Introduction
A spy of Ravana named Akampana rushes to him to break the news of annihilation of Janasthaana by Rama. He suggests Ravana to abduct Seetha. Because parting with Seetha causes grief to Rama and thereby he dies. On thinking for while, Ravana goes to Mareecha seeking his help in abducting Seetha. Mareecha while explaining Rama’s capabilities, reminds us of the incarnations of Vishnu, and advises Ravana to be content with what he has.
This chapter is removed from the critical edition and retained by traditional versions There are discussions on this chapter whether it is the original work or an interpolated one. Some more details are given in the endnote. Akampana’s character inevitably has continuity in the war scene at the end.
Verse 1
त्वरमणः ततो गत्वा जनस्थानात् अकंपनः |
प्रविश्य लंकाम् वेगेन रावणम् वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् || ३-३१-१
Then on going hurriedly from Janasthaana and on speedily entering Lanka Akampana spoke these words to Ravana. [3-31-1]
1. tataH = then; akampanaH tvaramaNaH = Akampana, hurriedly; janasthaanaat gatvaa = from Janasthaana, on going; vegena lankaam pravishya = speedily, Lanka, entering; raavaNam vaakyam abraviit = to Ravana, word, spoke.
Verse 2
जनस्थान स्थिता राजन् रक्षसा बहवो हताः |
खरः च निहतः संख्ये क्थंचित् अहम् आगतः || ३-३१-२
“Oh, king, many demons positioned in Janasthaana are killed, Khara is also killed in war, and somehow I have come here. [3-31-2]
2. raajan = oh, king; janasthaana sthitaa = in Janasthaana, positioned; bahavaH rakshasaa hataaH = many, demons, are killed; samkhye kharaH ca nihataH = in war, Khara, also, killed; aham kathamcit aagataH = I have, somehow, come here.
Verse 3
एवम् उक्तो दशग्रीवः क्रुद्धः सम्रक्त लोचनः |
अकंपनम् उवाच इदम् निर्दहन् इव तेजसा || ३-३१-३
Thus said, then that ten-faced Ravana is infuriated with bloodshot eyes, and as though to burn down whole world with his radiance he spoke this to Akampana. [3-31-3]
3. evam uktaH dasha griivaH = thus, said to, ten, faced [ten-voiced, ten-headed] one [Ravana]; kruddhaH samrakata locanaH = infuriated, with bloodshot, eyes; akampanam uvaaca idam = to Akampana, spoke, this; [cakshuSaa] tejasaa nirdahan iva = with his [eyes,] radiance, to burn down [whole world,] as though.
Verse 4
केन भीमम् जनस्थानम् हतम् मम परासुना |
को हि सर्वेषु लोकेषु गतिम् न अधिगमिष्यति || ३-३१-४
“Who is that dead-and-gone that has destroyed my indomitable Janasthaana? Who is it that has indeed opted for no recourse in all of the worlds? [3-31-4]
4. para asunaa = by one with gone, lives [one whose lives are gone, ci-devant, dead and gone]; kena = by whom; mama bhiimam janasthaanam = my, indomitable, Janasthaana; hatam = is destroyed; sarveSu lokeSu = in all, worlds; kaH = who is it; gatim na adhigamiSyati hi = recourse, not, attains, indeed – who chose not to survive in any world.
Verse 5
न हि मे विप्रियम् कृता शक्यम् मघवता सुखम् |
प्रप्तुम् वैश्रवणेन अपि न यमेन च विष्णुना || ३-३१-५
“Evoking indignation in me it is really impossible for Indra to be happy; even for Kubera – no; for Yama – no; why them, even Vishnu cannot be happy. [3-31-5]
5. me vi priyam kR^itaa = to me, against, appreciable [unappreciative deed,] on doing – evoking indignation ; maghavataa sukham praptum = by Indra, happiness; na shakyam hi = to get, not, possible, really; vaishravaNena api = by Kubera, even; na = not [possible]; yamena na = by Yama, no; na ca viSNunaa = not, even, by Vishnu.
Verse 6
कालस्य च अपि अहम् कलो दहेयम् अपि पावकम् |
मृत्युम् मरण धर्मेण संयोजयितुम् उत्सहे || ३-३१-६
“I am the End-Time for the Time-god himself, I will burn down the Fire-god, and I am capable of conjoining Death with the virtue of deathliness. [3-31-6]
6. aham kaalasya ca api kalaH = I am, of Time-god, also, even, the [end] Time; paavakam api daheyam = Fire-god, even, I will burn down; mR^ityum maraNa dharmeNa = Death, deathliness, with the virtue of; sam yojayitum = to conjoin with; utsahe = I enthuse – capable of.
