अथ राजा समृद्धार्थः सुग्रीवः प्लवगेश्वरः। उवाच नरशार्दूलं रामं परबलार्दनम्॥
Then that lord of monkeys, the successful Sugrīva, spoke to Rāma-lion among men and destroyer of hostile hosts-saying,
आगता विनिविष्टाश्च बलिन: कामरूपिणः। वानरेन्द्रा महेन्द्राभा ये मद्विषयवासिनः॥
Those foremost monkeys endued strength and capable of wearing any shape at will, and possessed of the splendour of the mishty Indra,-that inhabit my territories, have come and stationed themselves.
त इमे बहुविक्रान्तैर्बलिभिर्भीमविक्रमैः। आगता वानरा घोरा दैत्यदानवसंनिभाः॥ ख्यातकर्मापदानाश्च बलवन्तो जितक्लमाः। पराक्रमेषु विख्याता व्यवसायेषु चोत्तमाः॥
And these monkeys-dreadful, and resembling Daityas and Dānvas are accompanied by powerful monkeys of terrific prowess, who have displayed their virtue in many a field, and are of famed renown in battle and, powerful, and who have mastered languor and are celebrated in prowess and sterling in their profession.
पृथिव्यम्बुचरा राम नानानगनिवासिनः। कोट्योधाश्च इमे प्राप्ता वानरास्तव किंकराः॥
O Rāma, these koțis of apes that have arrived, inhabiting earth and water and various mountainous tracts, are at your service.
निदेशवर्तिनः सर्वे सर्वे गुरुहिते स्थिताः। अभिप्रेतमनुष्ठातुं तव शक्ष्यन्त्यरिंदम॥
All abide by your command all are intent upon the welfare of their master, and, O subduer of foes, they are competent to bring about your end.
त इमे बहुसाहस्रैरनीकैर्भीमविक्रमैः। आगता वानरा घोरा दैत्यदानवसंनिभाः॥
And in company with many thousands and innumerable ones that have shewn their ability in many a field, have come monkeys dreadful, and resembling Daityas and Dänavas.
यन्मन्यसे नरव्याघ्र प्राप्तकालं तदुच्यताम्। त्वत्सैन्यं त्वद्वशे युक्तमाज्ञापयितुमर्हसि॥
If, O lion among men, you conceive that the time is ripe, tell it (to me). It behoves you to command those forces, remaining under your sway.
काममेवमिदं कार्यं विदितं मम तत्त्वतः। तथापि तु यथायुक्तमाज्ञापयितुमर्हसि॥
Although I am full well acquainted with the work in which they are to be employed, yet you ought to order them as to what they are to accomplish.
तथा ब्रुवाणं सुग्रीवं रामो दशरथात्मजः। बाहुभ्यां सम्परिष्वज्य इदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥
When Sugriva had spoken thus, Dasaratha's son, Räma, embracing him with his arms, said,
ज्ञायतां सौम्य वैदेही यदि जीवति वा न वा। स च देशो महाप्राज्ञ यस्मिन् वसति रावणः॥
O placid one, do you learn whether Videha's daughter is alive or not; as well as ascertain the country, where, O you endowed with eminent wisdom,.liveth Ravana.
अधिगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च। प्राप्तकालं विधास्यामि तस्मिन् काले सह त्वया॥
Having come at Vaidehi and Ravana's abode, shall I then appoint the time along with you.
नाहमस्मिन् प्रभुः कार्ये वानरेन्द्र न लक्ष्मणः। त्वमस्य हेतुः कार्यस्य प्रभुश्च प्लवगेश्वर॥
O lord of monkeys, I am not the master in this matter, nor Lakşmaņa: you are the cause of this undertaking, as well as, O monarch of monkeys, the lord.
त्वमेवाज्ञापय विभो मम कार्यविनिश्चयम्। त्वं हि जानासि मे कार्यं मम वीर न संशयः॥
Do you therefore, O lord, command these as to what is to be done by them in my behalf. O hero, you certainly know my business.
