The Rámáyan of Válmíki — Chronicle
Ordered by chapter. No event in this book could be dated from the text, so it is not dated — no anchor, no chronology; a date is never inferred. Time expressions are copied from the text as written. Every event links back to one sentence of the original.
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1313 events · no event could be dated from the text
Undated
Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad
The aged king for Ráma pined, And for the skies the earth resigned.
Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad
Bharat, his son, refused to reign, Though urged by all the twice-born train.
Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad · 📍 [[Nandigráma]]
But turned to Nandigráma, where He ruled the realm with watchful care, Still longing eagerly to learn Tidings of Ráma’s safe return.
Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad
And Ráma’s falchion left its trace Deep cut on Śúrpaṇakhá’s face:
Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad · 📍 [[Lanká]]
Vibhishaṇ there was left to reign Over his brother’s wide domain.
Book I, Canto 2 · Brahmá’s Visit
This measure now Válmíki chose Wherein his story to compose.
Book I, Canto 2 · Brahmá’s Visit
In hundreds of such verses, sweet With equal lines and even feet, The saintly poet, lofty-souled, The glorious deeds of Ráma told.
Book I, Canto 3 · The Argument
How the king grieved and groaned, and cried, And swooned away and pining died.
Book I, Canto 4 · The Rhapsodists
Válmíki Kuśa (son of Ráma) Lava
And so the great Rámáyan, fraught With lore divine, to these he taught:
Book I, Canto 4 · The Rhapsodists
The youth within their hearts had stored The poem that his lips outpoured,
Book I, Canto 4 · The Rhapsodists
Válmíki Kuśa (son of Ráma) Lava
“Recite ye this heroic song In tranquil shades where sages throng: Recite it where the good resort, In lowly home and royal court.”
Book I, Canto 4 · The Rhapsodists
And sent fit messengers to bring The minstrel pair before the king.
Book I, Canto 4 · The Rhapsodists
The youths began to sing, While every heart with transport swelled, And mute and rapt attention held The concourse and the king.
Book I, Canto 5 · Ayodhyá · In bygone ages
In bygone ages built and planned By sainted Manu’s princely hand.
Book I, Canto 8 · Sumantra’s Speech
“A votive steed ’twere good to slay, So might a son the gift repay.”
Book I, Canto 9 · Rishyasring
Pleased with the gracious words they said He followed where the damsels led. As with his guides his steps he bent, That Bráhman high of worth, A flood of rain from heaven was sent That gladdened all the earth.
Book I, Canto 9 · Rishyasring
The Angas’ lord who bears the name Of Lomapád, renowned by fame, Bestowed these hamlets with their kine And all their riches, as a sign Of grace, on Rishyaśring:
Book I, Canto 9 · Rishyasring
And gave to be the Bráhman’s bride His own fair daughter, lotus-eyed. Thus loved and honoured by the king, The glorious Bráhman Rishyaśring Passed in that royal town his life With Śántá his beloved wife.
Book I, Canto 10 · Rishyasring Invited
The hermit’s son with quick accord Obeyed the Angas’ mighty lord, And with fair Śántá at his side To Daśaratha’s city hied.
Book I, Canto 11 · The Sacrifice Decreed · The Dewy Season came and went; The spring returned again
Then would the king, with mind intent, His sacrifice ordain. He came to Rishyaśring, and bowed To him of look divine, And bade him aid his offering vowed For heirs, to save his line.
Book I, Canto 11 · The Sacrifice Decreed
Daśaratha Sumantra Vaśishṭha Suyajǹa Vámadeva Jáváli Kaśyap
The king to wise Sumantra cried Who stood aye ready near; “Go summon quick each holy guide, To counsel and to hear.” Obedient to his lord’s behest Away Sumantra sped, And brought Vaśishṭha and the rest, In Scripture deeply read. Suyajǹa, Vámadeva came, Jávali, Kaśyap’s son, And old Vaśishṭha, dear to fame, Obedient every one.
Book I, Canto 11 · The Sacrifice Decreed
Daśaratha Vaśishṭha Rishyaśring
So have I for this cause decreed To slay the sacrificial steed. Fain would I pay that offering high Wherein the horse is doomed to die, With Rishyaśring his aid to lend, And with your glory to befriend.” With loud applause each holy man Received his speech, approved the plan, And, by the wise Vaśishṭha led, Gave praises to the king, and said:
Book I, Canto 11 · The Sacrifice Decreed · 📍 [[Sarjú]]
Let what the coming rites require Be ready as the priests desire, And let the horse, ordained to bleed, With fitting guard and priest, be freed, Yonder on Sarjú’s northern side The sacrificial ground provide;
Book I, Canto 12 · The Sacrifice Begun
To win him sons, without delay His vow the king resolved to pay:
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished · 📍 [[Sarjú’s northern strand]] · Three days
Three days, as is by law decreed, Lasted that Offering of the Steed.
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished
Then with three swords in order due She smote the steed with joy, and slew.
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished · That night
That night the queen, a son to gain, With calm and steady heart was fain By the dead charger’s side to stay From evening till the break of day.
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished
The task was done, as laws prescribe: The monarch, glory of his tribe, Bestowed the land in liberal grants Upon the sacred ministrants.
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished
The chief of old Ikshváku’s line Gave them ten hundred thousand kine, A hundred millions of fine gold, The same in silver four times told. But every priest in presence there With one accord resigned his share.
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished
To Saint Vaśishṭha, high of soul, And Rishyaśring they gave the whole.
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished
Then Daśaratha, mighty king, Made answer thus to Rishyaśring: “O holy Hermit, of thy grace, Vouchsafe the increase of my race.”
Book I, Canto 13 · The Sacrifice Finished
“Four sons, O Monarch, shall be thine, Upholders of thy royal line.”
Book I, Canto 14 · Rávan Doomed
Then, in the world of mortal men, Ten thousand years and hundreds ten I as a human king will reign, And guard the earth as my domain.
Book I, Canto 15 · The Nectar · At that same time
At that same time with utmost care Prepared the rite that wins an heir.
Book I, Canto 15 · The Nectar
The Gods accept thy worship: they Give thee the blessed fruit to-day. Approach and take, O glorious King, This heavenly nectar which I bring, For it shall give thee sons and wealth,
Book I, Canto 15 · The Nectar
Daśaratha Kauśalyá Sumitrá Kaikeyí
He spoke, and gave the lady half. Part of the nectar that remained Sumitrá from his hand obtained. He gave, to make her fruitful too, Kaikeyí half the residue. A portion yet remaining there, He paused awhile to think. Then gave Sumitrá, with her share.
Book I, Canto 16 · The Vánars
Tára, the mighty monkey, he Was offspring of Vṛihaspati:
Book I, Canto 16 · The Vánars
Nala the mighty, dear to fame, Of skilful Viśvakarmá came.
Book I, Canto 17 · Rishyasring’s Return · when the high-souled monarch’s rite, The Aśvamedh, was finished quite
Next, Rishyaśring, well-honoured sage, And Śántá, sought their hermitage. The king himself, of prudent mind, Attended him, with troops behind.
Book I, Canto 17 · Rishyasring’s Return · Soon as she knew her husband’s will
Soon as she knew her husband’s will Again to seek the forest, still Was ready for the hermit’s cot, Nor murmured at her altered lot.
Book I, Canto 17 · Rishyasring’s Return
“Return, my honoured lord, I pray, Return, upon thy homeward way.” The monarch, with the waiting crowd, Lifted his voice and wept aloud,
Book I, Canto 17 · Rishyasring’s Return
The king around the hermit went With circling footsteps reverent, And placed at Rishyaśring’s command Some soldiers of his royal band.
Book I, Canto 17 · Rishyasring’s Return
Amid his people’s loud acclaim Home to his royal seat he came, And lived delighted there, Expecting when each queenly dame, Upholder of his ancient fame, Her promised son should bear.
Book I, Canto 17 · Rishyasring’s Return · 📍 [[Champá]] · Soon as the saint’s approach he knew
The glorious sage his way pursued Till close before his eyes he viewed Sweet Champá, Lomapád’s fair town, Wreathed with her Champacs’ leafy crown. Soon as the saint’s approach he knew, The king, to yield him honour due, Went forth to meet him with a band
Book I, Canto 18 · Rishyasring’s Departure
Those rites are o’er, the steed is slain; Thy noble child is come again.
Book I, Canto 18 · Rishyasring’s Departure
The saint, who every virtue knew, His arms around his daughter threw, And with a father’s rapture pressed The lady to his wondering breast.
Book I, Canto 18 · Rishyasring’s Departure · 📍 [[wood]]
And, honoured by the wise and good, With him departed to the wood.
Book I, Canto 19 · The Birth Of The Princes · Soon as each babe was twelve days old
Vaśishṭha Ráma Bharat Lakshmaṇ Śatrughna
When Saint Vaśishṭha, rapt with joy, Assigned a name to every boy. Ráma, to him the high-souled heir, Bharat, to him Kaikeyí bare: Of Queen Sumitrá one fair son Was Lakshmaṇ, and Śatrughna one
Book I, Canto 19 · The Birth Of The Princes
Kauśalyá bore an infant blest With heavenly marks of grace impressed; Ráma, the universe’s lord, A prince by all the worlds adored. New glory Queen Kauśalyá won Reflected from her splendid son. So Aditi shone more and more, The Mother of the Gods, when she The King of the Immortals bore, The thunder-wielding deity. The lotus-eyed, the beauteous boy, He came fierce Rávaṇ to destroy; From half of Vishṇu’s vigour born,
Book I, Canto 20 · Visvámitra’s Visit
Now Daśaratha’s pious mind Meet wedlock for his sons designed; With priests and friends the king began To counsel and prepare his plan.
Book I, Canto 20 · Visvámitra’s Visit
For evil fiends that roam by night Disturbed him in each holy rite, And in their strength and frantic rage Assailed with witcheries the sage. He came to seek the monarch’s aid To guard the rites the demons stayed, Unable to a close to bring One unpolluted offering.
Book I, Canto 20 · Visvámitra’s Visit
Then say what thou wouldst have me do, That thou hast sought this interview. Favoured by thee, my wish is still, O Hermit, to perform thy will. Nor needest thou at length explain The object that thy heart would gain. Without reserve I grant it now: My deity, O Lord, art thou.
Book I, Canto 21 · Visvámitra’s Speech
King
But the good speech with poignant sting Pierced ear and bosom of the king, Who, stabbed with pangs too sharp to bear, Fell prostrate and lay fainting there.
Book I, Canto 24 · The Spells
Daśaratha Ráma Lakshmaṇ Viśvámitra
O’er his loved head the father bent, And then to Kuśik’s son resigned Ráma with Lakshmaṇ close behind.
Book I, Canto 24 · The Spells · 📍 [[Sarjú]]
Then Ráma duly touched the wave, Raised suppliant hands, bowed low his head, And took the spells the hermit gave,
Book I, Canto 26 · The Forest Of Tádaká · Then
Then came the Gods and saints who bore Their golden pitchers brimming o’er With holy streams that banish stain, And bathed Lord Indra pure again.
Book I, Canto 26 · The Forest Of Tádaká · 📍 [[Malaja and Karúsha]] · Then
Then in his joy the lands he blessed, And gave a boon they long possessed:
Book I, Canto 26 · The Forest Of Tádaká · 📍 [[Malaja and Karúsha]] · long
And she, a constant plague and pest, These two fair realms has long distressed.
Book I, Canto 27 · The Birth Of Tádaká · of old
Indra Manthará (daughter of Virochan)
So Manthará, as bards have told, Virochan’s child, was slain of old By Indra, when in furious hate She longed the earth to devastate.
Book I, Canto 27 · The Birth Of Tádaká · of yore
So Kávya’s mother, Bhrigu’s wife, Who loved her husband as her life, When Indra’s throne she sought to gain, By Vishṇu’s hand of yore was slain.
Book I, Canto 28 · The Death Of Tádaká · 📍 [[Táḍaká’s wild wood]] · the twilight hour
When Ráma smote her with a dart, Shaped like a crescent, to the heart. Sore wounded by the shaft that came With lightning speed and surest aim, Blood spouting from her mouth and side, She fell upon the earth and died.
