Valmiki Ramayana Yuddhakanda Chapter 4 - The Monkey Army Marches Southward

Summary
After hearing the report of Hanuma, Rama fixes an auspicious hour for the departure of his forces to Lanka and perceives good omens. The Army reaches the shores of the sea.
Chapter [Sarga] 4 in Detail
shrutvaa hanuumato vaakyam yathaavad anupuurvashah |
tato abraviin mahaatejaa raamah satya paraakramah || 6-4-1
Rama, a very bright man and a true warrior, having duly heard the words of Hanuman from the beginning, thereafter spoke as follows:
yaam nivedayase la.nkaam puriim bhiimasya raksasah |
ksipram enaam vadhisyaami satyam etad braviimi te || 6-4-2
“I shall destroy quickly Lanka, the city of that terrible ogre (Ravana), of which you just informed I am really telling this.”
asmin muhuurte sugriiva prayaanam abhirocaye |
yukto muhuurto vijayah praapto madhyam divaa karah || 6-4-3
“Be pleased to approve our march at this moment, a suitable moment for success. The sun reached the mid-day.
siitaam gritvaa tu tadyaatu kvaasau yaasyati jiivitah |
siitaa shrutvaabhiyaanam me aashaameshhyati jiivite || 6-4-4
jiivitaante.a mritam sprishhtvaa piitvaa vishhamivaaturah |
“Let that ogre go (to his abode) after kidnapping Seetha. Where will he go alive? Hearing of my march to Lanka, Seetha will get back her hope in life, like a sick man having drunk poison touches ambrosia at the end of his life.”
uttaraa phalgunii hi adya shvas tu hastena yoksyate || 6-4-5
abhiprayaama sugriiva sarva aniika samaavritaah |
“This northern planet of Phaalguni will be in conjunction with the Hasta star tomorrow. Hence, let us depart today itself with all the troops accompanying us, Oh, Sugreeva!”
nimittaani ca dhanyaani yaani praadur bhavanti me || 6-4-6
nihatya raavanam siitaam aanayisyaami jaanakiim |
“By seeing the omens which are becoming visible, I deduce that I shall bring back Seetha the daughter of Janaka, by killing Ravana.”
uparistaadd hi nayanam sphuramaanam idam mama || 6-4-7
vijayam samanupraaptam shamsati iva mano ratham |
“My eye which is twitching on the upper lid, is proclaiming as it were, my desire of victory coming nearer.”
tato vaabararaaheba kajshmanena supuujitah || 6-4-8
uvaacha raamo dharmaatmaa punarapyarthakovidah |
Then Rama the virtuous man versed in moral law, who was well-adored by Sugreeva the king of monkeys and Lakshmana, again spoke as follows:-
agre yaatu balasya asya niilo maargam aveksitum || 6-4-9
vritah shata sahasrena vaanaraanaam tarasvinaam |
“Let general Nila accompanied by strength of hundred thousand warriors go before the army, to explore the way.”
phala muulavataa niila shiita kaanana vaarinaa |
pathaa madhumataa ca aashu senaam senaa pate naya || 6-4-10
“Oh Nila the chief of Army! Steer the army speedily by the path; abound with fruits and roots, cool woods and fresh water and honey.”
duusayeyur duraatmaanah pathi muula phala udakam || 6-4-11
raaksasaah pariraksethaas tebhyas tvam nityam udyatah |
“The evil-minded demons may spoil the roots, fruits and water in the path-way. You always try to be on you guard.”
nimnesu vana durgesu vanesu ca vana okasah || 6-4-12
abhiplutya abhipashyeyuh paresaam nihatam balam |
“Let the monkeys jump into law grounds, into places made inaccessible by forest-groves and into thickets and notice whether any rival forces are stationed there.”
yattu phalgu balam kimchittadatraivopapadyataam || 6-4-13
etaddhi krityam ghoram no vikramena prayujyataam |
“Let whatever little of feeble forces stay back in Kishkindha, as our operation will indeed be dreadful. It has to be discharged daringly.”
saagara ogha nibham bhiimam agra aniikam mahaabalaah || 6-4-14
kapi simhaa prakarsantu shatasho atha sahasrashah |
“Let the best of monkeys with great strength in hundreds and thousands lead the formidable of the army, which is akin to an oceanic stream.”
