Sarga 40

Verse 4.40.1

अथ राजा समृद्धार्थस्सुग्रीवः प्लवगेश्वरः।उवाच नरशार्दूलं रामं परबलार्दनम्।।4.40.1।।

Then King Sugrīva, lord of the Vānara, now fully furnished with purpose and means, spoke to Rāma—the tiger among men, the crusher of hostile forces.

Verse 4.40.2

आगता विनिविष्टाश्च बलिनः कामरूपिणः।वानरा वारणेन्द्रभा: ये मद्विषयवासिनः।।4.40.2।।

The powerful Vānaras dwelling in my realm have arrived and are now encamped—mighty ones who can assume any form at will and whose stature is like that of lordly elephants.

Verse 4.40.3

त इमे बहुविक्रान्तैर्हरिभिर्भीमविक्रमैः।आगता वानरा घोरा दैत्यदानवसन्निभाः।।4.40.3।।

Those dreadful Vānara warriors have arrived—monkeys of great might and fearsome valor, resembling Daityas and Dānavas in their formidable appearance.

Verse 4.40.4

ख्यातकर्मापदानाश्च बलवन्तो जितक्लमाः।पराक्रमेषु विख्याता व्यवसायेषु चोत्तमाः।।4.40.4।।पृथिव्यम्बुचरा राम नानानगनिवासिनः।कोट्यग्रश इमे प्राप्ता वानरास्तव किङ्कराः।।4.40.5।।

O Rāma, mighty vānaras—renowned for their past deeds, tireless, famed for valor, and foremost in resolute effort—dwelling on many mountains and able to move on land and in water, have arrived here in countless crores, ready as your attendants.

Verse 4.40.5

ख्यातकर्मापदानाश्च बलवन्तो जितक्लमाः।पराक्रमेषु विख्याता व्यवसायेषु चोत्तमाः।।4.40.4।।पृथिव्यम्बुचरा राम नानानगनिवासिनः।कोट्यग्रश इमे प्राप्ता वानरास्तव किङ्कराः।।4.40.5।।

O Rāma, mighty vanaras have arrived—celebrated for their past deeds, tireless, renowned for valor and foremost in resolve—able to range over land and water and to dwell upon many mountains; in countless crores they have come as your servants.

Verse 4.40.6

निदेशवर्तिनस्सर्वे सर्वे गुरुहिते रताः।अभिप्रेतमनुष्ठातुं तव शक्ष्यन्त्यरिन्दम।।4.40.6।।

O subduer of foes, all of them are obedient to command; all are devoted to the welfare of their elders and teachers, and they are able to carry out what you intend.

Verse 4.40.7

त इमे बहुसाहस्रैरनीकै भीमविक्रमैः।आगता वानरा घोरा दैत्यदानवसन्निभा:।।4.40.7।।

O monkeys, traverse with skill the eastern quarter beloved of Mahendra, adorned with groves and forests. When you find Sītā, dear to the scion of Raghu’s line (Rāma), return—then you will live in safety and happiness.

Verse 4.40.8

यन्मन्यसे नरव्याघ्र प्राप्तकालं तदुच्यताम्।तत्सैन्यं त्वद्वशे युक्तमाज्ञापयितुमर्हसि।।4.40.8।।

O tiger among men, declare what you judge to be the proper time for action. This army stands ready under your command—you should issue the orders.

Verse 4.40.9

काममेषामिदं कार्यं विदितं मम तत्त्वतः।तथापि तु यथातत्त्वमाज्ञापयितुमर्हसि।।4.40.9।।

Even if the purpose of this mission is already known to me in its essence, you should still issue the orders correctly and in due detail, as is fitting.

Verse 4.40.10

इति ब्रुवाणं सुग्रीवं रामो दशरथात्मजः।बाहुभ्यां सम्परिष्वज्य इदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।4.40.10।।

As Sugrīva spoke thus, Rāma—Daśaratha’s son—embraced him with both arms and then replied with these words.