Book I, Canto 29 · The Celestial Arms · That night
Facing the east, the glorious saint Pure from all spot of earthly taint, To Ráma, with delighted mind, That noble host of spells consigned. He taught the arms, whose lore is won Hardly by Gods, to Raghu’s son.
Book I, Canto 30 · The Mysterious Powers
With joy the pride of Raghu’s race Received the hermit’s proffered grace, Mysterious arms, to check and stay, Or smite the foeman in the fray.
Book I, Canto 31 · The Perfect Hermitage
And thus the universe restored To Indra’s rule, its ancient lord.
Book I, Canto 31 · The Perfect Hermitage · 📍 [[the consecrated wood]]
He spoke; and soon the anchorite, With joyous looks that beamed delight, With Ráma and his brother stood Within the consecrated wood.
Book I, Canto 31 · The Perfect Hermitage · 📍 [[This Perfect Grove]] · that night
Then, thus addressed, the holy man, The very glorious sage, began The high preliminary rite.
Book I, Canto 32 · Visvámitra’s Sacrifice · the sixth returning day
And all the demons were o’erthrown, The saints no more afraid.
Book I, Canto 33 · The Sone
The high-souled king who lords it o’er The realm of Míthilá of yore Gained from the Gods this bow, the price Of his imperial sacrifice.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta · of yore
A king of Brahmá’s seed who bore The name of Kuśa reigned of yore.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta
Like their own father, children four, All valiant boys, the lady bore.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta · 📍 [[Kauśámbí]]
Kuśámba, prince of high renown, Was builder of Kauśámbí’s town,
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta · 📍 [[Dharmáraṇya]]
Amúrtarajas chose to dwell In Dharmáraṇya’s citadel,
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta · 📍 [[Girivraja]]
And Vasu bade his city fair The name of Girivraja bear.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta
The queen Ghritáchí, nymph most fair, Married to Kuśanábha, bare
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta
Our honoured sire our lord we deem, He is to us a God supreme, And they to whom his high decree May give us shall our husbands be.”
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta
On each fair maid a blast he sent: Each stately form he bowed and bent.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta
The saint with favour heard her prayer, And gave a son exceeding fair. Him, Chúli’s spiritual child, His mother Brahmadatta styled.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta
To him, obedient to his call, The happy monarch gave them all. Like Indra then he took the hand Of every maiden of the band.
Book I, Canto 34 · Brahmadatta · Soon as the hand of each young maid In Brahmadatta’s palm was laid
Soon as the hand of each young maid In Brahmadatta’s palm was laid, Deformity and cares away, She shone in beauty bright and gay.
Book I, Canto 36 · The Birth Of Gangá
The father of a lovely pair Of daughters fairest of the fair: Their mother, offspring of the will Of Meru, everlasting hill, Mená, Himálaya’s darling, graced With beauty of her dainty waist. Gangá was elder-born: then came The fair one known by Umá’s name.
Book I, Canto 39 · The Sons Of Sagar · in the days of yore
There reigned a pious monarch o’er Ayodhyá in the days of yore: Sagar his name: no child had he,
Book I, Canto 39 · The Sons Of Sagar · 📍 Himálaya · when a hundred years had fled
And, when a hundred years had fled, Thus the most truthful Bhrigu said: “From thee, O Sagar, blameless King, A mighty host of sons shall spring, And thou shalt win a glorious name Which none, O Chief, but thou shall claim. One of thy queens a son shall bear, Maintainer of thy race and heir; And of the other there shall be Sons sixty thousand born to thee.”
Book I, Canto 39 · The Sons Of Sagar · 📍 [[Sarjú]]
But liegemen’s boys he used to cast To Sarjú’s waves that hurried past, Laughing the while in cruel glee Their dying agonies to see. This wicked prince who aye withstood The counsel of the wise and good, Who plagued the people in his hate, His father banished from the state.
Book I, Canto 39 · The Sons Of Sagar · Long years flew by
Long years flew by. The king decreed To slay a sacrificial steed. Consulting with his priestly band He vowed the rite his soul had planned, And, Veda skilled, by their advice Made ready for the sacrifice.
Book I, Canto 40 · The Cleaving Of The Earth · the appointed day
But Indra, monarch of the skies, Veiling his form in demon guise, Came down upon the appointed day And drove the victim horse away.
Book I, Canto 40 · The Cleaving Of The Earth
Pursue, dear sons, the robber’s track; Slay him and bring the charger back.
Book I, Canto 40 · The Cleaving Of The Earth
Obedient to their father, they Through earth’s recesses forced their way. With iron arms’ unflinching toil Each dug a league beneath the soil.
Book I, Canto 40 · The Cleaving Of The Earth · 📍 [[Jambudvip]]
Thus digging searched they Jambudvip With all its hills and mountains steep.
Book I, Canto 42 · Sagar’s Sacrifice
The glorious hero took the horse, And homeward quickly bent his course. Straight to the anxious king he hied,
Book I, Canto 42 · Sagar’s Sacrifice
The tale of woe the monarch heard, Nor longer was the rite deferred: With care and just observance he Accomplished all, as texts decree.
Book I, Canto 42 · Sagar’s Sacrifice · Thus thirty thousand years
Thus thirty thousand years he spent, And then to heaven the monarch went.
Book I, Canto 43 · Bhagírath
Approved with ready heart and will Prince Anśumán his throne to fill. He ruled, a mighty king, unblamed,
Book I, Canto 43 · Bhagírath · 📍 [[Gokarna]]
Leaving his ministers the care And burden of his state to bear, Dwelling in far Gokarna he Engaged in long austerity.
Book I, Canto 44 · The Descent Of Gangá · Soon as the flood their dust bedewed
Soon as the flood their dust bedewed, Their spirits gained beatitude, And all in heavenly bodies dressed Rose to the skies’ eternal rest.
Book I, Canto 44 · The Descent Of Gangá
The royal sage no more delayed, But, the libation duly paid, Home to his regal city hied With water cleansed and purified. There ruled he his ancestral state,
Book I, Canto 45 · The Quest Of The Amrit
Then from the sea still vext and wild Rose Surá, Varuṇ’s maiden child.
Book I, Canto 46 · Diti’s Hope · Soon as her lord had left her side
She sought the shade of holy boughs, And there began her awful vows. While yet she wrought her rites austere,
Book I, Canto 47 · Sumati · 📍 [[Viśálá]]
By whom, a monarch void of guilt, Was this fair town Viśálá built.
Book I, Canto 47 · Sumati
His son was Hemachandra, still Renowned for might and warlike skill.
Book I, Canto 48 · Indra And Ahalyá · For countless years
“For countless years, disloyal spouse, Devoted to severest vows, Thy bed the ashes, air thy food, Here shalt thou live in solitude. This lonely grove thy home shall be, And not an eye thy form shall see. When Ráma, Daśaratha’s child, Shall seek these shades then drear and wild, His coming shall remove thy stain, And make the sinner pure again.
Book I, Canto 50 · Janak
Then Janak, best of kings, aware Of Viśvámitra lodging there, With Śatánanda for his guide— The priest on whom he most relied, His chaplain void of guile and stain— And others of his priestly train, Bearing the gift that greets the guest, To meet him with all honour pressed.
Book I, Canto 51 · Visvámitra
As Reṇuká and Bhrigu’s child, The saint and dame were reconciled.
Book I, Canto 51 · Visvámitra
And Viśvámitra, Gádhi’s heir, Governed the land with kingly care.
Book I, Canto 52 · Vasishtha’s Feast
The will of Gádhi’s son he bent, And won the monarch to consent, Who spoke in answer. “Let it be, Great Hermit, as it pleases thee.”
Book I, Canto 54 · The Battle
The monarch, as a last resource, Began to drag her off by force.
Book I, Canto 54 · The Battle
She lowed, and quickened into life, Pahlavas, burning for the strife, King Viśvámitra’s army slew Before the very leader’s view.
Book I, Canto 54 · The Battle
The monarch in excessive ire, His eyes with fury darting fire, Rained every missile on the foe Till all the Pahlavas were low.
Book I, Canto 54 · The Battle
That made Kámbojas, Barbars, all, With Yavans, troubled, flee and fall.
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt
And Viśvámitra’s mighty force, Car, elephant, and foot, and horse, Fell in a moment’s time, subdued By that tremendous multitude.
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt
One cry he raised, one glance he shot, And all fell scorched upon the spot: Burnt by the sage to ashes, they With horse, and foot, and chariot, lay.
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt
He gave his empire to his son— Of all he had, the only one: And bade him rule as kings are taught
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt · 📍 Himálaya · A lengthened season
Far to Himálaya’s side he fled, Which bards and Nágas visited, And, Mahádeva’s grace to earn, He gave his life to penance stern.
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt · A lengthened season
The Lord of Gods then gave consent, And to his heavenly mansion went.
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt
He sought that hermit’s grove, and there Launched his dire weapons through the air, Till scorched by might that none could stay The hermitage in ashes lay.
Book I, Canto 55 · The Hermitage Burnt
By folly urged to senseless crime, Now shalt thou die before thy time.”
Book I, Canto 56 · Visvámitra’s Vow
The saint, with Bráhman wand, empowered By lore divine that dart devoured.
Book I, Canto 56 · Visvámitra’s Vow
My task austere will I begin, And Bráhmanhood will strive to win.
Book I, Canto 57 · Trisanku
Triśanku Havishyand Madhushyand Mahárath Driḍhanetra
And in that solitary spot Four virtuous sons the king begot: Havishyand, from the offering named, And Madhushyand, for sweetness famed, Mahárath, chariot-borne in fight, And Driḍhanetra strong of sight.
Book I, Canto 57 · Trisanku · A thousand years had passed away
Pleased with thy constant penance, we This lofty rank assign to thee.”
Book I, Canto 57 · Trisanku
Thus pondering, he with sense subdued, With sternest zeal his vows renewed.
Book I, Canto 57 · Trisanku
Triśanku Havishyand Madhushyand Mahárath Driḍhanetra
And pray you each with ready heart In my great rite to bear a part, That in the body I may rise And dwell with Gods within the skies.
Book I, Canto 58 · Trisanku Cursed · That night
“Be to a vile Chaṇḍála turned!” This said, with lofty thoughts inspired, Each to his own retreat retired. That night Triśanku underwent Sad change in shape and lineament. Next morn, an outcast swart of hue, His dusky cloth he round him drew.
Book I, Canto 59 · The Sons Of Vasishtha
The holiest saints will I invite To celebrate thy purposed rite: So shall thy vow, O King, succeed, And from thy cares shalt thou be freed.
Book I, Canto 59 · The Sons Of Vasishtha
By all was meet obedience shown: Mahodaya refused alone.
Book I, Canto 59 · The Sons Of Vasishtha
Caught in the noose of Fate shall they To Yáma’s kingdom sink to-day. Seven hundred times shall they be born To wear the clothes the dead have worn.
Book I, Canto 59 · The Sons Of Vasishtha
Mahodaya too, the fool who fain My stainless life would try to stain, Stained in the world with long disgrace Shall sink into a fowler’s place.
Book I, Canto 60 · Trisanku’s Ascension
His speech had scarcely reached its close, When, as he stood, the sovereign rose, And mounted swiftly to the skies Before the wondering hermits’ eyes.
Book I, Canto 60 · Trisanku’s Ascension
And Viśvámitra heard his cry, And marked him falling from the sky, And giving all his passion sway, Cried out in fury, “Stay, O stay!”
Book I, Canto 60 · Trisanku’s Ascension · 📍 [[the southern sky]]
By penance-power and holy lore, Like Him who framed the worlds of yore, Seven other saints he fixed on high To star with light the southern sky.
Book I, Canto 60 · Trisanku’s Ascension
Yea, borne away by passion’s storm, The sage began new Gods to form.
Book I, Canto 60 · Trisanku’s Ascension
And ’mid them hung, as one divine, Head downward shall Triśanku shine; And all thy stars shall ever fling Their rays attendant on the king.”
