Ramavijaya Book

m

IAIAVIJAYA. (

THE MYTHOLOGICAL HISTORY OF RAMA,

With

)

Illustrations.

S I ^ CT E

KANCA S

f

30 &M!3v&

I

Registered under Act

XXV of 1867.

DUBHASHI &

Co.,

GIRGAUM SACK ROAD.

1891 Price 12 Annas.

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1966

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BY

THE PUBLISHERS

PREFACE. Lord Macaulay begins

We

have always thought

his it

Essay on Clive thus: while the history

strange that,

of the Spanish empire in America is familiarly known to all the nations of Europe, the great actions of our countrymen in the

East should, even

among ourselves, excite little interest. Every who imprisoned Montezuma, and who strangled Atahualpa. But we doubt whether one in ten, even among English gentlemen of highly cultivated minds, can tell who won the battle of Buxar, who perpetrated the massacre of schoolboy knows

Dowlah ruled

Patna, whether Sujah or whether Holkar "What

was a Hindoo or a

Macaulay remarks

about the educated

in

Oude

or in Travancore,

Mussulman."

in these introductory lines of his

Englishmen

with

time may,

justice, be applied to the Hindus of the present day, who, though well versed in the details of the histories of foreign

nations, are ignorant of even the most important events in

the lives of their ancient

heroes

and

saints.

The reason

enough. All their time is taken Up in reading English authors and consequently works written in Vernacular are naturally neglected. It is, there of this

fore,

anomaly

with the

Purans

is

plain

object of imparting

some knowledge

of the

to such of the

English reading public as are either with unacquainted any of the Vernaculars of this country or as are unaccustomed to read Vernacular books, that we have undertaken to publish this series. Our thanks are due to those gentlemen who have kindly subscribed for

who have rendered

Bombay 1891.

the

publication as

well as to

those

us assistance in other ways.

DUBHASHI &

CO.

RAMAVUAYA. THE MYTHOLOGICAL HISTORY OF RAMA. Powlasti, a son of varni,

Bramhadev* was married

and he had a son

called

Vishrava.

A

to

Deva-

daughter

a Eishi, f was given away in marriage to Bramhadev Vishrava; and she had a son called Kuber. of Bharadwaja,

had created Lanka and given it to Kuber. While Kuber was ruling there, a demon came from Fatal J in the form The de of a Brahman and became very jealous of him.

mon

said to himself,

has no

"

country and this man to himself he gave in marriage to Vishrava with

Lanka "

right to rule here.

is

my

So saying

his daughter, Kakesi, a view to drive out Kuber of his country, Lanka, with the Vish help of the sons who would be born to her by him.

away

rava had got by Kakesi three demons, Havana,

and Vibhishana and two demonesses, Ha van and his brothers went Surpanakha.

karna,

KumbhaTateka and

to Gokarna, where they performed severe penances. Siva was pro pitiated by Havana, Bramhadev by Kumbhakarna, and Vishnu^ by Vibhishana. Bramhadev was pleased with

them and called upon them to ask him for blessings. Ha vana was blessed with a power to imprison all gods and also with wealth and learning. Kumbhakarna wanted such a blessing from Bramhadev as would enable him to

devour heaven and earth.

All the gods were, therefore, alarmed and prayed to the goddess, Saraswati, who induc ed the demon to ask the god for sleep. Bramhadev blessed *

The creating god of the universe, f A sage. J The re~ The destroying god of the universe, gions under the earth. ^ The protecting god of the universe. I"

2

Ramavijaya.

him with sleep, saying that the demon would rise every six months to eat his meals and indulge in all other luxu Vibhishana,was blessed with a power to pray always Havana and Kumbhakarana then collected all

ries.

to Vishnu.

demons including Kharadushana and

Trishira

and march

ed against Kuber to conquer Lanka. They fought with Kuber with bravery, but the latter repulsed them with heavy loss. Havana then went to Vishrava and brought

Kuber asking him to give Lanka to the de without any resistance. On reading the letter from his father he gave the country to Ravana and proceeded to heaven by a Viman* Mayasur, a demon, gave

his letter to

mon

daughter, Mandodari, in marriage to Ravana. a grand-daughter of Bali, was married to Kmnbhakarna, and Sharma, a daughter of a GandharvJ to his

away

Pirghajwala,

Ravana conquered all countries and devour Vibhishana. ed a large number of Brahmans and cows. He robbed Ivuber of his treasure and oppressed all other people. He had eight thousand wives, one lac of sons and one lac and twenty thousand

grand-sons.

He had

eighteen

who entertained him with music. slaves, and eight thousand torches

kshoyanis^ of musicians, All

kings

lighted his of

were his

sabha

Indra^ prayed

every night. to

Ravana

All mountains

for protection,

who

for fear

told

them

become elephants.

They accordingly became elephants whom he engaged as his servants. He then marched

to

A

severe against Indra with his eldest son, Meghanand. battle took place between the gods and the demons, but

were defeated by the latter. In that battle Meghanand flung down Indra with his hairawati$ and

the former

* A conveynance or a chariot serving as a throne through the skies, self -directed and self -moving. | A demi-god. J One

kshoyani consists of 21,870 chariots, 21,870 elephants, 1^09,350 A court. foot, and 65,610 horses. ^ The king of the gods. $

An

elephant,

3

Ramavijaya.

hence he was called India jit, the conquerer of Indra. All the gods were seized by Ravana and released on the condi tion that they

should serve him in his

household in dif

Indra ferent capacities. All the gods became his slaves served him as his butler, Chandra held a chatra* over ;

him, Kuber and Anil cleaned and washed

the things

all

washerman, and Agni Gabhasti as his page. Brahaspati was his pleader, Bramhadev his priest, and Narada always entertained him with Ravana became a great favourite of Siva and served

his house.

in

him

as his

singing.

by

;

his blessing

day

he had got ten faces and twenty hands.

proud of his

he,

prosperity,

went by

his

One

viman

to

when Nandi^ who was guard

Kailasa, the place of Siva,

ing the door of the abode in which the god lived, prevent ed him from entering it. The demon was greatly insult I do not care a fig ed at the conduct of ISTandi, and said "

of thee

and thy

master."

So saying he began to

when Siva cursed him and being and monkeys will kill thee

way

in,

at this

curse he

tried to pull

off

said to him, in a

"

force his

A human Enraged

battle."

the mountain

on which

the abode of Siva stood with a view to carry it to Lanka, when the god pressed it in such a manner that the domon-

king was confined to cried

and prayed

it

thousand years. He always during the time for his release.

for one

to Siva

One day the god pitied him and set him free. Thence he went to Sahasrarjun and praised his own strength there,

latter caught hold of him and put him in was ashamed and went to the kingdom of

when the

his arms.

He

He entered the Bali, who possessed prodigious strength. palace of the king and praised his valour and bravery, when the latter said in order to test his strength, There lie 1

"

the kundalas | of the demon, ^eranyakashapu, whom shnu had killked to protect Pralada. Just go and get the "Vi

%

* A large and lofty Ear -ornaments.

parasol,

f The bull on which Siva ridei.

4

Ramavijaya. here." Havana went them up, when Bali said

ornaments

to bring

not

to him,

lift

them but he could

"If

the kundalas, just get that die which fell my wife and I were playing together.

thou canst bring

down there, while Havana accord

ingly went to

bring the die but, to his great surprise, he could not remove it, when both Bali and his wife heartily

laughed at him. Havana, humbled as he was, set out for Lanka; but on the road he was robbed of his clothes and

ornaments and faces

and with

let off

with soot being applied to his ten

hands tied up behind like a prisoner. He was much troubled by the people on the road. Some threw dust at him, some slapped him in the face, some pulled

him by the beard and others made him

on a dung-hill. cibly

his

that he

sit

down

A

maid-servant of Bali caught him so for Vishrava implored her to spare his life.

then came there apd begged of Bali to make a present of the demon to him. His request was granted and Ravana was let off. The demon-king returned to Lanka with shame

and confusion. A few days after his return to Lanka he went to catch Vali, who carried him away in his arms to his house and tied him up to the cradle in which his son, Angada, was fast asleep. Vishrava came and requested Vali to set him free. Vali granted his request and, ap plying soot to

all

the faces of

Ravana, allowed him

to

go

One day he asked Bramhadev to inform him whose hands he would die, when the god told him that by to

Lanka.

he would die by the hands of Rama, a son of Dasharatha

and grand-son of Ajapal. Ravana got very indignant and he would kill Dasharatha and his wife by any means. Soon after, Ajapal made preparations for celebrat said that

ing the marriage of his son with Kausalya, when Narada told him to watch his son and daughter-in-law, because

Ravana would kill them under any circumstances. Where upon Ajapal took Dasharatha and Kausalya on board a ship in the sea far off and was about to tell his priest to

5

Ramavijaya.

perform their marriage, when Ravana attacked the ship at night with a large army of demons and broke her in All perished except Dasharatha and Kausalya. into a box and handed it over to a

the sea.

Rarana pat Kausalya fish,

which carried

there

for

safety.

it

to a desolate

island

and deposited

much with

Dasharatha struggled last he got into a broken

wares of the sea but at

it

the

vessel,

which was carried by the waves to the island, where the box was deposited by the fish. Dasharatha landed on the sea-shore

on

it

;

and seeing the box there he seated himself up Having got refreshed, he opened the box

for rest.

out of curiosity but, to his great surprise, he found in

salya

Narada came there

it.

in the

Kau

meantime and,

having perfonied their marriage, blessed them, saying that the god, Rama, would be born to them. In Lanka Ravana

He said asked the god, Bramhadev, about his prediction. has al he You Where is Dasharatha? to the god, know, "

ready perished in the sea." Bramliadev replied, "Long since Dasharatha has been married to Kausalya; and you will see

Rama

Ravana said, to them." If I Bramhadev them here." replied, then, get Ravana will you give me what them said, here, get

that "

be shortly born

will

Well

"

"I

?"

promise

to give

you whatever you

will

ask from

Bramhadev then went and brought the box from the and, having opened it, he showed the bride and

gro@m

to the

demon.

As soon

as he

island bride-

saw them, he got

exceedingly enraged and was about to cut

when Bramhadev stepped forward and

me."

off their

said to him,

heads, "

You

promised me that you would give me whatever.! would ask from you. I, therefore, ask you not to kill Dasharatha

and Kausalya.

Ravana

"

replied,

You may

ask

me

for

any other thing but I cannot spare the lives of those wretI do not want any other tched beings." Bramhadev said, "

Rahings from you but I want you to spare their lives. yana could not break his promise and accordingly spared

6

Ramavijaya.

Bramhadey then brought them to Ayodya, their lives. and placed Dasharatha on the throne of the country. One day while Ravana was going by his viman, he observ ed on the road a beautiful woman, who was the wife of a god and sought to outrage her modesty. She complained to Bramhadev against the conduct of the demon, when the god cursed him and said that if he would outrage the mo desty of any woman, he would be cut into one hundred fear of the curse he let her go and began to Brahmans and cows that came in his way. The earth trembled and went in the form of a cow to Bra mhadev with all the gods and Rishig and applied to him for I will be born in the family protection, when a voice said, and killing Ravana and of Dasharatha and called Rama all other demons, I will make all the gods and good people For the purpose of helping me the Shesha * on happy. which I lie, will be my second brother, who will be named pieces.

For

devour the

"

;

Lakshuman, the shankhaj which

my

third brother,

sudarshan^

my

who

will be

weapon,

will

be

is

in

called

hand, will bo Bharata and the

my

my fourth

brother,

who

will

be -named Shatrughana; and ye, all the gods, will be mon keys.- Siva will be Maruti; Bramhadev, Janbuvant; Dhanavantari, Sushen; Biahasapati,

Angada

the sun, Sugriva;

;

Agni, Nala; and Yama, Rashabha. Listening to the voice o Vishnu all the gods and Rishis were glad and returned to their respective places.

ed more wives,

At Ayodya Dasharatha marri

Sumitra and Kayakayi.

He

was an ac

complished prince and very dexterous in the use of dhanushabans. One day he dreamt a dream in which he found that he had killed an innocent

upon he asked

his

man and woman.

Where

guru*[ Vashista, a Rishi, to interprete

*

The king of the serpent-race, as a large, thousand head ed snakes, at once the couch and canopy of Vishnu and the up holder of the world which rests on one of its heads. f The .

cotLch-shell-.

J-

A

discus.

Bows and

arrows.

^ A spiritual teacher

7

Ramavijaya. the dream, dicates

when

the latter said to him,

bad omens.

"

This dream in

advise you to kill a few so that nothing bad may

I, therefore,

a penance, stags and perform

happen to you." Listening to the advice of the guru Dasharatha went to a forest for hunting stags and though ;

he worked hard the whole day, he did not come across any stag. At the sun-set he lay in wait at a lake anxious But, in the meantime, a man Shravan came there with a kavada* across his shoulders in which his helpless old mother and father were ly

expecting a stag there.

called

His parents, being thirsty, asked their seated by him. son to fetch some water for them. Whereupon Shravan in placed the kavada on the ground, and taking a goblet the he was but whilst his hand, went to the lake taking ;

for a stag and discharged an arrow at him, which passed through his heart. Dasharatha came where he was lying and became extremely sorry

water, the king took

for the accident,

now

live.

him

when Shravan

Please, therefore, take

said to him,

some water

"

I shall not

in this goblet

and give it to my parents, as they are very thirsty and as soon as I hear that they have quenched their thirst, I shall instantly die. They are very old and cannot walk ;

I carry them in a kavada across my shoulder. Oh, my good king, take care of these poor creatures. There is no one to look after them." Dasharatha sighed and wept The king then took some but the loss was irreparable. water in the goblet and stood where the kavada was placed

The old woman and the man, without speaking a word. who were blind, taking him for Shravan, said, Child, "

why

doest thou not speak ? Art thou angry with us, be we sent thee to the lake at this hour ? Child, thou

cause

art always obedient to us *

day

?

*

and what has

irritated

These words made Dasharatha shed

thee to

tears,

and at

A bamboo lath provided with slings at each end for the conveyance across the shoulder of pitcher, &c.

8

Ramavijaya.

last

he broke the sad news to the old parents of Shravan, cried violently and said, Shravan, none can

when they

"

get a son like thee in this

and

die with thee.

world.

We

feel

Oh, we cannot bear

much

for thee

this grief.

You,

the murderer of our child, we curse you and say that you will also die of grief for your son in the same way we do."

So saying they instantly expired. Dasharatha grieved much Shravan and his old parents whom he had killed by his

for

own hands, and performed their funeral ceremonies. The king then returned to Ayodya and informed Vashista of what had happened. At this time there was a great famine in the country, as there was no rain

and consequently the

and hunger one

subjects of the

after another.

The

for twelve years;

king died of thirst

rain

was stopped, be

cause Vrashaparva, a powerful demon, fought with the gods in heaven with the assistance of his guru, Shukra. therefore, sent a chariot to Dasharatha and

to at

come up to heaven and the same time, that the

the battle with the

gods.

kill

Indra,

requested

the demon, informing

him him

was stopped on account of Whereupon Dasharatha went

rain

by the chariot to Indra with his favourit wife, Kayakayi. with Immediately on his arrival there Dasharatha fought

demons and killed a large number of them, when Vra the king but he was also shaparva made an attack upon His Shukra, then took the field and dis

the

guru, at the king, when the chariot of the king arrows charged was about to give way but his wife, Kayakayi, supported repulsed.

knew nothing. by one of her hands, of which the king Dasharatha bravely continued the fight and cut off the alarm with the guru s horse and mugut.* Shukra fled in was other demons. When thing was over, the king

it

every

informed that the victory he had gained in the battle with The king the demons, was due to his wife, Kayakayi. she reward what her with her, and asked was pleased *

A

Tiaria,

9

Ramavijaya. "

wanted from him.

Kayakayi

that

replied,

will give

you your promise from you; and I shall ask you for

me

whenever I

it

me

Kindly give

whatever I

ask

will

like."

The

king generously gave the promise she required. gained by Dasharatha in the battle with the demons, was due to Kayakayi, beca use when she was her parents and stayed with young, a Tapaswi* came to

The

them

victory,

At

for a day.

his bathing her

the time of

mother

She accord told her to go and body with scents. but the scents with him finding that the ingly went to rub his

;

soot to his Tapaswi was absorbed in meditation, she applied the soot that found face instead of the scents. Having

had been applied

to his face,

he got indignant and cursed Whoever has applied

the doer of the mischeif and said. this soot to

people with curse;

my

face,

will

threw herself at the feet to

make

swi said,

ed the soot

be looked

upon by

all

afraid of this

was her daughter s doing, she of the Tapaswi and implored him

it

Whereupon

the

demons and

for

Tapa The hand with which your daughter has appli to my face, will give success to her husband in

the curse a "

always

Her mother was

contempt."

and finding that

"

little

milder.

a battle which he will fight with only she will be praised by

which

all."

After the battle was over, Brahasapti asked the king

whether he had any issue. very sorry that I have no

Dasharatha

"

replied,

The god

issue."

I

blessed

am him

will Vishnu, the protecting god of the universe, called a Rishi is There Indra said, be born to you."

and

"

said,

"

He a human face. Shringa Rishi, who has not yet seen and induced he is if and a forest in lives with his father ;

brought to Ayodya, his father, who

come there will get *

An

in

is

a great Tapaswi, will

search of his son; and by

children. ascetic,

his blessing

I shall, therefore, send a f The wife of a god.

you

devangana f

10

Ramavijaya. charm him with her beauty and singing, Dasharatha thanked may easily follow

to the forest

so that he

to

her."

Indra and returned to Ayodya with Kayakayi. Indra ac The young cordingly sent a devangana to the forest. Rishi was placed by his father, Vibhandak, on a mala* in order that he

might not be devoured by

lions and tigers. woman, was at first fri ghtened; but soon after, he was charmed with her beauty and singing. As his father was absent, she brought him to Ayodya. Dasharatha cordially received him; and short

The young

boy, having

seen the

he gave away his foster-daughter in marriage to Vibhandak knew by his yoga] that his son was taken to Ayodya in his absence, and got so much enraged ly after,

him.

that he immediately went to that city to curse the woman to death. Dasharatha treated him with respect and on ;

finding that his son was married to the foster-daughter of the king, he was pleased with him and blessed him, saying

The Rishi

would be born to him.

that four mighty sons

then made a havan.\ The god, Agni, came out of it and entrusted to Vashista a thali full of pay as ^ and told him to divide it equally among the three wives of the king, so that they might get sons, as soon as they partook of

it.

Vashista made three pindas $ of the payas and gave the largest of

them

to Kausalya, the eldest wife of Dasharatha,

and the other two

to

Sumitra and Kayakayi.

Kayakayi,

the third wife of the king, became jealous and said that ,she was entitled to the largest pinda, because she support ed the chariot of the king by her own hands, which was

about to give way during the battle with the demons. While she was thus quarreling about it, a ghar from ||

above snatched the pinda from her hands and flew in the *

An

erected seat,

meditation.

J

A

f

A

union with Bramha through abstract

large hole

made

and preserving consecrated fire. composed of rice, sugar, milk,

in the

A &c,

$

ground for receiving

cooking

Lumps.

pot. [|

A

*|"

A

kite.

dish

11

Ramavijaya. air

with

She became exceedingly sorry and began to

it.

weep, when Dasharatha prevailed upon Kausalya to divi de her pinda into two halves and give one to Kayakayi

and keep the other for herself. Kausalya accordingly did Sumitra also did the same thing in compliance it; and Thus Kayakayi got one full with the wishes of the king. Kausalya and pinda for herself, which she ate heartily. Sumitra ate their own halves. Soon after, the three ladies became pregnant. The pinda which was snatched by the ghar from the hands of Kayakayi, fell by a blast of wind into the hands of Anjani, the wife of a monkey called Kesari.

She

The

up the pinda and became pregnant.

also swallowed

story of the child

born to Anjani

is

as

follows:

Kesari, performed a severe penance for seven years on the hills called Rishiparvat, in order that the god, Siva, might be pleased to bless the

Anjani,

wife

her with an immortal

and

"

said,

thou wishest. fore, tell

thee

may

pinda from the

into

falls

bill

son will

be

pleased

with her

born to thee as

I, there part of my body. here in meditation and swallow up

to sit

fulfilled."

Siva was

son.

An immortal He will be a

any thing that be

of

thy hands,

so that thy wish

So saying Siva dis-appeared. The of the ghar fell into the hands of

Anjani, and she swallowed it up as directed by Siva. The ghar was a devangana who had become a bird the curse of Indra. This god was displeased with by her,

because

she

did not dance

properly;

and

it

was

appointed by Bramhadev that she would be released from the curse, as soon as the pinda fell into the hands of Anjani.

The curse;

devangana was accordingly released from the and after her release she went to Indra. Anjani,

after a period of nine

on called Maruti

months, was delivered of a powerful

He was

a monkey and had a long he saw the light, he was hungry; and when he did not get any thing to eat, he went to devour the

tail.

When

12

Ramavijaya. At that time Rahu also when Maruti said to him*

sun, taking him for a fruit. came there to devour the sun, "

Who

thou

art

have come here

I

?

first to

devour the

So saying he broke the head of Rahu with his tail and, catching him by his feet, flung him down, Ketu then came to help him, but he was also severely fruit."

