Sarga 41

Verse 6.41.1

अथतस्मिन्निमित्तानिदृष्टवालक्ष्मणपूर्वजः ।सुग्रीवंसम्परिष्वज्यतथावचनमब्रवीत् ।।6.41.1।।

Then Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa’s elder brother, having observed those omens, embraced Sugrīva and spoke as follows.

Verse 6.41.2

असन्त्ऱ्यमयासार्थंतदिदंसाहसंकृतम् ।एवंसाहसुक्तानिनकुर्वन्तिजनेश्वराः ।।6.41.2।।

This bold deed has been done without consulting me. Kings and leaders do not undertake daring actions in such a manner.

Verse 6.41.3

संशयेस्थाप्यमांचेदंबलंचसविभीषणम् ।कष्टंकृतमिदंवीर साहसंसाहसप्रिय ।।6.41.3।।

The mighty monkeys—huge as elephants and able to repel the foe—seized by the hundreds mountain crags and great full-grown trees.

Verse 6.41.4

इदानींमाकृथावीर एवंविधमचिन्तितम् ।त्वयिकिञ्चित्समापन्नेकिंकार्यंसीतयामम ।।6.41.4।।भरतेनमहाबाहो लक्ष्मणेनयवीयसा ।शत्रुघ्नेनचशत्रुघ्नस्वशरीरेणवापुन:।। 6.41.5।।

Then Nīla, the valiant commander of the monkey host, reached the eastern gate and held his ground there together with Mainda and Dvivida.

Verse 6.41.5

इदानींमाकृथावीर एवंविधमचिन्तितम् ।त्वयिकिञ्चित्समापन्नेकिंकार्यंसीतयामम ।।6.41.4।।भरतेनमहाबाहो लक्ष्मणेनयवीयसा ।शत्रुघ्नेनचशत्रुघ्नस्वशरीरेणवापुन:।। 6.41.5।।

With Vānaras already stationed and others still rushing in, the sky seemed packed full and the earth seemed completely covered all around Laṅkā.

Verse 6.41.6

त्वयिचानागतेपूर्वमितिमेनिश्चितामतिः ।जानतश्चापितेवीर्यंमहेन्द्रवरुणोसम ।।6.41.6।।हत्वाऽहंरावणंयुद्धेसपुत्रबलवाहनम् ।अभिषिच्यचलङ्कायांविभीषणमथापिच ।।6.41.7।।भरतेराज्यमावेश्यत्यक्ष्येदेहंमहाबल ।

With Vibhīṣaṇa’s approval, mindful of the duties of kingship (rājadharma), he summoned Aṅgada, Vāli’s son, and spoke these words.

Verse 6.41.7

त्वयिचानागतेपूर्वमितिमेनिश्चितामतिः ।जानतश्चापितेवीर्यंमहेन्द्रवरुणोसम ।।6.41.6।।हत्वाऽहंरावणंयुद्धेसपुत्रबलवाहनम् ।अभिषिच्यचलङ्कायांविभीषणमथापिच ।।6.41.7।।भरतेराज्यमावेश्यत्यक्ष्येदेहंमहाबल ।

After I have slain Rāvaṇa in battle—together with his sons, his forces, and his war-vehicles—and after I have consecrated Vibhīṣaṇa in Laṅkā, I shall restore the kingdom to Bharata; then, O mighty one, I will relinquish my body.

Verse 6.41.8

तमेवंवादिनंरामंसुग्रीवःप्रत्यभाषत ।।6.41.8।।तवभार्यापहर्तारंदृष्टवाराघव रावणम् ।मर्षयामिकथंवीरजानपौरुषमात्मनः ।।6.41.9।।

I will slay you along with your ministers, your sons, kinsmen, and allies; when you are killed, the three worlds will be free from fear.

Verse 6.41.9

तमेवंवादिनंरामंसुग्रीवःप्रत्यभाषत ।।6.41.8।।तवभार्यापहर्तारंदृष्टवाराघव रावणम् ।मर्षयामिकथंवीरजानपौरुषमात्मनः ।।6.41.9।।

O Rāghava, hero—having seen Rāvaṇa, the abductor of your wife—how could I endure it, knowing my own manly strength?

Verse 6.41.10

इत्येवंवादिनंवीरमभिनन्द्यचराघवः ।लक्ष्मणंलक्षीसम्पन्नमिदंवचनमब्रवीत् ।।6.41.10।।

Thus, commending the hero who spoke in that manner, Rāghava addressed these words to Lakṣmaṇa, endowed with auspicious fortune.

Verse 6.41.11

परिगृह्योदकंशीतंवनानिफलवन्तिच ।बलौघंसंविभज्येमंव्यूह्यतिष्ठेमलक्ष्मण ।।6.41.11।।

I see a dreadful fear drawing near—world-destroying in its effect—a slaughter of the foremost warriors among bears, monkeys, and rākṣasas.