Book I, Canto 61 · Sunahsepha · 📍 [[Bhrigu’s sacred height]]
Young Śunahśepha, of the three The midmost, cried unurged and free: “My sire withholds his eldest son, My mother keeps her youngest one: Then take me with thee, King: I ween The son is sold who comes between.” The king with joy his home resought, And took the prize his kine had bought. He bade the youth his car ascend, And hastened back the rites to end.
Book I, Canto 62 · Ambarísha’s Sacrifice · 📍 [[Pushkar’s lake]]
Then calmed again that youth dismayed, And blessed him with his saving aid: “When in the sacred fetters bound, And with a purple garland crowned, At Vishṇu’s post thou standest tied, With lauds be Agni glorified. And these two hymns of holy praise Forget not, Hermit’s son, to raise In the king’s rite, and thou shalt be Lord of thy wish, preserved, and free.”
Book I, Canto 62 · Ambarísha’s Sacrifice
You, like Vaśishṭha’s evil brood, Shall make the flesh of dogs your food A thousand years in many a birth, And punished thus shall dwell on earth.”
Book I, Canto 62 · Ambarísha’s Sacrifice
Thousand-eyed Vishṇu, pleased to hear The mystic laud, inclined his ear, And won by worship, swift to save, Long life to Śunahśepha gave.
Book I, Canto 63 · Menaká · A thousand years
“Hail, Saint! This high and holy name Thy rites have won, thy merits claim.”
Book I, Canto 63 · Menaká · 📍 [[Pushkar]] · Five sweet years fled, and five again
The fairest of the fair Made for awhile her dwelling there, While day by day the wild delight Stayed vow austere and fervent rite There as the winsome charmer wove Her spells around him in the grove, And bound him in a golden chain, Five sweet years fled, and five again.
Book I, Canto 63 · Menaká · Then
With gentle words he bade her go, Then sought the northern hills of snow. With firm resolve he vowed to beat The might of love beneath his feet.
Book I, Canto 63 · Menaká · A thousand years went by
“Hail, Mighty Saint! dear son, all hail! Thy fervour wins, thy toils prevail. Won by thy vows and zeal intense I give this high preëminence.” He to the General Sire replied, Not sad, nor wholly satisfied: “When thou, O Brahmá, shalt declare The title, great beyond compare, Of Bráhman saint my worthy meed, Hard earned by many a holy deed, Then may I deem in sooth I hold Each sense of body well controlled.” Then Brahmá cried, “Not yet, not yet: Toil on awhile O Anchoret!”
Book I, Canto 64 · Rambhá · that selfsame hour
Cursed by the angry sage’s power, She stood in stone that selfsame hour.
Book I, Canto 64 · Rambhá · henceforth
“My very breath henceforth I hold Until a thousand years are told: Victorious o’er each erring sense, I’ll dry my frame with abstinence, Until by penance duly done A Bráhman’s rank be bought and won.
Book I, Canto 65 · Visvámitra’s Triumph
Then all the Blest, by Brahmá led, Approached the saint and sweetly said: “Hail, Bráhman Saint! for such thy place: Thy vows austere have won our grace. A Bráhman’s rank thy penance stern And ceaseless labour richly earn. I with the Gods of Storm decree Long life, O Bráhman Saint, to thee. May peace and joy thy soul possess: Go where thou wilt in happiness.”
Book I, Canto 65 · Visvámitra’s Triumph
With Brahmá’s son Vaśishṭha, best Of those who pray with voice repressed, The Gods by earnest prayer prevailed, And thus his new-made friend he hailed: “Thy title now is sure and good To rights of saintly Bráhmanhood.”
Book I, Canto 66 · Janak’s Speech · At Daksha’s sacrifice of yore
This bow the mighty Rudra bore At Daksha’s sacrifice of yore, When carnage of the Immortals stained The rite that Daksha had ordained. Then as the Gods sore wounded fled, Victorious Rudra, mocking, said: “Because, O Gods, ye gave me naught When I my rightful portion sought, Your dearest parts I will not spare, But with my bow your frames will tear.”
Book I, Canto 66 · Janak’s Speech
Then Bhava, Lord whom Gods adore, Grew kind and friendly as before, And every torn and mangled limb Was safe and sound restored by him.
Book I, Canto 66 · Janak’s Speech
A monarch, Devarát by name, Who sixth from ancient Nimi came, Held it as ruler of the land, A pledge in his successive hand.
Book I, Canto 66 · Janak’s Speech · 📍 [[Míthilá]] · a year
Enraged thereat, the warriors met, With force combined my town beset. Stung to the heart with scorn and shame, With war and threats they madly came, Besieged my peaceful walls, and long To Míthilá did grievous wrong. There, wasting all, a year they lay, And brought my treasures to decay, Filling my soul, O Hermit chief, With bitter woe and hopeless grief. At last by long-wrought penance I Won favour with the Gods on high, Who with my labours well content A four-fold host to aid me sent. Then swift the baffled heroes fled To all the winds discomfited—
Book I, Canto 67 · The Breaking Of The Bow
With steady arm the string he drew Till burst the mighty bow in two.
Book I, Canto 67 · The Breaking Of The Bow
With charges, to Ayodhyá sent His ministers: and forth they went.
Book I, Canto 69 · Dasaratha’s Visit · Soon as the shades of night had fled
“Let all my treasurers to-day, Set foremost in the long array, With gold and precious gems supplied In bounteous store, together ride. And send you out a mighty force, Foot, chariot, elephant, and horse.
Book I, Canto 69 · Dasaratha’s Visit · 📍 [[Videha’s kingdom]] · Four days
Four days they travelled on the road, And eve Videha’s kingdom showed.
Book I, Canto 69 · Dasaratha’s Visit · To-morrow with its early light
“To-morrow with its early light Will shine on my completed rite. Then, sanctioned by the saints and thee, The marriage of thy Ráma see.”
Book I, Canto 71 · Janak’s Pedigree
Me then, the elder of the twain, My sire anointed here to reign.
Book I, Canto 71 · Janak’s Pedigree
He bade me tend my brother well, Then to the forest went to dwell.
Book I, Canto 71 · Janak’s Pedigree
He sought the heavens, and I sustained The burden as by law ordained,
Book I, Canto 72 · The Gift Of Kine
Janak Vaśishṭha Viśvámitra Bharat Śatrughna
So be it done. My nieces twain Let Bharat and Śatrughna gain, And the four youths the selfsame day Four maiden hands in theirs shall lay.
Book I, Canto 73 · The Nuptials · on the princes’ wedding day
Then by the hand King Janak drew His Sítá, beautiful to view, And placed her, bright in rich attire, Ráma to face, before the fire, Thus speaking to the royal boy Who filled Kauśalyá’s heart with joy: “Here Sítá stands, my daughter fair, The duties of thy life to share. Take from her father, take thy bride; Join hand to hand, and bliss betide!
Book I, Canto 73 · The Nuptials · on the princes’ wedding day
Then to Śatrughna: “In thy grasp The hand of Srutakírti clasp.
Book I, Canto 74 · Ráma With The Axe
Then with a gift the saints drew near To Bhrigu’s son whose look was fear, And Ráma! Ráma! soft they cried. The gift he took, no word replied.
Book I, Canto 76 · Debarred From Heaven · long ago
When long ago I gave away The whole broad land to Kaśyap’s sway
Book I, Canto 76 · Debarred From Heaven
And Jamadagni’s offspring knew Those glorious worlds to him were barred, Once gained by penance long and hard.
Book I, Canto 76 · Debarred From Heaven · 📍 Indra
Far from the sight of all he fled, And rested on Mahendra’s head.
Book II, Canto 9 · The Plot · When Gods and demons fought of old
Thy husband, senseless, by thine aid Was from the battle field conveyed, And wounded nigh to death thy lord Was by thy care to health restored. Well pleased the grateful monarch sware To grant thy first and second prayer.
Book II, Canto 9 · The Plot · 📍 [[the mourner’s room]]
The string of priceless pearls that hung Around her neck to earth she flung, With all the wealth and lustre lent By precious gem and ornament. Then, listening to her slave’s advice, Lay, like a nymph from Paradise.
Book II, Canto 10 · Dasaratha’s Speech
The lovely lady in her mind Revolved the plot her maid designed, And prompt the gain and risk to scan She step by step approved the plan.
Book II, Canto 11 · The Queen’s Demand · 📍 [[Daṇḍak’s forest]] · before the morn
Transfer them, and enthrone my son. The time is come to claim at last The double boon of days long-past, When Gods and demons met in fight, And thou wouldst fain my care requite. Now forth to Daṇḍak’s forest drive Thy Ráma for nine years and five, And let him dwell a hermit there With deerskin coat and matted hair. Without a rival let my boy The empire of the land enjoy, And let mine eyes ere morning see Thy Ráma to the forest flee.
Book II, Canto 14 · Ráma Summoned
Sumantra for his wisdom famed, Delighted with the thought he framed, From the calm chamber, like a bay Of crowded ocean, took his way.
Book II, Canto 16 · Ráma Summoned · 📍 [[palace]]
For he and Queen Kaikeyí seek An interview with thee to speak.”
Book II, Canto 19 · Ráma’s Promise
“Woe! woe!” from the sad monarch burst, In surging floods of grief immersed; Then swooning, with his wits astray, Upon the gold-wrought couch he lay,
Book II, Canto 19 · Ráma’s Promise · This day
Without his word, if thou decree, Forth to the forest will I flee, And there shall fourteen years be spent Mid lonely wilds in banishment.
Book II, Canto 19 · Ráma’s Promise
Now to the exile’s lot resigned He left the rule of earth behind: As though all worldly cares he spurned No trouble was in him discerned. The chouries that for kings are used, And white umbrella, he refused, Dismissed his chariot and his men, And every friend and citizen.
Book II, Canto 20 · Kausalyá’s Lament
Their lamentation, mixed with tears, Smote with new grief the monarch’s ears, Who, burnt with woe too great to bear, Fell on his couch and fainted there.
Book II, Canto 22 · Lakshman Calmed · to-day
So now this earnest wish is mine, The consecration to resign, And from this city turn away To the wild wood with no delay.
Book II, Canto 22 · Lakshman Calmed
Come, gird thee for thy noble task, That Bharat’s throning rites may he Graced with the things prepared for me.
Book II, Canto 24 · Kausalyá Calmed · twice seven years
I in the wilds my days will spend Till twice seven years have reached an end, Then with great joy will come again,
Book II, Canto 26 · Alone With Sítá · Of old
Of old my father true and brave Two boons to Queen Kaikeyí gave.
Book II, Canto 26 · Alone With Sítá · 📍 [[Daṇḍak forest]] · fourteen years
In Daṇḍak forest wild and vast Must fourteen years by me be passed.
Book II, Canto 26 · Alone With Sítá
My father’s will makes Bharat heir, The kingdom and the throne to share.
Book II, Canto 31 · Lakshman’s Prayer · before I go
For with thine aid, before I go, I would my gold and wealth bestow Upon the Bráhmans sage, who school Their lives by stern devotion’s rule. And for all those who ever dwell Within my house and serve me well, Devoted servants, true and good, Will I provide a livelihood. Quick, go and summon to this place The good Vaśishṭha’s son, Suyajǹa, of the Bráhman race
Book II, Canto 32 · The Gift Of The Treasures
To the two best of Bráhmans run; Agastya bring, and Kuśik’s son, And precious gifts upon them rain, Like fostering floods upon the grain.
Book II, Canto 32 · The Gift Of The Treasures
On Chitraratha, true and dear, My tuneful bard and charioteer, Gems, robes, and plenteous wealth confer— Mine ancient friend and minister.
Book II, Canto 32 · The Gift Of The Treasures
The prince of men with Lakshmaṇ’s aid Parted the treasures there displayed, Gave to the poor, the young, the old, And twice-born men, the gems and gold.
Book II, Canto 34 · Ráma In The Palace
His wealth to Bráhmans he has dealt, And all who in his home have dwelt.
