Yuddha Kandam

Ramayanam - Yuddha Kandam
By Sage Valmiki
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Section: VI
Yuddha Kandam [War Section]
[The book starts with gathering of monkey army, going to the ocean and building a bridge across it and ends with the crowning of Lord Rama as king of Ayodhya.The Kandam starts with Rama deciding to go to Lanka to kill Ravana and ends with the coronation of Rama in Ayodhya. The great prayer Adhithya Hrudayam occurs in this. This again is the largest Kandam of Ramayana almost occupying one fourth space of the entire book.]

Index
1. Rama Appreciates Hanuman
2. Sugreeva Encourages Rama
3. Hanuman Describes Lanka
4. Rama and His Army Reach Ocean
5. Rama again Laments about Sita
6. Ravana Consults Ministers
7. Ministers Flatter Ravana
8. Ministers of Rakshasas Claim
9. Vibheeshana Advices Ravana
10. Vibheeshana Advices Ravana Again
11. Ravana Summons General Council
12. Khumbakarna Speaks
13. Mahaparswa's Suggestion
14. Vibheeshana Chides Ravana
15. Indrajit Criticizes Vibheeshana
16. Ravana Talks Harshly to Vibheeshana
17. Vibheeshana Seeks Protection
18. Rama Accepts Vibheeshana
19. Vibheeshana is Crowned
20. Ravana's Attempt to Influence Sugreeva
21. Rama's Anger at Ocean
22. Bridge on Ocean
23. Rama Notices Omens
24. Rama at Lanka
25. Spies Visit Monkey Army
26. Ravana Surveys Monkey Army
27. Monkey Army Further Described
28. Spies Show Rama and Lakshmana
29. Ravana Sends Another Group of Spies
30. Shardula Describes Rama's Army
31. Ravana's Attempt to Convince Sita
32. Sita Wails
33. Sarama Consoles Sita
34. Ravana's Decision on Sita
35. Malyavan Attempts to Dissuade Ravana
36. Ravana Chides Malyavan
37. Rama Finalizes War Strategy
38. Rama at Suvela Mountain
39. Rama Surveys Lanka
40. Sugreeva Attacks Ravana
41. Angadha as Emissary
42. Commencement of War
43. Escalation of War
44. Indrajit's Fight
45. Rama & Lakshmana Fall
46. Indrajit's Claim
47. Rakshasas Celebrate
48. Sita Wails and Trijata Consoles
49. Rama Wails for Lakshmana
50. Garuda Frees Rama and Lakshmana
51. Dhoomraksha Goes to War
52. Hanuman Kills Dhoomraksha
53. Ravana Sends Vajradamshtra
54. Angadha Kills Vajradamshtra
55. Ravana Sends Akampana
56. Hanuman Kills Akampana
57. Ravana Sends Prahastha
58. Nila Kills Prahastha
59. Ravana Enters Battle Field
60. Kumbhakarna Woken Up
61. Vibheeshana Tells About Kumbhakarna
62. Ravana's Request to Kumbhakarna
63. Kumbhakarna's Advice to Ravana
64. Mahodhara's Advice to Ravana
65. Kumbhakarna at Battle Field
66. Monkeys Frightened of Kumbhakarna
67. Rama Kills Kumbhakarna
68. Ravana Wails for Kumbhakarna's Death
69. Angadha Kills Narantaka
70. Ravana's Sons and Brothers Killed
71. Lakshmana Kills Athikaya
72. Ravana is Upset
73. Indrajit at Battle Field
74. Hanuman Brings Herbal Mountain
75. War Intensifies
76. Rakshasa Heroes Extermination
77. Hanuman Kills Nikumbha
78. Makaraksha Goes to War
79. Rama Kills Makaraksha
80. Indrajit Comes Again to Battle Field
81. Indrajit Kills Illusory Sita
82. Hanuman Wages Great War
83. Lakshmana Enraged
84. Vibheeshana's Advice to Stop Yagna
85. Lakshmana Reaches Nikumbila
86. Yagna at Nikumbila Stopped
87. Vibheeshana Takes Lakshmana
88. Indrajit and Lakshmana War
89. Vibheeshana Joins Battle
90. Lakshmana Kills Indrajit
91. Rama Appreciates Lakshmana
92. Ravana Wails for Indrajit
93. Rama Exterminates Rakshasa Army
94. Rakshasis Wail
95. Ravana Enters Battle Field
96. Sugreeva Kills Viroopaksha
97. Sugreeva Kills Mahodhara
98. Angadha Kills Mahapaswa
99. Ravana and Rama Commence Battle
100. Ravana Wounds Lakshmana
101. Sushena Cures Lakshmana
102. Indra Sends Chariot to Rama
103. Ravana's Charioteer Takes Ravana
104. Ravana at Battle Field Again
105. Agasthya Teaches Adithya Hrudayam
106. Ravana Sees Bad Omens
107. Great War of Rama and Ravana
108. Rama Kills Ravana
109. Vibheeshana Wails for Ravana
110. Ravana's Wives Wail
111. Mandodhari Wails
112. Vibheeshana Crowned
113. Hanuman Meets Sita
114. Rama Summons Sita
115. Sita Infront of Rama
116. Sita Enters Fire
117. Gods Tell Rama that He is Lord Vishnu
118. Fire God Returns Sita
119. Rama Meets Dasaratha
120. Indra Grants Boon
121. Vibheeshana Offers Pushpaka Vimana
122. Sugreeva and Vibheeshana Travel
123. Rama Shows Important Places to Sita
124. Rama at Sage Bharadwaja's Hermitage
125. Hanuman Meets Guha and Bharata
126. Hanuman Informs Bharata
127. Rama Reaches Ayodhya
128. Sri Rama Pattabhishekam

1. Rama Appreciates Hanuman

[Rama appreciates Hanuman as the one who has done the impossible. He hugs him as he is not n a position to give him any other thing. Rama becomes thoughtful about the problems in crossing the ocean with the monkey army.]

Hearing the words of Hanuman with great joy Rama replied these words in great love. 1.1

"The outstanding work done by Hanuman is extremely difficult to do and cannot be done even by thought by anyone else in this world". 1.2

"I do not see anyone else in this world capable of crossing the great ocean except for Garuda, wind god and Hanuman." 1.3

"The city of Lanka guarded by Ravana is extremely difficult to enter even by Devas, Dhanavas, Yakshas, snakes, Gandharwas and Rakshasas and who can enter and return from there by one's own power." 1.4

"Who can enter that impossible to enter place protected by Rakshasas except Hanuman who is blessed with strength and valour?" 1.5

"A great service has been done by Hanuman to Sugreeva by exhibiting his strength and valour which is equal to his pace?" 1.6

"When the lord deputes one to do a job which is difficult to perform and when that servant completes it with love. he is a superior being." 1, 7

"That servant who is deputed to a job, just does what he has been told and nothing more is mediocre." 1.8

"When a Lord deputes a servant to do a job and if he does not do it in spite of ability to do it is a base servant." 1.9

"Hanuman has performed the job for which he has been deputed and has done the job in the best manner and has made Sugreeva happy." 1.10
"By locating and seeing Sita, he has justly protected, the entire Raghu clan, me as well as the very strong Lakshmana." 1.11

"My already depressed mind is further pained because I am not able to do anything lovable to this bearer of dear tidings." 1.12

"let me at least hug Hanuman as in the present circumstances that is all that, I am in a position to do." 1.13

Saying this with great joy all over his senses Rama hugged Hanuman, who has completed the job with sense of fulfilment. 1.14

That best of the Raghu clan after thinking for a while again spoke, with Sugreeva, the king of the monkeys listening with attention. 1.15

"The search for Sita has ended in an auspicious way, but thinking of the vast ocean my mind again gets depressed." 1.16

"How can all the monkeys together cross to the southern shore of the great ocean which is filled with lot of water.?" 1.17

"In spite of having been told about the state of Sita, how is it possible for me to cross the ocean along with all monkeys?" 1.18

After telling this to Hanuman the destroyer of enemies Rama became drowned in sorrow and became greatly thoughtful. 1.19

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

2. Sugreeva Encourages Rama

[Sugreeva praises Rama and tells him that he would cross the sea and kill Ravana. He points out the need for building a bridge across the sea. He is confident that his monkey would crush Ravana's Lanka.]

