Sri Valmiki Ramayanam Sundara kanda (Book 5)Prose Sarga 1 to 18

 

Sree MadValmiki Ramayanam

( Translation and Commentary by Scholar, 

 Sreeman Brahmasree Desiraju Hanumantharao ji

and  Sreeman Brahmasree K M K Murthy ji )

Sree MadValmiki Ramayanam

                                          

 

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose Sarga 1

 

 

This first chapter of Sundara Kanda describes Hanuma's preparations to cross the ocean in search of Seetha. Mighty Hanuma's flight over the ocean is described in a glorious detail. Hanuma's encountering of Mainaka, Surasa and Simhika form important phases of His flight.

After that, Hanuma, the destroyer of foes, desired to travel in the sky where celestials like chaaranas tread, to search for Seetha, who was taken away by Ravana. Hanuma who desired to perform a deed done by no one else, shone like a bull without any obstacles, with his stretched neck and raised head.

After that, the mighty and courageous Hanuma roamed at ease on the lawns with the hue of an emerald, which looked like still water from a distance. The thoughtful Hanuma tread like a rampant lion, making birds fear, uprooting trees by his breast and also killing many animals.

That great monkey Hanuma shone like an elephant in a lake, standing on the foot of that great mountain by the name of Mahendra, where many elephants of good breed resided, which was beautifully decorated with many naturally formed mineral rocks of varied hue like black, white, red, blue, yellow and green and which was surrounded by godly serpents and Yakshas, Kinnaras, Gandharvas who were capable of assuming desired form, together with their families.

He saluted with joined palms to the Sun-God, Lord Indra, God of Wind, Lord Brahma and Bhutas and decided to leave. Hanuma turned towards east, saluted his father, the Lord of Wind and increased his body to go towards southern direction. With all the Vaanaras seeing, Hanuma decided to fly and like an ocean swelling on full moon days, grew for Rama's success.

With a desire to cross the ocean, Hanuma grew his body immeasurably and pressed the mountain with his feet and hands. Thus tormented by Hanuma, that mountain shook for an instant and showered all flowers of trees on it.

Covered all through by those fragrant flowers which fell down from the trees, that mountain shone like a mountain made of flowers. That mountain shed water like an elephant in rut emitting rut juice, after being pressed by the mighty Hanuma. Pressed by that mighty Hanuma, streaks of gold silver and antimony color appeared on the Mahendra mountain.

Huge Rocks of Sulfur were also shot forth from that mountain, just as a fire burning with a medium flame would emit columns of smoke. Being pressed on all sides by the mountain which itself was being pressed by Hanuma, creatures living in the caves of that mountain shrieked in horrifying tones.

That loud noise from creatures which emanated because of stress caused to the mountain, filled the earth and all four directions and forests near that mountain. Great snakes with clear swastika signs on their hoods, spewed out frightening flames with their great heads and bit the rocks with their teeth.

Then those great rocks bit by those snakes with anger and venom, burned due to the flame and split into thousand pieces. Medicinal herbs from that mountain, although capable of destroying ordinary poisons, could not neutralize the poison from those snakes. Ascetics residing on that mountain flew away from there thinking that some demons were destroying it. Vidhyadharas who lived there, became afraid and flew away with their women folk, leaving behind them golden jugs of wine in the liquor house, gold vases, a varieties of sauces that can be licked, eatables, various meats, skins of oxen and swords with golden hilts.

The intoxicated Vidyadharas with garlands around their neck decked with red flower garlands and smeared with sandal paste, with reddened eyes, and with lotus shaped eyes, obtained the sky. Vidyadhara women wearing necklaces, anklets, armlets and bangles stood in the sky with surprise and with smiles along with their loved ones.

Vidyadharas and great sages stood in the sky in a group, showing their great prowess and viewed the mountain. Then they heard words of Charanas, Siddhas and pure hearted Rishis who were located in that clear sky. "This Hanuma, who is equal to a mountain, who is the son of Vayu, and who has great speed, wants to cross the ocean which is abode to crocodiles. Hanuma has decided to perform an impossible task for the sake of Rama and Vanaras and wants to obtain the other side of ocean which is hard to obtain."

Vidyadharas thus listened to the words of those great people and looked at the incomparable Hanuma, best among Vanaras, standing on the mountain. He, who is equal to a mountain, shook his hair, quivered his body and let out a great roar like from a vast cloud.

About to fly, Hanuma jolted his tail, which was rolled into a circle from top to bottom, and which was covered with hair, just as Garuda, the king of birds would jolt a snake. Receiving his vigor, the tail curled at his back was seen like a great serpent being stolen by Garuda. Hanuma firmly supported his arms (on the mountain surface) which resembled huge iron clubs, crouched the waist and contracted his feet.

Bending shoulders and neck, that mighty and glorious Hanuma, increased his energy, strength and courage. With his eyes raised up, seeing the way from a distance, viewing the sky, he held his breath in his heart. That mighty Hanuma, equal to an elephant among monkeys and the best among Vaanaraas, stood firmly with his legs, bent his ears and before flying spoke these words to the Vaanaraas.

"I will go to the city of Lanka, ruled by Ravana just like an arrow released by Rama will go, with wind-like speed. If I do not see the daughter of Janaka there, I will go with the same speed to the abode of gods. If I do not see Seetha there in heaven, I will get Ravana the king of raakshasaas tied up in chains without any effort. I will, in all events, return successfully along with Seetha or I will get Lanka along with Ravana after uprooting it."

The best among Vaanaraas, Hanuma, spoke in this way to Vaanaraas and then without thinking about anything else, flew up with lot of vigor. That great monkey also thought himself equal to Garuda, the king of birds. While he was flying up, due to that force, all trees on that mountain flew away in all directions, drawing together all their branches.

While flying in the sky, he took along with him, because of the force of his thighs, trees shining with flowers and with fattened lapwing birds. The trees thus being held aloft by the speed of Hanuma's thighs, followed him for a while just as relatives would follow their loved ones embarking on a long journey.

Uprooted by the force of Hanuma's thighs, Sal and other excellent trees followed Hanuma like soldiers following their king. Hanuma the great monkey presented a wonderful sight, with his mountain-like appearance together with the well flowered trees.

After that, powerful trees sank into the salt ocean like mountains sinking into ocean due to fear of Mahendra. That Hanuma who was equal to a cloud, covered with flowers of various kinds, shoots and buds, shone like a mountain with fireflies. Those trees which were released by Hanuma's speed, dropped flowers and fell down in the water like friends going back after bidding farewell to their dear one. Set in motion by the wind from the movement of Hanuma, that variety of blossom, with various hues, from the trees fell down into the sea. That great ocean shone like the sky filled with stars.

Hanuma shone like a cloud in the sky decorated by lightening, with flowers of various hues sticking to his body. That sea water looked like the sky with delightful stars rising up, with flowers flown up by Hanuma's speed. That sky-borne Hanuma's arms which were spread out, were seen like five-headed serpents coming out of a mountain's peak.

That great monkey shone like one who is drinking the great sea together with its waves. He also seemed like one who desires to drink the whole of sky. The eyes of that Hanuma, who was following the path of sky, which had a brilliance equal to that of lightening, were shining like two fires on a mountain.

The round, wide, reddish brown eyes of Hanuma, the best among the monkeys shone like fully risen sun and moon. The ruddy face of Hanuma, with His reddish face shone like the Sun touched by twilight. The tail of Hanuma, the son of Vayu floating in the sky, being risen up looked like the pillar erected in honour of Indra.

The great intellectual Hanuma, with his great body, and with white teeth, shone like the Sun, being surrounded by his circular tail. That great monkey Hanuma, with his red colored buttocks, shone like a mountain with a large deposit of red Gairika herb broken into pieces.

Air passing through the lion among monkeys Hanuma's arm pits sounded like a thundering cloud. The best among monkeys Hanuma flying thus in the sky, looked like a meteor darting away with great speed in the sky from northern direction. With a fast pace equaling that of Sun god, the tall Hanuma shone like an elephant which increases its size when being festered by a rope.

Then Hanuma who was flying above the ocean with his body above the ocean and his shadow being immersed in the sea below, looked like a boat being driven by wind. Whatever place Hanuma went towards on the ocean, that place became agitated due to the force of thighs.

That great monkey with great speed flew in the sky striking with his chest series of waves which had a great body like that of mountains. Wind from the mighty Hanuma and the wind released from the clouds caused the ocean with a fearful sound to shake a lot.

Hanuma flew in the sky dragging along with him big waves from the ocean as though he were sprinkling them in the sky. Hanuma with great speed crossed waves which were equal to Mount Meru and Mount Mandara, that had risen up in the sea, as if counting them.

Then the water together with clouds which was driven up by the force of Hanuma, shone like a stretched autumnal cloud in the sky. Then various whales, fishes, turtles and crocodiles were being seen clearly in the sea just as bodies of humans would be seen when clothes are removed.

Serpents living in the sea saw Hanuma flying in the sky and thought that it was Garuda, the king of birds. Hanuma's shadow which was ten yojanas wide and thirty yojanas long appeared very beautiful on water.

Comment : "Yojana" is a measure of length in ancient India like the modern mile. However its value does not seem to be a standard even within India. Some consider it as six miles, some as eight miles and some as two and half miles. Hence it is difficult to have an accurate conversion from yojanas to miles.

That shadow which was following Hanuma and spread on the ocean, shone like a series of dense white clouds. That great monkey Hanuma, the great resplendent one with a huge body, shone like a mountain with wings flying in the sky without any support underneath. In whatever path Hanuma the mighty one went, in that path, there immediately appeared a trough in the ocean below.

Hanuma while coursing through the path of birds like the king of birds Garuda, dragged with him series of clouds like the god of wind. Great clouds with white, red, blue and madder colors shone on being dragged by Hanuma.

Hanuma who is repeatedly entering and leaving series of clouds as He flies in the sky, is being seen like the moon who shines and is hidden alternately. Then, on seeing Hanuma flying quickly in the sky, Devas, Gandharvas and Danavas showered flowers on him.

Then, the Sun did not scorch Hanuma, the best among Vanaras, who was flying for Rama's welfare. The wind god Vayu also served him with a delightful breeze. Sages praised the great resplendent Hanuma flying in the sky. Devas and Gandharvas also sang in His praise. Immediately on seeing the best among monkeys, Hanuma, flying without any effort, Nagas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, Devas and birds all praised Him.

While that best among vanaras, Hanuma, was flying, the god of ocean thought thus for the respect of Ikshvaaku dynasty: "If I do not help this best among vanaras Hanuma, I shall become prone to all kinds of ill-talk by those who want to speak against me. I was developed by Sagara of Ikshvaaku dynasty. This Hanuma who is helping a descendant of that dynasty should not become tired. I have to behave in such a way that Hanuma would take rest. After resting in me for a while, He can cross the remaining distance with comfort."

Samudra thus making a good thought, spoke to Mainaka, the best among mountains with gold in the middle hidden in water. "O best among mountains Mainaka! You have been positioned here by Devendra as an obstacle to the groups of asuras living in paataala. You are standing at the entrance of paataala which is difficult to measure, fully covering it, when asuras courageous by birth are trying to rise up again. O mountain, you have capability to grow wide, up or down. O best among mountains, for that reason I am encouraging you. Raise up. Hanuma, the best among monkeys, the courageous one, who has taken up a fearful task for the benefit of Rama, that such Hanuma while flying in the sky is coming over you."

"To this Hanuma, who is a follower of the Ikshvaaku dynasty, help should be done by me now. Descendants of Ikshvaaku are repectable to me. They are even more respectable to you. Do help to us. Our task may not be miscarried. A task which needs to be performed and not done, will increase the anger of good people. Raise up above from the water. This Hanuma is the best among fliers and is a guest to be worshipped for us. Let him stand on you."

"O mountain with golden hued middle area and one who is served by Devas and Gandharvas! Hanuma can take rest on you and then traverse rest of the distance. You are fit to raise up after seeing the gentleness of Sri Rama, and the exile of Seetha, and the effort of Hanuma."

The mountain with gold in the middle, Mainaka, listening to the words of the salty ocean, got up quickly from the water, together with great trees and creepers. Then that Mainaka became in the risen state, passing through the ocean water, just like the Sun piercing through a cloud with His shining rays.

That great Mainaka who was covered by water in all directions, who had peaks with Kinnaras and great serpents, which were equal to a sun rise, which were touching the sky, and which had a golden hue, being ordered by the ocean, showed his peaks in an instant. The sky which had a bluish tinge like that of a sword, shone with a golden hue because of the peaks of the mountain which rose up and which was like molten gold. That best among mountains became equal to a hundred suns with its peaks which had a golden hue and which were shining with a self generated shine.

Hanuma on seeing the mountain which stood before Him, rising up from the middle of the salty ocean suddenly, decided that it as an obstacle. That great monkey Hanuma with a great speed, brought that great tall mountain with His chest just as the God of wind would a cloud. That best among mountains Mainaka, thus being fell down by that Hanuma, recognized Hanuma's speed and lauded him with pleasure.

