This chapter introduces us to the glorious city of Lanka and Hanuma's first encounter with it. The geography around the island where Lanka is located is described herein. The chapter also depicts the initial reaction of Hanuma on seeing the city and his initial thoughts about the feasibility of the task of overcoming the Rakshasas and Ravana to reunite Sri Rama with mother Seetha. As the book progresses, we shall see how Hanuma overcomes these thoughts and moves toward achieving this task.
sa sāgaramanādhṛṣyamatikramya mahābalaḥ |
trikūṭaśikhare laṅkāṃ sthitāṃ svastho dadarśa
ha || 5-2-1
1. saH = that Hanuma; mahaabalaH = one with great strength; atikramya = crossed; anaadhrishhyam = the insurmountable; saagaram = ocean; svasthaH = (stayed) healthy (without any physical tiredness); dadarsha ha = and viewed; laN^kaam = the city of Lanka; sthitaam = situated; trikuuTa sikhare = on the peak of Mount Trikuta.
That Hanuma with great strength crossed the insurmountable ocean without becoming tired and viewed the city of Lanka located on the peak of Mount Trikuta.
tataḥ pādapamuktena puṣpavarṣeṇa vīryavān |
abhivṛṣṭaḥ sthitastatra babhau puṣpamayo yathā
|| 5-2-2
2. tataH = after that; viiryavaan = the powerful Hanuma; sthitaH = standing; tatra = there; babhau = shone; pushhpamayo yathaa = like one (with a body) of flowers; abhivR^ishhTaH = being showered; pushhpavarshheNa = by a rain of flowers; paadapamuktena = released by trees.
After that, the powerful Hanuma standing there shone like one made of flowers being showered by a rain of flowers released by trees.
Comment : Being showered by flowers is considered auspicious.
yojanānāṃ śataṃ śrīmāṃstīrtvāpyuttamavikramaḥ |
aniḥsvasan kapistatra na glānimadhigacchati
|| 5-2-3
3. shriimaan = the glorious; kapiH = Hanuma; uttama vikramaH = with the best courage; tiirtvaapi = even though crossing; shatam = a hundred; yojanaanaam = yojanas; aniHshvan = was without a sigh; na adhigachhati = (and) did not obtain; glaanim = tiredness; tatra = there.
The glorious Hanuma with the best courage, even though crossing a hundred yojanas, was without a sigh and did not obtain any tiredness.
Comment : This verse and others clearly mention that Hanuma crossed an ocean of hundred yojanas. At the present time the shore to shore distance between southern tip of India and Northern tip of Sri Lanka is around sixty miles. Even with a measure of 2.5 miles per yojana, hundred yojanas translate to 250 miles. To explain this anomaly, we need to consider that around the time of Ramayana, the distance was lot more than the current sixty miles. This is in sync with the current theories by geologists that the ocean between India and the current Sri Lanka had been replaced by land mass over a period of time. Most of the land to the south of current Raghunatha Pura had been covered by landmass in antiquity. Also according to Ramayana, the mountains Trikuta, Lamba and Suvela were to the north of Lanka, but currently the mountains are found in the southern part of Lanka. This suggests that the northern parts of current Lanka were submerged in water during the Ramayana period.
śatānyahaṃ yojanānāṃ krameyaṃ subahunyapi |
kiṃ punaḥ sāgarasyāntaṃ saṃkhyātaṃ śatayojanam
|| 5-2-4
4. aham = I; krameyam = will cross; subahuunyapi = a lot of; shataanyapi yojanaanaam = hundreds of yojanas also; kim punaH = what to say; antam = (about) the end; saagarasya = of the ocean; saMkhyaatam = counted; shata yojanam = to be hundred yojanas (long) .
"I can cross many hundreds of yojanas. What to say about the end of the ocean which had been counted to be hundred yojanas long?"
sa tu vīryavatāṃ śreṣṭhaḥ plavatāmapi cottamaḥ |
jagāma vegavān laṅkāṃ laṅghayitvā mahodadhim
|| 5-2-5
5. saH tu = that Hanuma; shresahhThaH = best; viiryavataam = among the powerful ones; uttamaH = foremost; plavataamapi = also among those who fly; jagaama = went; vegavaan = with (good) speed; lan^kaam = for Lanka; laJNGhayitvaa = crossing; mahodadhim = the great ocean.
That Hanuma, the best among powerful ones and the foremost also among those who can fly, reached the city of Lanka by crossing the great ocean with good speed.
śādvalāni ca nīlāni gandhavanti vanāni ca |
gaṇḍavanti ca madhyena jagāma nagavanti ca
|| 5-2-6
6. jagaama = (He) passed; madhyena = in the middle of; vanaani cha = forests; niilaani = (with) dark green hued; gandhavanti = fragrant; shaadvalaani cha = lawns; gaNDavanti cha = with great rocks; nagavanti cha = and also hills.
