Aranya Kandam

54. Ravana Reaches Lanka with Sita

[On the way seeing five monkeys sitting on a mountain top, Sita ties her ornaments in her upper cloths and drops it amidst them. Ravana reaches Lanka along with Sita. He asks Rakshasis to guard her and instructs eight Rakshasas to go to Janasthana and watch Rama and report about Rama's movements to him.]

That Vaidehi who was being taken away and not seeing any one to protect her saw five great monkeys standing on a mountain top. 54.1

In between them that broad eyed one dropped her auspicious ornaments tied in her silken upper cloth hoping that they would tell about this to Rama. 54.2

The ten headed one speedily rushing did not realize that the cloth containing ornaments was thrown down by Sita 54.3

Those tawny eyed great monkeys without blinking their eyes that broad eyed lady Sita who was crying loudly and bitterly. 54.4

That king of Rakshasas crossed the river Pampa and travelled towards Lanka carrying Vaidehi who was crying. 54.5

That Ravana carried her, who was his death with great joy, like one carrying a sharp fanged and highly poisonous female snake in his lap. 54.6

He speedily crossed like an arrow travelling over forests, rivers, mountains, lakes through the sky.54.7

After travelling some distance crossed the ocean which was a temple of Varuna, which was the abode of whales and crocodiles, which cannot be exhausted and which was the refuge of all waters. 54.8

Vaidehi who was being carried away was bewildered on seeing the abode of Varuna, which had whirling waves and which was obstructed by serpents and fishes. 54.9

Those Charanas who were travelling through the sky along with accomplished sages seeing Ravana told, "This is your end." 54.10

That Ravana carrying Sita who was turning round and round entered the city of Lanka without realizing that the pretty one was personification of his death. 54.11

Ravana passing the well formed avenues of the city of Lanka, crossed many guarded gates of the palace and entered his private apartment. 54.12

Ravana left Sita who was a lady who had dark side long glances and lost in sorrow and delusion there like the Asura Maya hid is illusory powers." 54.13

That Ravana ordered those horrible looking female ghosts that nobody should be allowed to see Sita without his permission. 54.14

"Pearls, gems, gold, cloths, ornaments and whatever else she desires should be given to her as per my permission." 54.15

"Anyone who tells any word which is not even slightly liked by Vaidehi out of ignorance does not love his life." 54.16

That famous king of Rakshasas after telling like this to the Rakshasis, came out and thought about what should be done and saw eight very valorous flesh eating Rakshasas. 54.17-54.18

That valorous one, deluded due to the strength of his boons, praised those strong Rakshasas and told them. 54.19

"Quickly go along with all sort of weapons to Janasthana which is a place of death of Khara and also his former residing place." 54.20

"In That Janasthana which does not have any Rakshasas, completely depending on your strength and valour live without fear." 54.21

"My great army which was stationed there in Janasthana, along with Khara and Dhooshana was destroyed by the arrows of Rama." 54.22

"In me due to my courage and anger there is great intolerance and enmity has been created against that Rama." 54.23

"Due to my enmity I want to destroy those enemies in war and I would not get sleep without slaying them." 54.24

"I want now to kill Rama who has killed Khara and Dhooshana and then only I would be happy similar to a man not having wealth would not be happy till he gets it." 54.25

"Living at Janasthana all of you, all of you please get me exact information as to what Rama is doing." 54.26

"Let all Rakshasas act with alertness while being there and your duty is to keep on trying to kill Rama." 54.27

"I know about your strength from various battle fronts and that is the reason why you are being deputed to Janasthana." 54.28

"Hearing those pleasing and meaningful words, those Rakshasas saluted Ravana, left Lanka all together to Janasthana without anybody seeing them." 54.29

Then Ravana, seeing Sita and thinking about how he got her, became very happy, forgetting about the highest enmity he gained with Rama and due to illusion rejoiced." 54.30

This is the end of Fifty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

55. Ravana's Attempt to Convince Sita

[Ravana shows Sita round his palace and tells her about the invincibility of Lanka. He tells her to forget Rama, who can never reach there. He tells her to enjoy life with him as his chief wife.]

Ravana after sending those eight horrifying Rakshasas who has great strength, due to his perverted thought process felt like an accomplished man. 55.1

He who has been hit by the arrow of the love God started thinking about Vaidehi and so hastened to Sita in that beautiful home. 55.2

Then that Ravana who was the king of Rakshasas entered his home and saw the greatly sorrowing Sita in between the Rakshasis. 55.3

Piteous, face full of tears, weighed down by burden of sorrow, sinking like a boat overpowered by a gust of wind, who was like a single deer separated from the pack, by hounds surrounding them, and head bent down, that Sita was approached by the Rakshasa was shown his house which was equal to the house of devas, though she was pathetic and full of grief. 55.4-55.6

His home was a complex of palaces and mansions served by thousands of women and, abode of flocks of birds of different kinds, with delightful looking pillars studded with gold, crystals, silver diamonds and precious stones, wonderful sounding drums and glittering golden entrances. 55.7-55.8

Ravana climbed the wonderfully pretty golden staircase along with her. The mansion there was covered by golden trellis and had windows made of silver looked great. 55.9-55.10

That ten headed one showed Maithili his own house with floor which was plastered with white coloured gems and crystals. 55.11

Ravana showed her who was greatly sorrowing, wells with steps which was surrounded by trees as well as lotus tanks. 55.12

After showing Vaidehi the great house completely, with a desire to allure Sita, that soul of sin told the following words. 55.13

"Oh leaving out the old people and children, I am the lord of ten crores of Rakshasas, all of whom are great workers apart from another twenty crores." 55.14

"Only for me there are thousand attendants. I would place all of them as well as diplomacy of ruling the country are under your control. Oh Broad eyed one I consider you greater than my life." 55.15-55.16

"Several thousands of women are married to me and you would be god to them being my wife who is dearest to me." 55.17

"Why do you have a different mind? Please take interest in my words and you should show pity to me who is burning out of desire for you." 55.18

"Limited by the ocean this Lanka is two hundred miles in length and this cannot be attacked by Indra or devas or asuras." 55.19
"Among devas, Yakshas, Gandharwas and birds, I do not see any one equal in prowess to me."55.20

"What will you do with Rama, who is a human being with less luster, who has been banished from his country, who is pitiable and short lived." 55.21

"Oh Sita, give your hand to me and I will be a good husband to you. Oh coward, youth is of short duration and so enjoy it with me." 55.22

"Oh blessed one, give up the idea of seeing Raghava gain, for does he have the power to reach this place physically or even mentally" 55.23

"It is not possible to tie with a rope the wind which is blowing in the sky with speed and it is not possible to catch the top of the flame of burning fire." 55.24

"Oh pretty one, I do not see any one in the three worlds to take you by his valour as you are being protected by my shoulders." 55.25

"You please rule over this very great kingdom of Lanka and you would be attended by me as well as all devas and all moving and not moving beings." 55.26

