Introduction

Hanuma narrates at length an incident connected with a crow that occured during the sojourn of Seetha with Rama at Chitrakuta, which was related by Seetha by way of a token of remembrance. Seetha then describes her miserable state to Hanuma and requests him to ask Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva to came to Lanka to destroy Ravana together with his army. Hanuma consoles Seetha, saying that Rama and Lakshmana would reduce Lanka to ashes and take her back to Ayodhya. When Hanuma further requests Seetha to give a token of remembrance to be handed over to Rama, she gives him a jewel for the head as a token.

Verse 1

एवम् उक्तः तु हनुमान् राघवेण महात्मना |
सीताया भाषितम् सर्वम् न्यवेदयत राघवे || ५-६७-१

Hearing the words of the high-souled Rama, Hanuma reported to Rama, all the words spoken by Seetha.

1. evam = thus; uktaH = spoken; mahaatmanaa = by the high-souled; raaghaveNa = Rama; hanumaan = Hanuma; nyavedayata = reported; raaghave = to Rama; sarvam = all; bhaaSitam = the words; siitaayaaH = of Seetha.

Verse 2

एवम् उक्तवती देवी जानकी पुरुष ऋषभ |
पूर्व वृत्तम् अभिज्ञानम् चित्र कूटे यथा तथम् || ५-६७-२

“O Rama the foremost of men! Seetha, the princess, spoke a detailed account of an event which occurred long ago in Mount Chitrakuta, as a token of recollection.”

2. puruSarSabha = O Rama the foremost of men!; jaanakii = Seetha; devii = the princess; uktavatii = spoke; yathaa tatham = a detailed account of an event; puurvavR^ittam = that occured previously; chitrakuuTe = in Mount chitrakuta; abhiJNaanam = as a token of recollection.

Verse 3

सुख सुप्ता त्वया सार्धम् जानकी पूर्वम् उत्थिता |
वायसः सहसा उत्पत्य विरराद स्तन अन्तरे || ५-६७-३

“Seetha, who slept happily by your side (at one instance) got up before you. A crow coming down quickly, tore her flesh at an area in the midst of her breasts (with its beak).”

3. jaanakii = Seetha; sukha suptaa = who slept happily; tvayaa saartham = with you; utthitaa = got up; puurvam = before you; vaayasaH = a crow; utpatya = coming down; sahasaa = quickly; vidadaara = tore the flesh; stanaantare = at an area in the midst of her breasts (with its beak).

Verse 4

पर्यायेण च सुप्तः त्वम् देवि अन्के भरत अग्रज |
पुनः च किल पक्षी स देव्या जनयति व्यथाम् || ५-६७-४

“O Rama! You slept in your turn on the lap of the princess. That crow again began to torment the princess.”

4. bharata agraja = O Rama!; tvam = you; suptaH = slept; paryaayeNa = in your turn; devi anke = on the lap of the princes; saH pakSii = that crow; punaH ca = again; janayati kila vyathaam = began to torment; devyaaH = the princess.

Verse 5

पुनः पुनरुपागम्य विरराद भृशम् किल |
ततः त्वम् बोधितः तस्याः शोणितेन समुक्षितः || ५-६७-५

“Coming near again and again, it tore her breast severely. Dampened by her blood, you then were awakened by her.”

5. upaagamya = coming near; punaH punaH = again and again; vidadaarakila = it tore (her breast); bhR^isham = severely; tataH = thereafter; samukSitah = dampened; tasyaaH shoNitena = by her blood; tvam = you; bodhitaH kila = were awakened (by her).

Verse 6

वायसेन च तेन एव सततम् बाध्यमानया |
बोधितः किल देव्याः त्वम् सुख सुप्तः परम् तप || ५-६७-६

“O tormentator of enemies! Though lying happily asleep, you were awakened by Seetha the princess, who was being ceaselessly tormented by the crow.”

6. param tapa = O tormentator of enemies!; devyaa = by Seetha the princess; baadhyamaanayaa = who was being tormented; satatam = ceaselessly; te vaayasenaiva = by that crow; tvam = you; sukhasuptaH = who were sleeping happily; bodhitaH kila = were awakened.