Verse 4.40.11

ज्ञायतां मम वैदेही यदि जीवति वा न वा।स च देशो महाप्राज्ञ यस्मिन्वसति रावणः।।4.40.11।।

The Vānara warriors who dwell within my realm have arrived and taken their positions—mighty in strength, able to assume forms at will, and huge like lordly elephants.

Verse 4.40.12

अधिगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च।प्राप्तकालं विधास्यामि तस्मिन्काले सह त्वया।।4.40.12।।

O greatly wise one, let it be ascertained whether my Vaidehī is alive or not—and also the very region where Rāvaṇa resides.

Verse 4.40.13

नाहमस्मिन् प्रभुः कार्ये वानरेश न लक्ष्मणः।त्वमस्य हेतुः कार्यस्य प्रभुश्च प्लवगेश्वर।।4.40.13।।

Once Vaidehī is found and Rāvaṇa’s abode is known, at the proper time I will act—together with you—when that moment arrives.

Verse 4.40.14

त्वमेवाऽज्ञापय विभो मम कार्यविनिश्चयम्।त्वं हि जानासि यत्कार्यं मम वीर न संशयः।।4.40.14।।

O king of the Vānaras, neither I nor Lakṣmaṇa should command in this undertaking; you are the cause of this work and its rightful lord, O ruler of the monkeys.

Verse 4.40.15

सुहृद्वितीयो विक्रान्तः प्राज्ञः कालविशेषवित्।भवानस्मध्दिते युक्त स्सुकृतार्थोऽर्थवित्तमः।।4.40.15।।

You alone, O mighty one, should issue the commands that settle my course of action; for you know what must be done for me, O hero—there is no doubt.

Verse 4.40.16

एवमुक्तस्तु सुग्रीवो विनतं नाम यूथपम्।अब्रवीद्रामसान्निध्ये लक्ष्मणस्य च धीमतः।।4.40.16।।शैलाभं मेघनिर्घोषमूर्जितं प्लवगेश्वरः।

You are my second friend—valiant, wise, and a knower of the nuances of proper timing. Devoted to our welfare, capable in execution, you are foremost in understanding the purpose at hand.

Verse 4.40.17

सोमसूर्यात्मजै स्सार्धं वानरैर्वानरोत्तम।।4.40.17।।देशकालनयैर्युक्तः कार्या कार्यविनिश्चये।वृतश्शतसहश्रेण वानराणां तरस्विनाम्।।4.40.18।।अधिगच्छ दिशं पूर्वां सशैलवनकाननाम्।

Thus addressed, Sugrīva—the lord of the monkeys—spoke in the presence of Rāma and the wise Lakṣmaṇa, calling the troop-leader named Vinata, mountain-like in stature, thunder-voiced like a cloud, and powerfully built.

Verse 4.40.18

सोमसूर्यात्मजै स्सार्धं वानरैर्वानरोत्तम।।4.40.17।।देशकालनयैर्युक्तः कार्या कार्यविनिश्चये।वृतश्शतसहश्रेण वानराणां तरस्विनाम्।।4.40.18।।अधिगच्छ दिशं पूर्वां सशैलवनकाननाम्।

O best of Vānaras, set forth eastward—into the region of mountains, forests, and groves—together with the sons of the Moon and Sun, accompanied by a hundred thousand swift monkeys. Endowed with sound counsel suited to place and time, you are fit to determine what should be done.

Verse 4.40.19

तत्र सीतां च वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च।।4.40.19।।मार्गध्वं गिरिशृङ्गेषु वनेषु च नदीषु च।

There, seek Sītā—Vaidehī—and also Rāvaṇa’s abode; search upon mountain peaks, in forests, and along the rivers.

