Sundarakanda Sarga 58: Hanumān Relates His Deeds (Full Text & Meaning) 

Summary of Sarga 9

| Detail | Total Shlokas: 170 | Primary Characters: Hanumān, Jāmbavān, & Sītā | Key Events: Hanūmad-Vṛttāntaḥ (Hanuman's report), Sītā-Darśana-Varṇanam (Description of finding Sita), Laṅkā-Dāha-Vṛttāntaḥ (Account of burning Lanka) | Location: Mount Mahendra | 

Section 1: The Request for a Detailed Account (Shlokas 1–7)

tatastasya girēḥ śṛṅgē mahēndrasya mahābalāḥ | hanumatpramukhāḥ prītiṅ harayō jagmuruttamām || 1 

prītimatsūpaviṣṭēṣu vānarēṣu mahātmasu | taṅ tataḥ prītisaṅhṛṣṭaḥ prītimantaṅ mahākapim || 2 

jāmbavān kāryavṛttāntam apṛcchadanilātmajam | kathaṅ dṛṣṭā tvayā dēvī kathaṅ vā tatra vartatē || 3 

tasyāṅ vā sa kathaṅvṛttaḥ krūrakarmā daśānanaḥ | tattvata ssarva mētannaḥ prabrūhi tvaṅ mahākapē || 4

Thereafter, on the peak of Mahendra mountain, the powerful Vānaras led by Hanumān attained supreme joy. Jāmbavān, highly delighted, asked Hanumān for details: 'How was Devi Sītā seen? How does she exist there? How did the cruel Rāvaṇa behave towards her? Tell us all in detail.' (1–4)

sammargitā kathaṁ dēvī kiṁca sā pratyabhāṣata | śrutārthāścintayiṣyāmō bhūyaḥ kāryaviniścayam || 5 

yaścārthastattra vaktavyō gatairasmābhi rātmavān | rakṣitavyaṅ ca yattatra tadbhavānvyākarōtu naḥ || 6 

sa niyuktastatastēna samprahṛṣṭatanūruhaḥ | praṇamya śirasā dēvyai sītāyai pratyabhāṣata || 7

'How did you address her and what was her reply? Having heard this, we shall deliberate on our future action.' Instructed thus, Hanumān first bowed his head toward Devi Sītā and began his reply. (5–7)

Section 3: Encounter with Surasā (Shlokas 22–34)

tataḥ paśyāmyahaṅ dēvīṅ surasāṅ nāgamātaram | samudramadhyē sā dēvī vacanaṅ māmabhāṣata || 22

Then, I beheld the Surasā, the mother of the serpents, in the middle of the ocean. That Devi spoke a command to me. (22)

mama bhakṣaḥ pradiṣṭastvamamarairharisattama | atastvāṅ bhakṣayiṣyāmi vihitastvaṅ cirasya mē || 23

O foremost of Vānaras, you have been ordained by the Devatas as my food. Therefore, I shall devour you, as you have been allotted to me for a long time. (23)

ēvamukta ssurasayā prāñjaliḥ praṇataḥ sthitaḥ | vivarṇavadanō bhūtvā vākyaṅ cēdamudīrayam || 24

Thus addressed by Surasā, I stood with folded hands, bowed, and becoming pale-faced, spoke this word. (24)

rāmō dāśarathiḥ śrīmān praviṣṭō daṇḍakāvanam | lakṣmaṇēna saha bhrātrā sītayā ca parantapaḥ || 25

The glorious Rāma, son of Daśaratha and scorcher of foes, entered the Daṇḍaka forest along with his brother Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā. (25)

tasya sītā hṛtā bhāryā rāvaṇēna durātmanā | tasyā ssaṅkāśaṅ dūtō.haṅ gamiṣyē rāmaśāsanāt || 26

