Sundara Ramayana (translation and study)

by T. N. Jaya | 2004 | 76,950 words

This is a study and English translation of the Sundara Ramayana—a Sanskrit Kavya consisting of seven books having 1209 verses composed by the 20th century author Sri Sundaresa Sastri. It represents a condensed version of the original Valmiki Ramayana....

Chapter 4 - Explanation of Allusions and Character sketches

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CHAPTER IV EXPLANATION OF ALLUSIONS & CHARACTER SKETCHES In the Bala Kanda when Rama moves in the forest, along with the Visvamitra, Rama curiously asks about anhe asrama. Visvamitra replies that this is the asrama of 'him' who once upon a time incarnated as ed Vamana and asks for three steps of place from Mahabali. Later on he gave all the three worlds he secured from Mahabali to Indra. Visvamitra further alludes to this asrama calling it as "Siddhasrama" for it bestows the fruits of the penance. yah purvam bali marthayanvasumatim padatraya vyaprtam | The author alludes to the episode between Siva and Parvati. were When Siva and Parvati, after their marriage engrossed in their amorous A there sport for a long time, the Devas went in and informed Siva that the whole universe was trembling by thier sport, and so he should withdraw from the act of producing a child, when Siva agreed to their suggestion, from Pavati cursed the Devas that they would never have sons of their own wives. sambhu rvallabhaya yuto'timadanaklista ssurairarthinah sataih putravinakrtai girijaya tejo dharantejasi | 298 2

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In another place there is an allusion to the churning of the ocean, by referred to the Bhagavata, Agnipurana and Valmiki Ramayana3. Once Durvasa cursed the Devas to become old. MahaVisnu suggested a solution that if they drink the ambrosia got after churning the milky ocean they would become young. Accordingly, the Devas ocean , sought the help of Asuras and they both churned the milky ocean with the help of Vasuki. And at last, the story goes that the Devas got the nectar and got rid of the curse of Durvasa. ksirodam parimathnato visamumanathayadatvasudham 4 There is allusion to the battle of Dasaratha with Sambarasura a reminded by Mantra to Kaikeyi3. kubja praha manisini srrnu pura proktam tvaya prematah tvavadbharta ta mayudhyatambaracaraprityai ripum sambaram || S 5 Once Dasaratha went to the world of Devas with Kaikeyi, in a chariot to help Indra against the Asura demon Sambara. At that time when the wheel was about to come off, Kaikeyi inserted her thumb into the hole of the bolt and kept the chariot safe. When the king came to know of her bravery, he promised to give two boons. The author alludes to the episode of Tataka. By the grace of 299

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Brahma, Suketu got a daughter named Tataka. Brahma gave her the i strength of a thosand elephants. When Tataka's husband Sunda attacked the asrama of Agastya, he burnt him to death. After coming to of know the death of her husband, she started attacking the asrama along A with her sons. Agastya cursed them and made them inte demons, when the demoness Tataka disturbed the Yajna of Visvamitra, he ordered Sri Rama to kill her. Rama killed her. yaksinyavidhi kumbhajatavarajam viryam ca durvrttatam | vyacakhyavasati nisudanavidhim saddharmya modahrtim || 7 There is another allusion about the kings Sibi and Alarka. Alarka the the was a king of Kasi and Sibi was a king of Karusa. To test the fame of king Sibi, Agni in the form of a dove was hunted by Indra in the form of The a kite. Dove rushed to the king Sibi for his rescue by sitting on his lap. The kite asked the king to return the dove. The king told that it was not proper for him to give up the dove who had sought refuge under him, but would give any other flesh in lieu of the dove. The kite asked the to the king to cut his flesh from his right thigh equal in weight of the dove. Accordingly the king cut a piece of flesh and gave off it. syenaya pradadau kapotamavitum mamsam svagatradapi 300

