Introduction

Sugreeva sends Vanara-s to southward which troop includes Hanuma, Jambavanta, Niila and others and Angada is its leader. Sugreeva gives a vivid picture of the southern side of Jambu dviipa up to the south-most part of passable regions, next to which the abode of Yama, the Terminator is there. This troop is also given one month’s time to find the whereabouts of Seetha.

Verse 1

ततः प्रस्थाप्य सुग्रीवः तन् महत् वानरम् बलम् |
दक्षिणाम् प्रेषयामास वानरान् अभिलक्षितान् || ४-४१-१

On sending that great vanara force to east, Sugreeva started to send tried and true vanara-s to south. [4-41-1]

1. sugriivaH = Sugreeva; mahat tat vaanaram balam prasthaapya = great one, that, vanara, force [to East,] on sending; tataH = then; abhi lakSitaan = well, chosen – tried and true; vaanaraan = vanara-s; dakSiNaam preSayaamaasa = to South, started to send.

Verse 2,3,4 & 5

नीलम् अग्नि सुतम् चैव हनूमन्तम् च वानरम् |
पितामह सुतम् चैव जांबवंतम् महोजसम् || ४-४१-२
सुहोत्रम् च शरारिम् च शरगुल्मम् तथा एव च |
गजम् गवाक्षम् गवयम् सुषेणम् वृषभम् तथा || ४-४१-३
मैन्दम् च द्विविदम् चैव सुषेणम् गन्धमादनम् |
उल्कामुखम् अनंगम् च हुतशन सुतौ उभौ || ४-४१-४
अंगद प्रमुखान् वीरान् वीरः कपि गण ईश्वरः |
वेग विक्रम संपन्नान् संदिदेश विशेषवित् || ४-४१-५

Sugreeva, the well-informed and brave lord of monkey troops, then beckoned Angada and the other prominent vanara-s who are valorous ones with full-fledged dash and dare, like the son of Fire-god Neela, and the exceptional vanara Hanuma, the highly vigorous son of Grandparent Brahma, namely Jaambavanta, also others like Suhotra, Sharaari, Sharagulma Gaja, Gavaaksha, Gavaya, Sushena, Vrishabha, Mainda, Dvivida, Sushena, Gandhamaadana, and the two sons of Ritual-fire called Ulkaamukha, Ananga. [4-41-2, 3, 4, 5]

2, 3, 4, 5. viiraH = brave one; visheSa vit = specialities, knower of [well-informed one – Sugreeva]; kapi gaNa iishvaraH = monkey, troops, lord – Sugreeva; agni sutam niilam = Fire-god’s, son, Neela; vaanaram hanuumantam ca = vanara, Hanuma, also; pitaamaha sutam = Grandfather’s [Brahma’s,] son; mahaa ojasam = highly vigorous one; jaambavantam caiva = Jaambavanta, also thus; suhotram ca sharaarim ca = Suhotra, also, Sharaari, also; tathaa eva ca = like, that, only; sharagulmam = Sharagulma; gajam gavaakSam gavayam suSeNam vR^iSabham tathaa = Gaja, Gavaaksha, Gavaya, Sushena, Vrishabha; maindam ca dvividam caiva = Mainda, also, Dvivida, also thus; suSeNam gandha maadanam ulkaamukham anangam ca = Sushena, Gandhamaadana, Ulkaamukha, Ananga, also; hutashana sutau ubhau = Ritual-fire’s, son, two of them; angada pramukhaan = Angada, and other prominent; vega vikrama sampannaan = in dash, dare, full-fledged ones; viiraan = valorous ones; sandidesha = commissioned, beckoned.

Verse 6

तेषाम् अग्रेसरम् चैव बृहद् बलम् अथ अंगदम् |
विधाय हरि वीराणाम् आदिशद् दक्षिणाम् दिशम् || ४-४१-६

Sugreeva made the formidably mighty Angada as the chief of those valiant monkeys forming search party and ordered southern direction for them. [4-41-6]

6. atha = then; teSaam hari viiraaNaam = for them, monkeys, valiant ones – search party; bR^ihat balam = formidably, mighty; angadam = Angada; agresaram vidhaaya = as chief, on making; dakSiNaam disham aadishat = southerly, direction, [Sugreeva] ordered.

Verse 7

ये केचन समुद्देशाः तस्याम् दिशि सुदुर्गमाः |
कपीइशः कपि मुख्यानाम् स तेषाम् समुदाहरत् || ४-४१-७

The king of monkeys Sugreeva gave a picture about some of the highly impassable countries available in southern quarter that need an introduction to those prominent monkeys bound south. [4-41-7]

7. tasyaam dishi = in that, direction of compass; su dur gamaaH = verily, impossible, to pass – highly impassable; ye ke cana = which of those few; sam ut deshaaH = well, intended, countries – some countries that need be explained; about them; saH kapi iishaH = he that, monkeys, king of – Sugreeva; teSaam kapi mukhyaanaam = to them, monkey, prominent ones; sam udaaharat = well, illustrated – gave a picture of.