He passed through forests with dark green hued fragrant lawns and also consisting of great rocks and hills.
śailāṃśca tarusaṃcannān vanarājīśca puṣpitāḥ |
abhicakrāma tejasvī hanumān plavagarṣabhaḥ
|| 5-2-7
7. hanumaan = Hanuma; plavagarshhabhaH = the best among Vanaras; tejasvii = the radiant one; abhichakraama = tread; shailaaMshcha = on mountains; tarusaMchannaan = covered with trees; vanaraajiishcha = and on series of trees; pushhpitaaH = (which were) blooming.
Hanuma, the best among Vanaras and the radiant one, tread on mountains covered with trees and on series of trees full of flowers.
sa tasminnacale tiṣṭhanvanānyupavanāni ca |
sa nagāgre ca tāṃ laṅkāṃ dadarśa pavanātmajaḥ
|| 5-2-8
8. saH pavanaatmajaH = that Hanuma; tishhThan = stood; tasmin achale = on that mountain; dadarsha = and saw; vanaani = forests; upavanaani cha = and gardens; taam laN^kaam = (and also) that city of Lanka; nagaagre = situated on the top of a mountain.
That son of God Vayu stood on a mountain and saw forests and gardens and also the city of Lanka situated on the top of a mountain.
saraldān karṇikārāṃśca kharjūrāṃśca supuṣpitān |
priyāldānmuculdindāṃśca kuṭajān ketakānapi
|| 5-2-9
priyaṅgūn gandhapūrṇāṃśca nīpān saptacchadāṃstathā |
asanān kovidārāṃśca karavīrāṃśca puṣpitān
|| 5-2-10
puṣpabhāranibaddhāṃśca tathā mukulditānapi |
pādapān vihagākīrṇān pavanādhūtamastakān || 5-2-11
haṃsakāraṇḍavākīrṇānvāpīḥ padmotmalāyutāḥ |
ākrīḍān vividhān ramyānvividhāṃśca jalāśayān || 5-2-12
saṃtatān
vividhairvaṛkaiḥ sarvartuphalapuṣpitaiḥ |
udyānāni ca ramyāṇi dadarśa kapikuñjaraḥ || 5-2-13
9;10;11;12;13. kapi kuJNaraH = The elephant among monkeys (Hanuma); dadarsha = saw; saraLaan = pine trees; karNikaaraaMshcha = Karnikaras; kharjuuraMshcha = date-palms; supushhpitaan = in full blossom; priyaalaan = Priyalas; muchulindas = lemon trees; kutajaan = wild jasmine trees; ketakaanapi = mogra trees; priyaJNguuMshcha = long pepper trees; gandhapuurNaan = filled with fragrance; niipaan = Kadamba trees; tathaa = and; saptachchhadaan = seven leaved banana trees; asanaan = Asanas; kovidaaraaMshcha = Kovidaras; karaviiraaMshcha = Karaviras; pushhpitaan = in full blossom; padapaan = trees; pushhpabhaara nibaddhaaMshcha = tied by the weight of flowers; tathaa = and; mukulitaanapi = with flower buds; vihagaakiirNaan = distressed by birds; pavanaadhuutamastakaan = with (their) peaks moved by wind; vaapiiH = wells; vividhaan = (and) various; ramyaan = glorious; aakriiDaan = pleasure-groves; vividhaiH vR^ikshaiH = (filled) by various trees; sarvartuphalapushhpitaiH = that give fruits and flowers in all seasons; ramyaaNi = (and) beautiful; udyaanaani cha = gardens also; saMtataan = surrounded by; vividhaan = various; jalaashayaaMshcha = ponds; haMsakaaraNDa vaakiirNaaH = consisting of swans and ducks.
Standing on that mountain, the elephant among monkeys, Hanuma, saw pine trees, Karnikaras, date-palms in full blossom, Priyalas, lemon trees, wild jasmine trees, mogra trees, long pepper trees filled with sweet fragrance, Kadamba trees and seven leaved banana trees, Asana trees, Kovidaras, Karaviras in full blossom, trees that were tied by the weight of their flowers and flower buds, that were distressed by birds, with their crests moved by wind, wells and various glorious pleasure-groves filled by various trees that give fruits and flowers in all seasons and beautiful gardens also, surrounded by various ponds consisting of swans and ducks.