Then Sugreeva, the destroyer of sorrows told the following words to the greatly sorrowing Rama who was the son of Dasaratha. 2.1

"Oh valorous one, why are you sorrowing like this like an ordinary being? Do not be sad and throw out this sorrow, like an ungrateful one throws away friendship." 2.2

"Having found out her position, Oh Rama, I do not find that there is any need of further sorrow?" 2.3

"Oh Rama, you are intelligent, an expert in sacred books and a very learned man. Please give up these conjectures which are reactions of ordinary beings." 2.4

"After we cross that great ocean full of crocodiles, we would enter the Lanka and definitely kill all enemies." 2.5

"People who do not have enthusiasm who are depressed and sad would always be defeated and would attain great sorrow." 2.6

"All these monkey leaders who are all intelligent are interested in doing your job and may even enter fire, if needed, which I know by seeing their joy and I have confirmed it by my reasoning." 2.7

"You should act in such a way that I would kill all enemies including the sinner Ravana and bring back Sita." 2.8

"You should construct a bridge so that we reach that town which is ruled by the king of Rakshasas." 2.9

"You please be sure that once we see the town situated on the mountain with three peaks that we would kill Ravana there." 2.10

"Unless we build a bridge over the horrifying home of Varuna, the city of Lanka cannot be conquered even by Indra, the devas and Asuras." 2.11

"Once we build a bridge, Lanka would be near to us, please understand that the entire army can cross over to the city and those monkeys who can assume any form they like would become victorious in the war." 2.12-2.13

"So king, leave out this apprehensive conduct which destroys all wealth, which in this world reduces the courageous valour of all men." 2.14

"When one approaches any task with complete boldness, that one would easily get the capability needed to finish that job." 2.15

"Oh very wise one, at this time, it is necessary to be very strong and alert, for even in case of very great and valorous people like you, sorrow about something that is lost leads to all round loss and destruction of all wealth." 2.16
"You are the greatest among all intelligent people and a scholar of all Sastras and so with assistance and help from people like me, you would defeat the enemy." 2.17

"Oh Raghava, I do not see any one in these three worlds, who can face you in war, when you hold the bow and arrow and stand there." 2.18

"Your job would definitely get done if you entrust it to the monkeys and after crossing the perennial sea, you would save Sita." 2.19

"And so leave out this sorrow and get angry oh lord, for inactive Kshatriyas do not win a war but indignant ones do." 2.20

"You who have a very sharp mind along with us design a plan to cross over to Lanka after crossing this terrible sea which is the lord of the rivers." 2.21

"Once the army crosses over to there our victory is definite and once I cross the sea decide that you have won." 2.22

"These valorous monkeys, who can take any form that they want, by showering rocks, mountains and trees would completely crush the enemy. 2.23

"I perceive that once we cross this abode of Varuna, oh destroyer of foes, we would definitely kill Ravana." 2.24

"What is the need for many such words. It is definite that you would be victorious and I am able to see good omens which make my heart happy. 2.25

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

3. Hanuman Describes Lanka

[Having decided on a war Rama wants to find out the strength and weaknesses of the city. Hanuman who has wandered all over the city, gives him accurate figures. He tells him that once the ocean is crossed they would be able to win the war.]

Hearing the meaningful and very reasonable words of Sugreeva, the son of the Kakustha clan told Hanuman. 3.1

"By doing penance or by building a bridge or by drying up the ocean, I am capable of crossing this ocean." 3.2

"Please tell me how many forts are there in Lanka which are difficult to access, as I desire to know about it as seen by your eye." 3.3

"You had a chance to have a glimpse of the size of the army, the fortification-details of the gates and citadels, the way in which Lanka was guarded and the various mansions of Rakshasas. Describe everything in accordance with facts, for you are skilled in all ways." 3.4-3.5

After hearing the of Rama, Hanuman who was the son of wind God, who was an expert in narration, told the following to Rama once again. 3.6

"Please hear about the entire description, the method of laying out the forts, the secret defence of the city and about the army that protects it." 3.7

"The Rakshasas are very much attached to Ravana and that Lanka has great prosperity and a huge ocean surrounds it. The army there is divided as per the vehicles used by a group", saying this that great monkey, further narrated. 3.8-3.9

"That Lanka was full of joy and had lot of elephants in rut. It is full of Rakshasa groups and very many chariots." 3.10

"The fort has four different gates each with very strong closed doors which are closed using great beams." 3.11

"There are also very strong and great machines, which can be used to stop the opposing army by shooting catapults at them." 3.12

"Very huge and sharp Shatagni made of iron are kept ready in hundreds at the gate, which are operated by valorous Rakshasa warriors." 3.13

"A very great difficult to cross rampart made of gold and inlaid with pearls, gems, Vaidooryas and corals encircle that city." 3.14

"A very huge auspicious moat filled with cold water and infested with fierce alligators and fishes surround the city." 3.15

"On all the four sides there are draw bridges which are very extensive, equipped with many machines and with very many buildings." 3.16

"These draw bridges protect against the onslaught of enemy army and those machines throw the approaching army in to the moats." 3.17

"One of these draw bridges is unshakable. strong firmly fastened, has very many golden pillars and shines with pedestals." 3.18

"Oh Rama Ravana by his own nature is always ready for war and endowed with powers of state is always alert and inspects his very powerful army." 3.19

"So the city of Lanka is unbreakable fort of Gods which raises fear in you and it has four type of fortifications like river, mountain, forest and manmade defenses." 3.20

"Oh Rama, Being situated inside the sea, it is extremely difficult to enter and there is no reach for it to the vessels and there is no communication to it from other places." 3.21

"The fort being built on a top of the mountain, it can only be compared to the city of Gods, and having plenty of elephants and horses, it is difficult to win over Lanka." 3.22

"With Deep moats, Sathagunis and various other war machines, Lanka the city of the wicked Ravana shines." 3.23

"Ten thousand Rakshasas armed with tridents guard its western gate and it is also guarded by terrible Rakshasas holding a sword." 3.24

"One hundred thousand Rakshasas guard the southern gate and there are also incomparable army consisting of heroes under four major divisions." 3.25

"One million Rakshasas are gathered at the eastern gate and there are all experts in various weapons and hold the sword and the shield." 3.26

"Hundred million Rakshasas are assembled at the northern gate riding either on the chariot or horse they are honoured members of great families." 3.27

"In the centre of the city are assembled hundred thousand Rakshasas and also quarter of difficult to defeat Rakshasas are also there." 3.28

"I had broken all those draw bridges and filled up all their moats, I burnt the city of Lanka, pulled down its defensive walls and also destroyed a part of their gigantic army." 3.29

"if somehow or other we cross this ocean which is the house of Varuna, then we can assume that the city of Lanka is destroyed by the monkeys." 3.30

"When Angadha, Dvividha. Mainda, Panasa, Nala, the commander in chief Nila are there, what is the need for the rest of army to you. Those monkeys will go inside the great city of Ravana and will search and recover the daughter of Mithila after searching in Lanka with its mountains and woods, moats and archways, protective walls and buildings." 3.31-3.33

"Please order quickly to collect the army and fix up holy and suitable time for all of us to depart." 3.34

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

4. Rama and His Army Reach Ocean

[Rama and Sugreeva plan how to march with that huge army. Speedily marching without rest, they reached the shores of the ocean. They all sit there and decided to have a strategy meeting as to how to cross the ocean.]