In the mean-time, Maruti was

beaten by the monkey.

brought down by

his father,

the wind.

months Kausalya, Sumitra and Kayaof sons. Rama was bora to Kausalya delivered were kayi Lakshuman to Sumitra and the twins, Bharat and After nine

;

to

Shatrughana

They

Kayakayi.

grew up, and the

ceremonies of investing them with sacred threads were They were taught by Vashista the Vedas* performed. and mantras.^ On his return from a pilgrimage Viswamitra, a Rishi, c*me to Ayodya. Dasharatha received

him cordially and worshipped him with devotion. The Rishi blessed him and said to him, Dasharatha, I want "

you to give me a promise that you will give me whatever^ The king gave him the promise I will ask from you." the Rishi required, when the latter said to the former, all the Rishis are very much troubled by the demons, Maricha, Subhahu, and others. They have often "

We

destroyed our havans; and consequently we are not able No one can kill to perform our yadnya\ successfully.

them except Rama. with

me

and

replied,

to

demons."

"

with you

?

Rishi,

How

how can

can he

me

Rama

I therefore, wish you to send

the

kill

kill

Dasharatha was startled I send

my

tender child

the mountain-like demons

?

any other thing but not Rama," You Vishwamitra became very indignant and said, ought to have considered well, before you gave me the

You may

ask

for

"

promise. *

At any

rate I

must now take

Sacred writings of the Hindus,

sacrifice.

Rama

with

f Incantations,

me."

J

A

13

Ramavijaya.

In the mean-time Vashista came there and advised the if he king to send Rama with the Rishi, saying that and his him would curse he did not listen to him, sons, as

and

he was obstinate

then

brought

and gave them

of a choleric disposition. Dasharatha,

Rama and Lakshuinan in charge of the Rishi.

before his

sabha

Vishwamitra then

accompanied by two young boys, set out for the forest, where the Rishis were performing their yadnya. But on the road they were encountered by Tatika, a hide

She had the strength of ten ous and frightful demoness. thousand elephants, her chest was as large as a mountain, her hair and

dress were saturated with

of dead-bodies were put round her neck,

As

besmeared with sliindur.*

blood, the strings

and her head was

soon as she

saw them, she

opened her mouth and went with other demonesses to de vour them, when Rama instantly killed her with one ar

Twenty croresf of demons, headed by Banasur, a very powerful demon, then came upon Rama to revenge the killing of the demoness; but they all were repulsed by him with heavy loss. After the defeat of the demons they their on and when they came near a journey proceeded

row.

;

shila,\

it

began

Rama

feet of

with his

feet,

to tremble

fell

than

it

as soon as the

dust from the

and no sooner did he touch it became a beautiful woman who, bow

upon

it

;

The story of ing to Rama, returned to her husband. the woman became a shila is as follows:-

Bramhadev had

a very

beautiful

daughter,

how

named

Ahilya. Many gods and kings requested her father to her give away in marriage to them. But Bramhadev had made a condition that whoever would go round the earth and return within six hours, should marry her without

Whereupon all the kings and gods, includ ing Indra, went round the earth, but none could return within six hours except Gowtam, a Rishi, to whom Ahilya

loss of time.

*

Keil powders.

2

f Ten millions.

j

A

flat stone,

14

Ramavijaya.

was married agreeably to the condition. Indra became very jealous of the Rishi and sought to outrage her mo desty. Some time after his marriage he and his wife went to a river with Rishis for ablutions on the

After their ablutions with

were

over,

other Rishis for meditation

;

day

of

Gowtam

and

his

an

eclipse.

there

sat

wife returned

While she was alone in her abode, Indra went husband and outraged her mode In the mean-time, Gowtam returned home; and sty. finding Indra in the abode he cursed him and Ahilya, say

home.

there in the form of her

ing that there would be one thousand ulcers on the body of the god and that his wife would be a shila and remain in that

was no

state for sixty

thousand years

;

but that as there

on her part, she would be released from the curse, when Rama would touch her with his feet. Ahilya accordingly became a shila and Indra a peacock with one fault

thousand ulcers on of a

his body.

While

peacock was flying about in

the

god

in the

forests, the

form

other gods

Gowtam for him, who, having been pleased with them, restored Indra to his former state and turned all the ulcers on his body int eyes. After the release of

prayed to

Ahilya from the curse, Vishwainitra proceeded on his jour ney with Rama and Lakshuman. Shatanand, a son of Ahilya and the priest of the king, Janak, also accompani ed him. They all arrived at the city of Mathila and put

up

at a garden there.

At

the request of

witra related the story of the birth

Rama Vfshwa-

of Sita, a daughter of

Janak, which is as follows: There was a king called Padamaksha.

One day I wish you would he said to Lakshuini, wife of Vishnu, be born in my family and become my daughter. She re I If in be born I and become your dau your family plied, "

ghter, you will be miserable. to

become your daughter,

Whereupon

the king

if

I

my

have however no objection husband tell me to do so/

performed a severe penance

to

gain

15

Bamavijaya.

the favour of Vishnu, who was pleased with him and gave him a fruit, which the king took at home and kt-.pt with

were orer, the fruit bore a

After nine months

him.

fe

The king, having got a and named the child became glad exceedingly daughter, She grew up aad became marriageable. Padmakshi. male

Many

same Lakshumi.

the

child,

kiags, derai-gods

and Rishis requested her father to

them, but he refused to com that he would marry her to ply with their request, saying a man whose body was dark blue. At this refusal they all give her

away

ia marriage to

got enraged and killed the king on the spot. Whereupon his daughter threw herself into a havan in which the con

was burning. At that time Ravan happened He to look at her, and was captivated with her charms.

secrated

fire

immediately extinguished the fire with a view to catch her, He found in the havan five ratnas* but she disappeared.

which he gave to his wife, Mandodari. The were placed by Ravana aad his wife ia a box after,

found, to their

they

child played in

it

said,

whole of Lanka

will

<

If

be

ratnas

and soon

great surprise,

that a female-

Ravana

lifted the child,

with pleasure.

but Mandodari

five ;

you keep this child here, the on fire. The kingdom of

set

Padmaksha was annihilated on account of this child, and the poor king was killed by the kings and demi I, therefore, pro gods who had gone there to marry her.

Ra pose that the box should be thrown somewhere else. to minister his vana was alarmed, and ordered bury the Janak, who was the bitterest enemy The minister accordingly ordered his men to carry the box and bury it as directed by Ravana. The men lifted up the box, when the child said, * I shall Ravana again come here and extirpate all the demons. kill the child, when Mando and about to was enraged got

box

in the

kingdom

of

of the demon-king.

dari prevented *

Gems.

him from doing

so.

The box was then

car-

16

Ramavijaya.

ried at night and buried in the field presented by Janak to a Brahman. One day while the Brahman was ploughing his field, he found the box and carried it to the king. The

box was opened and, to the great astonishment of all, a girl of the age of five years was found in it. As soon as the king saw her, he was

moved with

and broug

affection,

ht her up as his One day Purusharam, hayingdaughter. killed all the on Kshetriyas* earth, came to the kingdom of Janak. He went into the palace with the king to take

and when he came out after dinner, he found that some one had removed the dhanusha^ placed by him at the court of the He was king. greatly enraged and dinner

;

Who

has taken my dhanusha It is so heavy that can not ba removed even by thousands of So elephants. saying lie came out of the court with the king to look for

said,

!

t

t

saw the

but, to his grrat surprise, he

]STo

girl

sooner did she behold her father than she

riding on left

it.

the dha

nusha there and ran away, when Puiusharam said to the king, My incarnation is now over. Let the dhanusha be I

here.

now

a sccyawar^

advise you to hold

and marry

your daughter to any man who will lift up the bow and break it off. So saying Purusharam left for his abode.

Soon

sayawar and invited to it all All attended the sayawar who came there without invitation. The including Havana, king told the assembly that Sita would be married to any man who would lift up the dhanusha and break it off. after,

the king held a

the kings and Eishis on earth.

king* attempted to lift it up but they all failed in their Ravana then stepped forward and loudly said attempt.

Many

with pride and vanity, This bow is a trifling thing I shall break it off in a second. I know, ye, weak

and lift

Rishis, will not be able to

lift it

up the dhanusha and break *

Warriors.

fA bow

J

it

up. It is I

off.

Sita

to

me,

kings

who would

will

be

my

The choosing from amongst a

public assembly, of a spouse by a female.

17

Ramavijaya. wife,

to

and 1

lift

and while he was

So saying, he began strength and force

husband.

shall be her

up the dhannsha with lifting

it

his

all

up,

it fell

;

heavily on his breast,

and consequently he panted for breath and implored others to help him, when Rama immediately removed it, at the broke it into two pieces. suggestion of Viswamitra, and Sita,

who was

seated

all

the time on the back of an elephant?

the neck put the garland in her hands round when Ravana returned to Lanka with shame

of

Rama,

and confu

Janak informed Dasharatha of the sayawar and reques him to come to Mithila to celebrate the marriage of

sion.

ted

his son with Sita.

Dasharatha,

full of joy,

went

to Mithila

Soon after, Rama with his wives, sons, and courtiers. was married to Sita, and Varmila, Maliti and Shrutakirti, the other daughters of Janak, to Lakshuman, Bharat, and Rama knew that Purusharam Shatrughna respectively.

would come and fight with him on account of the dhanusha he had broken and, therefore, he did not like to stay any ;

But

longer at Mithila.

at the request of his father-in-law

he stayed there for a few days more. In the meantime, Narada went to Purusharam and told him that a man call ed

Rama had

raged at this

broken his dhanusha.

news

;

and having come

He was

greatly

en

to MithiJa, he kicked

up a great row about the dhanusha. To foment the quarrel Narada told him that Rama had broken the bow and that he was so proud that he did not even come down to receive him.

Purusharam got indignant and

let

which melted away, as soon as the

off

latter

arrows

at

Rama,

saw them. Puru

sharam, knowing that his incarnation was over, laid down his

arms and weapons, when

Rama came down and em

braced him heartily.

Soon

after,

Dasharatha, accompanied by his wives and

Ayodya with exultation and joy. The king had invited to the marriage of Rama his brother-inaw, Sangramajit, who requested the former to send Bhasons,

returned to

Ramavijaya. rat and-

to

spend a few days him. Dago with him, though they were unwilling to part with his brothers, Rama and Lakshumanfora single moment. -Kayakayi pressed her sons to go with her brother and they accordingly went with him. Hama and Lakshuman were obedient to their

Shatrughana

with"

snaratha bade his sons

;

very

and served them with .day the

all

parents

their heart

and

One

soul.

king looking to his

Rama

install

old age, made up his mind to in the throne of Ayodya. He made

every preparation to perform the ceremony of installation and in vited to it all the kings and Rishis on earth. All the and

gods

Brahmans were

afraid

throne of Ayodya,

that

if

Rama was

installed in the

he would not go to Lanka and relieve

them from the oppression

of the

of the gods, therefore, sent one

demons. Viranchi, one Tikalpa to go to Ayodya

and prejudice Kayakayi and all the subjects a ga inst Rama and put an obstacle in the

of the

king

performance of

the ceremony,

most

so that

demons and

of the

to

prejudice

the prince

them

kill

all.

might go to the forest Vikalpa tried his

ut

them against Rama; kit they were

good and pious that they remained There was only one wicked woman, so

all

faithful to the prince.

Mantra, a favourite maid-servant of Kayakayi, whom he prejudiced against Ra ma. She hated the prince and with a view to deprive him ;

of the

throne of Ayodya, she

went into the room

of

Ka

yakayi and, throwing herself on the ground, began to beat her breast with tears in her eyes, when Kayakayi asked her what the cause of her grief was. Mantra replied, "You, un fortunate

woman! Your husband

in the throne of

is going Ayodya, and as soon as he

throne, he will

to install

Rama

placed on the I shall be very is

said,

kill your both the sons. Bharat is installed in the throne/ your Kayakayi I have, no objection to the installation of Rama

whom I

love. as

glad,

if "

my :son,

Mantra got exceedingly violently. Kayakayi went to quiet

Bharat."

enraged and began to cry

19

Ramavijaya. her

when Vikalpa

Man

also prejudiced ber against Rarna.

seeing a sudden

change in her mistress, was might ily pleased with her and kissed her. Kayakayi said, "My dearest, just tell me what I should do to get rid of Rama." tra,

we must send him away Any how," replied Mantra, and have our Bharat placed on the throne of Ayodya. 1, therefore, tell you with pleasure that if the king come to see you, ask him to fulfil the promise given by him to you "

"

1

during the battle he had fought with the demons in heaven

.

Do

you remember the promise given by him to you 1 He promised you that he would give you whatever you would ask from him as a reward for helping him in the battle.

You

therefore, ask the

should,

forest of the

demons

to the

years and place Bharat

And

on the throne of Ayodya.

Rama

king to send

for fourteen

another thing

is

that

if

the prince goes to the forest, the king will soon die of grief for his son and it will be then a very good thing for you ;

and your sons

to pass your days in

liked the advice of to her

room

Mantra

at night, she

j

and

Kayakayi came in

happiness."

before the king

had taken

off

her ornaments and

thrown herself on the ground with her hair in disorder. In the meantime, the king entered her room and as keel her what the matter was, when she replied, ed king. Be gone. I know your heart. to banish

my

Thou, wick

You

are going

sons to a forest and give the kingdom to

Dasharatha

Rama."

"

"

replied,

What you

say

is

untrue,

because I love Bharat and Shatrughana as

Rama and

Lakshuman."

do not want you in

much as I love Kayakayi replied, Be gone. I "

The king felt it bad, my when Kayakayi spoke those words; and in order to pacify her he asked her what she wanted from him, when Kayakayi The promise given to me by you during the bat replied, room."

"

tle

with the demons, must be

from you the

is

demons

now

fulfilled.

that you should banish for fourteen years

and

Rama install

What

I

want

to the forest of

my

son Bharat

20

Ramavijaya.

The king was thunder-struck, Ayodya." when Kayakayi made the cruel demand, and persuaded her much to ask him for something else; bat she would not

in the throne of

In the meantime, his faithful minister, came and informed the king, who was lying on the ground in disorder, that everything was ready for per forming the ceremony of installation, when the latter told

mind

him.

Simian

fc,

room of Kayakayi. and called Ramawent The minister, being exceedingly sorry, and implored came The in the room of Kayakayi. prince

the former what had happened

in the

the cause of his grief, when Kayakayi had given me a promise at the battle king replied with the demons that lie would give me whatever I would

him

his father to tell "The

ask from him.

and

I have asked

since then he has been

him

very

that

to fulfil

sorry."

Rama

promise, "

said,

I

not able enongh to comply with your demand." Well" said I should think Rama, Kayakayi repled, from him, if my father cannot give you what you want

think, he

is

"

so."

"

I promise to give

the

forest of the

man and

let

my

it

to

you."

demons son,

Kayakayi

for fourteen

rule

replied,

"Then

years with in

"

Ayodya. I have no objection to do

Bharat,

go to

Lakshu-

Rama

so. It is Most willingly. said, Bharat and I are because one." the same to me, thing just Rama then, taking his leave of Kayakayi went to his mo "

Kausalya, and told her what had happened. Kausalya Thou shalt not leave me. became very sorry and said, fourteen for Hide thyself in my room years, and I shall

ther,

keep the secrecy. I cannot remain without thee." Rama repli I am now bound by my promise ed, "Mother, excuse rne.

go to the forest." So saying he threw himself at her feet and obtained her permission to go to the forest." He then went to Lakshuman and told him all that had taken place,

to

when

the latter said,

"I

here without you, and

if

shall

accompany you.

you leave

the forest, I shall commit

suicide."

me

I cannot live

here alone and go to

Rama, having consent-

21

Ramavijaya. ed to take Lakshnman with him,

and

"

I

said,

am

live

going

and

fourteen years;

the

to

until T return to

with Kausalya.

I

cannot take

and

forest, as you are delicate

fo

wenjf,

forest

his

Sita,

wife,

demons

bt the

1 ask

Ayodya, you with

me

for

you to in

the

not be able to bear hard

will

"

ship with

"

me."

T shall follow you,

share any misfortune that

go down on here alone.

"

Sita,

replied

befall

"and

you. therefore, may knees and implore you not to leave me Whereupon Rama consulted Vashista and I,

my

promised Sita that he would also take her with him. Lastly he went to take his leave of Dasharatha, when the kingI feel much for thee. said with tears in his eyes, The "

wicked and wretched

woman

not think that I shall

live until tliou returnest

done

has

this

all,

to

and

I

do

Ayodya.

I shall die of grief for thee. As I cannot tell thee to break the promise given by thee to Kayakayi, I give thee my cons Child, take with thee

ent to go to the forest.

all

necessarv

"Father, things and pass thy days in happiness. replied I shall dress myself in do not want any thing. Rama, "

"I

valkalyas* and pass

my

days in

meditation."

As soon

as

Rama

spoke these words, Kayakayi brought valkalyas and placed them before Kama, Sita and Lakshuman, whodress-

ed themselves in them and set ou minister, Sumant.

Rama

sat

down

for the forest

with tho

They Shramga Yera, where for rest on the grass under the shade of a arrived at

tree near a beautiful river

and,

having refreshed himself Guhaka, who was his

there, requested a fisherman called

devotee, to convey

him with

other side of the river.

when he informed him

Sita and Lakshuman to tho Guhaka asked him who he was,

that he was

Rama,

the eldest

son

Dasharatha. Whereupon the fisherman, having embraced him, conveyed him with Sita and Lakshuman to the of

other side of the river, prince and returned *

Barks of a

tree.

to

when Sumant took Ayodya.

Rama

his leave of tho

then went to the

22

Ramavijaya.

abode

of

Bharadw\

who worshipped him and

a Rishi,

re

quested him to sfay with him ior about fifteen days, when the prince said, cannot stay with you any longer, because "I

the people of

me

Ayodya

to return to the

At

Dandakaranya"*

come here and entreat

will often

I shall, therefore,

kingdom. the

of

request

go to the

Kama Bharadwaj

showed him the way that led to tbe hills called Chitrakuta, where many learned Rishis lived. He went up to the hills

and saw Valmika, a Rishi, and worshipped him with respect and reverence. Lakshuman built a parnakutika^ there, and they all lived in it.

On

the return of Surnant to

of grief for

Rama.

It

was

Ayodya Dasharatha died that none

a pity

of

his sons

was present at the time of his death. His wives, Kausalya and Sumitra, much mourned for the king but Kayakayi did

To perform the funeral ceremony and Shatrughana, were sent

not shed a tear for him.

of the king his sons, Bharat

for, and until they returned to Ayodya, his body was pres erved in a Kadayi,^ full of oil. Soon after, Bharat and .Shatrughana returned to the city and, having seen the ;

body of their father, they violently cried and much lamented for tmn. The body of the Vashishta said,

lifeless

"

king cannot be throne of Ayodya.

and

some one

unless

burnt,-

Rama and Lakshuman

is

placed on the

have gone to the

Bharat to occupy the throne, them banished to the forest to se has Kayakayi got cure the throne for him. At this information Bharat was forest^

I,

therefore, ask

as

"

startled,

and said

how can

I bear this grief

to Vashishta with tears in his eyes, ?

I

is

ma

and pass

is,

*

vessel

A

a rightful claimant of

my

forest called

made

of iron.

!

kingdom. I go down on my knees and

want nothing from this city. I beseech you not to install me in the throne, as Raina

"0

do not want the

days with

I will

it.

f

beloved

Ra

Having known the

him."

Dandakaranya.

my

go wherever

A

small hut.

J

A

large

23

Ramavijaya.

heart of Bh-irat Vashishta placed the padukas* of Kama on the throne and proclaimed him as the king of Ayodya ,

Shortly after, the body of Dasharatha was carried to tlie and burnt with all his wives, except Kausal1

funeral ground,

Sumitra and Kayakayi. Kausalya and Sumitra were ready to burn themselves with their husband, but Vashishta After prevented them from doing so, as they had sons.

ya,

the funeral ceremony of Dasharatha was over, Bharat wenfe

and saw caused

his mother,

Kayakayi, when she

Rama and Lakshuman

said,

"Son!

I

have

to be banished to a forest

and

you with the greatest difficulty. Now without delay take charge of the kingdom, and and you will be very happy. We have now no enemies secured the

kingdom

for

;

good sign that the king has also died." Bharat got very much enraged at what he had heard from Kayakayi and replied, "You are a murderess of your husband and an

it is

a very

enemy

of

Rama.

It

is

most

ment ful

my

of

of

dear brother to the

claimant of the throne,

wicked and disgraceful

sinful,

on your part to cause the death

let

my father and the banish forest. Rama is the right him come and take

his

want nothing except Rama and shall pass kingdom. with him in the forest." So saying he dressed my days I

himself in valkalyas and set out for

Chitrakuta to join his

He was

followed by Vashista, Kausalya, Sumitra, Shatrughana, Sumant, and all the people of Ayodya, who

brothers.

were very anxious to see Rama. Thay all arrived at the Guhaka had hut his and at the request of where, river, ;

Bharat the fisherman conveyed side of the

river.

all

the people to

Lakshuman having

seen

the other

the

people,,

thought that Kayakayi had sent them to kill Rama and began to let off arrows at them. But Rama stopped him, saying that they were not his enemies. Shortly after, they all reached the paranakutika of Rama, when the prince embra

ced them very affectionately and asked his mother *

Wooden

shoes,

how the

23:

Eamavijaya.

king was doing. Kausalya, overwhelmed with grief, could not utter a word, when Vashista broke the sad news to He deeply mourned for his father and remained him.

mute

for a while.

Vashishta condoled with him to perform

the last ceremony of his father. Whereupon he the river, Gaya, and performed the ceremony.

went to Kausalya,

Sumitra, Vashishta, and all the people persuaded return to Ayoclya and take charge of the

Rama

to

kingdom, when

said,

and

wife,

am

I

"

lie

always true to

my

of a firm resolution.

promise, faithful to

I cannot, therofore,

my

break

the promise given by me to my mother, Kayakayi, in fulfil ment of the promise given by my father to her and return to

Ayodya under any

you do not corne pass

my

to

Bharat

circumstances."