Verse 6.41.12

लोकक्षयकरंभीमंभयंपश्याम्युपस्थितम् ।निबर्हणंप्रवीराणामृक्षवानररक्षसाम् ।।6.41.12।।

For harsh winds are blowing and the earth is trembling; mountain-peaks shudder, and the world-bearing elephants are falling.

Verse 6.41.13

वाताश्चहिपरुषांवान्तिकम्पतेचवसुन्धरा ।पर्वताग्राणिवेपन्तेपतन्तिधरणीधराः ।।6.41.13।।

The clouds, like flesh-eating birds—harsh and harsh-sounding—pour down a dreadful rain, mingled with drops of blood.

Verse 6.41.14

मेघाःक्रवादसङ्काशाःपरुषाःपरुषस्वनाः ।क्रूराःक्रूरंप्रवर्षन्तिमिश्रंशोणितबिन्दुभिः ।।6.41.14।।

The twilight is most dreadful, glowing like red sandalwood; and from the sun there seems to fall a blazing circle of fire.

Verse 6.41.15

रक्तचन्दनसङ्काशासन्ध्यापरमदारुणा ।ज्वलच्चनिपतत्येतदादित्यादग्निमण्डलम् ।।6.41.15।।

Facing the sun, inauspicious beasts and birds cry out—dreadful, pitiful-voiced—creating great fear.

Verse 6.41.16

आदित्यमभिवाश्यन्तिजनयन्तोमहद्भयम् ।दीनादीनस्वराःघोरानप्रशस्तामृगद्विजाः ।।6.41.16।।

At night the moon gives no light and seems oppressive, ringed with black and crimson rays—like the hour of the world’s dissolution.

Verse 6.41.17

रजन्यामप्रकाशश्चसन्तापयतिचन्द्रमाः । कृष्णरक्तांशुपर्यन्तोयथालोकस्यसंक्ष्ये ।।6.41.17।।

At night the moon gives no clear light; instead it seems to scorch, ringed about with black and red rays—like the moon at the time of the world’s dissolution. The scene signals a moral and cosmic disorder accompanying the violence of war.

Verse 6.41.18

ह्रस्वोरूक्षोऽप्रशस्तश्चपरिवेषस्सुलोहितः ।आदित्यमण्डलेनीलंलक्ष्मलक्ष्मण दृश्यते ।।6.41.18।।

Lakṣmaṇa, a short, harsh, inauspicious copper-red halo is seen around the sun; and within the solar disc a dark mark is visible.

Verse 6.41.19

दृश्यन्तेनयथावच्छनक्षत्राण्यभिवर्तते ।युगान्तमिवलोकस्यपश्यलक्ष्मण शंसति ।।6.41.19।।

See, Lakṣmaṇa: the stars are not appearing as they should, and the sky seems veiled and disturbed—like a sign proclaiming the world’s end.

Verse 6.41.20

काकाश्येनास्तथागृध्रानीचैःपरिपतन्तिच ।शिवाश्चाप्यशिवावाचःप्रवदन्तिमहास्वनाः ।।6.41.20।।

Crows, hawks, and vultures circle low; and jackals, with thunderous cries, utter inauspicious sounds.

Verse 6.41.21

क्षिप्रमद्यदुराधर्षांलङ्कांरावणपालिताम् ।अभियामजवेनैवसर्वतोहरिभिर्वृताः ।।6.41.21।।

Today, quickly—surrounded on all sides by the Vānara hosts—let us advance at speed against Laṅkā, hard to assail and ruled by Rāvaṇa.

Verse 6.41.22

शैलैःशूलैश्चखडगैश्चविमुक्स्सैःकपिराक्षसैः ।भविष्यत्यावृताभूमिर्मांसशोणितकर्दमा ।।6.41.22।।

With rocks, tridents, and swords hurled by Vānaras and Rākṣasas, the earth will be covered—turned into mire of flesh and blood.

Verse 6.41.23

इत्येवंतुवदवनीर्वोलक्ष्मणंलक्ष्मणाग्रजः ।तस्मादवातरच्छीघ्रंपर्वताग्रान्महाबलः ।।6.41.23।।

Having spoken thus to Lakṣmaṇa, the mighty hero—Lakṣmaṇa’s elder brother—quickly descended from the mountain peak.

Verse 6.41.24

अवतीर्यचधर्मात्मातस्माच्छैलात्सराघवः ।परैःपरमदुर्धर्षंददर्शबलमात्मनः ।।6.41.24।।

Descending from that mountain, righteous Rāghava surveyed and reviewed his own army—formidable and exceedingly hard for enemies to withstand.

Verse 6.41.25

सन्नह्यतुससुग्रीवःकपिराजबलंमहत् ।कालज्ञोराघवःकालेसंयुगायाभ्यचोदयत् ।।6.41.25।।

“Let Sugrīva make ready the great army of the Vānara-king.” Rāghava, knowing the proper time, urged them on to battle at the fitting moment.

Verse 6.41.26

ततःकालेमहाबाहुर्बलेनमहतावृतः ।प्रस्थितःपुरतोधवनीलङ्कामभिमुखःपुरीम् ।।6.41.26।।

Then, at the appointed time, broad-armed Rāma—surrounded by a great host—set out at the head of the march, facing the city of Laṅkā.