samāsādya ca lakṣmīvan laṅkāṃ rāvaṇapālitām |
parikhābhiḥ sapadmābhiḥ sotpalābhiralaṃkṛtām
|| 5-2-14
sītāpaharaṇārthena rāvaṇena surakṣitām |
samantādvicaradbhiśca rākṣasairugradhanvibhiḥ || 5-2-15
kāñcanenāvṛtāṃ ramyāṃ prākāreṇa mahāpurīm |
gṛhaiśca grahasaṃkāśaiḥ śāradāmbudasannibhaiḥ || 5-2-16
pāṇḍurābhiḥ
pratoldībhiruccābhirabhisaṃvṛtām |
aṭṭālakaśatākīrṇāṃ patākādhvajamālinīm || 5-2-17
toraṇaiḥ kāñcanairdivyairlatāpaṅkivicitritaiḥ
|
dadarśa hanumān laṅkāṃ divi devapurīṃ yathā || 5-2-18
14; 15; 16; 17; 18. lakshmiivaan = the glorious; hanumaan = Hanuma; samaasaadya = neared; laN^kaam = the city of Lanka; raavaNa paalitaam = ruled by Ravana; alaMkR^itaam = decorated by; parikhaabhiH = moats; sapadmaabhiH = filled with lotuses; sotpalaabhiH = and water-lilies; surakshitaam = well protected; siitaapaharaNaarthena = due to the reason of Seetha's abduction; raavaNena = by Ravana; raakshasaiH = (and also) by Rakshasas; ugradhvanibhiH = with horrifying voices; vicharadbhiH = roaming; samantaat = around; aavR^itaam = surrounded; kaaJNchanena praakaareNa = by a golden boundary wall; ramyaam = the beautiful; mahaapuriim = great city; abhisaMvR^itaam = consisting; gR^ihaishcha = houses; girisaMkaashaiH = equal to mountains; shaaradaambudasannibhaiH = equal to the autumnal clouds; pratoliibhiH = (and) main streets; paaNDuraabhiH = which were white (plastered); uchchaabhiH = (and) which were elevated; pataakaadhvaja maaliniim = decorated with flags and pennons; toraNaiH = archaways; divyaiH = excellent; kaaJNchanaiH = golden hued; lataapaN^kti vichitritaiH = adorned with sculpted rows of climbers; dadarsha = (Hanuma) saw; laN^kaam = (that) Lanka; devapurrimiva = like the city of Gods; divi = in heaven.
The glorious Hanuma neared the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, and saw the city which looked like the city of Gods in heaven, decorated by moats filled with lotuses and water-lilies, which was well protected, since the time of Seetha's abduction, by Ravana and by Rakshasas with horrifying voices roaming around, which was surrounded by a golden boundary wall, that beautiful great city consisted of houses equal in height to mountains and which looked like autumnal clouds, with white and elevated main streets, decorated with flags and pennons, with excellent golden hued archways adorned with sculpted rows of vines.
girimūrdhni sthitāṃ laṅkāṃ pāṇḍurairbhavanaiḥ śubhaiḥ |
dadarśa sa kapiśreṣṭhaḥ puramākāśagaṃ
yathā || 5-2-19
19. saH = that; kapi shreshhThaH = best among monkeys Hanuma; dadarsha = saw; laN^kaam = the city of Lanka; bhavanaiH = with buildings; paaNDuraiH = white in color; shubhaiH = beautiful ones; sthitaam = situated; giri muurdhni = on the top of a mountain; aakaashagam puram yathaa = like a city located in the sky.
That best among monkeys Hanuma saw the city of Lanka with beautiful white buildings situated on the top of a mountain like a city located in the sky.
pālitāṃ rākṣasendreṇa nirmitāṃ viśvakarmaṇā |
plavamānāmivākāśe dadarśa hanumān purīm ||
5-2-20
20. hanumaan = Hanuma; dadarsha = saw; puriim = that city; paalitaam = ruled; raakshasendreNa = by the king of Rakshasas; nirmitaam = constructed; vishvakarmaNaa = by Visvakarma - the architect of Gods; plavamaaniva = looked as though it were floating; aakaashe = in the sky.
Hanuma saw that city of Lanka ruled by Ravana the king of Rakshasas, constructed by Visvakarma (architect of Gods), and which looked as though it were floating in the sky.
papraprākārajaghanāṃ vipulāmbunavāmbarām |
śataghnīśūlakeśāntāmaṭṭālakavataṃsakām || 5-2-21
manseva kṛtāṃ laṅkāṃ nirmitāṃ viśvakarmaṇā |
dvāramuttaramāsādya cintayāmāsa vānaraḥ || 5-2-22
21; 22. vaanaraH = Hanuma (saw); laN^kaam = city of Lanka; vaprapraakaara jaghanaam = (with) buttress and enclosure wall as her hip and loins; vipulaambunavaambaraam = the vast body of water (in the moat) as her raiment; shataghnii shuula keshantaam = Satagnis and Sulas as her locks; aTTaalakavataMsakaam = the mansions as her earrings; nirmitaam = constructed; manasaa = by thought; (He) aasaadya = reached; uttaram dvaaram = the northern gate; chintayaamaasa = and thought ( thus - ) .