Ayodya, I

will

said,

go somewhere

days there until you return to

the

else

If

and

llama

city."

stroking his head, replied, "Bharat do not be disheartened 1 shall return to Ayodya in fourteen years and fourteen days. I, therefore, wish you to go back to the and city

on

rule there

to obey you,

I

am

beg that you

will

let

me go

and

fourt

kindly

stay there for fourteen years

Rama replied, If you will not be happy in. my absence, I shall let you go to Nandigrain. "

days."

in

Ayodya "

"

said,

very glad but I shall not feel there well without your

Nandigram and

een

Bharat

behalf.

I therefore,

company. to

my

But

7

"

said Bharat,

within

"if

you do not return from the forest

fourteen years and fourteen days, I shall "

Rauia, having been pleased with his

.suicide.

commit

brotherly

feelings, gave him his padukas and sent him to ]SJ"andigram where he lived as a Joyi* for fourteen years and fourteen

Rama also gave his padukas to Shatrughana and uade him go to Ayodya and rule there on his behalf. Shatrughana returned to Ayodya with Kaut-alya, Sumitra, and day?.

"all

the people

ter he

had *

who had. accompanied him.

left for

An

ascetic.

Ayodya, the

A

few days af

Brahmans, who

lived a

aoEaCTgKflaasg^ai

25

Ramavijaya. "

Chitrakuta, said, If

attractive.

mons

will

Rama, your

wife

is

very handsome and

you stay here with us any longer, the de

come here and devour us

We

all.

are informed

that the demons, Trishira, Khur, and Dushan, will shortly

come here to

to carry off your Sita.

leave this

you need not be

place at

afraid.

Let

here, I shall kill

them

mans, having no

faith in

hills

with their wives

removed forest,

to the

all

once."

"

You

demons on earth come The Brahand defend you.

Rama

what

and

demon

request

the

all

;

had

said,

Soon

children.

Dandakaranya

he killed a

We, therefore, Rama replied,

and on

after,

his

way

left

the

Rama to

the

called Viradha.

Viradha was a gandharv called Tumbar. One day Kuber, having called him in his presence to sing for him, Kuber the demi-god got tipsy and went before him. got enraged at his conduct and cursed him, saying that he would be a demon and would wander in the forest for ten thousand years but that he would be released from the curse, when he would be killed by the hands of Rama.

As appointed, the gandharv released from the curse.

Rama man

was

spent thirteen years

with

And

in visiting holy places.

killed

Sita

during

by

Rama and

and Lakshuhis

pilgrimage

Brahman, where he worship headed Thence he went three the god, Datatraya. ped and visited Agasti, a very powerful Rishi. The story he visited the abode

of the "

Alva. of

power

of Atri, a

of the Rishi

is

as follows

:

There lived three demons called Atapi, Vatapi, and They were blessed by the god, Siva, with the art

enchantment, by means

of

which they devoured the

Brahmans. Vatapi became food and Alva water. Atapi became a benefactor and invited every Brahman to partake of the food and water. The Brah man came; and as soon as he ate the food arid drank the innocent

water, Atapi cried aloud the

names

of

Vatapi and Alva,

26

Ramavijaya.

who, having responded to the off the

killed

of their

call

Brahman and came body Brahman and ate his flesh. every of the

brother, tore

Thus they

out.

One day Agasti

was invited by Atapi to partake of the food and water The Rishi complied with his invitation and as soon as he ate the food and drank the water, Atapi cried aloud ;

as usual the

names

but to

of his brothers

his

great sur

they did not respond to his call, as the Rishi burnt Vatapi in his stomach. Alva, who had escaped from the

prise,

belly of the Rishi, and his brother, Atapi, assumed dif ferent forms and began to run away, when the Rishi cut off the head of Atapi. Alva escaped and mixed himself

with the ocean, when Agasti drank killed the

off

the whole ocean

and

demon."

Rama

stayed with Agasti for a month and during he presented him with an arrow to kill ;

his stay there

Ravana.

From the Dandakaranya Rama set out for On the road he saw a huge bird called who asked Rama who he was. I belong to

Panchavati. Jatayu, the solar

"

said Jatayu,

I

am

replied

race,"

Dasharatha.

I "

am

Your

him during

with Shukra

and,

the

and am son "

Rama."

and the name

called Jatayu.

I helped

Rama,"

called

of

my

father battle

therefore,

he

I

am

uncle

was

of the

son of

king,

Kasha,"

is

Suparna, and

my

great friend.

which he had fought called

me

his

brother."

Having embraced Jatayu, Rama proceeded on his journey and reached Panchawati, where he lived with Sita in a parnakutika built by Lakshuman. fruits

and kandamuls*

for

Sita

Lakshuman gathered

and Rama, which they

their days there. He guarded the hut for fear the demons and he himself remain of night every ed without food.

ate

and passed

One day Lakshuman went near fruits *

a thicket to

and kandamuls, where he saw a deadly Esculent

roots,

f

A

sword.

collect

27

Ramavijaya. The weapon

descending from above. standing; and tried

it

it

having looked sharp

fell

where he was

and powerful, he

on the thicket, but, to his great astonishment, into two parts, and there flowed a

the thicket was cut

Lakshuman was quantity of blood. he killed some ascetic, while meditating in the thicket; and in order to satisfy himself about it he immediately

afraid that

large

went to

with the khadag and informed him of what when Rama said, Brother, do not be

Rama

had happened, The blood which flows through the thicket afraid. "

This

a demon called Shabari.

demon

is

the

is

of

son of Sur-

He was meditating in sister of Ravana. to get the weapon a view with unobserved the thicket from Siva. The god had sent the weapon for him. If panakha, a

had gone to the hands of the demon, he would have annihilated the whole of the universe with it. the weapon

Thank God that you have got it; and I tell you to take Lakshuman was glad at this a particular care of information and cheerfully attended to his duties. On the day Shabari was killed by Lakshuman, Surit."

panakha found

in her

dream that some calamity had be she, accom

and having been awakened,

fallen her son;

panied by four demonesses, immediately started for the for She wandered in the forest and est to look for her son. at last

came

she searched

to

and seeing the blood there wood and at last found that her

the thicket

the whole

;

As soon as she saw her son, son was cut into two pieces. The other four she fainted and cried violently for him. and immediately after, they ; burnt the body of Shabari and went in search of the enemy

demonesses condoled with her

who had

killed the

his foot-prints

son,

;

demon.

and

They traced Lakshuman from

in order to revenge the killing of her

Surpanakha formed

herself into a

beautiful damsel

;

and taking with her the four demonesses, who had also formed themselves into very good maid-servants, she went

28 to

Ramavijaya. Lakshuman

a ad said,

I have

"

search of a husband

earth in

young man

as beautiful as

travelled all over the

found a

but I have not

;

I

yourself.

mad

have become

and unless you consent to marry me, I shall not therefore, implore you to take me for your wife.

after you, live.

Do

1,

how

Can you get elsewhere a Lakshuman was not at all charms, but she having much insisted

not you see

quite

look

I

girl like

young

me

?

?"

captivated with her his giving her an answer, he replied,

upon

my

brother and sister-in-law.

There they

cannot do any thing without their

*

I

live in "

consent."

have got a hut.

I

I shall

go

the demoness, ** and get a letter brother," &aid So saying she went from him consenting to our match/ to Panchawati with her maid-servants and said to Rama,

to your

I I like your brother from the bottom of my heart. have made up my mind to marry him, and he has also pro mised me to take me for his wife subject to your approval "

pray that you will kindly pity letter or any other sign signifying your give Sita was moved with her your consent to our marriage. manner of address, and requested Rama to comply with of the

match.

I, therefore,

me

me and

Rama surveyed her from head to foot and her request. finding her eye- balls upside down, he knew that she was ;

in the

Surpanakha "

fore, said,

I have

but I shall write "

replied she,

does here."

it

on your

"

back."

I feel bashful to

not matter,

At

form of a human being. Rama, there no objection to give you my consent

last

How can you do my back.

show you

continued Rama.

Surpanakha told

Rama

"

There

is

it,"

"It

no one

to write his con

sent on her back, which the latter wrote and sent her away. place where Lakshuman see, your brother has con

The demoness hastened

to the

was standing and

You

"

said,

our marriage with much pleasure. If you like, I am not a liar, you you may go and ask him about it. know. He has given me no letter or any sign but he has

sented to

29

Ramavijaya. "

to marry simply told you

plied

my

"

Lakshuman,

That

must have

T

will -not

Rama on

his

Lakshuman read

he should at once cut

it,

Lakshuman

demoness.

ears of the

directed by

her nose and ears as and ears were thus cut

off,

she

soon as

Rama

the nose

off

the

read

letter

down and

hair, flung her

her having seized her by

Sur-

letter written

stated that as

letter

When

.

re

from

marriage."

mind, showed the

The

her back.

do,"

or sign

a letter

brother signifying his consent to our

panakha, having known

by

me."

and and,

cut off

her nose

and her maid-servants as

sumed their original forms and fled for fear of losing their lives,

screaming hideously.

demons. "

"

There

Look

at

three

live

nose and

my

human

The man, who

female.

Listening to her

yells Trishira

to help her witn fourteen

Khur and Dushan came

she said to them, two males and one

ears,"

beings,

called

,

thousand

himself

the instigation of his disfigured me at You must now go there and in-law.

Lakshuman, has

brother and sister-, their heads

cut off

>

drink their blood and refresh myself with it/

so that I

may Khur and Dushan, having thought it below their to go and fight with those human beings, selected

Trishira,

dignity fourteen

powerful

demons and sent them but

with Surpanakha, arrow. Surpanakha

Rama fled in

cut

off their

to

Panchawati

heads with one

alarm and informed Trishira

Khur and Dushan of what had happened. Whereupon but they marched against Rama with an army of demons in a mo they were also killed by the prince with his arrow ment. Surpanakha fled to Lanka in consternation and, showing her nose and ears to her brother, Ravana, inform

ed him that Trishira,

by

Rama

Khur and Dushan had been

greatly alarmed

at the sad

news and, having

his uncle, Maricha, said to him,

ed

Trishira,

khat

"

You

Khur and Dushan and

If this

enemy

is

see,

killed

Ravana was

with fourteen thousand demons.

called

Rama

disfigured

has

upon kill

Surpanahe will

allowed to go unnoticed,

30

Ramavijaya.

I have, therefore, made up kill me one day or other. his off to mind Sita, wife, to Lanka and kill Ra carry my ma and Lakshuman. Please, therefore, be a beautiful haran* and frolic at the paranakutika of Rama and

even

;

when he comes with

his

Rama

to the heart of the forest.

soon as he Lanka." "

and

you,

pursue you

;

rim

and as

is

you carry her

if

will

kill

separated from Sita, I shall carry her off to sinful to covet one s wife," replied Maricha,

is

"It

dhanushaban f to

everything.

I, therefore,

and attend

to your

off,

will

you

lose

your

advise you to change

affairs."

At

this advice

life

and

your mind

Ravana got

thing to advise me that It is your duty to help me on such occasions. I, way. therefore, command you to come with me and do what I tell

enraged and

"

said,

It

is

a bad

you to do." Whereupon Maricha accompanied Ravana to Panchawati with the greatest reluctance. On their arrival there Ravana stood behind a thicket near the abode of Ra

ma, and

his uncle,

in front of

it.

forming himself into a stag, played tricks

saw the stag and said

Sita

look at that stag.

"

Dearest, I wish I would is.

What

to

a beautiful

Rama>

creature

get its skin for my waistcoat. Please take this dhanushaban and kill it for me, so that

it

I

may have

its

aimed at the went

after

To comply with

waistcoat.

took up his dhanushaban and The animal began to run, and Rama

stag.

it.

my Rama

skin for

the wishes of his wife

When

he went far

off

from the paranaku

tika, Ravana who was standing behind the thicket unobser a view ved, imitated the voice of Rama and cried out with

Lakshuman help me. to separate Lakshuman from Sita, Sita heard this Lakshuman help me. I am in distress. voice and said to Lakshuman in alarm, ^Rama is in dis "

*

You him cry out for help." None can hurt Lakshuman. some demon has done the mischief "

I have just heard need not be afraid," said tress.

Rama. *

I

A

am

sure

stag.

f

A bow

"

and an arrow.

Jfta^^

31

Ramavijaya. with some bad

your

"

motive."

Is this your affection

exclaimed Sita.

brother?"

"

towards

Rama

While

actu

is

you refuse to help him. Methinks you wish your brother s death and marry me after him." At in distress,

ally

this accusation

Lakshuman shed

having drawn

tears and,

a line around the parnakutika with his dhanushaban, "

to her,

I beg

line.

said

am now

I

you

Look at this going to help Rama. not to go behind it, and if you go,.

So saying Lakshuman left the distress." with his dhanushaban and when he went far parnakutika off, Ravana disguised himself as a Fakir,* peeped at Sita

you

be in

will

;

through the door of the hut and cried out in a plaintive tone, "

Is there

in?

anybody

I

am

a fakir

and dying of if some one

here

hunger. It will be a great meritorious act, comes out and gives me something to eat." was full of kindness, came out and said,

down

Rama

there.

as he comes, he will

not

live until

will be

attend to

Rama comes

Please

and

presently here;

your wants.

here.

who

Sita, "

"

sit

as soon I

shall

me

you now give

If

So saying he something to eat, I shall bless you.* threw himself on the ground and pretended to be worse. Sita was alarmed and left the line to give him succor, when Ravana immediately caught hold "

I

Do not be alarmed. I am Ravana, am now going to take you to my

follow me. cried,

tears

in a chariot

cried

kingdom-.

and

set

out

Jatayu,

I

aloud the name

command you

you disobey me, I art

thou,"

*

An

replied ascetic.

said,

Quietly

of

shall

to set

Sita

instantly

Ravana.

"

Lanka.

Sita

Rama, which Ja"

Ravana, at

kill

What

He

the least.

for

tayu heard and went to her rescuse. "

and

rolled

imploring him to entreaties did not move him in

the time

her

on the ground and violently leave her where she was. Her

Sita

and

seated her all

of

the king of Lanka.

"

you."

thon

said

and

liberty;

hast

ifr

Whoto

da

32

Ramavijaya.

with this

Thou

lady ?

fool.

Jatayu insisted and The bird cut off with

ness."

him.

the demon-king, killed

his

Go and mind thy busi Ravana let off arrows at his

bill

the arrows of

all

broke the head of his charioteer and

Ravana

horses.

when the

alighted,

pounced upon him and pulled

off his hair.

He was

bird

alarmed

and stood there bewildered, not knowing what to do. Th@ bird broke his chariot, when the demon-king said, Speak the truth. Just tell me how you will die. I shall also tell you how I shall Jatayu, who was a "

die."

"

simpleton, replied "

instantly."

you

will

Now "

die."

If

just tell

my wings, I shall die continued Jatayu, how

off

"

me,

you break

If

no

you pull

my

toes,"

said

Ravana,

As soon as this secret was disclosed by Jatayu, Ravana went to catch him. The bird broke one of the toes of his enemy, when the latter

4<

I shall die in

time."

pulled off his wings. Jatayu, saturated with blood, fell there rolling; and the demon-king, taking Sita on his shoulders, proceeded towards

the

hills, called

Matang,

When

Lanka.

five

he

reached

powerful monkeys, Sugriva,

Nala, Nila, Jambuvant and Maruti, who lived there, found the ornaments thrown by Sita on the ground. Looking

some wicked demon "Pity, must have been carrying off a poor woman. I shall kill the demon and rescue her. So saying he jumped in the

at the ornaments Maruti said,

5

in the meantime, Ravana entered Lanka with and despatched eighteen huge demons to search

sky but, his prize

and

kill

A

Rama.

few days

the demon-king said to

me.

you

I

his return

beseech

Lanka

to

you to marry

am

very powerful and have made all the gods my is not a single soul on eari.h who can equal in wealth, strength and valour. If you be my wife, I

There

slaves.

me

after "

Sita,

will

replied

be very Sita.

thy wife.

I

happy."

"

Thou

loathe

"Thou

wilt

thee.

soon

art

wicked and a

die.

I

Begone, thou

shall fool.

villain,"

never be *

Hav-

33

Ramavijs&ya. ing heard these words

of Sita,

Ravana

said

U

himself,

much

excited; and unless she becomes calm, very I shall not be able to win her heart." So saying to him "

Sita

self

is

he placed her in the Asoka forest and posted five demonesses with his sister,. Trijata, at their head

crores of to

watch her there with instructions to frighten her and at any rate. The demonesses often

make her marry him showed

their teeth

and opened their hideous

mouths as

they were going to devour her, but Sita was calm and did not heed them. Trijata, who was kind, encouraged if

her and told her not to frighten herself. Lakshuman joined Rama in the forest and informed

him

of

what had passed between Sita and himself.

shuman wept and Rama

Lak

pacified him.

They then return ed to panchawati and finding that Sita was not in the parnakutika, they were alarmed and went in search of her. They could not find her. They then went to the Rishi, Agasti, who informed them that Sita was carried off by Ravana. They returned to their abode and saw the footprints of the demon and Sita. They ;

immediately set out in search of Sita in the forest. On the road they met Jatayu, who informed them of

what had happened. my strength and courage "

I,"

said Jatayu, to

mustered up

all

rescue her from the wicked

demon, but as soon as he cunningly knew my secret, he pulled off my wings and left me here in a dying state." So saying Jatayu breathed his last. Rama grieved for him and performed the funeral ceremony of his death . their journey. On the road the wife of took the and stood form of Sita Farwati, Siva, before him; but he did not receive her, as he knew that

The princes proceeded on

Parwati. A little further on, a huge demon r Kaband, stretching his arms for some eighteen yojans* and with his head separated from his trunk, sat she was called

*

A

yojau measures nine miles.

34

Ramavijaya.

Rama having found that he was a demon, arms and killed the monster on the spot.

in the forest.

cut

off

his

Kaband was

the son of

Kashapa, a

One day he

Rishi.

got drunk and frightened another Rishi, Stulashira, who cursed him, saying that he would be a demon but that he

Rama

would be released from the curse when

would

kill

was killed by Rama, he assumed He said that his original form and stood before him. his head was separated by Indra from his body with his

As soon

him.

as he

vajra*, as he was performing a severe him to take the kingdom of the god.

penance to enable On the road Rama

demons whom Ravana had sent, and Pampa sarovar^ where Rama and and Lak-

killed the eighteen

came

to the

shuman sat down for rest under the shade From the hills, called Rishimukha, the

tree.

of

a banian

five

monkeys

** I think, Sugriva was afraid and said, brother, has sent those two warriors to kill me.*

saw them. Vali,

my

when Maruti ascertain who those

So saying he was afraid.

I

will

to flee,

"

said,

Do

not be

So

warriors are.

saying Maruti jumped upon the tree and, having plucked off the branches of it, threw them at Rama, who cut them off

with his dhanushabans. Maruti then threw large stones

and mountains at him but he broke them in a minute, and hurted the monkey in tho air. His father, the wind, supported him, while he was falling down, and bade him He came down and, having thrown him worship Rama. self

at the

feet of the prince,

implored his pardon, which

was readily granted by him. He became a great devotee of Rama and one day while he was shampooing the feet of ;

I shall be very glad to intro the prince he said to him, duce you to Sugriva, brother of the king of this place, if "

you promise me that you

who

that Sugriva

related the story of *

A

weapon.

will protect

him."

"Just

tell

me

Whereupon Maruti replied the life of Sugriva, which is as follows

is,"

Rama.

:

f

A

river called

Pampa.

35

Ramavijaya.

Bramhadev was performing a pen on his hand and it bore a He was a monkey. While he called Raksharaj. king, was going from forest to forest, he came to a river in Ka-

One day

"

while

ance, a drop of his

yalasa, the

tears fell

kingdom

immediately

of Siva.

;

He

bathed in the river

but

;

he became a very beautiful female.

after,

It

was appointed by Parwati, wife of Siva, that any man, who would bathe in the river, would be a female. Indra

and the sim were enamoured of the woman. By Indra she got Vali, and Sugriva by the sun. Having heard became a female, Brahmadev came

that Kaksharaj

and prayed

river,

prayer and made The god then created a country

Parwati listened to his

former form.

Raksharaj a

to the

Parwati to restore his son to his

to

man

again.

Kiskinda and gave it to him. Raksharaj ruled in the country for some time and, having placed his eldest Vali and son, Vali, on the throne, proceeded to heaven.

called

Sugriva lived together and loved

each other.

Vali was

powerful and invincible, as he was presented by Indra with Vigayamala* After some time both the bro

very

became mortal enemies, and Vali carried off his For fear of his brother, Sugriva beautiful wife, Ramma. the hills called Rishimukha Parvat. on abode made his

thers

six

They both fought together every bade Maruti

tell

store his wife to

griva and said so also

Rama

help you

him

help

glad at

army

of

"

A

You

for his wife, Sita.

Rama

also in recovering his wife,

Rama.

garland which,

if

and

has promised to will have to

and you Sita."

what Maruti had told him and to see

Su

are in grief for your wife,

in recovering your wife

cordially received Sugriva *

Rama

Maruti immediately went to

him.

to him,

monkeys

months."

Sugriva that he would kill Vali and re

On his told

Sugriva was with his

set out

arrival the prince

him

all

about Sita.

put round the neck of a warrior,

ways gives him success in a war,

al

36

Ramavijaya.

woman

Sugriva said that yesterday he heard screams of a

and showed the ornaments found by the monkeys to Ra ma. The prince identified the ornaments as belonging

when Sugriva

to his wife

and shed

be afraid.

I shall help you with

tears,

Do

"

said,

able ministers,

my

not

Nala

Nila and Jambuvant in recovering Sita from Ravana. Let us kill Vali first and then we shall sot out in search of

As soon as Sugriva spoke these words, Rama when the former stopped him and said,

Sita."