Verse 6.41.27

तंविभीषणसुग्रीवौहनूमाञ्जाम्बवान्नळ ।ऋक्षराजस्तथानीलोलक्ष्मणश्चान्वयुस्तदा ।।6.41.27।।

“O hero, lover of daring deeds! By this bold act you have cast me—and the army along with Vibhīṣaṇa—into grave uncertainty; you have done something perilous indeed.”

Verse 6.41.28

ततःपशचात्सुमहतीपृतनर् क्षवनौकसाम् ।प्रच्छाद्यमहतींभूमिमनुयातिस्मराघवम् ।।6.41.28।।

Then Vibhīṣaṇa and Sugrīva followed him—along with Hanumān, Jāmbavān, Nala, the king of bears, Nīla, and Lakṣmaṇa as well.

Verse 6.41.29

शैलशृङ्गाणिशतशःप्रवृद्धांश्चमहीरुहान् ।जगृहुःकुञ्जरप्रख्यावानराःपरवारणाः ।।6.41.29।।

After that, the vast host of bears and monkeys followed Rāghava, spreading out and covering the great expanse of ground behind him.

Verse 6.41.30

तौत्वदीर्घेणकालेनभ्रातरौरामलक्ष्मणौ ।रावणस्यपुरींलङ्कामसेदतुररिन्दमौ ।।6.41.30।।

Before long, the two brothers—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, tamers of foes—reached Laṅkā, the city of Rāvaṇa.

Verse 6.41.31

पताकामालिनींरम्यामुद्यानवनशोभिताम् ।चित्रवप्रासुदुष्प्रापमुच्चैःप्राकारतोरणाम् ।।6.41.31।।तांसुरैरपिदुर्धर्षांरामवाक्यप्रचोदिताः ।यथानिदेशंसम्पीड्यन्यविशन्तवनौकसः ।।6.41.32।।

They beheld lovely Laṅkā, adorned with garlands of banners and beautified by gardens and groves—yet hard to approach, with wondrous ramparts and lofty walls and gateways.

Verse 6.41.32

पताकामालिनींरम्यामुद्यानवनशोभिताम् ।चित्रवप्रासुदुष्प्रापमुच्चैःप्राकारतोरणाम् ।।6.41.31।।तांसुरैरपिदुर्धर्षांरामवाक्यप्रचोदिताः ।यथानिदेशंसम्पीड्यन्यविशन्तवनौकसः ।।6.41.32।।

Urged on by Rāma’s command, the forest-dwellers entered that city—hard to assail even for the gods—taking their positions in accordance with the orders given.

Verse 6.41.33

लङ्कायास्तूत्तरंद्वारंशैलशृङ्गमिवोन्नतम् ।रामःसहानुजोधन्वीजुगोपचरुरोधच ।।6.41.33।।

Rāma, bow in hand and accompanied by his younger brother, secured and blocked Laṅkā’s northern gate, towering like a mountain peak.

Verse 6.41.34

लङ्कामुपनिविष्टस्तुरामोदशरथात्मजः ।लक्ष्मणानुचरोवीरःपुरींरावणपालिताम् ।।6.41.34।।उत्तरद्वारमासाद्ययत्रतिष्ठतिरावणः ।नान्योरामाद्धितद् द्वारंसमर्थःपरिरक्षितुम् ।।6.41.35।।सायुथैराक्षसैर्भीमैरभिगुप्तंसमन्ततः ।लघूनांत्रासजननंपाताळमिवदानवैः ।।6.41.36।।

Rāma, the heroic son of Daśaratha, with Lakṣmaṇa at his side, took his stand at Laṅkā—the city guarded by Rāvaṇa.

Verse 6.41.35

लङ्कामुपनिविष्टस्तुरामोदशरथात्मजः ।लक्ष्मणानुचरोवीरःपुरींरावणपालिताम् ।।6.41.34।।उत्तरद्वारमासाद्ययत्रतिष्ठतिरावणः ।नान्योरामाद्धितद् द्वारंसमर्थःपरिरक्षितुम् ।।6.41.35।।सायुथैराक्षसैर्भीमैरभिगुप्तंसमन्ततः ।लघूनांत्रासजननंपाताळमिवदानवैः ।।6.41.36।।

Reaching the northern gate—where Rāvaṇa stood—none but Rāma was truly able to hold and guard that gateway.

Verse 6.41.36

लङ्कामुपनिविष्टस्तुरामोदशरथात्मजः ।लक्ष्मणानुचरोवीरःपुरींरावणपालिताम् ।।6.41.34।।उत्तरद्वारमासाद्ययत्रतिष्ठतिरावणः ।नान्योरामाद्धितद् द्वारंसमर्थःपरिरक्षितुम् ।।6.41.35।।सायुथैराक्षसैर्भीमैरभिगुप्तंसमन्ततः ।लघूनांत्रासजननंपाताळमिवदानवैः ।।6.41.36।।

Rāma, Daśaratha’s son—heroic, with Lakṣmaṇa following him—took up position at Laṅkā, the city ruled by Rāvaṇa.

