Introduction

Kabandha captures Rama and Lakshmana while they are searching forests for Seetha. In the meantime, a demoness named Ayomukhi wanted to romance with Lakshmana, but Lakshmana cuts her ear and nose and chases away. The episode of Kabandha has a turning point in the epic.

Verse 1

कृत्वा एवम् उदकम् तस्मै प्रस्थितौ राघवौ तदा |
अवेक्षन्तौ वने सीताम् जग्मतुः पश्चिमाम् दिशम् || ३-६९-१

In this way, Raghava-s on offering water oblations to Jataayu went southwestward in the forest and proceeded looking around for Seetha. [3-69-1]

1. evam = in this way; raaghavau = Raghava-s; tasmai udakam kR^itvaa = to him – to Jataayu, water [oblations,] on making [on offering]; prasthitau = [again] started; tadaa = then; pashcimaam disham = westerly, direction [south-westward]; vane = in forest; siitaam avekSantau = for Seetha, looking for; jagmatuH = proceeded.

Verse 2

ताम् दिशम् दक्षिणाम् गत्वा शर चाप असि धारिणौ |
अविप्रहतम् ऐक्ष्वाकौ पन्थानम् प्रतिपेदतुः || ३-६९-२

On going in southwest direction, both the Ikshvaku-s wielding bows, arrows, and swords, have come about a pathway which is an off the beaten track. [3-69-2]

2. shara caapa asi dhaariNau = arrows, bows, swords, handling [wielding ones]; aikSvaakau = two Ikshvaku-s; taam disham dakSiNaam = in that, direction, southern; gatvaa = on going; a vi pra hatam = not, verily, regularly, beaten [off the beaten track]; panthaanam = a pathway; pratipedatuH = came about.

Verse 3

गुल्मैः वृक्षैः च बहुभिः लताभिः च प्रवेष्टितम् |
आवृतम् सर्वतो दुर्गम् गहनम् घोर दर्शनम् || ३-६९-३

That pathway is thickly wrapped in and penned up with numerous trees, climber plants, and hedgerows from all over, thus that is jammed, blocked and horrid in its appearance. [3-69-3]

3. bahubhiH = with numerous; gulmaiH vR^ikSaiH ca [panthaa] = with hedgerows, trees, also [that pathway]; lataabhiH ca = with climber plants; pra veSTitam = thickly wrapped; sarvataH aavR^itam = all over, penned in; dur gam = impossible, to tread [blocked]; gahanam = jammed; ghora darshanam = horrid, in appearance – such a pathways they have seen.

Verse 4

व्यतिक्रम्य तु वेगेन गृहीत्वा दक्षिणाम् दिशम् |
सु भीमम् तन् महाअरण्यम् व्यतियातौ महाबलौ || ३-६९-४

On taking up the southern direction, and on crossing over that highly horrendous and thick of the forest, both those spryly energetic brothers moved ahead, speedily. [3-69-4]

4. mahaabalau = spryly energetic twosome [bothers]; gR^ihiitvaa dakSiNaam disham = on taking up, southern, direction; su bhiimam tat mahaa araNyam = highly horrendous, that, thick, forest; vegena = speedily; vyatikramya [vi ati kram = verily, over, crossed] tu = crossed over, but; vyatiyaatau [vi ati yaatau = really, ahead, moved] = crossed over.

Verse 5

ततः परम् जनस्थानात् त्रि क्रोशम् गम्य राघवौ |
क्रौंच अरण्यम् विविशतुः गहनम् तौ महौजसौ || ३-६९-५

Thereafter, both the highly vigorous Raghava-s have entered the impassable Kraunca forest, on going three krosa-s from Janasthaana. [3-69-5]

5. tataH param = there, after; mahaa ojasau tau raaghavau = highly, vigorous, those two, Raghava-s; janasthaanaat = from Janasthaana; tri krosham = three, krosa-s; gamya = on going; gahanam kraunca araNyam vivishatuH = impassable, Kraunca, forest, entered.

Verse 6 & 7

नाना मेघ घन प्रख्यम् प्रहृष्टम् इव सर्वतः |
नाना वर्णैः शुभैः पुष्पैः मृग पक्षि गणैः युतम् || ३-६९-६
दिदृक्षमाणौ वैदेहीम् तत् वनम् तौ विचिक्यतुः |
तत्र तत्र अवतिष्ठन्तौ सीता हरण दुःखितौ || ३-६९-७

Those two brothers who are disquieted by the abduction of Seetha are now agog to find her, and they intently explored that forest temporising there and there. That forest is evocative of a congeries of many a black-cloud, and it embodies numerous flowers on many a flowered tree, numerous flights of birds flitting over them, and numerous animals sprawling under them, and with them that forest is as though highly rejoiced everywhere. [3-69-6, 7]

6-7. siitaa haraNa duHkhitau = by Seetha’s, stealing, disquieted ones; tau = those two [brothers]; vaidehiim = for Vaidehi; didR^ikSamaaNau = agog to find; tatra tatra = there, there; ava tiSThantau = back, standing [temporizing]; naanaa megha ghana prakhyam = many, black-cloud, congeries, known to be [evocative of]; sarvataH = everywhere; pra hR^iSTam iva = highly, rejoiced, as though – forest, it is happy for being a secluded forest; naanaa varNaiH shubhaiH = numerous, colourful, auspicious ones; puSpaiH = with flowers; pakSi gaNaiH = with birds, flights of; mR^iga = animals; yutam = having [inclusive of]; tat vanam = that, forest; vi cikyatuH = intently, explored.