Verse 8,9 & 10

सहस्र शिरसम् विंध्यम् नाना द्रुम लता आयुतम् |
नर्मदाम् च नदीम् रम्याम् महोरग निषेविताम् || ४-४१-८
ततो गोदावरीम् रम्याम् कृष्णावेणीम् महानदीम् |
वरदाम् च महाभागाम् महोरग निषेविताम् |
मेखलान् उत्कलाम् चैव दशार्ण नगराणि अपि || ४-४१-९
अब्रवंतीम् अवंतीम् च सर्वम् एव अनुपश्यत |
विदर्भान् ऋष्टिकान् चैव रम्यान् माहिषकान् अपि || ४-४१-१०

“Search the thousand crested Vindhya mountains abounding with numerous tress and climbers, then the delightful Narmada river coursing a little southerly to that range, which is adored by great snakes, along with wonderful River Godavari, as well as River Krishnaveni and Maha Nadi, and then the greatly auspicious River Varada which is an adoration to great snakes. And the territories of Mekhala, Utkala, the cities of Dashaarna, kingdoms of Abravanti, Avanti, and Vidarbha, also thus the charming kingdom of Maheehaka, are to be searched thoroughly. [4-41-10]

8. sahasra shirasam = thousands, of heads [crests]; naanaa druma lataa aayutam = numerous, trees, climbers, abounding in; vindhyam = Vindhya Range; mahaa uraga ni Sevitaam = great, snakes, adored by; ramyaam narmadaam nadiim ca = delightful one, Narmada, river, also; tataH = then; ramyaam godaavariim = wonderful one, River Godavari; mahaanadiim = River Mahaanadi; kR^iSNaaveNiim = River Krishnaveni, or Krishna; mahaa bhaagaam = highly, auspicious one; mahaa uraga niSevitaam = by great, snakes, adored by; varadaam ca = River Varada, also; mekhalaan utkalaam caiva = Mekhala, Utkala [in territories,] also thus; dashaarNa nagaraaNi api = Dashaarna, in cities, also; abravantiim avantiim ca = Abravanti, Avanti, also; vidarbhaan R^iSTikaan caiva = Vidarbha, Rishtika, also, thus; ramyaan maahiSakaan api = charming [kingdom,] in Maheeshaka, even; sarvam eva anu pashyata = all [everywhere,] thus, closely, see – search thoroughly.

Verse 11 & 12

तथा वन्गान् कलिन्गाम् च कौशिकान् च समंततः |
अन्वीक्ष्य दण्डक अरण्यम् स पर्वत नदी गुहम् || ४-४१-११
नदीम् गोदावरीम् चैव सर्वम् एव अनुपश्यत |
तथैव आन्ध्रान् च पुण्ड्रान् च चोलान् पाण्ड्यान् केरलान् || ४-४१-१२

“Like that Vanga, Kalinga territories shall be searched along with Kaushika territories available on their fringes, then cast about the Dandaka forest all over its mountains, rivers, and its caves, then River Godavari that courses through Dandaka forest, and then the provinces of Andhra, Pundra, Chola, Paandya, Kerala are to be searched thoroughly. [4-41-11, 12]

11, 12. tathaa = like that; vangaan kalingaam ca = , Vanga, Kalinga [kingdoms,] also; sam antataH = verily, at its fringes; available; kaushikaan ca = Kaushika [territories,] also; you search and then; sa parvata nadii guham daNDaka araNyam = with, mountains, rivers, Dandaka, forest, caves; anviikSya = on seeing – on searching Dandaka; godaavariim nadiim caiva = Godavari, river, also, thus; tathaiva = like that; aandhraan ca = Andhra territory; puNDraan ca colaan paaNDyaan keralaan = Pundra, Chola, Paandya, Kerala [provinces]; sarvam eva = all of them; anu pashyata = closely, see – make a through search.

Verse 13 & 14a

अयोमुखः च गंतव्यः पर्वतो धातु मण्डितः |
विचित्र शिखरः श्रीमान् चित्र पुष्पित काननः || ४-४१-१३
सुचंदन वनोद्देशो मार्गितव्यो महागिरिः |

“You shall go to the prosperous Mt. Malaya which is crowded with iron-ore mines as its vast mouths, and with amazing crests and motley flowered forests. Search shall be carried out on that great mountain in the places that are with the copses of sandalwood trees. [4-41-13, 14a]

13, 14a. dhaatu maNDitaH = with ores, crowded with; vi citra shikharaH = verily, amazing, with crests; shriimaan = prosperous [mountain]; citra puSpita kaananaH = motley, flowered, with forests; such a; ayaH mukhaH parvataH = iron, mouths, mountain – a mountain having iron-ore mines in the shape of mouths, namely Mt. Malaya]; gantavyaH = reachable – you shall go to; su candana vanaat deshaH = best, sandalwood trees, with copses, places; mahaa giriH maargitavyaH = great mountain, is to be searched.

