srivalmikiramayanam - balakanda - sarga - 26th to 29th

Sree MadValmiki Ramayanam

(Commentary by Scholar,   Sreeman Brahmasree Desiraju Hanumantharao ji

and  Sreeman Brahmasree K M K Murthy ji )

Sree MadValmiki Ramayanam

Bala Kanda - The Youthful Majesties

Chapter [Sarga] 26

Introduction

Rama encounters his first problem-female demoness Tataka, also called as Taadaka, and eliminates her at the orders of sage Vishvamitra. This is a crucial test put to Rama by Vishvamitra in ascertaining whether Rama is the follower of dharma through elder men's orders or not. Rama eradicates Tataka basing on his own self-confidence.

muner vacanam akliibam shrutvaa naravaraatmajaH |
raaghavaH praa~njaliH bhuutvaa pratyuvaaca dR^iDhavrataH || 1-26-1

On hearing the words of that unfaltering sage about demoness Tataka, Raghava, best man's son who is firm in his vows, reverently adjoining his palms replied the sage. [1-26-1]

pitur vacana nirdeshaat pitur vacana gauravaat |
vacanam kaushikasya iti kartavyam avisha~Nkayaa || 1-26-2

"Upon my father's order, upon my honour to my father's word, and looking upon this as the word of sage Kushi's son, my mentor, this task is definitely to be implemented. [1-26-2]

The third consideration is 'teacher's words' itarairapi guru þ˜sane sati aviþankay˜ dharmyam api tad uktam avaþyam kartavyam iti s¨citam - dharm˜k¨tam hence, Rama cannot be heedless of the words of both his father and teacher.

anushiSTo asmi ayodhyaayaam guru madhye mahaatmanaa |
pitraa dasharathena aham na avaj~neyam ca tad vacaH || 1-26-3

"What my great souled father Dasharatha directed me to do among elders in Ayodhya, that word too cannot be disregarded. [1-26-3]

Dasharatha bade Rama to do whatever assigned by Vishvamitra. Here Vishvamitra is assigning something ambiguous. Hence the dilemma between two instructions of two elderly people, and thus scriptures and practise confuse the young.

so.aham piturvacaH shrutvaa shaasanaad brahma vaadinaH |
kariSyaami na sa.ndehaH taaTakaa vadham uttamam || 1-26-4

"Such as I am, I will undertake the primary duty of eliminating Tataka, according as the follower of father's words, and according to the instruction of a Brahma scholar, such as your are, without a doubt. [1-26-4]

Here Rama is in the same predicament as Arjuna in Maha Bharata. Arjuna's dilemma is to kill his own relatives, where Rama's is to kill a female at this juncture. What Krishna preaches in entire Bhagavad Gita is told in nutshell by sage Vishvamitra, i.e., 'do your duty as a Kshatriya, the ruling class, and protect virtue and eradicate vice, whether it is in the form of females or relatives.' atha viþv˜mitro guru× - tasya vacanam avic˜reõa kartavyam - evam sati daþarathena api - kasuþiko yad vadati tat kartavyam - iti anuþiÿ÷o r˜ma× ekasya guror vacanam anullanghanŸyam - guru dvaya anuþiÿ÷am vaca× katham parihartum þakyata iti - strŸ vadha niÿede satya api t˜ýak˜ vadham angŸk®tav˜n - dharm˜k¨tam

go braahmaNa hitaarthaaya deshasya ca hitaaya ca |
tava caiva aprameyasya vacanam kartum udyataH || 1-26-5

.

"I am ready to effectuate the bidding of an inestimable sage like you, for the welfare of cows and Brahmans, and for the advantage of this province." So said Rama to sage Vishvamitra. [1-26-5]

evam uk{}tvaa dhanurmadhye badhvaa muSTim arindamaH |
jyaa ghoSam akarot tiivram dishaH shabdena naadayan || 1-26-6

.

Saying thus, Rama, the enemy-destroyer, clenched his left fist on the handgrip in the middle of the bow, and with the right he made a thunderous sound of the bowstring making all the directions to blast. [1-26-6]

tena shabdena vitrastaaH taaTakaa vana vaasinaH |
taaTakaa ca susa.nkruddhaa tena shabdena mohitaa || 1-26-7

By that sound the inhabitants of Tataka forest are startled, and even Tataka is stupefied by that sound, and she is intolerably infuriated at it. [1-26-7]

tam shabdam abhinidhyaaya raakSasii krodha muurchitaa |
shrutvaa ca abhyadravat kruddhaa yatra shabdo vinissR^itaH || 1-26-8

She who is convulsed in anger to hear that sound gave attention to the direction wherefrom it emerged and she rancorously rushed thereto. [1-26-8]

taam dR^iSTvaa raaghavaH kruddhaam vikR^itaam vikR^ita aananaam |
pramaaNena ati vR^iddhaam ca lakSmaNam so.abhyabhaaSata || 1-26-9

.

