Part 7 - Uttara Kanda (English translation)

SAGES WAIT UPON RAMA Having conquered all the enemies of gods, Rama ascended the throne. Agastya and other great sages with a desire to meet Rama visited Ayodhya. The sages addressed Rama who treated them with respect, "Oh, Rama! Ravana is no match to you. It is surprising to hear the death of Indrajit". When Rama was curious to know more about Indrajit they began to narrate about his birth³. THE STORY OF RAVANA'S ORIGIN Pulastya, the son of Brahma married the daughter of Trnabindu he called his son "Visravas" who was equally learned because he had heard the recitation of Vedas*. THE BIRTH OF VAISRAVANA Sage Visravas having performed a great penance married the daughter of Bharadvaja and obtained a son "Vaisravana" who was religious by nature. Brahma gave him the Puspaka Vimana. Then according to his father's order, he resides in Lanka which was devoid of Raksasas³. 260

ANCIENT HISTORY OF RAKSHASAS "Who were living in Lanka earlier to Raksasas? What powers had they obtained?" When Sri Rama asked Agastya such questions with great excitement, the sage replied, "Brahma created water. In order to protect water, he also created animals. When the beings said that they would eat when they were hungry, Brahma made them Yakshas. Those who would eat without hunger were made Rakshasas. There were two brothers Heti and Prahethi who possessed great strength. The younger one "Prahethi" was very much interested in Dharma. Heti being the elder, married "Bhaya", sister of Yama. Through her he obtained a son named "Vidyutkesha". He married "Salakatangata". She gave birth to a son in the Mandara mountain?. "Sukesa" was born to them. 11 THE BIRTH OF MALYAVAN AND HIS BROTHERS Suke sa married Devavati, the daughter of a Gandharva called a Grameni. Through her he begot Malyavan, Sumali and Mali, who were noteworthy for their penance. Brahma was very much delighted with their penance and gave several boons to them. The three persons (Malyavan, Sunali and Mali) married the three daughters of a Gandharva woman. Sundari the wife of Malyavan, obtained eight 261

children. Ketumati the wife of Sumali gave birth to ten sons. Vasudha, a Gandharva lady, wife of Mali, gave birth to four sons. Malyavan and the 1 other three sons, invincible in prowess, became haughty due to the boons given by Brahma. They began to cause distress to all the gods. Lord Narayana having known that the gods were oppressed by the demons, took his chakra and other weapons, and riding on his vehicle, came there in order to protect all the gods¹³. MALI SLAIN ae " 13 Lord Narayana possessing all powerful weapons was surrounded on all four sides by Raksasas. Sumali became frightened and went out of the battle field. The lord took out his chakrayuda and chopped off the head of Mali¹4 11 MALYAVAN RETIRES TO PATALA U Malyavan, with the weapons Sakthi of Lord Narayana and with his armour which was broken, was hurled into the sky through the wings of Garuda. His brother Sumali, thinking of Purushottama who was ready to kill him, escaped from there to the nether world. Kubera also lived in the desolate Lanka's. On seeing the face of Kaikesi 15 understanding her silence and reading her mind, Sage Visravas said, You will give birth to only wicked sons. But the last son whom you 262

give birth to shall be blessed". Accordingly she gave birth to the ten headed Ravana, Kumbakarna, Surpanaka and the noble Vibhisana¹. son THE BROTHERS PRACTISE AUSTERITIES "1 When the sons grew up, Kaikesi after seeing Kubera said to Ravana, "Oh my son, Kubera is your elder brother. You must also +1 become prosperous like hima. When the mother said so, Ravana got years!" did angry and doing penance for 10,000 yrs. Brahma said, "You can ask any boon desired by you. Please ask them quickly". When Ravana asked for immortality, Brahma said, "You will have no death except by human beings and animals. When you do homa offering your heads one years by one for 1000 yrs, you will get back all your heads". Thus Brahma gave this boon to the eldest son Raavana¹³. Then Brahma affectionately embraced Vibhisana and said, "Though you have suffered many difficulties, your intellect will never deviate from Dharma". He made Vibhisana happy by his words. Then Brahma called Kumbhakarna who was wicked and who ate up the ten servants of Indra and seven apsaras girls for food and gave boons against his wish. Being instigated by the words of Sarasvati, he wanted Kumbakarna to sleep for a long time and went away to his residence 19. " 263