Mount Mainaka with love and with gladdened heart obtained a human form and standing on its own peak, spoke these words approaching that courageous Hanuma in the sky. "O the great Vanara! You have performed this impossible task of flying over the ocean. Do come down on to my peaks and rest for a while to your comfort. The ocean was developed by people born in Sri Rama's dynasty. That such ocean is worshipping in lieu of Sri Rama, you who is desirous of Sri Rama's welfare."

"When a service is done, a return service needs to be rendered. This is an ancient tradition. Such this ocean who wants to do a return service to the Raghu dynasty, is suitable for respect by you. "After flying a hundred yojanas, let this Hanuma rest on your peak and then travel the rest of distance." - Thus I have been encouraged by this ocean for your sake due to His great respect for you. O best among vanaras! Stop for a while and then go after resting on me."

"O best among vanaras! For that reason, here is lots of roots, fruits and other eatables which are fragrant and sweet. May you leave after eating that and resting here for a while. O chief among vanaras! Besides this, there also exists a relationship which is famous in all the three worlds, which is based on great virtues, for us with you."

"O son of Vayu, the god of wind! O best among vanaras! I am thinking you as being very important among those vanaras who are fast and who are capable of flying. By a person who wants to know dharma or by one who knows dharma, a guest even though ordinary is to be respected. What else can I say in the case of a great guest like you. O best among vanaras! You are the son of the great Vayu - the God of wind, who is best in speed among the Devas. In speed you are equal to him alone."

"O knower of Dharma! If you are worshipped, Vayu also gets worship. For that reason you are to be worshipped by me. Also listen to another reason in this matter. O son! Earlier in the Krita yuga, mountains had wings. With speed equal to that of Garuda and Vayu, they went in all directions. After that when those mountains were thus flying freely, Devas and living creatures together with sages obtained fear in the doubt that those mountains might fall down."

"Then the angry Devendra who performed a hundred Asvamedha rituals, cut off the wings of thousands of mountains by his weapon vajra then and there. That Devendra angrily reached me with raised vajra. Then I was thrown away immediately by the great Vayu. O best among vanaras! With saved full wings, being thrown down into this salt ocean, I have been protected by your father."

"O chief among vanaras! Vayu is thus indeed respectable to me. For that reason I am respecting you. My this relationship with you has great virtues. O great Vanara! Because this matter is like this, you are suitable to make myself and Sagara happy, with a gladdened heart. O best among Vanaras! Reduce your fatigue. Accept our worship also. Respect our love. I am happy by your manifestation."

Hanuma listening to the best mountain's words, spoke thus : "I am happy. Hospitality has been done. Let this ill feeling be removed. The time to perform my duty is hastening me. The day too is passing. A promise has also been given by me. I should not stand here in the middle neglecting my duty."

The courageous Hanuma saying thus, touched the mountain with His hand, entered the sky and flew on with a smile. That Hanuma was thus seen with great respect by the ocean and the mountain, and also worshipped with suitable blessings. After that leaving the mountain and the great ocean, and flying up far into the clear sky, Hanuma followed the path of his father.

The son of Vayu obtained the speed to fly still higher into the sky and seeing that mountain below, went in the clear sky which had no support. Seeing Hanuma perform that very difficult second task (first one being the flight over ocean), all Devas, Siddhas and great sages praised Him.

Devas and the thousand eyed Devendra who were there, became happy by the task of that golden hued Mainaka. The wise Devendra himself spoke these words through faltering tones due to extreme happiness, to Mainaka, the best among mountains. "O Mainaka, the king of mountains! I am very happy with you. O gentle one! I am giving protection to you. Proceed according to your comfort."

To the dauntless Hanuma crossing hundred yojanas, who is fearless even when there is reason to be afraid, a great help has been done by you. This Vanara Hanuma is going for the benefit of Sri Rama, the son of Dasaratha. I am very happy with you who is doing respect to Him.

Thereafter, the best among mountains obtained great happiness on seeing Devendra, the lord of Devas being happy. Then that mountain with a given boon from Devendra stood still there. Hanuma also leaped over that part of the ocean in an instant.

Thereafter, Devas together with Gandharvas, Siddhas and great sages spoke thus to Surasa, the mother of Nagas, equal to the Sun in brilliance. "This glorious son of Vayu, going by the name of Hanuma is flying over the ocean. You obtain a horrible mountain like demonic appearance and make a face with fearful tusks, red-brown eyes and as vast as the sky, and create an obstacle to Him for an instant. We are desiring to find out if by His strength and also courage and intelligence He can win over you or obtain sorrow."

That Goddess Surasa, thus spoken to by Devas and also being respected by them, wearing a horrible disfigured appearance of a demon in the middle of the ocean which caused fear to all, and stopping Hanuma who was flying, spoke these words. "O best among Vanaras! You have been given by Devas as my food. I will eat you. Enter inside my mouth."

Thus spoken to by Surasa, the glorious Hanuma, with a happy face and with folded hands, spoke these words to Surasa. "The son of Dasaratha, with the name of Rama entered the forest of Dandaka together with His brother Lakshmana and wife Seetha. When that Sri Rama, with a bitter enmity towards Rakshasas, was diverted in another task, His famed wife Seetha had been taken away by Ravana. I am going for Rama's sake as a messenger to find Her presence. O subject of Sri Rama! You are suited to help Rama. Otherwise after seeing Seetha and informing that to Sri Rama who makes Seetha without troubles, I will obtain your mouth. I am promising truthfully to you.”

 Thus being spoken to by Hanuma, Surasa with power to take desired form, spoke thus: "No one can overcome me. This is my boon." Mother of Nagas, Surasa, desiring to know the strength of Hanuma, spoke these words on seeing Him going away.

"O best among Vanaras! You are bound to go only after entering my mouth. This boon had been given to me long ago by Brahma." - speaking thus, with quickness she opened her wide mouth and stood before Hanuma. Then Hanuma speaking thus to Surasa, became angry and became ten yojanas long and ten yojanas wide.

Seeing Hanuma, who looked like a cloud, being ten yojanas long, Surasa also made her mouth twenty yojanas long. Thereafter, Hanuma got angry and became thirty yojanas long. Surasa made her mouth forty yojanas high. The courageous Hanuma then became fifty yojanas high. Thereafter, Hanuma got angry and became thirty yojanas long. Surasa made her mouth forty yojanas high. The courageous Hanuma then became fifty yojanas high.

Surasa then made her mouth sixty yojanas long. The mighty Hanuma in the same fashion, became seventy yojanas high. Surasa made her mouth eighty yojanas high. The mountain-like Hanuma then became ninety yojanas high. The great wise Hanuma seeing that mouth with a long tongue which was horrible and equal to hell being opened by Surasa, greatly reduced His own body and became the size of a thumb.

The glorious Hanuma with great speed, quickly entered Surasa's mouth and came out of it and standing in the sky spoke these words to Surasa. "O daughter of Daksha! I indeed entered your mouth. My regards to you. I will now go where Seetha is. Your boon also came true."

Seeing that Vanara being released from her mouth like the moon from the mouth of Rahu, goddess Surasa spoke these words assuming her normal form. "O gentle Hanuma! Go according to your comfort to achieve the desired task. Bring Seetha together with the great Sri Rama."

Seeing that third very difficult task of Hanuma, all the creatures then praised Hanuma saying "Good! Good!". That Hanuma, equal to Garuda in speed, neared the ocean which is the abode of Varuna, entered the sky and went in His original path.

Hanuma went, like Garuda, in the sky served by clouds (or streams of water), served also by birds, tread by masters of music Tumbura and other Gandharvas, served by Airavata, borne by lions, elephants, tigers, birds and serpents, decorated by clear Vimanas moving with great speed, shone by fires with thunderous jolt equal to that of Vajra - the weapon of Devendra, decorated by people with good deeds, people with great luck who conquered the heavens, served by the God of fire carrying great quantities of oblations, shone by planets, stars, moon, sun and starlets, occupied by groups of great sages, Gandharvas, Nagas, Yakshas but unpopulated by humans, clear and all pervasive, served by the gandharva king Vishvaavasu, roamed by elephants of Devendra, the path of the moon and the sun, the auspicious one, a wide canopy of the earth constructed by Brahma, served in various ways by excellent courageous groups of Vidyadharas.

Hanuma, the son of Vayu, visible everywhere, obtained the sky without support, like the king of birds with long wings. A demoness by the name of Simhika with the power to assume desired form, saw Hanuma flying, increased in size and thought thus in her mind. "After a long time, this great animal came into my grasp. After long time, today I will enjoy my meal."

Thinking thus in her mind, Simhika attracted His shadow. While the shadow was thus being grasped, Hanuma thought thus. "Like a great boat in the ocean with opposing winds, I am being pulled back forcefully, with disabled power."

After that, Hanuma looking sideways, upwards and downwards, saw a big animal raised up in the salty ocean. Hanuma saw that animal with a horrible face and thought: "This animal with a strange appearance, with great strength attracting shadow, is indeed the animal that had been told by Sugriva. There is no doubt in that." That wise Hanuma recognizing that animal correctly as Simhika, increased His body greatly, like a cloud in rainy season.

That Simhika seeing the growing body of the great monkey Hanuma, spread her mouth to be equal to the middle of Patala. Roaring like a dense cloud, she ran towards the Vanara. Then the wise Hanuma saw her opened very big mouth equal to His own body and also her internal organs. That Hanuma with great strength and with a body equal to a diamond, repeatedly contracted His body and fell into her opened mouth.

Siddhas and Charanas saw Hanuma sinking in her mouth, like the full moon on a full moon day being swallowed by Rahu. Then Hanuma rend her internal organs with His sharp nails and after that flew up with a speed equal to that of thought.

That wise Hanuma felling Simhika down with His vision, courage and ability, developed again by speed. That Simhika with heart rend by Hanuma fell in water with sorrow. Seeing Simhika killed by Hanuma, creatures roaming in the sky spoke thus to that best among Vanaras. "O best among Vanaras! A huge animal has been killed by you. A great task has been done. Perform the task dear to you auspiciously. O best among Vanaras! Whoever has the four qualities of courage, vision, intellect and skill, all these four virtues like you, such a person will not fail in any task."

That Hanuma the respectable one, thus respected by them, entered the sky and went like the Garuda with a determined goal. Hanuma after almost reaching the other shore, looked in all directions and saw a series of trees at the end of his journey of hundred yojanas.

The best among Vanaras, Hanuma, immediately after getting down also saw an island decorated by a variety of trees and also the forests in the region of Malaya. That Hanuma with controlled senses and with good thoughts looked at the ocean, the bay and the trees born in the bay, and also the faces of the wives of the ocean (rivers are considered wives of ocean), observed Himself to be equal in size to a great cloud as though stopping the sky, and thought thus.

Comment : It is considered an auspicious sign to be welcomed by married women. Hanuma seeing the wives of Sagara coming to meet their husband thus bodes well for Hanuma.

"After seeing my huge body and the speed, Rakshasas will become curious." - thus thought the great Hanuma.

For that reason, Hanuma reduced His mountain-like body and obtained the nature of one who reached self-realization, free from infatuations. Hanuma greatly reducing His size became normal in nature regaining His original form, like Vishnu who mitigated the strength of Bali by taking three strides.

Hanuma capable of assuming many different beautiful forms, who cannot be defeated by enemies, obtained the other side of ocean and being cognizant of Himself restored His own form and became with a decided mission. After that great one who looked like a huge mass of clouds, alighted on the mountain peak of Lamba with wonderful lower peaks, abundant with various things and filled with Ketaka, Uddalaka and coconut trees.

After that Hanuma for His part obtained the ocean shore, observed the city of Lanka from the top of the mountain, leaving His original form, tormenting animals and birds, alighted on that mountain. Having traversed, by the dint of his strength over the ocean which was infested with demons and reptiles and endowed with series of huge waves, and alighting on the shore of the great sea, Hanuma then saw the City of Lanka having a resemblance of Amaravati, the capital City of Indra.

Thus, this is the 13th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 2

This chapter introduces us to the glorious city of Lanka and Hanuma's first encounter with it. The geography around the island where Lanka is located is described herein. The chapter also depicts the initial reaction of Hanuma on seeing the city and his initial thoughts about the feasibility of the task of overcoming the Rakshasas and Ravana to reunite Sri Rama with mother Seetha. As the book progresses, we shall see how Hanuma overcomes these thoughts and moves toward achieving this task.

That Hanuma with great strength crossed the insurmountable ocean without becoming tired and viewed the city of Lanka located on the peak of Mount Trikuta. After that, Hanuma standing there shone like one made of flowers being showered by a rain of flowers released by trees.

Comment : Being showered by flowers is considered auspicious.

The glorious Hanuma with the best courage, even though crossing a hundred yojanas, was without a sigh and did not obtain any tiredness.