Verse 7

ताम् तु दृष्ट्वा महाबाहो रादिताम् च स्तन अन्तरे |
आशी विष इव क्रुद्धो निह्श्वसन्न् अभ्यभाषथाः || ५-६७-७

“O long-armed Rama! Seeing her, who was lacerated at the midst of her breasts, you were enraged like a hissing snake and spoke to her as follows.”

7. mahaabaaho = O Rama with long arms! dR^iSTvaa = seeing; taam = her; daaritaam = who was lacerated; stana antare = at the midst of her breasts; kruddhaH = you were enraged; nishvasann aashii visha iva = like a hissing snake; abhyabhaaSathaaH = spoke (to her as follows):

Verse 8

नख अग्रैः केन ते भीरु दारितम् तु स्तन अन्तरम् |
कः क्रीडति सरोषेण पन्च वक्त्रेण भोगिना || ५-६७-८

” ‘O bashful Seetha! By whom was the middle of your breasts lacerated with nail-points? Who is playing with an angry five-hooded serpent?”

8. bhiiru = O bashful one!; kena = by whom; te stana antaram = was your mid-area of your breasts; daaritam = lacerated; nakha agraiH = with nail-points?; kaH kriiDati = who is playing; saroSeNa = with an angry; pancha vaktreNa = five-hooded; bhoginaa = serpent?

Verse 9

निरीक्षमाणः सहसा वायसम् समवैक्षताः |
नखैः सरुधिरैः तीक्ष्णैः माम् एव अभिमुखम् स्थितम् || ५-६७-९

“Looking around, you suddenly saw a crow, which perched in front of Seetha, with its sharp nails stained with blood.”

9. niriikSamaaNaH = looking around; samavaikShataaH = you saw; sahasaa = suddenly; vaayasam = a crew; sthitam = which perched; taameva abhimukham = in front of her; tiikSNaiH nakhaiH = with its sharp nails; sarudhiraiH = stained with blood.

Verse 10

सुतः किल स शक्रस्य वायसः पतताम् वरः |
धरा अन्तर चरः शीघ्रम् पवनस्य गतौ समः || ५-६७-१०

“That crow, foremost of the birds was indeed the son of Indra the lord of celestials; dwelling in the middle of the mountains and equal in speed to the wind.”

10. saH vaayasaH = that crow; varaH = the foremost; patataam = among the birds; shakrasya putraH kila = was indeed the son of Indra the lord of celestials; dhara antara caraH = dwelling in the middle of the mountains; samaH = and equal; shiighram gatau = in speed; pavanasya = to wind.

Verse 11

ततः तस्मिन् महाबाहो कोप सम्वर्तित ईक्षणः |
वायसे त्वम् कृत्वाः क्रूराम् मतिम् मतिमताम् वर || ५-६७-११

“O great armed Rama, the excellent among the wise! With your eyes rolling with anger, you then harboured a cruel intention against that crow.”

11. mahaabaaho = O great armed one!; matimataam vara = O excellent among the wise! Kopa samvarta iikShaNaH = with your eyes rolling with anger; tvam = you; tataH = then; kR^ithaaH = harboured; kruuraam = a cruel; matim = intention; tasmin vaayase = against that crow.

Verse 12

स दर्भम् संस्तरात् गृह्य ब्रह्म अस्त्रेण न्ययोजयः |
प्रदीप्त इव काल अग्निः जज्वाल अभिमुखः खगम् || ५-६७-१२

“Taking a blade of grass from your bed of the sacred grass, you charged it with the potency of Brahma missile. That flaming blade blazed forth like the fire of universal dissolution, with its end facing the bird.”

12. gR^ihya = taking; darbham = a blade of grass; samstaraat = from you bed of the sacred grass; ayojayaH = you charged it; braahma astreNa = with the potency of Brahma missile; saH diiptaH = that flaming blade; jajvaala = blazed forth; kaala agniH iva = like the fire of universal dissolution; khagam abhimukhaH = with its end facing that bird.

Verse 13

क्षिप्तवांस्त्वम् प्रदीप्तम् दर्भम् तम् वायसम् प्रति |
ततः तु वायसम् दीप्तः स दर्भो अनुजगाम ह || ५-६७-१३

“You hurled that flaming blade of grass towards the crow. Then that flaming blade of grass for its part followed the crow.”

