Aṅgada’s departure for Laṅkā and dialogue between Aṅgada and Rāvaṇa in the latter’s court
Chaupais
ihāom prāta jāgē raghurāī. pūchā mata saba saciva bōlāī..
kahahu bēgi kā karia upāī. jāmavaṃta kaha pada siru nāī.. [6-16(A)-1]
sunu sarbagya sakala ura bāsī. budhi bala tēja dharma guna rāsī..
maṃtra kahau nija mati anusārā. dūta paṭhāia bālikumārā.. [6-16(A)-2]
nīka maṃtra saba kē mana mānā. aṃgada sana kaha kṛpānidhānā..
bālitanaya budhi bala guna dhāmā. laṃkā jāhu tāta mama kāmā.. [6-16(A)-3]
bahuta bujhāi tumhahi kā kahaūom. parama catura maiṃ jānata ahaūom..
kāju hamāra tāsu hita hōī. ripu sana karēhu batakahī sōī.. [6-16(A)-4]
At this end the Lord of the Raghus woke at daybreak and, summoning all His counsellors, asked their opinion: “Tell me quickly what course should be adopted.” Jāmbavān bowed his head at the Lord’s feet and said, “Listen, O omniscient Lord, indweller of all hearts, storehouse of wisdom, strength, glory, piety and goodness: I offer advice to You according to my own lights. It is that Vāli’s son (Prince Aṅgada) may be sent as an envoy (to Rāvaṇa).” The good counsel commended itself to all and the Allmerciful turned to Aṅgada and said, “O son of Vāli, repository of wisdom, strength and goodness! go to Laṅkā, dear son, for My cause. I need not give you any elaborate instructions. I know you are supremely clever. You should talk with the enemy in such words as may advance My cause and serve his interest at the same time.”
Sortas
prabhu agyā dhari sīsa carana baṃdi aṃgada uṭhēu.
sōi guna sāgara īsa rāma kṛpā jā para karahu..17ka.. [6-16(A)-17(A)]
svayaṃ siddha saba kāja nātha mōhi ādaru diyau.
asa bicāri jubarāja tana pulakita haraṣita hiyau..17kha.. [6-17(B)]
Bowing to the Lord’s command and adoring His feet, Aṅgada arose and said, “He alone is an ocean of virtues, on whom You shower Your grace, O divine Rāma.” “All the objects of my Lord are self-accomplished,” he thought; “He has only honoured me (by charging me with this task).” And the thought thrilled his body and delighted his heart.
Chaupais
baṃdi carana ura dhari prabhutāī. aṃgada calēu sabahi siru nāī..
prabhu pratāpa ura sahaja asaṃkā. rana bāomkurā bālisuta baṃkā.. [6-17(B)-1]
pura paiṭhata rāvana kara bēṭā. khēlata rahā sō hōi gai bhaiṃṭā..
bātahiṃ bāta karaṣa baḍhai āī. jugala atula bala puni tarunāī.. [6-17(B)-2]
tēhi aṃgada kahu lāta uṭhāī. gahi pada paṭakēu bhūmi bhavāomī..
nisicara nikara dēkhi bhaṭa bhārī. jahaom tahaom calē na sakahiṃ pukārī.. [6-17(B)-3]
ēka ēka sana maramu na kahahīṃ. samujhi tāsu badha cupa kari rahahīṃ..
bhayau kōlāhala nagara majhārī. āvā kapi laṃkā jēhīṃ jārī.. [6-17(B)-4]
aba dhauṃ kahā karihi karatārā. ati sabhīta saba karahiṃ bicārā..
binu pūchēṃ magu dēhiṃ dikhāī. jēhi bilōka sōi jāi sukhāī.. [6-17(B)-5]
Adoring the Lord’s feet and keeping His glory in his heart Aṅgada bowed his head to all and departed. The gallant son of Vāli, who was an adept in warfare, was dauntless by nature, cherishing as he did the might of the Lord. As soon as he entered the city he met one of Rāvaṇa’s sons (Prahasta by name), who was playing there. From words they proceeded to fight; for both were unrivalled in strength and in the prime of youth to boot. He raised his foot to kick Aṅgada, who in his turn seized the foot and, swinging him round, dashed him to the ground finding him a formidable warrior, the demons ran helterskelter in large numbers, too much frightened to raise an alarm. They did not tell one another what had happened, but kept quiet when they thought of the death of Rāvaṇa’s son. There was a cry in the whole city that the same monkey who had burnt down Laṅkā had come again. “Who knows what turn Providence is going to take?” everyone thought in excessive dismay. People showed him the way unasked: if he but looked at anyone, the latter would turn deadly pale.
Dohas
gayau sabhā darabāra taba sumiri rāma pada kaṃja.
siṃha ṭhavani ita uta citava dhīra bīra bala puṃja..18.. [6-18]
With his thoughts fixed on the lotus-feet of Śrī Rāma he then reached the gate of Rāvaṇa’s council-chamber. And there the stout-hearted and mighty hero stood with the mien of a lion glancing this side and that.
Chaupais
turata nisācara ēka paṭhāvā. samācāra rāvanahi janāvā..
sunata bihaomsi bōlā dasasīsā. ānahu bōli kahāom kara kīsā.. [6-18-1]
āyasu pāi dūta bahu dhāē. kapikuṃjarahi bōli lai āē..
aṃgada dīkha dasānana baiṃsēṃ. sahita prāna kajjalagiri jaisēṃ.. [6-18-2]
bhujā biṭapa sira sṛṃga samānā. rōmāvalī latā janu nānā..
mukha nāsikā nayana aru kānā. giri kaṃdarā khōha anumānā.. [6-18-3]
gayau sabhāom mana nēku na murā. bālitanaya atibala bāomkurā..
uṭhē sabhāsada kapi kahu dēkhī. rāvana ura bhā kraudha bisēṣī.. [6-18-4]
He forthwith sent a demon and apprised Rāvaṇa of his arrival. On hearing the news the ten-headed monster laughed and said. “Go, usher him in my presence and let me see where the monkey has come from.” Receiving his order a host of messengers ran and fetched the monkey chief. Aṅgada saw the ten-headed giant seated on his throne like a living mountain of collyrium. His arms looked like trees and heads like peaks; while the hair on his body presented the appearance of numerous creepers. His mouths, nostrils, eyes and ears were as big as mountain caves and chasms. With an unflinching mind he entered the court, the valiant son of Vāli, possessed of great might. The assembly abruptly rose at the sight of the monkey; at this Rāvaṇa’s heart was filled with great fury
Dohas
jathā matta gaja jūtha mahu paṃcānana cali jāi.
rāma pratāpa sumiri mana baiṭha sabhāom siru nāi..19.. [6-19]
Thinking of Śrī Rāma’s might Aṅgada bowed his head and took his seat in the assembly as fearlessly as a lion treads in the midst of mad elephants.