Comment : This verse and others clearly mention that Hanuma crossed an ocean of hundred yojanas. At the present time the shore to shore distance between southern tip of India and Northern tip of Sri Lanka is around sixty miles. Even with a measure of 2.5 miles per yojana, hundred yojanas translate to 250 miles. To explain this anomaly, we need to consider that around the time of Ramayana, the distance was lot more than the current sixty miles. This is in sync with the current theories by geologists that the ocean between India and the current Sri Lanka had been replaced by land mass over a period of time. Most of the land to the south of current Raghunatha Pura had been covered by landmass in antiquity. Also according to Ramayana, the mountains Trikuta, Lamba and Suvela were to the north of Lanka, but currently the mountains are found in the southern part of Lanka. This suggests that the northern parts of current Lanka were submerged in water during the Ramayana period.

"I can cross many hundreds of yojanas. What to say about the end of the ocean which had been counted to be hundred yojanas long?" That Hanuma, the best among powerful ones and the foremost also among those who can fly, reached the city of Lanka by crossing the great ocean with good speed. He passed through forests with dark green hued fragrant lawns and also consisting of great rocks and hills.

Hanuma, the best among Vanaras and the radiant one, tread on mountains covered with trees and on series of trees full of flowers. That son of God Vayu stood on a mountain and saw forests and gardens and also the city of Lanka situated on the top of a mountain. Standing on that mountain, the elephant among monkeys, He, saw pine trees, Karnikaras, date-palms in full blossom, Priyalas, lemon trees, wild jasmine trees, mogra trees, long pepper trees filled with sweet fragrance, Kadamba trees and seven leaved banana trees, Asana trees, Kovidaras, Karaviras in full blossom, trees that were tied by the weight of their flowers and flower buds, that were distressed by birds, with their crests moved by wind, wells and various glorious pleasure-groves filled by various trees that give fruits and flowers in all seasons and beautiful gardens also, surrounded by various ponds consisting of swans and ducks.

The glorious Hanuma neared the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, and saw the city which looked like the city of Gods in heaven, decorated by moats filled with lotuses and water-lilies, which was well protected, since the time of Seetha's abduction, by Ravana and by Rakshasas with horrifying voices roaming around, which was surrounded by a golden boundary wall, that beautiful great city consisted of houses equal in height to mountains and which looked like autumnal clouds, with white and elevated main streets, decorated with flags and pennons, with excellent golden hued archways adorned with sculpted rows of vines. He then saw the city of Lanka with beautiful white buildings situated on the top of a mountain like a city located in the sky. He saw that city of Lanka ruled by Ravana the king of Rakshasas, constructed by Visvakarma (architect of Gods), and which looked as though it were floating in the sky.

Hanuma saw the city of Lanka with buttress and enclosure wall as her hip and loins, the vast body of water in the moat as her raiment, Satagnis and Sulas as her locks, the mansions as her earrings, constructed by thought. He reached the northern gate and thought thus.

Hanuma saw the city of Lanka equal to peak of Kailasa as though touching the sky, as though flying to reach the sky, with its best mansions, filled with horrible rakshasas and serpants like the city of Bhogavati (capital of Patala), one which was unfathomable, a well arranged and a clear city governed by Kubera in earlier times, protected by courageous, horrible serpents and Rakshasas with mouths with sharp teeth like a cave, with spikes and Pattisas (spears) in their hands. Hanuma saw that Lanka's great protection and the ocean and Ravana the horrible enemy and thought thus:

"Even if Vanaras were to come here they would not meet with success. It is not possible even for Devas to be victorious against Lanka in war. Even if He reaches this very difficult and impenetrable Lanka ruled by Ravana, what can that Sri Rama with mighty arms do? In the matter of overcoming rakshasas, there seems to be no opportunity for persuasion, gifts, dissension or even war. Only four great Vanaras can come here - the son of Vali (Angada), Nila, myself and the wise king Sugriva. I will first find out if Seetha is alive or not. I will think all this later, after seeing that daughter of Janaka".

After that, that elephant among monkeys Hanuma who was interested in the welfare of Sri Rama, stood on that mountain peak and thought for an instant. "It is not possible for me to enter the city of ogres protected by cruel and strong rakshasas, with this appearance. All these mighty ogres with extraordinary energy and great prowess are to be cheated by me while engaged in the search of Seetha. To achieve this great deed successfully, entering the city of Lanka in a small form at night is a timely thing to do."

Hanuma saw such that city of Lanka, which was difficult to overcome even for Devas or asuras, and thought thus repeatedly. "By what idea can I see Seetha the daughter of Janaka, unseen by the wicked Ravana, the king of the ogres. How can the task of Sri Rama, one who knows self, not be destroyed? How can I alone see Seetha alone in a place devoid of people?. With a mediator who has an unsteady and gloomy mind working against time and place, tasks that are otherwise ready to succeed get harmed, like the darkness that gets destroyed at dawn. Even a decided mind will not shine when thinking about gain and loss. Mediators who are respected by scholarly people will also harm tasks due to their arrogance. How will the task at hand be not harmed? How will my mind not get gloominess? How will not the crossing of ocean go waste?. If I were to be seen by rakshasas, this task of Sri Rama, with a famed mind, who desires the slaying of Ravana will become wasteful. It is not possible to be in Lanka even in the form of a rakshasa. What to say about being there in any other form? My thought goes thus : Even wind cannot pass here without being known. There is nothing not known to the might rakshasas. If I stay here with my usual form, I can be destroyed. The task of the Lord will also be harmed. For that reason, I will become small in my appearance and will enter Lanka at night for the success of the task of Sri Rama. Entering the unapproachable city of Lanka at night and searching all the mansion of Ravana, I can see Seetha."

The courageous Hanuma thus thinking and being interested in discovering Seetha, then desired the sun to set. After the sun had set, He reduced His body at night with a size equal to that of a cat and became a wonderful sight to behold. The courageous Hanuma quickly flew during evening time and entered the beautiful city with well divided main pathways. He saw that great city filled with series of mansions, golden hued pillars and window lattices, which was equal to the city of Gandharvas, consisting of seven and eight storied buildings with their top portions studded with crystals and pearls and decorated with gold.

There in that city of Lanka, the houses of rakshasas shone with top portions painted by cats-eyes and emeralds and decorated by groups of pearls. Golden archways with strange hues illuminated the well decorated city of Lanka in all directions. Hanuma on seeing the unimaginable city of Lanka with a wonderful appearance became sad thinking about the prospect of capturing Lanka and also happy being eager to see Seetha. He saw that city of Lanka of great fame, with white, closely built buildings having golden windows and doorways of great value, consisting of ogres of great strength and ruled by the hands of Ravana. The shining moon too rose up with its many thousands of rays, as though performing help to Hanuma, being at the middle of its retinue of stars and covering the earth with a canopy of light. That Hanuma saw the moon rising up with a glow of a conch shell, shining with a milky white hue of a lotus-fiber, like a swan swimming in a lake.

Thus, this is the 2nd chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana,the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose Sarga 3

In this chapter Hanuma faces Lanka, the city of Lanka herself in the form of a demoness.

That Hanuma, best among monkeys, the intellectual son of Vayu, one with great might, stood on the mountain called Lamba with its high peaks equaling a high cloud, gathered courage and entered at night the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana and filled with beautiful forests and places of water such as lakes. The city of Lanka was shone by buildings equaling autumnal clouds. With a sound resembling that of an ocean, it was served by ocean breeze. It was filled with well fed and mighty armies like Vitapati, the capital of Kubera. It had elephants positioned at archways and had white gates and archways. Quickly approaching that city of Lanka which was protected by Rakshasas, like the auspicious city of Bhogavati being protected by serpents moving about, spread with cloud illumined by flashes of lightening, served by pathways of stars, with a light breeze like the Indra's city of Amaravati, surrounded by a wall with a golden hue, decorated by flags with sounds from groups of small bells. He became happy and leapt up the wall.

Seeing the city everywhere Hanuma became surprised at heart. Thereafter Hanuma the monkey, became happy seeing the doors which were of golden color, with platforms of cat's eye gems, inlaid with diamonds, crystals and pearls, embellished with floors of gems, graced with elephants made of refined gold, crowned with spotless white silver, stairs studded with cat's eye gems, with inside walls made of crystal free from dust, provided with lovely assembly halls, with sounds of Krauncha birds and peacocks, served by royal swans, looking as though flying toward the sky, with auspicious houses resounding everywhere with the sounds of clarionets and ornaments, equaling the city of Vasvaukasaara, as though flying towards the sky.

Seeing that city of Ravana, which was best among cities, a wealthy city, a beautiful and auspicious city, that powerful Hanuma thought thus. "It is not possible for anyone else to oppose this city, by strength alone, which is being guarded by armies of Ravana with raised weapons. This land may be conquerable by Kumuda or Angada, to the great monkey Sushena or to Mainda or Dvivida. There may be access to this land to the son of Sun God Sugreeva, to the monkey Kusaparvana, to the chief among monkeys Riksha and to me." Considering the long armed Sri Rama's strength and Lakshmana's valour, Hanuma became happy.

That great monkey saw that city of king of rakshasas like a wealthy woman decorated with diamonds for her clothes, with various storage houses as earrings, with amouries for her breasts. Due to the lamps that illuminated the radiant great houses, all darkness was lost. Thereafter, the guardian of that city, in her own form, saw Hanuma, the best among monkeys and the mighty one, entering. Seeing that best among monkeys Hanuma there, that Lanka ruled by Ravana, rose up herself with a horrific appearance of face an eyes. She stood in front of the best among Vanaras Hanuma. She made a great sound and spoke to Hanuma thus. "O one who lives in gardens! Who are you? For what reason did you come here? As long as your lives are sustained, tell me the truth here before that. It is indeed not possible for you to enter this city of Lanka which is protected by Ravana's forces and strongly guarded all around."

Thereafter the mighty Hanuma spoke to Lanka standing in front of Him as follows: "Whatever matter you are asking me, I will tell you that truthfully. You are standing at the entrance to the city. O one with ugly eyes! Who are you? O horrible one! Stopping me, for what reason are you threatening me?

Listening to Hanuma's words, that Lanka, with ability to achieve desired form, became angry and spoke these strong words to Hanuma. "I protect this city, being invincible. I wait for the orders of the king of demons Ravana, the great one. After humiliating me it is not possible for you to enter the city. Being beaten by me, you will leave life and have a permanent sleep. O Vanara! I am protecting this city of Lanka in all directions. This matter has been already told to you by me."

The son of Vayu and best among Vanaras heard Lanka's words and stood up like a second mountain, with a purpose. Thereafter that Hanuma the wise one, with great strength, best among those who can fly and best among Vanaras, saw that city of Lanka in the form of an ugly woman and spoke thus. "I should like to see the city of Lanka with its palaces, defensive walls and archways. I came here for that reason. I am very curious to see them. My arrival here is indeed to see Lanka's gardens, parks, forests and important houses all over."

Listening to Hanuma's words, Lanka with the ability to assume desired form, spoke harsh words stronger than before. "O lowly Vanara with an evil mind! It is not possible for you to see this city ruled by king of rakshasas, without first defeating me."

Then that tiger among Vanaras Hanuma spoke to that demon: "O auspicious one! After seeing this city I will return back again to where I came from."

Thereafter that Lanka made a great sound causing terror and hit Hanuma, the best among Vanaras, with her palm quickly. Then that tiger among Vanaras, the powerful son of Vayu, being hit powerfully by Lanka made a great sound. Hanuma became dizzy with anger and folded his fingers of left hand. He then hit her with His fist. "She is a woman" - thinking thus He did not show much anger by Himself. That demon fell on land immediately by that hit with a distressed body and appeared with a horrific face. Then the intellectual and glorious Hanuma saw her fallen down and thinking her to be woman, showed kindness. Lanka being very gloomy spoke with a flattering tone without pride these words to Hanuma the Vanara.

"O long armed one! O best among Vanaras! Get propitiated and protect me. O gentle one! Those with great strength and courage always stand firm on tradition. I am myself the city of Lanka. I am defeated by your strength. In earlier times I had been given a boon by Lord Brahma. Hear from me about this matter. Let this be known by you - whenever a Vanara conquers you with his might, then a fear will come for Rakshasas. O gentle one! With your appearance now, that time has come for me. Ordinance of Brahma is the truth and is immutable. The destruction has come for Ravana the evil minded king and to all Rakshasas due to Seetha. For that reason, enter the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana and do here whatever tasks you want to. Enter the auspicious city of Lanka stuck by the curse, ruled by the king of Rakshasas, roam everywhere and search for the chaste wife Seetha according to your comfort."

Thus completes the third chapter of Sundara Kanda in Valmiki Ramayana, the first poem.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 4

Entering Lanka at night by placing His left foot desiring the destruction of enemies, Hanuma hears various musical instruments being played upon inside. He also observes enemies' forces and moves towards the royal gynaeceum.

