ravana confronts rama on the battlefield and...

“Om Sri Lakshmi Narashimhan Nahama”

Valmiki Ramayana – Yuddha Kanda – Chapter 59

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Ravana Confronts Rama on the Battlefield and Flees

Summary

Feeling desperate at the death of Prahasta, Ravana himself appears on the battle-front

for an encounter, along with Akampana, Indrajit, Atikaya, Mahodara, Pishacha, Trishiras,

Kumbha, Nikumbha and Narantaka the foremost of demons. After a tough fight with Sugreeva,

Lakshmana, Hanuma and Nila, Ravana encounters Rama in battle, and sustaining an

ignominious defeat at the latter's hands and escaping with his life, withdraws to Lanka.

Chapter [Sarga] 59 in Detail

tasmin hate raaksasa sainya paale |

plavam gamaanaam risabhena yuddhe |

bhiima aayudham saagara tulya vegam |

vidudruve raaksasa raaja sainyam || 6-59-1

While Prahasta the Army chief of demons was slain in the battle by Nila the foremost

among the monkeys, Ravana's army possessing terrible arms took to flight with the speed of a

tide.

gatvaa tu rakso adhipateh shashamsuh |

senaa patim paavaka suunu shastam |

tac ca api tesaam vacanam nishamya |

rakso adhipah krodha vasham jagaama || 6-59-2

The demons went and told Ravana that Prahasta the Army chief had been killed by Nila

the son of Fire-god. Hearing those words of the demons, Ravana was possessed of anger.



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samkhye prahastam nihatam nishamya |

shoka arditah krodha pariita cetaah |

uvaaca taan nairrita yodha mukhyaan |

indro yathaa ca amara yodha mukhyaan || 6-59-3

Hearing that Prahasta had perished in the fight, Ravana was afflicted with anger and his

heart filled with grief and he addressed the foremost of his leaders as Indra the Lord of celestials

to the leaders of the celestial troops (as follows):

na avajnaa ripave kaaryaa yair indra bala suudanah |

suuditah sainya paalo me saanuyaatrah sakunjarah || 6-59-4

"That enemy is not to be despised; under whose blows the destroyer of Indra's host the

leader of my army with his followers and elephants fell."

so aham ripu vinaashaaya vijayaaya avicaarayan |

svayam eva gamisyaami rana shiirsam tad adbhutam || 6-59-5

"I myself shall go to that wonderful battle-front without hesitation in order to destroy the

enemies and to gain victory."

adya tad vaanara aniikam raamam ca saha laksmanam |

nirdahisyaami baana oghair vanam diiptair iva agnibhih || 6-59-6

adya samtarpayisyaami prithiviim kapishonitaih |

"As a forest is consumed by blazing fires, so shall I scorch that army of monkeys now

along with Lakshmana and Rama with a multitude of arrows. Today, I shall satiate the earth with

the blood of the monkeys."



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sa;evam uktvaa jvalana prakaasham |

ratham turamga uttama raaji yuktam |

prakaashamaanam vapusaa jvalantam |

samaaruroha amara raaja shatruh || 6-59-7

Speaking thus, Ravana the enemy of the Lord of celestials ascended his chariot which

shone like a flame and was yoked to a team of excellent horses with its brilliance of an effulgent

body.

sa shankha bherii pataha pranaadair |

aasphotita ksvedita simha naadaih |

punyaih stavaish ca apy abhipuujyamaanas |

stadaa yayau raaksasa raaja mukhyah || 6-59-8

Ravana the best among the kings of demons sallied forth with the sound of couches,

kettle-drums, cymbals, clapping of hands and leonine roars and well-acclaimed by agreeable

encomiums.

sa niilajiimuutanikaasharuupai |

rmaamsa ashanaih paavaka diipta netraih |

babhau vrito raaksasa raaja mukhyair |

bhuutair vrito rudra;iva amara iishah || 6-59-9

That Ravana along with the flesh-eating demons whose forms resembled mountains and

clouds and whose glances flashed like torches shone like Rudra the Lord of Immortals

surrounded by genii.



