1. Sri Rama's grief
2. Sugriva Startled
3. Hanuman's discourse
4. Lakshmana Answers
5. Association with Sugriva
6. The first clues of Sita's location
7. Sri Rama calmed
8. Sri Rama's pledge
9. Sugriva’s narrative
10. Sugriva’s account of hostility with Vali
11. An account of Vali’s might
12. Conclusive proof; Sal trees pierced
13. Hermitage of Saptajanas
14. Sugriva’s taunt
15. Spouse Tara with cogent reasons tries to dissuade Vali
16. Vali struck by Sri Rama’s arrow
17. Vali censures Sri Rama:
18. Sri Rama’s counter
19. Tara’s distress
20. Tara’s bewail
21. Hanuman’s talk
22. Final moments of Vali
23. Tara’s bemoan
24. Sugriva’s mourn
25. Sri Rama’s discourse:
26. Installation ceremony, Sugriva the king; Angada the prince regent
27. Mount Prasravana
28. Monsoon rains
29. Hanuman’s discourse
30. Sri Rama’s bemoan
31. Lakshmana the emissary
32. Candid advice
33. Lakshmana escorted into Kishkinda, Sugriva petrified
34. Lakshmana’s harsh message
35. Tara’s conciliatory expression
36. Sugriva pleads pardon
37. Sugriva to sage Hanuman
38. Sugriva proceeds to meet Sri Rama
39. The Vanara Generals arrive with their huge numbers
40. Command to Vinata detailing tracts worthy of note in the East
41. Sugriva assigns Hanuman, Nila, Angada to search in the Southern sector
42. Susena to head the search for Sita in the western section
43. Sugriva commands Satabali to explore the northern region
44. The signet ring
45. The Vanaras head off to the assigned sectors
46. Sugriva’s account of his first hand knowledge of the entire terrain
47. The return of the vanara legion
48. Angada makes short work of the demon
49. Angada exhorts
50. Riksabila the enthralling cave
51. The ascetic woman Swayamprabha.
52. Taking leave of Swayamprabha
53 Angada’s proposition
54. Hanuman’s intercession
55. Annoyed Angada’s response
56. Vulture king Sampati
57. Angada’s narrative
58. Information on Sita
59. Jambavan quizzes Sampati
60. Nisakara
61. Sampati replies Nisakara
62. Nisakara’s prophesy
63. Vanaras and Sampati are delighted
64. On the shoreline
65. Sage Jambavan at the congregation
66. Jambavan venerates, pleads with Hanuman
67. Hanuman prepares to take a leap across the sea
Kishkinda Kanda
Sri Rama’s grief: (Vali the elder brother and enemy of Sugriva lived in the city of Kishkinda. This city is supposed to be situated north of the present day Mysore. Pampa is believed to be the name of both the lake and a brook which flows into it. The brook is believed to rise in the hill of Rishyamukha). On the banks of the delightful Pampa stood plenty of huge tall trees in bloom and gay with flowers of every hue. The lake with its pellucid water was adorned with lotus and lily flowers, the land were sprayed with every floweret, this sight in itself was celestial and kindling voluptuous flame of love in the eyes of the beholder. The royal brothers arrived on the banks of the Pampa, in this glorious charming influence of the cool fresh waters spreading the sweet fragrance, instead of all troubles and pain vanishing, this very ambience tortured Sri Rama’s heart. Awakening in his mind the cascading thoughts firstly of mourning brother Bharata currently leading a life of an ascetic, secondly the thought of his separation from his dear spouse caused by the giant, were reasons enough for Sri Rama to let go a loud piteous wail. Here in this place they see the leopards, tigers, snakes, deer, hang around in every dell and brake, they hear the joyful varied voice of the flock of birds of every kind and colour. The loud notes of the water fowls uttered during the amorous sports, the shrill notes of male cuckoos when he found a kindly mate, the dance in frenzied excitement of the peacock craving for the peahen languishing with love, all these actions of joy and peace only served to increase the pangs of hopelessness to the levels of frenzied pain in Sri Rama. A desperate yearning for his gentle love Sita, he always thought of grieving Sita, now a prisoner in an alien land enduring threats and taunts and mourning for him. Sri Rama thought of his life bereft of pleasure, the thought that he may never see his Queen Sita again; he thought his woes have no cure. As the sad thoughts obsessed his troubled bosom, his mind was filled with grief, his thoughts in hopeless pain was riveted on how can his Sita remain alive in the midst of woe and pain imprisoned in a distant land? Sri Rama weighed down by sorrow, like a helpless mourner he spoke to Lakshmana, “Banished by my father’s pronouncement I fled from home distracted and disinherited, very pure, and true Sita, followed me, where is my gentle darling now? How can I put up with this and explain my predicament to her father when I greet him, unable as I am to comprehend where the princess of Vidheha is now? Her voice was ever sweet, she was ever smiling, her lips ever sported gay laughter, though worn with hard work, I saw no signs of grief in her, and she was my kind and thoughtful comforter. How shall I relate my doom to my mother Queen Kausalya when she in natural despair ask me ‘where is Sita?’ Dear Lakshmana I am no longer able to hold my breath, you return to Bharata, Bharata is fond of his brothers.” The wise Lakshmana to soothe Sri Rama’s concerns made the following flawless and motivating reply, “Be your noble self Rise Sri Rama Rise, cast away this weakling outlook, with firm resolve we begin our search for Sita, do not sink under the weight of your grief and anguish. You be sure, Ravana if he does not restore to you your Sita he cannot turn away from death. We shall search that most foul fiend; he has surely to die for he has no place to hide, not even the womb of Diti. (Diti is termed the general mother of Titans and malignant beings) Ravana has to surrender Sita to you or he dies slain by this wrathful hands. When in despair, in danger, engaged in toil, with zealous mind we begin our task, enthusiasm brazens out every barrier, every restraint, do not forget all the sacred lore, we shall taking recourse to bare exertion recover Janaka’s daughter Sita.” Admonished and consoled by his lordly brother, Sri Rama trampled the maddening pain bothering his thoughts, regained his firmness, journeyed onwards with majestic brother Lakshmana by his side, briskly they moved to the Rishyamukha Mountain. Sugriva the ex-king of the vanaras or monkeys, now exiled was wandering the Rishyamukha Mountain with four of his faithful aides, was troubled by the sight of Sri Rama and his brother Lakshmana. He surveyed the glorious appearance of the royal pair, as they came near, Sugriva’s spirit sank, dismayed by too great a fear, in unrest the vanaras sought the Saint Matanga’s hermitage a safe, sure asylum. (The curse pronounced on Vali the present king of the Vanara’s prevented Vali from entering Sage Matanga’s hermitage.)
Sugriva startled: The sight of the two brothers of extraordinary might, Sri Rama and Lakshmana, shocked Sugriva and instilled dread in him. The sight of the royal pair made Sugriva restless, his drooping pallor and cowering countenance was in evidence. Terrified he closely examined every lurking danger, helpless, overwhelmed with doubts and fears, pointing at the Raghu’s sons he addressed his ministers in words like these, ‘Disguised as hermits these tiger amongst men are Vali’s spies.’ All the ministers with their hearts in turmoil, in mortal dread sped leaping to the safety of the mountain crest, crushing the trees that lay on their path. Their violent movements caused panic, confusion and fear in the inhabitants of that woodland, viz. the tigers, leopards and deer. The vanaras congregated around their king Sugriva, who feared the worst, feared some malevolence planned on him by his evil minded brother Vali. The principal general of Sugriva, Hanuman skilled in charming expressions began his well reasoned speech, he addressed his king, ‘Dismiss your uncalled-for fear, this is the glorious Rishyamukha Mountain (the mountain ranges in the western ghats in the Malabar region) in this region Vali’s might is ineffectual, in this land nowhere I see our hated foe Vali. I only perceive the wandering mind of the vanaras. In this state of affairs how can a king with no wisdom, no plan, and no discretion, safeguard his subjects?’ Sugriva after listening to Hanuman began his exceptional speech, ‘The two strangers, are equipped with bows, shafts, and swords, they are possessed with mighty arms and large eyes, I see no fearless person, whose heart is not filled with dread at the sight of these two children of the God. I surmise my foe Vali has sent them with dire intentions; hence I am disturbed by fear and doubt. My antagonist Vali is wise in statecraft; he employs all means to strike at me, his enemy. Now you go to those strangers observe their looks, their words their temper look in them for the treacherous intent if any, then if you find their minds to be friendly and free of guile then speak to them as my envoy and win their confidence’. Reverencing with words, ‘so be it’ magnanimous Hanuman the son of the wind god with haste went to the place, where stood the mighty Sri Rama with Lakshmana.
Hanuman’s discourse: Hanuman the son of the wind god, is semi-divine, he possesses the power of wearing all shapes (guise) at will, he is one of the Kamarupis. Now he disguised himself in the form of a mendicant, approached the Raghu’s sons, lay prostrate at their feet, paid his reverential obeisance and spoke these words of truth couched in gentle phrases, “O best of young ascetics, you possess remarkable vigour, you possess excellent appearances, you resemble royal saints or divine Gods, say how and for what purpose have you strayed to this spot? Though you are clad in hermit’s attire, both of you wield a bow in hand, you are possessed of extraordinary might and prowess. You are endowed with a gaze of a lion, and I see you frequently sighing and the scared deer in this woodland are running for protection. O best lords of the earth, the sylvan creatures dread your presence, scared as they are of your strength and gallantry; your effulgence illumines this Rishyamukha Mountain and lends charm to the Pampa Lake. Your arms are matchless in grace and length, yet no ornaments adorn these limbs. The smooth and well decorated bows held in your hands vie with Indra’s thunderbolt, your quivers glow like a fiery snake joyously waiting to take the adversary’s life. You both possess demeanour of Gods who have strayed from the heavenly skies to visit us. O heroes why are you silent, why do you not condescend to reply to my praise? Know God like youths, I am one of the chief lords of the Vanara king Sugriva, and I am Hanuman son of the Wind God. Disconsolate Sugriva is of virtuous mind, is pious, is just, and is truthful, is exiled from his royal state and he now roams this Rishyamukha mountains. I am the envoy of Sugriva I can assume guises at will, pious minded Sugriva has sought you, wants friendship with you,” saying thus Hanuman remained silent. Overjoyed Sri Rama after hearing the envoy’s speech now spoke to brother Lakshmana, “I have yearned to see the righteous Sugriva, and we see Sugriva’s envoy before us. This most eloquent flawless speech of Sugriva’s envoy indicates he knows well the Rig Veda, he has also mastered Yajur Veda and Sama Veda too, and his sentences are syntaxically correct; are coherent and cogent. His speech was unfaltering, concise, engaging and clear; his accents uttered in a modulated tone. His wondrous speech charmed my heart, and indeed would tame the heart of the antagonist. No plans of the sovereign in whose service such envoy exist fail.” Lakshmana now turned to the envoy of Sugriva, replied in words such as these, ‘We are looking for that high souled Sugriva, now our nice task is, O excellent Hanuman; we shall certainly do as you say, under the command of Sugriva on this occasion.’ Hanuman was overjoyed at the prospect of redress and triumph to king on this assignment
Lakshmana answers: Sri Rama’s spoken words and friendly feelings, cheered Hanuman, he reflected on the high fate that now awaits his King Sugriva. He thought, ‘since one so mighty as Sri Rama freely gives the help the Vanaras crave, my high souled Sugriva, will soon be restored the king.’ The joyous Hanuman skilled in the art of verbal communication addressed to Sri Rama, ‘why do you stride this dreadful forest infested with birds of prey and deer and the maze of trees, thorns and flowers that adorn the Pampa Lake?’ Hearing this question of Hanuman, Lakshmana urged by Sri Rama made this answer, “There was a glorious king Dasaratha, who was unswerving in his duty, he was of unblemished fame, he was unbiased to all creatures, he was loved by all and he hated no one. He propitiated the Lord, he performed prolonged sacrifices, and was blessed with four sons, and here is his glorious heir called Sri Rama. Sri Rama is a sure refuge of oppressed beings, possesses all auspicious personal marks that indicate capability of universal sovereignty. Sri Rama was to be invested of the royal fortune, in the form of prince regent; he was suddenly disinherited, expelled from home. Sri Rama most faithful to his father; at his father’s behest he cast away power and lordship, and chose to stay in the wild woods. Along with Sri Rama his faithful consort princess Sita followed her virtuous husband to the woods. I am his younger brother named Lakshmana, compelled by his virtues I have become his slave, I too followed him to the woods. In the dreaded woods an unknown giant stole the princess when she was alone. To know the robber’s name and his dwelling place, Diti’s son Danu (Kabandha), who due to an imprecation assumed the status of an ogre; commanded us to turn to King Sugriva. Afterward the Diti’s son advanced heavenwards, that is my tale from the beginning till now; it has been narrated in all sincerity to you as sought by you. Sri Rama the mighty lord gave rich gifts to others, is the son of the mighty emperor Dasaratha. He adheres resolutely to virtues, he lends succour to the weak and afflicted, with his matchless might he protected all the land surrounded be sea, he ever yearns for the safety and welfare of all. Sri Rama’s glory rings through all the realms viz. unfathomable, earth and skies, he is my holy guide, that very same Sri Rama and me seek asylum in Sugriva, in Sugriva’s woodland dwelling place. The vanara king should not refuse the supplication of ours and he should save Sri Rama in this hour of his utmost need,” he thus concluded in a pathetic tone and with misty eyes. Skilled in communication Hanuman in gentle tone replied, ‘our happy fate has brought people like you within our sight, you have mastered your senses, you have controlled your anger, you possess lofty thoughts, for sure you deserve to be seen by King Sugriva. Sugriva is sad, forlorn and is deprived of his spouse and kingdom. Sugriva is exiled from his kingdom by Vali, in dread, Sugriva (the son of the Sun God); now wanders in this forest. Our lord and king Sugriva and all the vanaras combined will trace out Sita. Come let us proceed to meet Sugriva.’ Celebrated Lakshmana turned to Sri Rama and said, “Your task is achieved, Vanara King Sugriva too needs you, so says the son of the Wind God, each word spoken by Hanuman is said unambiguously, with a cheerful glow in his face, and Vayuputra will not tell a lie.” Hanuman at this instant cast aside his mendicant guise, assumed his vanara form, placed the Raghu’s heroic sons on his back and sped to the Sovereign of the Vanara race.
Association with Sugriva: From the craggy side of Rishyamukha Mountain, Hanuman hurried to the celebrated Malaya Mountains and introduced to his chief the royal pair thus, “Here stands in front of you Sri Rama along with his brother Lakshmana; he is the valiant son of the king Dasaratha. Sri Rama is the grace and glory of Ikshwaku race, Sri Rama through the guile of his step-mother, was exiled to the Dandaka forests. Obedient to his father’s behest he proceeded to the Dandaka forest accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother Lakshmana where he lived in the guise of an hermit. While dwelling in the gloomy Dandaka forests, fierce Ravana stole his wife. O! Lord, Sri Rama whose heart never quails, has now come before you seeking your aid, I request you to offer formal reverence to the royal pair.” Hanuman’s words stirred friendly thoughts in Sugriva, he submitted to Sri Rama as follows, ‘Hanuman, the son of the wind god, has spoken of your virtues, I reckon, it is my bliss, my gain, my surprise, that Raghu’s son condescend to seek friendship with a vanara, if my friendship is acceptable to you, let this hand of mine extended to you be clasped with yours and an abiding pact be entered into.’ Sugriva’s words thrilled Sri Rama’s heart; he seized the new ally’s hand and embraced him. Hanuman on that occasion kindled the flame worshipped the fire with flowers and thereafter Sri Rama and Sugriva in slow reverential steps went clockwise around that fire, each pledging to the other the solemn bondage of friendship. (Fire for sacred purposes is produced by the attrition of two pieces of wood. In marriage and other solemn promises, fire is regarded as holy witness and in its presence agreement is made) Sugriva said to Sri Rama ‘We share each other’s joy, concern,’ saying so he tore a branch of the Sal tree filled with leaves and flowers, offered a seat to Sri Rama and he too sat thereon. His mind filled with joy Hanuman offered a colourful branch of sandal tree to serve as Lakshmana’s seat. Joyous King Sugriva pleasantly surprised, exclaimed, ‘slighted by foes, bereft of my spouse, forlorn, bewildered, in terror and distress I roam in this forest. Sri Rama, all venerate your virtues, you please free me from the scathe and wrong inflicted for too long by my elder brother Vali. Though it is a gigantic task yet it is only you who can free me from this calamitous predicament.’ Guileless Sri Rama a true friend of the oppressed, assured Sugriva, “This vengeful hand that release the shafts which blaze like fire shall reach your wicked foe hissing like infuriated serpents and shall slay your foe. Vali who stole your wife, who offended you for long, will be slain.” Supremely rejoiced Sugriva addressed Sri Rama, ‘Best of heroes on account of you I will recover from my foe my realm, my spouse, please check my hostile brother in such a way that he shall no longer vex me with woe.’ Association with Sugriva thus firmed up, it assured bliss to Sugriva and Sita and curse to Vali and fiend Ravana. Auspicious signs were witnessed in the person of Sita, Vali and the fiend king Ravana felt the inauspicious throb on the left eyes sure signs that signify the forerunner of dismay. (The throbbing of the left eye in a man is an inauspicious sign and is auspicious in the case of a woman,)
The first clues of Sita’s location: The now optimistic, blissful Sugriva submitted to the scion of Raghu, ‘astute, erudite Hanuman told me, how the wailing Videhan princess Sita was stolen by a roving giant even as she was disunited from you as well as Lakshmana while you sojourned in the wild Dandaka woods in hermit’s costume with brother Lakshmana,. The giant inviting death to his race, also slew her guardian; the vulture king Jatayu, you have been subjected to the agony caused by separation from your spouse. Dear Prince very soon I will restore your lost darling to you, free you from all trace of sorrow, be she in heaven or incarcerated in the depths of hell, I swear that I will track her; you need not doubt my words. You no longer grieve over your loss, no matter who has the custody, be it saints, fiends, the denizens of the heavens or whatever, they shall find your wife a treacherous poison, a bitter prize. I conclude it was she whom the fierce and dreaded Ravana swiftly bore her though the sky, it was her shrinking figure, like the wife of Naga (Serpent God) struggling in Ravana’s harsh hold, in sad tones she was shrieking yours and Lakshmana’s name. Seeing me and other vanaras in this hill, she tore her outer robe, therein she placed her shining jewels, and dropped them, and we collected and kept all of them. I will bring them now and by chance your eyes may recognize these treasures,’ concluded Sugriva. “Without delay bring them all’ said Sri Rama, and from inside the mountain cavern Sugriva brought them hastily and placed the jewels and the robe in Sri Rama’s hands. ‘Ah mine own’ saying so, Sri Rama’s might deserted him; his face faded with tears that gushed into the open due to his affection for his Sita. He repetitively pressed that jewel to his bosom, hissing like a provoked furious serpent. In bitter moan he began, “Look brother, the ornaments, the robe she wore, she dropped while struggling in the cruel arms of her prey. These ornaments have retained their original lustre, signifying they were dropped on a soft spot.” Lakshmana replied, ‘I do not recognize the bracelets nor the earrings I do acknowledge that I recognize the anklets of her privileged feet’ (Lakshmana here means that he has never ventured to lift up his eyes to see Sita’s arms and face, though he was ever faithful to her feet.) Then Sri Rama addressed the vanara king Sugriva, “Tell me where the cruel fiend, the cause of all my wretchedness, was seen to fly with my Maithili dame. The fiend by his transgression, roused fury with in me, in his senseless pride he has wide opened the doorway of Yama’s corridor and my vengeful hands have to complete the task of sending him and all the giants to the presence of the Lord of Death.”
