Sugreeva sends troops to north in search of Seetha. He gives an account of the snowy regions and provinces of northern side and asks them to search in the places of Yavana, Kuru, and Darads etc., civilisations. Sugreeva specially informs them about a divine province called Uttara Kuru and a heavenly mountain called Mt. Soma on which Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva make sojourn for its sacredness.
tataḥ saṃdiśya sugrīvaḥ śvaśuram paścimām diśam |
vīram śatabalim nāma vānaram vānarareśvara || 4-43-1
1. vaanara iishvara sugriivaH = vanara-s', king, Sugreeva; shvashuram pashcimaam disham sandishya = father-in-law, to westerly, direction, on sending; tataH = then; shatabalim naama = Shatabali, named; viiram vaanaram = to valorous, vanara; [uvaaca = spoke to.]
On sending his father-in-law, namely Susheshana, to westerly direction then the king of Vanara-s Sugreeva, spoke to a valorous vanara named Shatabali. [4-43-1]
uvāca rājā sarvajñaḥ sarva vānara sattama |
vākyam ātma hitam caiva rāmasya ca hitam tadā || || 4-43-2
2. raajaa sarva j~naH = king, all, knowing - knowledgeable - Sugreeva; sarva vaanara sattama = among all, vanara-s, powerful one [Sugreeva]; tadaa = thereafter; aatma hitam = for himself, advantageous; hitam raamasya ca = beneficial, for Rama, even; vaakyam uvaaca = words, spoke.
That knowledgeable and the powerful one among all monkeys, King Sugreeva, spoke words to Shatabala that are advantageous to himself, and beneficial to Rama as well. [4-43-2]
vṛtaḥ śata sahasreṇa tvat vidhānām vana okasām |
vaivasvata sutaiḥ sārdham praviṣṭha sarva maṃtribhiḥ || ||
4-43-3
3. tvat vidhaanaam = your, kind of; vana okasaam = forest, dwellers [monkeys]; shata sahasreNa = with a hundred, thousand; vR^itaH = surrounded with - accompanied with; sarva mantribhiH = with all, misters; vaivasvata sutaiH saardham = Yama, Terminator's, sons, along with; praviSTha = you enter - you proceed.
"Accompanied with a hundred thousand forest-dwelling monkeys of your kind, and also with all of your ministers who the sons of Yama, the Terminator, you have to proceed. [4-43-3]
diśam hi udīcīm vikrānta hima śaila avataṃsikām |
sarvataḥ parimārgadhvam rāma patnīm yaśasvinīm || || 4-43-4
4. vikraanta = oh, venturesome one - Shatabala; hima shaila avatansikaam = [the north that has] snowy, mountains, as its crown; udiiciim disham = northern, quarter; yashasviniim raama patniim = glorious, Rama's, for wife; sarvataH parimaargadhvam = everywhere, scouted out.
"Oh, venturesome Shatabala, you scout out whole of the northern quarter that has snowy Himalayan mountains as its crown for the glorious wife of Rama. [4-43-4]
asmin kārye vinivṛtte kṛte dāśaratheḥ priye |
ṛṇān muktā bhaviṣyāmaḥ kṛta arthā arthavidām varāḥ || || 4-43-5
5. artha vidaam varaaH = purposiveness, among experts of, oh, best ones - oh, enterprising vanara-s; asmin kaarye vinivR^itte = in this, mission, on being completed; daasharatheH priye kR^ite = to Dasharatha's son - to Rama, agreeable [task,] when we effectuate; R^iNaan muktaa = from debt, freed; kR^ita arthaa = accomplished, of purpose; bhaviSyaamaH = we will become.
"Oh, enterprising vanara-s, when this mission is complete and when we can effectuate a task agreeable to Rama, we will become debt-free and accomplished of our purpose. [4-43-5]
kṛtam hi priyam asmākam rāghaveṇa mahātmanā |
tasya cet pratikāro asti saphalam jīvitam bhavet || || 4-43-6
6. mahaa aatmanaa = raaghaveNa = by great-souled, Raghava; asmaakam priyam kR^itam hi = for us, cherish [a favour,] done, isn't it; tasya prati kaaraH asti cet = its [deed's,] reciprocation, is there, if; jiivitam = life sa phalam = with, fruit [fruitful]; bhavet = becomes.
"Great-souled Raghava has indeed done a favour to us, isn't it. If there is reciprocation to that kind deed, our lives will become fruitful. [4-43-6]
arthinaḥ kārya nirvṛttim akartum api yaḥ caret |
tasya syāt saphalam janma kim punaḥ pūrva kāriṇaḥ || || 4-43-7
7. yaH = he who; a kartuH api = not, doing, even - even if one does not reciprocate; arthinaH kaarya nirvR^ittim = requester, deed, completion; caret = if he does; tasya janma saphalam syaat = his, life, fruitful, becomes; puurva kaariNaH = earleir, one who has done - one who has already renedered help; kim punaH = why, again - telling.
"He who completes the deed of a requester, even though that requester has not rendered any hep earlier, his life becomes fruitful. Then what is there to say again about him who has already received help from the requester? [4-43-7]
etām buddhim samāsthāya dṛśyate jānakī yathā |
tathā bhavadbhiḥ kartavyam asmat priya hita eṣibhiḥ || || 4-43-8
8. etaam buddhim samaasthaaya = such a, thinking, abiding by; asmat = our; priya = well-being; hita = welfare; eSibhiH = by wishers; bhavadbhiH = by you all; jaanakii = Janaki; yathaa dR^ishyate = as to how, can be seen - can be found; tathaa kartavyam = that way, it [task] may be undertaken.
"Let all of you abide by such a thinking as you are the well-wishers of our well-being and welfare, and undertake your mission in such a way as to how Seetha can be found in your search. [4-43-8]
ayam hi sarva bhūtānām mānyaḥ tu nara sattamaḥ |
asmāsu ca gataḥ prītim rāmaḥ para puram jayaḥ || || 4-43-9
9. ayam nara sattamaH = this, among men, the best one - Rama; para puram jayaH = others [enemies',] cities [fastnesses,] champion of; such a; raamaH = Rama; sarva bhuutaanaam maanyaH tu = for all, beings, estimable one, on his part; asmaasu priitim gataH hi = with us, interest, he entered into, indeed - he befriended us.
"On his part this Rama, who is the best on among men and the champion of enemies' fastnesses, is the estimable one for all beings, and his interests have indeed fell in with ours. [4-43-9]
imāni bahu durgāṇi nadyaḥ śaila aṃtarāṇi ca |
bhavantaḥ parimārgantu buddhi vikrama saṃpadā || || 4-43-10
10. bhavantaH = you all; buddhi vikrama sampadaa = wisdom, valour, with a wealth of; imaani = these; bahu durgaaNi = many, impassable - places; nadyaH shaila antaraaNi ca = rivers, mountains, canyons also; parimaargantu = rake over.
