Sundarkand Path — Full Lyrics with Meaning

Verse 1

Shantam shashvatamaprameyamanagham nirvanashantipradam Brahmashambhuphanindrasevyamanisham vedantavedyam vibhum | Ramakhyam jagadishvaram suragurum mayamanushyam harim Vandeham karunakaram raghuvaram bhupalachudamanim ||1||

I bow to Shri Ram — peaceful, eternal, beyond measure and free of all sin, served by Brahma, Shiv and Sheshnag and known through Vedanta. He is Hari who took a human form, the ocean of mercy and the crown jewel of kings.

Verse 2

Nanya spriha raghupate hridayesmadiye Satyam vadami cha bhavanakhilantaratma | Bhaktim prayachchha raghupungava nirbharam me Kamadidosharahitam kuru manasam cha ||2||

O Raghunath, I tell you truly that my heart has no other wish, and you know every heart. O best of the Raghus, give me full devotion and free my mind from desire and other faults.

Verse 3

Atulitabaladhamam hemashailabhadeham Danujavanakrishanum jnaninamagraganyam | Sakalagunanidhanam vanaranamadhisham Raghupatipriyabhaktam vatajatam namami ||3||

I bow to Hanuman, son of the Wind — home of matchless strength, with a body shining like a golden mountain, a fire to the forest of demons and foremost among the wise. He is a treasury of virtues, leader of the vanaras and Ram's dear devotee.

Chaupai 1

Jamvant ke bachan suhae | Suni hanumant hriday ati bhae ||

Hearing Jambavan's encouraging words, Hanuman felt deeply pleased at heart.

Chaupai 2

Tab lagi mohi parikhehu tumh bhai | Sahi dukh kand mul phal khai ||

Hanuman said, 'Brothers, wait for me until then, bearing the hardship and living on roots and fruits.'

Chaupai 3

Jab lagi avaun sitahi dekhi | Hoihi kaju mohi harash biseshi ||

'Wait until I return after finding Sita. The task will succeed, for my heart is full of joy.'

Chaupai 4

Yah kahi nai sabanhi kahun matha | Chaleu harashi hiyan dhari raghunatha ||

Saying this, he bowed his head to everyone and set off joyfully, keeping Ram in his heart.

Chaupai 5

Sindhu tir ek bhudhar sundar | Kautuk kudi charheu ta upar ||

On the seashore stood a beautiful mountain, and Hanuman playfully leapt up onto it.

Chaupai 6

Bar bar raghubir sanbhari | Tarakeu pavanatanay bal bhari ||

Remembering Ram again and again, the son of the Wind leapt with all his mighty strength.

Chaupai 7

Jehin giri charan dei hanumanta | Chaleu so ga patal turanta ||

The mountain on which Hanuman had pressed his feet at once sank down into the netherworld.

Chaupai 8

Jimi amogh raghupati kar bana | Ehi bhanti chaleu hanumana ||

Just as Ram's unfailing arrow flies, so Hanuman sped through the sky.

Chaupai 9

Jalanidhi raghupati dut bichari | Tain mainak hohi shramahari ||

Knowing him to be Ram's messenger, the Ocean told Mount Mainak, 'Rise up and give him rest.'

Doha

Hanuman tehi parasa kar puni kinh pranam | Ram kaju kinhen binu mohi kahan bishram ||1||

Hanuman touched Mainak with his hand, bowed and said, 'How can I rest before Ram's work is done?'

Chaupai 10

Jat pavanasut devanh dekha | Janain kahun bal buddhi bisesha ||

The gods watched the son of the Wind go by, and wished to test his special strength and wisdom.

Chaupai 11

Surasa nam ahinh kai mata | Pathainhi ai kahi tehin bata ||

So they sent Surasa, mother of the serpents, and she came and spoke to Hanuman.

Chaupai 12

Aju suranh mohi dinh ahara | Sunat bachan kah pavanakumara ||

'Today the gods have given me my meal,' she said. Hearing this, Hanuman replied—

Chaupai 13

Ram kaju kari phiri main avaun | Sita kai sudhi prabhuhi sunavaun ||

'Let me first finish Ram's work and bring news of Sita to my Lord—'

Chaupai 14

Tab tav badan paithihaun ai | Saty kahaun mohi jan de mai ||

'Then I will come back and enter your mouth myself. I speak the truth, mother — let me go now.'

Chaupai 15

Kabanehun jatan dei nahin jana | Grasasi na mohi kaheu hanumana ||

When she would not let him pass by any means, Hanuman said, 'Then why don't you swallow me?'

Chaupai 16

Jojan bhari tehin badanu pasara | Kapi tanu kinh dugun bistara ||

Surasa opened her mouth one yojan wide, and Hanuman made his body twice as large.

Chaupai 17

Sorah jojan mukh tehin thayau | Turat pavanasut battis bhayau ||

She made her mouth sixteen yojans wide, and he at once became thirty-two.

Chaupai 18

Jas jas surasa badanu barhava | Tasu dun kapi rup dekhava ||

However wide Surasa stretched her mouth, Hanuman showed a form twice as big.

Chaupai 19

Sat jojan tehin anan kinha | Ati laghu rup pavanasut linha ||

When she opened her mouth a hundred yojans wide, Hanuman took a very tiny form.

Chaupai 20

Badan paithi puni baher ava | Maga bida tahi siru nava ||

He entered her mouth, came straight out again, and bowing his head asked leave to go.

Chaupai 21

Mohi suranh jehi lagi pathava | Budhi bal maramu tor main pava ||

Surasa said, 'I have found the secret of your wisdom and strength, which the gods sent me to test.'

Doha

Ram kaju sabu karihahu tumh bal buddhi nidhan | Asish dei gai so harashi chaleu hanuman ||2||

'You are a treasury of strength and wisdom, and you will complete all of Ram's work,' she blessed him and left, and Hanuman went on joyfully.

Chaupai 22

Nisichari ek sindhu mahun rahai | Kari maya nabhu ke khag gahai ||

In the sea lived a demoness who used magic to catch birds flying in the sky.

Chaupai 23

Jiv jantu je gagan urahin | Jal biloki tinh kai parichhahin ||

She would watch the reflections in the water of creatures flying overhead.

Chaupai 24

Gahai chhahan sak so na urai | Ehi bidhi sada gaganachar khai ||

She seized their shadows so they could no longer fly, and in this way she ate those who flew in the sky.

Chaupai 25

Soi chhal hanuman kahan kinha | Tasu kapatu kapi turathin chinha ||

She tried the same trick on Hanuman, but he saw through her deceit at once.

Chaupai 26

Tahi mari marutasut bira | Baridhi par gayau matidhira ||

The brave and steady son of the Wind killed her and crossed over the ocean.

Chaupai 27

Tahan jai dekhi ban sobha | Gunjat chancharik madhu lobha ||

Arriving there, he saw the beauty of the forest, where bees hummed, eager for honey.

Chaupai 28

Nana taru phal phul suhae | Khag mrig brind dekhi man bhae ||

Many kinds of trees looked lovely with fruit and flowers, and the flocks of birds and herds of animals delighted his heart.

Chaupai 29

Sail bisal dekhi ek agen | Ta par dhai charheu bhay tyagen ||

Seeing a huge mountain ahead, he ran up it without any fear.

Chaupai 30

Uma na kachhu kapi kai adhikai | Prabhu pratap jo kalahi khai ||

(Shiv says) O Uma, this was no greatness of the vanara himself; it was the might of the Lord, which swallows even death.

Chaupai 31

Giri par charhi lanka tehin dekhi | Kahi na jai ati durg biseshi ||

Climbing the mountain, he saw Lanka — a fortress so mighty it cannot be described.

Chaupai 32

Ati utang jalanidhi chahun pasa | Kanak kot kar param prakasa ||

It stood very high with the sea all around, and its golden walls gave off a dazzling light.

Verse 4

Kanak kot bichitr mani krit sundarayatana ghana | Chauhatt hatt subatt bithin charu pur bahu bidhi bana || Gaj baji khachchar nikar padchar rath baruthinh ko ganai | Bahurup nisichar juth atibal sen barnat nahin banai ||

The golden wall was set with many-coloured gems, and inside were countless fine buildings, squares, markets and streets. Elephants, horses, mules, foot soldiers and chariots were beyond counting, and the army of mighty shape-changing demons could not be described.

Verse 5

Ban bag upban batika sar kup bapin sohhin | Nar nag sur gandharb kanya rup muni man mohhin || Kahun mal deh bisal sail saman atibal garjahin | Nana akharenh bhirhin bahu bidhi ek ekanh tarjahin ||

Forests, gardens, groves, ponds, wells and stepwells adorned the city, and maidens of many races charmed even sages with their beauty. Elsewhere, wrestlers with mountain-like bodies roared, grappled in the arenas and challenged one another.

Verse 6

Kari jatan bhat kotinh bikat tan nagar chahun disi rachchhahin | Kahun mahish manush dhenu khar aj khal nisachar bhachchhahin || Ehi lagi tulasidas inh ki katha kachhu ek hai kahi | Raghubir sar tirath sariranhi tyagi gati paihhin sahi ||

Millions of fierce warriors carefully guarded the city on all sides, while elsewhere wicked demons devoured buffaloes, humans, cows, donkeys and goats. Tulsidas says he tells a little of their story because, giving up their bodies at the holy shrine of Ram's arrows, they will surely attain liberation.

Doha

Pur rakhavare dekhi bahu kapi man kinh bichar | Ati laghu rup dharaun nisi nagar karaun paisar ||3||

Seeing so many guards, Hanuman decided to take a very small form and enter the city at night.

Chaupai 33

Masak saman rup kapi dhari | Lankahi chaleu sumiri narahari ||

Taking a form as small as a mosquito, Hanuman set out for Lanka, remembering the Lord.

Chaupai 34

Nam lankini ek nisichari | So kah chalesi mohi nindari ||

A demoness named Lankini guarded the city. She said, 'Where are you going, ignoring me?'

Chaupai 35

Janehi nahin maramu sath mora | Mor ahar jahan lagi chora ||

'Fool, don't you know who I am? Every thief who comes here becomes my food.'

Chaupai 36

Muthika ek maha kapi hani | Rudhir bamat dharnin dhanamani ||

The great vanara struck her with one blow of his fist, and she fell to the ground, vomiting blood.

Chaupai 37

Puni sanbhari uthi so lanka | Jori pani kar binay sasanka ||

Then Lankini picked herself up and, with folded hands, humbly pleaded with him in fear.

Chaupai 38

Jab ravanahi brahm bar dinha | Chalat biranchi kaha mohi chinha ||

'When Brahma gave Ravan his boon, he told me a sign before leaving—'

Chaupai 39

Bikal hosi tain kapi ken mare | Tab janesu nisichar sanghare ||

'When a vanara's blow leaves you shaken, know that the end of the demons is near.'

Chaupai 40

Tat mor ati puny bahuta | Dekheun nayan ram kar duta ||

'My merit must be great indeed, that I have seen Ram's messenger with my own eyes.'

Doha

Tat svarg apbarg sukh dharia tula ek ang | Tul na tahi sakal mili jo sukh lav satsang ||4||

Even if all the joys of heaven and liberation were placed on one side of the scales, together they would not equal the joy of a single moment in holy company.

Chaupai 41

Prabisi nagar kije sab kaja | Hridyan rakhi kosalapur raja ||

Keeping the King of Ayodhya in your heart, enter the city and do all your work.

Chaupai 42

Garal sudha ripu karhin mitai | Gopad sindhu anal sitalai ||

For one on whom Ram casts his kind glance, poison turns to nectar, enemies become friends, the ocean shrinks to a hoofprint and fire turns cool.

Chaupai 43

Garur sumeru renu sam tahi | Ram kripa kari chitava jahi ||

For such a person, even Mount Sumeru becomes like a speck of dust, when Ram looks on him with grace.

Chaupai 44

Ati laghu rup dhareu hanumana | Paitha nagar sumiri bhagavana ||

Hanuman took a very small form and entered the city, remembering the Lord.

Chaupai 45

Mandir mandir prati kari sodha | Dekhe jahan tahan agnit jodha ||

He searched palace after palace and saw countless warriors everywhere.

Chaupai 46

Gayau dasanan mandir mahin | Ati bichitr kahi jat so nahin ||

Then he went into Ravan's palace, which was too wonderful to describe.

Chaupai 47

Sayan kien dekha kapi tehi | Mandir mahun na dikhi baidehi ||

Hanuman saw Ravan asleep, but Sita was nowhere to be seen in that palace.

Chaupai 48

Bhavan ek puni dikh suhava | Hari mandir tahan bhinn banava ||

Then he saw a beautiful house with a separate temple of the Lord built in it.

Doha

Ramayudh ankit grih sobha barani na jai | Nav tulasika brind tahan dekhi harash kapirai ||5||

That house was marked with the signs of Ram's bow and arrows, lovely beyond words. Seeing fresh clusters of tulsi plants there, Hanuman was delighted.

Chaupai 49

Lanka nisichar nikar nivasa | Ihan kahan sajjan kar basa ||

Lanka is the home of hordes of demons — how can a good soul live here?

Chaupai 50

Man mahun tarak karai kapi laga | Tehin samay bibhishanu jaga ||

As Hanuman was wondering about this, Vibhishan woke up.

Chaupai 51

Ram ram tehin sumiran kinha | Hridyan harash kapi sajjan chinha ||

He chanted 'Ram, Ram', and Hanuman was glad at heart, knowing him to be a good man.

Chaupai 52

Ehi san hathi karihaun pahichani | Sadhu te hoi na karaj hani ||

Hanuman thought, 'I must get to know him, for no harm can come from a saintly person.'

Chaupai 53

Bipr rup dhari bachan sunae | Sunat bibhishan uthi tahan ae ||

Taking the form of a Brahmin, he called out, and Vibhishan rose and came to him.

Chaupai 54

Kari pranam punchhi kusalai | Bipr kahahu nij katha bujhai ||

Vibhishan bowed, asked after his welfare and said, 'O Brahmin, please tell me who you are.'

Chaupai 55

Ki tumh hari dasanh mahan koi | Moren hriday priti ati hoi ||

'Are you one of the Lord's devotees? My heart feels great love on seeing you.'

Chaupai 56

Ki tumh ramu din anuragi | Ayahu mohi karan barabhagi ||

'Or are you Ram himself, the friend of the humble, come to make me fortunate?'

Doha

Tab hanumant kahi sab ram katha nij nam | Sunat jugal tan pulak man magan sumiri gun gram ||6||

Then Hanuman told him the whole story of Ram and his own name. Both thrilled with joy, their hearts lost in remembering Ram's virtues.