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Alarka once told a blind Brahmin boy to ask for any boon from him. The boy demanded the eyes of Alarka. To keep his promise Alarka scooped out his eyes and gave them to the blind boy. cchindansaibyanrpo dvijaya sa dadau netretvalarko nrpah | 1 9 There is another allusion about Sagara. Dasaratha's ancestor Sagara, the great king drove his eldest son Asamanja to the forest for, he threw the children into the waters of Sarayu. Hence, Sagara banished him. Kaikeyi cited this for Rama's banishment. tvadvamsyassagaro'grimamsutamiva tvam cadyanirvasaya | 10 The author alludes to Dasaratha's hunt during the early part of his life. On the bank of the river Sarayu, he heard a sound as if an elephant was drinking water. He at once send an arrow from which the sound came. Instantly he heard a man crying with pain. The king ran to the spot and saw a hermit boy by name Sravana who came there to fetch water to his aged blind parents. Then the king took the body of the boy and went to the hermitage and narrated to them what had happened. The blind parents cursed Dasaratha that he would die of loss of children. Then the curse he incurred in his younger days was fully realised and related to Kausalya. 301

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radankalamavapsyasivyasanatah putrasyamadvad dhruvam || 11 The author cites another allusion of Kaikeyi's mother. Kaikeyi's father was conferred upon a gift to discern the cries of all creatures. One day as he was laughing at the speech of a louse, his wife insisted that the king should deliver the secret unmindful of the king's death if ed the speech. it out l , he reports. But the king refused to tell and expelled Kaikeyi's mother from the kingdom and lived happily. t matevadosa''krte 12 There is another allusion about Kamadhenu. The cattle, who are the children of Kamadhenu are groaning in the world under the yoke of the farmer. Kamadhenu was overwhelmed with grief at the sight of their sufferings. As a result of Kamadhenu's tears Indra caused heavy rainfall which gave rest to the cattle in the world13. is santaptasurabhissamiksyadharanau putrau hala''karpanau | 13 Here in another allusion regarding the birth of Sita. Vedavati began to perform severe penance to get Visnu as her husband. Ravana on his campaign saw her and caught hold of her hand. Then she jumped her into the fire and burnt herself to death. Ravana took the ashes of her in a golden box and kept it in Lanka. Due to the constant occurence of 302

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bad omens, he dropped the box into the sea at the advice of Narada. Then the box came to be deposited in Mithila. When king Janaka was he ploughing the field for sacrifice, saw the child and brought her up. ren bhumim lamgalatascakarsamakhavidbhumerabhuvam tada 14 The author alludes to the episode of Viradha. He was the rebirth of Tumburu, a Gandharva, who had been cursed by Kubera to become a Raksasa when he failed to bring Rambha at the stipulated time. When Tumburu asked for the remedy, Kubera told him that when Rama came comes to the forest, he will change his Raksasa form 15. There was another allusion about the sage Mandakarni. Once this The sage spent ten thousand years in a pond performing penance. Devas were bewildered and they sent five beautiful celestial maidens to divert the attention of the sage from his severe austerities. They enticed him and the sage constructed a grand and palatial house for them and stayed there with them. The pond was there after known as "Pancapsaras". Rama and Laksmana during their exile in the forests with Sita visited this place. svargi presita pancabana madakrt pancapsaro'bhyagatam | 16 is found. Here another allusion about the mountain Vindhya, To excel e Meru Mountain, Vindhya grow higher and higher till it touched the sky. 303

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When the journeys of the Sun and Moon were hindered, the gods came Came to Vindhya and tried to pacify him. But all their attempts were futile. At last, Agastya ordered Vindhya mountain to bend his head till he comes back from south. Vindhya agreed. Since then Agastya had never gone to the north and Vindhya had never had risen up1. was the Here the author alludes to the episode of Garuda. Garuda is a mighty son of Kasyapa by his wife Vinata. ei "Long ago, a sage named Vibhavasu and his brother Supratika made each other transformed into an elephant and a tortoise by ther curse, owing to their quarrel. Kasyapa told Garuda to eat both of them. Then he will be strong enough to fight against the Devas and get possession of Amrta". ren a On the way when he perched on one of the branches of banyan tree with the elephant and tortoise, the branch broke and fell down. From that branch certain sages known as Balakhilyas were hanging with their heads downwards. So, to prevent them from falling to the ground, Garuda was pointed out a mountain by his father, on which he could deposit the broken branch. Garuda flew to that mountain and ate up the elephant and tortoise and thus gained strength to fight with the Devas for Amrta. vistirnah pragrhita kacchapa gajo yam vainateyo'bhanak | 18 304

