56.12 "Tender and young, she who has never before known sorrow — Vaidehī is surely grieving now, her heart in anguish, separated from me."

3.56.13 "By that treacherous, utterly wicked rākṣasa — crying out 'Lakṣmaṇa!' in a loud voice — fear was surely instilled even in you."

3.56.14 "I suspect that voice, resembling mine, was heard by Vaidehī; frightened, she sent you off, and you came quickly to find me."

3.56.15 "In every way it was a dreadful thing to abandon Sītā alone in the forest — an opportunity given to those merciless rākṣasas to act against her."

3.56.16 "Those flesh-eating rākṣasas, aggrieved by the slaughter of Khara, will surely have killed Sītā — those dreadful ones. Of this there is no doubt."

3.56.17 "Alas, I am plunged into calamity in every way, O destroyer of foes! Yet what can I do now? Such, I believe, was the fate destined to befall."

3.56.18 Thus brooding on Sītā of noble bearing, the Rāghava arrived hastily at Janasthāna together with Lakṣmaṇa.

3.56.19 Reproaching his younger brother who looked stricken with grief, heaving sighs, his mouth parched with hunger, exhaustion and thirst, despondent — upon reaching the dwelling and seeing it empty,

3.56.20 — the hero entered his hermitage, searched through the various places she had frequented, murmuring 'here — there,' and throughout the dwelling place his body-hair stood erect in anguish.

3.57.1 Then, as he turned back from the hermitage on the way, the joy of the Raghu clan — Rāma, tormented by grief — questioned the son of Sumitrā once more.

3.57.2 He said to him: "Why have you come back having abandoned Maithilī, when she was wandering in the forest entrusted by me to your care?"

3.57.3 "On seeing you come back having left Maithilī, O Lakṣmaṇa, I suspect some great evil has occurred — truly my heart is anguished."

3.57.4 "My left eye throbs, and so does my arm and my heart, O Lakṣmaṇa, seeing you from afar on the road, separated from Sītā."

3.57.5 Thus addressed, the son of Sumitrā — Lakṣmaṇa of auspicious marks — himself overwhelmed with grief, spoke to the grieving Rāma.

3.57.6 "I did not come here of my own accord, wilfully abandoning her; I was urged by her herself with harsh and vehement words to come to your side."

3.57.7 "Maithilī heard those words — as if your noble cry: 'Ah, Sītā! Lakṣmaṇa! Save me!' — and it entered her ears."

3.57.8 "She, Maithilī, hearing that voice of distress and moved by her love for you, said to me 'Go, go!' — weeping, overcome with fear."

3.57.9 "As I repeatedly urged 'Go!' upon her, Maithilī answered back to me with these words directed at you in full confidence:"

3.57.10 "'I see no rākṣasa that could bring danger to him. Be calm; this is nothing — it has been spoken so by no one of consequence.'"

3.57.11 "'How could that noble one — who could protect even the thirty gods — utter words of supplication, "Save me!"? Such words are base and unworthy of him, O Sītā.'"

3.57.12 "'For what reason has someone, borrowing my brother's voice, cried out discordantly: "Lakṣmaṇa, save me"? You need not be distressed by this — it is the way of foolish, base women.'"

3.57.13 "'Enough of this faintheartedness — be composed, free of anxiety. There is no man in the three worlds, born or yet to be born, who could defeat the Rāghava in battle.'"

3.57.14 "Thus addressed, Vaidehī — her mind utterly bewildered — wept and then spoke these harsh words to me:"

3.57.15 "'Your feelings toward me are utterly base and sinful! With your elder brother dead or in peril, you think you will obtain me — but you shall not!'"

3.57.16 "'By prior arrangement with Bharata you accompany Rāma — yet although he now cries out in great anguish, you do not go to him!'"

3.57.17 "'You are a secret enemy moving covertly, following along for my sake, seeking an opportunity against the Rāghava — that is why you do not go to him!'"

3.57.18 "Thus spoken to by Vaidehī, I became enraged, my eyes reddened, my lips quivering with fury, and I departed from the hermitage."

3.57.19 To Lakṣmaṇa speaking thus, Rāma — deluded by anguish — said: "You have done ill, gentle one, in coming here without her."

3.57.20 "Though knowing full well that I am capable of repelling rākṣasas, you departed at the angry word of Maithilī."

3.57.21 "I am not at all pleased with you for abandoning Maithilī and coming here, having heeded the harsh words of an angry woman."

3.57.22 "In every way it was an unwise act on your part: urged on by Sītā, you fell under the sway of anger and did not observe my command."

3.57.23 "That rākṣasa who lured me away from the hermitage in the form of a deer — he now lies slain, struck down by my arrow."

3.57.24 "Drawing the bow and fitting the arrow, with ease I struck him; and that rākṣasa — he who wore bracelets on his upper arms — abandoned his deer-form and cried out in a distorted voice."

3.57.25 "Even as he was struck by the arrow, in his agonised voice he mimicked my voice and cried out from afar that dreadfully cruel utterance — it is on account of that cry that you came here, abandoning Maithilī."

3.58.1 As Rāma was hurrying back, his lower left eye twitched and throbbed, and a trembling came over him.

3.58.2 Observing these ill omens again and again, he could only say, "May Sītā at least be well."

3.58.3 He hastened forward, longing to see Sītā, but upon finding the dwelling empty his heart was seized with anguish.

3.58.4 The joy of the Raghus, as though frantic with urgency, roamed about searching everywhere around the site of the leaf hut.

3.58.5 He beheld the leaf cottage empty of Sītā, stripped of its beauty and in ruin, like a lotus pond in winter bereft of its glory.

3.58.6 The trees seemed to weep, the flowers were withered, the deer and birds were still; the grove was desolate, stripped of its splendour, abandoned by its forest deities.

3.58.7 Seeing the site of the hut empty, with the antelope-skin and kuśa grass scattered about and the woven mat tossed aside, he lamented again and again.

3.58.8 "Has she been abducted, or is she dead, or has she disappeared? Has she been devoured? Or perhaps the timid one is hiding somewhere, or has gone deep into the forest?"

3.58.9 "Has she gone to gather flowers or fruits? Or has she gone to a lotus pond, or gone to the river for water?"

3.58.10 Though he searched diligently, he could not find his beloved in the forest; his eyes reddened with grief, he appeared as one driven mad by sorrow.

3.58.11 Running from tree to tree, from hill to hill, from river to river, Rāma lamented, plunged deep in the swamp-like ocean of grief.

3.58.12 "O Kadamba tree, have you seen her who loves the kadamba? If you know, tell me — tell me of Sītā of the fair face."

3.58.13 "O Bilva tree, if you have seen her whose breasts resemble the bilva fruit, who is clad in yellow silk and whose complexion is like tender fresh shoots, then tell me."

3.58.14 "Or you, O Arjuna tree, tell me of her who loves the arjuna — whether Janaka's timid daughter lives or not."

3.58.15 "The kakubha tree surely knows that Maithilī whose thighs are like the kakubha — for it gleams rich with creeping shoots and blossoms."

3.58.16 "Surely this tilaka tree, best of trees hummed over by bees, knows her who loves the tilaka."

3.58.17 "O Aśoka, remover of sorrow — quickly make me worthy of your name by showing me my beloved, for my heart is crushed by grief."

3.58.18 "O Tāla tree, if you have seen her whose breasts are like ripe tāla fruit, if you have any compassion for me, then tell me of that fair-limbed one."

3.58.19 "O Jambū tree, if you have seen Sītā whose radiance is like gold from the Jāmbūnada river, if you know my beloved, speak to me without hesitation."

3.58.20 "O deer, do you know Maithilī with eyes like a fawn? She who gazes like a doe — perhaps she is among your does."