Chaupai 57

Sunahu pavanasut rahani hamari | Jimi dasnanhi mahun jibh bichari ||

Vibhishan said, 'Hear how I live here, son of the Wind — like a poor tongue among the teeth.'

Chaupai 58

Tat kabhun mohi jani anatha | Karihhin kripa bhanukul natha ||

'Will the Lord of the Sun dynasty ever see me as helpless and show me his grace?'

Chaupai 59

Tamas tanu kachhu sadhan nahin | Priti na pad saroj man mahin ||

'I have a demon's body and no spiritual practice, nor true love for the Lord's lotus feet.'

Chaupai 60

Ab mohi bha bharos hanumanta | Binu harikripa milhin nahin santa ||

'But now, Hanuman, I feel hope, for one does not meet saints without the Lord's grace.'

Chaupai 61

Jaun raghubir anugrah kinha | Tau tumh mohi darasu hathi dinha ||

'Ram must have blessed me, which is why you have come to me on your own.'

Chaupai 62

Sunahu bibhishan prabhu kai riti | Karhin sada sevak par priti ||

Hanuman said, 'Listen, Vibhishan, to the Lord's way: he always loves his servants.'

Chaupai 63

Kahahu kavan main param kulina | Kapi chanchal sabhin bidhi hina ||

'Tell me, what noble birth do I have? I am a restless monkey, lacking in every way.'

Chaupai 64

Prat lei jo nam hamara | Tehi din tahi na milai ahara ||

'People say that whoever speaks our name in the morning goes without food that day.'

Doha

As main adham sakha sunu mohu par raghubir | Kinhi kripa sumiri gun bhare bilochan nir ||7||

'Friend, lowly as I am, even on me Ram has showered his grace.' Remembering the Lord's goodness, Hanuman's eyes filled with tears.

Chaupai 65

Janathun as svami bisari | Phirhin te kahe na hohin dukhari ||

Those who know of such a Master and still forget him and wander — how can they not suffer?

Chaupai 66

Ehi bidhi kahat ram gun grama | Pava anirbachy bishrama ||

Talking in this way about Ram's virtues, both found a peace beyond words.

Chaupai 67

Puni sab katha bibhishan kahi | Jehi bidhi janakasuta tahan rahi ||

Then Vibhishan told him all about how Sita, Janak's daughter, was living there.

Chaupai 68

Tab hanumant kaha sunu bhrata | Dekhi chahaun janaki mata ||

Then Hanuman said, 'Brother, I wish to see Mother Janaki.'

Chaupai 69

Juguti bibhishan sakal sunai | Chaleu pavanasut bida karai ||

Vibhishan explained the whole plan, and Hanuman took his leave and set off.

Chaupai 70

Kari soi rup gayau puni tahvan | Ban asok sita rah jahvan ||

Taking the same tiny form, he went to the Ashok grove where Sita was kept.

Chaupai 71

Dekhi manahi mahun kinh pranama | Baithehin biti jat nisi jama ||

Seeing her, he bowed to her in his heart. Sita spent the watches of the night just sitting there.

Chaupai 72

Kris tan sis jata ek beni | Japati hridyan raghupati gun shreni ||

Her body was thin, her hair matted into a single braid, and in her heart she chanted Ram's virtues.

Doha

Nij pad nayan dien man ram pad kamal lin | Param dukhi bha pavanasut dekhi janaki din ||8||

Her eyes rested on her own feet while her mind was absorbed in Ram's lotus feet. Seeing Janaki so sorrowful, Hanuman was deeply pained.

Chaupai 73

Taru pallav mahun raha lukai | Karai bichar karaun ka bhai ||

Hanuman stayed hidden among the leaves of the tree, wondering, 'What should I do now?'

Chaupai 74

Tehi avsar ravanu tahan ava | Sang nari bahu kien banava ||

Just then Ravan came there, dressed up and with many women accompanying him.

Chaupai 75

Bahu bidhi khal sitahi samujhava | Sam dan bhay bhed dekhava ||

The wicked one tried to persuade Sita in many ways, using sweet words, bribes, threats and division.

Chaupai 76

Kah ravanu sunu sumukhi sayani | Mandodari adi sab rani ||

Ravan said, 'Listen, lovely and wise one — Mandodari and all my queens—'

Chaupai 77

Tav anuchrin karaun pan mora | Ek bar biloku mam ora ||

'I vow to make them all your maids — just look at me once.'

Chaupai 78

Trin dhari ot kahati baidehi | Sumiri avadhapati param sanehi ||

Remembering her beloved Lord of Ayodhya, Sita held up a blade of grass as a screen and spoke—

Chaupai 79

Sunu dasmukh khadyot prakasa | Kabhun ki nalini karai bikasa ||

'Listen, ten-headed one — can a firefly's glow ever make a lotus bloom?'

Chaupai 80

As man samujhu kahati janaki | Khal sudhi nahin raghubir ban ki ||

'Understand this in your heart,' said Janaki, 'wicked one, you know nothing of Ram's arrows.'

Chaupai 81

Sath sunen hari anehi mohi | Adham nilajj laj nahin tohi ||

'Villain, you stole me away when I was alone. Shameless wretch, have you no shame?'

Doha

Apuhi suni khadyot sam ramahi bhanu saman | Parush bachan suni karhi asi bola ati khisian ||9||

Hearing himself compared to a firefly and Ram to the sun, and stung by her harsh words, Ravan drew his sword and spoke in fury.

Chaupai 82

Sita tain mam krit apamana | Katihaun tav sir kathin kripana ||

'Sita, you have insulted me. I will cut off your head with this cruel sword.'

Chaupai 83

Nahin ta sapadi manu mam bani | Sumukhi hoti na ta jivan hani ||

'Otherwise accept my word at once, fair one, or you will lose your life.'

Chaupai 84

Syam saroj dam sam sundar | Prabhu bhuj kari kar sam dasakandhar ||

Sita said, 'Ravan, my Lord's arm is lovely as a garland of blue lotuses and mighty as an elephant's trunk.'

Chaupai 85

So bhuj kanth ki tav asi ghora | Sunu sath as pravan pan mora ||

'Either that arm will be around my neck, or your dreadful sword. Hear this, villain — that is my firm vow.'

Chaupai 86

Chandrahas haru mam paritapan | Raghupati birah anal sanjatan ||

'O Chandrahas sword, take away my pain born of the fire of separation from Ram.'

Chaupai 87

Sital nisit bahasi bar dhara | Kah sita haru mam dukh bhara ||

'Your edge is cool, sharp and fine,' Sita said, 'take away my heavy sorrow.'

Chaupai 88

Sunat bachan puni maran dhava | Mayatanayan kahi niti bujhava ||

Hearing this, Ravan rushed again to kill her, but Mandodari, daughter of Maya, calmed him with wise counsel.

Chaupai 89

Kahesi sakal nisicharinh bolai | Sitahi bahu bidhi trasahu jai ||

Then Ravan called all the demonesses and said, 'Go and frighten Sita in every way.'

Chaupai 90

Mas divas mahun kaha na mana | Tau main marabi karhi kripana ||

'If she does not obey me within a month, I will draw my sword and kill her.'

Doha

Bhavan gayau dasakandhar ihan pisachini brind | Sitahi tras dekhavhin dharhin rup bahu mand ||10||

Ravan went back to his palace, and here the crowd of demonesses took many ugly forms to frighten Sita.

Chaupai 91

Trijata nam rachchhasi eka | Ram charan rati nipun bibeka ||

Among them was a demoness named Trijata, devoted to Ram's feet and wise in judgement.

Chaupai 92

Sabanhau boli sunaesi sapana | Sitahi sei karahu hit apana ||

She called them all and told them her dream, saying, 'Serve Sita and do yourselves good.'

Chaupai 93

Sapnen banar lanka jari | Jatudhan sena sab mari ||

'In my dream, a vanara burned Lanka and killed the whole demon army.'

Chaupai 94

Khar arurh nagan dasasisa | Mundit sir khandit bhuj bisa ||

'Ravan was riding a donkey, naked, his heads shaven and his twenty arms cut off.'

Chaupai 95

Ehi bidhi so dachchhin disi jai | Lanka manhun bibhishan pai ||

'In this way he was going south, towards death, and Lanka seemed to have passed to Vibhishan.'

Chaupai 96

Nagar phiri raghubir dohai | Tab prabhu sita boli pathai ||

'Ram's victory was proclaimed through the city, and then the Lord sent for Sita.'

Chaupai 97

Yah sapana main kahaun pukari | Hoihi saty gaen din chari ||

'I declare it aloud: this dream will come true in just a few days.'

Chaupai 98

Tasu bachan suni te sab darin | Janakasuta ke charnanhi parin ||

Hearing her words, the demonesses were afraid and fell at Sita's feet.

Doha

Jahan tahan gain sakal tab sita kar man soch | Mas divas biten mohi marihi nisichar poch ||11||

Then they all went their way, and Sita worried that after a month the wicked demon would kill her.

Chaupai 99

Trijata san boli kar jori | Matu bipati sangini tain mori ||

Sita folded her hands and said to Trijata, 'Mother, you are my only companion in this trouble.'

Chaupai 100

Tajaun deh karu begi upai | Dusahu birahu ab nahin sahi jai ||

'Quickly find a way for me to give up this body; I can no longer bear this separation.'

Chaupai 101

Ani kath rachu chita banai | Matu anal puni dehi lagai ||

'Bring wood and build a pyre, mother, and then set it alight.'

Chaupai 102

Saty karahi mam priti sayani | Sunai ko shravan sul sam bani ||

'Wise one, prove my love true. Who can keep hearing words that pierce like thorns?'

Chaupai 103

Sunat bachan pad gahi samujhaesi | Prabhu pratap bal sujasu sunaesi ||

Hearing this, Trijata held her feet and comforted her, telling her of the Lord's might, strength and glory.

Chaupai 104

Nisi na anal mil sunu sukumari | As kahi so nij bhavan sidhari ||

She said, 'Gentle one, no fire can be found at night,' and went home.

Chaupai 105

Kah sita bidhi bha pratikula | Milahi na pavak mitihi na sula ||

Sita said, 'Fate itself has turned against me — no fire is found, and the pain does not end.'

Chaupai 106

Dekhiat pragat gagan angara | Avani na avat ekau tara ||

'Embers glow clearly in the sky as stars, but not a single one falls to earth.'

Chaupai 107

Pavakamay sasi sravat na agi | Manhun mohi jani hatabhagi ||

'The moon is like fire, yet it too sheds no flame, as if it knows how unlucky I am.'

Chaupai 108

Sunahi binay mam bitap asoka | Saty nam karu haru mam soka ||

'O Ashok tree, hear my plea — make your name true and take away my grief.'

Chaupai 109

Nutan kislay anal samana | Dehi agini jani karahi nidana ||

'Your fresh red leaves look like fire; give me that fire and do not be cruel.'

Chaupai 110

Dekhi param birahakul sita | So chhan kapihi kalap sam bita ||

Seeing Sita so distressed by separation, that moment felt like an age to Hanuman.

Doha

Kapi kari hridyan bichar dinhi mudrika dari tab | Janu asok angar dinhi harashi uthi kar gaheu ||12||

Then Hanuman thought it over and dropped the ring down. It seemed to Sita as if the Ashok tree had given her an ember, and she rose gladly and took it in her hand.

Chaupai 111

Tab dekhi mudrika manohar | Ram nam ankit ati sundar ||

Then Sita saw the lovely ring, beautifully engraved with Ram's name.

Chaupai 112

Chakit chitav mudari pahichani | Harash bishad hridyan akulani ||

Recognising it, she gazed at it in wonder, her heart torn between joy and sorrow.

Chaupai 113

Jiti ko sakai ajay raghurai | Maya ten asi rachi nahin jai ||

She thought, 'Who could defeat the unconquerable Ram? And such a ring cannot be made by magic.'

Chaupai 114

Sita man bichar kar nana | Madhur bachan boleu hanumana ||

As Sita turned many thoughts over in her mind, Hanuman began to speak in a sweet voice.

Chaupai 115

Ramchandr gun barnain laga | Sunathin sita kar dukh bhaga ||

He began describing the virtues of Ramchandra, and as soon as she heard them, Sita's sorrow fled.

Chaupai 116

Lagin sunain shravan man lai | Adihu ten sab katha sunai ||

She listened with full attention, and Hanuman told her the whole story from the beginning.

Chaupai 117

Shravanamrit jehin katha suhai | Kahi so pragat hoti kin bhai ||

Sita said, 'You who have told this story, sweet as nectar to my ears — brother, why do you not show yourself?'

Chaupai 118

Tab hanumant nikat chali gayau | Phiri baithin man bismay bhayau ||

Then Hanuman came near her. Surprised, Sita turned her face away and sat down.

Chaupai 119

Ram dut main matu janaki | Saty sapath karunanidhan ki ||

Hanuman said, 'Mother Janaki, I am Ram's messenger — I swear it truly by the ocean of compassion.'

Chaupai 120

Yah mudrika matu main ani | Dinhi ram tumh kahan sahidani ||

'Mother, I have brought this ring; Ram gave it to me as a token for you.'

Chaupai 121

Nar banarahi sang kahu kaisen | Kahi katha bhai sangati jaisen ||

Sita asked, 'Tell me, how did men and vanaras come together?' Hanuman then told her how their friendship began.

Doha

Kapi ke bachan saprem suni upaja man bisvas | Jana man kram bachan yah kripasindhu kar das ||13||

Hearing his loving words, Sita's heart filled with trust. She knew he was a servant of the merciful Ram in thought, deed and word.

Chaupai 122

Harijan jani priti ati garhi | Sajal nayan pulakavali barhi ||

Knowing him to be the Lord's devotee, she felt deep affection; her eyes filled with tears and she thrilled with joy.

Chaupai 123

Burat birah jaladhi hanumana | Bhayahu tat mo kahun jalajana ||

Sita said, 'Dear Hanuman, as I drown in the ocean of separation, you have become my ship.'

Chaupai 124

Ab kahu kusal jaun balihari | Anuj sahit sukh bhavan kharari ||

'Bless you! Now tell me, is Ram, home of all joy, well along with his brother?'

Chaupai 125

Komalachit kripal raghurai | Kapi kehi hetu dhari nithurai ||

'Ram is tender-hearted and kind — then why, O vanara, has he become so hard?'

Chaupai 126

Sahaj bani sevak sukh dayak | Kabhunk surati karat raghunayak ||

'It is his nature to bring joy to his servants. Does Raghunath ever remember me?'

