Srimadvalmeeki Ramayana - Sundara Kanda Chapter 1 continued

TatApa na hi tam SUryaha plavantam vAnarOttamam| NiShEvE cha tadA vAyU RAmakAryArthasiddhayE||84|| As super ape-man Hanumantha was flying in this manner for completing the work of Srirama, the Sun did not trouble him with heat. The wind provided some solace to him and ensured that he did not get tired by blowing pleasantly around him. The Rishis hailed Hanumantha for undertaking the journey through air. Goddesses and Gandharwas sang songs in praise of brave and bright Hanumantha and flattering him. While the great ape-man Hanumantha was flying over the sea, the king of sea thought of honoring the Ikshwaku dynasty in some manner as its descendants were responsible for his origin. SAhAyyam vAnarEndrasya yadi nAham HanUmataha| KariShyAmi bhaviShyAmi sarwavAchyO vivakShatAm||88|| “I will be subjected to all sorts of abuse by those who always point fingers at others, if I fail to render some help or assistance to Hanumantha at this juncture as he has undertaken this journey only to do Srirama‘s work. My image will also be tarnished”. AhamikShwAkunAthEna sagarENa vivardhitaha| IkShwAkusachivashchAyam nAvaseedatumarhati||89|| I am born out of the will of king Sagara of Ikshwaku dynasty. Hanumantha is now the Minister of Srirama, a king belonging to the Ikshwaku dynasty. Therefore, he should not suffer from any dif- ficulties or troubles. TathA mayA vidhAtavyam vishramEta yathA kapihi| ShESham cha mayi vishrAntaha suKhEnAtipatiShyati||90|| I will arrange something for Hanumantha to at least take rest for a while. After taking some rest, he will be able to cover the rest of the distance without any physical strain. ‘ Resolving in this manner to render help to Hanumantha at the right time, he appealed to Hiran- yanabha12 Mount Mainaka who was hiding under the sea: ―Oh august Mountain, King of Heavens Indra has put you in this place like a preventive lock to stop the underworld demons from emerging out. The power of those demons is known to the whole uni- verse. They will always be trying to come out of the underworld yet again. You are like a preventive wall in front of the doors of the unfathomable underworld so that these demons cannot open it and come out. You are capable of increasing your height and width. Therefore, I am prompting you to stand up in the midst of the sea. UttiShTha Girisattama! Please stand up oh great Mountain. Look there, great ape-man is about fly just above you. Being ever strong and most capable, he is flying to do the work assigned by Srirama. I am duty-bound to help Hanumantha at this hour as he is the follower of Srirama and engaged in completing the mission of the epitome of progress of Ikshwaku dynasty. I am devoted to all the descendants of Ikshwaku dynasty. You should be more devoted to them (than me). We should do the work well in time and to ensure that, you should extend all possi- ble help to us. Kartavyamakrutam kAryam satAm manyumudeerayEt|| Righteous people get angry if a given task is not done in time. Mainaka, get out of water and stand up instantly. Let Anjaneya take rest on your tower for a while. Greatest of ape-men, Hanumantha is our most revered and distinguished guest. Oh the be- loved of goddesses and Gandharwas, you are most charming because of the golden tip that you are bedecked with. Dear Mainaka, let Hanumantha stay for a while on your pinnacle, relieve himself off the strain and then carry on with his journey. KAkutsthasyAnrushamsyam cha MaithilyAshcha vivAsanam| Shramam cha plavagEndrasya sameekShyOtthAtumarhasi||100|| You are expected to stand up now, considering the empathy of Srirama, plight of homeless Vaidehi and the strain that might have overtaken Hanumantha. As soon as being addressed in this manner by the King of Seas, Mount Mainaka, who was be- decked with huge trees and creepers, rose from the surface of sea and stretched out his pinnacle (to attract the attention of Hanumatha). Breaking himself out of the sea, Mount Mainaka sparkled like the Sun of thousand rays coming out of clouds. Prompted by the King of Seas, Mount Mainaka, who was surrounded by water, swiftly stretched out all his towers. The tall and colossal Mount Mainaka, who was masked by Kinnaras and huge serpents, was glow ing with rays of light that were as bright as the rays of rising sun and appeared as though he was trying to draw a line in the sky. Glittering like weapons13, the blue sepulcher was thus shining like gold because of the golden towers of Mount Mainaka that had stretched out of the sea water. Mount Mainaka, which was blazing like a hundred suns owing to the glistening towers that were covering it. Seeing the outstretched tower of the Mount Mainaka that had abruptly sprung from the midst of sea, Hanumantha thought that it had appeared only to deter his progress. Fast paced great ape-man Hanumantha then crushed the high tower of Mount Mainaka into several pieces with his chest like the tornado that shatters clouds. Smothered and stifled thus by Hanumantha, Mount Mainaka was delighted as it could know the fastidious speed of the former. Mount Mainaka rumbled aloud with joy. Impressed and overjoyed after experiencing the great speed of Hanumantha, the Mount Mainaka happily addressed him:

SUNDARAKANDA (continuation)

The seawater that was springing like fountains because of the indomitable speed of Hanumantha was mingling with the dark clouds and turning into white clusters of clouds of the Sharadrutu ow- ing to the vapors of that seawater. Like the organs of a man are exposed after removing the clothes covering them, the seawater that was springing out due to the force of Hanumantha‘s pace, exposed the whales, crocodiles, fish and tortoises that were hiding in its womb. Looking at fast-flying Kapishardula, the tiger among ape-men, the fish being thrown out by his force, mistook him to be their enemy, the golden eagle. DashayOjanavisteerNA trimshadyOjanamAyatA| ChAyA VAnarasihmasya jalE chArutarAbhavat||76|| When Vayuputra was flying at such a great pace, his ten-yojana broad and 30-yojana long shadow was attractive, beautiful and charming11. The shadow that was following him upon the surface of the salt sea appeared like lines of brightened white sky. The portion of sea on which super ape-man Hanumantha flew across was looking like a boat special ly prepared for him to travel. As he was using the same track as the birds that were flying in the sky, Hanumantha too was fly- ing like the golden eagle. He was pushing the clouds in the same manner as the wind. The clusters of clouds that were being pushed and driven by Hanumantha were glowing with white, oil red, black, light yellow and different colors. As Hanumantha was barging into the cloud clusters for some time and coming out of it at times, he was appearing like the moon entering and coming out of the clouds. After seeing Hanumantha flying swiftly in the sky, the goddesses, Gandharwas and other celestial beings showered flowers on him.

SUNDARAKANDA CHAPTER 1 (contd...)

―It is surprising that giant Vayuputra Hanumantha has decided to cross this vast habitat of Lord Varuna, the great sea. He has taken this stupendous and perilous decision of reaching the other end of this sea only to accomplish the task assigned by Sri Rama and to protect the Vanaras. The Vidyadharas became very curious after hearing the conversations of Siddhas, Charanas and ascetics and looked at unmatched, indescribable super Vanara Hanumantha, yet again with bewilderment, standing on Mount Mahendra. At that moment, the brightness of great Anjaneya was reminiscent of Lord Yajneshwara. The hair on his physique were erect. He shook his body vigorous ly at once. Like the monsoon cloud, he rumbled aloud. Like the golden eagle lifts snakes and forci bly crush them on the ground, Hanumantha lifted his hair-ridden tail up as it was fully masked with flowers, and crushed it on the ground, powerfully. The tail that was erect from the back of Han umantha was looking like a serpent being carried by the golden eagle with its claws.4. 3In this shlOka, Sri Valmeeki has described the manner in which Hanumantha prepared himself for the long journey and the way his physique appeared just on the verge of his jumping into the sky. Even in the modern times, athletes, while starting their run or jumpers while about to jump pre- pare in the same manner as Hanumantha has done, explain the scholars. The runners and jumpers loosen up their arms, legs and limbs and prepare their body and mind for the start up. While jump- ing, the fists are held tightly. The knees are bent. Bending the body slightly, the entire weight is transferred on to the waist. Therefore, it is a natural posture that everyone assumes at the time of jumping up, especially so for Hanumantha because he had a very long distance to travel in air un der trying conditions with the sea the hind side. Sri Hanumantha tightened both his arms as soon as he prepared himself to jump to the sky. He transferred all his weight to the portion of the body above the waist. He brought his two legs closer and contracted his neck. He bent his knees and folded his arms. He integrated all his spirit, valor, strength and power into a single force5. Assessing the distance to be covered from the place where he was standing, he looked once again at the sky and consolidated his breath in one position just be- fore jumping to the sky. Set to embark on a grueling long journey across the vast ocean, bracing himself up to the task of jumping into the sky, Hanumantha stood firmly on the ground, folded his ears back and addressed the Vanaras, who were standing at the bottom of the mountain, in an assured voice: ―Oh great Vanaras, I will directly go to the Ravana-protected Lanka like the arrow shot by Rama that travels like air6. If I fail to see the daughter of Janaka in Lanka, I will travel to the heavens with same arrow-pace. If, even after all that arduous journey, I fail to find Seetha in the heavens, I will return to Lanka at same speed, seize the king of asuras, Ravana and bring him here. However, there is no need to be so much perturbed. At all events, I will return to this place with Seetha. Perchance, I am unable to see Seetha anywhere in Lanka, I will pluck the entire city from the ground and come here along with Ravana. Therefore, there is no need for you to be worried. You can remain without any apprehension (42-43). Great Vanara Hanumantha, after assuring his fellow ape-men in this manner, jumped swiftly into the sky, without bothering about any impediments that were likely to disturb his journey. At that moment, Hanumantha thought himself to be the celestial golden eagle, Garuda (44). Owing to the pres sure created in the air when he jumped, several trees were uprooted and with their broken branches, they followed him into the sky. Maruthi drew away the trees covered with white cranes and blossomed flowers merely with the force of his thighs and began his journey in the clear sky. The trees that had come out of the earth along with their roots because of the force created in his vicinity when Maruthi jumped up, followed him like members of a family accompanying their guests up to a reasonable distance before bidding adieu and returning to their homes (48-49). The trees that had followed Hanumantha for a long distance, appeared like soldiers following their king on an expedition. As the top portions of trees that were following Hanumantha were covered with blossomed flowers, he too looked like a mountain, especially because he had expanded his body hugely. Just as some mountains drowned in sea some time ago owing to the fear of their wings being cut by Mahendra, the trees that had followed Maruthi too fell into the sea because of their weight, after some distance (50). (to be continued)