"Once you are consecrated, be contended and keep me entertained. All the effects of bad deeds done by you have been washed out by your stay in the forest and now enjoy the fruits of Dharma that you have done." 55.27

"Oh Maithili along with me, put all the garlands and divine fragrances and all important ornaments." 55.28

"Oh charming lady, I have won over from my brother Vaisravana, a strong aero plane called Pushpaka, which shines like the Sun." 55.29

"That matchless aero plane is very broad and pretty and in that you can roam about happily along with me." 55.30

"Oh blessed lady, your face looks like lotus, is pure and pretty to look at but is not having a shine because of your sorrow." 55.31

When he was talking like this Sita covered her moon like with her cloth and cried making her face wet with tears. 55.32

Ravana that sinner who was the king of Rakshasas seeing her miserable situation in which she was thoughtful and worrying, again told her. 55.33

"Oh Vaidehi, there is no need to think that this would be against dharma as you have been lead in to this path by fate and this is acceptable to the sages." 55.34

"I am bending and bowing my head and touching your feet, quickly grant my desire and then I would become your slave." 55.35

"I have become desolate and have spoken these words with a dried throat and know that this Ravana has never bowed his head to a lady." 55.36

After the ten headed Ravana who had fallen in the clutches of death told like this to Maithili, the daughter of Janaka, he decided that Sita will be his only." 55.37

This is the end of Fifty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

56. Ravana's Threat to Sita

[When Sita refuses to accept him, he gives her one year time to change her mind and commands his Rakshasi maids to break her pride.]

When he told her like this, the sorrowing Vaidehi, who was not afraid, kept a straw in between them and spoke like this to Ravana. 56.1

"Raghava is the son of king Dasaratha who is stable like a dam in following Dharma, a teller of only truth and greatly and greatly renowned." 56.2

"Rama that soul of Dharma is well known in all the three worlds and has long hands, wide eyes and is like God and is my husband." 56.3

"He was born in the clan of Ikshuvakus, has shoulder like lion and has great luster; he with his brother Lakshmana would steal your life." 56.4

"If I had been attacked by you forcefully in his presence, then you would be lying dead in Janasthana along with innumerable Rakshasas including Khara." 56.5

"Those dreadful very strong Rakshasas about whom you spoke are snakes without poison against Raghava like serpents against Garuda." 56.6

"The gold tipped arrows which would be released from the string of his bow would shatter your body like the waves shattering the banks of river Ganga." 56.7

"Oh Ravana, even if you cannot be killed by devas and asuras, after creating the great enmity with Rama, you cannot come out alive." 56.8

"That powerful Raghava would put an end to your life and like an animal ready to be sacrificed and tied to the sacrificial post, it is difficult for you to survive." 56.9

"If Rama sees you with his eyes shining with anger, Oh Rakshasa, you would be burnt down and land in great shame." 56.10

"He can make the moon fall on the earth and destroy the sea by drying it up and will he not be able to get Sita freed?" 56.11

"Your life span is getting reduced, your wealth is getting reduced, your strength is getting reduced, your senses are getting weak and Lanka would become a widow because of you." 56.12

"This sin which you have committed would not bring good results, for you have brought me from the side of my husband without any feelings." 56.13

"With the help of Gods, my husband who has great luster, without any fear and depending only on his valour is living in Dandaka." 56.14

"He in a fight with you using his rain of arrows would remove your pride, strength, valour and haughtiness from yourself." 56.15

"The beings face destruction when fixed by time, and by the blunders you have committed, you are going to be in the custody of death." 56.16

"Oh basest among Rakshasas, having assaulted me, the time has already come for your destruction as well as all Rakshasas and women in your private apartments." 56.17

"In the middle of the place of Yagna, where the vessels and materials have been kept ready and where Brahmins are uttering the chants, a debased man born in a family of out-castes cannot pollute." 56.18

"I am a daily observer of Dharma, a virtuous wife, and chaste to my husband, Oh basest of Rakshasas, who is a sinner, you cannot touch me." 56.19

"How can a swan playing daily with a royal swan in the lotus pond, see the water crow resting on the grass lands?" 56.20

"Oh Rakshasa, when this body has no signs of movement, you can bind it or bury it and I am not bothered to protect this body even it is alive but I cannot bear any ignominy in this world." 56.21

When Vaidehi spoke these angry and harsh words, Ravana did not speak anything to Maithili.56, 22

Hearing the harsh words of Sita which caused his hairs to stand erect, he replied to her in words which caused fear. 56.23

"Oh pretty lady Maithili, hear my words. After the passage of twelve months, if you do not accept my hand, Oh lady with a pretty smile, my cooks would cut you in to small pieces and offer it to my breakfast." 56.24-56.25

After telling these harsh words, Ravana who made his enemies wail, told these angry words to the Rakshasis. 56.26

Addressing those fierce looking, loathsome eaters of flesh and drinkers of blood, he said, "Soon destroy her pride by frightening her." 56.27

As soon as he spoke like this, those horrifying Rakshasi crowd saluted him and surrounded the lady Maithili." 56.28

Then the fierce looking Ravana stamped the earth and shook it as if trying to tear it away and told those horrifying Rakshasis. 56.29

Let Maithili be taken to the Asoka grove and there she may be kept in hiding by all of you surrounding her." 56.30

"There by terrorizing and again consoling her, you may bring her under your control the wild female elephant." 56.31

When Ravana instructed the Rakshasis this way, taking Maithili with her they went to the Asoka grove, Where different types of trees yielded flowers and fruits all round the year and during all seasons was crowded by different type of birds. 56.32-56.33

Engulfed in grief, that Maithili, who was the daughter of Janaka, in the custody of those Rakshasis felt like a deer in the custody of tigers. 56.34

Under going great sorrow, that Maithili, the daughter of Janaka who was a coward did not have peace like the deer caught in the net. 56.35

Maithili who was troubled by those women with ugly eyes did not get peace and went on remembering her godlike husband and due to fear and sorrow lost her consciousness. 56.36

This is the end of Fifty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

57. Rama Returns to Janasthana

[Rama greatly worried by the deer imitating his voice and also the bad omen he notices, returns back to his hermitage. On the way he meets Lakshmana and finds fault with him.]