सुहृद्वितीयो विक्रान्तः प्राज्ञः कालविशेषवित्। भवानस्मद्धिते युक्तः सुहृदाप्तोऽर्थवित्तमः॥
My second friend (Laksmana being first), you potent, wise, conversant with seasonableness, cognisant of profit, and engaged in our welfare.
एवमुक्तस्तु सुग्रीवो विनतं नाम यूथपम्। अब्रवीद् रामसांनिध्ये लक्ष्मणस्य च धीमतः॥ शैलाभं मेघनिर्घोषमूर्जितं प्लवगेश्वरम्। सोमसूर्यनिभैः सार्धं वानरैर्वानरोत्तम॥ देशकालनयैर्युक्तो विज्ञः कार्यविनिश्चये। वृतः शतसहस्रेण वानराणां तरस्विनाम्॥ अधिगच्छ दिशं पूर्वां सशैलवनकाननाम्। तत्र सीतां च वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च॥ मार्गध्वं गिरिदुर्गेषु वनेषु च नदीषु च।
Thus addressed, Sugrīva in presence of Rāma and the intelligent Lakşmaņa, said to a leader of herds of lord of apes, named Vinata, having the splendour of a hill, blazing and emitting sounds as those of clouds, O foremost of monkeys, accompanied with apes resembling the sun and the moon, you cognizant of time, place and morals, and sagacious in deciding course of action,-surrounded by hundreds and thousands are of active apes, march towards the Estern quarter, furnished with woods, forests and hills. There, in mountain fastnesses, and forests and rivers, do you search Videha's daughter, Sītā, as well as the abode of Rāvana.
नदी भागीरथीं रम्यां सरयूं कौशिकी तथा॥ कालिन्दी यमुनां रम्यां यामुनं च महागिरिम्। सरस्वती च सिन्धुं च शोणं मणिनिभोदकम्॥ महीं कालमहीं चापि शैलकाननशोभिताम्। ब्रह्ममालान् विदेहांश्च मालवान् काशिकोसलान्॥ मागांश्च महाग्रामान् पुण्ड्रांस्त्वङ्गांस्तथैव च। भूमिं च कोशकाराणां भूमिं च रजताकराम्॥ सर्वं च तद् विचेतव्यं मृगयद्भिस्ततस्ततः। रामस्य दयितां भार्यां सीतां दशरथस्नुषाम्॥ समुद्रमवगाढांश्च पर्वतान् पत्तनानि च। मन्दरस्य च ये कोटिं संश्रिताः केचिदालयाः॥ कर्णप्रावरणाश्चैव तथा चाप्योष्ठकर्णकाः। घोरलोहमुखाश्चैव जवनाश्चैकपादकाः॥ अक्षया बलवन्तश्च तथैव पुरुषादकाः। किरातास्तीक्ष्णचूडाश्च हेमाभाः प्रियदर्शनाः॥ आममीनाशनाश्चापि किराता द्वीपवासिनः। अन्तर्जलचरा घोरा नरव्याघ्रा इति स्मृताः॥ एतेषामाश्रयाः सर्वे विचेयाः काननौकसः। गिरिभिर्ये च गम्यन्ते प्लवनेन प्लवेन च॥ यत्नवन्तो यवद्वीपं सप्तराज्योपशोभितम्। सुवर्णरूप्यकद्वीपं सुवर्णाकरमण्डितम्॥
And while on the search around for Rama's beloved wife, Sita, daughter-in-law to Dasaratha, you should search the beautiful Bhāgirathi, and the Sarayu, and the Kausiki; the Kalindi, and the charming Yamunā, and the mighty hill bordering thereon; and the Saraswati, and the Sindhu, and the Sona with water resembling ruby; and the Mahi and Kālamahi, garnished with woods and hills,-the large tracts-Brahmamālas, Videhas, and Mālavāns, and Kāsikosalas, and Māgadhas, and Pundras, and Angas; and grounds native to silkworms, and containing mines of silver; and mountains and cities embosmed in the sea. Do you also search through the houses in Mandara,-belonging to people having ears resembling cloths, reaching their nether lips, and mouths resembling iron,-one-footed and fleet withal; and whose descendants never, deteriorate;-and to anthropophagi; and hunters dwelling on islands; having sharp hair, goldhued, pleasing, and subsisting on raw fish; and to creatures-tiger-man forms-~-terrible to behold; and, you dwellers of woods, do you carefully search those places that are accessible by crags and bounds, and the island of Yava, adorned by seven several kingdoms, and the island of Suvarna, and Rupayaka,-thronged by gold miners.
