For Overcoming Unexpected Danger (Yuddha Kanda Sarga 18-19 - Vibeeshana Sharanagati)

 

Book VI : Yuddha Kanda - Book Of War

Chapter [Sarga] 18
Verses converted to UTF-8, Nov 09

Introduction

Hearing Hanuman's words, Rama says that he cannot desert Vibhishana who is seeking a refuge in him. Initially Sugreeva disagrees with Rama's opinion. But when Rama explains the different circumstances under which Vibhishana is acceptable, Sugreeva also agrees with that view. Finally Vibhishana joins as an associate in Rama's side.

atha rāmaḥ prasanna ātmā śrutvā vāyu sutasya ha |
pratyabhāṣata durdharṣaḥ śrutavān ātmani sthitam ||6-18-1

1. atha = thereafter; raamaH = Rama; durdharshhaH = the inviolable; shrutavaan = and the one having sacred knowledge ; shrutvaa = after hearing; vaayusutasya = Hanuman's words; pratyabhaashhata = spoke; prasannaatmaa = with a clear understanding; sthitam = that which was established; aatmani = in his mind.

Thereafter the inviolable Rama who possesses sacred knowledge, after hearing Hanuman's words, spoke with a clear understanding, the following opinion that was firm in his mind:

mama api tu vivakṣā asti kācit prati vibhīṣaṇam |
śrutam iccāmi tat sarvam bhavadbhiḥ śreyasi sthitaiḥ ||6-18-2

2. mamaapi = I also; asti = have; kaachit = a; vivakshhaa = desire to tell; vibhiishhaNam prati = about Vibhishana; ichchhaami = I want; tat = it; sarvam = all; shrotum = to be heard; bhavadbhih = by you; sthitaih = who stand firmly; shreyapi = in our welfare.

"I also wish to tell my opinion about Vibhishana. I want it to be heard by you, who are firmly established in our welfare."

mitra bhāvena samprāptam na tyajeyam kathaṃcana |
doṣo yadi api tasya syāt satām etad agarhitam ||6-18-3

3. kathamchana = by any means; naatyajeyam = I donot leave; tasya = him; sampraaptam = who comes; mitrabhaavena = with a friendly appearance; syaat yadyapi = even though he has; doshhah = a defect; etat = This; agarhitam = is irreproachable; sataam = by good men.

"By any means, I do not desert anyone who arrives with a friendly appearance, even if he has a defect. His acceptance is irreproachable in the eyes of good men"

sugrīvastvatha tadvākyamābhāṣya ca vimṛśya ca |
tataḥ śubhataram vākyamuvāca haripuṅgavaḥ ||6-18-4

4. atha = then; SugreevaH = Sugreeva; haripuNgavaH = the chief of monkeys; aabhaashhyacha = closely analysed; vimR^ishyacha = and examined; tadvaakyam = those words of Rama; tatah = and thereafter; uvaachaha = spoke; shubhataram = most auspicious; vaakyam = words:

Then, Sugreeva the chief of monkeys closely analyzed and examined the aforesaid words of Rama and thereafter spoke the following most auspicious words:

suduṣṭo vāpyaduṣṭo vā kimmeṣa rajanīcaraḥ |
īdṛśam vyasanam prāptam bhrātaram yaḥ parityajet ||6-18-5
ko vāma sa bhavettasya yameṣa na parityajet |

5. kim = what matters if; eshhaH = this; rajaniicharaH = ranger of night; (demon) sudushhTovaa = is very dangerous; yaH = he who; parityajet = can desert; bhraataram = his brother; praaptam = who get; iidR^isham = such; vyasanam = a calamity; tasya = for such a person; yam = who to;konaama = whom; saH = he; naparityajet = would not betray?

"What matters if this ranger of night is very dangerous or other wise, if he can desert his own brother at a time of peril? Whom will he not betray subsequently?"

vānarādhipate rvākyam śrutvā sarvānudīksya tu ||6-18-6
īṣadutsmayamānastu laksmaṇam puṇyalakṣaṇam |
iti hovāca kākutthso vākyam satyaparākramaḥ ||6-18-7

6; 7. shrutvaa = hearing; vaakyam = the words; vaanaraadhipate = of Sugreeva; kakutthsaH = Rama; satyaparaakramaH = who was truly mighty; udiikshhyatu = looked round; sarvam = all of them; utsmyamaanaH = smiled; iishhat = a little; uvaachaha = and spoke; vaakyam = these words; iti = thus; lakshhmaNam = to Lakshmana; puNya lakshhaNam = of virtuous characteristics:

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, Rama who was truly mighty looked round all of them , smiled a little and spoke the following words to Lakshmana, of virtuous characteristics:

anadhītya ca śāstrāṇi vṛddhānanupasevya ca |
na śakyamīdṛśam vaktum yaduvāca harīśvaraḥ ||6-18-8

8. yat = which words; hariishvaraH = Sugreeva; uvaachaH = spoke; na shakyam = it is not possible; vaktum = to speak;iidR^isham = such words; anadhiitya = without studying; shaastraaNi = scriptures; anupasevyacha = and without serving; vR^iddhaan = elders.

"Without studying scriptures and without serving elders, it is not possible to speak such words as Sugreeva spoke."

asti sūkṣmataram kiṃcidyadatra pratibhāti mā |
pratyakṣam laukikam cāpi vartate sarvarājasu ||6-18-9

9. yat = which; vartate = is; pratyakshham = clearly to be seen; sarva raajasu = in all the kings; loukikamchaapi = and occurring in even ordinary life; kimchit = a somewhat; suukshhmataram = highly subtle thing; asti = is there; atra = Here; maa = to me; pratibhaati = it is appearing to the mind.

"It appears to my mind that there is however something peculiar in these circumstances which are clearly to be seen in all lives of kings and even occurring in ordinary life."

amitrāstatkulīnāśca prātideśyāśca kīrtitā |
vyasaneṣu prahartārastasmādayamihāgataḥ ||6-18-10

10. kiirtitaaH = it is told; tatkuliinaashcha = that persons of that family; praatideshyaashchcha = and rulers belonging to adjoining territory; amitraaH = are enemies; prahartaarah = and strike; vyasaneshhu = in adversities; tasmaat = for that reason; ayam = he; aagatam = came; iha = here.

