Yuddha Kandam

48. Sita Wails and Trijata Consoles

[Sita feels sad that her husband is no more in spite of predictions of several astrologers and sages. Trijata consoles her and reassures Sita, that both the princes are alive.]

Seeing that her husband has been killed along with the very strong Lakshmana, Sita very much wailed pitiably as she was stuck by great sorrow. 48.1

"Those who read signs had predicted that I would have sons and will never become a widow and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones." 48.2

"They also predicted that I would be his companion when he performs Sattra sacrifice and that I would be his consort when he performs Yagnas and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones. 48.3

"They also predicted that I would be honoured as the wife of a Valorous one and that I would be worshipped by my husband, and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones. 48.4

"They who were wise Brahmins also foretold that I would live very happily, and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones. 48.5

"I have lotus marks on my feet which in case of noble women is supposed to indicate that they will get consecrated on the throne along with husbands who are kings." 48.6

"I do not find marks of bad fortune which indicate widowhood and bad fortune in my case but as I see it now, all these auspicious signs are of no use." 48.7

"In women the mark of lotus is supposed to augur well but since Rama has been slain, they are of no meaning to me." 48.8

"My hair is fine, black in colour and smooth. My eye-brows are disunited. My calves are hair-less and well rounded. My teeth are contiguous, without any gaps between them." 48.9

"My temples, eyes, arms, feet, ankles and thighs are homogenous and well-proportioned. My fingers have well-rounded and glossy nails, having a right length." 48.10

"My breasts are close to each other, fully developed and have depressed nipples. My navel is deeply indented. My flanks and bosom are well-formed." 48.11

"My complexion has the luster of a pearl. The hair on my skin are soft. It is said of me as endowed with auspicious signs, in that I touched the ground with my twelve limbs i.e. ten toes and two soles."48.12

"Those who interpret the marks of maidens told that my hands and feet are rosy, fully provided with marks each resembling a barley corn, there is no space between my fingers and toes and that my smile is gentle." 48.13

"Brahmins who were experts in predicting the future told me that I would get consecrated on the throne with my husband but all that is in vain now." 48.14
"After searching in Janasthana and having received news about me and after crossing the impassable ocean those brothers have died in this hoof print of the cow." 48.15

"Both Rama and Lakshmana surely knew how to use the arrows of Varuna, fire, Indra wind God and also the Brahma Sira arrow." 48.16

"Rama and Lakshmana who are similar to Indra has been killed by magic and the enemy becoming invisible, making me an orphan without a lord." 48.17

"Any enemy who comes within the sight of Rama cannot hope to stick on to his life even though he can move as fast as thought." 48.18

"There is no burden as heavy as death and nobody can attain victory over death and now Rama along with his brother Lakshmana is lying dead in the battle field." 48.19

"I am not sad for the death of my husband or that of Lakshmana, not even for the sake of my mother but for the sake of my saintly mother-in-law." 48.20

"She must be daily thinking about when our penance will get over and when she will be able to see Sita, Rama and Lakshmana." 48.21

To her who was sorrowing greatly like this the Rakshasi Trijata told, "Oh lady do not be sad like this for your husband is still alive." 48.22

"I will tell you the logical and great reasons, oh lady, for me to tell you that Rama and Lakshmana are alive." 48.23

"If they have lost their leader the faces of the soldiers in the battle field would not reflect anger nor would there be joy in them." 48.24

"Oh Vaidehi, if those two had lost their life, this divine aero plane called Pushpaka which is divine would not have brought you here." 48.25

"If the army witnesses its leader being slain, they would be without enthusiasm and would be wandering aimlessly, like a ship which has broken its rudder in water." 48.26

"Oh sage like lady, the army on their part are not confused nor perturbed and are guarding him who has been made conscious less in the battle and I am telling you this because of my love to you." 48.27

"Please be reassured of this by the good omens that you see which indicate coming of happiness. Please notice that Rama and Lakshmana are not dead. I am telling you this because of my love towards you." 48.28

"Oh Sita, I have never told a lie before and am not likely to tell one in future. Due to your virtue and pleasant behaviour you have occupied my heart." 48.29

"There is no doubt that even Indra, devas and Rakshasas can win over them in battle and this is what I have observed and what I wanted to tell you." 48.30

"Oh Sita, see this great wonder, though they are fallen under those arrows lying without senses, their auspicious prettiness has not deserted them." 48.31

"Generally for those who have lost their life and soul has gone away from their body, their face would appear greatly altered." 48.32

"Oh daughter of Janaka, give up sorrow, pain and illusion on account of Rama and Lakshmana. It is impossible for them not to be alive." 48.33

Hear her words, Sita who was similar to daughter of Gods with folded hands in salutation told, "Let it be so." 48.34

Along with the Pushpaka Vimana, the sorrowing and very pitiable Sita entered the city of Lanka with Trijata. 48.35

Then after Sita and Trijata got down from the Pushpaka Vimana, the Rakshasis made them enter the Asoka garden. 48.36

Sita after entering the garden with huge number of trees and which was the playground of the Rakshasa king, thinking about those sons of the king gave way to extreme grief." 48.37

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

49. Rama Wails for Lakshmana

[Rama wakes up and starts crying. He tells if Lakshmana dies, he would not remain alive. He thanks all the monkeys and requests them to go back. At that time Vibheeshana returns.]

Bound by that formidable network of arrows, the two great sons of Dasaratha lay bathed in blood, breathing like serpents. All those foremost of monkeys who were exceedingly strong, including Sugreeva, plunged in grief, were standing around those two great ones. 49.1-49.2

At that time the mighty Rama woke up from his swoon by nature of stability and native strength despite the arrows which were holding him bound. 49.3

Then seeing his brother who was bleeding, without consciousness and thrown on the ground, Rama with his features changed wailed full of grief. 49.4

"What is the use of recovering Sita now? What is the use of continuing to live? Because I am now seeing my brother lying without consciousness." 49.5

"If I seriously search I may get a lady who is similar to Sita but I will not able to find a brother, a minister and one who helps me in this war like Lakshmana." 49.6

"If the son of Sumithra who increases my joy mixes with the five elements, I would give up my life in the presence of these monkeys." 49.7

"What shall I say to my mother Kausalya, what shall I tell mother Kaikeyi? What shall I do in case of mother Sumithra who must be thirsting to see her son." 49.8

"How shall I console Sumithra, trembling and crying out like a sea hawk, bereft of her son, if I return to Ayodhya without Lakshmana?" 49.9

"How shall I tell Shatrugna and the famous Bharatha when I return without Lakshmana, who followed me to the forest?" 49.10

"I would not be able to bear the reproaches of Sumithra and so I would prefer to leave my body here itself as I do not want to continue to live. 49.11

"Woe unto me. I have done a wicked deed without any nobility and it is due to my fault that Lakshmana lies under the bed of arrows with a view to protect me." 49.12

"O, Lakshmana! You always used to console me whenever I was in a great sorrow. Having lost your life now, you will not able to allay my sufferings with your words." 49.13

"You, who have killed several Rakshasas on the battle field today, are lying down on the same battle field pierced by several arrows like a hero." 49.14

"Sleeping on the bed of arrays after getting bathed in your own blood, you like the sun God setting down on a bed of arrows." 49.15