Verse 8, 9 & 10

ततः पूर्वेण तौ गत्वा त्रि क्रोसम् भ्रातरु तदा |
क्रौंचारण्यम् अतिक्रम्य मातंग आश्रम अंतरा || ३-६९-८
दृष्टा तु तद् वनम् घोरम् बहु भीम मृग द्विजम् |
नाना वृक्ष समाकीर्णम् सर्वम् गहन पादपम् || ३-६९-९
ददृशाः ते गिरौ तत्र दरीम् डशरथ आत्मजौ |
पाताल सम गम्भीराम् तमसा नित्य संवृताम् || ३-६९-१०

Then, both the brothers on passing over that Kraunca forest and on going from there eastwardly on a three-krosha route, those sons of Dasharatha have seen a horrendous forest in between Kraunca forest and Matanga hermitage, which is overspread with various thicketed and impassable trees, and over-sprawled by numerous gigantic predators and vulturine birds, and on scrutinising such a forest everywhere, there they saw a cave in a mountain, which is abyssal, equal to infernal region, and ever enshrouded by gloom. [3-69-8. 9, 10]

8, 9, 10. tadaa = then; bhraataru = both brothers; tau = those two; dasharratha aatmajau = Dasharatha’s sons; tataH = therefrom; puurveNa = eastward; tri krosam = three, krosha-s [route]; gatvaa = on going; kraunca araNyam atikramya = Kraunca, forest, on passing over; maatanga aashrama antaraa = Matanga, hermitage, in between; ghoram = horrendous; bahu = numerous; bhiima mR^iga dvijam = gigantic, predators, vulturine birds [sprawling]; naanaa vR^iksha sam aakiirNam = with various, trees, overspread; gahana paadapam = impassable, by its [thicketed] trees; sarvam = everywhere; tat vanam = that, forest; dR^iSTaa = on seeing [on scrutinising]; tatra = there; girau = in a mountain; paataala sama = infernal region, equal to; gambhiiraam = abyssal; tamasaa nitya samvR^itaam = by gloom, ever, enshrouded; dariim = at a cave; dadR^ishaaH te = saw, they.

Verse 11

आसाद्य च नरव्याघ्रौ दर्याः तस्या अविदूरतः |
ददर्श तु महारूपाम् रक्षसीम् विकृत आननाम् || ३-६९-११

On getting at that cave those manly-tigers have seen a demoness nearby that cave, who is massive in shape and misshapen in her face. [3-69-11]

11. naravyaaghrau = manly-tigers; aasaadya = on getting at; tasyaaH daryaaH = of that, cave; a vi duurataH = not, very, far from it [nearby]; mahaa ruupaam = with massive, in shape; vi kR^ita aananaam = anti, made, faced [misshapen faced]; rakshasiim = at a demoness; dadarsha = they have seen.

Verse 12 & 13

भयदाम् अल्प सत्त्वानाम् भीभत्साम् रौद्र दर्शनाम् |
लंबोदरीम् तीक्ष्ण दंष्ट्राम् करालीम् परुष त्वचम् || ३-६९-१२
भक्षयन्तीम् मृगान् भीमान् विकटाम् मुक्त मूर्धजाम् |
अवैक्षताम् तु तौ तत्र भ्रातरौ राम लक्ष्मणौ || ३-६९-१३

Both the brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, have seen a demoness there, who is an inducer of horror to the dunderheaded dullards, traumatic in her acts and truculent in her appearance, pot-bellied, pierce-fanged, overblown, pachydermatous, head hair shaggy, body shape lumpy-bumpy, and she is going on eating massive beasts. [3-69-12, 13]

12-13. tataH = then; bhraatarau tau raama lakshmaNau = brothers, those, Rama, Lakshmana; alpa sattvaanaam bhaya daam = to less, courageous ones [dunderheaded dullards,] horror, giver [inducer]; bhiibhatsaam = traumatic [in her acts]; raudra darshanaam = truculent, in appearance; lamba udariim = long, stomach [paunchy, pot-bellied]; tiikshNa damSTraam = pierce, fanged; karaaliim = huge [overblown, i.e., of a woman’s beauty etc., past its prime, an oldie]; paruSa tvacam = thick, skinned [pachydermatous]; bhiimaan mR^igaan bhakshayantiim = massive, beasts, she who is going on eating; vi kaTaam = disfigured, waisted [lumpy-bumpy in body shape]; mukta muurdha jam = release, head, born [head hair shaggy]; such a demoness; tatra = there; avaikshataam = they have seen.