"It is told that persons of the same family and rulers belonging to adjoining territories become enemies and strike in times of adversities. For this reason, he came here."

apāpāstatkulīvāśca mānayanti svakān hitān |
eṣa prāyo narendrāṇām śaṅkanīyastu śobhanaḥ ||6-18-11

11. tatkuliinaaH = persons belonging to the same family; apaapaaH = who are not sinful; maanayanti = respect; svakaan = their own; hitaan = well- wishers; praayaH = Generally; narendraaNaam = for kings; eshhaH = even the persons; shobhanaH = who are virtuous; shaNkaniiyaH = are to be apprehended.

"Even if belonging to the same family, persons who are virtuous do respect their own well wishers in that family. Generally among kings, even a virtuous person is apprehended."

yastu doṣastvayā prokto hyādāne^^ribalasya ca |
tatra te kīrtayuṣyāmi yathāśāstramidam śṛṇu ||6-18-12

12. yathaasaastran = as per scriptures; kiirtayishhyaami = I will tell; te = you; shruNu = hear; idam = this; yaH = which; dashhaH = draw back; proktaH = is told; tvayaa = by you; tatra = in that matter; aadaane = of accepting; aribalasya = from the side of an adversary.

"With regard to the draw back you told me in the matter of accepting a person coming from the side of an adversary, hear from me what the scriptures say."

na vayam tatkulīnāśca rājyakāmkṣī ca rākṣasaḥ |
paṇḍitā hi bhaviṣyanti tasmādgrāhyo vibhīṣaṇaḥ ||6-18-13

13. vayam = we; na = do not; tatkuliinaaHcha = belong to the same family. raakshhasaH = The demon; raajya kaaNkshhiicha = is desirous of kingdom; (These demons also)bhavishhyanti = may be; paNDitaaH hi = rather learned; tasmaat = for that reason; vibhiishhaNaH = Vibhishana; graahyaH = is admissible.

"We do not belong to the same family. Further, Vibhishana the demon is desirous of acquiring the kingdom. A few of the demons also may be rather learned ones. That is why, Vibhishana is acceptable."

avyagrāśca prahṛṣṭāśca na bhaviṣyanti samgatāḥ |
praṇādaśca mahāneṣa tato.asya bhayamāgatam ||6-18-14
iti bhedam gamiṣyanti tasmātpropto vibhīṣaṇaḥ |

14. sangataaH = kinsfolk; na bhavishhyanti = do not live together; avyagraashcha = in a fearless mode; prahR^ishhTaashcha = and in a delightful manner; iti = hence; gamishhyanti = they get; bhedam = a split; ataH = for that reason; bhayam = a fear; aagatam = has come; asya = to him; eshhaH = This; praNaadashcha = loud appeal is also; mahaan = leading; tasmaat = for that reason; vibhiishhaNaH = Vibhishana; graahyaH = is acceptable.

"Kinsfolk do not live together in a fearless mode and in a delightful manner. Hence, they get a split among themselves. For this reason, a fear has come to him. This loud appeal is also major cause. That is why, Vibhishana can be accepted."

na sarve bhrātarastāta bhavanti bharatopamāḥ ||6-18-15
madvidhā nā pituḥ putrāḥ suhṛdo vā bhavadvidhāḥ |

15. taata = my dear one! sarve = All; bhraataraH = brothers; na bhavanti = are not; bharatopamaaH = like bharata; putraH = sons; madvidhaaH = like me; pituH = to a father; suhR^ido vaa = or friends; bhavadvidhaaH = like you.

"My dear one! Neither all brothers are like Bharata, nor all sons of a father like me nor all friends are like you."

evamuktastu rāmeṇa sugrīvaḥ sahalaksmaṇaḥ ||6-18-16
utthāayodam mahāprājñaḥ praṇato vākyamabravīt |

16. evam = thus; uktaH = spoken; raameNa = by Rama; sugriivaH = Sugreeva; saha lakshmaNaH = who was together with Lakshmana; mahaapraG^yaH = the highly wise man; utthaaya = stood up; praNataH = saluting; abraviit = and spoke; idam = these; vaakyam = words:

Hearing Rama's words Sugreeva who was together with the highly wise Lakshmana stood up saluting and spoke these words:

rāvaṇena praṇihitam tamavehi niśācaram ||6-18-17
tasyāham nigraham manye kṣamam kṣamavatām vara |

17. kShamavataamvara = O; Rama the excellent among those who are tolerant! avachi = Realiase; tam = that; nishaacharam = ranger in night(demon); praNihatam = to have been sent; raavaNena = by Ravana; manye = I think; tasya = of him; kshhamam = befitting; nigraham = to be taken as captive."

"O, Rama the excellent among the tolerant! Realise that Ravana has sent Vibhishana, the demon. I think of him to be worthy of being taken as a captive."

rākṣaso jihmayā buddhyā saṃdiṣṭo.aya mihāgataḥ ||6-18-18
prahartum tvayi viśvaste viśvaste mayi vānagha |
lakṣmaṇe vā mahābāho sa badhyaḥ sacivaiḥ saha ||6-18-19
rāvaṇasya nṛśaṃsasya bhrātā hyeṣa vibhīṣaṇaḥ |

18; 19. anagha = O; faultless one! mahaabaaho = O; mighty armed! ayam raakshhasaH = This demon; samdishhTaH = is been sent; prahartum = to strike; tvayi = you; vishvaste = who are unsuspecting; mayivaa = or me; lakshhmaNeva = or Lakshmana; vishvaste = in trust; aagataH = and came; iha = here; jihmayaa = with crooked; buddhyaa = mind; saH = he; sachivaiHsaha = with his counselors; badhyaH = are fit to be imprisoned; vibhiishhaNaH = Vibhishana; bhraata hi = is indeed brother; raavaNasya = of Ravana; nR^ishamsasya = the cruel demon.

"O, the mighty armed Rama! The faultless one! This demon is being sent to kill you who are unsuspecting, or to kill Lakshmana or me in trust. He came here with a crooked mind. He with his counselors is fit to be imprisoned. Is not Vibhishana the brother of cruel Ravana?"

evamuktvā raghuśreṣṭaṃ sugrīvo vāhinīpatiḥ || 6-18-20
vākyajño vākyakuśalaṃ tato maunamupāgamat |

20. uktvaa = speaking; evam = thus; raghushreshhTam = to Rama the best of Raghu dynasty; SugreevaH = Sugreeva; vaakyaG^yaH = who knew the mode of expression; tatah = thereafter; paagamat = obtained; mounam = silence.