Book II, Canto 36 · Siddhárth’s Speech
Let all my gold and wealth of corn With Ráma to the wilds be borne; For it will soothe the exile’s lot To sacrifice in each pure spot, Deal ample largess forth, and meet Each hermit in his calm retreat. The wealth shall Ráma with him bear, Ayodhyá shall be Bharat’s share.”
Book II, Canto 37 · The Coats Of Bark
All wealth, all lordship I resign: The hermit’s dress alone be mine. Before I go, have here conveyed A little basket and a spade. With these alone I go, content, For fourteen years of banishment.”
Book II, Canto 37 · The Coats Of Bark
That lion leader of the brave Took from her hand the dress she gave, Cast his fine raiment on the ground, And round his waist the vesture bound.
Book II, Canto 37 · The Coats Of Bark
Then quick the hero Lakshmaṇ too His garment from his shoulders threw, And, in the presence of his sire, Indued the ascetic’s rough attire.
Book II, Canto 39 · Counsel To Sítá
Brought the rich stores, and gave them all To Sítá in the monarch’s hall.
Book II, Canto 40 · Ráma’s Departure
When he, the king of high renown, Saw that one thought held all the town, Like some tall tree he fell and lay, Whose root the axe has hewn away.
Book II, Canto 42 · Dasaratha’s Lament
But when that dust no more he viewed, Fainting he fell by grief subdued.
Book II, Canto 44 · Sumitrá’s Speech
If Ráma, leaving royal sway Has hastened to the woods away,
Book II, Canto 44 · Sumitrá’s Speech
Kauśalyá heard each pleasant plea, And grief began to leave her free,
Book II, Canto 45 · The Tamasá
Though much his people prayed and wept, Kakutstha’s son his purpose kept, And still his journey would pursue To keep the king his father true.
Book II, Canto 48 · The Women’s Lament
We swear it by our children dear, We will not dwell as servants here; If Queen Kaikeyí live to reign, We will not in her realm remain.
Book II, Canto 50 · The Halt Under The Ingudí · 📍 [[Kośala]]
The car-borne chieftain passed the bound Of Kośala’s delightful ground,
Book II, Canto 52 · The Crossing Of Gangá · 📍 Gangá
Ráma Lakshmaṇ Sítá Sumantra Guha
Farewell to wise Sumantra said, And Guha, with the train he led. So Ráma took, on board, his stand, And urged the vessel from the land. Then swift by vigorous arms impelled Her onward course the vessel held, And guided by the helmsman through The dashing waves of Gangá flew.
Book II, Canto 53 · Ráma’s Lament · today
The forest life today I choose, And kingly state and power refuse.
Book II, Canto 54 · Bharadvája’s Hermitage · 📍 [[Prayág]] · When the sun was sinking fast
The saint these honours gladly paid To Ráma who had thither strayed, Then compassed sat by birds and deer And many a hermit resting near.
Book II, Canto 54 · Bharadvája’s Hermitage · 📍 [[Prayág]]
“My honoured lord, this tranquil spot, Fair home of hermits, suits me not: For all the neighbouring people here Will seek us when they know me near:
Book II, Canto 54 · Bharadvája’s Hermitage · 📍 [[Chitrakúṭa]] · when the dawn dispelled the night
“Go forth to Chitrakúṭa’s hill, Where berries grow, and sweets distil: Full well, I deem, that home will suit Thee, Ráma, strong and resolute.
Book II, Canto 55 · The Passage Of Yamuná
High favour Bharadvája showed, And blessed them ready for the road.
Book II, Canto 59 · Dasaratha’s Lament
Thus he of lofty glory wailed, And sank upon the bed. Beneath the woe his spirit failed, And all his senses fled.
Book II, Canto 63 · The Hermit’s Son · Ere yet the sixth long night was spent
Ere yet the sixth long night was spent, Since Ráma to the woods was sent,
Book II, Canto 63 · The Hermit’s Son · in my youthful prime
Then from his bleeding side I drew The rankling shaft that pierced him through. With death’s last fear my face he eyed, And, rich in store of penance, died.
Book II, Canto 64 · Dasaratha’s Death · 📍 [[Sarjú]]
An elephant, I thought, was nigh: I aimed, and let an arrow fly. Swift to the place I made my way, And there a wounded hermit lay
Book II, Canto 64 · Dasaratha’s Death
Bereft and suffering e’en as I, So shalt thou mourn thy son, and die.
Book II, Canto 64 · Dasaratha’s Death
And Daśaratha moaned and sighed, And grieving for his darling died.
Book II, Canto 65 · The Women’s Lament
Such was the look the palace wore Where lay the king who breathed no more.
Book II, Canto 66 · The Embalming
Then in a cask of oil they laid Him who in life the world had swayed,
Book II, Canto 72 · Bharat’s Inquiry
“Thy father, O my darling, know, Has gone the way all life must go:
Book II, Canto 72 · Bharat’s Inquiry
“The high-souled monarch wept and sighed, For Ráma, Sítá, Lakshmaṇ, cried, Then, best of all who go to bliss, Passed to the world which follows this. “Ah, blessed are the people who Shall Ráma and his Sítá view, And Lakshmaṇ of the mighty arm, Returning free from scathe and harm.”
Book II, Canto 72 · Bharat’s Inquiry
When his dear son was seen no more, The lord of earth was troubled sore: Too feeble with his grief to strive, He joined the elemental Five.
Book II, Canto 75 · The Abjuration
“No lust have I for kingly sway, My mother I no more obey: Naught of this consecration knew Which Daśaratha kept in view. I with Śatrughna all the time Was dwelling in a distant clime: I knew of Ráma’s exile naught, That hero of the noble thought:
Book II, Canto 77 · The Gathering Of The Ashes · upon the thirteenth day
Then when the morning’s earliest ray Appeared upon the thirteenth day, Again the hero wept and sighed Distraught and sorrow-stupefied; Drew, sobbing in his anguish, near, The last remaining debt to clear, And at the bottom of the pyre,
Book II, Canto 78 · Manthará Punished
Dear Ráma, true and pure in heart, Is banished by a woman’s art.
Book II, Canto 79 · Bharat’s Commands · the fourteenth day
“The eldest son is ever king: So rules the house from which we spring: Nor should ye, Lords, like men unwise, With words like these to wrong advise. Ráma is eldest born, and he The ruler of the land shall be.”
Book II, Canto 82 · The Departure
The king, dear son, so good and wise, Has gone from earth and gained the skies, Leaving to thee, her rightful lord, This rich wide land with foison stored.
Book II, Canto 82 · The Departure
E’en now, the road to make and clear, Each labourer pressed, and pioneer Have I sent forward to precede The army I resolve to lead.
Book II, Canto 83 · The Journey Begun · 📍 [[Śringavera]]
With elephant, and horse, and car, The vast procession travelled far, And came where Gangá’s waves below The town of Śringavera flow.
Book II, Canto 88 · The Ingudí Tree
If Ráma, Daśaratha’s heir, Lay on the ground and slumbered there;
Book II, Canto 88 · The Ingudí Tree · 📍 [[the woods]] · from this hour
I in the woods will pass, content, For him the term of banishment;
Book II, Canto 91 · Bharadvája’s Feast · that night
Thus in the hermit’s grove they spent That night in joy and merriment, Blest as the Gods who take their ease Under the shade of Nandan’s trees.
Book II, Canto 92 · Bharat’s Farewell · Soon
Prompt at the summons thousands flew To cars which noble coursers drew,
Book II, Canto 94 · Chitrakúta · 📍 [[Chitrakúṭa]] · long
There long the son of Raghu dwelt And love for hill and wood he felt.
Book II, Canto 97 · Lakshman’s Anger
’Tis Bharat: he has made the throne By consecrating rites his own:
Book II, Canto 101 · Bharata Questioned
Left us, and grieving for his son, A home among the Gods has won.
Book II, Canto 102 · Bharat’s Tidings
Scarce with thy wife and Lakshmaṇ thou Hadst journeyed forth to keep the vow,
Book II, Canto 102 · Bharat’s Tidings
When mourning for his son, forspent, To heavenly rest the monarch went.
Book II, Canto 105 · Ráma’s Speech
Be self-possessed: thy grief restrain: Go, in that city dwell again. Return, O best of men, and be Obedient to our sire’s decree, While I with every care fulfil Our holy father’s righteous will, Observing in the lonely wood His charge approved by all the good.
Book II, Canto 105 · Ráma’s Speech · 📍 [[Brahmá’s heavenly home]]
His human body, worn and tried By length of days, he cast aside, And gained the godlike bliss to stray In Brahmá’s heavenly home for aye.
Book II, Canto 106 · Bharat’s Speech
The aged king I dare not blame, Who died so rich in holy fame,
Book II, Canto 108 · Jáváli’s Speech
Thy royal sire, O chief, has sped On the long path we all must tread.
Book II, Canto 109 · The Praises Of Truth
Still in the wood will I remain, With food prescribed my life sustain,
Book II, Canto 109 · The Praises Of Truth
The atheist creed I disavow, Unsay the words of sin, And use the faithful’s language now Thy favour, Prince, to win.
Book II, Canto 110 · The Sons Of Ikshváku
Then Brahmá in a boar’s disguise Bade from the deep this earth arise; Then, with his sons of tranquil soul, He made the world and framed the whole.
Book II, Canto 110 · The Sons Of Ikshváku
Manu, who life to mortals gave, Begot Ikshváku good and brave: First of Ayodhyá’s kings was he,
Book II, Canto 110 · The Sons Of Ikshváku
Long time he strove, but forced to yield Fled from his kingdom and the field.
Book II, Canto 110 · The Sons Of Ikshváku
He, when he paid that solemn rite, Filled living creatures with affright: Obedient to his high decree His countless sons dug out the sea.
Book II, Canto 111 · Counsel To Bharat
For I will sit and watch his face Until I win my brother’s grace. Like a robbed Bráhman will I lie, Nor taste of food nor turn my eye, In front of Ráma’s leafy cot, And till he yield will leave him not.
Book II, Canto 111 · Counsel To Bharat
Now if obedience to our sire This dwelling in the woods require, I, till the destined years be spent, Will dwell alone in banishment.
Book II, Canto 112 · The Sandals · Through fourteen seasons
“Through fourteen seasons will I wear The hermit’s dress and matted hair: With fruit and roots my life sustain, And still beyond the realm remain, Longing for thee to come again. The rule and all affairs of state I to these shoes will delegate. And if, O tamer of thy foes, When fourteen years have reached their close, I see thee not that day return, The kindled fire my frame shall burn.”
Book II, Canto 112 · The Sandals
Then Ráma to his bosom drew Dear Bharat and Śatrughna too: “Be never wroth,” he cried, “with her, Kaikeyí’s guardian minister: This, glory of Ikshváku’s line, Is Sítá’s earnest prayer and mine.” He spoke, and as the big tears fell, To his dear brother bade farewell.
Book II, Canto 112 · The Sandals
No queen, for choking sobs and sighs, Could say her last adieu: Then Ráma bowed, with flooded eyes, And to his cot withdrew.
Book II, Canto 113 · Bharat’s Return
Then burnt by woe and sad of cheer Bharat addressed the charioteer: “Ah, see, Ayodhyá dark and sad,
Book II, Canto 115 · Nandigrám · 📍 [[Nandigrám]] · This day
I go to Nandigrám: adieu, This day, my lords to all of you: I go, my load of grief to bear, Reft of the son of Raghu, there. The king my sire, alas, is dead, And Ráma to the forest fled; There will I wait till he, restored, Shall rule the realm, its rightful lord.”
Book II, Canto 115 · Nandigrám · 📍 [[Nandigrám]]
Thus, by his reverent lords obeyed, At Nandigrám the kingdom swayed. With hermit’s dress and matted hair He dwelt with all his army there.
Book II, Canto 116 · The Hermit’s Speech
Nor would the son of Raghu stray A moment from that grove away From which the saints had fled.
Book II, Canto 117 · Anasúyá · when the clouds withheld their rain
She when the clouds withheld their rain, And drought ten years consumed the plain, Caused grateful roots and fruit to grow
Book II, Canto 117 · Anasúyá · 📍 [[here]] · when the clouds withheld their rain
Caused grateful roots and fruit to grow And ordered Gangá here to flow:
Book II, Canto 117 · Anasúyá
She wrought in Heaven’s behalf, and made Ten nights of one, the Gods to aid:
Book II, Canto 118 · Anasúyá’s Gifts · one morn
When, as the ploughshare cleft the earth, Child of the king I leapt to birth.