Verse 14

सा समासाद्य तौ वीरौ व्रजन्तम् भ्रातुः अग्रतः |
एहि रंस्यावहे इति उक्त्वा समालंबत लक्ष्मणम् || ३-६९-१४

Drawing nigh of those valorous brothers who are journeying on their way, that demoness actually clung onto Lakshmana who is going ahead of his elder brother, saying, “come… let’s romance…” [3-69-14]

14. saa = she; viirau tau = valorous duo, them; samaasaadya = on coming nigh of; ehi ramsyaavahe = come, let us romance; iti uktvaa = thus, on saying; bhraatuH agrataH vrajantam = [elder] brother, ahead of, who is going; lakshmaNam = onto Lakshmana; sam aalambata = well, clung – to him.

Verse 15 & 16

उवाच च एनम् वचनम् सौमित्रिम् उपगुह्य सा |
अहम् तु अयोमुखी नाम लाभः ते त्वम् असि प्रियः || ३-६९-१५
नाथ पर्वत दुर्गेषु नदीनाम् पुलिनेषु च |
आयुः चिरम् इदम् वीर त्वम् मया सह रंस्यसे || ३-६९-१६

Closeting Soumitri in her embrace she told him this sentence, “I am Ayomukhi, by my name… you won me by your heroic personality, by that way, none can win me over… thus, you alone are my lover… oh, hero, oh, my husband… you will romance with me on mountaintops, in rivers, and on sandy isles, till the end of this life…” So is the love prattle of that demoness Ayomukhi. [3-69-15, 16]

15-16. saa = she; saumitrim = Soumitri is; upa guhya = nearly, concealed [on completely closeting him in her embrace]; enam = to him; vacanam uvaaca ca = sentence, told, also; aham tu ayomukhii naama = I am, on my part, Ayomukhi, named one; te laabhaH = by you, I am gained [won]; tvam priyaH asi = you [alone,] [my] lover, you are; viira = oh, hero; naatha = oh, [my] husband; tvam maya saha = you, me, along with; idam aayuH ciram = this, life, long [till the end of this life]; parvata durgeSu = on mountain, tops; nadiinaam = in rivers; pulineSu ca = in sandy isles / banks, also; ramsyase = you romance.

Verse 17

एवम् उक्तः तु कुपितः खडगम् उद्धृत्य लक्ष्मणः |
कर्ण नास स्तनम् तस्या निचकर्ता अरिसूदनः || ३-६९-१७

When said that way that enemy-suppressor Lakshmana became furious, and upraising his sword he sheared off her nose, one ear, and one of her breasts. [3-69-17]

17. evam uktaH tu = that way, when he is said to; arisuudanaH = enemy-suppressor; lakshmaNaH = Lakshmana; kupitaH = he became furious; khaDagam ud dhR^itya = sword, on upraising; tasyaaH = her; karNa naasa stanam = one ear, nose, one breast; nicakartaa = sheared off.

Verse 18

कर्ण नासे निकृत्ते तु विस्वरम् विननाद सा |
यथा आगतम् प्रदुद्राव राक्षसी घोर दर्शना || ३-६९-१८

When her nose and ear are cut off that demoness of hideous mien yelled highly in a high voice, and she rushed off as she had rushed in at Lakshmana. [3-69-18]

18. ghora darshanaa saa raakshasii = hideous, in mien, she, that demoness; karNa naase nikR^itte = ear, nose, when cut off; vi svaram = with high, voice; vi nanaada = highly, yelled; yathaa aagatam = as is, arrival [rushed at]; pra dudraava = verily, ran back [rushed off.]

Verse 19

तस्याम् गतायाम् गहनम् व्रजन्तौ वनम् ओजसा |
आसेदतुः अरि मित्र घ्नौ भ्रातरौ राम लक्ष्मणौ || ३-६९-१९

When she fled those two brothers who are the eliminators of the friends of their enemies, have travelled further into the forest and entered a dense area of that forest, with their spiritedness as their guiding force. [3-69-19]

19. tasyaam gataayaam = of her, when she fled; vrajantau bhraatarau = who are travelling, brothers; ari mitra ghnau = enemy’s, friends, eliminators of; raama lakshmaNau = Rama, Lakshmana; ojasaa = by spiritedness; gahanam vanam aasedatuH = dense [area of that,] forest, arrived in – entered into.

Verse 20

लक्ष्मणः तु महातेजाः सत्त्ववान् शीलवान् शुचिः |
अब्रवीत् प्रांजलिः वाक्यम् भ्रातरम् दीप्त तेजसम् || ३-६९-२०

Though Lakshmana is the one with preparedness, properness, and pureness and thus a highly fulgent one by his persona, he prayfully said this sentence to his brother Rama whose anima is radiantly fulgorous. [3-69-20]

20. mahaa tejaaH = highly-fulgent one; sattvavaan shiilavaan shuciH = one with preparedness, properness, pureness; such; lakSmaNaH tu = Lakshmana, on his part; praanjaliH = with palm-fold [prayfully]; diipta tejasam = [one with am- radiantly fulgorous [anima]; bhraataram = to brother Rama; vaakyam abraviit = sentence, said.