Verse 14b & 15a

ततः ताम् आपगाम् दिव्याम् प्रसन्न सलिलाशयान् || ४-४१-१४
तत्र द्रक्ष्यथ कावेरीम् विहृताम् अप्सरो गणैः |

“From there you shall go and see the divine River Kaaveri there, a receptacle of limpid waters, to where throngs of apsara-s will be making pleasure-trips. [4-41-14b, 15a]

14b, 15a. tataH = from there; divyaam = divine one; prasanna salila ashayaan = limpid, waters, receptacle of; apsaraH gaNaiH vihR^itaam = by apsara, throngs, make pleasure-trips; taam kaaveriim = her, Kaveri; aapa gaam = water, flowing [river]; tatra drakSyatha = there, you shall see.

Verse 15b & 16a

तस्य आसीनम् नगस्य अग्रे मलयस्य महोजसम् || ४-४१-१५
द्रक्ष्यथ आदित्य संकाशम् अगस्त्यम् ऋषि सत्तमम् |

“You shall see the eminent sage Agastya, whose resplendence is akin to that of the Sun, and who will be sitting on the top of that highly resplendent Mt. Malaya. [4-41-15b, 16a]

15b, 16a. mahaa ojasam = highly resplendent [mountain]; tasya malayasya nagasya agre = of that, Mt. Malaya, mountain, on the top of it; aasiinam = who is sitting; aaditya sankaasham = Sun, in similarity; R^iSi sattamam agastyam drakSyatha = Sage, the eminent, Agastya, you shall see.

Verse 16b & 17a

ततः तेन अभ्यनुज्ञाताः प्रसन्नेन महात्मना || ४-४१-१६
ताम्रपर्णीम् ग्राह जुष्टाम् तरिष्यथ महानदीम् |

“And when that great-souled Agastya complaisantly permits you, then you shall leave that mountain and cross over the great River Taamraparni, a highly cherished river of crocodiles. [4-41-16b, 17a]

16b, 17a. tataH = from there; prasannena mahaa aatmanaa = when he becomes complaisant, great-soul [Agastya]; tena = by him; abhi anuj~naataaH = well permitted; graaha juSTaam taamraparNiim = capturers [crocodiles,] highly cherished by, River Taamraparni; such a; mahaa nadiim = great river; tariSyatha = you shall cross over.

Verse 17b & 18a

सा चन्दन वनैः चित्रैः प्रच्छन्ना द्वीप वारिणी || ४-४१-१७
कान्ता इव युवती कान्तम् समुद्रम् अवगाहते |

“She whose water is overlapped with amazing copses of sandalwood trees and islands that River Taamrapani will be drifting for a rendezvous with her much yearned lover, namely the ocean, as with a young woman who will be coursing to have a rendezvous with her yearned lover. [4-41-17b, 18a]

17b, 18a. citraiH candana vanaiH = with amazing, sandalwood trees, copses; pracChannaa dviipa vaariNii = with overlapped, islands, water; saa = she [the river]; yuvatii = a young woman [Taamraparni]; kaantaa = one who is yearning for; kaantam iva = for whom she is yearning – her love, as with; samudram = to ocean; avagaahate = [she will be] rendezvousing.

Verse 18b & 19a

ततो हेममयम् दिव्यम् मुक्ता मणि विभूषितम् || ४-४१-१८
युक्तम् कवाटम् पाण्ड्यानाम् गता द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः |

“From there, on going to the Paandya Kingdome you shall see a fully golden castle-door bracing the compound-wall of the fortress, which is decorated with pearls and jewels, and conduct your search even in that kingdom. [4-41-18b, 19a]

18b, 19a. vaanaraaH = oh, vanara-s; tataH = from there; yuktam = joined to – braced to the wall of fortress; hemamayam divyam = full with gold, beautiful one; muktaa maNi vibhuuSitam = pearls, gemstones, decorated with; paaNDyaanaam kavaaTam = of Paandya [kingdom’s,] castle-door; gataaH = having gone there; drakSyatha = you shall see; search inside that gateway.