Book II, Canto 118 · Anasúyá’s Gifts
Then, in the wandering people’s view, The cord with mighty force he drew. Then with an awful crash as loud As thunderbolts that cleave the cloud, The bow beneath the matchless strain Of arms heroic snapped in twain.
Book III, Canto 1 · The Hermitage
Thou shouldst to us protection give, For in thy realm, dear lord, we live: Whether in town or wood thou be, Thou art our king, thy people we.
Book III, Canto 5 · Sarabhanga
Then with all marks of honour high The Thunderer bade the saint good-bye, And in his car which coursers drew Away to heaven the conqueror flew.
Book III, Canto 5 · Sarabhanga
He spoke, the fire in order laid With holy oil due offerings made, And Śarabhanga, glorious sire, Laid down his body in the fire.
Book III, Canto 5 · Sarabhanga
Till forth, transformed, with radiant hue Of tender youth, he rose anew, Far-shining in his bright attire Came Śarabhanga from the pyre:
Book III, Canto 5 · Sarabhanga · 📍 [[Brahmá’s sphere]]
Beyond the seat of Gods he passed, And Brahmá’s sphere was gained at last.
Book III, Canto 6 · Ráma’s Promise · 📍 [[Śarabhanga’s hermitage]]
Thus to the saints his promise gave That prince who still to virtue clave With never-wandering thought:
Book III, Canto 7 · Sutíkshna
“I of myself those worlds will win, O mighty hermit pure from sin:
Book III, Canto 9 · Sítá’s Speech · 📍 [[Daṇḍak wood]] · now
Thou hast but now a promise made, The saints of Daṇḍak wood to aid: And to protect their lives from ill The giants’ blood in tight wilt spill:
Book III, Canto 9 · Sítá’s Speech · As day by day
As day by day that brand he wore, The hermit, rich in merit’s store From penance rites each thought withdrew, And fierce and wild his spirit grew. With heedless soul he spurned the right, And found in cruel deeds delight. So, living with the sword, he fell, A ruined hermit, down to hell.
Book III, Canto 10 · Ráma’s Reply · 📍 [[Daṇḍak wood]]
As thus the troubled hermits prayed, I promised, dame, my ready aid, And now—for truth I hold most dear— Still to my word must I adhere.
Book III, Canto 11 · Agastya · In days of yore
Agastya, mighty hermit, pressed To funeral banquet like the rest, Obedient to the Gods’ appeal Ate up the monster at a meal. “’Tis done, ’tis done,” fierce Ilval cried, And water for his hands supplied: Then lifting up his voice he spake: “Forth, brother, from thy prison break.” Then him who called the fiend, who long Had wrought the suffering Bráhmans wrong, Thus thoughtful-souled Agastya, best Of hermits, with a smile addressed: “How, Rákshas, is the fiend empowered To issue forth whom I devoured? Thy brother in a ram’s disguise Is gone where Yáma’s kingdom lies.”
Book III, Canto 11 · Agastya · In days of yore
When from the words Agastya said He knew his brother fiend was dead, His soul on fire with vengeful rage, Rushed the night-rover at the sage. One lightning glance of fury, hot As fire, the glorious hermit shot, As the fiend neared him in his stride, And straight, consumed to dust, he died.
Book III, Canto 11 · Agastya · In days of yore
In pity for the Bráhmans’ plight Agastya wrought this deed of might: This grove which lakes and fair trees grace In his great brother’s dwelling place.
Book III, Canto 14 · Jatáyus · First
First Aditi conceived, and she, Mother of thirty Gods and three, The Vasus and Ádityas bare, Rudras, and Aśvins, heavenly pair.
Book III, Canto 14 · Jatáyus
Of Diti sprang the Daityas: fame Delights to laud their ancient name.
Book III, Canto 15 · Panchavatí · 📍 [[Panchavaṭí]]
Raised by his toil a cottage stood To shelter Ráma in the wood,
Book III, Canto 16 · Winter · At this gay time
From titles, honour, kingly sway, From every joy he turns away: Couched on cold earth, his days are passed With scanty fare and hermit’s fast.
Book III, Canto 17 · Súrpanakhá
I’ll eat that ill-formed woman there: Thy brother too her fate shall share.
Book III, Canto 18 · The Mutilation
“I have a wife: behold her here, My Sítá ever true and dear: And one like thee will never brook Upon a rival spouse to look. But there my brother Lakshmaṇ stands: Unchained is he by nuptial bands:
Book III, Canto 18 · The Mutilation
“And can so high a dame agree The slave-wife of a slave to be? I, lotus-hued! in good and ill Am bondsman to my brother’s will. Be thou, fair creature radiant-eyed, My honoured brother’s younger bride:
Book III, Canto 18 · The Mutilation · this very hour
This aged crone this very hour Before thy face will I devour: Then joyous, from all rivals free. Through Daṇḍak will I stray with thee.” She spoke, and with a glance of flame Rushed on the fawn-eyed Maithil dame:
Book III, Canto 18 · The Mutilation
He drew that sword which none could stay, And cleft her nose and ears away.
Book III, Canto 19 · The Rousing Of Khara · this day
Khara Śúrpaṇakhá Ráma Lakshmaṇ
These men, this cursed woman slay, And hasten back without delay, That this my sister’s lips may be Red with the lifeblood of the three.
Book III, Canto 20 · The Giants’ Death · 📍 [[Daṇḍak forest]]
His bow he grasped, the string he drew, And gazing on the giant crew, As Indra casts the levin, so Shot forth his arrows at the foe. The hurtling arrows, stained with gore, Through the fiends’ breasts a passage tore, And in the earth lay buried deep As serpents through an ant-hill creep Like trees uptorn by stormy blast The shattered fiends to earth were cast, And there with mangled bodies they, Bathed in their blood and breathless, lay.
Book III, Canto 20 · The Giants’ Death
With drying wounds that scarcely bled Back to her brother’s home she fled. Oppressed with pain, with loud lament At Khara’s feet the monster bent. There like a plant whence slowly come The trickling drops of oozy gum, With her grim features pale with pain She poured her tears in ceaseless rain, There routed Śúrpaṇakhá lay, And told her brother all, The issue of the bloody fray, Her giant champions’ fall.
Book III, Canto 21 · The Rousing Of Khara
Those twice seven giants, brave and strong, Thou sentest to avenge the wrong, To lay the savage Ráma low, And Lakshmaṇ who misused me so. But ah, the shafts of Ráma through The bodies of my champions flew: Though madly fierce their spears they plied, Beneath his conquering might they died.
Book III, Canto 23 · The Omens
As Khara with triumphant shout, Borne in his chariot, sallied out.
Book III, Canto 25 · The Battle
Fiends wounded, falling, fallen, slain, All in a moment, spread the plain, And thousands scarce alive were left Mangled, and gashed, and torn, and cleft.
Book III, Canto 25 · The Battle
The giants saw with bitterest pain Their warriors weltering on the plain, Nor dared again his might oppose Who scourged the cities of his foes.
Book III, Canto 26 · Dúshan’s Death
Mahákapála’s monstrous head Fell with the trenchant dart he sped.
Book III, Canto 26 · Dúshan’s Death
His good right hand in battle skilled Sthúláksha’s eyes with arrows filled,
Book III, Canto 26 · Dúshan’s Death
Thus twice seven thousand fiends, a band With impious heart and bloody hand, By Raghu’s son were overthrown, A man, on foot, and all alone. Of all who met on that fierce day, Khara, great chief, survived the fray, The monster of the triple head, And Raghu’s son, the foeman’s dread.
Book III, Canto 29 · Khara’s Defeat · 📍 [[Daṇḍak wood]]
Thy hand has slain the pure and good, The hermit saints of Daṇḍak wood,
Book III, Canto 29 · Khara’s Defeat · this day
The twice seven thousand of my band Who fell beneath thy bloody hand
Book III, Canto 30 · Khara’s Death · For three short hours
For three short hours had scarcely flown, And by his pointed shafts o’erthrown The twice seven thousand fiends, whose will Could change their shapes, in death were still, With Triśirás and Dúshaṇ slain, And Khara, leader of the train.
Book III, Canto 32 · Rávan Roused · 📍 [[Lanká]]
And fled in anger and dismay To Lanká, seat of Rávaṇ’s sway.
Book III, Canto 32 · Rávan Roused · Ten thousand years
Ten thousand years the giant spent On dire austerities intent, And of his heads an offering, laid Before the Self-existent, made.
Book III, Canto 32 · Rávan Roused
No God or fiend his life could take, Gandharva, goblin, bird, or snake: Safe from all fears of death, except From human arm, that life was kept.
Book III, Canto 32 · Rávan Roused
To Rávaṇ of the eyes of fire Her tale, infuriate, told.
Book III, Canto 33 · Súrpanakhá’s Speech · 📍 [[Janasthán]]
Know, Ráma with his conquering arm Has freed the saints from dread of harm, Has smitten Janasthán and made Asylum safe in Daṇḍak’s shade.
Book III, Canto 34 · Súrpanakhá’s Speech
Each wound upon my face I owe To cruel Lakshmaṇ’s savage blow.
Book III, Canto 34 · Súrpanakhá’s Speech
Me of his grace the victor spared, Or I the giants’ fate had shared.
Book III, Canto 35 · Rávan’s Journey · at length
And in his heart at length decreed To try performance of the deed.
Book III, Canto 35 · Rávan’s Journey · of yore
Thither the feathered king of yore An elephant and tortoise bore, And lighted on a bough to eat The captives of his taloned feet.
Book III, Canto 35 · Rávan’s Journey
But pitying their sad estate The feathered monarch raised the weight Of the huge bough, and bore away The loosened load and captured prey.
Book III, Canto 35 · Rávan’s Journey
He rent the nets of iron first, Then through the jewel chamber burst, And bore the drink of heaven away That watched in Indra’s palace lay.
Book III, Canto 36 · Rávan’s Speech
He, banished by his angry sire, Roams with his wife in mean attire.
Book III, Canto 36 · Rávan’s Speech
In semblance of a golden deer Adorned with silver spots appear. Go, seek his dwelling: in the way Of Ráma and his consort stray. Doubt not the lady, when she sees The wondrous deer amid the trees, Will bid her lord and Lakshmaṇ take The creature for its beauty’s sake. Then when the chiefs have parted thence, And left her lone, without defence, As Ráhu storms the moonlight, I Will seize the lovely dame and fly.
Book III, Canto 38 · Márícha’s Speech · 📍 [[Daśaratha’s court]]
To Daśaratha’s court he sped And went before the king and said: “With me, my lord, thy Ráma send On holy days his aid to lend. Márícha fills my soul with dread And keeps me sore disquieted.”
Book III, Canto 39 · Márícha’s Speech · 📍 [[Daṇḍak wood]] · At length
At length, restored to strength and pride, I and two mighty fiends beside Assumed the forms of deer and strayed Through Daṇḍak wood in lawn and glade, I reared terrific horns: beneath Were flaming tongue and pointed teeth. I roamed where’er my fancy led, And on the flesh of hermits fed,
Book III, Canto 39 · Márícha’s Speech · Once
I charged him in my rage and scorn To slay him with my pointed horn, In heedless haste, to fury wrought As on my former wounds I thought. Then from the mighty bow he drew Three foe-destroying arrows flew, Keen-pointed, leaping from the string, Swift as the wind or feathered king. Dire shafts, on flesh of foemen fed, Like rushing thunderbolts they sped, With knots well smoothed and barbs well bent, Shot e’en as one, the arrows went. But I who Ráma’s might had felt, And knew the blows the hero dealt, Escaped by rapid flight.
Book III, Canto 39 · Márícha’s Speech · Now
Now to deep thought my days I give, And as a humble hermit live.