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There is another allusion regarding Yayati. Yayati remained in heaven for many years. Once he insulted the Devas, Indra and other gods in the divine assembly. Indra and other gods on seeing his pride, made him fall from heaven to the earth 19. S. The author cited another allusion about Saptajanasrama, a holy place where seven hermits called the Saptajanas, went to heaven by standing head downwards in water. This was the place through which Sri Rama and Sugriva went to Kiskindha. Sugriva told Sri Rama that this vast area is the hermitage where rest could be taken, as sweet fruits and pure water could be obtained and the forest looks like a garden. The seven hermits called Saptajanas, who did penance and took vow ed. and fast by standing in water always with head downwards, lived here 20. A The author alludes to the story of Hema and Maya. Maya a Danava king who served Devas and Asuras as their architect and builder. Maya was the son of Kasyapa and Danu. By the grace of Lord Brahma, Maya obtained the unrivalled skill in architecture. During the dancing show in Devaloka, Maya was attracted by the dance of Hema, the apsara woman. They were mutually attracted and fell in love with each other and got married. Then he built a lovely mansion and settled down in Vindhya. 305

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In Valmiki Ramayana, Hanuman and other monkeys, while were searching for Sita entered this huge cave, and relieved of their hunger by the hospitality of Svayamprabha who was the friend of Hema21. Another allusion cited by the author is Sampati. Two sons Sampati and Jatayu were born to Aruna. Once Sampati and Jatayu under a bet flew to the Sun. To protect his younger brother Jatayu from being ed searching Sun (who had neared the Sun. Sampati opened his wings 1 which were burnt and and he fell on the Vindhya mountains. At this time, Sampati gave directions to an army of the monkeys with Hanuman as their head, who came there in search of Sita, of the path they were to follow. After their traftic meeting in Suryamandala, Sampati and Jatayu never again met in their life22. e The author alludes to the Mainaka mountain. It is beleived that in Krtayuga all mountains had wings. They flew all over the world and people in fright complained to Indra., who in turn cut off their wings. At that time God Vayu (wind) took away his friend Mainaka and put him in the ocean. So Mainaka alone did not lose its wings. It was this Mainaka which rose from the ocean and gave a resting point to Hanuman, son of Vayu, when he took a leap to Lanka. This was but an expression of Was gratitude to Vayu whose son Hanuman was, for the help he had given his when Indra was cutting the wings. Mainaka had great respect for 306

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Iksvaku race23 u Ther is another allusion of Vamana, one of the ten incarnation of Mahavisnu. The Lord Visnu took the incarnation of Vamana to subdue the Asura Mahabali who had brought the three worlds of heaven, earth and Patala under his control. That Asura king performed a horse sacrifice with the help of Sukracharya. Then the Lord Vamana requested the king to give three steps of ground with his feet. Though Mahabali was cautioned by Sukracharya, he promised to grant his request. When Mahabali washed the feet of Vamana who began to grow and measured the heaven with his one foot and earth with his second foot. Bali requested him to place the third step on his head. Then he thrust him down to patala. 66 daityebhyogurubhih kramaustribhirivakvatvalamviklaba 24 There was another allusion about Ravana. When Ravana was shaking the Kailasa mountain, Nandikesvara stopped him. Ravana called him " Monkey ", Nandikesvara cursed that Ravana and his kingdom would be destroyed by monkeys. On seeing Hanuman, Ravana had the suspicion whether he was Nandikesvara or Banasura. The author alludes to the story of Indrajit's conquering Indra. Ravana conquered the world with the help of Brahma's blessings. In his 307