Verse 19b, 20 & 21a

ततः समुद्रम् आसाद्य संप्रधार्य अर्थ निश्चयम् || ४-४१-१९
अगस्त्येन अन्तरे तत्र सागरे विनिवेशितः |
चित्र सानु नगः श्रीमान् महेन्द्रः पर्वतोत्तमः || ४-४१-२०
जात रूपमयः श्रीमान् अवगाढो महार्णवम् |

“Then on reaching the southern ocean, and on taking a resolve with regard to the purpose of your task, viz., importance of the mission undertaken vis-�-vis your individual capacities to leap the ocean, you reach the glorious Mt. Mahendra. Sage Agastya once penned its one end in the ocean, and the other end is now visible. That august and best one among all mountains will be completely golden with marvellous terraces and trees, and it will be steeping into ocean on the other side of land, and this mountain becomes the jumping-off point for you vanara-s. [4-41-19b, 20, 21a]

19b, 20, 21a. tataH samudram aasaadya = then, [southern] ocean, on reaching; artha nishcayam sampradhaarya = purpose’s, resolve, on resolving; agastyena = by Agastya; tatra = there; saagare antare vi niveshitaH = in ocean, inside, verily, penned up [one end of mountain]; citra saanu nagaH = one with marvellous, terraces, trees; shriimaan mahendraH = glorious, Mt. Mahendra; parvata uttamaH = among mountains, best one; jaataruupamayaH = completely golden; shriimaan mahaa arNavam = august [Mt. Mahendra,] into great, ocean; avagaaDhaH = will be steeping in.

Verse 21b, 22 & 23a

नाना विधैः नगैः फुल्लैः लताभिः च उपशोभितम् || ४-४१-२१
देव ऋषि यक्ष प्रवरैः अप्सरोभिः च सेवितम् |
सिद्ध चारण संघैः च प्रकीर्णम् सुमनोहरम् || ४-४१-२२
तम् उपैति सहस्राक्षः सदा पर्वसु पर्वसु |

“Mt. Mahendra is glorified with numerous kinds of flowered trees and climbers. Important gods, sages, yaksha-s and even apsara-s will adore it, and it is overspread with the groups of siddha-s and caarana-s, and thus it will be heart-stealing for a look. And the Thousand-eyed Indra will always be visiting that Mt. Mahendra on every auspicious day. [4-41-21b, 22, 23a]

21b, 22, 23a. naanaa vidhaiH = numerous, sorts of; phullaiH nagaiH = with flowered, trees; lataabhiH ca upashobhitam = with climbers, also, glorified; deva R^iSi yakSa pravaraiH = by gods, sages, yaksha-s, important ones; apsarobhiH ca = by apsara-s, even; sevitam = adored; siddha caaraNa sanghaiH ca = by siddha-s, caarana, groups of, also; pra kiirNam = well, overspread; su manaH haram = truly, heart-stealing [for a look]; tam = it – to that mountain; sahasraakSaH = Thousand-eyed Indra; parvasu parvasu = on auspicious day, on auspicious day – on every auspicious day; sadaa = always – regularly; upaiti = he comes.

Verse 23b & 24a

द्वीपः तस्य अपरे पारे शत योजन विसृतः || ४-४१-२३
अगम्यो मानुषैः दीप्तः तम् मार्गध्वम् समंततः |

“There is a dazzling island on the other side of the shore of Mt. Mahendra, which is breadthwise a hundred yojana-s, and which is an impassable one for humans, and you have to search that island up to its fringes. [4-41-23b, 24a]

23b, 24a. tasya = its – Mt. Mahendra’s; apare paare = on the other, shore; shata yojana visR^itaH = hundred, yojana, in breadth; maanuSaiH = by humans; a gamyaH = not, passable; diiptaH = a dazzling; dviipaH = island – is there; tam samantataH maargadhvam = that, till its fringes, you have to search.

Verse 24b & 25

तत्र सर्व आत्मना सीता मार्गितव्या विशेषतः || ४-४१-२४
स हि देशः तु वध्यस्य रावणस्य दुरात्मनः |
राक्षस अधिपतेः वासः सहस्राक्ष समद्युतेः || ४-४१-२५

“Anywise Seetha is searchable especially there on that island because it is the dwelling place of the king of demons Ravana, who is the coequal of Indra in his resplendence and which vile-minded demon is to be rooted out. [4-41-24b, 25]

24b, 25. tatra = there; siitaa visheSataH = Seetha, especially; sarva aatmanaa = anywise; maargitavyaa = shall be searched; saH deshaH tu = that, place, but it is; vadhyasya = killable one; dur aatmanaH = vile-minded one; raakSasa adhipateH = demon, king’s; sahasra akSa sama dyuteH = Thousand-eyed Indra, equal, one in resplendence; such a; raavaNasya = Ravana’s; vaasaH = dwelling.