Chaupais
kaha dasakaṃṭha kavana taiṃ baṃdara. maiṃ raghubīra dūta dasakaṃdhara..
mama janakahi tōhi rahī mitāī. tava hita kārana āyau bhāī.. [6-19-1]
uttama kula pulasti kara nātī. siva biraṃci pūjēhu bahu bhāomtī..
bara pāyahu kīnhēhu saba kājā. jītēhu lōkapāla saba rājā.. [6-19-2]
nṛpa abhimāna mōha basa kiṃbā. hari ānihu sītā jagadaṃbā..
aba subha kahā sunahu tumha mōrā. saba aparādha chamihi prabhu tōrā.. [6-19-3]
dasana gahahu tṛna kaṃṭha kuṭhārī. parijana sahita saṃga nija nārī..
sādara janakasutā kari āgēṃ. ēhi bidhi calahu sakala bhaya tyāgēṃ.. [6-19-4]
“Monkey, who are you?” Rāvaṇa asked. “I am an ambassador from the Hero of Raghu’s line, Rāvaṇa. There was friendship between you and my father; hence it is in your interest, brother, that I have come. Of noble descent and a grandson of the sage Pulastya (one of the mind-born sons of Brahma), you worshipped Lord Śiva and Brahma in various ways, obtained boons from them, accomplished all your objects and conquered the guardians of the different spheres as well as all earthly sovereigns. Under the influence of kingly pride or infatuation you carried off Sītā, the Mother of the Universe. But even now you listen to my friendly advice and the Lord will forgive all your offences. Put a straw between the rows of your teeth and an axe by your throat and take all your people including your wives with you, respectfully placing Janaka’s Daughter at the head. In this way repair to Him shedding all fear.
Dohas
pranatapāla raghubaṃsamani trāhi trāhi aba mōhi.
ārata girā sunata prabhu abhaya karaigō tōhi..20.. [6-20]
“And address Him thus: ‘O Protector of the suppliant, O Jewel of Raghu’s race, save me, save me now.’ The moment He hears your piteous cry the Lord will surely rid you of every fear.”
Chaupais
rē kapipōta bōlu saṃbhārī. mūḍha na jānēhi mōhi surārī..
kahu nija nāma janaka kara bhāī. kēhi nātēṃ māniai mitāī.. [6-20-1]
aṃgada nāma bāli kara bēṭā. tāsōṃ kabahu bhaī hī bhēṭā..
aṃgada bacana sunata sakucānā. rahā bāli bānara maiṃ jānā.. [6-20-2]
aṃgada tahīṃ bāli kara bālaka. upajēhu baṃsa anala kula ghālaka..
garbha na gayahu byartha tumha jāyahu. nija mukha tāpasa dūta kahāyahu.. [6-20-3]
aba kahu kusala bāli kahaom ahaī. bihaomsi bacana taba aṃgada kahaī..
dina dasa gaēom bāli pahiṃ jāī. būjhēhu kusala sakhā ura lāī.. [6-20-4]
rāma birōdha kusala jasi hōī. sō saba tōhi sunāihi sōī..
sunu saṭha bhēda hōi mana tākēṃ. śrīraghubīra hṛdaya nahiṃ jākēṃ.. [6-20-5]
Mind what you speak, you little monkey. Fool, are you not aware of my being an avowed enemy of the gods? Tell me, young fellow, your own name as well as your father’s. What is the common ground on which you claim fellowship between your father and myself?” “Aṅgada is my name: I am Vāli’s son. Did you ever meet him?” Rāvaṇa felt uncomfortable when he heard Aṅgada’s reply. “Yes, I do remember that there was a monkey, Vāli by name. But, Aṅgada, are you Vāli’s son? You have been born as a fire in a cluster of bamboos for the destruction of your own race. Why should you have not perished even in the womb? In vain were you born, who have called yourself with your own mouth a hermit’s envoy. Now tell me if all is well with Vāli and, if so, where is he?” Aṅgada laughed at this and then replied. “Ten days hence you shall go to Vāli and embracing your friend personally enquire after his welfare. He will tell you all about the welfare that follows from hostility with Śrī Rāma. Listen, O fool: the seeds of dissension can be sown in the mind of him alone whose heart is closed to the Hero of Raghu’s line.”
Dohas
hama kula ghālaka satya tumha kula pālaka dasasīsa.
aṃdhau badhira na asa kahahiṃ nayana kāna tava bīsa..21. [6-21]
I, forsooth, am the exterminator of my race; while you, Rāvaṇa, are the preserver of yours. Even the blind and the deaf would not say so, whereas you possess a score of eyes and an equal number of ears.”
Chaupais
siva biraṃci sura muni samudāī. cāhata jāsu carana sēvakāī..
tāsu dūta hōi hama kula bōrā. aisihu mati ura bihara na tōrā.. [6-21-1]
suni kaṭhōra bānī kapi kērī. kahata dasānana nayana tarērī..
khala tava kaṭhina bacana saba sahaūom. nīti dharma maiṃ jānata ahaūom.. [6-21-2]
kaha kapi dharmasīlatā tōrī. hamahu sunī kṛta para triya cōrī..
dēkhī nayana dūta rakhavārī. būḍai na marahu dharma bratadhārī.. [6-21-3]
kāna nāka binu bhagini nihārī. chamā kīnhi tumha dharma bicārī..
dharmasīlatā tava jaga jāgī. pāvā darasu hamahu baḍabhāgī.. [6-21-4]
“What! Did I bring dishonour on my family by acting as His ambassador whose feet even Śiva, Brahma and all the gods and sages desire to serve? It is strange that your heart does not burst asunder even on entertaining such an idea.” When he heard the monkey’s sharp rejoinder, Rāvaṇa glowered at him and said, “Wretch, I put up with your harsh words only because I know the bounds of decorum and righteousness.” Said the monkey, “I too have heard of your piety, which is evident from the fact that you stole away another’s wife. And I have witnessed with my own eyes the protection you vouchsafed to an envoy. An upholder of piety, why do you not drown yourself and thus end your life? When you saw your sister with her ears and nose cut off, it was from considerations of piety that you forgave the wrong. Your piety is famed throughout the world: I too am very fortunate in having been able to see you.”