Book III, Canto 42 · Márícha Transformed · 📍 [[Daṇḍak wood]]
Threw off his giant shape and near The cottage strayed a beauteous deer. With magic power, by rapid change, His borrowed form was fair and strange.
Book III, Canto 47 · Rávan’s Wooing · Twelve pleasant years
Twelve pleasant years flew by, and then His peers advised the king of men, Ráma, my lord, to consecrate Joint ruler of his ancient state.
Book III, Canto 47 · Rávan’s Wooing
The dread of hell and earth and sky, Rávaṇ the Rákshas king am I.
Book III, Canto 48 · Rávan’s Speech · once
Vaiśravaṇ once, my brother, wrought To ire, encountered me and fought, But yielding to superior might Fled from his home in sore affright. Lord of the man-drawn chariot, still He dwells on famed Kailása’s hill. I made the vanquished king resign The glorious car which now is mine,— Pushpak, the far-renowned, that flies
Book III, Canto 49 · The Rape Of Sítá
The leader of the giant crew His arm around the lady threw: Thus Budha with ill-omened might Steals Rohiṇí’s delicious light. One hand her glorious tresses grasped, One with its ruthless pressure clasped The body of his lovely prize, The Maithil dame with lotus eyes.
Book III, Canto 54 · Lanká · 📍 [[Janasthán]]
Now go; that I this end may gain, In Janasthán, O chiefs, remain. Watch Ráma there with keenest eye, And all his deeds and movements spy.
Book III, Canto 57 · Sítá Comforted
She ate, and that celestial food Stayed hunger, thirst, and lassitude, And all her strength restored.
Book III, Canto 64 · Ráma’s Lament
Some cruel fiend has seized the prey And torn my trembling love away, While, as he bore her through the skies, She shrieked aloud with frantic cries,
Book III, Canto 67 · Ráma Appeased
The monarch died, as Bharat told, And lives on high mid Gods enrolled.
Book III, Canto 67 · Ráma Appeased · in a single day
Vaśishṭha, reverend saint and sage, Priest of our sire from youth to age, Begot a hundred sons, but they Were smitten in a single day.
Book III, Canto 69 · The Death Of Jatáyus
Thus spoke the bird, and stained with gore Resigned the breath that came no more.
Book III, Canto 72 · Kabandha’s Tale · once
Then forth his words of anger burst That bade me live a thing accursed: “Thou, whose delight is others’ pain, This grisly form shalt still retain.”
Book III, Canto 72 · Kabandha’s Tale
“Let Ráma cleave thine arms away And on the pyre thy body lay, And then shalt thou, set free from doom, Thine own fair shape once more assume.”
Book III, Canto 73 · Kabandha’s Counsel
The spreading glow with gentle force Consumed Kabandha’s mighty corse, Till the unresting flames had drunk The marrow of the monstrous trunk, As balls of butter melt away Amid the fires that o’er them play. Then from the pyre, like flame that glows Undimmed by cloudy smoke, he rose,
Book III, Canto 76 · Pampá
When Śavarí had sought the skies And gained her splendid virtue’s prize,
Book IV, Canto 8 · Ráma’s Promise
And spies of Vánar race, who tried To slay me, by this hand have died.
Book IV, Canto 9 · Sugríva’s Story
My father died, and each sage lord Named Báli king with one accord;
Book IV, Canto 9 · Sugríva’s Story · 📍 [[Kishkindhá]] · Long time
But they, when once the tale was known, Placed me as king on Báli’s throne.
Book IV, Canto 11 · Dundubhi · 📍 Himálaya
“The Vánar Báli, brave and wise, Son of the God who rules the skies, Sways, glorious in his high renown, Kishkindhá his imperial town. Well may that valiant lord who knows Each art of war his might oppose To thine, in equal battle set, As Namuehi and Indra met. Go, if thy soul desire the fray; To Báli’s city speed away, And that unconquered hero meet Whose fame is high for warlike feat.”
Book IV, Canto 11 · Dundubhi · 📍 [[Matanga’s grove]] · To-morrow
The Vánars heard the curse and hied From sheltering wood and mountain side. King Báli marked their haste and dread, And to the flying leaders said: “Speak, Vánar chiefs, and tell me why From Saint Matanga’s grove ye fly To gather round me: is it well With all who in those woodlands dwell?” He spoke: the Vánar leaders told King Báli with his chain of gold What curse the saint had on them laid, Which drove them from their ancient shade.
Book IV, Canto 11 · Dundubhi · 📍 [[Rishyamúka]]
That curse on Báli sorely pressed, And long his conscious soul distressed. Him still the curse and terror keep Afar from Rishyamúka’s steep.
Book IV, Canto 16 · The Fall Of Báli
Then Báli, wounded and enraged, With furious blows the battle waged. Sugríva seemed, with blood-streams dyed, A hill with fountains in his side. But with his native force unspent A Sál tree from the earth he rent, And like the bolt of Indra smote On Báli’s head and chest and throat.
Book IV, Canto 19 · Tárá’s Grief
Heard that a shaft from Ráma’s bow Had laid the royal Báli low.
Book IV, Canto 23 · Tárá’s Lament · this day
For Ráma shot one shaft and he Is freed from fear and jeopardy.
Book IV, Canto 25 · Ráma’s Speech
Báli has died and won the meed That waits in heaven on noble deed,
Book IV, Canto 26 · The Coronation
The leaders of the Vánars poured The sacred water on their lord.
Book IV, Canto 29 · Hanumán’s Counsel
Sugríva, lapped in bliss, forgot The claims of faith, or heeded not; And by alluring joys misled The path of falsehood learned to tread.
Book IV, Canto 29 · Hanumán’s Counsel
Sugríva heard the timely rede That roused him in the day of need, And thus to Níla prompt and brave His hest the imperial Vánar gave: “Go, Níla, to the distant hosts That keep in arms their several posts, And all the armies that protect The quarters, with their chiefs, collect.
Book IV, Canto 35 · Tárá’s Speech · this day
And the great host this day will be Assembled by the king’s decree,
Book IV, Canto 40 · The Army Of The East
“Go, take ten thousand of our race Well trained in lore of time and place, And search the eastern region; through Groves, woods, and hills thy way pursue.
Book IV, Canto 40 · The Army Of The East · in a month
Now go, and in a month return, And let success my praises earn. He who beyond tho month shall stay Will with his life the forfeit pay.”
Book IV, Canto 41 · The Army Of The South · next
He gathered next a chosen band For service in the southern land. He summoned Níla son of Fire,
Book IV, Canto 46 · Sugríva’s Tale
From Báli’s arm Máyáví fled To Malaya’s hill, and strove to save His life by hiding in the cave.
Book IV, Canto 48 · The Asur’s Death · from that hour
Kaṇḍu
His death with fury stirred the sage, Who cursed the forest in his rage, Doomed from that hour to shelter none, A waste for bird and beast to shun.
Book IV, Canto 48 · The Asur’s Death
Angad Asur
From his huge mouth by Angad felled, The blood in rushing torrents welled, As, like a mountain from his base Uptorn, he dropped upon his face.
Book IV, Canto 51 · Svayamprabhá · in days of old
Skilled Maya framed in days of old This magic wood of growing gold.
Book IV, Canto 52 · The Exit
Our king Sugríva’s orders send These Vánars forth to aid his friend, That so the lady be restored Uninjured to her sorrowing lord.
Book IV, Canto 52 · The Exit · 📍 [[Daṇḍak’s tangled forest]]
From that dark shade of forest boughs The giant Rávaṇ stole his spouse.
Book IV, Canto 52 · The Exit
Once more then, lady, grant release, And let thy suppliants go in peace Again upon their errand sped,
Book IV, Canto 52 · The Exit
She ceased: the Vánars all obeyed; Their fingers on their eyes they laid, And, ere a moment’s time had fled, Were through the mazy cavern led.
Book IV, Canto 53 · Angad’s Counsel
No—here, O chieftains, will I lie By ocean’s marge, and fast and die.
Book IV, Canto 54 · Hanumán’s Speech
Perceived that Báli’s princely son A kingdom for himself had won.
Book IV, Canto 55 · Angad’s Reply
Thus Angad bade the chiefs adieu: Then on the ground his limbs he threw Where sacred Darbha grass was spread, And wept as every hope had fled.
Book IV, Canto 55 · Angad’s Reply
And, as the chieftains’ eyes grew dim, They swore to stay and die with him.
Book IV, Canto 57 · Angad’s Speech
But bleeding, weak with years, and tired, Beneath the demon’s blows expired,
Book IV, Canto 58 · Tidings Of Sítá · 📍 [[Vindhya’s hill]] · Once on the day when Vritra died
Till, all my feathers burnt away, On Vindhya’s hill I fell and lay.
Book IV, Canto 61 · Sampáti’s Story
At length, o’erpowered, Jaṭáyus fell Without a word to say farewell,
Book IV, Canto 63 · Sampáti’s Story
But since Niśakar sought the skies. And cast away all earthly ties,
Book IV, Canto 66 · Hanumán
Her heavenly title heard no more, Anjaná was the name she bore, When, cursed by Gods, from heaven she fell In Vánar form on earth to dwell,
Book IV, Canto 66 · Hanumán
He spoke: the younger chieftain heard, His soul to vigorous effort stirred, And stood before their joyous eyes Dilated in gigantic size.
Book IV, Canto 67 · Hanumán’s Speech
The Maithil lady will I find,— Thus speaks mine own prophetic mind,— And cast in hideous ruin down The shattered walls of Lanká’s town.
Book V, Canto 1 · Hanumán’s Leap
He ceased; and mustering his might Sprang downward from the mountain height,
Book V, Canto 1 · Hanumán’s Leap
He leaped within, and turning round Sprang through the portal at a bound. Then hung in air a moment, while He thus addressed her with a smile: “O Daksha’s child, farewell at last! For I within thy mouth have passed. Thou hast the gift of Brahmá’s grace: I go, the Maithil queen to trace.” Then, to her former shape restored, She thus addressed the Vánar lord: “Then forward to the task, and may Success and joy attend thy way!
Book V, Canto 2 · Lanká · 📍 [[Lanká]] · when the moon’s soft light was spread
When the bright sun had left the skies The Vánar dwarfed his mighty size, And, in the straitest bounds restrained, The bigness of a cat retained. Then, when the moon’s soft light was spread, Within the city’s walls he sped.
Book V, Canto 3 · The Guardian Goddess · 📍 [[Lanká]] · this hour
Guardian Goddess Vánar
Swift with an angry roar she smote With her huge hand the Vánar’s throat. The smitten Vánar, rage-impelled, With fist upraised the monster felled:
Book V, Canto 3 · The Guardian Goddess · 📍 [[Lanká]] · of yore
Brahmá Guardian Goddess
Hear, best of Vánars, brave and bold, What Brahmá’s self of yore foretold; “Beware,” he said, “the fatal hour When thou shalt own a Vánar’s power.
Book V, Canto 16 · Hanumán’s Lament
And now these sad eyes look on her Mid hostile fiends a prisoner.
Book V, Canto 16 · Hanumán’s Lament
From home and every bliss she fled By wifely love and duty led, And heedless of a wanderer’s woes, A life in lonely forests chose.
Book V, Canto 24 · Sítá’s Reply
I loathe, with heart and soul detest The shameful life your words suggest. Eat, if you will, this mortal frame: My soul rejects the sin and shame. A homeless wanderer though he be, In him my lord, my life I see, And, till my earthly days be done, Will cling to great Ikshváku’s son.
Book V, Canto 26 · Sítá’s Lament · 📍 [[Janasthán]]
Alone in Janasthán he slew The thousands of the Rákshas crew.
Book V, Canto 27 · Trijatá’s Dream · Last night
Last night I dreamt a dream; and still The fear and awe my bosom chill; For in that dream I saw foreshown Our race by Ráma’s hand o’erthrown. I saw a chariot high in air, Of ivory exceeding fair. A hundred steeds that chariot drew As swiftly through the clouds it flew, And, clothed in white, with wreaths that shone, The sons of Raghu rode thereon. I looked and saw this lady here, Clad in the purest white, appear High on the snow white hill whose feet The angry waves of ocean beat. And she and Ráma met at last Like light and sun when night is past.