Verse 6.41.37

विन्यस्तानिचयोधानांबहूनिविविधानिच ।ददर्शाऽयुधजालानितत्रैवकवचानिच ।।6.41.37।।

Reaching the northern gate—where Rāvaṇa was stationed—it was understood that none but Rāma was capable of securing and holding that gateway.

Verse 6.41.38

पूर्वंतुद्वारमासाद्यनीलोहरिचमूपतिः ।अतिष्ठत्सहमैन्देनद्विविदेनचवीर्यवान् ।।6.41.38।।

All around, it was heavily guarded by fearsome rākṣasas in troops, striking terror into the lightly armed—like Pātāla, the netherworld, swarming with dānavas.

Verse 6.41.39

अङ्गदोदक्षिणद्वारंजग्राहसुमहाबलः ।ऋषभेणगवाक्षेणगजेनगवयेनच ।।6.41.39।।

There he beheld many kinds of weapons, numerous and varied, laid out for the fighters, and likewise armor made ready on that very spot.

Verse 6.41.40

हनुमान् पश्चिमद्वारंररक्षबलवान्कपिः ।प्रमाथिप्रषुभ्यांचवीरैरन्यैश्चसङ्गतः ।।6.41.40।।

Angada, of tremendous strength, took charge of the southern gate, together with Ṛṣabha, Gavākṣa, Gaja, and Gavaya.

Verse 6.41.41

मध्यमेचस्वयंगुल्मेसुग्रीवस्समतिष्ठत ।सहसर्वैर्हरिश्रेष्ठैस्सुपर्णश्वसनोपमैः ।।6.41.41।।

Hanumān, the mighty monkey, guarded the western gate, joined by the heroes Pramāthi and Praṣu and by other warriors as well.

Verse 6.41.42

वानराणांतुषटित्रंशत्कोट्यःप्रख्यातयूथपाः ।निपीड्योपनिविष्टाश्चसुग्रीवोयत्रवानरः ।।6.41.42।।

In the central formation Sugrīva himself took his stand, together with all the foremost of the monkeys—swift as Garuḍa and as fast as the wind.

Verse 6.41.43

शासनेनतुरामस्यलक्ष्मणस्सविभीषणः ।द्वारेद्वारेहरीणांतुकोटिंकोटिंन्यवेशयेत् ।।6.41.43।।

There, where Sugrīva the vānara was stationed, the famed troop-leaders were encamped, and the vānara host—thirty-six crores in number—sat massed together.

Verse 6.41.44

पश्चिमेनतुरामस्यसुषेणःसहजाम्बवान् ।।6.41.44।।आदूरान्मध्यमेगुल्मेतस्थौबहुबलानुगः ।

By Rāma’s command, Lakṣmaṇa—together with Vibhīṣaṇa—stationed the vānara forces, crores upon crores, at each and every gate.

Verse 6.41.45

तेतुवानरशार्धूलाःशार्दूलाइवदंष्ट्रिणः ।।6.41.45।।गृहीत्वाद्रुमशैलाग्रान्हृष्टायुद्धायतस्थिरे ।

Those tiger-like leaders among the vānara host, fanged like tigers, stood exultant for battle, gripping uprooted trees and crags torn from mountain peaks.

Verse 6.41.46

सर्वेविकृतलाङ्गूलास्सर्वेदंष्ट्रानखायुधा:।। 6.41.46।।सर्वेविकृतचित्राङ्गास्सर्वेचविकृताननाः ।

All of them bore tails raised and bristling; all had teeth and nails as weapons. All looked fierce with strange markings upon their bodies, and all wore grim, distorted faces in wrath.

Verse 6.41.47

दशनागबलाःकेचित्केचिद्धशगुणोत्तराः ।।6.41.47।।केचिन्नागसहस्रस्यबभूवुस्तुल्यविक्रमाः ।

Some had the strength of ten elephants; some were tenfold stronger still; and some displayed prowess equal to that of a thousand elephants.

Verse 6.41.48

सन्तिचौघबलाःकेचित्केचिच्छतगुणोत्तराः ।।6.41.48।।अप्रमेयबलाश्चान्येतत्रासन्हरियूथपाः

Some possessed the force of a surging flood; some were a hundred times stronger; and there too stood other Vānara commanders whose strength was beyond measure.

Verse 6.41.49

अद्भुतश्चविचित्रश्चतेषामासीत्समागमः ।।6.41.49।।तत्रवानरसैन्यानांशलभानामिवोद्यमः ।

Wondrous and astonishing was their assembly; there the Vānara host surged into motion like a swarm of locusts.

Verse 6.41.50

प्रतिपूर्णमिवाकाशंसञ्छन्नेवचमेदिनी ।।6.41.50।।लङ्कापुमनिविष्टैश्चसम्पतद्भिश्चवानरैः ।

Others—separate contingents of bears and forest-dwelling Vānaras, numbering in the hundreds of thousands—advanced from every side toward the gates of Laṅkā to fight.