यवद्वीपमतिक्रम्य शिशिरो नाम पर्वतः। दिवं स्पृशति शृङ्गेण देवदानवसेवितः॥
And, going beyond the island of Yava. (one comes upon) the hill called Sisira, which pierceth the heavens by its peaks, and is inhabited by gods and demons.
एतेषां गिरिदुर्गेषु प्रपातेषु वनेषु च। मार्गध्वं सहिताः सर्वे रामपत्नी यशस्विनीम्॥
In all these mountain fastnesses, cascades and woods, do you together search for the renowned wife of Rama.
ततो रक्तजलं प्राप्य शोणाख्यं शीघ्रवाहिनम्। गत्वा पारं समुद्रस्य सिद्धचारणसेवितम्॥
Then, arriving at the rapid red waters going under the name of Sona, and repairing to the other shore of the ocean, the abode of Siddhas and Chāraņas, do you search all round for Răvaņa in company with Sītā in the sweet sacred spots and picturesque woods.
तस्य तीर्थेषु रम्येषु विचित्रेषु वनेषु च। रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः॥ पर्वतप्रभवा नद्यः सुभीमबहुनिष्कुटाः। मार्गितव्या दरीमन्तः पर्वताश्च वनानि च॥
And you should explore forests, mountainsprung streams, wild tracts subject to storms, and montains cer.aining ceverms.
ततः समुद्रद्वीपांश्च सुभीमान् द्रष्टुमर्हथ। ऊर्मिमन्तं महारौद्रं क्रोशन्तमनिलोद्धतम्॥
Then it behoves you to examine horrible ocean islands, heaving with waves, terrific, resounding,-of haughty bearing in consequence of winds.
तत्रासुरा महाकायाश्छायां गृहन्ति नित्यशः। ब्रह्मणा समनुज्ञाता दीर्घकालं बुभुक्षिताः॥
There, huge-bodied Asuras, hungering for a long period, permitted by Brahmā, capture creatures, resorting to shades.
तं कालमेघप्रतिमं महोरगनिषेवितम्। अभिगम्य महानादं तीर्थेनैव महोदधिम्॥
And adroitly arriving at that great sea, like to clouds at the universal dissolution, inhabited by mighty snakes, sending loud sounds.
ततो रक्तजलं भीमं लोहितं नाम सागरम्। गत्वा प्रेक्ष्यथ तां चैव बृहती कूटशाल्मलीम्॥ गृहं च वैनतेयस्य नानारत्नविभूषितम्। तत्र कैलाससंकाशं विहितं विश्वकर्मणा॥ तत्र शैलनिभा भीमा मन्देहा नाम राक्षसाः। शैलशृङ्गेषु लम्बन्ते नानारूपा भयावहाः॥
And there, after passing the terrific sea of red waters called Yellow, you will behold a mighty knarled Śālmali. There, built by Viśvakarmā, peak-like, gigantic, resembling Kailāsa, (towere) the mansion of Vinata's offspring. There, grim Raksasas named Mandehas, resembling hills, of diverse shapes, capable of inspiring fear, hang head foremost on the rocks.
ते पतन्ति जले नित्यं सूर्यस्योदयनं प्रति। अभितप्ताः स्म सूर्येण लम्बन्ते स्म पुनः पुनः।॥
Day after day at sunrise, these Rākşasas heated (by solar rays) and struck dead by Brahmā energy,* again and again (hang on the crags). *The commentator explains: energy darted from the three orders.
निहता ब्रह्मतेजोभिरहन्यहनि राक्षसाः। ततः पाण्डुरमेघाभं क्षीरोदं नाम सागरम्॥
Then wilt you, O you that are hard to repress, proceeding, view the sea named Kșiroda, having the hue of pale clouds, and looking like a necklace, because of the ripples (on its surface).