gajah ca giri samkaasho gavayah ca mahaabalah || 6-4-15
gava aksah ca agrato yaantu gavaam driptaa iva risabhaah |
“Let Gaja, equal to a mountain, Gavaya a very strong warrior and Gavaksha march in front, as a majestic bull marches in front of a cow-herd.”
yaatu vaanara vaahinyaa vaanarah plavataam patih || 6-4-16
paalayan daksinam paarshvam risabho vaanara risabhah |
“Let the monkey called Rishabha, Lord of the simians and the best of the primates march forward, duly guarding the right side of the army of the simians.”
gandha hastii iva durdharsas tarasvii gandha maadanah || 6-4-17
yaatu vaanara vaahinyaah savyam paarshvam adhisthitah |
“Let Gandhamaadana, with a strength unconquerable like an elephant in rut, proceed duly guarding the left side of the army of monkeys.”
yaasyaami bala madhye aham bala ogham abhiharsayan || 6-4-18
adhiruhya hanuumantam airaavatam iva iishvarah |
“I myself, mounted on the shoulders of Hanuman, like Indra on Airavata, will march in the centre of my troops, duly cheering the multitude of army.”
angadena esa samyaatu laksmanah ca antaka upamah || 6-4-19
saarvabhaumena bhuuta iisho dravina adhipatis yathaa |
“Let this Lakshmana, resembling the lord of Death, march on the shoulders of Angada like Kubera the lord of riches and the sovereign of beings marches on an elephant called Saarvabhauma.”
jaambavaamh ca susenah ca vega darshii ca vaanarah || 6-4-20
riksa raajo mahaasattvah kuksim raksantu te trayah |
Let the highly strong, Jambavan with Sushena and the monkey called Vegadarshi, all three, guard the middle part of the army.”
raaghavasya vacah shrutvaa sugriivo vaahinii patih || 6-4-21
vyaadidesha mahaaviiryaan vaanaraan vaanara rsabhah |
“Hearing the words of Rama, Sugreeva with great valour, the commander of forces and the lion among monkeys gave orders to the monkeys accordingly.”
te vaanara ganaah sarve samutpatya yuyutsavah || 6-4-22
guhaabhyah shikharebhyah ca aashu pupluvire tadaa |
Then, all those troops of monkeys with great speed together raised up and quickly bounced from caves and mountain-tops.
tato vaanara raajena laksmanena ca puujitah || 6-4-23
jagaama raamo dharma aatmaa sasainyo daksinaam disham |
Thereafter Rama the virtuous man, treated respectfully by Sugreeva and Lakshmana, moved towards southern direction, along with the army.
shataih shata sahasraih ca kotiibhir ayutair api || 6-4-24
vaaranaabhih ca haribhir yayau parivrtas tadaa |
At that time, Rama went surrounded by monkeys, looking like elephants, numbering in hundreds, hundreds of thousands and crores.
tam yaantam anuyaati sma mahatii hari vaahinii || 6-4-25
hristaah pramuditaah sarve sugriivena abhipaalitaah |
That extensive army of monkeys followed Rama who was marching in the lead. All those monkeys maintained by Sugreeva were rejoicing with delight.
aaplavantah plavantah ca garjantah ca plavam gamaah || 6-4-26
ksvelanto ninadantah ca jagmur vai daksinaam disham |
The monkeys, jumping overwhelmingly with roaring sound and jest fully playing musical instruments (like trumpets) marched towards southern direction.
bhaksayantah sugandhiini madhuuni ca phalaani ca || 6-4-27
udvahanto mahaavriksaan manjarii punja dhaarinah |
They marched on, eating good-smelling honeys and fruits and carrying large branches bearing clusters of blossoms in multitude.
anyonyam sahasaa dristaa nirvahanti ksipanti ca || 6-4-28
patantah ca utpatanti anye paatayanti apare paraan |
Wild monkeys would lift up and throw one another all of a sudden. Some others were hanging down and flying upwards. Some other monkeys were throwing down others.
raavano no nihantavyah sarve ca rajanii caraah || 6-4-29
iti garjanti harayo raaghavasya samiipatah |
Monkeys close to Rama were thus shouting, “To us, Ravana is worthy of killing and also the entire demons.”
purastaad risabhho viiro niilah kumuda eva ca || 6-4-30
pathaanam shodhayanti sma vaanarair bahubhih saha |
Rishabha, Nila, and the courageous Kumuda along with many monkeys were clearing up the path ahead.