After hearing the words of Hanuman from the beginning, the lustrous Rama who was really valorous spoke. 4.1

"I want to inform you that I will quickly destroy the city of Lanka of the very big Rakshasa and I would kill him and this is an oath." 4.2

"Oh Sugreeva, this is the proper sanctified time to start and when the Sun is in the middle, if we start we will get victory." 4.3

"After abducting Sita where can that Rakshasa go and continue to be alive? Once Sita hears about the news of our starting she will get a hope to live like a sick man who has drunk poison is able to touch the deathless nectar." 4.4

"Tomorrow the star Uthra phalguni [Uthram] would be in conjunction with Hastha star and so, Oh Sugreeva, let us depart today itself with the army." 4.5

"I am able see good omens which portend prosperity and so after killing Ravana I would come back along with Sita." 4.6

"The fact that the upper eyelid of my eyes are twitching is proclaiming that desire of my heart of winning is coming nearer." 4.7

Then Rama the follower of Dharma who was well versed in moral law, who was respected by the king of monkeys as well as Lakshmana again spoke as follows. 4.8

"Let Nila accompanied by hundred thousand army members go first so that they can chalk out the proper path for us to go." 4.9

"Oh Nila steer the army through forests which have plenty of fruits as well as roots and is cool and which has plenty of honey." 4.10

"The Rakshasas with a bad soul would try to spoil the fruits, roots and water found on the way and so you always try to protect them." 4.11

"Let the monkey swarms jump in to low grounds, forest forts and forests and examine whether any rival army is found in such places." 4.12

"let whatever weak and feeble army persons are there with us stay in Kishkinda because the duty to be discharged by all of us would be horrifying." 4.13

"let hundreds of lion like monkeys of great strength in hundreds and thousands lead that army which resembles an ocean stream." 4.14

"Let Gaja, the mountain like Gavaya, the very strong Gavaksha march in the front similar to majestic bulls leading a herd of cows." 4.15
"Let the bull like monkey Rishabha, who is the lord of the monkeys guard the right side of the marching monkey army." 4.16

"Let Gandhamadana who is as strong as an elephant in rut, position himself on the left side of the marching army." 4.17

"I would march in the middle of the army riding on Hanuman like Lord Indra rides on Iravatha, hs elephant steed." 4.18

"Let Lakshmana who resembles the God of death march mounted on Angadha similar to Lord Khubera, the lord of riches on the elephant called Sarvabhouma." 4.19

"Let the very strong Jambhavan who is the king of bears, Sushena and monkey called Vegadarsi protect the middle part of the army." 4.20

After hearing the words of Raghava, the commander in chief of the army Sugreeva and the bull among monkeys gave orders to the effect to the monkey army." 4.21

"Then all those monkeys stood up with a desire to fight and jumped from caves and tops of the mountains." 4.22

Then after Rama, the soul of Dharma was worshipped by the king of monkeys as well as Lakshmana, they marched towards the south along with the army. 4.23

At that time Rama was surrounded by monkeys who were as big as elephants in hundreds, hundred thousands and in crores. 4.24

That great monkey army was following Rama who was leading them and all those monkeys under the control of Sugreeva were greatly rejoicing. 4.25

They all travelled towards south excessively jumping, roaring greatly, jesting cheerfully and singing songs. 4.26

They ate scented honey as well as fruits and were carrying branches of trees with large number of blossoms. 4.27

All of a sudden seeing each other, they would lift and throw one another, they were hanging as well as flying and making others fall. 4.28

Those monkeys who were near Rama used to roar, "Not only Ravana but all Rakshasas are worthy of killing by all of us." 4.29

The valorous Rishabha, Kumuda and Nila were clearing the way ahead for the many monkeys who were marching. 4.30

In the middle the king Sugreeva, Rama as well as Lakshmana were moving along with very many strong and big monkeys capable of destroying their enemies. 4.31

The valorous monkey Satabali who was accompanied by ten crores of monkeys standing firmly alone was protecting the monkey army. 4.32
Kesari, Panasa, Gaja and Arka with hundred crores monkey army were protecting one flank of that monkey army. 4.33

Keeping Sugreeva in the front the bears led by Jambavan and Sushena were protecting the army from the rear. 4.34

The great monkey Nila who was the commander in chief of the army who was the best and self-controlled was looking after the entire army. 4.35

Monkeys Valimukha, Prajanga, Jambha and Rabhasa were moving all over and urging the monkey army to move forward. 4.36

When these great monkeys who were proud of their strength were marching ahead like waves of a moving ocean they saw the great Sahaya Mountain covered with trees and climbers. 4.37-4.38

Knowing the order of Rama as well as his great anger, scared that army which was like a very large ocean were avoiding moving near towns and villages with very great speed and making great roaring sound. 4.39-4.40

By the side of the sons of Dasaratha, the valorous elephant like monkeys were jumping vigorously like the horse which has been whipped. 4.41

Those auspicious bull like men who were being carried by the monkeys were shining like the sun and moon coming in contact with other great planets. 4.42

Then Rama the soul of dharma after being worshipped by Lakshmana and the king of monkeys went towards the southern side along with the army. Then Lakshmana who had meaningful presence of mind was being carried by Angadha went near Rama and told him the following very meaningful words. 4.43-4.44

"After obtaining Vaidehi and killing of Ravana and having accomplished your purpose you would definitely return back to the prosperous Ayodhya." 4.45

"Oh Rama, I am seeing greatly auspicious omens both in the sky and earth, which indicate your success and the pure air is blowing cool and pleasant along our side." 4.46

"These animals and birds are producing sweet and pleasant sound. All directions are looking cheerful and the Sun is shining bright." 4.47

"The planet Venus which is the son of sage Brigu is brightly shining behind you. The pure and clear Brahma rishi stars [Saptharishi or great bear] are shining round the Druva star [Pole star]." 4.48-4.49

"The royal saint Trisanku who is our grandfather and a great one of the Ikshuvaku dynasty along with his family priest is shining with pure radiance." 4.50

"The Vishaka star which is the holy constellation associated with Ikshuvaku dynasty is shining clearly without causing any harm." 4.51

"The moola star in the south west direction controlling the Rakshasas is under stress being touched by the tail of a comet." 4.52
"All these things are indicative of the destruction of the Rakshasas, for at time when the death aspects the stars being under influence of bad planets, destruction occurs." 4.53