That Hanuma the best among Vanaras, the great radiant one, the long armed one, conquered with His might the best Lanka who is capable of assuming desired form. He then leapt over the city wall at a place that was not a gate. Desiring the benefit of the king of Vanaras Sugreeva, that Hanuma entered the city of Lanka and thus actually placed His left foot on the enemies' heads. That son of Vayu endowed with great strength, entered the city at night and took the grand road shone by flowers and pearls. After that Hanuma went towards that beautiful city of Lanka. The beautiful city shone like the sky together with clouds, with its cloud like houses filled with sounds of laughter and with sounds of musical instruments at the interior, equal in strength to diamonds and clubs and with windows decorated with diamonds. Then that city of Lanka shone brilliantly being well decorated by the houses of Rakshasas. These were modern houses which equalled white clouds, which were surprising with the shape of lotus and swastika and which were auspicious. That glorious Hanuma, performer of beneficial deeds for Sugreeva the king of monkeys, moved around the city of Lanka which had wonderful garlands and jewellery, for the sake of Sri Rama. He saw the city and became happy too. Going from one building to another, Hanuma saw buildings in various shapes and forms on every side. Hanuma heard a sweet song which was decorated by sound from the three svaras - Mandra, Madhya and Tara of love lorne women like Apsara women in heaven. Hanuma also heard there and there sound from the tinkling of ornaments  worn around the waist in the houses of wealthy people, sounds of footfall over stair, sound from clapping of arms by warriors and roar of ogres. Hanuma also heard there and there sound from the tinkling of ornaments  worn around the waist in the houses of wealthy people, sounds of footfall over stair, sound from clapping of arms by warriors and roar of ogres. There Hanuma heard ritual chantings muttered by rakshasas in their houses. He saw ogres engaged in study of Vedas. He also saw roaring rakshasas who came together to praise Ravana. He saw many spies of Ravana and a big army of ogres which stood surrounding the royal highway in the central zone of city. Hanuma saw those who were initiated into various Vedic practices, those who wore matted locks on their head, those who had shaven heads, those who wore cow hides and other clothing, those who were carrying Kusa grass as weapons and also those who had fire vessels as weapons, those who carried hammers and clubs in their hands and also those who had worn staffs as weapons, hose who were one-eyed, those who had one ear, hose who were pot-bellied and with hanging breast, those who had horrible appearances, those with twisted mouths, those who were horrific and also short people, those who carried bows and arrows those who carried swords, those who carried pestles and clubs as weapons, those who carried excellent Parighas in their hands, those who shone with strange armour, those who were not very fat, those who were not too thin, those who were neither tall nor short, those who were not very fair, those who were not very dark, those who were not very hunchbacked, those who were not very short,  those who had great brilliance, those who carried banners, those who carried flags and those who carried different weapons. Hanuma saw many people, who had great might, who carried javelins and trees as weapons, those who carried Pattisas and thunderbolts, those who carried in their hands sling and nooses, those who carried flowered garlands, wearing sandal paste and decorated with best jewellery, those who had various kinds of  appearances roaming freely at will, those who carried sharp spikes and thunderbolts. Hanuma saw at the front of inner city, a hundred thousand central protective force which was attentive and was positioned there at the command of Ravana. That Hanuma saw Ravana's house with a golden doorway. That famed house was on the top of a mountain. Motes filled with white lotuses surrounded it. It was also surrounded by a compound wall. He watched the house again and again. The great Hanuma entered secretly Ravana's inner city which was equal to paradise, rendered noisy by neighing of horses and tinkling of ornaments, by chariots, vehicles and aerial-cars and decorated by auspicious elephants and horses and great elephants with four tusks and by birds and animals in heat. It had beautiful entrances and was protected by thousands of rakshasas with great strength. Hanuma entered the inner city of Ravana which was filled with gold, which had a golden court-yard , with a central area decorated by pearls and diamonds of  great value and sprinkled daily with water containing superb algallocum and sandal-wood.

Thus, this is the 4th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 5

Hanuma sees the denizens of city of Lanka rendered beautiful by the glorious moon, Hanuma also become anxious had not become to able to find Seetha.

Thereafter that intellectual Hanuma saw the moon in the sky shining with rays, obtaining the middle portion of sky. Spreading a great quantity of moon shine, moon looked like a bull in heat among cows. After that He saw the moon coming up destroying the sins of the world, causing the great ocean to grow and causing all living beings to shine. What ever splendour shines over Mount Mandara on earth, on the ocean during evenings, over the lotuses in the waters, the same splendour shone on the beautiful moon. Like a swan in a silver cage, like a lion in the cave of Mount Mandara, like a warrior on a proud elephant, in the same way the moon shone in the sky. The full moon with its horn like spot shone like a sharp horned standing ox with a high hump, like a great white mountain with tall summits, like an elephant with golden tusks. The Divine moon who lost the stain of cold water and frost, with lost stain due to eclipse by the great planet sun, one who has a calm spot which is an abode of brilliant splendour, with a symbol of hare, shone brilliantly.In whatever way a lion obtaining a level surfaced rock (shines), in whatever way best elephant obtaining a great battle(shines), in whatever way a king obtaining kingdom(shines), in the same way the clear moon shone. The Divine evening with lost stain due to rise of shining moon, with the stain due to meal of flesh eating rakshasas, and in which the bitterness of mind of young women and their lovers is wiped away, became with a heavenly glow. Musical notes from stringed instruments which were comforting to ears started. Women with good character were sleeping with husbands and also rakshasas with extremely strange character started to roam.

That Hanuma the courageous one, the intellectual one, saw houses with people in heat, houses filled with people, full chariots, horses, elephants and best furniture and also full of wealth. He saw rakshasas railing a lot at one another moving their heavy shoulders, throwing wild and incoherent words a lot, insulting one another being intoxicated.

Hanuma saw rakshasas who smote breast, those who threw limbs on women, those who were spreading their strange forms sporting their strong bows. He saw some women applying sandal paste on their bodies and also some other women sleeping there, in the same way some women with good appearance were smiling, and some other women were sighing in anger. Hanuma saw the city of Lanka that shone with great elephants making sound and also with gentlemen well respected, shone with warriors in a wresting bout, with long sighs, like serpents in a lake hissing. He saw Yatudhanaas who were intellectuals, who were good talkers, who had good devotion, important people to the world, who had various ways, and people who had beautiful names in that city.

That Hanuma seeing people with good appearance, who had various good virtues, those who were according to their character, those who were radiant, all those - became happy. Then He saw those who had horrific appearance, those who were according to their appearance - some of those too. He saw thereafter there, their women - those who were eligible for distinction, those who were of great skill with an interested heart in lovers and in drinks and those who were like stars with good effect.

Hanuma saw some women who were brilliant with radiance, adorned a lot with bashfulness, those who were hugged by lovers in the middle of night, those who were hugged with great pleasure, those who were hugged by flowers like birds. The intellectual Hanuma saw some other women there comfortably sitting on the laps of their lovers, at the top of their buildings, dear to their husbands and (some other women) interested in virtuous deeds, and some possessed by the lord of love. He saw women with golden complexion lacking clothes, women with a complexion of refined gold suitable for mating and some other women also with the colour of moon and some other women with beautiful bodies lacking a lover. Thereafter that Vanara warrior saw those with great happiness, those who obtained lovers who entertained, those who attracted like flowers, those with great beauty and women in their houses filled with happiness.

Hanuma saw rows of faces shining like the moon, beautiful rows of eyes with curved eyebrows and rows of ornaments like beautiful rows of lighting. He did not see Seetha, one with great beauty born in a royal family following a virtuous path, well brought up, like a creeper in full blossom, one who was thin, and one who was born from the mind of creator.

Hanuma did not see that Seetha who stood in the path of ancient righteousness with Her sight on Sri Rama, who was possessed by the love for Sri Rama, who entered the glorious mind of husband and always the best among women who were the best. Who was, tortured by separation from Sri Rama, with unabounding tears in her throat, in earlier times who had invaluable and best jewellery on her neck, born with beautiful eyebrows, with a sweet voice, like a she- hen who did not dance in a forest because of Her current sorrow.

Hanuma did not see Seetha who was like a crescent with a blurred outline, like a streek of gold coated by dust, like an arrow in an injury, like a series of clouds scattered by wind. He became a numb minded one for sometime, stricken with grief not seeing for a moment Seetha, wife of Sri Rama the best among those who talk, and the lord of all humans.

Thus, this is the 5th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 6

Hanuma moves about the city of Lanka, going from one house to another in search of mother Seetha. He finds amazing wealth and riches abounding in that city of Ravana. He finally enters the huge house of Ravana.

That Hanuma who could assume any desire form, searching among houses had a lot of grief. Endowed with great speed, He roamed again the city of Lanka. After that, the glorious Hanuma neared the house of Ravana shining with the golden hue of Sun, surrounded by a compound wall. He shined purveying the building protected by horrible rakshasas, like a forest by lions. Ravana's house consisted of surprising archways decorated with sliver and gold, strange entrances and beautiful doors. Ravana's house waited upon by men on elephants, warriors, people with removed tiredness, drivers of elephants, by undefeatable horses, and by charioteers. Hanuma saw Ravana's house with protective shields made of lion and tiger skins, decorated with ivory, gold and silver, being roamed always by strange chariots with great sound.

Hanuma saw Ravana's house filled with a lot of diamonds, having valuable seats and utensils, abode of great warriors, with great chariots and great utensils. Filled all around with those and those various kinds of animals and birds in thousands, lovely to watch - very beautiful ones. Well protected by well trained rakshasas, protecting the inner area, filled all over by best women who were important. Having happy women, the abode of Ravana with the tinkling of best jewellery had a sound like that of an ocean. Together with royal insignia, with best scents and sandal wood, spread with great number of people like a great forest with lions. Resounded by bheris and mridagas, resounded by the sound of conch-shells, prayed upon daily by Rakshsas, with rituals on festivals, always worshipped by rakshasas.

The great Hanuma saw the wealthy Ravana's huge house, inscrutable like an ocean, like a noiseless ocean, with a roof embedded with great diamondsand filled with great diamonds. He thought the house, which was shining with its form filled with elephants, horses, chariots, to be the jewel of Lanka. Hanuma walked about there in the near-hood of Ravana.

That Hanuma moved about from one house to another of Rakshasas and also parks and observing in all directions without fear and also courtyards. He with great prowess, and one with great speed, jumped for the house of Prahasta and from there leapt for another house that of Mahaparshva. Thereafter the great Hanuma leapt for the house of Kumbhakarna which resembled a cloud and in the same way for the house of Vibhishana. Hanuma in the same way leapt for the house of Mahodara and also that of Virupaaksha, that of Viddutjihva. He the commander of Vanara army with great radiance went for the intellectual Suka's house, for Sarana's house, and in the same way for the house of Indrajit.

The best among Vanaras Hanuma went for the house of Jambumali and for the house of Sumali. The great Hanuma jumped for the house Rasmiketu and in the same way for the house of Suryaketu and in that way for the building of Vajrakaaya. He jumped for Dhumrah's house, for Sampati's house, for Vidhudrupa's, Bhiima's house, for Ghana's house and Vighana's house, for Sukhana's house, for Vakra's, for Satha's house and also for Vikata's house, for Brahmakarna's house, for Damshra's house, for Roma's house, for Raksha's house, for Ydhonmata's and Indrajihva's house, in the same way for Hastimukas house, for Karala's house, for Pisacha's house, and also for the building of Shonita.

The son of Vayu, one with great fame, great one among Vanaras , moving about in a sequence in those and those best buildings, saw the wealth of those rakshasas, who were rich. The glorious Hanuma passing everyone's houses all round, there-after neared the house of Ravana. Hanuma, tiger among Vanaras, moving about saw Rakshas women, those who were sleeping near to Ravana, those who had horrific eyes, those who had Sulaas, Mudgaras in their hands, those who had Shaktis and Tomaras. He saw in that house of Ravana a variety of army divisions and also Rakshasas those who had huge bodies having different weapons raise up.

That Hanuma in that house saw horses in red colour and in white colour, slightly whitish, capable of great speed, elephants born in a good breed having good appearance capable of harassing enemy's elephants, skilled in good elephant training, equalling Iraavata, capable of killing enemies armies in war, rutting like raining clouds, like mountains with water falls that are pouring down, with trumpeting resembling thundering of clouds, unassailable by enemies in a battle. There Hanuma saw in the house of Ravana, the king of rakshasas, army divisions in thousands decorated with gold, covered with heaps of gold, equalling the Sun who has fully come up.

That Hanuma the son of Vayu saw in the house of Ravana the king of rakshasas, palanquins of various shapes, wonderful bowers, art galleries and other pleasure houses which were constructed with wooden mountains, house for sexual delight and a beautiful diurnal house. He saw the best among buildings equalling mount Mandara filled with pens for peacocks, spread by flag staffs managed by courageous ones like the house of Kubera filled with many diamonds and also heaps of riches. That building shone by the rays of diamonds, by the splendour of Ravana like the Sun by rays.

Hanuma leader of Vanaras saw couches and seats and chief vessels all made with gold. He entered the big house moistened by liquor made of honey, filled with vessels made of gems delightful one, un-congested one like the building of Kubera resounded by the sound of tinkles by the sound of waist ornaments, by the sound of percussion on Mrudangas with deep sound, which consisted of many mansions filled with hundreds of best women, encircled by many spacious enclosures.