"Your vital parts having been pierced with several arrows and because of that you are not able to even speak now. Even though you are not speaking, your agony is disclosed by the redness of your eyes." 49.16

"I shall also follow him to the land of Yama, like that great warrior followed me when I came to the forest." 49.17

"He loved his own relations and was filled with devotion to me, and he got in to this state to which my misdeeds have brought him" 49.18

"I do not remember to have heard any harsh word which were not to my liking from valorous Lakshmana at any time, even when he is provoked." 49.19

"He was capable of sending five hundred arrows at one shot and that Lakshmana surpassed even Kartha Veerya Arjuna himself in mastery of archery." 49.20

"He who is used to sleep on beds of great gentleman and who is capable of cutting the weapons of Indra himself is lying on earth." 49.21

"Without any doubt the words of imagination by me that I will make Vibheeshana the king of Rakshasas will hurt me as I have not made him a king." 49.22

"Oh Sugreeva, you ought to immediately within a moment leave this place, because once king Ravana knows that I am not there to support you, he will defeat you." 49.23

"O, Sugreeva, cross the sea again with your army, keeping Angadha in front and along with your followers, Nila and Nala." 49.24

"I am fully satisfied by the exploits of Hanuman in the battle and also by the one done by the king of bears and other generals of monkeys, as this is impossible by anyone else in a battle." 49.25

"A great act was done by Angadha, Mainda and Dvivida. A terrible combat was done by Kesari and Sampathi in the battle-field." 49.26

"By Gavya, Gavaksha, Sarabha, Gaja and other monkeys, who are willing to sacrifice their lives for me, the battle was carried on." 49.27

"Oh Sugreeva, Man can never fight against fate and oh tormentor of enemies, because you were afraid in failing in your duty, you have done me all that a friend and a comrade can ever do to me." 49.28

"Oh best among monkeys, you have done all this due to your friendship to me. Give me leave and all of you go back to any place that you want." 49.29

All the monkeys who heard this became extremely sad and those black eyed one allowed copious tears to be shed from their eyes. 49.30

At that time Vibheeshana after having established order in all the ranks of the army, came quickly to Rama with a mace in hand. 49.31

Seeing him, who was like a heap of collyrium speedily coming towards them, the monkeys thinking him to be Indrajit, the son of Ravana started to run away. 49.32

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

50. Garuda Frees Rama and Lakshmana

[When the monkeys were consoling each other Sushena suggests that Hanuman should go to the Chandra mountain and bring the herbs to cure Rama. At that time Garuda, the son of Vinatha, comes and cures Rama and Lakshmana. He tells them that he is their friend.]

Then at that time the strong king of monkeys told, "Why is our army agitated and running like ship driven out of course in water?" 50.1

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, Angadha, the son of Vali, told, "Are you not seeing the two brothers The valorous Rama and Lakshmana, who are the sons of Dasaratha, caught in the web of arrows. Both of them are lying in the bed of arrows which is causing blood to flow from all over their body." 50.2-50.3

When this was told by the son Angadha to the king of monkeys, Sugreeva told, "There must be some other cause why the monkeys are bewildered and possibly there is some danger ahead." 50.4

"Hear, these monkeys are running away in all directions, with their eyes distended with terror, throwing down their arms and looking dejected." 50.5

"They are not feeling ashamed of one another and they are again and again looking behind them. They are jostling with one another and jump over those who have fallen down." 50.6

When they were talking like this, the valorous Vibheeshana holding a mace cheered Sugreeva and Rama and told, "Victory to Rama". 50.7

When Sugreeva saw that Vibheeshana was the cause of the scare of monkeys, he told Jambhavan the king of bears as follows. 50.8

"It is Vibheeshana who has come here, seeing whom the Monkey warriors are scared thinking that he is Indrajit, the son of Ravana." 50.9

"You re-assemble those monkeys immediately, who in fear have scattered in many directions and inform them that it is Vibheeshana who has come here." 50.10

As soon as Sugreeva told like this, Jambhavan, the king of bears, pacified all the monkeys and restored their confidence. 50.11

Hearing the words of Jambhavan, the king of Bears, all those monkeys, on seeing Vibheeshana, retraced their steps after shaking off their fear. 50.12

Vibheeshana, the follower of Dharma, felt pained on seeing the body of Rama as well as Lakshmana wounded by arrows. 50.13

After washing his eyes with hand dipped in water, he started weeping in great anguish seizing his chest and told. 50.14

"The treacherous Rakshasa warrior has brought these powerful and valiant warriors to this state." 50.15

"The son of my brother, who is a Rakshasa, a bad son and a bad soul, with a cunning mind, has deceived these honourable fighters." 50.16

"These two warriors, Rama and Lakshmana, who were struck badly by arrows and covered with blood are lying on the earth, like two porcupines." 50.17

"These two lions among men, on whom I have depended to fulfillment of desire, are lying fainted and are waiting to leave this body" 50.18

"Having lost my dream of getting the kingdom, I am like a dead, even while I am surviving, while Ravana is able to fulfill his vow and is getting his desires realized." 50.19

The magnanimous Sugreeva embraced Vibheeshana who was wailing and told him as follows. 50.20

"Oh follower of Dharma, you would without any doubt get the kingdom of Lanka and Ravana and his son would not be able to fulfill their wishes." 50.21

"Rama and Lakshmana have been only affected by a wound and they will regain consciousness and would definitely kill Ravana." 50.22

After consoling and convincing the Rakshasa Vibheeshana like this, Sugreeva talked to Sushena, his father -in-law, who was standing by his side. 50.23

"Taking these two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana with the troops of monkeys, who are strong, you go to KIshkinda, till these two destroyers of their foes have recovered their consciousness." 50.24

"I for myself, after killing Ravana along with his sons and relatives, would bring back Sita, like Indra got back the prosperity that he lost." 50.25

When the king of monkeys told these words, Sushena replied, "I had earlier seen a great dreadful battle between Asuras and Devas." 50.26

"By making themselves invisible again and again, the Rakshasas skilled in the use of arrows overcame the devas despite their skill in bearing arms." 50.27

"To those celestials, who were wounded, unconscious and almost deprived of life, Brihaspathi treated them using medicinal herbs accompanied by his sacred chants." 50.28

"Let the monkeys, Panasa, Samapthi and others go quickly, with great speed, to the ocean of milk for bringing those medicinal herbs." 50.29

"Those monkeys are conversant with the herbs available on mountains like the divine Sanjeevakarni and Vishalya which are created by God." 50.30

"In the middle of the milky ocean where churning was done to get nectar there are mountains called Chandra and Drona, where these herbs are available." 50.31

"Oh king, the devas built those mountains in that vast ocean and let Hanuman, the son of wind god go there." 50.32

At that time, a huge wind arose with the building up of clouds and resultant lightning; this wind caused the waves to rise in the ocean, which caused the mountains to tremble, like at the time of earth quake. 50.33

"Due to the great wind generated by the wing of the bird, the branches of huge trees in the sand bank started breaking and fell in the salty water of the ocean." 50.34

"The snakes became scared and the sea snakes and marine animals living in the sea, plunged quickly in to the sea." 50.35

Thereupon, all the monkeys saw within a moment, a mighty eagle, Garuda, the son of Vinata, which was similar to the flame of the fire. 50.36