Verse 7
वातस्य तरसा वेगम् निहन्तुम् अपि च उत्सहे |
दहेयम् अपि संक्रुद्धः तेजसा आदित्य पावकौ || ३-३१-७
“If I am enraged I will incinerate Sun-god or Fire-god just with my radiance, I will halt even the impetuosity of Wind-god with that of mine.” Thus Ravana said about himself. [3-31-7]
7. samkruddhaH = if enraged; tejasaa = with my radiance; aaditya paavakau api = Sun-god, Fire-god, even; daheyam = I will incinerate; tarasaa = by my speed – impetuosity; vaatasya vegam api ca = Air-god’s, speed, also, even; nihantum utsahe = to kill [ to halt,] I am excited to.
Verse 8
तथा क्रुद्धम् दशग्रीवम् कृतांजलिः अकंपनः |
भयात् संदिग्धया वचा रावणम् याचते अभयम् || ३-३१-८
Akampana with his palms adjoined and voice hesitant with fear sought for the clemency of that decahedral demon Ravana who is enraged in that way. [3-31-8]
8. akampanaH kR^ita anjaliH = Akampana, with adjoined-palms; tathaa kruddham dashagriivam = in that way, at the enraged, decahedral demon [Ravana]; bhayaat samdigdhayaa vacaa = with fear, hesitant, with voice; raavaNam a bhayam yaacate = with Ravana, no, fear [clemency,] besought.
Verse 9
दशग्रीवो अभयम् तस्मै प्रददौ रक्षसाम् वरः |
स विस्रब्धो अब्रवीत् वाक्यम् असंदिग्धम् अकंपनः || ३-३१-९
When the supremo of demons Dasha-griiva pardoned him then that Akampana spoke these words, unfalteringly and trustfully. [3-31-9]
10. rakshasaam varaH = among demons, the supreme; dashagriivaH = ten headed Ravana; tasmai abhayam pradadau = to him [to Akampana,] pardon, gave; saH akampanaH = he that, Akampana; visrabdhaH = trusting in; a sandigdham = not, falteringly; vaakyam abraviit = sentence, said.
Verse 10
पुत्रो दशरथः ते सिंह संहननो युवा |
रामो नाम महास्कंधो वृत्त आयत महाभुजः || ३-३१-१०
“He is a youth whose shoulders are mighty, arms round and lengthy, built like that a lion, who is the son of Dasharatha and known as Rama. [3-31-10]
10. simha samhananaH = lion like, in built; yuvaa = youthful one; putraH dasharathaH = son, of Dasharatha; mahaa skandhaH = with mighty shoulders; vR^itta aayata mahaa bhujaH = round, lengthy, with great arms; raamaH naama = Rama, one known as; [asti = is there.]
Verse 11
श्यामः पृथुयशाः श्रीमान् अतुल्य बल विक्रमः |
हतः तेन जनस्थाने खरः च सह दूषणः || ३-३१-११
“He is blue-black in complexion, a highly renowned one with matchless might and valour, a magnificent one such as he is he slew Duushana along with Khara in Janasthaana.” [3-31-11]
11. That Rama is – shyaamaH = blue-black – in complexion; pR^ithu yashaaH = highly, renowned one; a tulya bala vikramaH = not, matching, in might, in valour; shriimaan = a magnificent one; tena = by him; janasthaane = in Janasthaana; saha duuSaNaH kharaH ca = with, Duushana, Khara, is also; hataH = killed.
Verse 12
अकंपन वचः श्रुत्वा रावणो राक्षसाधिप |
नागेन्द्र इव निःश्वस्य इदम् वचनम् अब्रवीत् || ३-३१-१२
On hearing the words of Akampana, the chief of demons Ravana, spoke these words hissing like a kingly serpent. [3-31-12]
12. raakshasa adhipa raavaNaH = demon’s, chief, Ravana; akampana vacaH shrutvaa = Akampana’s, words, on hearing; naaga indra iva niHshvasya = serpent, kingly, like, hissing; idam vacanam abraviit = this, words, spoke.
Verse 13
स सुरेन्द्रेण संयुक्तो रामः सर्व अमरैः सह |
उपयातो जनस्थानम् ब्रूहि कच्चित् अकंपन || ३-३१-१३
“The question is whether that Rama arrived at Janasthaana associated with Indra and along with all of the immortal gods? Oh, Akampana, speak about it. [3-31-13]
13. akampana = oh, Akampana; saH raamaH = that one, Rama; sura indreNa = with, Indra; sarva amaraiH saha = all, immortals – gods, along with; samyuktaH = associated by; janasthaanam upayaataH kaccit = to Janasthaana, arrived, whether – that is the question; bruuhi = you tell.
