Prakarana 11

Verse 215 (छंद)

कहँ रामु कहि सिर निकर धाए देखि मर्कट भजि चले। संधानि धनु रघुबंसमनि हँसि सरन्हि सिर बेधे भले। सिर मालिका कर कालिका गहि बृंद बृंदन्हि बहु मिलीं। करि रुधिर सरि मज्जनु मनहुँ संग्राम बट पूजन चलीं।।

kahaँ rāmu kahi sira nikara dhāe dekhi markaṭa bhaji cale | saṃdhāni dhanu raghubaṃsamaṇi haṃsi saranhi sira bedhe bhale || sira mālikā kara kālikā gahi bṛṃda-bṛṃdanhĩ bahu milīṃ | kari rudhira sari majjanu manahuṃ saṃgrāma baṭa pūjana calīṃ ||

Crying ‘Where is Rama?’ the clusters of heads came rushing; seeing them, the monkeys fled. But the jewel of Raghu’s line, setting arrow to bow, smiled and pierced those heads cleanly. Taking up garlands of heads like Kali in her hand, they gathered in many groups. Bathing in a river of blood, it was as though they had gone forth to worship at a battlefield banyan.

Verse 216 (दोहा/सोरठा)

पुनि दसकंठ क्रुद्ध होइ छाँड़ी सक्ति प्रचंड। चली बिभीषन सन्मुख मनहुँ काल कर दंड।।93।।

puni dasakaṇṭha kruddha hoi chāँṛī sakti pracaṇḍa | calī bibhīṣana sanmukha manahuँ kāla kara daṇḍa ||93||

Then the ten-necked one, wrathful, hurled his fierce spear; it sped straight toward Vibhishana, as though it were Death’s own rod of punishment.

Verse 217 (चौपाई)

आवत देखि सक्ति अति घोरा। प्रनतारति भंजन पन मोरा।। तुरत बिभीषन पाछें मेला। सन्मुख राम सहेउ सोइ सेला।। लागि सक्ति मुरुछा कछु भई। प्रभु कृत खेल सुरन्ह बिकलई।। देखि बिभीषन प्रभु श्रम पायो। गहि कर गदा क्रुद्ध होइ धायो।। रे कुभाग्य सठ मंद कुबुद्धे। तैं सुर नर मुनि नाग बिरुद्धे।। सादर सिव कहुँ सीस चढ़ाए। एक एक के कोटिन्ह पाए।। तेहि कारन खल अब लगि बाँच्यो। अब तव कालु सीस पर नाच्यो।। राम बिमुख सठ चहसि संपदा। अस कहि हनेसि माझ उर गदा।।

āvata dekhi sakti ati ghorā | pranatārati bhañjana pana morā || turata bibhīṣana pācheṁ melā | sanmukha rāma saheu soi selā || lāgi sakti muruchā kachu bhaī | prabhu kṛta khela suranha bikalāī || dekhi bibhīṣana prabhu śrama pāyo | gahi kara gadā kruddha hoi dhāyo || re kubhāgya saṭha manda kubuddhe | taiṁ sura nara muni nāga biruddhe || sādara siva kahuँ sīsa caṛhāe | eka-eka ke koṭinha pāe || tehi kārana khala aba lagi bāँcyo | aba tava kālu sīsa para nācyo || rāma bimukha saṭha cahasi saṁpadā | asa kahi hanesi mājha ura gadā ||

Seeing the dreadful spear coming, (Rama said within himself,) “To shatter the anguish of the surrendered is my vow.” At once he drew Vibhishana behind him and, facing it, bore that very shaft himself. The spear struck; for a moment there was a swoon—this was the Lord’s play, and the gods were thrown into dismay. Seeing the Lord apparently wearied, Vibhishana seized his mace and, enraged, rushed forward: “O ill-starred wretch, vile and perverse in mind! You have set yourself against gods, men, sages, and serpents. You once placed Shiva’s head in reverence (and won boons beyond count); for that reason, villain, you have lived till now—now your death dances upon your head. Turning away from Rama, fool, you crave prosperity!” So saying, he struck Ravana with the mace in the middle of the chest.

Verse 218 (छंद)

उर माझ गदा प्रहार घोर कठोर लागत महि पर् यो। दस बदन सोनित स्त्रवत पुनि संभारि धायो रिस भर् यो। द्वौ भिरे अतिबल मल्लजुद्ध बिरुद्ध एकु एकहि हनै। रघुबीर बल दर्पित बिभीषनु घालि नहिं ता कहुँ गनै।।

ura mājha gadā prahāra ghora kaṭhora lāgata mahi paryo | dasa badana sonita stravata puni saṁbhāri dhāyo risa bharyo | dvau bhire atibala mallajuddha biruddha eku ekahi hanai | raghubīra bala darpita bibhīṣanu ghāli nahiṁ tā kahuँ ganai ||

The terrible, crushing blow of the mace struck his chest, and he fell to the ground. The ten-faced one, blood streaming, regained himself and rushed again, filled with rage. The two met—an exceedingly powerful wrestlers’ combat—each striking at the other. Yet Vibhishana, proud in Raghuvira’s might, could not truly subdue him, nor did he count himself equal to that task.

Verse 219 (दोहा/सोरठा)

उमा बिभीषनु रावनहि सन्मुख चितव कि काउ। सो अब भिरत काल ज्यों श्रीरघुबीर प्रभाउ।।94।।

um̐ā bibhīṣanu rāvanahi sanmukha citava ki kāu | so aba bhirata kāla jyoṁ śrīraghubīra prabhāu ||94||

O Uma, who could ever have imagined Vibhishana standing face to face with Ravana? Yet now he grapples like Death itself—such is the mighty power of Sri Raghuvira.