His wife, Sītā, was abducted by the evil-minded Rāvaṇa. I am going as a messenger to her presence, by the command of Rāma. (26)

kartumarhasi rāmasya sāhāyyaṅ viṣayē satī | athavā maithilīṅ dṛṣṭvā rāmaṅ cākliṣṭakāriṇam || 27 

āgamiṣyāmi tē vaktraṅ satyaṅ pratiśṛṇōmi tē | ēvamuktā mayā sā tu surasā kāmarūpiṇī || 28

As a guardian of your domain, it is proper for you to assist Rāma. Nevertheless, if you are determined, I make this solemn pledge to you: I will surely return and enter your mouth after I have successfully met with Maithilī (Sītā) and Rāma, the tirelessly active hero. After I spoke these words, that Surasā, who could assume any form she desired, gave her reply. (27 - 28)

abravīnnātivartēta kaścidēṣa varō mama | ēvamuktassurasayā daśayōjanamāyataḥ || 29 

tatōrthaguṇavistārō babhūvāhaṅ kṣaṇēna tu | matpramāṇānurūpaṅ ca vyāditaṅ ca mukhaṅ tayā || 30

She replied, "No one may pass without fulfilling this boon of mine." Thus challenged by Surasā, I immediately expanded to ten Yojanas in length. Then, in an instant, I grew even larger by an additional measure, and she, in turn, opened her mouth wide to match my size. (29 - 30)

taddṛṣṭvā vyāditaṅ cāsyaṅ hrasvaṅ hyakaravaṅ vapuḥ | tasminmuhūrtē ca punaḥ babhūvāṅguṣṭhamātrakaḥ || 31

Seeing her mouth thus opened wide, I immediately made my body short. And in that very moment, I became the size of a thumb once more. (31)

abhipatyāśu tadvaktraṅ nirgatō.haṅ tataḥ kṣaṇāt | abravītsurasā dēvī svēna rūpēṇa māṅ punaḥ || 32

Having immediately flown into her mouth, I swiftly came out from it in that very moment. The Devi Surasā then spoke to me again in her own true form. (32)

arthasiddhyai hariśrēṣṭha gaccha saumya yathāsukham | samānaya ca vaidēhīṅ rāghavēṇa mahātmanā || 33

O foremost of Vānaras, for the accomplishment of your purpose, go, gentle one, as you please. And unite Vaidēhī (Sītā) with the great-souled Rāghava (Rāma). (33)

sukhī bhava mahābāhō prītā.smi tava vānara | tatō.haṅ sādhu sādhviti sarvabhūtaiḥ praśaṅsitaḥ || 34

Be happy, O mighty-armed one, O Vānara, I am pleased with you.' Then, I was praised by all living beings with the words, 'Well done! Well done!' (34)

Section 5: Entering Lanka and Finding Sītā (Shlokas 46–62)

tāṅ hatvā punarēvāhaṅ kṛtyamātyayikaṅ smaran | gatvā cāha mahadhvānaṅ paśyāmi nagamaṇḍitam | dakṣiṇaṅ tīramudadhērlaṅkā yatra ca sā purī || 46

Having slain her, and again remembering my urgent duty, I resumed my journey and traveled a great distance, and I beheld the southern shore of the ocean, which was adorned with mountains, and where that city of Laṅkā stands. (46)

astaṅ dinakarē yātē rakṣasāṅ nilayaṅ puram | praviṣṭō.hamavijñātō rakṣōbhirbhīmavikramaiḥ || 47

As the sun set, I entered that city, the dwelling place of the Rākṣasas, without being detected by those Rākṣasas of terrible might. (47)

tatra praviśataścāpi kalpāntaghanasannibhā | aṭṭahāsaṅ vimuñcantī nārī kāpyutthitā puraḥ || 48

Even as I was entering the city, a woman, resembling a cloud of doom at the end of a cosmic age, rose up before me, letting out a terrifying peal of laughter. (48)

jighāṅsantīṅ tatastāṅ tu jvaladagniśirōruhām || 49 

savyamuṣṭiprahārēṇa parājitya subhairavām | pradōṣakālē praviśaṅ bhītayā.haṅ tayōditaḥ || 50