Verse 14
रावणस्य पुनर् वाक्यम् निशम्य तद् अकंपनः |
आचचक्षे बलम् तस्य विक्रमम् च महात्मनः || ३-३१-१४
Akampana again detailed about the might and valour of that great souled Rama on hearing that sentence of Ravana. [3-31-14]
14. akampanaH = Akampana; raavaNasya tat vaakyam nishamya = Ravana’s, that, sentence, on hearing; mahaa aatmanaH tasya = of great-souled one, his – Rama’s; balam vikramam ca = about might, valour, also; punaH aacacakshe = again, detailed.
Verse 15
रामो नाम महातेजाः श्रेष्टः सर्व धनुष्मताम् |
दिव्य अस्त्र गुण संपन्नः परंधर्म गतो युधि || ३-३१-१५
“Rama means someone who is highly resplendent, an ablest archer among all archers, one who is endowed with divine missiles and divine attributes, and he is the one who conducts warfare with a supreme conduct. [3-31-15]
15. raamaH naama = Rama, means [not named as]; mahaatejaaH = great-resplendent; sarva dhanuS mataam shreSTaH = among all, archers, ablest one; divya astra guNa sampannaH = divine, missiles, attributes, endowed with; yudhi = in warfare; param dharma gataH = supreme, in conduct, he has got [conducts himself, or, purandara samaH = Indra, equalling.]
Verse 16
तस्य अनुरूपो बलब्वान् रक्ताक्षो दुन्दुभि स्वनः |
कनीयान् लक्ष्मणो भ्राता राका शशि निभ आननः || ३-३१-१६
“And a mighty one with redly eyes and drumbeat like voice, and whose face is shiny like the full-moon is Rama’s selfsame younger brother known as Lakshmana. [3-31-16]
16. balavaan = a mighty one; rakta akshaH = redly, eyed one; dundubhi svanaH = like drumbeat, with a voice; raakaa shashi nibha aananaH = full-moon, in shine, one with a face; lakshmaNaH [naama] = Lakshmana [known as]; tasya = his [Rama’s]; anuruupaH kaniiyaan bhraataa = selfsame, younger, brother.
Verse 17
स तेन सह संयुक्तः पावकेन अनिलो यथा |
श्रीमान् राज वरः तेन जनस्थानम् निपातितम् || ३-३१-१७
“Alike the wind associating with fire this Lakshmana is associated with that glorious and nonpareil prince Rama, and that firestorm, namely Rama, destroyed Janasthaana. [3-31-17]
17. shriimaan raaja varaH = glorious one, among princes, best – the nonpareil prince; saH = he that Rama; anilaH paavakena yathaa = wind, with fire, as with; tena saha samyuktaH = with him [with Lakshmana,] along with, associated with; tena janasthaanam nipaatitam = by such a [Rama,] Janasthaana, is destroyed.
Verse 18 & 19a
न एव देवा महत्मनो न अत्र कार्या विचारणा |
शरा रामेण तु उत्सृष्टा रुक्मपुंखाः पतत्रिणः || ३-३१-१८
सर्पाः पंचानना भूत्वा भक्षयन्ति स्म राक्षसान् |
“They are not any great souled gods or any heavenly beings as such, hence there is no need to doubt about it. Rama unloosened his gold-finned and feather-winged arrows, which on becoming five-faced serpents started consuming the demons. [3-31-18]
18, 19a. mahatmanaH devaa na eva = great-souled, gods, they are not, that way; atra = in that matter; vicaaraNaa na kaaryaa = doubt, need not, be done; raameNa utsR^iSTaa = by Rama, unloosened; rukma punkhaaH tu patatriNaH sharaa = gold, finned, feather-winged, arrows, are but; panca aananaa sarpaaH bhuutvaa = five, faced, serpents, on becoming; raakshasaan bhakshayanti sma = demons, to consume, they have started to.
Verse 19b & 20
येन येन च गच्छन्ति राक्षसा भय कर्शिताः || ३-३१-१९
तेन तेन स्म पश्यन्ति रामम् एव अग्रतः स्थितम् |
इत्थम् विनाशितम् जनस्थानम् तेन तव अनघ || ३-३१-२०
“To whichever nook those demons smitten by fear of those serpent-like are fleeing, they have seeing Rama alone standing afore them in that corner, and oh, merited king Ravana, in this way your Janasthaana is totally ruined by that Rama. [3-31-19b, 20] [3-31-19]
19b, 20. bhaya karshitaaH raakshasaa = by fear, smitten, demons; yena yena gacChanti ca = by which, by which p way, in whichever pathway, are going, while; tena tena = in that, in that – pathway [everywhere]; agrataH sthitam = afore, standing; raamam eva pashyanti sma = at Rama, alone, are seeing, they became so; anagha = oh, merited Ravana; tena = by him; ittham = in this way; tava janasthaanam vi naashitam = your, Janasthaana, totally, ruined.