3.58.21 "O elephant, if you have seen her whose thighs are like an elephant's trunk, I believe she is known to you — tell me, O noble bull elephant."

3.58.22 "O tiger, if you have seen my beloved Maithilī whose face is like the moon, tell me freely — you have nothing to fear."

3.58.23 "Why do you run, my beloved? Surely I see you, O lotus-eyed one — why do you hide yourself behind that tree and not speak to me?"

3.58.24 "Stop, stop, O fair-hipped one — have you no compassion for me? You are not given to excessive jesting — why then do you disregard me?"

3.58.25 "You are revealed by your yellow silk garment, O fair-complexioned one — even as you run I have seen you. Stop, if there is any affection between us."

3.58.26 "No, it is not she — or else that lovely-smiling one has been slain; for surely the calamity that has befallen me warrants such utter disregard."

3.58.27 "Evidently the young one has been devoured by flesh-eating rākṣasas, her every limb dismembered — my beloved, bereft of me."

3.58.28 "Surely that face with its fair teeth and lips has lost its lustre; and that neck, radiant as the campaka flower and adorned with a necklace — gone."

3.58.29 "Surely those two tender arms, soft as young shoots, of my lamenting beloved — those lovely arms as she was being tossed about — have been devoured."

3.58.30 "Those arms with their quivering fingertips, adorned with bracelets and armlets, have been devoured — the young one, separated from me, given over as food for rākṣasas."

3.58.31 "Abandoned as though by a merchant's caravan and devoured, she who had so many kinsmen — Ah, Lakṣmaṇa, O mighty-armed one, do you see my beloved anywhere?"

3.58.32 "Ah, beloved, where have you gone? Ah, fortunate one! Ah, Sītā!" — thus lamenting again and again, Rāma ran from forest to forest.

3.58.33 Somewhere he rushed forward with frantic speed, somewhere he staggered uncontrollably, and somewhere he appeared like a madman, intent on searching for his beloved.

3.58.34 Unstable and unsettled, he wandered swiftly through forests, rivers, mountains, mountain torrents, and groves.

3.58.35 Having gone thus through the vast great forest and searched it all, yet finding no certainty regarding Maithilī, he made the utmost effort in searching for his beloved once again.

3.59.1 Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, had seen the āśrama site empty, the leaf hut deserted, and the seats scattered in disarray.

3.59.2 Not seeing the Vaidehī there and having surveyed everything carefully, Rāma cried out and raised his beautiful arms in lamentation, and spoke.

3.59.3 "Where has the Vaidehī gone, Lakṣmaṇa? To what place has she departed from here? By whom has she been carried off, O Saumitri, or by whom has my beloved been devoured?"

3.59.4 "Sītā, if you wish to laugh at me by hiding behind that tree, enough with laughter — come to me now, for I am overwhelmed with grief."

3.59.5 "Sītā, the trusting fawns with whom you used to play — these, left behind by you, O gentle one, now stand lost in thought with tear-filled eyes."

3.59.6 "My father the great king will surely see me in the next world, slain by this immense grief born of Sītā's abduction."

3.59.7 "How is it that you, having accepted a promise from me, have come back to my presence without fulfilling the appointed time?"

3.59.8 "'Shame on you,' my father will surely say to me in the next world, 'you who acted from mere desire, who are ignoble, who are a speaker of false words.'"

3.59.9 "Fame has abandoned me here — helpless, scorched by grief, wretched, and broken in spirit — as if I were a dishonest man abandoned by glory."

3.59.10 "Where are you going, O fair-hipped, slender-waisted one, leaving me behind? Separated from you, I shall give up my very life."

3.59.11 Thus lamenting, and longing to see Sītā, Rāma the Rāghava, afflicted by the most severe grief, could not find the daughter of Janaka.

3.59.12 Seeing Rāma, the son of Daśaratha, unable to find Sītā and sinking like a great elephant that has reached deep mire, Lakṣmaṇa spoke to him with exceeding earnestness, out of a desire for his welfare.

3.59.13 "Do not despair, O mighty-armed one — make effort together with me. This forest, O hero, is adorned with many mountain caverns."

3.59.14 "Maithilī, who loves to roam the forest and becomes intoxicated by it, may have entered the forest or gone to a well-flowering lotus grove."

3.59.15 "Or she may have reached a river frequented by fish and cranes; or the Vaidehī, wishing to startle us, O bull among men, may be hiding somewhere in the forest, curious to know where you and I are."

3.59.16 "Let us swiftly make effort, O glorious one, to search for her — let us two search the entire forest where the daughter of Janaka might be. If you agree, O Kākutstha, do not let your mind dwell in sorrow."

3.59.17 Thus spoken to with affection by Lakṣmaṇa and steadied by it, Rāma set out together with Saumitri to search; the two of them began to search through forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

3.59.18 The two sons of Daśaratha searched thoroughly for Sītā — the slopes of that mountain, its caves and its peaks.

3.59.19 Though they searched thoroughly, they did not find her. Having searched the mountain in every direction, Rāma spoke to Lakṣmaṇa.

3.59.20 "I do not see the Vaidehī here on this lovely mountain, O Saumitri." Then Lakṣmaṇa, overcome with grief, spoke these words.

3.59.21 "Wandering through the Daṇḍaka forest, O greatly wise one, you will find Maithilī, the daughter of Janaka — that blazing-spirited brother of yours awaits."

3.59.22 "Just as mighty-armed Viṣṇu having bound Bali recovered this earth" — thus spoken to by the heroic Lakṣmaṇa, that Rāghava —

3.59.23 — spoke in a piteous voice, his mind crushed by sorrow: "The entire forest has been well searched, the lotus ponds with their blooming lotuses —"

3.59.24 "— and this mountain, O greatly wise one, with its many caves and cascades; yet I do not see the Vaidehī who is dearer to me than life."

3.59.25 Thus lamenting, Rāma, emaciated by the abduction of Sītā, wretched and utterly consumed by grief, became bewildered for a moment.

3.59.26 With every limb trembling, his intellect gone, his senses absent, he sank down in distress, miserable, heaving long and cold sighs.

3.59.27 Sighing deeply many times, lotus-eyed Rāma cried out many times, "Ah, my beloved!" his voice choked with tears.

3.59.28 Then Lakṣmaṇa, the dear kinsman, versed in dharma, with humility and folded hands, consoled him in many ways.

3.59.29 But disregarding those words that had fallen from Lakṣmaṇa's lips, not seeing his beloved Sītā, he cried out again and again.

3.60.1 Wretched, in a wretched voice he spoke these words to Lakṣmaṇa: "Go quickly, Lakṣmaṇa, and find out what has become of the river Godāvarī — perhaps Sītā has gone to the Godāvarī to bring back lotuses."

3.60.2 Thus spoken to by Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, swift in his movements, went once again to the lovely river Godāvarī.

3.60.3 Having searched that river with its many fords, Lakṣmaṇa spoke to Rāma: "I do not see her at the fords; she does not hear me even when I call out."

3.60.4 "What place has the Vaidehī, the destroyer of sorrow, reached? I do not know, O Rāma, where that slender-waisted one has gone."

3.60.5 Hearing Lakṣmaṇa's words, wretched and bewildered by anguish, Rāma himself proceeded to the river Godāvarī.

3.60.6 Approaching her, Rāma spoke thus: "Where is Sītā?"

3.60.7 Neither the beings dwelling there, nor the river Godāvarī, revealed to Rāma that she had been carried off by the lord of rākṣasas who deserves to be slain.

3.60.8 Then, though the beings urged her, "Tell him about his beloved," yet she, when questioned by Rāma, did not disclose Sītā's whereabouts, being filled with grief.

3.60.9 Reflecting on the form and the deeds of that wicked-souled Rāvaṇa, the river, out of fear, did not reveal the Vaidehī's fate.