Hanuma saw the city of Lanka with buttress and enclosure wall as her hip and loins, the vast body pf water in the moat as her raiment, Satagnis and Sulas as her locks, the mansions as her earrings, constructed by thought. He reached the northern gate and thought thus.
kailāsaśikharaprakhyāmālikhsntīmivāmbaram |
ḍīyamānāmivākāśamucchritairbhavanottamaiḥ ||
5-2-23
saṃpūrṇāṃ rākṣasairghorairnāgairbhogavatīmiva |
acintyāṃ sukṛtāṃ spaṣṭāṃ kuberādhyuṣitāṃ purā ||
5-2-24
daṃṣṭribhirbahubhiḥ śūraiḥ śūlapaṭṭisapāṇibhiḥ |
rakṣitāṃ rākṣasairghorairguhāmāśīviṣairiva || 5-2-25
tasyāśca mahatīṃ guptiṃ sāgaraṃ ca nirīkṣya saḥ |
rāvaṇaṃ ca ripuṃ ghoraṃ cintayāmāsa vānaraḥ || 5-2-26
23; 24; 25; 26. kailaasa shikhara prakhyaam = (Hanuma saw the city of Lanka ) equal to the peak of Kailasa; aalikhantiimiva = as though touching; ambaram = the sky; Diiyamaanaamiva = as though flying; aakaasham = for sky; ucchritaiH bhavanottamaiH = with its best mansions; saMpuurNaam = filled; ghoraiH = (with) horrible; raakshasaiH = Rakshasas; bhogavatiimiva = like in the city of Bhogavati; naagaiH = and by Serpents; achintyaam = one which is unfathomable; sukR^itaam = well arranged one; spashhTaam = the clear one; kuberaadhyushhitaam = governed by Kubera; puraa = in earlier times; rakshitaam = protected; aashiivishhaiH = by serpents; raakshasaiH = (and) Rakshasas; guhaamiva = (with a mouth) like a cave; daMshhTribhiH = with sharp teeth; shuuraiH = courageous ones; shuulapattisa paanibhiH = with spikes and Pattisas in their hands; ghoraiH = horrible ones; saH vaanaraH = that Hanuma; niriikshya = saw; tasyaaH = that Lanka's; mahatiim = great; guptim = protection; saagaram cha = and the ocean; raavaNam cha = and Ravana; ghoram ripum = the horrible enemy; chintayaamaasa = and thought thus.
Hanuma saw the city of Lanka equal to peak of Kailasa as though touching the sky, as though flying to reach the sky, with its best mansions, filled with horrible rakshasas and serpants like the city of Bhogavati (capital of Patala), one which was unfathomable, a well arranged and a clear city governed by Kubera in earlier times, protected by courageous, horrible serpents and Rakshasas with mouths with sharp teeth like a cave, with spikes and Pattisas (spears) in their hands. Hanuma saw that Lanka's great protection and the ocean and Ravana the horrible enemy and thought thus.
āgatyāpīha harayo bhaviṣyanti nirarathakāḥ |
na hi yuddhena va laṅkā śakyā jetuṃ surairapi
|| 5-2-27
27. harayaH = vaanaras; aagatyaapi = even (if they) could come; iha = here; bhavishhyanti = they would become; nirarthakaaH = without success; laN^kaa = Lanka; na shakyaa hi = is not possible; jetum = to be overcome; yuddhena = in war; surairapi = even by Suras.
"Even if Vanaras were to come here they would not meet with success. It is not possible even for Devas to be victorious against Lanka in war".
imāṃ tu viṣamāṃ durgāṃ laṅkāṃ rāvaṇapālitām |
prāpyāpi sa mahābāhuḥ kim kariṣyati rāghavaḥ
|| 5-2-28
28. praapyaapi = even after reaching; imaam = this; vishhamaam = very difficult; durgaam = impenetrable; laN^kaam = Lanka; raavaNa paalitaam = ruled by Ravana; kiM karishhyati saH mahaabaahuH raaghavaH = what can that Sri Rama with mighty arms do?.
"Even if He reaches this very difficult and impenetrable Lanka ruled by Ravana, what can that Sri Rama with mighty arms do"?
avakāśo na sāntvasya rakṣaseṣvabhigamyate |
na dānasya na bhedasya naiva yuddhasya dṛśyate
|| 5-2-29
29. raakshaseshhu = in (the matter of overcoming) rakshasas; avakaashaH na abhigamyate = no opportunity can be obtained; saantvasya = for persuasion; na daanasya = no (opportunity for) gift; na bhedasya = no (opportunity for) dissension; yuddhasya = (an opportunity for) war; naiva drishyate = is not even to be seen.