Book V, Canto 33 · The Colloquy · 📍 [[Daṇḍak’s tangled wilds]]
But Ráma left his royal home In Daṇḍak’s tangled wilds to roam.
Book V, Canto 38 · Sítá’s Gem
She ceased; and from her glorious hair She took a gem that sparkled there A token which her husband’s eyes With eager love would recognize. His head the Vánar envoy bent In low obeisance reverent. And on his finger bound the gem She loosened from her diadem.
Book V, Canto 41 · The Ruin Of The Grove · 📍 [[giants' isle]]
Then every lovely tree that bore Fair blossoms, from the soil he tore, Till each green bough that lent its shade To singing birds on earth was laid. The wilderness he left a waste, The fountains shattered and defaced: O’erthrew and levelled with the ground Each shady seat and pleasure-mound. Each arbour clad with climbing bloom, Each grotto, cell, and picture room, Each lawn by beast and bird enjoyed, Each walk and terrace was destroyed.
Book V, Canto 42 · The Giants Roused
I am the slave of Kośal’s king, Whose wondrous deeds the minstrels sing. Hanúmán I, the Wind-God’s seed:
Book V, Canto 42 · The Giants Roused
The Vánar caught it up, and swayed The weapon round his head, and slew The foremost of the Rákshas crew.
Book V, Canto 42 · The Giants Roused
And Rávaṇ with his spirit wrought To frenzy by the tale they brought, Urged to the fight Prahasta’s son, Of all his chiefs the mightiest one.
Book V, Canto 43 · The Ruin Of The Temple
Then from its base the Vánar tore A pillar with the weight it bore. Against the wall the mass he dashed, And forth the flames in answer flashed, That wildly ran o’er roofs and wall In hungry rage consuming all. He whirled the pillar round his head And struck a hundred giants dead.
Book V, Canto 44 · Jambumáli’s Death
There crushed upon the trampled grass He lay an undistinguished mass,
Book V, Canto 45 · The Seven Defeated
Some with his open hand he beat To death and trampled with his feet; Some with fierce nails he rent and slew, And others with his fists o’erthrew; Some with his legs, as on he rushed, Some with his bulky chest he crushed; While some struck senseless by his roar Dropped on the ground and breathed no more, The remnant, seized with sudden dread, Turned from the grove and wildly fled.
Book V, Canto 46 · The Captains
The weight that came with lightning speed Crushed pole and axle, car and steed. It shattered Durdhar’s head and neck, And left him lifeless mid the wreck.
Book V, Canto 46 · The Captains
Yúpáksha Virúpáksha (one of the five generals)
Tore from the ground a tree that grew Beside him, and the demons slew.
Book V, Canto 48 · Hanumán Captured
And bonds of hemp and bark were cast About his limbs to hold him fast. They drew the ropes round feet and wrists; They beat him with their hands and fists, And dragged him as they strained the cord
Book V, Canto 50 · Prahasta’s Questions · 📍 [[Lanká]]
And so to gain my wish I laid In ruin that delightful shade.
Book V, Canto 53 · The Punishment · 📍 [[Lanká]]
As round his tail the bands they drew His mighty form dilating grew Vast as the flame that bursts on high
Book V, Canto 53 · The Punishment · 📍 [[Lanká]]
Then, to minutest size reduced, The bonds that bound his limbs he loosed, And, freed from every band and chain, Rose to his native size again.
Book V, Canto 53 · The Punishment · 📍 [[Lanká]]
He seized a club of ponderous weight That lay before him by the gate, Rushed at the fiends that hemmed him round, And laid them lifeless on the ground.
Book V, Canto 57 · Hanumán’s Return
Look he returns, the Wind-God’s son, And full success his toils have won;
Book V, Canto 58 · The Feast Of Honey
Used claws, and teeth, and hands, and beat The keeper under trampling feet.
Book VI, Canto 3 · Lanká · 📍 [[Lanká]]
My fury hurled those ramparts down, Filled up the moats that gird the town, The piers and portals overturned, And stately Lanká spoiled and burned.
Book VI, Canto 4 · The March
Ráma Lakshmaṇ Hanumán Angad Gaja Gavaya Gaváksha Rishabh Gandhamádan Susheṇ Vegadarśí Jámbaván
There be the hill-huge Gaja’s place, And Gavaya’s, strongest of his race, And, like the bull that leads the herd, Gaváksha’s, by no fears deterred Let Rishabh, matchless in the might Of warlike arms, protect our right, And Gandhamádan next in rank Defend and guide the other flank. I, like the God who rules the sky Borne on Airávat mounted high On stout Hanúmán’s back will ride, The central host to cheer and guide. Fierce as the God who rules below, On Angad’s back let Lakshmaṇ show Like him who wealth to mortals shares, The lord whom Sárvabhauma bears. The bold Susheṇ’s impetuous might, And Vegadarśí’s piercing sight, And Jámbaván whom bears revere, Illustrious three, shall guard the rear.”
Book VI, Canto 4 · The March
He ceased: Sugríva on the coast By trees o’ershadowed stayed the host,
Book VI, Canto 6 · Rávan’s Speech · 📍 [[Lanká]]
The Vánar spy has passed the gate Of Lanká long inviolate, Eluded watch and ward, and seen With his bold eyes the captive queen. My royal roof with flames is red, The bravest of my lords are dead, And the fierce Vánar in his hate Has left our city desolate.
Book VI, Canto 7 · Rávan Encouraged · 📍 [[Mount Kailása]] · of old
Scaled Mount Kailása and o’erthrew Kuvera and his Yaksha crew, Compelling Śiva’s haughty friend Beneath a mightier arm to bend? Didst thou not bring from realms afar The marvel of the magic car, When they who served Kuvera fell Crushed in their mountain citadel?
Book VI, Canto 9 · Vibhishan’s Counsel
But bade his lords the council close, And sought his chamber for repose.
Book VI, Canto 12 · Rávan’s Speech
The captain of the hosts obeyed, The troops with prudent skill arrayed;
Book VI, Canto 12 · Rávan’s Speech
Then was the time to bid us scan Each peril and mature a plan.
Book VI, Canto 13 · Rávan’s Speech · One day
In passion’s eager grasp I tore From her sweet limbs the robes she wore, And heedless of her prayers and cries Strained to my breast the vanquised prize.
Book VI, Canto 17 · Vibhishan’s Flight
I bade him, plied with varied lore, His hapless prisoner restore. But he, by Fate to ruin sent, No credence to my counsel lent, Mad as the fevered wretch who sees And scorns the balm to bring him ease. He scorned the sage advice I gave, He spurned me like a base-born slave.
Book VI, Canto 18 · Ráma’s Speech
By hope of such advantage led, Vibhishaṇ o’er the sea has fled. He in his brother’s stead would reign, And our alliance seeks to gain;
Book VI, Canto 18 · Ráma’s Speech
Bound by a solemn vow I sware That all my saving help should share Who sought me in distress and cried, “Thou art my hope, and none beside.”
Book VI, Canto 20 · The Spies
Bind him, Vánars, bind the spy, Nor let him back to Lanká fly.” They hurled the Rákshas to the ground, They grasped his neck, his pinions bound, And firmly held him while in vain His voice was lifted to complain. But Ráma’s heart inclined to spare, He listened to his plaint and prayer, And cried aloud: “O Vánars, cease; The captive from his bonds release.”
Book VI, Canto 21 · Ocean Threatened · This day
His clanging cord the archer drew, And swift the fiery arrows flew Fierce as the flashing levin sent By him who rules the firmament. Down through the startled waters sped Each missile with its flaming head. The foamy billows rose and sank, And dashed upon the trembling bank.
Book VI, Canto 22 · Ocean Threatened
With fiery flood of arrowy rain Thy channels will I dry and drain.
Book VI, Canto 22 · Ocean Threatened
Still shall my care for thee provide An easy passage o’er the tide, And like a city’s paven street Shall be the road beneath thy feet.
Book VI, Canto 22 · Ocean Threatened · 📍 [[Vraṇa]]
Earth groaned to feel the wound, and sent A rush of water through the rent; And famed for ever is the well Of Vraṇa where the arrow fell.
Book VI, Canto 22 · Ocean Threatened
But yet he gave a boon to bless And fertilize the wilderness: No fell disease should taint the air, And sheep and kine should prosper there:
Book VI, Canto 22 · Ocean Threatened
By Nala, Viśvakarmá’s son, Who, born of one of Vánar race, Inherits by his father’s grace A share of his celestial art.
Book VI, Canto 22 · Ocean Threatened
My mother, ere she bore her son, This boon from Viśvakarmá won: “O Mandarí, thy child shall be In skill and glory next to me.”
Book VI, Canto 24 · The Spy’s Return · 📍 [[Lanká]]
Angad Níla Rishabh Gandhamádan Ráma Lakshmaṇ
“There in the centre,” Ráma cried, “Be Angad’s place by Níla’s side. Let Rishabh of impetuous might Be lord and leader on the right, And Gandhamádan, next in rank, Be captain of the farther flank. Lakshmaṇ and I the hosts will lead,
Book VI, Canto 26 · The Vánar Chiefs · 📍 [[Lanká]]
And bid me, heedless of the shame, Give to her lord the Maithil dame.”
Book VI, Canto 26 · The Vánar Chiefs
Nala the mighty Vánar stands, The son of Viśvakarmá, he
Book VI, Canto 30 · Sárdúla’s Speech
With rocks and shattered mountains he Has bridged his way athwart the sea,
Book VI, Canto 31 · The Magic Head · 📍 [[palace]]
“Come, Sítá with thine arts beguile. With magic skill and deftest care A head like Ráma’s own prepare. This head, long shafts and mighty bow, To Janak’s daughter will we show.”
Book VI, Canto 31 · The Magic Head
He ceased: Vidyujjihva obeyed, And wondrous magic skill displayed; And Rávaṇ for the art he showed An ornament of price bestowed.
Book VI, Canto 31 · The Magic Head
“Vidyujjihva,” cried Rávaṇ, “place The head before the lady’s face, And let her see with weeping eyes That low in death her husband lies.”
Book VI, Canto 32 · Sítá’s Lament · 📍 [[Lanká]]
“O faithful lords, the time is come: Gather our hosts with beat of drum. Nigh to the town our foeman draws: Be prudent, nor reveal the cause.”
Book VI, Canto 32 · Sítá’s Lament · 📍 [[Lanká]]
The nobles listened and obeyed: Swift were the gathered troops arrayed, And countless rovers of the night Stood burning for the hour of fight.
Book VI, Canto 33 · Saramá
Thy Ráma with his Vánar train Has thrown a bridge athwart the main, Has led his countless legions o’er, And ranged them on this southern shore.
Book VI, Canto 36 · Rávan’s Reply
Rávaṇ Prahasta Mahodar Mahápárśva Indrajít Sáraṇ Śuka
He bade the chief Prahasta wait, Commander at the eastern gate, To fierce Mahodar, strong and brave, To keep the southern gate, he gave, Where Mahápárśva’s might should aid The chieftain with his hosts arrayed. To guard the west—no chief more fit— He placed the warrior Indrajít, His son, the giant’s joy and boast, Surrounded by a Rákshas host: And mighty Sáraṇ hastened forth With Śuka to protect the north. “I will myself,” the monarch cried, “Be present on the northern side.”
Book VI, Canto 43 · The Single Combats
One arrow shot from Lakshmaṇ’s bow Laid mighty Vírúpáksha low.
Book VI, Canto 43 · The Single Combats
Four arrows from his bow he sent, And every missile, deftly sped; Cleft from the trunk a giant head.
Book VI, Canto 44 · The Night · Night
Six times he shot: six heads were cleft; Six giants dead on earth were left.
