Read Sundara Kãnda: Hanuman's Odyssey Page 4

Canto 54 - Arson to Hurt  

  Having had his way thus far

  Thought of future course Hanuman.

   

  Why not I give them in kind

  For what they did all to my tail? 

   

  Much is left to hurt the foe

  Caused I might have some damage.

   

  Why not I torch Ravan’s town

  With the help of tail mine

  That they set on fire themselves?  

   

  For the favour of Agni

  Make I Lanka his fodder.

   

  Hovered as he in mid-air

  Surveyed Ravan’s land he thus. 

   

  Landed then on some dwelling 

  Jumped he then from one another.

   

  Chose he Prahastha’s own palace

  With its sprawling compound then 

  And made he bonfire of all there. 

   

  Next in line was Mahaparsva’s 

  Mansion that met similar fate.

   

  Not to content even then

  Burnt he dwellings of nobles.

   

  Leaned he then on that palace  

  Owned by one who subdued him.

   

  Set he fire then one by one

  Houses of the following.

   

  Jambumali’s ’n Sumali’s

  Rasmiketha’s ’n Suryasathru’s

  Damstra’s ’n so Duraatma’s

   

  Romasa’s ’n Ghora’s as well

  Mattali’s besides Yuddhonmatha’s

  Karala’s and Pisaachas’s too. 

   

  Kumbha’s as well Nikumbha’s

  Yagnasatru’s ’n Brahmasatru’s

  Not to speak of Kumbhakarna’s. 

   

  But spared Hanuman that dwelling

  Lived where Vibhishan who pleaded

  Case his then in Ravan’s Court. 

   

  Razed as fire in those places

  Turned all therein to ashes. 

   

  Went he then to that courtyard

  Where lived Lankan king Ravan. 

   

  Set he Ravan’s fort on fire

  With the fading flame on tail.

   

  Spread as fire in Ravan’s court

  Thundered  Hanuman even more.

   

  As if to aid his son’s cause

  Unleashed Vayu his frenzy. 

   

  Goaded thus by Hanuman’s dad

  Spread tongues Agni far and wide.

   

  In that towering inferno

  Came  all dwellings crashing down.

   

  Looked then Lanka that lost soul

  Thrown down from the heaven itself.

   

  Lost their wits all then Lankans

  Felt they Fire God turned vanar.

   

  Filled all streets were with Lankans

  Rent were skies there with their cries.

   

  Jumped all over compound

  From the debris of dwellings

  Flowed then molten gold in streams.

   

  Turned to ashes demonic frames

  Turned grey landscape of Lanka.

   

  In myriad shades of crimson red

  Sprouted tongues of fire to skies. 

   

  Burning Lanka seemed as if

  Tripura of yore Shankar burnt.

  To bring Lanka to its knees

  Moved then Hanuman to outskirts.

   

  With still burning tail of his

  Set fire Hanuman there dwellings.

   

  Raged as fire in those buildings

  Heard all bursting sounds from them.

   

  Smoke that embers emitted then

  Rose in columns to high skies.

   

  Wondered all those who survived

  Came if death in Hanuman’s form.

   

  Brahma’s it was wrath felt some

  Set what Hanuman to smash them.

   

  Took some Hanuman for Vishnu’s 

  Avatar to end Ravan’s reign.

   

  It’s in no time fire got spread

  To nearby jungles all so deep.

   

  Trapped as such in jungle fire  

  Died wildlife of forests there.

   

  Rent was air with cries of all

  Lost who then their kith and kin.

   

  With the havoc that he caused

  Lanka seemed an accursed land. 

   

  Climbed up Chitrakoot Hanuman

  Surveyed Ravan’s land ravaged. 

   

  Felt glad Hanuman that Lanka

  Lost its edge to fight Lord Ram.

   

  Tail as his was still on fire

  Looked he still the rising sun.

   

  Having done his job Hanuman

  Prayed he in all reverence Ram.

   

  Gods all for his one-man show

  Showered then praises on Hanuman.

   

  Amidst the ruins of Lanka then

  Stood like victor there Hanuman. 

   

  Felt on second thought gods all there

  What they discerned was but dream, 

  For how could Hanuman on his own  

  Raze all Lanka at one go!

   

  At the sight of Lanka thus

  Rubbed all angels then their eyes,  

  At the havoc Hanuman caused

  Worlds all trembled then dismayed. 

   

  Sages at that in their scores

  As well angels there gathered

  Not to speak of Yakshas then

  Thought it augured well for world.

  Canto 55 - What of Seetha?

  Died as embers in Lanka

  So to quench his burning tail

  Went upto beach then Hanuman. 

   

  Cooled as he tail by seashore

  Felt then Hanuman thus in qualms.

   

  Have I gone wrong by burning

  Lanka to the last dwelling?

   

  Was it all wrong on my part   

  Lost I bearing in my wrath?

   

  Of all what that afflicts man

  Anger takes the pride of place.