Speaking thus to Rama, the best of Raghu dynasty, Sugreeva who knew the mode of expression, thereafter kept silent.

sa sugrīvasya tad vākyaym rāmaḥ śrutvā vimṛśya ca ||6-18-21
tataḥ śubhataram vākyam uvāca hari pumgavam |

21. bhrutvaa = hearing; tat vaakyam = those words; sugriivasya = of Sugreeva; raamaH = Rama; vimR^ishyacha = pondered over them and; tataH = thereafter; uvaacha = spoke; subha taram = more auspicious; vaakyam = words; haripuNgavam = to Sugreeva.

Hearing those words of Sugreeva, Rama pondered over the words and thereafter spoke more auspicious words to Sugreeva as follows:

suduṣṭo vā api aduṣṭo vā kim eṣa rajanī caraḥ ||6-18-22
sūkṣmam api ahitam kartum mama aśaktaḥ kathaṃcana |

22. kim = what if; eshhaH = this; rajaniicharaH = demon; sudushhTovaa = is very bad? asaktaH = He is incapable; kartum = of doing; kathamchana = scarcely; suukshhmam = a little; ahitamapi = harm ; mama = to me.

"What does it matter whether that demon is very bad or not bad? He is incapable of doing even a little harm to me."

piśācān dānavān yakṣān pṛthivyām caiva rākṣasān ||6-18-23
anguli agreṇa tān hanyām iccan hari gaṇa īśvara |

23. harigaNeshvara = O; Sugreeva Lord of monkey troops! Ichchhan = If I wish; hanyaam = I will kill; taan = those; pishaachaan = devilish beings; daanavaan = demons; yakshhaan = supernatural beings; raakshhasanchaiva = and ogres; pR^ithivyaam = living on earth; aNgulyagreNa = with the tip of my finger.

"O, Sugreeva, Lord of monkey-troops! If I wish, I can kill those devilish beings, demons, supernatural beings and ogres living on earth with just a tip of my finger"

śrūyate hi kapotena śatruḥ śaraṇam āgataḥ ||6-18-24
arcitaḥ ca yathā nyāyam svaiḥ ca māṃsair nimantritaḥ |

24. shruuyate hi = it is heard; kapotena;by a dove; shatruH = an enemy; aagataH = came; sharaNam = for a refuge; architashcha = was received; yathaanyaayam = according to rules of hospitality; nimantritashcha = and was invited for a feast; svaiH = with its own; maamsaiH = flesh.

"It is narrated how by a dove, its enemy ( a fowler) when it came for a refuge, was received according to rules of hospitality and was invited for a feast with its own flesh."

sa hi tam pratijagrāha bhāryā hartāram āgatam ||6-18-25
kapoto vānara śreṣṭha kim punar mad vidho janaḥ |

25. saH kaptaH = that dove; pratijagraaha hi = indeed accepted as a guest; tam = the fowler; aagatam = as he came; bharyaahantaaram = although he killed its wife; kimpunaH = how much more; janaH = a man; madvidhaH = like me?

"O, the excellent of monkeys! The aforesaid dove indeed accepted as a guest, the fowler as he came, although he killed its wife .How much more a man like me has to do?"

ṛṣeḥ kaṇvasya putreṇa kaṇḍunā parama ṛṣiṇā ||6-18-26
śṛṇu gāthām purā gītām dharmiṣṭhām satya vādinā |

26. putreNa = the son; puraa = long ago; kanvasya R^ishhe = of a sage called Kanva; satyavaadinaa = a great sage; kaNDuunaa = and by Kandu by name; gathaa = verses; dharmishhThaa = inculcating virtue; giitaa = were sung; shruNu = hear them.

"Hear the verses inculcating virtue so long ago, by Kandu, the son of a sage called Kanva, a great sage and a speaker of truth."

baddha anjali puṭam dīnam yācantam śaraṇa āgatam ||6-18-27
na hanyād ānṛśaṃsya artham api śatrum param pata |

27. paramtapa = O; king the torminator of enemies! Shatrum api = even an enemy; baddhaaNjalipuTram = who formed a cup with his hollowed hands; diinam; a miserable person; yaachantam = a person who is begging; sharaNaagatam = and who is seeking refuge; na hanyaat = should not be killed; anR^ishamsyaartham = with the aim of not being cruel.

"O, king the terminator of enemies! Even an enemy, who formed a cup with his hollowed hands, a miserable person, a person who is begging and who is seeking a refuge should not be killed with the aim of not being cruel."

arto vā yadi vā dṛptaḥ pareṣām śaraṇam gataḥ ||6-18-28
ariḥ prāṇān parityajya rakṣitavyaḥ kṛta ātmanā |

28. ariH = an enemy; gataH = who gets; sharaNam = a refuge; pareshhaam = from others; aartovaa = even if he is oppressed; yadivaa = or; dR^iptaH = arrogant; rakshhitavyaH = is to be protected; parityajya = by abandoning; praaNaan = even lives; kR^Itaatmanaa = by one who has a well-disciplined mind.

"An enemy who comes for protection against others, even if the aforesaid enemy is oppressed or arrogant, is to be protected by one who has a disciplined mind, even by abandoning one's life."

sa ced bhayād vā mohād vā kāmād vā api na rakṣati ||6-18-29
svayā śaktyā yathā tattvam tat pāpam loka garhitam |

29. saH narakshhatichet = If he does not ; svayaa = by his; shaktyaa = strength; yathaanyaayam = rightly; bhayadvaa = by fear; mohaadvaa = or by ignorance; kamaadvaapi = by or desire; tat = it; paapam = is a sin; lokagarhitam = to be reproached by the world.

"If he does not protect rightly through his strength, by fear or by ignorance or by desire, it is a sin to be reproached by the world."

vinaṣṭaḥ paśyatas tasya rakṣiṇaḥ śaraṇa āgataḥ ||6-18-30
ādāya sukṛtam tasya sarvam gacced arakṣitaḥ |

30. arakshhitaH = having not been protected; gataH = being in; sharaNam = a refuge; tasya = and if that; rakshhiNaH = protector; pashyataH = while seeing; vinashhTaH = dies; tasya = his; sarvam = whole; sukR^itam = moral merit; aadaaya = having taken along; gachchhet = goes.