Verse 220 (चौपाई)

देखा श्रमित बिभीषनु भारी। धायउ हनूमान गिरि धारी।। रथ तुरंग सारथी निपाता। हृदय माझ तेहि मारेसि लाता।। ठाढ़ रहा अति कंपित गाता। गयउ बिभीषनु जहँ जनत्राता।। पुनि रावन कपि हतेउ पचारी। चलेउ गगन कपि पूँछ पसारी।। गहिसि पूँछ कपि सहित उड़ाना। पुनि फिरि भिरेउ प्रबल हनुमाना।। लरत अकास जुगल सम जोधा। एकहि एकु हनत करि क्रोधा।। सोहहिं नभ छल बल बहु करहीं। कज्जल गिरि सुमेरु जनु लरहीं।। बुधि बल निसिचर परइ न पार् यो। तब मारुत सुत प्रभु संभार् यो।।

dekhā śramita bibhīṣanu bhārī | dhāyu hanūmāna giri dhārī || ratha turaṅga sārathī nipātā | hṛdaya mājha tehi māresi lātā || ṭhāṛha rahā ati kaṁpita gātā | gayu bibhīṣanu jahaँ janatrātā || puni rāvan kapi hateu pacārī | caleu gagana kapi pūँcha pasārī || gahisi pūँcha kapi sahita uṛānā | puni phiri bhireu prabala hanumānā || larata akāsa jugala sama jodhā | ekahi eku hanata kari krodhā || sohahiṁ nabha chala bala bahu karahīṁ | kajjala giri sumeru janu larahīṁ || budhi bala nisicara parai na pār yo | taba māruta-suta prabhu saṁbhār yo ||

Seeing Vibhishana greatly exhausted, Hanuman—the mountain-bearer—rushed in. He felled chariot, horses, and charioteer, and struck Ravana with a kick in the chest. Ravana stood, his body trembling; and Vibhishana withdrew to where the Protector of beings stood. Then Ravana, springing up, smote the monkey; he rose into the sky, spreading his tail. Seizing the tail, he carried the monkey aloft—then Hanuman turned back and engaged him with full might. The two matched warriors fought in the air, each striking the other in wrath. They shone in the sky, using many stratagems and powers—like a dark mountain and Sumeru locked in combat. The demon could not fathom the son of the Wind in intellect or strength; then Hanuman renewed his remembrance of the Lord.

Verse 221 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मुरुछा बिगत भालु कपि सब आए प्रभु पास। निसिचर सकल रावनहि घेरि रहे अति त्रास।।98।।

muruchā bigata bhālu kapi saba āe prabhu pāsa | niśicara sakala rāvanahi gheri rahe ati trāsa ||98||

When their swoon had passed, all the bears and monkeys came near the Lord. All the rākṣasas, in great terror, stood surrounding Rāvaṇa.

Verse 222 (चौपाई)

तेही निसि सीता पहिं जाई। त्रिजटा कहि सब कथा सुनाई।। सिर भुज बाढ़ि सुनत रिपु केरी। सीता उर भइ त्रास घनेरी।। मुख मलीन उपजी मन चिंता। त्रिजटा सन बोली तब सीता।। होइहि कहा कहसि किन माता। केहि बिधि मरिहि बिस्व दुखदाता।। रघुपति सर सिर कटेहुँ न मरई। बिधि बिपरीत चरित सब करई।। मोर अभाग्य जिआवत ओही। जेहिं हौ हरि पद कमल बिछोही।। जेहिं कृत कपट कनक मृग झूठा। अजहुँ सो दैव मोहि पर रूठा।। जेहिं बिधि मोहि दुख दुसह सहाए। लछिमन कहुँ कटु बचन कहाए।। रघुपति बिरह सबिष सर भारी। तकि तकि मार बार बहु मारी।। ऐसेहुँ दुख जो राख मम प्राना। सोइ बिधि ताहि जिआव न आना।। बहु बिधि कर बिलाप जानकी। करि करि सुरति कृपानिधान की।। कह त्रिजटा सुनु राजकुमारी। उर सर लागत मरइ सुरारी।। प्रभु ताते उर हतइ न तेही। एहि के हृदयँ बसति बैदेही।।

tehī nisi sītā pahiṃ jāī | trijaṭā kahi saba kathā sunāī || sira bhuj bāṛhi sunata ripu kerī | sītā ura bhai trāsa ghanerī || mukha malīna upajī mana ciṃtā | trijaṭā sana bolī taba sītā || hoihi kahā kahasi kina mātā | kehi bidhi marihi bisva dukhadātā || raghupati sara sira kaṭehuṃ na maraī | bidhi biparīta carita saba karaī || mora abhāgya jiāvat ohī | jehiṃ hau hari pada kamala bichohī || jehiṃ kṛta kapaṭa kanaka mṛga jhūṭhā | ajahuṃ so daiva mohi para rūṭhā || jehiṃ bidhi mohi dukha dusaha sahāe | lachimana kahuṃ kaṭu bacana kahāe || raghupati biraha sabiṣa sara bhārī | taki taki māra bāra bahu mārī || aisehuṃ dukha jo rākha mama prānā | soi bidhi tāhi jiāva na ānā || bahu bidhi kara bilāpa jānakī | kari kari surati kṛpānidhāna kī || kaha trijaṭā sunu rājakumārī | ura sara lāgata marai surārī || prabhu tāte ura hatai na tehī | ehi ke hṛdayaṃ basati baidehī ||

That very night Trijaṭā went to Sītā and told her the whole tale. Hearing the enemy’s doings—how heads and arms were hewn—Sītā’s heart was seized with heavy fear. Her face grew pale; anxious thoughts arose; and she said to Trijaṭā: “What is this you tell me, mother? By what means will the world’s giver of sorrow meet his death? Even if Raghupati’s arrow cut off his head, he would not die—Providence works all things in contrary fashion. My ill-luck keeps him alive, I who am torn away from Hari’s lotus-feet. By the same deceit of the false golden deer, that fate still remains angry with me; by that same decree I endure unbearable pain and even caused harsh words to be spoken to Lakṣmaṇa. Raghupati’s separation is like grievous poisoned shafts, striking me again and again. Such misery that yet keeps my life—may that very fate not let him live!” Thus Jānakī lamented in many ways, again and again recalling the Treasure of compassion. Trijaṭā replied: “Listen, princess: when a shaft pierces the heart, even the gods’ foe dies. Therefore the Lord will not strike him down at once—Vaidehī dwells in his heart.”