After killing the Rakshasa Mareecha in the deer form who was wandering taking any form he likes, Rama swiftly returned from there. 57.1

He who was retuning with a desire to see Maithili speedily from there, he had the scream of Jackal behind him which was cruel. 57.2

Recognizing that sound of the jackal which was dreadful and made one's hair to stand erect, he started doubting and started worrying about it. 57.3

"I think that this shouting of the jackal is not auspicious. May be Vaidehi is not safe and has been eaten by the Rakshasas." 57.4

"If Lakshmana had heard sound produced by Mareecha in the deer's form, which imitated in stretched out fashion my voice, and is sent by Maithili, leaving her there alone, to see me, he would be arriving here quickly and come towards me and come in to my presence" Rama thought. 57.5-57.6

"The fact that Mareecha came in the form of a golden deer and removed me from the place of hermitage to a far off place and Mareecha shouted loudly assuming my voice that "I am being killed", surely indicates that the Rakshasas are trying to kill Sita." 57.7-57.8

"I hope that both of them staying in this great forest would be safe, for by living in Janasthana I have earned the enmity of Rakshasas and I am also seeing very many extremely bad omens." 57.9

When he was thinking like this he again heard the wailing of the jackal and then worriedly thinking about how he was brought to this place by a Rakshasa in deer form, with great fear and doubt, Rama came to Janasthana. 57.0-57.11

Those piteous animals and birds of the place with a dejected heart neared him who had a dejected heart, placed him on the right side and produced horrifying crying sound. 57.12

Seeing those very terrible omens, Raghava hastened up and reached quickly his hermitage. 57.13

Rama arrived at Janasthana thinking about the welfare of the auspicious lady Sita and Lakshmana who was very strong. 57.14

Then Lakshmana who was walking without any luster, not far away met Rama and the despondent one met a more despondent one, and one who was sorrowing met a more sorrowing one. 57.15

At that time the elder brother Rama rebuked Lakshmana who was the younger brother for leaving Sita in the desolate forest and coming towards him. 57.16

The son of Raghu clan took the right hand of Lakshmana in his hand and talked to him in a sweet voice with harsh words piteously. 57.17

"Oh Lakshmana, your leaving Sita and coming here is blameable. Alas, would she be safe?' 57.18

"Oh Warrior to me there is always fear about the safety of the daughter of Janaka and I have a doubt that she may be eaten away by Rakshasas who roam in this forest, for I see only evil omens." 57.19-57.20

"Oh tiger among men, Oh Lakshmana, Would Sita, the daughter of Janaka be alive and be all right completely?" 57.21

"Oh one of great strength herds of beasts including Jackals and also the birds are running towards the direction of light and howling in a frightful manner. Hope the princess Sita is safe and I pray for her safety." 57.22

"That Rakshasa turning him in to a deer took me to a far off distance and I killed him with great effort and he took his own Rakshasa form on the verge of his death." 57.23

"My mind is greatly paining and I am greatly sorrowful, my left eye is throbbing and without any doubt, Sita has either been killed or abducted and carried away from here." 57.24

This is the end of Fifty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

58. Rama Finds Hermitage Empty

[Rama and Lakshmana, who are both greatly worried reach their hermitage but found that Sita was not to be seen there.]

Seeing the depressed Lakshmana in that lonely place, by the track which Sita normally took, the son of Dasaratha asked. 58.1

"Where is that Vaidehi, who followed me when I started to Dandakaranya, leaving whom, you have come here?" 58.2

"Where is that Vaidehi of slender waist, who helped me during the period of sorrow due to being banished from the kingdom and running about in Dandakaranya?" 58.3

"Oh valorous one, Where is that Sita who is comparable to the daughters of Gods, who is a companion to my life, without whom I do not have interest to live even for one moment?" 58.4

"Oh Lakshmana, without that golden coloured daughter of Janaka, I do not have to become the lord of devas or Lord of the earth?" 58.5

"Is the Vaidehi whose life is dearer to me than my soul still alive? Oh gentle one, does my moving about has become an imagination?" 58.6

"Oh son of Sumithra, when I die for the sake of Sita and when you go back, would the desire of Kaikeyi would be fulfilled and would she become happy?" 58.7

"Oh gentle one, Would my saint like mother Kausalya, after her son is dead serve Kaikeyi whose son is ruling the country?" 58.8

"Oh Lakshmana, Only if Vaidehi is alive, I will enter the hermitage and if she who is of good character has been overpowered, I would give up my life." 58.9

"Oh Lakshmana, if I return back to the hermitage and Sita does not talk to me with a smile, I would be ruined." 58.10

"Tell me Lakshmana, whether Sita was alive or whether she was eaten by a Rakshasa, when you were not alert?" 58.11

"Sita is a delicate young lady who has never faced sorrow and clearly due to my separation she would be sorrowing and upset in her mind." 58.12

Definitely when that Rakshasa who is a bad soul shouted using his tongue "Oh Lakshmana" in my voice, fear might have been created in you. 58.13

"Vaidehi also hearing those words in a voice similar to mine might have been frightened and asked you to enquire about me." 58.14

"By leaving Sita alone in the forest, definitely a problem has been created, for a chance has been given to the Rakshasas to take revenge." 58.15

"Those flesh eating Rakshasas are sad because of my killing Khara and I have no doubt that Sita has been killed by those horrible creatures." 58.16

"Ok killer of enemies, now I have become drowned in sorrow for all time and what can I do now that if this is fated to happen this way?" 58.17

Thus worried about that blessed lady Sita, he reached Janasthana speedily in the company of Lakshmana. 58.18

Finding fault about his dejected younger brother, feeling hungry as well as thirsty, sighing deeply with a shrunk face and with a dejected colour, he looked at his resting place which was empty. Reaching to their own hermitage and searching for her in places where she usually moved about, those valorous one were worried and their hair stood erect. 58.19-58.20

This is the end of Fifty Eighth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

59. Lakshmana Reports to Rama

[When Rama finds fault with Lakshmana, he gives a detailed reply indicating how he was unjustly provoked by Sita. Rama still feels that what he did was wrong.]

Rama the son of Raghu clan enquired from the son of Sumithra who had to leave the hermitage and come to the forest. 59.1

"In spite of my telling you with confidence in you, why did you leave Sita along in the hermitage and come over here?" 59.2

"Oh Lakshmana seeing you who have left Maithili and come over here, I felt that as per my doubt a great sin has been committed." 59.3

"Oh Lakshmana, seeing you coming alone without Sita, my left eye started throbbing and so did my shoulder and heart." 59.4

When the son of Sumithra who had all good qualities was told like this, again drowning all his sorrows told the sorrowing Rama. 59.5

"I did not of my free will leave her alone and have come here but I was provoked by very angry words of hers." 59.6

"Your shouting in a loud voice, "Oh Lakshmana, Oh Sita, please save me" entered in to the ears of Maithili." 59.7

Hearing those words of suffering of yours, that Maithili with love towards you, and greatly scared and crying she told me, "You go, you go." 59.8

"When I was provoked in various ways to go from there, I told Maithili in various words my confidence in you." 59.9

"I do not see anything fearful would happen from Rakshasas to Rama and so get relieved and what we heard was told by someone to make you fear." 59.10

"Oh Sita, he being capable of even saving the Gods is not expected to tell, like a contemptible degraded man "Oh Sita save me." 59.11

"Oh auspicious lady, for what reason has a Rakshasa imitating my brother's voice shouted, "Save me, save me." 59.12

The words "Oh Lakshmana save me" has been uttered by someone in an altered voice and so do not get disturbed about it like a low caste woman." 59.13

"You seem to be greatly agitated but there is no need for that frustration and hold your peace. In all the three worlds no such person is either born or going to be who can win over Rama in a war and even the devas lead by Indra cannot defeat Rama in war." 59.14-59.15