?umed

his arrow,

mortal enemy and will fight with us to Whereupon Rama asked him the cause Dudhumbi, son of enmity with his brother.

V Vali the

my

is

last gap.

*

"

his of

the

was very power demon, Maishasur," continued Sugriva, the people on and the in and heaven ful, oppressed gods "

Nobody could

earth.

fight

with him.

At

fore, tell

you

to

the de

last

mon went to Yama and challenged him to Yama said, I cannot fight with you. him.

fight

with there

I,

go to Vali at Kiskinda and he will fight The demon immediately

with you to your satisfaction.*

Kiskinda and challenged Vali to fight with him,

came

to

when

the latter killed the former

the air which

on the

fell

All the Rishis on the hills were the

corpse,

saying that stantly die.

when a Rishi if

the

latter

father

killed

called

of

his

by the weight of

Matang cursed hills,

fled to

Vali,

he would in

Dudhumbi, came

but he

body in

Rishimukha Parwat.

touched the

Mayasur, son

the death of his

and hurled

hills called

patal

to

avenge through a

when Vali gave him blows. Vali pursued him, having posted me at the mouth of it. For many months cave,

he did not return, though I was at the cave all the time watching it. During this time demi-gods entered Kis

kinda and sought to take possession of it. I, therefore, placed a mountain at the mouth of the cave and drove all

to

the demi-gods from the kingdom. Vali did not return Kiskinda for twenty months, and from this fact all

37

Bamavijaya. concluded that he was no more.

the people

Whereupon

Kiskinda proclaimed me as their king against my In the meantime, Vali returned to the cave wishes. of

with the head of Mayasur and, having seen the mouth He alarmed on account of me. it blocked up, he was

of

immediately reiroved the mountain and directly came to As soon as he saw me on the throne, he, Kiskinda. *

boiled with rage, said,

view to

cave with a

saying he

me

attacked

de on these of the

hills,

curse."

but

with the

thing,"

to fight with

flung

said

"

it

Nala,

Dudhum-

at a distance with his toe.

Rama,

t%

you not

to

to

Kiskinda

when Tara

to fight with him,

I implore

"Now

Just go and challenge Vali

Sugriva accordingly went

you."

and challenged him her husband,

assistance of

escaped and made my abo because he would not come here for fear 1

Sugriva then showed the body of

Rama, who

do one

He

You blocked up the mouth -of the me and take my kingdom. So

Jambuvant and Maruti

Nila,

bi to

kill

said to

meet Sugriva today. months but he has

comes to fight with you every six to combat with you three

now come

after

clays

the

you have fought with him. I think, Kama and Lakslminan have promised to help him. I, therefore,

battle

pray that you will not go to fight "That will not do/ replied Yali,

"

and cut

off his head.

will protect

griva,

you."

when Rama

If I

am

with Sugriva I

must

killed in the fight,

her and advised

Rama

sent "

griva, left

the

It

Lakshuman is

about

to Kiskinda.

a bad thing that

him alone

in the forest.

door of your palace.

4

all

Tara,

when Rama con

her to marry Sugriva. she married him.

and forgot

to rule

Angada

killed the former with one arrow.

she hesitated; but soon after,

began

him

So saying Vali went and attacked Su

his wife, violently cried for her husband,

soled

today."

fight vyith

Rama

in

At

Sugriva

his luxury.

Marati said

you have forgot

first

to

Su

Rama and

There stands Lakshuman at

Take

care he

will kill

us

all

r>

38

Rainavijaya.

Sugriva was alarmed and, having thrown himself at his feet with his wives

and other monkeys, implored the par

Rama. He then came with all his monkeys to Rama to help him in recovering his wife, Sita. Rama put his ring on one of the fingers of Maruti as a mark from don

of

All the monkeys set out in search of Sita. On way they came across a forest and could not proceed

him. their

further, as they

were

bewildered there.

This

forest

was

cursed by a Rishi, called Dandaka, saying that those whoentered it would remain there bewildered. The Rishi cursed the forest, because his infant son, was devoured The infant son became a by the goddess of the forest.

demon and devoured

all

the persons

and creatures that went

into the forest.

Angada, son of Vali, killed the demon; and as soon as he. was killed, he was restored to his for

mer form. All the monkeys escaped unhurt, as they wererepeating the name of Rama all the time in the forest. They left the forest and, having searched Sita at several The places in vain, at last came to a very large cave. monkeys entered

the cave but they all fainted owing to suf them up with his tail and came out of

focation. Maruti lifted

the cave to a place where there was a beautiful garden. All the monkeys climbed up the trees in the garden, laden

with

fruits,

mare,

A

but they could not get a single fruit to eat. Suprabha, came where the monkeys were

called

Maruti asked her who had created the garden r standing. Brahmadev was pleased with when the mare replied, a and, Mayasur, demon, having created the cave for him,, "

said,

I

have created

be always in

it

this cave for you.

and not

to leave

it

I require you tounder any circumstan

and

if you coine out of the cave, you will instantly While in the cave the demon always prayed to Vishnu for the protection of the demons on earth. Indra

ces;

die/

was alarmed and implored Bramhadev to get the demon oat of the cave. To get him out of the care the god

39

Ramavijaya. created a very beautiful damsel called

m

The demon looked

Hema and

sent her

and was captivated with her charms. Finding that the demon was very much taken with her, she came out of the cave, and he followed her, forgetting what Bramhadev had told him. the cave.

As

at her

soon as he came out oT the cave, he instantly died.

After the death of the demon, Hema was in the possession of the cave and garden, and soon left for the kingdom of Yishnu, placing me Here in this form to watch it. Hema told

me

when monkeys would come

that

I would

be restored to

to her,

We

"we

"

must now

my

have eaten leave this

former

fruits to

garden,

Maruti said

our hearts content and

as soon

place

into this

form."

as

possible.

We

cannot see the way to the cave through which we have come here. Will you, therefore, be kind enough to show it

to us

?"

Whereupon Suprabha

io shut their eyes;

and

told all

the

monkeys

they were all on a seashore. She was restored to her former form and, visiting Rama, went to her husband.

go

to

in a second

The monkeys were very anxious to cross the^sea and Lanka, but they were unable to do so. However,

"Maruti,

repeating

the

name

of

crossed

Kama,

the sea;

but on the way he met with several accidents. The gods sent a huge woman to devour him. She opened her

mouth and stood in mouth and proceeded

He passed through her In the meantime, the sea sent a mountain to block up his The mountain way. said to him, to take rest

"

Good

on

my

his

way.

further.

creature

bosom

!

Why

At

?"

are

enraged and pressed down the mountain. on, a

you not going

these words

A

Maruti got little

further

demoness, IShihika, who was mother of Rahu and Ketu, swallowed him up; but he tore off her At last he arrived at upper Lanka, belly and came out. frightful

when the goddess of the and knocked him down.

place

He

caught

hold of his legs

got up and gave her mortal

40

Ramavijaya. when she implored him

blows,

to

her

spare

life.

He

having granted her request, she blessed him, saying that he would be successful in his undertaking. He then came called Pudalanka.

to lower

Lanka,

sister of

Havana, whose husband,

As

Indra, lived there.

soon as

Krocha, the youngest

Gargar, was killed by she was informed of his

went with a number of demons and

arrival there, she

de-?

monesses to catch him, when he became a small and beau tiful animal. Krccha said to the demons and demoness This

"

es,

have

"

ine."

you

will get

a very

my

My

order

up, so

is

for

it

good and pretty animal. Let me Just kill it and cook it for

breakfast,

"

body,

me

he,

replied

be

to

is full

cooked for

of water,

your

nothing. I, therefore, tell you that you may have a delicious

and

breakfast, to

swallow

taste."

if

you

me

Krocha

accordingly swallowed up Maruti, who entered her heart and pulled off her flesh. The demoness tossed about with

Her companions gave her medicine mixed with of a hog, but the monkey was so disgusted with the dirt that he let out his tail through her nose and believed that All the demons and demonesses eats. it tail to the was a disease, and began out, when pull pain.

the clung

Maruti, having torn off her belly, came out and threw all the demons and demonesses into the sea. From lower

Lanka

he went again to upper Lanka; and at sunset he entered Nikumbala, a county in Lankn, where Indrajit the eldest son of Ravana, lived with his family. He went into the palace of

the

dea-on- prince and

his beautiful wife, Sulochana, there. "

self,

No

doubt

this is Sita,

with this wicked demon.

about to

kill

both of

to her husband,

bad thing If she

is

"

and she has

So saying

them but

saw him with

Maruti said to him fallen

in love

to himself

he was

meantime, she said Just think for a moment. Is it not a in the

i,hat your father has unjustly brought Sita here? not restored to her husband, a great calamity

41

Bamavijaya. will befall

ruti

Having heard

him."

this

was convinced that she was not

Ma-

conversation,

and went to

Sita,

the palace of Vibhishari, the youngest brother of Ravana, where he was much pleased, because the demon was the

Rama, and

devotee of also

saw there an

thing

every

He

was clean

there

Kama, which Vibhishari worship

idol of

ped every day. Thence he went to the palace of Kumbhakarna, where he was in deep sleep snorting all the time* Maruti was disgusted with the sight of the heaps of bones of

human

his palace.

When

and the around

flesh

beings and animals scattered he failed to find Sita there and

was enraged; and, assuming an invisi began to vroublo the demons and demonesses When they carried water in, various ways.

at other places, he ble form, he of

Lanka

in

them with

their pots, he broke

his

He

tail.

dashed to

pieces the chariots of the princes who happened to drive One day a barber began to shave the ID the streets.

beard of Ravana,

when Maruti stood behind him

form and thrust his

invisible

The barber was

former.

into

tail

startled;

the

and

in an,

hose of the

in confusion

ha

Ravana got angry when the monkey also

mustaches of Ravana.

shaved the

and slapped the barber

in the face,

gave a slap to the demon-king. houses of the demons with

were asleep.

One day

his

in a

Maruti pulled down the tail,

while

minute he

their families

extinguished

all

were in

Lanka, and consequently all of a sudden, The inhabitants of Lanka confusion and alarm.

said to

themselves,

the lamps in

"

Sita,

whom Ravana

has

brought

annoy and trouble Maruti then entered the palace of Ravana, where he and

here, has

created

the

devil

to

wife, Mandodari^ were fast asleep. Mandodarij Maruti thought that she was

his

us."

On Sita

beholding arid that

demon-king. He got much en raged, and wa? about to carry them where Rama was stay But, in the meantime, Mandodari ing with Lakshuoian. she

fell in

love

with the

42

Kamavijaya.

was awakened

alarm and said to her husband, I have dreamt a dream which indicates thai* Indragit and you willbe killed, that the Asoka forest will be destroyed, and

Lanka

that.

in

will

"

be

brought Sita here. her to her

because you have unjustly

burnt,

implore you to restore not be afraid of it in

I, therefore, "

husband."

You need

the least/ replied Ravana. I have posted five crores of the demons and demonesses to watch the Asoka forest "

and they forest."

will

not allow

So-

saying Havana despatched

Asoka

the

forest to see

Rarria to

kill

us and destroy the his servant to

whether Sita was there.

accompanied the servant in an Sita sitting under the shade

invisible of

a

form.

Maruti

He

saw

The servant

tree.

returned to Ravana and Maruti remained in the Asoka forest.

Sita,

on

The monkey was exceedingly glad whsn he found before her the ring which Rama had put She looked at the ring and asked it with, finger.

and threw

his

tears in her eyes,

How

is

my Rama

"

Ring

?

?

Where have you come from

Is he safe

?"

?.

While Sita was thua

asking the ring, the demonesses came there and told her to keep quiet, saying that

if

she did not

listen

to them,

they would devour her, when Maruti,, with his tail, tied up all of them together and flung them down.. Some of

them died and some fled. He then began to sing, which was so pleasing to her ears that she was very anxious to see who that creature was. She called the crea several times but nobody responded to her call. She was disappointed, and prepared herself to commit sui She cide, when the monkey came and stood before her.

ture

Who are you ? What is your name and asked him, where have you come from I am a servant of Rama,, and have come here in search of you," replied Maruti. "

"

?"

"

Your Rama

He

is

well

and has come to Kiskinda

shortly take you from this place. be afraid of me. I am not a demon. I will

for you*

You need not am son of the

43

Ramavijaya. wind, and my continued Sita,

name

"

is Maruti."

Besides that

ring,"

ma

have you got any other proof from Ra that you are his servant Whereupon he recapitula

ted

all

Se

?"

the calamaties that had

befallen

and she was

her;

thereby convinced that he was her husband s servant. I should have annihilated Lanka in a moment and "

but Rarna did taken you to Kigkinda," said Maruti, am Will you, I not order me to do so. very hungry. in the rue to take fruits the trees allow from therefore, "

breakfast

my

forest for

allow you to take "

and

if

you

fruits

"

?"

from

take

feet/

rf

is

them from the

I swear

the trees with

my

that I

tell

not

take the fruits which have

power to Sita,

replied

place,"

1

you to gather for your on the ground and

fallen

trees witlr

shall not take

hands and

my

in

demons and demones

forcibly take them, the

I however ses will kill you. breakfast the fruits that have

not to

It this

feet,"

fallen

said on-

and

your hands

any

"

Maruti, the

from

fruits

I shall

Around."

So

1

saying he lengthened his tail and plucked all fruits with and after a few minutes he destroyed the whole of the

it;

Asoka

The

forest.

watching the

sixty crores of the

forest, at

once

ca-me

deuron-s,

who were

u-pon him; but he tied

them up with his tail and flung them down. Some died and some fled. Hearing this news Ravana sent eight thou sand demons to catcli the monkey but the latter tied them up with his tail and killed them all. Ray-ana was greatly enraged, and.

sent

one lac of warriors

whom

the

monkey threw into the sea with? his tail. The demon-king then sent his son, Akshaya, with a large army; but he

1

was also killed with his other sons. Immediately after, he despatched a frightful demoness, called Asali, who had the strength of ten thousand elephants. She opened her hideous mouth one yojan in length and breadth and monkey, but the latter tore her belly off

devoured, the

and came

out.

At

last

Ravana

seat

his son,

Indrajit,,

44T

Ramavijaya.

with a large

army

Maruti, which the

of

He

demons.

latter

broke

arrows at

let off his

with his

off

hands

in

no

The monkey pulled off his rnngut with his tail He took up an broke his chariot and killed his horse. iron bar and went killing the demons with it, when Indratime.

attempted to catch him in a snare but the monkey be as small as an atom and escaped through it every time the. prince put it upon him. Whereupon Indrajit jit

came

made; a snare with a small noose and put it upon him, when he assumed a large form and broke the snare.

When

.the

prince

in

failed

catching

him

in the

snare,

combated with the

monkey, but the latter flung him do.wn on the ground. The Prince was alarmed and said to himself that if he was seized by the lie

.

monkey and

Rama, he would

carried to

be cruelly treated.

So saying, he hid himself in a cave, when Maruti blocked up the:mouth of it with a mountain. Indrajit cried and Havana, having been acquainted with this news You see, Indrajit is in imploringly. said to Bramhadev, wept.

"

difficulty.

insnare

Work cfive,

.If

the

you personally go

monkey.

I,

there,

will be able to

you

beseech you to do the Bramhadev went near the

therefore,

Whereupon hung his. head down with shame and

forme."

when; Indrajit "

said,

Unless you catch hold of the monkey,

venture to come

out of the cave,

,

I

can not

Whereupon Bramha-

dev put upon Maruti the Brarhha pasa* which, the latter could have broken in a minute, but he allowed himself to be caught in it and carried to the court of Havana.

went and vainly told his father that it was he the monkey. Maruti made a coil of hi3 tail than the throne of Havana and sat upon it. The higher Who: are you and what demon-king; indignantly, asked, Indrajit

who had caught

"

.ig

the

name

of

:

your master

rogue,. *

A

.

"

.?"

Do. y.p;u Jnxow,

complicated snare.

You .

are,"

replied Maruti,

,wh,o I.am.

?.

I

am

a ser-

45

Ramavijaya. of that prince who cut off the

vant

had saved your

Janak and

You

villain.

great sent by

my

master

will

nose of your

have carried

at the court of

life

off his

return

ten faces, will

to

are a I

wife, Sita.

master to ascertain whether she shortly invade

Yon

sister.

is

am

My

here.

Lanka and,

cutting off your with Sita/ At these

Ayodya

words Havana was greatly insulted and ordered the de mons to cut off the tongue, nose, ears and tail of the

monkey. In obedience to the order of the king all the demons brought weapons of various sorts and began to be done to him, pierce him with them but nothing could Havana was alarmed as his body was made of vajara*

and did not know what

to

"

replied Maruti,

aked

in oil

to death. r

and

Do

but

if

At

do.

monkey by what means he would you cover

set fire to

it,

last "

die.

my

I shall be

I

tail

he asked the

am

immortal,"

with

cloth so

immediately

not leave

any part of my nothing can be done to

tail

burnt

uncovered,

Where me." if you do so, upon Havana ordered his servants to cover his tail with All the demons accordingly brought innumerable cloth. cloth soaked in oil and began to cover the tail of heaps

and

of the

the more they covered the

monkey with them, but

tail with them, the more he lengthened it; and consequently a part of it remained uncovered. All the cloth in Lanka was

finished

and

oil

At

exhausted.

servants to go to the

Asoka

Havana ordered

last

Sita, when Maruti shortened his The demons then began be entirely covered.

to the tail but they

Havana

will

failed to

blow the

fire

his

and get the dress tail and allowed it

forest

light

himself,

it.

it

Maruti will

catch

of

to

to set fire said,

If

my

tail;

"

immediately burnt to death." Havana accordingly blew the fire and the tail of the monkey was Whilst he was blowing the fire, it caught his lighted.

and

I shall

be

beard; and his mustaches on one side were entirely *

A

diamond.

burnt.

46

Ramavijaya,

He covered

bis face with his handkerchief

and

retired to hiS

chamber. Maruti rolled on the ground and burnt the beards and mustaches of the demons and the hairs of the demon

He

esses with his tail in flames.

burnt

many

of

them

to

death, and in a short time one-third part of Lanka was on fire. After burning Lanka the monkey went to the

Asoka

forest

and assured Sita that her husband would

Thence he returned to Rama at the take her very soon. her ornament as a mark from her with Sarovar Tampa letter from Bramhadev to the prince stating what monkey had done in Lanka and that one-third of the

and a the

Rama and Lakcountry burnt by him had become gold. shuman were very glad to read the contents of the letter and expressed their thanks to Maruti for the trouble he had taken for them. The story of how Lanka had become is

.gold

*

as follows:

Two Brahmans, who were

brothers, always quarrel

dakshana * they had got from their patrons. Their father became Indignant at their conduct and cursed 1

led about the

them, saying

-that

they would be animals, but that the

One god, Krishna, would release them from the curse. brother was /transformed into a nakra^ and another into The nakra lived in water and th^ a gajandra.\. One day the gajandra accident gajr.ndra on a mountain. ally came to the laite in which the nakra lived; and whilst drinking the water, the latter dragged the former in the The severe fighting took place between them. lake.

A

nakra severely wounded the gajandra and was about to kill him, when the latter prayed to Krishna for help.

The god,

listening to his prayer,

hastened to the lake. gajandra, was crocodile *

and

.rode

Garuda^ and

on

-that

his

devotee,

the

wounded by the nakra, Krishna killed the him and the elephant from released

,A present in

An

Finding

hard cash,

eagle called

f

A

crocodile.

J

An

elephant.

Garuda on which Krishna always

rode.

47

Ramavijaya. the

curse.

After

them

releasing

the

from.

curse

Krishna prepared himself to return to Dwarka, whenGaruda said to him, I am very hungry.- Please, there fore,

give

me

something

I shall

to eat.

postpone

my

departure for an hour or so, replied Krishna, and in? the meantime, you can eat the corpses of the nakra and gajandra. Whereupon Garuda went and picked up thecorpses with his bill and sat on a tree called Jarnbuvrak1

But the branch of sha for the purpose of eating them. the tree on which he had sat, was broken by his weight, when he observed tha,t millions of .Rishis sat in meditation on the leaves of the branch.

In order that the branch

might not fall on the ground and kill the Rishis, he firmly held the branch by his bill; and not knowing where to 1

keep it, he went to his father, Kasyapa, a Rishi, and informed him of his difficulty.. Whereupon Kasyapa requested the Rishis to come down, and they complied with his request. He then told Garuda to leave the branch

on a mountain at Lanka.

Garuda accordingly did

it

and

went away. The branch remained on the mountain and was converted into gold; and when Maruti burnt Lanka,it was melted by the heat of the fire and the liquid over

Lanka which was burnt by the monkey." after, Rama and Lakshuman made preparations march against Ravana; and on the day of Dasara*

flowed the part of

Soon

for

they set out with eighteen padmas^ of monkeys, seventy*

called

"

This festival

Durga Puja.

is

On

held on the 10th of Aswin Shud. this day, in

commemoration

It is

of the victo

ry of Devi, the wife of Siva, over the buffalo-headed demon, Maheshasur, her image, after having been worshipped for nine days is

thown into the water.

or those

On

this

day Marathas and Kshatryas

who

consider themselves of the military race, worship the implements of war and ask protection of them throughout

the year, under a

conception that to

sword they owe every prosperity, one padma.

the propitiousness of the j-

Ten

billions are equal to

48

Ramavijaya,

two kotis*

of warriors

key, Jambuvant,

under the command

and

of ar* old

kotis of other

fifty-six

mon

monkeys.