Verse 4.40.20

नदीं भागीरथीं रम्यां सरयूं कौशिकीं तथा।।4.40.20।।कालिन्दीं यमुनां रम्यां यामुनं च महागिरिम्।सरस्वतीं च सिन्धुं च शोणं मणिनिभोदकम्।।4.40.21।।महीं कालमहीं चैव शैलकाननशोभिताम्।ब्रह्ममालान्विदेहांश्च मालवान्कालिकोसलान्।।4.40.22।।मागधांश्च महाग्रामान्पुण्ड्रांन्वङ्गां स्तथैव च।पत्तनं कोशकाराणां भूमिं च रजताकराम्।।4.40.23।।

Search for Sītā along the lovely Bhāgīrathī, and likewise on the Sarayū and the Kauśikī.

Verse 4.40.21

नदीं भागीरथीं रम्यां सरयूं कौशिकीं तथा।।4.40.20।।कालिन्दीं यमुनां रम्यां यामुनं च महागिरिम्।सरस्वतीं च सिन्धुं च शोणं मणिनिभोदकम्।।4.40.21।।महीं कालमहीं चैव शैलकाननशोभिताम्।ब्रह्ममालान्विदेहांश्च मालवान्कालिकोसलान्।।4.40.22।।मागधांश्च महाग्रामान्पुण्ड्रांन्वङ्गां स्तथैव च।पत्तनं कोशकाराणां भूमिं च रजताकराम्।।4.40.23।।

Search along the charming Kāлиндī (Yamunā) and the great mountain called Yāmuna; also along the Sarasvatī and the Sindhu, and the Śoṇa whose waters are clear like gems.

Verse 4.40.22

नदीं भागीरथीं रम्यां सरयूं कौशिकीं तथा।।4.40.20।।कालिन्दीं यमुनां रम्यां यामुनं च महागिरिम्।सरस्वतीं च सिन्धुं च शोणं मणिनिभोदकम्।।4.40.21।।महीं कालमहीं चैव शैलकाननशोभिताम्।ब्रह्ममालान्विदेहांश्च मालवान्कालिकोसलान्।।4.40.22।।मागधांश्च महाग्रामान्पुण्ड्रांन्वङ्गां स्तथैव च।पत्तनं कोशकाराणां भूमिं च रजताकराम्।।4.40.23।।

Search also in Mahī and in Kālamahī, lands made splendid by mountains and forests; then proceed to Brahmamāla, Videha, Mālava, Kāśī, and Kosala.

Verse 4.40.23

नदीं भागीरथीं रम्यां सरयूं कौशिकीं तथा।।4.40.20।।कालिन्दीं यमुनां रम्यां यामुनं च महागिरिम्।सरस्वतीं च सिन्धुं च शोणं मणिनिभोदकम्।।4.40.21।।महीं कालमहीं चैव शैलकाननशोभिताम्।ब्रह्ममालान्विदेहांश्च मालवान्कालिकोसलान्।।4.40.22।।मागधांश्च महाग्रामान्पुण्ड्रांन्वङ्गां स्तथैव च।पत्तनं कोशकाराणां भूमिं च रजताकराम्।।4.40.23।।

Search among the Magadhas and their great settlements; likewise in Puṇḍra and Vaṅga; in the port-town of the silk-workers, and in the land famed for its silver-mines.

Verse 4.40.24

सर्वमेतद्विचेतव्यं मृगयद्भिस्ततस्ततः।रामस्य दयितां भार्यां सीतां दशरथस्नुषाम्।।4.40.24।।

Searching again and again, you must investigate all these places—for Sītā, Rāma’s beloved wife, the daughter-in-law of Daśaratha.

Verse 4.40.25

समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान्पत्तनानि च।मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदायताम्।।4.40.25।।कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः।घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः।।4.40.26।।अक्षया बलवन्तश्च पुरुषाः पुरुषादकाः।किराताः कर्ण चूडाश्च हेमाङ्गा: प्रियदर्शनाः।।4.40.27।।आममीनाशनास्तत्र किराता द्वीपवासिनः।अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति शृताः।।4.40.28।।एतेषामाश्रयास्सर्वे विचेयाः कावनौकसः।गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च।।4.40.29।।

Search even those places that lie deep within the sea, as well as mountains and towns; and those who dwell taking shelter on the broad heights of Mandara.