"When I told this to Vaidehi whose mind was greatly deluded, in a pitiable manner shedding lot of tears told me." 59.16

"You are having a sinful thought of getting me after the death of your brother but you will never be able to gain me." 59.17

"You are very similar to Bharatha since though you have followed Rama in spite of your brother shouting for help, you are not going to help him." 59.18

"You are his enemy in disguise and following him for getting me and you were waiting for an opportunity to get Rama out and that is why, you are not going now." 59.19

"When Vaidehi told like this, I was agitated, and due to anger my eyes turned red and with quivering lips, I came out of the hermitage." 59.20

When the son of Sumithra told like Rama became drowned in sorrow and told," Oh simple one, your coming here was a wrong act." 59.21

"Though you knew well that I am competent to oppose the Rakshasas, you should not have left the hermitage, in spite of the great anger of Sita." 59.22

"I am not happy with you for leaving deserting her because of the very harsh words spoken by her due to anger." 59.23

"Because of the angry words of Sita, though you are always obedient to me, you did not obey my orders." 59.24

"That Rakshasa who took me away from the hermitage in the guise of a deer, has been killed by my arrow and lies dead." 59.25

"Hit by my arrow he felled down with great pain and shouted adapting a pretty voice told those words, which made you desert Sita and come here." 59.26

This is the end of Fifty Ninth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

60. Rama Wails for Sita

[Rama in inconsolable. He searches for Sita everywhere and is greatly upset by the thought that Sita might have been eaten by a Rakshasa.]

When Rama was moving about, his left eye throbbed excessively underneath and he stumbled and started shivering. 60.1

After noticing the bad omens which were not auspicious again and again he thoughtfully aid, "Oh Sita are you all right?" 60.2

So he went speedily with a desire to see Sita and seeing there the empty hermitage was greatly broken hearted. 60.3

That son of Raghu clan ran through the cottage throwing things here and there and after seeing all around and saw that the hermitage was empty of Sita and it looked like an ugly lotus pond without beauty. 60.4-60.5

The trees looked as if they were crying, flowers, animal and birds looked dull and looked without beauty and were scattered here and there, the forest gods had gone away and hermitage looked empty with scatted deer skins, grass cushions and straw mats and was desolate and seeing that original place Rama wept again and again. 60.6-60.7

"Sita might have been abducted or might have died or she must have been eaten up or that coward must be hiding in the forest." 60.8

"Or she might have gone to pluck flowers or collect fruits or that pretty lady might have gone to the river to collect water." 60.9

He searched all over the for his beloved in the forest but could not find her and he appeared with red eyes due to grief and mad due to sorrow. 60.10

He ran from tree to tree, mountain to mountain and from river to river and wept and remained immersed in sorrow. 60.11

"Oh dear Kadamba tree did you see her who loved Kadamba trees, and if you know please tell me and beloved and gracious tree." 60.12

"Oh Bilwa tree, did you see a lady whose breasts are like Bilwa fruits, who was dressed in yellow silk and was shivering like tender leaf?" 60.13

Oh Arjuna tree, if you know the whereabouts of the beloved of mine, who is a lover of Arjuna tree, who is timid daughter of king Janaka, please tell me." 60.14

"Oh Kakubha tree which is rich with tender leaves and flowers, do you know where Maithili who has a thigh like Kakubha stem is alive or dead?" 60.15

"This great Tilaka tree, whose glory is sung by the bees, it is clear knows about Sita, who is a lover of Tilaka trees.," 60.16

"Oh Asoka tree who is the dispeller of sorrow, you make the man who has, a heart suffering from sorrow, by your name [Asoka-no sorrow] and show me quickly my dear one." 60.17

"Oh Palmyra tree, have you seen her who has breasts like ripe fruits of a Palmyra tree and if so take mercy on me and tell me where that blessed lady is?" 60.18

"Oh Jambu tree, have you seen my beloved whose body shines like Jambu fruit? If you know where my darling is, tell me without hesitation." 60.19

"Oh Karnikara tree who has excessive fruits and flowers, please tell me if you have seen my good wife who is the lover of Karnikara trees." 60.20

Rama of great fame enquired of Mango trees, Kadamba trees, Sala trees, Jack fruit trees, trees with white flowers, Pomegranates, Jasmines, Madhavis and, Champaka trees, as well as Kethaki trees going near them and seeing, wandering in confusion, looked like a mad man. 60.21-60.22

"Oh deer, do you know Maithili who has deer like eyes and who used to look at deer with great love, may be found along with female deer." 60.23

"Oh elephant, if you have seen her whose thighs are like elephant trunk and who is known to you, please do tell me." 60.24

"Oh tiger, if have seen by darling Maithili who has a moon like face, with confidence tell me without fear." 60.25

"Oh darling, I see you at a distance and why are you running away? Why are you hiding behind the trees and not talking to me." 60.26

"On blessed lady, stop, stop there, don't you have a pity towards me? How did you who are very fond of teasing me, desert me now?" 60.27

"Oh lady with a blessed colour, the yellow colour of your silk apparel is indicating your presence here. Why are you running away? Please stop because of my love towards you." 60.28

"Oh lady with a pretty smile, I hope that you have not been troubled and hurt and you should not have left me and gone away when I am suffering." 60.29

"I am lovelorn for you, young lady and I feel the flesh eating Rakshasas have torn you to pieces and have eaten you." 60.30

"With pretty teeth, beautiful nose, pretty ear globes she has a face like full moon but which due to being eclipsed has lost all its luster." 60.31

"She has an auspicious and delicate neck of the colour of Champaka flower which is decorated by ornaments and possibly when she was crying helplessly it was eaten away." 60.32

She has arms which are delicate which are like tender leaves and adorned with bangles and bracelets and possibly, with tips of arm quivering they were severed and eaten up." 60.33

"That young one, who has many friends and relations, after being separated by me has been picked by a Rakshasa for food and has left half eaten." 60.34

"Oh valorous Lakshmana, are you able to see Sita anywhere? Oh darling where have gone away, Oh Sita" like this again and again Rama called out. 60.35

Keeping on telling like this he wandered all round the forest, some places walking with speed and yet in other places walking up and yet other places, he collected all his strength and walked fast. Thus he was seen searching Sita like a mad man. 60.36

He walked and rushed without stability in the forests, rivers, hills, streams, mountains and dense forest. 60.37

Rama wandered all round the great forest, searching for his Maithili and without giving hope of finding her, he again put in supreme efforts to search her. 60.38

This is the end of Sixtieth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

61. Initial Search for Sita

[Rama is greatly grieving. Lakshmana consoles him and gives him hope. Both of them search for Sita all over that place when they are not able to find Sita, Rama faints.]