Verse 223 (छंद)

एहि के हृदयँ बस जानकी जानकी उर मम बास है। मम उदर भुअन अनेक लागत बान सब कर नास है।। सुनि बचन हरष बिषाद मन अति देखि पुनि त्रिजटाँ कहा। अब मरिहि रिपु एहि बिधि सुनहि सुंदरि तजहि संसय महा।।

ehi ke hṛdayaṃ basa jānakī jānakī ura mama bāsa hai | mama udara bhuana aneka lāgata bāna saba kara nāsa hai || suni bacana haraṣa biṣāda mana ati dekhi puni trijaṭāṃ kahā | aba marihi ripu ehi bidhi sunahi suṃdarī tajahi saṃsaya mahā ||

“Jānakī dwells in his heart, and in Jānakī’s heart is my abode. Within me are many worlds; when my arrow strikes, all is brought to ruin.” Hearing these words, Sītā’s mind was filled with mingled joy and sorrow; and Trijaṭā said again: “Now the foe will die—hear it so, fair one, and cast away your great doubt.”

Verse 224 (दोहा/सोरठा)

काटत सिर होइहि बिकल छुटि जाइहि तव ध्यान। तब रावनहि हृदय महुँ मरिहहिं रामु सुजान।।99।।

kāṭata sira hoihi bikala chuṭi jāihi tava dhyāna | taba rāvanahi hṛdaya mahuṃ marihahiṃ rāmu sujāna ||99||

As his heads are cut off he will grow distraught, and his meditation on you will slip away; then wise Rāma will slay Rāvaṇa within his very heart.

Verse 225 (चौपाई)

अस कहि बहुत भाँति समुझाई। पुनि त्रिजटा निज भवन सिधाई।। राम सुभाउ सुमिरि बैदेही। उपजी बिरह बिथा अति तेही।। निसिहि ससिहि निंदति बहु भाँती। जुग सम भई सिराति न राती।। करति बिलाप मनहिं मन भारी। राम बिरहँ जानकी दुखारी।। जब अति भयउ बिरह उर दाहू। फरकेउ बाम नयन अरु बाहू।। सगुन बिचारि धरी मन धीरा। अब मिलिहहिं कृपाल रघुबीरा।। इहाँ अर्धनिसि रावनु जागा। निज सारथि सन खीझन लागा।। सठ रनभूमि छड़ाइसि मोही। धिग धिग अधम मंदमति तोही।। तेहिं पद गहि बहु बिधि समुझावा। भौरु भएँ रथ चढ़ि पुनि धावा।। सुनि आगवनु दसानन केरा। कपि दल खरभर भयउ घनेरा।। जहँ तहँ भूधर बिटप उपारी। धाए कटकटाइ भट भारी।।

asa kahi bahuta bhā̃ti samujhāī | puni trijaṭā nija bhavana sidhāī || rāma subhāu sumiri baidehī | upajī biraha bithā ati tehī || nisihi sasihi niṃdati bahu bhā̃tī | juga sama bhaī sirāti na rātī || karati bilāpa manahiṃ mana bhārī | rāma birahaṃ jānakī dukhārī || jaba ati bhayau biraha ura dāhū | pharakeu bāma nayana aru bāhū || saguna bicāri dharī mana dhīrā | aba milihahiṃ kṛpāla raghubīrā || ihā̃ ardhanisi rāvanū jāgā | nija sārathi sana khījhana lāgā || saṭha ranabhūmi chaṛāisi mohī | dhig dhig adhama maṃdamati tohī || tehiṃ pada gahi bahu bidhi samujhāvā | bhauru bhaẽ ratha caṛhi puni dhāvā || suni āgavanu dasānana kerā | kapi dala kharabhar bhayau ghanerā || jahã tahã bhūdhara biṭapa upārī | dhāe kaṭakaṭāi bhaṭa bhārī ||

Thus speaking, Trijaṭā counseled her in many ways and then returned to her own dwelling. Vaidehī, recalling Rāma’s gracious nature, felt the anguish of separation rise all the more. She blamed the night and the moon in many fashions; the night would not wear away and seemed as long as an age. She lamented, her mind heavy within, Jānakī made miserable by Rāma’s absence. When the heart’s burning of separation grew extreme, her left eye and arm began to throb; pondering the omen, she steadied her mind: “Now the compassionate hero of Raghu will meet me.” Meanwhile, at midnight Rāvaṇa awoke and began to rage at his charioteer: “Fool! you made me quit the battlefield—shame on you, vile wretch, dull-witted one!” Grasping his feet, the charioteer pleaded in many ways; at daybreak Rāvaṇa mounted his chariot and charged again. Hearing of Daśānana’s coming, the monkey host was thrown into great commotion; everywhere they uprooted mountains and trees and rushed roaring, mighty warriors.