3.60.10 Made hopeless by that river of ever seeing Sītā, Rāma, emaciated by his longing to see Sītā, spoke to Saumitri.

3.60.11 "What words shall I say, O Lakṣmaṇa, when I meet Janaka and the mother of the Vaidehī, without her — what unpleasant news shall I bring?"

3.60.12 "She who removed all my grief as I lived in the forest on forest fare, deprived of my kingdom — where now has that Vaidehī gone?"

3.60.13 "For me, bereft of my kinsmen's side and not seeing the princess, the nights will be long indeed, I think, as I lie awake."

3.60.14 "I shall roam through the Godāvarī, this Janasthāna, and this mountain with its cascades — all of them — if only Sītā might be found."

3.60.15 As the two brothers were thus conversing with one another, they noticed on the ground a trail of scattered flowers.

3.60.16 Seeing that shower of flowers fallen on the earth, the heroic Rāma, grieving, spoke these grievous words to Lakṣmaṇa.

3.60.17 "I recognize these flowers here, Lakṣmaṇa — the ones that had been worn upon the Vaidehī's body, given by me in the forest."

3.60.18 Having said this, the mighty-armed one, that bull among men, spoke in fury to the mountain there, like a lion addressing a small deer.

3.60.19 "Show me Sītā, O mountain, she of golden hue and golden radiance — before I shatter all your slopes to ruin."

3.60.20 "Scorched by the fire of my arrows, you will be reduced to ash, forever inaccessible, stripped of grass, trees, and foliage."

3.60.21 "Or today I shall dry up this river as well, Lakṣmaṇa, if she does not reveal to me today Sītā of the moon-like face."

3.60.22 Thus enraged, with eyes blazing as though to set fire to everything, Rāma saw on the ground a great footprint left by the rākṣasa.

3.60.23 Seeing the tracks of Sītā and the rākṣasa, Rāma, his heart seized with agitation, told his dear brother.

3.60.24 "Look, Lakṣmaṇa — the scattered gold droplets from the Vaidehī's ornaments, O Saumitri, and various garlands as well."

3.60.25 "Look, O Saumitri — the ground everywhere is covered with bright drops of blood like glowing molten metal."

3.60.26 "I think, Lakṣmaṇa, that the Vaidehī has been torn limb from limb and dismembered, or devoured, by the shape-shifting rākṣasas."

3.60.27 "For the sake of the Vaidehī, there must have been a terrible battle here between two rākṣasas who were quarreling, O Saumitri."

3.60.28 "Whose great bow is this, inlaid with pearls and gems, adorned with refined gold, lying broken on the ground, O gentle one?"

3.60.29 "Whose is this golden armour, radiant as the young sun, set with beryl globes, shattered and fallen to the earth?"

3.60.30 "Whose royal parasol, with its hundred ribs, adorned with divine garlands, its handle broken, has been cast down to the earth, O gentle one?"

3.60.31 "And these donkeys with golden chest-coverings, with the faces of piśācas, of fearsome form and massive bodies — whose are they, slain in battle?"

3.60.32 "Whose war chariot, brilliant as blazing fire, resplendent with its battle-standard, has been hurled away and broken?"

3.60.33 "Whose are these terrible arrows, as long as a chariot axle, adorned with refined gold, that lie scattered about after striking their mark?"

3.60.34 "Look at this enmity against me, a hundredfold, lethal to my very life, O gentle one — wrought by those shape-shifting rākṣasas of utterly vile hearts."

3.60.35 "Sītā the ascetic has been abducted, or killed, or devoured — dharma did not protect Sītā as she was being carried off in this great forest."

3.60.36 "With the Vaidehī devoured or even abducted, O Lakṣmaṇa, O gentle one — what lords in this world are capable of doing something dear to me?"

3.60.37 "All beings, O Lakṣmaṇa, shall disrespect out of ignorance even the creator of worlds, even one who is heroic and compassionate."

3.60.38 "Surely the lords of the thirty gods consider me, who am gentle, devoted to the welfare of the world, self-restrained, and compassionate, to be devoid of heroism."

3.60.39 "A virtue has turned into a fault upon meeting with me — look, Lakṣmaṇa: today, withdrawing the moonlight as a great sun rises, I shall arise for the destruction of all beings and rākṣasas alike."

3.60.40 "Neither yakṣas, nor gandharvas, nor piśācas, nor rākṣasas, nor kiṃnaras, nor human beings shall find happiness, O Lakṣmaṇa."

3.60.41 "Look, Lakṣmaṇa — today I shall fill the sky with my weapons and arrows, making it impassable for those who travel through the three worlds."

3.60.42 "With the host of planets blocked off, the moon obstructed, the light of fire, wind, and sun extinguished and covered over —"

3.60.43 "— with mountain peaks shattered, water-bodies drying up, trees, creepers and shrubs destroyed, the oceans obliterated —"

3.60.44 "If the lords do not restore to me Sītā safe and well, this very moment, O Saumitri, they shall witness my might."

3.60.45 "No creature shall fly through the sky, O Lakṣmaṇa, under the unceasing torrents of arrows released from my bowstring."

3.60.46 "Look today, O Lakṣmaṇa, at the universe tormented by my iron arrows, its roaming deer and birds destroyed, thrown into chaos and stripped of all bounds."

3.60.47 "With arrows drawn to the ear, arrows that are hard to resist, I shall reduce the world of the living, for Maithilī's sake, to one without piśācas and without rākṣasas."

3.60.48 "Today the gods shall witness the power of my arrows, loosed by my fury, discharged in wrath, flying far."

3.60.49 "Neither gods, nor daityas, nor piśācas, nor rākṣasas shall exist once the three worlds are annihilated by my wrath."

3.60.50 "The worlds of gods, dānavas, yakṣas, and rākṣasas alike shall fall down in many pieces, ripped apart by floods of arrows; today with my shafts I shall make these worlds lawless."

3.60.51 "Just as old age, death, time, and fate are never obstructed among all beings, O Lakṣmaṇa — so I, filled with fury, am beyond all restraint, without doubt."

3.60.52 "If they do not restore to me today Maithilī, that blameless one of lovely teeth, as they did before, I shall overturn the entire world with its gods, gandharvas, humans, serpents, and mountains."

3.61.1 Rāma, tormented and emaciated by Sītā's abduction, blazed like the doomsday fire fit for the destruction of all worlds.

3.61.2 He gazed upon his strung bow and breathed repeatedly in fury, like Rudra enraged and desiring to slay the sacrificial beast at Dakṣa's sacrifice.

3.61.3 Seeing Rāma enraged as never before, Lakṣmaṇa spoke words with folded hands and a parched mouth.

3.61.4 "You who were formerly gentle, self-restrained, and devoted to the welfare of all beings — you should not abandon your nature by falling under the sway of anger.

3.61.5 Splendour belongs to the moon, radiance to the sun, speed to the wind, patience to the earth — all these are fixed qualities — and in you, unsurpassed glory.

3.61.6 I do not know to whom this shattered war-chariot belongs, armed and fully equipped as it is, nor by whom or for what reason it was destroyed.

3.61.7 This place is scarred by hooves and wheel-rims, sprinkled with drops of blood — a very dreadful spot where battle was joined and then ended, O son of a king.

3.61.8 The marks of combat here are those of a single fighter, not two — I see no trace, O best of speakers, of a large army having passed this way.

3.61.9 You should not destroy the worlds on account of a single person. Lords of the earth who are gentle and tranquil apply punishment in due measure.

3.61.10 You are ever the refuge and supreme resort of all beings, O Rāghava — who then would consider it good that you should lose your wife?