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pride, he came into conflict with Indra. After a fierce battle, Ravana's son, Meghanada defeated Indra. He took Indra to Lanka as a prisoner. Ravana chained Indra's hands and feet and tied him to his flagstaff. The Devas in distress approached Brahma for help. Brahma went to Lanka and secured the release of Indra. After giving the title of Indrajit to Meghanada, Brahma returned to Brahmaloka. There was another allusion regarding the story of Brahma's curse on Ravana. When Ravana was ruling over Lanka, he came to Kailasa. He saw Ramba, the wife of Nalakubera, the son of Kubera. He was attracted by her extreme beauty and enjoyed her. Ramba went to Nalakubara and told him everything. Nalakubera became angry and cursed Ravana that he shall not touch a woman who does not reciprocate his love. If he does, his head will be split into seven pieces. It was because of this curse that Ravana did not touch Sita though she was kept in his harem. Ravana tried to humiliate Punjikadevi, daughter of Brahma, and the latter cursed that Ravana would die with all his ten heads broken if an he touched unwilling woman. L Another allusion also portrays the curse of Brahma on Ravana. Kaikasi who became envious of the pomp and prowess of Kubera advised her son to secure boons from Brahma by tapas and become 308

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equal to Kubera. Accordingly Ravana went to Gokarna, standing in the middle of the five fires, meditated upon Brahma. Though ten thousand years passed thus, Brahma did not appear yet. Then within nine thousand years, he cut nine of his heads and lastly when he was about to cut off his tenth head, Brahma appeared and asked him to choose whatever boon he wanted. Ravana chose the boon that from none but men should he meet with his death. The author cited many allusions that how curses heaped on Ravana. Anaranyasapa- Ravana killed Anaranya of the solar dynasty by one blow on his chest. When Anaranya sought refuge with him, and the king cursed that Ravana would die with all his ten heads cut by the arrows of a prince of the solar dynasty. Vedavatisapa - While Vedavati, the only daughter, of Sage Kusadhvaja, was doing tapas to secure Sri Madhava as her husband, Ravana touched her and she cursed him thus- "You and your family will be ruined by Lord Narayana on account of me". Nandikesvarasapa For calling him "Monkey" at Kailasa, Nandikesvara cursed that Ravana and his kingdom would be destroyed by monkeys. Even Parvati, Ramba and Varuna's daughter cursed Ravana the same. 309

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aghatam tvanaranya atmakulajat prahanganamulakam yatsavedavati balatkrti hatasarvam na mithyamama rambhome idamahaturvarunaja nandi ca samjagrtha to 25 The author alludes the story of Kumbhakarna. To secure boons ^ from Brahma Kumbhakarna did tapas for ten thousand years. Brafma appeared and asked him to choose whatever boon he wanted. Kumbhakarna desired to secure the boon of "Nirdevatva" (Absence of the Devas), but secured by a slip of the tongue "Nidravatvam" (sleep). viro visravasassuto vinihata prani vidhessapatah jagartyahnayatha masa satka sayito yatiti kumbhasrutih || 26 The author alludes to the story of Ila. When Parvati and Paramesvara were enjoying themselves, a sage Sunaka appeared before a them suddenly. The divine couple pronounced curse that anybody who ba entered the forest in future would be turned into a woman. Sudyumna, a young man, who was ignorant of this curse, entered this forest for hunting. At once he was transformed into a woman. Sudyumna bearing the name Ila walked as a beautiful woman. On the way Budha met Ila, they fell in love with each other and got married. A son, Pururavas was born to Budha by Ila27. 310

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CHARACTER SKETCHES CHARACTER OF RAMA Sage Visvamitra asked Rama to destroy Tataka. Rama hesitated to do that, for, by nature Rama was portrayed as kind and gentle towards women. This kind heartedness of Rama is very well brought out by the poet through the following expression: ramasyatikrpalutam jananatassiddhamaharyam paraih 28 RAMA THE BELOVED OF THE SUBJECTS Rama had won the love and admiration of all by his sincere and effective statesmanship. The subjects expressed their delight at Rama's coronation, impressed by his noble qualities. te tanayo gunaugha nilayo viryocchrayaikalayah 29 Rama declared that he was accepting the title of the yuvaraja only to please Laksmana, who wanted Rama to be coronated. Rama meant what he said. Rama had never thought a pleasure worthwhile, if it was not shared by Laksmana. vatsa ! bhavatsukhaya dharanim prapsyami tataditi | 30 On hearing of the coronation of Rama, the citizens started decorating the houses and the streets. They cleaned the roads and made 311