Rama, the son of Dasaratha finding that the hermitage is empty and devoid of anybody, with seats being disturbed, was not able to see Sita anywhere, held the radiant and etched shoulders of Lakshmana and cried bitterly. 61.1-61.2

"Oh Lakshmana, where is Vaidehi? To which country she has gone? Oh son of Sumithra, who has killed her? And who has eaten her up." 61.3

"Oh Sita, if you want to tease and play with me after hiding behind a tree, stop that fun because I am greatly grieving for you." 61.4

"Oh simple Sita, those trustworthy young deer which used to play with you being separated from you are thinking about you, with eyes full of tears." 61.5

"Oh Lakshmana, I cannot live without Sita and due to her abductions, I am feeling extremely sad. And I feel when I go to heaven I will see there, my father who was the king." 61.6

"My father will clearly ask me there, I had taken a vow and sent you to the forest and how came you how come without completing that period, you have come here and you look like one who does what he pleases, not gentlemanly and a liar. Fie on you." 61.7-61.8

"I am helpless, deeply drowned in sorrow, with greatly shattered mind and Oh pretty lady Sita, where have you gone leaving me like fame deserting a crooked person and oh lady with slender waist, separated from you, I would give up my life." 61.9 -61.10

With a deep desire to see Sita, Rama was wailing like this and Sita who was not able to see Rama was also drowned in sorrow. 61.11

To Rama the son of Dasaratha who was not able to see Sita, like a elephant sinking in a broad marshy land, Lakshmana spoke these meaningful words consoling him. 61.12-61.13

"Oh greatly valorous Rama do not grieve, along with me put in efforts to search this big forest full of creepers and trees." 61.14

"Maithili is mad after forests and likes to wander in the forest. She might be staying there seeing the lotus ponds and trees full of flower." 61.15

"Or she must have reached the river which is full of fish and reeds, being desirous of bathing she must be inside the water or she who loves fun may be hiding in the forest." 61.16

Oh bull among men, or she who is interested in scaring us, she must be hiding somewhere in forest, with a view to know our real intentions and so oh noble one, let both of us start searching for her." 61.17

"We both will search the entire forest to find out the whereabouts of the daughter of Janaka and oh son of Kakustha clan do not grieve." 61.18

By the loving advice of Lakshmana, Rama got some what composed and along with Lakshmana, Rama started searching for Sita. 61.19

Both the sons of Dasaratha started searching all over the forests, mountains, rivers and lakes entirely. 61.20

But those sons of Dasaratha were not able to find her on the slopes of mountains, caves and peaks, while they searched for her. 61.21

After searching all the mountains Rama told Lakshmana, "I am not able to see Vaidehi on this auspicious mountain, oh son of Sumithra." 61.22

Then Lakshmana drowned in sorrow, while wandering in the Dandaka forest told his lustrous brother as follows. 61.23

"Oh greatly wise Rama, you would definitely get back Vaidehi, the daughter of Janaka, similar to Lord Vishnu getting back the earth after suppressing Bali." 61.24

When Lakshmana told these words affectionately to Rama, he with a mind disturbed by sorrow, piteously told the following words. 61.25

"Oh very wise one, I have searched the entire forest full of flowers and blossomed lotus flowers, the slopes of mountains having many caves and mountains and I am not able to find Vaidehi, who is dearer than my life to me." 61.26-61.27

Thus after crying over the abduction of Sita, Rama full of sorrow and misery lost his consciousness for a moment. 61.28

Rama who was grieving, whose limbs were getting weak, and whose sense of judgement and thinking was weak, after breathing hot and heavy reclined for a moment. 61.29

That lotus eyed Rama took lots of deep breath, Shrieked, "Hey darling" and got choked due to lots of tears. 61.30

The Lakshmana who loved his relations and was a follower of Dharma, after consoling him various ways humbly offered Rama his salutations. 61.31

Not caring for the words which came out from the lips of Lakshmana, being not able to see his darling went on shrieking. 61.32

This is the end of Sixty First Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

62. Rama in Sorrow

[Rama decides that Sita is no more and as he does not have any wish to live, requests Lakshmana to go back to Ayodhya.]

That mind of the soul of Dharma, not being able to Sita was filled with sorrow and that lotus eyed Rama who was a greatly valorous one wailed. 62.1

That Rama, who was caught in love, though he was not seeing Sita, wept as if he is seeing Sita and told the following words which he found difficult to speak. 62.2

"Oh darling, youm being a lover of flowers, are covering your body with the branches of Asoka tree and increasing my sorrow." 62.3

"Oh lady, I am seeing both your thighs which look like Banana stem, hidden by the Banana plant and I do not think you have power to hide from me." 62.4

"Oh auspicious lady, you are wandering in the Karnikara forest laughing and you are causing me by teasing me. Please stop it." 62.5

"Oh darling Sita, what is the point of making fun of me when I am tired and such a teasing by you is not liked by me now." 62.6

"The making fun in the place of the hermitage is not liked by me, though I know well that you love to tease people. Oh broad eyed one, please come back as our home is empty." 62.7

"Oh Lakshmana, it is very clear to me Rakshasas have either eaten or abducted her for even when I am weeping she is not coming to me." 62.8

"Oh Lakshmana these herds of deer with their eye full of tears, look like telling me that Sita has been eaten away by Rakshasas." 62.9

'Oh lady, who is pleasant of auspicious colour, where have you gone? I feel that the desire of Devi Kaikeyi would be fulfilled now." 62.10

"I have come along with Sita and how can I return without Sita again to the empty private apartments of mine?" 62.11

"Without kindness the world will tell that I lack valour and due to abduction of Sita, I will be called a timid man." 62.12

"After my stay in the forest is over, Janaka, the king of Mithila, would definitely enquire about my welfare. And how can I face him then?" 62.13

"When the king of Videha sees me without my wife, due to the love for his daughter, he would be upset and would be attacked by delusion." 62.14

"Or I will not go to the city ruled by Bharatha, for even the heaven would be empty for me without Sita." 62.15

"Leaving me here you go back to the auspicious city of Ayodhya. For without Sita with me, I will not even live for a moment." 62.16

"After going there embrace Bharatha tightly and tell my words, "Rama has permitted you to rule the entire earth." 62.17

"My mother Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumithra your mother should be saluted by you as per my order and they all should be protected by you with great effort." 62.18-62.19

"Oh Lakshmana, who punishes his enemy. you should explain in detail to my mother the loss of Sita as well as me and make her understand it." 62.20

When Rama who was piteous wept like this after coming the forest about that lady with pretty hair, Lakshmana's face was filled with great fear and he became greatly perturbed and very sad. 62.21

This is the end of Sixty Second Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

63. Rama is Upset

[Rama is upset and imagines many horrifying things that could have happened to Sita and is greatly upset. Though Lakshmana tries to console him, he is not able to.]