"If having not been protected, a refugee dies before the eyes of a man who is able to protect him, the former takes along all his moral merit and goes."

evam doṣo mahān atra prapannānām arakṣaṇe ||6-18-31
asvargyam ca ayaśasyam ca bala vīrya vināśanam

31. mahaan doshhaH = there is a great blemish; evam = thus; atra = in this; arakshhane = who take refuge; asvargyam = it does not bestow heaven; ayashasyamcha = it destroys reputation; balaviirya vinaashanam = it devastates strength and valor."

"In not protecting thus the persons who take refuge, there is a great blemish involved in it. It does not bestow heaven. It destroys reputation. It devastates strength and valor"

kariṣyāmi yathā artham tu kaṇḍor vacanam uttamam ||6-18-32
dharmiṣṭham ca yaśasyam ca svargyam syāt tu phala udaye |

32. karishhyaami = I will make; yathaartham = real; uttamam = the excellent; vachanam = words; kaNDoH = of Kandu; syaat = It becomes; dharmishhTham = very righteous; yashasyam = gives a reputation; svargyam = leads to heaven; phalodayam = and rewards appear.

"I will follow the excellent words of Kandu. It becomes a very righteous thing, gives reputation, leads to heaven and the rewards appear consequently."

sakṛd eva prapannāya tava asmi iti ca yācate ||6-18-33
abhayam sarva bhūtebhyo dadāmi etad vratam mama |

33. yaachate = he who seeks; prapannaaya = refuge; sakR^ideva = just once; iti = saying that; asmi = I am; tava = yours; dadaami = I shall give; abhayam = assurance of safety; sarva bhuutebhyaH = against all types of beings; etat = this; mama = is my; vratam = pledge.

"He who seeks refuge in me just once, telling me that �I am yours', I shall give him assurance of safety against all types of beings. This is my solemn pledge"

ānaya enam hari śreṣṭha dattam asya abhayam mayā ||6-18-34
vibhīṣaṇo vā sugrīva yadi vā rāvaṇaḥ svayam |

34. sugriiva = O; Sugreeva; harishreshhTha = the chief of monkeys! vibhiishhaNovaa = either he is Vibhishana; yadivaa = or; raavaNaH = Ravana; svayam = himself; abhayam = an assurance of safety; dattam = has been given; asya = to him; mayaa = by me; aanaya = bring; evam = him(here).

"O, Sugreeva, the chief of monkeys! Let him either be Vibhishana or even Ravana himself; I have given an assurance of safety to him. Bring him here."

rāmasya vacanam śrutvā sugrīvaḥ plavaga īśvaraḥ ||6-18-35
pratyabhāṣata kākutstham sauhārdena abhicoditaḥ |

35. shrutvaa = hearing; raamasya; = Rama's; vachanaH = words; SugreevaH = Sugreeva; plavageshvara = the Lord of monkeys; abhipuurita = overwhelmed; souhardena = with cordial friendship; pratyabhaashhata = replied; kaakutthsam = to Rama(as follows).

Hearing Rama' s words, Sugreeva the lord of monkeys, overwhelmed as he was with cordial friendship, replied to Rama as follows:

kim atra citram dharmajña loka nātha śikhā maṇe ||6-18-36
yat tvam āryam prabhāṣethāḥ sattvavān sapathe sthitaḥ |

36. dharmaJNa = O; the one who is aware of righteousness; lokanaathasikhaamaNe = the crest jewel among the lords of the world; kim = what; chitram surprise; atra = is there; iti yat = in thinking that; tvam = you; sattvavaan = endowed with true essence; athitaH = and established; satpathe = in right path; prabhaashhethaah = speak; aaryam = these venerable words?

"O, Rama, who knows righteousness, the crest jewel among lords of the world! What surprise is there in thinking that you, duly endowed with true essence of life and established in a right path, speak these venerable words?"

mama ca api antar ātmā ayam śuddhim vetti vibhīṣaṇam ||6-18-37
anumanāc ca bhāvāc ca sarvataḥ suparīkṣitaḥ |

37. ayam = this; mama = my; antaraatmaa cha = inmost spirit; vetti = feels; vibhiishhanam = Vibhishana; shuddham = to be genuine; supariikshhitaH = being well examined; sarvataH = from all angles; anumaanaat = by act of inference; bhaavaat = and by appearance.

"My inmost spirit also feels Vibhishana to be a genuine person, he being well examined from all angles, by act of inference and by his appearance."

tasmāt kṣipram saha asmābhis tulyo bhavatu rāghava ||6-18-38
vibhīṣaṇo mahāprājñaḥ sakhitvam ca abhyupaitu naḥ |

38. raaghavaa = O; Rama; Tasmaat = Hence; bhavatu = let; vhbhiishhaNah = Vibhishana; maahaapraajJNaH = the highly wise; tulyaH = be equal; asmaabhiH cha = among us together; abhyupaitu = let him get; sakhitvamcha = friendship too; nah = with us.

"O, Rama! Hence, let the highly wise Vibhishana be equal among us soon together. Let him get our friendship too"

tatas tu sugrīva vaco niśamyata|
hari īśvareṇa abhihitam nara īśvaraḥ |
vibhīṣaṇena āśu jagāma samgamam |
patatri rājena yathā puram daraḥ ||6-18-39

39. nishamya = hearing; tat sugriiva vachaH = those words of Sugreeva; nareshvaraH = Rama the king of men; abhihitam = as acknowledged; hariishvarena = by Sugreeva; jagaama = held; samgamam = meeting; vibhiiShaNena = with Vibhishana; puramdaraH yathaa = as Indra the lord of celestials; patattrirajena = had with Garuda the king of birds.

Hearing those words of Sugreeva, Rama the king of men, as acknowledged by Sugreeva, held meeting with Vibhishana, as Indra the lord of celestials once met Garuda the king of birds.