Verse 21

स्पंदन्ते मे दृढम् बाहुः उद्विग्नम् इव मे मनः |
प्रायशः च अपि अनिष्टानि निमित्तानि उपलक्षये || ३-६९-२१

“My left arm is strongly shuddering and my heart is as though distraught… and even undesirable forebodings are also bidding fair… [3-69-21]

21. me baahuH dR^iDham spandante = my, [left] arm, strongly, shuddering; me manaH udvignam iva = my, heart, distraught, as though; praayashaH ca api = manifoldly, also, even; an iSTaani nimittaani = un, desirable, forebodings; upalakSaye = bidding fair.

Verse 22

तस्मात् सज्जी भव आर्य त्वम् कुरुष्व वचनम् हितम् |
मम एव हि निमित्तानि सद्यः शंसन्ति संभ्रमम् || ३-६९-२२

“Oh, exalted brother, thereby you be at the ready by paying attention to my expedient words… these forebodings are indeed portending to me as if some hazard is immediately ensuing… [3-69-22]

22. aarya = oh, exalted brother; tasmaat = thereby; tvam sajjii bhaava = you, at ready, you be; hitam vacanam kuruSva = expedient ones, my words, you make happen – mind my words; nimittaani = forebodings; sadyaH = immediately ensuing; sambhramam = [some] hazard; mama shamsanti iva hi = to me, portending, as if, indeed.

Verse 23

एष वंजुलको नाम पक्षी परम दारुणः |
आवयोः विजयम् युद्धे शंसन् इव विनर्दति || ३-६९-२३

“This eerily dreadful bird known to be Vanjulaka is loudly ululating as though presaging our triumph in any given conflict that may ensue…” So said Lakshmana to Rama. [3-69-23]

23. parama daaruNaH = eerily, dreadful one; vanjulakaH naama = Vanjulaka, known as; eSa pakSii = this, bird; yuddhe = in [any given] conflict; aavayoH = to us; vijayam = triumph; shamsan iva = presaging, as though; vi nardati = loudly, ululating.

Verse 24

तयोः अन्वेषतोः एवम् सर्वम् तत् वनम् ओजसा |
संजज्ञे विपुलः शब्दः प्रभंजन् इव तत् वनम् || ३-६९-२४

When those two brothers are searching entire forest for Seetha in that way, they heard a boisterous brouhaha emanated as though to completely shatter down that forest. [3-69-24]

24. tayoH = by them; evam = that way; sarvam tat vanam = in entirety, that, forest; ojasaa = steadfastly; anveSatoH = when they are searching [for Seetha]; tat vanam = that, forest; pra bhanjan iva = to completely, shatter down, as though; vipulaH shabdaH = broad [boisterous,] brouhaha; sam jaGYe = they clearly, noticed.

Verse 25

संवेष्टितम् इव अत्यर्थम् गहनम् मातरिश्वना |
वनस्य तस्य शब्दो अभूत् दिवम् आपूरयन् इव || ३-६९-२५

As though an unbearable windstorm muffles up the forest, that forest’s cacophony appeared to be unbearably filling up that forest.

25. gahanam [gaganam] = forest [sky]; ati artham = too, much [unbearable] ; maatarishvanaa = by wind [storm]; samveSTitam iva = muffle up, as though; tasya vanasya shabdaH = that, forest’s, sound [cacophony]; vanam [divam] = forest [sky]; [ati artham = unbearably;] aapuurayan iva abhuut = filling up, as though, became [appeared to be.]

Verse 26

तम् शब्दम् कांक्षमाणः तु रामः खड्गी सह अनुजः |
ददर्श सु महा कायम् राक्षसम् विपुल उरसम् || ३-६९-२६

But desiring to know the source of that noise that sword-wielder Rama has seen a gigantically giant-bodied and gigantesque-chested demon in a section of brushwood along with his younger brother Lakshmana. [3-69-26]

26. tam shabdam = that, noise; kaankSamaaNaH tu = desiring [to know its source,] buit; saha anujaH = with, younger brother; raamaH = Rama; khaDgii = wielding sword; [kakshe = in a section of forest – a brushwood]; su mahaa kaayam = gigantically, giant, bodied one; raakSasam = demon; vipula urasam = gigantesque, chested onel dadarsha = has seen.

Verse 27

आसेदतुः च तत् रक्षः तौ उभौ प्रमुखे स्थितम् |
विवृद्धम् अ-शिरो ग्रीवम् कबंधम् उदरे मुखम् || ३-६९-२७

Then they both had to drew nigh of a waylaying demon Kabandha, who is situated frontally with an overgrown body, which is neckless, ergo headless, ergo mouth in paunch. [3-69-27]

27. tataH = then; tau ubhau = they, both; tatra = there; sthitam = frontally, situated; tat rakshaH = that, demon; pramukhe vi vR^iddham = with overly, grown [body]; a shiraH griivam = without, head, neck – who has no neck, no head; udare mukham = in paunch, who has mouth; kabandham = at Kabandha; aasedatuH = reached – they had to drew nigh of hum because he is waylaying.