Chaupai 127

Kabhun nayan mam sital tata | Hoihhin nirakhi syam mridu gata ||

'Dear one, will my eyes ever be soothed by seeing his dark, gentle form?'

Chaupai 128

Bachanu na av nayan bhare bari | Ahah nath haun nipat bisari ||

Words failed her and her eyes overflowed: 'Ah, my Lord, you have forgotten me completely!'

Chaupai 129

Dekhi param birahakul sita | Bola kapi mridu bachan binita ||

Seeing Sita so overwhelmed by separation, Hanuman spoke gently and humbly.

Chaupai 130

Matu kusal prabhu anuj sameta | Tav dukh dukhi sukripa niketa ||

'Mother, the Lord, home of grace, is well with his brother, but he grieves at your sorrow.'

Chaupai 131

Jani janani manahu jiyan una | Tumh te premu ram ken duna ||

'Mother, do not feel let down — Ram's love for you is twice as great as yours for him.'

Doha

Raghupati kar sandesu ab sunu janani dhari dhir | As kahi kapi gadgad bhayau bhare bilochan nir ||14||

'Mother, be calm now and hear Ram's message.' As he said this, Hanuman's voice choked and his eyes filled with tears.

Chaupai 132

Kaheu ram biyog tav sita | Mo kahun sakal bhae biparita ||

Ram has said: 'Sita, since we were parted, everything has turned against me.'

Chaupai 133

Nav taru kislay manhun krisanu | Kalanisa sam nisi sasi bhanu ||

'Fresh leaves seem like fire, the night like the night of doom, and the moon burns like the sun.'

Chaupai 134

Kublay bipin kunt ban sarisa | Barid tapat tel janu barisa ||

'Lotus beds feel like forests of spears, and the clouds seem to rain boiling oil.'

Chaupai 135

Je hit rahe karat tei pira | Urag svas sam tribidh samira ||

'What once gave comfort now gives pain; even the cool, gentle, fragrant breeze feels like a serpent's breath.'

Chaupai 136

Kahehu ten kachhu dukh ghati hoi | Kahi kahaun yah jan na koi ||

'Speaking of sorrow lightens it a little, but whom can I tell? No one understands.'

Chaupai 137

Tatv prem kar mam aru tora | Janat priya eku manu mora ||

'Beloved, only my own heart knows the truth of our love.'

Chaupai 138

So manu sada rahat tohi pahin | Janu priti rasu etanehi mahin ||

'And that heart is always with you — in this alone, know the depth of my love.'

Chaupai 139

Prabhu sandesu sunat baidehi | Magan prem tan sudhi nahin tehi ||

Hearing the Lord's message, Sita was so lost in love that she forgot her own body.

Chaupai 140

Kah kapi hridyan dhir dharu mata | Sumiru ram sevak sukhadata ||

Hanuman said, 'Mother, take heart and remember Ram, who brings joy to his servants.'

Chaupai 141

Ur anahu raghupati prabhutai | Suni mam bachan tajahu kadarai ||

'Bring the Lord's greatness to mind, and on hearing my words, give up all fear.'

Doha

Nisichar nikar patang sam raghupati ban krisanu | Janani hridyan dhir dharu jare nisachar janu ||15||

The demon hordes are like moths and Ram's arrows like fire. Mother, be brave — count the demons as already burnt.

Chaupai 142

Jaun raghubir hoti sudhi pai | Karate nahin bilanbu raghurai ||

'Had Ram received news of you, he would not have delayed at all.'

Chaupai 143

Ramban rabi uen janaki | Tam baruth kahan jatudhan ki ||

'Janaki, once the sun of Ram's arrows rises, where will the darkness of the demons remain?'

Chaupai 144

Abhin matu main jaun lavai | Prabhu ayasu nahin ram dohai ||

'Mother, I could take you away right now, but by Ram, I do not have the Lord's order.'

Chaupai 145

Kachhuk divas janani dharu dhira | Kapinh sahit aihhin raghubira ||

'Be patient a few more days, mother; Ram will come here with the vanaras.'

Chaupai 146

Nisichar mari tohi lai jaihhin | Tihun pur naradadi jasu gaihhin ||

'He will kill the demons and take you home, and Narad and others will sing his glory in all three worlds.'

Chaupai 147

Hain sut kapi sab tumhahi samana | Jatudhan ati bhat balavana ||

Sita said, 'Son, are all the vanaras small like you? The demons are very mighty warriors.'

Chaupai 148

Moren hriday param sandeha | Suni kapi pragat kinh nij deha ||

'My heart is full of doubt.' Hearing this, Hanuman revealed his true form.

Chaupai 149

Kanak bhudharakar sarira | Samar bhayankar atibal bira ||

His body was huge like a golden mountain — fearsome in battle, mighty and heroic.

Chaupai 150

Sita man bharos tab bhayau | Puni laghu rup pavanasut layau ||

Then Sita felt reassured, and Hanuman took his small form again.

Doha

Sunu mata sakhamrig nahin bal buddhi bisal | Prabhu pratap ten garurahi khai param laghu byal ||16||

'Listen, mother — vanaras have no great strength or wisdom of their own; but by the Lord's power even a tiny snake can swallow Garud.'

Chaupai 151

Man santosh sunat kapi bani | Bhagati pratap tej bal sani ||

Hearing Hanuman's words, full of devotion, glory, radiance and strength, Sita felt content.

Chaupai 152

Asish dinhi ramapriy jana | Hohu tat bal sil nidhana ||

Knowing him to be dear to Ram, she blessed him: 'Dear son, may you be a treasury of strength and good character.'

Chaupai 153

Ajar amar gunanidhi sut hohu | Karhun bahut raghunayak chhohu ||

'Son, may you never age or die, and be full of virtues; may Raghunath shower his love on you.'

Chaupai 154

Karhun kripa prabhu as suni kana | Nirbhar prem magan hanumana ||

Hearing the words 'May the Lord bless you,' Hanuman was lost in pure love.

Chaupai 155

Bar bar naesi pad sisa | Bola bachan jori kar kisa ||

Again and again he bowed his head at her feet, and with folded hands he said—

Chaupai 156

Ab kritkrity bhayaun main mata | Asish tav amogh bikhyata ||

'Mother, now my life is fulfilled; everyone knows your blessing never fails.'

Chaupai 157

Sunahu matu mohi atisay bhukha | Lagi dekhi sundar phal rukha ||

'Listen, mother, I am very hungry, especially seeing these trees with lovely fruit.'

Chaupai 158

Sunu sut karhin bipin rakhavari | Param subhat rajanichar bhari ||

Sita said, 'Son, this grove is guarded by huge and mighty demons.'

Chaupai 159

Tinh kar bhay mata mohi nahin | Jaun tumh sukh manahu man mahin ||

Hanuman said, 'Mother, I have no fear of them, if only you are happy with it.'

Doha

Dekhi buddhi bal nipun kapi kaheu jankin jahu | Raghupati charan hridyan dhari tat madhur phal khahu ||17||

Seeing how wise and strong he was, Janaki said, 'Go, son — keep Raghunath's feet in your heart and eat the sweet fruit.'

Chaupai 160

Chaleu nai siru paitheu baga | Phal khaesi taru torain laga ||

Hanuman bowed his head and entered the garden; he ate fruit and began breaking the trees.

Chaupai 161

Rahe tahan bahu bhat rakhavare | Kachhu maresi kachhu jai pukare ||

Many warrior guards were there; some he killed, and others ran to cry out to Ravan.

Chaupai 162

Nath ek ava kapi bhari | Tehin asok batika ujari ||

'Lord, a huge vanara has come and laid waste the Ashok garden.'

Chaupai 163

Khaesi phal aru bitap upare | Rachchhak mardi mardi mahi dare ||

'He ate the fruit, uprooted the trees, and crushed the guards and threw them to the ground.'

Chaupai 164

Suni ravan pathae bhat nana | Tinhahi dekhi garjeu hanumana ||

Hearing this, Ravan sent many warriors, and seeing them, Hanuman roared.

Chaupai 165

Sab rajanichar kapi sanghare | Gae pukarat kachhu adhamare ||

Hanuman struck down all the demons; a few ran off half-dead, crying out.

Chaupai 166

Puni pathayau tehin achchhakumara | Chala sang lai subhat apara ||

Then Ravan sent his son Akshay Kumar, who set out with countless fine warriors.

Chaupai 167

Avat dekhi bitap gahi tarja | Tahi nipati mahadhuni garja ||

Seeing him come, Hanuman seized a tree and challenged him, struck him down and gave a mighty roar.

Doha

Kachhu maresi kachhu mardesi kachhu milaesi dhari dhuri | Kachhu puni jai pukare prabhu markat bal bhuri ||18||

Some of the army he killed, some he crushed, and some he seized and ground into the dust. Others ran back crying, 'Lord, that vanara is immensely strong!'

Chaupai 168

Suni sut badh lankes risana | Pathaesi meghnad balavana ||

Hearing of his son's death, Ravan was furious and sent the mighty Meghnad.

Chaupai 169

Marasi jani sut bandhesu tahi | Dekhia kapihi kahan kar ahi ||

Ravan said, 'Son, do not kill him — bind him and bring him; let us see where this vanara is from.'

Chaupai 170

Chala indrajit atulit jodha | Bandhu nidhan suni upaja krodha ||

Indrajit, a warrior without equal, set out, full of anger at his brother's death.

Chaupai 171

Kapi dekha darun bhat ava | Katakatai garja aru dhava ||

Seeing a fearsome warrior approach, Hanuman gnashed his teeth, roared and rushed at him.

Chaupai 172

Ati bisal taru ek upara | Birath kinh lankes kumara ||

He uprooted a huge tree and with it smashed Ravan's son's chariot.

Chaupai 173

Rahe mahabhat take sanga | Gahi gahi kapi mardai nij anga ||

The great warriors with him Hanuman seized one by one and crushed against his body.

Chaupai 174

Tinhahi nipati tahi san baja | Bhire jugal manhun gajaraja ||

Having felled them, he closed with Meghnad, and the two fought like two great elephants.

Chaupai 175

Muthika mari charha taru jai | Tahi ek chhan muruchha ai ||

Hanuman struck him with his fist and leapt onto a tree, and Meghnad fainted for a moment.

Chaupai 176

Uthi bahori kinhisi bahu maya | Jiti na jai prabhanjan jaya ||

Rising again, he used much magic, but the son of the Wind could not be beaten.

Doha

Brahm astr tehin sandha kapi man kinh bichar | Jaun na brahmasar manaun mahima mitai apar ||19||

Then he aimed the Brahmastra. Hanuman thought, 'If I do not honour Brahma's weapon, its great glory will be lost.'

Chaupai 177

Brahmaban kapi kahun tehin mara | Paratihun bar kataku sanghara ||

Meghnad shot the Brahma arrow at Hanuman, and even as he fell, Hanuman struck down part of the army.

Chaupai 178

Tehin dekha kapi muruchhit bhayau | Nagpas bandhesi lai gayau ||

Seeing Hanuman fall unconscious, he bound him with the serpent noose and took him away.

Chaupai 179

Jasu nam japi sunahu bhavani | Bhav bandhan kathin nar gyani ||

(Shiv says) Listen, Bhavani — the one whose name the wise chant to cut the bonds of worldly life—

Chaupai 180

Tasu dut ki bandh taru ava | Prabhu karaj lagi kapihin bandhava ||

Could his messenger ever be bound? Yet for the Lord's work, Hanuman let himself be tied up.

Chaupai 181

Kapi bandhan suni nisichar dhae | Kautuk lagi sabhan sab ae ||

Hearing that the vanara was captured, the demons came running to the court to watch the sight.

Chaupai 182

Dasmukh sabha dikhi kapi jai | Kahi na jai kachhu ati prabhutai ||

Hanuman saw Ravan's court; its splendour was beyond words.

Chaupai 183

Kar joren sur disip binita | Bhrikuti bilokat sakal sabhita ||

Gods and guardians of the directions stood humbly with folded hands, anxiously watching Ravan's brows.

Chaupai 184

Dekhi pratap na kapi man sanka | Jimi ahigan mahun garur asanka ||

Even seeing such power, Hanuman felt no fear, just as Garud stays fearless among snakes.

Doha

Kapihi biloki dasanan bihasa kahi durbad | Sut badh surati kinhi puni upaja hridyan bishad ||20||

Seeing Hanuman, Ravan laughed and spoke insults; then, remembering his son's death, grief rose in his heart.

Chaupai 185

Kah lankes kavan tain kisa | Kehi ken bal ghalehi ban khisa ||

Ravan said, 'Vanara, who are you? On whose strength did you destroy my garden?'

Chaupai 186

Ki dhaun shravan sunehi nahin mohi | Dekhaun ati asank sath tohi ||

'Have you never heard of me? Fool, I see you are utterly fearless.'

Chaupai 187

Mare nisichar kehin aparadha | Kahu sath tohi na pran kai badha ||

'For what crime did you kill my demons? Tell me, fool, do you not fear for your life?'

Chaupai 188

Sunu ravan brahmand nikaya | Pai jasu bal birachati maya ||

Hanuman said, 'Listen, Ravan — he by whose power Maya creates countless universes—'

Chaupai 189

Jaken bal biranchi hari isa | Palat srijat harat dasasisa ||

'By whose strength Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv create, sustain and dissolve the world—'

Chaupai 190

Ja bal sis dharat sahasanan | Andakos samet giri kanan ||

'By whose strength the thousand-headed Shesh holds the whole universe, with its mountains and forests, on his head—'

Chaupai 191

Dharai jo bibidh deh suratrata | Tumh te sathanh sikhavanu data ||

'Who takes many forms to protect the gods and teaches fools like you a lesson—'

Chaupai 192

Har kodand kathin jehin bhanja | Tehi samet nrip dal mad ganja ||

'Who broke Shiv's mighty bow and, with it, crushed the pride of all the kings—'

Chaupai 193

Khar dushan trisira aru bali | Badhe sakal atulit balasali ||

'Who slew Khar, Dushan, Trishira and Bali, all of matchless strength—'

Doha

Jake bal lavles ten jitehu charachar jhari | Tasu dut main ja kari hari anehu priy nari ||21||

'By a tiny share of whose strength you conquered the whole world, and whose beloved wife you have stolen — I am his messenger.'

Chaupai 194

Janaun main tumhari prabhutai | Sahasabahu san pari larai ||

'I know your might well — you once fought with Sahasrabahu.'

Chaupai 195

Samar bali san kari jasu pava | Suni kapi bachan bihasi biharava ||

'And you won such "fame" fighting Bali.' Hearing this, Ravan laughed it off.