Verse 4.40.26

समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान्पत्तनानि च।मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदायताम्।।4.40.25।।कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः।घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः।।4.40.26।।अक्षया बलवन्तश्च पुरुषाः पुरुषादकाः।किराताः कर्ण चूडाश्च हेमाङ्गा: प्रियदर्शनाः।।4.40.27।।आममीनाशनास्तत्र किराता द्वीपवासिनः।अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति शृताः।।4.40.28।।एतेषामाश्रयास्सर्वे विचेयाः कावनौकसः।गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च।।4.40.29।।

There are also beings who cover their ears, and others whose ears reach the lips; some have dreadful iron-like faces, and others are swift-moving and one-footed.

Verse 4.40.27

समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान्पत्तनानि च।मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदायताम्।।4.40.25।।कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः।घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः।।4.40.26।।अक्षया बलवन्तश्च पुरुषाः पुरुषादकाः।किराताः कर्ण चूडाश्च हेमाङ्गा: प्रियदर्शनाः।।4.40.27।।आममीनाशनास्तत्र किराता द्वीपवासिनः।अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति शृताः।।4.40.28।।एतेषामाश्रयास्सर्वे विचेयाः कावनौकसः।गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च।।4.40.29।।

There are indestructible and powerful man-eaters; and Kirātas too, with side-locks reaching the ears—golden-limbed and pleasing to behold.

Verse 4.40.28

समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान्पत्तनानि च।मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदायताम्।।4.40.25।।कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः।घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः।।4.40.26।।अक्षया बलवन्तश्च पुरुषाः पुरुषादकाः।किराताः कर्ण चूडाश्च हेमाङ्गा: प्रियदर्शनाः।।4.40.27।।आममीनाशनास्तत्र किराता द्वीपवासिनः।अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति शृताः।।4.40.28।।एतेषामाश्रयास्सर्वे विचेयाः कावनौकसः।गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च।।4.40.29।।

There, the island-dwelling Kirātas are said to eat raw fish; they move beneath the waters, fierce—heard of as “tiger-men”.

Verse 4.40.29

समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान्पत्तनानि च।मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदायताम्।।4.40.25।।कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः।घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः।।4.40.26।।अक्षया बलवन्तश्च पुरुषाः पुरुषादकाः।किराताः कर्ण चूडाश्च हेमाङ्गा: प्रियदर्शनाः।।4.40.27।।आममीनाशनास्तत्र किराता द्वीपवासिनः।अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति शृताः।।4.40.28।।एतेषामाश्रयास्सर्वे विचेयाः कावनौकसः।गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च।।4.40.29।।

All the haunts of these forest-dwellers must be searched; and also those places reached by mountains, by leaping, and by swimming.

Verse 4.40.30

रत्नवन्तं यवद्वीपं सप्तराज्योपशोभितम्।सुवर्णरूप्यकं चैव सुवर्णाकरमण्डितम्।।4.40.30।।यवद्वीपमतिक्रम्य शिशिरो नाम पर्वतः।दिवं स्पृशति शृङ्गेण देवदानवसेवितः।।4.40.31।।एतेषां गिरिदुर्गेषु प्रपातेषु वनेषु च।मार्गध्वं सहितास्सर्वे रामपत्नीं यशस्विनीम्।।4.40.32।।

Proceed to Yavadvīpa, rich in gems, splendid with seven kingdoms, abundant in gold and silver, and adorned with mines of gold.

Verse 4.40.31

रत्नवन्तं यवद्वीपं सप्तराज्योपशोभितम्।सुवर्णरूप्यकं चैव सुवर्णाकरमण्डितम्।।4.40.30।।यवद्वीपमतिक्रम्य शिशिरो नाम पर्वतः।दिवं स्पृशति शृङ्गेण देवदानवसेवितः।।4.40.31।।एतेषां गिरिदुर्गेषु प्रपातेषु वनेषु च।मार्गध्वं सहितास्सर्वे रामपत्नीं यशस्विनीम्।।4.40.32।।

Passing beyond Yavadvīpa, you will come to a mountain named Śiśira; with its peak it seems to touch the sky, and it is frequented by both gods and Dānavas.

