Chapter 37c

Shri Rama with his brothers, hearing that ancient and wonderful tale, was astonished and, having listened to the Rishi Agastya’s narrative, said:—

“By your favour, O Rishi, I have heard this highly sacred theme! O Great Muni, I am filled with amazement on hearing the story of Bali and Sugriva. O Blessed One, I am not surprised that those two sons of the Gods should be so powerful since their origin was divine!”

Rama, having uttered these words, Agastya said:—

“O Long-armed One, even thus was the birth of Bali and Sugriva brought about in days of yore. I shall now relate another ancient legend to you, 0 Rama, as to why Ravana bore Sita away, hear me with attention!

“In the Golden Age, Ravana offered reverence to the Grandsire’s offspring, that truthful Rishi Sanatkumara, who, shining in his own effulgence, was as resplendent as the sun and who was seated in his own retreat, and paying homage to him, Ravana said:—

“‘O Lord, who is there now among the Gods, who is brave and powerful and by whose aid the Celestials can overcome their foes, one whom the Twice-born worship daily and upon whom devotees constantly meditate? O You, whose wealth is your piety and who art possessed of the sixfold riches, do you graciously tell me in detail.’

“Being conversant with Ravana’s intentions, the glorious Sage Sanatkumara, having knowledge of all things through his meditations, said to him affectionately:—

‘Hear me, O My Son, the wise, in their sacrifices, duly pay homage to the Lord of the Universe, whose origin is unknown to us, who is daily worshipped by the Celestials and Asuras, He is the supremely powerful Narayana from whose navel, Brahma, the Creator of the World has sprung and from whom, all things animate and inanimate are born. Yogis meditate upon Him and offer sacrifices in His honour according to the Puranas, Vedas, Pancaratras and other rituals. In combat, He is ever victorious over the Daityas, Danavas, Rakshasas and other enemies of the Gods, all of whom ever worship Him.’

“Hearing the words of the great Ascetic Sanatkumara, Ravana, the Lord of the Rakshasas, making obeisance to him, answered:—

“‘Being slain by Hari, to what state do the Daityas, Danavas and Rakshasas attain and why does Hari destroy them?’

“Thereupon Sanatkumara replied:—

‘They who are slain by the Gods abide in Svarga but are born again on earth when their merit is exhausted. They are born and they die, they suffer and enjoy according to the merits of their previous births, but those who are slain by the Wielder of the Discus, the Lord of the Three Worlds, Hari, attain to His region, since even His wrath is like unto a boon, O King!’

“Hearing the words spoken by that mighty Ascetic Sanatkumara, that night-ranger, Ravana, filled with delight and wonder, began to reflect on how he might enter into conflict with the Lord.”