   

  Drives to extremes man anger 

  Thought in his ’n deed as well.

  Whoever can nip his anger

  In the bud is man seasoned.

   

  Reckoned as I not her welfare

  On whom Rama stakes his life

  Raison d’etre of Odyssey mine

  Doubt there none it’s foolhardy. 

   

  Now that Lanka is on fire

  Wouldn’t have Seetha lost her life?

   

  What for came I to Lanka 

  Is it to kill Rama’s wife?

  While the going was so good

  How come lost I my bearing!

   

  Spared as fury of Fire God

  Not a square inch of Lanka

  Where was space for her to hide?

   

  Were Seetha to perish in fire 

  How am I to show my face

  To her Lord who trusted me. 

   

  Why not I now end my life  

  Why to go to Ram with guilt.

   

  How am I go back to them 

  How to look all them in face?

   

  How I subscribed to world-view

  That vanars wouldn’t get foc
used!

   

  To let him in spite all go wrong.  

  Makes man passion imperfect    

   

  Hear if they that Seetha died

  Ram ’n Lakshman won’t live more.

   

  At the death of their siblings

  Bharat ’n Satrughn follow suit.

   

  Reign if ends of Ikshvaakus

  Orphaned would be world at large.

   

  For the foolish act of mine

  Won’t I turn the accursed soul?

   

  As sunk Hanuman in sorrow

  Omens he sighted all too good.

   

  Felt he raging flames of fire

  Won’t match power of Rama’s wife.

   

  Won’t her aura keep at bay

  Flames of raging fire from her. 

   

  Won’t the Fire God himself know  

  Touch he cannot Rama’s spouse?

   

  How can ever be Rama’s wife

  Destined to burn like some sack? 

   

  As well Agni spared my tail

  Would he ever touch Seetha then?

   

  Mainak as did offer help

  To sustain cause of Lord Rama

  Wouldn’t then Agni follow suit?

   

  Won’t her love for Rama make

  Lakshman rekha for Fire God? 

   

  Wavered as thus Hanuman then

  Heard he angels speak in awe.

   

  Gods too never dared to dream

  Ever would Ravan get subdued,

  With Lanka thus now on fire

  Lankans have no place to hide. 

   

  What did Hanuman to Ravan

  Was like taming lion on heat

  In its own den with bare arms. 

   

  Turned though Lanka to ashes

  Wonder what made tongues of fire

  Leave out Rama’s spouse unscathed!

   

  Having heard all those angles

  Spoke of her escape from fire

  Heaved a sigh of relief he then.

   

  That Seetha was left unharmed

  Made then Hanuman jump for joy.

   

  On the spur then felt Hanuman

  Should go back to Rama’s spouse

  So that he could take her leave.

  Canto 56 - Havoc of a Take-off

  Finding Seetha in fine shape

  To her Hanuman prostrated.

   

  As bade Hanuman her goodbye

  Spoke in fondness Rama’s spouse.

   

  Wish I now thee in some nook

  Take some rest for day or two. 

   

  Well, O Hanuman thy advent

  Made my sorrows turn their backs. 

   

  Bring as and when thou my Ram

  Know am not sure  whether I live.

   

  Leave as thee to fetch Rama

  Wonder whether I stand agony

  Replace that would joy thou gave.

   

  Can ever Ram ’n Lakshman cross 

  Sea this vast to reach Lanka

  With the vanar force that’s large? 

   

  In spite of thy words so bold

  Find I linger doubts these mine.

   

  Apart Garud ’n Vayu, thou 

  Who else could cross sea this vast?

   

  Tell me how thou would address

  Problem this that confronts Ram. 

   

  If thee take me back I know

  Spares the bother for my man

  To cross this sea with force of his,

  But then Rama wouldn’t have it

  Since it’s not the proper way

  For him to reclaim his Seetha. 

   

  It’s but proper for Lord Ram

  That he takes me on his own. 

   

  Measure of Ravan as thou got

  Guide my Ram to subdue him.

   

  Impressed as he by her words

  Addressed Hanuman her concerns.

   

  Vast is bear and vanar force

  To help thy man sure rescue thee

  Lord Sugreev mine hath at hand. 

  Know our army is so vast

  Once it lands on Lankan shores

  Fills it to the last square inch.

   

  Ram ’n Lakshman with arrows

  Could kill Lankans to last man.

   

  Once they thus end Ravan’s reign

  Takes thee back Ram to thy town.

   

  Having endured ordeals long

  Time thou embrace hope from now.

   

  Having Ravan seen thus dead

  Walk thee would free to thy man. 

   

  Know the day is not far off

  Lands when Ram on Lankan shores.

   

  Having said thus Hanuman took

  Leave of Rama’s spouse Seetha.

   

  That Hanuman had come and gone 

  Seemed that all like dream for her.

   

  That he did make Lankans rue

  Portend well for things to come. 