"Let all of you with your assets of wisdom and valour rake over all of these impassable places, rivers, mountains and also their canyons. [4-43-10]
tatra mlecchān pulindān ca śūrasenān tathaiva ca |
prasthālān bharatān caiva kurūm ca saha madrakaiḥ || ||
4-43-11
kāṃboja yavanān caiva śakān pattanāni ca |
anvīkṣya daradān caiva himavantam vicinvatha || 4-43-12
11, 12. tatra = there - in north; mlecChaan pulindaan ca = Mleccha-s, Pulinda-s - provinces of; tathaiva = like that; shuurasenaan ca = Shurashena, also; prasthaalaan bharataan caiva = Prasthala, Bharata, also, thus; madrakaiH saha = Madraka, along with; kuruum ca = Kuru, also; kaamboja yavanaan caiva = Kaambhoja, Yavana [countries,] also, thus; shakaan pattanaani ca = of Shaka, cities, also; daradaan caiva = Darada, also, thus; anviikshya = on scrutinizing; himavantam vicinvatha = at Himavanta [Himalayas,] search out.
"There in the north, the provinces of Mleccha-s, Pulinda-s, that way Shurashena - Prasthala - Bharata - Kuru - Madraka - Kaambhoja - Yavana shall be scrutinized along with the cities of Shaka and Darada, and then search in Himalayas. [4-43-11,12]
The Mleccha is the province of the then India to the North-West and it is defined as: pratyanto mleccha syaat - 'at the end of the country there is Mleccha province... amarakosha; go maa~Nsa bhakShako yastu viruddham bahu bhaaShate sarva aacaara vihiinaH ca mleccha itiu abhidiiyate - bodhaayana; -- 'eaters of beef, talkers of odd languages, devoid of all ethics [with reference to Indian scriptural ethics, especially marriage as an institution, immoralities etc.,] and they are called Mleccha-s...' bodhaayana aphorisms.
Some hold the view that Ramayana was written more lately to Greek's invasion on India on seeing the names like this Yavana, Shaka etc. for this please see the endnote for some more information
lodhra padmaka khaṇḍeṣu devadāru vaneṣu ca |
rāvaṇaḥ saha vaidehyā mārgitavyā tataḥ tataḥ || || 4-43-13
13. lodhra padmaka khaNDeSu = in Lodhra, Padmaka tree, stands; devadaaru vaneSu ca = Devadaru trees, woods, also; raavaNaH = Ravana; tataH tataH = there, there; vaidehyaa saha = Videhi, together with; maargitavyaa = be searched.
"In the stands of Lodhra trees, Padmaka trees and in the woods of Devadaru, or Deodar trees, Ravana is to be searched there and there, together with Seetha. [4-43-13]
Lodhra trees are of Tymplocos racemosa, and Devadaru tree is of Uvaria longifolia, commonly called as Deodar trees.
tataḥ soma āśramam gatvā deva gandharva sevitam |
kālam nāma mahāsānum parvatam tam gamiṣyatha || 4-43-14
14. tataH = then; deva gandharva sevitam = gods, gandharva-s, adored by; soma aashramam gatvaa = to Soma, hermitage, on going; mahaa saanum = great, peaked; kaalam naama = Kala, named; tam parvatam gamiSyatha = to that, mountain, you go.
"You to Soma hermitage, which is adored by the gods and gandharva-s, and then you go to that great-peaked mountain named Mt. Kala. [4-43-14]
mahatsu tasya śaileṣu parvateṣu guhāsu ca |
vicinvata mahābhāgām rāma patnīm aninditām || 4-43-15
15. tasya mahatsu shaileSu = its, on grand, cliffs; parvateSu = = on mountainsides; guhaasu ca = in caves, also; mahaa bhaagaam = highly, fortunate one; a ninditaam = not, peccable one - impeccable Seetha; raama patniim = Rama's, wife; vicinvata = shall be searched.
"On its cliffs, mountainsides and in caves the highly fortunate and impeccable wife of Rama shall be searched. [4-43-15]
tam atikramya śailendram hema garbham mahāgirim |
tataḥ sudarśanam nāma parvatam gantum arhatha || 4-43-16
16. hema garbham = gold, impregnated with; shaila indram = mountain, lordly; tam mahaa girim = that, great-mountain; atikramya = on going across; tataH = afterwards; sudarshanam naama parvatam = to Sudarshan, named, mountain; gantum arhatha = to go, apt of you.
"On going across that lordly mountain Kala, which great-mountain is impregnated with gold, it will be apt of you to go to the mountain named Sudarshana afterwards. [4-43-16]
tato devasakho nāma parvataḥ pataga ālaya |
nānā pakṣi samākīrṇo vividha druma bhūṣitaḥ || 4-43-17
17. tataH = latter; pataga aalaya = birds, a sanctuary of; naanaa pakshi sam aakiirNaH = with diverse, birds, verily, overspread; vividha druma bhuuSitaH = varied, trees, adorned with; devasakhaH naama parvataH = Devasakha, named, mountain - will be there.
"Latter there will be a mountain overspread with various birds and adorned with varied trees named Devasakha which is a sanctuary for birds. [4-43-17]
tasya kānana khaṇḍeṣu nirjhareṣu guhāsu ca |
rāvaṇaḥ saha vaidehyā mārgitavyaḥ tataḥ tataḥ || 4-43-18
18. tasya = in its - mountain's; kaanana khaNDeSu = woods, in segments; nirjhareSu [nirdareSu] guhaasu ca = in waterfalls, [in valleys,] in caverns, even; raavaNaH = Ravana vaidehyaa saha = Vaidehi, together with; tataH tataH maargitavyaH = there, there, quested for.
"Let Ravana be quested after in the segments of woods, at waterfalls, and even in caverns of that mountain, together with Vaidehi. [4-43-18]
tam atikramya ca ākāśam sarvataḥ śata yojanam |
aparvata nadī vṛkṣam sarva sattva vivarjitam || 4-43-19
19. tam = that - Mt. Devasakha; atikramya ca = on crossing, even; a parvata = devoid of, mountains; nadii vR^ ikSam = rivers, trees; sarva sattva vi varjitam = by all, beings, verily, discarded; sarvataH shata yojanam = all around, hundred, yojana-s; aakaasham = sky - void land; is there.
"On crossing Mt. Devasakha, there is a vacant land to a span of hundred yojana-s all around, which is devoid of mountains, rivers and even trees, and discarded by all beings. [4-43-19]
tat tu śīghram atikramya kāṃtāram roma harṣaṇam |
kailāsam pāṇḍuram prāpya hṛṣṭā yūyam bhaviṣyatha || 4-43-20
20. kaantaaram = wilds; roma harSaNam = hair, raising one; tat tu = that, on its part; shiighram atikramya = quickly, on traversing; paaNDuram kailaasam praapya = whitish, Mt. Kailash, on attaining; yuuyam = you all; hR^iSTaa bhaviSyatha = overjoyed, you will be.
