Valmiki Ramayana: The Book of Wilderness by Valmiki

Author:Valmiki
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9788184753530
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2000-10-13T16:00:00+00:00

Eight

Finally, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa arrived at lotus-covered Pampā, but Rāma was still depressed. Even though a tremor of delight ran through his body when he saw Pampā, he found that his thoughts turned to his beloved.

‘Ah, Lakṣmaṇa! How beautiful these trees are that surround Pampā,’ he said. ‘They are as tall as the mountains, their heights as dazzling as mountain peaks! I am already grieving over Bharata’s sadness and Sītā’s abduction and I find that this lovely place makes me even more unhappy. This gentle breeze! This season! The mind turns to thoughts of love, Lakṣmaṇa! The spring air is fragrant and all the trees burst forth in fruits and flowers. Look at how the woods bloom! The wind scatters flowers all over the ground and the trees shower blossoms like clouds shower rain! But this same breeze can be gentle and soothe us with its touch, cool and fragrant as sandalpaste!

‘The spring-time air, filled as it is with the songs of birds, sharpens my sorrow at the separation from Sītā. My body is consumed by passion and the koel mocks me with its happy song! And that bird that calls from near the waterfall! It fills me with sadness, for I am caught in the grip of passion! I am already so oppressed by my grief, yet doe-eyed Sītā torments me further with her absence, like this cruel breeze. The peahen who walks with her mate on the hillside overwhelms me with emotion.

‘Ah! My sweet-voiced beloved must be suffering as much as I am! The cool, gentle breezes burn me like a fire, they make me think of my beloved Sītā. These birds that brought me the news of Sītā’s abduction should lead me to her now. When I look at the petals on the blossoming lotus buds, I think of Sītā’s eyes. The breeze that has brushed against flowers as it comes through the trees reminds me of Sītā’s sweet breath!’

Thus did Rāma lament as he and Lakṣmaṇa looked everywhere for Sītā, even inside caves and behind waterfalls, and his heart grew heavier with sorrow and despair.

Sugrīva saw those two mighty heroes as they approached the vicinity of the Ṛṣyamūka mountain and his mind was filled with dread. He noticed that the brothers were well-armed and that made him very suspicious. Deeply disturbed, he looked around him but could not find a place to hide. Keeping an eye on the heroes, he found that he was restless, unable to sit in one place or decide what to do, and fear gripped his heart. Agitated and confused, Sugrīva discussed the matter with his companions and explained to them why he was so frightened.

‘Those two men have definitely been sent here by Vālī to spy on us! They are wearing these rough clothes and wandering in the forests just to hide their identity!’

Sugrīva’s companions looked at Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa armed with their bows and arrows and fled to another peak. There, they gathered around their leader, the best of monkeys,

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