Raghava on seeing that monstrous-looking demoness with a distorted face and who by proportions is very gigantic, furthermore infuriated, spoke to Lakshmana. [1-26-9]

pashya lakSmaNa yakSiNyaa bhairavam daaruNam vapuH |
bhidyeran darshanaat asyaa bhiiruuNaam hR^idayaani ca || 1-26-10

"Lakshmana, see that yakshii's grisly and ghastly physique, seeing which hearts of cowards are prone to burst. [1-26-10]

etaam pashya duraadharSaam maayaa bala samanvitaam |
vinivR^ittaam karomi adya hR^ita karNaagra naasikaam || 1-26-11

" She is unstoppable and has magical powers, is't, you may see now how I will make her to readily retreat by lopping off her ears and the tip of nose. [1-26-11]

na hi enaam utsahe hantum strii svabhaavena rakSitaam |
viiryam ca asyaa gatim ca eva hanyataam iti me matiH || 1-26-12

.

"As it is her feminineness is protecting her, and I too I do not really attempt to kill her, but I intend to terminate her impudence and mobility. [1-26-12]

evam bruvaaNe raame tu taaTakaa krodha muurChitaa |
udyamya baahuum garjantii raamam eva abhyadhaavata || 1-26-13

While Rama is still speaking that way, convulsed in anger Tataka roaringly rushed towards Rama alone, swinging her arms. [1-26-13]

vishvaamitrastu brahmarSiH hu.mkaareNaa abhibhartsya taam |
svasti raaghavayoH astu jayam cha eva abhyabhaaSata || 1-26-14

.

But the Brahma-sage Vishvamitra daunted sounded her off and said to Rama and Lakshmana, "let you be safe, and be victorious." [1-26-14]

ud dhunvaanaa rajo ghoram taaTakaa raaghavau ubhau |
rajo meghena mahataa muhuurtam saa vyamohayat || 1-26-15

Flinging up dreadful dust on those two Raghavaa-s, Tataka baffled them for a while with a massive cloud of dust. [1-26-15]

tato maayaam samaasthaaya shilaa varSeNa raaghavau |
avaakirat sumahataa tataH chukrodha raaghavaH || 1-26-16

Then taking hold of witchery she inundated both the Raghava-s with highly torrential stone rain, by which Rama became indignant. [1-26-16]

shilaa varSam mahat tasyaaH shara varSeNa raaghavaH |
prativaaryo apadhaavantyaaH karau chicCheda patribhiH || 1-26-17

.

On forestalling her effusive stone storming with his arrow storm, Rama even mutilated both of her arms with arrows while she rushed towards them. [1-26-17]

tataH cChinna bhujaam shraantaam abhyaashe parigarjatiim |
saumitriH akarot krodhaat hR^ita karNaagra naasikaam || 1-26-18

With her arms severed and fatigued she started to roar extremely at the nearby, and then provoked Lakshmana made her to loose her ears and the tip of nose by cutting them off. [1-26-18]

kaama ruupadharaa saa tu kR^itvaa ruupaaNi anekashaH |
antardhaanam gataa yaxii mohayanti sva maayayaa || 1-26-19
ashma varSam vimu.nchantii bhairavam vicachaara saa ||

That guise changer vanished after variously altering her aspects, and then on baffling them with her illusoriness and discharging stone storms she moved about appallingly. [1-26-19, 20a]

tataH tau ashma varSeNa kiiryamaaNau samantataH || 1-26-20
dR^iSTvaa gaadhi sutaH shriiiimaan idam vachanam abraviit |

And on seeing both Rama and Lakshmana who are being overspread by storms of stones from all-over, then the illustrious sage Vishvamitra spoke this sentence. [1-26-20b, 21a]

alam te ghR^iNayaa raama paapaa eSaa duSTa chaariNii || 1-26-21
yaj~na vighna karii yaxii puraa vardheta maayayaa |

"Enough is your compassion Rama, she is a sinister, behaviourally malevolent, a hinderer of rituals, and this yakshii gets a grip on herself in a short time by her illusory powers. [1-26-21b, 22a]

vadhyataam taavat eva eSaa puraa sa.ndhyaa prava.rtate || 1-26-22
raxaa.msi sa.ndhyaa kaale tu du.rdharSaaNi bhavanti hi |