"The water is tasty and crystal clear, the forest yields fruits, the air is blowing with scent and seasonal flowers have bloomed on trees." 4.54

"Oh Lord the army battalions of the monkeys are shining greatly and are looking like the army of devas going to war against Taraka and oh gentle brother, and you should become pleased on seeing it."4, 55

Thus spoke Lakshmana cheering up his brother. The excellent army consisting of bears and monkeys who were like tigers and whose weapon was their nails and teeth, marched ahead covering the entire earth. 4.56-4.57

The dust raised by the tip of the hand and feet of the monkeys dimmed the light of the Sun and also covered the earth covered by mountains and forests and thus the very huge monkey army led by Sugreeva marched day and night." 4.58-4.59

When the huge army were crossing the river, the waves of the river flew on the opposite direction for several Yojanas. 4.60

The great army entered through lakes containing clear water, through mountains filled with trees, through plain lands, through the middle of forests yielding fruits and also by the four sides of the fruit yielding forests. 4.61

The great and huge army marched completely covering the earth and they all travelled further with the speed of the wind. 4.62

For the sake of Rama all those monkeys who were valorous in war vied with each other in showing their joy, strength and valour. And those in the prime of youth made several type of gestures.4.63-4.64

Some of them walked with great speed, while some others hovered slightly and those monkeys who live in the forest made sounds "KIla, kila". 4.65

Some monkeys lashed their tails, some stamped their feet and some extending their hands broke trees and mountains. 4.66

Some of those monkeys who lived on the mountain climbed the mountain. some produced great sounds matching the roars of a lion. 4.67

Some by the speed of their thighs were breaking various type of climbing plants and some were stretching their limbs and were playing with rocks and trees. 4.68

Those monkeys who were in hundreds of thousands nay crores of thousands who had a horrifying look covered the entire earth. 4.69

The great army of monkeys was marching throughout the day and night and being commanded by Sugreeva they were all cheerful and all of them were marching with speed looking forward to the war and they desirous of the release of Sita did not halt even for a moment. 4.70-4.71

Then those monkeys reached the Sahaya and Malaya mountains which was crowded with trees and many type of animals. 4.72

Rama who was marching along with them saw peculiar forests, rivers and water falls in those Sahaya and Malaya mountains. 4.73

The monkeys enjoyed the fruits of Champaka, Tilaka, mango, Praseka, Sindnvaara Timisa and Karaveera trees. 4.74

The monkeys enjoyed the Ashoka, Karanja, Plaksa, Nyagrodha, Jambu, Myrobalan and Naga trees. 4.75

Various types of forest trees standing on those plateaus shaken by the speedy wind showered flowers on those monkeys. 4.76

Soft to touch breeze with the incense of sandal blew and the bees hummed in the honey scented woods. 4.77

That king of mountain had plenty of dust of metal ores and that dust and the pollen which were dispersed by the speedy winds covered all those monkeys. 4.78

On the lovely mountain slopes, in full bloom on all sides were Ketaki and Sindhuvara trees, the charming Vasanti, Madhavi creepers with flowers full of scent, clumps of jasmine, Chiribila, Madhuka, Vanjula and Vakula, Ranjanka and Tilaka, Nyavriksha all in flower, Mango, Patalike, Kovidara in flower, Muchulinda, Arjuna, Simsapa and Kutaja, Hintala, Timisa, Chirna and Nipa, blue Ashoka, Sarala, Ankola and Padmaka all these trees were crawled in excitement by the monkeys who were delighted. 4.79-4.84

There were joyous l wells with stairs and ponds in that mountain, which were liked by chakravaka birds, visited by karandava birds, crowded with water-fowls and cranes, visited by boars and deer, haunted on all sides by bears, hyenas, lions and many dreadful tigers. There were beautiful reservoirs of water with blossoming blue lotuses, water lilies, white water lilies, black water lilies and various other kinds of aquatic flowers. 4.85-4.87

On that mountain various types of birds were singing. Monkeys bathed in that water, drank it and also played in it. Some of them climbed on the mountain and some threw water at each other. 4.88-4.89

There the monkeys greatly enthused and with great vigour plucked fruits, roots with perfume of nectar as well as flowers. 4.90

Those honey coloured monkeys on seeing honey combs of great weight, drank honey from those combs. 4.91

Breaking trees, pulling out creepers and throwing away excellent mountains those bull like monkeys marched further. 4.92

Some monkeys well pleased with the honey that they got from trees shouted loudly, some were searching for honey and some were drinking honey excessively. 4.93

The earth was completely filled by those monkeys, like lotus fills the lake and paddy straws filled the field. 4.94
At that time the lotus eyed Rama reached the Mahendra Mountain and he climbed to the top of the mountain decorated by many trees. 4.95

After Rama, the son of Dasaratha climbed up to the top of the mountain, he saw the ocean filled with water and occupied by turtles and fishes. 4.96

Then after crossing systematically the great Sahaya and Malaya mountain, they approached the ocean which was making great sound. 4.97

Rama who greatly attracts and Sugreeva along with Lakshmana descended and went speedily to the forest adjoining the sea. 4.98

Rama after reaching the difficult to approach and very wide ocean, with rocks underneath which were washed vehemently by the waves spoke these words. 4.99

"Oh Sugreeva, now we have reached the home of Varuna and now we should think about how to cross it, which we had considered earlier. 4.100

"This lord of the rivers does not have a shore beyond and this ocean is impossible to cross without a proper strategy." 4.101

"And so let us have a strategy meet of the army here where we will discuss how the great monkey army will reach the other shore." 4.102

That great Rama who was greatly sorrowing due to the abduction of Sita reached that ocean and ordered the army to halt there. 4.103

"Oh Monkey chief Sugreeva, let all the monkey army enter this sea shore and once they reach we would discuss strategies to cross this sea." 4.104

"Let not any one slip away in any direction leaving his army unit and let the valiant monkeys search and inform us, if there is any hidden threat for us." 4.105

When Sugreeva as well as Lakshmana heard the words of Rama, they made the army halt in the sea shore stretched with trees. 4.106

That army which was stationed near the ocean shined like another ocean with water of the honey red colour. 4.107

The chief of monkeys who reached the forest in the shores of the ocean settled down there anxious to reach the other shore. 4.108

When they got settled there for a halt, the sound of their movement completely masked the great sound produced by the great ocean. 4.109

That army of monkeys divided in to three [Monkeys, apes and bears] which was under the control of Sugreeva was fully dedicated to the cause of Rama. 4.110

That monkey army which had reached that great ocean saw that great ocean which was diffused with high velocity wind. 4.111
Those monkey chiefs after seeing the ocean, which was the house of Varuna, which was boundless and which was inhabited by several Rakshasas sat there. 4.112

The ocean being the home of horrifying crocodiles and alligators, appeared like laughing with its waves carrying foam at the beginning and at the end of day appeared to laugh and dance. 4.113

The ocean rose with the moon rise and the image of the moon was reflected in it and it was full of huge alligators, swift and fierce winds and was teeming with whales and great fish. 4.114

That sea, the home of Varuna was filled with serpents having flaming hoods, plunged with mighty aquatic creatures, abounding in various types of mountains, too difficult to cross, with an inaccessible path, stifling, fathomless and an abode of Rakshasas. 4.115