Sri Rama calmed: To the demoralized and sobbing Sri Rama, Sugriva spoke, “I do not know the power or the might, or the place where the cruel fiend, the curse of his race, dwells. Still I make a promise to you, trust me, I will toil with all my might and skill, I with my audacity will slay Ravana and his flock of criminals and that you will gain your consort. Please regain your normal fortitude; do not yield to despair. Great misfortune born of parting from partner has been met with by me too; I a common monkey neither lament nor lose courage as you do. Accept adversity caused by separation from spouse, by recourse to mental toughness, control your passions and do not weep eternally for the princess of Mithila. Be firm, be patient, do not forget that in loss, in affliction, in conflict, in apprehension, the wise and the unyielding do not lose courage, for despondency devastates. I do not dare to edify you, yet moved by faithful love I speak to you that there is no joy, no glory to those who yield to grief, gloom, and hopelessness, summon your original strength, it is gawky of you to grieve and sulk, dear friend please pursue the path of the courageous.” Comforted by Sugriva’s words Sri Rama wiped the tears from his face embraced the vanara king Sugriva, and spoke to Sugriva these words, “Whatever a wise and true friend advocates should be done, it is very rare in time of grief and pain to gain a friend like you, I have now gained my fortitude. I trust you, dear friend now assist me to trace the Vidhehan princess’s dwelling place, help me in the search of the fierce, the immoral Ravana. Do reckon when I say to you my loyal friend, the assurance given by me to the effect that I shall kill Vali, as solemn affirmation, I swear by truth alone.” Enthused by Sri Rama’s promise, Sugriva the foremost of the monkey kings thought his task was accomplished.
Sri Rama’s pledge: Enthused by Sri Rama’s promise, Sugriva the foremost of the monkey kings, said to Sri Rama, “O! Sinless Sri Rama, you are gifted with all merits. You have sought me, associated with me and with fire as witness become my friend, happy destiny is mine, and I deserve to be adored by my friends and kinsmen. It should now be possible for me to secure even the kingdom of Gods, O! Lord nothing to say of reclamation my lost sovereignty. With the passage of time you too will see in me a precious friend, enduring is the bond that binds the friendly faith of noble minds, be they rich, poor, low, or sunk in woe.” In the presence of wise and valiant Lakshmana, Sri Rama agreed. The vanara monarch saw the mighty pair standing; he slit a leafy bough from the tall sal tree, laid the same on the lush ground to serve as a seat for Sri Rama and himself. Seeing them seated Hanuman hunted for a leafy branch of the sal tree, laid it on the ground, beseeched Lakshmana to be seated on it. To the unruffled Sri Rama comfortably seated, euphoric Sugriva spoke in gracious tone, “Oppressed by my brother Vali, I am in interminable despair, and distraught with fright. Constantly in the memory of my consort, expelled from my territory, I am a casualty of Vali’s hate, disconsolate I wander here. You, Sri Rama are the sure refuge of the subjugated, please set me free from the dread of Vali.” The virtuous Sri Rama heard the Vanara king Sugriva and replied, “Best fruit of friendship is the accomplishment that helps the friend in his hour of need. See the fiercely shining feathered darts of mine, like Indra’s thunderbolt they speed like an enraged serpent, they will shatter your wicked antagonist Vali to death”. These words inundated Sugriva’s mind with unparalleled hope and joy, he raised his voice owing to joy and spoke, and ‘I have for a long time now languished in the depths of grief, O! Lord you are the hope of all; I submit myself to you, attend to my misery. Friends empathize with friends, in confidence I narrate my affliction. I am oppressed, ridiculed, hated by all conquering strength of Vali. I fled from my dominion; I was divested of my spouse who was dearer than my life to me. Several friends of mine are chained and condemned; wicked Vali yearns to kill me with his spies. Thus surrounded by threat and wretchedness, I see enemy everywhere. except Hanuman and these vanaras, I have no friends, only through them I sustain my wretched life. All warriors know of my brother Vali’s might, only in his death all my woes end’ he spoke bravely fighting grief and tears. Sri Rama spoke again to Sugriva, “O friend, when I think of all the scorn, the misery you had endured for long my mind is aggrieved, sure the arrows will fly from my bow and slay your adversary, before that tell me the origin of your fraternal strife and ill will.” Overjoyed to hear Sri Rama speak thus, Sugriva proceeded to tell his friend truthfully all that caused the conflict.
Sugriva’s narrative: Upon my father’s death his eldest son, the supremely honoured mighty Vali, by right, was ordained the sovereign of the vanaras and he truthfully ruled the ancestral kingdom and I provided my faithful services to him. My brother Vali had bitter enmity with fiend Mayavi son of Dundhubhi, on account of a woman. One night when all of us were slumbering, furious, thundering Mayavi challenged Vali to the fight. Incensed impetuous and mad with frenzy, Vali cast aside restraint of his cheerless wives and mine, set forth to slay his adversary. Impelled by love and duty, I followed Vali in the pursuit of the fiend, the terror struck fiend at the sight of Vali in hunt, fled. It was a moonlit night Vali and I pursued the fleeing giant. The demon sought the refuge inside a mighty cave camouflaged by thick grass and was no more within our sight. Vali with his senses in frenzy, himself aglow with rage at the escape of his foe, proceeded to seek his adversary in the depths of that cavern. Before seeking the adversary in the dark recess of that grotto, Vali instructed me thus, ‘Remain alert at the mouth of this cave, while I go there to make a short of this wicked demon.’ In vain I tried to change my brother’s strategy; instead he bound me by oath to stand guard at the entrance of the cavern and went in pursuit of his enemy inside the dim cave. A year went by and in vain I waited for the return of my brother, horror seized me when I heard the shriek of demons, I saw stream of froth and blood flow, I did not hear Vali’s voice. I concluded my brother was slaughtered, deeply saddened I closed the mouth of the cavern with a huge block of rock, and I gave offering to Vali’s soul and returned to Kishkinda with a sad heart. I hid the sad fate of Vali from my counselors for a long time. Once they recognized Vali’s fate the counselors installed me the sovereign and I ruled the kingdom honorably. Vali in fact got rid of his adversary, Mayavi, returned triumphantly to kingdom, for my part I held my high minded brother in esteem, I greeted him on arrival with reverence, but when he saw me ruling his kingdom he was seething, he eliminated the nobles who crowned me the king, and in his rage and pride poured scorn at me showed no love to me.
Sugriva’s account of hostility with Vali: Sugriva continued, “Dear Lord (Vali), you are my redeemer, my guardian, I kept guard at the entrance to the cave for a year, I was saddened, my senses went astray when I saw the surge of blood rush from the cavern, I barred the entrance to the cave with a stone to prevent your foes leaving the cavern, then in deep distress and with downcast demeanor I came again to Kishkinda. Due to your absence and against my will I was made the king by inhabitants and nobles, I seek your pardon and my installation was not covetous. I assumed the reign only after you left us desolate, forlorn I languished here, after your mighty arms killed your foe, once more you receive your canopy and the whisks (ceremonial emblem), you are the rightful lord, assume your reign. Believe my words, with suppliant hands and my head placed at your feet I truthfully plead, when Kishkinda was without a king, I was made the king for the defence of the residents despite my steadfastness, pardon me for any offence I humbly submitted to soothe his passion. In his fury Vali would not have anything, he retorted in the presence of all his lords the words full of scathe and scorn, ‘You need not tell me, for everything is known to all, I instructed you to stand guard at the entrance of the cave, until I have eliminated my foe. I relied on your oath, I went inside the cave, in bitter ferocity I slew the fiend and all his kinsmen, when I seek to get out of the cave, I find you are not there to respond to my call, moreover I find the entrance to the cave blocked through crags of rock. After I free myself from this tribulation, and come home I find you appropriate the throne,’ then the adamant Vali, expelled me from his realm. I left his realm with only the clothes on my presence; I was separated from my consort who is more precious to me than my own life. Currently in great fear of my life I roam the Rishyamukha hills, all this sufferings are inflicted on me without any fault of mine. Sri Rama you have heard my tale and how I endure my brother’s abhorrence, now please benevolently release me from the dread of Vali.” Sri Rama answered Sughriva with a chuckle, he said, “These fierce never failing shafts released from this hand of mine will pierce wicked Vali’s heart and soon your darling consort and the empire will be restored to you. I know the depths of your despair caused by the separation from your spouse” Sri Rama’s assurance intensified joy and courage in Sugriva’s mind.
An account of Vali’s might: Sri Rama’s assurance served to enhance the joy in Sugriva, he now spoke, ‘I do not doubt your matchless might, your bright shafts can burn and devastate all the worlds. I now narrate to you Vali’s prowess, bravery and resilience, fatigue is unfamiliar to him, he in his restless errands, strides all the four quarters of the earth, he rips a mountain from its roots, tosses it up in the air and grasps the same with his hands before the mountain falls to the ground. Numerous colossal trees were ripped with his single arm and thrown on the ground. Many years ago, a bull shaped monster by name Dundubhi, impelled by his incomparable might, challenged the righteous lord of the ocean to enter into a combat. (The lord of the ocean is considered righteous because he never transgresses his bounds; for his trustworthiness, he controls his tides) To the giant prompted by his fate to his death, the lord of the floods gave a dignified calm reply. He said, “I do not have the power to cope with you in the battle, Himalaya the lord of the hills the king of the snow, father of Uma the spouse of Siva can be your worthy foe. In fierce combat you can derive happiness in the fight amongst equals.” Dundubhi reasoned the Ocean king was afraid of him, he then hurried to the Lord Himavan (Himalaya Hills), the foremost of the demons let go a repugnant howl, he deracinated huge snow filled fragments of that mountain, hurled them to the ground. Condescending, Lord of the Hills, sitting upon a peak calmly reacted, “O! Dundubhi, you are fond of rectitude, I am the sanctuary for the hermits, and I am not suitable for war, do not pester me.” Dundubhi in rage sought from the king of the mountains, ‘If out of panic or indolence you decline to engage me in war, name the subjugator who will engage me in the scrimmage?’ Now angered, Himavan gifted with wisdom, coherence, talked to the foremost of the demon yet again, ‘If you desire clash, speed to the city of Kishkinda, and confront the glorious Vanara king Vali, the son of Indra (the ruler of the Gods). Vali the renowned, the intrepid, the unconquered hero, is skilled in warfare; test your might against his.’ The demon in the guise of the bull, heard the words of the wise Lord of Snow, provoked by wrath, arrogance, and abhorrence, swiftly reached the gates of Kishkinda, thundered with all his might, uprooted the trees, caused the earth to shake, haughtily damaged the gates of Kishkinda. Incensed Vali heard the growl and commotion emerged from his bowers with his dames and at the gate he saw the fiend. In unhurried and graspable words he talked to him, ‘I am the king of the Vanaras well-known as Vali, I know you mighty fiend, take heed, preserve your life.’ The fiend was filled with frenzy, hearing the wise words of Vali retorted, ‘You speak like a hero when all your wives are close to you, gain knowledge of my strength by bold evaluation, I shall spare you this night. Tonight you get pleasure from all your wives, bestow gifts on your faithful members of your aristocracy, coronate your son, hang around for a while with each dear lady, show your face in the streets one last time, all because I spare you of your life tonight drunk as you are, for slaying a drunk is equated with foeticide.’ Enraged Vali, in fury, in scorn retorted, ‘O! Fiend unless you decline the fight with me, due to fear, come I am ready for the conflict,’ highly incensed Vali wore on his neck the chain of gold gifted to him by his father Mahendra, (Mahendra and Sakra are the other names for Indra) stood before the demon prepared for the battle. Vali an elephant among monkeys grasped the monster by his horns heaved him round and round, amidst thunderous noise the demon was hurled to the ground. The demon with torrent of blood flowing from his ears rose from the ground and a fierce combat ensued. All conquering Vali the son of Sakra triumphed over the monster. The monster was violently dashed to the ground, bruised, shattered, and blood gushing out from his wounds the demon died. With tremendous force, unthinking Vali hurled the huge comatose cadaver a league (eight miles) away. When the demons body flew in the air, drops of blood from the shattered jaw of the demon fell on the hermitage of the illustrious sage Matanga. Sage Matanga saw his hermitage desecrated, he was fierce with annoyance, he thought, ‘who is this spiteful, scoundrel, the irreverent wretch, the reckless one with juvenile judgment has caused my hermitage to be spilled with blood.’ Sage Matanga swiftly came out in the open, saw the corpse of the massive mountain sized bull, and was quick to recognize the executor of the offense, in wild emotional fury, he pronounced the curse, ‘in this holy place where I dwell, I nurture tender saplings like dear children, the Vanara lord has with his sinful hands ruined this pleasant hermitage with the corpse of this demon. If that Vanara ever steps within eight miles of this hermitage he will surely die at that very hour, also I grant one day for all his ministers and followers to leave this place failing compliance they will be transformed and slouch like a mountain at this very place for numerous years. The dread of my curse will take effect from tomorrow let those vanaras heed the sentence. In dread all the vanaras, fled from the sheltered confines of the forests and mountains, to Vali and acquainted him of their horror. Vali with the celestial chain round his neck heard the malediction pronounced on him by the saint, rushed to the sage, with worshipful hands he sought to soothe his rage; the angry holy man snubbed Vali and returned to his hermitage, Vali was absolutely baffled. Distressed Vali anguished and hard-pressed by the curse currently does not have the courage to come in the vicinity of this grove nor does he come near the Rishyamukha hill, nor does he now even turn his eyes this side, hence in dignity I roam in these forests. O! Sri Rama look here, before you this massive mound, it is the skeletal remains of Dundubhi, whose pride eliminated him and his remains here are reminder of Vali’s virility. Here are seven extremely large sal trees, Vali with one grasp uproots each one of them and with his might, aggressively shakes them and denudes them of its leaves. This is the description of Vali’s matchless strength and I wonder how you hope to slay him in fight?’ said a sighing Sugriva. Lakshmana with laughter on his lips asked Sugriva, “What evidence, or show of power or feat you want Sri Rama to exhibit to dispel your doubts?” Sugriva replied look at the sal trees there, if Sri Rama can pierce even one of the sal trees with single arrow, or if Sri Rama with his single foot can hurl the bones of Dundubhi a distance of two hundred measures of his bow, I will conclude Vali as slain.’ Sugriva, in excitement blemished with righteous anger, addressed the royal prince again, ‘Vali is valiant, physically powerful, in his valor accomplishes deeds which Gods hardly achieve, I am overwhelmed by his might and in dread I meander in this grove in the company of Hanuman and other faithful lords. O! chief of Raghu’s ancestry, you are my sure shelter from my foes, I have not seen your efficacy in war, I do not have the courage to doubt your might, your speech, your outward appearance, your conviction convey to me your fortified strength, yet a cowardly attitude brought about in me by Vali’s fearful deeds and might makes me ponder about your relative strength.’ Smiling Sri Rama responded, “This endeavor shall clear all your relentless doubts” so saying he effortlessly hurled with his toe the vast dried up skeleton frame of Dundubhi a distance of eighty miles, thereby he wanted to reassure Sugriva. Sugriva saw the ease with which Sri Rama hurled the mighty bones of Dundubhi, again addressed to Sri Rama, ‘In prowess you are the foremost, in effulgence you are comparable to the sun, you are mighty as the Himalayas and in valor comparable to the lion, O! King I submit my foe and brother Vali had in the past hurled the cadaver when it was saturated with flesh, blood, skin and muscles, at a time when he was drunk and exhausted, and now you have hurled the skeleton that was light as hay, hence this trial alone is inconclusive, your strength is yet unproven. Come with your one arrow pierce one sal tree and it will conclusively proof of your superior might, accomplish this task for the love of me’
Conclusive proof Sal trees pierced: Sri Rama to dismiss all doubts in Sugriva’s mind, took the dreadful bow in his hands and discharged an arrow, this arrow though aimed at only one tree, cleft seven sal trees, the hill on which these trees stood and the earth below, and at last it came back to the quiver from where it was released. The astonished vanara monarch, stared in wonder, in reverent action he made his obeisance, he fell prostrate on the ground, then rising he held his hand raised up palm to palm and cheerfully he spoke to Sri Rama, ‘You are like the mighty Indra, and Varuna (Varuna is one of the oldest of Vedic Gods, in later mythology he has become the God of the sea) not even the Gods can escape your might, your fury. Vali can be overwhelmed (killed) by you; all my misery and worry have completely vanished from me now. Today with you as my friend my joy is absolute. For my pleasure O! Scion of Kakutstha I beseech you with suppliant hands to please make short work of Vali my foe who is my brother too, this very day.’ Sri Rama as an expression of affection embraced the thankful Vanara king Sugriva and spoke to him, “You Vanara king proceed to Kishkinda without delay, and challenge your brother Vali who violates your rights, to a battle. At the entrance to Kishkinda we will stand hidden away behind the dense woods.” Reaching the entrance of Kishkinda, raising a terrible yell, Sugriva dared Vali to enter into a conflict with him. Enraged Vali spontaneously rushed out and a fierce and wild struggle followed, similar to the combat between the two planets Mercury and fiery Mars. In the fierce conflict fought with extraordinary frenzy, lightning blows were struck with their hands and fists, the blows that descended on the foes like thunderbolts. The combatants resembled the heavenly twins, although Sri Rama viewed the battle with his bow in hand, he did not release any life destroying shaft for he was unable to distinguish Sugriva from Vali. Battered and flattened by Vali’s powerful blows, Sugriva’s spirits sank, he was now no more optimistic about aid forthcoming from Sri Rama, in rage and dread he fled to the safe confines of Rishyamukha hills. Sage Matanga’s curse restrained Vali from the pursuit of Sugriva there, Vali said, ‘you have fled from your certain death’ the mighty warrior hurried to his home. Seeing the conquered Sugriva flee, Hanuman, Lakshmana, Sri Rama, and others near and dear followed him. Sugriva, under the burden of unendurable shame, was not able to lift his eyes; in loud groans in melancholic voice he told his sorrow, ‘I witnessed your peerless strength, prompted by you I taunted my foe, why have you by way of dishonesty, suggested my path to sure defeat? Had you said I will not slay your adversary in this fight, then I would not have waged this battle.’ To the unhappy Sugriva, Sri Rama countered, “Dismiss your anger, I will tell you the cause of my not coming to your relief. In costume, embellishment, bearing, height, splendour, voice, and might, I could see no difference between you and your rival. I restrained from releasing the deadly shaft, for fear that my shaft should send you to sudden death. You are our surest friend; in the event of your being killed by me through ignorance, or perkiness, my foolishness, and irresponsibility would be betrayed; because killing one to whom protection is promised is a shocking transgression. O! Sovereign of the Vanara kind, you are our sure refuge in this forest, wear decorations on your person, without any fear of your foe, challenge him again and in the course of that very combat you will see Vali killed by me.” Adorned with the garland of flowers secured round his neck, the glorious Sugriva reassured by Sri Rama’s words, once again set forth to Kishkinda to challenge his brother Vali.