Then, I struck her—that exceedingly terrifying Rakshasi who was intent on killing and whose hair resembled blazing fire—with a blow of my left fist, defeating her. As I entered at the twilight hour, I was then addressed by her, who was now utterly terrified. (49 - 50)

ahaṅ laṅkāpurī vīra nirjitā vikramēṇa tē | yasmāttasmādvijētāsi sarvarakṣāṅsyaśēṣataḥ || 51

O hero, I am the city of Laṅkā, and I have been conquered by your might. Therefore, you shall surely be the conqueror of all the Rākṣasas entirely. (51)

tatrāhaṅ sarvarātraṅ tu vicinvan janakātmajām | rāvaṇāntaḥpuragatō na cāpaśyaṅ sumadhyamām || 52

There, having entered Rāvaṇa's inner palace, I spent the entire night searching for Janaka's daughter, but I did not find her. (52)

tata ssītāmapaśyaṅstu rāvaṇasya nivēśanē | śōkasāgaramāsādya na pāramupalakṣayē || 53

Failing to locate Sītā in Rāvaṇa's palace, I sank into a deep sea of sorrow, unable to see any end to my distress. (53)

śōcatā ca mayā dṛṣṭaṅ prākārēṇa samāvṛtam | kāñcanēna vikṛṣṭēna gṛhōpavanamuttamam || 54

And in my state of grief, I beheld a magnificent palace-grove, which was encompassed by an extensive, stretched-out golden wall. (54)

sa prākāramavaplutya paśyāmi bahupādapam | aśōkavanikāmadhyē śiṅśupāpādapō mahān || 55 

tamāruhya ca paśyāmi kāñcanaṅ kadalīvanam | adūrē śiṅśupāvṛkṣātpaśyāmi varavarṇinīm || 56

Having leaped over that wall, I beheld a place filled with many trees. In the middle of the Aśoka grove, there was a great Śiṅśupā tree. Having climbed it, I then saw a golden banana grove. And it was near that Śiṅśupā tree that I beheld the lady of exquisite complexion. (55 - 56)

śyāmāṅ kamalapatrākṣīmupavāsakṛśānanām | tadēkavāsassaṅvītāṅ rajōdhvastaśirōruhām || 57

She was dark-complexioned with eyes like lotus petals, and a face made thin by fasting. She was clad in a single garment, and her hair was soiled with dust. (57)

śōkasantāpadīnāṅgīṅ sītāṅ bhartṛhitē sthitām | rākṣasībhirvirūpābhiḥ krūrābhirabhisaṅvṛtām || 58 māṅsaśōṇitabhakṣābhirvyāghrībhirhariṇīmiva | sā mayā rākṣasīmadhyē tarjyamānā muhurmuhuḥ || 59

Worn down by sorrow and anguish, Sītā remained steadfastly devoted to her husband's welfare. She was surrounded by monstrous and cruel Rākṣasīs—flesh-and-blood-eating tigresses—like a doe trapped among them. In their midst, Sītā was ceaselessly tormented by the Rākṣasīs' threats. (58 - 59)

ēkavēṇīdharā dīnā bhartṛcintāparāyaṇā | bhūmiśayyā vivarṇāṅgī padminīva himāgamē || 60

Wearing a single braid, pitiable, and intensely devoted to thoughts of her husband; lying on the ground, looking pale, like a lotus flower withered in the arrival of winter. (60)

rāvaṇādvinivṛttārthā martavyakṛtaniścayā | kathañcinmṛgaśābākṣī tūrṇamāsāditā mayā || 61