RAVANA DEMANDS LANKA FROM KUBERA " Then Sumali having understood that the children had obtained good boons grew happy. He rose from the netherworld to the earth, gave evil advices to Ravana. Through Prahasta he politely begged Kubera to avoid Lanka, had pattabhiseka happily and lived in that city that had been abandoned by Kubera²º. MARRIAGE OF RAVANA, HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS Ravana having obtained many boons from Brahma to obtain anyform according to his desire, gave his younger sister to "Vidyut→ jihwa" son of Kalakai. As per the words of the divine architect Maya he married Mandodari. Kumbhakarna married "Vajrajwalai". Vibhisana was married to "Sarama". Then Ravana the king of raksasas, obtained a son called Meghanadha who roared like a cloud. Ravana usurped Kubera's Puspaka Vimana and got down from the mountain Kailasa² RAVANA'S ENCOUNTER WITH MARUT sasas "1 25 The demon Ravana was always desirous of fighting. Seeing a king by name "Marut" who was doing a sacrifice and who was taken away from that place by a sage "Samvartha". Ravana fought with him happily, pronouncing the words of victory. Thus becoming haughty, he ed was roaming all over the earth and reaching Ayodhya. There he was 264

beaten up by the palm of "Anaranya". Ravana having suffered much, was also cursed by Anaranya that he would be killed by a man of his own clan. Thus Ravana went to Devaloka 32. RAVANA MAKES FRIENDS WITH THE NIVATA KAVACHA u Ravana who possessed valorous ten heads, went to the city called "Bhogavati" and conquered the serpent "Vasuki", the head of the city. Ravana then went to the demons by name "Nivata Kavacha"- the lords of Manipura. and became his friend. 4 THE SUN GOD ACKNOWLEDGES DEFEAT u The mighty Ravana, desirous of the victory over the source of light i.e., the Sun God, who witnesses all actions, challenged him to a fight. Ravana came to know this from his servant "Dandi" and knowing that Surya was powerless and helpless, he went away to another place 40 FIGHT WITH MANDATA Then Ravana who was embraced by his wife on the advice of the Sage Parvata and knowing the people going in the sky enjoy the merit acquired by them so far fought with Mandata for a long time." 265

RAVANA MAKES FRIENDS WITH MADHU Ravana saved the life of a demon called "Madhu" on the advice of his sister. With the help of Kumbhakarna and Meganada, Rama stationed his armies on the Kailasa mountain along with the demon Madhu to win Indra 45. SUMALI SLAIN Indra having heard that his city called "Amaravati" had been surrounded by Ravana's armies, sent his armies to fight Ravana. "Savitran" who was the last among the eight vasus killed Sumali with his mace 47. RAVANA WORSHIPS SIVA Sage Agastya born of a pot, said to Rama, who wished to know about the Raksasas further. Ravana worshipped Siva, who was his protector and who was the cause of his prosperity 52. KARTHAVIRYAJUNA HUMILIATES HIM Karthaviryajuna with the powerful 1000 hands hit Ravana on his chest with his mace and captured him 53. Having known this news the sage Pulastya went hurriedly to Karthaviryajuna and honoured the king and requested him to release Ravana who was his grand son. The king 266