Chaupai 196

Khayaun phal prabhu lagi bhunkha | Kapi subhav ten toreun rukha ||

Hanuman said, 'Lord, I was hungry, so I ate fruit, and being a vanara, I broke some trees.'

Chaupai 197

Sab ken deh param priy svami | Marhin mohi kumarag gami ||

'Lord, everyone holds their body dear; those wicked ones began to beat me.'

Chaupai 198

Jinh mohi mara te main mare | Tehi par bandheu tanyan tumhare ||

'I struck those who struck me, and for that your son tied me up.'

Chaupai 199

Mohi na kachhu bandhe kai laja | Kinh chahaun nij prabhu kar kaja ||

'I feel no shame at being bound; I only want to do my Lord's work.'

Chaupai 200

Binati karaun jori kar ravan | Sunahu man taji mor sikhavan ||

'Ravan, I beg you with folded hands — give up your pride and listen to my advice.'

Chaupai 201

Dekhahu tumh nij kulahi bichari | Bhram taji bhajahu bhagat bhay hari ||

'Think of your own family, give up your delusion and worship the Lord who removes his devotees' fears.'

Chaupai 202

Jaken dar ati kal derai | Jo sur asur charachar khai ||

'He of whom even Time is terrified — Time that devours gods, demons and the whole world—'

Chaupai 203

Tason bayaru kabhun nahin kijai | More kahen janaki dijai ||

'Never make an enemy of him; take my word and return Janaki.'

Doha

Pranatapal raghunayak karuna sindhu kharari | Gaen saran prabhu rakhihain tav apradh bisari ||22||

Raghunath, slayer of Khar, protects all who bow to him and is an ocean of mercy. If you take refuge in him, he will forget your wrongs and protect you.

Chaupai 204

Ram charan pankaj ur dharahu | Lanka achal raj tumh karahu ||

'Hold Ram's lotus feet in your heart, and rule Lanka securely.'

Chaupai 205

Rishi pulist jasu bimal mayanka | Tehi sasi mahun jani hohu kalanka ||

'The fame of your ancestor, sage Pulastya, is like the spotless moon — do not become a stain on it.'

Chaupai 206

Ram nam binu gira na soha | Dekhu bichari tyagi mad moha ||

'Speech has no beauty without Ram's name; give up pride and delusion and think it over.'

Chaupai 207

Basan hin nahin soh surari | Sab bhushan bhushit bar nari ||

'Enemy of the gods, a lovely woman decked in every jewel still has no grace without clothing.'

Chaupai 208

Ram bimukh sanpati prabhutai | Jai rahi pai binu pai ||

'Likewise, wealth and power of one who turns from Ram are as good as never gained — they slip away.'

Chaupai 209

Sajal mul jinh saritanh nahin | Barashi gae puni tabhin sukhahin ||

'Rivers with no ever-flowing source dry up as soon as the rains are over.'

Chaupai 210

Sunu daskanth kahaun pan ropi | Bimukh ram trata nahin kopi ||

'Hear me, Ravan, I say it as a vow — no one can protect one who turns against Ram.'

Chaupai 211

Sankar sahas bishnu aj tohi | Sakhin na rakhi ram kar drohi ||

'Even thousands of Shivs, Vishnus and Brahmas cannot save you if you oppose Ram.'

Doha

Mohmul bahu sul prad tyagahu tam abhiman | Bhajahu ram raghunayak kripa sindhu bhagvan ||23||

Give up the dark pride that is rooted in delusion and brings much pain, and worship Ram, Lord of the Raghus, the ocean of mercy.

Chaupai 212

Jadapi kahi kapi ati hit bani | Bhagati bibek birati nay sani ||

Although Hanuman spoke words of great good, full of devotion, wisdom, detachment and good sense—

Chaupai 213

Bola bihasi maha abhimani | Mila hamahi kapi gur bar gyani ||

the arrogant Ravan laughed and said, 'What a wise guru this monkey turns out to be!'

Chaupai 214

Mrityu nikat ai khal tohi | Lagesi adham sikhavan mohi ||

'Wretch, your death is near — that is why you dare to lecture me.'

Chaupai 215

Ulata hoihi kah hanumana | Matibhram tor pragat main jana ||

Hanuman said, 'It will be the other way round. I can clearly see your mind is confused.'

Chaupai 216

Suni kapi bachan bahut khisiana | Begi na harahu murh kar prana ||

Hearing this, Ravan grew very angry: 'Why don't you quickly take this fool's life?'

Chaupai 217

Sunat nisachar maran dhae | Sachivanh sahit bibhishanu ae ||

At once the demons rushed to kill him, but just then Vibhishan arrived with his ministers.

Chaupai 218

Nai sis kari binay bahuta | Niti birodh na maria duta ||

Bowing his head, he pleaded that killing an envoy goes against all rules of conduct.

Chaupai 219

An dand kachhu karia gosani | Sabhin kaha mantr bhal bhai ||

'Lord, give some other punishment.' Everyone agreed, 'Brother, that is good advice.'

Chaupai 220

Sunat bihasi bola dasakandhar | Ang bhang kari pathaia bandar ||

Hearing this, Ravan laughed and said, 'Then maim this monkey and send him back.'

Doha

Kapi ken mamata punchh par sabahi kahaun samujhai | Tel bori pat bandhi puni pavak dehu lagai ||24||

I tell you all, a monkey's pride is in its tail. So wrap its tail in cloth soaked in oil and set it on fire.

Chaupai 221

Punchhahin banar tahan jaihi | Tab sath nij nathahi lai aihi ||

'When this tailless monkey goes back, the fool will bring his master here.'

Chaupai 222

Jinh kai kinhasi bahut barai | Dekhaun main tinh kai prabhutai ||

'Then I shall see the might of the one he has praised so much.'

Chaupai 223

Bachan sunat kapi man musukana | Bhai sahay sarad main jana ||

Hearing this, Hanuman smiled inwardly: 'I see that Saraswati herself has come to my help.'

Chaupai 224

Jatudhan suni ravan bachana | Lage rachain murh soi rachana ||

Hearing Ravan's order, the foolish demons began to carry it out.

Chaupai 225

Raha na nagar basan ghrit tela | Barhi punchh kinh kapi khela ||

Hanuman playfully stretched his tail so long that no cloth, ghee or oil was left in the city.

Chaupai 226

Kautuk kahan ae purabasi | Marhin charan karhin bahu hansi ||

The townspeople came to watch the fun, kicking him and laughing loudly.

Chaupai 227

Bajhin dhol dehin sab tari | Nagar pheri puni punchh prajari ||

Beating drums and clapping, they paraded him through the city and then set his tail alight.

Chaupai 228

Pavak jarat dekhi hanumanta | Bhayau param laghurup turanta ||

When he saw the fire burning, Hanuman at once became very small.

Chaupai 229

Nibuki charheu kapi kanak atarin | Bhain sabhit nisachar narin ||

Slipping free of his bonds, he sprang onto the golden rooftops, and the demon women were terrified.

Doha

Hari prerit tehi avsar chale marut unchas | Attahas kari garja kapi barhi lag akas ||25||

At that moment, moved by the Lord, all forty-nine winds began to blow. Hanuman laughed aloud, roared, and grew until he touched the sky.

Chaupai 230

Deh bisal param haruai | Mandir ten mandir charh dhai ||

His body was huge yet very light, and he leapt from one palace to the next.

Chaupai 231

Jarai nagar bha log bihala | Jhapat lapat bahu koti karala ||

The city burned and people were in panic as countless fierce flames leapt up.

Chaupai 232

Tat matu ha sunia pukara | Ehin avsar ko hamahi ubara ||

Cries of 'Oh father! Oh mother!' were heard — 'Who will save us now?'

Chaupai 233

Ham jo kaha yah kapi nahin hoi | Banar rup dharen sur koi ||

'Didn't we say this was no monkey, but some god in a monkey's form?'

Chaupai 234

Sadhu avagya kar phalu aisa | Jarai nagar anath kar jaisa ||

'This is what comes of insulting a holy one — the city burns as if it had no protector.'

Chaupai 235

Jara nagaru nimish ek mahin | Ek bibhishan kar grih nahin ||

Hanuman burned the city in an instant — only Vibhishan's house was spared.

Chaupai 236

Ta kar dut anal jehin sirija | Jara na so tehi karan girija ||

(Shiv says) O Girija, Hanuman did not burn because he was the messenger of the Lord who created fire itself.

Chaupai 237

Ulati palati lanka sab jari | Kudi para puni sindhu majhari ||

Turning this way and that, he burned all of Lanka and then leapt into the sea.

Doha

Punchh bujhai khoi shram dhari laghu rup bahori | Janakasuta ke agen tharh bhayau kar jori ||26||

Putting out his tail and shaking off his tiredness, Hanuman took his small form again and stood before Sita with folded hands.

Chaupai 238

Matu mohi dije kachhu chinha | Jaisen raghunayak mohi dinha ||

'Mother, give me some token, just as Raghunath gave me one.'

Chaupai 239

Churamani utari tab dayau | Harash samet pavanasut layau ||

Then Sita took off her crest-jewel and gave it, and Hanuman accepted it joyfully.

Chaupai 240

Kahehu tat as mor pranama | Sab prakar prabhu puranakama ||

Sita said, 'Dear son, give my salutation to the Lord and say: you lack nothing in any way—'

Chaupai 241

Din dayal biridu sanbhari | Harahu nath mam sankat bhari ||

'yet, remembering your vow to care for the helpless, O Lord, end my great trouble.'

Chaupai 242

Tat sakrasut katha sunaehu | Ban pratap prabhuhi samujhaehu ||

'Son, tell the Lord the story of Indra's son Jayant, and remind him of the power of his arrows.'

Chaupai 243

Mas divas mahun nathu na ava | Tau puni mohi jiat nahin pava ||

'If my Lord does not come within a month, he will not find me alive.'

Chaupai 244

Kahu kapi kehi bidhi rakhaun prana | Tumhahu tat kahat ab jana ||

'Tell me, how shall I keep myself alive? Now, dear son, you too speak of leaving.'

Chaupai 245

Tohi dekhi sitali bhai chhati | Puni mo kahun soi dinu so rati ||

'Seeing you brought my heart relief; now the same days and nights of sorrow will return.'

Doha

Janakasutahi samujhai kari bahu bidhi dhiraju dinh | Charan kamal siru nai kapi gavanu ram pahin kinh ||27||

Hanuman comforted Janaki in many ways and gave her courage; then, bowing at her lotus feet, he set off towards Ram.

Chaupai 246

Chalat mahadhuni garjesi bhari | Garbh sravhin suni nisichar nari ||

As he left, he gave a mighty roar that struck terror into the demon women.

Chaupai 247

Naghi sindhu ehi parahi ava | Sabad kilakila kapinh sunava ||

Leaping the ocean, he came back to this shore and gave a joyful shout to the vanaras.

Chaupai 248

Harashe sab biloki hanumana | Nutan janm kapinh tab jana ||

Seeing Hanuman, everyone rejoiced; the vanaras felt as if they had been born again.

Chaupai 249

Mukh prasann tan tej biraja | Kinhesi ramchandr kar kaja ||

His face was glad and his body glowed, showing that he had done Ram's work.

Chaupai 250

Mile sakal ati bhae sukhari | Talphat min pav jimi bari ||

They all embraced him and were overjoyed, like a gasping fish finding water.

Chaupai 251

Chale harashi raghunayak pasa | Punchhat kahat naval itihasa ||

Joyfully they set off towards Raghunath, asking and telling the new tale.

Chaupai 252

Tab madhuban bhitar sab ae | Angad sanmat madhu phal khae ||

Then they all entered Madhuvan, Sugriv's garden, and with Angad's consent ate its sweet fruit.

Chaupai 253

Rakhavare jab barjan lage | Mushti prahar hanat sab bhage ||

When the guards tried to stop them, the vanaras struck them with their fists and they all ran away.

Doha

Jai pukare te sab ban ujar jubraj | Suni sugriv harash kapi kari ae prabhu kaj ||28||

They went and complained that Prince Angad was ruining the garden. Hearing this, Sugriv was delighted, knowing the vanaras had done the Lord's work.

Chaupai 254

Jaun na hoti sita sudhi pai | Madhuban ke phal sakhin ki khai ||

'If they had not found Sita, would they dare eat the fruit of Madhuvan?'

Chaupai 255

Ehi bidhi man bichar kar raja | Ai gae kapi sahit samaja ||

As King Sugriv was thinking this, the vanaras arrived with their whole band.

Chaupai 256

Ai sabanhi nava pad sisa | Mileu sabanhi ati prem kapisa ||

They all came and bowed at his feet, and Sugriv greeted them all with great love.

Chaupai 257

Punchhi kusal kusal pad dekhi | Ram kripan bha kaju biseshi ||

Sugriv asked if all was well. They said, 'Seeing your feet, all is well; by Ram's grace the task is done splendidly.'

Chaupai 258

Nath kaju kinheu hanumana | Rakhe sakal kapinh ke prana ||

'Lord, it was Hanuman who did it and saved the lives of all the vanaras.'

Chaupai 259

Suni sugriv bahuri tehi mileu | Kapinh sahit raghupati pahin chaleu ||

Hearing this, Sugriv embraced Hanuman again and went with the vanaras to Ram.

Chaupai 260

Ram kapinh jab avat dekha | Kien kaju man harash bisesha ||

When Ram saw the vanaras coming, he sensed their success and felt great joy.

Chaupai 261

Phatik sila baithe dvau bhai | Pare sakal kapi charnanhi jai ||

The two brothers were seated on a crystal rock, and all the vanaras fell at their feet.

Doha

Priti sahit sab bhete raghupati karuna punj | Punchhi kusal nath ab kusal dekhi pad kanj ||29||

Raghunath, full of compassion, embraced them all lovingly and asked how they were. They said, 'Lord, seeing your lotus feet, now all is well.'

Chaupai 262

Jamvant kah sunu raghuraya | Ja par nath karahu tumh daya ||

Jambavan said, 'Listen, Raghunath — O Lord, the one on whom you show your kindness—'

Chaupai 263

Tahi sada subh kusal nirantar | Sur nar muni prasann ta upar ||

'is always blessed and well, and gods, men and sages are all pleased with him.'

Chaupai 264

Soi bijai binai gun sagar | Tasu sujasu trelok ujagar ||

'He alone is victorious, humble and an ocean of virtues, and his fame shines in all three worlds.'

Chaupai 265

Prabhu kin kripa bhayau sabu kaju | Janm hamar suphal bha aju ||

'By your grace all is done; today our lives have become worthwhile.'