Verse 6.41.51

शतंशतसहस्राणांपृथगृक्षवनौकसाम् ।।6.41.51।।लङ्काद्वाराङयुपाजग्मुरन्येयोद्धुंसमन्ततः ।

That mountain was encircled on every side by those leaping Vānaras, as they pressed up toward the city and its vast defensive perimeter.

Verse 6.41.52

आवृतस्सगिरिस्सर्वैस्सैस्समन्तात् प्लवङ्गमैः ।।6.41.52।।अयुतानांसहस्रंचपुरींतामभ्यवर्तत ।

Laṅkā was enclosed on every side by mighty Vānaras with trees in their hands—so tightly sealed that even the wind would find entry difficult.

Verse 6.41.53

वानरैर्बलवद्भिश्चबभूवद्रुमपाणिभिः ।।6.41.53।।सम्वृतासर्वतोलङ्कादुष्प्रवेशाऽपिवायुना ।

“Now, O hero, do not do anything so rash and unconsidered. If even a little harm should befall you, what would life mean for me—or for Sītā? What would it mean for Bharata, for the younger Lakṣmaṇa, for Śatrughna, or even for my own body?”

Verse 6.41.54

राक्षसाविस्मयंजग्मुःसहसाऽभिनिपीडिताः ।।6.41.54।।वानरैर्मेघसङ्काशैश्शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमैः ।

Hard-pressed all at once by the Vānara warriors—cloud-like in mass and equal to Indra in valor—the Rākṣasas were struck with astonishment and gave way.

Verse 6.41.55

महान् शब्दोऽभवत्तत्रबलौघस्याभिवर्ततः ।।6.41.55।।सागरस्येवभिन्नस्ययथास्यात्सलिलस्वनः ।

Then a tremendous roar arose as the massed forces advanced—like the thunderous sound of waters when the ocean’s bounds are broken.

Verse 6.41.56

तेनशब्देनमहतासप्राकारासतोरणा ।।6.41.56।।लङ्काप्रचलितासर्वासशैलवनकानना ।

By that mighty roar, all of Laṅkā shook—its ramparts and gateways, its hills and forest-groves trembling together.

Verse 6.41.57

रामलक्ष्मणगुप्तासासुग्रीवेणचवाहिनी ।।6.41.57।।बभूवदुर्धर्षतरासर्वैरपिसुरासुरैः ।

Guarded by Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa and led by Sugrīva, that army became even more unassailable—even to gods and asuras alike.

Verse 6.41.58

राघवःसन्निवेश्यैवंस्वसैन्यंरक्षसांवधे ।।6.41.58।।सम्मन्त्ऱ्यमन्त्रिभिस्सार्थंनिश्चित्यचपुनःपुनः ।आनन्तर्यमभिप्रेप्सुःक्रमयोगार्थतत्त्ववित् ।।6.41.59।।विभीषणस्यानुमतेराजधर्ममनुस्मरन् ।अङ्गदंवालितनयंसमाहूयेदमब्रवीत् ।।6.41.60।।

Thus Rāghava, having arrayed his own forces for the slaying of the Rākṣasas, consulted repeatedly with his ministers and settled upon a firm resolve.

Verse 6.41.59

राघवःसन्निवेश्यैवंस्वसैन्यंरक्षसांवधे ।।6.41.58।।सम्मन्त्ऱ्यमन्त्रिभिस्सार्थंनिश्चित्यचपुनःपुनः ।आनन्तर्यमभिप्रेप्सुःक्रमयोगार्थतत्त्ववित् ।।6.41.59।।विभीषणस्यानुमतेराजधर्ममनुस्मरन् ।अङ्गदंवालितनयंसमाहूयेदमब्रवीत् ।।6.41.60।।

Seeking the proper continuity and knowing the true principles of ordered action, he discerned the right sequence of what should follow.

Verse 6.41.60

राघवःसन्निवेश्यैवंस्वसैन्यंरक्षसांवधे ।।6.41.58।।सम्मन्त्ऱ्यमन्त्रिभिस्सार्थंनिश्चित्यचपुनःपुनः ।आनन्तर्यमभिप्रेप्सुःक्रमयोगार्थतत्त्ववित् ।।6.41.59।।विभीषणस्यानुमतेराजधर्ममनुस्मरन् ।अङ्गदंवालितनयंसमाहूयेदमब्रवीत् ।।6.41.60।।

Even before you arrived, this resolve was fixed in my mind; and though I know your valor—O mighty one, equal to Mahendra and Varuṇa—I still abide by that decision.

Verse 6.41.61

गत्वासौम्य दशग्रीवंब्रूहिमद्वचनात्कपे ।लङ्घयित्वापुरींलङ्कांभयंत्यक्त्वागतव्यधः ।।6.41.61।।भ्रष्टश्रीक गतैश्वर्य मुमूर्षो नष्टचेतनः ।

Go, gentle monkey, and in my words address Daśagrīva: having leapt into the city of Laṅkā, casting off fear and distress, speak to that man who has lost his splendor and power, whose mind is ruined, and who is rushing toward death.