"Having firmly turned her mind away from Rāvaṇa and being resolved to die, that fawn-eyed lady was, with great difficulty, swiftly found by me. (61)

tāṅ dṛṣṭvā tādṛśīṅ nārīṅ rāmapatnīṅ yaśasvinīm | tatraiva śiṅśupāvṛkē paśyannahamavasthitaḥ || 62

Having seen that renowned lady, the wife of Rāma, in such a pitiable state, I remained situated on that very Śiṅśupā tree, watching her. (62)

Section 7: Trijaṭā’s Dream and Sītā’s Weeping (Shlokas 81–91)

yātē tasmin daśagrīvē rākṣasyō vikṛtānanāḥ | sītāṅ nirbhartsayāmāsurvākyaiḥ krūraissudāruṇaiḥ || 81

Once that ten-headed Rāvaṇa had departed, the Rākṣasīs with monstrous faces began to torment Sītā Devi with cruel and exceedingly harsh words. (81)

tṛṇavadbhāṣitaṅ tāsāṅ gaṇayāmāsa jānakī | garjitaṅ ca tadā tāsāṅ sītāṅ prāpya nirarthakam || 82

Jānakī (Sītā) considered the words spoken by them (the Rākṣasīs) as no more than a blade of grass. And thus, their roaring threats against Sītā became entirely meaningless. (82)

vṛthāgarjitaniścēṣṭā rākṣasyaḥ piśitāśanāḥ | rāvaṇāya śaśaṅsustāḥ sītādhyavasitaṅ mahat || 83 

tatastāssahitāssarvā nihatāśā nirudyamāḥ | parikṣipya samantāttāṅ nidrāvaśamupāgatāḥ || 84 

tāsu caiva prasuptāsu sītā bhartṛhitē ratā | vilapya karuṇaṅ dīnā praśuśōca suduḥkhitā || 85

The flesh-eating Rākṣasīs, their vain threats proving utterly ineffective, became fearful for Rāvaṇa, anticipating the consequence of Sītā’s great resolve. Thereupon, all of them together, their hopes dashed and efforts abandoned, surrounded her on all sides and fell asleep. And while they were thus fast asleep, Sītā, who was wholly dedicated to her husband’s welfare, wept pitifully and, utterly miserable, lamented in deep distress. (83 - 85)

tāsāṅ madhyātsamutthāya trijaṭā vākyamabravīt | ātmānaṅ khādata kṣipraṅ na sītā vinaśiṣyati | janakasyātmajā sādhvī snuṣā daśarathasya ca || 86

Rising up from among them, Trijaṭā spoke the following words: 'Quickly devour your own bodies, for Sītā will certainly not perish. She is the virtuous daughter of Janaka and the daughter-in-law of Daśaratha. (86)

svapnō hyadya mayā dṛṣṭō dāruṇō rōmaharṣaṇaḥ | rakṣasāṅ ca vināśāya bharturasyā jayāya ca || 87 

alamasmātparitrātuṅ rāghavādrākṣasīgaṇam | abhiyācāma vaidēhīmētaddhi mama rōcatē || 88

Indeed, I have seen a terrible, hair-raising dream today, which signals the destruction of the Rākṣasas and the victory of her husband. It is impossible to save the Rākṣasī host from Rāghava. Let us beg for mercy from Vaidēhī, for this, indeed, is what I consider right. (87 - 88)

yasyā hyēvaṅvidhassvapnō duḥkhitāyāḥ pradṛśyatē | sā duḥkhairvividhairmuktā sukhamāpnōtyanuttamam || 89

Indeed, the distressed woman for whom such a dream is seen—she is released from her various sorrows and attains supreme happiness. (89)

praṇipātaprasannā hi maithilī janakātmajā | alamēṣā paritrātuṁ rākṣasyō mahatō bhayāt || 90

And this daughter of Janaka, Maithilī, when made gracious by our respectful prostration, is surely capable of saving the Rākṣasīs from great peril. (90)

tatassā hrīmatī bālā bharturvijayaharṣitā | avōcadyadi tattathyaṅ bhavēyaṅ śaraṇaṅ hi vaḥ || 91