"But you all will be overjoyed on traversing that hair-raising wasteland quickly and on attaining Mt. Kailash. [4-43-20]
'The Kailash mountain believed to be the abode of Shiva, the tutelary god of the Snowy Range of Central Asia and the wealth god Kubera, was to the north of Himalayas. It would appear to correspond with the Kwenlun Range, which extends northwards and connects with the Altai chain. The route indicated must have been by the south skirts of the desert towards the west, to pass by the Kailash Range...' Ancient Geography. This is presently in Tibet.
tatra pāṇḍura meghābham jāmbūnada pariṣkṛtam |
kubera bhavanam ramyam nirmitam viśvakarmaṇā || 4-43-21
21. tatra = there; vishva karmaNaa nirmitam = by Vishvakarma [the Divine Architect,] constructed; paaNDura megha aabham = white, cloudlike, in shine; jaambuunada pariSkR^itam = gold, processed with; ramyam = delightful one; kubera bhavanam = Kubera's, mansion; is there.
"There is the delightful mansion of Kubera, which in shine will be like a silver cloud and processed with gold, and the Divine Architect Vishvakarma has constructed it. [4-43-21]
viśālā nalinī yatra prabhūta kamalotpalā |
haṃsa kāraṇḍava ākīrṇā apsaro gaṇa sevitā || 4-43-22
22. yatra = where; prabhuuta kamala utpalaa = replete with, lotuses, costuses; hamsa kaaraNDava aakiirNaa = swans, partridges, overrun by; apsaraH gaNa sevitaa = apsara, throngs, adored by; vishaalaa nalinii = expansive, lotus-lake; is there that is the place of Kubera.
"Where an expansive lake is there, which is replete with lotuses and costuses, overrun by swans and partridges, and adored by throngs of apsara-s, that is the place of Kubera, Deity for Wealth-Management. [4-43-22]
tatra vaiśravaṇo rājā sarva bhūta namaskṛtaḥ |
dhanado ramate śrīmān guhyakaiḥ saha yakṣa rāṭ || 4-43-23
23. tatra = there - at that place; vaishravaNaH = son of Vaishravana; sarva bhuuta namaskR^itaH = by all, beings, reverenced; yakSa raaT = yaksha-s, king; shriimaan dhanadaH = fortunate one, Money-giver [Kubera]; raajaa = king; guhyakaiH saha = with Guhyaka-s [yaksha-s,] with; ramate = he rejoices.
"The son of Sage Vaishravana and king of yaksha-s, who is reverenced by all beings for he is the money giver, that fortunate king will be rejoicing there along with guhyaka-s, viz., yaksha-s. [4-43-23]
tasya candra nikaśeṣu parvateṣu guhāsu ca |
rāvaṇaḥ saha vaidehyā mārgitavyaḥ tataḥ tataḥ || 4-43-24
24. tasya = its [Mt. Kailash's]; candra nikasheSu = moon, similar in shine; parvateSu guhaasu ca = in [nearby] mountains, in their caves, even; tataHtataH = there, there; raavaNaH = Ravana; maargitavyaH = shall be searched; vaidehyaa saha = Vaidehi, together with.
"Ravana shall be searched on Mt. Kailash, and even in the caves of nearby mountains which will be shining like moon, together with Vaidehi. [4-43-24]
Ravana is a brother of Kubera and the aircraft of Kubera, namely Pushpaka, is seized from this very Kubera. Thus, there is every chance to hide Seetha at Kubera's place bringing Kubera under duress.
krauncam tu girim āsādya bilam tasya sudurgamam |
apramattaiḥ praveṣṭavyam duṣpraveśam hi tat smṛtam || 4-43-25
25. krauncam tu girim aasaadya = Kraunca, but, mountain, on reaching [thereafter]; su dur gamam = highly, not, passable one; tasya bilam = its, tunnel; a pramattaiH = without, incautiously [cautiously]; praveSTavyam = is to be entered; tat = that - tunnel; duS pravesham = un, enterable; smR^itam hi = known to be, indeed - they say.
"Thereafter on reaching Mt. Kraunca you shall cautiously enter into a highly impassable tunnel of that mountain to search Seetha. That tunnel, they say, is an un-enterable one. [4-43-25]
Kumara or Skanda, the son of Shiva-Parvati-Ganga made this bore by using His shakti prayoga 'Divine power.' This is his birthplace, and the legend of His birth and growth are detailed in Bala Kanda.
vasanti hi mahātmānaḥ tatra sūrya sama prabhāḥ |
devaiḥ abhyarthitāḥ samyak deva rūpā maharṣayaḥ || 4-43-26
26. tatra = in there - in that tunnel; suurya sama prabhaaH = Sun, similar, in resplendence; devaiH abhyarthitaaH = by gods, requested; deva ruupaa = godly, in mien; mahaatmaanaH = great-souled ones; such; maharSayaH = great-sages; samyak vasanti = very well, living - in that tunnel.
"In that tunnel great-souled sages reside at the request of gods, and those great-sages are similar to Sun in their resplendence and godly in their mien. Even then, you search for Ravana therein that tunnel. [4-43-26]
krauncasya tu guhāḥ ca anyāḥ sānūni śikharāṇi ca |
nirdarāḥ ca nitaṃbāḥ ca vicetavyāḥ tataḥ tataḥ || 4-43-27
27. krauncasya tu = Mt. Kraunca, but [besides the main peak of Mt. Kraunca]; anyaaH = other; guhaaH ca = caves, also; saanuuni shikharaaNi ca = terraces, peaks, also; nirdaraaH ca [dardaraaH ca] = crevices, also; nitambaaH ca = buttocks [of mountain, midriffs,] also; tataH tataH = there, there; vicetavyaaH = shall be searched.
"Besides the main peak of Mt. Kraunca, its other peaks, terraces, crevices and midriffs shall be searched, far and wide. [4-43-27]
avṛkṣam kāma śailam ca mānasam vihaga ālayam |
na gatiḥ tatra bhūtānām devānām na ca rakṣasām || 4-43-28
28. a vR^ikSam = without, trees; vihaga aalayam = birds, abode; maanasam = Mt. Maanasa; kaama shailam ca = Kaama, mountain, also; are to be searched; tatra = there; bhuutaanaam gatiH na = for beings, inlet, no; devaanaam ca rakSasaam = for gods, even, for demons; [gatiH = inlet]; na = no.
"The treeless Mt. Kaama and the abode of birds Mt. Maanasa are also to be searched, and there is no inlet for any being, let alone gods or demons. [4-43-28]
These mountains Maanasa and Kaama are said differently in other translations, like 'the wish-endower Kaama and the bird-less Maanasa Mountains.' That is to say, 'even birds cannot enter there then where is the question of entry to other beings...' If that place is un-enterable even for birds or gods how these few monkeys can enter, is the question that ensues. Sugreeva gives the answer to Rama at the start of this exodus of monkeys, saying that these monkeys can do any undoable task, which is peculiar to these genera.
sa ca sarvaiḥ vicetavyaḥ sa sānu prastha bhūdharaḥ |
krauncam girim atikramya maināko nāma parvataḥ || 4-43-29
29. sa saanu prastha bhuu dharaH = with, mountainsides, grades, fringe, mountains; saH = that Kraunca mountain; sarvaiH vicetavyaH = by you all, is to be searched; krauncam girim atikramya = from Kraunca, mountain, moving away; mainaakaH naama parvataH = Mainaaka, named, mountain - is there.