Verse 26

दक्षिणस्य समुद्रस्य मध्ये तस्य तु राक्षसी |
अंगारक इति विख्याता चायाम् आक्षिप्य भोजिनी || ४-४१-२६

“But a well-known demoness named Angaaraka is there in the midst of southern ocean who eats prey by grabbing its shadow when flying overhead. [4-41-26]

26. tasya dakSiNasya samudrasya madhye = that, southern, ocean’s, in the centre; chaayaam aakSipya bhojinii = by shadow, on grabbing [prey,] a she-eater; angaaraka iti vi khyaataa = Angaaraka, thus, as well-known; raakSasii tu = demoness, but [is there.]

Verse 27

एवम् निःसंशयान् कृत्वा संशयान् नष्ट संशयाः |
मृगयध्वम् नरेन्द्रस्य पत्नीम् अमित ओजसः || ४-४१-२७

“In this way, you should clear your doubts about the presence of Seetha at any doubtable place by thorough searching, and you have to go on searching somewhere else for Seetha, the wife of the king of people with infinite vitality, namely Rama, only after getting rid of your doubts about her possible presence at any given place. [4-41-27]

27. evam = in this way; samshayaan niH samshayaan kR^itvaa = about doubtful [places,] without, doubt [you have to become doubtless,] on making [by thorough search]; naSTa samshayaaH = loosing, doubts [doubts when cleared]; amita ojasaH = of one with – infinite, vital power – Rama; nara indrasya patniim = people’s, king’s, wife – Seetha; mR^igayadhvam = shall be searched.

Verse 28

तम् अतिक्रम्य लक्ष्मीवान् समुद्रे शत योजने |
गिरिः पुष्पितको नाम सिद्ध चारण सेवितः || ४-४१-२८

“On crossing over that isle and after a hundred yojana-s a mountain named Pushpitaka is there in that august ocean, which is adored by the celestials like siddha-s, caarana-s. [4-41-28]

28. tam = that [isle]; ati kramya = on over, stepping [crossing over]; shata yojane samudre = hundred, yojana-s, in ocean – hundred yojana-s after that island; lakSmiivaan = an august one; siddha caaraNa sevitaH = by siddha-s, caarana-s, adored; puSpitakaH naama = Pushpitaka, named; giriH = mountain; is there.

Verse 29

चन्द्र सूर्य अंशु संकाशः सागर अंबु समाश्रयः |
भ्राजते विपुलैः शृन्गैः अम्बरम् विलिखन् इव || ४-४१-२९

“Well-settled in oceanic waters that Mt. Pushpitaka will be shining forth with a resplendence similar to sunrays on one side and with that of moonshine on the other, and its lofty crests will look as if they are scribbling on the sky. [4-41-29]

29. candra suurya amshu sankaashaH = moon’s, sun’s, rays, similar to; saagara ambu sam aashrayaH = in oceanic, waters, well, settled in; vipulaiH shR^ingaiH = with lofty, crests; ambaram vi likhan iva = on sky, verily, scribbling, as if; bhraajate = [that mountain] shines forth.

Verse 30

तस्य एकम् कांचनम् शृंगम् सेवते यम् दिवाकरः |
श्वेतम् राजतम् एकम् च सेवते यम् निशाकरः |
न तम् कृतघ्नाः पश्यन्ति न नृशंसा न नास्तिकाः || ४-४१-३०

“One of its summit will be golden which the Sun adores, and the other will be silvery whitish which the Moon adores, and that mountain is unperceivable to the unfaithful ones, or to the unkindly ones or to unbelievers. [4-41-30]

30. tasya = its; ekam shR^ingam kaancanam = one, summit, is golden; yam = which; divaa karaH = day-maker [Sun]; sevate = will be adoring [on his rising]; ekam shvetam raajatam ca = one, whitish, silver, also; yam = which; nishaa karaH = night-maker [Moon]; sevate = will be adoring [on his rising]; tam = it – that mountain; kR^itaghnaaH = unfaithful ones; na pashyanti = not, will be seeing; nR^ishamsaaH na = unkindly ones, no; naastikaaH na = unbelievers, no.

Verse 31 & 32a

प्रणम्य शिरसा शैलम् तम् विमार्गथ वानराः |
तम् अतिक्रम्य दुर्धर्षम् सूर्यवान् नाम पर्वतः || ४-४१-३१
अध्वना दुर्विगाहेन योजनानि चतुर्दश |

“Oh, vanara-s, venerate that Mt. Pushpitaka by bowing your heads and search it thoroughly. Then on going across that inviolable mountain and taking a highly impassable route there is a mountain named Suuryavaan after fourteen yojana-s from Mt. Pushpitaka. [4-41-31, 32a]

31, 32a. vaanaraaH = oh, vanara-s; tam shailam = that, mountain; shirasaa = with head [bowing]; praNamya = on venerating; vi maargatha = thoroughly, search; dur dharSam = inviolable; tam atikramya = that – mountain, on going across; durvigaahena [dur vi gaahena] = by highly, impassable; adhvanaa = by route; catur dasha yojanaani = after four, ten, yojana-s; suuryavaan naama parvataH = Suuryavaan, named, mountain; is there.