"Sun is going to set in a short time, and only before that time she shall be destroyed, for demons at dusk and afterwards become unassailable, indeed." So said sage Viswamitra to Rama. [1-26-22b, 23a]

iti uk{}taH sa tu taam yaxiim ashma vR^iSTyaa abhivarSaNiim || 1-26-23
darshayan shabda vedhitvam taam rurodha sa saayakaiH |

When Vishvamitra addressed him thus, Rama displaying his capacity in sonic archery forestalled that yakshii who has gone into invisibility and storming stone-storms, with his arrows. [1-26-23b, 24a]

saa ruddhaa baaNa jaalena maayaa bala samanvitaa || 1-26-24
abhi dudraava kaakutstham laxamaNam cha vineSudii ||

And when the arrays of arrows obstructed her who possesses illusional powers, she dashed towards Rama and Lakshmana blaring stridently. [1-26-24b, 25a]

taam aapatantiim vegena vikraantaam ashaniim iva || 1-26-25
shareNa urasi vivyaadha saa papaata mamaara ca |

And Rama struck an arrow in her chest who is invading and speedily swooping down like a thunderbolt, and thus she is readily felled down and totally dropped dead, too. [1-26-25b, 26a]

taam hataam bhiima sa.nkaashaam dR^iSTvaa surapatiH tadaa || 1-26-26
saadhu saadhviti kaakutstham suraaH ca api abhipuujayan |

.

On seeing her who is horrendous in her shape is eliminated Indra and other gods have highly esteemed Rama saying, “admirable, admirable is this act. [1-26-26b, 27a]

uvaaca parama priitaH sahasraakSaH purandaraH || 1-26-27
suraaH ca sarve sa.mhR^iSTaa vishvaamitram atha abruvan |

The thousand eyed and the destroyer of enemy’s citadels Indra then spoke with high satisfaction, and even all of the gods are gladdened and said to Vishvamitra this way. [1-26-27b, 28a]

mune kaushika bhadram te saha indraaH sarve marud gaNaaH || 1-26-28
toSitaaH karmaNaa anena sneham darshaya raaghave |

"Oh, sage Vishvamitra, you are blessed, all the groups of wind-gods along with Indra are pleased, so you please show more concern for Raghava. [1-26-28b, 29a]

prajaapateH kR^ishaashvasya putraan satya paraakramaan || 1-26-29
tapo bala bhR^ito brahman raaghavaaya nivedaya |

"The sons of Prajapati Krishasva who are valiant by their virtue and who possess ascetic strength, oh, Brahman, they may be offered to Raghava. [1-26-29,b, 30a]

These are the sons like missiles of Krishaashava Prajaapati. About them, the divine weaponry and their birth, c.f. 21st sarga/chapter, verse 10 to 20.

paatrabhuutaH ca te brahman tava anugamane rataH || 1-26-30
kartavyam sumahat karma suraaNaam raaja suununaa |

"Rama is steadfast in following your assignments and thus he is the worthy receiver of those missiles, and this prince has to accomplish a very great deed of gods.” So said gods to Vishvamitra. [1-26-30b, 31a]

evam uk{}tvaa suraaH sarve jagmur hR^iSTaa vihaayasam || 1-26-31
vishvaamitram puujayan tataH sa.ndhyaa prava.rtate |

All the gods on saying thus and on extolling Vishvamitra they contentedly returned to heavens, and then the sunset has come to pass. [1-26-31b, 32a]

tato munivaraH priitaH taaTakaa vadha toSitaH || 1-26-32
muurdhni raamam upaaghraaya idam vacanam abraviit |

.

That best sage is satisfied with Rama and gladdened for the eradication of Tataka kissed the forehead of and then said this sentence. [1-26-32b, 33a]

iha adya rajaniim raama vasaama shubha darshana || 1-26-33
shvaH prabhaate gamiSyaamaH tad aashrama padam mama |

.

"Here we stay for tonight, Rama, the august one for a gaze, and tomorrow morning we will go to that hermitage of mine.” So said Vishvamitra to Rama. [1-26-33b, 34a]

vishvaamitraH vachaH shrutvaa hR^iSTo dasharadhaatmajaH || 1-26-34
uvaasa rajaniim tatra taaTakaayaa vane sukham |

On listening sage Vishvamitra's words, Dasharatha's son Rama, comfortably stayed that night there in that forest of Tataka. [1-26-34]

muk{}ta shaapam vanam tat cha tasmin eva tat aahani |
ramaNiiyam vibabhraaja yathaa chaitra ratham vanam || 1-26-35

On that very day alone that forest of Tataka too is released from the curse, and it shone forth like the luxurious heavenly garden of Kubera, namely Chiatra Ratha. [1-26-35b, c]

nihatya taam yaxa sutaam sa raamaH
prashasyamaanaH sura siddha sanghaiH |
uvaasa tasmin muninaa saha eva
prabhaata velaam prati bodhyamaanaH || 1-26-36

Rama while being eulogised by the groups of celestials and liberated Souls for complete elimination of yaksha's daughter, namely Tataka, stayed there along with the sage only to be awakened by the next day’s sunrise. [1-26-36]

.