Hermitage of Saptajanas: Sri Rama said to Lakshmana, “Uproot this liana named Gajapuspi, which is in bloom and is auspicious in disposition; fasten it about the neck of Sugriva.” With that creeper fixed firmly round his neck the magnificent vanara glowed in glorious light; and by his comrade’s side he strode to Kishkinda again. Led by strong necked Sugriva and the mighty Lakshmana, Sri Rama followed them with his gold ornamented bow and his arrows radiant as the sunbeam. Sri Rama in turn was trailed by Nala, Nila, the lofty minded Hanuman, and the valiant Tara the leader of the vanara race. All of them journeyed to Kishkinda passing through dense trees, dark caverns, brooks and rills filled with limpid waters. The lakes were inhabited with swans, ducks, cranes and other birds making pleasant noises. They also observed, the deer fearlessly grazing on the tender shoots of grass; also wild elephants in rut, the monkeys huge as elephants and other dwellers of the forests. On their way they noticed a lovely thicket, Sri Rama asked Sugriva, “Stirred by inquisitiveness, I would like to know from you more about this pleasant grove.” Sugriva without delay described in detail all about the grove that was worth mentioning, ‘that large secluded habitation brings relaxation to the fatigued, it abounds in delicious roots, fruits and bright waterway, herein lived seven sages engaged in stern penance. They as a rule slept on water, their only repast was air inhaled once every seven days. They never stepped out of this habitat of theirs; after seven hundred years of severe austerities they soared heavenwards. This glorious garden of theirs is inaccessible even to the Gods, none who enters this grove returns alive. Here you hear at times pleasant music, sounds of chiming anklets, we smell blissful fragrance, and the smoke from sacred triple fires, (Garhapatya, Ahavaniya, and Dakshina meaning household, sacrificial, and southern) cloud the crest of the mountains. Now with Lakshmana, O Sri Rama, you pay your obeisance to the revered saints and all your life be freed from affliction.’ Their heads bent low in reverence to the sagely seven and with joined palms the Royal brothers offered their salutations to the high souled Rishis. Then armed with bows the royal brothers together with Sugriva and other vanaras strode to the great Kishkinda, the royal town where Indra’s son Vali reigned with a view to destroy the foe.
Sugriva’s taunt: All of them reached the dense Kishkinda forest, the trees helped conceal their presence, livid Sugriva, the son of the Sun God, let go his deafening battle cry challenging his brother Vali to combat. Prayerful Sugriva next turned to Sri Rama and spoke, ‘This is the kingdom of mighty Vali; the archways are endowed with flags and decorated with gold. Please execute without delay your pledge to kill Vali. Let my hopes bear fruition now.’ Sri Rama quickly made his reply, “Sugriva, you are now decorated with the garland of flowers around your neck, this is an identification mark. Let me have one look at your wretched antagonist Vali, dear friend, one shaft released from my bow today will free you from your sorrow, yes fallen in dust lying dead will be your enemy Vali. Though all my life though I am put to grief and misery, O! King discard your misgivings, I have never uttered untruth knowingly, I will slay Vali who is distinguished by a celestial chain around his neck. For this reason raise a war cry, annoyed Vali conscious of his valour, who was never subdued before, will not brook defiance particularly now when he is in the midst of his wives.” Sugriva responded with a fierce yell causing fright in cows, deer, horses, birds and other inhabitants of the woodland.
Spouse Tara with cogent reasons tries to dissuade Vali: The shout of Sugriva shook the earth to its core. Vali was reposing in his gynaeceum; the thunderous yell served to dismiss all his amorous thoughts, in indignant pride, in impulsiveness, in uncontrolled frenzy he rushed out furiously from the bower, the earth beneath his feet quaked when the infuriated Vali was marching. His consort Tara, now taken aback and tremulous, threw her loving arms around him and gave the following wholesome counsel, ‘O! My dear lord, I do not doubt your heroism nor do I reckon you to be weaker than your rival, you control this rage, wait till the morning, now listen to why I discourage you. Sugriva recently was overwhelmed by you, he was greatly wounded, he fled after he on his own confronted you, yet so soon after this fiasco; rebellious he now comes back to confront you. My Lord strong misgiving comes to my mind, Sugriva impelled by arrogance now challenges you after he has allied with a powerful companion. Sugriva by nature is astute; he makes alliance with the effective and powerful. I tell you an account of what our child Angada heard from the spies when he went into the forest. Your adversary Sugriva has forged a treaty with the two sons of emperor Dasaratha of the famed Ikshvaku dynasty. Sri Rama is known for his lofty exploits, he is the sure support for the vulnerable and the entreating, he is a huge tree sheltering the guiltless, he is of unsurpassed glory, and he is all grace and majestic like the Himalaya Mountains. To his foes he is like the conflagration which destroys the world at the end of a Yuga (Age), O my hero you cannot stand before the might of Sri Rama. I beseech you not to dismiss my rede lightly, let all fraternal discord with brother Sugriva come to an end, unite in peace with brother Sugriva, and consecrate him as prince regent, end all thoughts of conflict with Sri Rama and Sugriva, for by all portrayal Sugriva is your darling brother. If you want to make me happy and banish the fear within me, I submit to you to tone down your useless rage, avoid the mighty arms of Raghu’s son, my lord for Raghu’s son is too strong an adversary for you.’
Vali struck by Sri Rama’s arrow: Vali criticized Tara’s wholesome advice, ‘how can I meekly bear this insult, hurt, coming from my younger brother, who now confronts me with this scream. The valiant will die a thousand deaths, but will never put up disgrace, with impunity. The upright, spotless, duteous, Sri Rama may give support to Sugriva, yet Sri Rama will avoid wrongdoing. Cast away your misgivings, your fear, proceed to your dwelling with the other women, I will hunt for Sugriva only to check his unruly rage and pride, I go to discipline the foe not to kill him. I will return triumphant, I will humble my foe, leave me alone for a while, and I request you to return to your bower.’ Flustered, grief stricken, fearful, sad Tara went clockwise round her lord in slow reverent steps, offered prayers for the safety and success of her lord and then turned homewards. Panting and hissing like a fierce serpent, impelled by hostile rage the long armed Vali went to the very place to confront his foe, Sugriva. Vali saw his brother Sugriva dazzling as fire and Sugriva saw in Vali the long armed ruler adorned with the celestial chain around his neck, each braced his war attire round his waist, opposed the foe face to face. Impetuous Vali wild with rage and pride thundered, ‘My weighty hand with clenched fingers will deliver lethal blow on your brow.’ Fierce Sugriva retorted, ‘My arms that begin the conflict will crush the life out of your body.’ The combatants rained on each other fierce blows inflicting bloody wounds/ bruises on each other, displaying dreadful force, the brothers were engaged in fierce and more fierce fight, they fought with feet, arms, nails, knees, stones boughs and trees and managed to bleed each other; the air was filled with threat, battle cry and yell. Sugriva was the first to cower, his strength began to diminish, and his melancholic eyes turned skywards, prompting Sri Rama to rush to his friend’s relief. Sri Rama fitted his arrow on the bow; the arrow that resembled a venomous serpent; he stretched the arrow at full span, petrified by the strum of the bow-string sylvan creatures in the wood ran in confusion. When discharged the mighty arrow; with a sound resembling the crash of thunder; shone brightly like a stunning flash of lightning struck with vehemence the arrow flew and hit Vali’s breast with unerring precision. Struck by the deadly shaft the mighty vanara reeled and fell to the ground lusterless and unconscious like the flag hoisted in honor of the God Indra lowered after the festivities conclude.
Vali censures Sri Rama: Vali adorned with ornaments of gleaming gold, at this moment laid low on the earth, though he was mired in dust yet his outward appearance reflected his might, valour and grace, this due to the golden chain on his neck, the choicest gift of his father Sakhra (Indra). As Vali the hero fell to the might of the never failing shaft propelled by the great bow held by Sri Rama, there appeared in the distance streaks of light, emanating from the limbs, the chain and the shaft that took the life of Vali. It is believed that every creature killed by Sri Rama, in consequence, obtained immediate felicity of the highest kind, complete ecstasy, and heaven. Sri Rama and Lakshmana slowly went up to view the mighty, the strong armed, broad chested, the radiant faced, the tawny eyed, Vali, the son of Mahendra. Vali resembled king Yayati fallen from the realm of the Gods after exhaustion of merits, he was now more like fire without flame, he addressed the following words full of importance, words though bitter, were yet courteous, and righteous. ‘Sri Rama, you have lovely features, you are praised for your bravery, you are unwavering in the adherence to truth, your honesty, your self restraint, and your ruthless adherence to vows, your devotion to duty, you are the son of a celebrated monarch, yet you have brought about my death surreptitiously. I thought of all your virtues, your glorious Ikshvaku race, I was cautioned by Tara of your alliance with Sugriva and I ignored her tearful supplication, yet today when I was fighting my opponent, you have exposed your malevolent mind, though you are attired in ascetic’s garb, by recourse to slyness you have indulged in this mean offence. I never took you for a treacherous inferno, a sinner clad in saints attire, I never took your virtues ineffectual, wherefore have you descended to commit this contemptible deed. I did not commit any wrongdoing in your territory nor did I show any lack of authority to you why did you kill me a guiltless monkey? I lead a harmless life in the woods, I feed on fruits and roots, and there was no cause of contention between us, I was engaged in a combat with my foeman, how can one like you, born in the race of Raghu, disgrace your lineage by such a sinful feat? The character that decorates the ruler is truth, valour, rectitude, fortitude, bounteousness and punishing the depraved. O! Sri Rama, by nature we are a harmless breed, we subsist on fruits and roots alone, while you are the ruler of men, administration of the dominion, showing compassion to all, conferring punishment and benefits, are the duties of the king and you ought to be renowned for your virtuous deeds. Actions of the kings rout transgression, kings are never disorientated, whereas you are pathetic, you are quick-tempered, you are unbalanced, you are slave to your passion, you disregard virtue, for your strength you trust your bow, you have no concern for virtues. I have not offended you in word or deed, yet you grievously wound me with your deadly dart, you have committed a detestable act, what defence have you to say for this lasting blemish. O! Sri Rama, the brahminicide, the regicide, the slaughter of the cow, the murder, violation of the bed of one’s own teacher, he who weds before the marriage of his elder brother, are all aberrant conduct, such sinners go to the hell. (A younger brother to marry before the elder is a gross violation of the Indian duty, the same law applies to daughters with Hebrews).Only the meat of the following five clawed animals namely the rhinoceros, the porcupine, the iguana, the hare and the tortoise, are permitted to be partaken of by meat eaters. My meat is not eaten as food by enthusiasts like you, or my bones or my skin are useful to you, I am a useless prey. I scorned the engaging and calming counsel of Tara, my spouse, and rushed here only to meet my doom, now with me her lord no more she will be a neglected woman in your realm, she will get no protection. How could the most noble king Dasaratha, beget a mean hearted coward, despicable, immoral, wily, base son like you? You had committed this deed of shame, struck me unaware, with your heroic strength and valour. You had not challenged me in an open arena, you have not met me boldly in the combat, and you remained concealed behind the bushes and sent me to Yama’s foyer, like a snake that bites a sleeping man. Sri Rama had you sought my aid in restoring the Maithily dame to you, I would have that very day bound the ogre Ravana with a chain handed him over to you alive and had him fall powerless at your feet. Even if Janaka’s daughter were to be in heaven or in the lowest unfathomable region, (hell) or swamped in the ocean bed I would have restored Sita to you. Granted the decree that people are subjected to death at the appointed hour, I have no grievance on that account; I seek from you a suitable answer if you have any, to this question of mine, why you took it on your head to make me a target of your arrow? Realm is lost and won by destiny’. So speaking for a while Vali overcome with emotions and his throat parched he became quiet.
Sri Rama’s counter: (In the sage Valmiki’s text Vanaras are spoken of which seems to point to two widely different legends. The Vanaras are generally represented as semi-divine beings with preternatural powers, living in houses and eating and drinking like men, sometimes as here as monkeys pure and simple , living in woods and eating fruits and roots) Sri Rama listened to every word of Vali’s reprimand that was ostensibly rooted in righteous indignation, and Sri Rama in his turn rebuked him thus, “Due to your simian character you are engaged only in worldly interest, worldly conduct and enjoyment, you are rash and blind to righteous conduct hence you censure me in harsh words. This land, each hill, woodland belongs to the old Ikshvaku race, with right of punishing and rewarding, animal, birds and men, too vests in them. The royal Bharata rules the earth astutely, he has ordered that every exploit of ours be guided by fairness, and we strive to suppress the sinner who scorns the course of righteousness. Bharata the emperor is wise, he is just, he is a dignified ruler, he never changes direction from the path of righteousness; his rule is a blend of grace and vigour. Having received Bharata’s command for the spreading of rectitude we range the entire globe to promote virtue and punish him who has strayed from the path of high merit. You have given up the righteous path, you are a slave to cupidity, you do not adhere to the path trodden by good kings, and the principle governing the moral conduct is obscure and unclear to you, indeed as you and all the monkeys are frolicsome, and are of unrestrained mind as such you know nothing of uprightness. You have in your useless rage indignantly criticized me I will now educate you the reason why you have been struck down by me. Vali give your thought on this great sin, for your own pleasure during the life time of your younger brother Sugriva, incited by lust you cohabit with Ruma the wife of Sugriva. Sugriva the younger brother of yours is a son to you and his wife is your daughter-in-law, she should have been to you untouchable, instead you disregard your duty, indulge in crime and the only punishment for this grim offence is what you got. The punishment for the sin committed by you, ancient teachings decree death penalty. Death is the penalty fated for a man who approaches carnally through covetousness his own daughter, a sister or a wife of his own younger brother. Reflect O! Vanara Lord Vali, the reasons for the punishment meted out to you, are all broad based on morality, and are in consonance with justice, after due evaluation of injustice sustained by Sugriva I was bound to lend truthful assistance to him. My friendship with Sugriva is indissolvable; it has the recovery of his wife, and the kingdom for its motive. Hear from me O! Vanara King Vali what the holy law authored by Manu says, ‘men who have committed offences and have received from the kings the punishment due to them, become as spotless as those who were virtuous, they reap the fruit of righteous deed and go to heaven and the kings who do not punish the blameworthy incur the consequences due to the sinners.’ Mandhata one of the earlier descendants of Ikshvaku dynasty, punished a devotee with death when he had stooped to commit a sin like the one now you are responsible for. From ancient times, many a king punished the malefactor for the crime; you stop wailing, do not nitpick, and do not reprimand me for it is futile. Listen to me attentively, after hearing me you will be sober, no agony nor any remorse is felt by me for what I have done, we snare the sylvan beasts with trap, net, or noose, we smite the wild prey while we are hidden or obscured, none blames the hunter for such acts. Hence O! Monkey you are mortally wounded by me with an arrow in the course of your encounter with Sugriva, despite the fact you were fighting or not fighting with me for you are a monkey. O! Vali kings are the children of Gods in the guise of men, you do not fully know the principles of righteousness, in anger alone you should not assail me, nor abuse me, nor reproach me for I am committed to the code of conduct followed by my forefathers.” After Sri Rama finished, Vali weighed down with despair and disgrace, like a sad elephant standing on sinking treacherous sand, sought Sri Rama’s pardon, holding his hands in reverence he spoke, ‘what you have said is true, certainly a dwarf cannot argue with a giant, every word said by you is true, pardon my angry words, my denigration, my irate heckling, my crazy accusations, O! Renowned knower of what is right; I have definitely strayed from the upright path. You are devoted to the good of the people, your mind is clear and not confused; you are clear in determining your duty and weigh the circumstances on which you base your decisions. O! King I neither grieve for Tara, nor my friends whom I take leave of but I grieve for my noble and sweet only son Angada. He was nursed by me in ecstasy and extravagance, he will miss me, please hear my dying words, treat Angada and Sugriva in the same way you treat Bharata and Lakshmana. Sugriva’s period in office, with you as his friend and guide will be judicious, his reign will be glorious, at the same time let him not direct his furious contempt at forlorn Tara, for the offence of her spouse. Despite the fact that I was kept back by Tara, I preferred to fight brother Sugriva; I gained the death I sought through you. Forgive me O! Powerful ruler of men for whatever was unwitting told by me for I was confounded and agonized by pain caused by your arrow.’ To the grieving Vali Sri Rama whispered, “Vali do not grieve anymore, be relieved of doubt and fear, fate’s decree is relentless and unyielding, young prince Angada will have my affection and Sugriva’s care as was always shown by you”
Tara’s distress: Battered, bruised by trees, stones and pierced by Sri Rama’s arrow, Vali was lying on the ground in deep pain. As soon as Tara heard this she rushed with her darling son Angada and other vanaras towards her devastated lord. The sight of Sri Rama with the bow in his hand filled the vanaras accompanying Tara, with dread, and in fright they fled in all directions, as though they were overpowered by Sri Rama himself. Tara admonished the fleeing vanaras in words, ‘why do you abandon your lord who is eliminated by his brother Sugriva and by Sri Rama’s arrow as well.’ The fleeing vanaras in one accord whispered, ‘Vali the tiger amongst the monkeys, whose grandeur rivals Indra lies on the ground struck by Sri Rama’s arrow, Sri Rama is the guise of the lord of death, our fear is great. O! Tara of amiable expression return without delay to the kingdom of Kishkinda, anoint Angada as the king, else prompted by aversion to us, our conquering rivals will take possession of the citadels of Kishkinda.’ Tara , in her own matchless grace, stopped the fleeing vanaras, spoke to them these words, ‘when my lord of unconquered might, now lies bleeding on the ground, what have I to do with riches, with the kingdom, my son, or even my own self, I will lay prostrate at my lords feet.’ Overcome with grief, anguish, frantically beating her head and breast with her hands, she rushed to her husband Vali, who until now put down the might of opposing vanaras, who with his arms could toss the mass of a mighty rock, who when he roared, his loud voice struck horror in the bravest of the brave. En route she sighted, Sri Rama with the bow in his hand, the mighty Lakshmana by his side, she saw from a distance her brother-in-law Sugriva but she did not stop at any of these places to see any of them. When she came by the side of her lord her strength gave way, in grief she fell and let go a shrill lament. The sight of the weeping queen Tara and the youthful Angada filled Sugriva with excruciating sorrow.