गत्वा द्रक्ष्यथ दुर्धर्षा मुक्ताहारमिवोर्मिभिः। तस्य मध्ये महाश्वेतो ऋषभो नाम पर्वतः॥ दिव्यगन्धैः कुसुमितैराचितैश्च नगैर्वृतः। सरश्च राजतैः पद्मज्वलितैर्हेमकेसरैः॥ नाम्ना सुदर्शनं नाम राजहंसैः समाकुलम्।
In it there are the mighty white mountain going by the name of Rsabha, covered with trees bearing odorous blossoms; as well as the tank known under the name of Sudarśana, swarming with swans and shining silver lotuses having golden filaments.
विबुधाश्चारणा यक्षाः किंनराश्चाप्सरोगणाः॥ हृष्टाः समधिगच्छन्ति नलिनी तां रिरंसवः।
Desirous of sport, resort to this tank delighted troops of Vivudhas and Charanas, Yaksas, Kinnaras and Apsarās.
क्षीरोदं समतिक्रम्य तदा द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः॥ जलोदं सागरं शीघ्रं सर्वभूतभयावहम्। तत्र तत्कोपजं तेजः कृतं हयमुखं महत्॥ अस्याद्भुतं महावेगमोदनं सचराचरम्। तत्र विक्रोशतां नादो भूतानां सागरौकसाम्। श्रूयते चासमर्थानां दृष्ट्वाभूद् वडवामुखम् ॥
Leaving behind Ksiroda, O monkeys, you will soon after behold the Jaloda sea, striking terror into all beings. There presideth that mighty ireborn Energy of him*. (embodied in) the mouth of a mule. This wondrous (universe) containing mobile and immobile things and fraught with great impetus, is the aliment of this Energy. There are heard the cries of feeble creatures inhabiting the sea, who began to wail on witnessing the mouth of the mule. *Sage Aurvi.
स्वादूदस्योत्तरे तीरे योजनानि त्रयोदश। जातरूपशिलो नाम सुमहान् कनकप्रभः॥
On the north of the Swādu sea, lie thirteen Yojanas (of land), named Jātarūpasila, * exceeding spacious, and of the splendour of gold. Lit. of gold and stone.
तत्र चन्द्रप्रतीकाशं पन्नगं धरणीधरम्। पद्मपत्रविशालाक्षं ततो द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः। ५१।। आसीनं पर्वतस्याने सर्वदेवनमस्कृतम्। सहस्रशिरसं देवमनन्तं नीलवाससम्॥
There, you monkeys, you will behold that serpent, the holder of Earth-resembling the moon, and with expansive eyes like lotuspetals-seated at the summit of the mount,-that one worshipped of all deities, having a thousand heads,-the god Ananta, clad in blue apparel.
त्रिशिराः काञ्चनः केतुस्तालस्तस्य महात्मनः। स्थापितः पर्वतस्यागे विराजति सवेदिकः॥
And by the dais (there) at the top of the mount is the golden palm, planted by that high souled one,—which is like a banner.
पूर्वस्यां दिशि निर्माणं कृतं तत् त्रिदशेश्वरैः। ततः परं हेममयः श्रीमानुदयपर्वतः॥
The chief of the celestials reared it in the Eastern region. After that is the fair Rising mountain.
तस्य कोटिर्दिवं स्पृष्ट्वा शतयोजनमायता। जातरूपमयी दिव्या विराजति सवेदिका॥ सालैस्तालैस्तमालैश्च कर्णिकारैश्च पुष्पितैः। जातरूपमयैर्दिव्यैः शोभते सूर्यसंनिभैः५६।।
Its golden peak measuring a hundred Yojanas, reaching to the heavens, rises nobly, with mountains at its base; and looks beautiful with Sālas, palms, Tamālas, and flowering Karnikāras,-golden, splendid and resembling the sun.
तत्र योजनविस्तारमुच्छ्रितं दशयोजनम्। शृङ्ग सौमनसं नाम जातरूपमयं ध्रुवम्।
There, spreading a Yojana around, towering up ten, is the peak named Saumanasa-all certainly of gold.