Verse 226 (छंद)

धाए जो मर्कट बिकट भालु कराल कर भूधर धरा। अति कोप करहिं प्रहार मारत भजि चले रजनीचरा।। बिचलाइ दल बलवंत कीसन्ह घेरि पुनि रावनु लियो। चहुँ दिसि चपेटन्हि मारि नखन्हि बिदारि तनु ब्याकुल कियो।।

dhāe jo markaṭ bikaṭ bhālu karāl kara bhūdhara dharā | ati kopa karahiṁ prahāra mārata bhaji cale rajanīcarā || bicalāi dala balavanta kīsanha gheri puni rāvaṇu liyo | cahuṁ disi capeṭanhi māri nakhanhi bidāri tanu byākula kiyo ||

The fierce monkeys and dreadful bears rushed forward, mountains in their hands. In furious wrath they struck blow after blow, and the night-roving demons fled. Shattering the ranks, the mighty Vanaras surrounded and seized Ravana again; from all sides they smote him with their palms and tore him with their nails, leaving his body in torment.

Verse 227 (दोहा/सोरठा)

देखि महा मर्कट प्रबल रावन कीन्ह बिचार। अंतरहित होइ निमिष महुँ कृत माया बिस्तार।।100।।

dekhi mahā markaṭ prabala rāvan kīnha bicār | antarahita hoi nimiṣa mahuṁ kṛta māyā bistār ||100||

Seeing the mighty monkey’s strength, Ravana devised a plan: becoming invisible, in an instant he spread forth a vast display of illusion.

Verse 228 (छंद)

जब कीन्ह तेहिं पाषंड। भए प्रगट जंतु प्रचंड।। बेताल भूत पिसाच। कर धरें धनु नाराच।।1।। जोगिनि गहें करबाल। एक हाथ मनुज कपाल।। करि सद्य सोनित पान। नाचहिं करहिं बहु गान।।2।। धरु मारु बोलहिं घोर। रहि पूरि धुनि चहुँ ओर।। मुख बाइ धावहिं खान। तब लगे कीस परान।।3।। जहँ जाहिं मर्कट भागि। तहँ बरत देखहिं आगि।। भए बिकल बानर भालु। पुनि लाग बरषै बालु।।4।। जहँ तहँ थकित करि कीस। गर्जेउ बहुरि दससीस।। लछिमन कपीस समेत। भए सकल बीर अचेत।।5।। हा राम हा रघुनाथ। कहि सुभट मीजहिं हाथ।। एहि बिधि सकल बल तोरि। तेहिं कीन्ह कपट बहोरि।।6।। प्रगटेसि बिपुल हनुमान। धाए गहे पाषान।। तिन्ह रामु घेरे जाइ। चहुँ दिसि बरूथ बनाइ।।7।। मारहु धरहु जनि जाइ। कटकटहिं पूँछ उठाइ।। दहँ दिसि लँगूर बिराज। तेहिं मध्य कोसलराज।।8।। तेहिं मध्य कोसलराज सुंदर स्याम तन सोभा लही। जनु इंद्रधनुष अनेक की बर बारि तुंग तमालही।। प्रभु देखि हरष बिषाद उर सुर बदत जय जय जय करी। रघुबीर एकहि तीर कोपि निमेष महुँ माया हरी।।1।। माया बिगत कपि भालु हरषे बिटप गिरि गहि सब फिरे। सर निकर छाड़े राम रावन बाहु सिर पुनि महि गिरे।। श्रीराम रावन समर चरित अनेक कल्प जो गावहीं। सत सेष सारद निगम कबि तेउ तदपि पार न पावहीं।।2।।

jaba kīnha tehiṁ pāṣaṇḍa | bhae pragaṭ jaṁtu pracaṇḍa || vetāla bhūta pisāca | kara dhareṁ dhanu nārāca ||1|| jogini gahẽ karabāla | eka hātha manuja kapāla | kari sadya sonita pāna | nācahiṁ karahiṁ bahu gāna ||2|| dharu māru bolahiṁ ghora | rahi pūri dhuni cahuṁ ora | mukha bāi dhāvahiṁ khāna | taba lage kīsa parāna ||3|| jahaṁ jāhiṁ markaṭ bhāgi | tahaṁ barata dekhahiṁ āgi | bhae bikala bānara bhālu | puni lāga baraṣai bālu ||4|| jahaṁ tahaṁ thakita kari kīsa | garjeu bahuri dasasīsa | lachimana kapīsa sameta | bhae sakala bīra aceta ||5|| hā rāma hā raghunātha | kahi subhaṭ mījahiṁ hātha | ehi bidhi sakala bala tori | tehiṁ kīnha kapaṭa bahori ||6|| pragaṭesi bipula hanumāna | dhāe gahe pāṣāna | tinha rāmu ghere jāi | cahuṁ disi barūtha banāi ||7|| mārahu dharahu jani jāi | kaṭakaṭahiṁ pūँcha uṭhāi | dahaṁ disi laṅgūra बिरāj | tehiṁ madhya kosalarāja ||8|| tehiṁ madhya kosalarāja suṁdara syāma tana sobhā lahī | janu iṁdradhanuṣ aneka kī bara bāri tuṅga tamālahī || prabhu dekhi haraṣ biṣāda ura sur badata jaya jaya jaya karī | raghubīra ekahi tīra kopi nimiṣ mahuṁ māyā harī ||1|| māyā bigata kapi bhālu haraṣe biṭapa giri gahi saba phire | sara निकara chāṛe rāma rāvan bāhu sira puni mahi gire | śrīrāma rāvan samara carita aneka kalpa jo gāvahīṁ | sata seṣa sārad nigama kabi teu tadapi pāra na pāvahīṁ ||2||