madhye tu raajaa sugriivo raamo laksmana eva ca || 6-4-31
bahubhir balibhir bhiimair vrtaah shatru nibarhanah |
Sugreeva the king of monkeys, Rama and Lakshmana the destroyers of enemies were moving in the centre along with many robust and terrible monkeys.
harih shata balir viirah kotiibhir dashabhir vritah || 6-4-32
sarvaam eko hi avastabhya raraksa hari vaahiniim |
The heroic monkey Shatabali who was accompanied by ten crores of monkeys, standing alone firmly, guarded the whole army of monkeys.
kotii shata pariivaarah kesarii panaso gajah || 6-4-33
arkah ca atibalah paarshvam ekam tasya abhiraksati |
Kesari with a retinue of a hundred crore, Panasa, Gaja and Arka along with many monkeys were protecting one flank of that army.
suseno jaambavaamh caiva riksair bahubhir aavritah || 6-4-34
sugriivam puratah kritvaa jaghanam samraraksatuh |
Keeping Sugreeva in front, Sushena and Jambavanta surrounded by many bears, protected the hinder part of that army.
tesaam senaa patir viiro niilo vaanara pumgavah || 6-4-35
sampatan patataam shresthas tad balam paryapaalayat |
Nila their chief of the army, the brave and the best among monkeys, the self controlled and the foremost among movable beings, was protecting the army in every direction.
valiimukhah prajanghashcha jambho.atha rabhasah kapih || 6-4-36
sarvatah ca yayur viiraas tvarayantah plavam gamaan |
Valimukha, Prajangha, Jambha and Rabhasa the monkey were moving on all sides, urging the monkeys forward.
evam te hari shaarduulaa gacchanto bala darpitaah || 6-4-37
apashyams te giri shrestham sahyam druma lataa yutam |
saagara ogha nibham bhiimam tad vaanara balam mahat || 6-4-38
Those foremost among the monkeys, proud of their strength, thus marching with the army, saw the Sahya mountain the best of mountains joined with many small mountains, lakes fully abounding in flowers and eminent ponds.
raamasya shaasanam jjnaatvaa bhiimakopasya bhiitavat |
varjayannagaraabhyaashaamstathaa janapadaanapi || 6-4-39
saagaraughanibham bhiimam tadvaanarabalam mahat |
nihsasarpa mahaaghosam bhiima vega iva arnavah || 6-4-40
That large army of monkeys, terrific like an ocean-flood cognizing the command of Rama which is frightfully enraging, having terror-stricken, abandoning the vicinity of towns and even villages, marched like a highly dreadful ocean with a great hoarding sound.
tasya daasharatheh paarshve shuuraas te kapi kunjaraah |
tuurnam aapupluvuh sarve sad ashvaa iva coditaah || 6-4-41
All those prominent and valiant monkeys were overwhelmingly jumping ahead, like fine horses being whipped, at the side of that Rama.
kapibhyaam uhyamaanau tau shushubhate nara risabhau |
mahadbhyaam iva samspristau graahaabhyaam candra bhaaskarau || 6-4-42
Rama and Lakshmana the best among men being carried on shoulders by Hanuman and Angada the two monkeys, were effulgent like the moon and the sun having come together in contact with two large planets (Jupiter and Venus).
tato vaanararaajena lakshmanena supuujitah |
jagaama raamo dharmaatmaa sasainyo dakshinaam disham || 6-4-43
tam angada gato raamam laksmanah shubhayaa giraa |
uvaaca pratipuurna arthah smrtimaan pratibhaanavaan || 6-4-44
Thereafter, Rama the virtuous man, treated respectfully by Sugreeva and Lakshmana, moved towards southern direction, along with the army. Lakshmana, with a fully meaningful presence of mind, sitting on Angada, spoke the following auspicious words which were fully meaningful, to Rama.
hritaam avaapya vaidehiim ksipram hatvaa ca raavanam |
samriddha arthah samriddha arthaam ayodhyaam pratiyaasyasi || 6-4-45
“Killing Ravana fast and obtaining Seetha who was taken away, you will proceed to Ayodhya which is abundant by rich, having accomplished your purpose.”
mahaanti ca nimittaani divi bhuumau ca raaghava |
shubhaanti tava pashyaami sarvaani eva artha siddhaye || 6-4-46
anu vaati shubho vaayuh senaam mridu hitah sukhah |
“I am seeing all grand good omens in the sky and the earth self-evident of your fulfillment, Oh Rama! The wind which is favorable, gentle beneficial and comfortable to the army is blowing alongside.”
