Part 1: Expedition to Laṅkā

Then Rāma and Saumitri, attended by soldiers, Sugrīva, et cetera set out through the air for the conquest of Laṅkā. Bhāmaṇḍala, Nala, Nīla, Mahendra, Pāvanañjayi, Virādha, Suṣeṇa, and Jāmbavat, Aṅgada and other Vidyādhara-lords by crores went immediately to Rāma, covering the face of the sky with their armies. Many marching-drums, beaten by the Vidyādharas, filled the sky with very deep sounds. The Khecaras went through the sky in aerial cars and chariots, on horses, elephants, and other vehicles, proud of performing their master’s work.

Crossing above the ocean with his army, in a moment Rāghava reached the city Velandhara on Mt. Velandhara. Two kings, Samudra and Setu, like oceans hard to restrain, began to fight excitedly with Rāma’s vanguard. Nala captured Samudra and Nīla, long-armed, captured Setu and led them to Rāma, wise in their master’s business. Kākutstha restored them as before. For the great are compassionate to enemies who have been defeated. Samudra gave his three daughters, very beautiful in form, the first among beautiful women, to Rāma’s younger brother.

Having spent the night (there), at dawn Raghūdvaha followed Setu and Samudra and came very soon to Mt. Suvela. There Rāma conquered a king, Suvela by name, hard to conquer, spent one night, and set out at dawn. After conquering Haṃsaratha on Haṃsadvīpa near Laṅkā, the best of the Raghus camped there. When Kākutstha was nearby, like Saturn in Pisces, Laṅkā trembled in every direction, fearing the end of the world. Rāvaṇa’s vassals armed themselves for battle, Hasta, Prahasta,, Mārīca, Sāraṇa, and others by the thousand. Rāvaṇa, expert in beating enemies, had the cruel battle-drums beaten by the crore by servants.