3.61.11 Rivers, oceans, mountains, gods, gandharvas, and dānavas are not capable of doing what is displeasing to you, as the virtuous are not capable of wronging one who has taken a sacred vow.

3.61.12 O king, you should seek out the one by whom Sītā was abducted — with me at your side, bow in hand, and with the great sages as allies.

3.61.13 We shall search the ocean, the mountains, the forests, the many dreadful caves, the lotus-ponds, and the highland lakes.

3.61.14 We shall search the worlds of gods and gandharvas as well, with concentrated minds, until we find the abductor of your wife.

3.61.15 If even the lords of the thirty gods do not return your wife through conciliation, O lord of Kosala, you will then act as the occasion demands.

3.61.16 If through good conduct, conciliation, humility, and policy you cannot recover Sītā, O lord of men, then annihilate them with showers of arrows gold-feathered and equal to Mahendra's thunderbolt."

3.62.1 Rāma was thus tormented by grief, lamenting like one without a protector, seized by great delusion, utterly dispirited and bereft of consciousness.

3.62.2 Then Lakṣmaṇa, son of Sumitrā, after consoling him for what seemed like a moment, began to rouse Rāma, pressing his feet.

3.62.3 "You were obtained, O Rāma, by king Daśaratha through great austerity and great deeds, as the immortals obtained amṛta.

3.62.4 Bound by your qualities and unable to bear separation from you, that lord of the earth, the king, has attained divine status — so it is heard from Bharata.

3.62.5 If you, O Kākutstha, cannot endure this grief that has befallen you, what other ordinary man of little strength shall endure it?

3.62.6 If in your distress you were to scorch the worlds with your energy, O tiger among men, where would the afflicted subjects go to find peace?

3.62.7 This is the very nature of the world: Yayāti, son of Nahuṣa, had attained the same realm as Śakra, and yet calamity touched him as well.

3.62.8 The great seer Vasiṣṭha, who was the household priest of our father, begat a hundred sons in a single day — and those same sons were slain.

3.62.9 And the goddess who is the mother of the world and revered by all — even the trembling of the earth, her quaking, is seen, O you to whom truth is a vow.

3.62.10 And these two eyes of the world, the sun and moon — in whom all things are established — even they, mighty as they are, are seized by eclipses.

3.62.11 Even the mightiest beings and the gods, O bull among men — no embodied creature in all existence is released from the power of fate.

3.62.12 Even among the gods headed by Śakra, both good fortune and misfortune are heard to occur, O tiger among men — you should not be distressed.

3.62.13 Even though Vaidehī is lost, even though she has been abducted, O sinless one, you should not grieve as another ordinary man would, O hero.

3.62.14 Those like you who constantly behold truth and who, like Rāma, are never despondent, do not grieve even in the greatest of adversities.

3.62.15 Reflect carefully upon reality with your intellect, O best of men. The greatly wise, endowed with discernment, know the auspicious from the inauspicious.

3.62.16 For actions whose merits and faults are unseen and which are not firmly undertaken, the desired fruit does not come to pass without effort.

3.62.17 O hero, it was you yourself who instructed me repeatedly in the past. Who indeed could teach you now — even Bṛhaspati himself in person?

3.62.18 Your wisdom, O greatly wise one, is unsurpassed even by the gods. I am awakening your knowledge that has fallen asleep under grief.

3.62.19 Considering your own divine and human prowess, O bull of the Ikṣvāku line, strive for the destruction of your enemies.

3.62.20 What is the use of destroying everything, O bull among men? You should identify that one wicked enemy and root him out."

3.63.1 Though Rāma was the elder, upon hearing Lakṣmaṇa's excellent speech, Rāghava, being one who grasps the essence, accepted the great substance of what was said.

3.63.2 The mighty-armed Rāma, suppressing his swollen anger and firmly gripping his splendid bow, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa:

3.63.3 "What shall we do, dear one? Where shall we go, Lakṣmaṇa? By what means might I see Sītā? Think on this."

3.63.4 Lakṣmaṇa spoke to Rāma, who was thus afflicted with burning anguish: "This very Janasthāna you should search."

3.63.5 "Swarming with many rākṣasas and filled with diverse trees and creepers, there are here mountain fastnesses, cliffs, and ravines,

3.63.6 And many dreadful caves teeming with various herds of animals, the abodes of kiṃnaras, and the dwelling-places of gandharvas.

3.63.7 Those places you, accompanied by me, should search. Great-souled ones endowed with intellect such as yours, O bull among men,

3.63.8 Are not shaken in adversities, like mountains in the gusts of the wind." So addressed, Rāma ranged through that entire forest together with Lakṣmaṇa.

3.63.9 Rāma, enraged, fitting a dreadful razor-headed arrow to his bow, then saw the most noble bird, that foremost among twice-born creatures, like a mountain peak,

3.63.10 Jaṭāyu, lying fallen on the ground, drenched in blood. Seeing him who resembled a mountain summit, Rāma said to Lakṣmaṇa: "Sītā Vaidehī has been devoured by this one — there is no doubt."

3.63.11 "Clearly this rākṣasa in the form of a vulture wanders the forest; having devoured Sītā of the wide eyes, it rests at ease. I shall slay it with my blazing-tipped, dreadful, straight-flying arrows."

3.63.12 Having spoken thus, the enraged Rāma rushed toward the vulture, fitting the razor-headed arrow to his bow, as if shaking the earth to its ocean-bounded ends.

3.63.13 But the bird, vomiting frothy blood, addressed Rāma, son of Daśaratha, in a voice pitifully feeble:

3.63.14 "That goddess whom you seek in the great forest, O long-lived one, like a healing herb — she and my very life-breath have both been carried off by Rāvaṇa.

3.63.15 The goddess separated from you and Lakṣmaṇa, O Rāghava, being carried away by the mighty Rāvaṇa — she was seen by me.

3.63.16 I fell upon Sītā's abductor and upon Rāvaṇa in battle; by me his chariot and parasol were shattered and he was brought down to the ground.

3.63.17 This is his shattered bow, this is his quiver of arrows, and this, O Rāma, is his war-chariot broken in battle.

3.63.18 When I was exhausted, Rāvaṇa cut off my wings with his sword; having seized Sītā Vaidehī, he soared into the sky. I was struck down first by the rākṣasa — you should not slay me."

3.63.19 Rāma, understanding that the beloved tale was bound up with Sītā, embraced the king of vultures and wept together with Lakṣmaṇa.

3.63.20 Seeing the solitary one lying alone on that impassable ground, barely breathing, grief-stricken Rāma spoke these words to the son of Sumitrā:

3.63.21 "Expulsion from the kingdom, dwelling in the forest, Sītā lost, and now a twice-born creature slain — such is my misfortune; it would burn even fire.

3.63.22 Were I even today to cross the full expanse of the great ocean, the lord of rivers would surely dry up from my ill-luck.

3.63.23 There is none more unfortunate than I in this world of moving and unmoving things, for this great snare of calamity has ensnared me.

3.63.24 This king of vultures, who was like a father to me, aged and venerable, lies slain on the ground by reason of my misfortune."

3.63.25 Having spoken thus many times, Rāghava, together with Lakṣmaṇa, touched Jaṭāyu, showing the affection of a father.

3.63.26 Embracing that king of vultures whose wings had been cut off and who was drenched in blood, Rāma released from his lips the words — "Where are you, O Maithilī, you who are equal to my very life?" — and fell to the ground.

3.64.1 Seeing that vulture struck down to the ground by the terrible demon, Rāma spoke these words to Saumitri, who was possessed of every friendly virtue.

3.64.2 "This bird was surely striving for my welfare; struck down in battle by the demon, he is now giving up his life — that life so hard to surrender."

3.64.3 "There is still life in this body of his, Lakṣmaṇa; though deprived of voice, he gazes about him with bewilderment."