13. tvam = you; kSiptavaan = hurled; tam pradiiptam darbham = that flaming blade of grass; vaayasam prati = towards the crow; tataH = then; saH diiptaH darbhaH = that flaming blade of grass; anujagaama = followed; vaayasam = the crow.

Verse 14

स पित्रा च परित्यक्तः सुरैः सर्वैः महर्षिभिः |
त्रीन् लोकान् सम्परिक्रम्य त्रातारम् न अधिगच्छति || ५-६७-१४

“Forsaken by all the celestials, Indra, its father and the sages too, that crow did not find a protector even after going round all the three worlds (heaven, earth and the lower regions).”

14. partiyaktaH = forsaken; suraisH ca = by all the celestials; pitraa ca = its father; Indra; sa maharSibhiH = and the sages also; saH = (that crows) na adhigacchati = did not find; traataaram = a protector; samparikramya = after going round; triin lokaan = the three worlds (heave; earth and the lower regions).

Verse 15

पुनरेवागतस्त्रस्तस्त्वत्सकाशमरिंदम |
स तम् निपतितम् भूमौ शरण्यः शरणा गतम् || ५-६७-१५
वध अर्हम् अपि काकुत्स्थ कृपया परिपालयः |

“O destroyer of enemies! Being frightened the crow came to your presence once again and sough your protection. Though fit to be killed, you on your part, affording shelter, in mercy to the crow, protected that crow which had fallen flat on the ground.”

15. arindama = O destroyer of enemies!; trastaH = frightened; (the crow); aagataH = came; tvatsakaasham = to your presence; punareva = once again; vadhaarham api = though fit to be killed; saH kaakutthsaH = that Rama; sharaNyaH = affording shelter; paryapaalayaH = protected; kR^ipanaa = with mercy; tam = to that crow; nipatitam = which had fallen; bhuumau = flat on the ground; sharaNaagatam = and who sought your protection.

Verse 16

मोघम् अस्त्रम् न शक्यम् तु कर्तुम् इति एव राघव || ५-६७-१६
भवांस्तस्यक्षि काकस्य हिनस्ति स्म स दक्षिणम् |

‘O Rama! Since it is not possible to make the missile a waste, you destroyed the right eye of the crow.”

16. raaghava = O Rama!; ityeva = because; na shakyam = it is not possible; kartum = to make; astram = the missile; mogham = a waste; bhavaan = you; hinanti sma = destroyed; dakSinam akSi = the right eye; kaakasya = of the cow.

Verse 17

राम त्वाम् स नमः कृत्वा राज्ञो दशरथस्य च || ५-६७-१७
विसृष्टः तु तदा काकः प्रतिपेदे खम् आलयम् |

“O Rama! Then, that crow, having been discharged by you, went back to its own habitation, after offering salutation to you and to king Dasaratha.”

14. partiyaktaH = forsaken; suraisH ca = by all the celestials; pitraa ca = its father; Indra; sa maharSibhiH = and the sages also; saH = (that crows) na adhigacchati = did not find; traataaram = a protector; samparikramya = after going round; triin lokaan = the three worlds (heave; earth and the lower regions).

Verse 18

एवम् अस्त्रविदाम् श्रेष्ठः सत्त्ववान् शीलवान् अपि || ५-६७-१८
किम् अर्थम् अस्त्रम् रक्षह्सु न योजयसि राघव |

“O Rama! Why are you not employing the same type of a missile on the demons, though you are the foremost among the wielders of missiles, though courageous and possessed of good disposition?”

18. raaghava = O Rama!; kim artham = why; na yojayasi = are you not employing; astram = the missile; evam = thus; rakShassu = on the demons; shreSThaH api = though foremost; astravidaam = among the wielders courageous; shiilavaan = and possessed of good disposition.

Verse 19

न नागा न अपि गन्धर्वा न असुरा न मरुत् गणाः || ५-६७-१९
न च सर्वे रणे शक्ता रामम् प्रतिसमासितुम् |

“Neither the Nagas the celestials serpents nor even Gandharvas the celestial musicians nor the demons nor the troop of Maruts the host of gods, nor all of them joined together are capable of fighting with Rama.”

