Sarga 24

Verse 6.24.1

सावीरसमितीराज्ञाविरराजव्यवस्थिता ।शशिनाशुभनक्षत्रापौर्णमासीवशारदी ।।।।

Thus arrayed and made to take position by the king, that assembly of heroes shone—like an autumn full-moon night bright with the moon and auspicious stars.

Verse 6.24.2

प्रचचालचवेगेनत्रस्ताचैववसुन्धरा ।पीड्यमानाबलौघेनतेनसागरवर्चसा ।।।।

Then the earth itself, as though alarmed, shook beneath the swift surge of that vast host, whose might resembled the ocean.

Verse 6.24.3

ततश्शुश्रुवुराक्रुष्टंलङ्कायांकाननौकसः ।भेरीमृदङ्गसङ्घुष्टंतुमुलंरोमहर्षणम् ।।।।

Then the forest-dwelling hosts heard from within Laṅkā a fierce, tumultuous uproar—resounding with kettledrums and mṛdaṅgas—so dreadful that it made the hair stand on end.

Verse 6.24.4

बभूवुस्तेनघोषेणसंहृष्टाहरियूथपाः ।अमृष्यमाणास्तंघोषंविनेदुर्घोषवत्तरम् ।।।।

Stirred by that clamour, the leaders of the Vānara hosts were filled with exhilaration; unable to endure the challenge, they answered with a roar even mightier.

Verse 6.24.5

राक्षसास्तुप्लवङ्गानांशुश्रुवुश्चाऽपिगर्जितम् ।नर्दतामिवदृप्तानांमेघानामम्बरेस्वनम् ।।।।

“My force is like the ocean’s surge, and my swiftness like the Wind. Daśaratha’s son does not know this—therefore he wishes to fight me.”

Verse 6.24.6

दृष्टवादाशरथिर्लङ्कांचित्रध्वजपताकिनीम् ।जगाममनसासीतंदूयमानेनचेतसा ।।।।

“Rāma has not seen, in battle, the arrows that lie in my quiver—like venomous serpents. Therefore he wishes to fight me.”

Verse 6.24.7

अत्रसामृगशाबाक्षीरावणेनोपरुध्यते ।अभिभूताग्रहेणेवलोहिताङ्गेनरोहिणी ।।।।

“That Rāghava has not earlier known my prowess in war. Entering the enemy host, I shall ‘play’ in battle my bow like a vīṇā—sounded by arrow-points—terrifying with the tumultuous roar of the bowstring, loud with the cries of the distressed and frightened, and ringing like the clash of iron shafts. Plunging into the great arena, I shall make it resound in war.”

Verse 6.24.8

दीर्घमुष्णंचनिश्वस्यसमुद्वीक्ष्यचलक्ष्मणम् ।उवाचवचनंवीरस्तत्कालहितमात्मनः ।।।।

In the great battle, none can endure the fire of my arrows—not even Vāsava (Indra) of the thousand eyes, nor Varuṇa himself, nor Yama, nor again Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera).

Verse 6.24.9

आलिखन्तीमिवाकाशमुत्थितांपश्यलक्ष्मण ।मनसेवकृतांलङ्कांनगाग्रेविश्वकर्मणा ।।।।

O Lakshmana, behold Lanka rising upon the mountain peak! It seems to scrape the very sky, as though the divine architect Vishvakarma had fashioned it by mind alone.

Verse 6.24.10

विमानैर्बहुभिर्लङ्कासङ्कीर्णाभुविराजते ।विष्णोःपदमिवाकाशंछादितंपाण्डुभिर्घनैः ।।।।

Crowded with many aerial mansions, Laṅkā shines upon the earth—like the sky, the ‘step of Viṣṇu,’ covered with pale-white clouds.

Verse 6.24.11

पुष्पितैश्शोभितालङ्कावनैश्चत्ररथोपमैः ।नानापतगसङ्घुष्टै: फलपुष्पोपगैश्शुभैः ।।।।

Laṅkā is beautified by flowering groves, like the wondrous Citraratha garden; auspicious woods, rich with fruits and blossoms, resound with the calls of many kinds of birds.