Verse 21
अकंपन अचः श्रुत्वा रावणो वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् |
गमिष्यामि जनस्थनम् रामम् हन्तुम् स लक्ष्मणम् || ३-३१-२१
On hearing the words of Akampana Ravana said these words, “I will to go to Janasthaana to kill Rama along with Lakshmana.” [3-31-21]
21. akampana vacaH shrutvaa = Akampana’s, words, on hearing; raavaNaH vaakyam abraviit = Ravana, sentence, said; sa lakshmaNam raamam hantum = with, Lakshmana, Rama, to kill; janasthanam gamiSyaami = to Janasthaana I wish to go.
Verse 22
अथ एवम् उक्ते वचने प्रोवाच इदम् अकंपनः |
श्रुणु राजन् यथा वृत्तम् रामस्य बल पौरुषम् || ३-३१-२२
When Ravana said so then Akampana said these words in reply, ” listen, oh, king, what all has happened, and of what in actuality is Rama’s spirit and grit. [3-31-22]
22. evam vacane ukte = this way, sentence, while being said; tataH = then; akampanaH idam pra uvaaca = Akampana, this, said; raajan = oh, king; yathaa vR^ittam = as, happened [ in actuality]; raamasya bala pauruSam = Rama’s, spirit, grit; shruNu = you listen.
Verse 23
असाध्यः कुपितो रामो विक्रमेण महायशाः |
आप गायाः तु पूर्णाया वेगम् परिहरेत् शरैः || ३-३१-२३
“Rama, the highly renolwned, is invincible just by braving against him, for that Rama in fury can stall the onrush of a plethoric river with his arrows. [3-31-23]
23. mahaa yashaaH raamaH = highly renowned, Rama; vikrameNa a saadhyaH = by braving against, not, conquerable; kupitaH [raamaH] = when infuriated; puurNaayaa = plethoric; aapa gaayaaH = with waters, coursing – of river; vegam = onrush; sharaiH pariharet = with arrows, will curb.
Verse 24
स तारा ग्रह नक्षत्रम् नभः च अपि अवसादयेत् |
असौ रामः तु सीदन्तीम् श्रीमान् अभ्युद्धरेत् महीम् || ३-३१-२४
“That magnificent Rama can collapse even the firmament along with its starlets, stars and planets, and he even can elevate the earth if it were to collapse. [3-31-24]
24. shriimaan asau raamaH tu = magnificent one, that, Rama, on his part; sa taaraa graha nakshatram = with, starlets, planets, stars; nabhaH ca api = firmament, also, even that also; he can; ava saadayet = to down, he collapses; siidantiim mahiim abhi uddharet = one that is sinking, earth, to up, he elevates.
Verse 25
भित्वा वेलाम् समुद्रस्य लोकान् आप्लावयेत् विभुः |
वेगम् वा अपि समुद्रस्य वाअयुम् वा विधमेत् शरैः || ३-३१-२५
“On breaching the shoreline of the ocean with his arrows that lord Rama can deluge worlds, and he can stem the tide of turbulent ocean, or can even stall the agent of that turbulence, namely the wind. [3-31-25]
25. vibhuH = lord Rama; bhitvaa samudrasya velaam = breaching, ocean’s, shoreline; lokaan aaplaavayet = worlds, he will deluge; samudrasya vegam vaa api = of ocean, speed [turbulence,] or, even; vaaayum vaa = [or that causer of turbulence,] wind, even if; sharaiH vi dhamet = with arrows, verily, stalls.
Verse 26
संहृत्य वा पुनर् लोकान् विक्रमेण महायशाः |
शकतः श्रेष्ठः स पुरुषः स्रष्टुम् पुनर् अपि प्रजाः || ३-३१-२६
“That great valorous and the ablest among humans is capable to destroy all the worlds with his valour, and even capable of creating the people again.
Or, again dissolving all the worlds into himself, that great contemplator who transcends all is even capable of creating the creation again from out of him. [3-31-26]
26. vaa = or; mahaa yashaaH = great-glorious one; saH puruSaH shreSThaH = he that, among men, ablest one; punaH lokaan = again, worlds; vikrameNa = by his valour; samhR^itya = on destroying [dissolving]; prajaaH punaH api sraSTum shakataH = people [creation,] again, even, to create, he is capable.