puurna valgu svaraah ca ime pravadanti mriga dvijaah || 6-4-47
prasannaah ca dishah sarvaa vimalah ca divaa karah |
“These beasts and birds are uttering sonorous and sweet sounds. All the quarters are looking bright. Even the sun is clear.”
ushanaa ca prasanna arcir anu tvaam bhaargavo gatah || 6-4-48
brahma raashir vishuddhah ca shuddhaah ca parama risayah |
arcismantah prakaashante dhruvam sarve pradaksinam || 6-4-49
“The planet of Venus with its bright light, born from the sage Bhrigu (a mind-born son of Brahma the creator) is hanging behind you. Dhruva, the very bright pole-star (which is recognized by the contiguity of the stars presided over by the seven Brahmana sages) is becoming clear. All the pure great sages having bright light are shining are shining around Dhruva star.
trishankur vimalo bhaati raaja risih sapurohitah || 6-4-50
pitaamaha varo asmaakam iskvaakuunaam mahaatmanaam |
“The royal sage Trishanku, our paternal grand father, born in the high-souled Ikshvaku dynasty, is purely shining (as a star) in front, along with his family-priest.”
vimale ca prakaashete vishaakhe nirupadrave || 6-4-51
naksatram param asmaakam iksvaakuunaam mahaatmanaam |
“Vishakha stars are shining clearly without any evil influence. This supreme constellation is of our Ikshvaku’s, the high-souled.”
nairritam nairritaanaam ca naksatram abhipiidyate || 6-4-52
muulam muulavataa sprstam dhuupyate dhuuma ketunaa |
“The Mula constellation of the titans is badly aspected, in that it is touched by a comet risen with a tail of light and tormented by it.”
saram ca etad vinaashaaya raaksasaanaam upasthitam || 6-4-53
kaale kaala grihiitaanaam nakatram graha piiditam |
“All this has come for the destruction of the titans, for, the star seized by death is oppressed by a planet in its last hour.”
prasannaah surasaah ca aapo vanaani phalavanti ca |
pravaanti abhyadhikam gandhaa yathaa ritu kusumaa drumaah || 6-4-54
“The waters are crystal-clear, with good taste. The woodlands are laden with fruit. The fragrant air is not blowing much. Trees are bearing seasonal flowers.”
vyuudhaani kapi sainyaani prakaashante adhikam prabho |
devaanaam iva sainyaani samgraame taarakaamaye || 6-4-55
evam aarya samiiksya etaan priito bhavitum arhasi |
“The armies of monkeys formed into different squadrons are looking highly splendid like the armies of celestials in the battle in which the demon Taraka was killed, Oh venerable one! Be pleased to see these good omens in this manner.”
iti bhraataram aashvaasya hristah saumitrir abraviit || 6-4-56
atha aavrtya mahiim kritsnaam jagaama mahatii camuuh |
riksa vaanara shaarduulair nakha damstra aayudhair vritaa || 6-4-57
The delighted Lakshmana spoke thus, cheering up his brother. Then, the army of monkeys consisting of excellent bears and monkeys having their very nails and teeth as weapons, marched ahead, covering the entire earth.
kara agraih carana agraih ca vaanarair uddhatam rajah |
bhiimam antar dadhe lokam nivaarya savituh prabhaam || 6-4-58
saa sma yaati divaa raatram mahatii hari vaahinii |
hrista pramuditaa senaa sugriivena abhiraksitaa || 6-4-59
The awful dust raised by nails and claws of monkeys obscured the splendor of the sun and also covered the earth comprising of mountains forests and the atmosphere. The colossal monkey-army advanced, encompassing the southern region like a mass of cloud enveloping the sky.
uttarantyaashcha senaayaah satatam bahuyojanam |
nadiisrotaamsi sarvaani sasyandurvipariitavat || 6-4-60
While the army was crossing the entire river-currents uninterruptedly, the currents flowed avertedly for a distance of many yojanas.
saraamsi vimalaambhaamsi drumaakiirnaamshcha parvataan |
samaan bhuumipradeshaamshcha vanaani phalavanti ca || 6-4-61
madhyena ca samantaacca vanaani phalavanti ca |
The mighty army entered thoroughly into lakes containing clear water, mountains full of trees, plain-landed territories and forests laden with fruits from the middle, from the four sides, from across and from under.