"You all have to search Mt. Kraunca inclusive of its mountainsides, grades, and its fringe mountains, and on moving away from that Mt. Kraunca, a mountain named Mainaaka is there. [4-43-29]
This Mainaaka is different from the one that wanted to give hospitality to Hanuma during his flight across ocean in Sundara Kanda.
mayasya bhavanam tatra dānavasya svayam kṛtam |
mainākaḥ tu vicetavyaḥ sa sānu prastha kaṃdaraḥ || 4-43-30
strīṇām aśva mukhīnām ca niketāḥ tatra tatra tu |
30, 31a. tatra = there; daanavasya mayasya = demon, Maya's; svayam kR^itam = himself, made [built]; bhavanam = mansion - is there; sa saanu prastha kandaraH = with, crests, grades, caves; mainaakaH tu vicetavyaH = Mt. Mainaaka, but, searched out; tatra tatra tu = there, there - thereabout; ashva mukhiinaam striiNaam ca = horse, faced ones, of females, also - of kimpurusha females; niketaaH = dwelling - is there.
"The mansion of the demon Maya is there which is built by himself and that Mt. Mainaaka is to be searched out, inclusive of its crests, grades and caves. Thereabout the dwellings of horse-faced females, namely KimpuruSa-s, are there and you have to search them also. [4-43-30, 31a]
The word ashvamukhi is taken as one word to explain the genera of kimpuruSa , a kind of sylvan beings like yaksha-s, caarana-s and the like, whereas some take it as horse-faced beings.
tam deśam samatikramya āśramam siddha sevitam || 4-43-31
siddhā vaikhānasāḥ tatra vālakhilyāḥ ca tāpasāḥ |
31b, 32a. tam desham sam atikramya = that, province, verily, over crossing; siddha sevitam aashramam = by siddha-s [resolved-souls,] adored by, hermitage - is there; tatra = there; siddhaa vaikhaanasaaH = siddha-s, vaikhaanasa-s, vaalakhilyaaH ca taapasaaH = vaalakhilyaa-s, also, sages.
"On crossing over that province there is the hermitage adored by siddha-s, the resolved-souls. There the sages, namely siddha-s, vaikhaanasa-s, and vaalakhilyaa-s will be there. [4-43-31b, 32a]
vanditavyāḥ tataḥ siddhāḥ tāpasā vīta kalmaṣāḥ || 4-43-32
praṣṭavyāḥ ca api sītāyāḥ pravṛttim vinaya anvitaiḥ
|
32b, 33a. tataH = then; taapasaa viita kalmaSaaH = by asceticism, those who are relieved of, blemishes; siddhaaH = accomplished souls; vanditavyaaH = are to be reverenced; vinaya anvitaiH = humbleness, having; by you; siitaayaaH pravR^ittim = of Seetha, course [whereabouts]; praSTavyaaH ca api = [they may be] asked after, also, even.
"Then you venerate those sages with accomplished souls, whose asceticism alone has effaced their blemishes, and you may even humbly ask them after Seetha's whereabouts. [4-43-32b, 33a]
hema puṣkara saṃchannam tatra vaikhānasam saraḥ || 4-43-33
taruṇa āditya saṃkāśaiḥ haṃsaiḥ vicaritam śubhaiḥ
|
33b, 34a. tatra = there; hema puSkara sanChannam = golden, lotuses, overspread with; taruNa aaditya sankaashaiH = tender, sun, similar in resplendence; shubhaiH hamsaiH = with prosperous, swans; vi caritam = verily, moving about; vaikhaanasam = pertaining to Vaikaanasa sages; saraH = lake - is there.
"There is the lake belonging to Vaikhaanasa sages, overspread with golden lotuses, and overrun with prosperous swans whose resplendence will be similar to the tender sun. [4-43-33b, 34a]
aupavāhyaḥ kuberasya sarvabhauma iti smṛtaḥ || 4-43-34
gajaḥ paryeti tam deśam sadā saha kareṇubhiḥ |
34b, 35a. sarvabhauma iti smR^itaH = Saarvabhauma, thus, known as - in legends; kuberasya aupavaahyaH gajaH = of Kubera, carrier, elephant; kareNubhiH saha = she-elephants, along with; sadaa = always; tam desham = to that, place; pari eti = goes over - will be visiting.
"The carrier elephant of Kubera known as Saarvabhauma will always be visiting that place along with she-elephants. [4-43-34b, 35a]
tat sāraḥ samatikramya naṣṭa candra divākaram |
anakṣatra gaṇam vyoma niṣpayodam anāaditam || 4-43-35
35b, c. tat saaraH samatikramya = that, lake, on passing over; naSTa candra divaakaram = devoid of, moon, sun; a nakSatra gaNam = without, star, clusters; niS payodam = without, clouds; a naaaditam = less of, noise [noiseless]; vyoma = sky - is there.
"Passing that lake there will be just sky which will be devoid of moon, or sun, or the clusters of stars, and it will be cloudless and noiseless. [4-43-35b, c]
gabhastibhiḥ iva arkasya sa tu deśaḥ prakāśate |
viśrāmyadbhiḥ tapaḥ siddhaiḥ deva kalpaiḥ svayaṃprabhaiḥ ||
4-43-36
36. deva kalpaiH = gods, like; svayam prabhaiH = self, resplendent ones; vishraamyadbhiH = who are taking rest; tapaH siddhaiH = in asceticism, accomplished ones; sa deshaH = that, place; arkasya gabhastibhiH iva = sun's, [innumerable] sunrays, as with; prakaashate = [that place will be] luminescent.