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them appear colourful. Rama had won the love and admiration of all his citizens. sammrsta ssamalamkrta ssalilam samsikta vilokya''gatam 31 RAMA A RIGID FOLLOWER OF RITUALS Rama was performing all the rituals. He was worshipping the fire Gods with oblations. He was meditating on the Supreme deity. He was sitting on kusa grass, observing the penance through out the night. Rama had performed Sandhyavandanam at the proper time before dawn. ramo juhva dadhapaham havi ratho ddipte kusanau sucih tacchistam saha bharyaya pramudito bhujannijam devatam | dhyayansankusasamstare ca carame yamenisayastutim srutva vandikrtam cakara niyamam samdhyam vidhisa stada || RAMA - A DEVOTED SON 32 Dasaratha points out Rama's "pitrvakyaparipalanam " to Kaikeyi. If Dasaratha commanded Rama to go to the forest Rama would immediately obey his word and would leave for the forest. He would never refuse his father's command. He said that he would be happy, if 312

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Rama refused to obey his words. gaccha tvam vanamugramityabhihito rama ssapadyastviti svikurvansirasa nidesa matha sa preyadaranyam muda | yadyesa pravadetkrudha na tu vanam gaccheya mityuttaram 33 syadetatpriyadam visuddhahrdayo naivabhijanita tat || " Sundaresa has not forgotten to point out Rama's love towards his mother. Rama said to Dasaratha that if he went to the forest, Kausalya would feel sad. She would lose all interest in life, once he left for the forest. This sorrow was likely to kill her. So Rama asked Dasaratha to comfort her and bestow special care and concern to her. If Dasaratha did so, he would be extremely happy. RAMA'S GREAT AFFECTION TOWARDS HIS BROTHERS When Laksmana suspected the reason for the arrival of Bharata in the forest, Rama said that he would never even think of fighting with his brother. He would give away what ever his brother wanted. Rama openly said that his very life was for the purpose of serving the brothers in every possible way. He was prepared to sactifice anything for the sake of his brothers. The poet Sundaresa has created some expressions which are very 313

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6 effective in portraying Rama's fraternal attachment. kim rajyena ca sapavadagatina sarvam bhavadbhayovrne tyaktva bhratrganam sukham yadapi me taddahyatam vahnina RAMA'S CONCERN TOWARDS HIS FATHER 34 35 Rama asked Bharata how he had come to the forest, leaving his father alone in the city. Rama was particular that Bharata should not be slack in his obedience to his father. He refers to Dasaratha as satya parakramam '. Rama valued Dasaratha's unfailing adherance to truth. Rama reveals his concern for his father and his advocation of the principles of truth and honesty through his words. tatah kutragato bhavanupagato yatkananam jivavan kaccitsatya parakramam svapitaram susrusase saumyatam || 36 RAMA AN ABLE ADMINISTRATOR Rama warns Bharata that his ministers should not receive bribes. They should be honest and not be unnecessarily subjected to punishment. "This aspect of rendering justice has received great attention in modern times as seen in France at present" kaccidurgatavittavadviracite tvanmantrinah karmani 314

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tyaktvadravyamatim yatha'rthasarani pasyanti kimnisprhah || 37 Rama warns Bharata to follow the path of devotion towards his father, grand father and Gurus. yavrttih prapitamahe ca janake pathyam vidhatsacetasam rajadandadharah prajasca samavansvargam yayaprapsyati 38 sokena''rtamavanmukham svapitaram bhuyah pralapa''vrtam ramassanunayam babhanajananim tvadbhaktiyuktam mama - pranannyasyayama''layam na ca visetsyam tustayetenaca || CHARACTER OF LAKSHMANA 39 When Laksmana heard of the banishment of Rama, he and immediately expressed his anger resorted to scolding his father. He said that Rama had not committed any sin to deserve such harsh punishment. Rama's character is blemishless. Even Rama's enemies will not attribute any sin to him. Laksmana said that he would punish the old king who deviated from the path of truth and righteousness. He said that he would crown Rama before the people come to know of of the sudden change in the attitude of the King. 315