Tara’s bewail: Bitterly weeping Tara threw her arms around her spouse Vali, embraced him to her bosom, poured out her natural terrible moan, ‘O! Celebrated king get up, recline on your superb couch, why do you discard me and embrace the cold earth. My dear lord, listen to me and answer me,’ thus spoke Tara in sad and desperate tone, ‘it is not befitting a glorious king to be positioned on the bare earth, get up and recline on the couch, are all our enjoyable hours spent together wrecked? I see for me no bliss, no optimism, whilst you my beloved lord is dead, what's more I am weighed down by endless melancholy, yet my heart does not explode. You have paid the penalty for expelling Sugriva from your realm and withheld Ruma from him. In your feral recklessness, prompted by doom in order to woo the nymphs in the heavens with pangs of your love, you reproached me, disregarded my beneficial advice, only to be conquered by the combined might of Sugriva and Sri Rama. Your conqueror is none other than fate, no created being escapes fate’s decree, I do not anticipate mean spirited Sri Rama to express remorse, whose cowardly action caused my destitution, my widowhood. O! Tender, delicate, young Angada, come view the sad sight of your father, and you my Lord, with caring words cheer Angada’s spirits, speak to him soothingly your dying wish. Sri Rama has kept his promise to your longstanding opponent, Sugriva. Be happy the lord of Ruma, Sugriva now that your enemy is slain, you enjoy uninterrupted reign. My lord do you hear me speak, why you are silent, lift your eyes and look at all of us your young pretty wives, who see you only. How can you go leaving the virtuous and valiant Angada, O! Person in command, if ever I in my thoughtless moments with my words caused grief to you, I implore you to forgive my folly, I lay my head on your feet’ spoke hapless Tara weeping bitterly, wild with sorrow and dismay she sat on the ground where Vali rested.
Hanuman’s talk: (Our deeds still follow with us from afar, and what we have been makes us what we are.) Moving quietly near emaciated Tara now sunk on the person of languid Vali, Hanuman attempted to alleviate Tara’s grief, ‘Our ecstasy and wretchedness are the fruit of our past exploits, O! Wise Tara, our lord the King Vali was fated to die, why do you mourn for Vali’s destiny, rise above your misery, and let the obsequies rites be done now nor in your melancholy you should not forget the heir to the kingdom, Angada. O blameless Tara, Vali the compassionate, broadminded, enduring, true, and equitable king, was the refuge of hundreds of thousands of Vanaras, he now has
sought the heavens and you should not grieve for him. Let your darling son Angada see a regulator and a friend in you, let the sorrowful, the lawful heir of Vali, Angada, undertake his sacred duty to his father, the solemn funeral rites be done without any omissions, befitting the mighty king Vali. This is the pronouncement of the Time, in any case Vali has to be cremated and Angada has to be installed on the throne. The sight of Angada on the throne, the weight of your wound will be lightened.’ To Vayuputra (Hanuman) who was standing nearby, Tara whispered, ‘Accompanying my slain lord to the other world confers immeasurable bliss to me and your suggestion to install Angada on the throne is not maintainable for I have no power over the kingdom of monkeys or over the installation of Angada. His uncle Sugriva is now the authority on all the matters and in the absence of his father, Sugriva is now the father of Angada.’
Final moments of Vali: Vali, breathing in low faint groans lay on the ground, cast his eyes on his conqueror and brother Sugriva, he expressed his tender feelings in distinct tones, ‘Sugriva you must not blame me for my fury, providence has deprived us of the harmony that ought to exist between us the two brothers, fate never approved our lives to be blessed with concurrent happiness. At Yama’s (the God of retribution) call I must go to sojourn in his gloomy hall, I bequeath to you this glorious kingdom of Vanaras, take over the supremacy perform the tasks of the king and obtain glory. O! King before I die I request you to confer on my son Angada, all kindness, ever keep him by your side, you be his father, partner, companion and guide. This young son of Tara and mine is immature, he was brought up in contentment, protect him from panic and misery, with passage of time he will be valiant, famous and resolute like you and his exploits will be worthy of the family tree. Tara, the daughter of Sushena the god of sea, can read and tell the most obscure wisdom, she foretells events to happen in the future, never spurn her warnings, unhesitatingly do what she recommends to be done. Let there be no violation of assurance in the undertaking given to the Raghu’s son, for in that case you will not be left scot-free for long. Before I die take this ethereal chain from me given to me by celestials and wear it on your person, in this chain resides the goddess of victory and to preserve it charm, it should not remain on my dead body.’ Sugriva heard the affectionate words of brother Vali, he was overcome with sorrow, and all the angry thoughts within him gave way to fraternal love, obedient to Vali’s words Sugriva took the gold chain from Vali. Vali with his senses fading turned to Angada who was standing in close proximity he said, ‘be neither too obsequious nor affectionate nor wanting in due respect or love to Sugriva. Be strong when you are despondent, but be submissive in joy, at all times be obedient to Sugriva’s influence, never encourage friendship with Sugriva’s antagonists.’ Vali stopped speaking and his exposed massive teeth and rolled eyeballs signaled the life in him had departed. The vanaras now felt desolate mourned for their departed king Vali who in the past fought for fifteen years and slew the mighty armed Golabha the Gandharva. Tara submerged in an ocean of calamity sank to the ground embracing her deceased spouse Vali.
Tara’s bemoan: Tara embraced lifeless Vali, kissed his face and head, she wailed, ‘My good brave, darling you ignored my advice, overthrown you now laze on this rough sand and stone filled ground, you no longer require my caresses. Listen to our entreaties wake up from your slumber, cast a quick look at weeping Angada, providence in the form of Sri Rama acquiescent to the will of Sugriva, has appointed Sugriva as our lord. O! My beloved champion conqueror, my husband, my lord, my friend, in your death all my hopes of lasting bliss has died, see my fate, I am widowed. Today Sri Rama’s single shaft has freed Sugriva’s worries, threats, and bestowed on Sugriva his desires. Alas bleeding gashes on your person creates a purple lake around your body, and the massive dart in your heart hinders laying my head on your breast.’ Nila a general of Sugriva then extracted that dazzling gleaming shaft from the body of Vali causing full stream of Vali’s blood rush out of this wound. Embracing Vali, Tara bathed him in the streams of her tears, turning to bright eyed Angada she said, ‘turn your tearful eyes on your father, whose sinful deeds and bitter hate has yielded him this mournful fate, your father is now escorted to Yama’s hallway, go my child offer your salutation to him.’ Obedient to his mother’s command Angada held his father’s feet in his hands and cried aloud, ‘father here is your Angada’. Continuing her groan Tara, ‘why are you heedless to your child Angada’s cry, as before say Long live my son, why do my eyes see no more that celestial chain embellishing your neck. Sadly, my hero, you did not listen to my tearful prayers and now you are slain, and with it all my bliss, my glory, and with my Angada I too will die’
Sugriva’s mourn: The touching sight of Tara’s lament and groan, Angada weeping bitterly for his departed father, the screaming vanara congregation, only served to rouse flood of bitter tears in Sugriva’s eyes. A devastated Sugriva, along with his vanara crowd advanced in slow faltering steps to where Sri Rama stood with his mighty bow and venomous snake like arrows; explained to him as follows, ‘O! King you have kept your promise, you have restored my spouse to me, you have delivered the kingdom to me. My absurd pride, fury, outrage is gruesome, my life is marred, and in bitter despair I mourn my brother’s fatal defeat. My great hearted brother said “Go I will not slay you, go” he never planned my death; I was however blinded by my rage wanted his death, to quench my hate. When I was groaning and fleeing after being hurt by him smitten by the splintered tree, being an unruffled, dutiful, and an excellent brother he sternly bade me not to sin any more. Whilst, my brother Vali, adhered to fraternal relationship and values, I was motivated by greed, retribution, viciousness, mean-mindedness, I brought my brother’s doom, a sin no man should ever entertain even in his thoughts. It is far better for me to reside in mount Rishyamukha, despite the attendant discomforts, in preference to the Vanara sovereignty, sadly even the grant of the kingdom of Gods, (Heavens) after plotting the noble minded brother’s fall will grant me no pleasure. I am afflicted by the frailties of the simian race; my actions polluted by my hideous crimes have brought ruin to my race and inflicted immense sorrow on me. Overwhelmed by grief Angada may not survive long and miserable queen Tara will soon follow him in death. O! Sri Rama, I am the destroyer of my race, I am an offender not fit to stay alive, grant me leave to die. Even after I am dead O! King, the foremost heroes among the monkeys will remain at your beck and call; your purpose will be surely accomplished.’ Sri Rama was moved to tears, for a while Sugriva’s speech ruffled him; presently he beheld the sight of weeping and plunged in misfortune, Tara the noble minded wife of Vali. Fawn eyed wretched Tara now fallen in adversity was extricated from her embrace of Vali by Vali’s ministers. She sought dazzling like the Sun, Sri Rama and said, ‘you have perpetual fame, you enjoy extraordinary might, you have mastered your senses, though you renounced earthly happiness, you are still endowed with bodily happiness of unearthly character. On top of all you have mastered the lore; pray kill me with the very arrow which killed by darling spouse, my spouse without me will only experience grief even in the heavens. You are an exalted soul you know that killing me you incur no sin, take me to be the other self of Vali (other half) O gallant prince by restoring me to my sagacious spouse Vali is only a virtuous act hence this action does not attract sin.’ Sri Rama for his part tendered the salutary advice to Tara, “O consort of a hero, do not practice a wrong line of thought, the creator has united all creations with joy and sorrow, and are subject to HIS control. Providence has ordained, you will enjoy supreme delight, in the same way as before and your son Angada will be crowned the prince regent, do not wail, the wives of heroes do not” Reassured with the words of the scorcher of the foes Sri Rama; Tara possessed of charming exterior became silent.
Sri Rama’s discourse: Sri Rama, the scion of Kakutstha, too was stirred by the widespread affliction, he spoke the words of wisdom to alleviate the grief, “You had shed your tributary tears, and glorious is Vali’s fate, by excessive grieving you cannot beatify Vali’s spirit, funeral rites have to be completed in time. Laws of Providence (Fate) direct every occurrence, it is paramount, it is eternal, and it governs our every word, deed, and actions. Without exception all are swayed by the course of Fate; it is neither swift nor sluggish, and the laws of Fate knows no favour, we must recognize the Fate’s ordained decree is unbothered. Lofty souled valiant, most fortunate, Vali, was brave in battle was true to his warrior’s duty, he now awaits his throne in the heavens, chuck your grief, turn attention to your ordained responsibility,” concluded Sri Rama. Brave Lakshmana exhorted Sugriva in words both wise and soothing, “The kingdom of Kishkinda is now yours, do exhibit maturity, console distraught Angada, with Tara arrange the pyre befitting royal Vali, promptitude is now the need, bring sturdy pall-bearers, let the solemn cremation of noble Vali begin.” After Lakshmana finished, vanara chief Tara (not Angada’s mother) quickly got ready a well bejeweled ingeniously decorated palanquin fit to be the glorious Vali’s coffin. Sri Rama with Lakshmana by his side observed the palanquin, bade Vali be placed on the bier, and the funeral service be conducted with dignity. Tearful Sugriva, with the weeping Angada, by his side decreed, obsequies be conducted that very day as per scriptural ordinances befitting a king. At the command of Sugriva, howling Angada, followed by Chieftain Tara and Sugriva led the long procession of the dead Vali, behind the coffin came the shrieking Tara and all the widowed dames of Vali and the other vanara host followed letting go a shrill lament. The cortege reached the sandy isle on the banks of the mountain watercourse, foremost of the monkeys lowered the palanquin on the funeral pyre. When Tara saw her deceased spouse put on the litter, she laid Vali’s head on her lap and wailed in distressing tones, ‘O mighty, wise, brave, bold, Vanara Lord, and king, destiny in the form of a single arrow of Sri Rama widowed all of us; saddened Sugriva; rendered Angada a destitute. Though breath has departed from your person, your countenance even now is delightful, get up from this litter, cast a glance on all of us, compose a gentle speech to calm the inconsolable multitude, we thereafter shall yet again sport in the woods.’ Angada distraught, inundated with agony, weeping for his deceased father, with help of Sugriva performed the full funeral rites under the eyes of Sri Rama and Lakshmana, offered libation to the slain leader, so too the others offered water to the departed soul.
Installation ceremony, Sugriva the king; Angada the prince regent: After the cremation, the multitude of vanaras and the grief-stricken Sugriva, whose vesture were wet, their hands upraised in reverence sought the chief of the Raghu’s race. Hanuman the gigantic son of the Wind-god, his countenance matched the effulgence of the rising sun, addressed Sri Rama, ‘O scion of Kakutstha, you have restored on my lord Sugriva, his spouse, his rank, his power, and his royal authority. Permitted by you Sugriva will enter the kingdom of Kishkinda and will be installed the king in accordance with the scriptural ordinance, pray with your presence lend grace to the occasion.’ The scion of Kakutstha, Sri Rama, proficient in traditional knowledge made this answer to Hanuman, “Mandated by my father, I will not enter a village, town or city for fourteen years, let Sugriva without delay be installed the king and exercise authority over Kishkinda.” To Sugriva, Sri Rama said, “Angada of virtuous conduct is the eldest son of your elder brother Vali, he is youthful, is truthful, noble and bold, proclaim him the prince regent. This is the month of Sravan (corresponding to July – August of the Julian calendar) the season of heavy rains for the next four months, we cannot begin our mighty task during this period; hence make yourselves comfortable in your metropolis. Come in the month of Karthik, (October-November) when the skies are clear of monsoon clouds, as per our understanding we will initiate our responsibility to eliminate Ravana. In the breezy caverns located here in the midst of lakes filled with lotus, I with Lakshmana will reside here, and anointed the sovereign you return to your kingdom.” Sugriva bowed his head in reverence, entered the kingdom of Kishkinda to the welcome of hosts of vanara chiefs, he strode through the royal bowers, in the inner chambers the Vanaras of exalted fame and joyous friends, consecrated him with all the ceremonies that attend the coronation of the Indian prince. After the conclusion of the rites, there were the shouts of loud, long and grateful accomplishment from the foremost of the monkeys. Sugriva now deferential to Sri Rama’s command hugged the valiant Angada and proclaimed him the prince regent, and his action was greeted with loud huzza and joyful shouts, they all felt rejoiced; and glorified Sugriva, ‘Well done! Well done.’ The kingdom of Kishkinda was well decorated with buntings and flags the momentous consecration was conveyed to Sri Rama and brother Lakshmana.