19. naagaaH = Nagas the celestials serpents; na shaktaaH = are not capable; na gandharvaaH api = Nor even Gandharvas the celestial musicians; na marut gaNaaH = nor the troops of maruts; the na sarve = nor all of them put together; pratisamaasitum = of fighting; raamam prati = against Rama; raNe = in battle.

Verse 20

तस्य वीर्यवतः कच्चिन् मयि यदि अस्ति सम्भ्रमः || ५-६७-२०
क्षिप्रम् सुनिशितैः बाणैः हन्यताम् युधि रावणः |

“If that powerful Rama is eager to save me, let him kill Ravana in battle quickly with his exceptionally sharp arrows.”

20. yadi = If; viiryavataH tasya = to that powerful Rama; sambhramaH asti = there is eagerness; mayi = in my matter; hanyataam raavaNaH = let Ravana; be killed; yudhi = in battle; kShipram = quickly; sunishitaiH baaNaiH = with very sharp arrows.

Verse 21

भ्रातुः आदेशम् आदाय लक्ष्मणो वा परम् तपः || ५-६७-२१
स किम् अर्थम् नर वरो न माम् रक्षति राघवः |

“Why even that Lakshmana, the annihilator of adversaries and the foremost of men born in Raghu dynasty is not saving me, by taking orders from Rama his brother?”

21. kim artham = why; saH lakSmaNo vaa = even that Lakshmana; param tapaH = the annihilator of adversaries; naravaraH = the foremost among men; raaghavaH = born in Raghu dynasty; na rakShati = is not saving; maam = me; aaJNaaya = with permission; aadesham = (by way of) an order; bhraatuH = of Rama his brother?

Verse 22

शक्तौ तौ पुरुष व्याघ्रौ वाय्व् अग्नि सम तेजसौ || ५-६७-२२
सुराणाम् अपि दुर्धर्षौ किम् अर्थम् माम् उपेक्षतः |

“Wherefore those two competent brothers Rama and Lakshmana, with their splendour equal to that of air and fire, and excellent among men, even though they can conquer the celestials, are ignoring me?”

22. kim artham = wherefore; tau shaktau = those two competent brothers; Rama and Lakshmana; vaayv agni sama tejasau = having their splendour similar to that of wind and fire; puruSa vyaaghrau = and the excellent among men; durdharSau.api = even though they can conquer; suraaNaam = the celestials; upekSataH = are ignoring; maam = me?

Verse 23

मम एव दुष्कृतम् किंचिन् महत् अस्ति न संशयः || ५-६७-२३
समर्थौ सहितौ यन् माम् न अपेक्षेते परम् तपौ |

“There is no doubt that I had done some big impure act, for which reason those two brothers Rama and Lakshmana, who torment the enemies, even though capable, are not paying attention to me.”

23. kimchit = some; mahat = great; duSkR^itam = impure act; asti = was there; mamaiva = on my part; na samshayaH = there is no doubt; yat = for which reason; tau = those two brothers; Rama and Lakshmana; param tapau = who torment the enemies; samarthaavapi = eventhough capable; na avekSate = are not paying attention; maam = to me.

Verse 24

वैदेह्या वचनम् श्रुत्वा करुणम् साश्रु भाषितम् || ५-६७-२४
पुनः अपि अहम् आर्याम् ताम् इदम् वचनम् अब्रुवम् |

Hearing the miserable words of Seetha spoken with tears, I again spoke to that venerable Seetha the following words:

24. shrutvaa = hearing; karuNam = the miserable; vachanam = words; vaidehyaaH = of Seetha; saashru bhaaSitam = spoken with tears; aham = I; punaH api = again; abruvam = spoke; taam aaryaam = to that venerable Seetha; idam vachanam = the following words:

Verse 25

त्वत् शोक विमुखो रामो देवि सत्येन ते शपे || ५-६७-२५
रामे दुह्ख अभिभूते च लक्ष्मणः परितप्यते |

” ‘O Seetha the princess! Rama has grown indifferent because of grief born of separation from you. I swear it to you truly. Rama, being overwhelmed with grief, Lakshmana too is feeling pain.”