"Those arrows, which were the spirit of snakes that had tied those great men, who were brothers, on seeing the great eagle ran away from there." 50.37

Thereupon, Garuda the eagle, met Rama and Lakshmana and after offering them his good wishes, with his hands caressed their faces that were radiant like the moon. 50.38

As soon as the son of Vinatha touched them all their wounds were healed and their body became soft and glowed like gold. 50.39

Their luster, valour, strength, endurance and resolution, those great qualities, also their grace, intelligence and memory were re-doubled. 50.40

That greatly valorous Garuda, who was like Indra, lifted both of them up and embraced them and greatly pleased Rama told Garuda. 50.41

"By your grace, we have crossed over the great danger caused to us by the son of Ravana and having got out of it, we have become as strong as before." 50.42

"By meeting you, my heart has become glad as if I met my father Dasaratha and grandfather Aja. 50.43

"Who are you, who is endowed with beauty, having blissful garlands and anointments, wearing clean garments and adorned with divine ornaments?" 50.44

That greatly lustrous and strong son of Vinatha, with eyes broadened by joy and with a pleased mind told. 50.45

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, I am your friend, as dear to you as your breath and my name is Garuda and I have reached here to help you." 50.46

"Either Asuras or valorous Dhanavas or strong Devas or Gandharwas, who are all lead by Indra, would not be able to un-tie this entanglement created by arrows, using magical powers by Indrajit, who does cruel deeds." 50.47-50.48

"There are serpents born to Kadru with sharp teeth and fangs abundantly supplied with poison and made in to arrows by sorcery of the Rakshasa called Indrajit and have stuck you." 50.49

"Oh Rama, who is a follower of Dharma and considers truth as his valour and who kills enemies in battle, you along with Lakshmana are indeed lucky." 50.50

"Having heard about this incident, I came swiftly here, duly remembering my friendship and love to both of you." 50.51

"Due to me, you have been released from this horrible entanglement of arrows and both of you should be greatly vigilant from now on." 50.52

"By nature all the Rakshasas are treacherous fighters in war but for you both straight forwardness and pure mind are your strengths." 50.53

"From this example itself you have to understand that they fight with crooked mind and so you should not believe a Rakshasa in a battle field." 50.54

After saying like this, that Garuda, who is strong, affectionately hugged those friends and started taking leave. 50.55

"Oh friend, who shows pity even to his enemies, I would like to take leave from you and go back as I have come." 50.56

"Oh hero, you may be inquisitive to know about the friendship between us. I am sure you would know about it after completing this great work of you. 50.57

"Using your arrows make Lanka have only old people and young ones, kill Ravana and get Sita released." 50.58

Having spoken thus, Garuda who can fly with great speed, who had beautiful wings, who had just healed Rama's wounds in the presence of monkeys, after obeisance to him in the presence of monkeys, after going round him in salutation to him and took Rama into his arms, entered the sky with the speed of the wind. 50.59-50.60

Seeing that the sons of the Raghu clan are cured of their problem, the chiefs of monkeys howled and also roared like lion and shook their tails. 50.61

After that, gongs were beaten, drums resounded and couches were blown amid jumping in joy of the monkeys as before. 50.62

Some other strong monkeys, who normally use trees like mace, waved their arms and uprooted hundreds of thousands of trees and stood there. 50.63

Shouting and making loud noise, frightening Rakshasas, those monkeys desirous of fighting reached the gates of city of Lanka. 50.64

From the crowds of monkeys then a tumultuous sound arose, like the terrifying sound of thunder occurring in summer at midnight. 50.65

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

51. Dhoomraksha Goes to War

[After knowing that Rama and Lakshmana have got up, Ravana sends Dhoomraksha to kill the monkey army. He sets out through the western gate and ill omens follow him.]

Ravana along with other Rakshasas heard the tumultuous sound raised by the monkeys which was full of the tone of war. 51.1

Hearing that mighty clamour, sounding smooth and deep, Ravana spoke to his ministers who were surrounding him. 51.2

"A great uproar, resembling the thunder from clouds, has arisen from that army of rejoiced monkeys. Undoubtedly their joy is great, as their mighty roars are agitating the briny ocean itself." 51.3-51.4

"The Brothers Rama and Lakshmana have been tied by sharp arrows and this great sound creates doubt in my mind." 51.5

After the king of Rakshasas told these words to his ministers, told the following to the Rakshasas who were standing near him. 51.6

"Find out immediately the cause of this great rejoicing by the monkeys, for at times of sorrow no one celebrates." 51.7

Thus ordered by Ravana, they climbed up the rampart briskly and saw the army lead by the great Sugreeva and also the highly fortunate Rama and Lakshmana who were relieved of the terrific shackle of arrows and had risen up together. All the Rakshasas felt dejected on seeing it. 51.8-51.9

With trembling heart, pale face, all of those great Rakshasas got down from rampart and approached Ravana. 51.10

The Rakshasas of Ravana with a downcast face informed him of unpalatable news faithfully. 51.11

"The two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, whom Indrajit tied by his arrows and made them immobile, have got free from the ties of the arrow and are seen like elephants in the battle field, with valour equivalent to the king of elephants." 51.12-51.13

When the strong king of Rakshasas heard this, he became sad and thoughtful and his face became pale. 51.14

"If my enemies who had thus been tied by Indrajit are freed, despite their injuries in battle by his formidable arrows which were infallible on account of those rare boons and which resembled serpents and were bright as the sun, I feel that my entire army is in great danger." 51.15-51.16

"Those arrows which had the luster of serpent Vasuki and which should have taken the life of my enemies have been rendered as powerless." 51.17

After saying like this, he became angry and breathed like a serpent and started speaking to a Rakshasa called Dhoomraksha who was in the middle of Rakshasas. 51.18

"You, who are a Rakshasa, who has done great deeds along with a big army, go and kill Rama, Lakshmana and other monkeys." 51.19
When the king of Rakshasas told like this to Dhoomraksha, who had great prowess, became happy and saluted him and left the home of the king. 51.20

As soon as he reached the gate, he told the commander of the army, "speedily mobilize the army. What is the need for further delay." 51.21

As soon as the commander of army heard these words of Dhoomraksha, he immediately arranged for the army, who followed him as per order of Ravana. 51.22

Those strong horrible looking Rakshasas, who had bells tied to their neck, made happy noises and followed Dhoomraksha. 51.23

Equipped with every type of weapon and brandishing spears, hammers, maces, harpoons, sticks, iron cudgels, bars, clubs, javelins, missiles, nooses and axes, those terrible Rakshasas emerged from there with the noise of thunder. 51.24-51.25

Wearing armours, mounted on chariots which were magnificently dressed with flags and decorated with bands of pure gold, and pulled by mules and horses of exceeding speed or by elephants in furious rut, those excellent Rakshasas went forth like veritable tigers. 51.26-51.27

Dhoomraksha climbed and set out on a chariot drawn by mules which had lion or deer like face and dressed in gold. 51..28

That valorous Dhoomraksha surrounded by a big army of Rakshasas came out through the western gate where Hanuman was stationed. 51.29

Climbing on a chariot drawn by mules and howling like mule when that horrifying Rakshasa, who had a huge form, was proceeding birds of ill omen on the sky prevented him. 51.30

A huge vulture alighted on the top of his chariot and that devour of corpses clustered around his flag. 51.31

A bleeding white headless body fell from the sky on earth and inauspicious sounds were heard when Dhoomraksha was approaching and there was a rain of blood from sky and earth trembled. 51.32-51.33

The wind with noise similar to thunder blew adversely. Every direction was obscured by great darkness and did not shine. 51.34

Seeing those happenings all the Rakshasas were scared and seeing those bad omens, Dhoomraksha became worried and all those Rakshasas who were marching ahead of him were greatly scared. 51.35

Then, Dhoomraksha, the highly terrible and strong demon, surrounded by horrifying big Rakshasas, eager to enter into combat, set out and beheld that army of a multitude of monkeys, resembling a flood, protected by the arms of Rama. 51.36

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

52. Hanuman Kills Dhoomraksha

[A great war ensues between monkeys and Rakshasas. Dhoomraksha starts killing several monkeys. Hanuman interferes and kills Dhoomraksha.]