"In the matter of overcoming rakshasas, there seems to be no opportunity for persuasion, gifts, dissension or even war".
caturṇāmeva hi gatirvānarāṇāṃ mahātmanām |
vāliputrasya nīlasya mama rājñaśca dhīmataḥ
|| 5-2-30
30. chaturNaam eva hi = only four; mahaatmaanaam = great; vaanaraaNaam = vanaras; gatiH hi = (have) the possibility of coming (here); vaaliputrasya = for the son of Vali - Angada; niilasya = for Nila; mama = for me; dhiimataH raaNJnashcha = and for the wise king Sugriva.
"Only four great Vanaras can come here - the son of Vali (Angada), Nila, myself and the wise king Sugriva".
yāvajjānāmi vaidehīṃ yadi jīvati vā na vā |
tatraiva cintayiṣyāmi dṛṣṭvā tāṃ janakātmajām
|| 5-2-31
31. yaavat jaanaami = I will find out; vaidehiim = about Seetha; yadi jeevati vaa = if she is alive or; na = not; chintayishhyaami = I will think; tatriava = there; dR^ishhTvaa = after seeing; taam janakaatmajaam = that Seetha.
"I will first find out if Seetha is alive or not. I will think all this later, after seeing that daughter of Janaka".
tataḥ sa cintayāmāsa muhūrtaṃ kapikuñjaraḥ |
giriśṛṅge sthitastasmin rāmasyābhyudaye rataḥ
|| 5-2-32
32. tataH = after that; saH kapikuJNaraH = that elephant among monkeys Hanuma; rataH = interested; abhyudaye = in the welfare; raamasya = of Sri Rama; sthitaH = stood; tasmin girishR^iJNge = on that mountain peak; chintayaamaasa = and thought; muhuurtam = for an instant.
After that, that elephant among monkeys Hanuma who was interested in the welfare of Sri Rama, stood on that mountain peak and thought for an instant.
anena rūpeṇa mayā na śakyā rakṣasāṃ purī |
praveṣṭuṃ rākṣasairguptā krūrairbalasamanvitaiḥ
|| 5-2-33
33. na shakyaa = it is not possible; praveshhTum = to enter; mayaa = by me; anena ruupeNa = in this appearance; purii = the city; rakshasaam = of rakshasa; guptaa = protected; raakshasaiH = by rakshasas; kruuraiH = (who are) cruel; balasamanvitaiH = (and) with strength.
"It is not possible for me to enter the city of ogres protected by cruel and strong rakshasas, with this appearance".
ugraujaso mahāvīryā balavantaśca rākṣasāḥ |
vañcanīyā mayā sarve jānakīṃ parimārgatā ||
5-2-34
34. raakshasaaH sarve = all rakshasas; ugraujasaH = who are with extraordinary energy; mahaaviiryaH = great prowess; balavantashcha = and of might; vaN^chaniiyaaH = are to be cheated; mayaa = by me; parimaargataa = who is searching; jaanakiim = Seetha.
"All these mighty ogres with extraordinary energy and great prowess are to be cheated by me while engaged in the search of Seetha".
lakṣyālakṣyeṇa rūpeṇa rātrau laṅkā purī mayā |
praveṣṭuṃ prāptakālaṃ me kṛtyaṃ sādhayituṃ
mahat || 5-2-35
35. saadhayitum = to acheive; me = my; mahat = great; kR^ityam = task; mayaa = by me; praveshhTum = to enter; laN^kaapurii = city of Lanka; lakshyaalakshyeNa = in a seen-unseen (barely seen); ruupeNa = form; raatrau = at night; praaptakaalam = is a timely (thing).
"To achieve this great deed successfully, entering the city of Lanka in a small form at night is a timely thing to do" .
tāṃ purīṃ tādṛśīṃ dṛṣṭvā durādharśāṃ surāsuraiḥ |
hanumān cintayāmāsa viniścitya muhurmuhuḥ
|| 5-2-36
36. hanumaan = Hanuma; dR^ishhTvaa = saw; taadR^ishiim = such; taam = that; puriim = city; duraadharshham = difficult to overcome; suraasuraiH = (even for) devas or asuras; chintayaamaasa = (and) thought; muhurmuhuH = repeatedly.
Hanuma saw such that city of Lanka, which was difficult to overcome even for Devas or asuras, and thought thus repeatedly.
kenopāyena paśeyaṃ maithilīṃ janakātmajām |
adṛṣṭo rākṣasendreṇa rāvaṇena durātmanā ||
5-2-37
37. kena = By which; upaayena = idea; pashyeyam = can I see; maithiliim = Seetha; janakaatmajaam = the daughter of Janaka; adR^ishhTaH = unseen; duraatmanaa raavaNena = by the wicked Ravana; raakshasendreNa = the king of ogres.