When

they arrived at the sea which Maruti had first cros sed, they were encamped there, there being no way to pro ceed farther. news having This spread through out

Lanka, Vibhishan, the youngest brother of the de mon-king, entreated him to restore Sita to her husband,, and set all the gods at liberty. He said, If you do not listen to me, the whole of Lanka will be annihilated and "

all

the

demons

Ravan and

destroyed."

We

his

son, Indrajit,

Rama and monkeys come upon us, we shall kill them all in a second." Having failed to persuade the demon -king to restore Sita to Rama, Vibhishan, accompanied by four de mons, came where the monkeys had been encamped and "

replied,

all

do not care at

all

about

it.

Let

the

sought to kill

visit

The monkeys were about to prince. when Vibhishan said, I arn the youugRavana and have come here to see Rama. the

the demons,

ost brother of

he killed Vali and gave his kingdom to Su-

1 hear that

In like

griva.

"

manner, I want him to

kill

Ravana and

He is wicked, and has oppressed give his Lanka to me. both the gods and Brahmans." The monkeys looked up on him with suspicion and did not believe at first what he had

said.

demon.

But Maruti

He

is

"

said,

Vibhishan

is

not a wicked

Rama, and has come here Whereupon Rama desired the

a devotee of

with some good object." monkeys to allow Vibhishan

to see him. Sugriva went and brought him to Rama. The demon fell at the feet of the prince, when the latter blessed the former saying that he would be the king of Lanka and would reign

and him what he should do to there as long as the sun

army sea, *

the

moon

Rama asked

last.

cross the sea

with his

large-

monkeys, when Vibhishan replied, Pray to the and he may make way for you and your army. of

One

"

koti

is

equal to ten millions.

49

Kamavijaya.

Rama

went to pray to the sea and Vibhishan left for Lan Ravana was informed by a demon called Shardula, that a large army of monkeys under the command of Sugriva had been encamped near the shore of the sea and that they would invade Lanka in a day or two. Where-* upon a demon called Shuka came to Sugriva on behalf of Ravana and said to him, Rama is a wicked man, and why do you help him ? What have you to do with Sita ? ka.

"

If you do not listen Quietly return home with your army. the heads of all your monkeys will be cut off and

to me,

;

Rama, Lakshuman and you will be killed." The monkeys were enraged at what the demon had said and beat him severely, when Lakshuman interfered and let him go. The demon again said, You are all stupid donkeys and "

be

will

shortly "

replied, if

Just

sacrificed

tell

he refuses to do

Rashabha, a monkey,

here."

Ravana

to restore

Sita to

so, his

neck

be cut

will

Rama; and off

with his

Hold your tongue/ said Shuka, Sita will never be restored to Rama. I again tell you to leave the prince alone here; and if you do not listen to me, your days are numbered." The monkeys again caught him by his neck and, having belabored him; bound him ten

"

"

heads."

with a cord.

Rama

prayed to the sea for three days without eating sea was so impertinent that he

a morsel of food; but the

did not listen to his prayer,

and aimed

his

dhanushaban

when the to dry

prince got indignant

up the

sea.

The sea

Kindly forgive me and do not * I am me up. dry ready to do what you bid me do. but what shall I do with Very well," replied Rama, this dhanushaban ? It must be at any rate let off accord was alarmed and

"

said,

"

"

ing to rny solemn resolution which cannot be changed under There lives in the west a demon" any circumstances." "

called

Maru, continued the

tures

in

5

the

water.

sea.

Please,

"

He

devours

therefore, let off

all

crea

the arrow

50

Kamavijaya.

at him and ent off his head." Baroa accordingly dischar ged the arrow at him and cut off his head. When the head fell on the ground, it drank off a sheet of the sea-

water in the west and thereby a tract of land, which is called Marwad,. was formed. The sea regarded Rama as his son-in-law and presented him with a dress aad

now

ornaments, whieh he accepted at the request of the mon keys; and when he wore them, he looked very beautiful.

Kama

asked the sea what means-

the water with so

he-

should adopt to

many monkeys, when he

can have a shetu* built over

Let

roe.

it

cross

You

said,

by Nala

be built

with stones and mountains, which will float on the surfaceof the water only by his hands. When Nala was

young, he always worshipped shaligrams^ and threw them into the sea-water. Rishi was pleased with him and blessed

A

saying that by his hands,, stones and mountain* would float on the water, So saying to Rama,, the sea

him,

after,. Rama called Nala and To cross the sea, a shetu must be built by stones and mountains, which will float on the water

disappeared. said to him, of

you

Immediately

"

by your liands only.

beg you to order all and mountains and lay the water. Nala was puffed up

I, therefore,

the monkeys, to procure

stones

them by your hands in with pride and said to himself that the shetu could not be built without him.

keys

So saying Nala ordered the mon and mountains which the latter brought

to get stones

and gave

in charge of the

former.

of the shetu, but the fishes in built

it

but the fishes again

know what

ate

when Maruti

to do.

Nala

the sea it.

a portion

built

ate

He was

said to him,

He

it.

at

a

again loss to

Pride goeth thought that the bridge could not be built without you. What do you say now ? Leave before destruction.

off

You

your pride and be humble. *

A

"

or pool,

A

Now

write

the

name

of

black stone found in the river, bridge f Gadanki, and worshipped as sacred to Vishnu.

Pag-eSO

51

Ramavijaya.

Rama do

on each stone

aiid

lay

it

shetu within

you Nala did

this,

and

the water;

in

will be able to build the

if

you

a short

it as directed by Maruti; and the shetu one hundred yojans in length and breadth so After the shetu was far as Suvela without any difficulty.

time.

was

built

Rama

completed,

crossed

army and came

with his

it

to

Suvela, where he

encamped his army, Shuka at liberty, who went to Ravana and informed him of what had happened to him and how they

Kama

had

set

the

built

shetu.

He

submit to the prince and

demon-king to

the

requested

restore Sita

him.

to

Ravana

You are alarmed, because me that way again, I shall

**

got very indignant and said, If you advise they beat you. Soon after, Ravana sent two at once cut off your head." and to Suvela to ascertain the posi Shuka demons, Surna,

army of Rama. The two demons in the forms monkeys mixed themselves with the monkeys belonging Vibhishan informed Raina the army of the prince.

tion of the of to

that the

demons had come

to

Suvela in the forms of

mon

keys to ascertain the position of his army. Whereupon Rama ordered the monkeys to allow the demons to count their

The two demons were accordingly taken round

numbers. the

whole

army.

Lanka and army

of

to defeat

They,

monkeys, and it.

Rama and

having

said to the demon-king,

We,

it

will be

therefore,

restore Sita to

seen "

very

to

has got a large

difficult

to

for

you

submit to

you Ravana was enraged and

implore

him."

returned

it,

Rama

threatened them that he would cut

off their heads, if they He then, accompanied by the two advised him that way. demons, went to the top of his tower to see the army of Rama. Vibhishan came and informed the prince that the

demon-king had gone army, arid while he was

to his tower

to have a

there, Sugriva

look at his

jumped from Suvela,

which was at a distance of hundreds of miles from Lanka, The to his camp with the mug at of Ravan.

and returned

52

Ramavijaya.

-demon-king was alarmed, and immediately came downA few days after, he said to his -

rstairs.

courtiers,

nave now no patience. If

sible.

must marry

I

any of you make her love

shall be ever

cVidynjiva,

grateful to

who was

me and marry me,

Whereupon

him."

well versed in

"I

Sita as soon as pos

I

his minister,

magic and sorcery,

re

u I shall create, by means of sorcery, a head well eut and similar to that of Rama and also a dhanushaban

plied, jbff

and show them

to Sita, so that she

husband has been

,her

be convinced that

may she

If

killed.

convinced of

is

she will become hopeless and easily love you and marry am very much thankful to you for your excel you/ it,

"I

lent

Asoka

"

and said

forest

his

to

to

You

?

are

You

marry me.

will be

If

has

I,

be

my

Rama

his dhanushaban."

Alas

cut off

As soon

all

killed

to

and

Ayodya,

other warriors

what can you do beseech you and Mandodari

therefore, first !

wife

Sita,

you want any proof

head of your.

very sorry to is

flecj

Angada and

helpless. shall

am

husband

alone here,

are

your maid-servant.

Believe me. tjhe

You

killed.

I

<

Sita,

Lakshuman,

brother,

Maruti, Sugriva, Nala, Nila, are also

now

no doubt you

is

it,"

inform you that your darling $hat

There

Vidynjiva accordingly created the head and hig dhanushaban. Havana then came to the

Rama

of

Havana.

replied

scheme,"

will succeed in

of

Rama

what I

is

no more,

say, here 13

by a demon, and here is the head of

as Sita beheld

Rama and said

"

fcp

plore

may live

his dhanushaban, she fainted. In her gritf she I look upon you as my father Ravana. im an>!

you

to order a pile of

set fire to

any

it

wood to be arranged,

and burn myself

longer in this

world."

in

it.

As soon

so ttiat I

I do not wish to as he heard these

words, he returned to his court, leaving Sita alone there. Jn the mean-time, Sharma, wife of Vibhishan, came to the weti

Asoka ancj.

forest

and informed her that

that the head4

Rama was doing which was shown to her, was

53

Hamavijaya. ated by the demons by means of sorcery to tip her hope of Eama and marry Havana.

make her give

Sharma inform

head and dha-

Sita of this than the created

nushaban which were the

my you

and

faithful wife

and

;

go

me much.

to Sita

after,

Mandodari, you are I have a great pas

you do not help me, I shall

if

love me,

really

love

"

sooner did

Soon

disappeared.

said to his wife,

demon-4dng

sion for Sita

left there,

No

Asoka

in tho

die.

If

and Mandodari

forest

her to marry me." Whereupon went to Sita and, having communicated her husband s wishes to her, returned home. She said to her husband,

persuade

"

Dearest, Sita

She

wishes.

not a

is

a

is

woman who

paragon

of virtue.

comply with your

will

She

will sacrifice

her

rather than yield to

life

There is no use of your passion. I, therefore, beseech you to restore

your beim- after her.

Rama.

her to

Why

do you covet another "

Havana,

replied

love,"

never submit to of all nations.

What you

Rama and

say

humiliate

I shall fight with

s

wife

is true,

?"

"My

but I shall

myself in the eyes die but I shall

him and

never restore Sita to

him." Having failed to persuade her husband, she returned to her palace. Ravana again went to the top of his tower with his courtiers and began to

look at the army of

a at

hill

Ravan and

at the

army

also

went

to the top of

Whilst Ravana was looking Sugriva jumped from the hill muguts put by him on his ten

his courtiers.

of the

prince,

and knocked down the

The demon-king was surprised and

heads.

with the

him

Rama

Rama.

with Sugriva and other monkeys and began to look

monkey but

severe

blows,

the latter,

returned to

combated

having administered to

Rama

with joy.

Ravana

was alarmed, and immediately came down with shame and confusion. After a)l preparations for the war were to Vibhishan said completed on both the sides, Before an attack is made it is advis on Rama, Ravana, able to negotiate with him for peace. You should, there"

54 fore,

Ramavijaya. send an

restore

ambassador

Sita to

the court of

monkey

to his court

Rama

you."

and request him to

accordingly sent

Ravana but no-body noticed him

was,

irritated

therefore,

and

Angada toThe

there.

said

to

the

Havana, do you know who I am? * are you and what is your name," Ravana indignantly "

demon-king, "Who

asked.

I

"

am

a servant

of

Rama,"

continued Angada,.

and my name is Angada. I am son of Vali. I have come here to negotiate with you for peace." a I shall never make peace with Rama," replied Ravana, I tell you once more to make peace with Rama," said Angada, and restore Sita to him. If you refuse to listen to- me, you will lo.se your life and every thing in Lanka.. He is very powerful, and you can do nothing to him." "-You *

"

"

arc a "

shameless

You know

Ravana indignantly

creature,"

Rama

very well that

replied,

has killed your father

and, instead of revenging yourself upon the enemy you have now come to. help him. You are a groat donkey." Xo doubt, Rama killed my father," said Angada, but "

"

by

his arrow he has go.ne to

ever-lasting happiness/

heaven where he now enjoy* furious,, and ordered

Ravana was

demons to bind Angada. Whereupon the demonsfirmly held him by his arms, when the monkey struck the four

chest of

Ravana with

his

tail

and jumped from Lanka

with his muguts, chatra and mandap* and returned to Buvela. The four demons, with whom, the monkey had jumped, hung upon his shoulders with their heads down wards, and were killed by a

fall

on the ground.

The negotiations for peace having fallen, through, kSusen marched against Lanka with twenty kotis. of mon key-soldiers

the

and fought with the troops of Ravana under of Dhamaraksha. Susen routed and defeated

command

them

all,

and

their

commander was

killed

by Maruti

with blows. The news of the defeat having spread through-

55

Ramavijaya.

demon-king, boiled with rage, sent the demons, called Vazra Dausti and Sukpana, with a number the

out Lanka,

of

but

demon-soldiers,

heavy to do. field

defeated with

were also

they

Ravana was alarmed and did not know what

loss.

But, in the mean-time, his son, Indrajit, kept the

Vidyaman and

with the warriors, Janbumali and

let

arrows at the army of Rama which the latter cut off and killed the two warriors. Whereupon Indrajit off

immediately jumped with his chariot into the sky, where he hid himself in the clouds and let off serpent-weapons which produced innumerable at the army of Rama,

These serpents stung Rama and Lakshuman and consequently they all fell life

serpents.

and

all their soldiers;

Maruti and Vibhishan, who were having thus defeated Rama, returned The demon-king was to Lanka with a great success.

less in the field, except

immortal.

Indrajit,

son and- said to his

rery glad at the success of his

sister,

Look at the valor of our Indrajit. Trijata, How has he fought and how has he defeated the army of "

Sister

?

Rama ? You know, nobody Now what I want you to do is Sita

and inform her

of

Rama, Lakshuman and field

and

tell

all

on earth can

that

had happened.

is

now

only one who can support her. persuade her to marry me. !

Trijata accordingly showed to and the monkey soldiers lying

told her all

her beloved

that

Ravana had

helpless-

Tell

Maruti

all

I

in the

am

this

like her

the

and

much."

Rama, Lakshuman lifeless in the field and

Sita,

said.

Rama and Lakshuman,

became

and

her

sister, I

now go to Show her

lifeless

their soldiers lying

her that she

conquer us.

that you should

and

Sita,

having seen

violently

Vibhishan

cried

and

consulted

hopeless. together as to what they should do to resusitate the prin ces and their array, but before they arrived at a certain

had come and whispered to Rama a garuda mantra which produced garudas or eagles. These

conclusion, the wind

S#

Eamavijaya.

gaf u das killed

all the serpents and resusitafed Lakshumari and their army. The fighting was agairi renewed by the monkeys, when Pravasta, the minister of Ravana, bravely fought with them and killed many of them. Whereupon Nala threw at the minister one lac

of

mountains which the

was

killed

broke in no time and

after a hot

battle Pravasta by Nala with a tree called Tada, a hundred yojans

At

in length.

this

wife,

to

fight

greatly enraged the enemies, when

with

Mandodari, said to him,

"

My

dearest,

yoit

should n ow give up the idea of your fighting with j&ima any longer. Why do you want another s wife ? My love, just restore her to her

may end

in

peace

Havana laughingly for

I

replied, tell

king kept the sons and a

which the

the

demon-

Immediately

after,

broke

large

and

moun

with his arrows.

monkeys rushed upon him with moun rocks and other weapons but he also

tains, large trees,

at

latter

soldiers

the

broke them with rock

all

her, she

number of warriors and operations, when Sugriva threw a all

Rama.-

to

him with

with his sons, grand-sons, great grand

field

him,

Whereupon

kill

darling,"

any thing

to listen to

large

commenced at

palace.

My

am ready to do me to restore Sita I

RaVana having refused

returned to her

large

"

prepared to fight with him and

army."

tain

husband, so that every thing

tranquillity." "

you but please do not

am

his

and

his

the

Maruti then threw a very demon-king which the latter broke arrows.

with his arrows and gave blows to the former. Maruti some time and, having soon come to himself, returned the blows to him and knocked down his mtiguts and the chatras held over his ten heads. Havana was -fainted for

not in

the

alarmed and continued the fighting. produced by a mantra innumerable himself and employed them to throw mountains, least

Whereupon Nala Nalas

like

:

Ravana was

defeat,

and prepared himself his

latter

But

contiriued the fighting.

57

Ramavijaya. and rocks

trees

at the

demon-king, when the

a Bramhasra* and

off

second.

Lakshuman then

made them let of?

all

latter

let

in

disappear

a

a Bramhaskti* at Ravana,

which was cut

off by the latter into two parts. One part of on the ground and with another Lakshuman was Maruti was greatly struck; and consequently he fainted. it fell

enraged and gave Ravana blows, blood and return to Lanka.

which made him vomit

When

wag

the demon-king

he sent his demon-subjects to arouse his The demons brother, Kumbhakarna, from his fast sleep. went and shook him but he was not awakened. thus defeated,

Whereupon

threw rocks and mountains at him, pierced him with sharp weapons, and scratched him with their nails, but nothing could arouse him from his sleep, He they

was snorting with a great noise and drew in and sent out with his inspiration and respiration the demons, bullocks, cows, elephants and other animals

At

him.

that had come before demons brought two nymphs and made

last the

them sing before him. By their melodious voice he wag aroused; and as he was hungry for six months, he at once devoured

billions of bullocks, she-buffaloes, Brahmaris, cows and even demons, and drank off gallons of liquor and ghee-\. After his hunger was appeased, the demons informed him of what had happened to his brother, Ravana,

his

kingdom and

subjects.

Whereupon Kumbhakarna

immediately stood on his legs towards the palace of his brother. at the huge size of

the demon,

but Maruti went to

him and

that they might

and

to

began

walk

The monkeys, looking

were greatly disheartened

lifted

him up

thrice in order

Kumbhakarna reached the palace of Ravana and stood before him, when the latter said to him, Brother ? I am now in difficulty. not

be

afraid

of

him.

"

I

have

marry *

brought Sita, the wife of Rama, as In order to recover her from me

her.

4-

weapon.

f Clarified butter.

I

wish to

Rama

has

58

Ramavljaya. with a

come here

number

great

of

monkey-soldiers.

They have killed good many demons and destroyed nearly It is now the whole of Lanka. your duty to help It is not good that you have deprived the help me. 11 "

woman,

less **

It

You

Sita, of her husband," replied

you have brought her here at the you

fulfilled

Kama and Havana,

"

"

it is

all

the

man."

my

her.

go to

Unless you wishes."

your wishes

But as

life,

have

If not, transform yourself into

? "

risk of your

wife.

s

Tlrat

cannot

be

done,"

replied

become Rama, all his virtues and prevent me from doing any wicked

because

reign iu ine

"

Kumbhakarna.

a great sin that one should covet another ought to have restored her to her husband.

is

kill

if

I

Rurna, I shall not

As you

are

my

be

able said

brother,"

to

fulfill

will act.

my

Kumbhakarna,

duty to help you. Have courage. I shall devour

monkeys

in a

Taking

his

moment and leave

of

Rama and Lakshu-

kill

Havana,

Kumbhakarna

Rama, when four monkeys, in army Govaksha Sharab and flnng mountains and cluding rocks at the demon which the latter broke with blows and threw them into the sky. Kumbhakarna devoured a monkeys but a few of them great number of the

attacked the

of

escaped through his ears and nostrils. Sugriva then threw a mountain at him which the latter broke with one

blow and, having held him by his feet, turned him round like a reel. He was about to dash the monkey to pieces,

when

the

latter

escaped from

ped into the sky. hands in the sky,

But

he,

his

having

clutches

and jum

stretched

out

his

brought him down and put him into his anus. Sugriva was disgusted at the stink of his arms and, having cut off his nose and ears, once more escaped and jumped into the sky of which

Kumbhakarna

He was

and altogether

knew

nothing.

disfigured.

bled

profusely that he was successful in the

Having thought

war, he walked towards the palace of his brother, Ravana.

59

Eamavijaya. The demon-king was ashamed state

;

and

ordered his barber to show cordingly beheld hii

behold him in

him a

that

disfigured face

The barber ac

mirror.

mirror before the

a

held

to

avoid an interview with him he

order to

in

demon

which he

in

and immediately returned

in a

renew the fight with the monkeys. Despe as he was, he devoured many of the monkeys and

great rage to rate

attempted to rush upon Rama, when Lakshuman let off arrows at him, which he broke with his hands. In the mean-time,

Vibhishan went to fight with

You are I am your

when the latter said, you know who I am ?

"

his

brother,

a great scoundrel.

brother.

You

Do

are trea

I should have just cherous, and have joined our enemies. killed you on this spot, but as there will be no one left be

hind us to perform our funeral ceremonies, I spare your

and command you to leave this place immediately. Do not show me your face again." Having heard these word* from the mouth of Kumbhakarna, Vibhishan immediately

life

Kumbhakarna then rushed upon Rama, disappeared. the latter let off arrows at him, but they all were de

when

voured by the demon. Lastly the prince discharged a deadly arrow at him and cut off his hands with it, and, with other arrows, his the news

of the

feet,

fall of

vana much grieved

for

trunk, and head.

On

receiving

Kumbhakarna in the field Rahim, when Indrajit came and con

after, Atikaya, the second son of Ravana, with other warriors, abravely attacked the

soled his father

army

of

Immediately

.

Rama and

but at last

shot a great

Lakshuman

much lamented

for him,

number

of the

monkeys Ravana

;

killed

him with

his arrow.

when

Indrajit

consoled his father

and, having washed his body with the blood of human beings and cows, performed a penance. His goddess was pleased with him and

presented him with a chariot, horses and weapons. He seated himself in that chariot and jumped into the sky and having hid himself in the clouds, he let j

60

Ramavijaya.

off arrows at the monkeys and killed them all. Even Raina and Lakshunoan were struck with his arrows. The demonprince again returned to Lanka with success. To resus citate the monkeys, Maiuti went to get a mountain called

Dronagiri, which was full of medicinal plants. For some time he stood at the foot of the mountain entreating him to accompany hioi to Suvela, the place of the war, and re suscitate the monkeys with his medicinal The plants.

mountain said pected to

Be gone.