25. devi = O Seetha the princess!; raamaH = Rama; tvat shoka vimukhaH = has grown indifferent because of grief born of separation from you; shape = I swear; te = to you; satyena = truly; raame = Rama; duhkha abhibhuute = being overcome with grief; lakSmaNaH cha = Lakshmana too; paritapyate = is feeling pain.

Verse 26

कथंचित् भवती दृष्टा न कालः परिशोचितुम् || ५-६७-२६
अस्मिन्मुहूर्तम् दुह्खानाम् अन्तम् द्रक्ष्यसि भामिनि |

” ‘O faultless one! You can give now, a token of recollection, which Rama can recognize and which can beget happiness to him.”

26. anindite = O faultless one!; bhavatii = you; dR^iSTaa = have been seen; kathamchit = somehow; na kaalam = this is not time; devitum = to lament; drakSyasi = you will see; antam = the end; duhkhaanaam = of your sorrows; imam muhuurtam = during this very moment.

Verse 27

ताव् उभौ नर शार्दूलौ राज पुत्राव् अरिम् दमौ || ५-६७-२७
त्वत् दर्शन कृत उत्साहौ लन्काम् भस्मी करिष्यतः |

” ‘Those two princes, the foremost among men and the faultless ones are eager to see you. They can reduce Lanka to ashes’.”

27. ubhau tau raja putrau = those two princes; nara shaarduulau = the foremost among men; aninditau = and the faultless ones; tavat darshana kR^ita utsaahau = who are eager to see you; laN^kaam bhasmii kariSyataH = can reduce Lanka to ashes.

Verse 28

हत्वा च समरे रौद्रम् रावणम् सह बान्धवम् || ५-६७-२८
राघवः त्वाम् महाबाहुः स्वाम् पुरीम् नयते ध्रुवम् |

” ‘O lady with charming hips! Killing the terrific Ravana together with his relatives in battle, Rama will certainly take you to his City of Ayodhya’.”

28. varaarohe = O lady with charming hips!; hatvaa cha = killing; rondram = the terrific; raavaNam = Ravana; saha baandhavam = together with his relatives; samare = in battle; raaghavaH = Rama; nayate = will take; tvaam = you; svaam puriim = to his City of Ayodhya; dhruvam = It is certain.

Verse 29

यत् तु रामो विजानीयात् अभिज्ञानम् अनिन्दिते || ५-६७-२९
प्रीति सम्जननम् तस्य प्रदातुम् तत्त्वम् अर्हसि |

” ‘O faultless one! You can give now, a token of recollection, which Rama can recognize and which can beget happiness to him.”

29. anindite = O faultless one!; tvam = you; arhasi = ought; daatum = to give; iha = now; abhiJNaanam = a token of recollection; yat = which; raamaH = Rama; vijaaniiyaat = can recognize; priiti samjananam = and which can beget happiness; tasya = to him.

Verse 30

सा अभिवीक्ष्य दिशः सर्वा वेणि उद्ग्रथनम् उत्तमम् || ५-६७-३०
मुक्त्वा वस्त्रात् ददौ मह्यम् मणिम् एतम् महाबल |

“O mighty Rama! Having surveyed all the directions and having untied from the end of her garment, this excellent jewel which was being strung together in her hair that Seetha gave it to me.”

30. mahaabala = O mighty Rama!; abhiviikSya = having surveyed; sarvaaH = all; dishaH = the directions; muktvaa = and untying; vastraat = from the end of her garment; etam uttamam maNim = this excellent jewel; veNudgrathitam = which was being strung together in her hair; saa = the Seetha; dadau = gave it; mahyam = to me.

Verse 31

प्रतिगृह्य मणिम् दिव्यम् तव हेतो रघु उत्तम || ५-६७-३१
शिरसा सम्प्रणम्य एनाम् अहम् आगमने त्वरे |

“O Rama! Taking that wonderful jewel for your sake from her, and offering my salutation by bowing my head to that venerable Seetha, I was seized with a haste to come back.”

31. raghuudvaha = O Rama!; pratigR^ihya = taking; divyam maNim = that wonderful jewel; tava hetoH = for your sake; praNamya = and offering my salutation; shirasaa = by bowing my head; aaryaam taam = to that venerable Seetha; aham = I; tvare = was seized with a haste; aagamane = to come back.