Verse 4.40.32

रत्नवन्तं यवद्वीपं सप्तराज्योपशोभितम्।सुवर्णरूप्यकं चैव सुवर्णाकरमण्डितम्।।4.40.30।।यवद्वीपमतिक्रम्य शिशिरो नाम पर्वतः।दिवं स्पृशति शृङ्गेण देवदानवसेवितः।।4.40.31।।एतेषां गिरिदुर्गेषु प्रपातेषु वनेषु च।मार्गध्वं सहितास्सर्वे रामपत्नीं यशस्विनीम्।।4.40.32।।

All of you, united as one, search in those inaccessible mountain strongholds, among the waterfalls and within the forests, for the illustrious wife of Rāma.

Verse 4.40.33

ततो रक्तजलं शोणमगाधं शीघ्रगामिनम्।गत्वा पारं समुद्रस्य सिद्धचारणसेवितम्।।4.40.33।।तस्य तीर्थेषु रम्येषु विचित्रेषु वनेषु च।रावण स्सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः।।4.40.34।।

From there, reach the Śoṇa—its waters red, deep, and swift-flowing—and then go on to the farther shore of the ocean, frequented by Siddhas and Cāraṇas.

Verse 4.40.34

ततो रक्तजलं शोणमगाधं शीघ्रगामिनम्।गत्वा पारं समुद्रस्य सिद्धचारणसेवितम्।।4.40.33।।तस्य तीर्थेषु रम्येषु विचित्रेषु वनेषु च।रावण स्सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः।।4.40.34।।

In its delightful landing-places and in its wondrous forests, search everywhere for Rāvaṇa together with Vaidehī.

Verse 4.40.35

तत स्समुद्रद्वीपांश्च सुभीमान्द्रष्टुमर्हथ।ऊर्मिमन्तं समुद्रं च क्रोशन्तमनिलोद्धतम्।।4.40.35।।

Thereafter you should also survey the fearsome islands of the ocean, and the sea itself—wave-tossed, wind-driven, and roaring.

Verse 4.40.36

तत्रासुरा महाकायाश्छायां गृह्णन्ति नित्यशः।ब्रह्मणा समनुज्ञाता दीर्घकालं बुभुक्षिताः।।4.40.36।।

There, huge-bodied Asuras continually seize the shadows (of passers-by); long famished, they have been granted permission by Brahmā.

Verse 4.40.37

तं कालमेघप्रतिमं महोरगनिषेवितम्।अभिगम्य महानादं तीर्थेनैव महोदधिम्।।4.40.37।।ततो रक्तजलं भीमं लोहितं नाम सागरम्।गत्वा प्रेक्ष्यथ तां चैव बृहतीं कूटशाल्मलीम्।।4.40.38।।

Approach that great ocean—roaring like a dark cloud at the time of dissolution, and inhabited by mighty serpents—reaching it by the shore-route.

Verse 4.40.38

तं कालमेघप्रतिमं महोरगनिषेवितम्।अभिगम्य महानादं तीर्थेनैव महोदधिम्।।4.40.37।।ततो रक्तजलं भीमं लोहितं नाम सागरम्।गत्वा प्रेक्ष्यथ तां चैव बृहतीं कूटशाल्मलीम्।।4.40.38।।

Then, going to the dreadful red-water sea called Lohita, you will also behold there the vast Kūṭaśālmalī tree.

Verse 4.40.39

गृहं च वैनतेयस्य नानारत्नविभूषितम्।तत्र कैलाससङ्काशं विहितं विश्वकर्मणा।।4.40.39।।

There, you will see Garuḍa’s house, fashioned by Viśvakarman—shining like Mount Kailāsa and adorned with many kinds of jewels.