Verse 28

रोमभिर्निश्चितैस्तीक्ष्णैर्महागिरिमिवोच्छ्रितम् – यद्वा –
रोमभिः निचितैः तीक्ष्णैः महागिरिम् इव उच्छ्रितम् |
नील मेघ निभम् रौद्रम् मेघ स्तनित निःस्वनम् || ३-६९-२८

That diabolical demon is peaking like a huge mountain, his hair is horripilate and thickset, and his gleam is like a dark cloud, and his sounding is like a thunder. [3-69-28]

28. nicitaiH tiikSNaiH romabhiH = with thickset, horripilate, hairs; ucChritam mahaagirim iva = peaking, huge mountain, as with – who is like; niila megha nibham = dark, cloudlike, in gleam; raudram = diabolical; megha stanita [stana antara stanayitnu] = in cloud’s, heart [that which is contained in the heart of a cloud, namely the thunder, suchlike]; niH svanam = out, sounding.

Verse 29 & 30

अग्नि ज्वाल निकाशेन ललाटस्थेन दीप्यता |
महापक्षेण पिंगेन विपुलेन आयतेन च || ३-६९-२९
एकेन उरसि घोरेण नयनेन आशु दर्शिना |
महा दंष्ट्र उपपन्नम् तम् लेलिहानम् महा मुखम् || ३-६९-३०

Only one ochry eye blazing like the tongue of an inferno is there on his forehead, which forehead situated on his chest. That single eye with incisive and sharp-sight is broad beaming and wide angling, on which there are winglike eyelids. That monster is now licking his giant mouth that is stuffed with spearhead like fangs, as he has just finished a gobble, and the brothers had to drew nigh of such a demon. [3-69-29, 30]

29. agni jvaala nikaashena = inferno, tongue of, similar to; lalaaTasthena = situated on forehead; diipyataa = blazing [eye]; mahaa pakSeNa [pakshmeNa] = large, with [winglike] eyelids; pingena vipulena aayatena ca = ochry, broad [beaming,] wide [angled,] also; aashu darshinaa = sharp, sighted; ghoreNa = incisive [sight]; urasi = in chest; ekena = only one; nayanena = with eye; mahaa danSTra upapannam = great [spearhead like,] fangs; lelihaanam = licking [with tongue]; mahaa mukham = with giant, mouth; tam = at him – that demon; [tau ubhau = they, both; aasedatuH = drew nigh of.]

Verse 31

भक्षयंतम् महा घोरान् ऋक्ष सिम्ह मृग द्विपान् |
घोरौ भुजौ विकुर्वाणम् उभौ योजनम् आयतौ || ३-६९-३१

He is eating the highly brutal bears, lions, predators, and elephants, and he is outstretching both of his deadly arms, each of which is stretchable to a yojana distance, and the bothers neared such a demon. [3-69-31]

31. mahaa ghoraan = highly, brutal; R^ikSa simha mR^iga dvipaan = bears, lions, predators, elephants; bhakSayantam = one who is eating; yojanam aayatau = yojana [distance,] long [stretchable for a yojana]; ghorau ubhau bhujau = with deadly, both, shoulders [arms up to shoulders]; vi kurvaaNam = who is out, making [outstretching his arms]; they neared such a demon.

Verse 32 & 33a

कराभ्याम् विविधान् गृह्य ऋक्षान् पक्षि गणान् मृगान् |
आकर्षन्तम् विकर्षन्तम् अनेकान् मृग यूथपान् || ३-६९-३२
स्थितम् आवृत्य पन्थानम् तयोः भ्रात्रोः प्रपन्नयोः |

That demon stayed waylaying the pathway of both the brothers who chanced there, while he is catching bears, divers flights of birds, and numerous choicest animals of those and those herds, gripping them with both of his long-reaching hands and hauling towards his mouth at his paunch, or dropping them off if they are unpalatable, and the brothers reached nearby of such a demon. [3-69-32, 33a]

33, 34a. R^ikshaan = bears; vividhaan = divers; pakSi gaNaan = bird, flights of; mR^igaan = animals; an ekaan = not, one [numerous]; mR^iga yuuthapaan = animals, [choicest in those and those] herds; karaabhyaam gR^ihya = by both hands, on gripping; aa karSantam = in, pulling [catching in]; vi karSantam = without, pulling [hauling, or dropping them off]; prapannayoH tayoH bhraatroH = [two brothers] who chanced there, of both of those, of brothers; panthaanam aavR^itya sthitam = pathway, besieging staying [waylaying]; those two brothers reached.