Test for Rama’s discipline.

The materialists view this episode as a function of Rama in eradicating natural calamities like dust storms, pellet storms in an uncultivable land, on the line of the episode of Ahalya. In this episode Rama’s discipline is also tested. Whether he simply follows what is instructed or whether he uses his own discretion, is the topic here. Rama coupled both and eradicates Tataka, tough he doubts for a while whether to eliminate a female. strŸ vadha sahas˜ na kartavya× vir¨pak˜raõ˜di strŸ daõýanam eva prathamata× kriyate - dharm˜k¨tam This is required for the endowment of deadly missiles to Rama in coming chapters. Hence Vishvamitra asks Rama to depend upon his own self-confidence to undertake this deed as at 1-24-30b, 31a. On satisfying with the eligibility of Rama to receive missiles with this episode, Vishvamitra accords those deadly weapons later.

iti vaalmiiki raamaayaNe aadikaavye baala kaaNDe SaDvi.mshaH sargaH

Thus, this is the 26th chapter in Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Bala Kanda - The Youthful Majesties

Chapter [Sarga] 27

Introduction

Sage Vishvamitra satisfied with the behaviour of Rama in obliging the orders of elders and performing the act that is assigned to him, gives many weapons to Rama, called shastra, astra-s. The weaponry is categorised mainly into two types. One is shastra - a handheld weapon like sword, lance or mace. The other is astra - a projectile missile invoked by reciting hymns. This chapter lists out those missiles that are given to Rama and in next chapter an account of some counter-attack missiles, called upasamhaara astra-s is given which can be used to nullify the enemy’s missiles. In the endnote of this chapter some verses describing the nature of astra-s are incorporated.

atha taam rajaniim uSya vishvaamiro mahaayashaaH |
prahasya raaghavam vaakyam uvaaca madhura svaram || 1-27-1

Then, on staying that night there in Tataka forest, on the next day morning the greatly renowned sage Vishvamitra, smilingly and wording sweetly spoke to Rama. [1-27-1]

parituSTo asmi bhadram te raajaputra mahaayashaH |
priityaa paramayaa yuk{}to dadaami astraaNi sarvashaH || 1-27-2

.

"I am highly pleased with you, oh, illustrious prince Rama, let safety be with you, I will now give you all of the divine missiles in utmost fondness of mine. [1-27-2]

deva asura gaNaan vaa api sa gandharva uragaan bhuvi |
yaiH amitraan prasahya aajau vashiikR^itya jayiSyasi || 1-27-3
taani divyaani bhadram te dadaami astraaNi sarvashaH |

.

"I am going to accord all of those divine missiles by which scores of gods, demons, or even from gandharva-s, uragaa-s and the like, or even earthlings are dominated, humbled down and conquered in war. Let safety be with you. [1-27-3, 4a]

daNDa cakram mahat divyam tava daasyaami raaghava || 1-27-4
dharma cakram tato viira kaala cakram tathaiva ca |
viSNu cakram tathaa ati ugram aindram cakram tathaiva ca || 1-27-5
vajram astram narashreSTha shaivam shuulavaram tathaa |
astram brahmashiraH ca eva aiSiikam api raaghava || 1-27-6
dadaami te mahaabaaho braahmam astram anuttamam |

"Raghava, I am going to give the highly divine Danda disc [Punisher disc]; next, oh, best one among men, Dharma disc [Virtue-disc,] and like that kaala disc [Time-disc]; then oh, brave one, Vishnu disc; similarly oh, dextrous Rama, Indra disc and Thunderbolt missile; the best trident pertaining to Shiva; the missile called Brahma-shira [Brahma-crest]; the missile called the Aishiika missile [Grass-Blade missile,] and that way oh, Raghava, I am going to give the unexcelled and highly formidable missile called Brahma missile. [1-27-4b, 5, 6, 7a]

AiSiika missile is dried blade of grass, which by invoking with hymns will become a projectile weapon. Rama uses on Kakasura. In Mahaa Bharata Ashvadhaama also uses this at the final stage of war, which Krishna nullifies.