The ocean whipped up by the wind moved along with sharks and twirling snakes rose and fell. 41.116

Always emitting sparkles and teeming with large water snakes, this ocean which is the home of enemies of Gods reached up to Patala. 41.117

The ocean looked like the sky and the sky was comparable to the ocean and so the sky and ocean looked without any differences. 41.118

The sky blended with the ocean and the ocean blended with the sky. The sky had lot of stars and the ocean had lot of gems and even here they are comparable. 41.119

The sky was filled with rows of clouds and ocean was filled with rows of waves and so there seems to be no difference between the sky and ocean. 41.120

The waves of the ocean hit one another and produced a terrific sound which was comparable with the thunder of the sky. 41.121

Those great monkeys saw that the sea lashed with winds was resonating with abundance of precious stones and the water was rising high as if enraged in a grip of hurricane, filled with a number of aquatic creatures and tossed by them in the air by seemingly murmuring waves. 41.122-41.123

Those monkeys stood wonder struck seeing the ocean producing huge sound by the movement of water to and fro. 41.124

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

5. Rama again Laments about Sita

[The monkey army is camped on the banks of the ocean. Feeling that sita is near but far away Rama laments about her absence. Lakshmana consoles him.]

On the northern banks of the ocean the monkey army was kept stationed, under the proper safety care given by Nila according to the rules. 5.1

The two great monkeys called Mainda and Dvividha, moved around the army in all directions for ensuring its safety. 5.2

After parking that army in the shore of lord of the rivers [Ocean], Rama seeing Lakshmana who was nearby told. 5.3

"People say that over passage of time the sorrow would vanish but my sorrow in not being able to see my wife keeps on increasing from time to time." 5.4

"I do not have sorrow that she is far away nor I have sorrow that she was abducted but I am sad that her age keeps on increasing." 5.5

"Oh wind blow in such a way that you touch my wife and then touch me, because only through you I can touch her and only through moon that I can see her." 5.6

"When she was being abducted my darling would have cried, "Oh Lord" and that thought is similar to the poison swallowed by me and it is burning my entire body." 5.7

"Day and night my body is being burnt by the fire of the God of love, and the fuel which is the thought about her is flaring in to flames due to the fire of thought about her." 5.8

"Oh Lakshmana, without you if I dive down in to the sea, I may fall asleep, because the fire of thought about her may be quenched slightly by the water." 5.9

"The thought that I myself who am passionate and her with charming thighs are sleeping on the same earth would help me to survive." 5.10

"Like a paddy field without water survives by getting wet with the water standing in another field, I also survive, because I hear that she is also surviving." 5.11

"When will I be able to see Sita with pretty hips as well as long lotus like eyes as prosperity after defeating the enemies." 5.12

"When shall she see me raising her lotus like face which has her pretty teeth and lips, which will be like a great medicine to my sickness?" 5.13

"When will her closely placed bulging breasts which are like the fruit of the palm tree and which are delightful and quivering press me?" 5.14

"That virtuous one with dark cornered eyes is in the middle of Rakshasas and she is not getting a lord to defend her and is like an orphan, though I am her lord." 5.15

"How is my darling who is the daughter of king Janaka and daughter-in-law of Dasaratha sleeping amidst those Rakshassis." 5.16

"She would come out from those unassailable Rakshassis, like the moon in autumn drives away black clouds." 5.17

"Sita who is by nature slender would further get slender due to her sorrow, due to her not taking food and due to adverse time and place." 5.18

"When will I be able to kill that king of Rakshasas with sharp arrows on his chest and bring back Sita and leave out this mental agony?" 5.19

"When will the virtuous Sita who can be compared to daughter of devas, would embrace my neck with anxiety and shed tears of joy?" 5.20

"When will I be able to leave away the horrifying sorrow of separation from Sita, like throwing out of dirty apparel?" 5.21

When the sagacious Rama was wailing like this, the light of the sun started declining and Sun got prepared to set. 5.22

After Lakshmana consoled Rama who was sad due to recollection of the lotus eyed Sita, both of them performed the rituals of the dusk. 5.23

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

6. Ravana Consults Ministers

[Seeing that Rama and his monkey army have come to the bank of the ocean, Ravana calls his ministers for consultations, He gives a very scholarly introduction to the need for mutual consultation.]

After seeing the fearful act done by Hanuman who was equal to Indra, The king of Rakshasas spoke to other Rakshasa chiefs with a depressed face. 6.1

"He who is only monkey was able to see Sita and he also entered destroyed the irresistible city of Lanka." 6.2

"That Hanuman assaulted the thousand pillared temple and killed excellent Rakshasas and the excellent city of Lanka was turned turbid." 6.3

"May all of you be safe. What shall I do now" What is the next act to be done by us? Please tell me what we are capable of doing, so that prosperity befalls us." 6.4

"The wise and noble men say that only through consultations, we can get victory and so I need your opinion about the very strong Rama." 6.5

"In the world there are three types of people, excellent, mediocre and base and I am now going to tell you the merits and demerits of such people." 6.6

"He who carries out consultations with friends or relatives who are equivalent to them or collectively ministers before starting an endeavor and make maximum efforts as per fate is the best among men." 6.7-6.8

"That person who thinks alone and analyses the merits and demerits of an endeavor alone, that person is a mediocre man." 6.9

"He who does not bother to think about merits and demerits and only depends on fate and does a job with gross neglect is a base man." 6.10

"People are classified as excellent, mediocre and base based on the thought process based on consultations." 6.11

"The wise people say that decision arrived based on consultations, consensus and based on the view of the scriptures is the best possible decision." 6.12

"That decision arrived after deliberating on several options and consultation thereafter, narrowing in to the one which is agreeable to all is mediocre." 6.13

"That decision arrived after knowing several opinions, arguing about it and not bothering about a unified decision is the base decision." 6.14

"Therefore, all of you being wise and intelligent, please arrive at, a well thought out action which has to be done by me." 6.15

"Rama is coming to the city of Lanka surrounded by thousands of monkey warriors, for besieging us." 6.16
"It is clear that Rama along with his brother and his army with proper strength can cross this ocean." 6.17

"He may dry up the ocean or take some other fitting option by his valour and since the enmity with the monkeys have commenced this way, please advise me as to what action is good for the city and army." 6.18-6.19

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

7. Ministers Flatter Ravana

[Those foolish ministers point out the great incidents in Ravana's life and the conquest of Indra by Indrajit and tell him, there is no need to worry as Indrajit alone can solve this problem.]