Seeing the very valorous Rakshasa called Dhoomraksha coming out, the monkeys who were longing for a war roared with joy. 52.1

A very horrible battle ensued between the monkeys and Rakshasas and they killed each other with horrifying trees and maces and lances. 52.2

The terrible monkeys were killed by the Rakshasas from all sides and monkeys also turned the Rakshasas flat to the earth using their trees. 52.3

The very angry Rakshasas also using very sharp winged arrows which went like winged eagles paralyzed the monkeys. 52.4

While being torn asunder by the Rakshasas with terrible maces, spears, hammers, frightful iron bars and variegated tridents and the mighty monkeys fearlessly accomplished their tasks with an excitement born of anger. 52.5-52.6

With body pierced by arrows and body split by spears, the monkey chiefs took trees and stones for the sake of fighting. 52.7

Those very swift monkeys roaring aloud, harassed the huge Rakshasas by calling out their names. 52.8

That horrifying battle with all kinds of rocks and trees having many branches between monkeys and Rakshasas appeared wonderful. 52.9

Rakshasas were crushed by those fearless monkeys and those Rakshasas who drank blood vomited lot of blood. 52.10

Some Rakshasas were cut open on all their sides. Some were transformed into a heap by the trees. Some others were crushed by stones and yet others torn to pieces by the monkeys teeth. 52.11

With their flags crushed and broken, their swords snapped and their chariots overturned, some Rakshasa were greatly worried. 52.12

Crushed by the mountain like stones, the mountain like Rakshasas and the beaten horses along with their riders were lying on the earth. 52.13

The very great valorous monkeys jumped swiftly on the Rakshasas and with sharp nails scratched the faces of the Rakshasas. 52.14

With very wan faces and with their hair torn out of their head, and maddened by the smell of blood, those Rakshasas fell on the ground. 52.15

Some other very angry and greatly valorous Rakshasas ran towards the monkeys to slap them with their diamond like hard palms, 52.16
The monkeys with their fists, feet, teeth and with trees crushed those who were rushing towards them with great speed. 52.17

The bull among Rakshasas Dhoomraksha seeing that his army is being destroyed, started to create bloodshed among the monkeys who wished to fight. 52.18

Some monkeys hit by the spears gave rise to bloodshed and some of them hit by the axe fell on the earth. 52.19

Some were crushed by the iron bars, others torn by harpoons, some others pierced by javelins, and all of them got exhausted and lost their lives. 52.20

Some of those monkeys lost all their blood and fell on the ground and some of them were driven out by that angry Rakshasa. 52.21

With pierced hearts some of them were lying towards one side and in case of some of them who were pierced by arrows and spears, the intestines came out. 52.22

That great and terrible battle that took place between Rakshasas and monkeys made the earth crammed with weapons, trees and stones. 52.23

With the twang of the bow providing music, the neighing of the horses the beats with trumpeting elephants providing the vocal music, that battle was like a music opera. 52.24

Dhoomraksha holding a bow with a laugh made the monkeys run helter-skelter by the continuous hail of arrows. 52.25

Hanuman seeing that his army was greatly disturbed by Dhoomraksha, in great anger turned towards him with a very huge stone. 52.26

Hanuman who was as valorous as his father, with eyes turned doubly red by anger, threw that huge stone towards the chariot of Dhoomraksha. 52.27

He seeing the stone coming towards the chariot, hurriedly took a mace in his hand and jumped from the chariot and stood on earth. 52.28

Shattering his chariot with its wheels, its pole, its crest along with banner and bows, that rock rolled down to the ground. 52.29

That Hanuman, the son of wind god after breaking the chariot, destroyed the Rakshasas with a huge tree along with its branches. 52.30

With their heads crushed, the Rakshasas were drenched with blood. Some others were crushed by the trees and fell down to the earth. 52.31

That Hanuman, the son of wind God after driving away the Rakshasas, took a mountain peak and started running towards Dhoomraksha. 52.32

That valorous Dhoomraksha holding a mace ran with a roaring sound towards Hanuman who was suddenly coming to attack him. 52.33
Then that Dhoomraksha speedily with anger brought town the thorns studded mace on the head of Hanuman. 52.34

That Hanuman, who was as strong as the wind god, was in no way disturbed by that blow but struck Dhoomraksha on the middle of his skull with his rocky peak. 52.35

Having been beaten by the mountain peak, with all his limbs broken, Dhoomraksha fell on the ground, like a mountain. 52.36

Seeing that Dhoomraksha is dead the surviving Rakshasas greatly frightened of being killed by the monkeys entered back in to the town of Lanka. 52.37

That famous Hanuman the son of wind god having destroyed his enemies and causing rivers of blood to flow, becoming tired by the slaughter of his enemies, with delight, received the cordial respects by the monkeys. 52.38

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

53. Ravana Sends Vajradamshtra

[A great heroic sorcerer Rakshasa called Vajradamshtra is sent by Ravana. In spite of ill omens, he comes out through the southern gate. A great war takes place between Rakshasas and monkeys. Angadha interferes in the battle.]

After he saw that Dhoomraksha is dead, Ravana, the king of Rakshasa, was greatly enraged and hissed like a serpent. And polluted by anger, he talked to the cruel and very strong Vajradamshtra. 53.1-53.2

"Oh warrior, go ahead along with the Rakshasas and kill Rama, the son of Dasaratha as well as Sugreeva." 53.3

That leader of Rakshasas who was a sorcerer answered "So be it" and departed with many divisions of the army which surrounded him. With the utmost attention, he assembled teams of elephants, horses mules camels and chariots adorning them with conspicuous flags and banners and he himself was well-prepared. 53.4-53.5

Wearing colourful bracelets and head gear and covered with an armour, he started armed with a bow. 53.6

That army general went round the Shining chariot decorated by flags and which had with ornaments of molten gold and climbed the chariot. 53.7

Infantry of every kind issued forth, holding in their hands weapons such as clubs, excellent javelins, smooth pestles, harpoons, bows, lances, spears, swords, discus, maces and sharp axes. 53.8-53.9

Greatly lustrous and well dressed Rakshasa Chiefs, mounted on elephants with rut looked like moving mountains. 53.10

There were experts in war, holding riding with lances and goads on other very strong elephants and had good qualities. 53.11

That great army which had great luster like clouds with lightning and thunder in the rainy season, paraded and then they came out of the southern gate where Angadha was the general. 53.12