Verse 4.40.40

तत्र शैलनिभा भीमा मन्देहा नाम राक्षसाः।शैलशृङ्गेषु लम्बन्ते नानारूपा भयावहाः।।4.40.40।।

There dwell fearsome rākṣasas called the Mandehas—mountain-like in size, taking many forms—hanging down from the crags of the peaks, terrifying to behold.

Verse 4.40.41

ते पतन्ति जले नित्यं सूर्यस्योदयनं प्रति।निहता ब्रह्मतेजोभिरहन्यहनि राक्षसाः।।4.40.41।।अभितप्ताश्च सूर्येण लम्बन्ते स्म पुनः पुनः।

At sunrise each day they fall into the water—those rākṣasas, slain day after day by the brahmanical radiance, the sacred power of mantras. Scorched by the sun’s heat, they again and again hang down once more.

Verse 4.40.42

ततः पाण्डुरमेघाभं क्षीरोदं नाम सागरम्।।4.40.42।।गत्वा द्रक्ष्यथ दुर्धर्षा मुक्ताहारमिवोर्मिभिः।

Then, O unassailable ones, going onward you will behold the ocean called Kṣīroda, white as pale clouds—its waves arrayed like a necklace of pearls.

Verse 4.40.43

तस्य मध्ये महान् श्वेतो ऋषभो नाम पर्वतः।।4.40.43।।दिव्यगन्धैः कुसुमितै राजितैश्च नगैर्वृतः।सरश्च राजतैः पद्मैर्ज्वलितैर्हेमकेसरैः।।4.40.44।।नाम्ना सुदर्शनं नाम राजहंसैस्समाकुलम्।

In the midst of that ocean stands a great white mountain called Ṛṣabha, ringed by radiant flowering groves fragrant with heavenly scents. There too is a lake named Sudarśana, blazing with silver lotuses whose filaments gleam like gold, and filled with royal swans.

Verse 4.40.44

तस्य मध्ये महान् श्वेतो ऋषभो नाम पर्वतः।।4.40.43।।दिव्यगन्धैः कुसुमितै राजितैश्च नगैर्वृतः।सरश्च राजतैः पद्मैर्ज्वलितैर्हेमकेसरैः।।4.40.44।।नाम्ना सुदर्शनं नाम राजहंसैस्समाकुलम्।

Devas, Cāraṇas, Yakṣas, Kinnaras, and hosts of Apsarases—delighting in it—come again and again to that lotus-lake, wishing to wander and enjoy its beauty.

Verse 4.40.45

विबुधाश्चारणा यक्षाः किन्नराश्चाप्सरोगणाः।।4.40.45।।हृष्टास्समभिगच्छन्ति नलिनीं तां रिरंसवः।

O vānaras, once you pass beyond the Milky Ocean, you will swiftly behold the ocean called Jaloda—terrifying to all beings.

Verse 4.40.46

क्षीरोदं समतिक्रम्य तदा द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः।।4.40.46।।जलोदं सागरं शीघ्रं सर्वभूतभयावहम्।

There, a great blazing power, born of wrath, took form as the mighty Hayamukha; they say that for him all beings—moving and unmoving alike—become food, driven by his tremendous force.

Verse 4.40.47

तत्र तत्कोपजं तेजः कृतं हयमुखं महत्।।4.40.47।।अस्याहुस्तन्महावेगमोदनं सचराचरम्।

There, a great energy born of anger was formed into the Horse-Head, Hayamukha. It is said that the entire universe, comprising both moving and unmoving beings, serves as food for that swift-moving entity.

Verse 4.40.48

तत्र विक्रोशतां नादो भूतानां सागरौकसाम्।।4.40.48।।श्रूयते च समर्थानां दृष्ट्वा तद्बडबामुखम्।

There, the cries of sea-dwelling creatures are heard; for even the strong, on beholding that fearsome Vadavā-fire, are driven to alarm.

Verse 4.40.49

स्वादूदस्योत्तरे देशे योजनानि त्रयोदश।।4.40.49।।जातरूपशिलो नाम महान्कनकपर्वतः।

To the north of that ocean of sweet waters, at a distance of thirteen yojanas, stands a great golden mountain named Jātarūpaśila.