samaavritya mahiim kritsnaam jagaama mahatii camuuh || 6-4-62
te hristavadanaah sarve jagmurmaarutaramhasah |
The gigantic army marched, thoroughly covering the land. All of them with a wind-like aped went on, manifesting a joy in their faces.
harayo raaghavasyaarthe samaaropitavikramaah || 6-4-63
harsam viiryam balodrekaaddarshayantah parasparam |
yauvanotsekajaaddarpaadvividhaamshchakruradhvani || 6-4-64
For the sake of Rama, the monkeys with fully elevated pace vied with each other in high spirits, vigor and prowess. Out of pride born of prime youth, some made various gestures on the way.
tatra keciddrutam jagmurutpetushcha tathaapare |
kecitkilakilaam cakrurvaanaraa vanagocaraah || 6-4-65
Some wild monkeys there walked very speedily. In that manner, some others hovered highly. Some made noises, sounding “kila! kila!”.
praasphotayamshcha pucchhaani samnijaghnah padaanyapi |
bhujaanvikshipya shailaamshcha drumaananye babhajnjare || 6-4-66
Some monkeys lashed their tails. Some even stamped their feet. Some others, stretching their arms, broke off rocks and trees.
aarohantashcha shringaani giriinaam girigocaraah |
mahaanaadaan pramujncanti kshvedaamanye prachakrite || 6-4-67
Some monkeys ascended mountain-peaks and uttered huge noises. Some others made lion’s roars.
uuruvegaishcha mamridurlataajaalaanyanekashah |
jrimbhamaanaashcha vikraantaa vicikriiduh shilaadrumaih || 6-4-68
Some monkeys were crushing many webs of creepers by the jerks of their thighs. The valiant monkeys also played with rocks and trees, by stretching their limbs.
tatah shatasahasraishcha kotibhishcha sahasrashah |
vaanaraanaam sughoraanaam shriimatparivritaa mahii || 6-4-69
In that place, the land was covered splendidly by hundreds of thousands, by thousands and crores of monkeys, who were looking very dreadful.
saa sma yaati divaaraatram mahatii harivaahinii |
prahristamuditaah sarve sugriivenaabhipaalitaah || 6-4-70
vanaraas tvaritam yaanti sarve yuddha abhinandanah |
mumoksayisavah siitaam muhuurtam kva api na aasata || 6-4-71
That extensive monkey-army was marching day and night. All the monkeys ruled by Sugreeva were exceedingly pleased and cheerful. All were marching quickly, rejoicing for war. Those monkeys desirous of Seetha’s release did not halt even for a moment anywhere.
tatah paadapa sambaadham naanaa mriga samaakulam |
sahya parvatam aasedur malayam ca mahii dharam || 6-4-72
Then, those monkeys reached and climbed up a mountain called Sahya with a full canopy of trees and filled with many kinds of beasts.
kaananaani vicitraani nadii prasravanaani ca |
pashyann api yayau raamah sahyasya malayasya ca || 6-4-73
Rama too went along, seeing the wonderful woods, streams and cascades of Sahya and Malaya mountains.
campakaams tilakaamh cuutaan ashokaan sindu vaarakaan |
tinishaan karaviiraamh ca timishaan bhanjanti sma plavam gamaah || 6-4-74
The monkeys enjoyed the fruits of Champaka, Tilaka, mango, Praseka, Sindnvaara Timisa and Karaveera trees.
ashokaamshcha karajnjaamshcha plakshanygrodhapaadapaan |
jambuukaamalakaannaagaan bhajanti sma plavangamaah || 6-4-75
The monkeys enjoyed Ashoka, Karanja, Plaksa, Nyagrodha, Jambu, myrobalan and Naga trees.
prastareshhu cha ramyeshhu vividhaah kaananadrumaah |
vaayuvegapracalitaah pushhpairavakiranti taam || 6-4-76
Various kinds of forest-trees standing on enchanting plateaus, being shaken by gust of winds, poured out flowers on those monkeys.
maarutah sukhasamsparshoo vaati candanashiitalah |
satpadairanukuujadbhirvaneshhu madhugandhishhu || 6-4-77
A soft-touching breeze, refreshing as a sandal, blew while the bees hummed in the nectar-scented woods.