"That place will be luminescent with the self-resplendence of godlike sages who have accomplished their asceticism and who are taking rest at that place, as if illuminated with innumerable rays of the sun. [4-43-36]
tam tu deśam atikramya śailodā nāma nimnagā |
ubhayoḥ tīrayoḥ tasyāḥ kīcakā nāma veṇavaḥ || 4-43-37
te nayaṃti
param tīram siddhān pratyānayanti ca |
37, 38a. tam desham atikramya = that, province, on crossing over; shailodaa naama = Shailoda, named; nimna gaa = deep, going - flowing river - is there; tasyaaH ubhayoH tiirayoH = on its, both, banks; kiicakaa naama veNavaH = Keecaka, named, bamboo - brakes - are there; te = they [bamboos]; siddhaan = siddha-s; param tiiram nayanti = to other, bank, they take; prati aanayant ca = in turn, bring back, also
"On crossing over that province there is a deep flowing river named Shailoda. On both of its riverbanks bamboo brakes called as Keecaka-s will be there. Those bamboos will be enabling the movement of siddha-s, accomplished souls, from one bank to the other. [4-43-37, 38a]
Keecaka is the term to denote that 'when air is puffed in the bamboo, whistles or fluting can be done...' and this variety of bamboos is used to make the transverse flutes in India in contrast to the present day metal flutes, where the diameter and wall-thickness of each bamboo stick is carefully selected to produce a desired tone and pitch. The travel to the other bank is by the entwined bamboo-sticks-bridges across the river, and these monkeys shall make use of those bridges because anyone/anything falling in that river will be petrified, say frozen to petrifaction.
uttarāḥ kuravaḥ tatra kṛta puṇya pratiśriyāḥ || 4-43-38
tataḥ kāṃcana padmābhiḥ padminībhiḥ kṛtodakāḥ |
nīla vaidūrya patrāḍhyā nadyaḥ tatra sahasraśaḥ || 4-43-39
raktotpala vanaiḥ ca atra maṇḍitāḥ ca hiraṇmayaiḥ
|
38b, 39, 40a. tatra = there; kR^ita puNya pratishriyaaH = achieved, divine merit, dwelling; uttaraaH kuravaH = northern, Kuru - is there; tataH tatra = then, there; kaancana padmaabhiH = with golden, lotuses; padminiibhiH = lotus-leaf-stalks - runners of lotuses; kR^itaH udakaaH = made [mingled,] waters [from other lakes]; niila vaiduurya patra aaDhyaa = blue, lapis [Lapis Lazuli Blue-like,] leaves, filled with; nadyaH = rivers; sahasrashaH = in thousands - are there; atra = here - at this place; hiraNmayaiH = golden in hue; rakta utpala vanaiH = with red, Costuses, thickets; maNDitaaH ca = decorated with, also.
"Then there is the North Kuru, the dwelling of those who have achieved divine merit in their previous births and now born in that country to enjoy the fruits of that divine merit, thus that country itself is earmarked for meritorious beings. At that place, the lotuses in the rivers will be golden in hue. The runners and stalks of lotus plants bear lotus-leaves that are bluish like the bluishness of lapis lazuli. There will be thousands of such rivers filled with such plants in water, and with waters mingled with the waters of other lakes, and decorated with the thickets of red Costuses alongshore. [4-43-38b, 39, 40a]
The Costus is a lotus-like plant grwoing on land, like Kashmir's Saussurea hypoleuca, Latinised from Greek 'kostos'.
taruṇa āditya saṃkāśā bhānti tatra jalāśayāḥ || 4-43-40
mahāarha maṇi patraiḥ ca kāṃcana prabha kesaraiḥ |
nīlotpala vanaiḥ citraiḥ sa deśaḥ sarvato vṛtaḥ || 4-43-41
40b, 41. sa deshaH = that, province; sarvataH = everywhere; mahaa arha maNi patraiH [ratnaiH] ca = with highly, valuable, sapphirine [in hue,] leaves [gemstones,] also; kaancana prabha kesaraiH = golden, in shine, with fibrils; citraiH = amazing ones; niila utpala vanaiH = blue, costuses, with thickets of; taruNa aaditya sankaashaa jala aashayaaH = tender, Sun, similar, with water, receptacles [lakes]; vR^itaH = surrounded with; tatra bhaanti = there, shines forth.
"Everywhere that province shines forth with highly valuable leaves which will be in the hue of sapphires, with fibrils in the hue of gold, and with amazing thickets of blue costuses around lakes, which lakes will be surrounding that province with a resplendence similar to sun. [4-43-40b, 41]
nistulābhiḥ ca muktābhiḥ maṇibhiḥ ca mahādhanaiḥ |
udbhūta pulināḥ tatra jātarūpaiḥ ca nimnagāḥ || 4-43-42
42. tatra = there; niH tulaabhiH ca muktaabhiH = un, weighable [incomparable,] also, with pearls; mahaa dhanaiH maNibhiH ca = with highly, valuable, jewels; nimnagaaH = deep flowing rivers; jaataruupaiH = with gold; udbhuuta pulinaaH = mixed, sand dunes - will be there.
"There the sand dunes of deep flowing rivers are lumped together with incomparable pearls, highly valuable jewels and gold. [4-43-42]
sarva ratnamayaiḥ citraiḥ avagāḍhā nagottamaiḥ |
jātarūpamayaiḥ ca api hutāśana sama prabhaiḥ || 4-43-43
43. citraiH = amazing ones [mountains]; sarva ratnamayaiH = all, jewels filled with; jaataruupamayaiH ca api = golden in aspect also; hutaashana sama prabhaiH = to Ritual-fire, similar, in splendour; naga uttamaiH = with mountain, lofty ones; avagaaDhaa = intercalated - into rivers.
"That province is with amazing mountains that are replete with every kind of jewel, golden in hue, splendorous like Ritual-fire, and they are intercalated into the deep flowing rivers. [4-43-43]
Perhaps these poetic accounts of golden, jewelled riverbanks and golden lotuses etc. might have attracted the then invaders towards India, presuming that the loot is over there on the riverbanks like sand. However mythical these accounts might be, they portray that the lands and rivers are self-contained and self-sufficient.
nitya puṣpa phalāḥ tatra nagāḥ patraratha ākulāḥ |
divya gandha rasa sparśāḥ sarva kāmān sravanti ca || 4-43-44
nānā ākārāṇi vāsāṃsi phalanti anye nagottamāḥ |
44, 45a. tatra nagaaH = there, trees are; nitya puSpa phalaaH = with eternal, flowers, fruits; patra ratha [nitya] aakulaaH = by wings, charioting [birds,] [endlessly] squawking; divya gandha rasa sparshaaH = divine, for smell, for taste, for touch; sarva kaamaan sravanti ca = for all, desires [delicacies,] spill forth their yield, also; anye naga uttamaaH = other, trees, best ones; naanaa aakaaraaNi vaasaansi = numerous, shapes, of clothing; phalanti bear fruits - they yield.
"There the trees will be eternally flowering and fruiting on which birds will be endlessly squawking. Their yield will be spilling forth meeting every delicacy with a divine smell, taste and touch. Some other best trees will yield clothing in numerous shapes. [4-43-44, 45a]
muktā vaidūrya citrāṇi bhūṣaṇāni tathaiva ca |
strīṇām yāni anurūpāṇi puruṣāṇām tathaiva ca || 4-43-45
sarva
ṛtu sukha sevyāni phalanti anye nagottamāḥ |
mahā arhāṇi maṇi citrāṇi phalanti anye nagottamāḥ || 4-43-46
45, 46. anye naga uttamaaH = yet other, best, trees; yaani = which of those - adornments; striiNaam = for females; tathaiva ca = like that, also; puruSaaNaam anuruupaaNi = for males, are befitting to; muktaa vaiduurya citraaNi = pearly, lapis gems like, wondrous ones; tathaiva ca = like that, also; sarva R^itu sukha sevyaani = in all, seasons, happily, wear; bhuuSaNaani = adornments; phalanti = will be fruiting - yielding; anye naga uttamaaH = other, trees, best ones; mahaa arhaaNi = highly people, applicable to [to noblesse]; maNi citraaNi [aabharaNaani] = gemlike, marvellous [ornaments]; phalanti = will be producing.