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kova'syavinayah puradapi bahirye naisa nirvasyate kim dosanpravadetparoksamanadhe casminhatarthoripuh | sasyamyatta dhanurgurum vipathagam yavannajanatyamum loko'rtham balina mayasamavito rastram svasatkurvidam || " He further said that if Rama decided to go to the forest, he would also follow him. Where ever Rama lived, he would stay there. He took a vow to be at Rama's side and an oath on his bow, on truth and on donating gifts. yadyaryovanamesyati dhruvamitastatpurvamevapyaham bibhraccapamadhijyamahitasaram rajyam nijam bhoksyati | tatparsvenivaseyamenamatanu premna'nurakto'smyaham bhaveneti sapekarasthadhanusa satyena danena ca || 41 Lakshmana's love towards Rama was so deep and hence if Could tand did anybody does anything against Rama, he cannot tolerate and dare to were A face and oppose them even if they are his parents. He said to Rama that parents are his enemies. They are doing great harm. They are influenced by mere lust that he is not prepared to honour them any longer. He said, he will oppose all the enemies of Rama even if they happen to be the lords of directions. 316

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satru pitrabhidhau tavahitakarau ma harsaya''ptasmarau taddurdaivakrtam nametvabhimatam viraissadopeksitam | viryenaiva nivartaye vanapatham tvadvairinah prapaye nalam kpatayo vijetumapimam vrddhah pitakim punah || 42 CHARACTER OF BHARATA After the death of Dasaratha, Bharata was said to become the king by the preceptor. But Bharata refused to obey the words of was Vasista and said that he is going to bring back Rama from the forest. to the atma ca rajyam dvayam ramasya eva vasam yatha mativanatpratyanayisyamitam 43 sage, Bharata offered his salutations to sage Bharadwaja and showed each one of his mothers. The visit of Bharata was a turning point to change his attitute towards Kaikeyi, his mother, whom he had been censuring all the while. But the sage said that Bharata should not blame Kaikeyi entirely, for what had happened. janantadvacanatsvamatrgunitam sainyaih pratasthe tatah || 44 If Rama did not return to Ayodhya, Bharata said that he would also stay along with Rama. All the people were very happy to see how sincere Bharata was. People were very happy that Bharata was 317

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such a devoted brother. And they were also admiring Rama for his steadfast adherence to his father's advice. yacetvamsirasa pranamyakarunam mayya''ryasamvardhaya tvam cet yasyasi mam vihaya vipinam yasyami sakam tvaya | inyuktau ca mahodarasya sudrtham ramasyadrstadhiyam 45 After receiving the padukas from Rama, Bharata said that these e would padukas will be responsible for yoga and ksma of people. He will be the servant of padukas. He said that he shall be waiting for Rama for fourteen years. If Rama does not return at the completion of fourteen years, Bharata will enter the fire and added that he is goint to lead an ascetic life by wearing deer skin and matted hair. varsanyarya caturdasajina dharovanyasanassajjatah vamchannagamanam bahistunagaratte padukabhyam disan | gurvi rajyadhuram nivatsyatijanah purne'pisamvatsare tvam viksyayamanagatam hutavaham prapsyatyatijvalitam || BHARATA'S PLEAD TO RAMA 46 Having saluted the preceptor, Bharata spoke to Rama by folding his hands above the head. He said that Rama gave the kingdom to Bharata only to please Kaikeyi. Now he is ready to give back the 318