"

accompany you

M aruti

to

You,

fool.

Suvela.

I

am

not ex

Depart from

this

indignant at the insolence of the mountain and, having lifted him up with his tail, brought him to Suvela. By the odour of the medicinal plants on place.

mountain

the

man

were

got

all

monkeys with Kama and Lakshuand soon after, they entered to it. Whereupon Havana sent the

the

resuscitated;

Lanka and

set fire

Krochen, Nikuinbha and others The demons let off oppose them and quench the fire. a rain-weapon, which produced water and quenched the

demons, Jang Prachang, to

By his mantra Indrajit then created a female called Kritya and jumped with her into the sky; and hiding him self behind her back he let off arrows at the and fire.

monkeys

killed

many

wind,

let off

them, when Rama, at the suggestion of the the weapon called Angirastra, which cut off

of

the female.

Whereupon

Indrajit immediately

came down

and, having defeated the army of Rama with heavy loss, returned to Lanka with success. The monkeys were alar med, when Maruti immediately kept the field. At this

time Indrajit created by his mantras a woman exactly like Sita and, having seated her in his came to the chariot, field "

and loudly

You

see,

said in

on account of

has suffered much. will

end

he cut

in peace,

off the

the hearing this

If her

and there

head of

of all the

wretched

head

is

will be

cut

no

monkeys,

woman my off,

every

father

thing

So saying the woman and immediately went to war-"

61

Ramavijaya.

his county, ISTikumbala, to perform a penance with a view to get from the deity of fire a divyaratha* with horses and

He

weapons. ions to ;

watch

ishing his rpses

many Brahnv^as and cows

the purpose

for

lled

entered a solitary place and, posting deit, began to perform the penance. Indrajit

and

seated himself

body with their blood,

made a liavan^ and Brahmans and cows.

carcasses,

deity of fire the heads of

having been pleased with him, half of

and,

upon

offered

the

The deity the divyaratha came

out of the havan.

cut

Maruti believed that the woman, whose head had been was Sita and communicated the sad news to Kama

off,

and Lakshuman, which disheartened and disappointed all. In the meantime, Vibhishan came and informed Eama and the monkeys that Sita was safe in the Asoka forest and that the Sita, whose head was cut off by Indrajit, was He also informed them created by him with his mantras. Half of the divyaratha has of the penance and said, "

come out you

will

of the fire

;

and

if

the whole chariot

come

out,

not be able to

conquer Indrajit. I, therefore, advise you to go to Nikumbala as soon as possible and

destroy the havan, so that the chariot may disappear and not come to the hands of the demon-prince. I also tell you that as soon as you destroy the havan, he will be desper ate

and

fight with

him, unless

you

;

but no

he has observed

one

fast for

will be able

12 years.

*

to kill

Listen

ing to what Vibhishan had said Rama made a sign to Lakshuman, who had observed fast for 14 years, and bade him go with Maruti, Sugriva, and the other monkeys to Nikumbala to Jostroy the havan and kill Indrajit. Lak shuman accordingly went with them to Mkumbala and destroyed the chariot and havan. The noise of the monkeys aroused Indrajit who was in deep meditation ; and find*

by

A

fire to

beautiful, fine

and charming

chariot,

f Oblation

a deity.

6

62

Ramavijayar.

ing that the ha van was destroyed, he was so furious that at them a tain-weapon, which produced the rain and flowed the army of Lakshuman. The prince Dis Ije let off

charged a wind-weapon, which produced the wind and dis Indrajit stopped the wind by. a moun persed, the rain. tain-weapon, which produced innumerable mountains,

Lakshuman

let off a

when

diamond-weapon, which produced dia

monds, and broke the mountains. Indrajit let off a firewea.pon, which produced fire and began to burn the army of

Lakshuman, when the

which produced volumes

latter

discharged a sea-weapon, and extinguished the

of water

Indrajit lastly let off five arrows

fire.

man

with thorn, when

and struck Lakshu

Vibhishan threw

his

gada*

at the

demon-prince, who cut it off and struck his uncle with five At last Lakshuman let off a deadly arrow and arrows. broke his head with

it,

and

his chariot

was broken and

by Jambuvant. Indrajit however fought alone on the ground, when all the monkeys threw t him innumerable mountains, rocks, and trees at one and the horses

same

killed

time, but he broke

them with

his arrows in

no time.

He

then jumped into the sky and, hiding himself in the clouds, let off arrows at Lakshuman when Maruti placed the latter on the palm of his the sky r where he fought

hand and with

lifted

Indrajit,

him up

in

Whereupon

demon-prince came down, when Maruti brought Lakshuman on the ground. They fought for some time on the ground but at last Lakshuman cut off with his the

arrows the thighs, arms and the head of his enemy. of the

arms

of the demon-prince,

when

cut

off, fell

One down

of the palace of his wife, Sulochana, a Shesha, and the monkeys carried off the head to their camp with exultation. Rama rejoiced at the

in the

compound

.daughter of

monkeys to preserve the head and who would come hither to ask

success

and

hand

over to a woman,

for

ifc.

it

told the

Sulochana came out

of

her room, and as soon as

63

Ramavijaya. she identified her husband

s

hands and lamented over

it.

tears in her

were

"

eyes, If I

killed.

My

am

up in her She said to the arm with just let me know how you to you, let this your arm

arm, she took

love,

faithful

it

write a short account of the battle you had fought with

So saying she placed a piece of paper, pen and which wrote the full account of

Rama."

inkstand before the ;arm,

the battle and informed her that the monkeys carried off As soon as Stilochana read the ac his head to Suvela. sh.?.

count,

fore his

and

arm and paper be Havana read the letter away, when Mandodari came out of her room

grieved

much anl

fainted

and, hearing the sad violently cried

news

my

of the fall

Sulochana

and wept.

burn myself with

placed the

Havana.

father-in-law,

of her brave *

said,

beloved Indrajit.

I,

I

son,

am going

therefore,

to

im At

plore you to get his head back from the monkeys. the entreaties of his daughter-in-law the demon-king was and at the same time, he was rnored, and pitied her ;

boiled with rage at the monkeys, and exclaimed, "Daugh Rest assured. I will now ter, I shall get the head back. fight with

Rama and

unless I

never return,

exclaiming he ordered his

courtiers

to

kill

make

him."

So

prepartions

march against the prince, when Mandodari said to Su There is no necessity for fighting with Rama. lochana, If you go to him alone, he will give the head to you, as he for

"

She is helpless, if any body There is not a single mon commit outrage upon her. who will covet key with Rama, replied Mandodari, these words, said as Mandodari another s wife. As soon allowed Su and with and confusion shame he hid his face Sulochana came to the lochana to go alone to Suvela. is

very

Ravana

kind."

"

said,

"

"

*

of the

camp

moakeys, when the

am

She

said to the prince,

come

hither to carry the head of

ing to

"

I

burn myself with him.

latter

took her to

wife of Indrajit

my

I,

Rama.

and have

husband, as I

am

go

therefore, implore you to

64

Ramavij aya. it

to

How

"

know

did you

that the head of your asked the monkeys. Sulocliana told them what had happened but the said monkeys to her, We can not believe what you say. It is impos give

me."

nusband was carried

off

by

us,"

"

sible that a

lifeless

your husband it

laugh

;

;

and

arm can if

and then we

write.

you were will be

Here

is

head of

the

make

faithful to him, just

convinced

of, what

you

say."

Whereupon Sulochana, embracing the head, said, My These monkeys have met love, I am now in difficulty. "

here together to judge of my fidelity towards you ; and if your head does not laugh, they will look upon me as a vile

Sulochana tried her utmost to make the head woman." laugh but it did not listen to her. At last she said, T made a great mistake. If I had called my father, Shesha, to help you, nothing could have been done to As you." soon as she uttered these words, the head heartily laughed. The monkeys said, Though Sulochana spoke to the head in so many pathetic words, it did not laugh but as soon as she took the name of Shesha, it heartily laughed.* What is this mystery?" asked the monkeys. Sulochana "

"

"

"

is

the daughter of

man

is

Shesha,"

an incarnation

replied

of Shesha.

cause his

father-in-law killed

sooner did

Rama

man much

and LakshuRama, The head laughed, be own son-in-law." No "

his

inform the monkeys of this than Lakshu-,

grieved for his

when the

son-in-law, Indrajit,

former pacified and consoled him, saying that he would re suscitate the demon-prince, if he wished him to do so.

But

monkeys Rama did not resus The Indrajit. monkeys then handed the head over to Sulochana, which she took and brought on the sea at the entreaties of the

citate

shore near Lanka, where she arranged a pile of

having

set fire to

who was present custom, was

home

it,

wood and,

burnt herself with the head.

there with

Ravana,

his family according

to the

deeply affected at the sight, and returned over-wiielined with grief. Ravana was in a confused

65

Ramavijaya.

and did not know what to do, when his advised him to write a letter to his un Ahiravana and Mahiravana, in Fatal.

state of mind,

minister, Yidya, cles,

Whereupon

the

demon-king wrote to them, called them to see him at his palace and informed them of his misfortune and distress, when they encouraged him and said, You need not be "

alarmed. We shall carry off Rama and Lakshuman to Fatal today at midnight and sacrifice them to our goddess." The ministers of Yibhishan overheard what had passed between Ravana and the demons and communicated it to their master.

Nila, Sugriva

Whereupon Yibhishan told Maruti, Nala, and other monkeys to guard Rama and Lak

shuman during the made a fortification princes on

a

night.

AH

of their tails

the

monkeys, therefore,

and,

placing in

it

the

guarded them. At midnight Ahira vana and Mahiravana came there and were greatly surpris ed at the curious fortification. But there being no way cot,

to get in, they excavated the earth and through that excavation they carried off the with the cot to Maprinces hikavati in Fatal, where they put them in trance and con fined them in a house. kotis of They had posted ;

twenty to watch the

demons under the command of Makardwaja mouth of the excavation which was near the

At

the

dawn

sea in Fatal.

of the

day all the monkeys at Suvela went to visit Rama, when they found, to their great sur prise, that the cot disappeared with Rama and Lakshu man. They saw the excavation and the footprints of the demons, from which they concluded that the demons had carried off the princes through that hollow. All the mon keys were greatly alarmed, and did not know what to do,

mean time, YibL-han came and told them not a noise about it, because if Ravana knew of their

but, in the

to

make

he would attack t^em and kill them all in no The monkeys with Yibhishan met together and

position,

time.

asked Maruti whether he could go through the excavation

66

Ramavijaya.

and "

whereabouts

the

trace

Even

at the risk of

shuinan

my

Rama and Lakshuman. Rama and Lak-

of

life

I will get

Maruti. Having thus spoken Maruti entered the excavation with Nala, Nila, Angada, and Jambuvant and went through it to the sea -shore half replied

back,"

dead, where they refreshed themselves with a fresh breeze. Looking at the large numbers of the demons they disguis

ed themselves as Fakirs* and asked the monsters to show them the way that led to Mahikavati. The demons did non listen to them and prevented them from proceed ing further, when Maruti got indignant and threw them with his tail. Makardwaja was greatly in and combated with Maruti but the latter flung him down and sat on his chest. Makardwaja was alarm

into the sea

censed,

name the espouser of said Ma were here," my father, Maruti, would kill you and save my life." As soon

when Maruti

ed,

his cause.

"

kardwaja, as the

called

upon him

to

If

"he

demon mentioned

the

name

of

say that I

am

Maruti, the latter

My getting up from his chest, said, I am a Bramhachari f and how do you Just give me an account of your father ?

wa startled, and, name is Maruti.

how you were born

"

to

When

"

me."

you burnt Lanka,*

threw

into the sea your you swallowed up and a mother, Magari, \ my Maruti was astonished of that sweat I was born to you." "

replied

Makardwaja,

sweat, which

;

at the account given by Makardwaja, apd blessed him when, the Magari came to see the monkey and said to him, When you came here last time, you had a large size I doubt but I now find that your form is very small. "

;

whether you are that Maruti whom I had seen." Where upon Maruti assumed his former form and removed her

He

doubt.

all

then acquainted her with what had happened

* Mendicants, abstains from f A Brahman that religiously sexual commerce with woman either for a time or through

life,

;

\

An

alligator.

67

Kamavijaya. to

Rama, when

two brothers. I

know

she said,

They

tomorrow.

carried off

and they

I, therefore,

Ahiravana and Mahiravana are

wicked and treacherous demons.

are

that they have

to Mahikavati,

"

Rama and Lakshuman

advise you to go

in the temple of the goddess, where princes."

"Have

them

will sacrifice

you

to their goddess

and hide yourself will find

patience/ replied Maruti,

"

both the

I will kill all

Mahi the demons and give Mahikavati to your son." of 13 at a distance is the continued kavati," Magari, "

"

yojans,

and

to reach there

sea,

which you

you

to sit with your

convey you

will

to

will

you

not be able

that

have to cross a vast

to do.

companions in

Nala,

place."

I, therefore,

my

mouth, and I

Nila,

Angad,

beg will

and

thought that the Magari their on them swallow way to Mahikavati. up might and stayed on the offer her kind refused They, therefore, alone Maruti while jumped over the sea and sea-shore,

Jambuvant were

afraid, as they

immediately reached small as an

As soon

Mahikavati, where he became as

atom and entered the temple

as he

of the

goddess.

saw the goddess, he put her into a drain

and, assuming her form, sat in her place. The goddess was frightened, and did not speak a word for fear of life.

The demoos ing of boiled

as usual rice,

made offerings to

milk, butter

the goddess consist

and other things which Maruti

swallowed up to his heart s content and loudly said to the I am very much pleased with you, because you demons, have brought today Rama and Lakshuman for my tiffin "

Let me have them.

Do

not open the doors of the temple* not be able to bear my power and lustre.

because you

will

I, therefore,

command you

to

make an opening

to one of

the walls of the temple and push them in through it, so Do not kill that I may devour them with a great relish.

Believing that the goddess was much pleased with them, Ahiravana and Mahiravana removed the trance them."

from

Rama and Lakshuman and

brought them to the

68

Ramavijaya. As

temple. to one

of

through

directed by the goddess, they made an opening walls of the temple and pushed them in

the

Rama and Lakshuman

it.

the sight of the goddess, u I to

were frightened at

who opened her mouth and

said

shall now devour them, you, as I am very hungry; but before I do that, name the espouser of your cause."

Whereupon

the

"

princes

replied,

he would come to our rescue. throw ourselves on your

We

to "

them.

and how can

need not be

am now

I

helpless,

and

and immediately discovered himself

princes, "

now

Maruti was moved with

mercy."

pity at the

Maruti were here,

If

are

I kill the

without

weapons,"

demons without

continued Maruti, So saying he brought

"

afraid,"

I

said

them?"

shall

Rama, "

You

get your

weapons here." the weapons and dhanushabans from Suvela. As princes were hungry, Maruti gave them to eat the butter and other things which he had preserved for them; and after they had appeased their hunger he sat in the place of the goddess, hiding them behind his back, and I am now loudly exclaimed, "

ready to bless

my

demons one by one. Let Ahiravana was extremely glad, as the goddess wanted him first; and without loss of time lie went in and stood before the deity, who trampled him under his foot and As the demon instantly killed him. all

Ahiravana come

in

beloved

first."

did not come out for some time, the other demons outside the temple apprehended that there was some mischief in the temple, and began to make enquiries about him, when Maruti broke open the doors of the temple and killed a great

number

of the

informed that his

demons with

brother

was

his tail.

killed

and Lakshuman, Mahiravana commenced them.

He

let off

Having been

by Maruti, to fight

Rama with

arrows after arrows at his enemies but

they cut them off and let off an arrow and killed the de mon with it; but, to their great surprise, they found that every drop of the blood of the demon produced one Main-

69

Ramavijaya.

ravana, and when Rama killed all the Mahiravanas produ ced by all the drops of the first Mahiravana the drops of so

many Mahiravanas produced innumerable Mahiravanas

Kama

and thus the more

killed

the

Mahiravanas,

the

more they were produced. At last Rama was confuse and did not know what to do. Maruti went and asked the Magari to acquaint him with the cause of the pheno

d>

The Magari

menon.

him

referred

to Chandraseni,

wife

Ahiravana, and told him that she would toll him all about it. Whereupon Maruti called upon Chandraseni of

him the cause

and implored her

to tell

when

I shall be very glad to

of the

not

and

she said,

of the

you the cause.

I

phenomenon, you the cause

Rama marries am charmed with

you promise me that you

I shall tell

you

the

when she

"

said,

on account

of

"

Oh,

yes.

I can

do

it

very *

Maruti gave his promise to her, Ahiravana performed a severe penance which the god, Siva, was pleased, and

*kundas in Fatal, Mahiravana,

I shall

the prince,

Then give me your promise,

blessed him, saying that every drop of

the drops

me,

make him marry me,

will

"

cause."

easily, replied Maruti. continued Chandraseni.

of

tell

phenomenon, but unless

tell if

*

it

the

nectar

in the

mixed, with every drop of the blood would produce one Mahiravana and that

if

of the

blood of the Mahiravanas produced by such drops would multiply the Mahiravanas. So saying he presented the demon with a string of ^Bramahras and told

him that

the

Bramahras would supply

Now

with the nectar at the time of a war.

his

you

brother

see, these

Bramahras, who are as big as mountains, go to Fatal and sprinkle the nectar over the blood of the Mahiravanas and consequently there is no end to them. 1, therefore, tell

you

to

go to Fatal and

the nectar

may

Mahiravanas *

not

killed

be

by

kill

the

all

sprinkled Rama."

Holes in the ground,

Bramahras, so that

over

As

the

blood

of the

soon as Maruti knew

f Big black

flies.

70

Ramavijaya. went to Fatal and

the secret, he immediately

the

killed

Branaahras except their chief whose life was spared, because he promised, the monkey that he would be useful to him

on some occasion. Mahiravanas. all

Having

Rama and

returned to

The

told

Bramahras, Maruti

killed the

him

to let

off

prince accordingly did

arrows at the

and

it

killed

the Mahiravanas.

Immediately after

this

Mm to

the promise given by * I do not know self,

Maruti remembered

success

Chandraseni and said

what I should do now.

to

him

If I tell

Rama

to marry Chandraseni, he will never do so, because he has sworn that he will be faithful to his wife, Sita.

If I

me

Rama "

by me to her, she will Maruti however made bold and told

to fulfil the promise given

fail

curse

to

death."

about the promise given by him to Chandraseni.

all

I will not at all violate

you

my

oath."

replied

Rama,

"

If

can come to the place of Chandraseni and bless u continued Maruti, you can do Yes,"

like, I

"

her.

so."

Thence Maruti to her,

Rama

"

first

will

ready for him, but I

chaka

is

came alone

come tell

to Chandraseni

to-night.

and said

Keep your *manchaka if the man-

you one thing that

broken by the weight of Rama, he will never will go directly home. I therefore, tell

marry you and you

to order a strong

manchaka

to

be

made."

Chandra

seni got a strong and beautiful manchaka ready for Rama and sat there expecting the prince. Maruti sent the chief of the Bramahra without her knowledge to hollow

manner that as soon as Rama sat The Bramahra pieces. whole of the manchaka with his sting

the bed-stead in such a

on

it,

it

would be broken to

skilfully hollowed the

and went away. In the evening Maruti, accompanied by Rama, came to Chandraseni, who received him and made him sit on the manchaka; but no sooner did Rama sit on broken to pieces. Whereupon Rama it than it was *

A

bed-stead.

71

Ramavijaya.

immediately got np and began to walk towards his place, accompanied by Maruti, when CKandraseni indignantly "

exclaimed,

This

is

Ah, monkey I

thy dodge.

I

will

Thou now

art a

great

eurse

scoundreL

thee to

death."

Maruti was alarmed, when Rama went and pacified her, saying that he would marry her during his another in carnation and that she would be called Satyabharna. After all the demons were killed, Rama gave Mahikavati to

Makardwaja and returned

the other monkeys. On the return of *

Rama

to Suvela

courtiers,

without

beloved son, ludrajit.

Rama

my

is

Ravan

to Suvela

no use of

There

my I

with Maruti and

in

living

must now

said to his this

world

either kill

So saying he commenced to let off latter cut off. But the prince was struck with one arrow, when Vibhishan let off arrows or kill

arrows at

myself."

Rama

which the

who

at the demon-king, his brother a

weapon

immediately cut

it

off,

boiled

with rage, discharged at

Lakshuman when Ravana discharged another

called

Bramahshakti.

powerful weapon at the prince but Maruti caught hold of it before it struck him. To the great surprise of all r the weapon became a female in the hands of Maruti and said

Well, Maruti, you say that you are a Brahmaand how do you touch a female? You will be Maruti was greatly asto sinful, if you do not let me go/ nished at the female in hie hands; and as soon as she to him,

"

chari

uttered the word, sin/ he placed her on the ground, when she immediately became a weapon and, rushing upon Lakshuman, struck his head and chest and consequently ;

he

fell

down

lifeless.

Rama and

all

the

monkeys were

alarmed, and much lamented for him. Ravana, elate with the success, returned to Lanka with exultation.

Rurna and the monkeys were in confusion, and did not know what to do. All were discouraged, and thought of leaving

Suvela.