"By what idea can I see Seetha the daughter of Janaka, unseen by the wicked Ravana, the king of the ogres.
na vinaśyetkathaṃ kāryaṃ rāmasya viditātmanaḥ |
ekāmekaśca paśyeyaṃ rahite janakātmajām
|| 5-2-38
38. katham = how; kaaryam = (can) the task; viditaatmanaH raamsya = of Sri Rama; the knower of self; na vinashyet = not be destroyed; pashyeyam ekashcha = (How) can I alone see; janakaatmajaam = Seetha; ekaam = alone; rahite = in a place devoid of people.
"How can the task of Sri Rama, one who knows self, not be destroyed? How can I alone see Seetha alone in a place devoid of people?."
bhūtāścārthā vipadyante deśakālavirodhitāḥ |
viklabaṃ dūtamāsādya tamaḥ sūryodaye yathā
|| 5-2-39
39. aasaadya = obtaining; duutam = a messenger; viklabam = with a gloomy mind; deshakaalavirodhitaaH = being against the place and time; bhuutaaH = ready; arthaaH = tasks; vipadyante = get harmed; tamaH yathaa = like darkness (getting destroyed); suuryodaye = at dawn.
"With a mediator who has an unsteady and gloomy mind working against time and place, tasks that are otherwise ready to succeed get harmed, like the darkness that gets destroyed at dawn".
arthānarthāntare buddhirniścitāpi na śobhate |
ghātayanti hi kāryāṇi dūtāḥ paṇḍitamāninaḥ
|| 5-2-40
40. nishchitaaH buddhirapi = even a decided mind; na shobhate = will not shine; arthaanarthaantare = (when vacillating) between gain and loss; duutaaH = messengers; paNDitamaaninaH = who are respected by scholars; ghaatayanti hi = will also harm; kaaryaaNi = tasks (due to their arrogance).
"Even a decided mind will not shine when thinking about gain and loss. Mediators who are respected by scholarly people will also harm tasks due to their arrogance."
na vinaśyetkathaṃ kāryaṃ vaiklabyam na kathaṃ bhavet |
laṅghanaṃ ca samudrasya kathaṃ nu
na vṛthā bhavet || 5-2-41
41. katham = how; kaaryam = the task (at hand); na vinashyet = will not be harmed; katham = how; vaiklabyam = gloominess; na bhavet = will not be got; katham nu = how; laJNghanam cha = crossing; samudrasya = of the ocean; na bhavet = will not become; vR^idhaa = waste.
"How will the task at hand be not harmed? How will my mind not get gloominess? How will not the crossing of ocean go waste?."
mayi dṛṣṭe tu rakṣobhī rāmasya viditātmanaḥ |
bhavedvyarthamidaṃ kāryaṃ rāvaṇānarthamicchataḥ
|| 5-2-42
42. mayi dR^ishhTe tu = If I am seen; rakshobhiH = by rakshasas; idam kaaryam = this task; raamasya = of Sri Rama; viditaatmanaH = one with famed mind; icchataH = who desires; raavaNaanartham = the slaying of Ravana; bhavet = will become; vyartham = wasteful.
"If I were to be seen by rakshasas, this task of Sri Rama, with a famed mind, who desires the slaying of Ravana will become wasteful."
na hi śakyaṃ kvacit sthātumavijñātena rākṣasaiḥ |
api rākṣasarūpeṇa kimutānyena kenacit
|| 5-2-43
43. na shakyam hi = it is not possible; sthaatum = to be; kvachit = in any place; raakshasa ruupeNaapi = with the form of a rakshasa; aviNJaatena = not being known; raakshaiH = by rakshasas; kimuta = what to say; anyena kenachit = (about) any other form.
"It is not possible to be in Lanka even in the form of a rakshasa. What to say about being there in any other form?"
vāyurapyatra nājñātaścarediti matirmama |
na hyastyaviditaṃ kiṃcidrākṣasānāṃ balīyasām
|| 5-2-44
44. iti = this; mama matiH = is my thought; vaayurapi = even wind; na charet = cannot pass; atra = here; aNJgnaataH = without being known; naasti hi kiMchit = there is nothing; aviditam = not known; baliiyasaam raakshasaanaam = to the mighty rakshasas.
"My thought goes thus: Even wind cannot pass here without being known. There is nothing not known to the might rakshasas."
ihāhaṃ yadi tiṣṭhāmi svena rūpeṇa saṃvṛtaḥ |
vināśamupayāsyāmi bharturarthaśca hīyate ||
5-2-45
45. aham tishhThaami yadi = if I stay; iha = here; svena ruupeNa saMvR^itaH = consisting of my usual form; upayaasyaami = I can obtain; vinaasham = destruction; arthashcha = the task; bhartuH = of Lord Sri Rama; hiiyate = will also be harmed.