Karthaviryajuna had friendhip with Ravana to which the fire god was a witness 54. " VALI AND RAVANA 4 Vali having done the evening rites reached the southern ocean and completed the worship in all the three oceans and without any difficulties, he caught hold of Ravana who was coming after him, and kept him under his arms. Then he reached Kiskinda, released him afterwards. Ravana was surprised and without any pride declared friendship with Valis Valiss !? HANUMAN DOES NOT KNOW HIS STRENGTH 4 Why, the son of wind who was affectionate to Sugriva did not punish Vali, the enemy of Sugriva? When Rama who was the store house of missiles, thus asked Agastya, the sage spoke to him, "Hanuman obtained his birth from Anjana through the wind god and he when he became hungry, on seeing the sun god as considered in a ripened fruit. Hanuman was struck by Indra with his Vajrayudha and fell down. " STORY OF RKSARAJAS 4 When the tears of Brahma fell to the ground they became a monkey called Rksarajas and when they fell into the waters of the pond 267

they obtained a feminine form. Next day she was transformed into a retasu man-from the rets! of the son god which fell on his neck Sugriva was born. Both of them having reached Kiskinda were welcomed by Anjaneya and other leader of monkeys and they were adorned with a golden necklace 60. A SANATHKUMAR FORETELLS RAMA'S INCARNATION 4 A Oh Lord! From the sons of Brahma, Sanathkumara, Ravana understood the wonderful power of Narayana and that he was fit to be seen and worshipped only by merciful devotes. Then having known that you are the incarnation of the Lord Narayana carried away your wife Sita to whom one could not imagine 63. AGASTYA'S RETURN The Sage Agastya thus made him hear various stories and return to his hermitage. Sri Rama having received various invaluable presents given by the kings, distributed the same to Sugriva, the husband of Ruma. Similarly Hanuman, the son of Vayu, and Angada, the son of Vali, also received the presents given by Rama. 268

PREGNANT SITA WISHES TO VISIT THE HERMITAGES Rama made his wife Sita happy and knowing that she was pregnant made her live in Ganges where all the sages dwell and which is capable of removing sin. She wished to visit all the sages in Ganges 70. SITA EXILED "Oh Laksmana ! Sita's blemishness character was known to you, and her chastity was proclaimed by Agni. But these people of Ayodhya do not understand her spotless character. Moreover she also wishes to see the people in the forest. You please take her in a chariot and leave her near Valmiki's hermitage tomorrow. When Sita asked the reason for his grief Laksmana said "O Sister-in-law! some fools in the city P. " S were gossiping about you. Rama wants you to remain in the forest under the pretext of your being pregnant"75. Having come to know the intention of her husband through her brother-in-law, Sita felt sad. Remembering the series of sorrow, she said, "Oh Lord! You please y ignore the scandalous tongues! You know me as one without and "1 attachment in material pleasure. Do not forget mea. Thus she conveyed whatever she wanted to say to her Lord through Laksmana. Then Lakshmana left that place with his head bent low 7. 269

VALMIKI TAKES SITA TO HIS HERMITAGE Sage Valmiki who chanted Ramayana on hearing the lamentation, knowing everything through meditation, worshipping Sita brought her to his hermitage and ordered the wives of the sages to protect her 77. THE TALE OF NIMI 4 My child Laksmana! Crime or sin done to the elders will bring great sorrow. I will cite an example. A great monarch by name "Nimi" wanted to perform sacrifice. His preceptor Vasista went to see Indra. ren Then he came back to Nimi who was sleeping. So Vasista got angry and i cursed him to become bodyless. The gods made Nimi become the form of wind. He was again pushed inside with the sacrificial sticks. From his body "Miti" a king was born. His name was Janaka⁹5. SIVA'S BOON TO RAVANA 4 Sri Rama who was great in attaining Vedic knowledge worshipped Siva as advised by Brgu. From Siva he got Sulayudha which was a terror to the enemies. Rama realized that "Lavanasura" a son of a demon by name "Madhu", noted for his wicked deeds and a cause for R all troubles. Rama asked Satrugna to slay Lavanasura. Lavanasura could be killed only when he abandoned the missile, and either when he 270