   

  Assured that he Ravan’s end

  Made Seetha pray Ram no end.

   

  For his take-off to go back

  Arishta mountain climbed Hanuman.

   

  Passing clouds made Arishta look    

  Like the shy bride that was veiled.

   

  Caressed by those sun rays thus

  Seemed it woke up then from sleep.

   

  Water falls of rivers on that

  Sounded they like Vedic chants.

   

  Seemed all trees of Arishta then

  Like raised arms of scores of those

  Ascetics engaged in prayers there.   

   

  Orchestra of magic flutes

  Breeze made Arishta’s bamboos turn.

   

  Covered by snow from tip to toe

  Seemed Arishta then blissful soul.

  Peaks sky high ’n caves all deep

  Made Arishta seem cover all worlds.

   

  Flowers varied of myriad trees  

  Gave that touch of bridal ware.

   

  Beasts in woods all in their scores

  Sauntered in groves that were thick.

   

  Home it made all Gandharvas  

  Home away home for all of them.

   

  Herbs it all had so myriad

  Made they medicines that varied. 

   

  Set as Hanuman his huge foot

  Rocks all got to pebbles reduced. 

   

  In his bid to sail across

  Grew he further frame his large. 

   

  Sighted Hanuman sea across  

  Crossed that he to reach Lanka.

   

  On his return trip to home

  Veteran like he then took-off.  

   

  With the pressure it came to bear

  Sank then Arishta deep in ground.

   

  Pressed as Arishta to its core  

  Caved in with groan ocean bed. 

   

  Lost as Arishta its bearing

  Trees then there got uprooted.

   

  With their fate as thus got sealed

  Roared lions all there in distress. 

   

  Flew as Gandharv women all there

  Slipped their pallus off their breasts
.

   

  Serpents there lay furlongs long

  Curled in pits of square foot then.

   

  Angels all then came to rest

  On its lovely peak foremost,

  With that havoc of take-off

  Took flight all of them in fright. 

   

  In time only seen was tip

  Of that Arishta of great girth.

  Left no trace of its glory

  At length that peach of mountains.

   

  Unmindful of that havoc

  Had a smooth sail back Hanuman. 

  Canto 57 - Flight sans Hassles

   

  Airborne as he so he seemed

  Like a mountain with huge wings.

   

  Nagas all from stratosphere  

  Saw him then in his flight route. 

   

  Stars all in their resplendence

  Saw him as he passed them by. 

   

  Hanuman got a feeling then

  Was he there in another world. 

   

  Moved as he thus in high skies

  Seemed he swallowed clouds all there.

   

  Picked as up he speed in flight

  Seemed as if skies shrunk in size. 

   

  Formed then rainbow in mid-air

  Looked that like a welcome arch. 

   

  Clouds as darkened in mid-course 

  Played he hide ’n seek like moon.

   

  As and when he came in view

  In his vest he shone like moon.

   

  Acquired as if Garuda’s grace

  With such ease then Hanuman flew.

   

  Seemed then ether spread to world

  Words those Hanuman spoke to self

  About the valorous deeds of his

  Done by grace of Lord Rama.

   

  Approached when he Mainaka

  Touched him Hanuman in reverence.

   

  Sighted as he Indra’s hill

  Roared then like a lion Hanuman.

   

  Induced by the roars of his

  Thundered all the clouds in skies.

   

  Sighted as he home shore soon 

  Waved his tail in triumph Hanuman.

   

  Sounded as he his comeback

  Seemed all worlds then shook to roots.

   

  With such chaos in the skies

  Guessed his peers all his approach.

   

  Waited they with bated breath

  For Hanuman to come then in sight.

   

  Soared their spirits as with his roars  

  Reached they shores to see him land.

   

  Urge of theirs to see Hanuman

  Made them all jump up and down.

   

  Jambavan it was then addressed

  All the vanars there gathered. 

   

  Doubt there none that our Hanuman

  Is well on his way back home. 

   

  Neared as Hanuman southern shore

  Raised sea mean level in welcome.

   

  For the sight of Hanuman then

  Climbed all vanars then treetops. 

   

  Jumped for joy as those vanars

  Fell all leaves from their branches.

   

  Heard they roar of their hero

  Raised that decibels all over.

   

  Sighted as all Hanuman soon

  Raised they hands in salute then.

   

  Folks as his lay awestruck then

  He on Mahendra’s peak landed. 

   

  Jumped he down to rejoin

  All those vanars whom he left.

   

  In their joy then vanars all

  Ran to mob their own hero.

   

  Finding him in pink of health

  Sigh of relief heaved they all.

   

  Looked at him all in reverence

  Fetched they rare fruits all for him.

  Sounding welcome for Hanuman

  Gave their throats then vanars all.

   

  To elders all and Prince Angad

  For his part then bowed Hanuman.  

   

  Knew as he their eagerness

  To hear the story in detail,

  As though to save all for Ram

  Gave he brief as ‘Seen Seetha’. 