"If I stay here with my usual form, I can be destroyed. The task of the Lord will also be harmed."
tadahaṃ svena rūpeṇa rajanyāṃ hrasvatāṃ gataḥ |
laṅkāmabhipatiṣyāmi rāghavasyārthasiddhaye
|| 5-2-46
46. tat = for that (reason); aham = I; gataH = will obtain; hrasvataam = smallness; svena ruupeNa = in my usual form; abhipatishhyaami = and will enter; laN^kaam = Lanka; rajanyaam = at night; artha siddhaye = for the success of the task; raaghavasya = of Sri Rama.
"For that reason, I will become small in my appearance and will enter Lanka at night for the success of the task of Sri Rama."
rāvaṇasya purīṃ rātrau praviśya sudurāsadām |
vicinvan bhavanaṃ srvaṃ drakṣyāmi janakātmajām
|| 5-2-47
47. pravishya = entering; suduraasadaam = the unapproachable; puriim = city; raatrau = at night; vichinvan = searching; sarvam bhavanam = all the mansion; raavaNasya = of Ravana; drakshyaami = I can see; janakaatmajaam = Seetha.
"Entering the unapproachable city of Lanka at night and searching all the mansion of Ravana, I can see Seetha."
iti saṃcintya hanumān sūryasyāstamayaṃ kapiḥ |
ācakāṃkṣe tato vīro vaidehyā draśanotusakaḥ
|| 5-2-48
48. viiraH kapiH = the courageous monkey; hanumaan = Hanuma; iti = thus; saMchintya = thinking; darshanotsukaH = interested in discovery; vaidehyaaH = of Seetha; tadaa = then; aachakaaMkshe = desired; suuryasya astamayam = the sun set.
The courageous Hanuma thus thinking and being interested in discovering Seetha, then desired the sun to set.
sūrye cāstaṃ gate rātrau dehaṃ saṃkṣipya mārutiḥ |
vṛṣadaṃśakamātraḥ san babhūvādbhutadarśanaḥ
|| 5-2-49
49. suurye astaMgate cha = After the sun had set; maarutiH = Hanuma; saMkshipya = reduced; deham = body; raatrau = at night; vR^ishhadaMshaka maatraH san = with a body size equal to that of a cat; babhuuva = became; adhuta darshanaH = a wonderful sight (to behold).
After the sun had set, Hanuma reduced His body at night with a size equal to that of a cat and became a wonderful sight to behold.
pradoṣakāle hanumāṃstūrṇamutplutya vīryavān |
praviveśa purīṃ ramyāṃ suvibhaktamahāpathām
|| 5-2-50
50. viiryavaan = the courageous; hanumaan = Hanuma; tuurNam = quickly; utplutya = flew; pradoshhakaale = during the evening time; pravivesha = (and) entered; ramyaam = beautiful; puriim = city of Lanka; suvibhaktamahaapathaam = with well divided main pathways.
The courageous Hanuma quickly flew during evening time and entered the beautiful city with well divided main pathways.
prāsādamālāvitatāṃ stambhaiḥ kāñcanarājataiḥ |
śātakumbhamayairjālairgandharvanagaropamām
|| 5-2-51
saptabhaumāṣṭabhaumaiśca sa dadarśa mahāpurīm |
talaiḥ sphatikasaṃkīrṇaiḥ kārtasvaravibhūṣitaiḥ
|| 5-2-52
51; 52. saH = Hanuma; dadarsha = saw; mahaapuriim = (that) great city; praasaada maalaa vitataam = filled with series of mansions; kaaN^chana raajataiH = (with) golden hued; sthambhaiH = pillars; jaalaiH = and windows; gandharvanagaropamaam = equal to the city of Gandharvas; saptabhaumaashhTabhaumai cha = (consisting of) seven and eight storied houses; talaiH = (with) top portions; sphaTika saMkiirNaiH = inlaid with crystals; kaartasvaravibhuushhitaiH = and decorated with gold.
Hanuma saw that great city filled with series of mansions, golden hued pillars and window lattices, which was equal to the city of Gandharvas, consisting of seven and eight storied buildings with their top portions studded with crystals and pearls and decorated with gold.
vaiḍūryamaṇicitraiśca muktājālavibhūṣitaiḥ |
talaiḥ śuśubhire tāni bhavanānyatra rakṣasām
|| 5-2-53
53. atra = there (in that city of Lanka); bhavanaani = the houses; rakshasaam = of rakshasas; shushubhire = shone; talaiH = with top portions; vaiDuuryamaNi chitraiH = painted by cats-eyes and emeralds; muktaajaalavibhuushhitaiH = decorated by groups of pearls.