SUNDARAKANDA CHAPTER 1 Shlokas 11 to 28 Increas ing his height like the swelling during great deluge as Hanumantha had firmly decided to do everything at his powers to ensure the prosperity and success of Sri Rama. With the sole intention of crossing the vast sea, Hanumantha stood tall and huge, while preparing to jump from the earth into the horizon. As he got ready to leap into the horizon, Hanumantha quivered the rocks with his legs and hands.2 Disturbed and shaken by the pressure that emanated from the giant physique of Hanumantha as he jumped, it took a long while for the mountain to settle in its original position and stop trembling. As a consequence, flowers in all the trees withered. Covered entirely with those fallen and withered flowers, the mountain appeared like a huge heap of flowers. Tormented by the inexplicable power of Hanumantha, streams came out of several places in that mountain like a mountain, reminiscent of semen oozing out of the masculine organ of a haughty elephant. Virtually littered by the force of the hands and legs of most powerful Hanumantha, with several of its rocks being cracked and shat- tered, the great Mount Mahendra displayed many golden and several black curved lines on its mien. Crushed and blasted thus (by the superhuman force created by Hanumantha), scattered the giant and mammoth rocks and granite blocks from its exterior like an ordinary wild fire ekes out several lines of smoke. Horrified by the shivers of Mount Mahendra, a large number of wild animals that were hiding in the caves came out from all directions and started screaming and whiling with fear and anxiety. The sound created by the crying and frightened animals that had rushed out of their caves reverberated in all the directions and surrounding forests. Big-hooded serpents with all the rare marks, Swastikalakshanas3, clearly visible on their hoods, came out of their caves, wearing grim and pale faces, producing hot and bright flames of venom, because of the shaking of the mountain. The enraged serpents started biting even the rocks with their tooth. Bitten by those highly venomous serpents, the huge rocks on the Mount Mahendra were set ablaze and within moments, they broke into thousands of pieces and fell apart like fireballs. Even the medicinal plants born on that mountain, which were able to nullify the effect of any ven- om, however, failed to save the rocks from being shattered and blasted due to the biting of deadly serpents. The mountain started vibrating disconcertingly, the red and lotus-eyed Vidyadharas, who were wearing garlands of red flowers and necklaces and had applied sandalwood paste liberally, were in a highly ecstatic mood as they were consuming intoxicants. Frightened by the horrible conditions, they discarded the huge gold utensils containing intoxicants, special kettles of gold, different types of edible pastes, delicacies, different types of meat, and skins of cows and swords that had golden handles, and joined the clouds. Looking at the giant size of Hanumantha and his heavy feet with which he was trampling and tormenting the huge mountain, the female Vidyadharas, who were wearing garlands, necklaces, jewels around their arms, bangles in their wrists, stopped in the sky along with their male partners, smiling in appreciation. Thus, the sages and Vidyadharas dis- played their mystic power called Vayusthambha by standing in the sky without any support, and looked at mountain they had deserted. They heard the dialogues of other ascetics, Siddhas and Cha- ranas, who were also standing in the same manner in the sky, without any support. (28)