gade dve caiva kaakutstha modakii shikharii shubhe || 1-27-7
pradiipte narashaarduula prayacChaami nR^ipaaatmaja |

"Oh manly tiger prince Rama, I am going to accord two maces that are brilliant by their radiance called, the Modaki, [the Beater,] and Shikhari, [the Tower of Protection.] [1-27-7b, 8a]

dharma paasham aham raama kaala paasham tathaiva ca || 1-27-8
vaaruNam paasham astram ca dadaami aham anuttamam |

"Oh, Rama, like that I will be giving three nooses called Dharma paasha and kaala-paasha and Varuna paasha, [Virtue noose and Time noose, Rain god's noose] as well as an unequalled missile called Varuna astra, Rain-god's missile. [1-27-8b, 9a]

ashanii dve prayacChaami shuSka aardre raghunandana || 1-27-9
dadaami ca astram painaakam astram naaraayaNam tathaa |

"Oh, Raghu's scion, I will also give two projectile bolts, one called shushka, [The Drier] and the other aardra, [The Drencher,] and even the missiles of Pinaaka and that of Narayana, [the missiles of god Shiva and Narayana,] I will give. [1-27-9b, 10a]

aagneyam astram dayitam shikharam naama naamataH || 1-27-10
vaayavyam prathamam naama dadaami tava ca anagha |

"Oh, impeccable Rama, thus a well-known missile shikhari [The Tower,] and another the fond of Fire-god known as prathama [The Blower,] and a missile of Air-god too, I will be giving. [1-27-10b, 11a]

astram hayashiraH naama krau~ncam astram tathaiva ca || 1-27-11
shak{}ti dvayam ca kaakutstha dadaami tava raaghava |

.

"Oh, Raghava of Kakutstha-s, I will give you two missiles named Haya-shira [The Horse-head] and Krouncha [The Wrester,] and two Impellers, one presided over by the power of Vishnu, and the other by the power of Rudra. [1-27-11b, 12a]

ka.nkaalam musalam ghoram kaapaalam atha kinkiNiim || 1-27-12
vadhaartham raakshasaam yaani dadaami etaani sarvashaH |

"I will be giving all those weapons that are wielded by demons, namely the deadly Pounder named Kankaalam, and Rods named as Kapaalam and Kankanam, for the elimination of those very demons. [1-27-12b, 13a]

vaidyaadharam mahaa astram ca nandanam naama naamataH || 1-27-13
asi ratnam mahaabaaho dadaami nR^ivaraatmaja |

.

"Oh, mighty armed son of the best king, I am giving a great missile named Vaidyadhara by its name, and a gem of sword named Nandana. [1-27-13b, 14a]

gaandharvam astram dayitam mohanam naama naamataH || 1-27-14
prasvaapanam prashamanam dadmi saumyam ca raaghava |

"Thus, the missile which is very much liked by Gandharva-s, namely Mohana, [The Stupefier,] the missile called Prasvapana [The Inducer of Sleep,] and the gentle Prashamana, [The Pacifier of enemy's anger.] [1-27-14b, 15a]

varSaNam shoSaNam caiva sa.mtaapana vilaapane || 1-27-15
maadanam caiva durdharSam kandarpa dayitam tathaa |
gaandharvam astram dayitam maanavam naama naamataH || 1-27-16
paishaacam astram dayitam mohanam naama naamataH |
pratiicCha narashaarduula raajaputra mahaayashaH || 1-27-17

.

"Oh, highly fortunate Rama, takes these missiles namely, varshaNa, [the Rainer,] shoshana [the Drainer,] santaapana [the Humidifier,] vilaapana [the Weep-inducer,] and oh, prince, an unassailable intoxicator and a dear missile of Manmatha, namely Mohana [The Intoxicator,] and another the fond missile of gandharva-s namely maanava by its name, [The Humane missile,] and oh, tigerly man, a missile dear one to pishaaca-s, monsters, namely paishaca [The Monster missile.] [1-27-15, 16, 17]

taamasam narashaarduula saumanam ca mahaabalam |
sa.mvartam caiva durdharSam mausalam ca nR^ipaatmaja || 1-27-18
satyam astram mahaabaaho tathaa maayaamayam param |
sauram tejaHprabham naama para tejo apakarSaNam || 1-27-19
soma astram shishiram naama tvaaSTram astram sudaaruraNam |
daaruNam ca bhagasya api shiteSum atha maanavam || 1-27-20

missile; atha maanavam = then, Maanava missile - if Manu the earlier ruler of mankinbd; I will give.