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tato nagaryaah sahasaa mahaa ojaa |

niskramya tad vaanara sainyam ugram |

mahaa arnava abhra stanitam dadarsha |

samudyatam paadapa shaila hastam || 6-59-10

Ravana who was endowed with extraordinary energy, issuing all at once from the city,

observed a ferocious army of monkeys with trees and rocks in their hands, ready for combat and

roaring like a vast ocean and a mass of thunder-clouds.

tad raaksasa aniikam atipracandam |

aalokya raamo bhujaga indra baahuh |

vibhiisanam shastrabhritaam varistham |

uvaaca senaa anugatah prithu shriih || 6-59-11

Seeing that army of demons who were excessively furious, Rama whose arms resembled

great serpents, accompanied by his forces and having great fortune, spoke to Vibhishana the

best among the wielders of weapons (as follows):

naanaa pataakaa dhvaja shastra justam |

praasa asi shuula aayudha cakra justam |

sainyam naga indra upama naaga justam |

kasya idam aksobhyam abhiiru justam || 6-59-12

"Who is in command of this army, furnished with every kind of standard, banner and

canopy, armed with javelins, swords, stakes and other weapons and missiles and composed of

imperturbable soldiers and elephants as high as the Mahendra Mountain?"



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tatas tu raamasya nishamya vaakyam |

vibhiisanah shakra samaana viiryah |

shashamsa raamasya bala pravekam |

mahaatmanaam raaksasa pumgavaanaam || 6-59-13

Hearing the words of Rama, Vibhishana the equal of Indra in valour, then narrated to

Rama about the choicest army of the foremost among demons of the highest peculiarity (as

follows):

yo asau gaja skandha gato mahaatmaa |

nava udita arka upama taamra vaktrah |

prakampayan naaga shiro abhyupaiti hy |

akampanam tv enam avehi raajan || 6-59-14

"O Prince! That hero who has a face with a coppery hue resembling a newly rising sun,

coming on the back of an elephant causing its head to sway, know him to be Akampana."

yo asau rathastho mriga raaja ketur |

dhuunvan dhanuh shakra dhanuh prakaasham |

karii iva bhaaty ugra vivritta damstrah |

sa;indrajin naama vara pradhaanah || 6-59-15

"He who, standing in his chariot, brandish his bow which has a splendor of Indra's bow,

whose standard bears the image of a lion, and who shines like unto an elephant with its terrible

curved tusks, he is Indrajit who is renowned for the boons he had received from Brahma."



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yash ca esa vindhya asta mahaa indra kalpo |

dhanvii rathastho atiratho ativiiryah |

visphaarayamsh caapam atulya maanam |

naamnaa atikaayo ativivriddha kaayah || 6-59-16

"He who, the archer like unto the Vindhya, Asta or Mahendra Mountains, standing in his

chariot, a mighty warrior, of superior strength, who wields a bow of unequalled size and having an

exceedingly grown body, he is called Atikaya."

yo asau nava arka udita taamra caksur |

aaruhya ghantaa ninada pranaadam |

gajam kharam garjati vai mahaatmaa |

mahaa udaro naama sa;esa viirah || 6-59-17

"He who, with tawny eyes resembling the dawn, riding an elephant with its bells jangling,

who is shouting aloud, he is that strong demon of the highest peculiarity is called Mahodara."

yo asau hayam kaancana citra bhaandam |

aaruhya samdhyaa abhra giri prakaasham |

praasam samudyamya mariici naddham |

pishaaca;esa ashani tulya vegah || 6-59-18

"He who, ascending the brilliantly caparisoned horse raising high a gleaming javelin,

possesses a velocity of a well-directed thunder-bolt and resembles a mass of evening clouds and

a mountain, he is Pishacha."



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yash ca esa shuulam nishitam pragrihya |

vidyut prabham kimkara vajra vegam |

vrisa indram aasthaaya giri prakaasham |

aayaati so asau trishiraa yashasvii || 6-59-19

"He who, seizing a sharp spike which possesses the velocity of a well-directed thunder

bolt and comes mounting on an excellent bull which shines like a moon, he is the illustrious

Trishiras."

asau ca jiimuuta nikaasha ruupah |

kumbhah prithu vyuudha sujaata vaksaah |

samaahitah pannaga raaja ketur |

visphaarayan bhaati dhanur vidhuunvan || 6-59-20

"The other resembling a thunder-bolt, of large and well-developed chest, who has an

attentive mind, has the King of Snakes as his standard, who is moving and twanging his bow, he

is Kumbha."

yash ca esa jaambuu nada vajra justam |

diiptam sadhuumam parigham pragrihya |

aayaati rakso bala ketu bhuutah |

so asau nikumbho adbhuta ghora karmaa || 6-59-21

"He who, holding a mace decorated with gold and diamonds, which are radiant (as fire)

and also smoky (studded with sapphires), who advances as a standard bearer tot he army of

demons, he is Nikumbha of Prodigious exploits."