   

  Having embraced Prince Angad

  Squatted Hanuman there on lawn.

   

  Goaded by the vanars then

  Told he how he found Seetha.

   

  In her lament for her man

  Found I famished her to bone.

   

  That he himself saw Seetha

  Cheered the vanars there gathered.

   

  Roared as vanars with one throat

  Shocked were birds all in their flight.

   

  Raised as vanars tails their long

  Looked like ladders they to skies. 

   

  Pachyderm like as sat Hanuman  

  In their joy they hugged him all. 

   

  Bringing order then Angad

  Addressed Hanuman thus in praise.

   

  None can equal thee on earth

  Flew who over sea this twice.

   

  Swore as all of us to die

  Had thee failed to find Seetha

  It’s thy valour saved our lives.

   

  It’s thy reverence to Sri Ram

  Made thee as the chosen one

  To discern Seetha there yonder. 

   

  News of Seetha in his wait

  Sure to gladden Rama’s heart.

   

  Clapped all vanars to one man

  At what all Angad just then said.

  Kept they silence of pin drop

  So that Hanuman could go on.

   

  So to let him unfold then

  With their hearts in mouths they sat.

   

  So to catch his every word

  Sat next Angad to Hanuman.

   

  With the vanars there thus sat

  Seemed the place then royal court. 

  Canto 58 - Odyssey in a Nutshell

  Where to start and what to tell 

  Felt like Buridan’s ass Hanuman. 

   

  For their part then all his folk

  Sat there tight to catch his words. 

   

  As though to help him in script

  Addressed Jambavan Hanuman thus:

   

  Tell O Hanuman where and how

  Found thee Seetha Rama’s spouse.

   

  Tell us how thou zeroed on

  Rama’s spouse in wilderness.

   

  Brief us now of odyssey thine

  So that we can plan ourselves.

   

  At the request of his peer

  Spoke then Hanuman in loud tone.

   

  Of course thee all bear witness

  That I flew off from these shores.

   

  Came across I in mid-seas 

  Mountain that was made of gold. 

   

  Sky high grew it in no time

  Blocked it my way all the way.

   

  To the errand on my hand

  Saw it as I then hindrance.

   

  Lashed it as I with my tail

  Went it crashing down on knees. 

   

  Assumed form
it then human

  And in warmth thus spoke to me:

  For my friendship with thy dad

  Thou should take me as thy kin. 

   

  Am king of mountains Mainaka

  Dwell in seas these underneath.

   

  Mountains all in times of yore 

  Had we wings to circle worlds

  Afraid of our crash landing

  Complained all to Lord Indra.

   

  Chose as Indra to clip wings

  Of the mountains there are all

  It’s thy father but who saved 

  Wings of mine from being clipped.

   

  Bound am I to extend help

  To thee now on this errand

  With the intent to serve Ram

  That he reclaims his lost spouse. 

   

  Offered though he me to take

  Rest on golden peak of his

  Wanting not to waste my time

  Wished I none of that for me.

   

  Having grasped my urgency

  Pressed he none more Mainaka. 

   

  Bid as I him adieu then

  Slipped he back then to sea bed. 

   

  Resumed then I unhindered

  Journey mine that seemed so long.

   

  Came across I then Surasa

  Mother of serpents of all seas.

   

  Oh how she made clear her intent 

  That she would make meal of me!

   

  Not to rub on her wrong side

  Pleaded my case with her thus:

   

  Lived with Seetha ’n Lakshman

  For long Ram in Dandak woods.

   

  Snared as Ravan fair Seetha

  Sent me her man to find out.

   

  For thy being his subject

  Dharma it’s thine aid his cause. 

   

  As and when I find Seetha

  Convey I would to that Ram

  And come back to thee forthwith

  So that thou me have for meal. 

  But she would have none of it

  And said none can escape her.

   

  Mouth as she hers wide open

  Gained I size to thwart her move. 

   

  Pulled as she jaws her so wide

  To thwart her then I turned tiny. 

   

  So to beat the boon she got

  That none can ever detour her

  Went in and I came out swift

  Brought as she her jaws to close.

   

  In spite of the fact I tricked

  Yet she wished me all the best.

   

  Bade as she me then adieu 

  So all creatures of the seas.

   

  Hardly had I flew a league 

  Felt as if was slowing down.

   

  Surveyed as I all over

  Found no hindrance in my route. 

   

  In awe then I continued

  Straining every nerve of mine.

   

  To get to the roots of problem

  As saw I down from high skies

  Found a fiend at my shadow.

   

  Though she saw the giant of me

  Yet she challenged me that fiend. 

   

  Said the fiend then all in glee

  Glad I’ve found a giant in thee

  Sure thou make full meal for me.

   

  Like I did with that Surasa

  Grew up in size all the more.

   

  Rose as it to swallow me

  Made I myself then puny.

   

  Deftly then I entered her

  Came out swiftly with her heart. 