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kingdom. Rama should accept without any reply. Moreover he pleaded his inability that he was younger to Rama.So it is not possible for him to bear the kingdom. asinasyaguroh purah krtanatim viksya''ryamatta''sanam snigdhomurdhni krtam jalissabharatah prahakhilansravayan | rajyammeya dadamahatsvajanani prityai dadamyadyate 47 svakurva prati girbalistha bhavatonyuno vaheyam katham || " SITA - HER FIRMNESS OF LOVE TOWARDS RAMA At the time of Rama's departure to the forest, Sita said that she cannot be in the palace for fourteen years without Rama. She cannot live even for a moment. She said that if she is with Rama she feels that she is in heaven. She said that with out Rama it would be hell. She said that thorns and shrubs in the forest would be soft like cotton and deer skin, when she follows Rama in the forest. Further she pointed out that the whirling wind would be like sandal paste to her when she follows Rama. If Rama brings 7 any food, it would be like nectar. SITA'S EARNEST LOVE TOWARDS RAMA When Hanuman saw Sita in Asokavana, he feels that even though 319

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es, Sita was surrounded by hundreds of cruel demoness she was not aware only of them at all. She was thinking of Rama only and therefore she had no idea of her sorroundings in Lanka. naisapasyatiraksasih puraimananokahanpuspinah bhavenaiti patim sadeti hanumannascitya vrkse'vasat || 48 angrily When Ravana was speaking ill of Rama to Sita, she spoke to him After seeing Ravana's silly observation of Rama, Sita replied in her own cultured style. She did not want to speak to Ravana directly. She threw a blade of grass between her and Ravana. This is very significant in as much as Sita had utter disregard and contempt for Ravana in the first place. It suggests that she considered Ravana worthless as straw and in the place of curtain she had placed the blade of of grass. Further she says she is not a woman to be carried away by costly ornaments for luxurious places. To her, Rama alone is the most valuable treasure. lankesabhihita trnamsvapuratah krtva'bravitsakhalam | sadhvi sadgati dayiniparavadhuh prana''padodayini || 49 HANUMAN'S PERPLEXITY AND INTELLIGENCE After seeing Sita in Asokavana, Hanuman thought that if he goes 320

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back to Rama without telling Sita about his arrival, it is most likely that Sita would put an end to her life. He wanted to meet her somehow. Again he was in a dilemma about what language he has to adopt! Suppose Hanuman uses a refined language of a brahmin, Sita would conclude that he was Ravana himself. Sheould not believe me. If his presence is known to the demons, there would be a sudden attack upon him. He cannot be sured of a result. He may be caught and killed. The entire activity of rescuing her would be put at nought by his carelessness. Thus Hanuman was thinking of pros and cons of using Sanskrit Language. akhyasyami yadi dvijariva tacchrutva bhiyasacchalam matva raksasa macaretpraruditam raksassameyadbahu || hanyeta prakaryamapyavidusodosannametatkatham CHARACTER OF SUMITRA 50 Sumitra advised Laksmana at the time of leaving to the forest along with Rama that he must serve his elder brother just as he would serve his father and serve Sita as he would serve his mother. The forest should only be Ayodhya as far as Laksmana is concerned.He should be cheerful and take delight in doing service to his brother and his wife. 321

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back to Rama without telling Sita about his arrival, it is most likely that Sita would put an end to her life. He wanted to meet her somehow. Again he was in a dilemma about what language he has to adopt! Suppose Hanuman uses a refined language of a Brahmin, " will Sita would conclude that he was Ravana himself. Sheould not A believe me. If his presence is known to the demons, there would be a sudden attack upon him. He cannot be sured of a result. He may be caught and killed. The entire activity of rescuing her would be put at nought by his carelessness. Thus Hanuman was thinking the the of pros and cons of using Sanskrit Language. to akhyasyami yadi dvijariva tacchrutva bhiyasacchalam matva raksasa macaretpraruditam raksassameyadbahu || hanyeta prakaryamapyavidusodosannametatkatham 50 CHARACTER OF SUMITRA Sumitra advised Laksmana at the time of leaving to the forest along with Rama that he must serve his elder brother just as he would serve his father and serve Sita as he would serve his mother. The forest should only be Ayodhya as far as Laksmana is concerned.He should be cheerful and take delight in doing service to his brother and his wife. 321