When he performed that impious deception, fierce creatures appeared—vetalas, ghosts, and ghouls—bows and iron arrows in their hands. Yoginis seized swords; in one hand they held human skulls; at once they drank blood, dancing and singing many songs. With dreadful cries of ‘Seize! Kill!’ their din filled the four quarters; mouths gaping, they ran to devour, and the Vanaras’ very life-courage began to fail. Wherever the monkeys fled, they saw fire blazing there; monkeys and bears grew distraught, and then a shower of sand began to fall. Exhausting the troops in every place, the ten-headed Ravana roared again; Lakshman and Sugriva with them—many heroes fell senseless. ‘Ah Rama, ah Raghunath!’ the warriors cried, wringing their hands; thus he broke the whole host and renewed his trickery. Then the immense Hanuman revealed himself, rushing to seize boulders. The Vanaras moved to encircle Rama, forming a protective ring on all sides—‘Strike, seize him, do not let him go!’—tails bristling as they clattered. In all ten directions the monkeys stood arrayed, and in their midst was the King of Kosala. In that center the Kosala-king appeared—beautiful, dark-hued, his radiance like many rainbows upon lofty tamāla trees. Seeing the Lord, the gods felt a mingling of joy and anxiety, crying, ‘Victory! Victory! Victory!’ In a moment, with a single arrow, the heroic Raghu-warrior in wrath swept away the illusion. When the māyā vanished, monkeys and bears rejoiced, seizing trees and mountains and turning back; Rama loosed a volley of arrows, and Ravana’s arms and heads again fell to the ground. The exploits of the battle between Shri Rama and Ravana are sung for countless ages; yet even Shesha, Sharada, the Vedas, and poets cannot reach their end.

Verse 229 (दोहा/सोरठा)

ताके गुन गन कछु कहे जड़मति तुलसीदास। जिमि निज बल अनुरूप ते माछी उड़इ अकास।।101(क)।। काटे सिर भुज बार बहु मरत न भट लंकेस। प्रभु क्रीड़त सुर सिद्ध मुनि ब्याकुल देखि कलेस।।101(ख)।।

tāke guna gana kachu kahe jaṛamati tulsīdāsa | jimi nija bala anurūpa te māchī uṛai akāsa ||101(ka)|| kāṭe sira bhuja bāra bahu marata na bhaṭa laṅkesa | prabhu krīṛata sur siddha muni byākula dekhi kalesa ||101(kha)||

Some portion of His countless virtues does dull-witted Tulsidas attempt to speak—like a fly, in proportion to its strength, trying to rise into the sky. Again and again heads and arms were severed, yet the warrior lord of Lanka would not die. The Lord was at play; but seeing the turmoil, gods, siddhas, and sages grew anxious.

Verse 230 (चौपाई)

काटत बढ़हिं सीस समुदाई। जिमि प्रति लाभ लोभ अधिकाई।। मरइ न रिपु श्रम भयउ बिसेषा। राम बिभीषन तन तब देखा। उमा काल मर जाकीं ईछा। सो प्रभु जन कर प्रीति परीछा। सुनु सरबग्य चराचर नायक। प्रनतपाल सुर मुनि सुखदायक। नाभिकुंड पियूष बस याकें। नाथ जिअत रावनु बल ताकें। सुनत बिभीषन बचन कृपाला। हरषि गहे कर बान कराला। असुभ होन लागे तब नाना। रोवहिं खर सृकाल बहु स्वाना। बोलहि खग जग आरति हेतू। प्रगट भए नभ जहँ तहँ केतू। दस दिसि दाह होन अति लागा। भयउ परब बिनु रबि उपरागा। मंदोदरि उर कंपति भारी। प्रतिमा स्त्रवहिं नयन मग बारी।।

kāṭata baṛhahiṁ sīsa samudāī | jimi prati lābha lobha adhikāī || marai na ripu śrama bhayau biseṣā | rāma bibhīṣana tana taba dekhā | umā kāla mara jākīṁ īchā | so prabhu jana kara prīti parīchā | sunu sarabagya carācara nāyaka | pranaṭapāla sura muni sukhadāyaka | nābhikuṇḍa piyūṣa basa yākeṁ | nātha jiata rāvaṇu bala tākeṁ | sunata bibhīṣana bacana kṛpālā | haraṣi gahe kara bāna karālā | asubha hona lāge taba nānā | rovahiṁ khara sṛkāla bahu svānā | bolahi khaga jaga ārati hetū | pragaṭa bhae nabha jahaँ tahaँ ketū | dasa disi dāha hona ati lāgā | bhayau parab binu rabi uparāgā | maṁdodari ura kaṁpati bhārī | pratīmā stravahiṁ nayana maga bārī ||

As they were cut off, the heads increased in a heap—just as with every gain, greed grows the more. The enemy did not die; Rama’s fatigue became severe; then he looked toward Vibhishan. O Uma, Time and Death obey His will—yet the Lord thus tests the love of His own. Hear, O omniscient Lord of all that moves and stands still, protector of the surrendered, giver of joy to gods and sages: in Ravana’s navel-cavity abides nectar; so long as that remains, the lord of Lanka lives by that strength. Hearing Vibhishan’s words, the compassionate Lord rejoiced and seized his dreadful arrows. Then many ill omens began: asses, jackals, and many dogs howled; birds cried as if foretelling the world’s distress; comets appeared here and there in the sky. Burning spread in all ten directions; a festival-like gloom arose—an eclipse without the sun. Mandodari’s heart trembled greatly; the images wept, and streams ran from their eyes.

Verse 231 (छंद)

प्रतिमा रुदहिं पबिपात नभ अति बात बह डोलति मही॥ बरषहिं बलाहक रुधिर कच रज असुभ अति सक को कही॥ उतपात अमित बिलोकि नभ सुर बिकल बोलहि जय जए॥ सुर सभय जानि कृपाल रघुपति चाप सर जोरत भए॥

pratimā rudahiṁ pabi-pāta nabha ati bāta baha ḍolati mahī. baraṣahiṁ balāhaka rudhira kaca raja asubha ati saka ko kahī.. utapāta amita biloki nabha sura bikala bolahi jaya jaye. sura sabhaya jāni kṛpāla raghupati cāpa sara jorata bhae..