Verse 27
न हि रामो दशग्रीव शक्यो जेतुम् रणे त्वया |
रक्षसाम् वा अपि लोकेन स्वर्गः पाप जनैः इव || ३-३१-२७
“Oh, Dashagriiva, it is impossible to conquer that Rama in war for your, either singly or along with the hosts of the demon-supporters of yours, as one heaven cannot be won by many sinners. [3-31-27]
27. dashagriiva = oh, Dashagriiva; raamaH raNe tvayaa [vaa] = Rama, in war, by you, [either]; rakshasaam lokena vaa api = with demons, with the hosts of demons [not world,] or, even; jetum = to conquer; svargaH paapa janaiH iva = heavens, by sinning, people, like [as if conquered]; na shakyaH hi = not, possible, indeed.
Verse 28
न तम् वध्यम् अहम् मन्ये सर्वैः देव असुरैः अपि |
अयम् अस्य वध उपाय तत् एकमनाः शृउणु || ३-३१-२८
“I do not think that he is killable even for all god and demons, and this is the idea to kill him, and to this you may listen attentively. [3-31-28]
28. sarvaiH deva asuraiH api = by all, gods, demons, even; tam = him, Rama; vadhyam = as killable; aham na manye = I, do not, think; asya vadha upaaya = him, to kill, idea; ayam = is this one; tat [mama] = that, from me; eka manaaH shR^iuNu = that, single, minded [attentively,] you listen.
Verse 29
भार्या तस्य उत्तमा लोके सीता नाम सुमध्यमा |
श्यामा सम विभक्त अंगी स्त्री रत्नम् रत्न बूषिता || ३-३१-२९
“An excellent woman in the world is there, a youthful one with symmetrical limbs, a jewel-like lady adorned with jewellery, that slender-waisted one who is known as Seetha is his wife. [3-31-29]
29. loke = in world; uttamaa = an excellent [woman]; shyaamaa = youthful; sama vibhakta angii = well, divided [symmetrical,] limbed; strii ratnam = lady, jewle-like; ratna buuSitaa = with jewels [jewellery,] adorned with; siitaa naama = Seetha, known as; su madhyamaa = slender, waisted one; tasya bhaaryaa = is his, wife.
Verse 30
न एव देवी न गन्धर्वी न अप्सरा न च पन्नगी |
तुल्या सीमन्तिनी तस्या मानुषी तु कुतो भवेत् || ३-३१-३०
“No goddess can be likened to that mature lady; a gandharva female – no; a apsara female – no; a pannaga female -no, then how can there be a woman of her like? [3-31-30]
30. tasyaaH tulyaa siimantinii = her, equalling – liken to, mature one; devii na eva = goddess, not, thus; gandharvii na = gandharva-female, no; apsaraa na = apsara-female, no; pannagii na ca = pannaga-female, not, even; maanuSii tu kutaH bhavet = woman, but, where, will be.
Verse 31
तस्य अपहर भार्याम् त्वम् तम् प्रमथ्य महावने |
सीताया रहितो रामो न च एव हि भविष्यति || ३-३१-३१
“You forcefully abduct his wife when she is in solitude, and indeed Rama will not exist reft of Seetha.” Akampana advised Ravana in this way. [3-31-31]
31. tvam = you; mahaavane = in great-forest – in wilderness, solitude; pramathya forcefully; tasya bhaaryaam apahara = his, wife, you steal – abduct; raamaH siitaayaa rahitaH = Rama, Seetha, reft of; na bhaviSyati eva hi = not, exists, that way, indeed.
Verse 32
अरोचयत् तद् वाक्यम् रावणो राक्षस अधिपः |
चिंतयित्वा महाबाहुः अकंपनम् उवाच || ३-३१-३२
The chief of demons Ravana favouring that idea thought of it and that mighty armed Ravana then spoke to Akampana. [3-31-32]
32. raakshasa adhipaH raavaNaH = demons, chief, Ravana; tat vaakyam arocayat = that, word [idea,] favoured; mahaa baahuH = mighty armed Ravana; cintayitvaa = thought of it; akampanam uvaaca = to Akampana, spoke.
Verse 33
बाढम् कल्यम् गमिष्यामि हि एकः सारथिना सह |
आनेष्यामि च वैदेहीम् इमाम् हृष्टो महा पुरीम् || ३-३१-३३
“Agreed! I wish to go alone early in the morning with a charioteer and I delightfully wish to lead Vaidehi into the elegant city Lanka.” Ravana declared that way. [3-31-33]
33. baaDham = Agreed!; kalyam = in early morning; ekaH = alone; saarathinaa saha = charioteer, with; gamiSyaami hi = i will go, indeed; hR^iSTaH = delightedly; vaidehiim imaam mahaa puriim = Vaidehi, to this, great, city – elegant Lanka; aaneSyaami ca = I wish to lead her in, also.