Verse 32

गमने च कृत उत्साहम् अवेक्ष्य वर वर्णिनी || ५-६७-३२
विवर्धमानम् च हि माम् उवाच जनक आत्मजा |

“Seeing me who was in a hurry to come back and augmenting my body abundantly, Seetha having a beautiful complexion spoke to me.”

32. avekSya = seeing; maam = me; kR^ita utsaaham = who was in a hurry; gamane = to come back; vivardhamaanam cha = and augmenting my body abundantly; jaanaka atmajaa = Seetha; varavarNinii = having a beautiful complexion; uvaacha = spoke.

Verse 33

अश्रु पूर्ण मुखी दीना बाष्प संदिग्ध भाषिणी || ५-६७-३३
ममोत्पतनसम्ब्रान्ता शोकवेगसमाहता |

“With her eyes filled with tears, looking miserable, with her words ambiguously coming out of her coked throat, bewildered as she was, at the though of my flying away and afflicted with a gush of grief; (she spoke to me as follows):

33. ashru puurNa mukhii = with her eyes filled with tears; diinaa = looking miserable; baSpa samdigdha bhaaSiNii = with ambiguous words coming out of her choked throat; mama utpatana sambhraantaa = bewildered as she was that I was going to fly away; (she spoke to me as follows); shokavega samaahataa = afflicted with a gush a grief.

Verse 34

हनुमन् सिम्ह सम्काशौ ताव् उभौ राम लक्ष्मणौ || ५-६७-३४
सुग्रीवम् च सह अमात्यम् सर्वान् ब्रूया अनामयम् |

“O Hanuma! Inquire those two brothers Rama and Lakshmana looking like lions, Sugreeva together with his ministers and all others about their welfare.”

34. hanumaan = O Hanuma!; bruuyaaH = ask; tau ubhau raama lakSmaNau = those two brothers; Rama and Lakshmana; sugriivam cha = Sugreeva; saha amaatyam = together with his ministers; sarvaan = and all others; anaamayam = about their well-being.

Verse 35,36 & 37

यथा च स महाबाहुः माम् तारयति राघवः |
अस्मात् दुह्ख अम्बु सम्रोधात् तत् समाधातुम् अर्हसि || ५-६७-३५
इमम् च तीव्रम् मम शोक वेगम् |
रक्षोभिः एभिः परिभर्त्सनम् च |
ब्रूयाः तु रामस्य गतः समीपम् |
शिवः च ते अध्वा अस्तु हरि प्रवीर || ५-६७-३६
एतत् तव आर्या नृप राज सिम्ह |
सीता वचः प्राह विषाद पूर्वम् |
एतच् च बुद्ध्वा गदितम् मया त्वम् |
श्रद्धत्स्व सीताम् कुशलाम् समग्राम् || ५-६७-३७

” ‘You ought to clear up difficulties for that mighty armed Rama, so that he can help me to cross this ocean of sorrow. O best of heroes among monkeys! Approaching Rama, tell this horrible gush of my grief and the threats of these female-demons. Have a happy journey!’ “O illustrious princes, the protector of men! The venerable Seetha filled with sorrow spoke these words to be conveyed to you. Comprehending this matter spoken by me, believe that Seetha is completely safe.”

35. tvam = you; arhasi = ought; samaadhaatum = to clear up difficulties; saH mahaabaahuH ramaH = for that mighty armed Rama; yathaa taarayati = so that he can help me to cross; asmaat = this; duHkhaambusamrodhaat = ocean of sorrow; haripraviira = O best of heroes among monkeys!; gataH = having one; raamasya samiipam = to the vicinity of Rama; bruuyaaH = tell; mama = my; imam = this; tiivram = horrible; shokavegam = gush of grief; paribhartsanamcha = and the threatening; ebhiH rakSobhiH = by these female-demons; adhvaa = (let) your trave; astu = be; shivaH = happy; nR^iparaaja simha = O illustrious prince; the protector of men!; aaryaa = the venerable; siitaa = Seetha; viSaadapuurvam = filled with sorrow; aaha = spoke; tava = to you; etatvachaH = these words; buddhvaa = understanding; etat = this matter; yatitam = spoken mayaa by me; shraddhatsva = believe; siitaam = Seetha; samagraam = is completely; kushalaam = safe.