Disturbed and shaken by the pressure that emanated from the giant physique of Hanumantha as he jumped, it took a long while for the mountain to settle in its original position and stop trembling. As a consequence, flowers in all the trees withered. Covered entirely with those fallen and withered flowers, the mountain appeared like a huge heap of flowers. Tormented by the inexplicable power of Hanumantha, streams came out of several places in that mountain like a mountain, reminiscent of semen oozing out of the masculine organ of a haughty elephant. Virtually littered by the force of the hands and legs of most powerful Hanumantha, with several of its rocks being cracked and shat- tered, the great Mount Mahendra displayed many golden and several black curved lines on its mien. Crushed and blasted thus (by the superhuman force created by Hanumantha), scattered the giant and mammoth rocks and granite blocks from its exterior like an ordinary wild fire ekes out several lines of smoke. Horrified by the shivers of Mount Mahendra, a large number of wild animals that were hiding in the caves came out from all directions and started screaming and whiling with fear and anxiety. The sound created by the crying and frightened animals that had rushed out of their caves reverberated in all the directions and surrounding forests. Big-hooded serpents with all the rare marks, Swastikalakshanas3, clearly visible on their hoods, came out of their caves, wearing grim and pale faces, producing hot and bright flames of venom, because of the shaking of the mountain. The enraged serpents started biting even the rocks with their tooth. Bitten by those highly venomous serpents, the huge rocks on the Mount Mahendra were set ablaze and within moments, they broke into thousands of pieces and fell apart like fireballs. Even the medicinal plants born on that mountain, which were able to nullify the effect of any ven- om, however, failed to save the rocks from being shattered and blasted due to the biting of deadly serpents. The mountain started vibrating disconcertingly, the red and lotus-eyed Vidyadharas, who were wearing garlands of red flowers and necklaces and had applied sandalwood paste liberally, were in a highly ecstatic mood as they were consuming intoxicants. Frightened by the horrible conditions, they discarded the huge gold utensils containing intoxicants, special kettles of gold, different types of edible pastes, delicacies, different types of meat, and skins of cows and swords that had golden handles, and joined the clouds. Looking at the giant size of Hanumantha and his heavy feet with which he was trampling and tormenting the huge mountain, the female Vidyadharas, who were wearing garlands, necklaces, jewels around their arms, bangles in their wrists, stopped in the sky along with their male partners, smiling in appreciation. Thus, the sages and Vidyadharas dis- played their mystic power called Vayusthambha by standing in the sky without any support, and looked at mountain they had deserted. They heard the dialogues of other ascetics, Siddhas and Cha- ranas, who were also standing in the same manner in the sky, without any support.

Later, the destroyer of enemies, Hanumantha, recalls his inherent prowess and decides to travel by sky, the route meant to be used only by Charanas, to search for Seetha, who had been abducted by Ravana. Hanumantha made up his mind to accomplish an arduous task that none could dream of undertaking or accomplishing. He had none to assist in his efforts. He had decided to complete it all alone. When he stood erect, straightening the neck and raising his head, he was shining like a bull. (1 and 2) That brave and strong Hanumantha was walking up and down whimsically on the green lawn that had spread there like sea water and sparkling like diamond. He drove away the birds by frightening them with his movement. He pushed the trees with his chest and felled them to the ground. Killing a few animals that came in his way, he breathed heavily like a lion. Birds were fleeing in fear as he swiftly travelled past them. Several trees that crashed against his strong bulging chest fell on earth, broken and shattered. Several animals died owing to the force and friction of his legs. In that posture, he was looking like a lion of iron. (3 and 4) The mountain that Hanumantha was climbing was adorned with natural black, red, green, oil-red, white and black streams and waterfalls. (5) Yakshas, Gandharwas and Kinnaras, who could as sume any form at will and the godly Pannagas and their families were roaming about joyously on that mountain. The super monkey, Anjaneya, appeared like a giant tusker standing in a pond. (6 and 7) Hanumantha decided to first join both his palms together and salute Sun, Mahendra, Vayu, Brahma and other Bhutaganas before launching his journey across the ocean1. Hanumantha, who was capable of accom plishing any task with ease, stood facing the east, saluted his father Lord Vayu and began enhancing his physique.(8 and 9). While all the fellow ape-men were looking at him in bewilderment, Hanumantha, who had firmly decided to accomplish the task his master had assigned, went on expanding and swelling his body like the sea swells on the eves of full moon and no moon days. (10).