"Oh, manly-tiger Rama, greatly powered taamasa and saumana missiles, the indomitable missiles like samvarta, mausala, satya, and then the maaya-maya missile; like that oh, mighty armed Rama, a solar missile the sequestrator of others' brilliance namely teja-prabha; next, the missile of Moon-god named shishira [The Cooler]; and a very deadly missile of tvaSTa namely sudaamana; and even the dangerous missile of bhaga namely shita-iSu, these and the maanava missile of Manu, the earliest ruler of mankind, I will be giving. [1-27-17b, 18, 19, 20]

etaan raama mahaabaaho kaama ruupaan mahaabalaan |
gR^ihaaNa paramodaaraan kSipram eva nR^ipaatmaja || 1-27-21

"These missiles are, oh, dextrous prince, disguise-wizards, greatly powered, and highly providential ones, oh, Rama, you may take them forthwith." So said sage Vishvamitra to Rama. [1-27-21]

sthitaH tu praa~Nmukho bhuutvaa shucir munivaraH tadaa |
dadau raamaaya supriito ma.ntra graamam anuttamam || 1-27-22

That pre-eminent sage Vishvamitra on performing his personal holy depuration then gave the assortment of extraordinary hymns to Rama facing eastward. [1-27-22]

sarva sa.mgrahaNam eSaam daivataiH api durlabham |
taani astraaNi tadaa vipro raaghavaaya nyavedat ||1-27-23

The comprehension of which invoking hymns of the missiles is impossible even to gods with their sections and subsections of procedures, that Brahman dedicated such hymns to Raghava. [1-27-24]

japataH tu muneH tasya vishvaamitrasya dhiimataH |
upatasthuH mahaa arhaaNi sarvaaNi astraaNi raaghavam || 1-27-24

While that intelligent saint Vishvamitra chanted the hymns, all of those highly venerable missiles came nigh and stood accessible to Raghava in their astral form. [1-27-24]

uucuH ca muditaa raamam sarve praa.njalayaH tadaa |
ime ca paramodaara ki.mkaraaH tava raaghava || 1-27-25
yad yad icChasi bhadran te tat sarvam karavaama vai |

All of those highly obliging missiles in astral bodies, gladdening to come under the aegis of Rama, then spoke to him making palms-fold, "here are your thralls, Sire, we are here to accomplish whatever you bid us to do, let safety be with you." So said the deities presiding over the missiles to Rama. [1-27-25]

tato raama prasanna aatmaa taiH iti uk{}to mahaabalaiH || 1-27-26
pratigR^ihya ca kaakutsthaH samaalabhya ca paaNinaa |
manasaa me bhaviSyadhvam iti taani abhyacodayat || 1-27-27

On receiving them with a pleased heart, then Rama patted them with his palm, and that Rama of Kakutstha-s also spoke this way to those mightily forceful missiles in ethereal bodies saying, "you may manifest yourselves in my cognisance whenever I need you," and he motivated them to take leave and to come back at his beck and call. [1-27-26b, 27]

tataH priita manaa raamo vishvaamitram mahaamunim |
abhivaadya mahaatejaa gamanaaya upacakrame || 1-27-28

That highly resplendent Rama revered sage Vishvamitra with a thankful heart and readied himself for further journey. [1-27-26]

.

The nature of some astra-s - missiles

There are some verses that depict the nature of these astra-s. A few of them are given under. Though we may not actually acquire a projectile power with these verses, they may at least detail what these missiles are. The source of these verses is untraceable, but they are said to be in puraaNaa-s, and Shiva informs Sage Narada, about the missiles as below:

brahm˜stram

v˜ntam vahni sam˜yuktam vyomah˜l˜ samanvitam |
meÿa dvayam danta yutam h˜l˜halam ata× param |
ghana ˜dyam v˜yu p¨rvam ca danta yuktam ath˜nvitam |
saram ®kÿa poary˜yam bh˜ntam bh®gu mata× param ||
ambaram v˜yu saÕyukta× ari mardanam apyuta× |
pradŸptam atha avaktavyam paramam ca padam tata× |
tat ete pade prayoktavye g˜yatry˜ madhyamam tata× |
pada trayam prayoktavyam etat brahma astram Ÿritam ||

“It contains air, fire and cosmic poison, two goat-like fangs, full of poison, weighty, emits air, contains mercury, fiery, sparkling, sky is filled with air, enemy killing greatly radiant and it is projected with three hymn, Gayatri at its centre, it is known as brahma-astra…”

k˜la cakram

karuõam m˜yay˜ yuktam v˜ntam v˜ruõa saÕyutam |
y¨p˜ntam vahnin˜ yuktam modhas˜gni rath˜ triyuk |
dh˜ntam k˜la ˜tmane iti etat cakr˜ eti param tata× |
phaýantam eÿa mantrastu k˜la cakram prakŸtritam ||