When the Rakshasas who were very strong, outside the path of justice and also foolish, heard these words of the king of Rakshasas they joined their palms and lifted them up, ignorant of the relative strength of the enemy army. 7.1

"Oh king, the strength of our army equipped with iron bars, tridents and double edged swords is really very great. Where is the need to worry?" 7.2

"You went to the city of Bhogawathi and defeated the serpents there and Khubera surrounded by many Yakshas living on the Kailasa mountain was defeated in battle by you." 7.3-7.4

"He who was appreciating himself due to the treaty with Lord Shiva and who was considered as the protector of the world and very strong, was defeated by you in battle." 7.5

"After putting down those Yakshas and putting them in to prison, You brought this Pushpaka Vimana from the top of Kailasa mountain." 7.6

"Due to fear, Maya the lord of Rakshasas desired friendship with you and that great Rakshasa offered his daughter in marriage to you." 7.7

"Another great Rakshasa king called Madhu Khumbinasa, who was the husband of your sister and who is difficult to defeat and proud of his valour was subjugated by you in war." 7.8

"Oh mighty armed one, you after going to Rasathala, took in to custody the great serpents like Vasuki, Thakshaka, Sankha and Jati." 7.9

"Oh killer of enemies, king of Rakshasas. Oh Lord, after fighting for one full year, with strong Dhanavas who were valiant and beyond destruction and who obtained great boons, taking only your strength in to consideration, you took them under your custody and you also learnt several tricks of illusion from them. 7.10-7.11

"Oh great one, You also defeated the sons of Varuna, who were strong and valorous and who had army of four divisions." 7.12

"Oh king after entering the great sea of the world of death which was full of great alligators who gave death as punishment and which had thorny rods of the silk cotton tree, which was turbulent with waves which were the noose of death, which was full of servants of the God of death Yama in the form of serpents and which was difficult to be conquered due to very high heat, you churned that sea in the form of army of Yama and won a victory and you warded off death and all the world was happy to see this great battle." 7.13-7.15

"The world was filled like big trees with royal warriors with great valour equal to the courage king Indra." 7.16

"Rama never matches them in properties of valour or enthusiasm and you defeated all of them who were difficult to defeat." 7.17
"Why is there a need for exertion on your part. Please stay here. Oh king, Indrajit fighting alone can destroy all those monkeys." 7.18

"Oh king after performing a matchless Yagna to please Lord Shiva, he [Indrajit] had obtained, a rare boon from him." 7.19

"Approaching that huge ocean of army of devas, whose fish are lanes and spheres, whose guts thrown asunder are duck-weeds, whose turtles are the elephants, whose frogs are the teeming horses, infested with alligators in the form of [eleven] Rudras [gods of destruction] and [twelve] Adityas [sons of Aditi], with huge serpents in the form of [forty nine] Maruts [wind gods] and [eight] Vasus, having chariots horses and elephants for its volume of waters and the sandy elephants for its volume of waters and the sandy banks its infantry, Indra was captured by him and was impelled to come to Lanka [as a prisoner]." 7.20-7.22

"That Indra who was the killer of Shambhara and Vruthra was released and went to heaven when your grandfather Brahma interceded on his behalf." 7.23

"Oh king you send your son Indrajit alone and he would bring to an end all the monkey armies including Rama and come back." 7.24

"Oh king, this unsuitable danger has only come from a very ordinary man and you should not take seriously, for you will easily kill Rama." 7.25

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

8. Ministers of Rakshasas Claim

[All the ministers and chiefs of Rakshasas claim that they alone can kill all monkeys. One Rakshasas suggests that they can take human form and deceive Rama.]

Then a Rakshasa called Prahastha who is of the colour of the rich blue cloud, who was a commander of his army with hands folded in salutation spoke. 8.1

"Devas, Dhanavas, Gandharwas, Ghosts, birds and serpents are not strong enough to attack you and why are you getting worried about two men?" 8.2

"All of us in good faith neglected that Hanuman, who deceived us and if I am alive that monkey cannot further go alive." 8.3

"If you give me an order, I would make the earth consisting of mountains and forests extending up to the sea, bereft of monkeys." 8.4

"Oh night walker, I will see to it that you are protected from monkeys and not even a little sorrow would come to you because of mistakes committed by you." 8.5

A Rakshasa called Durmukha spoke with great anger "This molestation done by him should never be tolerated." 8.6

"I am extremely sad that the city and private apartments of the king of Rakshasas was attacked by that king of monkeys." 8.7

"At this moment, all alone I would destroy all the monkeys whether they hide in the huge ocean or the great sky or the Rasathala." 8.8

The very powerful Vajradamshtra with great anger took a horrifying iron club with flesh attached to it and spoke as follows. 8.9

" The pitiable Hanuman and the saintly Rama along with Sugreeva and Lakshmana are not a very great difficult to conquer for me." 8.10

"Now itself I will kill Rama, Lakshmana along with Sugreeva with this iron club and return back immediately." 8.11

"Oh king, if you desire, kindly hear some more of my words. Anyone who is skilled in strategies and does not have lassitude can kill his enemies easily." 8.12

"Oh king of Rakshasas, thousands of Rakshasas who can take any desired form, who are valorous, who are appalling, who are very huge and who have firm resolve, can assume the form of human beings and without embarrassment can approach Rama and tell him as follows." 8.13-8.14

"We have been sent here by your younger brother Bharatha. He is in the process of collecting his army and would come here soon." 8.15

"Then we will go there with speed carrying, tridents, javelins, maces as well as bow and arrows." 8.16

"Standing in groups on the sky, we would kill the monkey army with mighty rain of stones and missiles and send them to the world of death." 8.17

"If Rama and Lakshmana fall in our trap softly, surely they would have to give away their soul and go away." 8.18

The valorous Nikumbha who was the son of Khumbakarna spoke with great anger to Ravana who tormented the world. 8.19

"All of you here stay with our great king. I would alone kill Rama and Lakshmana, and Sugreeva, Hanuman and all other monkeys." 8.20

Then a mountain like Rakshasa called Vajrahanu, who was very angry spoke licking his lips by his tongue. 8.21

"You all please do your jobs without any worries whatsoever. I alone will go and eat away the entire monkey army and so you can play happily and drink liquor." 8.22-8.23

"I alone will kill Sugreeva, Lakshmana, Angadha, Hanuman, Rama who is the war elephant." 8.24

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

9. Vibheeshana Advices Ravana

[Vibheeshana the younger brother of Ravana then points out the enemy's strong points and advices Ravana to return Sita. Without answering him Ravana goes to his home.]

Then, Nikumbha, Rabhasa, the exceedingly strong Surya satru, Suptaghna, Yanjakopa, Mahaparsva and Mahodara, the unconquerable demons Agniketu and Rasmiketu, then the powerful son of Ravana named Indrajit endowed with great energy, Prahasta and Virupaksha, Vajradamshtra who was extraordinarily strong, Dhumarksha and Atikaya and the demon by name Durmukha, carrying iron clubs, sharp-edged spears, spikes, darts, javelins and axes, bows with excellent arrows and swords shining like a vast expanse of water, and who were all extremely enraged, and flaming as it were with glory, those demons rose up and told Ravana. 9.1-9.5

"We will now itself kill Rama, Sugreeva and Lakshmana and that pitiable Hanuman who attacked the city of Lanka. 9.6

Vibheeshana with folded hands calmed down all those Rakshasas, who already had seized their weapons and after making them sit down spoke. 9.7

"Oh brother, only that which cannot be accomplished by the three methods [conciliation, gift and creating dissension] should be accomplishing by show of power according to wise men". 9.8

"The valorous acts bring results only in case of indifferent people, people who have been attacked by enemy and those struck down by fate." 9.9

"How do you wish to attack the famous Rama, who is not distracted, who has won over his anger and who is difficult to be conquered." 9.10

"Hanuman speedily crossed the horrifying ocean which is the lord of all rivers and can this act be imagined by anyone in the world." 9.11

"Oh night travelers, it is extremely difficult to measure the power of the enemy and without knowing that, they cannot be treated hastily with contempt by any means." 9.12

"Previously what wrong did Rama do to the king of Rakshasas, due to which his famous wife was abducted from Janasthana." 9.13