Chaupai 266

Nath pavanasut kinhi jo karani | Sahashun mukh na jai so barani ||

'Lord, what Hanuman has done cannot be told even with a thousand mouths.'

Chaupai 267

Pavanatanay ke charit suhae | Jamvant raghupatihi sunae ||

Then Jambavan told Raghunath of Hanuman's wonderful deeds.

Chaupai 268

Sunat kripanidhi man ati bhae | Puni hanuman harashi hiyan lae ||

Hearing it, Ram, the treasury of mercy, was delighted and joyfully hugged Hanuman to his heart.

Chaupai 269

Kahahu tat kehi bhanti janaki | Rahati karati rachchha svapran ki ||

Ram said, 'Tell me, dear one, how does Janaki live there, and how does she keep herself alive?'

Doha

Nam paharu divas nisi dhyan tumhar kapat | Lochan nij pad jantrit jahin pran kehin bat ||30||

Hanuman said, 'Your name stands guard day and night, her meditation on you is the door, and her eyes fixed on her feet are the lock — by what path could her life escape?'

Chaupai 270

Chalat mohi churamani dinhi | Raghupati hridyan lai soi linhi ||

'As I left, she gave me her crest-jewel.' Raghunath took it and pressed it to his heart.

Chaupai 271

Nath jugal lochan bhari bari | Bachan kahe kachhu janakakumari ||

'Lord, with both eyes full of tears, Janak's daughter said a few words—'

Chaupai 272

Anuj samet gahehu prabhu charana | Din bandhu pranatarati harana ||

'Hold the Lord's feet, and his brother's, and say: you are the friend of the humble and remove the pain of all who seek refuge.'

Chaupai 273

Man kram bachan charan anuragi | Kehi apradh nath haun tyagi ||

'I love your feet in thought, deed and word — then, Lord, for what fault have you abandoned me?'

Chaupai 274

Avgun ek mor main mana | Bichhurat pran na kinh payana ||

'I admit one fault of mine: my life did not leave me when we were parted.'

Chaupai 275

Nath so naynanhi ko aparadha | Nisrat pran karhin hathi badha ||

'But Lord, that is the fault of my eyes, which stubbornly hold back my departing life.'

Chaupai 276

Birah agini tanu tul samira | Svas jarai chhan mahin sarira ||

'Separation is fire, my body is cotton and my breath the wind — this body could burn in a moment.'

Chaupai 277

Nayan sravhin jalu nij hit lagi | Jarain na pav deh birahagi ||

'But my eyes, wanting to see you again, keep shedding tears, so the fire of separation cannot burn my body.'

Chaupai 278

Sita kai ati bipati bisala | Binhin kahen bhali dinadayala ||

'Sita's suffering is immense; O friend of the helpless, it is better left untold.'

Doha

Nimish nimish karunanidhi jahin kalap sam biti | Begi chalia prabhu ania bhuj bal khal dal jiti ||31||

O ocean of compassion, every moment passes for her like an age. Lord, go quickly, defeat the wicked army with the strength of your arms and bring her back.

Chaupai 279

Suni sita dukh prabhu sukh ayana | Bhari ae jal rajiv nayana ||

Hearing of Sita's pain, tears filled the lotus eyes of the Lord, the home of joy.

Chaupai 280

Bachan kayan man mam gati jahi | Sapanehun bujhia bipati ki tahi ||

Ram said, 'Can one who depends on me in thought, word and body ever suffer, even in a dream?'

Chaupai 281

Kah hanumant bipati prabhu soi | Jab tav sumiran bhajan na hoi ||

Hanuman said, 'Lord, the only true misfortune is when one does not remember and worship you.'

Chaupai 282

Ketik bat prabhu jatudhan ki | Ripuhi jiti anibi janaki ||

'Lord, what are the demons to you? You will defeat the enemy and bring Janaki home.'

Chaupai 283

Sunu kapi tohi saman upakari | Nahin kou sur nar muni tanudhari ||

Ram said, 'Listen, Hanuman — no god, man or sage has done me such good as you.'

Chaupai 284

Prati upkar karaun ka tora | Sanmukh hoi na sakat man mora ||

'What can I do for you in return? My heart cannot even face you.'

Chaupai 285

Sunu sut tohi urin main nahin | Dekheun kari bichar man mahin ||

'Listen, son, I have thought it over in my heart — I can never repay my debt to you.'

Chaupai 286

Puni puni kapihi chitav suratrata | Lochan nir pulak ati gata ||

The Lord, protector of the gods, gazed at Hanuman again and again, tears in his eyes and his body thrilled with love.

Doha

Suni prabhu bachan biloki mukh gat harashi hanumant | Charan pareu premakul trahi trahi bhagvant ||32||

Hearing the Lord's words and seeing his face and form, Hanuman was overjoyed; overwhelmed with love, he fell at his feet crying, 'Save me, save me, O Lord!'

Chaupai 287

Bar bar prabhu chahai uthava | Prem magan tehi uthab na bhava ||

Again and again the Lord tried to raise him, but Hanuman, lost in love, did not wish to get up.

Chaupai 288

Prabhu kar pankaj kapi ken sisa | Sumiri so dasa magan gaurisa ||

The Lord's lotus hand rested on Hanuman's head — recalling that scene, Shiv himself was lost in love.

Chaupai 289

Savdhan man kari puni sankar | Lage kahan katha ati sundar ||

Then, steadying his mind, Shankar went on with the beautiful story.

Chaupai 290

Kapi uthai prabhu hridyan lagava | Kar gahi param nikat baithava ||

The Lord lifted Hanuman, held him to his heart, and taking his hand seated him close by.

Chaupai 291

Kahu kapi ravan palit lanka | Kehi bidhi daheu durg ati banka ||

'Tell me, Hanuman, how did you burn Ravan's Lanka and its mighty fortress?'

Chaupai 292

Prabhu prasann jana hanumana | Bola bachan bigat abhimana ||

Seeing the Lord pleased, Hanuman spoke without any pride—

Chaupai 293

Sakhamrig kai bari manusai | Sakha ten sakha par jai ||

'A monkey's only skill is jumping from one branch to another.'

Chaupai 294

Naghi sindhu hatakapur jara | Nisichar gan badhi bipin ujara ||

'That I crossed the sea, burned the golden city, killed demons and laid waste the grove—'

Chaupai 295

So sab tav pratap raghurai | Nath na kachhu mori prabhutai ||

'all of that was your glory, Raghunath; Lord, none of it is my own greatness.'

Doha

Ta kahun prabhu kachhu agam nahin ja par tumh anukul | Tav prabhavan baravanalahi jari sakai khalu tul ||33||

Lord, nothing is impossible for one whom you favour. By your power, even a wisp of cotton could burn the fire beneath the ocean.

Chaupai 296

Nath bhagati ati sukhadayani | Dehu kripa kari anapayani ||

'Lord, by your grace, give me your blissful devotion, never to leave me.'

Chaupai 297

Suni prabhu param saral kapi bani | Evmastu tab kaheu bhavani ||

(Shiv says) O Bhavani, hearing Hanuman's simple, sincere words, the Lord said, 'So be it.'

Chaupai 298

Uma ram subhau jehin jana | Tahi bhajanu taji bhav na ana ||

O Uma, whoever has known Ram's nature cares for nothing but worshipping him.

Chaupai 299

Yah sanbad jasu ur ava | Raghupati charan bhagati soi pava ||

Whoever takes this dialogue to heart gains devotion to Ram's feet.

Chaupai 300

Suni prabhu bachan kahhin kapibrinda | Jay jay jay kripal sukhkanda ||

Hearing the Lord's words, the vanaras cried, 'Victory, victory, victory to the kind Lord, root of all joy!'

Chaupai 301

Tab raghupati kapipatihi bolava | Kaha chalain kar karahu banava ||

Then Raghunath called Sugriv and said, 'Prepare to march.'

Chaupai 302

Ab bilanbu kehi karan kije | Turat kapinh kahun ayasu dije ||

'Why delay any longer? Give the order to the vanaras at once.'

Chaupai 303

Kautuk dekhi suman bahu barashi | Nabh ten bhavan chale sur harashi ||

Seeing this, the gods showered many flowers and joyfully returned from the sky to their homes.

Doha

Kapipati begi bolae ae juthap juth | Nana baran atul bal banar bhalu baruth ||34||

Sugriv summoned them at once, and the commanders came with their troops — hosts of vanaras and bears of many colours and matchless strength.

Chaupai 304

Prabhu pad pankaj navhin sisa | Garajhin bhalu mahabal kisa ||

They bowed at the Lord's lotus feet, and the mighty bears and monkeys roared.

Chaupai 305

Dekhi ram sakal kapi sena | Chitai kripa kari rajiv naina ||

Ram looked over the whole vanara army and cast a gracious glance with his lotus eyes.

Chaupai 306

Ram kripa bal pai kapinda | Bhae pachchhajut manhun girinda ||

Strengthened by Ram's grace, the vanara chiefs looked like great mountains with wings.

Chaupai 307

Harashi ram tab kinh payana | Sagun bhae sundar subh nana ||

Then Ram joyfully set out, and many fine, auspicious omens appeared.

Chaupai 308

Jasu sakal mangalamay kiti | Tasu payan sagun yah niti ||

For one whose very fame is all auspicious, good omens at his departure are only a formality.

Chaupai 309

Prabhu payan jana baidehin | Pharaki bam ang janu kahi dehin ||

Sita sensed the Lord's departure; the throbbing of her left side seemed to tell her so.

Chaupai 310

Joi joi sagun janakihi hoi | Asgun bhayau ravanahi soi ||

Every good omen that came to Janaki became a bad omen for Ravan.

Chaupai 311

Chala kataku ko barnain para | Garjahin banar bhalu apara ||

The army marched — who could describe it? Countless vanaras and bears were roaring.

Chaupai 312

Nakh ayudh giri padapadhari | Chale gagan mahi ichchhachari ||

Their claws were their weapons; carrying rocks and trees, they moved at will through sky and over land.

Chaupai 313

Keharinad bhalu kapi karhin | Dagamagahin diggaj chikkarhin ||

The bears and monkeys roared like lions, and the elephants that hold up the directions staggered and trumpeted.

Verse 7

Chikkarhin diggaj dol mahi giri lol sagar kharabhare | Man harash sabh gandharb sur muni nag kinnar dukh tare || Katakatahin markat bikat bhat bahu koti kotinh dhavhin | Jay ram prabal pratap kosalanath gun gan gavhin ||1||

The great elephants trumpeted, the earth shook, mountains trembled and the seas surged; gandharvas, gods, sages, nagas and kinnars rejoiced that their troubles were over. Millions of fierce vanara warriors rushed on, gnashing their teeth and singing the glories of Ram, the mighty Lord of Kosal.

Verse 8

Sahi sak na bhar udar ahipati bar barhin mohai | Gah dasan puni puni kamath prisht kathor so kimi sohai || Raghubir ruchir prayan prasthiti jani param suhavani | Janu kamath kharpar sarparaj so likhat abichal pavani ||2||

Unable to bear the army's weight, the noble serpent Shesh fainted again and again and gripped the hard shell of the cosmic tortoise with his teeth. It looked as if, knowing Ram's march to be supremely blessed, Shesh were writing its holy, lasting story on the tortoise's shell.

Doha

Ehi bidhi jai kripanidhi utare sagar tir | Jahan tahan lage khan phal bhalu bipul kapi bir ||35||

In this way the merciful Ram reached the seashore and camped, and the countless brave bears and vanaras began eating fruit here and there.

Chaupai 314

Uhan nisachar rahhin sasanka | Jab te jari gayau kapi lanka ||

Over in Lanka, ever since Hanuman had burned the city, the demons lived in fear.

Chaupai 315

Nij nij grihan sab karhin bichara | Nahin nisichar kul ker ubara ||

In every home they thought, 'There is no saving the demon race now.'

Chaupai 316

Jasu dut bal barani na jai | Tehi aen pur kavan bhalai ||

'If his messenger's strength is beyond words, what good can come when he himself arrives?'

Chaupai 317

Dutinh san suni purjan bani | Mandodari adhik akulani ||

Hearing from her maids what the townspeople were saying, Mandodari grew very anxious.

Chaupai 318

Rahasi jori kar pati pag lagi | Boli bachan niti ras pagi ||

In private she folded her hands, touched her husband's feet and spoke words full of wisdom.

Chaupai 319

Kant karash hari san pariharahu | Mor kaha ati hit hiyan dharahu ||

'My lord, give up your enmity with Hari; take my words to heart, for they are for your good.'

Chaupai 320

Samujhat jasu dut kai karani | Sravhin garbh rajanichar gharani ||

'Just recalling what his messenger did makes the demon women miscarry in fear—'

Chaupai 321

Tasu nari nij sachiv bolai | Pathavahu kant jo chahahu bhalai ||

'If you want what is good, my lord, send his wife back to him with your minister.'

Chaupai 322

Tav kul kamal bipin dukhadai | Sita sit nisa sam ai ||

'Sita has come like a frosty night to the lotus forest of your family.'

Chaupai 323

Sunahu nath sita binu dinhen | Hit na tumhar sanbhu aj kinhen ||

'Listen, lord — unless you return Sita, even Shiv and Brahma cannot help you.'

Doha

Ram ban ahi gan saris nikar nisachar bhek | Jab lagi grasat na tab lagi jatanu karahu taji tek ||36||

Ram's arrows are like a swarm of serpents and the demons like frogs. Before they are swallowed up, give up your stubbornness and do something.

Chaupai 324

Shravan suni sath ta kari bani | Bihasa jagat bidit abhimani ||

Hearing her words, the foolish Ravan, famous throughout the world for his pride, laughed.

Chaupai 325

Sabhay subhau nari kar sacha | Mangal mahun bhay man ati kacha ||

'It is truly a woman's nature to be fearful; even in good times she is afraid, so weak is her heart.'

Chaupai 326

Jaun avai markat katakai | Jiahin bichare nisichar khai ||

'If the monkey army comes, my poor demons will make a meal of it.'

Chaupai 327

Kanpahin lokap jakin trasa | Tasu nari sabhit bari hasa ||

'The one before whom the guardians of the worlds tremble — his wife is afraid! How laughable.'

Chaupai 328

As kahi bihasi tahi ur lai | Chaleu sabhan mamata adhikai ||

Saying this, he laughed, embraced her, and went to his court full of affection.

Chaupai 329

Mandodari hridyan kar chinta | Bhayau kant par bidhi biparita ||

Mandodari worried in her heart that fate had turned against her husband.

Chaupai 330

Baitheu sabhan khabari asi pai | Sindhu par sena sab ai ||

As soon as he sat in court, news came that the whole army had reached the far shore of the sea.