Images in the city wept; thunderbolts fell from the sky; fierce winds blew and the earth reeled. Clouds rained blood, hair, and dust—such inauspiciousness is beyond telling. Seeing countless portents in the heavens, the shaken gods cried, “Victory! Victory!” And the Compassionate Lord of Raghu, knowing the gods were afraid, set bow and arrow in readiness.

Verse 232 (दोहा/सोरठा)

खैचि सरासन श्रवन लगि छाड़े सर एकतीस॥ रघुनायक सायक चले मानहुँ काल फनीस॥102॥

khaīci sarāsana śravaṇa lagi chāṛe sara ekatīsa. raghunāyaka sāyaka cale mānahuṁ kāla phanīsa..102..

Drawing the bow to his ear, he loosed thirty-one arrows. The shafts sped forth from the Lord of Raghu as though Time itself—serpent-king—had uncoiled and struck.

Verse 233 (चौपाई)

सायक एक नाभि सर सोषा। अपर लगे भुज सिर करि रोषा॥ लै सिर बाहु चले नाराचा। सिर भुज हीन रुंड महि नाचा॥ धरनि धसइ धर धाव प्रचंडा। तब सर हति प्रभु कृत दुइ खंडा॥ गर्जेउ मरत घोर रव भारी। कहाँ रामु रन हतौं पचारी॥ डोली भूमि गिरत दसकंधर। छुभित सिंधु सरि दिग्गज भूधर॥ धरनि परेउ द्वौ खंड बढ़ाई। चापि भालु मर्कट समुदाई॥ मंदोदरि आगें भुज सीसा। धरि सर चले जहाँ जगदीसा॥ प्रबिसे सब निषंग महु जाई। देखि सुरन्ह दुंदुभीं बजाई॥ तासु तेज समान प्रभु आनन। हरषे देखि संभु चतुरानन॥ जय जय धुनि पूरी ब्रह्मंडा। जय रघुबीर प्रबल भुजदंडा॥ बरषहि सुमन देव मुनि बृंदा। जय कृपाल जय जयति मुकुंदा॥

sāyaka eka nābhi-sara soṣā. apara lage bhuja sira kari roṣā.. lai sira bāhu cale nārācā. sira bhuja-hīna ruṇḍ mahi nācā.. dharani dhasai dhara dhāva pracaṇḍā. taba sara hati prabhu kṛta dui khaṇḍā.. garjeu marata ghora rava bhārī. kahāṁ rāmu rana hatauṁ pacārī.. ḍolī bhūmi girata dasakaṁdhara. chubhita siṁdhu sari diggaja bhūdhara.. dharani pareu dvau khaṇḍ baṛhāī. cāpi bhālu markaṭa samudāī.. maṁdodari āgeṁ bhuja sīsā. dhari sara cale jahāṁ jagadīsā.. prabise saba niṣaṁga mahuṁ jāī. dekhi suranha duṁdubhīṁ bajāī.. tāsu teja samāna prabhu ānana. haraṣe dekhi saṁbhu caturānana.. jaya jaya dhuni pūrī brahmaṇḍā. jaya raghubīra prabala bhujadaṇḍā.. baraṣahi sumana deva muni bṛndā. jaya kṛpāla jaya jayati mukuṁdā..

One arrow struck his navel and drained his strength; others smote arm and head, and in fury he advanced with severed head and arm. The headless trunk, bereft of head and limbs, danced upon the ground. He plunged and charged with terrible force; then the Lord’s arrow struck and cut him into two. Dying, he roared with a dreadful cry: “Where is Rama—let me challenge him in battle!” The earth reeled as the Ten-necked fell; ocean, rivers, quarter-elephants, and mountains shook. He lay on the earth in two vast halves; the bear and monkey hosts pressed in. Mandodari came forward, bearing head and arm, and went with them where the Lord of the world stood. All the arrows returned into their quivers; seeing this, the gods beat celestial drums. The Lord’s face shone with a radiance equal to his own might; Shiva and four-faced Brahma rejoiced to behold it. ‘Victory, victory!’ filled the universe: ‘Victory to Raghu’s hero, mighty-armed!’ Gods and sages showered flowers: ‘Hail, Compassionate One—hail, Mukunda!’

Verse 234 (छंद)

जय कृपा कंद मुकंद द्वंद हरन सरन सुखप्रद प्रभो॥ खल दल बिदारन परम कारन कारुनीक सदा बिभो॥ सुर सुमन बरषहिं हरष संकुल बाज दुंदुभि गहगही॥ संग्राम अंगन राम अंग अनंग बहु सोभा लही॥ सिर जटा मुकुट प्रसून बिच बिच अति मनोहर राजहीं॥ जनु नीलगिरि पर तड़ित पटल समेत उड़ुगन भ्राजहीं॥ भुजदंड सर कोदंड फेरत रुधिर कन तन अति बने॥ जनु रायमुनीं तमाल पर बैठीं बिपुल सुख आपने॥

jaya kṛpā-kaṁda mukuṁda dvaṁda-harana sarana sukha-prada prabho. khala-dala bidārana parama kārana kāruṇīka sadā bibho.. sura sumana baraṣahiṁ haraṣa saṁkula bāja duṁdubhi gahgahī. saṁgrāma aṁgana rāma aṁga anaṁga bahu sobhā lahī.. sira jaṭā mukuṭa prasūna bica bica ati manohara rājahīṁ. janu nīlagiri para taṛita paṭala sameta uṛugan bhrājahīṁ.. bhujadaṇḍa sara kodaṇḍa pherata rudhira kana tana ati bane. janu rāya-munīṁ tamāla para baiṭhīṁ bipula sukha āpane..