Verse 6.41.62

ऋषीणांदेवतानांचगन्धर्वाप्सरसांतथा ।।6.41.62।।नागानामथयक्षाणांराज्ञांचरजनीचर ।यच्चपापंकृतंमोहादवलिप्तेनराक्षस ।।6.41.63।।नूनंतेविगतोदर्पःस्वयम्भुवरदानजः ।तस्यपापस्यसम्प्राप्ताव्युष्टिरद्यदुरसदा ।।6.41.64।।

O night-ranger! The time has arrived for the hard, inescapable reckoning of the sins you committed—through delusion and arrogance—against sages, gods, Gandharvas and Apsarases, Nāgas, Yakṣas, and kings. Surely today your pride, born of boons granted by the Self-born (Brahmā), will be brought low.

Verse 6.41.63

ऋषीणांदेवतानांचगन्धर्वाप्सरसांतथा ।।6.41.62।।नागानामथयक्षाणांराज्ञांचरजनीचर ।यच्चपापंकृतंमोहादवलिप्तेनराक्षस ।।6.41.63।।नूनंतेविगतोदर्पःस्वयम्भुवरदानजः ।तस्यपापस्यसम्प्राप्ताव्युष्टिरद्यदुरसदा ।।6.41.64।।

O night-roaming Rākṣasa! Whatever sin you committed—out of delusion and arrogant pride—against the Nāgas, the Yakṣas, and the kings: for that wrongdoing the time of requital has now drawn near.

Verse 6.41.64

ऋषीणांदेवतानांचगन्धर्वाप्सरसांतथा ।।6.41.62।।नागानामथयक्षाणांराज्ञांचरजनीचर ।यच्चपापंकृतंमोहादवलिप्तेनराक्षस ।।6.41.63।।नूनंतेविगतोदर्पःस्वयम्भुवरदानजः ।तस्यपापस्यसम्प्राप्ताव्युष्टिरद्यदुरसदा ।।6.41.64।।

Surely today your pride—born of boons granted by the Self-born (Brahmā)—will be shattered; for the fearful fruition of that sin has now come upon you.

Verse 6.41.65

तस्यदण्डधरस्तेऽहंदाराहरकर्शितः ।दण्डंधारयमाणस्तुलङ्काद्वारेव्यवस्थितः ।।6.41.65।।

I—tormented by the abduction of my wife—stand here at the very gate of Laṅkā as your chastiser, bearing the rod of punishment for you.

Verse 6.41.66

पदवींदेवतानांचमहर्षीणांचराक्षस ।राजर्षीणांचसर्वेषांगमिष्यसिमयाहतः ।।6.41.66।।

O Rākṣasa! When slain by me, you shall go to that very state attained by all—Devas, great Ṛṣis, and royal sages alike.

Verse 6.41.67

बलेनयेनवैसीतांमाययाराक्षसाधम ।यामतिक्रामयित्वात्वंहृतवांस्तद्विदर्शय ।।6.41.67।।

O vilest of Rākṣasas! The strength and deceit by which you outwitted me and carried Sītā away—show that now.

Verse 6.41.68

अराक्षसमिमंलोकंकर्तास्मिनिशितैःशरैः ।नचेच्छरणमभ्येषितामादायतुमैथिलीम् ।।6.41.68।।

With my sharpened arrows I shall make this world free of Rākṣasas—unless you seek refuge and return Maithilī (Sītā).

Verse 6.41.69

धर्मात्माराक्षसश्रेष्ठःसम्प्राप्तोऽयंविभीषणः ।लङ्कैश्वर्यंधृवंश्रीमानयंप्राप्नोत्यकण्डकम् ।।6.41.69।।

This Vibhīṣaṇa—righteous and the best among Rākṣasas—has come. He shall surely obtain the sovereignty of Laṅkā, in unbroken prosperity.

Verse 6.41.70

नहिराज्यमधर्मेणभोक्तुंक्षणमपित्वया ।शक्यंमूर्खसहायेनपापेनाविदितात्मना ।।6.41.70।।

You cannot enjoy a kingdom through adharma, not even for a moment—you who are sinful, ignorant of the Self, and aided by fools.

Verse 6.41.71

युध्यस्ववाधृतिंकृत्वाशौर्यमालम्ब्यराक्षस ।मच्छरैस्त्वंरणेशान्तस्ततःशान्तोभविष्यसि ।।6.41.71।।

Fight on, O Rākṣasa—steady your resolve and cling to your valor. In battle my arrows will make you ‘quiet’; thereafter you will find ‘peace’ (in death).

Verse 6.41.72

यद्वाविशसिलोकांस्त्रीन्पक्षीभूतोमनोजवः ।ममचक्षुष्पथंप्राप्यनजीवन्प्रतियास्यसि ।।6.41.72।।

O swift-minded one, even if you were to enter the three worlds, becoming like a bird—once you come within the range of my sight, you will not return alive.