Verse 32b & 33a

ततः तम् अपि अतिक्रम्य वैद्युतो नाम पर्वतः || ४-४१-३२
सर्व काम फलैः वृक्षैः सर्व काल मनोहरैः |

“On crossing over even that Mt. Suuryavaan after searching, there is a mountain named Vaidyuta whose trees will be all-time heart-pleasing and they yield fruits satiating every taste. [4-41-32b, 33a]

32b, 33a. tataH = from there; tam api = that, even; atikramya = on crossing over; sarva kaama phalaiH = for all, tastes, [fulfilling] with fruits; sarva kaala manoharaiH = all, times, heart-pleasing ones; vR^ikSaiH = [with such] trees; vaidyutaH naama parvataH = Vaidyuta, named, mountain; is there.

Verse 33b & 34a

तत्र भुक्त्वा वर अर्हाणि मूलानि च फलानि च || ४-४१-३३
मधूनि पीत्वा जुष्टानि परम् गच्छत वानराः |

“Oh, vanara-s, you proceed farther after devouring choicest fruits and tubers growing on Mt. Vaidyuta, and even on consuming precious honey at that place. [4-41-33b, 34a]

33b, 34a. vaanaraaH = oh, vanara-s; tatra = there – at that place, on Mt. Vaidyuta; vara arhaaNi = for chosen few, appropriate – choicest fruits and tubers; muulaani ca phalaani ca = tubers, also, fruits, also; bhuktvaa = on devouring; juSTaani madhuuni piitvaa = precious, honey, on drinking; param gacChata = farther, you proceed.

Verse 34b & 35a

तत्र नेत्र मनः कांतः कुंजरो नाम पर्वतः || ४-४१-३४
अगस्त्य भवनम् यत्र निर्मितम् विश्वकर्मणा |

“At that place a mountain named Kunjara is there which will be pleasing both to eye and heart, on which Vishvakarma built the mansion of Agastya. [4-41-34b, 35a]

34b, 35a. tatra = at that place; netra manaH kaantaH = to eye, heart, one that is pleasing; kunjaraH naama parvataH = Kunjara, named, mountain – is there; yatra = where – on which; vishvakarmaNaa = by Vishvakarma; agastya bhavanam nirmitam = Agastya’s, mansion, is built.

Verse 35b & 36a

तत्र योजन विस्तारम् उच्छ्रितम् दश योजनम् || ४-४१-३५
शरणम् कांचनम् दिव्यम् नाना रत्न विभूषितम् |

“There the golden abode of Agastya will be beautiful decorated with numerous gemstones, and it measures a yojana breadthwise and ten yojana-s in height. [4-41-35b, 36a]

35b, 36a. tatra = there – on that mountain; yojana vistaaram = a yojana, in breadth; dasha yojanam ucChritam = ten, yojana-s, in height; divyam = a beautiful one; naanaa ratna vibhuuSitam = numerous, gemstones, decorated with; kaancanam sharaNam = a golden, abode – Agastya’s mansion – is there.

Verse 36 & 37

तत्र भोगवती नाम सर्पाणाम् आलयः पुरी || ४-४१-३६
विशाल रथ्या दुर्धर्षा सर्वतः परिरक्षिता |
रक्षिता पन्नगैः घोरैः तीष्क्ण दम्ष्ट्रैः महा विषैः || ४-४१-३७
सर्प राजो महाघोरो यस्याम् वसति वासुकिः |

“There is a city named Bhogavati which is an abode of the snakes. It has broad roads and safeguarded from everywhere, and thus it becomes an unvanquishable city. Deadly serpents with harrowing fangs and fatal venom will be protecting it, in which the highly hazardous king of serpents, namely Vasuki, will be dwelling. [4-41-36b, 37. 38a]

36b, 37, 38a. tatra = there; vishaala rathyaa = with broad, roads; durdharSaa = unvanquishable – city; sarvataH parirakSitaa = everywhere, safeguarded; ghoraiH = deadly; tiiSkNa damSTraiH = with harrowing, fangs; mahaa viSaiH = having fatal, venom; pannagaiH rakSitaa = by [such] serpents, protected; sarpaaNaam aalayaH = for snakes, an abode of; bhogavatii naama purii = Bhogavati, named, city – is there; yasyaam = in which; sarpa raajaH = serpents, king; mahaa ghoraH = highly, hazardous one; vaasukiH vasati = Vasuki, will be dwelling.