"Khara who has exceeded his limits was of course killed by Rama in a war because lives are to be definitely protected by all living beings according to their strength." 9.14

"Due to Vaidehi being here, a great fear has been created among us. It is better to return her who was brought so that quarrel due to animosity could be brought to an end." 9.15

"It is not proper to create enmity without any purpose with Rama who is valorous and is the follower of Dharma and let Maithili be given back to him." 9.16

"Before this city, which has elephants, horses, many gems, is shattered by his arrows, let us give back Maithili to him." 9.17

"Much before the great horrifying big monkey army which cannot be defeated attacks Lanka, let us return back Sita." 9.18
"Unless the beloved wife of Rama is returned back, the city of Lanka along with its valorous Rakshasas would perish." 9.19

"I am pleading with you due to our relationship and so please act on my words which are beneficial to you, and which are truthful and so please let Maithili be given away." 9.20

"Before Rama the son of the king discharges for your destruction by the very strong and unfailing arrows equal to the rays of autumnal sun which have provided with new heads and shafts, let Sita be given away to Rama." 9.21

"Immediately give up your anger, which destroys your happiness and Dharma. Resort to Dharma, which leads to joy and fame. Become placid so that we may live with our sons and relatives. Let Sita be given away to Rama." 9.22

After hearing the words of Vibheeshana, the king of Rakshasas left all of them and entered in to his home. 9.23

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

10. Vibheeshana Advices Ravana Again

[Next day Vibheeshana approaches Ravana in his own house and again requests him to return back Sita.Ravana gets angry and sends him away.]

Vibheeshana arrived at early dawn to settle matters of Dharma to the house of the king of Rakshasas for doing an important job. 10.1

Ravana's palace was looking like a chain of mountains and elevated like a mountain peak and well divided wide apartments where great people lived. 10.2

They were occupied by great ministers who were intelligent and loved by all. That house was guarded on all sides by Rakshasas who were trustworthy and efficient. 10.3

The Wind in that place was filled by the smell of breath of elephants in rut, was tumultuous being filled by the sound of great conches and was echoing with the sound of musical instruments. !0.4

Being populated by multitude women, its principal passages were filled with the sound of their talk, and was with golden turrets which were excellently decorated. 10.5

"It was like the palace of Gandharwas and Maruths and was filled with collection of jewels and looked like a palace of passionate people." 10.6

Vibheeshana with great luster entered the palace of his elder brother who was shining like a Sun entering in to a huge cloud. 10.7

He heard the sound of the holy chants of purification recited by experts in Vedas, which wished victory to his brother. 10.8

That Vibheeshana with great strength saw Brahmins who were experts in Vedic chants being worshipped and being given pots filled with curd, ghee and unbroken rice along with flowers. 10.9

Vibheeshana who was shining due to his own luster and who was being worshipped by other Rakshasas, saluted the very strong Ravana the younger brother of Khubera who was sitting on the throne. 10.10

After he who was an expert in ritual formalities did the customary formalities, he occupied a golden throne as indicated by the eye of the king. 10.11

In the presence of ministers as well as in private audience, he spoke to the great soul Ravana, words which are beneficial, meaningful and reasonable. 10.12

Vibheeshana who could discriminate between good and bad things, sought the favour of his elder brother by telling soothing words and spoke in consonance with the place and time. 10.13

"Oh killer of enemies, from the time Sita reached here, inauspicious omens are being seen buy us." 10.14

"Even if the sacrificial fire is fed with oblations after uttering a proper set of Mantras, the fire is not flaring up well, emitting sparks, its flames are enveloped in smoke and are coming forth, polluted with soot." 10.15
"Serpents are being found near the altar of the sacrificial fire as well as near places of Vedic rituals, ants are found in the Havya, which has to be offered in sacrificial fire." 10.16

"Cow's milk is getting curdled and great elephants are not going in rut and horses are neighing miserably and are not eating grasses." 10.17

"Donkeys, Mules and camels are shedding tears and are losing their hairs and are not getting cured despite being medically treated." 10.18

"Crows in groups are crying in a cruel manner from all directions and are seen at the top of towers and assembly of men." 10.19

"Vultures are flying over the city in circles and inauspiciously approach during both during dawn and dusk." 10.20

"Meat eating animals are found to cry loudly at the city gates with a voice like thunder." 10.21

"Oh valorous brother, when things are happening this way, an atonement is appropriate and I feel that you have to return Vaidehi to Rama." 10.22

"Oh king, if you think that I am talking all these because of my infatuation or greed, even then you should not find fault with me." 10.23

"These bad omens are being seen all over the city by Rakshasas as well as Rakshassis and also by members of your private apartment." 10.24

"All your ministers are not giving this advice to you and I would certainly tell you whatever I have seen or heard and you should take appropriate action regarding all these." 10.25

Thus a brother Vibheeshana spoke to his brother Ravana who is the greatest of Rakshasas in between several ministers." 10.26

After having heard these beneficial, very meaningful, soft, reasonable and suitable for past, present and future words, with great anger in reply he uttered the following. 10.27

"I do not see fear from any one? Raghava will never get back Maithili and even if the elder brother of Lakshmana comes along with Indra, for a war with me, he would not be able to stand before me." 10.28

The ten faced one who was greatly strong and very greatly valorous, who has previously destroyed the army of devas after saying this sent away his brother Vibheeshana who was telling suitable words.10.29

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

11. Ravana Summons General Council

[Not satisfied with the advice he got, Ravana summons a general council of Rakshasas. All people including Vibheeshana and Prahastha arrive for attending the council.]

That sinful king got further weak being passionately loving Maithili, despising the kind hearted friend as well as by his sinful action. 11.1

Since the prospect of war was coming very near, Ravana wanted to do further consultations with his friends and ministers. 11.2

He mounted the great chariot covered by gold and studded with valuable gems and drawn by trained horses. 11.3

Having mounted that best chariot, that great Rakshasa with ten necks started moving towards his council making the rattling sound of a great cloud. 11.4

Heroes holding sword and shield and Rakshasas armed with all weapons, marched in front of the chariot of king of Rakshasas. 11.5

With very many unpalatable shapes and wearing different type of ornaments, the Rakshasa marched surrounding him from sides as well as behind. 11.6

Great charioteers in chariots, elephants in rut and horses in different gaits speedily rushed after the ten necked one. 11.7

Some were Holding mace and iron rod, some holding Shakthi and Javelin and some were wearing axes and other type of tridents. 11.8

Then thousands of trumpets gave rise to huge sound and several conches produced tumultuous sounds.11.9

Then that great chariot with an auspicious look making sounds by moving wheels soon, entered the royal avenue. 11.10

The spotlessly pure white Umbrella which was held over the head of the king of Rakshasas shined like a full moon. 11.11

Two white cowry fans made of yak tails and having handle made out crystal and with golden fringes were also shining. 11.12

All the Rakshasas who were standing on the land, bowed their head and saluted the king of Rakshasas riding on a chariot. 11.13

Praised by the Rakshasas who were cheering him to get victory, that harasser of enemies approached the council hall. 11.14

Ravana with great splendour, with his body shining brightly, entered that assembly hall, which was paved with gold and silver, whose interior was wrought with pure crystal, carpeted with skins of deer, guarded by six hundred evil spirits, ever shining and well-constructed by Visvakarma. 11.15-11.16