तत्र पूर्वं पदं कृत्वा पुरा विष्णुस्त्रिविक्रमे। द्वितीयं शिखरे मेरोश्चकार पुरुषोत्तमः॥
There, formerly on the occasion of invading the earth with three paces, that foremost of persons, Vişņu, planting his first foot planted the other on the summit of Meru.
उत्तरेण परिक्रम्य जम्बूद्वीपं दिवाकरः। दृश्यो भवति भूयिष्ठं शिखरं तन्महोच्छ्रयम्॥
The sun, having passed by Jambūdwipa on the north, and, arriving at that mighty and eminent summit, (Saumanasa), again becomes visible to the dwellers of Jambūdwipa.
तत्र वैखानसा नाम वालखिल्या महर्षयः।
There are seen those Vālakhilya Maharșis, named Vaikhānasas,-wearing the hue of the sun, leading an ascetic mode of life.
अयं सुदर्शनो द्वीपः पुरो यस्य प्रकाशते। तस्मिंस्तेजश्च चक्षुश्च सर्वप्राणभृतामपि॥
This is the island of Sudarsana, before which all creatures inspire energy and have their sight granted to them.
शैलस्य तस्य पृष्ठेषु कन्दरेषु वनेषु च। रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः॥
You should search for Rāvana with Vaidehi all round the top of that mountain as well as in its forests and woods.
काञ्चनस्य च शैलस्य सूर्यस्य च महात्मनः। आविष्टा तेजसा संध्या पूर्वा रक्ता प्रकाशते॥
(Here) the first twilight enfolded in the glory of the golden hill and that of the high-souled Sun, appeareth roseate.
पूर्वमेतत् कृतं द्वारं पृथिव्या भुवनस्य च। सूर्यस्योदयनं चैव पूर्वा ह्येषा दिगुच्यते॥
As this is the first gateway of both Earth and Heaven, and as the sun first rises in this quarter, this is called the East.
तस्य शैलस्य पृष्ठेषु निझरेषु गुहासु च। रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः॥
You should search the breast of its mountain, and fountains, and caves for Rāvana in company with Vaidehi.
ततः परमगम्या स्याद् दिक्पूर्वा त्रिदशावृता। रहिता चन्द्रसूर्याभ्यामदृश्या तमसावृता॥
Beyond that, is the exceedingly impassable Eastern quarter, thronged by the celestials, covered with darkness and devoid of the sun and the moon.
शैलेषु तेषु सर्वेषु कन्दरेषु नदीषु च। ये च नोक्ता मयोद्देशा विचेया तेषु जानकी॥
Do you search for Jānaki in all those rocks, woods and streams as well as in such spots as I have not mentioned.
एतावद् वानरैः शक्यं गन्तुं वानरपुङ्गवाः। अभास्करममर्यादं न जानीमस्ततः परम्॥
You foremost of monkeys, the monkeys are competent to proceed thus far. Beyond this, of the tract without sun and without limit, I know nothing.
अभिगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च। मासे पूर्णे निवर्तध्वमुदयं प्राप्य पर्वतम् ॥
Meeting with Vaidehi and arriving at) Rāvana's mansion, do you, having reached the Rising hill, turn back, when it shall be a full month.
ऊर्ध्वं मासान्न वस्तव्यं वसन् वध्यो भवेन्मम। सिद्धार्थाः संनिवर्तध्वमधिगम्य च मैथिलीम्॥
Do not stay longer than a month. If you do, you shall be slain by me. Having attained your end, do you turn back, having met with Maithili.
महेन्द्रकान्तां वनषण्डमण्डितां दिशं चरित्वा निपुणेन वानराः। अवाप्य सीतां रघुवंशजप्रियां ततो निवृत्ताः सुखिनो भविष्यथ। ७१।।
Having adroitly explored (the tract) loved of Mahendra, plated with woods, do you, you monkeys, having come at Sītā—the beloved wife of that descendant of Raghu-desist, attaining happiness.