When those Rakshasas were starting they noticed bad omens like meteors falling from a cloudless yet burning sky, howling of fearless jackals howling and belching out fire. 53.13-53.14

Those horrible animals foretold the destruction of the warriors and the Rakshasas going out for war stumbled and fell down. 53.15

The very strong Vajradamshtra with great luster, in spite of noticing this evil omens, assumed great courage and came out with interest in the war. 53.16

The Monkeys looking forward for a victory, after seeing them come out gave rise to very huge sound that filled all the ten directions. 53.17

Then a tumultuous battle between the monkeys and Rakshasas commenced, which was horrible, furious and promoted desire to kill each other. 53.18

Some people very energetic and enthusiastic in war, their neck and bodies being cut fell on earth with the entire bodies coated with blood. 53.19

Some others who were armed with a shield, fought with each other and threw various types of weapons at each other. 53.20

A great sound was heard from the trees. Stones and all the weapons used and hearing that great noise broke the hearts of the people. 53.21

A terrific noise of the wheel-rims of chariots and the bow, along with the tumultuous sounds of conches, kettle-drums and tambours also arose there. 53.22

Some Rakshasas, left out weapons and performed the fight only with their arms. The Rakshasas were beaten and their bodies made greatly wounded by the monkeys who were fighting with arrogance, with their palms, feet, fists, trees and knees. Some Rakshasas were crushed to powder with rocks. 53.23-53.24

Vajradamshtra frightened greatly those monkeys by use of his arrows and appeared to them like God of death with his noose moving at time of deluge. 53.25

Armed with weapons and experts in war having participated in several wars those very angry Rakshasas started killing the monkeys in battle. 53.26

The son of Vali seeing all those Rakshasas fighting the war, due to anger became twice his size and started killing like the fire killing everyone 53.27

The valiant Angadha with his raging red eyes lifted a tree and killed all those army of Rakshasas, like a lion killing small animals. Angadha, with his prowess was resembling that of Indra the Lord of celestial and was a terrific destroyer of the enemies. 53.28-53.29

Those greatly valorous Rakshasas struck by Angadha had their heads shattered and fell down like chopped trees. 53.30

The earth then appeared scary as it was covered with chariots, conspicuous flags, horses, bodies of monkeys and demons and with streams of blood flowing there. 53.31

That battle-field, decorated with necklaces, bracelets worn on upper arm, garments and umbrellas of the killed persons looked like a night in autumn. 53.32

Due to the great swiftness of Angadha that great army of Rakshasas trembled like the cloud trembles due to fast wind. 53.33

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

54. Angadha Kills Vajradamshtra

[Vajradamshtra inflicts heavy casualty among the monkeys. They go and seek protection from Angadha. A great war takes place between Angadha and Vajradamshtra. At last Angadha kills Vajradamshtra by a sword in the battle field.]

Seeing his own army being destroyed by Angadha, the very strong Rakshasa Vajradamshtra became very much enraged. 54.1

Stretching his great bow which shined like the thunderbolt of Indra, he dispatched several rain of arrows on the monkey army. 54.2

The chief among all Rakshasas climbed in to the chariot and fought with many type of weapons. 54.3

Monkeys who were the most valiant animals that jump assembled, used stones as their weapons and fought on all sides. 54.4

In that war the Rakshasas hurled thousands of weapons swiftly and they fell those monkey warriors and their chiefs. 54.5

Also the monkeys who had great power, who resembled elephants in rut, took, mountains, trees and stones and rained them down on those Rakshasas 54.6

Between those great warriors consisting of Rakshasas and monkeys, who both never retreated in battle, a great battle ensued. 54.7

Some monkeys and Rakshasas, with their shattered heads, but without arms and legs, lay on the earth bathed in blood with their bodies wounded by weapons, became a prey to herons vultures and crows or were devoured by troops of jackals. 54.8-54.9

Monkeys and Rakshasas fell down on the battle-field and headless trunks with their limbs cut off in the war, jump up causing great fear to all the fearful. 54.10

All the army of Rakshasas of Vajradamshtra were killed in front of his eyes by the monkey army and his army was thus broken up. 54.11

Seeing the Rakshasa saw army was scared and killed by the monkeys The famous Vajradamshtra with reddened eyes due to anger entered the monkey army holding a bow and frightened them.54.12-54.13

The famous Vajradamshtra who was greatly enraged by sending sharp arrows decorated by eagle wings and which flew straight to the target, started killing the monkeys in fives, sevens and nines together. 54.14

The frightened monkeys with severed limbs ran towards Angadha like the living beings run to Brahma, the lord of creation. 54.15

The son of Vali seeing the defeated monkey warriors, with great anger exchanged hateful glances with Vajradamshtra. 54.16

Then Vajradamshtra and Angadha fought war with each other and strolled with great anger like the lion and the elephant in rut. 54.17

Then Vajradamshtra hit the very strong son of Vali on his vital parts of the body with arrows resembling hundred thousand flames of fare. 54.18

The very strong son of Vali with blood drenching all his body, threw a tree at Vajradamshtra of great prowess. 54.19

That Rakshasa was not bothered seeing three falling on him and with his arrows he cut it in to several pieces and made them fall on the ground. 54.20

Seeing the great strength of Vajradamshtra, Angadha who was monkey similar to a tiger took a huge rock and threw it with loud noise against him. 54.21

Seeing the great rock coming at him, Vajradamshtra was not bothered but jumped from his chariot and with a mace stood facing the rock in the battle-field. 54.22

The Rock thrown by Angadha went straight in to the battle field and crushed the chariot, the horses and the chariot driver. 54.23

Then that monkey took a huge mountain which was decorated with lot of trees and threw it at Vajradamshtra's head 54.24

Vomiting blood that Vajradamshtra fainted, holding his mace with convulsions and breathed heavily for a moment. 54.25

Regaining his consciousness and Waking up with great anger he hit the son of Vali on his chest with his mace. 54.26

Then he threw away his mace and engaged in a boxing encounter and both of them hit each other by their fists. 54.27

Greatly exhausted by the blows, spitting blood, those valiant warriors were like the planets Mars and Mercury. 54.28

Then the very greatly lustrous Angadha who was a tiger like monkey uprooted a very huge tree along with its leaves and flowers and waited. 54.29

The demon also seized hold of a shield covered with the hide of a bull and also a great beautiful sword decorated richly with a multitude of golden bells. 54.30

Desiring for victory, the monkey and the Rakshasa, making roaring sounds, roamed about in different ways and dashed against each other. 54.31

With their wounds shining red like the flowering Kimsuka tree, exhausted by the battle both of them sank on the earth with their knees. 54.32

The elephant like monkey Angadha within a second rose up from the earth like a serpent beaten by a stick. 54.33
The mighty Angadha hit at the giant head of Vajradamshtra with a well-sharpened and stainless sword. 54.34

Killed by the sword, that glorious head of Vajradamshtra, with his limbs drenched in blood and eyes rolled and, fell into two pieces. 54.35

Noticing that the Vajradamshtra was slain, the very scared trembling Rakshasas ran towards the city of Lanka with dejected faces looking pitiable and with downcast heads. 54.36-54.37

After killing that great Vajradamshtra that son of Vali was honoured him for his great courage in the middle of the monkey army and looked like Indra surrounded by the devas. 54.38

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

55. Ravana Sends Akampana

[Akampana the great Rakshasa is sent by Ravana. In spite of ill omens, he also proceeds to the battle field. In a great battle he kills large number of monkeys. Kumuda, Mainda and Nala start facing him in battle.]