Then that modest young woman [Sītā], who was made joyful by the news of her husband's victory, said: 'If that [dream of victory] is true, I shall indeed be a refuge for you all.' (91)

Section 9: Destruction of the Grove and Initial Battles (Shlokas 109–120)

tacchrutvā karuṇaṅ vākyaṅ krōdhō māmabhyavartata | uttaraṅ ca mayā dṛṣṭāṅ kāryaśēṣamanantaram || 109

Having heard that sorrowful speech, anger came over me. And then I contemplated the next remaining action to be done. (109)

tatō.vardhata mē kāyastadā parvatasannibhaḥ | yuddhakāṅkṣī vanaṅ tacca vināśayitumārabhē || 110

Then my body expanded, resembling a mountain. Desiring a battle, I began to destroy that grove. (110)

tadbhagnaṅ vanaṣaṇḍaṅ tu bhrāntatrastamṛgadvijam | pratibuddhā nirīkṣantē rākṣasyō vikṛtānanāḥ || 111

That grove, thus shattered and ruined, with its deer and birds bewildered and terrified, was then observed by the awakened Rākṣasīs with their monstrous faces. (111)

māṅ ca dṛṣṭvā vanē tasmin samāgamya tatastataḥ | tā ssamabhyāgatāḥ kṣipraṅ rāvaṇāyācacakṣirē || 112

And seeing me in that grove, they (the Rākṣasīs) quickly gathered together from all sides and swiftly arrived to report the matter to Rāvaṇa. (112)

rājasvanamidaṅ durgaṅ tava bhagnaṅ durātmanā | vānarēṇa hyavijñāya tava vīryaṅ mahābala || 113

This impregnable royal grove of yours has been utterly ruined by an evil-minded Vānara, who is entirely ignorant of your great power, O mighty one. (113)

durbuddhēstasya rājēndra tava vipriyakāriṇaḥ | vadhamājñāpaya kṣipraṅ yathāsau vilayaṅ vrajēt || 114

O King of Rākṣasas, quickly command the slaying of that evil-minded one who has acted against your pleasure, so that he may meet with destruction. (114)

tacchrutvā rākṣasēndrēṇa visṛṣṭā bhṛśadurjayāḥ | rākṣasāḥ kiṅkarā nāma rāvaṇasya manōnugāḥ || 115

Having heard that, the King of the Rākṣasas (Rāvaṇa) dispatched the Rākṣasas who were exceedingly difficult to conquer, named the Kiṅkaras, who were fully devoted to Rāvaṇa's will. (115)

tēṣāmaśītisāhasraṅ śūlamudgarapāṇinām | mayā tasminvanōddēśē parighēṇa niṣūditam || 116

Eighty thousand of those [Rākṣasas] who carried pikes and maces in their hands were utterly destroyed by me in that forest region using an iron club. (116)

tēṣāṅ tu hataśēṣā yē tē gatvā laghuvikramāḥ | nihataṅ ca mahatsainyaṅ rāvaṇāyācacakṣirē || 117

And those who were the survivors of the slain among them, swiftly went and reported the destruction of the great army to Rāvaṇa. (117)

tatō mē buddhirutpannā caityaprāsādamākramam | tatrasthānrākṣasān hatvā śataṅ stambhēna vai punaḥ | lalāmabhūtō laṅkāyāssa vai vidhvaṅsitō mayā || 118

Then a thought arose in my mind: 'I shall attack the Caitya-prāsāda (temple/palace).' And having slain the Rākṣasas who were stationed there and striking down a hundred more with a pillar, that very structure, which was the ornament (or chief feature) of Laṅkā, was utterly destroyed by me. (118)

tataḥ prahastasya sutaṅ jambumālinamādiśat | rākṣasairbahubhissārdhaṅ ghōrarūpairbhayānakaiḥ || 119