Verse 6.41.73

ब्रवीमित्वांहितंवाक्यंक्रियतामौर्ध्वदैहिकम् ।सुदृष्टाक्रियतांलङ्काजीवितंतेमयिस्थितम् ।।6.41.73।।

I speak to you for your good: prepare the rites that follow death. Let Laṅkā arrange the final obsequies—your life now rests in my hands.

Verse 6.41.74

इत्युक्तःसतुतारेयोरामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा ।जगामाकाशामाविश्यमूर्तिमानिवहव्यवाट् ।।6.41.74।।

Thus addressed by Rama of tireless deeds, Tara’s son entered the sky and departed, radiant like fire embodied.

Verse 6.41.75

सोऽतिपत्यमुहूर्तेनश्रीमान्रावणमन्दिरम् ।ददर्शासीनमव्यग्रंरावणंसचिवैःसह ।।6.41.75।।

In but a moment, the illustrious one reached Ravana’s palace and beheld Ravana seated there, composed and untroubled, together with his ministers.

Verse 6.41.76

ततस्तस्य I विदूरेणनिपत्यसहरिपुङ्गवः ।दीप्ताग्निसदृशस्तस्थावङ्गदःकनकाङ्गदः ।।6.41.76।।

Then, landing not far from him, Angada—the foremost of the monkeys, wearing golden armlets—stood there, blazing like fire.

Verse 6.41.77

तद्रामवचनंसर्वमन्यूनाधिकमुत्तमम् ।सामात्यंश्रावयामासनिवेद्यात्मानमात्मना ।।6.41.77।।

After identifying himself, he recited to Ravana and his ministers all of Rama’s excellent words, without adding or omitting anything.

Verse 6.41.78

दूतोऽहंकोशलेन्द्रस्यरामस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः ।वालिपुत्रोऽङ्गदोनामयदितेश्रोत्रमागतः ।।6.41.78।।

I am the envoy of Rama, lord of Kosala, tireless in action—Angada by name, son of Vali, as you may have heard.

Verse 6.41.79

अहत्वांराघवोरामःकौसल्यानन्दवर्धनः ।निष्पत्यप्रतियुध्यस्वनृशंस पुरुषोभव ।।6.41.79।।

Rama of the Raghu line, who increases Kausalya’s joy, says to you: come forth and fight—cruel one—be a man.

Verse 6.41.80

हन्तास्मित्वांसहामात्यंसपुत्रज्ञातिबान्धवम् ।निरुद्विग्नास्त्रयोलोकाभविष्यन्तिहतेत्वयि ।।6.41.80।।

As Rama spoke thus, Sugriva replied: “O hero Raghava, having seen Ravana, the abductor of your wife—knowing my own manly strength—how could I possibly endure it?”

Verse 6.41.81

देवदानवयक्षाणांगन्धर्वोरगरक्षसाम् ।शत्रुमद्योद्धरिष्यामित्वामृषीणांचकण्टकम् ।।6.41.81।।

Today I will uproot you—an enemy to gods, Dānavas, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Nāgas, and Rākṣasas alike—who have become a thorn in the throat of the sages.

Verse 6.41.82

विभीषणस्यचैश्वर्यंभविष्यतिहतेत्वयि ।नचेत्सत्कृत्यवैदेहींप्रणिपत्यप्रदास्यसि ।।6.41.82।।

If you do not return Vaidehī with due honor—bowing down—then when you are slain, sovereignty will fall to Vibhīṣaṇa.

Verse 6.41.83

इत्येवंपरुषंवाक्यंब्रुवाणेहरिपुङ्गवे ।अमर्षवशमापन्नोनिशाचरगणेश्वरः ।।6.41.83।।

As the foremost of monkeys spoke such harsh words, the lord of the night-roamers was seized by uncontrollable rage.

Verse 6.41.84

ततस्सरोषताम्राक्षश्शशापसचिवांन्नोस्तदा ।गृह्यतामेषदुर्मेधावध्यतामितिचासकृत् ।।6.41.84।।

Then, his eyes reddened with wrath, the rākṣasa rebuked his ministers again and again: “Seize this dull-witted one; slay him!”

Verse 6.41.85

रावणस्यवच्शुत्वादीप्ताग्निसमतेजसा ।जगृहुस्तंततोघोराश्चत्वारोरजनीचराः ।।6.41.85।।

Hearing Rāvaṇa’s command, four fearsome night-roamers seized Aṅgada, who blazed with splendor like fire.

Verse 6.41.86

ग्राहयामासतारेयस्स्वयमात्मनमात्मवान् ।बलंदर्शयितुंवीरोयातुधानगणेतदा ।।6.41.86।।

Then the heroic son of Tārā, self-possessed, allowed himself to be seized, wishing to display his strength amid the host of rākṣasas.

Verse 6.41.87

सतान्बाहुद्वयासक्तानादायपतगानिव ।प्रासादंशैलसङ्कामुत्पपाताङ्गदस्तदा ।।6.41.87।।

Then Aṅgada, bearing those clinging to his two arms as though they were birds, sprang up onto the palace that rose like a mountain.

