03.266
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
But Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana and protected by Sugriva, while dwelling on the slope of Malyavat, saw the clear sky. (03-266-1)
He, the destroyer of enemies, saw the pure, spotless moon with hare-markings in the clear sky, being followed by the planets, constellations, and stars. (03-266-2)
Situated on the mountain and suddenly awakened by the cold, the wind, carrying the fragrance of water-lilies, blue-lotuses, and lotuses, stirred. (03-266-3)
In the morning, with a troubled mind, the righteous one remembered Sītā, who was imprisoned in the demon's abode, and spoke to the heroic Lakṣmaṇa. (03-266-4)
Go, Lakṣmaṇa, and find out in Kiṣkindhā about the lord of monkeys, who is negligent, indulging in base pursuits, ungrateful, and wise only in his own interest. (03-266-5)
This one, who is the lowest of the family and a fool, whom I anointed as king, is indeed served by all the monkey-tailed monkeys and bears. (03-266-6)
O uplifter of the Raghu lineage, for which purpose Vāli was slain by me with you, O mighty-armed one, in the vicinity of Kiṣkindhā forest at that time. (03-266-7)
O Lakshmana, I consider him to be an ungrateful wretch and a disgrace among monkeys on earth, who, even after coming to me in this manner, does not recognize me today. (03-266-8)
I think that person does not understand keeping agreements. Having received a favor from me, he certainly looks down on me due to his petty mind. (03-266-9)
If at that time he remains inactive and absorbed in sensual pleasure, you should cause him to meet the fate of all beings by the path of Vāli (i.e., cause his destruction). (03-266-10)
Yet, it is proper in our case that the chief of monkeys (be brought). Therefore, take him and come, O Kakutstha; be swift and do not delay. (03-266-11)
Thus, upon being addressed by his brother and intent upon the benefit of his teacher's command, Lakshmana set forth, taking up his splendid bow fitted with an excellent string. Reaching the gate of Kishkindha, he entered without opposition. (03-266-12)
Thinking him to be angry, the king Hari went forth to meet him. Sugriva, the lord of monkeys, of humble spirit, along with his wife, received him with the worship befitting him, being pleased. (03-266-13)
Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), fearless of any danger, spoke Rāma's words to him. Having listened to all of that completely, he stood with joined palms, bowing humbly. (03-266-14)
O king among kings, Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, together with his attendants and wife, being pleased, spoke these words to Lakshmana, the mighty man. (03-266-15)
O Lakṣmaṇa, I am not of wicked understanding, nor ungrateful, nor merciless. Hear now the effort I made in searching for Sītā. (03-266-16)
I have sent disciplined monkeys in all directions; and a time has been set for all—the return shall be again in a month. (03-266-17)
O hero, this earth, bordered by oceans, possessing forests, mountains, and cities, filled with villages and towns, is to be searched by you. (03-266-18)
That month is fit to be completed by five nights. After that, together with Rāma, you will hear something very great and dear. (03-266-19)
Thus spoken to by the wise king of the monkeys, Lakṣmaṇa, having abandoned anger and not being dejected, honored Sugrīva. (03-266-20)
He approached Rāma, who was with Sugrīva on the summit of Mālyavat, and communicated to him the accomplishment of that task. (03-266-21)
Thus, in this manner, the monkey-chiefs came together in thousands, having searched the three directions—except those who had gone to the south. (03-266-22)
But those monkeys reported to Rāma that they had searched the whole earth encircled by the ocean, but had not found any sight of Vaidehī or of Rāvaṇa. (03-266-23)
But when the monkey leaders who had gone to the southern direction returned, among them, Kākutstha (Rāma), though afflicted, still retained hope and sustained his life. (03-266-24)
After two months had elapsed, the monkeys quickly approached Sugrīva and spoke these words. (03-266-25)
The son of the Wind (Hanuman) is enjoying that great and abundant honey-forest, Madhuvana, which was formerly protected by Vāli and by you, O best of the monkeys. (03-266-26)
O king, Vāli's son Aṅgada and other foremost of monkeys were sent by you to search in the southern direction. (03-266-27)
Having heard that affection of theirs, he considered himself to have fulfilled all his duties. For servants whose purpose is accomplished, such conduct indeed occurs. (03-266-28)
The wise foremost of monkeys reported that to Rāma, and Rāma, by inference, also considered Sītā as indeed found. (03-266-29)
The monkey-leapers, headed by Hanumat and now rested, approached that lord of monkeys in the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. (03-266-30)
O Bhārata, Rāma, having observed Hanūmat's movement and facial color, once again gained the assurance that "Sītā has been seen." (03-266-31)
Then those vānaras, headed by Hanuman, with minds fully devoted, bowed respectfully to Rāma, Sugrīva, and Lakṣmaṇa as prescribed. (03-266-32)