That prince without his darling was attacked by sorrow and delusion. Due to his grief and nervousness, his brother became dismayed and sunk in grief. 63.1

Seeing brother Rama drowned in intense sorrow seeing that Lakshmana who himself was attacked with great grief, after taking a deep breath Rama told these words which were in tune with his sorrow. 63.2

"In this world no one has done as much bad deeds as me and I do not think there is a second one. Sorrow after sorrow is coming to break my heart and mind is shattered." 63.3

"Earlier I have sinful deeds as per my wish and as a consequence of that. I am suffering from sorrow after sorrow." 63.4

"Oh Lakshmana, loss of the kingdom, separation from relatives, death of the father, separation from mother all these constituted the fast progression of sorrow in a greater measure." 63.5

"Oh Lakshmana all my sorrows were pacified after coming to this empty and peaceful forest and due to separation of Sita, they have again started like a big flame starting from pieces of dry wood." 63.6

"That coward princess of mine would have wept when she is being taken over the sky by the Rakshasa and she must have wept and shrieked in a loud tone." 63.7

"The red coloured skin of that lady who is pleasing to look due to application of good paste of sandal on her circular breasts, must have been now drenched in blood and not pleasing to look at." 63.8

"Her sweet, very clear and soft face and her prattling as well as her curly plaited hair, would not be shining now, after getting in to the clutches of Rakshasa just like the moon caught by Rahu." 63.9

"The neck of my very well behaved beloved ornamented by a pearl chain, would have broken by the Rakshasas in an isolated place so that they can drink her blood." 63.10

"When the Rakshasas dragged her with a magnetic eyes when she is left alone in a solitary forest without me, she would have cried like a piteous she dove." 63.11

"Earlier that charitable one with a magnetic smile sitting along with me on this rock, used to talk many words teasing and making fun of you." 63.12

"The river Godavari has been always liked by my beloved very-very much and I think she might have gone there but no. She will not go there alone without me." 63.13

"Sita with a lotus like face and who has lotus like broad eyes should have gone to get lotus flowers and even that is not possible since she has never gone there without me." 63.14

"She could have gone the thicket of many bloomed trees of several types in the forest inhabited by flocks of birds and even that is not possible since she is a coward and would be scared to go there alone." 63.15

"The Sun god knows all that is done by everyone being a witness of truth and falsehood of people and so Oh Sun god please tell me whether my darling has gone somewhere or has she been eaten by somebody as I am at all times sad." 63.16

"Oh wind god, there is no place in the world, where you are not there and there is nothing that you do not know and so please tell me whether that lady of a great heritage has been killed or died on the way or is she alive." 63.17

Like this with the body grieving a lot, Rama who was weeping lost his consciousness and Lakshmana who is great fortitude and stable spoke these words which were relevant. 63.18

"Oh gentle brother, give up this sorrow and adopt stability and with enthusiasm start searching again, because only men with enthusiasm are able to very difficult jobs." 63.19

These words of Lakshmana who had manly prowess were not bothered about by the one who contributed greatness to Raghu clan and he further lost his stability and was overtaken by great sorrow. 63.20

This is the end of Sixty Third Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

64. Rama Finds Traces of Attack on Sita

[While searching Rama and Lakshmana see the flowers which Sita was wearing, a broken shield, a destroyed chariot and footsteps of Sita chased by one with large footsteps. Rama flies in great anger and promises to take revenge against the entire world.]

That pitiable man in a pitiable tone told this to Lakshmana, "Oh Lakshmana go speedily to Godavari river and find out whether Sita has gone there to pluck lotus flowers?" 64.1

When Rama told like this, Lakshmana the winner over the warriors and destroyer of enemies went to Godavari which was pretty. 64.2

After Lakshmana searched the river banks and not finding her, he told Rama, "I could not find in the river and she is not answering me when I shouted loudly." 64.3

"Where else could Vaidehi, the destroyer of sorrow have gone? I am unable to find out that place where she has gone." 64.4

After hearing words of Lakshmana, Rama who was deluded by great sorrow and grief, he himself went to search river Godavari and not able to find her he said, "Where are you Sita?" 64.5-64.6

Events elements of nature did not tell that she has been taken away by king of Rakshasas who deserved punishment and nor did river Godavari tell Rama about it. 64.7

Though the elements encouraged river Godavari to tell Rama about his beloved, when she was asked by Rama about Sita, she did not tell. 64.8

Thinking about the fierce form of Ravana as well as thinking about that bad soul and getting scared, that river did not tell him about Vaidehi. 64.9

Being disappointed because he was not able to find Sita near the river, Rama who wanted see Sita, told Lakshmana. 64.10

"Oh gentle one, this Godavari river is not replying to my question and Oh Lakshmana, when I see Janaka as well as my mother, what do I tell them about Vaidehi who is dear to them." 64.11

"Where has Vaidehi gone, who removed all my suffering due to getting banished from the kingdom as well as when I was suffering due to hard life in forest." 64.12

"Without any people from my clan and also not able to see the princess, I would keep awake at night, which would appear to me to be long." 64.13

"I will again roam about in Godavari, Janasthana and in Prasravana mountain to find whether Sita can be seen anywhere. 64.14

"Oh greatly valorous one, these deer are looking at me again and again as if they want to tell me something." 64.15

Rama, the tiger among men, with his eyes clouded by tears asked those deer, in response to their gestures, "Where is Sita?" 64.16

When the king asked him like this, all the deer swiftly got up and all the deer looked at the sky towards the southern direction, which was the direction Maithili was taken away and looking at the king ran in the path of that direction. 64.17-64.18

When Lakshmana wanted to know more about that path, the deer further looked at that path and wanted to show him that direction. 64.19

Lakshmana clearly understood their indications and with sorrow he told Rama who was his elder brother. 64.20

"Oh lord, when you asked, "Where is Sita", all the deer got up and went on seeing the southern direction and oh God like brother l think it would be right for us to go to the south western direction and then possibly, we may find the indications about of the lady Sita." 64.21-64.22

Saying, "let us", that son of Kakustha clan started towards the southern direction, carefully examining the path taken by Lakshmana. 64.23

Those brothers talking with each other went by that path and some flowers which had fallen on earth in that path. 64.24

Rama seeing that rain of flowers on the earth and that very sorrowing man, told there words of sorrow to Lakshmana. 64.25

"Oh Lakshmana, I am able to recognize these flowers and they are the same ones given me o Vaidehi today morning." 64.26

"I think that the Sun, wind and famous earth are preserving these flowers and rendering act to please me." 64.27

After saying like that to valorous Lakshmana, the bull among men, addressed the Prasravana mountain and told. 64.28

"Oh lord of the mountain, have you seen a very pretty lady Sita, in this forest sorrowing for me?" 64.29

Like a lion addressing a small animal that angry Rama said, "Oh mountain, I would destroy all your slopes if you do not show me the gold like Sita." 64.30-64.31

When Rama told that mountain like this, though it appeared to tell him something, it did not show Sita to Rama. 64.32

Then Rama son of Dasaratha told that mountain looking at it, "You would be completely burnt by my arrows and made in to ash and later you would not be fit to serve anyone, being bereft of trees and grasses." 64.33

"Oh Lakshmana, if this river does not tell me about the noble Sita with a moon like face, by my arrows I will make it dry." 64.34