When the king of Rakshasas Ravana heard about the death of Vajradamshtra, he spoke these words to the general of his army who was standing near with saluting hands. 55.1

"Let the undefeatable and greatly valorous Rakshasa called Akampana who is skilled in all weapons go out as head of the army." 55.2

"He is one who punishes, protects, leader and an expert in war and he forever wishes my welfare and likes to fight in war." 55.3

"Without any doubt he will win over Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva and kill all those horrible monkeys." 55.4

Immediately obeying the command of the very strong Ravana and that one who was greatly valorous mobilized the army. 55.5

Those foremost of the Rakshasa with terrifying looks, armed with every kind of weapon were fearful to look at and rushed into the fray where their general had dispatched them. 55.6

He who was similar to cloud and of the colour of the cloud got in to a chariot which was and huge decorated with ornaments of molten gold went surrounded by dreadful Rakshasas. 55.7

In a great battle even devas where unable to defeat Akampana and he was shining like Sun in splendour. 55.8

When he was speedily going ahead wishing greatly for a battle, the horses drawing his chariot suddenly were deprived of their energy. 55.9

The left eye of Akampana who was interested in war twitched and his face became pale and his voice became shaking. 55.10

Though it was a good day it was made bad by horrifying and speedy winds and birds and beasts started shouting in a very cruel tone. 55.11

That Rakshasa who was having a shoulder like lion and agility of a tiger, without thinking about these omens speeded towards the battle field. 55.12

When that Rakshasa was going accompanied by other Rakshasas, a great horrifying sound arose even making the sea tremble. 55.13

The monkeys who were ready for the battle with trees and stones were scared by that great sound caused by the coming Rakshasas. 55.14

A huge war broke out between the monkeys and Rakshasas, who had determined to even give up their life for sake of Rama and Ravana. 55.15

All those strong ones were very much like the mountains and the monkeys and Rakshasas were desirous of killing each other. 55.16

The tremendous sound of those warriors, yelling in their anger and strength, making savage cries, were distinctly heard on the battle-field. 55.17

A very huge coppery blood coloured thick dust was raised by the monkeys and Rakshasas and covered all the ten directions. 55.18

When that whitish dust that resembled a shaken white silk cloth which rose covered each other, all the beings in the battle field were not able to recognize each other. 55.19

Neither the flag, the banner and the shield, nor horse, nor weapon nor chariot could be identified in that pall of dust. 55.20

A great confusing clamour, of warriors, making challenges crying and rushing upon each other, was heard on the battle-field, yet in that confusion, no form was visible. 55.21

In that great confusion in that battle monkeys killed monkeys themselves and Rakshasas killed Rakshasas themselves. 55.22

Those monkeys and Rakshasas killing each other also their own people led to the rain of blood which dampened the earth and anointing the bodies with mud. 55.23

Due to the stream of blood being sprinkled, the dust settled down and the earth could be seen covered with corpses and bodies. 55.24

The Rakshasas and the monkeys vigorously and swiftly struck each other with blows from trees, spears, maces, javelins, stones, bars and picks. 55.25

With the huge shape like the mountains and with their hand strong as iron, those monkeys killed the Rakshasas in battle. 55.26

The Rakshasas also got very angry and with darts and javelins in their hands stuck the monkeys with these cruel weapons. 55.27

Akampana who became very angry cheered the Rakshasas using his great strength as well as valour. 55.28

However the monkeys leapt upon them and snatched their weapons through their strength and crushed those demons with blows from large trees and stones. 55.29

Meanwhile the valorous monkeys Kumuda, Nala and Mainda became very angry and displayed unsurpassed speed. 55.30

Those exceedingly valorous chiefs of monkeys, just like a play, in the battle-front, with mighty blows of trees, created a great carnage among the Rakshasas. All of them repeatedly crushed the Rakshasas with every kind of weapon. 55.31-55.32

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

56. Hanuman Kills Akampana

[Seeing that Akampana is killing lot of monkeys and they are not able to face him, Hanuman starts opposing Akampana. A great war ensues between them and Hanuman kills Akampana. All people honour him.]

Seeing the extremely good work done by the great monkeys in the battle-field Akampana got in to fierce anger and intensified the war. 56.1

Seized by very great anger after seeing the good work done by enemies, Akampana took hold of his great bow and told his charioteer. 56.2

"You quickly drive the chariot to that place for innumerable Rakshasas are being killed in that place." 56.3

"There the very strong monkeys who have a huge body and they are beating with trees and stones, my chiefs." 56.4

"I want to kill all of them who are praising themselves in the battle as I am seeing that they are harassing the army of Rakshasas." 56.5

Then he who is a great hero of those who fight in chariots, he being in a chariot drawn by very fast horses, from a distance troubled the monkeys by his arrows." 56.6

The monkeys were no longer able to maintain their formation, much less fight in the battle and all of them were crushed under the arrows of Akampana and took to their heels. 56.7

Seeing those attacked by Akampana are getting in to the control of death, the mighty Hanuman went to help his clan. 56.8

All the valiant and best monkey chiefs seeing the great monkey with them grouped themselves under him. 56.9

All the monkey chiefs seeing Hanuman standing courageously assumed more courage and stood with the courageous one. 56.10

Akampana like Lord Indra rained many arrows on Hanuman who was standing as firm as a rock. 56.11

Not minding the flood of arrows that kept on falling him, that Hanuman resolved in his mind to kill Akampana. 56.12

Laughing loudly that greatly lustrous Hanuman who was the son of wind God leapt on the Rakshasa Akampana leading to the shaking of earth. 56.13

He was burning with great energy and shouting loudly and assumed a form which cannot be defeated. 56.14

Hanuman the monkey chief who was angry, having realized that he was unarmed speedily uprooted a mountain and held it. 56.15

That Hanuman holding that mountain in his hand, letting up a great roar began to spin it rapidly.56.16

Just Like Indra rushed with his Vajrayudha against his enemy Namuchi, Hanuman rushed towards Akampana. 56.17

Akampana seeing him approaching him carrying with him a chain of mountains, using an arrow with crescent end powdered it from distance itself. 56.18

Seeing that the mountain he carried was powdered by the arrows of the Rakshasa and falling to the ground, Hanuman became greatly angry. 56.19

That monkey in a great anger uprooted a Aswakarna tree which was as large as the mountain. 56.20

That greatly lustrous one holding that Aswakarna with great number of branches, tightly holding it spun it while standing on the ground. 56.21

Then, the highly angry Hanuman began to run with great strides, breaking down the trees around him by his strength and tearing up the earth with his feet. 56.22

He knocked down elephants, people riding on elephants, chariots, charioteers and the terrific infantry of the Rakshasas. 56.23

Seeing Hanuman as angry as God of Death and was taking away lives in the battle, the Rakshasas started running away. 56.24

That valiant Akampana seeing that Hanuman was dangerous and greatly angry and was creating great scare among the Rakshasas became worried and let out a huge shout. 56.25