Dohas
jani jalpasi jaḍa jaṃtu kapi saṭha bilōku mama bāhu.
lōkapāla bala bipula sasi grasana hētu saba rāhu..22ka.. [6-22(A)]
puni nabha sara mama kara nikara kamalanhi para kari bāsa.
sōbhata bhayau marāla iva saṃbhu sahita kailāsa..22kha.. [6-22(B)]
Prate no more, you stupid creature, but look at my arms, O foolish monkey, that are like so many Rahus to eclipse the tremendous moon-like might of the guardians of the spheres. Again, (you might have heard that) while resting on my lotus-like palms in the lake of the heavens. Mount Kailāsa with Śambhu (Lord Śiva) shone like a swan.”
Chaupais
tumharē kaṭaka mājha sunu aṃgada. mō sana bhirihi kavana jōdhā bada..
tava prabhu nāri birahaom balahīnā. anuja tāsu dukha dukhī malīnā.. [6-22(B)-1]
tumha sugrīva kūladruma dōū. anuja hamāra bhīru ati sōū..
jāmavaṃta maṃtrī ati būḍhaā. sō ki hōi aba samarārūḍhaā.. [6-22(B)-2]
silpi karma jānahiṃ nala nīlā. hai kapi ēka mahā balasīlā..
āvā prathama nagaru jēṃhiṃ jārā. sunata bacana kaha bālikumārā.. [6-22(B)-3]
satya bacana kahu nisicara nāhā. sāomcēhu kīsa kīnha pura dāhā..
rāvana nagara alpa kapi dahaī. suni asa bacana satya kō kahaī.. [6-22(B)-4]
jō ati subhaṭa sarāhēhu rāvana. sō sugrīva kēra laghu dhāvana..
calai bahuta sō bīra na hōī. paṭhavā khabari lēna hama sōī.. [6-22(B)-5]
“Listen, Aṅgada; tell me which warrior in your army will dare encounter me. Your master (Rāma) has grown weak due to separation from his wife, while his younger brother (Lakṣmaṇa) shares his grief and is consequently very sad. You and Sugrīva are like trees on a river bank (that can be washed away any moment); as for my younger brother (Vibhīṣaṇa), he is a great coward. Your counsellor, Jāmbavān, is too advanced in age to take his stand on the field of battle; while Nala and Nīla are mere architects (and no warriors). There is one monkey, no doubt, of extraordinary might-he who came before and set fire to the city.” On hearing this Vāli’s son (Aṅgada) replied: “Tell me the truth, O demon king: is it a fact that a monkey burnt down your capital? A puny monkey set on fire Rāvaṇa’s capital ! Who, on hearing such a report, would declare it as true? Rāvaṇa, he whom you have extolled as a distinguished warrior is only one of Sugrīva’s petty runners. He who walks long distances is no champion; we sent him only to get news.”
Dohas
satya nagaru kapi jārēu binu prabhu āyasu pāi.
phiri na gayau sugrīva pahiṃ tēhiṃ bhaya rahā lukāi..23ka.. [6-23(A)]
satya kahahi dasakaṃṭha saba mōhi na suni kachu kōha.
kōu na hamārēṃ kaṭaka asa tō sana larata jō sōha..23kha.. [6-23(B)]
prīti birōdha samāna sana karia nīti asi āhi.
jauṃ mṛgapati badha mēḍaukanhi bhala ki kahai kōu tāhi..23ga.. [6-23(C)]
jadyapi laghutā rāma kahu tōhi badhēṃ baḍa dōṣa.
tadapi kaṭhina dasakaṃṭha sunu chatra jāti kara rōṣa..23gha.. [6-23(D)]
bakra ukti dhanu bacana sara hṛdaya dahēu ripu kīsa.
pratiuttara saḍasinha manahu kāḍhata bhaṭa dasasīsa..23ṅa.. [6-23(E)]
haomsi bōlēu dasamauli taba kapi kara baḍa guna ēka.
jō pratipālai tāsu hita karai upāya anēka..23cha.. [6-23(F)]
“It seems true that the monkey set fire to your capital without receiving an order from his master. That is why he did not go back to Sugrīva and remained in hiding for fear. All that you say, Rāvaṇa, is true and I am not in the least angry at hearing it. There is none in our army who would fight you with any amount of grace. Make friends or enter into hostilities only with your equals: this is a sound maxim to follow. If a lion were to kill frogs, will anyone speak well of him? Though it would be derogatory on the part of Śrī Rāma to kill you and He will incur great blame thereby, yet, mark me, Rāvaṇa, the fury of the Kṣatriya race is hard to face.” The monkey (Aṅgada) burnt the enemy’s heart with shafts of speech shot forth from the bow of sarcasm; and the ten-headed hero proceeded to extract the arrows, so to speak, with pairs of pincers in the form of rejoinders. He laughed and said: “A monkey possesses one great virtue: it does everything in its power to serve him who maintains it.”