Verse 4.40.50

तत्र चन्द्रप्रतीकाशं पन्नगं धरणीधरम्।।4.40.50।।पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षं ततो द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः।आसीनं पर्वतस्याग्रे सर्वभूतनमस्कृतम्।।4.40.51।।सहस्रशिरसं देवमनन्तं नीलवाससम्।

There, O vanaras, you shall behold Ananta—the divine serpent of a thousand hoods, moon-bright, clad in blue, lotus-petal–eyed—seated upon the mountain’s summit, bearing the earth’s burden and revered by all beings.

Verse 4.40.51

तत्र चन्द्रप्रतीकाशं पन्नगं धरणीधरम्।।4.40.50।।पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षं ततो द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः।आसीनं पर्वतस्याग्रे सर्वभूतनमस्कृतम्।।4.40.51।।सहस्रशिरसं देवमनन्तं नीलवाससम्।

Upon that mountain’s summit shines, set upon an altar, the great-souled one’s banner: a golden palm-tree standard with three crests.

Verse 4.40.52

त्रिशिराः काञ्चनः केतुस्तालस्तस्य महात्मनः।।4.40.52।।स्थापितः पर्वतस्याग्रे विराजति सवेदिकः।

In the eastern quarter, that arrangement was established by the lords of the gods. Beyond it rises the splendid golden Udaya Mountain; its summit, stretching a hundred yojanas, touches the sky, and upon it a divine golden altar gleams.

Verse 4.40.53

पूर्वस्यां दिशि निर्माणं कृतं तत् त्रिदशेश्वरैः।।4.40.53।।ततः परं हेममय श्श्रीमानुदयपर्वतः।तस्य कोटिर्दिवं स्पृष्ट्वा शतयोजनमायता।।4.40.54।।जातरूपमयी दिव्या विराजति सवेदिका।

It is adorned with flowering sāla, tāla, tamāla, and karṇikāra trees—divine blossoms of golden hue, radiant like the sun.

Verse 4.40.54

पूर्वस्यां दिशि निर्माणं कृतं तत् त्रिदशेश्वरैः।।4.40.53।।ततः परं हेममय श्श्रीमानुदयपर्वतः।तस्य कोटिर्दिवं स्पृष्ट्वा शतयोजनमायता।।4.40.54।।जातरूपमयी दिव्या विराजति सवेदिका।

There stands a firm golden peak named Saumanasa—one yojana in breadth and rising ten yojanas high.

Verse 4.40.55

सालैस्तालैस्तमालैश्च कर्णिकारैश्च पुष्पितैः।।4.40.55।।जातरूपमयैर्दिव्यै श्शोभते सूर्यसन्निभैः।

It shines in beauty, adorned with sāla, tāla (palmyra), tamāla, and karṇikāra trees all in bloom; their divine, golden blossoms gleam like the Sun.

Verse 4.40.56

तत्र योजनविस्तारमुच्छ्रितं दशयोजनम्।।4.40.56।।शृङ्गं सौमनसं नाम जातरूपमयं ध्रुवम्।

There stands a firm golden peak named Saumanasa, one yojana in breadth and ten yojanas in height.

Verse 4.40.57

तत्रपूर्वं पदं कृत्वा पुरा विष्णुस्त्रिविक्रमे।।4.40.57।।द्वितीयं शिखरे मेरोश्चकार पुरुषोत्तमः।

In ancient times, when Viṣṇu—the Supreme among persons—performed the three strides as Trivikrama, he set his first step there, and placed the second upon the summit of Mount Meru.

Verse 4.40.58

त्तरेण परिक्रम्य जम्बूद्वीपं दिवाकरः।।4.40.58।।दृश्यो भवति भूयिष्ठं शिखरं तन्महोच्छ्रयम्।

Circling Jambūdvīpa to the north, the Divākara (Sun) becomes most clearly visible when he reaches that exceedingly lofty mountain-peak.