Verse 33b & 34

अथ तम् समतिक्रम्य क्रोश मात्रम् ददर्शतुः || ३-६९-३३
महान्तम् दारुणम् भीमम् कबंधम् भुज संवृतम् |
कबंधम् इव संस्थानत् अति घोर प्रदशनम् || ३-६९-३४

On travelling just a krosha distance, then they have seen Kabandha, whose body is colossal, and who is heinous and hideous, and who is like living trunk fenced by its shoulders and arms, and who by his physique is very deadly in appearance. [3-69-33b, 34]

33b, 34. atha = then; sam ati kramya = well, over, treading [travelling over]; krosha maatram = krosha [2 1/4 miles,] just [before]; mahaantam = colossal bodied; daaruNam = heinous; bhiimam = hideous; bhuja samvR^itam = by shoulders [and arms,] enclosed [fenced]; samsthaanat = by his physique itself; kabandham iva = a trunk, torso, like; ati ghora pradashanam = very, deadly, in appearance; tam = him; kabandham = at Kabandha; dadarshatuH = they saw.

Verse 35

स महा बाहुः अत्यर्थम् प्रसार्य विपुलौ भुजौ |
जग्राह सहितौ एव राघवौ पीडयन् बलात् || ३-६९-३५

He that overlong-armed Kabandha outstretching his overlong arms snatched both of the Raghava-s, keeping them side-by-side in his fists, and wringing them with his might. [3-69-35]

35. mahaa baahuH saH = overlong, armed, he – that Kabandha; vipulau bhujau = broad, shouldered [arms]; atyartham prasaarya = overlong, outstretching; sahitau eva raaghavau = [keeping them in his fists] side by side, thus, Raghava-s; balaat piiDayan jagraaha = by might, by wringing, snatched them.

Verse 36

खड्गिनौ दृढ धन्वानौ तिग्म तेजौ महा भुजौ |
भ्रातरौ विवशम् प्राप्तौ कृष्यमाणौ महा बलौ || ३-६९-३६

Though they are the grapplers with swords and brandishers of unerring bows, and though outblazing is their pneuma and outstanding is their dexterity, both of those great mighty brothers lost control and had to yield themselves to that demon when he captured and dragged them. [3-69-36]

36. khaDginau = twosome with swords [though grapplers of]; dR^iDha dhanvaanau = having firm [unerring,] bows [though brandishers of]; tigma tejau = having outblazing, pneuma; mahaa bhujau = great [outstanding,] armed one [dextrous ones]; mahaa balau = great, mighty ones; bhraatarau = both brothers; kR^iSyamaaNau = while dragged; vi vasham = without, control [on themselves, yielded to demon]; praaptau = they obtained.

Verse 37 & 38a

तत्र धैर्यात् च शूराः तु राघवो न एव विव्यधे |
बाल्यात् अनाश्रयत्वात् च एव लक्ष्मणः तु अतिविव्यधे || ३-६९-३७
उवाच च विषण्णम् सन् राघवम् राघव अनुजः |

In that situation, that valiant Rama, the legatee of Raghava-s, is not verily anguished owing to his courage, but Lakshmana is very much anguished, as if he is callow and in an unsheltered state, and he that younger brother of Raghava, namely Lakshmana, also dejectedly said this to Rama, the legatee of Raghava-s. [3-69-37, 38a]

37, 38a. tatra = in that [situation]; shuuraaH raaghavaH = valiant, Rama; dhairyaat na eva vi vyadhe = by courage, not, that way, verily, anguished; lakshmaNaH tu = Lakshmana, on his part; baalyaat = by boyishness [callowly]; an aashrayatvaat ca = un, sheltered – by such a state, also; ati vi vyadhe = very, much, anguished; raaghava anujaH = Raghava’s, later born – younger brother – Lakshmana; viSaNNam san = dejectedness, he is in; raaghavam uvaaca = to Raghava, said.

Verse 38b & 39a

पश्य माम् विवशम् वीर राक्षसस्य वशम् गतम् || ३-६९-३८
मया एकन तु निर्युक्तः परिमुच्यस्व राघव |

“Oh, valiant brother, see me, who am out of control on my inner-self, and gone into the control of the demon… oh, Raghava, you leave me and get yourself released from the grip of the demon… [3-69-38b, 39a]

38b-39a. viira = oh, valiant brother; vi vasham = one without, inner-self-control; raakshasasya vasham gatam = demon’s, control, gone into; maam pashya = me, you see; Raaghava = oh, Raghava; ekana mayaa tu = by one, me, but; nir yuktaH = without, having; pari mucyasva = completely, release yourself [by me left, I will leave you, or, you leave me to get yourself released.]

Verse 39b & 40a

माम् हि भूत बलिम् दत्त्वा पलास्व यथा सुखम् || ३-६९-३९
अधिगंता असि वैदेहीम् अचिरेण इति मे मतिः |

“Indeed offer me as an offering to this quiddity, and you seek safety at your pleasure… and you will reach Vaidehi shortly… this is my belief… [3-69-39b, 40a]

39b, 40a. maam = me; bhuuta balim dattvaa hi = to [this] quiddity, as offering, on offering, indeed; yathaa sukham = as per, your pleasure; palaayasva = seek safety; vaidehiim = at Vaidehi; a cireNa = not, long after [shortly]; adhigantaa asi = reach out, you will; iti me matiH = this, my, belief.