Victory to you, O Lord—fountain of grace, Mukunda, destroyer of dualities, giver of refuge and bliss. Destroyer of the wicked host, supreme cause, ever-compassionate, all-sovereign! The gods, thrilled with joy, rained down flowers; drums resounded and rang. In the courtyard of battle, Rama’s limbs shone with a beauty that outdid even Love. On his head the crown of matted locks, with blossoms scattered through it, looked wondrous indeed—like a blue mountain lit by sheets of lightning amid a host of stars. As his mighty arms wielded arrows and swung Kodanda, drops of blood adorned his body—like a royal sage seated on a dark tamal tree, absorbed in vast contentment.

Verse 235 (दोहा/सोरठा)

कृपादृष्टि करि प्रभु अभय किए सुर बृंद॥ भालु कीस सब हरषे जय सुख धाम मुकंद॥103॥

kṛpādṛṣṭi kari prabhu abhaya kiye sura bṛnda. bhālu kīsa saba haraṣe jaya sukha-dhāma mukuṁda..103..

With a gracious glance the Lord made the hosts of gods fearless. Bears and monkeys all rejoiced—‘Victory to Mukunda, the very abode of bliss!’

Verse 236 (चौपाई)

पति सिर देखत मंदोदरी। मुरुछित बिकल धरनि खसि परी।। जुबति बृंद रोवत उठि धाईं। तेहि उठाइ रावन पहिं आई।। पति गति देखि ते करहिं पुकारा। छूटे कच नहिं बपुष सँभारा।। उर ताड़ना करहिं बिधि नाना। रोवत करहिं प्रताप बखाना।। तव बल नाथ डोल नित धरनी। तेज हीन पावक ससि तरनी।। सेष कमठ सहि सकहिं न भारा। सो तनु भूमि परेउ भरि छारा।। बरुन कुबेर सुरेस समीरा। रन सन्मुख धरि काहुँ न धीरा।। भुजबल जितेहु काल जम साईं। आजु परेहु अनाथ की नाईं।। जगत बिदित तुम्हारी प्रभुताई। सुत परिजन बल बरनि न जाई।। राम बिमुख अस हाल तुम्हारा। रहा न कोउ कुल रोवनिहारा।। तव बस बिधि प्रपंच सब नाथा। सभय दिसिप नित नावहिं माथा।। अब तव सिर भुज जंबुक खाहीं। राम बिमुख यह अनुचित नाहीं।। काल बिबस पति कहा न माना। अग जग नाथु मनुज करि जाना।।

pati sir dekhata mandodarī | muruchita bikala dharani khasि parī || jubati bṛnda rovata uṭhi dhāī̃ | tehi uṭhāi rāvan pahĩ āī || pati gati dekhi te karahĩ pukārā | chūṭe kacha nahĩ bapuṣa sãbhārā || ura tāṛanā karahĩ bidhi nānā | rovata karahĩ pratāpa bakhānā || tava bala, nātha, ḍola nita dharanī | teja-hīna pāvaka sasi taranī || seṣa kamaṭha sahi sakahĩ na bhārā | so tanu bhūmi pareu bhari chārā || baruna kubera sureśa samīrā | rana sanmukha dhari kāhũ na dhīrā || bhuja-bala jitehu kāla jama sāī̃ | āju parehu anātha kī nāī̃ || jagata bidita tumhārī prabhutāī | suta parijana bala barani na jāī || rāma-bimukha asa hāla tumhārā | rahā na kou kula rovanihārā || tava basa bidhi-prapãca saba nāthā | sabhaya disipa nita nāvahĩ māthā || aba tava sir bhuja jãbuka khāhī̃ | rāma-bimukha yaha anucita nāhī̃ || kāla-bibasa pati kahā na mānā | aga-jaga-nāthu manuja kari jānā ||

Seeing her husband’s head, Mandodarī collapsed—senseless and distraught—falling upon the earth. A crowd of women rose weeping and ran; lifting her up, they brought her to Rāvaṇa. Beholding their lord’s condition they cried aloud; their hair came loose, and they could not steady their bodies. They beat their breasts in many ways, and weeping, they recounted his former glory: “By your might, O master, the earth ever trembled; fire, moon, and sun seemed robbed of splendor. Even Śeṣa and the Tortoise could not bear such a burden—yet that body lies on the ground, filled with ashes. Varuṇa, Kubera, Indra, and Vāyu—none could stand firm before you in battle. By the strength of your arms you conquered Death, the lord of Yama; today you lie like one bereft. Your sovereignty was known to the world; your sons, kinsmen, and forces cannot be described. Such is your state for having turned away from Rāma; none remains in the clan to mourn you. All the pageantry of destiny was under your sway; fearful kings bowed their heads each day. Now jackals will devour your head and arms—this is not unfitting for one who opposed Rāma. Enslaved by Time, my lord would not heed; he deemed the Lord of all that moves and stands to be a mere man.”

Verse 237 (छंद)

जान्यो मनुज करि दनुज कानन दहन पावक हरि स्वयं। जेहि नमत सिव ब्रह्मादि सुर पिय भजेहु नहिं करुनामयं।। आजन्म ते परद्रोह रत पापौघमय तव तनु अयं। तुम्हहू दियो निज धाम राम नमामि ब्रह्म निरामयं।।

jānyo manuja kari danuja-kānana-dahana pāvaka hari svayaṃ | jehi namata siva brahmādi sura piya bhajehu nahiṃ karuṇāmayaṃ || ājanma te para-droha rata pāpaughamaya tava tanu ayaṃ | tumhahū diyo nija dhāma rāma namāmi brahma nirāmayaṃ ||

You took Him for a mere man—He who is Hari Himself, a fire that burns the forest of demons. He whom Śiva, Brahmā, and the gods bow to—you did not worship that Compassionate One. From birth you were devoted to harming others; your very body was steeped in a deluge of sin. Yet Rāma granted you His own abode; I bow to that stainless, unailing Brahman.