This is Sundarakanda in Sri Valmeeki Ramayana translated by me. Entire Sundara Kanda will be posted from now on. Sri Rama starts lamenting again after seeing the lily and lotus-laden Pampasarovar and its en- chanting environs. Immediately after seeing the enthralling scenic beauty of Pampasarovar and its surroundings, the psyche and physique of Rama get sensuously charged. Caught in the grip of the mystic power of Manmatha1, the lord of romance and love, Sri Rama tells Lakshmana: ―Lakshmana, with the entire water surface of serene rays glowing like diamond, covered with pink, red, blue and white lilies and lotus flowers, surrounded by dense forest of captivating charm, this Pampasarovar is really looking very attractive. Look at the forest that has covered the lake. Brother, the trees in this forest are very tall and each of them looks like a mountain because of their large, long and sprawling branches. Alas! This spring season has started arousing my hidden passions, even as I am already suffering from the separation of Bharata and the abduction of Vaidehi2. Lakshmana, This Pampasarovar, which issurrounded by bewildering, dark and deep forestand sparkling like a precious stone, is fascinating even me, notwithstanding the fact that I am already distress-stricken. This lake is covered by a variety of entrancing flowers. Filled with cool water, it is sanctifying. A host of lotus flowers has occupied its entire surface. This lake is really looking very attractive. Indeed this Pampa woods is dense with serpents and venomous creatures and it has shel- tered a large number of animals and birds. A variety of trees wearing colorful, gleaming and fra- grant flowers can be seen everywhere in this forest. The blue and green meadows that dot the forest region, are making it look like an artistically embroidered woolen blanket. The tips of trees appear to be swinging due to the weight of flowers. Creepers with young buds and blossoming flowers have embraced all parts of all trees that have also borne flowers of inexplicable charm. Lakshmana, a pleasant breeze is also blowing slowly. Trees are full of flowers and fruits. This fragrant spring season is intensifying the onslaught of Manmatha, the lord of love and pas- sion, on the psyche. Lakshmana, you can perceive the enthralling beauty of this forest with all trees sprinkling flowers that appear like dark clouds bursting out. A variety of trees that have grown be- tween the gorgeous rocks and swinging owing to the continuously blowing winds are covering the sparse plain lands with their fragrant flowers. Look at the bewildering scenic beauty here as it looks as though lord of wind is playing gleefully with some flowers that have already fallen, some still falling and others that adore the trees. Brother, the lord of air is briskly shaking all the branches of trees with his great speed and power. As a result, the bees that were sucking the nectar from flowers on treetops and branches are fluttering out with anxiety and producing a hissing sound. It looks as though lord of air is also singing along with the honeybees. The air blowing out of the caves in the midst of this mountain range has made it look like he is also singing melodiously like a born mu- sician, along with the wind that is whistling. A comprehensive look at this seen will make us fell that Lord Wind is directing the dancing peacocks along with the trees that producing enchanting music. The air is blowing vigorously from all the four directions and trembling the trees. As a result, the branches of trees have intertwined with one another and appear like a garland of trees. Like the sandal paste, the pleasantly smelling air, which can eradicate all fatigue and replace it with de- light and mirth by its mere touch, is blowing slowly in this region, filled with enchanting odor. In the forests that are filled with deliciously scented air, the briskly swinging trees appear as if they are also producing enthralling sound with bees and beetles. The tips of various mountains are spar- kling because of the flowers that the giant trees are wearing.