Chaupais
dhanya kīsa jō nija prabhu kājā. jahaom tahaom nācai parihari lājā..
nāci kūdi kari lōga rijhāī. pati hita karai dharma nipunāī.. [6-23(F)-1]
aṃgada svāmibhakta tava jātī. prabhu guna kasa na kahasi ēhi bhāomtī..
maiṃ guna gāhaka parama sujānā. tava kaṭu raṭani karau nahiṃ kānā.. [6-23(F)-2]
kaha kapi tava guna gāhakatāī. satya pavanasuta mōhi sunāī..
bana bidhaṃsi suta badhi pura jārā. tadapi na tēhiṃ kachu kṛta apakārā.. [6-23(F)-3]
sōi bicāri tava prakṛti suhāī. dasakaṃdhara maiṃ kīnhi ḍhiṭhāī..
dēkhēu āi jō kachu kapi bhāṣā. tumharēṃ lāja na rōṣa na mākhā.. [6-23(F)-4]
jauṃ asi mati pitu khāē kīsā. kahi asa bacana haomsā dasasīsā..
pitahi khāi khātēu puni tōhī. abahīṃ samujhi parā kachu mōhī.. [6-23(F)-5]
bāli bimala jasa bhājana jānī. hatau na tōhi adhama abhimānī..
kahu rāvana rāvana jaga kētē. maiṃ nija śravana sunē sunu jētē.. [6-23(F)-6]
balihi jitana ēka gayau patālā. rākhēu bāomdhi sisunha hayasālā..
khēlahiṃ bālaka mārahiṃ jāī. dayā lāgi bali dīnha chōḍaāī.. [6-23(F)-7]
ēka bahōri sahasabhuja dēkhā. dhāi dharā jimi jaṃtu bisēṣā..
kautuka lāgi bhavana lai āvā. sō pulasti muni jāi chōḍaāvā.. [6-23(F)-8]
Bravo for a monkey, who dances unabashed in the service of its master anywhere and everywhere. Dancing and skipping about to amuse the people it serves the interest of its master; this shows its keen devotion to duty. Aṅgada, all of your race are devoted to their lord; how could you, then, fail to extol the virtues of your master in the way you have done? I am a respecter of merit and too magnanimous to pay any attention to your scurrilously glib talk.” Said Aṅgada: “The son of the wind-god gave me a true account of your partiality to merit. He laid waste your garden, killed your son and set fire to your city and yet (in your eyes) he did you no wrong. Remembering such amiability of your disposition I have been so insolent in my behaviour with you, O Rāvaṇa. On coming here I have witnessed all that Hanumān told me, viz., that you have no shame, no anger and no feeling of resentment.” “It is because you possess such a mentality that you have proved to be the death of your own father.” Uttering these words Rāvaṇa burst into a laughter. “Having been the death of my father I would have next claimed you as my victim; but a thought has come to me just now. Knowing you to be a living memorial of Vāli’s unsullied fame, I desist from killing you, O vile boaster. Tell me, Rāvaṇa, how many Ravanas there are in the world? Or hear from me how many I have heard of. One went to the nether world (Pātāla) to conquer Bali and was tied up in the stables by the children, who made sport of him and thrashed him till Bali took compassion on him and had him released. Another again was discovered by King Sahasrabāhu, who ran and captured him as a strange creature and brought him home for the sake of fun. The sage Pulastya then went and secured his release.”
Dohas
ēka kahata mōhi sakuca ati rahā bāli kī kāomkha.
inha mahu rāvana taiṃ kavana satya badahi taji mākha..24.. [6-24]
Yet another, I am much ashamed to tell you, was held tight under Vāli’s arm. Be not angry, Rāvaṇa, but tell me the truth, which of these may you be?”
Chaupais
sunu saṭha sōi rāvana balasīlā. haragiri jāna jāsu bhuja līlā..
jāna umāpati jāsu surāī. pūjēu jēhi sira sumana caḍhaāī.. [6-24-1]
sira sarōja nija karanhi utārī. pūjēu amita bāra tripurārī..
bhuja bikrama jānahiṃ digapālā. saṭha ajahūom jinha kēṃ ura sālā.. [6-24-2]
jānahiṃ diggaja ura kaṭhināī. jaba jaba bhirau jāi bariāī..
jinha kē dasana karāla na phūṭē. ura lāgata mūlaka iva ṭūṭē.. [6-24-3]
jāsu calata ḍōlati imi dharanī. caḍhata matta gaja jimi laghu taranī..
sōi rāvana jaga bidita pratāpī. sunēhi na śravana alīka pralāpī.. [6-24-4]
Listen, O fool: I am the same mighty Rāvaṇa, the sport of whose arms is familiar to Mount Kailāsa (the peak sacred to Lord Śiva) and whose valour is known to Umā’s Spouse (Śiva Himself), in whose worship I offered my heads as flowers. Times without number have I removed my lotus-like heads with my own hands to worship Lord Śiva (the Slayer of Tripura). The prowess of my arms is well-known to the guardians of the eight quarters, whose heart, you fool, still smarts under injuries inflicted by them. The toughness of my chest is familiar to the elephants supporting the eight quarters, whose fierce tusks, whenever I impetuously grappled with them, failed to make any impression on it and snapped off like radishes the moment they struck against it. Even as I walk, the earth shakes like a small boat when a mad elephant steps into it. I am the same Rāvaṇa, known for his might all over the world; did you never hear of him, you lying prattler ?”
Dohas
tēhi rāvana kahaom laghu kahasi nara kara karasi bakhāna.
rē kapi barbara kharba khala aba jānā tava gyāna..25.. [6-25]
“You belittle that Rāvaṇa and extol a mortal man? Barbarous monkey, O puny wretch. I have now fathomed your wisdom.”
Chaupais
suni aṃgada sakōpa kaha bānī. bōlu saombhāri adhama abhimānī..
sahasabāhu bhuja gahana apārā. dahana anala sama jāsu kuṭhārā.. [6-25-1]
jāsu parasu sāgara khara dhārā. būḍaē nṛpa aganita bahu bārā..
tāsu garba jēhi dēkhata bhāgā. sō nara kyōṃ dasasīsa abhāgā.. [6-25-2]
rāma manuja kasa rē saṭha baṃgā. dhanvī kāmu nadī puni gaṃgā..
pasu suradhēnu kalpataru rūkhā. anna dāna aru rasa pīyūṣā.. [6-25-3]
bainatēya khaga ahi sahasānana. ciṃtāmani puni upala dasānana..
sunu matimaṃda lōka baikuṃṭhā. lābha ki raghupati bhagati akuṃṭhā.. [6-25-4]
On hearing this, Aṅgada indignantly replied: “Take care what you say, you vainglorious wretch. How can He be accounted a man, you wretched Rāvaṇa, at whose very sight melted away the pride of Paraśurāma-the same Paraśurāma whose axe was like a fire to consume King Sahasrabāhu’s boundless forest of arms, or (to use another simile) like the sea in whose swift tide have drowned innumerable kings time after time. How can Śrī Rāma be a mortal, you arrogant fool? Is the god of love a mere archer, the Gaṅgā a mere stream, the cow of plenty a mere beast, the tree of Paradise a mere tree, the gift of food an ordinary gift, nectar an ordinary drink, Garuḍa (the mount of God Viṣṇu) a mere bird, the thousand-headed Śeṣa a mere serpent and the wish-yielding gem a mere stone, O ten-headed monster? Listen, O dullard: is Vaikuṇṭha an ordinary sphere and unflinching devotion to the Lord of the Raghus an ordinary gain?”