Verse 40b & 41

प्रति लभ्य च काकुत्स्थ पितॄ पैतामहम् महीम् || ३-६९-४०
तत्र माम् राम राज्यस्थः स्मर्तुम् अर्हसि सर्वदा |

“Oh, Kakutstha, on regaining the kingdom of our father and forefathers, and when enthroned, oh, Rama, it will be apt of you to reminisce me always…” So said Lakshmana to Rama. [3-69-40b, 41a]

40b, 41. kaakutstha = oh, Kakutstha; raama = oh, Rama; pitR^i paitaamaham mahiim = father’s, forefather’s, [father] land [kingdom]; prati labhya ca = in turn, on gaining, also; tatra raajyasthaH = there, established in kingdom [enthroned]; sarvadaa = always; maam smartum arhasi = me, to think of, apt of you.

Verse 41b & 42a

लक्ष्मणेन एवम् उक्तः तु रामः सौमित्रिम् अब्रवीत् || ३-६९-४१
मा स्म त्रासम् वृथा वीर न हि त्वा दृक् विषीदति |

But when Lakshmana said that way, Rama said to Soumitri, “Fret not thyself, futilely… oh, brave one, your king of persons will not get dismayed, futilely… [3-69-41b, 42a]

41b, 42a. lakshmaNena evam uktaH = by Lakshmana, that way, said; raamaH saumitrim abraviit = Rama, to Soumitri, said; viira = oh, brave one; vR^ithaa = futilely; traasam maa sma = fretful, let not, you be – don’t fear; tvaa dR^ik = your, sort [of a person]; na viSiidati hi = not, gets dismayed, indeed.

Verse 42b & 43a

एतस्मिन् अन्तरे क्रूरो भ्रातरौ राम लक्ष्मणौ || ३-६९-४२
तौ उवाच महाबाहुः कबन्धो दानव उत्तमः |

In the meantime, that ruthless, log-armed, fiercest demon Kabandha thunderously asked those brothers, Rama and Lakshmana. [3-69-42b, 43a]

42a, 43b. etasmin antare = in this, meantime; kruuraH daanava uttamaH mahaa baahuH kabandhaH = ruthless, demon, best [fiercest one,] long-armed, Kabandha; bhraatarau tau raama lakshmaNau = to brothers, to them, to Rama, Lakshmana; [ghana nirghoSaH = having thunderous voice]; uvaaca = said [asked after.]

Verse 43b & 44a

कौ युवाम् वृषभ स्कन्धौ महा खड्ग धनुर् धरौ || ३-६९-४३
घोरम् देशम् इमम् प्राप्तौ दैवेन मम चाक्षुषौ |

“Who are you two? Your shoulders are akin to the bull-humps, and you are shouldering longbows and brandishing broad swords, how have you come about this province? For god’s sake, I come across my most dainty morsel… [3-69-43b, 44a]

43b, 44a. vR^iSabha skandhau = bullish [nape of neck – like that of bull,] shouldered; mahaa = broad / long; khaDga dhanuH dharau = sword, bow, handling [brandishing]; ghoram imam desham praaptau = deadly, province, this one, who came across; yuvaam kau = you two are, who; daivena mama caakshuSau = for god’s sake, by my, eyes front; [Chaukambha Version: bhakshau anuttamau = food, unexcelled – most dainty morsel; Eastern Version: bhakshaa upasthitau = as food, staying before; as readymade food.]

Verse 44b & 45a

वदतम् कार्यम् इह वाम् किम् अर्थम् च आगतौ युवाम् || ३-६९-४४
इमम् देशम् अनुप्राप्तौ क्षुधा आर्तस्य इह तिष्ठतः |

“What business you have here, and for which reason you have come here… you chanced for me who am sitting here and painfully ravenous… [3-69-44b, 45a]

44b, 45a. iha vaam [kim,] kaaryam = here, to you, [what,] business; vadatam = that may be said; yuvaam kim artham aagatau = you, for what, reason, arrived; kSudhaa aartasya = by hunger [ravenously,] painful; iha tiSThataH = here, sitting; for me; imam desham anupraaptau = to this, province, you chanced.

Verse 45b & 46a

स बाण चाप खड्गौ च तीक्ष्ण शृंगौ इव ऋषभौ || ३-६९-४५
मम तूर्णम् उपसंप्राप्तौ दुर्लभम् जीवितम् वाम् |

“Though you are with arrows, bows and swords, and though you are like bulls with sharp horns ready to gore… but they are all a waste, as your life has readily become ungainful on reaching nigh of my sight and arms…” So said Kabandha, in his arrogant tone. [3-69-45b, 46a]

45b, 46a. sa baaNa caapa khaDgau ca = with, arrows, bows, swords, also; tiikSNa shR^ingau R^iSabhau iva = sharp, horned, bulls like[you are like bulls with sharp horns]; mama = my; upa sam praaptau = to nigh, well, on reaching; vaam jiivitam = to you, life; tuurNam dur labham = readily, [became] un, gainful.