Verse 38b & 39a

निर्याय मार्गितव्या च सा च भोगवती पुरी || ४-४१-३८
तत्र च अंतरोद्देशा ये केचन समावृताः |

“That Bhogavati city is to be searched for Seetha and on coming out of that city, you have to search even in the fringes surrounding that city including the intermediate zones from city to its fringes. [4-41-38b, 39a]

38b, 39a. saa bhogavatii purii = = she, Bhogavati, city; maargitavyaa = is to be searched; nir yaaya = out, coming [on coming out of that city]; tatra samaavR^itaaH = there, surrounding – surrounding fringes; ye kecana those, some; antaroddeshaaH = intermediate zones; [maargitavyaa = shall also be searched.]

Verse 39b & 40a

तम् च देशम् अतिक्रम्य महान् ऋषभ संस्थितिः || ४-४१-३९
सर्व रत्नमयः श्रीमान् ऋषभो नाम पर्वतः |

“On crossing over that province there will be a glorious mountain named Rishabha, as that great mountain looks like a Holy Bull, and it is replete with every kind of gemstone. [4-41-39b, 40a]

39b, 40a. tam desham atikramya = that, province, on crossing over; mahaan R^iSabha samsthitiH = great, Holy Bull [like,] staying [resembling]; sarva ratnamayaH = every [kind of gem,] replete with gems; shriimaan = glorious one; R^iSabhaH naama parvataH = Rishabha, named, mountain; is there.

Verse 40b & 41a

गोशीर्षकम् पद्मकम् च हरिश्यामम् च चन्दनम् || ४-४१-४०
दिव्यम् उत्पद्यते यत्र तत् चैव अग्नि सम प्रभम् |

“Whereon the sandalwood trees of ochry-yellowy, lotus-leaf-greenly, sky-blue colours, and even the most attractive sandalwood trees which will be in the glow of Fire are produced, that mountain is this Rishabha. [4-41-40b, 41a]

40b, 41a. yatra = where – on which Mt. Rishabha; goshiirSakam = ochry-yellowy; padmakam ca = lotus-leaf-greenly, also; harishyaamam ca = sky-blue, [coloured]; candanam = sandalwood trees; agni sama prabham = Fire, like, in glow, also thus – sandalwood; divyam tat caiva = most attractive, that, also thus; utpadyate = will be producing.

Verse 41b & 42a

न तु तत् चन्दनम् दृष्ट्वा स्प्रष्टव्यम् च कदाचन || ४-४१-४१
रोहिता नाम गंधर्वा घोरम् रक्षन्ति तद् वनम् |

“But never touch those sandalwood trees when you see them, as a genre of Gandharva-s called Rohita will be protecting that dangerous woodland of sandalwood trees. [4-41-41b, 42a]

41b, 42a. tat candanam dR^iSTvaa = those, sandalwood trees, on seeing; kadaacana = never; na spraSTavyam tu = not, to be touched, but; ghoram tat vanam = dangerous one, that, woodlands; rohitaa naama gandharvaa = Rohita, named, [genre of] gandharva-s; rakSanti = will be protecting.

Verse 42b & 43

तत्र गंधर्व पतयः पंच सूर्य सम प्रभाः || ४-४१-४२
शैलूषो ग्रामणीः शिक्षः शुको बभ्रुः तथैव च |
रवि सोम अग्नि वपुषा निवासः पुण्य कर्मणाम् || ४-४१-४३

“Five gandharva kings, namely Shailuusha, Gramani, Shiksha, Shuka, and Bhabru, whose resplendence is similar to that of Sun will be residing there. It is also the dwelling place of those who achieved ethereality by their pious activities, of whom some resemble the Sun, some Moon, and some Fire by their physique. [4-41-42b, 43]

42b, 43. tatra = there; shineshailuuSaH graamaNiiH shikSaH shukaH = Shailuusha, Gramani, Shiksha, Shuka,; tathaa eva = like that; babhruH ca = Bhabru, also; suurya sama prabhaaH = sun, similar, in resplendence; panca gandharva patayaH = five, gandharva, kings; will be residing there; ravi soma agni = [like] Sun, Moon, Fire; vapuSaa = with physique; puNya karmaNaam = for those beings with pious, activities; nivaasaH = it is a dwelling place.