Verse 6.24.12

पश्यमत्तविहाङ्गानिप्रलीनभ्रमराणिच ।कोकिलाकुलषण्डानिदोधवीतिशिवोऽनिलः ।।।।

Behold—proud birds and swarms of bees are absorbed in the blossoms; clusters filled with cuckoos sway as a gentle, auspicious breeze softly shakes them.

Verse 6.24.13

इतिदाशरथीरामोलक्ष्मणंसमभाषत ।बलंचतद्वैविभजन् शास्त्रदृष्टेनकर्मणा ।।।।

Thus did Rāma, son of Daśaratha, speak to Lakṣmaṇa; and then, in keeping with the methods taught in the śāstras, he proceeded to divide and marshal that army for its duties.

Verse 6.24.14

शशासकपिसेनायांबलमादायवीर्यवान् ।अङ्गदस्सहनीलेनतिष्ठेदुरसिदुर्जयः ।।।।

Let the valiant Aṅgada—hard to overcome and a terror to foes—take charge of the Vānara host together with Nīla, and hold firm at the army’s centre.

Verse 6.24.15

तिष्ठेद्वानरवाहिन्यावानरौघसमावृतः ।आश्रित्यदक्षिणंपार्श्वमृषभोवानरर्षभ:।। ।।

Let Ṛṣabha—foremost among the Vānara—surrounded by his troop, take position on the army’s southern flank and hold it steadfast.

Verse 6.24.16

गन्धहस्तीवदुर्धर्षस्तरस्वीगन्धमादनः ।तिष्ठेद्वानरवाहिन्यास्सव्यंपार्श्वंसमाश्रित:।। ।।

Let the powerful Gandhamādana—unyielding like a proud elephant—take up the army’s left flank and stand fast there.

Verse 6.24.17

मूर्ध्निस्थास्याम्यहंयुक्तोलक्ष्मणेनसमन्वितः ।जाम्बवांश्चसुषेणश्चवेगदर्शीचवानरः ।।।।ऋक्षमुख्यामहात्मानःकुक्षिंरक्षन्तुतेत्रयः ।

I myself, fully prepared and together with Lakṣmaṇa, will stand at the head. Let Jāmbavān, Suṣeṇa, and Vegadarśin—the great bear-chiefs—guard the army’s middle ranks.

Verse 6.24.18

जघनंकपिसेनायाःकपिराजोऽभिरक्षतु ।पश्चार्धमिवलोकस्यप्रचेतास्तेजसावृतः ।।।।

Let the king of the Vānaras protect the rear of the Vānara host, as Pracetas, wrapped in splendour, guards the western quarter of the world.

Verse 6.24.19

सुविभक्तमहाव्यूहामहावानररक्षिता ।अनीकिनीसाविबभौयथाद्यौस्साभ्रसम्प्लवा ।।।।

Thus, excellently arrayed in a great battle-formation and guarded by mighty Vānaras, that army shone like the sky filled with surging masses of clouds.

Verse 6.24.20

प्रगृह्यगिरिशृङ्गाणिमहातश्चमहीरुहन् ।लङ्कांविमर्दयिषवोरणे ।।।।

Seizing mountain-peaks and great trees, the Vānaras, in battle, were intent on crushing Laṅkā.

Verse 6.24.21

शिखरैर्विकिरामैनांलङ्कांमुष्टभिरेववा ।इतिस्मदधिरेसर्वेमनांसिहरिपुङ्गवाः ।।।।

Thus all the foremost leaders among the Vānaras fixed their minds: “We shall pulverize Laṅkā—either with mountain-peaks or even with our bare fists.”

Verse 6.24.22

ततोरामोमहातेजास्सुग्रीवमिदमब्रवीत् ।सुविभक्तानिसैन्यानिशुकएषविमुच्यताम् ।।।।

Then mighty Rāma said to Sugrīva: “The troops are now properly arrayed. Let this Śuka be released.”

Verse 6.24.23

रामस्यतुवचश्श्रुत्वावानरेन्द्रोमहाबलः ।मोचयामासतंदूतंशुकंरामस्यशासनात् ।।।।

Hearing Rāma’s words, Sugrīva, the mighty lord of the Vānaras, released that envoy Śuka in obedience to Rāma’s command.