With fourteen sharp arrows Akampana wounded pierced and wounded the body of Hanuman who was greatly valorous. 56.26

That great warrior Hanuman, riddled by the rain of those iron shafts, looked like a mountain on which plants had grown up. 56.27

That mighty Hanuman of great strength with a large body which shined like a fire without smoke and resembled a blooming Asoka tree. 56.28

Then Hanuman with great speed uprooted another big tree and stuck the head of Akampana, the Rakshasa general with it. 56.29

When the great one Hanuman who was very angry hit him with a big tree, the Rakshasa fell dead. 56.30

Seeing the leader of Rakshasas Akampana lying dead on the earth, the Rakshasas were perturbed and shook like the trees at the time of earth quake. 56.31

All those beaten Rakshasas who were defeated, ran towards the city of Lanka and monkeys followed them. 56.32

Their hair loosened, bewildered, their pride broken by defeat, their limbs dripping with sweat, those Rakshasas fled, blowing out their breaths. 56.33

Mad with fear, looking back again and again, crowding and crushing each other all of them entered the city. 56.34

After the very strong Rakshasas entered the city of Lanka, all the monkeys together appreciated and honoured Hanuman. 56.35

Hanuman who was of noble nature and happy, respected back all of them according to their rank in a way suitable to the occasion. 56.36

Those strong monkeys who have won shouted according to their ranks and they once again dragged and brought all those Rakshasas left over in the battle field. 56.37

That great monkey who was born to wind god, having met and killed some Rakshasas enjoyed the luster of heroism just like Lord Vishnu felt happy after killing mighty Rakshasas of immense power in the battle field. 56.38

Then, the groups of devas, along with Rama himself, the exceedingly strong Lakshmana, Sugreeva and other monkeys and the mighty Vibheeshana paid homage to Hanuman. 56.39

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

57. Ravana Sends Prahastha

[Ravana decides to send Prahastha to the battle field. He tells Ravana that he should have returned Sita. With a huge army, in spite of bad omens, he comes out of the eastern gate.]

When he heard about the killing of Akampana, the king of Rakshasas after becoming very angry, with a depressed face looked over all his ministers. 57.1

After thinking for a little time and holding discussion with his ministers that Ravana spent the forenoon going round the city and inspecting his army. 57.2

That city decorated by flags and banners was guarded by large numbers of Rakshasas and filled with innumerable troops. 57.3

Ravana, the king of Rakshasas after seeing his town besieged, at the critical time spoke to Prahastha who was an expert in war. 57.4

"Oh expert in war, I do not see any other hope for deliverance of this city which is besieged and devastated except war." 57.5

"Either myself or Kumbhakarna or yourself who is my army-chief or Indrajit or Nikumbha and none else could carry the burden of this great task." 57.6

"For that reason, you take hold of a large army and placing yourself in its middle, go ahead and achieve victory over the monkeys." 57.7

"As soon as you take your decision, the monkey army which is not stable would run away on hearing the roaring of Rakshasa chiefs." 57.8

"The monkeys are unsteady, misbehaved and fickle-minded. They cannot tolerate your sound, similar to elephants cannot tolerate the lion's roar." 57.9

"As soon as Rama and Lakshmana see that their army is running away, being without any support, they would fall in your hands unwillingly." 57.10

"A suspected danger is preferable to the definite one. Though it is for us or against us, please tell what you consider as good for us." 57.11

When Ravana told like this to Prahastha who was his commander-in-chief, he spoke to Ravana similar to Usana the guru of Rakshasas speaking to Maha Bali. 57.12

"Oh king, earlier we had discussed about this matter with our wise ministers and after discussion, difference of opinion arose between us." 57.13

"To return Sita was proposed by me as preferable and not to do war, as I could foresee this." 57.14

"I suggested that we return Sita as a preferable alternative and not doing so meant war between us." 57.15

"I am not bothered about my wives, riches and sons but am going to sacrifice my life for your sake in this battle." 57.16

The commander in chief after having spoken like this to his king Ravana, told like this to army captains who stood before him. 57.17

"Gather a very large army of Rakshasas and today flesh eating birds and animals would feast upon the dead bodies of enemies struck down by me by my sharp arrows." 57.18-57.19

As soon as they heard these words those very strong captains of the army assembled a very huge army in front of the house of that Rakshasa. 57.20

Within in a very short time, the city of Lanka was filled by those elephant like Rakshasa soldiers who were armed with many weapons. 57.21

When some of those Rakshasas propitiated the fire God and Brahmins a ghee scented breeze started wafting in that city. 57.22

Some of those of those Rakshasas wore garlands of different shapes chanted with some sacred formulae. 57.23

With bows and armours those Rakshasas marched when Ravana was watching them and went and stood surrounding Prahastha. 57.24

Then, Prahastha who got ready with his weapons and armour, after saluting the king and striking a terrible kettle-drum, mounted his chariot, which was kept ready, yoked with extremely swift horses, well controlled by a charioteer, emanating a noise resembling that of a large cloud, actually shining like moon-light, un-defeatable with a flag bearing an ensign of snake, with a good collision-guard, with nice wheels and decorated with a net of pure gold smiling as it were in its magnificence. 57.25-57.27

As per the orders of Ravana, speedily Prahastha climbed the chariot and left city of Lanka along with a huge army. 57.28

When that commander-in-chief started the sound of kettle drums and conches filled the entire world. 57.29

The Rakshasas with huge forma and bulky bodies proceeded ahead of Prahastha shouting with dreadful sound. 57.30

Narantaka, Kumbhahanu, Mahanada and Samunnata, attendants of Prahastha sallied forth, surrounding him on all sides. 57.31

He came out of the eastern gate along with a very horrifying well divided army, which resembled the herd of elephants. 57.32

In the middle of that ocean like large army, Prahastha marched appearing like God of death at time of final deluge. 57.33

Along with the very loud war cries raised by them, all the beings of the city of Lanka also made very fearful answering cries. 57.34

In the cloudless sky there appeared birds which eat flesh and blood and flew from left to right around the chariot. 57.35

Fearful jackals vomited forth fire and flames, howling repeatedly. A meteor fell from the sky and the wind blew harshly. 57.36

The planets were in opposition to each other and lost their brilliance. The clouds, with their raucous sound, showered blood on Prahastha's chariot and dampened those who were walking in front of it. 57.37-57.38

A vulture which was facing south landed on the flag of Prahastha and started making noises seeing both directions depriving of the war time luster. 57.39

When the charioteer who was Suta entered the battle ground, the goad from his hand slipped and fell on the ground several times. 57.40

The rare splendorous luster that enveloped Prahastha vanished and immediately the horses stumbled and fell on the ground. 57.41

Seeing Prahastha who was well known for his valour and excellent character advancing to the battle field, different type of monkey armies advanced towards him. 57.42

After that, an exceedingly tumultuous clamour arose among the monkeys as they tore up the trees and seized them as well as took hold of huge rocks. 57.43

Both the armies of the yelling Rakshasas and the roaring monkeys were delighted, impetuous and powerful with impatience to slay each other and were challenging each other with great shouts. 57.44-57.45

After that evil minded Prahastha marched towards the monkey army, hoping for victory, with accelerated speed, just like the grass hopper marches fast towards the fire. 57.46

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

58. Nila Kills Prahastha

[Prahastha caused havoc in the monkey army by killing huge number of monkeys. Nila, the commander-in-chief of the monkey army, fought with him with great valour and killed him. Rama and others appreciated him.]