Book VI, Canto 45 · Indrajít’s Victory
His arrows smote the princely pair; And from their limbs at every rent A stream of rushing blood was sent. Like Kinśuk trees they stood, that show In spring their blossoms’ crimson glow. Then Indrajít with fury eyed Ikshváku’s royal sons, and cried: “Not mighty Indra can assail Or see me when I choose to veil My form in battle: and can ye, Children of earth, contend with me? The arrowy noose this hand has shot Has bound you with a hopeless knot; And, slaughtered by my shafts and bow, To Yáma’s hall this hour ye go.” He spoke, and shouted. Then anew The arrows from his bowstring flew, And pierced, well aimed with perfect art, Each limb and joint and vital part. Transfixed with shafts in every limb, Their strength relaxed, their eyes grew dim. As two tall standards side by side, With each sustaining rope untied, Fall levelled by the howling blast, So earth’s majestic lords at last Beneath the arrowy tempest reeled, And prostrate pressed the battle field.
Book VI, Canto 46 · Indrajít’s Triumph · 📍 [[Lanká]]
Fierce Indrajít, his soul on fire With pride of conquest, sought his sire, Raised reverent hands, and told him all, The battle and the princes’ fall. Rejoicing at his foes’ defeat Upsprang the monarch from his seat, Girt by his giant courtiers: round His warrior son his arms he wound,
Book VI, Canto 49 · Ráma’s Lament · At length
At length the mighty hero broke The trance that held him, and awoke.
Book VI, Canto 49 · Ráma’s Lament · Now
Vibhishaṇ on the field had stayed The Vánar hosts who fled dismayed.
Book VI, Canto 50 · The Broken Spell
And those transformed to shaft that bound The princes vanished in the ground. On Raghu’s sons his eyes he bent, And hailed the lords armipotent. Then o’er them stooped the feathered king, And touched their faces with his wing. His healing touch their pangs allayed, And closed each rent the shafts had made. Again their eyes were bright and bold, Again the smooth skin shone like gold. Again within their shell enshrined Came memory and each power of mind: And, from those numbing bonds released, Their spirit, zeal, and strength increased. Firm on their feet they stood
Book VI, Canto 51 · Dhúmráksha’s Sally
Go forth, Dhúmráksha, good at need, The bravest of my warriors lead: Force through the foe thy conquering way, And Ráma and the Vánars slay.
Book VI, Canto 51 · Dhúmráksha’s Sally
Around him at his summons came Fierce legions led by chiefs of fame. Well armed with sword and spear and mace, They hurried to the gathering place, And rushed to battle, borne at speed By elephant and car and steed.
Book VI, Canto 52 · Dhúmráksha’s Death
Crushed was each limb: a shapeless mass He lay upon the blood-stained grass.
Book VI, Canto 53 · Vajradanshtra’s Sally
“Go forth, my fiercest captain, lead The bravest of the giants’ breed. Go forth, the sons of Raghu slay And by their side Sugríva lay.”
Book VI, Canto 53 · Vajradanshtra’s Sally
They met in mortal strife engaged, And long and fierce the battle raged.
Book VI, Canto 54 · Vajradanshtra’s Death
And, severed by the glittering blade, The giant’s head on earth was laid.
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally
They told him that the chief was killed, And Rávaṇ’s breast with rage was filled.
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally · this day
Myself this day will take the field, And Raghu’s sons their lives shall yield.
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally · this day
High on the royal car, that glowed With glory from his face, he rode;
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally
Hanúmán life and strength regained, Burned for the fight and thus complained:
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally
The dart that Lakshmaṇ’s side had cleft, Untouched, the hero’s body left, And flashing through the air afar Resumed its place in Rávaṇ’s car;
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally
And Rávaṇ, though with deep wounds pained, Slowly his sense and strength regained, And furious still and undismayed On bow and shaft his hand he laid.
Book VI, Canto 59 · Rávan’s Sally · 📍 [[Lanká]]
With wounded limbs and shattered crown He sought again his royal town.
Book VI, Canto 60 · Kumbhakarna Roused · for months
He, slumbering, free from care and pain, By Brahmá’s curse, for months has lain.
Book VI, Canto 60 · Kumbhakarna Roused
The unusual weight his slumber broke: He started, shook his sides, and woke;
Book VI, Canto 61 · The Vánars’ Alarm · Scarce was he born
Scarce was he born, fierce monster, when He killed and ate a thousand men.
Book VI, Canto 61 · The Vánars’ Alarm
He conquered Yáma in the fight, And Indra trembling owned his might.
Book VI, Canto 61 · The Vánars’ Alarm
And he, to save the suffering world, His bolt at Kumbhakarṇa hurled. So awful was the monster’s yell That fear on all the nations fell, He, rushing on with furious roar, A tusk from huge Airávat tore, And dealt the God so dire a blow That Indra reeling left his foe,
Book VI, Canto 61 · The Vánars’ Alarm · henceforth
“As thou wast born, Pulastya’s son, That worlds might weep by thee undone, Thou like the dead henceforth shalt be: Such is the curse I lay on thee.”
Book VI, Canto 61 · The Vánars’ Alarm
“Six months in slumber shall he lie And then arising for a day Shall cast the numbing bonds away.”
Book VI, Canto 61 · The Vánars’ Alarm · in this the hour of need
Now Rávaṇ in his doubt and dread Has roused the monster from his bed,
Book VI, Canto 65 · Kumbhakarna’s Speech
Ride, conqueror, to the battle ride, And tame the foeman’s senseless pride.
Book VI, Canto 65 · Kumbhakarna’s Speech
The champion heard, and, well content, Forth from the hall his footsteps bent.
Book VI, Canto 66 · Kumbhakarna’s Sally · 📍 [[Lanká]]
In pomp and pride of warlike state The giant passed the city gate.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
With wondrous force the hill he threw: O’er Kumbhakarṇa’s head it flew, And falling on his host afar Crushed many a giant, steed, and car.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
He reeled a moment, sore distressed, Then smote the Vánar on the breast, As when the War-God’s furious stroke Through Krauncha’s hill a passage broke.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
Round Rishabh first the giant wound His arms and hurled him to the ground, Where speechless, senseless, wounded sore, He lay his face besmeared with gore.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
Nor could Gaváksha’s strength withstand The force of his terrific hand.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
With force which nothing might resist He caught the Vánar by the wrist, Whirled him, as if in pastime, round, And dashed him senseless on the ground.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
The rushing mass no might could stay: Sugríva fell and senseless lay. The giant stooped his foe to seize, And bore him thence, as bears the breeze
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
His teeth and feet he fiercely plied, And bit and rent the giant’s side, Who, mad with pain and smeared with gore, Hurled to the ground the load he bore.
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
Who through his harness felt the sting Of keen shafts loosened from the string. His heart confessed the warrior’s power, And, bleeding from the ceaseless shower
Book VI, Canto 67 · Kumbhakarna’s Death
Through skin and flesh and bone it smote And rent asunder head and throat. Down with the sound of thunder rolled The head adorned with rings of gold,
Book VI, Canto 70 · The Death Of Trisirás
His awful mace, and smote, and laid The giant in the dust dismayed. Crushed were his jaws and teeth and eyes: Breathless and still he lay as lies
Book VI, Canto 71 · Atikáya’s Death · of yore
Whom Dhanyamáliní of yore To Rávaṇ lord of Lanká bore.
Book VI, Canto 72 · Rávan’s Speech
Dhúmráksha Akampan Prahasta Kumbhakarṇa Ráma
Where is Dhúmráksha, skilled to wield All weapons in the battle field? Akampan, and Prahasta’s might, And Kumbhakarṇa bold in fight? These, these and many a Rákshas more, Each master of the arms he bore, Who every foe in fight o’erthrew, The victors none could e’er subdue, Have perished by the might of one, The vengeful arm of Raghu’s son.
Book VI, Canto 72 · Rávan’s Speech
Now, warriors, to your stations hence; Provide ye for the wall’s defence, And be the Aśoka garden, where The lady lies, your special care.
Book VI, Canto 75 · The Night Attack · 📍 [[Lanká]] · At dead of night
At dead of night the Vánar bands Rushed on with torches in their hands.
Book VI, Canto 75 · The Night Attack · When they fall
When they fall Rávaṇ sends forth Makaráksha or Crocodile-Eye
Book VI, Canto 75 · The Night Attack
of his sallying forth, of his battle with Ráma and of his death by the fiery dart of that hero
Book VI, Canto 75 · The Night Attack · again
Indrajít again comes forth and, rendered invisible by his magic art slays countless Vánars with his unerring arrows.
Book VI, Canto 75 · The Night Attack
He grasps the lovely image by the hair and cuts it down with his scimitar in the sight of the enraged Hanúmán and all the Vánar host.
Book VI, Canto 96 · Rávan’s Sally
Sugríva Angad Virúpáksha Mahodar Mahápárśva
three single combats between Sugríva and Angad on the Vánar side and Virúpáksha, Mahodar, and Mahápárśva on the side of the giants. The weapons of the Vánars are trees and rocks; the giants fight with swords, axes, and bows and arrows. The details are generally the same as those of preceding duels. The giants fall, one in each Canto.
Book VI, Canto 109 · The Battle · through the hours of night and day
A hundred, bright with fiery flame, Fell low before the victor’s aim, Yet Rávaṇ by no sign betrayed That death was near or strength decayed. The doubtful fight he still maintained, And on the foe his missiles rained. In air, on earth, on plain, on hill, With awful might he battled still; And through the hours of night and day The conflict knew no pause or stay.
Book VI, Canto 113 · Mandodarí’s Lament · When Hanumán the Vanár came
When Hanumán the Vanár came And burnt thy town with hostile flame,
Book VI, Canto 113 · Mandodarí’s Lament · at last
And Ráma, freed from every foe, Unstrung at last his deadly bow, And laid the glittering shafts aside, And mail by Indra’s love supplied.
Book VI, Canto 114 · Vibhishan Consecrated · 📍 [[Lanká]]
Vibhishaṇ sat, the giants’ lord, And o’er his brows the drops were poured.
Book VI, Canto 118 · Sítá’s Reply
She ceased: and fearless to the last Within the flame’s wild fury passed.
Book VI, Canto 120 · Sítá Restored
Now to the worlds her truth is shown, And Sítá is again mine own. Thus proved before unnumbered eyes, On her pure fame no shadow lies. As heroes to their glory cleave, Mine own dear spouse I ne’er will leave.” He ceased: and clasped in fond embrace On his dear breast she hid her face.
Book VI, Canto 121 · Dasaratha
He ceased: he bade the three adieu, And home to heaven exulting flew.
Book VI, Canto 124 · The Departure · 📍 [[Lanká]]
Vibhishaṇ, ready at his call, With gold and gems enriched them all.
Book VI, Canto 124 · The Departure · 📍 [[Lanká]] · this hour
My last farewell, O King, receive, For Lanká’s isle this hour I leave.”
Book VI, Canto 126 · Bharat Consoled
The hero ceased: the hermit bent His reverend head in glad assent; And swift, as Bharadvája willed, The prayer of Ráma was fulfilled.
Book VI, Canto 127 · Ráma’s Message · 📍 [[Śringavera]]
Descending from the upper air He entered Śringavera, where King Guha’s heart was well content To hear the message Ráma sent.
Book VI, Canto 128 · Hanumán’s Story
And fled repulsed, with rage and tears, Reft of her nose and severed ears.
Book VI, Canto 128 · Hanumán’s Story
When, as he fought, the dame to save, His noble life Jatáyus gave:
Book VI, Canto 129 · The Meeting With Bharat
And, heralding the glad event, This order to Śatrughna sent:
Book VI, Canto 129 · The Meeting With Bharat
“Send forth ten thousand men” he cried, “Let brawny arms be stoutly plied, And, smoothing all with skilful care, The road for Kośal’s king prepare.
Book VI, Canto 130 · The Consecration · 📍 [[Ayodbyá]]
Thus borne along in royal state King Ráma reached Ayodbyá’s gate
Book VI, Canto 130 · The Consecration
High on a throne with jewels graced King Ráma and his Sítá placed. There by Jábáli, far revered, Vijay and Kaśyap’s son appeared; By Gautam’s side Kátváyan stood, And Vámadeva wise and good, Whose holy hands in order shed The pure sweet drops on Ráma’s head.
Book VI, Canto 130 · The Consecration · Ten thousand years
Ten thousand years Ayodhyá, blest With Ráma’s rule, had peace and rest,