"Some of the best trees will be yielding such of those adornments which will be vying with ornament made with pearls or with lapis gemstones, and suitable both for women and men. Like that, they can be worn happily in all seasons. Some other best trees will be yielding gemlike marvellous decorations applicable to noblesse. [4-43-45, 46]
śayanāni prasūyante citra āstāraṇavanti ca |
manaḥ kāntāni mālyāni phalanti atra apare drumāḥ || 4-43-47
pānāni ca mahā arhāṇi bhakṣyāṇi vividhāni ca |
47, 48a. atra apare drumaaH = there, other, trees; citra aastaaraNavanti ca = astonishing, with upholsteries, also; shayanaani = [wooden-] beds; prasuuyante = will be producing; manaH kaantaani maalyaani = heart, longing [attracting,] garlands; phalanti = they yield; mahaa arhaaNi paanaani ca = for highly, choicest ones, juices, also; vividhaani bhakSyaaNica = diverse, foodstuffs, also.
"There are other trees that produce wooden-beds with astonishing upholsteries, and even garlands that will be attractively heartening, while some other trees will be yielding juices and foodstuffs that are relevant to highly choicest consumers. [4-43-47]
striyaḥ ca guṇa saṃpannā rūpa yauvana lakṣitāḥ || 4-43-48
gandharvāḥ kiṃnarā siddhā nāgā vidyādharāḥ tathā
|
ramante sahitāḥ tatra nārībhiḥ bhāsvara prabhāḥ || 4-43-49
48b, 49. guNa sampannaaH = attributes, enriched with; ruupa yauvana lakSitaaH = handsomeness, youthfulness, along with - having; striyaH ca = females, also; that Uttaara Kuru has; bhaasvara prabhaaH = radiantly, bright; gandharvaaH kinnaraa siddhaa naagaa = gandharva-s, kinnaraa-s, siddha-s; tathaa vidyaadharaaH = likewise, vidyaadharaa-s; tatra = there; naariibhiH sahitaaH ramante = females, along with, delight in.
"The females of Uttara Kuru province will be handsome and youthful and they are rich by their attributes. There the radiantly bright celestials like gandharva-s, kinnaraa-s, siddha-s, vidyaadharaa-s will be delighting along with their own females. [4-43-48b, 49]
Some say that the females are also born out of the very same trees by adding the word prasuuyante to these compounds of trees. Nevertheless, it is better taken as 'daughters of soil.'
sarve sukṛta karmāṇaḥ sarve rati parāyaṇāḥ |
sarve kāma artha sahitā vasaṃti saha yoṣitaḥ || 4-43-50
50. sarve = all of them - inhabitants of Uttara Kuru; sukR^ita karmaaNaH = good deeds, carried through; sarve rati paraayaNaaH = all of them, in passion, engaged; sarve kaama artha sahitaa = all of them, pleasures, prosperity, having; saha yoSitaH = with, youthful females; vasanti = they will be dwelling - there.
"All the inhabitants of North Kuru have carried out good deeds in earlier births, hence they are accorded with paradisiacal pleasures now. All are engaged in passion, all of them live in pleasure and prosperity along with their youthful females. [4-43-50]
gīta vāditra nirghoṣaḥ sa utkṛṣṭa hasita svanaḥ |
śrūyate satatam tatra sarva bhūta manoramaḥ || 4-43-51
51. sa utkR^iSTa hasita svanaH = with, heightened [vivacious,] laughing, sounds - mixed with vivacious peels of laughter; sarva bhuuta manoramaH = for all, beings, heart-stealing; giita vaaditra nir ghoSaH = vocal, instrumental [musical notes,] out flowing, sound; tatra satatam shruuyate = there, always, comes to ears.
"The notes of vocal and instrumental music will be flowing out mixed with the peals of vivacious laughter, which will always come to ears in a heart-stealing manner for all beings. [4-43-51]
tatra na amuditaḥ kaścin na atra kaścit asat priyaḥ |
ahani ahani vardhante guṇāḥ tatra manoramāḥ || 4-43-52
52. tatra = there; a muditaH = not, felicitous one; kashcit na = someone, none; a sat priyaH = not, truth, loving ones, - friendly to untruthful ones; atra = there; kashcit na = someone, none; tatra = in that province; ahani ahani = day, by day; manaH ramaaH guNaaH = heart, pleasing, attributes; vardhante = will be enhancing.
"There is none who is infelicitous and there is none who is friendly to untruthful ones, and in that province these heart-pleasing attributes of those blessed souls like rejoicing, festivity etc. will be enriching day by day. [4-43-52]
tam atikramya śailendram uttaraḥ paysām nidhiḥ |
tatra soma girir nāma madhye hemamayo mahān || 4-43-53
53. tam shailendram atikramya = that, mountain, the best, on passing beyond; uttaraH paysaam nidhiH = north, waters, treasure trove of - vast of Northern Ocean is there; tatra madhye = in its, midst; hema mayaH = completely golden one; mahaan = a gigantic one; soma giriH naama = Soma, mountain, named; mountain is there.
"On passing beyond that mountain in Uttara Kuru, there is a treasure trove of waters, namely vast of Northern Ocean, in the mid of which there is gigantic golden mountain named Mt. Soma. [4-43-53]
The north of Himalayas is referred as the northern ocean. It is held that Himalayas have emerged from an ocean to where Vali used to leap everyday in the early hours to offer water oblation to the Sun.
indra loka gatā ye ca brahma loka gatāḥ ca ye |
devāḥ tam samavekṣante giri rājam divam gatāḥ || 4-43-54
54. ye = those; indra loka gataa = Indra's, in world, are there; ye brahma loka gataaH ca = Brahma's, world, have gone, also; such of those; devaaH = gods; divam gataaH = sky, on attaining - from the sky; tam giri raajam = at it, mountain, lordly; sam avekSante = they will be clearly seeing.
"Those who have gone to the sphere of Indra, and those who have gone to the sphere of Brahma can clearly see that lordly Mt. Soma, situated in the vast of ocean from the vast of heavens. [4-43-54]
sa tu deśo visūryo api tasya bhāsā prakāśate |
sūrya lakṣmyā abhivijñeyaḥ tapatā iva vivasvatā || 4-43-55
55. saH deshaH = that, place; vi suuryaH api = without, sun, even though; suurya lakSmyaa = with Sun's, resplendence; abhi vi j~neyaH = comprehensible; tapataa vivasvataa iva = irradiated, by Sun, as though; tasya bhaasaa prakaashate = its own [mountain's,] resplendence, illuminated with.