was out or at the entrance. Whoever is seen by Lavana would be killed by him. During the last period of summer, when the clouds appear, Lavanasura would abandon the battle. At that time you should kill 4 hima. Satrugna delayed a month and then started 9. R SATRUGNA VISITS SAGE VALMIKI h Satrugna spent two nights on his way and reached Sage Valmiki. Then Satrugna understanding the birth of two children to Sita and coming to know that the Sage Valmiki has done "Naming ceremony" to the children and knowing that they were called "Kusa" and "Lava" he gladly left the place. LAVANA SLAIN h Satrugna having conquered the earth and Indra, the king of Gods, came to kill "Lavanan who destroyed everybody and who killed the king "Mandata" with his powerful missile "Sulayudha" which is lustruous like fire. Through the missile of Visnu, Satrugna tore the chest of Lavana. Satrugna heard the pleasing Ramayana story which was sung k with music. Satrugna spent seven days with Valmti, and then he started with great difficulty and reached the city of "Mathura" without any delay 103 271

SAMBUKA'S PENANCE Rama came to know that person who was under penance was "Sambuka" who wished to go to heaven with human form. He was a Sudra. Rama cut his neck into two with his knife. RAMA RETURNS TO AYODHYA Sri Rama who released others from miseries after listening to the moral stories from the great Sage Agastya, performed his evening rites and went to bed after having his meal which was tastier than Amrta. There afterwards he woke up in the morning and performing the > morning rites, and took leave of Sage Agastya and flew over to his country by means of Puspaka Vimana¹¹³. THE STORY OF ILA The handsome Ila who was sporting in the gardens, giving up her masculine features, and who was like the arrow of cupid, was spotted by "Budha", the son of Chandra. He wondered whether she was the divine queen of all heavenly damsels? He assigned her a place in the hill which was frequented by other attendants who were longing for the return of their celestial husbands 119. 272

ILA'S TRASFORMATION The wise Budha approached "Ila" who was like goddess Lakshmi devoid of the lotus flower, radiant and beautiful. While she had attained the male form, she had been thinking of her armies all the time. In the company of this woman, Budha spent a month as if it were a second. After nine such joyous months, she gave birth to a son "Pururavas"120 S INVITE SAGES TO ASVAMEDHA SACRIFICE ren Rama ordered Bharata and Satrugna to summon the Sages, and Brahmins who were of good qualities for the performance of Asvameda Sacrifice after consulting his wise ministers 122. Rama made the sacrificial horse that had been brought by Laksmanaa go round the the earth. Sugriva worshipped Brahmins, and Vibhisana honoured the L Sages. Thus Rama performed "Asvamedha Sacrifice" in the sacred 66 place called " Naimisaranya". THE BOYS SING THE RAMAYANA Sage Valmiki having reached the sacrificial altar, told "Kusa" and "Lava" who were very fond of him, to recite "The Ramayana" in the assembly filled with sages. He instructed them to recite twenty l cantos per day. Valmiki himself had reveled in the nectar of Ramayana 273

that emerged from the mouth of these kids. King Rama felt it his good fortune to welcome such a great sage as Valmiki to the yaga 125. He also learnt from the Sage that Sita desired to proclaim her chastity before the citizens. SITA PROVES HER CHASTITY Rama replied, "Oh great sage! The Gods themselves have proclaimed Sita's chastity. But people suspect her integrity. They should be convinced of her chastity". Sita on hearing her husband's word pleaded the earth thus: "If I am chaste let the earth absorb me". seated Everyone being spectators there_Sita seeked herself on the throne offered by Mother Earth 128 BRAHMA CONSOLES RAMA enraged Lear The emerged Rama wished to apart the earth that caused Sita to L disappear. He was pacified by Brahma. He then completed the sacrifice, sent the friends to their respective places, and returned to Ayodhya from the Nimisa forest. He obtained a golden idol of Sita, and performed many sacrifices for the welfare of the world, radiating happiness all over the earth and enabling mothers to attain Svarga. He ruled on earth for a long time 130 274