Dohas
sēna sahita taba māna mathi bana ujāri pura jāri..
kasa rē saṭha hanumāna kapi gayau jō tava suta māri..26.. [6-26]
“What ! is Hanumān, O fool, an ordinary monkey, who got off unhurt after trampling your pride as well as that of your army, laying waste your garden, setting your capital on fire and slaying your own son?
Chaupais
sunu rāvana parihari caturāī. bhajasi na kṛpāsiṃdhu raghurāī..
jau khala bhaēsi rāma kara drōhī. brahma rudra saka rākhi na tōhī.. [6-26-1]
mūḍha bṛthā jani mārasi gālā. rāma bayara asa hōihi hālā..
tava sira nikara kapinha kē āgēṃ. parihahiṃ dharani rāma sara lāgēṃ.. [6-26-2]
tē tava sira kaṃduka sama nānā. khēlahahiṃ bhālu kīsa caugānā..
jabahiṃ samara kōpahi raghunāyaka. chuṭihahiṃ ati karāla bahu sāyaka.. [6-26-3]
taba ki calihi asa gāla tumhārā. asa bicāri bhaju rāma udārā..
sunata bacana rāvana parajarā. jarata mahānala janu ghṛta parā.. [6-26-4]
“Listen, Rāvaṇa: giving up all hypocrisy, why do you not adore the All-merciful Lord of the Raghus? Oh wretch, if you pit yourself against Rāma, even Brahmā (the Creator) and Rudra (Lord Śiva) cannot save you. Fool, brag not in vain; if you contend with Rāma, such will be your fate: struck with Śrī Rāma’s arrows your many heads will fall to the ground in front of the monkeys, and the bears and monkeys will play with those heads as with so many balls. When the Lord of the Raghus gets enraged in battle and His many fierce arrows dart, will you then be able to bounce like this? Realizing this, adore the high-souled Śrī Rāma.” On hearing these words Rāvaṇa flared up like a blazing fire on which clarified butter has been thrown.
Dohas
kuṃbhakarana asa baṃdhu mama suta prasiddha sakrāri.
mōra parākrama nahiṃ sunēhi jitēu carācara jhāri..27.. [6-27]
“I have a brother like Kumbhakarṇa (lit., one having ears as big as a pair of jars) and the renowned Meghanāda (the vanquisher of Indra) for my son. And have you never heard of my own valour, by which I have conquered the entire creation, both animate and inanimate?”
Chaupais
saṭha sākhāmṛga jōri sahāī. bāomdhā siṃdhu ihai prabhutāī..
nāghahiṃ khaga anēka bārīsā. sūra na hōhiṃ tē sunu saba kīsā.. [6-27-1]
mama bhuja sāgara bala jala pūrā. jahaom būḍaē bahu sura nara sūrā..
bīsa payōdhi agādha apārā. kō asa bīra jō pāihi pārā.. [6-27-2]
digapālanha maiṃ nīra bharāvā. bhūpa sujasa khala mōhi sunāvā..
jauṃ pai samara subhaṭa tava nāthā. puni puni kahasi jāsu guna gāthā.. [6-27-3]
tau basīṭha paṭhavata kēhi kājā. ripu sana prīti karata nahiṃ lājā..
haragiri mathana nirakhu mama bāhū. puni saṭha kapi nija prabhuhi sarāhū.. [6-27-4]
“Fool, with the help of monkeys your master has bridged the ocean; is this what you call valour? There are many birds which fly across the ocean; yet listen, O monkey, they are no heroes all. Now each of my arms is a veritable ocean, brimming over with a flood of strength, beneath which many a valiant god and man has been drowned. What hero is there, who will cross these twenty unfathomable and boundless oceans? I made the guardians of the eight quarters do menial service to me; while you, O wretch, glorify an earthly prince before me ! If your lord, whose virtues you recount again and again, is valiant in battle, why does he send an ambassador to me? Is he not ashamed to make terms with his enemy? Look at my arms, which lifted and violently shook Mount Kailāsa, and then, foolish monkey, extol your master, if you like
Dohas
sūra kavana rāvana sarisa svakara kāṭi jēhiṃ sīsa.
hunē anala ati haraṣa bahu bāra sākhi gaurīsa..28.. [6-28]
What hero is there equal to Rāvaṇa, who with his own hands cut off his heads time and again and offered them to the sacrificial fire with great delight, as will be borne out by Gaurī’s Spouse (Lord Śiva) Himself.”
Chaupais
jarata bilōkēu jabahiṃ kapālā. bidhi kē likhē aṃka nija bhālā..
nara kēṃ kara āpana badha bāomcī. hasēu jāni bidhi girā asāomcī.. [6-28-1]
sōu mana samujhi trāsa nahiṃ mōrēṃ. likhā biraṃci jaraṭha mati bhōrēṃ..
āna bīra bala saṭha mama āgēṃ. puni puni kahasi lāja pati tyāgē.. [6-28-2]
kaha aṃgada salajja jaga māhīṃ. rāvana tōhi samāna kōu nāhīṃ..
lājavaṃta tava sahaja subhāū. nija mukha nija guna kahasi na kāū.. [6-28-3]
sira aru saila kathā cita rahī. tātē bāra bīsa taiṃ kahī..
sō bhujabala rākhēu ura ghālī. jītēhu sahasabāhu bali bālī.. [6-28-4]
sunu matimaṃda dēhi aba pūrā. kāṭēṃ sīsa ki hōia sūrā..
iṃdrajāli kahu kahia na bīrā. kāṭai nija kara sakala sarīrā.. [6-28-5]
“When as my skulls began to burn I saw the decree of Providence traced on my brow and read that I was going to die at the hands of a mortal, I laughed; for I knew Brahmā’s prophecy to be false. I am not afraid in my heart even when I remember this; for (I am sure) Brahma must have traced the decree in his senile dementia. Yet, you fool, you repeatedly exalt the might of another hero in my presence, giving up all shame and decorum.” Aṅgada replied: “Yes, there is no one in the whole world so shamefaced as you. You are bashful by your innate disposition, since you never indulge in self-praise. Only the story of offering your heads (to Lord Śiva) and lifting the mountain (Kailāsa) has been foremost in your mind and hence you have told it twenty times over. As for (the tale of) that strength of arm by which you were able to conquer Sahasrabāhu, Bali and Vāli, you have kept it secret in your heart. Listen, fool, and brag no more. Can anyone turn a hero by cutting off one’s head ? A juggler is never called a hero even though he hacks to pieces his whole body with his own hands.”