Verse 34
तत् एवम् उक्त्वा प्रययौ खर युक्तेन रावणः |
रथेन आदित्य वर्णेन दिशः सर्वाः प्रकाशयन् || ३-३१-३४
Saying so Ravana journeyed in a chariot that is yoked with mule-like horses, and that has the dazzling of the sun, whereby all the directions are made to glitter. [3-31-34]
34. raavaNaH tat evam uktvaa = Ravana, that, that way, on saying; khara yuktena = mules [like animals,] yoked with; aaditya varNena = sun-like, in dazzle; rathena = with chariot; sarvaaH = dishaH prakaashayan = all, directions, making to glitter; prayayau = journeyed.
Verse 35
स रथो राक्षस इंद्रस्य नक्षत्र पथगो महान् |
चंचूर्यमानः शुशुभे जलदे चंद्रमा इव || ३-३१-३५
That opalescent chariot of the lord of demons while speedily progressing through starry way shone forth as if it is the moon in clouds. [3-31-35]
35. raakshasa indrasya = of demon, lord; cancuuryamaanaH [sancaaryamaaNaH] = while speedily progressing; nakshatra patha gaH = on starry, way, while going; mahaan great one [opalescent chariot – French opale or Latin opalus, probably ultimately from Sanskrit upalas — precious stone’]; saH rathaH = that, chariot; jalade candramaa iva = in clouds, moon, as with; shu shubhe = verily, shone forth.
Verse 36
स दूरे च आश्रमम् गत्वा ताटकेयम् उपागतम् |
मारीचेन अर्चितो राजा भक्ष्य भोज्यैः अमानुषैः || ३-३१-३६
On going to the hermitage of Maareecha which is at a distant place Maareecha the son of Tataka received Ravana and venerated that king of demons with sweetmeats and savouries that are unavailable to humans. [3-31-36]
36. saH = he that Ravana; duure = at a distant place; [maareecha] aashramam gatvaa = [Maareecha’s,] to hermitage, on going; taaTakeyam upaagatam = by Taka’s son, approached – received; a maanuSaiH bhakshya bhojyaiH = unavailable, to humans, with sweetmeats, savouries; maariicena = by Maareecha; raajaa = king; arcitaH = is venerated.
Verse 37
तम् स्वयम् पूजयित्वा तु आसनेन उदकेन च |
अर्थ उपहितया वाचा मारीचो वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् || ३-३१-३७
Offering proper seat and water for washing feet and hands Maareecha personally attended Ravana and spoke to him this sentence that is worded meaningfully. [3-31-37]
37. maariicaH tam aasanena udakena ca = Maareecha, him – Ravana, with [proper] seat, by water, also; svayam puujayitvaa tu = in person, on worshipping [attending to]; artha upahitayaa vaacaa = meaning, inclusive, words; vaakyam abraviit = , sentence, spoke.
Verse 38
कश्चित् सुकुशलम् राजन् लोकानाम् राक्षसाधिप |
आशंके न अथ जाने त्वम् यतः तूर्णम् उपागतम् || ३-३१-३८
“Oh, king and supremo of demons, I am anxious to know whether everything safe and secure to the inhabitants of your kingdom, for I am not in the know of the reason by which now you have come here rushingly. [3-31-38]
38. raakshasa adhipa raajan = to demons, being the supremo, oh, king; lokaanaam su kushalam kashcit = for subjects, verily, safe somehow – is everything well with your subjects, namely demons; atha = now; yataH = for what [reason]; tvam tuurNam upaagatam = you, rushingly, neared – came here; thereby; aashanke = I am anxious; na jaane = I do not, know.
Verse 39
एवम् उक्तो महातेजा मारीचेन स रावण |
ततः पश्चात् इदम् वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् वाक्य कोविदः || ३-३१-३९
When Maareecha said so to him that greatly radiant one who is a sententious speaker that Ravana thereafter spoke this sentence. [3-31-39]
39. maariicena evam uktaH = by Maareecha, thus, one who is said; mahaatejaa = great-radiant one; vaakya kovidaH = sentence, expert in making; saH raavaNa = he that, Ravana; tataH pashcaat = then, after – thereafter; idam vaakyam abraviit = this, sentence, spoke.