BHARATA'S SONS CONQUERING THE GANDHARVAS In order to vanquish the Gandharvas Rama sent "Daksha" and "Push kala", the sons of Bharata along with the armies¹³1. Bharata 131 established the two great cities "Dakshasila" and "Pushkala Vadham" and made his sons reside there. TWO CITIES ESTABLISHED FOR LAKSMANA'S SONS The virtuous Rama, created two cities in the country of "Karupatha". He made "Angada" and "Chandrakethu" the sons of Laksmana live there. He commanded Bharata and Laksmana to dwell there assisting the princes. TIME, THE DESTROYER WAITS UPON RAMA To punish wicked people, Rama attained a human form. Rama have successfully achieved your purpose. A long time. has elapsed since his birth. The gods are very eager to have darshan. Then Rama agreed to these words uttered by Rudradeva 135. DURVASA'S VISIT Having performed a noble penance for thousand years, "I have come here with much hunger. Go and inform your brother Rama of my arrival. Otherwise I shall punish your entire family with my curse". Thus Durvasa spoke to Laksmana and approached Rama. Rama 275

pleased the sage. The Sage who remained detached from worldly things stood with his bent bow 136. LAKSMANA DEPARTS "Oh, the protector of the world! You have to uphold the truth. meat"s Oh Brother! You have to destroy mea said Laksmana. Rama after consulting his ministers decided to punish Laksmana. Then Laksmana entered into Sarayu river. He was worshipped by Indra and entered his abode along with his physical form¹³7. AYODHYA WISHES TO GO WITH RAMA Then the Lord Laksmi Narayana who is affectionate to people, thinking of Sita and Laksmana informed Bharata and the people of his vanaprasta yatra. When the people who could not tolerate their separation of Rama also decided to follow him. He permitted them to do so. He made his sons Kusa and Lava, kings of Kosala and Uttara Koasala. He then summoned Satrugna 138. Satrugna wishing to follow Rama handed over the kingdom to his "Subahu" and "Satrukathi" and Sugriva assigned his kingdom to Angada. Rama with joy tod Vibhisana "Oh demon Vibhisana! As long as my charita exists on earth, you " should remain protector of the kingdom. He asked Hanuman to remain on earth for the same period. He also told Jambavan, the son of Brahma 276

and Mainda and Dvivida to remain on earth till the onset of Kali 139. THE LAST JOURNEY OF RAMA The auspicious rites suitable for journey were performed by the preceptor. Rama, desirous of ascending to heaven, started his journey. The following persons decided to go along with Rama, as they could not bear his separation. 1. 2. 3. 4. The presiding deities of missiles Bhudevi and Sridevi The three fires (Garhapatya, Ahavaniya, Dakshina) All the living and non-living things 5. The entire kingdom in the city Everybody followed Rama. The whole earth appeared frightening 140. After crossing the distance of one and half yojanas, Rama reached the holy river "Sarayu". There, on seeing Lord Brahma who was surrounded by Gods with many aerial chariots, commanded him to give the best region "Santana" to his followers. Then having taken a holy dip in the river, he obtained the brilliance of Visnu and dazzled brightly like an embodiment of light¹¹. When king "Rishabha" reigns the 141 kingdom happily, the city of Ayodhya would flourish. Ramayana would e grant the listeners, things they desire. It contains the Aksharas for 277

Gayatri Mantra. After the coronation of Rama, Sage Valmiki composed "Uttara Kanda" describing Sita's entry into the earth, and narrated the Ramayana to everyone, for the benefit of the earth. Thus he filled the as do earth with joy. Hence, people on earth excel in pleasure the people in heaven 142. Sri Laksmi Narayana ascended to Vaikunta along with his friends. People on earth who wished for Rama's divya darshan, and were who could not tolerate his separation very sad. Rama unable to see them grieving, once again ascended to the earth, for the happiness of his devotees, with his wife and brothers and dear friends, in the form of holy vigrahas. 278