Verse 44

अन्ते पृथिव्या दुर्धर्षाः ततः स्वर्ग जितः स्थिताः |
ततः परम् न वः सेव्यः पितृ लोकः सुदारुणः || ४-४१-४४

“From Mt. Rishabha to the terminus of the earth the invulnerable beings who won heavens will be staying. After that, farther from earth there is the most dreadful world of manes, namely the abode of Yama, the Terminator, and you need not consider going there. [4-41-44]

44. tataH = therefrom; pR^ithivyaa ante = of earth, at terminus; durdharSaaH = invulnerable – beings; svarga jitaH = heaven, who won; sthitaaH = are there; tataH param = there, after [after the abode of beings who won heavens]; su daaruNaH = most, dreadful – netherworld; pitR^i lokaH = manes, world of [realm of Yama, the Terminator]; vaH sevyaH = by you, be adored [be regarded, you need not think of going there]; na = it is not.

Verse 45

राजधानी यमस्य एषा कष्टेन तमसा आवृता |
एतावत् एव युष्माभिः वीरा वानर पुंगवाः |
शक्यम् विचेतुम् गन्तुम् वा न अतो गतिमताम् गतिः || ४-४१-४५

“You can go or search only up to this point, oh, the best braving vanara-s, as that world of manes will be encompassed with an alarming darkness, and it is the capital city of Yama, the Terminator. After that there is no entry into the abode of Yama for the mortals. [4-41-45]

45. viiraa vaanara pungavaaH = oh, brave, vanara-s, the best ones; eSaa yamasya raajadhaanii = this is, of Yama, capital city; kaSTena tamasaa aavR^itaa = by an alarming, darkness, it is encompassed; yuSmaabhiH = by you; etaavat eva = up to here, only; vicetum = to search; gantum vaa = to go, or; shakyam = it is possible; ataH = there after; gatimataam gatiH = for beings with motor organs [mortals,] way in; na = is not there.

Verse 46

सर्वम् एतत् समालोक्य यत् च अन्यत् अपि दृश्यते |
गतिम् विदित्वा वैदेह्याः संनिवर्तितम् अर्हथ || ४-४१-४६

“It will be apt of you to return quickly on knowing the course of Vaidehi after thoroughly searching all these places in their entirety, and even in those other places you happen to see, whether I have mentioned them or not. [4-41-46]

46. etat sarvam = all these [places,] in entirety; anyat = other [places]; yat ca api = which are there, also, even; dR^ishyate = which will be seen; in those places; sam aalokya = closely, on seeing – searching thoroughly; vaidehyaaH gatim viditvaa = of Vaidehi, course, on knowing; sam nivartitam = quickly, to return; arhatha = apt of you.

Verse 47

यः च मासान् निवृत्तो अग्रे दृष्टा सीत इति वक्ष्यति |
मत् तुल्य विभवो भोगैः सुखम् स विहरिष्यति || ४-४१-४७

“He who returns before a month and informs that ‘Seetha is seen,’ he enjoys a comfortable living on a par with me in high-living and luxuries. [4-41-47]

47. yaH = he [who]; maasaat agre = than a month, before; nivR^ittaH = having returned; siita dR^iSTaa = Seetha, seen; iti vakSyati = thus, says; saH = he; mat tulya vibhavaH = with me, on a par, high-living; bhogaiH = with luxuries; sukham vihariSyati = comfortable living, rides high – he enjoys.

Verse 49

अमित बल पराक्रमा भवन्तो
विपुल गुणेषु कुलेषु च प्रसूताः |
मनुज पति सुताम् यथा लभध्वम्
तत् अधिगुणम् पुरुषार्थम् आरभध्वम् || ४-४१-४९

“You are with infinite might and bravery, and you are born in those hierarchies that have wide-ranging attributes viz., gust of the Air-god, gush of Rain-god, glare of Fire-god etc. Conjoining your own attributes to them that are already inherited you start off on your expedient effort, and you search appropriately with a thinking as to how to regain Seetha. [4-41-49]

49. bhavantaH = you all; amita bala paraakramaaH = with infinite, might, and bravery; vipula guNeSu kuleSu prasuutaaH ca = wide-ranging, attributes, in a hierarchy, born in also; manuja pati sutaam = people’s, king’s, daughter – Seetha; yathaa labhadhvam = as to how, to get – regain; tat adhi guNam = to that, appropriate to; puruSa artham = manly, purpose – helping other, expedient effort; aarabhadhvam = start off.

Verse 48

ततः प्रियतरो न अस्ति मम प्राणात् विशेषतः |
कृत अपराधो बहुशो मम बन्धुः भविष्यति || ४-४१-४८

“He who says so will be more dearer to me than anyone, rather than my own life in particular, and even if he has committed many misdeeds he becomes my confidant. [4-41-48]

48. tataH = than him; priya taraH na asti = dear one, more than, not, is there; mama praaNaat visheSataH = my, than lives, particularly – he becomes a dear one; bahushaH kR^ita aparaadhaH = many times, committed, misdeeds – even if; he; mama bandhuH bhaviSyati = my, associate, he becomes.