Dohas
jarahiṃ pataṃga mōha basa bhāra bahahiṃ khara bṛṃda.
tē nahiṃ sūra kahāvahiṃ samujhi dēkhu matimaṃda..29.. [6-29]
Ponder, O fool, and see for yourself that due to infatuation moths burn themselves in fire and donkeys carry loads; but they are never termed as heroes.”
Chaupais
aba jani batabaḍhaāva khala karahī. sunu mama bacana māna pariharahī..
dasamukha maiṃ na basīṭhīṃ āyau. asa bicāri raghubīra paṭhāyau.. [6-29-1]
bāra bāra asa kahai kṛpālā. nahiṃ gajāri jasu badhēṃ sṛkālā..
mana mahu samujhi bacana prabhu kērē. sahēu kaṭhōra bacana saṭha tērē.. [6-29-2]
nāhiṃ ta kari mukha bhaṃjana tōrā. lai jātēu sītahi barajōrā..
jānēu tava bala adhama surārī. sūnēṃ hari ānihi paranārī.. [6-29-3]
taiṃ nisicara pati garba bahūtā. maiṃ raghupati sēvaka kara dūtā..
jauṃ na rāma apamānahi ḍarau. tōhi dēkhata asa kautuka karaūom.. [6-29-4]
Cease wrangling any more, O wretch; listen to my advice and have done away with pride. I have not come to you as an envoy (to seek terms with you), O ten-headed monster; the Hero of Raghu’s line has sent me from other considerations. The Allmerciful has said again and again: ‘A lion earns no reputation by killing a jackal.’ Bearing in mind the words of my lord I have suffered, O fool, your pungent speech. Otherwise, I would have smashed your jaws and taken back Sītā by force. I have judged your strength, O vile enemy of heaven, from the very fact that you carried off another’s wife while she was all by herself. You are the lord of demons and exceedingly haughty, while I am a messenger of one of Śrī Rāma’s servants. If I were not afraid of insulting Śrī Rāma, I would have wrought this wonder before your very eyes :”
Dohas
tōhi paṭaki mahi sēna hati caupaṭa kari tava gāu.
tava jubatinha samēta saṭha janakasutahi lai jāu..30.. [6-30]
Dashing you to the ground, exterminating your army and laying waste your town, O fool, I would have taken away Janaka’s Daughter with all your wives.”
Chaupais
jau asa karauṃ tadapi na baḍaāī. muēhi badhēṃ nahiṃ kachu manusāī..
kaula kāmabasa kṛpina bimūḍhaā. ati daridra ajasī ati būḍhaā.. [6-30-1]
sadā rōgabasa saṃtata krōdhī. biṣnu bimūkha śruti saṃta birōdhī..
tanu pōṣaka niṃdaka agha khānī. jīvana sava sama caudaha prānī.. [6-30-2]
asa bicāri khala badhau na tōhī. aba jani risa upajāvasi mōhī..
suni sakōpa kaha nisicara nāthā. adhara dasana dasi mījata hāthā.. [6-30-3]
rē kapi adhama marana aba cahasī. chōṭē badana bāta baḍai kahasī..
kaṭu jalpasi jaḍa kapi bala jākēṃ. bala pratāpa budhi tēja na tākēṃ.. [6-30-4]
Even if I did so, it would hardly bring me any credit; for it is no act of valour to slay the slain. A follower of the Vamamarga (a sect of Śakti-worshippers indulging in certain prohibited practices as a part of their worship), a man given over to lust, a miser, a grossly stupid fellow, an utterly destitute person, a man suffering from disrepute, an extremely old man, an ever sick person, one who is always angry, he who is hostile to Lord Viṣṇu, an enemy of the Vedas and saints, he who exclusively nourishes his own body, he who is given to slandering others, and he who is a storehouse of sins-these fourteen persons are no better than corpses, even while they live. Realizing this, O wretch, I refrain from killing you. But rouse my anger no more.” On hearing this, the demon king bit his lips, wrung his hands and burst out furiously: “O vile monkey, you are now bent upon dying; for though small, you have spoken big words. He, on whose strength you dare utter such wild and sharp words, O stupid monkey, has no strength, glory, intelligence or majesty at all.”
Dohas
aguna amāna jāni tēhi dīnha pitā banabāsa.
sō dukha aru jubatī biraha puni nisi dina mama trāsa..31ka.. [6-31(A)]
jinha kē bala kara garba tōhi aisē manuja anēka.
khāhīṃ nisācara divasa nisi mūḍha samujhu taji ṭēka..31kha.. [6-31(B)]
“Finding him devoid of merit and self-esteem, his father sent him into exile. Apart from that sorrow the separation from his wife is telling on him and above all he is constantly obsessed with terror of me. The demons devour day and night many such men as he of whose might you are proud; realize this, O fool, and cease to be perverse.”
Chaupais
jaba tēhiṃ kīnha rāma kai niṃdā. krōdhavaṃta ati bhayau kapiṃdā..
hari hara niṃdā sunai jō kānā. hōi pāpa gōghāta samānā.. [6-31(B)-1]
kaṭakaṭāna kapikuṃjara bhārī. duhu bhujadaṃḍa tamaki mahi mārī..