Chaupai 331

Bujhesi sachiv uchit mat kahahu | Te sab hanse masht kari rahahu ||

He asked his ministers for advice, and they all laughed: 'Stay calm, there is nothing to worry about.'

Chaupai 332

Jitehu surasur tab shram nahin | Nar banar kehi lekhe mahin ||

'You conquered gods and demons without effort — what are men and monkeys to you?'

Doha

Sachiv baid gur tini jaun priy bolhin bhay as | Raj dharm tan tini kar hoi begihin nas ||37||

If a minister, a doctor and a teacher speak only pleasing words out of fear or hope of reward, then the kingdom, righteousness and the body are all soon destroyed.

Chaupai 333

Soi ravan kahun bani sahai | Astuti karhin sunai sunai ||

That is just what happened to Ravan; they kept flattering him to his face.

Chaupai 334

Avsar jani bibhishanu ava | Bhrata charan sisu tehin nava ||

Seeing his chance, Vibhishan came and bowed his head at his elder brother's feet.

Chaupai 335

Puni siru nai baith nij asan | Bola bachan pai anusasan ||

Bowing again, he sat in his seat and, given permission, spoke—

Chaupai 336

Jau kripal punchhihu mohi bata | Mati anurup kahaun hit tata ||

'Kind brother, since you ask me, I will tell you what is good, as far as I understand.'

Chaupai 337

Jo apan chahai kalyana | Sujasu sumati subh gati sukh nana ||

'Whoever wants his own welfare, good name, good sense, a good end and many joys—'

Chaupai 338

So paranari lilar gosain | Tajau chauthi ke chand ki nain ||

'should turn away from another man's wife as one avoids looking at the moon on the fourth day.'

Chaupai 339

Chaudah bhuvan ek pati hoi | Bhutadroh tishtai nahin soi ||

'Even the sole ruler of all fourteen worlds cannot last if he harms living beings.'

Chaupai 340

Gun sagar nagar nar jou | Alap lobh bhal kahai na kou ||

'Even a man full of virtues and wisdom is not praised by anyone if he has even a little greed.'

Doha

Kam krodh mad lobh sab nath narak ke panth | Sab parihari raghubirahi bhajahu bhajhin jehi sant ||38||

Brother, lust, anger, pride and greed are all roads to hell. Give them all up and worship Ram, whom the saints worship.

Chaupai 341

Tat ram nahin nar bhupala | Bhuvanesvar kalahu kar kala ||

'Brother, Ram is no mere human king; he is Lord of all the worlds, the death of Death itself.'

Chaupai 342

Brahm anamay aj bhagvanta | Byapak ajit anadi ananta ||

'He is Brahman — flawless, unborn, the Lord, all-pervading, unconquered, without beginning or end.'

Chaupai 343

Go dvij dhenu dev hitakari | Kripasindhu manush tanudhari ||

'That ocean of mercy has taken a human body for the good of cows, Brahmins, the earth and the gods.'

Chaupai 344

Jan ranjan bhanjan khal brata | Bed dharm rachchhak sunu bhrata ||

'Listen, brother — he delights his devotees, destroys the hosts of the wicked, and protects the Vedas and dharma.'

Chaupai 345

Tahi bayaru taji naia matha | Pranatarati bhanjan raghunatha ||

'Give up your enmity and bow to him; Raghunath ends the suffering of all who come to him.'

Chaupai 346

Dehu nath prabhu kahun baidehi | Bhajahu ram binu hetu sanehi ||

'Lord, return Sita to him, and worship Ram, who loves without any reason.'

Chaupai 347

Saran gaen prabhu tahu na tyaga | Bisv droh krit agh jehi laga ||

'Even one guilty of harming the whole world is not rejected by the Lord when he seeks refuge.'

Chaupai 348

Jasu nam tray tap nasavan | Soi prabhu pragat samujhu jiyan ravan ||

'Understand in your heart, Ravan, that the Lord whose name ends all three kinds of suffering has now appeared.'

Doha

Bar bar pad lagaun binay karaun dassis | Parihari man moh mad bhajahu kosaladhis ||39(ka)||

Ten-headed brother, again and again I fall at your feet and plead: give up pride, delusion and arrogance, and worship Ram, Lord of Kosal.

Doha

Muni pulasti nij sishy san kahi pathai yah bat | Turat so main prabhu san kahi pai suavasaru tat ||39(kha)||

Sage Pulastya sent this message through his disciple; brother, finding a good moment, I have passed it on to you at once.

Chaupai 349

Malyavant ati sachiv sayana | Tasu bachan suni ati sukh mana ||

Ravan had a very wise minister named Malyavan, who was greatly pleased by Vibhishan's words.

Chaupai 350

Tat anuj tav niti bibhushan | So ur dharahu jo kahat bibhishan ||

He said, 'Your younger brother is an ornament of good counsel; take Vibhishan's words to heart.'

Chaupai 351

Ripu utakarash kahat sath dou | Duri na karahu ihan hai kou ||

Ravan said, 'These two fools are praising the enemy. Is anyone here? Get them out of my sight!'

Chaupai 352

Malyavant grih gayau bahori | Kahai bibhishanu puni kar jori ||

Then Malyavan went home, and Vibhishan, with folded hands, spoke again—

Chaupai 353

Sumati kumati sab ken ur rahhin | Nath puran nigam as kahhin ||

'Lord, the Puranas and Vedas say that good sense and bad sense both live in every heart.'

Chaupai 354

Jahan sumati tahan sanpati nana | Jahan kumati tahan bipati nidana ||

'Where there is good sense there is every kind of wealth; where there is bad sense, ruin follows in the end.'

Chaupai 355

Tav ur kumati basi biparita | Hit anhit manahu ripu prita ||

'A perverse mind has settled in your heart, so you see good as harm and foes as friends.'

Chaupai 356

Kalarati nisichar kul keri | Tehi sita par priti ghaneri ||

'You are so attached to Sita, who is like the night of doom for the demon race.'

Doha

Tat charan gahi magaun rakhahu mor dular | Sita dehu ram kahun ahit na hoi tumhar ||40||

Brother, I hold your feet and beg you to grant my loving wish: return Sita to Ram, so that no harm comes to you.

Chaupai 357

Budh puran shruti sanmat bani | Kahi bibhishan niti bakhani ||

Vibhishan explained this wise counsel, which agreed with the learned, the Puranas and the Vedas.

Chaupai 358

Sunat dasanan utha risai | Khal tohi nikat mrityu ab ai ||

Hearing it, Ravan rose in fury: 'Wretch, your death is near now!'

Chaupai 359

Jiasi sada sath mor jiava | Ripu kar pachchh murh tohi bhava ||

'Fool, you have always lived on my support, and yet you favour my enemy!'

Chaupai 360

Kahasi na khal as ko jag mahin | Bhuj bal jahi jita main nahin ||

'Tell me, villain — who in the world have I not beaten by the strength of my arms?'

Chaupai 361

Mam pur basi tapsinh par priti | Sath milu jai tinhahi kahu niti ||

'You live in my city and love those hermits! Fool, go join them and teach them your wisdom.'

Chaupai 362

As kahi kinhesi charan prahara | Anuj gahe pad barhin bara ||

Saying this, Ravan kicked him, yet his younger brother held his feet again and again.

Chaupai 363

Uma sant kai ihai barai | Mand karat jo karai bhalai ||

(Shiv says) O Uma, this is the greatness of a saint: he does good even to one who does him wrong.

Chaupai 364

Tumh pitu saris bhalehin mohi mara | Ramu bhajen hit nath tumhara ||

Vibhishan said, 'You are like a father to me, so it is fine that you struck me; but, lord, your good lies in worshipping Ram.'

Chaupai 365

Sachiv sang lai nabh path gayau | Sabahi sunai kahat as bhayau ||

Then he left through the sky with his ministers, and announced to all—

Doha

Ramu satyasankalp prabhu sabha kalbas tori | Main raghubir saran ab jaun dehu jani khori ||41||

Ram is the Lord whose resolve always comes true, and your court is in the grip of death. I now go to take refuge with Ram — do not blame me.

Chaupai 366

As kahi chala bibhishanu jabhin | Ayu hin bhae sab tabhin ||

The moment Vibhishan left, all the demons' lives were as good as over.

Chaupai 367

Sadhu avagya turat bhavani | Kar kalyan akhil kai hani ||

(Shiv says) O Bhavani, insulting a holy person at once destroys all one's good fortune.

Chaupai 368

Ravan jabhin bibhishan tyaga | Bhayau bibhav binu tabhin abhaga ||

The moment Ravan cast out Vibhishan, the unlucky king lost all his glory.

Chaupai 369

Chaleu harashi raghunayak pahin | Karat manorath bahu man mahin ||

Vibhishan went joyfully towards Raghunath, with many hopes in his heart.

Chaupai 370

Dekhihaun jai charan jalajata | Arun mridul sevak sukhadata ||

'I will go and see the Lord's soft, rosy lotus feet that bring joy to his servants.'

Chaupai 371

Je pad parasi tari rishinari | Dandak kanan pavanakari ||

'The feet whose touch saved the sage's wife Ahalya, and which made the Dandak forest holy—'

Chaupai 372

Je pad janakasutan ur lae | Kapat kurang sang dhar dhae ||

'The feet Sita holds in her heart, which ran across the earth after the false deer—'

Chaupai 373

Har ur sar saroj pad jei | Ahobhagy main dekhihaun tei ||

'The lotus feet that bloom in the lake of Shiv's heart — how blessed I am that I shall see them!'

Doha

Jinh payanh ke padukanhi bharatu rahe man lai | Te pad aju bilokihaun inh naynanhi ab jai ||42||

The feet whose sandals Bharat keeps close to his heart — today I shall go and see those very feet with these eyes.

Chaupai 374

Ehi bidhi karat saprem bichara | Ayau sapadi sindhu ehin para ||

Thinking lovingly like this, he quickly reached this side of the sea.

Chaupai 375

Kapinh bibhishanu avat dekha | Jana kou ripu dut bisesha ||

The vanaras saw Vibhishan coming and took him for some special envoy of the enemy.

Chaupai 376

Tahi rakhi kapis pahin ae | Samachar sab tahi sunae ||

Stopping him there, they went to Sugriv and told him everything.

Chaupai 377

Kah sugriv sunahu raghurai | Ava milan dasanan bhai ||

Sugriv said, 'Listen, Raghunath — Ravan's brother has come to meet you.'

Chaupai 378

Kah prabhu sakha bujhiai kaha | Kahai kapis sunahu naranaha ||

The Lord asked, 'Friend, what do you think?' Sugriv said, 'Listen, Lord of men—'

Chaupai 379

Jani na jai nisachar maya | Kamrup kehi karan aya ||

'Demon trickery cannot be understood; he can change shape at will — who knows why he has come?'

Chaupai 380

Bhed hamar len sath ava | Rakhia bandhi mohi as bhava ||

'This rogue has come to spy on us; I think we should keep him tied up.'

Chaupai 381

Sakha niti tumh niki bichari | Mam pan saranagat bhayahari ||

Ram said, 'Friend, you have thought wisely about policy; but my vow is to remove the fear of all who seek my shelter.'

Chaupai 382

Suni prabhu bachan harash hanumana | Saranagat bachchhal bhagavana ||

Hearing the Lord's words, Hanuman rejoiced: the Lord truly loves those who come to him for refuge.

Doha

Saranagat kahun je tajhin nij anhit anumani | Te nar pavanr papmay tinhahi bilokat hani ||43||

Those who turn away someone seeking shelter, out of fear of harm to themselves, are base and sinful; even seeing them brings harm.

Chaupai 383

Koti bipr badh laghin jahu | Aen saran tajaun nahin tahu ||

'Even one guilty of killing countless Brahmins, I do not reject when he comes to me for refuge.'

Chaupai 384

Sanmukh hoi jiv mohi jabhin | Janm koti agh nashin tabhin ||

'The moment a soul turns towards me, the sins of millions of lifetimes are destroyed.'

Chaupai 385

Papvant kar sahaj subhau | Bhajanu mor tehi bhav na kau ||

'It is the nature of the sinful that they never like to worship me.'

Chaupai 386

Jaun pai dushtahriday soi hoi | Moren sanmukh av ki soi ||

'If he were truly wicked at heart, would he come before me at all?'

Chaupai 387

Nirmal man jan so mohi pava | Mohi kapat chhal chhidr na bhava ||

'Only one with a pure heart reaches me; I do not like deceit, trickery or faults.'

Chaupai 388

Bhed len pathava dasasisa | Tabhun na kachhu bhay hani kapisa ||

'Even if Ravan sent him to spy, Sugriv, we have nothing to fear or lose.'

Chaupai 389

Jag mahun sakha nisachar jete | Lachhimanu hanai nimish mahun tete ||

'Friend, Lakshman can slay every demon in the world in the blink of an eye.'

Chaupai 390

Jaun sabhit ava saranai | Rakhihaun tahi pran ki nai ||

'And if he has come in fear seeking shelter, I will protect him like my own life.'

Doha

Ubhay bhanti tehi anahu hansi kah kripaniket | Jay kripal kahi chale angad hanu samet ||44||

Ram, home of mercy, smiled and said, 'Either way, bring him here.' Crying 'Victory to the merciful Lord,' Sugriv went with Angad and Hanuman.

Chaupai 391

Sadar tehi agen kari banar | Chale jahan raghupati karunakar ||

With respect, the vanaras led Vibhishan forward to where Ram, the ocean of compassion, was.

Chaupai 392

Durihi te dekhe dvau bhrata | Nayananand dan ke data ||

From afar Vibhishan saw the two brothers, who give joy to every eye.

Chaupai 393

Bahuri ram chhabidham biloki | Raheu thatuki ektak pal roki ||

Then, seeing Ram, the home of beauty, he stopped short and gazed at him without blinking.

Chaupai 394

Bhuj pralanb kanjarun lochan | Syamal gat pranat bhay mochan ||

The Lord had long arms, eyes like red lotuses, and a dark body that frees the surrendered from fear.

Chaupai 395

Singh kandh ayat ur soha | Anan amit madan man moha ||

His lion-like shoulders and broad chest looked splendid, and his face would charm the heart of countless Kamdevs.

Chaupai 396

Nayan nir pulkit ati gata | Man dhari dhir kahi mridu bata ||

Tears filled Vibhishan's eyes and he thrilled all over; then, gathering himself, he spoke gently.

Chaupai 397

Nath dasanan kar main bhrata | Nisichar bans janam suratrata ||

'Lord, I am Ravan's brother; protector of the gods, I was born in the demon race.'