Mount Prasravana: After the solemn consecration rites was over and Sugriva reigned once more the kingdom of Kishkinda. Raghu’s illustrious sons retired to the Prasravana hills the home of the ape, monkey, deers; infested with fierce lions, tigers, leopard, and the mountain cats and filled with thick shrubs, creepers and numerous trees. At this mountain crest a lovely, spacious, breezy cavern, was chosen by the royal brothers, as their shelter for the period of the monsoon season. Sri Rama made it known to his brother Lakshmana, “I love this spacious cavern, located at height it gives a wondrous view of the dark hanging clouds, the air is odorous wafted from the flowers of all hues, we hear the shrill voices of the happily excited peacock, the sweet carol of the birds. This cave faces north and east thus sheltering us from rain during this rainy season, the tall hills behind reduce the intensity of the fierce wind; this hill reminds me of mount Kailasa, overlooking the tall trees and streams. O gallant prince there cannot be a lovelier place than this one, actually living in this beauteous cave situated on this height our days will be spent in quiet enjoyment. Sugriva, the vanara king has regained his lost realm, spouse, destiny and wealth; he is now indisputably rejoicing in the midst of his near and dear ones.” Sri Rama though the dwelling in the cavern comprising caves, bowers and objects that provides visual pleasure and all his wants, yet the sorrowful thoughts of Sita, incalculably troubled him, his eyes shed ceaseless tears and he could not sleep in his bed. Grieving Lakshmana to assuage Sri Rama’s distress spoke these words of wisdom, “Arise my brother, by means of stimulating words, I seek to rouse your quiescent masculinity, you know only too well that grief merely ruins the mighty efforts, your mind is resolute, you are never subdued by sorrow, cast away your agony, you can destroy the earth with her seas hill and trees. Wait for this season of rains to pass, and in the ensuing autumn your furious hands will slay the giant, his army, and you will see his realm fall.” The scion of Kakustha heard his noble brother speak and he replied in gentle words, “Your words come out of deep affection to me, I now cast away all gloomy thoughts that can disturb all our plans, I shall stimulate my indigenous energy which is unrepressed on occasions of valour. I will obey your intuitive words of wisdom. I will now wait till the conclusion of the monsoon season. King Sugriva is under obligation to action, he will start the search for the Videhan princess Sita. Indeed Sugriva was saved in his hour of need, it is expected that he embarks on his requirement, because an ungrateful man who takes the boon and never repays is hated by the god.” Lakshmana with joined palms responded, “restrain your anger, let the autumn be awaited, the monkey king Sugriva will surely accomplish all the desired objects of yours; according to your instructions, even though you are capable of destroying the enemy on your own.”
Monsoon rains: After the elimination of Vali and installation of Sugriva, the royal brothers were dwelling on the plateau of the Malaya hills. Sri Rama spoke to Lakshmana, “Monsoon season has commenced today; this season was mutually agreed as an interval; during this period no endeavour for the search of Sita was to be made. You perceive the chain of clouds resembling imposingly high mountains, water sucked from the seas by scorching sunshine during the nine months across October to June is now set to give bountiful rains. The summit of these clouds bear a resemblance to the diadem around the Sun, the overhead sky with moisture laden clouds appears as though dressed; streaked and lined in white rags, its bleeding wounds incarnadined. Also the extensive clouds in the firmament above are akin to a pale lover sick with love, who heaves a soft breeze. Observe the fervent heat from the embrowned earth drenched by the floods of the rain water, to me it reminds of the hot tears gushing out of petrified and tortured eyes of Sita. Wind released from the interior of the clouds, fragrant and cool, can be imbibed in the cup of bowl-shaped hands, the torrents of rain-drops as they rush through the steep rocks, hurling down the aromatic shrubs as if they are bathing the now crowned Sugriva, the resonance made by the wind and torrents sounds like the recitation from the Vedas. The lightning as it flashes through the enormous sable hued clouds and the thunder tell me again of Sita’s struggle against the might of the fiend Ravana. Reunited with his consort, his realm restored, during these rains Sugriva whose excellences are many, is enjoying happiness. Whereas I am disinherited from my extensive kingdom, deprived of my spouse I suffer like a corroded river bank submerged in water, my grief is enormous and my great enemy Ravana appears unrestrained. Even though Sugriva was submissive to me, I made no demand on him, for the roads are difficult to tread and as a result martial expedition is out of the reckoning. After the wet season is past, rested and rejuvenated Sugriva would have to comprehend in his generous heart; that this is the hour for him to come to my assistance.” Lakshmana acclaimed the observation of Sri Rama conveyed his reply indicating excellent conclusion, “O ruler of men wait for this autumn, Sugriva will surely accomplish your objects, and devastation of the enemy is assured.”
Hanuman’s discourse: With his objects, fortune, realm restored, engrossed in ecstasy, Sugriva spent each joyous day and night in carousing and untamed enthrallment; he lingered in the bower of his now restored spouse Ruma and in the company of Tara as well. Guided solely by sensual pleasure he was blind to his duties and the reigns of the kingdom were under his ministers. He was not aware of the passage of time, viz. the end of the monsoon season and the onset of autumnal season. Astute Hanuman, the master of scriptures, proficient in traditional knowledge, he knew the duties ordained on the occasion, he was skilled in the art of calm expression. He attempted with his discreet words to alert Sugriva from his reverie, “You have regained sovereignty, fame and prosperity, you are bound by principle, your foremost duty is to render timely assistance to your friend who supported you, and preserve his benevolence. You are ever duty bound, rush without delay to our friend’s (Sri Rama) assistance, do not delay the promised help, remember delayed venture is a waste; the time for the search of Sita has come. Though Sri Rama the glorious son of Dasaratha, is all by himself able to subdue all the Gods, demons and yakshas he is affording you an opening to execute your solemn pledge; do not think that he needs you to rescue him. Excelled by none in virtues, unparalleled is his might, the scion of Raghu despite the fact that no harm was done to him by Vali, Sri Rama has placed you under an obligation by killing Vali, therefore let us search for his Videhan princess Sita where ever she lives, be it on earth, if need be in the heavens, and subterranean regions as well. O sinless lord of the vanaras, send without delay, command to the vanara crowd to sweep through the heavens, seas and land.” Aroused by Hanuman’s timely counsel, the imperial vanara, Sugriva, commanded one of his foremost generals Nila, to collect all the troops who guard the frontiers on the north, east, south and west to assemble without delay in any case not beyond fifteen days, making it clear that sinful inattention invites death penalty.
Sri Rama’s bemoan: Sugriva retired to his palace after commanding his principal general Nila, to initiate steps for the search of the princess of Mithila; the lost spouse of Sri Rama. Raising his eyes, standing and brooding on the high mountain, the fabulous moonlit ambience and the clear sky on the autumnal night, Sri Rama’s thoughts were on the despondent Janaka’s daughter Sita and on Sugriva; who was presently leading a sensual, lively, life of disregard, he felt puzzled to perceive the time fixed for taking up the search of the Videhan princess had elapsed. Thinking of his beloved again he pondered how she mocked the tones of the wild birds with her own voice, he again thought of the sweet carols floated by his love, of each bird’s rapturous mating call, how she strayed and beheld the bright trees gleaming with flowers. Now from watercourse to coppice, from pond to crest he found no delight in the landscape; in the absence of his fawn eyed queen who had strong love with the natural significant changes resulting in the autumn. He wondered whether his gentle lady sulked like the chataka birds, which is supposed to drink nothing but the water coming from clouds, till her bright eyes looked into his. Lakshmana was returning to the cavern from the copses where he had gone to collect berries, he tendered to his bemoaning brother now buried in distress, these words of wisdom, “Arise my brother, summon up the determination in your mind, never despair, never plunge into inaction, no foe can keep the Maithili lady for long, for she has a protector in you and the foeman will soon comprehend hugging a flame none can escape unscathed. O! Hero you are worthy of being adored even by the foremost of the Gods.” Sorely afflicted the scion of Kakutstha replied to his brother, “Due to the benevolence of Lord Indra sweet rains were sent from the firmament, this in turn has yielded bountiful harvest, the vociferous clouds which blanketed the mountains and the woods have cleared, and when the rains have ceased warlike expeditions of the kings begin. Four months of rainy season, to me in the thoughts of Sita oppressed by the mighty Ravana seemed a hundred years have passed, yet apathetic Sugriva, is swathed in relaxation, he is unaffected by my misery, I see no signs of chivalry, I only see signs of his disdain to the exiled and dispossessed me, I have been held in contempt by Sugriva. Dear Lakshmana time has now come to rebuke the indolent vanara monarch, who is currently gripped in ecstasy, who has no regard for his royal oath. His promised help is delayed; now as my emissary you convey this message, “Depraved and wretched are those who after the receipt of favour, pledge their plighted word to arouse expectations in the suppliant, then fail to implement the promise. Noble man born to a mother upholds his promise, those thankless men who disregard the assistance received from a friend are disgraced in their death, and even dogs do not have a glimpse at their corpse. Sugriva would you crave to hear the loud bowstring resound, see the lightning flashing shafts released from my bow when I am angered.”, Go my dear Lakshmana to the palace of Sugriva and boldly tell him if my annoyance rages, sadly he shall have to tread the same sad path to the valley of death, taken by Vali, Sugriva do not dare go astray, uphold your pledge, dear brother you too can include appropriate words.”
Lakshmana the emissary: Furious Lakshmana afire in frenzy answered his brother, “If the Vanara king is incarcerated to vulgar pleasures, is not terrified of the bitter consequences the breach of his formal promise involve, he is destitute of merits, he is unsuitable to be in power, he deserves to follow his slain brother to Yama’s dwelling, let me crown Angada the king and the search for your consort begin at once.” Sri Rama to calm his younger brother spoke these words of wisdom, “The path of sin is alien to your personality, let not your actions be guided by fury, withhold harsh and angry words, in gentle pitch remind Suriva of his offense, of his assurance, of exhausted time.” Brave Lakshmana with his dreaded bow on hand, his passion ignited by his brother’s misery, his lips trembling in resentment, swiftly proceeded to and reached the kingdom of Kishkinda where he saw the streets were lined with the vanara crowd ready to do obeisance to their lord. In Lakshmana’s wrathful eyes, inflamed in indignation, his disturbed appearance, the vanara chieftains saw Yama the God of death in him, in wild affright, panting in horror they sought Sugriva to apprise him their tale of fear in the form of arrival of Lakshmana wild with rage. Sugriva in the amorous embrace of Tara was untroubled by the clamorous cries of the mighty vanaras, commanded by the ministers, the monkeys each one of them huge in form, at once vacated the place. Furious Lakshmana summoned despondent Angada and bade him to convey the message to Sugriva and return swiftly, “Lakshmana is overwhelmed by his brother’s woes, waits at the entrance to the city; he asks if you will assist your friend Sri Rama?” At the picture of unsympathetic and furious looking Lakshmana, Angada shrieked, ‘Incited by infuriation it is Lakshmana himself at the gates of my father’s city.’ To communicate Lakshmana’s statement trembling, in dread Angada sped in vain to alert his uncle Sugriva who was now in snooze, comforted by love, wine, and languor. As Raghu’s son Lakshmana approached nearer the startled vanaras were screaming, shouting in terror they fled to break Sugriva’s slumber. The troubled intoxicated king presented himself before the vanara host with the garland in his neck as the only ornament. Stirred by Angada’s dread, Plaksha and Prabhava the revered counsellors of Sugriva in quick time submitted to their lord, ‘Sri Rama and Lakshmana, are rulers of the skies disguised as men, they are unrivalled in their prowess, Lakshmana commanded by Sri Rama, with his menacing bow in his hand has come to this place, with a message. Petrified at the sight of Lakshmana who has come to this place as the charioteer of words with the chariot of resolution, Tara’s son Angada and the other vanara hosts have fled to you. Reverentially approach Lakshmana with your son, your kith and kin, quench his seething rage and be true to your promised word, do what has to be done to the righteous Sri Rama.’
Candid advice: Sugriva responded to the submission of Angada accompanied by his two counsellors, ‘Surely the slander of those who are inimical to me has stirred Lakshmana to anger. I see no other reasons for the prince’s indignation, no deed of mine, no harsh words have been uttered by me, speak truly to me the cause of the prince’s ire; due to the unpredictability of the mind friendship terminate when turncoats articulate, for this reason alone I am concerned. There is no way I can repay the lofty souled Sri Rama’s favour to me. It is effortless to make friends, but complex to prolong and uphold the amity, really speaking camaraderie can be wrecked in the occurrence of trivial matters. O! Lords now speak honestly after pondering over each event.’ First in rank, supremely wise Hanuman observed, ‘it is no wonder that you have not forgotten how you were freed from daily fear and threat posed to you by slain Vali, as a result of heroic Sri Rama’s prowess. Unaware of the passage of time; you are sunk in heedless repose, Lakshmana has been sent by Sri Rama, to wake you from the slothful stupor, and to remind you of your imminent duty. What you have done is incorrect, approach with suppliant hands, patiently listen to Sri Rama’s envoy, and seek peace. It is unwise to stir Sri Rama’s furious mood, you must be grateful to Sri Rama for all the favours received, in humility approach Lakshmana, with all your kinsfolk and be faithful to your plighted word. I see no other option, O king my speech is free and bold,’ he thus concluded
Lakshmana escorted into Kishkinda, Sugriva petrified: Lakshmana took note of Sugriva's invitation through Angada to visit the city of Kishkinda. The scared vanaras with their upraised prayerful hands, stood motionless, gazing in dread at the burning sigh of Lakshmana, who beheld the city with flowery gardens dispersing fragrance, there were trees too bearing seasonal fruit, fares, and palaces adorned with gems that captivated the eyes. Lakshmana strode through the city’s broad street redolent with fermented drink, glancing en route the royal palaces of Angada, Mainda, Dwivida, Gavaya, Gavaksha, Gaja, Surabha, Vidyunmali, Subahu, Hanuman, Virabahu, Nala, Kumuda Sushena, Sampati, Suryakra, Tara, Jambavatu, Dadhivakra, Nila, Supatala,and Sunetra; enshrined with wealth of jewels and graced by gems of womankind. Unrestrained he quickly reached the abode of Sugriva that vied with Indra’s celestial palace; he strode through the seven enclosures and reached the royal bower resonating with music of the flute blending with amorous voice and lute. He saw inside the chambers young beauties of varied form, charm, grace, soft bright eyed, calm fair and young, richly ornamented and waiting about their lord who was in his lackadaisical best. This sight ashamed and infuriated virtuous Lakshmana, the wrath of Sri Rama in his heart, he drew his bowstring with the clang the welkin rang all the four quarters, in silence he sternly withdrew and kept him out of the ladies sight. In dread his lips were parched, Sugriva feared to meet the Prince of Ayodhya, instead springing from his seat he approached the beauteous Tara, ‘O! fair charming dame of faultless frame, reveal my sin, the cause of Lakshmana’s unwonted fury, else you go to him neutralize his rage with soft words, superior minded men like Lakshmana are never unsympathetic to woman, thereafter freed from danger, I will meet the mighty conqueror of his foes. Lakshmana was indifferent to the tranquil eyes and the charming exterior of the vanara queen, Tara, in slow tottering steps approached him, at her presence his anger fled. Currently Tara made a conciliatory address to Lakshmana, to win his kindness; she spoke; ‘what is the cause of your anger, who dares to disobey you? None dares even in recklessness to arrest the furious blaze engulfing the dried forest trees.’ Lakshmana replied, “Your lord is now a slave to his sensual pleasure, he has no regard to his royal duties, nor is he aware of his obligation to us, nor O devoted lady; you have cautioned him. Under the influence of wine he is unaware of the months that have gone by, he is unaware of this state of his, destroys virtues, prosperity, bliss, and adoration. In disrespect, in disdain, your lord has cast his friend away, and he has no fear of straying away from the path of virtue. We are deceived and disappointed O! Lady; you know your duty, enlighten your lord.’ Wise Tara recognized the true purport of Lakshmana’s message, she responded, ‘you should not show your wrath to those who love you, admire you, your servant’s negligence, means no wrongdoing to you. I am aware of the passage of the season, we should have reciprocated swiftly, yet blinded by carnal passion, Sugriva was oblivious to his call of duty, and you must pardon your friend and my lord the vanara king. In your rage you have no idea about one who is subjugated by infatuation; Sugriva a beast involved in the satisfaction of his sense really speaking has no idea of time and place. O gallant prince you are unsurpassed in point of virtues, do not ventilate your anger against one of inferior strength.’ Tara continued, ‘orders have been long since been issued by Sugriva to countless vanaras who assume any form at will to commence search for Sita and they are spread to all corners of the earth. O faithful friend fear no rebuke, you are unblemished, and you can look at me, now follow me to Sugriva’s abode.’ Impelled by hurry to carry out Sri Rama’s behest, Lakshmana followed Tara to observe the refulgent Sugriva at present in close embrace of Ruma; this sight of the vanara lord only served to infuriate Lakshmana.
Lakshmana’s harsh message: The sight of livid Lakshmana his fiercely glowing red eyes standing rooted like a Kalpadruma tree (this tree is believed to have powers to grant all desires) at his doorsteps instilled dread and qualms in Sugriva’s mind, he with his wedded wife Ruma and the ladies swiftly positioned before the prince in the guise of suppliants. To the Vanara king standing before him fierce Lakshmana angrily spoke, “A king is famous because of his love for truth, his compassion for another’s misery, he has his senses subdued, repays his obligation, he is aware of gratefulness. To be an unsuitable king he has to be contemptible, he disgracefully breaks the promise made to trusting friends from whom he had received assistance. If a man makes a promise and breaks his word, his sin is immeasurable, hear from me a statement of lore on the man’s ingratitude, ‘A pardon is ordained for every sin but none for the thankless disrespect of finished service’ O vanara king you are ungrateful, you are not truthful to your plighted promise, you are drowned in vulgar pleasures, honest Sri Rama of glorious fate, has not recognized you as mean minded soul. In your conceited pride if you chose to ignore the aid you received from Sri Rama, and forget all thoughts on the promise you made to Sri Rama, I am to remind you that the path tread by Vali to the hall of gloom (Yama’s hall) is still open and Sri Rama’s shafts will send you there.”
Tara’s conciliatory expression: Tara of twinkling eyes replied thus to furious Lakshmana, ‘O! Prince, my lord is not an ungrateful coward, he never drifts from the path of virtue, nor does he tread the forbidden course, never will Sugriva forget Sri Rama, Sugriva’s kingdom, his fortune, his fame, were restored only by Sri Rama for which he is ever indebted to Sri Rama. Sugriva having lived in dread, grief and worry, and denied pleasure for long; spent time in the summit of happiness with Ruma and me. Did not the eminent seer, whose mind was set on austere penance, Vishwamitra in ardour in the company of Grithachi deem years that flew away as a single day, what then you can say of ordinary mortals like Sugriva who was denied love and blandishment for years. O! Lakshmana my lord Sugriva does not deserve to be spoken in harsh words let your brother Sri Rama pardon Sugriva for my sake. O! Noble prince do not act in anger, I speak at Sugriva’s command, for Sri Rama’s sake Sugriva will renounce everything Ruma and me included, he will slay the fiend race and unite Sita with Sri Rama. At Sugriva’s command countless monkeys who can sport any form at will are already in search of Sita. My slain lord Vali before his death told me that inestimable demons guard the frontiers of Lanka and Vali’s words are true; with Sugriva’s support alone the robber king Ravana can be overthrown. Relent, O righteous prince; Sri Rama ought to grant pardon to Sugriva who is subject to vagaries of human frailties like hunger, sleep, fear, urge for sensual pleasures, without discovering definite evidence, you ought not to give way to anger The matrons of the vanara race read marks of fury in your face pray restore your charming countenance and dispel their trepidation,’ ’ concluded Tara.