Thus, this is the 6th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 7

Hanuma continues his search for mother Seetha in Ravana's inner city. He sees the aerial plane Pushpaka in Ravana's building.

Hanuma, the strong one, saw a group of houses with windows in golden hue, embedded with cat's-eye gems, like a great group of clouds in rainy season with lighting, together with a group of birds. He saw various halls of the houses, important buildings storing conches, bows, and other weapons, and also heartening spacious attics at the top of mountain- like houses. He saw houses glittered by various riches, well worshipped by Devas and Asuras, devoid of all flaws and obtained by the self-might of rakshasas. He saw those houses of the ruler of Lanka, constructed by great effort as though constructed by Mayaa himself on earth with all best qualities.

Thereafter Hanuma saw the best house of the lord of rakshasas, having the appearance of a cloud, soul-captivating one having a beautiful form made of gold which has no comparison, suitable of Ravana's might. The son of Vayu Hanuma saw Ravana's house like heaven thrown upon earth, effulgent with glory, embedded with variety of diamonds covered by flowers of various trees, like the summit of a mountain covered by pollen. Being shone by the best among women like a cloud by lightening, being worshipped, like being carried by the best swans, like an aerial car full of splendor, of good people in sky. He saw the best house like a beautiful cloud endowed with many hues, like the sky illumined by planets including the moon, decked with numerous precious stones like a mountain peak, looking picturesque with numerous minerals. The earth was made to be full of mountain ranges. The mountains were made to be abounded of trees. The trees were made to be full of flowers. The flower was made to be full of filaments and petals. White mansions were also built in the same way. Lakes also with beautiful flowers and also lotuses together with filaments and forest that were the best and wonderful.

There the great Hanuma saw a great aerial car, the best among best of aerial cars, shining with the name of Pushpaka with the rays of precious stones, and capable of traveling long distances. Artificial birds made of cat's-eye gems, as well as birds made of silver and coral, wonderful serpants made of various jewels, horses of beautiful limbs suitable by their noble breed were arranged. Birds were made with corals on their wings and together with golden flowers, with good wings, with curved and bent wings in a playful way, shining like helpers of the god of love himself. Images of elephants in a lotus-pool with filaments of lotus on body, with lotus petals held in their trunks, were devoted to the worship of an image of Goddess Lakshmi. And also an image of Goddess Lakshmi with four graceful hands and holding lotus in Her hand was made to exist in Pushpaka.

Then that Hanuma nearing that city of Lanka worshipped by Rakshasas ruled by arms of ten-headed Ravana moving thereabout became very gloomy on not seeing that Seetha well worshipped by all. Greatly conquered by the virtues of Her husband Sri Rama

Thereafter Hanuma nearing that city of Lanka worshipped by Rakshasas, ruled by arms of ten-headed Ravana, moving thereabout became very gloomy on not seeing that Seetha well worshipped by all and greatly conquered by the virtues of Her husband Sri Rama  Thereafter then the heart of the great souled Hanuma who contemplated supreme spirit in many ways with a disciplined mind following righteous path, with good observant eyes, moving about in the city of Lanka became greatly sorrowful on not seeing Seetha.

Thus, this is the 7th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 8

This chapter describes Pushpaka in glorious and amazing detail.

That Hanuma the courageous one, the son of Lord Vayu, saw the great aerial plane standing in the middle of that building with a surprising hue, due to diamonds, and gems decorated by series of refined gold. That plane shone like symbol for solar path standing in the aerial path obtaining the sky. Manufactured by Vishvakarma himself and praised by him as one without comparison in beauty. In that plane there is not even a small thing that is not made with great effort, in that there is nothing without the best diamonds, those characteristics definitely are not in Devas also, in that there is nothing that is not of great significance. One that has been obtained by austerities and by prowess, one that moves about by thoughts of concentrated mind, made from various significant parts with an appearance of parts of equal significance, collected from here and there from all over the world. Obtaining a special construction as a special object, like a mountain with wonderful peaks adorned by many peaks, attractive to soul, calm like an autumnal moon, like the peak of a mountain with other wonderful small peaks.

Hanuma saw that aerial plane which rakshasas who were great eaters, with a face beautified by earnings, who roamed around in the sky and thousands of genii with round eyes, crooked eyes and wide eyes capable of great speed carrying it. That Hanuma the best among Vanara warriors saw there a best plane with the name of Pushpaka with a more beautiful appearance than a group of flowers during spring, a more attractive appearance than even the spring season.

Thus, this is the 8th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 9

This chapter further describes the inner buildings of Ravana's house. Hanuma passes through a hall filled with Ravana's wives.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

 Hanuma, the son of Vayu, saw a best tall building and a wide one in the middle of that best group of houses. That building of Ravana filled with many edifices was half a Yojana long and one Yojana tall. Hanuma, the destructor of enemies, moved around in all directions searching for Seetha the wide eyed daughter of King of Videha. Thereafter, Hanuma the glorious one neared and observed the best residence of Rakshasas and the house of Ravana, containing elephants with four tusks and also those with three tusks, those with two tusks and still not crowded. It was protected by soldiers bearing raised weapons. That building surrounded by the wives of Ravana, by demonesses, and princesses brought by strength, was like an ocean filled with crocodiles, big fishes, sharks and other fishes, moved by the speed of wind, and together with serpants. Whatever wealth is at Kubera, whatever riches at Indra with green horses, all that affluence was at Ravana's house. That wealth was always without reduction. Whatever was the fortune of Kubera the King of Yakshas, of Yama and of Varuna, the same fortune or even greater treasure was at this house of Ravana.

Hanuma saw another house in the middle of that house, a well built one consisting of many elephants in rut. Whatever wonderful aeroplane by the name of Pushpaka, decorated with all kinds of precious stones, made by Visvakarma in heaven for lord Brahma, whatever plane Kubera obtained by great austerity from Lord Brahma, Ravana obtained that plane by prowess defeating Kubera. Supported by pillars decorated with images of wolves, with silver and golden hue and which were well made, radiant with splendour, decorated all around with rooms equalling Mount Meru and Mount Mandara, as though touching the sky with an auspicious shape. Well made by Visvakarma and resembling Fire and Sun in splendour, with stairways made of gold and with beautiful and best platforms. With windows and ventilation holes made of gold and also made of crystal, with platforms made of sapphires and emeralds. Shone by floors embellished with corals of strange hue and with precious stones of great value, with pearls without comparison. Reddish and resembling gold, together with sandal wood having a good smell and brilliant like the Sun at noon. The great Hanuma alighted the best aeroplane called Pushpaka with an excellent form decorated by rows of upper floors.

That Hanuma then being there, smelled a wonderful sweet fragrance like wind with an appearance, created from drinks and foods, including cooked rice diffused on all sides. That sweet smell was as though saying thus to that Hanuma : "Come here!", like a relative to a best relative pointing to there wherever that Ravana was. Hanuma started thereafter there (in that direction) and saw an auspicious great hall, close to heart of Ravana, like a delightful best woman. That hall was made of stairways embedded with diamonds, decorated with golden windows, with a floor embellished with crystal, with shapes made from ivory in the middle. Well decorated with pearls, corals and also with silver and gold and with diamond studded pillars and also decorated with many pillars. By pillars slightly bent with no distortion, which were very tall and well decorated all over, that hall was as though starting for sky with very high wings. Covered by a wonderful large carpet with all earth's characteristics like rivers, mountains, oceans, forests, painted over, that hall was like the vast earth together with states and rows of houses. It was resounded by birds in heat, made fragrant by excellent perfumes, hung with best tapestries and inhabited by the king of rakshasas. It was made smokey by the fumes of agallocum. It was a pure one white like a swan, wonderful by the decoration of flowers, like divine cow with a great radiance. That excellent hall was causing happiness to heart, causing a fair complexion, destroying sorrow and was as though producing prosperity. Like a mother, then that hall governed by Ravana caused satisfaction to all five sensory organs with all the excellent five objects of the senses.

Hanuma thought thus : "This is heaven! This is indeed the abode of Devas! This is a city of Indra. This might be the result of a great austerity." Like gamblers defeated by greater gamblers in gambling, Hanuma saw golden hued lamps being still, as though in thought. "This building shines by the light of lamps and the brilliance of Ravana and also due to the radiance of jewellery."

Thereafter Hanuma saw a thousand of best women sitting on the rug with clothing of various colours and decorated in a variety of ways. Then at the turn of midnight, those women slept deeply resting after playing during night, with a deep sleep caused by liquor. That sleeping group of women, adorned with jewels which were not making sound, shone like a great park of lotuses with calm swans and bees. Hanuma saw faces of those best women, with teeth covered by lips with closed eyes and with lotus fragrance. At that time, those faces shone which became like lotuses in blossom during day time and again were like lotuses with closed petals at night. Hanuma thought that drunk bees definitely are desiring again and again these lotus faces like lotuses in blossom. The glorious great Hanuma thought as above by recourse to reason. He also thought thus "Those faces equal lotuses by their qualities such as beauty, fragrance, and others". That hall of Ravana's being shone by those women, glittered like a calm cloudless sky in autumn shone by stars. That lord of Rakshasas surrounded by those women shone like the radiant moon surrounded by stars. Then Hanuma thought thus : "Whatever meteors together with residue of piety fall down from the sky, all those meteors had been together as these women". There the luster, complexion and grace of those women clearly resembled great stars which emitted an auspicious radience. Those women with dishevelled large thick garlands and scattered excellent jewels during the time of drinking, dancing etc., were with consciousness stolen by sleep. Best women with disturbed sacred marks (tilaka) on forehead became with displaced anklets, became with necklaces fallen off to side. Some other women became tied with pearl necklaces, some others became with tied-up waist ornaments (and) resembled young female horses who had walked long. Some others wearing nice earrings with flower garlands that were torn and disturbed, resembled creepers, tread upon by an elephant in a big forest. Big pearl necklaces with the radiance of moon-rays in the middle of breasts of some other women shone like sleeping swans. And of some other women, necklaces made with cat's eye gems resembled birds called Kadambas and for some others golden chains were like Chakravaka birds. Those women with buttocks resembling sand dunes, shone like rivers filled with swans and birds called Karandas and decorated by Chakravaka birds. Those sleeping women shone like rivers with their smiles as flower buds, with golden jewellery as big lotuses, with their behaviours as crocodiles, with fame as banks. Auspicious lines of decoration which were on smooth parts of some other women and on nipples, were like jewellery. Edges of clothing worn by them disturbed by air from breathing of some other women, were being fluttered again and again on their faces. Those edges of clothes with various beautiful colours, shone at the base of Ravana's wives' throats like hoisted flags of beautiful shine. Here ear-rings of some beautiful women with a good glory, also moved lightly due to the air from breathing of those women. Then comforting breath from the faces of those women, by nature fragrant with the smell of liquor made of Sarkara, served Ravana. Some women of Ravana smelled co-wives' faces again and again imagining them to be face of Ravana. Those best women with greatly devoted mind in Ravana, then not being on own will, brought delight only to their co-wives. Some other women slept there, making as pillows their arms decorated with bracelets and beautiful clothes. Another woman slept on another's bosom, again another woman slept on her shoulder, another woman slept on another woman's thigh and another slept on her breasts. Overcome with heat and friendship, they resorted to thighs, sides, waist and back of one another, with mutual limbs placed on one another. That garland of women tied with the rope of each other's shoulders shone like a flower garland with dragon flies on it tied in thread. That group of women of Ravana, tied by each other as garland with mixed group of flowers, with beautiful shoulders entwined promiscuously, hair like an exalted garden with a flower garland tied together of creepers in bloom due to the caress of the lord of wind in the vernal in the month of Vaisakha, with entwined beautiful trees. Then it was not possible to make clear the knowledge of jewellery, body parts and clothes of those women even for those used to them. While Ravana slept comfortably, golden lamps shining brilliant, were as though seeing without closing eyes, those women of various glows. Women of royal sages, brahmanas and demons and of Gandharvas, of Rakshasas - all those unmarried girls surrendered from lust to Ravana. All those women had been stolen by Ravana with a desire for war, some together with heat of youth obtained Ravana being desired by god of love. There, even one woman had not been obtained forcefully by the strong Ravana, except for that daughter of Janaka, Seetha. Every other woman had been obtained by her character alone and there was no woman who had desire in another man, and there also was none with another lover. And there was no wife of his without a good lineage, there was no one with less beauty, no one without skill, no one without service, none with low intellect, no one without causing desire to lover.

Following thought occurred to Hanuma with a pious mind : "It would have been good for this Ravana if the virtuous wife of Rama had been left happy with her husband in the same such manner as these wives of the king of rakshasas." Hanuma became gloomy and thought thus: "Seetha is definitely the best by virtues; then this lord of Lanka even though being great otherwise, did an evil and an un-gentlemanly deed with her.

Thus, this is the 9th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India. 