Chaupai 398

Sahaj papapriy tamas deha | Jatha ulukahi tam par neha ||

'My body is of a dark nature and sin comes naturally to me, as an owl loves the darkness.'

Doha

Shravan sujasu suni ayaun prabhu bhanjan bhav bhir | Trahi trahi arati haran saran sukhad raghubir ||45||

Lord, I have come after hearing of your glory — that you remove the fear of worldly life. O Ram, who ends all pain and brings joy to those who seek refuge, save me, save me!

Chaupai 399

As kahi karat dandavat dekha | Turat uthe prabhu harash bisesha ||

Seeing him say this and fall flat in prostration, the Lord rose at once, overjoyed.

Chaupai 400

Din bachan suni prabhu man bhava | Bhuj bisal gahi hridyan lagava ||

The humble words pleased the Lord, and he held Vibhishan in his long arms and hugged him to his heart.

Chaupai 401

Anuj sahit mili dhig baithari | Bole bachan bhagat bhayahari ||

Together with his brother he embraced him and seated him close, and the Lord who frees devotees from fear said—

Chaupai 402

Kahu lankes sahit parivara | Kusal kuthahar bas tumhara ||

'Lord of Lanka, tell me how you and your family are; you live in a bad place.'

Chaupai 403

Khal mandalin basahu dinu rati | Sakha dharam nibahai kehi bhanti ||

'You live day and night among the wicked — friend, how do you keep to dharma?'

Chaupai 404

Main janaun tumhari sab riti | Ati nay nipun na bhav aniti ||

'I know all your ways — you are wise in right conduct and dislike what is wrong.'

Chaupai 405

Baru bhal bas narak kar tata | Dusht sang jani dei bidhata ||

'Dear one, better to live in hell than for fate to give us the company of the wicked.'

Chaupai 406

Ab pad dekhi kusal raghuraya | Jaun tumh kinh jani jan daya ||

Vibhishan said, 'Raghunath, since you have shown me kindness, taking me as your own, seeing your feet I am now well.'

Doha

Tab lagi kusal na jiv kahun sapanehun man bishram | Jab lagi bhajat na ram kahun sok dham taji kam ||46||

Until a soul gives up desire, the home of sorrow, and worships Ram, it knows no wellbeing and its mind finds no peace, not even in dreams.

Chaupai 407

Tab lagi hridyan basat khal nana | Lobh moh machchhar mad mana ||

'Until then, many villains — greed, delusion, envy, arrogance and pride — live in the heart—'

Chaupai 408

Jab lagi ur na basat raghunatha | Dharen chap sayak kati bhatha ||

'as long as Raghunath, with bow and arrows and quiver at his waist, does not dwell in it.'

Chaupai 409

Mamata tarun tami andhiari | Rag dvesh uluk sukhakari ||

'Attachment is a pitch-dark night that pleases the owls of craving and hatred.'

Chaupai 410

Tab lagi basati jiv man mahin | Jab lagi prabhu pratap rabi nahin ||

'That night stays in the mind only until the sun of the Lord's glory rises.'

Chaupai 411

Ab main kusal mite bhay bhare | Dekhi ram pad kamal tumhare ||

'Ram, now that I have seen your lotus feet, I am well and my heavy fears are gone.'

Chaupai 412

Tumh kripal ja par anukula | Tahi na byap tribidh bhav sula ||

'Kind Lord, the three kinds of worldly suffering cannot touch one whom you favour.'

Chaupai 413

Main nisichar ati adham subhau | Subh acharanu kinh nahin kau ||

'I am a demon of very low nature and have never done a good deed.'

Chaupai 414

Jasu rup muni dhyan na ava | Tehin prabhu harashi hridyan mohi lava ||

'The Lord whose form even sages cannot hold in meditation has gladly hugged me to his heart.'

Doha

Ahobhagy mam amit ati ram kripa sukh punj | Dekheun nayan biranchi siv seby jugal pad kanj ||47||

O Ram, mass of grace and joy, my good fortune is boundless — with my own eyes I have seen your two lotus feet, worshipped by Brahma and Shiv.

Chaupai 415

Sunahu sakha nij kahaun subhau | Jan bhusundi sanbhu girijau ||

Ram said, 'Listen, friend — I will tell you my nature, which Kakbhushundi, Shiv and Parvati know.'

Chaupai 416

Jaun nar hoi charachar drohi | Avai sabhay saran taki mohi ||

'If even a person hostile to the whole world comes to me in fear, seeking my shelter—'

Chaupai 417

Taji mad moh kapat chhal nana | Karaun sady tehi sadhu samana ||

'and gives up pride, delusion, deceit and every trick, I at once make him like a saint.'

Chaupai 418

Janani janak bandhu sut dara | Tanu dhanu bhavan suhrid parivara ||

'Mother, father, brother, son, wife, body, wealth, home, friends and family—'

Chaupai 419

Sab kai mamata tag batori | Mam pad manahi bandh bari dori ||

'one who gathers the threads of attachment to all these, twists them into a rope, and ties his mind to my feet—'

Chaupai 420

Samadarasi ichchha kachhu nahin | Harash sok bhay nahin man mahin ||

'who sees all as equal, has no selfish wish, and holds no joy, grief or fear in his mind—'

Chaupai 421

As sajjan mam ur bas kaisen | Lobhi hridyan basai dhanu jaisen ||

'such a good soul lives in my heart the way wealth lives in a greedy man's heart.'

Chaupai 422

Tumh sarikhe sant priy moren | Dharaun deh nahin an nihoren ||

'Saints like you are dear to me; it is for them, not at anyone else's request, that I take a body.'

Doha

Sagun upasak parhit nirat niti drirh nem | Te nar pran saman mam jinh ken dvij pad prem ||48||

Those who worship the Lord with form, are devoted to others' good, firm in right conduct and discipline, and love the feet of the learned — such people are as dear to me as my own life.

Chaupai 423

Sunu lankes sakal gun toren | Taten tumh atisay priy moren ||

'Listen, Lord of Lanka — you have all these virtues, so you are very dear to me.'

Chaupai 424

Ram bachan suni banar jutha | Sakal kahhin jay kripa barutha ||

Hearing Ram's words, all the vanara bands cried, 'Victory to the Lord, the abode of mercy!'

Chaupai 425

Sunat bibhishanu prabhu kai bani | Nahin aghat shravanamrit jani ||

Vibhishan, hearing the Lord's words, could not get enough of them — they were nectar to his ears.

Chaupai 426

Pad anbuj gahi barhin bara | Hridyan samat na premu apara ||

Again and again he clasped the Lord's lotus feet; his boundless love could not be contained in his heart.

Chaupai 427

Sunahu dev sacharachar svami | Pranatapal ur antarajami ||

'Listen, O God, Lord of all that moves and does not move, protector of the surrendered, knower of every heart—'

Chaupai 428

Ur kachhu pratham basana rahi | Prabhu pad priti sarit so bahi ||

'Once I had some desire in my heart, but it has been washed away in the river of love for your feet.'

Chaupai 429

Ab kripal nij bhagati pavani | Dehu sada siv man bhavani ||

'Kind Lord, now give me your pure devotion, which is ever dear to Shiv.'

Chaupai 430

Evmastu kahi prabhu ranadhira | Maga turat sindhu kar nira ||

Saying 'So be it,' the Lord, steady in battle, at once asked for water from the sea.

Chaupai 431

Jadapi sakha tav ichchha nahin | Mor darasu amogh jag mahin ||

'Friend, though you desire nothing, in this world seeing me never goes without reward.'

Chaupai 432

As kahi ram tilak tehi sara | Suman brishti nabh bhai apara ||

Saying this, Ram anointed him king, and a great shower of flowers fell from the sky.

Doha

Ravan krodh anal nij svas samir prachand | Jarat bibhishanu rakheu dinhehu raju akhand ||49(ka)||

Vibhishan was burning in the fire of Ravan's anger, fanned by his fierce breath; the Lord saved him and gave him an unending kingdom.

Doha

Jo sanpati siv ravanahi dinhi dien das math | Soi sanpada bibhishanahi sakuchi dinh raghunath ||49(kha)||

The wealth that Shiv gave Ravan after he offered his ten heads — that same wealth Raghunath gave Vibhishan, feeling it was too little.

Chaupai 433

As prabhu chhari bhajhin je ana | Te nar pasu binu punchh bishana ||

Those who leave such a Lord to worship others are beasts without horns or tails.

Chaupai 434

Nij jan jani tahi apanava | Prabhu subhav kapi kul man bhava ||

Knowing Vibhishan as his own, the Lord embraced him, and the vanaras loved this nature of their Lord.

Chaupai 435

Puni sarbagy sarb ur basi | Sarbarup sab rahit udasi ||

Then the all-knowing Lord, who dwells in every heart, who is all forms yet beyond all—

Chaupai 436

Bole bachan niti pratipalak | Karan manuj danuj kul ghalak ||

the keeper of right conduct, who became human for a purpose and destroys the demon race, spoke—

Chaupai 437

Sunu kapis lankapati bira | Kehi bidhi taria jaladhi ganbhira ||

'Listen, brave Sugriv and Vibhishan, Lord of Lanka — how shall we cross this deep ocean?'

Chaupai 438

Sankul makar urag jhash jati | Ati agadh dustar sab bhanti ||

'It teems with crocodiles, serpents and fish, is very deep, and is hard to cross in every way.'

Chaupai 439

Kah lankes sunahu raghunayak | Koti sindhu soshak tav sayak ||

Vibhishan said, 'Listen, Raghunath — your arrow could dry up millions of oceans.'

Chaupai 440

Jadyapi tadapi niti asi gai | Binay karia sagar san jai ||

'Even so, wise conduct says you should first go and request the ocean.'

Doha

Prabhu tumhar kulgur jaladhi kahihi upay bichari | Binu prayas sagar tarihi sakal bhalu kapi dhari ||50||

Lord, the Ocean is an elder of your own family; he will think and suggest a way, and the whole army of bears and vanaras will cross without effort.

Chaupai 441

Sakha kahi tumh niki upai | Karia daiv jaun hoi sahai ||

Ram said, 'Friend, you have suggested a good way; let us do it, if fate is on our side.'

Chaupai 442

Mantr na yah lachhiman man bhava | Ram bachan suni ati dukh pava ||

Lakshman did not like this advice, and Ram's words pained him.

Chaupai 443

Nath daiv kar kavan bharosa | Soshia sindhu karia man rosa ||

Lakshman said, 'Lord, why rely on fate? Show your anger and dry up the sea.'

Chaupai 444

Kadar man kahun ek adhara | Daiv daiv alasi pukara ||

'Fate is the only support of a timid heart; it is the lazy who keep crying "fate, fate".'

Chaupai 445

Sunat bihasi bole raghubira | Aisehin karab dharahu man dhira ||

Hearing this, Ram smiled and said, 'We shall do just that — be patient.'

Chaupai 446

As kahi prabhu anujahi samujhai | Sindhu samip gae raghurai ||

Calming his brother with these words, Ram went close to the sea.

Chaupai 447

Pratham pranam kinh siru nai | Baithe puni tat darbh dasai ||

First he bowed his head in salutation, then spread kusha grass on the shore and sat down.

Chaupai 448

Jabhin bibhishan prabhu pahin ae | Pachhen ravan dut pathae ||

When Vibhishan came to the Lord, Ravan had sent spies after him.

Doha

Sakal charit tinh dekhe dharen kapat kapi deh | Prabhu gun hridyan sarahhin saranagat par neh ||51||

Disguised as vanaras, the spies watched everything, and seeing the Lord's love for one who sought refuge, they praised his virtues in their hearts.

Chaupai 449

Pragat bakhanhin ram subhau | Ati saprem ga bisari durau ||

They began praising Ram's nature openly; carried away by love, they forgot their disguise.

Chaupai 450

Ripu ke dut kapinh tab jane | Sakal bandhi kapis pahin ane ||

Then the vanaras realised they were enemy spies, tied them all up and brought them to Sugriv.

Chaupai 451

Kah sugriv sunahu sab banar | Ang bhang kari pathavahu nisichar ||

Sugriv said, 'Listen, vanaras — maim these demons and send them back.'

Chaupai 452

Suni sugriv bachan kapi dhae | Bandhi katak chahun pas phirae ||

Hearing Sugriv, the vanaras ran and paraded the bound spies all around the camp.

Chaupai 453

Bahu prakar maran kapi lage | Din pukarat tadapi na tyage ||

The vanaras began beating them in many ways; though they cried out pitifully, they were not let go.

Chaupai 454

Jo hamar har nasa kana | Tehi kosaladhis kai ana ||

Then the spies cried, 'Whoever cuts our noses and ears — we bind him by an oath to Ram, Lord of Kosal!'

Chaupai 455

Suni lachhiman sab nikat bolae | Daya lagi hansi turat chhorae ||

Hearing this, Lakshman called them all near and, out of pity, smilingly set them free at once.

Chaupai 456

Ravan kar dijahu yah pati | Lachhiman bachan bachu kulaghati ||

He said, 'Give this letter to Ravan and tell him: destroyer of your own family, read Lakshman's words.'

Doha

Kahehu mukhagar murh san mam sandesu udar | Sita dei milehu na ta ava kal tumhar ||52||

Also give that fool my generous message by word of mouth: return Sita and make peace, or else your death has come.

Chaupai 457

Turat nai lachhiman pad matha | Chale dut barnat gun gatha ||

The spies quickly bowed at Lakshman's feet and left, telling the tale of Ram's virtues.

Chaupai 458

Kahat ram jasu lankan ae | Ravan charan sis tinh nae ||

Praising Ram all the way, they reached Lanka and bowed at Ravan's feet.

Chaupai 459

Bihasi dasanan punchhi bata | Kahasi na suk apani kusalata ||

Ravan laughed and asked, 'Shuk, why don't you tell me how you are?'

Chaupai 460

Puni kahu khabari bibhishan keri | Jahi mrityu ai ati neri ||

'Then tell me news of Vibhishan, whose death is very near.'

Chaupai 461

Karat raj lanka sath tyagi | Hoihi jab kar kit abhagi ||

'The fool left Lanka where he could have ruled; now the wretch will be crushed like a weevil along with the grain.'

Chaupai 462

Puni kahu bhalu kis katakai | Kathin kal prerit chali ai ||

'Then tell me of the army of bears and monkeys, driven here by cruel fate.'

Chaupai 463

Jinh ke jivan kar rakhavara | Bhayau mridul chit sindhu bichara ||

'Their lives are protected only by the soft-hearted ocean standing in between.'