“Renders a piteous state, with magical powers, ending in air, and water filled, ends in craters with fire, generates fire and and it is known as Time disc…”

viÿõu cakram

t˜ra p¨rvam ca h®dayam bh˜gy˜t antau vana ˜dima× |
caõýŸþa yukta ˜ÿ˜ýha tŸvra tejasa iti api |
pary˜yam lakÿa saðkhy˜y˜× ˜reti ca padam tata× |
bhŸÿayeti api vaktavyam viÿõu cakram idam vidu× ||

“It first sparkles …with cosmic holes…high degree radiance, with one lakh revolutions per foot, very panicking is its projection…”

iti vaalmiiki raamaayaNe aadi kaavye baala kaaNDe saptavi.mshaH sargaH

Thus, this is the 27th chapter in Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Bala Kanda - The Youthful Majesties

Chapter [Sarga] 28

Introduction

Rama requests sage Vishvamitra for endowing annulment missiles, besides projectile ones that have been accorded in the previous chapter. Sage Vishvamitra accords them, and while they are journeying further, they chance to see a picturesque forest on their way and Rama enquires about it

pratigR^ihya tataH astraaNi prahR^iSTa vadanaH shuciH |
gacChan eva ca kaakutstho vishvaamitram atha abraviit || 1-28-1

On becoming personally purified Rama, the descendent of Kakutstha-s, received the missiles, and then on their way he is now speaking to Sage Vishvamitra with a pleasant face. [1-28-1]

gR^ihiita astro asmi bhagavan duraadharSaH suraiH api |
astraaNaam tu aham icChaami sa.mhaaram munipu.mgava || 1-28-2

"Oh, godly sage, I have taken the missiles and became unassailable even for gods, but oh, eminent sage, I wish to know the annulment of missiles too." So said Rama to the sage. [1-28-2]

evam bruvati kaakutsthe vishvaamitro mahaa tapaaH |
sa.mhaaraan vyaajahaara atha dhR^itimaan suvrataH shuciH || 1-28-3

When Rama of Kakutstha said thus, next that resolute, well-averred and purified sage of eminence Vishvamitra imparted the knowledge of annulment missiles. [1-28-3]

satyavantam satya kiirtim dhR^iSTam rabhasam eva ca |
pratihaarataram naama paraa~Nmukham avaa~Nmukham || 1-28-4
lakSyaa alakshyaaH imau caiva dR^iDha naabha sunaabhakau |
dashaakSa shatavak.htrau ca dasha shiirSa shata udarau || 1-28-5
padmanaabha mahaanaabhau dundunaabha svanaabhakau |
jyotiSam shakunam caiva nairaashya vimalau ubhau || 1-28-6
yauga.ndhara vinidrau ca daitya pramadhanau tathaa |
shuci baahur mahaabaahur niSkali virucar tathaa
saarchirmaalii dhR^itimaalii vR^ittimaan ruchiraH tathaa || 1-28-7
pitryaH saumanasaH caiva vidhuuta makarau ubhau |
paraviiram ratim caiva dhana dhaanyau ca raaghava || 1-28-8
kaamaruupam kaamarucim moham aavaraNam tathaa |
jR^i.mbhakam sarpanaatham ca panthaana varaNau tathaa || 1-28-9
kR^ishaashva tanayaan raama bhaasvaraan kaama ruupiNaH |
pratiicCha mama bhadram te paatra bhuuto.asi raaghava || 1-28-10

"Oh, Raghava, take these radiant missile-children of Krishaasva from me, namely Satyavanta, Satyakeerti, Dhristha, Rabhasa, Pratihaaratara, Paraanmuka, Avaanmukha, Lakshya, Alakshya, Dhridhanaabha, Sunaabha, Dashaaksha, Shatavaktra, Dashasheersha, Shatodara, Padmanaabha, Mahaanaabha, Dundunaabha, Svanaabha, Jyotisha, Shakuna, Nairaashya, Vimala, Yungandhara, Vinidra, Daitya, Pramadhana, Suchibaahu, Mahaabaahu, Nishkali, Virucha, Saarchirmaali, Dhritimaali, Vrittiman, Ruchira, Pitrya, Ssaumansa, and also thus Vidhoota, Makara, are two of them...Karaveerakara, Dhana, Dhaanya, Kaamaroopa, Kaamaruchira, Moha, Aavarana, and thus Jrimbhaka, Sarvanaabha, Varana... and these are the guise changing wizards ad you are the eligible one to handle these missiles, let safety be with you." Thus Vishvamitra gave missiles to Rama. [1-28-4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