   

  With her heart thus in my hand

  Fell its corpse on high seas then. 

   

  From the talk of Siddhas then

  Witnessed who all that from skies

  Simhik was the fiend I slain

   

  Killed as I the fiend that weird

  Came to know that pulls its prey

  Clutching at but their shadows.

   

  Sank at length as sun in seas

  Set then I foot on those shores.

   

  As I reached the Lankan gates

  Found there a fiend to confront.    

   

  Having tongues of fire for hair

  Tried that fiend to slay me straight.

   

  Needed as I no more than

  Fist of mine to pin her down 

  Spoke that terrified fiend to me.

   

  O great vanar thou may know

  Me as Lanka’s main deity

  That thee could well beat me true

  All else here would bite the dust. 

   

  In spite of the guards all there

  Covered I Lanka all that night

  Yet I found not Seetha there.   

       

  Searched I Ravan’s palace then

  Came a cropper there even.

   

  Sauntered as I in and out

  Found I to my wonder there

  Garden with all golden walls.

   

  Entered then I in great hope

  Garden that was out of world.

  In the midst of that garden

  Found a dame I there squatted.

   

  Unkempt all her pitch dark hair

  Wide-eyed she was of middle age.

   

  Downcast was she by demeanour

  On guard there were women garish.

   

  Taunted her all in their turns

  Looked she like a trapped creature.

   

  Ceased she not to pray her man

  Cared she none fore self-upkeep. 

   

  Cursing Ravan in between

  Wished she then to end her life.

   

  By the virtue of her soul

  And the beauty of her self

  Felt I she could be Seetha.

   

  Heard I tinkles of anklets

  Sensed I women were  nearby there.

   

  Hiding myself on high branch

  Waited for those women to come.

   

  Sighted then I Ravan there

  With his queens ’n keeps in tow. 

   

  Seetha who sat in sorrow

  Changed her posture to cover more.

   

  Neared as Ravan her in lust

  Cowered all the more then Seetha.

   

  In his bid to gain her love

  Fell then Ravan at her feet.

   

  Snubbed by Seetha even then 

  Gave her Ravan two more months

  For her to choose from him or death.

   

  At that Seetha seethed in rage

  Spoke she to him with disdain.

   

  How thou fail to know Ravan 

  Spouse am I of godly Ram?

   

  Snared as crooked way by thee

  Don’t I know how coward are thou?

   

  What if thou are Lankan king

  Measure thou none to Ram’s valet.

   

  Slighted as by Rama’s wife

  Burned in anger Ravan then.

   

  Having thus lost his bearing

  Moved Ravan to throttle her.

   

  Stopped him in his tracks his queen

  With these words that pleased him well.

  Measure as thou to Lord Indra

  Make
s she no patch ever on me.

   

  Why run after Seetha then

  With me at thy side for fun?

   

  Won’t thou have in thy harem

  Women ever eager to please thee?

   

  Having massaged ego his

  Led she back him to harem.

   

  Turned guards all then too hostile

  To Rama’s spouse who snubbed Ravan.

   

  Though they scolded her loudly

  Paid them deaf ear then Seetha.

   

  Seeing Seetha unmoved thus

  Ran some then to brief Ravan.

   

  Rest of them in exhaustion 

  Fell asleep all one by one.

   

  In spite of that sans respite

  Wept then Seetha for her man.

   

  Woke up in trance Trijata then

  From their ranks to address them.

   

  Dream I had that bodes all ill

  To Lanka ’n our Lord as well

  Of course owing to this dame.

   

  Better we make up with her now

  So that she would save our lives. 

   

  For the suffering women like her

  Dreams such as those portend well.

   

  Better we seek now her mercy

  So that we could come out clean.

   

  Having heard what Trijata said

  Assured Rama’s spouse them help.

   

  Seeing her in such a plight 

  Felt I wretched for her sake.

   

  Contrived I then to be heard

  By her as I praised her man.

   

  Having heard me tell her tale

  Moved as she then spoke to me.

   

  O little vanar who art thou

  Who did send thee to Lanka?

   

  Got as thee so close to Ram

  Tell me how thou met my Lord?

   

  Then I said to soothe her thus:

  Made Lord Rama friend my Lord

  Sugreev king of vanar world.

   

  Hanuman am I sent by Ram

  In search of thee in Ravan’s land. 

   

  Gave me Rama to show thee

  Ring this he wears ever on him. 

   

  At thy beck and call am now

  Bid me to take thee to Ram?

   

  Such was Seetha’s perspective

  Thought it would be fit for Ram 

  If he were to slay Ravan

  And then take her back with him.

   

  Wanted then I from Seetha

  Something dear to both of them

  So that I could show that Rama.

   

  Thus she gave me this diadem

  That she said would please her man.

   

  Then she told me that episode

  Wherein a crow turned eager

  All to savour Seetha’s charms

  That too when she was with Ram!