There in that city of Lanka, the houses of rakshasas shone with top portions painted by cats-eyes and emeralds and decorated by groups of pearls.
kāñcanāni ca citrāṇi toraṇāni ca rakṣasām |
laṅkāmuddyotayāmāsuḥ sarvataḥ samalaṃkṛtām
|| 5-2-54
54. kaaN^chanaani = golden; toraNaani = archways; chitraaNi = with strange hues; uddyotayaamaasuH = illuminated; samalaMkR^itaam = well decorated; laN^kaam = city of Lanka; sarvataH = in all directions.
Golden archways with strange hues illuminated the well decorated city of Lanka in all directions.
acintyāmadbhutākārāṃ dṛṣṭvā laṅkāṃ mahākapiḥ |
āsīdviṣṇḍo hṛṣṭaśca vaidehyā darśanotsukaḥ
|| 5-2-55
55. mahaakapiH = Hanuma; dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; achintyaam = the unimaginable; laN^kaam = city of Lanka; adbhutaakaaraam = with a wonderful appearance; darshanotsukaH = eager in discovery; vaidehyaaH = of Seetha; aasiit = became; vishhaNNaH = sad; hR^ishhTashcha = and happy.
Hanuma on seeing the unimaginable city of Lanka with a wonderful appearance became sad thinking about the prospect of capturing Lanka and also happy being eager to see Seetha.
sa pāṇḍurāviddhavimānamālinīṃ |
mahārhajāmbūnadajālatoraṇām |
yaśasvinīṃ rāvaṇabāhupālitāṃ
|
kṣapācarairbhimabalaiḥ samāvṛtām || 5-2-56
56. saH = Hanuma (saw Lanka); paaNDuraaviddhavimaanamaaliniim = with white; closely built series of buildings; mahaarhajaambuunadajaalatoraNaam = having golden windows and doorways of great value; yashasviniim = of great fame; samaavR^itaam = consisting; kshapaacharaiH = of ogres; bhimmabalaiH = of great strength; raavaNabaahupaalitaam = ruled by the hands of Ravana.
Hanuma saw that city of Lanka of great fame, with white, closely built buildings having golden windows and doorways of great value, consisting of ogres of great strength and ruled by the hands of Ravana.
candro.api sācivyamivāsya kurvaṃ |
stārāgaṇairmadhyagato virājan |
jyotsnāvitānena vitatya
loka |
muttiṣṭhate naikasahasraraśmiḥ || 5-2-57
57. naikasahasrarashmiH chandro~pi = Moon with many thousands of rays; taaraa gaNaiH = together with a retinue of stars; madhyagataH = obtaining the center of stars; viraajan = shining; vitatya = (and) covering; lokam = the earth; jyotsnaa vitaanena = with canopy of moon-light; uttishhThate = rose up; kurvanniva = as though performing; saachivyam = help; asya = to Him (Hanuma) . saH hari praviiraH = that Hanuma; dadarsha = saw; chandram = the moon; udgachchhamaanam = rising up; shaNJkhaprabham = with a glow of a conch; vyavabhaasamaanam = shining; kshiiramR^iNaala varNam = with milky white hue like a lotus-fiber; haMsamiva = like a swan; popluuyamaanam = swimming; sarasi = in a lake.
The shining moon too rose up with its many thousands of rays, as though performing help to Hanuma, being at the middle of its retinue of stars and covering the earth with a canopy of light. That Hanuma saw the moon rising up with a glow of a conch shell, shining with a milky white hue of a lotus-fiber, like a swan swimming in a lake.
śaṅkhaprabhaṃ kṣīramṛṇālavarṇa |
mudgacchamānaṃ vyavabhāsamānam |
dadarśa candraṃ sa
haripravīraḥ |
ploplūyamānaṃ sarasīva haṃsam || 5-2-58
58. saH haripraviiraH = that Hanuma; dadarsha = saw; chandram = the moon; udgachha maanam = who was rising up; shaN^kha prabham = with the splendour of a couch-shell; vyavabhaasamaanam = shining; kShiiramR^iNaala varNam = in white colour as milk and lotus-fibre; hamsamiva = and looking like a swan; popluuyamaanam = swimming; sarasi = in a lake.
That Hanuma saw the moon, who was rising up in the sky with the splendour of a couch-shell, shining in white colour as milk or lotus-fibre, and looking like a swan swimming in a lake.
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ityārṣe śrīmadrāmāyaṇe ādikāvye sundarakāṇḍe dvitīyaḥ sargaḥ
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© 2008, K. M. K. Murthy [Revised : August 08]