baaDham iti eva kaakutstha prahR^iSTena a.ntaraatmanaa |
divya bhaasvara dehaaH ca muurtimantaH sukhapradaaH || 1-28-11
kechid a.ngaara sadR^ishaaH kechid dhuuma upamaaH tathaa |
chandra arka sadR^ishaaH kechit prahva a.njali puTaaH tathaa || 1-28-12
raamam praa.njalayo bhuutvaa abruvan madhura bhaaSiNaH |
ime sma narashaarduula shaadhi kim karavaama te || 1-28-13

Gladdening in his heart of hearts Rama of Kakutstha received the annulment missiles saying, "Agreed! Sire!" Those missiles are with radiantly divine bodies, appealing and endowing bliss. Some are fire-like, some smoke-like, and some moon-like and some sun-like, and such as they are, some of them holding out their hollowed palms, and some with palms adjoined melodiously spoke to Rama saying, "here we are, oh, manly-tiger, what can we do for you." [1-28-11, 12, 13]

gamyataam iti taan aaha yathaa iSTam raghunandanaH |
maanasaaH kaarya kaaleSu saahaayyam me kariSyatha || 1-28-14

"While remaining in my memory you assist me as and when needed, and till then you may go away as wish," thus that legatee of Raghu-s said to those deities of annulment missiles. [1-28-14]

atha te raamam aaman.htrya kR^itvaa ca api pradakSiNam |
evam astu iti kaakutstham uk{}tvaa jagmuH yathaaaagatam || 1-28-15

Saying "it will be done that way" to Rama, the legatee of Kakutstha-s, also on performing circumambulation to him and then on taking his consent those deities have gone away as they have come. [1-28-15]

sa ca taan raaghavo j~naatvaa vishvaamitram mahaamunim |
gacChan eva atha madhuram shlakSNam vacanam abraviit || 1-28-16

After learning the nullifying missiles and then while proceeding on the walkway Raghava asked the great sage Vishvamitra with sweet and soft words. [1-28-16]

kim etan megha sa.mkaasham parvatasya aviduurataH |
vR^ikSa khaNDam itaH bhaati param kautuuhalam hi me || 1-28-17
darshaniiyam mR^igaaakiirNam manoharam atiiva ca |
naanaa prakaaraiH shakunaiH val.hgubhaaSaiH ala.mkR^itam || 1-28-18

"What is this cloudlike picturesque thicket shining forth not very far away on this side of mountain, with animals spreading over it, and embellished with numerous kinds of birds that have pleasant callings it is highly soul-delighting, thus, my inquisitiveness is growing very much to know it, what is this, really! [1-28-17, 18]

niHsR^itaaH sma munishreSTha kaantaaraat romaharSaNaat |
anayaa tu avagacChaami deshasya sukhavattayaa || 1-28-19
sarvam me sha.msa bhagavan kasya aashrama padam tu idam |

"By the nature of happy environs at this place, oh, eminent sage, I understand that we have come out of the extremely alarming forest of Tataka, but oh, god, whose hermitage's threshold is this, kindly tell me all. [1-28-19]

sa.mpraaptaaH yatra te paapaaH brahmaghnaaH duSTa caariNaH | 1-28-20
tava yaj~nasya vighnaaya duraatmano mahaamuneH |
bhagavan tasya ko deshaH saa yatra tava yaaj~nikii || 1-28-21
rakshitavyaa kriyaa brahman mayaa vadhyaaH ca raakshasaaH |
etat sarvam munishreSTaH shrotum icChaami aham prabho || 1-28-22

"Oh, great saint, where are those murderers of Brahmans? Oh, venerable one, at which place those evil minded sinners and evildoers will be coming to hinder your ritual? And where, oh, Brahman, I have to safeguard your ritual ceremonies, and demons too are to be eliminated? Oh, eminent sage, what is that place? I would like to hear all of it." Rama asked Vishvamitra in that way. [1-28-20b, 21, 22]

iti vaalmiiki raamaayaNe aadi kaavye baala kaaNDe aSTaavi.mshaH sargaH

Thus, this is the 28th chapter in Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Sree Valmiki Ramayana

courtesy from

Sree Brahmasri Desiraju Hanumanta Rao ji

and  Sreeman Brahmasri K M K Murthy ji

 I Humbly bow to the  lotus feet of both of them

for the collection