adhikam shailaraajastu dhaatubhistu vibhuusitah |
dhaatubhyah prasrito renurvaayuvegena ghuttitah || 6-4-78
sumahadvaanaraaniikam chaadayaamaasa sarvatah |
That royal Sahya Mountain was highly adorned with red-colored metal. The dust blown from that metal by the velocity of wind, coming forth from all sides, obscured the huge monkey-army.
giriprastheshhu ramyeshhu sarvatah samprapushhpitaah || 6-4-79
ketakyah sinduvaaraashcha vaasantyashcha manoramaah |
maadhavyo gandhapuurnaashcha kundagulmaashcha puspitaa || 6-4-80
cirabilvaa madhuukaashcha vajnjulaa vakulaastathaa |
rajnjakaastilakaashchaiva naagavrikshashcha puspitaa || 6-4-81
chuutaah paatalikaashchaiva kovidaaraashcha puspitaah |
muchulindaarjunaashcaiva shimshapaah kutajaastathaa || 6-4-82
hintaalaastinishaashchaiva chuurnakaa niipakaastathaa || 6-4-83
niilaashokaashcha saralaa ankolaah padmakaastathaa |
priiyamaanaih plavamgaistu sarve paryaakuliikritaah || 6-4-84
On the lovely mountain slopes, in blossom on all sides, Ketaki and Sindhuvara trees, the charming Vaasanti, Maadhavi creepers with flowers full of scent, clumps of jasmine, Chiribila, Madhuka, Vanjula and Vakula, Ranjanka and Tilaka, Nyavriksha all in flower, Mango, Patalike, Kovidara in flower, Muchulinda, Arjuna, Simsapa and Kutaja, Hintaala, Timisa, Chirna and Nipa, blue Ashoka, Sarala, Ankola and Padmaka all these trees were crawled in excitement by the monkeys who were delighted.
vyaastismin girau ramyaah palvalaani tathaiva ca |
chakravaakaanucharitaah kaarandavanishhevitaah || 6-4-85
plavaih kraujnche samkiirnaa varaahamrigasevitaah |
rikshaistarakshubhih simhaih shaarduulaishcha bhayaavahaih || 6-4-86
vyaalaishcha bahubhirbhiimaih sevyamaanaah samantatah |
padmeh saugandhikaih pullaih sevyamaanaah samantatah || 6-4-87
vaarijairvividhaih puspai ramyaastatra jalaashayaah |
There were delightful wells with stairs and ponds in that mountain, sought after by Chakrawaka birds, frequented by Karandava birds, crowded with water-fowls and cranes, visited by boars and deer, haunted on all sides by bears, hyenas, lions and many dreadful tigers. There were beautiful reservoirs of water with blossoming blue lotuses, water lilies, white water lilies, black water lilies and various other kinds of aquatic flowers.
tasya saanushhu kuujanti naanaadvijaganaastathaa || 6-4-88
snaatvaa piitvodakaanyatra jale kriidanti vaanaraah |
anyonyam plaavayanti sma shailamaaruhya vaanaraah || 6-4-89
Various kinds of birds sang in those mountain-peaks. Monkeys bathed in water, drank those waters and played. They ascended the mountain and got drenched in water, by sprinkling water by one over the other among themselves.
phalaani amrita gandhiini muulaani kusumaani ca |
bubhujur vaanaraas tatra paadapaanaam bala utkataah || 6-4-90
monkeys in mad rut plucked sweet-smelling fruits, roots and flowers there.
drona maatra pramaanaani lambamaanaani vaanaraah |
yayuh pibanto hristaas te madhuuni madhu pingalaah || 6-4-91
Those monkeys, in reddish brown color like honey, drinking honey from honey-combs weighing about a mound each, went on cheerfully.
paadapaan avabhanjanto vikarsantas tathaa lataah |
vidhamanto giri varaan prayayuh plavaga risabhaah || 6-4-92
Those foremost among the monkeys marched, breaking off trees, pulling along creepers and throwing away excellent mountains.
vriksebhyo anye tu kapayo nardanto madhu darpitaah |
anye vriksaan prapadyante prapatanti api ca apare || 6-4-93
Some other monkeys, well-pleased with honey got from trees, yelled loudly. Some others reached trees to get honey. Some others were drinking honey excessively.
babhuuva vasudhaa tais tu sampuurnaa hari pumgavaih |
yathaa kamala kedaaraih pakvair iva vasum dharaa || 6-4-94
The earth filled with those excellent monkeys, was like land filled with ripened fields of paddy.