   

  She was not to let me go

  Wished as I to take her leave.

   

  Wanted Seetha I tell Ram

  Suffering hers for want of him. 

   

  Bid me she to fetch her man

  Soon with Lakshman ’n Sugreev. 

   

  Were thou fail to bring Rama

  And the rest in just two months

  Live I not a day longer.

   

  Spoke as she in such despair

  Seized I was with burning rage.

   

  Then and there I turned a fiend

  Ravaged the grove that held her.

   

  Cowered all beasts there so varied

  Woke up in fright Seetha’s guards.

   

  Seeing me thus in fury

  Ran they all to tell Ravan.

   

  Pictured they then to Ravan

  Havoc I wrought in garden.

   

  Were Ravan to give orders

  Boasted they would make me pay.

   

  In his bid to subdue me

  Sent Ravan then his kinkars.

   

  Eighty thousand strong they were 

  Slew I them all to last man.

   

  ‘Lost Lanka its vast army’,

  Told Ravan his spies on prowl. 

   

  Chose I then their funeral place

  Slew its guards with just one stroke.

   

  With huge force to capture me

  Sent then Ravan Prahastha’s son. 

   

  Spared I not then one even

  Broke their backs with iron latch. 

   

  With the death of Prahastha’s son

  Dispatched Ravan ministers’ sons.

   

  One by one to hell all them 

  With that latch I then dispatched.

   

  Not the one to give up soon

  Sent Ravan his five Generals.

   

  As I made them bite the dust

  Chose Ravan to send his son.

   

  Akshay though of tender age

  Astute was he in warfare.

   

  Yet I caught him by his legs

  Flung him thus to Ravan’s court.

  Enraged Ravan by all that

  Sent his first born to battle.

   

  That he subdued Lord Indra

  Knows him world as Indrajit.

   

  All his valour came to naught

  When it came to me subdue.

   

  Realizing I matched him well

  Stunned me he with Brahmastra. 

   

  At his behest his flock then

  Tied me with all sorts of ropes.

   

  As they took me to Ravan

  Fumed at me then he in rage

   

  Wanted he to find out then

  Why thus I played spoilsport.

   

  Him I told for Seetha’s sake

  Caused I all that destruction.

   

  Moreso made it clear to him

  Sent I was by Lord Rama.

   

  Gave thee counsel I told him

  Lord Sugreev too for thy good.

   

  Sent Sugreev thee his greetings

  Words these with to caution thee. 

   

  In my exile I met Ram

  Vow  I took to stand by him.

   

  Ram then wanted me to help

  Him to fight who snared Seetha.

   

  Thereby had I that barter

  Whereby he would slay Vali

  Stole who my wife unfairly.

   

  To his vow to kill Vali

  Made Ram Lakshman bear witness.

   

  With that single arrow Ram

  Brought an end to Vali’s reign.

   

  Made as he me vanar king

  Owe him I to stand by him.

   

  ‘Send back Seetha to Lord Ram’

  Advice this mine to thee now

  Come would Hanuman to deliver.

   

  That thou know the vanar force

  Could well conquer all three worlds

  Hope thee heed this advice mine. 

   

  Slighted as he by these words

  Lost his cool then Lankan king.

   

  Gave he go by to dharma

  Ordered I be put to death. 

   


  Spoke then sibling of Ravan

  Revere all there as Vibhishan. 

   

  Goes thy diktat O my Lord

  Not with grain of thy dharma. 

   

  In the annals of state craft

  Sent are men to mend fences

  Ill behoves the recipient king

  Kills if he the one thus sent.

   

  Punish if we must this vanar

  Sever we could a limb or two.

   

  At that Ravan gave orders

  Tail mine be then set on fire.

   

  Having hit my tail with sticks

  Tied it they with jute and all.

   

  Poured they tons of oil then

  Set they thus my tail on fire.

   

  So to slight me all the way

  Taken was I round the streets. 

   

  That they could make fun of me

  Led I was then to main square.      

   

  Vanar then I turned tiny

  Slipped out of the ropes they tied.

   

  Grew I then to touch the skies

  Slew them all there at one go.

   

  Set I fire to buildings all

  There in Lanka one by one.

   

  Burnt as Lanka to the core

  Worried I was for Seetha.

   

  Took I Seetha’s death for sure

  Sank in sorrow to my knees.

   

  Cried then as I unceasing

  Heard I Yakshas talk in skies.

   

  From their talk I learnt for sure

  Came no harm to Rama’s spouse. 

   

  Felt it’s all but grace of hers

  Gave that respite to my tail.

   

  Reached I then the Lankan beach

  Quenched there well my burning tail.

   

  Went I straight to Seetha then

  Took her leave to fly back home. 

   

  Took-off then I from Lanka

  To head home to see thee all. 

  There in high skies I flew past

  Sun with trillion stars ’n moon. 

   

  With the blessings of Rama

  And the wishes of our folk

  Bring I could thee good tidings.