"Even though that place is sunless it is comprehensible as if with sunshine, since it is illuminated with the resplendence of Mt. Soma itself, which will be irradiating that place as if with the resplendence of the Sun. [4-43-55]
bhagavān tatra viśvātmā śambhuḥ ekādaśa ātmakaḥ |
brahmā vasati deveśo brahma ṛṣi parivāritaḥ || 4-43-56
56. tatra = there; bhagavaan vishva aatmaa = God, Cosmic-Soul - Vishnu; eka dasha aatmakaH shambhuH = one, ten [an embodiment of eleven selfsame] Souls [eleven Rudra-s, or, eleven souled god,] Shiva; brahma R^iSi parivaaritaH = Brahma-Sages, surrounded by; deva iishaH brahmaa = gods, god, Brahma; vasati = sojourn - there on Mt. Soma.
"The God and Cosmic-Souled Vishnu and Shambhu or Shiva, an embodiment of eleven selfsame Souls, called ekaadasha rudra-s , and the god of gods Brahma who is surrounded by Brahma-Sages, will be sojourning on that Mt. Soma. [4-43-56]
Here the Cosmic-Souled God is said as Vishnu, because He alone has shown His vishva ruupa 'cosmic aspect...' in Maha Bharata, and He has the attributes of SaDguNa sampatti 'the six-ingredients...' and also by bringing the saying from Nrisimha Puraana: evam eva mahaan shabdo maitreya bhagavaan iti | parama brahma bhuutasya vaasudevasya na anyagaH || nR^isimha puraaNa 'the bhagavaan is the term for vaasu deva, naaraayaNa, Vishnu and there is no other course than to accept otherwise...' The ekaadasha rudra-s are 1. aja 2. ekapaada 3. ahirbudhni 4. hara 5. shambhu 6. tryambaka 7. aparaajita 8. iishaana 9. tribhuvana 10. twaSTa 11. rudra These are called the brain-children of Rudra and at times of Brahma. Then the Trinity is said to be there, without exception.
na kathaṃcana gaṃtavyam kurūṇām uttareṇa vaḥ |
anyeṣām api bhūtānām na anukrāmati vai gatiḥ || 4-43-57
57. kuruuNaam uttareNa = from Kuru, to north of; kathancana = under any circumstances; vaH na gantavyam = you, not, to go; anyeSaam bhuutaanaam api = to other, beings, even; gatiH = a course, passage; na anukraamati = not, follows - no course is there; vai = indeed.
"Under any circumstances you shall not go to the north of Kuru province as there is no other way out to follow, even for other beings like daitya, daanava, yaksha, gandharva-s, though they possess some extraordinary capabilities. [4-43-57]
'Here we have a glimpse of the Arctic region with the Aurora Borealis to the north of the Uttara Kuru realms. The Uttara Kurus, it should be remembered, may have been a real people, as they mentioned in the aitareya braahmaNa viii-14 wherefore the several nations who dwell in this northern quarter beyond the Himalayas, the Uttara Kurus and the Uttara Madras are consecrated to glorious dominion and people term them glorious...' Mouris, Sanskrit Series, Vol. I
sā hi soma giriḥ nāma devānām api durgamaḥ |
tam ālokya tataḥ kṣipram upāvartitum arhatha || 4-43-58
58. soma giriH naama = Soma, mountain, named; saa hi = that, indeed; devaanaam api durgamaH = to gods, even, impassable; tam aalokya = that, on seeing; tataH = from there; kSipram = quickly; upa aa vartitum = to return; arhatha = apt of you.
"That mountain named Soma is an impassable one even for gods, and it will be apt of you to quickly return from there on seeing that mountain. [4-43-58]
etāvat vānaraiḥ śakyam gaṃtum vānara puṃgavāḥ |
abhāskaram amaryādam na jānīmaḥ tataḥ param || 4-43-59
59. vaanara pungavaaH = oh, vanara-s, the best; etaavat = up to there; vaanaraiH gantum shakyam = by vanara-s, to go, it is possible; a bhaaskaram = without, sun [sunless]; a maryaadam = not, with boundaries [boundless realms]; about them; tataH param = there, after - far and beyond; na jaaniimaH = not, we know - I do not know.
" It is possible for the vanara-s to go only up to there, oh, best vanara-s, and we have no knowledge of those sunless and boundless realms available far and beyond. [4-43-59]
sarvam etat vicetavyam yan mayā parikīrtitam |
yat anyat api na uktam ca tatra api kriyatām matiḥ || 4-43-60
60. mayaa yat parikiirtitam = by me, which [province,] is extolled - explained; etat sarvam vicetavyam = all these [provinces,] in entirety, are to be searched; anyat api = others, even; yat na uktam ca = which, not, spoken of [by me,] also; tatra api = in them, even; for searching; matiH kriyataam = your mind, you make up.
"You shall thoroughly search in all those provinces that are explained by me, and you have to make up your mind for searching in other places that are not referred by me. [4-43-60]
tataḥ kṛtam dāśaratheḥ mahat priyam
mahattaram ca api tato mama priyam |
kṛtam bhaviṣyati aniloanalaupamā
videhajā darśanajena karmaṇā || 4-43-61
61. anila anala upamaa = oh, Air-god, Wind-god, similar vanara-s; tataH = thereby; videha jaa = in Videha kingdom, born in [Vaidehi's]; darshana jena = by seeing her; karmaNaa = by that task; daasharatheH = to Dasharatha's son [to Rama]; mahat priyam = extremely, desirable [deed]; kR^itam = [considered as] done; tataH = thereby; api mama ca = even, to me, also; mahat taram = higher, still; priyam kR^itam bhaviSyati = propitious, accomplishment, it becomes.
"Thereby, oh, Air-godlike and Wind-godlike vanara-s, on your seeing the princess born in Videha kingdom, namely Vaidehi, an extremely desirable task for the sake of Dasharatha's son Rama is considered as done. Thereby it becomes a still privileged accomplishment even for me achieved through your efforts. [4-43-61]
tataḥ kṛtārthāḥ sahitāḥ sabāndhavā
mayā arcitāḥ sarva guṇaiḥ mano ramaiḥ |
cariṣyatha urvīm pratiśānta śatravāaḥ
saha priyā bhūta dharāḥ plavaṃgamāḥ || 4-43-62
62. plavangamaaH = oh, fly-jumpers; tataH = latter; kR^ita arthaaH = purpose, accomplished; sa hitaaH sa baandhavaa = with, friends, with, relatives; mayaa = by me; manaH ramaiH = heart, pleasing; sarva guNaiH = with all, attributes [concessions]; arcitaaH = adored; shaanta shatravaaaH = with silenced, enemies; saha priyaa = with, beloveds ones; bhuuta dharaaH = beings, sustaining [fostering progeny]; urviim [prati ] cariSyatha = on earth, over, rove - rove over.