ḍōlata dharani sabhāsada khasē. calē bhāji bhaya māruta grasē.. [6-31(B)-2]
girata saombhāri uṭhā dasakaṃdhara. bhūtala parē mukuṭa ati suṃdara..
kachu tēhiṃ lai nija siranhi saomvārē. kachu aṃgada prabhu pāsa pabārē.. [6-31(B)-3]
āvata mukuṭa dēkhi kapi bhāgē. dinahīṃ lūka parana bidhi lāgē..
kī rāvana kari kōpa calāē. kulisa cāri āvata ati dhāē.. [6-31(B)-4]
kaha prabhu haomsi jani hṛdayaom ḍērāhū. lūka na asani kētu nahiṃ rāhū..
ē kirīṭa dasakaṃdhara kērē. āvata bālitanaya kē prērē.. [6-31(B)-5]
When he thus inveighed against Śrī Rāma, the monkey chief grew furious with rage. For he who opens his ears to vituperation against Hari (Bhagavān Viṣṇu) or Hara (Lord Śiva) incurs as great a sin as he who kills a cow. Aṅgada (the great monkey) gave a loud yell and furiously struck both his mighty arms against the ground. The earth shook and members of the assembly were thrown off their seats and took to flight, possessed as they were by the hobgoblin of fear. The ten-headed monster (Rāvaṇa) too was about to topple down but recovered himself and stood up. Yet his most beautiful crowns fell to the ground; some of them he took and set on his heads, while Aṅgada sent the rest flying to the Lord. The monkeys fled when they saw the crowns coming. “Good heavens, how is it that meteors have begun to fall even during the daytime ? Or is it that Rāvaṇa in his fury has hurled four thunderbolts, which are coming with great speed ?” The Lord smiled and said, “Be not afraid at heart. They are neither meteors nor thunderbolts, nor even the planets Rāhu and Ketu. They are the crowns of the ten-headed Rāvaṇa, despatched by Vāli’s son (Aṅgada), that are coming this side.”
Dohas
taraki pavanasuta kara gahē āni dharē prabhu pāsa.
kautuka dēkhahiṃ bhālu kapi dinakara sarisa prakāsa..32ka.. [6-32(A)]
uhāom sakōpi dasānana saba sana kahata risāi.
dharahu kapihi dhari mārahu suni aṃgada musukāi..32kha.. [6-32(B)]
The son of the wind-god sprang forward and caught them in his own hands; he then took them to the Lord and placed them before Him. The bears and monkeys gazed on them with wonder; for they were dazzling like the sun. At the other end the ten-headed monster (Rāvaṇa) in his fury indignantly cried to all about him, “Seize the monkey, and seizing him forthwith slay him.” Aṅgada smiled to hear this.
Chaupais
ēhi bidhi bēgi sūbhaṭa saba dhāvahu. khāhu bhālu kapi jahaom jahaom pāvahu..
markaṭahīna karahu mahi jāī. jiata dharahu tāpasa dvau bhāī.. [6-32(B)-1]
puni sakōpa bōlēu jubarājā. gāla bajāvata tōhi na lājā..
maru gara kāṭi nilaja kulaghātī. bala bilōki biharati nahiṃ chātī.. [6-32(B)-2]
rē triya cōra kumāraga gāmī. khala mala rāsi maṃdamati kāmī..
sanyapāta jalpasi durbādā. bhaēsi kālabasa khala manujādā.. [6-32(B)-3]
yākō phalu pāvahigō āgēṃ. bānara bhālu capēṭanhi lāgēṃ..
rāmu manuja bōlata asi bānī. girahiṃ na tava rasanā abhimānī.. [6-32(B)-4]
girihahiṃ rasanā saṃsaya nāhīṃ. siranhi samēta samara mahi māhīṃ.. [6-32(B)-5]
“After killing him sally forth at once, all you mighty warriors, and devour every bear and monkey wherever you find one. Go and clear the earth of monkeys and capture the two ascetic brothers (Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa) alive.” The monkey prince (Aṅgada) got enraged and exclaimed again: “Are you not ashamed to wag your tongue like this? Cut your throat and die, you shameless destroyer of your race. Your heart does not crack even on witnessing my strength! O vicious stealer of women, storehouse of impurities, O sense-bound, dull-witted wretch, you babble abuse in a state of delirium, which shows that death has overtaken you, O wretched demon. You will reap its consequences later on when the monkeys and bears belabour you. Even as you utter the words that Śrī Rāma is a mortal, it is strange that your tongues, O proud demon, do not drop off. It is, however, certain that your tongues will drop off alongwith your heads on the battlefield.”
Sortas
sō nara kyōṃ dasakaṃdha bāli badhyō jēhiṃ ēka sara.
bīsahu lōcana aṃdha dhiga tava janma kujāti jaḍa..33ka.. [6-32(B)-33(A)]
taba sōnita kī pyāsa tṛṣita rāma sāyaka nikara.
tajau tōhi tēhi trāsa kaṭu jalpaka nisicara adhama..33kha.. [6-32(B)-33(B)]
“How can He be a mortal, O ten-headed monster, who killed Vāli with a single shaft? You are blind with all your twenty eyes; fie upon your birth, O dullard of ignoble womb. Śrī Rāma’s arrow are all thirsting for your blood and I spare you only for fear of displeasing Him, O vile demon of biting tongue.”
Chaupais
mai tava dasana tōribē lāyaka. āyasu mōhi na dīnha raghunāyaka..
asi risa hōti dasau mukha tōrauṃ. laṃkā gahi samudra mahaom bōrauṃ.. [6-32(B)-1]
gūlari phala samāna tava laṃkā. basahu madhya tumha jaṃtu asaṃkā..
maiṃ bānara phala khāta na bārā. āyasu dīnha na rāma udārā.. [6-32(B)-2]
jugati sunata rāvana musukāī. mūḍha sikhihi kahaom bahuta jhuṭhāī..
bāli na kabahu gāla asa mārā. mili tapasinha taiṃ bhaēsi labārā.. [6-32(B)-3]
sāomcēhu maiṃ labāra bhuja bīhā. jauṃ na upāriu tava dasa jīhā..
samujhi rāma pratāpa kapi kōpā. sabhā mājha pana kari pada rōpā.. [6-32(B)-4]
jauṃ mama carana sakasi saṭha ṭārī. phirahiṃ rāmu sītā maiṃ hārī..
sunahu subhaṭa saba kaha dasasīsā. pada gahi dharani pachārahu kīsā.. [6-32(B)-5]
iṃdrajīta ādika balavānā. haraṣi uṭhē jahaom tahaom bhaṭa nānā..