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yash ca esa caapa asi shara ogha justam |

pataakinam paavaka diipta ruupam |

ratham samaasthaaya vibhaaty udagro |

nara antako asau naga shringa yodhii || 6-59-22

"He who, mounted in a chariot, adorned with flags, gleaming like a glowing blazer, who is

furnished with bows swords and a multitude of arrows, he is Narantaka who shines brightly over

there and who, in combat, fights with mountain-tops."

yash ca esa naanaa vidha ghora ruupair |

vyaaghra ustra naaga indra mriga indra vaktraih |

bhuutair vrito bhaati vivritta netraih |

so asau suraanaam api darpa hantaa || 6-59-23

yatra etad indu pratimam vibhaatic |

chattram sitam suuksma shalaakam agryam |

atra esa rakso adhipatir mahaatmaa |

bhuutair vrito rudra;iva avabhaati || 6-59-24

"He who, surrounded by ghosts of dreadful form of rolling eyes, with heads of tigers,

buffalo mighty elephants, deer and horses, under an excellent white canopy with slender ribs and

shining like a moon, he who is the humbler of the gods themselves, shining like unto Rudra

amidst the genii, is the suzerain Lord of Demons there."



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asau kiriitii cala kundala aasyo |

naaga indra vindhya upama bhiima kaayah |

mahaa indra vaivasvata darpa hantaa |

rakso adhipah suurya;iva avabhaati || 6-59-25

"Ravana, decked with a diadem [crown], who has brought Indra the Lord of celestials and

Vaivasvata the Lord of Death low, is shining like the sun. His countenance is graced by ear-rings.

His formidable stature equals the Vindhya the Lord of Mountains."

pratyuvaaca tato raamo vibhiisanam arim damam |

aho diipto mahaa tejaa raavano raaksasa iishvarah || 6-59-26

Then, Rama the annihilator of enemies, answered Vibhishana and said "Alas! What glory,

what majesty is Ravana's the Lord of Demons!

aaditya;iva duspreksyo rashmibhir bhaati raavanah |

suvyaktam laksaye hy asya ruupam tejah samaavritam || 6-59-27

"Ravana is beaming like the sun with his rays difficult to be gazed, neither can the eye

rest on him such is the binding strength of his magnificence!"

deva daanava viiraanaam vapur na evam vidham bhavet |

yaadrisham raaksasa indrasya vapur etat prakaashate || 6-59-28

"The body of celestial or demonical heroes may not be so radiant in this manner as this

body of the king of demons."

sarve parvata samkaashaah sarve parvata yodhinah |

sarve diipta aayudha dharaa yodhash ca asya mahaa ojasah || 6-59-29

"All the warriors of the suzerain Ravana are as high as hills. All fight with mountains. All

wield fiery weapons."



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bhaati raaksasa raajo asau pradiiptair bhiima vikramaih |

bhuutaih parivritas tiiksnair dehavadbhir iva antakah || 6-59-30

"Amidst the fiery ghosts of terrible aspect, this king of demons shines like Yama the Lord

of Death surrounded by blazing genii endowed with hideous forms."

distyaayamadya paapaatmaa mama dristipatham gatah |

adya krodham vimoksyaami siitaaharanasambhavam || 6-59-31

"By good luck, that wretch comes today within my range of sight! Today, I shall expunge

my wrath, born of Seetha's abduction!"

evam uktvaa tato raamo dhanur aadaaya viiryavaan |

laksmana anucaras tasthau samuddhritya shara uttamam || 6-59-32

Having spoken thus, the valiant Rama who was accompanied by Lakshmana, took up his

bow and then standing erect, drew out an excellent arrow.

tatah sa rakso adhipatir mahaatmaa |

raksaamsi taany aaha mahaa balaani |

dvaaresu caryaa griha gopuresu |

sunirvritaas tisthata nirvishankaah || 6-59-33

Thereafter, that powerful Ravana spoke to those exceedingly strong demons as follows:

"Take up your positions unfalteringly and happily at the gates and principal exits, the outposts

and fortifications."