mahaaindram atha sampraapya raamo raajiiva locanah |
adhyaarohan mahaabaahuh shikharam druma bhuusitam || 6-4-95
Then, the lotus-eyed and the mighty-armed Rama reached Mahendra mountain and ascended its top, adorned with trees.
tatah shikharam aaruhya raamo dasharatha aatmajah |
kuurma miina samaakiirnam apashyat salila aashayam || 6-4-96
Then, Rama the son of Dasaratha mounted the peak and saw an ocean ruffled with water and scattered well with turtles and fishes.
te sahyam samatikramya malayam ca mahaagirim |
aasedur aanupuurvyena samudram bhiima nihsvanam || 6-4-97
They crossed Sahya Mountain and Malaya Mountain and systematically approached the ocean having terrific sound.
avaruhya jagaama aashu velaa vanam anuttamam |
raamo ramayataam shresthah sasugriivah salaksmanah || 6-4-98
Rama the foremost of those who entrance the mind, together with Sugreeva and Lakshmana quickly descended the mountain and went to the excellent woodland adjoining the sea.
atha dhauta upala talaam toya oghaih sahasaa utthitaih |
velaam aasaadya vipulaam raamo vacanam abraviit || 6-4-99
Then Rama reached the extensive ocean with rocks underneath washed by floods of water risen vehemently and spoke these words.
ete vayam anupraaptaah sugriiva varuna aalayam |
iha idaaniim vicintaa saa yaa na puurvam samutthitaa || 6-4-100
“Oh, Sugreeva! We have reached the abode of Varuna. We should consider now the matter (of how to cross the ocean) with which we were formerly preoccupied.”
atah param atiiro ayam saagarah saritaam pati |
na ca ayam anupaayena shakyas taritum arnavah || 6-4-101
“This ocean, the lord of Rivers, is shore less beyond. This sea is impossible to be crossed without a proper strategy.”
tad iha eva nivesho astu mantrah prastuuyataam iha |
yathaa idam vaanara balam param paaram avaapnuyaat || 6-4-102
“For this reason, let the military be assembled here only. Here, let us discuss the plan how this military of monkeys will reach the other shore.”
iti iva sa mahaabaahuh siitaa harana karshitah |
raamah saagaram aasaadya vaasam aaj~naapayat tadaa || 6-4-103
Rama, the mighty armed, emaciated due to taking away of Seetha, then reached the sea and ordered thus for the halt of the army there.
sarvaah senaa niveshyantaam velaayaam haripungava |
sampraapto mantra kaalo nah saagarasya iha langhane || 6-4-104
“Let all the army be stationed at the sea-shore, Sugreeva! Here, the time has come for us to think about the subject of crossing the ocean.”
svaam svaam senaam samutsrjya maa ca kashcit kuto vrajet |
gacchantu vaanaraah shuuraa j~neyam channam bhayam ca nah || 6-4-105
“Let not anyone slip away in any direction, leaving his respective unit of army. Let valiant monkeys make a more and it should be known whether there is a hidden danger for us.”
raamasya vacanam shrutvaa sugriivah saha laksmanah |
senaam nyaveshayat tiire saagarasya druma aayute || 6-4-106
Hearing Rama’s words, Sugreeva along with Lakshmana made the army to halt at the sea-shore, stretched with trees.
viraraaja samiipastham saagarasya tu tad balam |
madhu paandu jalah shriimaan dvitiiya iva saagarah || 6-4-107
That army, stationed at the vicinity of the ocean, shined like a second ocean splendid with yellowish white honey-colored water.
velaa vanam upaagamya tatas te hari pumgavaah |
vinivistaah param paaram kaanksamaanaa mahaaudadheh || 6-4-108
There, those foremost of monkeys reached the woodlands at the shore and settled down, desiring to reach the other shore of the vast sea.
tesaam nivishamaanaanaam sainyasamnaahanihsvanah |
antardhaaya mahaanaadamarnavasya prashushruve || 6-4-109
While all the monkeys were halting there, the noise created out of their movement was dominantly heard, concealing the roar of the sea.
saa mahaaarnavam aasaadya hrstaa vaanara vaahinii |
tridhaa nivistaa mahatii raamasyaarthaparaabhavat || 6-4-110
That army of the monkeys ruled by Sugreeva, stationed as three divisions (viz. 1. bears 2. long tailed monkeys and 3. monkeys) looked fully dedicated to the cause of Rama.