Verse 46b & 47a

तस्य तत् वचनम् श्रुत्वा कबंधस्य दुरात्मनः || ३-६९-४६
उवाच लक्ष्मणम् रामो मुखेन परिशुष्यता |

On hearing that sentence of that vile-souled Kabandha, Rama said this to Lakshmana with a wilted face. [3-69-46b, 47a]

46b, 47a. duraatmanaH tasya kabandhasya = vile-souled one, of that, Kabandha’s; tat vacanam shrutvaa = his, that, sentence, on hearing; raamaH parishuSyataa mukhena = Rama, with a drying, face; lakSmaNam uvaaca = to Lakshmana, said [this.]

Verse 47b & 48a

कृच्छ्रात् कृच्छ्रतरम् प्राप्य दारुणम् सत्य विक्रम || ३-६९-४७
व्यसनम् जीवित अन्ताय प्राप्तम् अप्राप्य ताम् प्रियाम् |

“Oh, truth-valiant Lakshmana, now coming to pass is a worst catastrophe, after a worse catastrophe, after a catastrophe…namely, the expiration at the hands of this demon presently, and the expropriation of Seetha previously, and the expulsion from kingship, still previously… nonetheless, without coming across that ladylove, this disastrous despair of ending our lives is coming about… [3-69-47b, 48a]

47b, 48a. satya vikrama = oh, truth-valiant Lakshmana; kR^icChraat = catastrophe after; kR^icChra taram = catastrophe, worse; praapya = having obtained; priyaam taam = ladylove, her; a praapya = without, come across; jiivita antaaya = for life, ending; daaruNam = disastrous; vyasanam = despair; praaptam = came off.

Verse 48b & 49a

कालस्य सुमहत् वीर्यम् सर्व भूतेषु लक्ष्मण || ३-६९-४८
त्वाम् च माम् च नरव्याघ्र व्यसनैः पश्य मोहितौ |

“Oh, Lakshmana, the efficacy of Time is preponderant and proportional among all beings… oh, manly-tiger, why generalisation… see, as to how yourself and even myself are entangled in the tangles of life, even though we assert ourselves to be brave and best… [3-69-48b, 49a]

48b, 49a. naravyaaghra = oh, manly-tiger; lakSmaNa = oh, Lakshmana; sarva bhuuteSu = among all, beings; kaalasya viiryam su mahat = Time’s, efficacy, is pre, ponderant; vyasanaiH = by tangles [of life]; mohitau = who are entangled; tvaam ca = yourself, too; maam ca = myself, also; pashya = see [at ourselves.

Verse 49b & 50

न हि भारो अस्ति दैवस्य सर्व भुतेषु लक्ष्मण || ३-६९-४९
शूराः च बलवंतः च कृत अस्त्राः च रण आजिरे |
काल अभिपन्नाः सीदन्ति यथा वालुक सेतवः || ३-६९-५०

Oh, Lakshmana, to show its impact on each and every being Time, or God is unencumbered and unremitting… may he be a brave one or a brawny one… or, may they be those that have perfected their missilery… when Time chances their nigh, they have to founder… as with a sandy levee… [3-69-49b, 50]

49b, 50. lakSmaNa = oh, Lakshmana; [kaalasya] daivasya = [Time] for God; sarva bhuteSu = on all [each and every,] beings [to show its impact]; bhaaraH = encumbrance; na asti = not, there [unencumbered]; shuuraaH ca = brave ones, also; balavantaH ca = brawny one, also; raNa aajire = on battle, fields; kR^ita astraaH ca = those that have perfected, their missilery; kaala abhi pannaaH = Time, nigh, on chancing; siidanti = they founder; vaaluka setavaH yathaa = sand, levee, as with.

Verse 51

इति ब्रुवाणो दृढ सत्य विक्रमो
महायशा दाशरथिः प्रतापवान् |
अवेक्ष्य सौमित्रिम् उदग्र विक्रमम्
स्थिराम् तदा स्वाम् मतिम् आत्मना अकरोत् || ३-६९-५१

Rama being the son of Dasharatha is an indomitable one, besides, a firmly and factually valorous one, by which he earned a great renown, and he on telling thus, and on looking over that recalcitrantly vengeful Soumitri, then Rama readied himself by his own steadied thinking. [3-69-51]

51. dR^iDha satya vikramaH = firmly, factually, valorous Rama; mahaayashaa = [by which he earned] great renown; prataapavaan = indomitable one [for he is]; daasharathiH = Dasharatha’s son; iti bruvaaNaH = thus, telling; udagra vikramam = uprisen [recalcitrantly] vengeful; saumitrim avekSya = at Soumitri, on looking over; tadaa svaam = then, his own; sthiraam matim = steadied, thinking; aatmanaa akarot = by himself, has done [he readied himself.]