   

  In brief that’s all what happened

  Much is left for us to do.

         

  Canto 59 - Pep Talk to Peers

  Having told the main story

  Fillips these then gave Hanuman. 

   

  Heartened that I found Seetha

  Glued I then to Rama’s thought. 

   

  Lays who store on spouse like her

  Woman there none so ever like her.

   

  Ravan is no common man

  For he survived Seetha’s ire.

   

  Can turn Seetha to ashes

  With her looks the gods even

  Should they come ever coveting her,

  But Ravan who laid on her

  Hands his as he kidnapped her

  Came out unscathed from her wrath.

   

  How I wish that I could have

  Brought her back to meet her man.

   

  On my own then I could have

  Killed all Lankans with Ravan.

   

  Land as we all in Lanka

  What would Ravan’s fate be then?

   

  For me to slay all of them

  Could have taken day or two,

  So to bring them to their knees

  Need we but an hour at most.

   

  But then Ravan’s eldest son  

  By no means a pushover,

  Dared he as well subdued too

  None the less than Lord Indra, 

  Shy as gods all from him thus

  Hails him world as Indrajit.

   

  How I wish to fly back now

  So to make him bite the dust.

   

  With thy blessings on my own

  Conquer could I all three worlds. 

   

  Were Jambavan to confront him

  Where would Ravan hide his head?

   

  Won’t our Angad on his own

  Give a run to demons there all.

   

  We’ve Neel ’n Panasa too

  Need but fists to smash mountains.

   

  None there ever in angels too

  Match who might well Manduni.

   

  What to speak of Dwividu then

  Comes when it to fighting foes. 

   

  These two of the Aswin clan

  Ever eager to fight such wars.

   

  Come not to grief they in wars

  Blessed are thus by Lord Brahma. 

   

  Partook both they nectar then

  Subdued when they angels all.

   

  Having them at our forefront

  For us on the Lankan shores 

  Figure it would make but picnic. 

   

  Fire as I set to Lanka

  Prayed all Lankans to Lord Ram. 

   

  Ram ’n Lakshman I extolled  

  Besides vanar Lord Sugreev.

   

  Wondered as they who I was  

  Gave them that I’m Vayu’s son.

   

  As I reached her to take leave

  Found Seetha in great distress.

   

  Amidst the guards who circled her

  Seemed she full moon sunk in clouds.

   

  Confined as thus by Ravan

  Lost she none the sight of Ram.

   

  Thinks she none of another man

  Breathes she air that sounds Rama.

   

  Wore she saree same old one

  That which she had on her then

  Snared when Ravan so long back.

   

  Plaited she seems not her hair

  Ever since she was thus confined.

   

  Wont it’s her to chant Rama

  Threaten her as and when her guards.

   

  Pester ever as her captors

  Rama’s wife is tired of life.

   

  Felt all glad as Seetha learned

  Her man made our Lord his friend.

   

  Doomed as Ravan by her curse

  Bound to get killed by her man.

   

  Slim as Seetha by nature

  Got she slimmer in despair.

   

  Left it’s now to us vanars

  How to see her out of woods. 

  Canto 60 - Angad on Rebound

  Spoke thus Angad Vali’s son:

  Found as Hanuman Seetha now

  Why not we fetch her to Ram? 

   

  How it feels if we tell him

  Found though we failed to fetch her.

   

  Know we all could fly across

  Ocean this vast to reach there

  And slay Ravan and his men.

   

  Then we could bring Seetha back

  And make Rama meet his spouse.

   

  Slain as Hanuman Ravan’s men

  What is left for us to do

  Than lead Seetha back to Ram? 

   

  Why to bother folk back home

  For what we could do on our own?

   

  When he expects her the least

  Won’t it be a pleasant surprise

  That we fetch her to h
im thus. 

   

  Having heard thus Angad speak

  Said then Jambavan in response: 

   

  Sent we were to find Seetha

  Not to take her back with us.

   

  Exceed if we Rama’s brief  

  Might we earn his ire as well.

   

  Better we mind all Rama’s vow

  That he would slay with his hands

  The one who dared to snare his wife.

   

  Should we go by route thee show

  Won’t we make him fail his word?

   

  Sounds it prudent that we might

  Go back to Ram with her news. 

   

  Move thine surely saves bother

  For the rest of folks back home

  But know Ram would like it not. 

  Canto 61 - Eying the Madhuvan

  At that Angad retracted

  Agreed he to fall in line. 

   

  Thought it fit then vanar folk

  To let Hanuman lead them back. 

   

  Moved as they like cloud in skies

  Played the sun then hide and seek.

   

  Kept all vanars their eyes on

  Hanuman at the head of them.

  Felt all they were indebted

  For him having saved their lives. 

   

  Buoyed were all by the thought

  That Ram would be pleased with them,

  Proud all felt that they could help

  Lord Rama who helped their Lord.

