Rama the Steadfast by Valmiki

Author:Valmiki
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780141960296
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, Inc.
Published: 2009-12-08T00:00:00+00:00

Yellow-eyed, he stood before mighty Rāvana; he who makes [48.1–3] the world roar looked at him and flew into a great rage. The king’s eyes were copper-coloured with rage as he addressed his excellent counsellor Prahasta with ominous, weighty words that went straight to the point: ‘Interrogate this evil creature about his origin, his business and what he means by destroying the grove and threatening the rāksasīs.’

When he heard Rāvaa’s instructions, Prahasta made a [48.4–9] speech. ‘Be reassured, honoured sir; monkey, you have no need to feel alarm. Even if it be Indra who has sent you to Rāvaa’s abode, you can declare the truth. Fear not, vānara; you will be released. Whether you be sent in this goodly guise to this our city by Vaiśravaa, Yama or Varuna, or even as an envoy from victory-wishful Visu – for your vānara appearance is belied by your preter-vānara powers – vānara, give an immediate accurate account and you will be released (albeit that utterance of a falsehood will forfeit your life), in particular an account of your purpose in penetrating Rāvaa’s abode.’

In reply the excellent ape told the rāksasa commander-in- [48.10–16] chief: ‘I do not come from Sakra, Yama or Varuna; I have made no alliance with wealth-bestowing Vaiśravaa, and I have not been dispatched by Visu. I come here as a vānara; that is my true race. Admittance to the rāksasa lord’s presence is difficult to obtain, so I destroyed the grove to secure an audience with the rāksasa king. Then these mighty rāksasas arrived spoiling for a fight and in sheer self-defence I had to engage them in combat. Not even gods or anti-gods can bind me with their missiles or fetters; this is a boon I was granted by the Grand Father. In my wish to see the king I submitted to the force of a missile; the missile could not hold me but I submit to the rāksasas’ force. Let it be known that I am the envoy of the Rāghava of measureless might, and let my lord listen to my salutary message.’

[49.1–34] The ten-faced king’s spirit was roused, but with spirit unruffled the excellent ape fixed him with his gaze and made a speech of great significance. ‘Lord of the rāksasas, I am here at your court by order of Sugrīva. The Lord of Apes sends you fraternal greetings. Hear the advice of your brother monarch, the noble Sugrīva; his words are rooted in right and in expedience, apt both here and in the hereafter. There was a king named Daśaratha, rich in chariots, elephants and steeds. To the world he was like the father of a family, in radiance he was equal to the Lord of the gods. Pleasure flowed from his regal, powerful eldest son, but at his father’s command he left to enter Dadaka Forest; the path of righteousness was his refuge, in company with his brother Laksmana and his wife Sītā too. Rāma is his name, and great is his glory. Sītā his wife, daughter of noble Janaka, king of Videha, was devoted to her husband.

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