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 10

In this Chapter Hanuma has first glimpse of Ravana in his house. He also observes various wives of Ravana sleeping in the house. He sees Mandodari and thinks her to be Seetha.

In that house while observing Hanuma saw a portion of house with beds and couches, consisting of best couches equaling those in heaven made of crystal decorated with diamonds with wonderful parts made of ivory and gold, covered with best beds made of cat's eye gems of great value. Hanuma saw in a part of that room an umbrella white in colour decorated with best flower garlands and resembling moon - the lord of stars. Hanuma saw an excellent couch made of gold with radiance equalling that of fire, spread by garlands of Ashoka flowers. Fanned by women with fans in their hands in all the four directions and obtained by various fragrances fumigated by the best incense. Covered by an excellent bed spread by sheep skin everywhere and shone by rows of excellent garlands. Hanuma saw Ravana in that house, equalling a cloud, wearing earrings with a brilliant shine with red eyes and with long arms wearing gold clothes. With his body smeared with red sandal-wood, with good fragrance like a cloud in the red sky at sunset, together with groups of lightening. Ravana was fiilled with excellent jewellery, with a good appearance, with an ability to assume desired form, resembling mount Mandara in sleep together with groups of trees and bushes. Resting after having pleasure at night, bedecked with the best ornaments, he was a lover to the rakshasa girls and causing comfort to rakshasas. That great Hanuma saw the gallant king of rakshasas in sleep on a shining couch resting after drinking. That Hanuma, best among Vanaras neared Ravana, became very gloomy and moved away with great dread, as though from a hissing serpent. Thereafter the great Hanuma neared staircase, sought another dias and observed closely Ravana. The excellent couch of the sleeping Ravana shone like a great lake when a scented elephant resides in it. That Hanuma also saw the wealthy Ravana's arms tied with golden armlets thrown apart resembling flag staffs raised in honour of Indra. Those arms had wounds made by stabbing from the pointed edges of tusks of Iraavata and fleshy shoulders smeared with diamond and hit by Vishnu chakra. These arms of Ravana were opulent with well grown and equal strong shoulders proportionate to body, with knees and thumbs of good characteristic, with good fingers and palms. With strong joints in the shape of club, round in shape resembling the trunks of an elephant like five headed snakes thrown on clean couch. Shoulders well smeared by best sandal with good smell and very cool resembling a hare's blood, well decorated, massaged by the best women, served by the best sandal which made yakshas, nagas, gandharvas, devas and daanavaas scream. That Hanuma saw there arms on the couch like great serpents in anger sleeping in the middle of mount Mandara. That king of Rakshasas equalling a mountain with those shoulders, which were well built and shone like Mount Mandara with twin peaks. From the great face of that king of Rakshasas who was sleeping, came out breath fragrant like the flowers of chuuta and punnaaga, consisting of the best fragrance of Vakula flowers, together with the flavour of best cooked rice, with the smell of liquor as though filling that house. That Hanuma saw in the house of that king of Rakshasa's, wives at the feet, being a gigantic one with loving wives, shone with crown tilted to the side, having strange hue with pearls and diamonds and of golden colour, with a face made brilliant made by earrings, shone with the chest region smeared with red sandal shining with a necklace wide, high and corpulent,t with a silk cloth of white colour falling on him, with eyes reddish like blood, well tied by a best cloth of yellow colour and of very best quality, resembling a heap of black beans, snoring like a hiss of a snake, like an elephant sleeping in the middle of water belonging to the great river Ganga with all the four directions shone by the four lamps of golden colour, resembling a cloud with all the parts being shone by groups of lighting. The leader of Vanaras saw those wives of Ravana with faces the radiance of moon, adorned with beautiful earrings, wearing jewellery and flower garlands which were not worn out. Hanuma saw wives of Ravana with skill in dance and musical instruments who obtained the shoulders of Ravana wearing the best jewellery being in sleep. He saw earrings of those women at the end of ears with embedded diamonds and cats eye gems and having golden colour. With the faces of those women with delicate earrings which were equal to moon and auspicious that house shone like the sky with clusters of stars. Women of that Ravana being tired from lustful passion and exertion and having lean waists slept at opportunity. Another woman with skill in dancing consisting of delicate body postures slept in the same way with all her body parts making the same dance postures. One women hugging veena and sleeping was shining like a lotus plant thrown away by the flow of a great river and resorting a boat. Another woman with black eyes sleeping with an instrument called madduka under arm pit shone like a woman carrying an infant boy with love. A woman with beautiful body features with beautiful breasts slept tightly hugged instrument called pataha as though hugging a lover getting him after a long time. Another woman with lotus like eyes hugging a flute slept like a woman with lust holding her lover in secret. Another woman skilled in dance obtainied sleep getting an instrument like veena and being in tune with it like a woman together with her lover. Another woman with lusty eyes slept hugging a percussion instrument called mridanga with her body parts which were pleasant which resembled gold and which were smooth and fleshy. Another woman with thin stomach who was not to be blamed slept due to tiresomesness from lust together with an instrument called Padama between her shoulders and reaching arm pits. Another woman with an instrument called Dindinma near her got that DiNDimam slept in the sameway as a woman hugging her husband and also her child. Another woman with eyes like lotus petals slept making the instrument called adambara pressing it by her shoulders being desired by lust. Another woman sleeping felling down a small pot shone like a flower garland with the flowers of strange hue made auspicious in spring. Another woman slept hugging her breasts resembling golden pots by her hands overcome with sleep. Another woman with eyes like lotus petals, with her face resembling full moon, overcome with lust slept hugging another woman with a beautiful hip region. Some excellent women slept hugging strange instruments and pressing them with breasts as though lustful woman with lusty men. That Hanuma saw among those women a very beautiful woman sleeping on an auspicious couch arranged alone at a side. Hanuma saw Mandodari with a beautiful form together with diamonds and pearls, well decorated by jewellery and with her self radiance as though decorating that great building with a fair complexion and with a radiance like golden colour, who was dear to her husband the lady of women in that gynaeceum sleeping there. That Hanuma with great arms seeing the woman well decorated, in logic thought : "this is Seetha by the wealth of her appearance and her youth". That warrior of Vanaras was delighted together with great pleasure. He clasped his arms, kissed his tail; he was delighted; he was playful; sang, paced showing his simian nature; climbed pillars and fell down on land. Thus, this is the 10th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Thus, this is the 10th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 11

Realizing that the woman he saw at Ravana's house was not Seetha, Hanuma begins to search again for Seetha.

 The great Hanuma then removing that thought became with the right mind and had another thought about Seetha. He then removing that thought became with the right mind and had another thought about Seetha. Some women were tired from erotic dalliance and then some other women were tired from singing; some others were weary from dance and were unconscious from consumption of liquor, some women were stationed on tabors, on Mrudangas, on seats, some other women rested on chief carpets. The warrior among Vanaras saw a thousand of women decorated by jewellery with a nature of talking about beauty, conversing about the correct meaning of songs being sung, behaving according to time and place, wont to speak appropriate words, indulged in sleep after sexual dalliance.  In the middle of that group of women, Ravana with great arms shone like a bull in the middle of cows in a big cow-pen.

 That Ravana himself surrounded by those women, shone like a great elephant surrounded by she elephants in a great forest.  The best among Vanaras saw in that wealthy Ravana's house a bar also, consisting of all desirables.  Hanuma saw there in that bar, meat of dear and of buffalo, of wild boar kept separately. Hanuma saw half eaten peacocks and chicken in wide vessels of golden colour. He observed meat of pigs and goats, porcupines, deer and peacocks preserved in curds and sochal salt.

Hanuma saw birds called Krakara cooked ready to be eaten in variety of ways, birds called Chakoras half eaten, wild buffalos, fishes called ekashleya, goats, food to be licked of various kinds, beverages and various foods. In the same way that floor was obtaining glory greatly with Ragas and Shadabas seasoned with sour and salty sauces, with necklaces, anklets and armlets of great value thrown around, with various fruits left in drinking vessels, with flowers sprinkled. That bar was seen as though radiant without fire, with couches and chairs well arranged and placed there and there. Many meats of different kinds cultured with various best seasonings, well arranged separately obtained that bar. Excellent and clear various liquors, a liquor called Sura, liquor made of sugar,  liquor made of honey, liquor made of flowers and liquors made of fruits also, artificially made liquors - those and those were cultured separately with various fragrant powders. The floor shone filled by flower garlands in a variety of forms, with various vessels of golden hue and also made of crystal, filled with other small vessels of golden colour.

Hanuma saw indeed then lot of best quality liquor in pots of silver and of golden colour. Vessels full of liquor of golden colour, embedded with gem stones and also of silver hue.  He saw at some places drinks half filled and at some places completely drunk and some places not at all drunk.

Hanuma paced about seeing at some places various eatables and at some places drinks separately, and at some places remnants of cooked rice,  some places with vessels broken, some places with pots in shambles, some places with water together with flower garlands and fruits.

Here couches again of women were varied and clean, some best women slept there hugging one another. Some women conquered by the power of sleep pulled other sleeping women's clothing and slept covering themselves. Clothing and garland on the throats of those women was moving slightly and wonderfully as though obtaining air from the air of breath. There wind blew carrying in a lot of directions, a variety of fragrances of cool sandal-paste and of sweet liquor, of various flower garlands and of various kinds of agallocum fumes. Then the blossoming fragrance from the baths and sandal paste and from agallocum fumes blew spreading all around in that Pushpaka plane. There in that Ravana's house, some women had fair and white complexion some best women were black, some women had a body of golden complexion. Appearance of those sleeping women, tired from being possessed by sleep and from lust, was like lotuses sleeping. Hanuma with great radiance thus saw entire Ravana's house completely but did not see Seetha.

Then that Hanuma seeing those women obtained great anguish being in doubt because of fear in the matter of dharma. “My this seeing sleeping house of other people's wives will do a great deficit to dharma. My sight is indeed not in the matter of other wives here. These other’s wives have been seen by me."

To that Hanuma with an excellent mind, with a fixed and concentrated mind, was born another thought again, showing a fixed resolve in the task at hand. “All Ravana's women who were in faith could have been seen by me, to my mind there indeed was not even a little disturbance. Among auspicious or inauspicious states in the behavior of all senses mind is the reason. My that mind is very steady. By me it is not possible to search Seetha at another place. Always during search women will be seen among other women. To an animal of whatever race that animal is searched in that race; a woman missing is not possible to be searched among female deer. For that reason all this Ravana's house has been search by me with a pure mind Seetha alone cannot be seen."

The strong Hanuma observing girls from devas, gandharvas and girls from nagas did not see Janaki. He then not seeing Her there and seeing other best women then started to think deeply going far from there. That Hanuma the glorious one adopting a great task again left that bar and began to search that house.

Thus, this is the 11th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India. 

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 12

In this chapter Hanuma gets discouraging thoughts about Seetha. He thinks that Seetha might be dead. He thus gets into depression for a moment.

That Hanuma interested in sight of Seetha, in the middle of that building, went towards houses made of plant creepers, art houses, and nocturnal houses but did not see Her with a beautiful appearance. He then later not seeing that Seetha dear to Rama thought thus: “To me searching Seetha in whatever way appearance not being obtained, from that Seetha definitely has died. That Seetha standing in the best traditional path being chaste interested, in preserving her character must have been killed by the king of these Rakshasas who performed evil deeds - this is certain. That daughter of King Janaka died of fear seeing the wives of Ravana with crooked appearances - horrible ones without radiance with great faces with long and crooked eyes. Without seeing Seetha, not obtaining destiny and wandering for a long time together with Vanaras, to me there is not a path to go near Sugreeva. Sugreeva has a sharp punishment and also is strong. All inner city has been seen. Women of Ravana have been seen. The chaste Seetha has not been seen. My effort became wastefull. To me who has gone back all Vanaras after meeting what they would say? O strong one! Going there, what has been done by you? Tell that to us. Without seeing that Seetha what can I say? Due to passing of time, definitely they will obtain fire. To me who had gone for the other shore of the ocean what will the old Jambavan say? What would that Angada and vanaras who meet say? Non-depression is root of development. Absence of despondency is the greatest comfort. Self reliance always is indeed the promoter in all matters. Whatever action a human does that action of man is made to be successful by non-depression. For that reason I will perform a best effort together with non-depression. I will search all those regions ruled by Ravana not yet seen.Bars have been searched; in the same way flower houses, art houses have been searched, again pleasure houses, pathways in the middle of gardens, buildings in all directions have been searched.”

Thus thinking Hanuma began to search again undergrounds, houses at the beginning of street intersections and also small houses faraway from the main houses. The great Hanuma flying again and again and jumping down, standing up, walking, opening doors, pushing doors and entering inside, coming out, climbing down, climbing up wandered all opportunity.