3.64.4 "Jaṭāyu, if you are able to speak once more, tell me of Sītā — may it go well with you — and tell me also of your own wounding."

3.64.5 "For what reason did Rāvaṇa carry off Sītā? What wrong had I done him, seeing which Rāvaṇa abducted my beloved?"

3.64.6 "How was that moon-like, heart-ravishing face of hers? And what words did Sītā speak at that time, O foremost of birds?"

3.64.7 "What is the might, what the form, and what the deeds of that demon? And where is his dwelling? Tell me, dear one, as I ask you these things."

3.64.8 Looking up at him lamenting thus, Jaṭāyu then spoke these words to Rāma in a voice that had grown extremely faint.

3.64.9 "She was carried off through the sky by Rāvaṇa, the lord of rākṣasas, who had assumed a great illusion filled with wind and storm-cloud."

3.64.10 "Having cut off my wings, dear one, while I was utterly exhausted, that night-roamer took Vaidehī Sītā and departed facing southward."

3.64.11 "My life is being arrested, my sight grows dim, O Rāghava; I see golden trees with shoots of uśīra grass for their crests."

3.64.12 "In that same auspicious moment in which Rāvaṇa departed carrying Sītā, lost wealth swiftly returns to its owner."

3.64.13 "That moment is called Vinda, but he, O scion of Kākutstha, did not understand it; like a fish that seizes the hook, he will quickly perish."

3.64.14 "And you should feel no anguish regarding the daughter of Janaka; you will quickly rejoice with Vaidehī after slaying that demon in battle."

3.64.15 Even as that clear-minded vulture spoke these words back to Rāma, blood mixed with flesh flowed from the mouth of the dying bird.

3.64.16 "He is the direct son of Viśravas and the brother of Vaiśravaṇa" — having uttered these words, the lord of birds relinquished his life, so hard to surrender.

3.64.17 As Rāma stood with palms joined, saying "Speak, speak!", the vital breaths of the vulture departed from his body into the sky.

3.64.18 Then, lowering his head to the ground, stretching out his feet, and convulsing his own body, he fell upon the surface of the earth.

3.64.19 Beholding that red-eyed vulture, his life departed, motionless as a mountain, Rāma — overcome with many sorrows — said to Saumitri:

3.64.20 "Many years were happily passed by this bird dwelling here in the Daṇḍaka forest, which is under the sway of demons."

3.64.21 "He who had risen up and lived for so many years, for such a long time — he lies slain today; for time is indeed impossible to transgress."

3.64.22 "Look, Lakṣmaṇa — this vulture who was my benefactor has been slain; he rushed to shield Sītā against the all-powerful Rāvaṇa."

3.64.23 "Forsaking his great ancestral realm — the kingship of the vultures inherited from his fathers and forefathers — this lord of birds gave up his life for my sake."

3.64.24 "Indeed, virtuous men — those who walk in dharma, heroes who offer refuge — are seen everywhere, Saumitri, even among those born as animals."

3.64.25 "The grief born of Sītā's abduction has not struck me so hard, O gentle one, O scorcher of foes, as the death of this vulture for my sake."

3.64.26 "Just as the illustrious King Daśaratha, so glorious, is to be worshipped and honored by me, so too is this lord of birds."

3.64.27 "Saumitri, bring wood; I shall kindle fire. I wish to cremate the king of vultures who has met his death for my sake."

3.64.28 "I shall place upon the funeral pyre the lord of the bird-world and cremate him, O Saumitri — this one slain by the terrible demon."

3.64.29 "Whatever the way gone by those devoted to sacrifice, whatever the way of those who have established the sacred fire, whatever the way of those who do not turn back in battle, and of those who give away the earth —"

3.64.30 "— granted permission by me, go to those highest realms, O king of vultures, O great being! Duly consecrated by me, depart."

3.64.31 Having spoken thus and placed the lord of birds upon the blazing pyre, the righteous-souled Rāma cremated him with grief, as though he were his own kinsman.

3.64.32 Then valiant Rāma, together with Saumitri, went into the forest; after slaying large rohiṇī deer, he spread them out as an offering over the bird.

3.64.33 Taking out the deer-flesh and shaping it into portions, the greatly glorious Rāma offered it to the bird upon a lovely green lawn.

3.64.34 That which the twice-born declare concerning the passage of a mortal soul to heaven — that rite of passage — Rāma quickly recited for his sake.

3.64.35 Then the two sons of that best of men went to the Godāvarī river and both of them offered water oblations to the king of vultures.

3.64.36 That king of vultures, who had performed a glorious and exceedingly difficult deed, who had been felled in battle, who was then consecrated in accordance with the rites fitting a great sage — he attained the pure and auspicious state befitting his own soul.

3.65.1 Having thus offered the water oblation to him, the two Rāghavas set out, searching for Sītā in the forest, and proceeded toward the western quarter.

3.65.2 Going toward the southern quarter, bearing arrows, bows, and swords, the two sons of Ikṣvāku found an unobstructed path.

3.65.3 It was entangled with many shrubs, trees, and creepers; hemmed in on all sides, difficult of access, dense, and fearsome to behold.

3.65.4 Swiftly passing through, taking the southern direction, the two mighty heroes traversed that vast and formidable great forest.

3.65.5 Then, proceeding three krośas beyond Janasthāna, the two Rāghavas of great splendor entered the dense Krauñca forest.

3.65.6 It resembled a mass of various storm-clouds; it appeared joyful on all sides, adorned with flowers of many beautiful colors, and filled with herds of deer and flocks of birds.

3.65.7 Desiring to see Vaidehī, the two searched through that forest, pausing here and there, worn thin by the abduction of Sītā.

3.65.8 Then the greatly resplendent Lakṣmaṇa — possessed of courage, good conduct, and purity — spoke with joined palms to his brother of blazing splendor:

3.65.9 "My arm throbs strongly; my mind seems agitated; and for the most part I perceive ill omens all around."

3.65.10 "Therefore, noble one, be ready and heed my beneficial counsel, for the omens on my own body proclaim imminent confusion."

3.65.11 "This bird called the vañculaka, most dreadful, cries out as if proclaiming victory for us in battle."

3.65.12 While the two of them searched thus throughout that forest with their combined might, a tremendous sound arose, as if it would shatter that very forest.

3.65.13 The sound of that dense forest, as if excessively tossed about by the wind, arose filling heaven itself.

3.65.14 Hearkening to that sound with his brother in the brushwood, Rāma saw a demon of immense body and broad chest.

3.65.15 Then both of them approached him as he stood before them — that monstrous Kabandha, who had neither head nor neck, with his mouth set in his belly.

3.65.16 He was bristling with thick, sharp hairs; tall as a great mountain; resembling a dark cloud; terrible; his voice like the thunder of storm-clouds.

3.65.17 He had a single eye on his chest — tawny, with great lashes, wide and elongated, terrible, keen-sighted.

3.65.18 Furnished with great fangs, licking his enormous mouth, he was devouring the most dreadful bears, lions, deer, and elephants.

3.65.19 Extending his two terrible arms, each a yojana in length, he was seizing with his hands various bears, flocks of birds, and animals.

3.65.20 Drawing in and dragging out many leaders of animal herds, he stood blocking the path of those two brothers who had fallen into his reach.

3.65.21 Then, as the two pressed forward, at the distance of a krośa they saw the great, dreadful, and fearsome Kabandha, enveloped by his own arms.

3.65.22 He of the great arms extended his two vast arms to the utmost and seized both Rāghavas together, squeezing them forcibly.

3.65.23 Those two brothers — bearing swords, clutching their firm bows, blazing with fierce energy, great-armed — fell helpless into his power and were being dragged along by the mighty one.