Shortly

after,

Ravana again came

to

72

Ramavijaya,

fight, when Kama, boiled with rage, let off arrows at him and the other demons and killed many of them. The

demon-king, being unable to overcome him, trembled from head to foot. He became rnad and the picture of Kama presented

itself

him wherever he went.

before

Having

been frightened, he immediately returned to Lanka and told his wife, Mandodari, about it, when she said, My "

"

now

dearest, even

my

love,

his

restore

No,

that can never be

no,"

I

done.

Kama and

Sita to

Ravana

"

friend."

will

be

indignantly replied, either

myself or

kill

Immediately after Mandodari had returned to her palace, he ordered the demons to dig an excavation in the ground. The excavation was accordingly dug; and kill Kama."

in that excavation he performed a penance to get a ratha from the god of fire and sat there in deep

divya

meditation.

Kama grieved for the pulse of life

Lakshuman and

him and he

in

his brother,

and

all

the

monkeys were

In the meantime, their physician,

alarmed.

in the morning.

"

said,

Susena,

Lakshuman has

felt still

be no more, as soon as the sun rises

will

If the

plant of nectar is brought here from Dronagiri in the course of the night, Lakshuman can be restored to life. Is there any warrior who can go forty

millions of yojans from this place and get the in the course of the night As soon as the ?"

the question, Maruti said, giri here in three hours." of

Rama and jumped

called

physician put go and bring Drona So saying he took his leave

"I

from

will just

He came

Suvela.

Madaranchela which was

was very

plant here

to

close to Dronagiri.

a

hill

Maruti

and to refresh himself he went to the thirsty abode of an old Brahman and requested him for a cup of

water.

;

This

with him, see

go

you

here.

in the

replied

Brahman, who had a number of disciples Maruti and said, I am very glad to this Kindly spend night with us here and

blessed

"

morning."

Maruti.

"I

"I

can not wait here for a minute,* my business as soon as

must do

73

Ramavijaya.

When

*

possible.

the

Brahman found

that

Maruti did

not comply with his wishes, he showed him a river. Maruti went there and stooped to take water, when a vivasi* as big as a mountain came out to devour the monkey, who at once her by her legs and instantly killed her. When

seized

was

she belly

devangana\ came out of her She said, I

a beautiful

killed,

and threw

herself at the feet of Maruti.

was very beautiful; and, being proud of

"

my beauty, I

laughed

who got indignant and cursed me, saying that I would be a vivasi. I implored him to look upon me with mercy and make the curse a little milder, when he said at a sage,

that I would be released from the curse by your hands. also inform you that the is

demon

a

Brahman, who

He

Kalnemi.

called

lives in that

has been

here for

I

abode,

many

days with his companions, who are also demons. Havana has sent this

demon to detain you

comply with

and when you refused

here,

to

he told you to go to that river in order that I might devour you." No sooner did the devangana inform Maruti of this than he came back to the abode of the Brahman, when the latter said to the

monkey,

"

his wishes,

You ought

I have pointed out

glad to give you stared at the

to

give

the river

presents,"

to

"

replied

monkey, when the

me some

you."

I

Maruti.

latter

presents,

shall

as

be very

The demon

gave him blows as

The demon immediately presents from him. assumed his original form which was five yojans in length and breadth, and combated with Maruti but the latter instantly killed him; and his companions fled to Lanka to inform Havana of it. Maruti then went to Dronagiri and implored him to accompany him to when the precious

Suvela,

mountain away.

"

said,

Thou,

Thou

art a

fool. I will

troublesome

never come with

creature.

Go

Maruti

thee."

got enraged and. having lifted up the mountain with his set out for Suvela. But on the road Bharat, the

tail,

*

A

goddess,

f

A

courtesan of heaven.

7

74

Ramavijaya.

third

brother

of

Kama, who was

living at

Nandigram

with the Rishi, Vashista, having looked at the bright and glittering mountain and, having thought that it was some

thing to entrap Rama and Lakshuman, let off an arrow at it, which passed through the mountain and pierced an

arm

The monkey, having boen wounded, came down with the mountain, immediately repeating, all the time, the name of Rama. Bharat heard the repetition of the name of Rama and asked him who he was, when of

Maruti.

the

monkey informed him of what had happened to Lak shuman and said, What should I do now I How can I "

go to Suvela before the sunrise. If I do not reach Suvela with tin s mountain in the course of the night, Lakshu man will be no more/ You need not be afraid," "

Bharat.

replied

Suvela, in a

"

I shall

send you and the mountain to

it is at a distance of thou sands of yojans from this place. Just sit on the top of my arrow, which will carry you and the mountain there in a minute Maruti was surprised at the valour and

minute,

though

"

power

of Bharat,

much

trouble.

I

and continued, can do

"

You need

not take so

So saying he took his leave of the prince and jumped from Nan digram with the mountain and came to Suvela. The physician imme diately came and, taking out the juice of the plant of it

myself."

it to Lakshuman and brought him to life. In like manner he applied the juice to all the monkeys killed by Ravana and restored them to life. This having

nectar, applied

been done, Maruti took the mountain and placed it where it Ravana however despatched one hundred formerly stood.

demons but the killed

to snatch latter,

them

all

Dronagiri from the hands of Maruti holding the mountain in his one hand, with his other hand.

Rama, Lakshuman, and the monkeys again prepared themselves to fight with Ravana but the demon-king did not come out of Lanka for some time. In the meantime

75

Raniavijaya.

Vibhishan came and said to Rama, Ravana is perform ing a penance like that which was done by Indrajit and of the divyaratha has come out of fire. Unless send some monkey-warriors there and destroy the you havan made by him, you will not be able to overcome him."

half

No

sooner did Vibhishan inform

latter

Rama

of

than the

this

Isfala, Ma, Sugriva, and other all went and searched the place They

despatched Marnti,

monkeys

to

Lanka.

where the demon -king was performing the penance they could not find out the place.

Sharma, wife

of

Vibhishan,

But, in the

;

but

mean-time, to them.

showed the place

Whereupon they went to the mouth of the excavation and, having removed the stone which was placed upon it, rushed into it, when Ravana was in deep meditation. The monkeys, having destroyed the havan and the ratha, utmost to arouse him from his meditation but

tried their

they failed to do so. They struck him with their weapons, they threw rock -and trees upon him, they gave blows to him but all was in vain. At last Sngriva caught hold of

Mandodari and brought her in the excavation. She was Her yell aroused the frightened, and violently cried. demon-king from meditation; and as soon as he saw his wife there, and having found that the havan was destroy ed by the monkeys, he was greatly enraged and beat

them

dawn.

all

The monkeys immediately returned

Suvela leaving Ravana and his

The demon-king

said to

wife in

Mandodari

"

My

the

to

excavation.

dearest,

do not

grieve for what has

happened to you. Pain and pleasure us mortal beings and we must experience

made for them according are

fight with

their

to

Rama.

If I return to you,

ISTow

turns.

I

am

going to

myself or kill Rama. and if I be killed, these

I will either kill it is all

right;

So saying the you. him and with demons remaining commenced operations, when all the monkeys threw at are

the

]

ast

words

demon-king took the

I

address

to

76

Ramavijaya.

him innumerable mountains, rocks, and trees but Ravana cut them off in no time and beat them all down. Finding that Ravana could not be overcome by the monkeys, Rama immediately attacked him, when the demon-king which off a serpent-weapon, serpents and stung the monkeys.

produced innumerable-

let.

Rama

Garuda-

let off a

weapon, which produced garudas and killed all the ser Rama let off a rain-weapon, which produced the pents.

and flowed the demons, when Ravana let off a windweapon, which produced the wind and dispersed the rain. rain

Rama

let off a mountain-weapon, which produced moun and stopped the wind. Ravana let off a diamondweapon, which produced diamonds and broke all the

tains

Ravana

mountains.

let off

innumerable arrows at

and the same time but the

at one

Ravana then

one arrow.

which struck

Rama and

latter cut

let off a

very

them

off

Rama with

powerful arrow,

passed through

his

left

foot,

enraged and began to throwarrows, rocks, and trees at Ravana but the latter bravely Ravana fought from his broke them with his weapons.

when

all

the monkeys got

and

Rama

from the ground. Finding that the bad position, Indra, the chief of the gods in heaven, sent his chariot for him, which he mounted and began to fight with his enemy. They both were very chariot

prince was

in a

powerful and fought with each other for seven days and seven nights without cessation. Rama then let off four

The demon-king

arrows and killed the horses of Ravana.

then immediately put other horses to his chariot, when Rama let off an arrow of the size of the half moon, which

Ravana

cut off with

the like

arrow.

Whereupon Rama

sharp weapon, which struck the chest of the demon-king and cut off his ten heads but, to the surprise

let

of

off a

all,

the heads again

fixed

themselves

to him.

Rama

to again cut them off but they again fixed themselves the heads from failed to Rama Ravana. separate having

77

Ramavijaya. Havana,

the

all

monkeys were alarmed, when the chari Rama, Ravana has got a phial "

said to

oteer, Matuli, full of

nectar in his breast.

breast

and break the this

Hearing

weapon

called

breast;

and

and

killed

at his

will

not

Rama discharged a powerful in his Agasti Data and broke the phial heads ten his immediately after, he cut off from Matuli

him on

for their

Vibhishan lamented

the spot.

Mandodari and

cried

heads

the

demon-king over and over again.

when Rama

brother the demon-king,

him.

an arrow

off

let

that

so

phial,

to the

themselves

fix

Just

his other wives

for his

consoled and pacified

came and

violently

Vibhishan consoled them and

husband.

them to their palaces. The funeral ceremony of Ravana was then performed by his brother and soon of Lanka. AH after, Rama installed him in the throne the demons acknowledged him as their king and paid homage to him. All the gods and kings imprisoned by sent

;

Ravana, were released from the prison there. Rama visited them all and heartily embraced them. Rama then asked Maruti and Vibhishan to bring Sita from the Asoka

Whereupon they immediately went

forest.

and informed her said to her,

Suvela.

"

We

of

what had happened

are desired

Please, therefore,

Sita having prepared

us."

Vibhishan seated her in

She went

Suvela.

to

the latter said to her, set

you at

me

cruel.

herself

to

bring

you to

accompany

to

accompany them, a *sibika and brought her to

Do

Rama

affectionately,

come near me.

not

liberty in order that

You

Rama

to the forest

Ravana and

prepare yourself to

embrace "

by

to

the

have been for so

people

many

when I have

may not

call

years in Lanka,

do not know what you hava done during that time. not now admit you into my house; you can go wherever you like. I have no objection to it whatsoever.

and

I

I can

Hearing these words from *

A

planquiij.

Rama

Sita

was over-whelmed

78

Eamavijaya.

with

and

am

I

"

For nothing For nothing you have If you do not like to given trouble to all the monkeys. admit me into your house, take your sword and cut off my head. I have led a pious and moral life, and I shall grief,

replied,

you have taken trouble

for

unfortunate.

me.

presently satisfy you about it/

words

to

a pile of

Having addressed these Rama, she requested all the monkeys to arrange wood and set fire to it, All the monkeys ac

cordingly arranged a pile and set fire to near it and loudly exclaimed in the

monkeys and demons, All know and detained by Ravana. I say that "

moral

life

demon.

Sita

it.

went

presence of all the that I was carried off pious and

led a

I

during the time I was in the kingdom of the There is the fire ready to receive me. I shall now

throw myself into burnt in it. And

it;

and

if

what

if

what I say

I say is

I

is false,

true, I

shall

shall

be

come out

of the fire unhurt.

So saying Sita threw herself into and disappeared for about three hours. Rama, Lakshuman, and all the monkeys grieved for her and the

fire

stood near the

pile

the

brought her out of

god

of fire

bewildered.

in

But, it,

the meantime, decorated

well

with

ornaments, and gave her in charge of Rama, who heartily

embraced

her.

Kama

Shortly after,

set out for

viman.*

Ayodya

in a beauti

Sugriva, Vibhishan, monkeys, and demons were seated in it. On the road Rama visited the Rishis and his other friends, who had supported him in the ful

forest,

and

all

directly

came

from the viman and heartily

to Nandigram, where he alighted saw his brother, Bharat, who

embraced him with tears

the viman back

the

and stayed

of joy.

in the forest

Kama of

then sent

Nandigram,

Sugriva, Yibhishan, all the monkeys and demons, In the meantime, Shatrughna and Sumant came to the

with

*

A

chariot of the gods serving as a throne or 3,3 a con and self-moving. skies, self-directed

veyance through the

79

Ramavijaya. with

forest

and

army and saw Rama, Lakshuman,

their

all

Kausalya, Suruitra, and Kayakayi also came

Sita.

there and affectionately embraced their sons. Kayakayi remembered her past conduct towards Rama and repented

what she had done

of

themselves

in

to ruin him.

They

and came

chariots

then

all

seated

Ayodya with the

to

acclamation of joy.

On

the return

of

on earth including

Rama

his

from Suvela

all

the kings

father-in-law, Janaka,

saw him.

Ayodya were exceedingly glad to see Rama, Lakshuman, and Sita. Kama entertained all the Sita kings, Rishis, demons, and monkeys for some days. all relations. her sister and embraced her affectionately Soon after, Rama was installed by the Rishi, Vashista, in the throne of Ayodya, when all the kings paid tribute the

All

people of

Immediately after the ceremony

to him.

was all

over,

other

Rama

gave presents to Sugriva,

installation

of

Vibhishan and

But Maruti did not accept any of the monkeys did. The monkeys asked

kings.

the other

presents, as

Maruti why he refused the presents from Rama. Why do I want the presents from Rama replied Maruti. ?>

"

Rama

is

keys continued, in your

my

always in

heart.*

**

what you say

If

As

Whereupon

heart.*

is

true,

within.

The monkeys were

threw themselves at the

was on

the

feet of

Rama

to

them

greatly surprised,

and

Maruti.

When Rama

at

him through a Look at

Kayakayi peeped

throne,

mon

Rama

soon as the monkeys uttered these

words, Maruti ripped his heart and showed

from

the

show us

window and said, My Rama, how he is happy. I tried my utmost to get the And at last throne for him but he did not listen to me. "

he has

become a slave

son

is

unfortunate.

of his brother,

overheard what she had said and

many

"

replied,

but you would never mind

things ing to your own folly a,nd jealousy that

Vashista

Rama."

me.

Rama

I told It

you was ow

was sent

to

80

Ramavijaya. and

the forest, I

ratha.

it

now

was you who

still

advise

Dashayou to be a good woman and killed your husband,

you will love Rama and Lakshuman as your sons, Bharat and Shairughna." Soon after, Rama, Sugriva,

trust,

Vibhishan, and

all

other kings returned to their respective

Only Maruti always remained with Rama. Ra reigned in Ayodya for eleven thousand years and all

armie*.

ma

his subjects

reign and

were happy under his

led a

very

life.

pious

Sita

was

in the

when she passed

six

farmily

months,

way

for

the

Rama took

first

time,

and

her to his pleasant

While garden, where they spent some time in pleasure. they were there, Rama said to Sita, My sweet heart, "

you have now passed six months of your pregnancy. Just let me know what you like to I am ready to enjoy. gratify any of your desires." My love, what I want to "

that you and I should go to enjoy is this," replied Sita, a forest where Rishis live, and eat kandamuls} there, and "

sleep on the bed of

Trana\ on the

ground."

When

Sita

expressed her desire, he said to himself, Lo, she suffered BO much in the forest and yet she likes to go to a forest." So saying to himself he returned home with her. few

A

days before officers to

Rama went

go round the

subjects spoke

ill

the city, came to

to the garden

he had ordered his

and hear whether his The officers, who had gone round Rama and said to him, We went to city at night

of him.

"

every door all

successively for some days and found that your subjects spoke well of you except one washerman

Rajaka, who scandalized you. One day this Rajaka beat his wife, and consequently she ran to her parents house

called,

without his knowledge. Her father intervened and came to the house of his son-in-law with his daughter and requested

him

to

admit her into

his house,

never admit her into f Esculent roots.

my

house.

J Grass.

when Rajaka I

am

said,

not that

I will

Rama,

81

Ramavijaya.

she shamelessly admitted Sita into his house, though Havana for many years. I am a

who

lived under the roof of

I

pure washerman.

am

man who

the

and remove

clean

the dirt and spots on the dresses and clothes of the people^ and do you mean to say that I will admit your unclean You can take her back. daughter again into my house ?

I do not wish to see her scandalized

from the

Rajaka has

that

and as pious

has

heard these words

he became exceedingly sorry and, having said to him,

Lakshuman,

called

man who

the only

is

Kama

As soon as

you."

officers,

This

face.

"

You

my

see,

Sita

scandalized me, though

brother,

is

faithful

That wicked washerman has

as

any thing. me, because I have admitted her into my I cannot bear this at all. I, therefore, bade you

scandalized house.

take Sita to the yonder forest and, leaving her there alone, You need not take return to me as soon as possible." "

what Rajaka has said about yon," replied There are many wicked persons who are

to your heart

Lakshuman.

man

whatever they

I shall cut tinued the

of

es,

"

if

you cut

myself on

and pru

off the

is

man man

tongue of that

guilty.

It

is,

?

con

right,"

j

therefore^

nobody may speak

hesitated to comply with his wish

when Rama exclaimed,

shall kill

you say

rid of Sita, so that

Lakshuman

us."

What

say that we are

we get

a wise

Let the people say

do you mind that stupid

tongue."

u but

people will if

Why

like.

off his

Rama,

far better, ill

As

scandalizing others. you should not mind it.

habit of

in the

dent

"

this

"

If

spot."

you do not obey me, I Finding that Rama was

Lakshuman immediately got up and entered the room of Sita, who kindly received him and made him sit Lakshuman said to her, Rama has told me with her. serious,

"

you to the yonder forest as soon as kindly prepare yourself and accompany me

to take

Rama "

Ah! I

told

am

you very

to

take

me

fortunate.

to the

forest ?

possible. "

there." fl

So,

Has

replied she.

Some days ago he asked

82

Ramavijaya.

ine what I wanted to enjoy, and I told him that I liked to pass four or five days in a forest, eat kandamuls there and sleep on the bed of trana. I think, for the same

Let us start. purpose he is going to send me with you. I am quite ready." Listening to what Sita nad said Lakshuman felt much and shed tears for her. Soon after,

Lakshuman

seated her in a chariot

near the

river,

and began to drive it, when she observed bad omens and asked him what those omens indicated. Lakehuman, overwhelmed with grief, could not utter a sylla ble and quietly drove the chariot. When she found him Janavi,

qniet .and in

she said

him, Why are you so Lakshuman sorry Why don t you speak with me Btill kept quiet and, crossing the river in a boat, landed her in the forest, where therp. was no human being and grief,

to

"

?

?"

it

was inhabited by lions, serpents, tigers, and other ani She asked Lakshuman, Where are the abodes

mals.

"

of Rishis

Lakshuman

?"

bed of grass, he

seated

feet

and said with

left

you alone

in

did not

her

tears in his this

forest.

on

reply

He

it.

but,

then

"

Mother,

eyes,

making a fell

at her

Rama

has

I have

brought you here, sooner did Lakshuman

as I could not disobey him." No speak these words than she fainted. insensible,

;

Lakshuman prayed

to

While she was

the goddess of

the

and every creature in it to protect her and started for Ayodya. When he went some paces off, Sita came to herself and, standing on her legs, loudly exclaimed, forest

*

Lakshuman, kindly return and take me back. Why do you leave me here without any faults on my part ? Kill me and tell Rama of it. Where shall I go in this !

dreary

forest."

So saying she violently cried so much and stones shed tears for her. Lakshu Ayodya and told Rama all about Sita.

BO that even trees

man

returned to

Sita wandered in the forest barefooted. ter there.

She often

fainted.

She said

She had no to

shel "

herself,

It

83

Ramavijaya. is

now

I should

useless to live in this world.

have killed

If I kill myself, I shall myself but I can not do so. be guilty of suicide and murder, because the infant child So saying to in my womb will also be killed with me."

abandoned the idea

herself she

the

the meantime, yells of Sita,

What

came up

of

Rama,"

and

to her

has brought vou here

and wife

of

having heard the

?"

"

said,

am

I

"

Sita.

replied

In

herself.

killing

Valmika,

Rishi,

Who

are you

a daughter of

Lakshuman

?

Janak

left

me

alone in this dreary forest without any faults on my part. So I implore you to be my I am quite a stranger here. father.*

"

knows me

My name

is Valmika,"

Your

well.

therefore, I look

upon

father,

you as

replied

Janak,

my

Valmika."

my

is

daughter.

Rama

friend

Two

;

and

sons will

more powerful than their father, and will revenge themselves upon those who have left you alone in this forest without any faults on your be born to you.

They

Valmika then

part."

Rishis gathered this

woman

"

?"

will be

led Sita to his

abode,

when

around him and asked him, This is Sita," replied Valmika,

"

all

the

Who Why

is-

"

have you brought her here ? Surely you will get into diffi One culties on account of her," continued the Rishis. of the Rishis said, river

here."

"If

she

is

Sita, tell

Sita prayed to the river,

her to bring that it flowed where

and

The Rishis were alarmed, and prayed She again prayed to the river and Valmika brought Sita to his abode and

she was standing.

to her for protection.

sent her back.

took every care of her.

months, she was delivered

After the expiration of nine of twin sons at midday as

bright as the sun, when the wives of the Rishis came and helped her in her confinement. The first born son was the

younger and the second born was the eldest. The disciples of Valmika went and informed the Rishi of the birth of the two to his

sons. Whereupon Valmika immediately came abcde and performed the necessary ceremony. He

84

Ramavijaya.

sprinkled water over the younger

named him Kusha placed on

after

lavas,} the

eldest son

Rishi, in

him and

the water over

son with a Icusha* and

The

it.

been

having

manner, sprinkled

When

him Lahu.

called

two sons became eight years

like

the

Rishi performed their Vrataband\ and entertained the Rishis for four days. kamdhenu or a cow supplied them with whatever they old, the

A

The Rishi taught them the Vedas, mantras, the Purans and dhanurvidya. They thoroughly mastered all sciences and arts and always played with

wanted.