When the very angry Rama was talking as if he wanted to burn the entire earth, then his eyes saw the big footprints of a Rakshasa and then that of frightened Maithili running here and there, as if she was anxious to see Rama and it appeared as if that Rakshasa was chasing Maithili. 64.35-64.36

When Rama noticed the movement of Sita and a Rakshasa, he saw a broken bow and quiver which were lying scattered as well as many broken pieces of a chariot, his mind was greatly agitated and he told his brother. 64.37-64.38

"Lakshmana, see the broken pieces of Sita's ornaments and many kinds of garlands belonging to her." 64.39

"Oh son of Sumithra, Please also see many drops of splattered blood shining like drops of shining gold spread all over the earth." 64.40

"Lakshmana, I think that the Rakshasas who can take any form cut her in to pieces, shared and ate her." 64.41

"Oh son of Sumithra, on account of Vaidehi, both of them may be contradicting each with each other and a great war might have been fought among them." 64.42

"Oh soft one, whose is this great huge bow decorated with gold and embedded with gold which is broken and fallen here?" 64.43

"Whose is this broken golden armour, which shines like morning sun, studded with precious Vaidoorya stones, lying on the ground?" 64.44

"Whose umbrella is this which had one hundred spokes, which shines and was decorated by divine garlands, with broken handle lying on the ground." 64.45

"Whose devil faced huge and fierce donkeys are these, decorated with gold plates, which have been killed in war?" 64.46

"Whose is this great chariot, which looks like burning fire, which has a shining flag broken and lying upside down." 64.47

"Whose are these blunted arrows decorated with gold which are as big as an axle of a chariot, which have been scattered all over? Who has done these monstrous deeds?" 64.48

"Oh Lakshmana see these two broken quivers full of arrows and the charioteer with whip and bridles in his hand. Who might have killed him?" 64.49

"Oh tiger among men, Oh gentle one, who are these two fan carriers who have been slain and lying down here? Whose head dress and ear rings are these which have been decorated by gems?"64.50

"From all these it is evident that they belong a male Rakshasa and you now see that enmity with them has increased hundred fold and I would kill all of them." 64.51

"Oh gentle one, these Rakshasas with horrible form who can change their form at their will might have abducted or eaten or killed that sage like lady and in this great forest her Dharma did not protect Maithili." 64.52

"Oh Lakshmana, Oh gentle one, if Sita has been eaten or carried away by someone, in this world, no God can make me happy. ?" 64.53

"Oh Lakshmana, all the beings of the world would disrespect, one who is compassionate, even if it is the creator of the world due to ignorance." 64.54

"The gods of the three worlds would consider me as weak, because I am soft to look after the well being of all, man of self constraint and have a merciful heart." 64.55

"Oh Lakshmana after reaching me all good characters have become bad but now onwards, my character will shine forth to kill all beings including Rakshasas just like moon like luster being converted like the great glow of Sun." 64.56-64.57

"Oh Lakshmana, from now on Yakshas, Gandharwas, devils, Rakshasas, Kinnaras and even men will not be peaceful." 64.58

"Oh Lakshmana, you will see that by using my arrows and weapons, I will fill up the entire sky and make it impossible for those who travel in all three worlds to descend to the earth." 64.59

"In all the three worlds, by my acts, the movement of the planets would be obstructed, the movement of the moon would be obstructed, the luster of Sun, wind and fire would be reduced, the top of mountains would be crushed, all water bodies would be completely dried up, trees, creepers and shrubs would be destroyed and the oceans would be put an end and thus I would do acts destroying the entire world." 64.60-64.62

"If my god does not return my Sita safely, within a short time, oh son of Sumithra, they will see my valour and prowess." 64.63

"Oh Lakshmana, No being would be able to fly in the sky, because the net created by my arrows and weapons would cover the sky completely." 64.64

"Oh Lakshmana, distressed by my arrows, beasts and birds would get madly disturbed and cross all limits." 64.65

"By pulling the arrows up to my ears, which cannot be resisted by any one and sending them, I would make this world devoid of Ghosts and Rakshasas, for the sake of Maithili" 64.66

"Now devas would realize the power of my feathered arrows sent by me in great anger, which would reach to great distances." 64.67

"Neither Devas, asuras, ghosts and Rakshasas, will exist in all the three worlds which would be destroyed by my anger." 64.68

"The worlds of devas, asuras, Yakshas and those of Rakshasas also, after being broken in to pieces by my arrow, may not exist." 64.69

"If the Gods do not give back my Sita who has either been abducted or killed. I would destroy all the worlds and make them without boundaries. 64.70

"If my darling Vaidehi in her real form is not given back to me, I would destroy all the three worlds including all moving or stable beings living in them." 64.71

After saying this with eyes turned red due to anger Rama, who can conquer and cities of enemies took the bow and took out a glowing arrow comparable to a poisonous snake and connected the arrow to the bow and looked like the fire at time of deluge and told the following words. 64.72-64.73

"Just as time cannot stop the progression of age and occurring of death in case of all beings, Oh Lakshmana, no one can prevent me when I am angry." 64.74

"I would burn the entire world including devas, Gandharwas, human beings, serpents and mountains, If I am not handed over Sita who has pretty teeth, who does not have any blame and who is the princess of Mithila." 64.75

This is the end of Sixty Fourth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

65. Lakshmana's Advice to Rama

[Lakshmana tells Rama that his anger should be against the one who abducted his wife and not against the whole world. He tells him this is wrong. He advices Rama to do further search.]

Rama, who was deeply pained by the abduction of Sita, was burning like fire at the time of deluge and wanting to destroy the entire world, was taking difficult breaths again and again and looked like Lord Shiva getting ready to destroy all worlds at the end of all Yugas. Seeing Rama angry and in a never before form, Lakshmana saluted him first and told him with his mouth dried up. 65.1-65.3

Previously you were gentle, self restrained and used to wish for the welfare of all beings. I think that you should not become a slave to anger and start thinking as earlier." 65.4

"The shining in case of moon, Sun and wealth, the blowing in case of wind, and patience in case of earth has always been present and like that your fame rests only on yourself.," 65.5

"How can you destroy the world for sake of mistake committed by one person? You do not know who is responsible for breaking the Chariot used in war and also do not know for what reason it was broken?" 65.6

"Oh prince, this place is damaged by hooves of horses and chariots and there drops of blood all over and so it appears that a great battle was fought here." 65.7

"Oh Rama, who is best among those who speak and this war appears to be fought with only one person present as the footprints of the second are not visible." 65.8

"It is not proper for just one person to destroy the world and the lords of earth should be soft, peaceful and punish only if there is proper reason." 65.9

"You are the source of protection of al beings and their ultimate destination and who will think that loosing of one's wife is desirable?" 65.10

"The rivers, the sea, the mountains, Devas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas are also good people and are not capable of doing harm to you like the people who observe religious vows." 65.11

"Oh king, it is proper for you to search for that person who abducted Sita followed by me armed with bows and arrows and helped by other great sages." 65.12

"We will search in sea, mountains, forests, caves and many terrible rivers and lotus ponds." 65.13

