Chapter 37f

“O Rama, Ravana, the Lord of the Rakshasas, proud of his strength, accompanied by his warriors, began to range the earth desirous of conquest. Whenever he heard of any among the Daityas, Danavas or Rakshasas who were powerful, he challenged them to fight.

“O Lord of the Earth, having traversed the whole world, the Ten-necked Rakshasa beheld the Sage Narada returning from Brahmaloka to his own abode, like unto a second sun, passing through the clouds.

Then Ravana, with a cheerful heart, approached him and, with joined palms, addressed the Sage, saying:—

“‘O You gifted with the six kinds of wealth, many times you have beheld all creation from Brahma down to an insect. Do you tell me, O Great One, in which region the inhabitants are the most powerful, I wish to challenge them to combat according to my whim.’

“Thereupon, reflecting an instant, the divine Sage Narada answered him saying:—

“‘O King, there is a large island in the Milky Ocean, where all the inhabitants are endowed with great strength and are of enormous stature, as effulgent as the moon’s beams, possessing fair complexions, voices as deep as the muttering of clouds and who are extremely valiant. Their arms are long and like iron bars, O King of die Asuras, such are the people of that island, who are as powerful as you wouldst wish to see on earth.’

“Hearing the words of Narada, Ravana said:—

“‘O Divine Sage, why are the people of that island so strong and how did such mighty beings come to live in that place? O Lord, do you relate everything to me at length. The whole world is ever seen by you like a fruit in the palm of the hand!’

“Hearing the words of Ravana, the blessed Sage said:—

“‘O Lord of the Rakshasas, the people of that island constantly worship Narayana with their whole being. Their hearts and minds are ever set on Him and, having given their lives and souls to Narayana alone, they have been blessed with that abode and dwell on Sveta-dvipa. Those who die in battle at the hands of Shri Narayana, Bearer of the discus and Preserver of the World, go to the celestial region. O Friend, neither by sacrifice, penance, excellent gifts nor by any other pious act does one attain to that region full of bliss.’

“Hearing these words of Narada, Ravana was amazed and reflecting awhile, said:—

‘I will enter into conflict with these people 1’

“Thereafter, taking leave of Narada, he proceeded to Sveta-dvipa and Narada, pondering for a long time, curious to witness that encounter, speedily left for that island, he being fond of mischief and conflict.

“O Prince, Ravana, with his Rakshasas, advanced on Sveta-dvipa, rending the four quarters with his leonine roars, and Narada preceded him to that island that was difficult of access even to the Devas.

“There the Pushpaka Car of the mighty Ravana was assailed by adverse winds so that it was unable to stand against them and was tossed about like a straw, nor could it remain stationary on account of the furious blasts.

Then Ravana’s counsellors said to him:—

“‘O Lord, we are beside ourselves and overcome by fear; it is not possible for us to remain here, how then shall we be able to fight?’

“Speaking thus, the Rakshasas fled away in all directions; then Ravana sent away his aerial car decorated with gold with the Rakshasas and, assuming a terrible form, entered the island alone.

“Thereafter, as he was approaching, he was observed by many women of that white island, who, drawing near, took hold of his hand and smiling, said:—

“‘Why hast you come hither? Who art you? Who is your sire? Who has sent you, tell us all candidly?’

“Than Ravana, enraged, answered:—

“‘I am the son of the Sage Vishravas and my name is Ravana! I have come hither in order to fight but I see no warrior here!’

“When the wicked-minded Rakshasa had spoken thus, the maidens laughed gently, but one of them, incensed, suddenly took hold of Ravana as one would a child and, as if in play, tossed him to and fro to her companions, saying

“‘See, I have caught an insect, how wonderful it is with its ten hands, twenty arms and its colour resembling a heap of antimony!’

“Thereafter, they passed him from hand to hand in play, each spinning him with her fingers and Ravana, worn out by being handled thus, grew exceedingly angry and bit the hand of one of those fair ones, who, being in pain, let him go, whereupon another, seizing the powerful Rakshasa, rose into the sky. Then Ravana, in fury, tore her with his nails and being dropped by that damsel, the night-ranger, terrified, fell into the waters of the sea, as a mountain peak when shattered by a thunderbolt.

“O Rama, those youthful women of Sveta-dvipa again caught hold of the Rakshasa and began to fling him to and fro. At that moment, the illustrious Sage Narada, observing Ravana’s plight, was astonished and, laughing loudly, began to dance with delight.

“O Great King, desirous of receiving death at your hand, the wicked Ravana bore Sita away. You are Narayana, the Wielder of the Conch, discus and mace. You'dost bear the lotus, the thunderbolt and the bow in thine hands. You are Hrishikesha and art adorned with the Shrivatsa Mark, You are the Maha-Yogi, ever worshipped by the Devas and You dost confer fearlessness on Your devotees. You have assumed a human form in order to slay Ravana. Dost You know your Self to be Narayana, O Blessed One, do not forget your real Self, recollect that You are the true Self; Brahma Himself has declared You to be the Mystery of all mysteries!

“O Prince of the Raghus, You are the Three Gunas, the Three Vedas, The Three Regions, that of the Celestials, of men and the region under the earth, You dost sport in the three divisions of time, You are conversant with the science of archery, music and medicine, You are the Destroyer of the enemies of the Gods. In days of yore, You didst traverse the Three Worlds in three strides. You are born of Aditi and art the younger brother of Indra, born to bind Bali. O Foremost of the Gods, the purpose of the Devas has been accomplished! The wicked Ravana with his sons and kinsmen has been slain; the Rishis, who have piety as their wealth, and all the Gods are gratified. O Chief of the Immortals, all this has been brought about by Your grace!

“Sita is the personification of Lakshmi and arose from the earth; for your sake, she was born in the House of Janaka. Bringing her to Lanka, Ravana protected her with care as his own mother. O Rama, I have related the whole story to you, the immortal Narada described it to me, having heard it from the Rishi Sanatkumara; Dashanana followed the instructions of Sanatkumara faithfully.

“Whoever listens to this narrative in faith and knowledge at the time of sacrifice, his offerings of food, becoming imperishable, reach the ancestors.”

Hearing this divine theme, the lotus-eyed Rama, with his brothers, was greatly astonished and the monkeys, their eyes wide with delight, with Sugriva, the Rakshasas, Bibishana, the kings, their counsellors and the assembled Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras gazed on Rama with joy.

Then the highly effulgent Agastya said to Rama:—

“O Rama, we have all looked on You and been honoured by you and now beg leave to depart.”

Speaking thus and having received due homage, they returned whence they had come.

The sun having set, Rama, the foremost of men, bade farewell to the monkeys and their Sovereign and duly performed the Sandhya Rites; thereafter night having gradually set in, he entered the inner apartments.