Verse 6.41.88

तेन्तरिक्षाद्विनिर्धूतास्तस्यवेगेनराक्षसाः ।भूमौनिपतिताःसर्वेराक्षसेन्द्रस्यपश्यतः ।।6.41.88।।

Hurled from the air by the force of his momentum, all those rākṣasas fell to the ground, while the lord of rākṣasas looked on.

Verse 6.41.89

ततःप्रासादशिखरंशैलशृङ्गमिवोन्नतम् ।ददर्शराक्षसेन्द्रस्यवालिपुत्रःप्रतापवान् ।।6.41.89।।

Then the mighty son of Vālin beheld the palace-peak of the rākṣasa-king, towering like a mountain summit.

Verse 6.41.90

तत्पफालपदाक्रान्तंदशग्रीवस्यपश्यतः ।पुराहिमवतश्शृङ्गंवज्रिणेवविदारितम् ।।6.41.90।।

As Daśagrīva watched, the structure split under the trampling of his foot—like a peak of Himavat long ago shattered by Vajrin (Indra).

Verse 6.41.91

भङ् क्त्वाप्रासादशिखरंनामविश्राव्यचात्मनः ।विनद्यसुमहानादमुत्पपातविहायसम् ।।6.41.91।।

After striking the palace-peak, he proclaimed his own name; then, roaring with a mighty cry, he sprang up into the sky.

Verse 6.41.92

व्यथयन्राक्षसान्सर्वान्हर्षयंश्चापिवानरान् ।सवानराणांमध्येतुरामपार्श्वमुपागतः ।।6.41.92।।

Having shaken all the rākṣasas and gladdened the vānaras, he returned to the midst of the monkeys, coming near Rāma’s side.

Verse 6.41.93

रावणस्तुपरंचक्रेक्रोधंप्रासादधर्षणात् ।विनाशंचात्मनःपश्यन्निश्श्वासपरमोऽभवत् ।।6.41.93।।

But Rāvaṇa blazed with extreme wrath at the violation of his palace; and, foreseeing his own destruction, he sank into deep, heavy sighs.

Verse 6.41.94

रामस्तुबहुभिर्हृष्टर्निनदद्भिःप्लवङ्गमैः ।वृतोरिपुवधाकाङ्क्षीयुद्धायैवाभ्यवर्तत ।।6.41.94।।

Rāma, surrounded by many delighted, roaring monkeys, intent on the foe’s destruction, stood firm and ready, as though awaiting battle itself.

Verse 6.41.95

सुषेणस्तुमहावीर्योगिरिकूटोपमोहरिः ।बहुभिःसम्वृतस्तत्रवानरैःकामरूपिभिः ।।6.41.95।।

There stood Suṣeṇa, a monkey of great prowess, like a mountain peak in might, surrounded by many vānaras able to assume forms at will.

Verse 6.41.96

सचतुर्द्वाराणिसर्वाणिसुग्रीववचनात्कपिः ।पर्यक्रामतदुर्धर्षोनक्षत्राणीवचन्द्रमाः ।।6.41.96।।

That unassailable monkey, at Sugrīva’s command, moved around all four gates—like the moon moving among the stars.

Verse 6.41.97

तेषामक्षौहिणिशतंसमवेक्ष्यवनौकसाम् ।लङ्कामुपनिविष्टानांसागरंचानिवर्तताम् ।।6.41.97।।राक्षसाविस्मयंजग्मुस्त्रासंजग्मुस्तथापरे ।अपरेसमरोध्धर्षाद्धर्षमेवप्रपेदिरे ।।6.41.98।।

Seeing that forest-dwelling host—an entire hundred akṣauhiṇīs—encamped near Laṅkā and stretching out even toward the sea without turning back,

Verse 6.41.98

तेषामक्षौहिणिशतंसमवेक्ष्यवनौकसाम् ।लङ्कामुपनिविष्टानांसागरंचानिवर्तताम् ।।6.41.97।।राक्षसाविस्मयंजग्मुस्त्रासंजग्मुस्तथापरे ।अपरेसमरोध्धर्षाद्धर्षमेवप्रपेदिरे ।।6.41.98।।

The rākṣasas were struck with astonishment; others sank into terror; and others, thrilled by the prospect of battle, surged into sheer excitement.

Verse 6.41.99

कृत्स्नंहिकपिभिर्व्याप्तंप्राकारपरिखान्तरम् ।ददृशूराक्षसादीनाःप्राकारंनानरीकृतम् ।।6.41.99।।हाहाकारंप्रकुर्वन्तिराक्षसाभयमोहिताः ।

The rākṣasas, cast down, saw the entire space between rampart and moat filled with monkeys, as though the very fortification had become a mass of vānaras; and, deluded by fear, they raised cries of alarm.

Verse 6.41.100

“Lakṣmaṇa, let us secure a place where there is cool water and fruit-laden woods; then, dividing this gathered army and arraying it in formation, let us stand ready.”