"Relentlessly we will search also in the world of Devas and Gandharwas for the one who abducted your wife, till we find the one who abducted her." 65.14

"Oh Lord of Kosala, if the Gods do not return your wife with a gentle request, then at the right time we would take suitable action." 65.15

"Oh king, if you are not able to get back Sita by sincerity, simplicity, humility and diplomacy, then destroy them with your arrows, decorated by gold which are like Vajrayudha of that great Indra. 65.16

This is the end of Sixty Fifth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

66. Lakshmana Consoles Rama

[Lakshmana quotes several instances of people suffering and tells Rama that even if a calamity occurs, he should get broken down like this. ]

Then Lakshmana, the son of Sumithra consoled Rama, who was drowned in sorrow, crying like an orphan, engrossed in great love and who has lost the power of thinking due to great pain for a short time and caught his feet tightly and addressed him. 66.1-66.2

"Oh Rama, king Dasaratha got you by doing great penance and by performing great deeds similar to devas getting Amrutha [nectar]." 66.3

"From Bharatha, I came to know that Dasaratha passed to heaven, as he was unable to bear separation from you due to your virtues." 66.4

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, if you cannot bear this sorrow which has come to you, which other ordinary man who is weak, can bear it?" 66.5

"Oh tiger among men, if out of sorrow, you want to burn the world with your luster, how can ordinary people who suffer get consolation?" 66.6

"This is but a normal happening in the world, similar to the curse given to Nakusha the son of Yayathi who became an Indra which led to his degradation." 66.7

"Vasishta who was the priest of our father one day had one hundred sons but they were all killed in another one day." 66.8

"Oh Rama, you are the votary of truth and you know the Goddess earth who is saluted by all the world though, she is unshakeable, does shake some times." 66.9

"The very powerful Sun and Moon, the eyes of the world who are firmly established in Dharma are affected by the eclipse." 66.10

"Oh great man, even great beings and also Devas and all beings on earth cannot be released from the ties of the will of God." 66.11

"I have heard that even Indra and other devas also have their moments of suffering and ecstasies and so oh tiger among men, it is not proper for you to grieve." 66.12

"Oh stainless soul, even if Vaidehi is ruined or abducted you should not sorrow like this like an ordinary man." 66.13

"Oh Rama, you being one who always sees the truth should not worry like this, for men like you, even facing great calamities do not lose their heart." 66.14

"Oh best among men, truly think with your brain for the very wise men with great brain judge the right from wrong." 66.15

"Desired results cannot be obtained in cases where merits and demerits are not judged properly or where unsteady decisions are taken or in cases where no decision is taken." 66.16
"Oh Rama, you yourself have told me several times about this and since you know it well, even Bruhaspathi cannot teach you anything more." 66.17

"You are greatly wise and even Gods cannot fathom your intellect. I think that your sorrow has made your intellect to sleep and I am only waking you up." 66.18

"Oh Bull of the Ikshuvaku dynasty, you are god like man who has unmatched valour. Try to know your enemies and once known kill them." 66.19

"Oh bull among men, what is the need for destroying everything? After knowing the enemy who sinned against you, you uproot him." 66.20

This is the end of Sixty Sixth Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

67. Rama and Jatayu

[On further search Rama and Lakshmana see Jatayu who is about to die. He tells Rama that Sita is abducted by Ravana. Rama's sorrow further increases]

Though he was elder, after hearing the wise consul of Lakshmana, he grasped its essence and accepted that advise. 67.1

That great hero Rama controlled his rising anger and leaned on his wonderful bow and told Lakshmana. 67.2

"Oh son, Oh Lakshmana, what should we do? Where will we go in search of Sita? By what method, would we get back Sita?" Think clearly." 67.3

Lakshmana said to Rama who was reeling under sorrow, "It is proper for us to search in this Janasthana, which is covered by many plants and creepers and also has many Rakshasas." 67.4

"Here difficult to climb mountains, caves, valleys, different type of horrifying caverns inhabited by different type of animals and forests inhabited by Gandharwas and Kinnaras exist." 67.5-67.6

"And you should search in all these places accompanied by me. Oh Bull among men, great men who have superior intellect like you, are not shaken by difficulties like the mountain is not shaken by a great wind." 67.7

When told like Rama keeping his bow ready, mounted with a horrible arrow, along with Lakshmana started roaming about in that forest." 67.8

Then he saw the great valorous bird Jatayu who looked like the top of the mountain lying on the ground, wounded and drenched in blood. 67.9

Seeing him who was similar to a mountain, Rama told Lakshmana, "I feel without any doubt this one has eaten Sita, the princess of Videha." 67.10

"It is clear this Rakshasa in this forest has taken the form of vultures and has eaten the broad eyed Sita and is now relaxing happily. I will kill him with shining very sharp arrows which will go straight at him." 67.11-67.12

Saying this Rama who was very angry took a razor sharp arrow and fixed it on the bow and stepped towards the vulture and the earth up to sea shook. 67.13

That pitiable vulture spitting blood with foam spoke with very pitiable words like this to Rama the son of Dasaratha. 67.14

"Oh long lived one, the queen whom you are searching in this great forest as carefully as one searches for herbal medicine as well as my soul has been taken away by Ravana," 67.15

"Oh Rama, Oh Lakshmana that lady who was separated from you both was being taken away by Ravana and I saw this." 67.16

"In the battle with Ravana, I reached Sita by breaking Ravana's chariot and that one who lost his chariot made me fall on this earth." 67.17

"Oh Rama this is his broken bow and these are his quivers and here is the chariot which was broken by me in battle with him." 67.18

"He is the charioteer of Ravana slain by me using my wings. When I was exhausted Ravana cut off my wings by his sword. Then after taking Sita, the princess of Videha, he flew in the sky and since I have already been killed by the Rakshasa, you need not kill me." 67.19-67.20

Hearing these facts, the sorrow of Rama who was in love with Sita doubled and he with face full of tears became helpless and pitiable. 67.21

Throwing that Great Bow Rama hugged that king of vultures and fell on the ground and cried along with Lakshmana. 67.22

Seeing the bird taking painful breaths in that lonely place which was difficult to reach, Rama was affected by great sorrow and told Lakshmana. 67.23

"I have lost the kingdom, I had to live in the forest, Sita is lost and Jatayu is killed and these misfortunes may even burn the fire." 67.24

"If I now enter a ocean which is filled with water by the rivers, my bad luck would completely dry even that ocean." 67.25

"By this way I have been caught by a network of misfortunes and I think that nobody is more unfortunate than me among all beings, including the moving and not moving." 67.26

"This very elderly king of vultures is the friend of my father and due to my bad luck, he is lying on the ground at present." 67.27

After saying like this many times Rama along with Lakshmana caressed Jatayu and showed him the affection towards a father. 67.28

Rama then hugged that king of vultures who has lost his wings and drenched with blood. "Where is my Maithili who is like a soul to me?" and saying this he fell on the ground. 67.29

This is the end of Sixty Seventh Sarga of Aranya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.