3.65.24 Kabandha, the foremost of dānavas, great-armed, spoke to the two: "Who are you, bull-shouldered ones, bearing great swords and bows?"

3.65.25 "Having reached this dreadful region, you have come as food for me. Speak of your business here — for what purpose have the two of you come?"

3.65.26 "Having arrived in this region where I stand tormented by hunger, bearing arrows, bows, and swords, like two bulls with sharp horns, you have approached my mouth; life will be hard to regain."

3.65.27 Having heard those words of evil-souled Kabandha, Rāma spoke to Lakṣmaṇa with face grown parched:

3.65.28 "Having encountered calamity upon calamity, O truly valiant one, we have arrived at this dreadful misfortune that brings life to an end — and still without finding my beloved."

3.65.29 "The power of Time is exceedingly great over all beings, Lakṣmaṇa; behold both you and me, O tiger among men, bewildered by misfortune. The burden of fate is not too heavy upon all creatures, Lakṣmaṇa."

3.65.30 "Heroes, the mighty, those skilled in arms on the battlefield — when overtaken by Time they sink down like embankments of sand."

3.65.31 Speaking thus, the son of Daśaratha — of firm and true valor, greatly glorious, of high majesty — looking upon Saumitri of lofty valor, then made his own resolve steadfast within himself.

3.66.1 Seeing those two brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa standing there, ensnared in the coils of his arms, Kabandha spoke:

3.66.2 "Why do you two stand here looking at me, O bulls among kṣatriyas, tormented by hunger? Surely fate has ordained you as my food, your minds now lost."

3.66.3 Having heard those words, Lakṣmaṇa — overwhelmed with pain yet resolved upon a course of action — then spoke words that were timely and beneficial:

3.66.4 "This lowest of demons is quickly swallowing both you and me; therefore let us swiftly cut off his two great arms with our swords."

3.66.5 Then those two Rāghavas, knowing time and place, with their swords and with great exhilaration severed both his arms at the shoulder joints.

3.66.6 Rāma on the right cut the right arm cleanly with his sword in one swift stroke, while heroic Lakṣmaṇa cut the left.

3.66.7 He of the great arms fell, his arms severed, making a tremendous sound, filling the sky, the earth, and all the quarters, like a storm cloud.

3.66.8 Seeing his arms cut off, drenched in a flood of blood, that dānava pitiably asked those two heroes: "Who are you?"

3.66.9 As he spoke thus, the auspiciously marked and mighty Lakṣmaṇa proclaimed Kākutstha to Kabandha.

3.66.10 "This is the heir of the Ikṣvāku lineage, known among men by the name Rāma; and know me, Lakṣmaṇa, as his younger brother."

3.66.11 "This one of divine might has been dwelling in the desolate forest; his wife has been carried off by a demon, and it is in search of her that the two of us have come here."

3.66.12 "But who are you, and for what reason do you writhe in the forest in this form resembling a Kabandha, with a blazing mouth in your chest and your legs broken?"

3.66.13 Thus addressed by Lakṣmaṇa, Kabandha spoke his reply, supremely delighted, recalling the words of Indra.

3.66.14 "Welcome, O tigers among men! By good fortune I behold you, and by good fortune these arms of mine that have been my bondage have now been severed by the two of you."

3.66.15 "And this disfigured form of mine — how it was obtained through insolence — hear that from me, O tiger among men, as I tell you the truth of it."

3.67.1 In former times, O Rāma, great-armed one of mighty strength and valor, my form was inconceivable and renowned throughout the three worlds — even as the form of Soma, of Śakra, and of Sūrya.

3.67.2 That same I, having assumed this form so terrifying to the worlds, went here and there frightening the sages dwelling in the forest, O Rāma.

3.67.3 Thereupon a great sage named Sthūlaśiras, while gathering various forest produce, was affronted by me in this form and roused to wrath.

3.67.4 He, the utterer of a terrible curse, looked upon me and said: "Let this very cruel and censured form be thine forever."

3.67.5 I besought him in his fury asking when the curse might end. He who had laid the curse upon me then spoke these words:

3.67.6 "When Rāma shall cut off your arms and burn you in a lonely forest, then shall you regain your own expansive and beautiful form."

3.67.7 "Know me, O Lakṣmaṇa, to be the radiant and glorious son of Danu — this form was obtained through Indra's wrath on the field of battle, even as I shall relate."

3.67.8 By fierce austerity I had gratified the Grandfather, and he granted me long life; thereafter a delusion took hold of me.

3.67.9 "Long life has been granted to me — what can Śakra do to me?" — resting on this thought, I defied Śakra in battle.

3.67.10 By the hundred-jointed thunderbolt released from his arm, both my thighs and my head were driven into my body.

3.67.11 As I implored him, he brought word from the abode of Yama: "Let the word of the Grandfather be true" — thus he spoke to me.

3.67.12 "Without food, with thighs, head, and mouth smashed and struck by the thunderbolt, how can one live for such a very long time?"

3.67.13 Addressed thus by me, Śakra granted arms each a yojana in length, and fashioned a mouth with sharp fangs in my belly.

3.67.14 Thus I, with those two great arms, drag in from all sides forest-wandering creatures — lions, elephants, deer, and tigers — and devour them.

3.67.15 And Indra told me: "When Rāma together with Lakṣmaṇa shall sever your arms in battle, then shall you depart for heaven."

3.67.16 You are that Rāma — good fortune to you! I cannot be slain by any other, O Rāghava, as the great sage truly declared.

3.67.17 I shall indeed render counsel to your intelligence, O bull among men, and I shall direct you to a friend — once I am purified by fire at your hands.

3.67.18 Addressed thus by that son of Danu, the righteous Rāghava spoke this reply while Lakṣmaṇa listened nearby:

3.67.19 "Sītā, my illustrious wife, has been carried off by Rāvaṇa, freely and at ease, while I had departed from Janasthāna together with my brother.

3.67.20 I know only the name of that rākṣasa, not his form; we know nothing of his dwelling or his power.

3.67.21 For us who are grief-stricken and helpless and thus wandering about, it befits one who is compassionate and disposed to render aid.

3.67.22 Having gathered dry logs broken in their season by elephants, we shall burn you, O hero, in a great pit that we shall dig.

3.67.23 You then — tell us of Sītā, by whom or to where she was taken; do us this supreme kindness, if you know the truth."

3.67.24 Addressed thus by Rāma, the son of Danu spoke a most excellent reply — he who was skilled in speech, even to Rāghava who is himself a master of eloquence:

3.67.25 "I have no supernatural knowledge, nor do I know of Maithilī. But once I am burned and have regained my own form, I shall tell you of one who will know her.

3.67.26 In my unburned state I have no power to discern that rākṣasa of mighty valor, O lord, by whom your Sītā was taken.

3.67.27 My great knowledge was lost through the fault of the curse, O Rāghava, and this form censured by the world was obtained through my own doing.

3.67.28 But before Savitṛ with his weary steeds sets into the west, cast me into the pit and burn me duly, O Rāma.

3.67.29 Burned by you in the pit according to the rite, O delight of the Raghu line, I shall tell you, O hero, of the one who will know that rākṣasa.

3.67.30 And friendship must be made with him — one of righteous conduct, O Rāghava; he of swift valor, being pleased, will render you assistance.

3.67.31 There is nothing unknown to him in the three worlds, O Rāghava; in former times, for another reason, he ranged through all the worlds."

3.68.1 Addressed thus by Kabandha, those two heroes and lords of men, having reached a mountain ravine, kindled fire.

3.68.2 Lakṣmaṇa, with blazing firebrands on every side, ignited the pyre, and it flared up all around.

3.68.3 That great body of Kabandha, like a lump of clarified butter, sizzled slowly as the fire consumed it, rendered down by its own fat.