Chaupai 464

Kahu tapsinh kai bat bahori | Jinh ke hridyan tras ati mori ||

'And tell me about those hermits, whose hearts are full of fear of me.'

Doha

Ki bhai bhent ki phiri gae shravan sujasu suni mor | Kahasi na ripu dal tej bal bahut chakit chit tor ||53||

Did you meet them, or did they turn back on hearing of my fame? Why don't you tell me of the enemy's strength and spirit? You look quite stunned.

Chaupai 465

Nath kripa kari punchhehu jaisen | Manahu kaha krodh taji taisen ||

The spy said, 'Lord, as kindly as you have asked, so, setting aside your anger, accept what I say.'

Chaupai 466

Mila jai jab anuj tumhara | Jathin ram tilak tehi sara ||

'When your younger brother went and met Ram, Ram crowned him king the moment he arrived.'

Chaupai 467

Ravan dut hamahi suni kana | Kapinh bandhi dinhe dukh nana ||

'Hearing we were Ravan's spies, the vanaras tied us up and made us suffer greatly.'

Chaupai 468

Shravan nasika katai lage | Ram sapath dinhe ham tyage ||

'They began cutting off our ears and noses; when we swore by Ram, they let us go.'

Chaupai 469

Punchhihu nath ram katakai | Badan koti sat barani na jai ||

'Lord, you asked about Ram's army — it cannot be described even with a billion mouths.'

Chaupai 470

Nana baran bhalu kapi dhari | Bikatanan bisal bhayakari ||

'There are bears and vanaras of every colour — huge, fierce-faced and terrifying.'

Chaupai 471

Jehin pur daheu hateu sut tora | Sakal kapinh mahan tehi balu thora ||

'The one who burned the city and killed your son is the weakest of them all.'

Chaupai 472

Amit nam bhat kathin karala | Amit nag bal bipul bisala ||

'There are countless fierce, dreadful warriors, huge and as strong as countless elephants.'

Doha

Dvibid mayand nil nal angad gad bikatasi | Dadhimukh kehari nisath sath jamvant balarasi ||54||

Dvivid, Mayand, Neel, Nal, Angad, Gad, Vikatasya, Dadhimukh, Kesari, Nishath, Shath, and Jambavan, a mountain of strength, are among them.

Chaupai 473

E kapi sab sugriv samana | Inh sam kotinh ganai ko nana ||

'All these vanaras are as strong as Sugriv, and there are millions like them — who could count them?'

Chaupai 474

Ram kripan atulit bal tinhahin | Trin saman trelokahi ganhin ||

'By Ram's grace they have matchless strength and think of the three worlds as straw.'

Chaupai 475

As main suna shravan dasakandhar | Padum atharah juthap bandar ||

'Ravan, I have heard that the commanders alone number eighteen padmas.'

Chaupai 476

Nath katak mahan so kapi nahin | Jo na tumhahi jitai ran mahin ||

'Lord, there is not one vanara in that army who could not defeat you in battle.'

Chaupai 477

Param krodh mijhin sab hatha | Ayasu pai na dehin raghunatha ||

'They all wring their hands in fury, but Raghunath does not give the order.'

Chaupai 478

Soshhin sindhu sahit jhash byala | Purhin na ta bhari kudhar bisala ||

'They say, "We will dry up the sea with its fish and serpents, or else fill it with huge mountains."'

Chaupai 479

Mardi gard milavhin dasasisa | Aisei bachan kahhin sab kisa ||

'"We will crush Ravan into the dust" — that is the kind of thing all the vanaras say.'

Chaupai 480

Garjahin tarjahin sahaj asanka | Manhun grasan chahat hahin lanka ||

'Fearless by nature, they roar and threaten as if they want to swallow Lanka whole.'

Doha

Sahaj sur kapi bhalu sab puni sir par prabhu ram | Ravan kal koti kahun jiti sakhin sangram ||55||

All the bears and vanaras are born heroes, and on top of that Lord Ram is their leader. Ravan, they could defeat even millions of deaths in battle.

Chaupai 481

Ram tej bal budhi bipulai | Sesh sahas sat sakhin na gai ||

'The greatness of Ram's glory, strength and wisdom cannot be sung even by a hundred thousand Sheshnags.'

Chaupai 482

Sak sar ek soshi sat sagar | Tab bhratahi punchheu nay nagar ||

'He could dry up a hundred oceans with one arrow, yet, wise in conduct, he asked your brother for advice.'

Chaupai 483

Tasu bachan suni sagar pahin | Magat panth kripa man mahin ||

'Following his words, he is asking the ocean for a path, with kindness in his heart.'

Chaupai 484

Sunat bachan bihasa dasasisa | Jaun asi mati sahay krit kisa ||

Hearing this, Ravan laughed: 'With such sense, no wonder he has made monkeys his helpers!'

Chaupai 485

Sahaj bhiru kar bachan drirhai | Sagar san thani machalai ||

'Trusting the word of that born coward, he is pleading with the sea like a stubborn child.'

Chaupai 486

Murh mrisha ka karasi barai | Ripu bal buddhi thah main pai ||

'Fool, why this false praise? I have measured the enemy's strength and wisdom.'

Chaupai 487

Sachiv sabhit bibhishan jaken | Bijay bibhuti kahan jag taken ||

'Where in the world can one find victory and glory when his adviser is a coward like Vibhishan?'

Chaupai 488

Suni khal bachan dut ris barhi | Samay bichari patrika karhi ||

Hearing the villain's words, the spy grew angry and, seeing the moment, took out the letter.

Chaupai 489

Ramanuj dinhi yah pati | Nath bachai juravahu chhati ||

'Lord, Ram's brother Lakshman gave this letter; have it read and set your heart at ease.'

Chaupai 490

Bihasi bam kar linhi ravan | Sachiv boli sath lag bachavan ||

Ravan laughed, took the letter in his left hand, called a minister and had it read.

Doha

Batanh manahi rijhai sath jani ghalasi kul khis | Ram birodh na ubarasi saran bishnu aj is ||56(ka)||

(The letter said) Fool, do not destroy your family by soothing yourself with talk. Opposing Ram, you will not be saved even if you seek shelter with Vishnu, Brahma or Shiv.

Doha

Ki taji man anuj iv prabhu pad pankaj bhring | Hohi ki ram saranal khal kul sahit patang ||56(kha)||

Either give up your pride and, like your younger brother, become a bee at the Lord's lotus feet — or, villain, become a moth in the fire of Ram's arrows, along with your whole family.

Chaupai 491

Sunat sabhay man mukh musukai | Kahat dasanan sabahi sunai ||

Hearing this, Ravan was frightened inside, but smiling outwardly he said to everyone—

Chaupai 492

Bhumi para kar gahat akasa | Laghu tapas kar bag bilasa ||

'Like one lying on the ground trying to grab the sky — that is this little hermit's boasting.'

Chaupai 493

Kah suk nath saty sab bani | Samujhahu chhari prakriti abhimani ||

Shuk said, 'Lord, all these words are true; set aside your proud nature and understand.'

Chaupai 494

Sunahu bachan mam parihari krodha | Nath ram san tajahu birodha ||

'Give up your anger and hear me — Lord, stop opposing Ram.'

Chaupai 495

Ati komal raghubir subhau | Jadyapi akhil lok kar rau ||

'Ram's nature is very gentle, even though he is King of all the worlds.'

Chaupai 496

Milat kripa tumh par prabhu karihi | Ur apradh na ekau dharihi ||

'As soon as you meet him, the Lord will be kind to you and will not hold a single wrong against you.'

Chaupai 497

Janakasuta raghunathahi dije | Etana kaha mor prabhu kije ||

'Return Janak's daughter to Raghunath — Lord, please do just this much that I ask.'

Chaupai 498

Jab tehin kaha den baidehi | Charan prahar kinh sath tehi ||

When he said to return Sita, the wicked Ravan kicked him.

Chaupai 499

Nai charan siru chala so tahan | Kripasindhu raghunayak jahan ||

He too bowed at Ravan's feet and went to where Ram, the ocean of mercy, was.

Chaupai 500

Kari pranamu nij katha sunai | Ram kripan apani gati pai ||

Bowing, he told his story, and by Ram's grace regained his true state.

Chaupai 501

Rishi agasti kin sap bhavani | Rachhas bhayau raha muni gyani ||

(Shiv says) O Bhavani, he had been a wise sage who became a demon through the curse of sage Agastya.

Chaupai 502

Bandi ram pad barhin bara | Muni nij ashram kahun pagu dhara ||

Bowing again and again at Ram's feet, the sage returned to his hermitage.

Doha

Binay na manat jaladhi jar gae tin din biti | Bole ram sakop tab bhay binu hoi na priti ||57||

Three days passed, but the dull ocean paid no heed to the request. Then Ram spoke in anger: 'Without fear, there is no regard.'

Chaupai 503

Lachhiman ban sarasan anu | Soshaun baridhi bisikh krisanu ||

'Lakshman, bring my bow and arrows; I will dry up the ocean with a fiery arrow.'

Chaupai 504

Sath san binay kutil san priti | Sahaj kripan san sundar niti ||

'Pleading with a fool, friendship with the crooked, teaching generosity to a born miser—'

Chaupai 505

Mamata rat san gyan kahani | Ati lobhi san birati bakhani ||

'telling one lost in attachment about wisdom, preaching detachment to the very greedy—'

Chaupai 506

Krodhihi sam kamihi hari katha | Usar bij baen phal jatha ||

'teaching calm to the angry and the Lord's story to the lustful — all are as useless as sowing seed in barren soil.'

Chaupai 507

As kahi raghupati chap charhava | Yah mat lachhiman ke man bhava ||

Saying this, Ram strung his bow, and Lakshman was pleased.

Chaupai 508

Sandhaneu prabhu bisikh karala | Uthi udadhi ur antar jvala ||

As the Lord fitted the fearsome arrow, flames rose deep within the ocean's heart.

Chaupai 509

Makar urag jhash gan akulane | Jarat jantu jalanidhi jab jane ||

Crocodiles, serpents and shoals of fish were in distress; when the Ocean saw his creatures burning—

Chaupai 510

Kanak thar bhari mani gan nana | Bipr rup ayau taji mana ||

he gave up his pride and came in the form of a Brahmin, bearing a golden plate full of many jewels.

Doha

Katehin pai kadari pharai koti jatan kou sinch | Binay na man khages sunu datehin pai nav nich ||58||

(Kakbhushundi says) Listen, Garud — however much one waters it, a banana plant bears fruit only when cut; likewise a base person ignores requests and bends only when scolded.

Chaupai 511

Sabhay sindhu gahi pad prabhu kere | Chhamahu nath sab avgun mere ||

In fear, the Ocean clasped the Lord's feet: 'Lord, forgive all my faults.'

Chaupai 512

Gagan samir anal jal dharani | Inh kai nath sahaj jar karani ||

'Lord, sky, air, fire, water and earth are dull by their very nature.'

Chaupai 513

Tav prerit mayan upajae | Srishti hetu sab granthani gae ||

'Prompted by you, Maya created them for the sake of creation — so all the scriptures say.'

Chaupai 514

Prabhu ayasu jehi kahan jas ahai | So tehi bhanti rahe sukh lahai ||

'Each finds happiness in living just as the Lord has ordained for it.'

Chaupai 515

Prabhu bhal kinh mohi sikh dinhi | Marajada puni tumhari kinhi ||

'Lord, you did well to teach me a lesson; yet my bounds too were set by you.'

Chaupai 516

Dhol gavanr sudr pasu nari | Sakal tarana ke adhikari ||

A drum, the unlettered, the shudra, animals and women are all 'worthy of tadna.' (These words are spoken by the Ocean, and tradition reads them in many ways; many scholars explain 'tadna' as watchful care and guidance.)

Chaupai 517

Prabhu pratap main jab sukhai | Utarihi kataku na mori barai ||

'By your power I would dry up and the army would cross, but there would be no honour in it for me.'

Chaupai 518

Prabhu agya apel shruti gai | Karaun so begi jo tumhahi sohai ||

'The Lord's command cannot be broken, so the Vedas sing; I will at once do whatever pleases you.'

Doha

Sunat binit bachan ati kah kripal musukai | Jehi bidhi utarai kapi kataku tat so kahahu upai ||59||

Hearing the Ocean's humble words, the kind Ram smiled and said, 'Friend, tell me how the vanara army can cross.'

Chaupai 519

Nath nil nal kapi dvau bhai | Larikai rishi asish pai ||

The Ocean said, 'Lord, Neel and Nal are two vanara brothers who received a sage's blessing in childhood.'

Chaupai 520

Tinh ke paras kien giri bhare | Tarihhin jaladhi pratap tumhare ||

'By your power, even heavy mountains will float on the sea once they touch them.'

Chaupai 521

Main puni ur dhari prabhu prabhutai | Karihaun bal anuman sahai ||

'I too, keeping your greatness in my heart, will help as much as I can.'

Chaupai 522

Ehi bidhi nath payodhi bandhaia | Jehin yah sujasu lok tihun gaia ||

'Lord, in this way have a bridge built over the sea, so that this glory of yours is sung in all three worlds.'

Chaupai 523

Ehi sar mam uttar tat basi | Hatahu nath khal nar agh rasi ||

'Lord, with this arrow, strike down the wicked people, heaps of sin, who live on my northern shore.'

Chaupai 524

Suni kripal sagar man pira | Turathin hari ram ranadhira ||

Hearing this, the kind Ram, steady in battle, at once took away the Ocean's pain.

Chaupai 525

Dekhi ram bal paurush bhari | Harashi payonidhi bhayau sukhari ||

Seeing Ram's great strength and valour, the Ocean was glad and content.

Chaupai 526

Sakal charit kahi prabhuhi sunava | Charan bandi pathodhi sidhava ||

He told the Lord everything, bowed at his feet and departed.

Verse 9

Nij bhavan gavaneu sindhu shriraghupatihi yah mat bhayau | Yah charit kali mal har jathamati das tulasi gayau || Sukh bhavan sansay saman davan bishad raghupati gun gana | Taji sakal as bharos gavahi sunahi santat sath mana ||

The Ocean went home, and Ram liked his advice. Tulsidas has sung this story, which washes away the sins of Kali Yug, as best he could. Ram's virtues are a home of joy that end doubt and destroy sorrow — O foolish mind, give up every other hope and always sing and hear of them.

Doha

Sakal sumangal dayak raghunayak gun gan | Sadar sunhin te tarhin bhav sindhu bina jaljan ||60||

Singing Ram's virtues brings every kind of blessing. Those who hear it with reverence cross the ocean of worldly life without any boat.