Rāma, having taken up his bow with an arrow, spoke to those who had arrived: "Will you allow me to live, or have you already accomplished your purpose?" (03-266-33)
Indeed, I will again establish the kingdom in Ayodhyā, after slaying the enemies in battle and bringing back the daughter of Janaka. (03-266-34)
Deprived of my wife, humiliated, having neither rescued Vaidehī nor slain my enemies in battle, I am unable to go on living. (03-266-35)
Hearing these words, Hanumān, the son of the Wind, replied to Rāma: "I bring you joyful news, Rāma—Janakī (Sītā) has been seen by me." (03-266-36)
After thoroughly searching the southern direction, which was full of mountains and forest mines, and having become tired as time passed, they indeed saw a great cave. (03-266-37)
But we shall enter that place, which stretches many yojanas, dark, very forested, dense, and inhabited by insects. (03-266-38)
After traveling a very great distance, then, with the sun's rays, they saw right there a divine palace within. (03-266-39)
O Rāghava, that was the mansion of Maya the Daitya. There, a female ascetic named Prabhāvatī was practicing austerities. (03-266-40)
Having eaten the foods and drunk the various beverages given by her and having regained their strength, those men then proceeded by the path she had indicated. (03-266-41)
Departing from that place, we see near the salty sea the Sahya and Malaya Mountains, the Dardura, and the great mountain. (03-266-42)
Then, having climbed Mount Malaya and gazing at the abode of Varuṇa (the ocean), they were exceedingly dejected, distressed, exhausted, and utterly despairing of life. (03-266-43)
Thinking about the great ocean, which stretches for many hundreds of yojanas and is home to whales, crocodiles, and fishes, they were very afflicted. (03-266-44)
There, having resolved to fast, we sat down; then, at the end of the conversation, the story of the vulture Jaṭāyu was told. (03-266-45)
Then, they saw a fearsome bird, having the appearance of a mountain peak, frightening to behold, like another Garuḍa, the son of Vinatā. (03-266-46)
He pondered about us to eat, then after approaching spoke these words: "O! Who is this that speaks about my brother Jaṭāyu?" (03-266-47)
I am Sampāti by name, his elder brother, and the lord of birds. In mutual rivalry, both of us ascended into the presence of the sun. (03-266-48)
Then, these two wings were not burned but Jaṭāyu's wings were burned. At that time, my dear brother, the king of vultures whom I had not seen for a long time, with his wings burned, had fallen here—and I am (now) on this great mountain. (03-266-49)
While he was thus speaking, we informed you that his brother was slain. This misfortune was reported to you briefly indeed. (03-266-50)
Then Sampāti, O king, upon hearing the very grievous news, with a dejected heart, asked us again, O subduer of enemies. (03-266-51)
Who is this Rāma? What is Sītā's story, and how was Jaṭāyu killed? I wish to hear all of this, O best of monkeys. (03-266-52)
I explained in detail to you all of this impending calamity of his and the reason for his undertaking fasting unto death. (03-266-53)
He, the king of birds, caused us to rise by this very speech. Ravana is known to me; and Lanka is his great city. (03-266-54)
Vaidehī is certainly seen on the far side of the ocean in the cave of Trikūṭa mountain; I have no doubt about this. (03-266-55)
Thus, having heard his words, we quickly stood up and discussed counsel for crossing the ocean, O scorcher of enemies. (03-266-56)
No one had ever resolved to cross the ocean; then, empowered by my father, I leapt across the great ocean, a hundred yojanas wide, having slain the water-rākṣasī. (03-266-57)
There I saw Sita in Ravana's inner apartments, a virtuous woman immersed in fasting and penance, longing to see her husband—her hair matted, body smeared with dirt, thin, distressed, and ascetic. (03-266-58)
Having perceived Sītā by various signs, I approached and spoke to the noble lady who was alone in solitude. (03-266-59)
O Sītā, I am Rāma's messenger, a monkey, the son of the Wind; desiring to see you, I have come here through the air. (03-266-60)
The princes, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, the brothers who are safe, are protected by Sugrīva, the lord of all vānaras. (03-266-61)
Rāma, along with Lakṣmaṇa, greeted you with wishes for your well-being, O Sītā. Out of friendship, Sugrīva also asks after your welfare. (03-266-62)
Your husband will quickly come to you together with all the monkeys; have confidence in me, O Lady— I am a monkey, not a rakṣasa (demon). (03-266-63)
After reflecting for a moment, Sītā indeed replied to me: "I recognize you as Hanūmant from your faultless words." (03-266-64)
O mighty-armed one, Avindhya, the Rākṣasa respected by elders, has said that Sugrīva is surrounded by ministers like you. (03-266-65)
Sita, having said to me 'let it be gone', gave me this jewel, which the blameless Vaidehi has worn all this time. (03-266-66)
For your assurance, Jānakī also told this story of the darbha grass thrown at the crow on the great Citrakūṭa mountain, O tiger among men, for the purpose of recognition. (03-266-67)
After making himself heard and burning that city, when he arrived thus, Rāma honored him, the pleasant-spoken one. (03-266-68)