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matabodhayatismasaukhya janakam saubhratrkam laksmanam yatte bhratrnisevanam svakulajam kartipradam srikaram | tatkale kuru capramattamanasamam tatamapyaspadam sitam ramamaranyamevasatatam viddhiprahrsta''sayah || 52 CHARACTER OF KAIKEYI When Kaikeyi heard from Mantara that Rama would be crowned soon, she felt very happy. She had been such a loving mother to Rama. She did not entertain any hatred or jealousy in her mind towards Rama. Till she was poisoned by Mantara, she was having the same kind of affection towards Rama like to Bharata. When aras to be coronated, Mantara conveyed the news that Rama is worth with royalties, she immediately took out an ornament and gave it to Mantara for bringing her such a happy news. srutva premakaram vaca sciramatam ramabhisekanvitam hrstamabharanam nijam ca dadatim dasyaha tam kopana | 53 CHARACTER OF MANTARA on Mantara, the servant maid of Kaikey by seeing the jubilations of the citizens was not in a mood to accept Rama's coronation as a happy event. She imagined that Kaikeyi's life as the beloved queen 322

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of Dasaratha was in jeopardy. She wanted Kaikeyi to act firmly to stop tahe coronation of Rama. The poet has carefully made the a observation that Mantra became upset and angry on hearing Rama's a coronation, All because of a fate willed show. srutva paurajanasya harsaninadam prasada maruhya sa viksya lamkrta pattanam nikatagam dhatrim ca tasya mukhat | jnatvaraja cikirsitam vidhikrtamarsa'varuhya krudha tasmadetya sayana kekayasutam ityabravinmamthara || CHARACTER OF RAVANA 54 When Indrajit brought Hanuman to Ravana's presence, he was furious. He asked his minister Prahasta to talk to Hanuman and find out the purpose for which Hanuman had come to Lanka. Ravana thought that being a great king, it was not fit for him to address a foreigner directly. So the author maintains a protocol of great kings who would not deem it worthwhile to talk to ordinary visitors directly. kopa''raktavilocanodasamukho vyaiksista pinga''nanam || 55 323

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NOTES 1. SR (B. K ) Verse35 CHAPTER IV 2. SR. (B) K) Verse 42 Vide. Anusasana Parva Mbh. 3. Vide. Bhagavata Purana Sk. 8, Chapter 7 VR.( B. K) Canto, 45 4. SR (B. K) Verse 51 5. SR (Ay. K) Verse 18 Vide. VR. Canto 9 6. Ibid., Verse 16 7. Sr (B. K) Verse 31 8. Vide. Mbh, Verse P. Chapter 187, SR (Ay. K ) Verse 29 9. Ibid 10. SR (Ay. K) Verse 101 11. SR (Ay. K) Verse 174 12. 13. 14. SR (Ay. K) Verse 196 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 198 SR (Ay. K) Verse 306 15. VR (Ar. K) Canto 2-4 16. SR ( Ar. K ) Verse 30 17. D. bh, Sk. 10 18. SR (Ar. K) Verse 93 19. Mbh. Ad. 29-31 20. VR (K. K) Canto 13 21. VR (K. K) Canto 50 22. VR (K. K) Canto 58 23. VR (S. K) Canto 1 24. SR (S. K) Verse37 25. SR ( Y. K ) Verse 103 324

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26. SR (YK) Verse106 27. BPU 28. SR (B K) Verse31 29. SR (Ay. K) Verse 4 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. SR (Ay. K) Verse 8 SR (Ay. K) Verse 9 SR (Ay. K) Verse 10 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 32 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 246 SR (Ay. K) Verse 247 SR (Ay. K) Verse 254 SR ( Ay. K ) Verse 264 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 266 SR (Ay. K) Verse 108 SR (Ay. K) Verse 56 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 57 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 67 SR (Ay. K) Verse 222 SR (Ay. K) Verse 241 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 279 SR (Ay. K) Verse 291 SR (Ay. K ) Verse 238 SR ( S. K ) Verse 30 49. SR ( S. K ) Verse 35 50. SR (S. K) Verse 52 51. 52. 53. SR ( S. K ) Verse 53 SR (Ay. K) Verse 116 SR (Ay. K) Verse 14 54. SR (Ay. K ) Verse 12 55. SR (S. K) Verse 81 325

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