 That Hanuma in that city of Ravana - whatever region he did not go that region was not there even for four angulas. Streets between fort walls, platforms together with the intersection of four streets, wells, lakes all these had been seen by him. Rakshasa women of various forms, with crooked forms and horrific forms had been seen there by Hanuma but not that Seetha. The best Vidhyadhara women incomparable by beauty in the world had been seen there by Hanuma, but not Seetha. Naaga women with beautiful buttocks, with faces equaling full moon had been seen by Hanuma there, but not Seetha with a beautiful waist. Naaga women who had been stolen forcefully, being defeated by Ravana had been seen there by Hanuma, not that Seetha.

 That Hanuma with great arms, the wise one, the son of Vayu not seeing that Seetha and seeing other women became depressed again and again. Seeing the effort of the best Vanaras and the crossing of ocean as being wasted, Hanuma got depression again. Thereafter the son of Vayu, Hanuma got down from Pushpaka, obtained thought with a mind overcome with grief.

Thus, this is the 12th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose Sarga 13

In this chapter Hanuma starts to search for Seetha overcoming the depression. He begins to go towards Ashoka garden to continue his search.

Hanuma the leader of Vanaras crossed from pushpaka toward the fort wall and became with speed like lighting in the middle of a cloud.

The simian Hanuma went far from the house of Ravana and not seeing Seetha, the daughter of King Janaka, said these words:  “The city of Lanka has been mostly explored by me attempting for the pleasure of Rama. But I am unable to see Seetha, beautiful in all limbs, and the daughter of Videha. All earth consisting of pools, ponds, lakes and streams, rivers and forest areas filled with water, mountains difficult of access have been explored but I did not see Seetha.”

 “It has been said by the eagle King Sampati that Seetha is here in the house of Ravana. I am unable to see her. Otherwise Seetha belonging to Videha born in Mithila and daughter of king Janaka - Can she be helplessly together with the evil minded Ravana.”

 “I think while Ravana fearing Rama’s arrows flew quickly carrying Seetha, she might have fallen down in the middle of the journey. Or I think the heart of the noble Seetha being stolen in the path served by Siddhas must have sunk at the site of the ocean. I think due to great speed of Ravana and due to the torture of Ravana’s shoulders the life has been given up by that noble one with wide eyes.”

“Then while being flown upon the surface of the ocean, Seetha definitely fell down in the ocean while wriggling. Or has the austere Seetha been eaten by this Ravana, the evil minded one while she was protecting her chastity without any relatives near her.”

 “Otherwise not being evil with black eyes, She may have been eaten by the wives of Ravana with evil thoughts. The pitiable Seetha equaling full moon, with eyes equaling lotus petals must have obtained death while meditating upon Rama’s face.”

 “The daughter of Videha, Seetha. ‘O Rama!’ ‘O Lakshmana!’ ‘O Ayodhya!’, thus weeping greatly may have given up her body. I think otherwise being put in the house of Ravana Seetha is definitely crying like a caged myna. How can the daughter of King Janaka, Rama’s wife Seetha with a beautiful waist, with eyes like black lotus petals obtain Ravana’s capture.”

 “To be let known becomes an error; not to let know becomes an error how to perform the duty? To me this seems dire situation. This task while it goes this way the time is approaching. What becomes appropriate” thus Hanuma thought again this view point.”

 “If I go towards Sugreeva’s city from here without seeing Seetha from that to what avail will this effort be? My crossing of the ocean entering the city of Lanka the site of rakshasas - all this will become waste. To me reaching Kishkindha what would Sugreeva say or Vanaras there or those sons of Dasharatha what would they say?”

 “Going there by me for Rama, ‘Seetha has not been seen’ - thus if I say a very unpleasant word thereafter Rama will give up life. Hearing bad word belonging to Seetha that is harsh, horrible, cruel, sharp, sense agonizing, He will not exist.”

 “Seeing that Rama being with troubles, being with a heart towards death, Lakshmana, one with great love and an intellectual will not exist. Hearing brothers to be dead, Bharata also will die. Seeing the dead Bharata, Shatrughana also will not exist.”

 “Thereafter seeing sons to be dead the mothers Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi will not exist - there is no doubt. Grateful, true to pledge Sugreeva, the leader of Vanaras, seeing Rama the leader of Vanaras seeing Rama die in that way will give up life thereafter. Being tortured by the sorrow of husband, made sad by a gloomy heart, disconsolate without happiness, to be pitied, Ruma will give up life.”

 “Being distressed from the sorrow of Vali, being emaciated from grief, Tara also will not exist while the king Sugreeva is obtaining death. The young Angada also from the death of mother and father, from the grief of Sugreeva - why will he retain life?”

 “Vanaras being rejected by the sorrow due to their lord will strike their heads with palms and fists. Vanaras loved by the famous king Sugreeva through good words, through small gifts, through respect will give up lives. Best among Vanaras will not enjoy together sport in forest, not on mountains, not again in covered places.”

 “Together with wife and children and together with ministers being tortured by grief of their lord, they will fall down from top of mountains on to flat lands and on to rugged lands. Vanaras will perform death by taking poison or getting hanged or entering fire or fasting or a weapon.”

 “While I am going I think about the destruction of Ikshvaaku dynasty and destruction of Vanaras and there will be a terrible wail. I will not go from here to the Kishkindha city. I am not capable to see Sugreeva without Seetha. I while not going, being here those virtuous ones, those great warriors those two Rama and Lakshmana will live by hope. Vanaras also who are agile will live.”

 “Without seeing Seetha subsisting on whatever falls on hand, whatever comes to mouth, being self restrained I will become a hermit living on trees and herbs at a region near ocean which has many roots, fruits and much water. Or I will enter fire which is glowing after making a funeral pile or while sitting performing fasting onto death my body will be eaten by crows and by beasts of prey.”

 “This way to giving up body has been seen by sages. This is my opinion if I do not see Seetha, I will enter lot of water. Not seeing Seetha, my garland of glory of long time with a strong foundation, beautiful one together with fame has been destroyed. I will become a hermit who is self restrained resorting to trees and herbs, I will not go from here not seeing Seetha with black eyes.”

 “If I go back from here without knowing that Seetha, there will not be Angada together with all those Vanaras. There are lots of blemishes in dying; one who is alive sees auspicious things. For that reason I will keep my life. It is definite for the meeting of people who are alive.”

Hanuma carrying in mind sorrow of various kinds again and again did not get then the crossing of sorrow.

 “Otherwise I will kill Ravana with ten heads, with great prowess. Whatever happened to the stolen Seetha, this will be revenge to that. Otherwise carrying this Ravana over the surface of ocean I will take him to Rama like an animal to the lord of animals.”

Hanuma not seeing that Seetha thus begetting sorrow, thought with a mind cluttered with thoughts and sorrow.

 “To wherever I see Seetha, the wife of Sri Rama and one with fame, till there I will search the city of Lanka again and again. Based on words of Sampati if I bring Sri Rama then Sri Rama not seeing wife will burn all Vanaras. With limited food and with restrained senses, I live here itself. By my deed those men and vanaras - let they not be destroyed.”

 “Whatever this Ashoka garden with great trees is being seen this I will obtain. This has not been searched by me. Saluting the eight Vasus, Rudras and Adityas, the two Aswinis, seven Maruts, I will go to increase the grief of Rakshasas. Defeating all rakshasas, I will give Seetha, who gives happiness to Ikshvaaku dynasty to Sri Rama as the fruit of austerity to an ascetic.”

The gloried son of Vayu that Hanuma got up with his senses tied by grief.

"Salutation to Rama, together with Lakshmana Salutation to that Seetha, the divine lady. Salutations to Rudra the god of destruction, Indra the lord of celestials, Yama the lord of Death and the wind-god. Salutations to Chandra the moon-god, Arka the sun-god and all the hosts of Maruts, the strom gods."

That Hanuma saluting to all those and also to Sugreeva, observing all directions went towards Ashoka garden. The son of Vayu, that Vanara went by mind before itself toward that Ashoka garden. The auspicious one pondered the task to be done later.

 “The Ashoka garden definitely will be with many rakshasas, filled with trees, adorned with various cultures and sacred. There definitely guards will be protecting assigned, trees, omnipresent Lord Vayu also will be blowing by without force, and by me this body has been made small for the sake of Sri Rama and to avoid Ravana.”

 “Devas together with ascetics will make success to me here, self born Brahma the divine one and devas and Agni and Vaayu, Devendra wearing the weapon of Vajra and Varuna with Pasha in hand and also the Sun and the moon and the aswinis. The great ones Maruts and Eshwara may give my success. Whoever is the lord of all living creatures among all living beings others who being unseen exist in the path may give success to me.”

 “When will I see that noble face with a high nose, with white teeth without any injuries with a bright smile, with eyes resembling lotus petals with sight equaling the splendor of clear full moon? How that powerless Seetha, a helpless one, forcefully taken away by the mean vile Ravana with a cruel action, with a horribly decorated form will fall in the range of my sight today.”

Thus, this is the 13th chapter in Sundara Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem of India.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 14

That Hanuma with great resplendence thought for a moment, obtained that Ashoka garden by mind and jumped from the compound wall of that house.

That great Hanuma with joyful limbs, being on enclosure wall saw various trees such as Sal, beautiful Ashoka, Champaka full of flowers, Uddalaka, Naga, mango trees with their fruit in the colour of the snout of a monkey, in full blossom at the start of the spring. Thereafter Hanuma flew like a Naracha arrow released from bow string, toward the garden covered by mango trees and surrounded by hundreds of creepers. He the simian, saw on entering that garden filled with happy humans, animals and birds with varied hues during spring, resounded by birds, with trees made of silver, made of gold, surrounded everywhere by birds and groups of animals; wonderful with wonderful trees equaling the Sun at sunrise together with trees of various kinds which obtained flowers and fruits, served daily by Cuckoos and by dragon flies, resounded by peacocks in heat and with groups of birds of various kinds.

Hanuma searching the royal daughter Seetha with excellent limbs and without blame, woke up birds in comfortable sleep.

Trees hit by wings of groups of birds in flight shed showers of flowers of various colours and of various kinds. The son of Lord Vayu, Hanuma sprinkled with flowers shone like a mountain of flowers in the middle of Ashoka garden. Seeing Hanuma running in all directions and being in the middle of trees, all living creatures thought Him to be Vasanta, the lord of spring.

There the Earth sprinkled by flowers of various kinds which fell down from trees shone like a well decorated woman. Then those trees, shaken by the might of Hanuma the mighty one, showered wonderful flowers. The trees with their branches, removed leaves with fallen down fruits and flowers were like defeated gamblers with their clothes and jewellery kept down. The excellent trees shining with best flowers fell down instantly flowers, leaves and fruits. All those trees losing groups of birds became being a resort to branches only like trees shook by wind. Hit by Hanuma’s tail, hands and feet, Ashoka garden with broken best trees became like a young woman with disturbed hair, with effaced sandal paste, with her auspicious teeth and lips drunk from and wounded by nails and by teeth.

Hanuma broke circles of great creepers by His might like the wind during rainy season, breaking the groups of clouds of mountain Vindhya. Hanuma pacing there saw diamond studded floors, silver inlaid floors, and beautiful gold inlaid floors. He saw ponds filled with the best waters, together there and there with stairs embedded with diamonds of great value, with pearls and corals as sand, with bottoms made of crystal and precious stones, shone by trees of golden hue and of wonderful hue at banks containing beds of lotuses in full blossom and lilies, resounded by chakravaka birds nearby, sounded by water fowls, resounded by swans and cranes, together with tall trees, with nectar like waters, with hundreds of auspicious creepers, covered by the flowers of santaana trees, surrounded by various shrubs with middle regions of karaveera and also wells and in various shapes.

Thereafter the monkey warrior Hanuma saw a mountain which was a beautiful mountain in the world, equaling cloud with high peaks, with wonderful peaks surrounded in all directions by peaks, spread by caves and covered by different trees.

Hanuma saw river which fell down from the mountain like a beloved (young wife) who fell down after jumping from the lap of a loved one shone by trees whose ends fell down in water or like a woman in anger being detained by her near and dear. That great Hanuma again saw that river with water, turning back like a beloved woman reaching her beloved again, being reconciled to her beloved one.

The best among vanaras and the son of Vayu, that Hanuma saw near to that mountain, lotus ponds together with many groups of birds.

He also saw an artificial pond filled with cold water, with steps embedded with best diamonds, shone by the sand of pearls, wonderful forest with very big buildings made by Vishwakarma, with groups of artificial trees decorated in all directions. There whatever trees were there with flowers and fruits, all those were together with umbrellas, together with big platforms and with smaller golden platforms. He saw one shimshupaa tree golden in colour covered with many groups of creepers and with many leaves surrounded everywhere with platforms made of gold. He saw lands, mountain springs, and some other golden trees equal to fire.

Then the courageous Hanuma thought thus: “Like the sun by the radiance of Mount Meru, by the radiance of those trees, I am of golden colour.” Seeing that shimshupaa tree with groups of trees of golden colour blown by the wind, with the sound of hundreds of tinkle bells, Hanuma got surprised.