saa mahaarnavamaasaadya hristaa vaanaravaahinii |
vaayu vega samaadhuutam pashyamaanaa mahaaarnavam || 6-4-111
That army of monkeys reached the mighty ocean and was delighted to behold the mighty ocean being diffused by the velocity of wind.
duura paaram asambaadham rakso gana nisevitam |
pashyanto varuna aavaasam nisedur hari yuuthapaah || 6-4-112
Seeing the sea, the abode of Varuna, which was boundless and having the opposite shore far off, inhabited by a number of demons, the monkey-troops sat down there.
canda nakra graham ghoram ksapaa aadau divasa ksaye |
hasantamiva phenaughairnrityantamiva cormibhih || 6-4-113
Rendered appalling by the ferocity of fierce alligators and crocodiles, that ocen with its foaming waves at the end of the day and at the beginning of the night, appeared to laugh and dance.
candra udaye samaadhuutam praticandra samaakulam |
canda anila mahaagraahaih kiirnam timi timimgilaih || 6-4-114
The ocean surged, when the moon rose. The image of moon was reflected limitlessly in it. The sea was full of huge alligators swift as fierce winds along with whales and great fish.
diipta bhogair iva aakriirnam bhujamgair varuna aalayam |
avagaadham mahaasattair naanaa shaila samaakulam || 6-4-115
sudurgam drugam amaargam tam agaadham asura aalayam |
That sea, the abode of Varuna was filled with serpents bestowed with flaming hoods, plunged with mighty aquatic creatures, abounding in various types of mountains, too difficult to cross, with an inaccessible path, suffocating fathomless [immeasurable] and an abode of demons.
makarair naaga bhogaih ca vigaadhaa vaata lohitaah || 6-4-116
utpetuh ca nipetuh ca pravriddhaa jala raashayah |
Increasing waves of the sea in which sharks and bodies of serpents swarmed rose and fell whipped into motion by the breeze.
agni cuurnam iva aaviddham bhaaskara ambu mano ragam || 6-4-117
sura ari visayam ghoram paataala visamam sadaa |
Emitting whirled sparkles, shining with large water-snakes, a fearful abode of enemies of gods forever, and the sea reaches upto the uneven Patala (subterranean region).
saagaram ca ambara prakhyam ambaram saagara upamam |
saagaram ca ambaram ca iti nirvishesam adrishyata || 6-4-118
The ocean looked like the sky. The sky looked like the ocean. The ocean and the sky looked alike without any distinction.
sampriktam nabhasaa hi ambhah samprktam ca nabho ambhasaa || 6-4-119
taadrg ruupe sma drshyete taaraa ratna samaakule |
The water blended with sky and the sky blended with water. Filled with stars above and the pearls below, both the sky and the sea looked with the same splendor.
samutpatita meghasya viicci maalaa aakulasya ca |
visheso na dvayor aasiit saagarasya ambarasya ca || 6-4-120
There was no distinction between the two, of the sea filled with a row of waves and of the sky with a row of falling clouds.
anyonyair aahataah saktaah sasvanur bhiima nihsvanaah || 6-4-121
uurmayah sindhu raajasya mahaabherya iva aahave |
The waves of the ocean together banging one another with a terrific resonance, sounded like a kettle-drum in the sky.
ratna ogha jala samnaadam visaktam iva vaayunaa || 6-4-122
utpatantam iva kruddham yaado gana samaakulam |
dadrishus te mahaatmaano vaata aahata jala aashayam || 6-4-123
anila uddhuutam aakaashe pravalgatam iva uurmibhih |
Those high-souled monkeys saw the sea lashed with winds, resonating with abundance of precious stones and water, rising high as if enraged in a grip of hurricane, filled with a number of aquatic creatures and tossed by them in the air by seemingly murmuring waves.
tato vismayaamaapannaa harayo dadrishuh sthitaah || 6-4-124
braanta uurmi jala samnaadam pralolam iva saagaram |
The standing monkeys were struck with amazement to see the ocean seemed moving, full of resonance produced by a multitude of dashing waves rolling to and fro.
ityaarshe shrrimadraamaayane aadikaavye yuddhakaande chaturthah sargah
Thus completes 4th Chapter of Yuddha Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Sriman Moola Rama Vijayate