Sugriva pleads pardon: Tara’s conciliatory beseeching words softened Lakshmana’s anger. Sugriva was quick to seize the situation; casting aside the dread within him and the garland of bright hue that decorated his stately neck he appeared before the royal prince to begin his humble submission. ‘O Lakshmana, my ruler-ship over the monkeys, my power, fame, mine lost forever glory, wealth were given back to me; by holy Sri Rama alone, I cannot repay even in part the services rendered to me by divine Sri Rama. The mighty Sri Rama, whose single shaft cleft seven large trees, perforated the mountain and quaked the earth below; he needs no aid to slay the impetuous Ravana the fiend king. However I will with all my legions march along with the warrior king Sri Rama and slay the fierce Ravana and his fiend multitude. Let Sri Rama, pardon me his loyal slave who is guilty of negligence, carelessness and all errors,’ thus spoke the good and brave king Sugriva. Lakshmana’s angry mood was assuaged by Sugriva’s humble words, he in his turn said, “O! Sugriva, you are strong, brave, and bold, your thoughts are pure, you are humble, and you should enjoy all the bliss due to a monarch; you deserve to reign well for long. You are on par with my brother Sri. Rama in prowess and in might, O jewel among monkeys you have been ordained by Gods as his associate for a long time to come. My brother will see in you a champion and a friend, your words are unwavering, are full of wisdom, you are grateful and righteous, come with me to cheer my brother who mourns bitterly for his lost spouse, my friend, pardon me for harsh rebuke.”
Sugriva to sage Hanuman: After Lakshmana concluded Sugriva shouted to sage Hanuman standing by his side, ‘Beckon the vanara multitude inhabiting in all the mountains of India from Kailasa the residence of God Kubera, (one of the loftiest peaks of the Himalayas) to Mahendra in the extreme south, from the mountains in the east where the sun is said to rise, to the western mountains where the sun sets. Call everyone the ones who in strength contend with Anjana (one of the celestial elephants of the Gods), those with shades of glistening gold on the Mahasaila caverns, those who roam on Dhumra, the monkeys of awful vigor residing on the Maharuna mountains gulping the intoxicating beverage Maireya, and also those inhabiting the tranquil forests where dwell the learned and the anchorites, bring them all here. I have already sent the envoys to convey my intent, you talk to them in words that are either stern, or persuasive, or words of warning, or coercive, or interesting, urge them to come to my presence without delay, any offence to the sovereign’s decree invites death penalty.’ Hanuman also called Vayuputra (Vayu means wind and Putra means the son or simply son of the Wind God) dutiful to the sovereign’s command, sent out envoys to east, west, north and south. The terrified emissaries obeyed his ominous king’s command, caused all the monkeys living on the sea-shore, on mountains in forests, as well as precincts of lakes to move towards Kiskindha for the cause of Sri Rama. An astounding swarm of three million vanaras fierce and strong as Anjana, ten million bold and brave vanaras possessing the hue of molten gold, ten hundred million monkeys shining like the manes of lion came from the heights of Kailasa mountains, hundreds of millions of monkeys dwelling on the Himalayan ranges and others from the Vindhyan mountains in countless numbers and others all of them, that graced the mountains culled the luscious sweet fruits of heavenly origin as delicious as ambrosia, rare celestial delicacies, laid them at the feet of the Vanara lord. Delighted Sugriva forthwith accepted their presents with love, commanded them to vacate.
Sugriva proceeds to meet Sri Rama: At Sugriva’s behest all the princely vanaras withdrew, and at Lakshmana’s suggestion to leave Kishkinda, he ordered a gold palanquin to be readied for his departure to meet the delight of Raghu’s race. With Lakshmana by his side the sovereign of the woods with the royal paraphernalia proceeded with the multitude of vanara host, to Sri Rama’s abode. At the sight of Sri Rama, Sugriva as a mark of respect and high esteem fell with his head touching the ground and the accompanying vanaras did likewise. The sight of vanara multitudes bore a resemblance to a tranquil lake and their upraised hands resembling lotus buds; pleased Sri Rama, who after embracing Sugriva said, “Only those who know the right time to pursue duty, bliss or accomplishment deserve to reign, and he who cast off wealth and virtues and cleaves to pleasure forever, is slumbering on a broken tree branch. A true king smites his foes, shows favour to his friends, and makes timely use of the prospects that generates wealth, ecstasy and virtues. It is time for you to debate and deliberate with your nobles on your promised action” Vanara King replied, ‘O! Suzerain Lord of the earth, my vanished power was restored, my abandoned might was reinstated, my dread was dismissed, my lost self confidence was re-established, and I owe all this to you and your brother Lakshmana. O jewel of the Ikshwaku’s to deny the benevolence I obtained from you would be a disgrace on my part. Here obedient to my command, multitudes of fierce bears, monkeys, apes of assorted kind, tremendous in their appearance, each arrayed in their troops, the legions, their chiefs in might are Mahendra’s peers, they move swiftly like rain bearing clouds; their armies will unite around you and in the battle they will slay the demon foe (Rakshasa) and when the fight is over will restore your consort to you.’ Perceiving the skilled martial venture of Sugriva the all powerful Sri Rama was a picture of delight.
The Vanara Generals arrive with their huge numbers: (The numbers quoted by Sage Valmiki is difficult to quote in English context. For instance when Sage Valmiki says hundreds of Arbudas, one Arbuda is a hundred million. Kharvas are a one hundred Arbudas, Sankus are one thousand Kharvas, Antyas are one hundred Kharvas, Madhyas are one thousand Sanku, and Samudras are ten Sankus, Parardhas are ten Madhyas) Sri Rama, the foremost of those upholding the righteous conduct, holding Sugriva tightly in his arms came back with words, “O my faithful friend you have now revealed your graciousness, you speak only the truth, with an awe-inspiring friend like you by my side, the fiend king Ravana the disgrace of his race, when he stole my queen has sought and brought the sure destruction of his race and himself. Ravana has practiced fraud against Sita in the same way as Anuhlada (a brother of the celebrated devotee Prahlada);one of the four sons of demon Hiranyakasipu, who took away Sachi; who was sought after by Indra, the daughter of demon Puloma. O Sugriva the day I will slay the demon king Ravana is very near.” After Sri Rama concluded, the earth with its hills, forests, lakes, and watercourses quaked, and there rose all over the sky thick clouds of dust caused by the airborne arrival of the multitude of vanara hosts led by their generals. The vast vanara congregation all fierce warriors with terrifying teeth, huge in size arrived from many a mountains, lakes, rills, some were in colours of rising sun, some yellowish as moon, some in hues of filament of lotus, others white, indicative of distinctive characteristics of the various races. Each host was led by generals like Satabali, Susena the powerful father of Tara, Ruma’s father and the father-in-law of Sugriva, Tara, Kesari the father of glorious Hanuman, the suzerain lord of the baboons, Gavaksha, the lord of the bears Dhumra, leader of dreadful monkeys Nila, Gavaya, Darimukha, Mainda and Dwivida. The teeming myriad all in fierce excitement went to pay their obeisance to their lord Sugriva and thereafter rested on the verdant ground. Reverent Sugriva now approached Sri Rama to tell him of the presence of the massive vanara hosts.
Command to Vinata detailing tracts worthy of note in the East: The sight of the multitude of vanara congregation signified implicit obedience to Sugriva’s command. He currently addressed Sri Rama, ‘The assembled swarm of never exhausted, fierce and terrific to view vanaras led by their generals are here to serve you and abide by your directive, do give them your directions.’ Hugging vanara monarch to his breast, Sri Rama answered, “In your astounding good judgment trace fierce Ravana’s dwelling, strive to find out my Sita alive, after your toil and search we will know how to formulate the right means to bring our activity to conclusion. Dear friend neither Lakshmana nor me are equal to this task, now you are our hope and our person in charge.” Sugriva directed the strong and tall, colossal in appearance general Vinata, ‘with a hundred thousand of your folks trail the path through thickets, forests and hills; search for the spot where Ravana is in hiding with Sri Rama’s consort and emperor Dasaratha’s daughter-in-law Sita. Search for the captive in the mountainous caves along the banks of the rivers Sarayu (on the banks of this river Ayodhya was built), on the banks of Kuasiki (the modern day Kosi). Continue your search alongside the ever fresh and holy Ganges, the lovely Yamuna, in the river Saraswati. The river Saraswati River rises in the mountains bounding in the north-east and flowing in a south westerly direction, becomes lost in the sands of the great desert, this river is supposed to join the rivers Ganges and Yamuna at Prayag. Further proceed to the river Sindhu, (the modern day Indus), the banks of river Sone, this river rises in the district of Nagpur and joins the Ganges at Patna, search in the land between the rivers Mahi and Kalamahi, then proceed to scour the land of the silkworms and also the land abounding in silver mines. Visit each isle and mountain valley, look for every thicket tousled in grass, search for the robber fiend and the captive queen in the dark abyss of the mountainous caverns in the pathless thickets, and go beyond the bounding seas. Search in the land of the king of the feathered creations, Garuda, where formidable ogres of diverse forms rousing dread known by the name Mandehas, comb the land of Yakshas and Kinnaras, explore the land of Aurva, glance Jatarupa the bright like the gold mount, here you will find the mythological thousand headed serpent king Shesha also called Anantha or the infinite, and also scan the the everlasting golden peak by name Saumanasa. Search through all the mountains, forests, waterfalls, every cave, every crest, O vanara lords you may pursue your search over sea and land. Now go, commence your search and return with success within a month, failing to return with in a month attracts death penalty,’ bestow this search in the eastern region cherished by the mighty Indra.
Sugriva assigns Hanuman, Nila, Angada to accomplish the search in the Southern sector: Subsequently Sugriva assembled Nila, the son of Fire god, Jambavan the progeny of Brahma, Hanuman the best of the vanaras, the other valiant lords named, Suhotra, Sarari, Saragulma, Gaja, Gavaksha, Sushena, Gandhamadana, Ulkhamukha, and Ananga, with the mighty Angada as their leader, to conduct the search for Sita in this segment. He gave to them the details in this region of the territories extremely difficult of access. ‘Go with your army; search for Sita in the thousands of peaks that form the Vindhyan Mountains, it is covered with every kind of trees and creepers, this region is infested with large and huge serpents. It is here rivers, Narmada, Krishnaveni, Godavari, Wardha, flow; in this region lies the territories of Mekhala, Orissa, Ujjain (the renowned Avanti) Abravanti, and the land of ten forts, called Dasarna. Search every hill cave and brook in the Dandaka forests, survey the iron faced Ayomukhi mountains, search well this forests whose breeze carry the fragrance of the Sandalwood trees. Then you will see the blissful Cauvery River in whose pellucid waters sport celestial nymphs, thereafter you will approach the Malaya Mountains where the great sage Agastya has his hermitage. Seek his blessings and proceed to cross the great river Tamraparni, the area besides this river is infested with crocodiles, the islands around this river are full of sandalwood trees, the river as it courses into the sea leaves an enchanting view. Hasten to the golden gates to the city of Pandyas; the modern day Madurai. Between the moat of the city of Madurai and the sea, i.e. Bay of Bengal is the glorious and splendid Mahendra Mountain, (Mahendra is the chain of hills that extends from Orissa and the northern Circars to Gondwana near Ganjam) adorned with trees in bloom and creepers, this peak is glorified and graced by Indra the foremost of gods, Rishis, Yakshas, Siddhas, and Charanas. On the other side of the sea, eight hundred miles away lies the island of Lanka also known as Sinhaladvipa, or Sarandib or Ceylon where the mighty ogre Ravana whom we seek to slay holds control. When you seek to enter the island of Lanka exercise maximum alertness, for in the middle of the sea there lives an ogress by name Angaraka, who lifting her awful arms grasps her prey by seizing even the shadows as they fly. On reaching Lanka comb the island carefully, remove all doubts about the places you are suspicious of the existence of Sita, Continuing your search speed another eight hundred miles beyond the island of Lanka, you pursue your search in the hills of Suryavan, the airy peaks of Vaidyuta, next proceed to Kunjara mountains, and on to Bhogavati the land fortified by highly poisonous and terrible snakes with sharp fangs, rake through the places adjoining the serpent city and all the places hidden from view here should be combed too with observant eyes. Though rich and rare sandal trees of heavenly fragrance flourish be wise, do not touch them for they are guarded by fierce Gandharvas (Rohitas). This is the southern region do not proceed any further, for beyond this region lies the land of gloom, Yama’s kingdom. With utmost care survey the wide-ranging territories I explained, and when you have traced the princess of Videhan kingdom, get back to me in haste, and you will gain splendid reward, you will be dearer to me than my life I will confer on you power and bliss equal to that I enjoy. Initiate your crucial endeavor at this very moment in a manner that you find out the daughter of the Janaka, Sita.’
Susena to head the search for Sita in the western section: Respectfully bowing to Susena (Tara’s father) Sugriva said, ‘Take with you my lord two hundred thousands best of vanaras explore the regions of Saurashtra, the wild domains of Balkh ( the region in the north west of Afghanistan), comb the clustering groves on the mountain peaks, search the forests, search in the desert regions that lie therein, continue your search till you reach the ocean beach (Arabian Sea). Look for the robber fiend Ravana and Maithili queen through the grassy dell, the dark ravines, in the palm groves, on the steep Somagiri hills in the Indus River and on the banks of this river. On the lovely plateaus of the Somagiri hill dwell winged lions, elephants and bears, and there are the loveliest trees in bloom too. Vanaras who can change forms at will, should swiftly explore these regions, arriving at the sea shore you will stumble upon Pariyatra mountains, where myriads of terrible, effulgent Gandharvas (celestial musicians) very strong, mighty and hard to overcome dwell, the mountain tops do have fruit bearing trees too which are guarded by these Gandharvas. Give no offence to these celestial beings pluck no fruits here; you need have no fear here, nevertheless conduct the search for the Vidhehan princess. In the vicinity of the Pariyatra hills lie the magnificent Vajra hills, hyped with trees and creepers. Search here every cave, all the dark abyss, every crag and brook. Far into the Arabian Sea lie the Chakravan (meaning discus bearer) mountains. Lord Vishnu slew here Panchajana who lived in the sea in the form of a conch, as well as devil Hayagriva, who seized and carried off Vedas. The supreme Lord Vishnu took back with him conch, the discus, and the sacred treasures. Ravana along with Sita should be sought for everywhere on the lovely mountain peaks and the extensive caverns of the abovementioned mountains. Beyond these regions you will see the mount Meru in the centre of the earth; the sun’s rays travel round the world keeping Meru always on the right hand side. Since the rays of the sun do not penetrate the Meru, the regions beyond north of Meru must be in darkness as a result this mountain ever seems luminous like the sun I do not know of the regions beyond this. Search for Ravana and the spouse of Sri Rama, in the secluded narrow valley of these mountains, and in every recess. On finding Savarni, (is a Manu, offspring of the Sun by Chaya) pay your obeisance and ask him of Sita’s whereabouts. We shall have consummated our purpose through requital of the service provided to us by Sri Rama only when his spouse has been seen, all of you Vanaras are guided by Susena, he is my father-in-law, he deserves the utmost respect from every one of you.’
Sugriva commands Satabali to explore the northern region: Satabali was addressed to by Sugriva, ‘with a hundred thousand courageous, skilled, mighty vanaras, and the sons of Yama, you rummage every river, hill, the well known forests filled with Lodh and Deodar trees, and all lands difficult of access; search for Janaka’s daughter Sita sheltered by the fiend Ravana Search the Himalayan mountains, explore the fair to look Sudharshana heights, Kala peaks, the Devaksha mountains loved by the Gods. Beyond this you will come to a dreary land without a hill brook or tree covering eight hundred miles. Proceed further you will reach the delightful Kailasa mountains, here lies palace of the God of riches, Kubera, frequented by swans, mallards, and Apsaras, (the nymphs of Paradise), here too search in every cavern, green glens for the robber fiend and Maithili dame. Thereafter you will reach the frightful Krauncha hills, with unfailing courage scour every peak, plateau, abyss, cavern, valley and lake, and look carefully for the fiend and the Videhan princess. Beyond the Krauncha hill you go to Uttara Kurus and thence to the northern sea, in the middle of this sea is the huge Somagiri Mountains ever lighted by the brilliance of the scorching Sun. Here dwells lord Vishnu, the soul of the universe, Lord Siva, the source of all blessings, Brahma, the creator and the sovereign of the gods surrounded by Sages. You should not go beyond the Somagiri Mountains for even sunlight does not penetrate this mountain. Now commence your search, eventually sight Sita, an accomplishment highly gratifying to Sri Rama and me too, be worthy of my grace and you will be endowed with all excellences’.
The signet ring: Sugriva with his heart and soul relied on the successful search of Sita exclusively on the efforts of Hanuman, to whom he said, ‘O! Best of vanaras nothing in the land, air or sea can halt your swift movements; there is nothing in this world unknown to you, in speed and strength you equal you father (Wind God). O swift moving, mighty, strong and wise Hanuman, trace and bring back Sita.’ When Sri Rama heard Sugriva speak thus, only to Hanuman, perceiving Hanuman accomplishing the task entrusted to him overjoyed Sri Rama in order to inspire calm appreciation in Sita’s mind that Hanuman was indeed sent by Sri. Rama he gave the ring that bore his name to Hanuman and said, “My wife after seeing the ring will recognize you as my envoy. Your stubborn and enthusiastic mind and Sugriva’s high confidence in you inspires in me, the hopes and success in your mission.”