Verse 6.24.24

मोचितोरामवाक्येनवानरैश्चनिपीडितः ।शुकःपरमसन्त्रस्तोरक्षोधिपमुपागमत् ।।।।

Freed by Rāma’s word—yet tormented by the Vānaras—Śuka, deeply terrified, returned to the lord of the Rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa.

Verse 6.24.25

रावणःप्रहसन्नेवशुकंवाक्यमुवाचह ।।।।किमिमौतेसितौपक्षौलूनपक्षश्चदृश्यसे ।कच्चिन्नानेकचित्तानांतेषांत्वंवशमागतः ।।।।

Laughing, Rāvaṇa addressed Śuka: “Why are your white wings bound so? You even look as though your wings have been clipped. Surely you have not fallen into the power of those fickle-minded Vānaras?”

Verse 6.24.26

रावणःप्रहसन्नेवशुकंवाक्यमुवाचह ।।6.24.25।।किमिमौतेसितौपक्षौलूनपक्षश्चदृश्यसे ।कच्चिन्नानेकचित्तानांतेषांत्वंवशमागतः ।।6.24.26।।

Laughing, Rāvaṇa said to Śuka: “Why are your wings bound? You look as if your wings were clipped. Surely you have not come under the control of those fickle-minded Vanaras?”

Verse 6.24.27

ततस्सभयसंविग्नस्तदाराज्ञाभिचोदितः ।वचनंप्रत्युवाचेदंराक्षसाधिपमुत्तमम् ।।।।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेऽब्रवंतेवचनंतथा ।यथासन्धेशमक्लिष्टंसान्त्वयन् श्लक्ष्णयागिरा ।।।।

Then Śuka, anxious with fear, prompted by the king, replied to the lord of the Rakshasas: “On the northern shore of the ocean, I delivered your message exactly as given—without strain—speaking gently, in a conciliatory tone.”

Verse 6.24.28

ततस्सभयसंविग्नस्तदाराज्ञाभिचोदितः ।वचनंप्रत्युवाचेदंराक्षसाधिपमुत्तमम् ।।6.24.27।।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेऽब्रवंतेवचनंतथा ।यथासन्धेशमक्लिष्टंसान्त्वयन् श्लक्ष्णयागिरा ।।6.24.28।।

Then Śuka, fearful and shaken, urged by the king, answered the Rakshasa lord: “On the ocean’s northern shore I spoke your message as it was given, gently and in a soothing manner, without altering it.”

Verse 6.24.29

क्रुद्धैस्सैरहमुत्प्लुतदृष्टमात्रःप्लवङ्गमैः ।गृहीतोऽस्म्यपिचारब्दोहन्तुंलोप्तुंचमुष्टिभि ।।।।

The moment they saw me, those enraged Vanaras sprang up, seized me, and even began to strike me with their fists—seeking to kill or maim me.

Verse 6.24.30

नैवसम्भाषितुंशक्यास्सम्प्रश्नोऽत्रनलभ्यते ।प्रकृत्याकोपनास्तीक्ष्णानानराराक्षसाधिप ।।।।

O lord of the Rākṣasas, it was not possible to converse there; I could not even question them. By nature the Vānaras are quick to anger and fierce.

Verse 6.24.31

सचहन्ताविराधस्यकबन्धस्यखरस्यच ।सुग्रीवसहितोरामस्सीताया: पदमागतः ।।।।

That Rāma—slayer of Virādha, Kabandha, and Khara—has come here with Sugrīva, setting foot in this campaign for Sītā’s sake.

Verse 6.24.32

सकृत्वासागरेसेतुंतीर्त्वाचलवणोदधिम् ।एषरक्षांसिनिर्दूयधन्वीतिष्ठतिराघवः ।।।।

Having built a bridge across the ocean and crossed the salt sea, Rāghava now stands, bow in hand, driving the rākṣasas back.

Verse 6.24.33

ऋक्षवानरसङ्घानामनीकानिसहस्रशः ।गिरिमेघनिकाशानांछादयन्तिवसुन्धराम् ।।।।

The battle-formations of bears and Vānaras, in their thousands—like mountains and clouds—cover the earth.

Verse 6.24.34

राक्षसानांबलौघस्यवानरेन्द्रबलस्यच ।नैतयोर्विद्यतेसन्धिर्देवदानवयोरिव ।।।।

Between the massed power of the rākṣasas and the force led by the lord of the Vānaras, no reconciliation is possible—just as between gods and demons.