Hanuma with great arms climbing up that shimshupaa tree with well flowered ends, beautiful tree, mature with young shoots and leaves and covered by leaves (thought thus). “I will see by God’s grace, Seetha who is interested in the sight of Sri Rama while she is moving here and there with grief. This Ashoka garden of evil-souled Ravana is definitely beautiful; it is well decorated by Champaka trees, by sandal trees and by Vakula trees. This pond also served by groups of birds is beautiful; that wife of Sri Rama definitely will come for this pond. The wife of Sri Rama dear to Sri Rama, a chaste wife, soul captivating one, expert at moving in forest, that Janaki will definitely come. Otherwise one with the eyes of a deer, emaciated by the thought of Sri Rama, that noble one will come for this garden. Tortured by grief for Sri Rama, with beautiful eyes, interested always living in the garden, that Devi moving about in the garden will come. The beloved wife of Sri Rama, the daughter of king Janaka, the chaste wife, earlier always was interested the denizens of the garden. This is true. The ever youthful one with the best complexion, Seetha interested in the rites of Sandhya time will definitely come to this river with the auspicious water for Sandhya rite. Whoever Seetha, the auspicious wife, a dear one of Sri Rama, the king of kings, to that Seetha this Ashoka garden, an auspicious one, is well suited also. That Devi with the face like that of the moon, if alive, she definitely will come for this river with auspicious water."

The great-souled Hanuma thus thinking being concealed in the mass of well flowered leaves saw everything observing everywhere.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 16

Hanuma is grief stricken seeing the plight of Seetha, in that garden being surrounded by ogresses. He becomes firm in mind that She is indeed Seetha, based on Her auspicious bodily marks.

The best among vanaras praising that Seetha who is fit to be praised, and also praising Sri Rama pleasing with His virtues, became immersed in thought again. That Hanuma the radiant one thinking for a moment, cried about Seetha and became with eyes tormented with tears. 

“Respectable to Lakshmana, instructed by teachers, Seetha is also dear to teachers; if She is stricken with grief, destiny is indeed difficult to withstand. Knowing the effort of Sri Rama and of sagacious Lakshmana, Seetha is not worried a lot, like Ganga in the rainy season. Sri Rama is suited to Seetha with Her well matched character, age and conduct; with well matched pedigree and characteristics this black-eyed Seetha is also suited to Him.”

Seeing that Seetha with the radiance of new gold, like the goddess Laksmi, delightful to the world, Hanuma went by heart to Sri Rama spoke these words also. “For the sake of this Seetha, the wide eyed one, Vali of great strength has been killed, Kabanda also equalling Ravana in strength has been felled. In the forest during war Virada of horrible prowess has been killed by Rama by valour, like Sambara by Mahendra. At Janastaana fourteen thousands of rakshasas of terrible deed have been killed by arrows equalling tongues of fires.”

“By Rama with a famed mind, Khara has been killed, Trisira also has been fell down, Duushana with great glory also has been killed in war. For Her sake Sugreeva obtained wealth of vanaras ruled by Vali difficult to be obtained and worshiped by the world. For the sake of Her, with wide eyes, the ocean, lord of rivers and streams, has been crossed by me; this city also has been explored. If Sri Rama for Her sake turns upside down the earth with the ocean at the end, and the entire universe it is fair, this is my opinion.”

“Among three worlds, if it is a choice between kingdom or Seetha, the daughter of Janaka, all the kingdom of three worlds will not approach a sixteenth part of Seetha. This She is that Seetha, the daughter of king Janaka of Mithila, the great soul, and noble one with a firm resolution towards husband. While a field was being ploughed She rose up splitting the earth covered by auspicious dust of field equalling pollen.”

“She is the famed eldest daughter-in-law of king Dasaratha the valorous one, not turning back in the battle. This She the dear wife of Rama the righteous one, grateful one, knower of Self has obtained capture of demonesses. Whoever Seetha abandoning all comforts, forced by the love towards husband not thinking about sorrows, entering forest unpopulated with humans, being happy with fruits and roots, devoted to the service of Her husband, even in forest is getting great happiness like in a palace, the one with golden limbs, always with a smiling talk, not suited to misfortunes - that this Seetha is bearing all this suffering.”

“Sri Rama likes to see this Seetha who is endowed with excellent character and tormented by Ravana, like a thirsty one for a place where water is available freely. By Her gain again Sri Rama definitely will get happiness like a king who lost kingdom getting back the land.”

“Left by coveted enjoyments, lacking relatives also Seetha is keeping body desirous of meeting with Sri Rama. She is not seeing demonesses, not flowers, fruits or trees and with a single heart is meditating only on Sri Rama - this is sure. Husband is indeed the greatest adornment for a woman greater than jewellery this Seetha though deserving of decoration, is not looking charming without Sri Rama.”

“Sri Rama although bereft of Her that Lord Rama is doing an impossible task by retaining His body and not being depressed by sorrow. Knowing Her with black ended hairs, with lotus like eyes, deserving of comforts, and in sorrow, my mind also is gloomy. Whoever Seetha with earth-like patience, with eyes resembling lotuses, was protected by Sri Rama and Lakshmana, that Seetha now is being guarded by ogresses with crooked eyes at the base of a tree.”

“With lost glory like a lotus plant hit by snow, being tormented by a series of calamities, Seetha obtained a pitiable condition like a chakravaka bird without a companion. Ashoka trees with bent branches due to flowers are giving rise to gloom a lot to Her; Due to melting of snow the risen up moon also with thousands of rays is causing grief.”

The mighty one, the best among vanaras, quick one, Hanuma thus observed the subject: “This is Seetha!” - thus with a firm mind sat at that tree, leaning against it.

Thus completes 16th Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 17

In this chapter Hanuma sees Seetha surrounded by ogresses.

Thereafter the moon with a peaceful rise, with radiance equaling that of a group of lotuses, obtained the clear sky like a swan obtaining blue water. That moon with a peaceful glow served Hanuma with cool rays as though performing help with radiance. Thereafter Hanuma saw Seetha with a face like a full moon, put down by the weight of grief, like a ship sinking down in water due to weight.

Hanuma wanting to see Seetha saw nearby ogresses with horrible appearance - one with one eye; one with a single ear and also one with ears as covering, one with conch shell like ears, one with fattened nose up to head, one with lean and long neck, one with disheveled hair and also one without hair, one with blanket like hair, one with hanging stomach and breasts, one with hanging face, one with lips at chin, one with hanging face, one with hanging knees, one who is short, one who is tall and also hunch backed one, one who is distorted, a dwarf one and also one with high teeth and one with crooked mouth, one with green eyes and one with a horrible face.

Hanuma saw horrible ogresses, dark complexioned ones, angry ones, those who like quarrels, ones wearing big darts, mallets and clubs of iron, with faces like those of pigs, deer, tigers, buffaloes, goats, she-foxes, with feet like those of elephants, camels, horses, with heads sunk into bodies, with single hand and single foot, those ears like that of donkeys and horses, those with cow ears, those with elephant ears, those with monkey ears, and some others without nose, those with horizontal nose, those with crooked nose, those with elephant-like nose, toes with nose fixed in forehead, with feet like those of elephant, those with big feet, those with cow like feet, those with hair on their feet, those with big heads and necks, those with big nipples and big stomach, those with big eyes and mouths, with long tongues and nails, and also the a face like that of a she-goat, those with elephant like face, those with face like that of a cow, those with face of a she-pig, those with faces like those of horses, camels, donkeys, those with horrible appearance, ogresses carrying pikes and clubs in their hand, angry ones, those who like quarrels, those with high teeth, with hair color like that of smoke, with horrible faces, always drinking liquor, always desiring meat and liquor, with body smeared by meat and blood, with meat and blood as food, whose appearance made hair to stand up, sitting around a great tree with huge trunk.

Hanuma the glorious one saw that Seetha, the princess, daughter of Janaka, unblemished one below that tree. She was lack luster being tormented by grief, with hair covered by dirt, with merits exhausted, like star fallen from heavens onto ground. She was rich with fame of lofty character, poor due to not seeing husband, lacking excellent ornaments, with husband's love as ornament. Being held captive by Ravana, without any relatives, She was like a she-elephant without herd, being detained by a lion.

She was like moon being covered by clouds at the end of rainy season with an appearance lacking luster due to lack of contact with husband, was like an unplucked Veena. Hanuma saw Seetha being suited to be with her husband, in the custody of ogresses, in the middle of Ashoka garden being immersed in an ocean of grief. Hanuma saw Seetha there surrounded by those ogresses, like Rohini with planets, like a creeper without flowers. With body smeared with dirt, being graced by Her body, that Seetha shone and also did not shine, like a lotus-fiber covered with dirt.

The monkey Hanuma saw that Seetha with great beauty with black eyes, covered by a cloth which was creased and dirty, with eyes of a deer, with a pitiful face, not depressed due to the brilliance of her husband, protected by her own character. Hanuma became happy on seeing Seetha with eyes of a fawn, fearful like a she-deer, seeing trees with young shoots, as though being burnt by sighs, like a bundle of grief, with a wave of sorrow risen up. Hanuma the son of wind god on seeing Seetha that Seetha like the goddess earth, with well divided body parts shining eve without ornaments, obtained great joy. 

Hanuma on seeing Seetha there with intoxicating eyes shed tears of joy and also paid obeisance to Sri Rama. Being joyful on seeing Seetha, Hanuma the mighty one paid obeisance to Sri Rama and to Lakshmana and became covered with leaves.

Thus completes 17th Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.

Valmiki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda in Prose

Sarga 18

When Ravana woke up he remembered Seetha, and entered Ashoka garden with his best wives.

A little of the night was left while Hanuma was searching like that for Seetha in the garden with flowers in blossom. That Hanuma heard Vedic sounds early in the morning of Brahma Rakshasas well versed in six parts of Vedas and those who performed excellent sacrifices. 

Thereafter Ravana with great arms and great prowess was woken by the sounds of various auspicious musical instruments pleasing to the ear. The king of rakshasas with great might woke up at the appropriate hour wearing slippery flower garlands remembered about Seetha. 

In that Seetha's matter, directed a lot by the god of love and excited by passion, that Rakshasa was not capable to suppress in self that desire. Together with all ornaments wearing great glory that Ravana entered that Ashoka garden having a lot of trees with all fruits and flowers. 

Ravana entered that great wonderful Ashoka garden together with lakes, shone by various flowers, brilliant with birds always in rut. Ravana saw archways of gold and gems crowded by artificial deer of various kinds ravishing eyes and mind, filled with animals of various kinds, together with fallen fruits and full of trees. While he was going only a hundred of women followed that Ravana like Deva and Gandharva women following Indra.

There some women bore lamps of gold; some others carried chowries; some others had fans of Palmyra leaves in their hands. Some women carried water in small vessels of gold; some others followed in the back taking pillows with circular ends.

One woman to the right of Ravana held with her right hand a vessel with gem stones filled with liqour. Another woman went at back taking an umbrella equalling a royal swan with the radiance of full moon with a golden handle.

With sleepy eyes best women of Ravana followed mighty husband like lightning following a cloud.With displaced necklaces and armlets, with effaced cover of sandal-paste, with dishevelled hair, and also with sweaty faces, staggering due to surviving trace of liquor and due to sleepiness, with shrivelled flowers on perspiring bodies, with dishevelled hair along with good garlands, with intoxicating eyes, women who were dear wives followed that king of Rakshasas who was going due to respect and due to love.

Husband of those women, of great might, who was surrendered to lust, that Ravana also who was dull witted, with his mind interested in Seetha shone with a slow and beautiful gait. Thereafter that Hanuma, the son of wind-god heard the sound of waist-bands and the sound of anklets of those excellent women.

Hanuma the monkey saw that Ravana also, performer of deeds without an equal, with unfathomable might and virility, reaching the entrance region. Wettened by fragrant oil, being carried in front of Ravana, Hanuma saw Ravana being shone in all directions by many lamps. Hanuma saw Ravana together with lust, vanity and intoxication, with wide red eyes which were slanted, like the god of love in person with bow kept at a distance. Hanuma saw Ravana playfully readjusting his excellent upper garment with the luster of churned nectar froth, without stain, slipping being entangled in armlet.

Hanuma blended in a branch full of leaves covered by groups of leaves and flowers started to see that Ravana as though coming near Him. Thereafter Hanuma, the best among Vanaras looking in all directions saw best women of Ravana full of beauty and youth. 

King of great fame, Ravana, together with those women with good appearance entered that garden resounded by animals and birds. That king of Rakshasas who was intoxicated with wonderful ornaments, with pointed ears, son of Visravasa was like the moon together with stars, together with best women was seen by Hanuma. That great Vanara with great brilliance saw that Ravana with glory. The son of god of wind Vanara Hanuma of great brilliance thinking thus "This long armed one is Ravana", jumped down. 

Thus Hanuma although of terrible energy was overshadowed by Ravana's brilliance and became rooted behind a group of leaves and was concealed. That Ravana neared Seetha with black hair, with charming limbs with well knit breasts, with black corners of eyes, wishing to see Her.

Thus completes 18th Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic. 

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