Ravana occupied a great seat in that hall, embedded by Vaidoorya gems, covered with a skin of Priyaka and furnished with pillows. 11.17

After that the king Ravana ordered his emissaries, who were valorous, "Since I know what the enemies are doing there is a great work before us and so call all the Rakshasas quickly." 11.18

Hearing the words of the Rakshasa king, they went round the entire Lanka, in to gardens and inside bed rooms and in to every house without fear and summoned Rakshasas from everywhere. 11.19-11.20

Some Rakshasas came mounted on pretty chariots, some came on horses, some came on elephants and some others walked down. 11.21

The city became very crowded with the coming of Rakshasas on chariots, horses and elephants and appeared like birds rushing fast in the sky. 11.22

Parking horses, elephants and various kinds vehicles like chariots, they entered by foot the assembly-hall as a mountain-cave is entered by lions. 11.23

After touching the feet of the king, in return honoured by him, some of them sat on seats, some on mats and some on bare grounds. 11.24

As per the order of the king they all assembled in the council hall and took position around the king as per their rank. 11.25

Ministers who were scholars who were well versed in deciding action and those endowed with good qualities, those who knew everything, king's ministers who could perceive things by their power of intellect and warriors in hundreds, gathered according to their importance in that assembly hall, which was wrapped with gold, for telling their opinions on all actions. 11.26-11.27

That great soul Vibheeshana who was famous got in to an auspicious and very broad chariot, with several of its part being made in gold and which was drawn by good horses, and drove towards the council hall of Ravana, his elder brother. 11.28

Then that younger brother Told the king his name saluted him by touching his feet. Sukha and Prahastha did also like wise and Ravana allotted them all suitable seats. 11.29

The aroma of the best aloe and sandal paste painted on the persons as also of garlands worn round the necks of those Rakshasas duly adorned with ornaments of gold and gems and attired in excellent clothes diffused all round in the assembly-hall. 11.30

The assembled Rakshasas there did not shout loudly. None told a lie or even talked vociferously. All of them were ready for action and were endowed with terrible energy. All of them sat, perceiving their lord's face. 11.31

In that assembly Ravana who was self-willed shined with extreme brilliance among all those Rakshasas who have assembled there and appeared like Indra among the Vasus. 11.32

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

12. Khumbakarna Speaks

[Ravana briefs his people about past events and tells them that he is passionately in love with Sita. Khumbakarna says that what he has done is wrong, but he will do all his best to defeat Rama and his army if needed.]

Then Ravana who was the most eminent in the assembly seeing the gathering instructed Prahastha the commander in chief of the Rakshasa army. 12.1

"Oh commander, you are instructed to give orders to the warriors of well-trained four branches of the army to take up the job of protecting the city. 12.2

Then Prahastha who had a steadfast mind, with a view to follow the command of the king, stations his whole army outside and inside the city. 12.3

After stationing the army for the defense of the city as per the king's order, Prahastha sat in front of the king and spoke. 12.4

"Your army which is as strong as you, has been stationed inside and outside the city and so with a mind without any distraction, do whatever is needed by you. 12.5

That king who was interested in the welfare of his country, after hearing the words of Prahastha, for obtaining pleasure spoke amidst his friends. 12.6

"When you are in difficult situations, regarding Virtue, pleasure and wealth, you are able to have a correct idea about your likes and dislikes, pain and pleasure, gain and loss, and advantages and disadvantages." 12.7

"All actions of mine have been undertaken by me were done with great attention and never in vain." 12.8

"I would attain great prosperity because of the cooperation shown by all of you, like Indra gets prosperity through cooperation of moon, planets, devas and stars." 12.9

"I am intending to tell all of you again though I had not informed Khumbakarna earlier because he was asleep." 12.10

"The very strong Khumbakarna, who can wield all weapons has been sleeping for the past six months and now he has woken up." 12.11

"Sita the darling wife of Rama and daughter of Janaka was brought from Dandakaranya, which is frequented by Rakshasas." 12.12

"That lazy one does not want to climb in to my bed and I am of the opinion in the three worlds, there is no one else like her." 12.13

"She has slim waist, well developed hips, has a face like autumn moon, resembles a golden doll, gentle and is like a doll of illusion created by Maya." 12.14

"Seeing that matchless one keep her red and very soft feet, evenly placing on the ground, my lust has been kindled." 12.15

"Seeing her flame like looks, her luster like the sun, prominent nose and pretty eyes, I have become weakened and have become owned by passion." 12.16

"I am polluted by passion, anger and joy which makes me pale and I have been suffering from sorrow ever since." 12.17

"That large eyed one begged for one year time from me, expecting that she would see her husband Rama and I accepted the auspicious request of that pretty eyed one and I have become weary due to lust for her, like a horse running on the same path continuously." 12.18-12.19

"How will those monkeys living in the forest or the sons of Dasaratha cross this unassailable sea which is crowded by many sea animals?" 12.20

"But one single monkey has caused great destruction here but the result of their action is unpredictable. Please tell me what is in your mind." 12.21

"We have no fear with human beings. Even so, this matter can be discussed. Earlier, together with you, I conquered the devas in a battle between the devas and Rakshasas. You also conquered them. Knowing the whereabouts of Sita, that Rama and Lakshmana together with Sugreeva and other monkeys have reached the other shore of the ocean." 12.22-12.24

"Please tell me a plan, which is legal and by which Sita need not be handed over and Rama and Lakshmana are killed." 12.25

"I do not find anybody in this world has the capacity to cross this ocean along with the monkeys and so surely victory will be mine." 12.26

Hearing that appeal from him which was laced only with passion, Khumbakarna spoke the following words with great anger. 12.27

"You should have properly thought over before bringing Sita who was accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana, to this place, for even Yamuna at its starting point fills a depression on earth with water." 12.28

"Oh king, it would have been greatly proper, if you have done this consultation before doing that act." 12.29

"Oh ten faced one, when a king does the affairs of the kingdom as per law of justice would not repent later." 12.30

"Unplanned actions lead to negative results and get spoiled, like oblations without devotion gets negative results." 12.31

"He wants to do actions which ought be done earlier at a later time, would be doing rituals done after death not according to Vedic percepts." 12.32

"Seeing superior strength in acts done without consistency and seeking his weak point is like the swans seeking a clearing in the Krouncha mountain." 12.33

"You have undertaken to do this job without proper thought and by luck Rama did not kill you, for a piece of meat mixed with poison would kill the one who eats it." 12.34

"Oh blemish less one, therefore by killing your enemies I will neutralize, the dis-honourable act of yours towards them." 12.35

"O, night traveler ! I shall kill your enemies. I shall fight in this war with those two brothers, even if they are Indra and the sun-god or the god of fire and the wind-god or Khubera and Varuna. "12.36

"With a mountain sized body, sharp teeth and carrying huge weapons, I will roar and attack them and kill even if they are Indra." 12.37

"Before that Rama kills me with his arrow, I shall definitely drink his blood, so please get cheerful." 12.38

"I will bring pleasure to you by killing those sons of Dasaratha and also fetch victory to you. After killing Rama and Lakshmana, I will eat away all the monkeys." 12.39

"Enjoy passion, drink to the extent of your desire without any anxiety. I will send Rama to the abode of Yama and Sita would be yours forever." 12.40

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