3.68.4 He quickly shook off the pyre and rose up, like a smokeless fire, wearing spotless garments and a divine garland — that one of great strength.

3.68.5 Then swiftly from the pyre that radiant one, clad in stainless raiment, leaped up with great joy, adorned with ornaments on every limb.

3.68.6 Standing in a luminous celestial chariot yoked with swans and celebrated for glory, that one of great splendor illumined the ten directions with his radiance.

3.68.7 Kabandha, risen to the sky, spoke to Rāma: "Hear, O Rāghava, truly how you shall reach the boundary of your goal.

3.68.8 O Rāma, there are six expedients in the world by which all is deliberated; one who has been tested by adversity is to be sought in a tenth part of that adversity.

3.68.9 You, O Rāma, together with Lakṣmaṇa, are in that diminished tenth-part condition — the calamity of your wife being violated has been brought upon you.

3.68.10 Therefore you must certainly make that ally yours, O best of friends; reflecting on it, I do not see your success without doing so.

3.68.11 Hear, O Rāma, I shall tell you: there is a monkey named Sugrīva, who has been expelled by his angry brother Vālin, son of Śakra.

3.68.12 That self-possessed hero dwells on the excellent mountain Ṛśyamūka, beautiful with its borders of Pampā, together with four monkeys.

3.68.13 Go from here this very day and quickly make him your companion, O Rāghava; meet with him without treachery before the blazing fire.

3.68.14 Nor should Sugrīva, lord of monkeys, be disregarded by you; he is grateful, capable of assuming any form at will, desirous of allies, and valiant.

3.68.15 For you two are now able to accomplish what he desires to do; and whether his own purpose is fulfilled or not, he will accomplish your task.

3.68.16 He, son of Ṛkṣaraja and natural son of Bhāskara, wanders about Pampā in fear, wronged by Vālin.

3.68.17 Having set aside your weapons, quickly make the monkey who dwells on Ṛśyamūka your sworn companion in truth, O Rāghava, that forest-wanderer.

3.68.18 For that elephant among monkeys in his entirety, by his skill, reaches all the haunts in the world of those who eat human flesh.

3.68.19 Nothing whatsoever in the world is unknown to him, O Rāghava, as far as the thousand-rayed Sūrya blazes, O subduer of enemies.

3.68.20 He, searching great rivers, mountains, mountain-strongholds, and caves together with his monkeys, will discover your wife.

3.68.21 And he will send out mighty-bodied monkeys in every direction, O Rāghava, to search for that Sītā who grieves in separation from you.

3.68.22 That foremost of leaping ones will restore your beloved to you — even if she has gone to the peak of Meru, or taken refuge at the floor of the netherworld — entering even there and slaying the rākṣasas.

3.69.1 Having thus shown Rāma the way to recover Sītā in words pregnant with meaning, Kabandha, knower of purposes, spoke again:

3.69.2 "This, O Rāma, is the auspicious path where these flowering trees, stretching toward the western direction, shine forth in delightful beauty.

3.69.3 Jambū, priyāla, panasa, plakṣa, nyagrodha, tinduka, aśvattha, karṇikāra, cūta, and other trees as well —

3.69.4 climbing them or felling them to the ground by force, you two shall go on eating fruits that rival ambrosia.

3.69.5 Roaming through fine regions, from mountain to mountain, from forest to forest, you two heroes shall then reach the lake and pool called Pampā.

3.69.6 O Rāma, it is without pebbles, without slipperiness, with even banks, free from algae, with sandy shores newly formed, beautified with lotuses and water-lilies.

3.69.7 There, O Rāghava, swans, waterbirds, cranes, and osprey — dwelling in the waters of Pampā — cry out melodiously.

3.69.8 Those beautiful birds, unversed in slaughter and untroubled at the sight of men, you two shall feast upon — those plump birds resembling lumps of clarified butter.

3.69.9 Rohita fish, crooked-mouthed fish, and reed-fish, O Rāghava — choice fish struck with arrows there in Pampā, O Rāma —

3.69.10 — those skinned, scaled, iron-roasted, plump, single-boned ones, Lakṣmaṇa, joined in devotion to you, shall offer you.

3.69.11 As you eagerly eat the fish amid the cluster of blooms of Pampā, Lakṣmaṇa shall give you to drink the auspicious water fragrant with lotuses, pleasantly cool and wholesome.

3.69.12 Drawing it up fresh and unstained, resembling silver and crystal, Lakṣmaṇa shall then give you to drink using a lotus leaf.

3.69.13 Plump boars sleeping in mountain caves, forest-wanderers returning out of greed for water, roaring like bulls, handsome in form — these you shall see at Pampā, O best of men.

3.69.14 At evening, roaming about, O Rāma, seeing the flowering trees adorned with garlands and the cool water of Pampā, you shall cast off your grief.

3.69.15 There the tilaka and naktamāla trees are painted with blossoms, and the utpala and paṅkaja lotus-flowers are in full bloom, O Rāghava.

3.69.16 No man will have strung those garlands there; the sages who were disciples of Mataṅga dwelt there, supremely concentrated.

3.69.17 From those who were wearied by their burdens and brought forest produce for their teacher, the beads of sweat that fell swiftly to the earth from their bodies —

3.69.18 — from those have these garlands been born, arising from the beads of sweat, through the austerity of the sages in that time; they perish not, O Rāghava.

3.69.19 Even to this day there is seen serving them in that very place an ascetic woman named Śabarī, O descendant of Kākutstha, long-lived.

3.69.20 Steadfast ever in righteousness, revered by all beings, she, upon seeing you, O Rāma, who are like a god, shall depart for the heavenly world.

3.69.21 Then, O Rāma, taking shelter on the western bank of Pampā, you shall see that hermitage, incomparable and secret, O descendant of Kākutstha.

3.69.22 Not even elephants are able to enter that hermitage, by the ordinance of that sage Mataṅga, nor can they enter that forest grove.

3.69.23 In that forest resembling Nandana, like the divine grove, filled with diverse birds, you shall delight, O Rāma, at peace.

3.69.24 To the east of Pampā stands Ṛśyamūka, covered with flowering trees, very difficult to ascend, guarded by young elephants, and magnanimously fashioned by Brahmā in ancient time.

3.69.25 O Rāma, a man sleeping on the summit of that mountain — whatever wealth he obtains in a dream, that he obtains upon waking.

3.69.26 But a man of crooked conduct and evil deeds cannot ascend it; the rākṣasas there seize him as he sleeps and strike him down.

3.69.27 From there too a great cry of young elephants is heard, O Rāma — those who sport in Pampā, dwelling in the Mataṅga forest.

3.69.28 Wetted with streams of blood from fighting together, those supreme elephants, cloud-colored and swift, roam about scattered in different directions.

3.69.29 Having drunk the pure, cool, and inexhaustible water there, those forest-dwelling ones turn back and plunge into the forests.

3.69.30 O Rāma, there shines on that mountain a great cave, sealed by a boulder, O descendant of Kākutstha, and entry into it is difficult.

3.69.31 Before the eastern entrance of that cave lies a great pool of cool water, delightful, rich in roots and fruits, surrounded by diverse trees.

3.69.32 In that cave dwells Sugrīva together with four monkeys; at times he stands upon the peak of that mountain.

3.69.33 Having thus instructed both Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, Kabandha — wearing a garland, radiant as the color of the sun, full of valor — shone in the sky.

3.69.34 Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, about to depart, addressed that illustrious Kabandha standing in the sky from nearby: "Go now."

3.69.35 "May you go for the accomplishment of your purpose" — thus he spoke to those two; and having given leave to those two who were supremely pleased, Kabandha departed then.