Thereupon, [Rāvaṇa] commanded Jambumālī, the son of Prahasta, to go forth with many other Rākṣasas who were of terrifying and formidable appearance. (119)

taṅ mahābalasampannaṅ rākṣasaṅ raṇakōvidam | parighēṇātighōrēṇa sūdayāmi sahānugam || 120

That Rākṣasa, who was endowed with great might and skilled in battle, I utterly destroyed along with his followers using an exceedingly dreadful iron beam. (120)

Section 11: Bondage and Embassy in Court (Shlokas 129–147)

mahatāpi mahābāhuḥ pratyayēna mahābalaḥ || 129 

prēṣitō rāvaṇēnaiva saha vīrairmadōtkaṭaiḥ | sō.viṣahyaṅ hi māṅ buddhvā svaṅ balaṅ cāvamarditam || 130

 brāhmaṇāstrēṇa sa tu māṅ prābadhnācchātivēgitaḥ | rajjubhiścābhibadhnanti tatō māṅ tatra rākṣasāḥ || 131

The mighty-armed and greatly powerful one (Indrajit), though filled with vast confidence, was sent forth by Rāvaṇa himself, along with heroes intoxicated with pride. He, perceiving me to be unconquerable and his own army to be crushed, swiftly bound me with the Brahmāstra. Then, the Rākṣasas there bound me further with ropes. (129 - 131)

rāvaṇasya samīpaṅ ca gṛhītvā māmupānayan | dṛṣṭvā sambhāṣitaścāhaṅ rāvaṇēna durātmanā || 132

And having seized me, they led me to the presence of Rāvaṇa. And having seen me, I was then addressed by the evil-minded Rāvaṇa. (132)

pṛṣṭaśca laṅkāgamanaṅ rākṣasānāṅ ca taṅ vadham | tatsarvaṅ ca mayā tatra sītārthamiti jalpitam || 133 

asyāhaṅ darśanākāṅkṣī prāptastvadbhavanaṅ vibhō | mārutasyaurasaḥ putrō vānarō hanumānaham || 134 

rāmadūtaṅ ca māṅ viddhi sugrīvasacivaṅ kapim | sō.haṅ dūtyēna rāmasya tvatsakāśamihāgataḥ || 135

"I was questioned about my journey to Laṅkā and the slaying of those Rākṣasas. And all that was stated by me there was 'it was for Sītā.' 'I am a Vānara, Hanumān, the true-born son of Māruta (the Wind God), and I have come to your palace, O Lord, desirous of seeing her. Know me to be a messenger of Rāma and the minister of the Vānara King, Sugrīva. I have arrived here to your presence on an embassy for Rāma.' (133 - 135)

śr̥ṇu cāpi samādēśaṁ yadahaṁ prabravīmi tē | rākṣasēśa harīśastvāṁ vākyamāha samāhitam || 136

And also, listen to the command that I shall deliver to you, O Lord of the Rākṣasas; the King of the Vānaras (Sugrīva) speaks this message to you with deep concentration. (136)

sugrīvaśca mahātējāssatvāṅ kuśalamabravīt | dharmārthakāmasahitaṅ hitaṅ pathyamuvāca ca || 137

And the greatly powerful Sugrīva inquired about your welfare. And he spoke what was beneficial and wholesome, encompassing Righteousness (Dharma), Prosperity (Artha), and Pleasure (Kāma). (137)

vasatō ṛśyamūkē mē parvatē vipuladrumē | rāghavō raṇavikrāntō mittratvaṅ samupāgataḥ || 138

While I was dwelling on the Ṛśyamūka mountain, which is full of abundant trees, Rāghava (Rāma), who is valiant in battle, approached me to forge a friendship. (138)

tēna mē kathitaṅ rājñā bhāryā mē rakṣasā hṛtā | tatra sāhāyyamasmākaṅ kāryaṅ sarvātmanā tvayā || 139