"Thereafter, oh, fly-jumpers, when you with accomplished purpose and adored by me with heart-pleasing concessions, and when your enemies are silenced, you will rove over the earth with your friends and relatives and with your beloveds, also fostering your progeny." Thus Sugreeva said to the monkeys going to North. [4-43-62]
- - - .
The Problem of Mapping and Dating Ramayana
On seeing the names like this Yavana, Shaka etc., some hold the view that Ramayana was written more later to Greek's invasion on India. Max Muller in his 'What Can India Teach Us?' says: 'If I call the invasion which is generally called the invasion of the Shakas, or the Scythians, or the Indo-Scythians, or Turushkas, the Turanian invasion... who took possession of India, from about first century BC to the third century BC.' Again classifying Sanskrit literature he says, 'we divide the whole of the Sanskrit literature into there two periods, one anterior to the great Turanian invasion, the other posterior to it, we may call the former period as ancient and natural, that of the later modern and artificial.' Thus, Ramayana belonged to the modern and artificial literary period and Veda-s to ancient. According to Indians the Turushkas are not the Scythians but Turkish, and the Yavanas, are clearly the Greek. Michelson in his 'Linguistic Archaisms of the Ramayana...'adds another phase called Epical period. Thus, there are three, Vedic, Epical, and the rest of it is modern and artificial. At the same time Max Muller says: 'At the time of Solomon, there was a channel of communication open between India and Syria and Palestine is established beyond doubt, I believe, by certain Sanskrit words which occur in the Bible such as ivory, apes, peacock, and sandalwood, which, taken together, could not have been exported from any country but India...' So Solomon, Bible, Turanian invasion, Ramayana... all occasioned at one time, i.e., around 0 BC. So many professors, so many researchers have not said a date agreeable to Indians as well as to the world.
At one place, it is said that there was a rapport among these places India-Syria-Palestine and even up to Egypt, but at other place, the Indian thought, that the Indian had Greeks and Greeks had Indians, is dismissed. What prevents to agree that both hold up mirror to almost the same culture, though diverse in its practise, right from the belief of Greeks, viz., 'the sense of many gods are there near at hand' to various gods, to their names, to the epical literature, and also to myths and legends and dramas etc, is unknown. But when it comes to dating and mapping 'the earliest date known for certain in Indian history is the invasion of Alexander in 326 BC...' and 'The chronology has been built up form the identification of Sandracrottus of Greek writers with Chandragupta Maurya... yet it is said 'In the seventh century BC India was divided into sixteen Mahajanapada-s...' as per 'An Historical Atlas of Indian Peninsula", Oxford. Peculiarly those sixteen Janapada-s did not contain the names of Yavana, Shaka provinces in atlases.
'The Greeks, evidently descended from tribes who had come westwards from the early home of Indo-Europeans in South-Central-Asia, first settled in the land which we know as Greece about 2000 B.C....' according to The Encyclopaedia of Myths and Legends of All Nations, Kaye & Ward Ltd., London. Their history about Ion, the king of Helice, and his war with Elsenians, the confederacy of Lonia in Asia Minor etc., speaks about their origin and shuffling, i.e., from east to west and again from west to east. It is they who have adopted Vedic Rain-god Mitra as their Mithras and many a temple was built all over Europe for Mithras. Even Goddess Lakshmi has Her counterpart in Greece 'Pallas Athene' known as early as 2 B.C., and the comedies of Strattis, like Fragmenta Comic of Greece has Indian fables as early as 400 B.C. Hence, if these Theories of Borrowing are negated with the Theories of Commonality, it would suffice to say that Ramayana is antecedent to the settlement of Greeks in Greece itself.
Without lingering on these carbon-testing for the verses of Ramayana that contain Yavana and Shaka named provinces, if the astronomical data available in Ramayana itself is believed, it throws some light on dating. If anybody would care to see the book Vastav Ramayan, by Dr.P.V.Vartak, in Marathi, Vedvidnyana Mandal, Pune, and a web site is available about this, Astronomical Dating of the Ramayana where another approach can be seen, which just does not revolve around one or two names of places. It is said there; 'Therefore, Ramayana 'must have' occurred 9600 years ago, which is 7600 B.C. approximately...' which again is disputable because this is going against the Yuga and Kalpa Theory of Puraana-s, as Ramayana is said to be the legend of Treta Yuga.
The provinces Shuurasena, Bharata, Kuru are the downlands of Himalayas. The Kaambhoja is the province northwest to India, where the Russia touches India, as mapped by 'An Historical Atlas of the Indian Peninsula' of Oxford University. Then the Yavana and Shaka should be around there, prior to their migration to the presently known Greece, because Greeks originated from so called 'South-Central-Asia' as called by the historians, and perhaps the historians might be hesitating to call it as 'Himalayan region of India'. They were originally called Ionians, a corrupt or generic name from Indian naming of Yavana or Javana. The word Æoni can be cleaved as a + yoni; [ayogya ] yonim gata 'unbefitting, uterus, obtained birth...' 'one who is born to an unbefitting mother... say, a bastard...' That is what Œdepus Rex proved later. The ethics of these Yavana and Shaka cultures are clearly explained in Karna-Shalya samvaada 'the debate of Karna and Shalya...' in Karna parva, Maha Bharata.
The Shakas are again the nomadic tribes inhibiting Central Asia, and they are the Scythes of Greeks and the Indo-Scythians of Ptolemy, inhibited in the Hindu Kush Range of Himalayas. Both of these are categorised under Mleccha people by Ramayana because their ethics do not conform to the Vedic stipulations of living, even though they lived together.
'The Varadas - The Bengali recension has Daradas instead. They are said to be Dards whose name is still retained in modern Durdstan along the course of the Indus, above the Himalayas, just before it descends to India...' Griffith, Ancient Geography.
It may be noticed that Ramayana did not refute any other religion, or sects, or the divergent philosophies of Hinduism itself, but it has agreed that Mleccha-s are there and there is no bother from them. Gods of Ramayana are purely Vedic, unlike the later time, rather modern or artificial literary period's poetry of Kalidasa et al, and their puranic deities like Kali, Uma, and Kumara etc. The literary style of Ramayana is mostly un-Paninian. It has the episodes like Rama-Jaabaali samvaada, where Sage Jaabaali being a nihilist starts preaching nihilism to Rama. When this epic could accommodate information about nihilists' preaching nihilism to Rama, it can as well afford a few lines of information about other philosophies, religions, if they were to be there. Then the present day's Unity in Diversity is not apparent and thus it is being assigned to a post-Vedic period, where Veda-s themselves are not written by some good old sages with white beards, sitting under banyan trees, at any one particular time.
Because the ancient history of Greeks came to light firstly, thereby India history is chronicled, and the epic Ramayana is known subsequently, relegating the history of Ramayana later to the Greek's invasion on India, may not be appropriate. History has its own black-ages.
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iti vālmīki rāmāyaṇe ādi kāvye kiṣkindha kāṇḍe tri catvārinśaḥ sargaḥ
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© Sept, 2002, Desiraju Hanumanta Rao [Revised : November 04