3.69.36 That Kabandha, having recovered his form, endowed with splendor, his body equal to the sun, standing in the sky and showing himself, looked upon Rāma and then spoke: "Make alliance."

3.70.1 Those two sons of the best of kings, having received from Kabandha the path to Pampā shown in the forest, set out taking the western direction.

3.70.2 Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, beholding the many trees on the hills laden with honey-like fruits, proceeded in order to meet Sugrīva.

3.70.3 Having spent the night on the ridge of a mountain, the two descendants of Raghu approached the western bank of Pampā.

3.70.4 Reaching the western bank of the lotus-filled Pampā, those two then saw there the lovely hermitage of Śabarī.

3.70.5 Approaching that hermitage, surrounded by many trees, and gazing upon its great beauty, the two went up to Śabarī.

3.70.6 Upon seeing those two, that accomplished female ascetic rose up with palms joined in reverence and clasped the feet of Rāma and of the wise Lakṣmaṇa.

3.70.7 Rāma then spoke to that female ascetic, firm in her vows: "Have your obstacles been overcome? Does your austerity grow?

3.70.8 Have your anger and diet been subdued, O treasure of austerity? Have your religious observances been fulfilled? Is your mind at peace? Has your devoted service to your teacher borne fruit, O fair-spoken one?"

3.70.9 Thus questioned by Rāma, that ascetic, accomplished and honored by the accomplished, the aged Śabarī, presented herself before Rāma and spoke.

3.70.10 "When you reached Citrakūṭa, those whom I used to serve ascended from here to heaven in celestial chariots of incomparable splendor.

3.70.11 And those great seers, knowers of dharma and of great fortune, told me: 'Rāma will come to this most holy hermitage of yours.

3.70.12 He, together with the son of Sumitrā, is to be received by you as a guest, and upon seeing him you will depart to the highest and imperishable worlds.'

3.70.13 By me, O bull among men, O tiger among men, various forest fruits growing on the banks of Pampā have been gathered for your sake."

3.70.14 Thus addressed by Śabarī, the righteous Rāghava spoke these words to Śabarī, who was ever excluded from no understanding:

3.70.15 "The power of your great-souled teacher, truly as heard from Danu's source — I wish to witness it directly, if you think fit."

3.70.16 Hearing these words issued from Rāma's mouth, Śabarī showed those two that great forest.

3.70.17 "Behold, O joy of the Raghus, this forest renowned as the Mataṅga grove, dense as a mass of clouds and teeming with deer and birds.

3.70.18 Here, O greatly resplendent one, my teachers, whose souls were purified, performing fire-offerings, created a sacred ford, sanctified with sacred hymns just as the sacred hymns sanctify.

3.70.19 This is the western altar where those well-honored teachers of mine offered flowers with hands trembling from the effort of austerity.

3.70.20 By the power of their austerities, behold even now, O best of the Raghus, that the altars illumine all directions with radiance of incomparable splendor.

3.70.21 When they, wearied by fasting and austerity and unable to travel, merely thought of them, behold — the seven oceans came together and arrived here.

3.70.22 The bark-garments shed by them after they had bathed — even to this day they do not dry out in this spot, O joy of the Raghus.

3.70.23 This entire forest has been seen by you, and what was to be heard has been heard. I therefore wish, with your permission, to abandon this body.

3.70.24 I wish to go to the presence of those sages of purified souls, whose hermitage I served as an attendant."

3.70.25 Hearing these most righteous words, Rāghava, together with Lakṣmaṇa, said with a joyful countenance: "I give you leave; go."

3.70.26 Given leave by Rāma, she offered herself into the sacrificial fire and, brilliant as blazing flame, departed to heaven itself.

3.70.27 To that holy abode where those great seers of virtuous souls roam in delight, Śabarī departed in the absorption of her own self.

3.71.1 When Śabarī had gone to heaven through her own deeds, Rāghava reflected with his brother Lakṣmaṇa.

3.71.2 Having reflected upon that power of the great-souled ones, the righteous Rāghava spoke to Lakṣmaṇa, who was single-minded and ever devoted to his welfare:

3.71.3 "This hermitage of those who have perfected their souls has been seen, O gentle one — full of great wonders, where deer and tigers live in trust, frequented by birds of many kinds.

3.71.4 And at these sacred fords of the seven oceans, O Lakṣmaṇa, the ritual bath has been taken and the ancestors have been duly propitiated.

3.71.5 Whatever inauspiciousness there was has vanished, and good fortune is now at hand. Because of that, O Lakṣmaṇa, my mind is now greatly gladdened.

3.71.6 For auspiciousness will manifest itself in my heart, O tiger among men. Come then — let us go to that Pampā, lovely to behold.

3.71.7 Near there, not too far away, the mountain Ṛśyamūka gleams, on which the righteous-souled Sugrīva, son of Aṃśumat, dwells — ever terrified by fear of Vālin, together with four monkeys.

3.71.8 Hasten to meet that bull among monkeys, Sugrīva; for the search for Sītā, O gentle one, depends upon him.

3.71.9 To Rāma speaking thus, the son of Sumitrā replied: "Let us go there quickly — my mind too hastens."

3.71.10 That lord of men then departed from the hermitage and came to Pampā, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa, the subduer of foes.

3.71.11 Gazing upon it, rich with blossoms, filled everywhere with great trees, that vast forest resonant with herons, arjuna birds, śatapatra cranes, kīcaka reeds, and many other varied creatures.

3.71.12 Rāma, duly observing the trees and the various lakes, tormented by longing, proceeded toward the supreme lake.

3.71.13 Approaching from afar the water-bearing river, Rāma plunged into the lake known as the Mataṅga pool.

3.71.14 That son of Daśaratha, Rāma, overcome with grief, entered the lotus-filled Pampā, covered with water-lilies.

3.71.15 — adorned with tilaka, aśoka, puṃnāga, bakula, and uddāla trees, gleaming with kāśī blossoms, crowded with beautiful groves, its waters pressed thick with lotuses —

3.71.16 — filled with water resembling crystal, spread with fine sand, teeming with fish and tortoises, adorned by trees standing on its banks —

3.71.17 — entwined by creepers as if by dear companions, frequented by kiṃnaras, serpents, gandharvas, yakṣas, and rākṣasas, strewn with trees and creepers of every kind, that auspicious repository of cool waters —

3.71.18 — copper-red with fragrant lotuses, white with clusters of kumuda lilies, blue with the mass of kuvalaya flowers — many-hued like a decorated carpet —

3.71.19 — abounding in aravinda and utpala lotuses, rich with fragrant padma blossoms, flanked by forests of flowering mango trees, resounding with the cries of peacocks —

3.71.20 Beholding that Pampā, Rāma — that splendid son of Daśaratha — together with the son of Sumitrā, broke into lamentation out of longing.

3.71.21 — with tilaka trees, citron trees, vaṭa figs, śukladruma trees, blossoming karavīra shrubs, and abundantly flowering puṃnāga trees —

3.71.22 — with clusters of mālatī and kunda blossoms, bhaṇḍīra figs, niculas, aśokas, saptaparṇas, ketaka reeds, atimukta vines, and many other varied trees — embellished like a woman in her prime —

3.71.23 On the bank of this lake stands the mountain spoken of before, adorned with mineral ores, known as Ṛśyamūka, with its grove of varied blossoms.

3.71.24 The son of that great-souled Ṛkṣarajas, mighty in valor, known as Sugrīva, dwells upon that mountain.

3.71.25 "Go to Sugrīva, the lord of monkeys, O bull among men" — so Rāma again spoke these words to Lakṣmaṇa, whose valor was true.

3.71.26 Then, proceeding gradually along the great road and the distant crossing, and gazing out over the forest, he beheld Pampā — beautiful to behold, its groves crowded with many birds of diverse and varied kinds.