   

  In that mood they saw Madhuvan

  Garden like which nowhere there

  Full of honeycombs on huge trees.

   

  Garden that was Sugreev’s own

  Dared none ever to step in there. 

   

  Aided by all well-built guards 

  Dadhimukh, Sugreev’s own uncle

  Guarded that place round the clock.

   

  Tempted as were vanars all

  Licked their fingers all of them.

   

  Pleaded all with Prince Angad

  To let them have a glassful each

  Of honey in plenty in Madhuvan. 

   

  Nod as he got from elders

  Gave nod Angad to vanars.

   

  Swarmed then simians all over

  Honey they savoured to last drop.

   

  Left they not a fruit or root

  Fill to the hilt they had all. 

   

  In their mirth then those simians

  Danced they all till legs them failed.

   

  Sang some then in sonorous tunes

  Blabbered others as in small groups.

   

  Pranks they played of every sort

  Spared they none of one another.

   

  Leapt as some from tree to tree

  Others did jump from branch to branch.  

   

  Lost they all then their bearings

  Poked some of them their noses.

   

  Turned they naughty all in end

  Spread they all then far and wide.

   

  Wretched as made they garden rare

  Warned then Dadhimukh all of them.

   

  Heeded but they not his words

  Made that Dadhimukh think over.

   

  Took he then them all to task

  And that spoiled their party.

   

  Swarmed all vanars then Dadhimukh 

  As would bees when stirred from comb

  And that frightened Dadhimukh then.

   

  With their nails all long and sharp

  Scratched as some the garden chief 

  Dug their teeth strong others in him. 

   

  Canto 62 - Orgy in the Garden

  At length on the same coin 

  Paid as Dadhimukh trespassers

  Went then Hanuman to save them.

   

  Sending Dadhimukh then packing

  Goaded Hanuman them for more.

   

  With that go by from Hanuman  

  Beseeched Angad then his flock

  That they could have more of fun.

   

  Vanars at that hailed Hanuman

  As well Angad their young prince.

   

  Having got the license thus

  Indulged they in wild orgies. 

   

  Cared they two hoots for the guards 

  And chased them out of that garden.

  Having had their fill in time

  Vanars then had their siesta.

   

  To take the vanars then to task 

  Guards all regrouped in their scores.  

   

  Drove but vanars all of them

  Back to their posts in no time.

   

  Fought then vanars mock battles

  Honeycombs with those they emptied.

   

  Vanars some were high by then

  Made they beds of leaves to sleep.

   

  Faltered they all in their steps

  Tried as some to walk a while.

   

  Stumbled as some in mid-course  

  Stepped them over rest of them.

   

  Inhaled as though laughing gas

  Went on laughing some of them. 

   

  Twice shy being bitten for once  

  Staid put guards all in their posts.

   

  Yet vanars all itched for fight

  And threw them all in mid-air. 

   

  Injured as they fell on ground

  Limped all in pain to Dadhimukh.

   

  Annoyed as he with vanars

  Addressed thus the chief of guards.

   

  Time it’s not to lose our hearts 

  Better we regroup ’n fight them.

   

  Bucked up as all by his words

  Back they went to trespassers.

   

  Uprooting a tree Dadhimukh

  Signalled he the fight on hand.

   

  Lined up guards all then in files

  Marched on rampant vanars there.

   

  Followed suit as some their chief

  Lifted boulders others there large.

   

  Angad’s vanars there scattered

  Turned they sitting ducks all then.

  So to save his men Angad

  Took on Dadhimukh on his own. 

   

  Half drunk by then as Angad

  Gave no quarter to Dadhimukh

  And hit him hard with fist his strong.

   

  Fell on floor as then Dadhimukh  

  Who was none but his grandad

  Ceased not Angad to hurt him.

   

  Beaten thus by his grandson

  Lost his consciousness Dadhimukh.

   

  Woke up Dadhimukh thereafter

  Guards he led back to barracks. 

   

  Lost no time the Guards-in-Chief

  Addressed his men thus aggrieved.

   

  Serves no purpose to fight back

  Appraise we might vanar Lord  

  Of the havoc wrought by these

  To the Madhuvan loves he most. 

   

  Be it Angad for such foul

  He’s not the one to spare.

   

  Got this garden vanar Lord

  As a bequeath from his dad

  Who in turn got from his dad.

   

&n
bsp; Treats as Madhuvan as his child

  Sure this carnage would outrage

  Sugreev our Lord no end now.   

   

  Count on me to tell Sugreev

  That they be all put to death.

   

  Having spoken thus Dadhimukh

  Flew to Sugreev with his flock. 

   

  In no time did Dadhimukh sight

  Lord his Sugreev with his folks. 

   

  Having with his aids landed

  Headed Dadhimukh to his Lord. 

   

  Saw then Sugreev his uncle

  Approach him with dull demeanour.

   

  Led then by the boss of theirs  

  Guards of Madhuvan saluted

  Vanar Lord all one by one.