That King (Rāma) told me: 'My wife has been abducted by a Rākṣasa. In this matter, help must be rendered to us by you with all your heart.' (139)

mayā ca kathitaṅ tasmai vālinaśca vadhaṅ prati | tatra sāhāyyahētōrmē samayaṅ kartumarhasi || 140

And I, in turn, spoke to him about the slaying of Vāli. 'You ought to make an agreement with me in that matter for the sake of my assistance (in regaining my kingdom). (140)

vālinā hṛtarājyēna sugrīvēṇa mahāprabhuḥ | cakrē.gnisākṣikaṅ sakhyaṅ rāghavassaha lakṣmaṇaḥ || 141

The Great Lord, Rāghava (Rāma), along with Lakṣmaṇa, cemented a friendship with Sugrīva—whose kingdom had been seized by Vāli—with fire as their witness." (141)

tēna vālinamutpāṭya śarēṇaikēna saṅyugē | vānarāṇāṅ mahārājaḥ kṛtassa plavatāṅ prabhuḥ || 142

By him (Rāma), having struck down Vāli in battle with a single arrow, he (Sugrīva) was then made the great king and lord of the Vānaras. (142)

tasya sāhāyyamasmābhiḥ kāryaṅ sarvātmanā tviha | tēna prasthāpitastubhyaṅ samīpamiha dharmataḥ || 143

And in this matter, aid must be rendered by us to him (Rāma) with all our heart. It is by him (Sugrīva) that I have been righteously sent here to your presence. (143)

kṣipramānīyatāṅ sītā dīyatāṅ rāghavāya ca | yāvanna harayō vīrā vidhamanti balaṅ tava || 144

Let Sītā be brought swiftly and given back to Rāghava (Rāma), before the valiant Vānaras utterly destroy your army. (144)

vānarāṇāṅ prabhāvō hi na kēna viditaḥ purā | dēvatānāṅ saṅkāśaṅ ca yē gacchanti nimantritāḥ || 145

Indeed, who is there to whom the immense power of the Vānaras is not known from the past? And they are equal to the Gods, rushing forth when summoned to action. (145)

iti vānararājastvāmāhētyabhihitō mayā | māmaikṣata tataḥ kruddhaścakṣuṣā pradahanniva || 146

"When I had spoken this message, saying, 'The King of the Vānaras has instructed me to tell you this,' the ten-headed Rāvaṇa then looked at me, enraged, as if he would burn me with his gaze. (146)

tēna vadhyō.hamājñaptō rakṣasā raudrakarmaṇā | matprabhāvamavijñāya rāvaṇēna durātmanā || 147

By that Rākṣasa of fierce deeds, the evil-minded Rāvaṇa, I was commanded to be put to death, as he was ignorant of my immense power. (147)

Section 13: Burning Lanka and Return (Shlokas 156–170)

tatastē rākṣasāśśūrā baddhaṅ māmagnisaṅvṛtam | aghōṣayanrājamārgē nagaradvāramāgatāḥ || 156

Then, those valiant Rākṣasas paraded me—who was bound and encircled with fire—along the royal road until they reached the city gate, making loud proclamations. (156)

tatō.haṅ sumahadrūpaṅ saṅkṣipya punarātmanaḥ | vimōcayitvā taṅ bandhaṅ prakṛtisthaḥ sthitaḥ punaḥ || 157

Thereupon, I quickly shrank my immensely large body once again. And having freed myself from that bondage, I immediately resumed my natural form. (157)

āyasaṅ parighaṅ gṛhya tāni rakṣāṅsyasūdayam | tatastannagaradvāraṅ vēgēnāplutavānaham || 158

Having seized the iron club, I slew those Rākṣasas. Then, I swiftly leaped over that city gate. (158)

pucchēna ca pradīptēna tāṅ purīṅ sāṭṭagōpurām | dahāmyahamasaṅbhrāntō yugāntāgniriva prajāḥ || 159