Seeing Prahastha coming out prepared for the war, Rama with a smile asked Vibheeshana the destroyer of enemies. 58.1

"Who is this big bodied one who is coming with great speed surrounded by a huge army? Please tell me about this Rakshasa who appears to have great valour." 58.2

Hearing words of Rama Vibheeshana replied," This Rakshasa called Prahastha is the commander in chief and he commands two thirds of the army of the king of Rakshasas. He has great prowess, valour and strength." 58.3-58.4

Then Prahastha of huge proportions and huge valour, surrounded by very many huge Rakshasas who were roaring came out and saw the very huge army of the monkeys, which made him angry and shout at the top of his voice." 58.5-58.6

Swords, lances, daggers, darts, spears, clubs, maces bars, barbed missiles, various kinds of axes and different bows glittered in the hands of demons, who were running up towards the monkeys in search of victory. 58.7-58.8

Those tiger like monkeys who were desirous of fighting took hold of many flowering trees and long and thick stones. 58.9

When they both met a very huge war commenced and they rained on each other large number of arrows and stones. 58.10

In that war many Rakshasas killed very many monkey chiefs and many monkeys killed very many Rakshasas also. 58.11

Some monkeys were destroyed by spears and some others by finer weapons. Some were struck by iron bars and some others were slit by axes. 58.12

Also, some fell breathlessly on the earth and some were destroyed by the arrows aimed at them with their hearts split open. 58.13

Some of them cut by the sword of Rakshasas, trembled and fell on earth and with spear the sides were split open in case of some. 58.14

Even the Rakshasa army on all sides were crushed and made to fall on the earth by the furious monkeys with tree and mountain-peaks. 58.15

Having been hit with thundering blows with their hands and terrific smashing with their fists, the faces and eyes of Rakshasas were wounded. The Rakshasas vomited great amount of blood. 58.16

Cries of pains and roars like lions and tumultuous sounds were heard in the battle between Rakshasas and monkeys. 58.17
The monkeys and Rakshasas followed the path of valorous heroes and they with the cruel and hostile eyes did many acts with great courage. 58.18

Narantaka Kumbhahanu, Mahanada and Samunnata all these ministers of Prahastha killed the monkeys. 58.19

Dvivida with a mountain peak killed Narathanka who was speedily rushing after monkeys and killing them. 58.20

The monkey Durmukha uprooted a huge tree and with a ready hand and crushed the Rakshasa called Samunnatha. 58.21

The energetic Jambhavan with a great anger seized a huge rock and threw it on the chest-region of Mahanada 58.22

Then Khumbahanu who attacked Tara one of the greatest warriors with a huge tree, received a huge blow from him and died. 58.23

Prahastha who was riding on a chariot could not tolerate that act and horrible bow in his hand caused lot of destruction among the monkeys. 58.24

Then when both armies moved rapidly, a great sound arose which was like the roar of the ocean which was tempestuous, unfathomable like at the time of deluge. 58.25

Prahastha who was an expert in war, with great anger troubled the monkeys by a great rain of arrows in that great battle. 58.26

The bodies of dead monkeys and Rakshasas covered an extensive area of land and looked like a very hideous mountain. 58.27

The ground which was covered by the blood looked like fully blossomed Palasa trees with red flowers in the spring season. 58.28

With the heaps of warriors for its banks, the broken weapons as its trees, the flowing blood as its huge waves, death appeared like an ocean receiving its floods and had livers and spleens as its mire, entrails as its moss, severed heads and trunks as the fish, and morsels of flesh as the grass, the innumerable vultures as its lovely swans, herons as its geese and covered as it was with fat which was the foam, the tumult the sound as its waters, the battle field resembled a river, incapable of being crossed by cowards and which was visited by water-fowls at the end of the rainy season and those Rakshasas and the foremost of the monkeys crossed over that impassable river, as elephants lead their herds across a lake of the lotus flowers which is covered with pollen. 58.29-58.33

Then Nila saw Prahastha sitting on the chariot and finishing off the monkeys using the rain of arrows. 58.34

Seeing Nila who was running towards him in the battle field, similar to the wind in the sky moving away huge clouds, Prahastha, the commander of the army attacked Nila from his chariot which was shining like Sun. 58.35-58.36

That expert among archers who was excellent drew the bow string and sent several arrows aimed at Nila in that battle field. 58.37

Those arrows which were like furious serpents, which were sent by Prahastha came with very great speed and after hurting Nila fell on the ground. 58.38

That great monkey Nila who was valorous hurt by those arrows which were like a flame, got up for hitting the difficult to be attacked Prahastha uprooted one big tree and jumped on him. 58.39-58.40

Unable to stop the series of arrows of that evil minded Rakshasa, Nila received them all with closed eyes. 58.41

Like a bull standing under the torrential showers of the autumn which came quickly, Nila with closed eyes tolerated the impassable shower of arrows of Prahastha though it was difficult to be tolerated. 58.42

Greatly enraged by the arrow rain, hurling a very huge Sala tree at them Nila killed the horses of Prahastha. 58.43

Then Nila with his mind filled with great anger quickly broke the bow of the evil minded Rakshasa and shouted again and again. 58.44

Being deprived of his bow, that Prahastha who was the army chief took hold of a horrifying mace and jumped from the chariot. 58.45

Those two army chiefs who were shivering due to the enmity between them, with all their limbs covered with blood, were standing like elephants in rut. 58.46

Like lion and tiger in their gaits, like lion and tiger in their gestures those two heroes tore at each other with their sharp teeth and they both who were destroyers of enemies, thirsting to obtain great fame fought like Indra and Vrithrasura. 58.47-58.48

With great exertion Prahastha hit Nila on his head with his mace and blood oozed from the forehead of Nila. 58.49

After that, that monkey Nila whose entire body was smeared with blood, became angry and seized a huge tree and struck Prahastha on his chest. 58.50

Without any thought about that hit, taking another huge mace, that chief of the army ran towards Nila who was a monkey. 58.51

Then that monkey Nila seeing Prahastha running towards him in great speed, took hold of a huge rock with great speed. 58.52

Seeing Prahastha who longed for war and was fighting with a mace, Nila took a big rock quickly and threw it at him. 58.53

That great rock released by Nila the monkey chief broke the head of Prahastha in to very many pieces. 58.54

That Prahastha who lost his breath, was disfigured and dead, bereft of his senses and at once fell on the ground like a tree cut up by the root. 58.55

Blood flowed profusely from his broken head and blood also streamed from his body like a waterfall in the mountain. 58.56

After seeing Prahastha, their leader being killed by Nila, his unshakeable army of Rakshasas became confused and withdrew in to Lanka. 58.57

After their army chief was killed, the army could not continue to stay firmly in the battlefield, like water cannot stay near a breached bridge. 58.58

That Prahastha the chief of Army having been slain, those demons became dumb, dispirited and inactive, went back to the abode of their king. They became unconscious as if they were plunged in an ocean of burning grief. 58.59

The victorious Nila, however, was honoured by Rama and Lakshmana for his great job well accomplished and experienced supreme joy. 58.60

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