- - - -

ityārṣe śrīmadrāmāyaṇe ādikāvye yuddhakāṇḍe aṣṭādaśaḥ sargaḥ

Book VI : Yuddha Kanda - Book Of War

Chapter [Sarga] 19
Verses converted to UTF-8, Nov 09

Introduction

Descending from the sky, Vibhishana seeks refuge at the feet of Rama. On Rama's enquiry, he explains about the strength of Ravana. Rama promises to kill Ravana and anoints Vibhishana. Rama sits on the sea -shore, seeking the help of the ocean god to yield a passage for his army to pass through and reach the city of Lanka.

rāghavena abhaye datte samnato rāvaṇa anujaḥ |
vibhīṣaṇo mahāprājño bhūmim samavalokayat || 6-19-1

1. abhaye = (while); assurance of protection; datte = having given; raaghaveNa = by Rama; mahaapraaG^yaH = the highly sagacious; vibhiishhaNaH = Vibhishana; raavaNaanuje = the brother of Ravana; samnataH = bent down; samavalokayat = and glanced towards; bhuumim = the earth.

While the assurance of protection having been given to Rama, the highly sagacious Vibhishana the brother of Ravana bent down and glanced towards the earth.

khāt papāta avanim hṛṣṭo bhaktair anucaraiḥ saha |
sa tu rāmasya dharma ātmā nipapāta vibhīṣaṇaḥ || 6-19-2

2. saH = that; dharmaatmaa = virtuous; vibhiishhaNaH = Vibhishana; papaata = descended; hR^ishhTaH = joyously; khaat = from the sky; avanim = to the ground; bhaktaiH anucharaiH saha = along with his faithful companions; nipapaata = and alighted; raamasya = near Rama.

The virtuous Vibhishana descended joyously from the sky to the ground along with his faithful companions and alighted in the vicinity of Rama.

pādayoḥ śaraṇa anveṣī caturbhiḥ saha rākṣasaiḥ |
abravīc ca tadā rāmam vākyam tatra vibhīṣaṇaḥ || 6-19-3
dharma yuktam ca yuktam ca sāmpratam sampraharṣaṇam |

3. atha = thereafter; vibhiishhaNaH = Vibhishana; chaturbhiH raakshhasaiH saha = along with four demons; nipapaata = fell prostrate; abravichcha = and spoke; raamam prati = to Rama; vaakyam = the following words; yuktamcha = which were right; saapratam = suitable; sampraharshhaNam = and joyful.

Thereafter, Vibhishana along with the four demons fell prostrate and spoke to Rama the following words which were equitable suitable and delightful.

anujo rāvaṇasya aham tena ca asmi avamānitaḥ || 6-19-4
bhavantam sarva bhūtānām śaraṇyam śaraṇam gataḥ |

4. aham = I; anujaH = an younger brother; raavaNasya = of Ravana; avamaaniteshcha = and was humiliated; tena = by him; sharaNam gataH = I sought refuge; bhavantam = in you; sharaNyam = who are the refuge; sarvabhuutaanaam = for all the beings.

"I am the younger brother of Ravana and was humiliated by him. I sought refuge in you, who are the refuge for all the beings."

parityaktā mayā laṃkā mitrāṇi ca dhanāni ca || 6-19-5
bhavad gatam hi me rājyam ca jīvitam ca sukhāni ca |

5. laNkaa = Lanka; parityakta = who was abandoned; mayaa = by me; mitraaNi = the friends; dhanaanicha = and the possessions too; me = my; raajyam = kingdom; bhavadgatamhi = is indeed; at your disposal; jiivitam = my life; sukhaanicha = and happiness too.

"Abandoning Lanka, friends and possessions, I place my kingdom, life and happiness at your disposal."

tasya tadvacanam śrutvā rāmo vacanamabravīt || 6-19-6
vacasā sāntvayitvainam locanābhyām pibanniva |
ākhyāhi mama tatvena rākṣasānām balābalam || 6-19-7

6; 7. shrutvaa = hearing; tatvachanam = those words; tasya = of Vibhishana; raamaH = Rama; saantvayitvaa = in soothing tone; pibanniva = while soothing to refresh; lochanaabhyaam = with his eyes; abraviit = spoke; vachanam = words; aakhyaahi = Tell; mama = me; tattvena = really; balaabalam = the strengths and weaknesses; raakshhasaanaam = of the demons."

Hearing those words of Vibhishana, Rama in a soothing tone and with a refreshing look in his eyes, spoke these words: "Tell me really the strengths and weaknesses of the demons."

evamuktam tadā rakṣo rāmeṇākliṣṭakarmaṇā |
rāvaṇasya balam sarvamākhyātumupacakrame || 6-19-8

8. evam = thus; uktam = asked; tadaa = then; raameNa = by Rama; aklishhTakarmaNaa = who was unwearied in action; rakshhaH = Vibhishana; upachakrame = started; aakhyaatum = telling; uktam = a word; sarvam = about the entire; balam = strength; raavaNasaya = of Ravana.

Thus asked then by Rama who was unwearied in action, Vibhishana started telling about the detailed strength of Ravana.

avadhyaḥ sarvabhūtānām gandharvoragapakṣiṇām |
rājaputra daśagrīvo varadānātsvayambhuvaḥ || 6-19-9

9. raajaputra = O; prince! Varadaanaat = because of a special boon given; svayambhuvaH = by Brahma (the lord of celestials); dashagriivaH = Ravana; avadhyaH = cannot be killed; gandharvoragapakshhiNaam = by Gandharvas; serpents and birds.

"O, prince! Because of a special boon given by Brahma (lord of creation), Ravana can not be killed by all beings, Gandharvas (celestial musicians), serpents, and birds."

rāvaṇānantaro bhrātā mama jyeṣṭhaśca vīryavān |
kumbhakarṇo mahātejāḥ śakrapratibalo yudhi || 6-19-10

10. kumbhakarNaH = Kumbhakarna; bhraataa = a brother; raavaNaanantaraH = born after Ravana; mama jyeshhThashcha = and my elder brother; viiryavaan = who is valiant; mahaatejaa = and highly powerful; shakrapratibalaH = has a strength to fight against Indra (the lord of celestials); Yuddhi = in battle.

Kumbhakarna, my elder brother born after Ravana, who is valiant and highly powerful, has enough strength to fight against Indra (Lord of celestials) in battle.

rāma senāpatistasya prahasto yadi te śrutaḥ |
kailāse yena sama maṇibhadraḥ parājitaḥ || 6-19-11

11. raama = O; Rama; yena = by whom; maNibhadraH = Manibhadra; paraajitaH = was defeated; samare = in battle; kailaase = on the mountain of Kailasa; tasyasenaapatiH = that chief of army; prahastaH = Prahasta; shrutaHyadi = is it mentioned; te = to you?