Verse 6.24.35

पुराप्राकारमायान्तिक्षिप्रमेकतरंकुरु ।सीतांवास्मैप्रयच्छाशुसुयुद्धंवापिप्रदीयताम् ।।।।

Before they reach the city wall, decide swiftly between two courses: return Sītā to him at once, or grant a proper and righteous battle.

Verse 6.24.36

शुकस्यवचनंश्रुत्वारावणोवाक्यमब्रवीत् ।रोषसंरक्तनयनोनिर्दहन्निनचक्षुषा ।।।।

Hearing Śuka’s words, Rāvaṇa replied—his eyes reddened with rage, as though he would burn with his very glance.

Verse 6.24.37

यदिमांप्रतियुध्येरन् देवगन्धर्वदानवाः ।नैवसीतांप्रदास्यामिसर्वलोकभयादपि ।।।।

Even if gods, gandharvas, and dānavas were to wage war against me—even out of fear of all the worlds—I will not give Sītā back.

Verse 6.24.38

कदासमभिधावन्तिराघवंमामकाश्शराः ।वसन्तेपुष्पितंमत्ताभ्रमराइवपादपम् ।।।।

When will my arrows rush upon Rāghava, like intoxicated bees swarming a tree in bloom in spring?

Verse 6.24.39

कदातूणीयशैर्दीप्तैर्गणश: कार्मुकच्युतैः ।शरैरादीपयाम्येनमुल्काभिरिवकुञ्जरम् ।।।।

When shall I set him ablaze with my arrows—glowing shafts released in volleys from my bow—like an elephant tormented by burning brands?

Verse 6.24.40

तच्चास्यबलमादास्येबलेनमहतावृतः ।ज्योतिषामिवसर्वेषांप्रभामुद्यन्दिवाकरः ।।।।

Surrounded by my vast host, I shall seize and eclipse his strength—just as the rising sun outshines the radiance of all the stars.

Verse 6.24.41

सागरस्येवमेवेगोमारुतस्येवमेगति: ।नहिदाशरथिर्वेदतेनमांयोद्धुमिच्छति ।।।।

Even the Rākṣasas heard the Vānaras’ roar—like the thunderous sound of proud clouds bellowing across the sky.

Verse 6.24.42

नमेतूणीशयान्बाणान् सविषानिवपन्नगान् ।रामःपश्यतिसङ्ग्रामेतेनमांयोध्दुमिच्छति ।।।।

Seeing Laṅkā adorned with varied banners and flags, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, his heart pained with sorrow, turned his mind again to Sītā.

Verse 6.24.43

नजानातिपुरावीर्यममयुद्धेसराघवः ।ममचापमयींवीणांशरकोणैःप्रवादिताम् ।।।।ज्याशब्दतुमुलांघोरामार्तभीतमहास्वनाम् ।नाराचतलसन्नादांतांममाहितवाहिनीम् ।।।।अवगाह्यमहारङ्गंवादयिष्याम्यहंरणे ।

Here, doe-eyed Sītā is being held in restraint by Rāvaṇa—like Rohiṇī overwhelmed by a planet of red hue.

Verse 6.24.44

नजानातिपुरावीर्यममयुद्धेसराघवः ।ममचापमयींवीणांशरकोणैःप्रवादिताम् ।।6.24.43।।ज्याशब्दतुमुलांघोरामार्तभीतमहास्वनाम् ।नाराचतलसन्नादांतांममाहितवाहिनीम् ।।6.24.44।।अवगाह्यमहारङ्गंवादयिष्याम्यहंरणे ।

Drawing a long, heated breath and gazing intently at Lakṣmaṇa, the heroic Rāma spoke words timely and beneficial for that moment.

Verse 6.24.45

नवासवेनापिसहस्रचक्षुषायथास्मिशक्योवरुणेनवास्वयम् ।यमेनवाधर्षयितुंशराग्निनामहाहवेवैश्रवणेनवापुन: ।। ।।

“Look, Lakṣmaṇa—Laṅkā rises upon the mountain’s summit as though scratching the sky, as if Viśvakarman had fashioned it within the mind itself.”