The Vanaras head off to the assigned sectors: Comprehending the formidable command of Sugriva; the vanara multitude under the leadership of courageous Satabali proceeded northwards. The son of wind-god Hanuman, Angada and Tara with multitudes of fierce vanara sped southwards. Vinata along with his band setout for the search eastwards and brave Sushena with his hosts set forth towards the gloomy west. ‘We will restore Janaka’s daughter after killing the robber fiend single handed’, ‘My arm alone will win the day, I shall rob the robber Ravana of his life and restore Sita to Sri Rama’, ‘I will rescue Sri Rama’s captive wife, I will vanquish the fiend Ravana even if his hiding in the nethermost regions’, ‘with my arms I will uproot the rooted mountains, I will break and bend the mighty trees, I will cleave the earth to its deep foundations, I will make the sea throb, unchecked I will leap and wander through the hell as well’, were the howls, shouts, roar, growl, that filled the air when the vanara legions set out in search of Videhan princess.
Sugriva’s account of his first hand knowledge of the universal terrain: The best of the monkeys having left with their multitude, Sri Rama asked Sugriva, “How did you achieve this comprehension of the sea, hill, land, and of the entire terrestrial globe?” In humility Sugriva came back with this response; ‘I already recounted how Vali pursued fleeing Mayavi, and Mayavi’s endeavor to save his life he went into hiding inside the cave. Fierce in his determination Vali sought to kill his foe, he followed Mayavi inside the hole, I stood guard at the entrance of the cave for over a year. I did not see Vali venture out of the cave even after this time, and when I saw the cave was filled with a gushing stream of blood; with sorrow I concluded the demise of my brother. I thereafter placed a huge rock at the entrance of the cave to ensure Mayavi deprived of nourishment for a length of time perishes. Victorious Vali emerged alive from the cave, seeing me reign the kingdom of Kishkinda; Vali sought to annihilate me, pursued by him, petrified I fled with my ministers, and I roamed the earth from place to place. First I roamed to the eastern region filled with many luxuriant trees, brooks, lakes, rills and mountains. Thereafter I made my way to the southern region, roamed over the Vindhyan Mountains filled with the breeze bearing the odour from the sandal trees. Not overcome my fear of Vali, I sought the western region where the sun sinks behind the Asta Mountains. From that noble hill I sped northwards I saw the snow clad Himavan and the tall Meru mountains. Even in these wild regions I could get no respite from Vali’s oppression. It is then the sage Hanuman counseled me of the safe haven of Rishyamukha hills where sage Matanga’s curse denies Vali entry there.’ Vali dared not enter that region for fear of the imprecation pronounced by sage Matanga
The return of the vanara legion: The legions sent by King Sugriva in search of Sita went to many distant towns, they scoured numerous lakes, river banks, they glimpsed every cave, ravines, thickets, for Sita. As the period of one month was nearing completion the fatigued vanara legions with desolation in their faces sought the Prasravana hills. The great Vinata who was assigned the eastern region, fearless Satabali who scoured the northern region, and Susena assigned the western territory, all of them dispirited, came to Sugriva who was then with Sri Rama, they submitted in reverent words, ‘we have searched all the forests, caves, dens and dingles difficult of access, suspecting monstrous creatures to be the fiend Ravana we slew them; yet we could not locate Sita. Ravana the fiend was seen to fly towards the southern region, it is here the noble Hanuman the son of the Wind God has been assigned the search under the nominal command of Angada, only Hanuman will be able to find the princess of Mithila.’
Angada makes short work of the demon: (Hanuman is the leader of the army of the south which was under the nominal command of Angada) Hanuman along with Tara and Angada proceeded at once towards the region assigned to him by Sugriva. Feeding on fruits and woodland berries he explored the Vindhyan mountain range, every glen, every river, lake, every cascade, he gawked from every mountain summit, and he hunted every mountain cave, rambled through the bloomy thicket, in the search for Sita no spot was missed yet there was no hint of the whereabouts of Jankas’s daughter. Presently leaving that region they reached a land, a depressing lifeless expanse devoid of beasts, birds, plants, trees, nor any trace of water. It is said in the days of the yore there lived an eminent hermit named Kandu, whose ten year old son perished. The death of the son stirred the fury in the sage, he imprecated from that very hour that forest shall shelter no living creatures. Striving to accomplish Sugriva’s command, the high souled vanaras efforts were in vain here too, they could not find Sita or the abductor fiend. Next they penetrated into the dense dreadful forests; they roved though every knotty dell, every rill, their entire careful search, toil, deeds and all pain were in vain. Through one dark grove they sighted a frightful demon who rushed towards the vanaras, with upraised arms the fiend uttered ‘You are all gone.’ Fearless Angada thought this was fiend they sought for long and he smote the colossal fiend who fell dead to the ground. Fully exhausted, mind in distress after the futile search all the vanaras assembled under the shade of the forest trees. (Some commentators call this demon the son of Maricha)
Angada exhorts: ‘In vain we have searched every ravine, cavern, dell, rivulet, tangled forest, and in the boondocks too, and we did not locate the Maithili queen or the abductor fiend. Once again we cast aside our sloth and anguish; we resume our search in the conviction that our work hard, toil, firm persistence, our labourious and skillful effort will meet success. We fear the stern King Sugriva and the wrath of Sri Rama too; hence we suppress our torpor, our despair and with renewed toil we will obtain success;’ after speaking thus Angada sought the reaction from the vanaras. Exhausted from toil, Gandhamadhana a leader of the monkeys responded, ‘we will obey your words, we renew our toil, and we search every spot as commanded by our lord and the king’. Obedient to the leader’s call they resumed their search with redoubled vigour, in vain they searched without success and in despair they rested their weary limbs beneath the trees for a while and thereafter they resumed their rummage around. The foremost of the monkeys led by Hanuman scoured the Vindhyan range to begin with.
Riksabila the enthralling cave: Hanuman together with Angada, Tara and other leaders; commenced their search once more with renewed zeal, they searched each mountain cave, each ravine, every hideaway, every brook and dell, on the Vindhyan mountain ranges. Though the prescribed timeframe for the search was alarmingly close to comfort, they still meandered on their weary method, they reached the southern territory overwhelmed with mountains and dense forests. After a long while they discovered a mighty dark grotto on the mountain area covered by creepers; cranes, drakes, swan, were seen coming out of the cave indicative of the lake inside the cave. This cave called Riksabila was difficult of access and was guarded by the demon Maya. Not a ray of light entered the cave which was dreadfully dark, yet the courageous vanaras of unfailing prowess, distressed through hunger, thirst and hard work, under the command of Hanuman penetrated deep into the cave obscured by darkness. After a long march inside the lifeless cave, they saw a marvelous forest, with bright glowing trees, a pond covered with lotus and filled with lovely fresh water. The monkeys also saw therein palaces and mansions of gold and silver, coming nearer they saw a holy woman, pure votaress attired in ascetic’s proper garb. Hanuman reverentially approached the votaress addressed to her, “Who are you who are the lords of this cave and its treasures, request you to please speak out?”
The ascetic woman Swayamprabha: Hanuman continued, ‘from outside we saw this wide open cavern; overwhelmed with hunger and thirst, we hurriedly penetrated the dark interior precincts, when we reached the depths, we are amazed at all the marvels we see here. We are bemused, disquieted, and distracted, at the sight of the golden trees that glitter with grandeur, pure foods as also the fruits and roots, the golden palaces and mansions of silver, the rivulet with pellucid waters full of lotus buds, fishes and turtles of golden hue. Pray tell us ignorant as we are, if all this titivated and extraordinary scene is due to your sanctified power, or is it the devout power of someone else.’ To Hanuman the ascetic lady of the cave replied, ‘by conjurer Maya, the chief architect of demon force, this wonderful golden grove was brought into existence. Involved in severe penance for years, he secured best boons from Brahma, and also the knowledge possessed by Usanas. In the Vedas Usanas is identified with Sukra and described as the preceptor of the Asuras or Daityas, and possessors of vast knowledge. Having accomplished everything the mighty Maya lived contented in blissful state in this large grove with the celestial nymph Hema. Maya was felled by Indra and this excellent grove, as also the perpetual enjoyment of luxuries and this golden mansion was bestowed on Hema by Brahma. I am Swayamprabha daughter of Merusavarni, a beloved friend of Hema; I guard this manor for her. Now O! Monkey first eat the fruits, quench your thirst and then please tell me how has this grove difficult of access has been found by you and why have you come here?’ (Swayamprabha meaning self luminous)
Taking leave of Swayamprabha: Hearing the request of Swayamprabha, Hanuman, also called Vayuputra, truthfully narrated thus; ‘Emperor Dasaratha’s son Sri Rama the supreme ruler of the entire world, a compeer of the mighty Indra, (the ruler of gods) and Varuna (the god of water), was in the tousled Dandaka forest with his brother and spouse, when the giant Ravana abducted his spouse. Vanara king Sugriva, has ordered us with Angada as our leader to locate and restore unharmed the spouse of his distraught friend Sri Rama. Despite our careful search at every place in the southern territory we could not trace the abducted lady or the reprobate fiend; troubled by fatigue, hunger and thirst, and unable to move further we were resting on the ground. Our forlorn eyes saw freshly bathed numerous swans and mallards trooping out of this gloomy fissure. To quench our thirst we hurried inside this porch, each firmly clasping the hand of another till we reached this grove. Your plenteous food and hospitality have restored life in us. O pious lady how can we be of any service to you?’ The hermit dame responded, ‘I lead a virtuous life and no object of mine will be served by any one of you vanaras.’ Once again Hanuman submitted, ‘O! Holy dame, you granted relief to us from pangs of hunger, thirst and fatigue, we dread our king’s ire, our unaccomplished task is huge and the time allotted to us is exhausted, you please guide your suppliants speedy exit from this cavern.’ The hermit dame responded to Hanuman’s prayers in these words; “It is not easy for everyone who once entered this cave to go out of this grotto alive. I shall by the superior power of my asceticism enable all the vanaras to come out out of this cavern alive. O monkeys all of you close your eyes, I will do the needful, it is not possible for those who contravene my restraint to return alive.” The joyous monkeys without exception covered their eyes with their hands, and by the might of the ascetic’s penance, righteousness and merits of holy deeds she in a moment ushered the vanaras out of the cave, duly blessing them she bade adieu and swiftly withdrew inside that splendid cave.
Angada’s proposition: The anxious monkeys beheld the vast ocean, heard its enthusiastic screaming, swelling waves, sitting on the mountain coppice, they lamented on the days that vanished. The assigned task not achieved they were all drowned in the depths of sorrow; overwhelmed with helplessness they were disconsolate. The noble, strong, possessed of shoulders like a lion, the deeply afflicted, dismayed monkey prince Angada, spoke as follows: ‘friends our king Sugriva relied the most on us. In obedience to his command we set forth on toilsome search with me as your leader, we rummaged the land far and wide. The time limit fixed by our monarch has passed, bereft of any hope we are now to meet definite death at the hands of our king. Our proud king Sugriva is severe, high-handed, and his indignation is swift like fire, he will not pardon us for the ineffective search, negligence and delay. I do not think I will be spared of Sugriva’s fury, I am the son of Vali, I was for long his bitter antagonist, and I was anointed the imperial legatee by Sri Rama and not by Sugriva. Aware of my old misdemeanor he will slay me with his unforgiving hands for my negligence. It is not advisable for offenders to seek the presence of their master, it is far better for us to leave our wives, dear little ones, our homes, wealth and all; fasting here and giving up food, we prefer death in this place, instead of being slain in the presence of our dear ones.’ Moved by common dread and despondency they consented with Sugriva’s words of despair. Tara the general spoke to dispel the doubts and gloom in others, ‘we have ample place, fruits, roots in this cavern which is free from enemy’s assault, and we are very secure here, without loss of time we shall enter and stay in this wonderful cellar we need not fear our king or Sri Rama or anyone else.’ To this all the monkeys replied in one voice without any loss of time let us take recourse to this expedient which guarantees us against death at the hands of Sugriva.
Hanuman’s intercession: Hanuman also called Vayuputra is known for his remarkable sense of perspicuity; he is known to possess the eight virtues characterizing intelligence, the fourfold strength and is possessed of fourteen excellences enumerated in the lore’s. The virtues characterizing intelligence are (1) Inclination to listen to what others say, (2) Actually hearing what others say, (3) The capacity to grasp the meaning of what others say (4) Retentiveness, (5) Reasoning in favour of a position, (6) Reasoning against a proposition, (7) Insight into the meaning of what others say, and (8) True wisdom. The fourfold strength consist in the capacity to employ four expedients viz. (1) Persuasion or conciliation, (2) Gift or gratification, (3) Sowing seed’s of dissension among the adversary’s ranks and (4) Use of violence or force. The fourteen excellences are, (1) A sense of time or place, (2) Firmness, (3) The capacity to endure all kinds of hardships, (4) The knowledge of all experiential subjects, (5) Adroitness, (6) Dedication, (7) The capacity to guard one’s secrets, (8) Consistency, (9) Intrepidness, (10) Conscious of one’s own strength as well as of the enemy’s, (11) Positive reception of others’ services, (12) Fondness for a deserter, (13)Indignation, (14) Stability. While Tara expressed his thoughts; Hanuman perceived that Angada had obtained a new kingdom in the enthralling cave which the other vanaras through love of him would consent him to occupy. Hanuman by prudent speech quickly sought to win over Angada to his liege’s side by sowing seeds of dissension in vanara ranks, he felt that the brave Angada was obeying every word of Tara like Indra who would at times be inclined to listen to Sukra; the preceptor of demons. Hanuman addressing Angada said, ‘Illustrious Angada you are mighty and most worthy of our race to head the realm of vanaras, like your father Vali. The vanaras are fickle minded, they will not leave their wives and little ones and cling to you, all of them are faithful to Sugriva and no inducement is strong enough to retain them, they will desert you in one accord and join their legitimate lord, Sugriva. Alone in this lonely cavern devoid of friends and followers you will be overwhelmed with afflictions. O Angada, if you choose to dwell in this cave, Lakshmana’s fierce shafts that match Indra’s thunderbolt in might will cleave this mountain cave to pieces, heed me seek Sugriva. Sugriva is firm in his promise, he looks at you with fond eyes, he loves your mother, he lives for the sake of your mother, do not spurn your mother’s faithful friend Sugriva, and return to the kingdom of Kishkinda’.
Annoyed Angada’s response: To Hanuman Angada spoke these words; ‘where is it in Sugriva’s mind you find purity, self-control, justice, or faithfulness, righteousness, wisdom and honesty. Evil-minded Sugriva was commanded by my valiant father to guard the entrance to the cave, when Vali his noble brother was fighting for his life in the deadly strife with his foe, he (Sugriva) closed the portal which he stood to guard. Sinful Sugriva usurped the kingdom when his brother the legitimate king was alive and shamelessly took the queen Tara his veritable mother to his wife, his living brother Vali’s spouse. Mean and indifferent Sugriva forsook his friend Sri Rama; he commenced the search for queen Sita only after an angry Lakshmana issued a stern threat. Sugriva is not true to his words, he is morally low, he sticks to sinful deeds, and he is not trust-worthy. I was as a youth anointed the inheritor to the kingdom of Kishkinda against his wishes and he is eager to get rid of me, his household foe. Upon my return to Kishkinda my rebellious plans will be leaked by dissenters I will be disgraced, I will be left to my fate, a poor helpless creature, an unfortunate prey confined to a prison to spend the rest of my life in gloom, my life is condemned. It is far better for me to me to starve and die here in this very spot, than to be chained and imprisoned by my malicious, shameless uncle Sugriva. O vanaras you retrace your steps homeward, convey my obeisance to the vanara monarch, and to Raghu’s sons as well. Kindly convey my greetings to Ruma, who demonstrates motherly affection to me, to my mother Tara; when she hears my fate she will be despondent and will die disconsolate, please calm her with gentle care,’ thus lamenting in a shrill voice, Angada lay on the sacred Dharba, (Kusa grass) on the ground. Moved, grief stricken, by Angada’s words of despondency the other vanaras swore to stay put there and die with him they positioned themselves with their faces turned eastwards and lay on the Kusa grass, where every blade was pointing southwards.
Vulture king Sampati: Sampati is the eldest son of the celebrated king of birds Garuda and also the brother of Jatayu, he is well-known for his strength and prowess. Seeing the quiet and motionless vanaras; delighted Sampati articulated, ‘fate has drawn these vanaras here to satisfy my hunger, after a long while I have a rich and decent feast I will eat them one after the other.’ Greatly perturbed to hear the expression of the covetous bird, Angada addressed the noble Hanuman, ‘for the destruction of the vanara race under the pretext of the abduction of Sita, the God of retribution Yama has descended here, we have done nothing for Sri Rama nor have we accomplished Sugriva’s command, we get the punishment for our misdemeanor. We heard Jatayu perish while trying to save the Maithili queen from the fierce ogre Ravana; he thus proved his resolute love to Raghu’s son. Indeed every human being loves to sacrifice his life for Sri Rama’s cause, so it is with Jatuyu who now gained the heavens, and he now has no need to fear Sugriva’s furious grimace. The expulsion of Sri Rama, the abduction of the Vidhehan Princess, the death of Jatayu, the fall of Vali to a single arrow released by Sri Rama, monkeys miseries, in the near future the extinction of the ogre race, all have origins to one irresponsible boon granted by emperor Dasaratha, after all our toil, pain, trouble; we now face misery and despair’ Angada stopped speaking. Sampati’s emotion was stirred, dazed he screamed, ‘Whose voice is it? After a long time I hear the glorious name of Jatuyu who is very dear to me, O head of the vanara clan please narrate the demise of the king Jatayu once more, please assist me to descend this peak for my wings have been scorched by the rays of the Sun and I cannot fly anymore.’