"O, Rama! You might have heard about Prahasta, his chief of army. He defeated Manibhadra in a battle on the mountain of Kailasa."

baddagodhāṅgulitraśca avadhyakavaco yudhi |
dhanurādāya yastiṣṭhannadṛśyo bhavatīndrajit || 6-19-12

12. baddha jodhaaNgulitrashcha = when furnished with gloves made of the skin of an Iguana (to prevent injury from the bow string); avadhyakavachaH = and when clad in armor that no arrow can pierce; yaH = that; Indrajit = Indrajit; aadaaya = wielding; dhanuH = his bow; bhavati = becomes; adhR^ishyaH = invisible; tishhThan = standing; yudhi = in battle field.

"When furnished with gloves made of the skin of Iguana (to prevent injury from the bowstring) and when clad in armor that no arrow can pierce, that Indrajit (son of Ravana) standing in battle wielding a bow, becomes invisible."

samgrāme sumahadvyūhe tarpayitvā hutāśanam |
antardhānagataḥ śrīmānindrajiddhanti rāghava || 6-19-13

13. raaghava = O; Rama! Shriimaan = the glorious; Indrajit = Indrajit; tarpayitvaa = having propitiated; hutaashanam = the God of Fire; hanti = strikes; (the enemy) antardhaanegataH = while remaining invisible; sangraame = in the battle field; sumahadvyuuhe = with a huge battle array (on both sides)

"O, Rama! The glorious Indrajit, having propitiated the God of Fire, strikes his enemy while remaining invisible in the battle field with a huge battle array (on both sides)"

mahodaramahāpārsvau rākṣasaścāpyakampanaḥ |
avīkapāstu tapyaite lokapālasamā yudhi || 6-19-14

14. mahodara = Mahodara; mahaapaarshvaa = and Mahaparshva; raakshhasashcha = along with a demon; akampanaH = called Akampana; lokapaalasamaaH = who are equal to the guardians of the world; yudhi = in battle; ete = they are; tasya = his; aniikapaaH = commanders of army.

"Mahodara and Mahaparsva along with a demon called Akampana who are equal to the guardians of the world in battle - they are the commanders of his army."

daśakoṭisahasrāṇi rakṣasām kāmarūpiṇām |
māṃsaśoṇitabhakṣyāṇām laṅkāpuranivāsinām || 6-19-15

15. dashakoti sahasraaNi = ten thousand crores; rakshhasaam = of demons; laNkaapuranivaasinaam = who reside in the city of Lanka; kaamaruupiNaam = can assume any form at will ; maamsa shoNita bhakshhyaaNaam = and eat flesh and blood as their staple food.

"In the city of Lanka, are residing ten thousand crore demons, who can assume any form at will and who consume flesh and blood as their staple food"

sa taistu sahito rājā lokapālānayodhayat |
saha devaistu te bhagnā rāvaṇena durātmanā || 6-19-16

16. saH = that; raajaa = king Ravana; saha = along with; tataiH = those demons; ayodhayat = made war; lokapaalaan = against the guardians of the earth; devaiHsaha = along with celestials; bhagnaaH = were defeated; raavaNena = by Ravana; duraatmanaa = the wicked one.

"King Ravana along with those demons made war against the guardians of the earth. Those guardians of the earth along with the celestials were defeated by the wicked Ravana."

vibhīṣaṇasya tu vacastachrutvā raghusattamaḥ |
anvīkṣya manasā sarvamidam vacanamabravīt || 6-19-17

17. shrutvaa = hearing; tat = those; vachaH = words; vibhiishhaNasya = of Vibhishana; raghusattamaH = Rama; anviikshhya = examined; sarvam = all; manasaa = attentively; abraviit = and spoke; idam = those; vachanam = words.

Hearing the aforesaid words of Vibhishana, Rama scrutinized them all attentively and spoke the following words:

yāni karmāpadānāni rāvaṇasya vibhīṣaṇa |
akhyātāni ca tattvena hyavagaccāmi tānyaham || 6-19-18

18. vibhiishhaNa = O;Vibhishana; aham = I; avagachchhaami hi = indeed know; taani = those; karmaapadaani = feats; raavanasya = of Ravana; yaani = which; aakhyaataami = were told; tattena = really (by you).

"O, Vibhishana! I indeed know those feats standing to the credit of Ravana, which were told by you, as true."

aham hatvā daśagrīvam saprahastam sahātmajam |
rājānam tvām kariṣyāmi satyametacchṛṇotu me || 6-19-19

19. hatvaa = after killing; dashagriivam = Ravana; saprahastam; along with Prahasta; sahaatmajam = and his son(Indrajit); karishhyaami = I will make; tvaam = you; raajaanam = the king; shruNotu = here; etat = this; satyam = truth; me = from me.

"After killing Ravana along with Prahasta and his son (Indrajit), I will make you the king. Hear this truth from me."

rasātalam vā praviśetpātālam vāpi rāvaṇaḥ |
pitāmahasakāśam vā na me jīvanvimokṣyate || 6-19-20

20. raavaNaH = Ravana; pravishet = may well enter ; rasaatalam = Rasaatala; paataalamvaapi = or even Paataala; pitaamaha sakaasham vaa = or seek the presence of Brahma; na vimokshhyate = he will not be left; jiivan = alive; me = by me.

"Ravana may well plunge into Rasaatala (the penultimate subterranean region) or even Paataala (the nethermost subterranean region) or seek the presence of Brahma and he will not be left alive by me."

ahatvā rāvaṇam samkhye saputrajanabāndhavam |
ayodhyām na pravekṣyāmi tribhistairbhratṛbhiḥ śapeḥ || 6-19-21

21. na pravekshhyaami = I will not enter; ayodhyaam = Ayodhya; ahatvaa = without killing; raavaNaam = Ravana; saputra jana baandhavam = together with his sons; companions and relatives; samkhye = in battle; shape = I swear; taiH = on those; tribhiH = three; bhraatR^ibhiH = brothers.

"I will not enter Ayodhya without killing Ravana together with his sons, companions and relatives in battle. I take oath on my three brothers."