Ramayan,

When

the sons of the Rishis.

they became ten years old,

they went on hunting excursions and brought home tha animals killed by them. One day Kusha killed a sage on the top of a mountain, who was a brother of Valmika. He was meditating there in the form of a deer. They

dragged the corpse Valmika, when the they were

replied they,

and

have

the abode of

brought a deer for

make a

shall

towards

sage

asked them on the road what

We

"

doing. "

the

of

latter

you"

seat of its skins for you.

Valamika, having looked at the corpse, found that it was and said to himself Now both the boys have

his brother

"

become very brave. They have even killed a Brahman." So saying to himself Valmika performed the funeral ceremony

of his brother

when bhe

of her sons,

and informed "

said,

you who have taught them

and

"

Unless

the

all their

sin."

kamals *

u

they

Papa,

Grass,

be f

A

will

had

you kindly enquired

rush-like grass.

ing a boy with a thread Lotuses.

The

art of

It

is

arts,

them from

and worship the god,

soul, they

?"

?

one thousand Brahma

bring

Valmika,

heart and

can

know

dhanurvidya, mantras,

"

Kamals"^ replied

with

Sita of the valour

do I

I implore you, Papa, to free

all sciences.

the sin.

What

J

will

not be

tell

the

us

Siva,

freed from

where those "

boys.

We

will

The ceremony of invesitbow and an arrow

using a

65

Ramavijaya.

There is a lake called immediately bring them here." Brahmasarovar near Ayodya," continued Valmika, but a number of warriors are posted by Kama to watch it. "

"

Rama

Those kamals are used by "

Pooh!"

kamals. the lake,

said the boys,

"

We

Let there be hundreds

we

shall

for the worship

of

of brave warriors to

punish them and even capture

So saying they hastened

Siva."

shall immediately bring those

to the

lake.

watch

Rama."

Kusha went and

plucked all the kamals, when the warriors came upon him; but Lahu killed many of them. Those who had escaped,

Rama

went and informed

what the boys had done.

of

Rama

was greatly surprised, and praised the valour of the Lahu and Kusha brought the kamals and worship boys. Siva as directed by Valmika, and thus they were freed ped from the sin they had committed in killing the Brahman. One day, while both the boys were shampooing the feet of their mother,

What

is

the

and who

is

our father

born

?

race

and

name

of the ?

"Rama,

Shatrnghna" replied Sita,

race.

am

the king of

Rama, the left in

are

Lakshuman, Bharat sons of Dasliaratha,

Ayodya and belonged

eldest son

this forest alone,

dalized your father on

In what country we were country and what is our

"

her,

"

who was I

Kusha asked

of the

the solar

to

is

king, your father. bacanse a washerman scan

So saying she shed tears, when both the boys got much enraged at Kama and consoled their mother. Owing to the injustice done by Rama to Sita there was a terrible famine in Ayodya for fell

in

account.

The people and animals

twelve years. rain

my

torrents.

Rama

1

suffered

much. The

was alarmed and asked the

Kishi, Yashista, what the cause of the famine was, when the latter replied, You havo unjustly left Sita in the she is a forest, although paragon of virtue and this is "

;

the cause

must *

of the

celebrate

With

famine.

down you Whereupon Kama

In order to put

an Ashwamedha

*."

a view to be an emperor or to free

it

himself from sin

-86

Ramavijaya.

erected a

*

mandap

on the bank

one yojan in length, and invited

of

the river,

all

kings to

Sharayirf that cere

mony

including Vibhishan, Sugriva, Nala, Nik, Maruti, Sharab, G-ovaksha, and all other monkeys. Rama, having

performed the

necessary ceremony, brought the best horse called skajnaJcarna f from his stable and madje

stand in the mandap.

it

Yashista tied up

head a golden Patrika J and wrote on words: lias

"

It is guarded by six loose. under the command of Shatrughna,, and

any king, who

is

capture the horse

and

unable to do

so,

Rama

him."

its fore

shamakarna

billions of warriors

to

to-

the following

the king of Ayodya, son of Dasharatha,

Rama,

the

let

it

powerful and mighty, is required to fight with its owner, but if he is

Rama and pay tribute shamakarna and appointed

he must submit to

worshipped the

Shatrughna as commander-in-chief of the six

billions of

Rama

performed

the warriors

who

followed

the necessary yadnya

strongly

guarded by

the

for

horse.

many

Sugriva,

days

in

Vibhishan,

Lakshuman, Bharat, and Sumant

the

mandap

and Maruti.

s-npplied him?

with

all

the necessary things for the purpose.

Shatrughna conquered

six kings of

fifty

very large

him and, having paid tributeto Rama, followed the prince. The shamakarna of Rama began to gallop on the road on which the abode of Yalmika countries,

who submitted

to

let a horse loose with a patrika or letter on fore-head stating that any monarch whose dominion the animal entered, should either catch it and fight with its master

s.

monarch would

its

Wherever this animal to him and give him tribute. was accompanied by the monarch with large armies. Monarchs read the patrika and fought with the invading mon arch, if they were powerful to do so and if not, they gave him After all the monarchg were subdued, the horse was tribute.

or submit entered,

it

;

either killed or let go alive,

and hence

it is

called

ashwamedha

or horse-sacrifice *

A

horse,

f

An

P en shade or

hall.

J

A

letter.

A

sacrifice.

87

Kamavijaya.

Valmika, had gone to Fatal to be yadnya performed by Yarun. Before he left for Fatal, he had told the boys to watch his abode in Ms absence. Both the small boys were playing together

The

stood.

Rishi,

present at the

with other playmates near the abode at the time the shamakarna galloped, when Lalm showed the animal to his off

playmates and, having pulled

the patrika from the head

of the horse, read the contents of

he had

read,

and

"

said,

Is

He

it.

Rama

laughed at what king on

only a mighty

Pooh! I shall capture this horse, and let me see who So saying he will fight with me and recover the horse." All the children of tied up the animal to a plantain-tree. sarth

?

*

the Rishis were alarmed and said,

No

doubt

this

horse

How dare you capture the animal ? If belongs to a king. the king cerne here and ask us who has detained the horse, \ve will surely give

of the Rishis,

your

came

of the warriors

"

said,

In the meantime,

name."

some

there

and, looking at the children

Who

are

the horse to the plaatain-tree

you il

?"

Who

?

We

has tied up

do not

know any

There stands the thing about replied the children. who has tied the horse to the tree and he will tell boy up he has done In the meantime, Shatraghna you why "

it,"

so."

and

all

other

tenderness

the horse,

warriors

reached there.

Looking at the

Lahu they coaxed him and went when the former loudly exclaimed,

of

capture the horse.

to untie "

I stand here to fight with you.

I did

Who

your Rama ? Go and tell him that I am ready to fight with him. You say that I am a child but I will kill you.

is

all

and put down your "

selves,

It

is

pride."

The

warriors said to

unbecoming on our part

to fight with

them these

tender boys. All the kings will laugh at us,, if we fight with them. It is far better to untie the horse and walk

So saying all the warriors went to untie the Lahu let off arrows and cut off the hands when animal, of those who went to untie the horse. All the six: billions quietly."

8

Ramavijaya,

of warriors

at

once

who let off when Shatruheavy loss, but there was no room to move it,

rushed upon

the

boy,

arrows and defeated them with

ghna drove

his chariot

as there were heaps of the

corpses of the

warriors

killed

by Lahu. He however pushed aside the corpses and went where the boy was standing. Finding him just like Ha-, Whose child you are ? You have ma, he asked him, "

my

killed all "

I shall

warriors.

now

Very well, I shall see how you

*

severely punish you.

save your

will

life

now,

Lahu.

Shatrughna got enraged and let off an arrow at the boy, who cut it off in no time. He then let off many arrows which Lahu cut off and struck the for

replied

mer with

At

his arrows.

arrow given

Kama

by

last

he threw at

when Lahu said, arrow. Kusha has a knowledge "

to the forest

Lahu the deadly

him for use in difficulty, I do not know how to cut off this, to

of

If

it.

he had not

kandamuls, he would have cut it off. Lahu however let off a fiery arrow and cut off a part of the deadly arrow but the remaining half of it struck the boy and consequently he fell insensible on the

gone

for

;

ground.

Shatrughna was moved, and having gone near

the boy, looked at

him

attentively.

He

Rama,

resembled

Shatrughna applied water to his eyes and brought to his. senses and in order to show him to Kama he put him into his chariot and proceeded further with the shamakarna. The ;

children ran

and

informed Sitaof the fate of her son, Lahu, fainted and, coining to herself, violently cried. She exclaimed with grief, I am helpless and very unfortunate. Which heartless man has seized my child ? mv son,

when she

"

!

thou art tender. Thou must have been wounded. Thy eyes must have been broken by the arrows of the enemy. My children are too young. They live upon kandamuls and how will they be strong to with warriors ? Those enough fight

who

How

raise a is

it

weapon against a that

nobody

felt

child,

pity

are not at

the

Kshatriyas. child

?

Who

9

Ramavijaya. carried

lias

the

off

wealth

little

father,

my

what

to the forest,

son

In the

back."

the forest

when

and asked

had happened

his

after

and

you going

to

arrows

off

hag

my

his rescue*

patal.

do

As

soon as he was

of the fate of his brother, he took

called out

If

mother where his brother was, eyes, informed him of what

Lahu.

to

?

Kusha has also now ? Who will get meantime, Kusha returned from shall I

she, with tears in her

and ran

Who

?

Valmika, were here, he would go to

but unfortunately he has gone to

gone

had

T

and lame woman

carried off the stick of a blind

informed

bow and arrow

his

up

Kusha Where are

Shatrughna and the other warriors. "

said,

take

Who

are you,

the stolen

at the

army

of

thing

thieves.

So saying he

?"

let

Shatrughna, when the latter

turned round and loudly said, Child, I shall immediately seize and carry you off with us. So saying Shatrughna let off ten arrows at Kusha, which the latter cut off and "

broke the chariot and killed the four horses of the with nine arrows

and with three arrows

;

his

former

helmet and

*

were broken. chap Shatrughna fell on the ground and combated with Kusha, when the latter let off two arrows and cut off his two hands and at the same time his head ;

was cut na

his

off

with another arrow.

On

the

fall of

Shatrugh

T

agendranath, twenty arrows at the boy but the latter broke off the arrows with one arrow and cut off the head of Nagendranath with an arrow of the size of the half

the

]S

brother,

off

letting

let

moon.

off

Having done

arrows

at

the

this,

warriors,

he continued

who could not

overcome Kusha.

The boy killed many billions of war who had submitted to Rama. Kusha then went and searched his brother, whom he found

riors

and

all

the

kings

in the chariot of Shatrughna.

He was

insensible.

Kusha

brought him to senses and embraced him affectionately. Lahu said, Let us now go home with the shamakarna." "

*

13 ow.

90 "

I

Ramavijaya.

am

with

Let us

many

sure,

kill all

then return

warriors

who

"

come here to

will

fight

not safe to return home. will come here to take the horse, and

home."

Rama

informed

other

Kusha.

replied

us,"

that

A

It

is

few wounded warriors went and

Shatrughna and six

warriors were killed by two small boys was alarmed at the news and

billions

of the

Rama

of a Rishi.

immediately despatched

Lakshuman

with

a large

army

to the

seat of

the war.

He, looking at the beautiful boys of the age of twelve years, was greatly surprised at their bravery. The warriors "

the boys. Where will they go The boys prayed to the sun, who was pleased with them and presented them with a successful weapon, which Lahu took up and attacked the warriors of Lak shuman and killed a large number of them, when Lak said,

now

Capture, capture

?"

shuman

said to Kalajit,

As

"

long as the two boys stand,

nobody can overcome them. Let us, therefore,, So saying Lakshu separate them both and seize them."

together,

man

the

separated

warriors but

Lahn

with

boys

let off

the

assistance

of all his

one arrow, which produced kotis

and killed the warriors. Finding Lakshuman bad position a demon called Rudhi, a great friend of Rama, jumping into the air, came down where Lahu wa of arrows in a

standing, and snatched the weapon

when Lahu

flew like a bird,

from his hands and

him and, seizing demon by his hair and turning hijn like a wheel ^ Lakshuman, flung him down and instantly killed him. also flew with

the

got enraged and

let

off at

the

two boys

five

arrows as

powerful as lightning, which Lahu cut off in a minute* Lalm said to Lakshuman, You formerly killed Indrajit. "

Let

me

years.

give

it

now.

You

fasted

for

fourteen

No

doubt you must have now rest and I shall just to you." What is the name of your father ? asked "

Lakshuman. Lahu.

valour

see your

"

"

Come

Why

do you want to know it replied now fight." So saying he let of

on, let us

?"

Ramavijaya,

gj,

one arrow and threw Lakshuman with his chariot into the sky, which turned in the air and came down on the

Lakshuman mounted another

ground.

nued

chariot

letting off arrows at

one after another in

Lahu, which the the twinkle of an eye.

and

conti

latter cut off

Lakshuman

an arrow, which produced kotis of * gadas, when Lahu made use of the mantra given hy Yalmika, which produced koits of f chakras and out off the ga das. then

let off

Lakshuman then let off a mountain-weapon, which produ ced mountains but Lahu broke them with the diamonds Thus Lakshuman tried Lahu with his arrows but he could not when the latter said to him, Why hare

produced by a diamond-weapon. bis utmost to kill

overcome the boy,

"

you stopped now ? If your arrows are finished, go back And call your Rama." Lakshuman did not reply to what Lahu had said, and indignantly let off arrows at Lahu, when the latter let off a melody-weapon, which produced melodious sounds and charmed Lakshuman, who was an incarnation of the serpent, Shesha. Lakshuman,. having been charmed with the melodious sounds, ceased to

fight

And began

to

Kalajit

Army

of

their

head with mirth.

surrounded Kusha with his troops

them

with instructions to

Lakshuman

that

put upon the boys a fascination-weapon and,

the two

boys,

them

bring

mother might not cry

time, a

but the

all

Lakshuman

they should seizing

his

and joined his brother. Rama was send Bharat with more troops tore-enforce the

latter killed

about to

nod

for

few wounded warriors

to

them.

him

But

so that

alive,

in the

went and informed

mean

Rama

Lakshuman had fallen in the field of war with Kalajit and all the warrio-rs commanded by him. Rama, hearing this, grieved much for Lakshuman and immediately despatch that

ed Maruti and Bharat with more warriors. When Bharat saw the boys just like Rama, he said to Maruti, There u I should is no doubt that the boys are sons of Kama." "

92

Raiftavijaya.

think

Lah u and Kusha saw them

Maruti.

replied

so,

~No doubt they will en whisper to each otlier and said, gage us in conversation and take the shamakarna from us. "

Kasha

watch the horse and he himself came

told Laliu to

Bharat and asked him,

to

up

than

Lakshuman.

brave

soldier."

"

"

You

Are you not Just tell me what

are, I

suppose,

You seem

?

to

elder

be a

your name, who your parents are, and tell me with whom you fought before ? My name is Kusha," replied the child. Depart from is

*

"

"

this

I

place,"

continued Bharat,

have spared your

"

life."

"

and

tell

here to capture us," said Kusha. fight with me or depart from this

"

your mother that has sent you

Rama

I think,

I

now

tell

you<

either

place as soon as you can.

1 do not pursue you.

Just go and get your Kama here." Bharat got enraged and let off various arrows and weapons at Kusha, which the latter cut off At last he very easily. let off a

at Maruti, and made him in This ne\vs having been communicated to Rama,

diamond-weapon

sensible.

the latter

mounted

and personally came to the army of the monkeys. The mon at threw the keys boys mountains, rocks and trees which broke with their they weapons and killed many monkeyAt this warriors, and some monkeys fled for fear of life. field of

his chariot

the war with the

time Maruti his tail but

jumped

Kusha,

into

the air to

lift

up the boys with

perceiving his intention, let off a

power

arrow at him, which struck the monkey and brought him down. Kusha loudly said Oh ugly monkey. You Asoka forest but here you cannot do destroyed the ful

"

!

any thing. The throwing of stones and mountains at demons was not a war. There is no Dronagiri here. You ,

jumped over the like that

at

here."

the boys

sea

In

and burnt Lanka. the

There is nothing meantime, Sugriva threw trees

them off, and made Sngriva, and Maruti and other monkeys Nila,- Jambuyant,- Angad at insensible. this Rama let off a:ro\vs at defeat Looking but Laliu

cut

Pay 75^5||^

93

Ramavijaya. which the

the two boys

able arrows, which

Rama.

hurting

Rama

the

at

you,"

the

of

to

boys me, I

give you a cow, pleased with you and

shall

am

"

want."

"

innumer

sky without

listen

Rishis,

I

I

you whatever you replied the boys,

let off

bravery

of the

you milk.

give

and

throughout the

you what you want.

will

will give

from

Looking Children

asked,

shall give

which

latter cut off

scattered

We

but on the

want nothing

contrary we will

You can enjoy your own wealth. have heard enough of you. You are such a heartless. and cruel man that no one like you can be found on this earth. Sita, an innocent woman of virtue, you left alone in give you whatever you want.

We

most wicked on yonr part Listening to what they had said, Rama was moved with affection for them the forest. This

and thought

of stroking their heads

him

the boys told tell

me,"

said

which guru vidya,

"

is

to continue

"

Just

Who you are, who your parents are, you education, who taught you dhanurarts and mantras V The boys heartily

Rama,

"

gave,

science,

This man does not laughed and said, to tell him stoiies. He wants us thers. "

and done many brave shall never allow

acts.

feel for his

bro

Sir, first

fight

You have

with us and then ask us stories.

We

But

with tenderness.

fighting with them.

Now

let

us

killed

Havana

see a little of

it.

from this

you place with out fighting with us. If you cannot fight with us, return home quietly or be a * sanyasi, because you have neither wife,

nor

and then

children."

to depart

Rama

Tell me who you are, In the meantime, a voice "

asked,

1 shall fight with you.

Rama, do not fight. The boys are yotu* As soon as Rama heard what the voice had said, he fell down insensible. Kusha came up to him and, taking off his mugut, put it on his own head. Lahu stripped Lakshuman of his ornaments and wore them himself^

in the sky said,

*

sons."

Having done *

An

this,

ascetic.

they mounted the chariot of

Rama and

94

Bamavijaya.

tying up Maruti, Sugriva, Angad,

monkeys

to the chariot for the

drove to their abode.

Rama and

Jambuvant and other

amusement

They

his brothers insensible in the "

killed all their warriors.

of their mother,

told Sita that they field

Here are the

had made

of

war and

monkeys,"

said

we have brought for your amusement." Sita knew them and did not come out, because they might feel ashamed of their state. She said to her sons, Let the "

they,

"

monkeys go away. The boys then went

We

shall

arid

came and informed Rama

of

never keep them here." them. The monkeys

untied

what they had seen.

In

the

meantime, Valmika returned from Fatal and, having been informed of what had happened, he went and brought all the warriors to life by sprinkling water over them from ;

his

*

Sita

Kamandalu. in

charge

of

The Rishi then gave the two boys and Rama, who heartily embraced them.

Shortly after, Rama took leave of Valmika and returned to Ayodya with his sons and completed the ashwamedha, *

The water pot used by an

ascetic

THE END.

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Bhowany Kanwinday N. R. Pradhan

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Kamdeo Damodar

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Nanabhai Dadoba Dhurandhar

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Kanabhai Dinanath Paudval ,,

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Narayen Keroba Dalvi ,,

Narayen Laxumon Manker Narayen Mahadeo Aryamani Narayen Madhawrao Dalvi Narayen R. Mirkar

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Mr. Narayen Raghoba ]STarayen Ramchanderjee Kolutker ... Narhar Mahadeo Joshey ...

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Atmaram Nagisker Narotum Madhowram Shukla

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Purshotum Purshotum Purshotum Purshotum

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Mr. Sakharam Phondeo Gupte Shamrao Anibernatli Kirtikar Shamrao Balwant Palekar

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Mr. Tayabbhai Shaik Abdulali Tookarani Lalloo Kurlekar

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Trimbak Nuthoojee Ghemday Trimbak Pandurang

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Trimbuck Hurbajee Trimbuckrao Anundrao

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M. Walyekar & Co

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Wishwanath Balkrishna Pradhan Wishwanath Dhondoba ... ... Wishwanath Karayen Wagle

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MOFUSSIL Abu Road. Mr. Keroba Shamrao Dhurandhar

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Alibag.

Rao Saheb Gopal Vyankatesh Panandhikar Amraoti.

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Baroda. 1

Mr. Hurrichandra Gopall ... LuxmoQ Muccoondji Belgamn. Mr. Hanmant Balvant Kankunwadi

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Gogh a. Rao Saheb Ramchandra Ichharam Vyas

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Hubli. Mr. Appaji Baburao Divekar

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Indore. ... Mr. Bapuji Krishnarao Rao Bahadur Khanderao Chimanrao Bedarkar

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Mahad. Mr. Keshav Krishna Raleganker

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Malegaon. Khan Saheb Cassim Khan Dehelvi

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Mangalore. Mr. B. Naraina Pai

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Yagal

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Mr. Vishnu Raghunath Karmarkar

Ranika. Mr. Dwarkanath Bhasker Sette

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Sachin. Mr. Soker Eknath Dharadhar... SataraMr. Janardan

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Rao Bahadur Jayasatya Bodhrao Trimalrao Inamdar... Mr. Madhowrao Vittojee Sinde Wasudeo Granesh Deshpande SawantwariInamdar Pandit Bhowansing

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ShahabadMr. G-ajanan Vishnu

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