Chapter 44 - The war between Rama and Kumbhakarna

CHAPTER XLIV Sri Rama said Salutation be to you, O Katyayani you who is honorable by the three worlds and bestower of victory in the war be gracious, bestow victory. (1) Salutation be to you. You are the source of all might, destroyer of wicked enemies, as well as wicked in the war. Bestow victory. (2) Salutation be to you. inherent in all beeings. me victory. (3) Salutation be to you. You are the supreme strenghth, Pray destroy the wicked in war. Bestow You are fond of war the eater of flesh and blood you who takes always the sufferings of those who takes refuge in you. Bestow me victory in the battle. (4) O ○ mother, possessing Khatvanga sword in hand and decorated with a garland of human skills you remove their sorrow who remember you in inaccessible plight. (5) Salutation be to you at your lotus feet, O kind hearted mother, destroy enemies in the war and bestow me victory. (6) Salutation be to you, O mother, possess inconceivable valour, charming form, and unthinkable virtues, bestow me victory. (7) Salutation be to you. Those who remember you in the hour of adversity oh mother godless, destroyer of the dangers and

274 difficulties do not face defeat, bestow me victory. (8) Salutation be to you O the daughter of the mountain the gives of refuge, Lover of Mahisa's blood in the war, and the destroyer of Mahisasura, bestow me victory. (9) Salutation be to you, O mother Candi, the charming faced one, the destroyer of Candasura, bestow me victory in war and destroy my enemies. (10) Salutation be to you. ○ mother, red eyed, red teethed and the body besmeared with blood, you are the destroyer of Raktavija, bestow me victory. (11) Saluation be to you O the creatrix of the whole universe, the mother of the gods, the destroyer of Sumbha and Nisumbha, kill the enemies daily in the battle, bestow me victory. (12) O ○ Bhavani, you always nourish the whole world. O mother, protect the universe by killing these wicked demons. (13) Salutation be to you, O mother, You are the all pervading power, the destroyer of the wicked, have mercy, bestow me victory. (14) Salutation be to you, You are the destroyer of the wicked and nourisher of the noble, kill our enemies in the war bestow me victory. (15)

275 O Sive, O Katyayani the mother of the world you remove dejection and the distress from those who take refuge under you, You bestow me victory in battle and protect me from fear. (16) Sri Mahadeva said O the best among the sages, when Sri Rama was eulogizing her thus there was an aerial voice immidiately announcing O the best among the Raghus, do not be afraid you will soon conquer Lanka by killing the mighty demons. (17 & 18) I have been properly worshipped by Brahma, the creator of the world at the Vilva tree I will offer you your desired boon for the destruction of the enemies. (19) O the best among the sages, having heard thus, the best among the Raghu was convinced of his sure victory. (20) While thinking thus, the valorous Kumbhakarna accompanied by the demons entered in to the battle field. (21) By his furious roaring the forest, mountain and earth etc vibrated and the ocean be came disturbed. (22) The earth vibrated by the sound of chariots, horses and elephants the air blow forcefully. (23) Beholding the terrible and valorous demon with raised arms the monkeys ran hear and there for fear. (24)

276 Beholding approach of the furious demon Rama saluting the mother gotless clasped his Kodanda in his left hand. (25) Crushing many monkeys with his feet and hands ate many others. Lastly he came to the best among the Raghus. (26) Beholding Rama black like durva grass, the destroyer of the demons, the mighty warrior, attempting bow and his brother with blue lotus-eye distur-being the war, roared furiously like cloud at the end of a Yuga (acon). (27 & 28) Raghava also sounded more which disturbed even the creation, thereafter the war startad. (29) Issuing many Brahmastras they engaged in battle disiring to win each other. (30) Terrible war took place between the soldiers of the demon chief and the monkeyes of the high souled Rama desiring to win each other. (31) Here ends the fourty fourth chapter called the description of war between Rama and Kumbhakarna of Sri Mahabhagavata Upapurana.