śrutvā tu vacanam tasya rāmasyākliṣṭakarmaṇaḥ |
śirasā vandya dharmātmā vaktumeva pracakrame || 6-19-22

22. shrutvaa = hearing; vachanam = the words; tasya raamasya = of that Rama; aklishhTakarmaNaH = who was unwearied in action; dharmaatmaa = Vibhishana; the right minded; aavandya = saluted; shivasaa = (by bowing) his mind; prachakrama = and started; vaktumeva = to tell; (the following words):

Hearing the words of that Rama, who was unwearied in action, the right minded Vibhishana saluted him by bowing his head and started telling as follows:

rākṣasānām vadhe sāhyam laṃkāyāḥ ca pradharṣaṇe |
kariṣyāmi yathā prāṇam pravekṣyāmi ca vāhinīm || 6-19-23

23. karishhyaami = I will do; saahyam = help; vadhe = in killing; raakshhasaanaam = the demons; pradharshhane = and in the attack; laNkaayaaH = against Lanka; yathaapraaNam = according to my strength; pravekshhyaami = I will also enter; vaahiniim = the army.

"I will extend my help in killing the demons and in attacking the city of Lanka. According to my strength, I will also penetrate into the army of the adversary to fight."

iti bruvāṇam rāmas tu pariṣvajya vibhīṣaṇam |
abravīl lakṣmaṇam prītaḥ samudrāj jalam ānaya || 6-19-24

24. raamastu = Rama on his part; priitaH = duly delighted; parishhvaNga = embraced; vibhiishhaNam = Vibhishana; bruuvaaNam = speaking; iti = as aforesaid; abraviit = and spoke; lakshmaNam = to Lakshmana (as follows); "aanaya = Bring; jalam = water; samudraat = from the sea"

Rama on his part, duly delighted, embraced Vibhishana who was speaking as aforesaid and spoke to Lakshmana as follows: "Bring some water from the ocean."

tena ca imam mahāprājñam abhiṣinca vibhīṣaṇam |
rājānam rakṣasām kṣipram prasanne mayi mānada || 6-19-25

25. maanada = O; Lakshmana; who gives respect to others! Kshhipram = quickly; abhishhiNcha = consecrate; tena = with that water; imam = this; vibhiishhaNam = who is greatly intelligent; raajaanam = as a king; rakshhasaam = of demons; mayi = I am; prasanne = pleased.

"O, Lakshmana who bestows honor on others! Quickly consecrate as a king of demons this greatly intelligent Vibhishana with that water, so that I am pleased."

evam uktas tu saumitrir abhyaṣincad vibhīṣaṇam |
madhye vānara mukhyānām rājānam rāma śāsanāt || 6-19-26

26. uktvaH = having been spoken; evam = thus ; soumitriH = Lakshmana; abhishhiNchat = as per the royal instructions; madhye = amidst; vaanara mukhyaanaam = the leaders of monkeys.

Hearing Rama's words, Lakshmana consecrated Vibhishana as a king, as per the royal instructions, amidst the leaders of monkeys.

tam prasādam tu rāmasya dṛṣṭvā sadyaḥ plavam gamāḥ |
pracukruśur mahānādān sādhu sādhv iti ca abruvan || 6-19-27

27. dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; tam = that; sadyaH = instant; prasaadam = graciousness; raamasya = of Rama; plavaNgamaaH = the monkeys; prachukrushuH = cried; abruvancha = proclaiming; saadhu saadhu = Excellent; excellent" mahaatmanaam = about the high soled Rama.

Perceiving that instant graciousness in Rama, the monkeys cried, proclaiming "excellent, excellent" about the high soled Rama.

abravīc ca hanūmāmḥ ca sugrīvaḥ ca vibhīṣaṇam |
katham sāgaram akṣobhyam tarāma varuṇa ālayam || 6-19-28
sainyaiḥ parivṛtāḥ sarve vānarāṇām mahaujasām |

28. hanuumaanshcha = Hanuman; sugriivevashcha = and Sugriva; abraviit = spoke; vibhiishhaNam = to Vibhishana; katham = how; tarena = can we cross; saagaram = the ocean; akshhobhyam = which is imperturbable; varuNaalayam = the habitation of Varuna; the god of water; sarve = by all of us; parivR^ite = surrounded; sainyaiH = with the army; vaanaraanam = of monkeys; mahoujasaam = possessing a great splendor?

Hanuman and Sugreeva asked Vibhishana as follows: " How can we cross the imperturbable ocean, the habitation of Varuna, the god of water by all of us along with our army of monkeys possessing a great splendor?"

upāyair abhigaccāmo yathā nada nadī patim || 6-19-29
tarāma tarasā sarve sasainyā varuṇa ālayam |

29. yathaa = In what manner; tarena = shall we ; tarasaa = swiftly; varuNaalayam = the sea; nadanadiipatim = the lord of streams and rivers; abhigachhaama = we will arrive; upaayaiH = at the strategy.

"In what manner shall we along with the army swiftly cross the sea, the lord of streams and rivers, and arrive at that strategy?"

evam uktas tu dharmajñaḥ pratyuvāca vibhīṣaṇaḥ || 6-19-30
samudram rāghavo rājā śaraṇam gantum arhati |

30. evam = thus; uktaH = spoken; dharmaatmaa = the rightminded ; vibhiishaNaH = Vibhishana; pratyuvaacha = replied;as follows): raajaa = the prince; raaghavaH = Rama; arhati = is apt; gantum = to obtain; sharaNam = refuge; samudram = from the sea."

Hearing their words, the right minded Vibhishana replied as follows: "It is apt if prince Rama seeks ocean as his refuge"

khānitaḥ sagareṇa ayam aprameyo mahāudadhiḥ || 6-19-31
kartum arhati rāmasya jñāteḥ kāryam mahāudadhiḥ |

31. ayam = this; mahodadhiH = great ocean; aprameyaH = the immesurable; khanitaH = was excavated; sagareNa = by Sagara; (hence; mahodabhiH = this great ocean; arhati = will be inclined; kartum = to do; kaaryam = the act; raamasya = for Rama; j^Naate = his kinsman.

"This immeasurable great ocean was excavated by Sagara*. Hence, this great ocean will be inclined to do the act for Rama, his kinsman".

*Sagara was one of Rama's ancestors. His story is told in Balakanda.

evam vibhīṣaṇena ukte rākṣasena vipaścitā || 6-19-32
ājagāmatha sugrīvo yatra rāmaḥ salakṣmaṇaḥ |

32. atha = then; uktaH = after being spoken; evam = thus; raakshhasena = by the demon; vibhiishhaNena = Vibhishana; vipashchitaa = the learned; sugriivaH = Sugriva; aajagaama = came; yatra = where; raamaH = Rama; salakshhmaNaH = along with Lakshmana.