jhapaṭahiṃ kari bala bipula upāī. pada na ṭarai baiṭhahiṃ siru nāī.. [6-32(B)-6]
puni uṭhi jhapaṭahīṃ sura ārātī. ṭarai na kīsa carana ēhi bhāomtī..
puruṣa kujōgī jimi uragārī. mōha biṭapa nahiṃ sakahiṃ upārī.. [6-32(B)-7]
I am capable of smashing your jaws; but I have no command from the Lord of the Raghus to do so. Otherwise I feel so enraged that I would break all your ten heads and lifting up Laṅkā drop it into the ocean. Your Laṅkā is like a fruit of the Udumbara tree; while you are like so many unsuspecting insects that reside in it. A monkey as I am, I would lose no time in eating it; but the gracious Rāma has not given me the order.” Rāvaṇa smiled to hear this witty remark. “Fool, where did you learn to tell such big lies? Vāli never boasted like this; it seems association with the hermits has made you such a vaunting liar.” “I am a blustering liar indeed, O monster with twenty arms, if I do not tear out your ten tongues.” Recalling Śrī Rāma’s might Aṅgada grew indignant and firmly planted his foot in the midst of the whole assembly. “If you can but stir my foot, O fool Śrī Rāma will return forthwith and I shall forgo Sītā as a lost wager.” “Listen, champions all:” exclaimed the ten-headed monster, “seize the monkey by the leg and dash him to the ground.” Meghanāda (the vanquisher of Indra) and many other stout warriors rose with delight from their respective seats and rushed with all their might, employing numerous devices; but Aṅgada’s foot refused to stir. The competitors, therefore, resumed their seats with their heads bent low. The enemies of heaven rose again and dashed forward; but the monkey’s foot moved no more than a sensually-minded striver, O Garuḍa (the enemy of serpents), is able to uproot the tree of error implanted in his heart (continues Kākabhuśuṇḍi).
Dohas
kōṭinha mēghanāda sama subhaṭa uṭhē haraṣāi.
jhapaṭahiṃ ṭarai na kapi carana puni baiṭhahiṃ sira nāi..34ka.. [6-34(A)]
bhūmi na chāomḍata kapi carana dēkhata ripu mada bhāga..
kōṭi bighna tē saṃta kara mana jimi nīti na tyāga..34kha.. [6-34(B)]
Myriads of great warriors of Meghanāda’s might arose with joy and swooped down; but the monkey’s foot did not budge, and they hung their heads and sat down again. The monkey’s foot would no more leave the ground than the soul of a saint would give up moral uprightness even though confronted with numberless obstacles. The enemy’s pride left him when he witnessed this.
Chaupais
kapi bala dēkhi sakala hiyaom hārē. uṭhā āpu kapi kēṃ paracārē..
gahata carana kaha bālikumārā. mama pada gahēṃ na tōra ubārā.. [6-34(B)-1]
gahasi na rāma carana saṭha jāī. sunata phirā mana ati sakucāī..
bhayau tējahata śrī saba gaī. madhya divasa jimi sasi sōhaī.. [6-34(B)-2]
siṃghāsana baiṭhēu sira nāī. mānahu saṃpati sakala gaomvāī..
jagadātamā prānapati rāmā. tāsu bimukha kimi laha biśrāmā.. [6-34(B)-3]
umā rāma kī bhṛkuṭi bilāsā. hōi bisva puni pāvai nāsā..
tṛna tē kulisa kulisa tṛna karaī. tāsu dūta pana kahu kimi ṭaraī.. [6-34(B)-4]
puni kapi kahī nīti bidhi nānā. māna na tāhi kālu niarānā..
ripu mada mathi prabhu sujasu sunāyō. yaha kahi calyō bāli nṛpa jāyō.. [6-34(B)-5]
hatauṃ na khēta khēlāi khēlāī. tōhi abahiṃ kā karauṃ baḍaāī..
prathamahiṃ tāsu tanaya kapi mārā. sō suni rāvana bhayau dukhārā.. [6-34(B)-6]
jātudhāna aṃgada pana dēkhī. bhaya byākula saba bhaē bisēṣī.. [6-34(B)-7]
Everyone who saw the monkey’s strength was discomfited at heart. Challenged by the monkey Rāvaṇa himself now rose. Even as Rāvaṇa proceeded to grasp his foot, Vāli’s son (Aṅgada) broke out, “You cannot be saved by clinging to my feet. Fool, why do you not go and clasp Śrī Rāma’s feet ?” He turned back much abashed at heart to hear this. All his splendour was gone and he was robbed of his glory even as the moon fades away at midday. With drooping heads he resumed his seat on the throne as if despoiled of all his riches. Śrī Rāma is the soul of the universe and the lord of life : how can he who is hostile to Him find any rest ? The universe, Umā (Pārvatī), springs into existence and is again dissolved with a mere play of Śrī Rāma’s eyebrows. When He is capable of transforming a blade of grass into a thunderbolt and a thunderbolt into a blade of grass, how, then, can a vow of His ambassador prove false ? Aṅgada admonished him in various ways; but as his end had drawn near, he would not listen. Having squashed the enemy’s pride, the son of King Vāli glorified his lord to his very face and departed, saying : “If I do not slay you after I have sported with you on the battlefield for some time, it will be no use my indulging in self-praise just now.” Aṅgada had killed Rāvaṇa’s son even before he arrived in the latter’s presence and Rāvaṇa felt very sad at the news. The demons too grew particularly nervous with fear when they witnessed the effectiveness of Aṅgada’s challenge.
Dohas
ripu bala dharaṣi haraṣi kapi bālitanaya bala puṃja.
pulaka sarīra nayana jala gahē rāma pada kaṃja..35ka.. [6-35(A)]
sāomjha jāni dasakaṃdhara bhavana gayau bilakhāi.
maṃdōdarī rāvanahi bahuri kahā samujhāi..kha.. [6-35(B)]
Setting at naught Rāvaṇa’s power, the mighty monkey, Vāli’s son, his body thrilling over with emotion and eyes full of tears, clasped in delight Śrī Rāma’s lotus feet. Perceiving that it was evening, the ten-headed monster returned disconsolately to his palace, where Mandodarī again spoke and advised him:-