With my blazing tail, I, undismayed, set fire to that city, including its mansions and gateways, just as the fire of cosmic dissolution (the end of the age) consumes all creatures. (159)

vinaṣṭā jānakī vyaktaṅ na hyadagdhaḥ pradṛśyatē | laṅkāyāṅ kaściduddhēśaḥ sarvā bhasmīkṛtā purī || 160

Sītā is surely destroyed, for not a single spot in Laṅkā appears unburnt; the entire city has been reduced to ashes. (160)

dahatā ca mayā laṅkāṅ dagdhā sītā na saṅśayaḥ | rāmasya hi mahatkāryaṅ mayēdaṅ vitathīkṛtam || 161

As I burned Laṅkā, Sītā has undoubtedly been burned as well. Indeed, this great mission of Rāma has been utterly ruined by me. (161)

iti śōkasamāviṣṭaścintāmahamupāgataḥ | athāhaṅ vācamaśrauṣaṅ cāraṇānāṅ śubhākṣarām || 162

Thus, overwhelmed by grief, I fell into anxiety. Then, I heard the auspicious words of the Cāraṇas (celestial bards). (162)

jānakī na ca dagdhēti vismayōdantabhāṣiṇām | tatō mē buddhirutpannā śrutvā tāmadbhutāṅ giram || 163

'Jānakī is not burned,' they declared, speaking with wondrous news. Then, having heard that marvelous utterance, a thought arose in my mind. (163)

adagdhā jānakītyēvaṅ nimittaiścōpalakṣitā | dīpyamānē tu lāṅgūlē na māṅ dahati pāvakaḥ || 164 

hṛdayaṅ ca prahṛṣṭaṅ mē vātāssurabhigandhinaḥ | tairnimittaiśca dṛṣṭāthai: kāraṇaiśca mahāguṇaiḥ || 165 

ṛṣivākyaiśca siddhārthairabhavaṅ hṛṣṭamānasaḥ | punardṛṣṭvā ca vaidēhīṅ visṛṣṭaśca tayā punaḥ || 166

It was then made evident by omens that Jānakī was not burned. Even though my tail was blazing, the fire did not consume me. My heart was greatly gladdened, and the breezes around me became fragrant. Confirmed by all these omens, by the realization that my purpose was achieved, by the excellent reasons (of Sītā's purity), and by the fulfilled words of the sages, my mind became joyful. Having seen Vaidēhī once more, I was then permitted by her to depart again. (164 - 166)

tataḥ parvatamāsādya tatrāriṣṭamahaṅ punaḥ | pratiplavanamārēbhē yuṣmaddharśanakāṅkṣayā || 167

Then, having reached the ArishTa mountain, I, having accomplished my purpose there, began my return leap once again, longing to see you all. (167)

tataḥ pavanacandrārkasiddhagandharvasēvitam | panthānamahamākramya bhavatō dṛṣṭavāniha || 168

Then, traversing the path that is frequented by the Wind, the Moon, the Sun, the Siddhas, and the Gandharvas, I arrived here and have seen you all. (168)

rāghavasya prabhāvēṇa bhavatāṅ caiva tējasā | sugrīvasya ca kāryārthaṅ mayā sarvamanuṣṭhitam || 169

By the power of Rāghava (Rāma), and indeed by your blessings, and for the sake of Sugrīva's mission—all this has been accomplished by me. (169)

ētatsarvaṅ mayā tatra yathāvadupapādidam | atra yanna kṛtaṅ śēṣaṅ tatsarvaṅ kriyatāmiti || 170

I have completed all necessary tasks there as appropriate. Whatever action is now left to be done here, let it be performed. (170)

ityārśe śrīmadramāyaṇe vālmīkīye ādikāvye suṃdarakaṃde aṣṭapaṃcāśassargaḥ