Hearing the aforesaid words of the learned demon Vibhishana, Sugreeva came to the place where Rama and Lakshmana were there.

tataścākhyātumārebhe vibhīṣaṇavacaḥ śubham || 6-19-33
sugrīvo vipulagrīvaḥ sāgarasyopaveśanam |

33. tataH = thereafter; sugriivaH = Sugriva; vipulagriivaH = the long necked; aarebhe = startred; aakhyaatum = to tell; shubham = the auspicious; vibhiishhaNavachaH = words of Vibhishana; upaveshanam = advising Rama to approach; saagarasya = the ocean (to allow him a passage).

The long necked Sugreeva then started to tell the auspicious words of Vibhishana, advising Rama to approach the ocean (to allow him a passage).

prakṛtyā dharma śīlasya rāghavasya api arocata || 6-19-34
sa lakṣmaṇam mahātejāḥ sugrīvam ca hari īśvaram |
sat kriyā artham kriyā dakṣaḥ smita pūrvam uvāca ha || 6-19-35

34;35. asya raamasyaapi = to even this Rama; prakR^ityaa = who by his nature; dharmashiilasya = is of pious attitude; aarochata = that advice was agreeable; mahaatejaaH = the highly splendorous; saH = rama; abhaashheta = spoke; smitapuurvam = smilingly; satkriyaartham = with an intention to honor Vibhishana words; lakshhmaNam = to Lakshmana; sugrivamcha = and to Sugriva; kriyaadakshham = who was skilled in action; hariishvaram = and the ruler of monkeys.

That advice found favor with Rama who by nature is of pious attitude. Then that highly illustrious Rama replied to Sugreeva, the ruler of monkeys who was skillful in action and who was accompanied by Lakshmana. Full of respect for Vibhishana's words, he told him as also his brother Lakshmana smilingly as follows:

vibhīṣaṇasya mantro ayam mama lakṣmaṇa rocate |
sugrīvaḥ paṇḍito nityam bhavān mantra vicakṣaṇaḥ || 6-19-36
ubhābhyām sampradhārya āryam rocate yat tad ucyatām |

36. lakshhmaNa = O; Lakshmana; ayam mantraH = this thought; vibhiishhaNasya = of Vibhishana; rochate = is agreeable; mama = to me; sugrivaH = Sugriva; paNditaH = is a learned person; bhavaam = you; nityam = are ever; mantra vichakshhaNaH = wise in your thoughts; artham = the matter; sampradhaarya = be decided; ubhaabhyaam = by both of you; uchayataam = and tell; tat = that; yat = which; rochate = is agreeable.

"O, Lakshmana! This idea of Vibhishana is agreeable to me. Sugreeva is a learned person. You are ever wise in your thoughts. Both of you decide on the matter and inform whichever is agreeable to you."

evam uktau tu tau vīrāv ubhau sugrīva lakṣmaṇau || 6-19-37
samudācāra samyuktam idam vacanam ūcatuḥ |

37. tataH = then; uktou = having been spoken; evam = thus; ubhou sugriiva lakshhmaNah = both Sugriva and Lakshmana; viirou = the valiant; uuchutuH = spoke; idam = these; vachanam = words; samudaachaarasamyuktam = with proper courtesy.

Hearing Rama's words, Sugreeva and Lakshmana both, valiant as they were, spoke with proper courtesy, the following words: .

kim artham no nara vyāghra na rociṣyati rāghava || 6-19-38
vibhīṣaṇena yat tu uktam asmin kāle sukha āvaham |

38. raaghava = O; Rama; naravyaaghra = the tiger among men! Na kimartham = why not; vibhiishhaNena = Vibhishana's; uktam = words; sukhaavaham = which are soothing; asmin = at this; kale = time; rochishhyati = be agreeable; nou = to us?

"O, Rama the tiger among men! Why not Vibhishana's words, which are soothing at this time of crisis be agreeable also to us?"

abaddhvā sāgare setum ghore asmin varuṇa ālaye || 6-19-39
laṃkā na āsāditum śakyā sa indrair api sura asuraiḥ |

39. abaddhvaa = without constructing; setum = a bridge; asmin = saagare ghore = across the fiery ocean; varuNaalaye = which is an abode of Lord Varuna; suraasurairapi = even the celestials and demons; na shakyaa = can not; aasaaditum = reach; laNkaa = the city of Lanka.

"Without constructing a bridge across this fiery ocean, which is an abode of Lord Varuna, even the celestials and demons along with Indra cannot reach the city of Lanka."

vibhīṣaṇasya śūrasya yathā artham kriyatām vacaḥ || 6-19-40
alam kāla atyayam kṛtvā samudro ayam niyujyatām |
yathā kālātyayam kṛtvā sāgarāya niyujyatām || 6-19-41

40;41. shuurasya = the valiant; vbhiishhaNaasya = Vibhishana's; vachaH = advice; kriyataam = be followed; yathaartham = suitably; alam = It is enough; kR^itvaa = of having done; kaalaatyayam = a waste of time; niyujyataaya saagaraaya = Let the ocean be commanded; yathaa = how; gachchhaama = to go; sainyena = with the army; puriim = to the city; raavaNapaalitaam = being ruled by Ravana.

"Let the valiant Vibhishana's words be followed suitably. It is enough that we have already wasted our time. Let the ocean be commanded to yield a passage for the army to reach the city being ruled by Ravana."

evam uktaḥ kuśa āstīrṇe tīre nada nadī pateḥ |
samviveśa tadā rāmo vedyām iva huta aśanaḥ || 6-19-42

42. evam = thus; uktaH = having been spoken; raamaH = Rama; tadaa = then; samvivesha = sat; tire = on the shore; nadanadiipate = of the ocean; kushaastiirNe = covered with blades of kusha grass; vedyaamiva = as ascending an altar; hutaashanaH = by the god fire.

Having been thus exhorted, Rama then sat on the shore of the ocean covered with blades of Kusha grass, as the God of Fire ascends the altar.

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ityārṣe śrīmadrāmāyaṇe ādikāvye yuddhakāmḍe ekonaviṃśaḥ sargaḥ