Angada’s narrative: The vanaras did not trust Sampati’s words, they entertained the frightening thought that Sampati would eat up all of them; after some reflection they concluded, ‘If Sampati were to eat us all, before long we gain the death we decreed on ourselves.’ After assisting Sampati descend the mountain peak, Angada answered thus to Sampati, ‘Long, long ago there lived a venerable, brave, strong and fortunate, vanara king my grandfather; named Riksharajas, his two sons were the renowned Vali and Sugriva. I am Angada the son of Vali. Virtuous, peerless Sri Rama the glorious son of the emperor Dasaratha, intent on upholding his father’s plighted words, proceeded to the Dandaka forests with his Videhan princess, Sita and his valiant brother Lakshmana. Whilst at Janastana the giant king Ravana abducted Sita the delight of Sri Rama’s soul. Dasaratha’s friend the king of vultures Jatayus when he saw Sita being borne away, he swiftly came to Sita’s succour, he engaged Ravana in fierce combat, for a while he even withheld Sita from Ravana’s clasp, eventually Ravana’s might prevailed and the aged Jatayu was fatally wounded and he gave up the ghost; the fiend king Ravana escaped with his prey. Sri Rama performed the final rites for the vulture king and Jatayu obtained the highest bliss. In the search of Sita, Sri Rama met my uncle; he made a deal with Sugriva for mutual support, whereby Vali my father was destroyed by a single arrow released by Sri Rama, and Sugriva was crowned the vanara monarch by Sri Rama’s grace. Commanded by Sugriva we set out in search of Sri Rama’s queen Sita, we rummaged around every spot; our toil is like search for the day-light in the night. In search of the Maithili queen we at length explored every land, every cavern, every thicket, and we now have transgressed the time-limit of one month set for the task. With no chance of safety from Sugriva’s wrath and Sri Rama’s hate, we have no hope of survival; we decided to starve ourselves to death at this very spot’.
Information on Sita: With tearful eyes, forlorn Sampati continued; ‘I am old, weak, a wingless bird, I can only bewail over the sad fate of Jatayu, my brother who was slain in fight by Ravana’s merciless might. On the day Vritra died, Jatayu and myself in arrogance we rocketed so high that we were closer to the Sun. Overwhelmed by the intense heat I noticed my brother’s pinions flag, his strength drop, hence to protect him I covered his head with my stronger wings, thereby resulting in my wings getting burnt by extreme heat of the Sun, and I fell on this Vindhyan mountain rage. Since then I am alone and helpless and I have no knowledge of my brother’s fate,’ concluded moaning Sampati. Noble Angada now whispered to Sampati, ‘O brother of Jatayus, please tell me the dwelling place of that fiend Ravana, whose silliness propels him to his certain death.’ Sampati’s response cheered the Vanaras, ‘though wingless and rendered powerless, I have knowledge of the realms of the ocean as well as world trod by Vishnu (Reference to the three steps of Vishnu typifying the rising culmination and setting of the Sun) I will render assistance to Sri Rama through you. I saw a bright, young, tender lady adorned with sparkling ornaments howling ‘O Rama, Rama’ in panic she shrieked ‘Lakshmana’ too; she was trying to extricate herself from the clutches while being borne away by spiteful Ravana. While struggling in the giant’s hold she dropped gauds of gems and gold. Giant Ravana is the brother of the famed ‘God of wealth’ Kubera, he is the lord of Lanka, the most stunning city designed and constructed by the architect of the Gods, Viswakarma. Lanka is located eight hundred miles from the sea coast here. I am endowed with clairvoyance can visualize poignant Sita clad in her silken vestures, held in Ravana’s bower watched over by strong fiends. O vanaras devise a plan to overleap a distance of one hundred yojanas or eight hundred miles, from this sea coast proceed southwards, there is the island of Lanka, you will surely return to Kishkinda fully accomplished of your purpose. Please help me to the ocean coast to enable me to offer libations to deceased Jatayu.’ (Vritra, the obstructer of rain is the name of the Vedic personification of an imaginary malignant influence or demon of darkness and drought. He is supposed to take possession of the clouds, causing them to obstruct the clearness of the sky and keep back the waters. Indra is represented as battling with this evil influence and the pent up clouds being practically represented as mountains or castles; are shattered by his thunderbolt and made to open their receptacles)
Jambavan quizzes Sampati: The Vanara band was roused by Sampati’s expressions; all of them had given up their vow of starving themselves to death, presently they rose swiftly on their feet. Joyous Jambavan addressed the vulture king Sampati; ‘who has seen the Maithili queen being borne away, who dares to face the might of Sri Rama’s arrows and the lightning swift arrows launched by Lakshmana.’ To cheer the Vanara hosts Sampati spoke again, “I will explain all that I know of the princess of Videhan territory and where the lady with dark eyes is held the prisoner. Scorched by the fiery God of the Day (Sun), my strength and life have been rapidly worsening; my dear son Suparswa through filial care brings me food both in the morning and evening. On one occasion he came to me in the evening without any prey, he looked upon my starving eye and replied, ‘O dear father, as always I waited at the Mahendra mountains for the prey, before my eyes a monstrous giant, dark of complexion, had in his grasp a lady radiant as the morning grandeur and he hurriedly advanced after seeking passage from me speaking in mollifying words. Disarmed by his conciliatory words I did not strike him. Later I met the sages who coursed in the air; I heard them say, ‘By good luck Sita is still living, again it is well for you that the fellow left with the lady without harming you. I was spoken to by those glorious Siddhas that the fleeing ogre was Ravana and the captive dame was the spouse of Sri Rama and she was calling loudly the names Rama and Lakshmana.’ I thus heard the name of the robber fiend and also the daughter of Janaka king. With eager eyes I pursued the path the robber took, I also distinctly saw the flowing hair, and I saw her torn silken vestures and heard her cries of wild despair. O father thus my time was spent; I seek your pardon for my oblivious crime.’ I heard Suparswa’s poignant account, though my rage was stirred, bereft of my wings I can do nothing, yet I can help you with my directions and guidance. Surely I will with my words and intellect do all that which is needed to help your cause for that which is the concern of Sri Rama is equally my concern”
Nisakara: Sampati after offering water to the spirit of his deceased brother Jatayu, subsequently having bathed himself, Sampati once again spoke to Angada, ‘I lay in blackout for seven nights before I regained my consciousness. Thereafter from what I viewed viz. sea, rock, brook, lake, glen, and joyous songs of the wild birds I knew this is the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern sea-shore. In the neighbourhood of where I lay, there was a holy hermitage of the illustrious sage Nisakara, famed for his rigorous penance. After a long and hard attempt, myself pale, tattered and wretched, descended from the Vindhyan Mountains eager to take a look at the saint, I hunted his home; the very same hermitage in the days of the yore I frequented with Jatayu; the closer I was to the coppice, I experienced fragrant cool breeze, trees in blossom, and laden with fruits. I was sheltering under a tree, soon I saw the luminous dazzling holy hermit of austere penance encircled by lions, tigers, bears and snakes, following him as those who identify and trail their feeder; when the sage reached his hermitage, the astounding whole host turned obeisant and returned to their hideaway. Later sage Nisakara came to my side; overwhelmed he inquired, ‘You are two vulture brothers, you assume forms at will, you brothers would greet me in human form and clasp my feet, and you whom I now see are the elder called Sampati, the younger is Jatayu; where are your glossy feathers, why so grim change, tell me is it a disease or a result of punishment inflicted on you.’
Sampati replies Nisakara: Wounded, emaciated, and overwhelmed with shame, I recounted, ‘O venerable sage, I can scarcely speak, impelled by foolish pride occasioned by our having embarrassed Indra in an encounter, my unfortunate brother and I swore before the saints atop the mount Kailasa, that we would trail the Sun till it reached the huge western mountains where the Sun is supposed to set. Anxious to test our relative strength we soared high into the sky; beneath us we clearly perceived cities equal in size of the wheels of chariots. In one region of the firmament was heard the sound of melody, in another we heard the clink of ornaments and in the third women clothed merrily render sounds of sweet music. Soaring higher we were in the path of the Sun, from that height we could glimpse the earth clothed in gentle green, every meandering river looked like a thread of silver, the Himalayan, the Vindhyan and the Meru Mountains luminously appeared on the earth as elephants in the pond. Devastated by perspiration, intense heat, fainting and trembling we were engulfed by fear, distressed by blackout we could not distinguish, the four divisions of the earth, I saw Jatayu without any mention descend on the earth and I followed him headlong from the sky. I heard Jatayu falling somewhere in Janasthana, my wings completely burnt by the heat of the Sun, bereft of my ruler ship of the feathered kingdom, deprived of my brother, I now will fall from a mountain peak and reach the dwelling of Yama.’
Nisakara’s prophesy: To Sampati’s tearful submission the venerable sage after a while calmly spoke as follows; ‘O royal bird, you will regain your vision, verve, vitality, your might and the withered wings. I heard this prophesy, the veracity thereof I could foresee due to the high merit of my penance. To the emperor Dasaratha the glorious king of the Ikshwaku race a valiant heir named Sri Rama is to be born. Sri Rama accompanied by his heroic brother Lakshmana and darling consort Sita when on exile in the forests; an ogre; named Ravana, (who cannot be slain by the Gods or the demons) will bear away the darling consort of Sri Rama. In vain the ogre will woo the captive with proffered love and dainty food which she will rebuff. Discovering Sita’s plight the ruler of the Gods Indra sends through his minister, heavenly food to Sita for her ingestion, which Sita takes after she is convinced that it was indeed Indra’s gift. The vanaras will come in search of Sita as Sri Rama’s envoys to whom you speak out the information on Sita. Wait until that day in this place, thus you are of service to the two princes, the saints, hermits, Brahmans, as also to Indra himself, and earn the eternal gratitude of all. Your wings I can restore this very day but in that case you will fly away to another place. I too yearn to see the princely pair but do not wish to preserve my life that long and I will now depart to the other world,’ saying so the venerable sage sought the heavenly abode.
Vanaras and Sampati are delighted: Sampati continued, ‘Sage Nisakara with his speech inspired hope and confidence in me. In anticipation of your arrival I positioned myself on top of this mountain for the past over eight thousand years. In the meantime Sage Nisakara cast away all earthly ties and proceeded heavenward. In the ensuing long wait I was overwhelmed by dreariness, it is only the saint’s buoyant words, encouraged me to live for Sri Rama’s sake, and dismissed my torment. I was annoyed with my son, who did not make an all out attempt to stop the ogre even after hearing the wails of Sita,’ thus he concluded. Immediately the Vanaras saw new wings grow on Sampati, and heard Sampati utter, ‘By the Grace and the limitless might of the illustrious saint, my pinions, are now restored, I have regained my youthful vigour, I have regained my natural energy, O Vanaras you proceed with your search for the captive queen you are sure to find her alive, look at me and my wings, it is from this stems the confidence in my utterance.’ Sampati flew with his new found wings and his words set at rest the doubts in vanaras minds and instead instilled courage and confidence in them.
On the shoreline: Sampati’s words infused assurance, the vanara band intent on completing their mighty task, screamed with joy; swiftly made their way to the beach on the Indian ocean. The ocean presented in some places the boisterous fearsome leaping waves, in some areas the display of the ocean was as though in slumber, and in other places a picture of wild infernal figures. As they saw billowing sea waves rant and swell, their spirits sank a sense of profound gloom, alarm engulfed them, and suddenly they viewed their task was beyond them. Angada spoke to cheer them, ‘Mind swayed by despondency is harmful, never give way to despair, gloom renders inactive the hero’s supremacy and gallantry.’ After that the following morning all assembled again at Angada’s summons, wherein the chief renewed his exhortation, ‘Who amongst the illustrious warriors will leap the eight hundred miles, will make Sugriva’s the promise to Sri. Rama comes true? Who will release all of us, I included, from the dread of fear and woe occasioned by failure? Who amongst us will provide the success that enables us to be happily back with our wives and children? Who amongst us will make us look with joy on Sri Rama, the noble Lakshmana and our lord and the king, and have our homes restored.’ Despite this exhortation deafening silence prevailed, which provoked a sterner response from Vali’s son, said he ‘O illustrious leaders of monkeys endowed with considerable prowess speak out individually declare your capabilities.’
Sage Jambavan at the congregation: In response to Angada’s talk, each of the vanara leaders declared his prowess in appropriate progression, but none declared a leap beyond eighty yojanas or six hundred and forty miles. Next the aged sage Jambavan spoke, ‘In olden time in the prime of youth at the well known sacrifice performed by king Bali, the son of Virochana, the immortal Lord Trivikrama (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) measured the universe in three strides, I circled clock-wise thrice, the lord of the universe the everlasting God, Lord Vishnu. Now I am aged my limbs are tired, with my exhausted nerves I can undertake a leap of only ninety yojanas or seven hundred and twenty miles. Angada paid due obeisance to the Sage and said, ‘O noble vanaras, then I might myself try the leap but I am not certain of my return’. Sage Jambhavan replied to his impetuous chief, ‘O prince regardless of your might and power, this task is not to be undertaken by you. You are our darling, we have to protect you, you are our honoured lord, you are the very root of our existence, you are to only direct us, the success of our mission, our hopes depend on you,’ Vali’s son in response spoke these words, ‘If there is no one to accomplish this purpose, and if I do not stir, we only have despair, hopeless misery, fast unto death, for the alternate that stares us is to face Sugriva’s wrath.’ Jambavan replied, ‘O mighty king your endeavour shall not be in vain I will now incite one amongst us (Hanuman) of sufficient might’ saying so he made an appeal to Hanuman, who was free of despair, was laid-back and sitting separately.
Jambavan venerates, pleads with Hanuman: Recognizing the monkeys being downcast Jambavan addressed these words to Hanuman, ‘O hero, your grasp of the scriptures is supreme, in strength you are a compeer of Sugriva, in point of valour you are comparable to Lord Sri Rama and Lakshmana, you can slay foes or save friends with felicity, in prowess and energy you are as famed and well known as the king of the winged creatures, (Garuda), why do you not speak? O conqueror you are rich in wisdom, power, courage and skill, why do you not make yourself ready for the adventure, why this dawdle? Due to a curse pronounced on the celestial nymph Punjikasthala, she was born as daughter, to the high souled monkey chief Kunjara, bearing the name Anjana. Anjana the monkey, could change her form at will, in human form she was a stunning beauty, she was wedded to a monkey named Kesari, and she roamed the mountain crests, robed in tinted garments. On an occasion, the God of Wind came besides her, her astounding beauty, her matchless charisma ravished him, overexcited he held her in his amorous arms. Terrified Anjana in trembling brogue, to the fervent Wind God, ‘Your impious love seeks to violate my vow of fidelity to a single spouse;’ she received in answer, ‘Do not be troubled nor be afraid, trust me I have not violated you, my love has bestowed on you a strong, brave, sweet, wise, untiring, mighty glorious child, like me.’ The words spoken by the God dispelled the shame in Anjana and soon she gave birth to you in a cave. Once considering the rising sun as some fruit, as a child you soared to the skies, to seize the ‘fruit.’ Having ascended three thousand yojanas and repulsed by the intensity of the sun, you were not discouraged; undeterred you soared. Indra infatuated with anger, hurled the thunderbolt which shattered your cheek, and you fell on a rock. It is because of the broken chin you are called Hanuman meaning one with a broken or defective chin.( Hanu means jaw and Hanuman means one with a large jaw) Seeing you badly hurt, the wafter of aroma (Wind God) was infuriated, he ceased to visit the three worlds, thus leaving the worlds agitated for want of air. The breath of the worlds came to a standstill, the sad and terror crammed Gods prayed to the Wind God to calm the indignation. To pacify the distress of your father, Brahma bestowed a boon on you, in the form of imperviousness in combat and Indra too conferred an excellent boon to the effect that death will come to you only at your bidding. It is up to you Vayuputra; you alone can come to our assistance now. Our vivacity has gone now, in the days of the yore I was possessed of extraordinary strength, I circled the globe clock-wise twenty-one times, in obedience to the command of the Gods; single handed nectar was churned out and gathered by me. Now in my old age I am destitute of prowess, my strength is gone, my limbs are old, and you with your incomparable might are the best, the bravest and our sure hope. You are our second king O prince display your power cross the ocean with your leap.’ The monkey chief (Hanuman) heard, stirred by the exhortation, he dilated; he stood before their joyous eyes, in gigantic size.
Hanuman prepares to take a leap across the sea: The vanara hosts beheld Hanuman’s stature in ecstasy and amazement, soon their fear and sorrow were dispelled, the vanara throng rang out loud and joyous praises on their great chief. They gawked on Hanuman much like when all the created beings gazed on Lord Vishnu in his Trivkrama incarnation, (the allusion is to the famous three steps of that God). Standing amidst the festive crowd overjoyed Hanuman greeted with reverence the other chiefs present there and he affirmed aloud, ‘I claim descent from the glorious Wind God, in speed and power I compete with him, I can circle a thousand times the lofty mount Meru, with my furious hands I can stir the ocean waters and flood the land filled with groves, town and peaks. In flight I am far swifter than Garuda the son of Vinata, I can, without taking any respite pursue the Lord of Light (SUN) from the eastern horizon and reach the western end before the sun sets in the west for the day. I can dry up the oceans; leave behind me the leading lights coursing through the sky, I can mash the mountains, O monkeys you will behold me enveloping heaven and engulfing the sky while I am coursing the sky. Such amazing ability inheres only in Garuda, my sire the Wind God and in me, my discerning mind tells me I will find the Maithili lady, and the town of Lanka will be in dreadful ruins.’ While the enthralled legions watched their champion, the sage Jambhavan addressed the glorious Hanuman, ‘O son of the Wind God your pledge cheers the vanaras, calms their distressed mind, sets at rest their fears, you are our only sanctuary, we, our lives and our everything depends on you. Arise commence your onward action, your task is sanctified by saints and our prayers.’ Then sprang from the mount Mahendra’s crest the best of the vanaras, the son of the Wind God, troubled by that abnormal weight the mountain rocked and swayed, the trees shook, the disquieted wild animals fled their shelter, the highly determined Hanuman supremely composed in mind, took off with only the thoughts of Lanka in mind. (This is one of the important sargas in the Srimad Valmiki Ramayana. The reading of this sarga instills tranquil in the turbulent minds) Kishkinda Kandam concludes