Verse 40
आरक्षो मे हतः तात रामेण अक्लिष्ट कारिणा |
जनस्थानम् अवध्यम् तत् सर्वम् युधि निपातितम् || ३-३१-४०
तस्य मे कुरु साचिव्यम् तस्य भार्य अपहरणे |
“Oh, sire, Rama who is indefatigable in warring has ruined my security stationed at Janasthaana, and in war he even brought down all of Janasthaana which is undefeatable so far, such as I am, to me you have to render friendly help in kidnapping Rama’s wife.” [3-31-40]
40. taata = oh, sire – Maareecha; a kliSTa kaariNaa raameNa = without, tiring, making [warring, indefatigable one,] by Rama; me = my; aarakshaH = one that safeguards – the army at Janasthaana; hataH = is ruined; tat sarvam = that, all of it; [so far] a vadhyam = un, defeatable; janasthaanam = Janasthaana; yudhi nipaatitam = in war, down, brought – brought down, ruined; tasya me = such as I am; tasya = of that one – Rama’s; bhaarya apaharaNe = wife’s, in kidnapping; saacivyam kuru = friendly help, you render.
Verse 41a & 42
राक्षसेन्द्र वचः श्रुत्वा मारीचो वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् || ३-३१-४१
आख्याता केन वा सीता मित्र रूपेण शत्रुणा |
त्वया राक्षस शार्दूल को न नंदति नंदितः || ३-३१-४२
On hearing the words of that chief of demons, Maareecha spoke these words, “who broached the subject of Seetha with you, an enemy in the fakery of a friend? Oh, tigerly demon, who is that censurable one that is unhappy with you, since he is giving such a self-ruinous advise? [3-31-42]
41a, 42. raakshasa indra vacaH shrutvaa = demon’s, chief’s, words, on hearing; maariicaH vaakyam abraviit = Maareecha, words, spoke; mitra ruupeNa shatruNaa = friend, in aspect [in fakery,] by enemy; kena = by whom; saa siitaa = she that, [topic of] Seetha; aakhyaataa = is broached; raakshasa shaarduula = oh, among demons, tiger; vaa = or else; ninditaH = a censurable one; kaH tvayaa na nandati = who is, not, happy [with you, for he is giving such a self-ruinous advise.]
Verse 43
सीताम् इह आनस्व इति को ब्रवीति ब्रवीहि मे |
रक्षो लोकस्य सर्वस्य कः शृंगम् च्छेत्तुम् इच्छति || ३-३१-४३
” ‘Seetha may be brought to Lanka…’ who said it, say him to me, who is that one desiring to cut off the prominence of all the demons in all worlds in saying so?
43. siitaam iha aanasva iti = Seetha, here, be brought, thus as; kaH braviiti = who, says; me braviihi = that you say it, to me; kaH = who is; sarvasya rakshaH lokasya = all of the, demons, to the throng of; shR^ingam [shR^ingam praadhaanyaso… amara kosha] = peak [prominent one]; cChettum icChati = who, to cut off, desiring to.
Verse 44
प्रोत्साहयति यः च त्वम् स च शत्रुः असंशयम् |
आशी मुखात् दंष्ट्राम् उद्धर्तुम् च इच्छति त्वया || ३-३१-४४
“Also, he who has motivated you in this way is an undoubted enemy of yours, for he wanted to extricate the fangs of a snake from its mouth, of course, through you. [3-31-44]
44. yaH tvam protsaahayati = he who is, you, encouraging; saH shatruH = he is, an enemy; a samshayam = without, doubt; tvayaa = by you; aashii mukhaat = from snake’s, mouth, damSTraam = fangs; uddhartum icChati ca = to extricate, desiring, also, [through you.]
Verse 45
कर्मणा अनेन केन असि कापथम् प्रतिपादितः |
सुख सुप्तस्य ते राजन् प्रहृतम् केन मूर्धनि || ३-३१-४५
“By whom and by which purpose of his you are made to blunder upon this awry path, oh, king, it is as good as his hitting hard on your head while you are fast asleep. [3-31-45]
45. kena = by whom; kena karmaNaa = by which, for [which] purpose; kaa patham pratipaaditaH asi = awry, path, attained [blundered upon,] you have; raajan = oh, king; sukha suptasya = comfortably, sleeping – fast asleep; te muurdhani = on your, forehead; anena pra hR^itam = by him, well, hit.