Verse 238 (दोहा/सोरठा)

अहह नाथ रघुनाथ सम कृपासिंधु नहिं आन। जोगि बृंद दुर्लभ गति तोहि दीन्हि भगवान।।104।।

ahaha nātha raghunātha sama kṛpāsiṃdhu nahiṃ āna | jogi bṛnda durlabha gati tohi dīnhi bhagavān ||104||

Ah, O Lord—none is an ocean of mercy like Raghunātha. The Blessed Lord has granted even to you that state which hosts of yogis scarcely attain.

Verse 239 (चौपाई)

मंदोदरी बचन सुनि काना। सुर मुनि सिद्ध सबन्हि सुख माना।। अज महेस नारद सनकादी। जे मुनिबर परमारथबादी।। भरि लोचन रघुपतिहि निहारी। प्रेम मगन सब भए सुखारी।। रुदन करत देखीं सब नारी। गयउ बिभीषनु मन दुख भारी।। बंधु दसा बिलोकि दुख कीन्हा। तब प्रभु अनुजहि आयसु दीन्हा।। लछिमन तेहि बहु बिधि समुझायो। बहुरि बिभीषन प्रभु पहिं आयो।। कृपादृष्टि प्रभु ताहि बिलोका। करहु क्रिया परिहरि सब सोका।। कीन्हि क्रिया प्रभु आयसु मानी। बिधिवत देस काल जियँ जानी।।

mandodarī bacana suni kānā | sura muni siddha sabanhi sukha mānā || aja mahesa nārada sanakādī | je munibara paramārathabādī || bhari locana raghupatihi nihārī | prema magana saba bhae sukhārī || rudana karata dekhī̃ saba nārī | gayau bibhīṣanu mana dukha bhārī || bandhu dasā biloki dukha kīnhā | taba prabhu anujahi āyasu dīnhā || lachimana tehi bahu bidhi samujhāyo | bahuri bibhīṣana prabhu pahĩ āyo || kṛpādṛṣṭi prabhu tāhi bilokā | karahu kriyā parihari saba sokā || kīnhī kriyā prabhu āyasu mānī | bidhivata desa kāla jiyã jānī ||

Hearing Mandodarī’s words in Laṅkā, gods, sages, and perfected beings all felt gladness. Brahmā, Śiva, Nārada, and the Sanaka-sages—those great seers who speak the highest truth— looked upon Raghupati with tear-filled eyes; immersed in love, all became joyful. Seeing all the women weeping, Vibhīṣaṇa departed with a heart weighed down by sorrow. Beholding his brother’s state he grieved; then the Lord gave command to His younger brother. Lakṣmaṇa explained to him in many ways; then Vibhīṣaṇa returned to the Lord. The Lord looked on him with compassion: “Perform the rites, setting aside all grief.” He performed the rites, obeying the Lord’s command, duly considering place and time in his heart.

Verse 240 (दोहा/सोरठा)

मंदोदरी आदि सब देइ तिलांजलि ताहि। भवन गई रघुपति गुन गन बरनत मन माहि।।105।।

mandodarī ādi saba dei tilā̃jali tāhi | bhavana gaī raghupati guna-gana baranata mana māhi ||105||

Mandodarī and the others all offered him the sesame-and-water oblation. Then they returned to their dwelling, recounting within their hearts the countless virtues of Raghupati.

Verse 241 (चौपाई)

आइ बिभीषन पुनि सिरु नायो। कृपासिंधु तब अनुज बोलायो।। तुम्ह कपीस अंगद नल नीला। जामवंत मारुति नयसीला।। सब मिलि जाहु बिभीषन साथा। सारेहु तिलक कहेउ रघुनाथा।। पिता बचन मैं नगर न आवउँ। आपु सरिस कपि अनुज पठावउँ।। तुरत चले कपि सुनि प्रभु बचना। कीन्ही जाइ तिलक की रचना।। सादर सिंहासन बैठारी। तिलक सारि अस्तुति अनुसारी।। जोरि पानि सबहीं सिर नाए। सहित बिभीषन प्रभु पहिं आए।। तब रघुबीर बोलि कपि लीन्हे। कहि प्रिय बचन सुखी सब कीन्हे।।

āi bibhīṣana puni siru nāyo. kṛpāsiṃdhu taba anuj bolāyo.. tumha kapīsa aṅgada nala nīlā. jāṃvanta māruti naya-sīlā.. saba mili jāhu bibhīṣana sāthā. sārehu tilaka kaheu raghunāthā.. pitā bacana maiṃ nagara na āvaũ. āpu sarisa kapi anuj paṭhāvaũ.. turata cale kapi suni prabhu bacanā. kīnhī jāi tilaka kī racanā.. sādara siṃhāsana baiṭhārī. tilaka sāri astuti anusārī.. jori pāni sabahīṃ sir nāe. sahita bibhīṣana prabhu pahiṃ āe.. taba raghubīra boli kapi līnhe. kahi priya bacana sukhī saba kīnhe..

Vibhishana came again and bowed his head. Then the Ocean of Mercy summoned his younger brother. “Go you—Sugriva, Angada, Nala, Nila, Jambavan, Hanuman, and the rest, skilled in wise conduct. All of you go together with Vibhishana; perform his consecration,” said Raghunatha. “I shall not enter the city, for I am bound by my father’s word; instead I send monkey-leaders and my younger brother, equal to myself.” Hearing the Lord’s command, the monkeys set out at once and went and arranged the rites of investiture. With due reverence they seated him upon the throne; completing the tilaka, they offered praises as prescribed. With folded hands all bowed their heads and, together with Vibhishana, came before the Lord. Then Raghuvira received the monkeys, and with loving words made them all glad.