Verse 4.40.59

तत्र वैखानसा नाम वालखिल्या महर्षयः।।4.40.59।।प्रकाशमाना दृश्यन्ते सूर्यवर्णास्तपस्विनः।

There, the great sages called the Vaikhānasas and the Vālakhilyas are seen—ascetics radiant, with a brilliance like the Sun.

Verse 4.40.60

अयं सुदर्शनो द्वीपः पुरो यस्य प्रकाशते।।4.40.60।।यस्मिं स्तेजश्च चक्षुश्च सर्वप्राणभृतामपि।

This is the island called Sudarśana, shining before us—where the Sun’s radiance is manifest, and with it the power of sight for all living beings.

Verse 4.40.61

शैलस्य तस्य शृङ्गेषु कन्दरेषु वनेषु च।।4.40.61।।रावणस्सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः।

Upon that mountain’s peaks, in its caves, and in its forests—here and there—Rāvaṇa together with Vaidehī must be searched for.

Verse 4.40.62

काञ्चनस्य च शैलस्य सूर्यस्य च महात्मनः।।4.40.62।।आविष्टा तेजसा सन्ध्या पूर्वा रक्ता प्रकाशते।

Suffused with the brilliance of the golden mountain and of the great Sun, the eastern twilight shines—red in hue.

Verse 4.40.63

पूर्वमेतत्कृतं द्वारं पृथिव्या भुवनस्य च।।4.40.63।।सूर्यस्योदयनं चैव पर्वा ह्येषा दिगुच्यते।

This is the eastern ‘gate’ made for the earth and for the world; and since the Sun rises here, this quarter is indeed called the East.

Verse 4.40.64

तस्य शैलस्य पृष्ठेषु निर्झरेषु गुहासु च।।4.40.64।।रावण स्सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः।

On that mountain’s slopes and ridges, by its streams and within its caves as well—everywhere—Rāvaṇa together with Vaidehī must be sought.

Verse 4.40.65

ततः परमगम्या स्याद्दिक्पूर्वा त्रिदशावृता।।4.40.65।।रहिता चन्द्रसूर्याभ्यामदृश्या तिमिरावृता।

Beyond that, the eastern quarter becomes impassable—guarded by the gods; bereft of Moon and Sun, it is unseen, enveloped in darkness.

Verse 4.40.66

शैलेषु तेषु सर्वेषु कन्दरेषु वनेषु च।।4.40.66।।ये च नोक्ता मया देशा विचेया तेषु जानकी।

Search for Jānakī everywhere in those mountains—through their caves and forests as well—and also in any regions I have not specifically named.

Verse 4.40.67

एतावद्वानरैश्शक्यं गन्तुं वानरपुङ्गवाः।।4.40.67।।अभास्करममर्यादं न जानीमस्ततः परम्।

O foremost of monkeys, up to this point it is possible for the vānara to go; beyond it—where there is no sunlight and no clear boundary—we do not know what lies further.

Verse 4.40.68

अधिगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च।।4.40.68।।मासे पूर्णे निवर्तध्वमुदयं प्राप्य पर्वतम्।

Having reached the Udaya mountain, seek Vaidehī and also the dwelling of Rāvaṇa; then return when the month’s term is completed.

Verse 4.40.69

ऊर्ध्वं मासान्न वस्तव्यं वसन्वध्यो भवेन्मम।।4.40.69।।सिद्धार्थास्सन्निवर्तध्वमधिगम्य तु मैथिलीम्।

Do not remain away beyond a month; if you stay longer, you will be liable to punishment by me. Having reached Maithilī and achieved the purpose, return in full success.

Verse 4.40.70

महेन्द्रकान्तां वनषण्डमण्डितांदिशं चरित्वा निपुणेन वानराः।अवाप्य सीतां रघुवंशजप्रियांततो निवृत्तास्सुखिनो भविष्यथ।।4.40.70।।

Here have come those dreadful vanaras, with forces numbering many thousands—fighters of terrifying prowess, resembling Daityas and Dānavas in might.