Verse 46
विशुद्ध वंश अभिजना अग्र हस्तः
तेजो मदः संस्थित दोर् विषाणः |
उदीक्षितुम् रावण न इह युक्तः
स संयुगे राघव गन्धि हस्ती || ३-३१-४६
“Oh, Ravana, it will be unbefitting to raise an eye to see Rama in war, who will be then like a majestic elephant that has an impeccable dynasty and bloodline as its mammoth trunk, personal radiance as its indomitable might, very firm pair of arms as its pernicious tusks, more so, who will be with the redolence of the irrepressible lineage of Raghava-s. [3-31-46]
46. raavaNa = oh, Ravana; vi shuddha vamsha abhi janaa agra hastaH = very, pure, dynasty close, people, fore, hand – one which has a impeccable dynasty and a good bloodline as its trunk; tejaH madaH = brilliance, as its rut – one that has radiance as its might; samsthita dor viSaaNaH = very firm, arms, as its tusks – one that has two tusks as firm arms; saH = he that; raaghava gandhi hastii = Raghava, redolent, elephant; samyuge = in war; udiikshitum = to raise eye and see; iha = now; na yuktaH = not, befitting.
Verse 47
असौ रण अन्तः स्थिति संधि वालः
विदग्ध रक्षो मृग हा नृसिंहः |
सुप्तः त्वया बोधयितुम् न शक्यः
शारांग पूणो निशित असि दम्ष्ट्रः || ३-३१-४७
“To be in the midst of war itself is the fury of that lion called Rama, by which that lion raises its tail touching the back of its trunk, that lion is all-inclusive with forelegs, paws, and claws that are included in arrows, while its fangs are swords, and it is the killer of the deer called the expert killer-demons, and mind you, do not dare to rouse that sleeping man-lion. [3-31-47]
47. raNa antaH sthiti sandhi vaalaH = in war, being in midst, on trunk, touching, tail – to be in the midst of war itself is the fury of that lion, by which its tail raises and touches the back of its trunk; vidagdha rakshaH mR^iga haa = expert, demon, deer, killer – that lion is the killer of the expert killers, namely the demons; shaara anga purNaH = arrows, as it limbs, full-fledged with, accomplished with; that lion’s sturdy limbs are its arrows; nishita asi damSTRaH = sharp, sword, fanged with; that lion’s fangs are its swords; suptaH asau nR^i simhaH = sleeping one, man, lion; tvayaa bodhayitum na shakyaH = by you, to become aware of [to awaken,] not, possible – do not dare to rouse it.
Verse 48
चापापहारे भुज वेग पंके
शर ऊर्मिमाले सु महा आहव ओघे |
न राम पाताल मुखे अति घोरे
प्रस्कन्दितुम् राक्षस राज युक्तम् || ३-३१-४८
“His bow is crocodilian, his shoulder-speed is quagmire, his arrows are tidal, and the great immensity of his war itself is a tideland, and oh, king of demons, it is inapt of you to slide down into the much-ghoulish mouth of that abyssal ocean, called Rama. [3-31-48]
48. raakshasa raaja = oh, demons, king; caapa apahaare = bow, as crocodile; bhuja vega panke = arm’s, speed, as slough [quagmire]; shara uurmimaale = arrows, as tides; su mahaa aahava oghe = with great, immensity, war, called tideland; ati ghore = very, dangerous; in such a; raama paataala mukhe = in Rama [named,] netherworld – abyssal ocean, in mouth of; pra skanditum =verily, to slide – fall in the mouth of such a nether world; na yuktam = not, apt of you.em
Verse 49
प्रसीद लंकेश्वर राक्षसेन्द्र
लंकाम् प्रसन्नो भव साधु गच्छ |
त्वम् स्वेषु दारेषु रमस्व नित्यम्
रामः स भार्यो रमताम् वनेषु || ३-३१-४९
“Oh, lord of Lanka, be appeased towards Rama, be quietened and gently proceed to Lanka. You take delight in your wives, and let Rama be delighting with wife in forests.” Thus Mareecha spoke to Ravana. [3-31-49]
49. lankeshvara raakshasendra = lord of Lanka, demon-king; prasiida = be appeased [towards Rama]; saadhu lankaam gacCha = gently, to Lanka, you proceed; prasannaH bhava = be quietened, you be; tvam nityam sveSu daareSu ramasva = you, always, in your, wives, you take delight; raamaH sa bhaarya vaneSu ramataam = Rama, with his, wife, in forest, let him be delighting.
Verse 50
एवम् उक्तो दशग्रीवो मारीचेन स रावणः |
न्यवर्तत पुरीम् लंकाम् विवेश च गृह उत्तमम् || ३-३१-५०
When thus said by Maareecha that ten faced Ravana returned to his city Lanka and entered his best house and home. [3-31-50]
50. maariicena evam uktaH = by Maareecha, this way, who is spoken dashagriivaH saH raavaNaH = ten faced, he that, Ravana; lankaam puriim nyavartata = to Lanka, city, returned; gR^iha uttamam vivesha ca = house – palace, best one, entered, also.