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ihaagatam maam sahitam bhavadbhi |

rvanaukasashchidramitdam viditvaa |

shuunyaam puriim dusprasahaam pramathya |

pradharsayeyuh sahasaa sametaah || 6-59-34

"Learning of my presence along with you here, taking this to be a weak point and

storming this desolate city which is otherwise difficult to be overpowered, the monkeys when

united may destroy it by surprise."

visarjayitvaa sahasaa tatas taan |

gatesu raksahsu yathaaniyogam |

vyadaarayad vaanara saagara ogham |

mahaa jhasah puurmam iva arnava ogham || 6-59-35

Having dismissed those counselors and as the demons departed as ordered, Ravana

thereafter began to split under the waters of the sea of monkeys, in the same way as a gigantic

fish would rend the entire expanse of the sea.

tam aapatantam sahasaa samiiksya |

diipta isu caapam yudhi raaksasa indram |

mahat samutpaatya mahii dhara agram |

dudraava rakso adhipatim hari iishah || 6-59-36

Seeing Ravana with his radiant bow, in the battle, Sugreeva the Lord of Monkeys tearing

up a huge mountain-top, ran towards that king of demons.



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tat shaila shringam bahu vriksa saanum |

pragrihya ciksepa nishaa caraaya |

tam aapatantam sahasaa samiiksya |

bibheda baanais tapaniiya punkhaih || 6-59-37

Seizing a mountain-top with its many trees and ridges, Sugreeva hurled it on Ravana the

demon. Seeing that mountain-top coming towards him, Ravana quickly broke it asunder with his

arrows with golden shafts.

tasmin pravriddha uttama saanu vrikse |

shringe vikiirne patite prithivyaam |

mahaa ahi kalpam sharam antaka aabham |

samaadade raaksasa loka naathah || 6-59-38

While that mountain-top with its well-developed ridges and excellent trees was rent

asunder and fell on the earth, Ravana like unto another Yama the Lord of Death, loosed an arrow

resembling a great serpent.

sa tam grihiitvaa anila tulya vegam |

savisphulinga jvalana prakaasham |

baanam mahaa indra ashani tulya vegam |

ciksepa sugriiva vadhaaya rustah || 6-59-39

The enraged Ravana, taking that arrow with the speed of a thunder bolt of Indra the Lord

of celestials and possessing the brilliance of a fire, hurled it to kill Sugreeva.



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sa saayako raavana baahu muktah |

shakra ashani prakhya vapuh shita agrah |

sugriivam aasaadya bibheda vegaad |

guha iiritaa kraucam iva ugra shaktih || 6-59-40

That arrow released by Ravana's arm reached Sugreeva, having a bodily splendor equal

to that of Indra's thunder bolt, and pierced his body in its flight as formerly Guha's spear when he

discharged it at the Krouncha Mountain.

sa saayaka aarto vipariita cetaah |

kuujan prithivyaam nipapaata viirah |

tam preksya bhuumau patitam visamjmam |

neduh prahristaa yudhi yaatu dhaanaah || 6-59-41

Wounded by that arrow, which bereft him of consciousness, that warrior fell moaning to

the earth. Beholding him falling on the ground, deprived of his senses in the battle-field, the

demons raised a shout of triumph.

tato gava akso gavayah sudamstras |

tathaa risabho jyoti mukho nalash ca |

shailaan samudyamya vivriddha kaayaah |

pradudruvus tam prati raaksasa indram || 6-59-42

Then, Gavaaksha, Gavaya, Sushena, Rishabha, Jyotimukha and Nala; of exceeding

corpulence tearing up rocks, rushed towards Ravana.



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tesaam prahaaraan sa cakaara meghaan |

rakso adhipo baana ganaih shita agraih |

taan vaanara indraan api baana jaalair |

bibheda jaambuu nada citra punkhaih || 6-59-43

That Lord of Demons, with hundreds of arrows, possessed of sharp points, rendered their

projectiles fruitless and pierced those leaders of the monkeys with a multitude of marvelous

golden shafted arrows.

te vaanara indraas tridasha ari baanair |

bhinnaa nipetur bhuvi bhiima ruupaah |

tatas tu tad vaanara sainyam ugram |

pracchaadayaam aasa sa baana jaalaih || 6-59-44

Pierced by the arrows of Ravana the Enemy of Gods, those monkey-Generals of

terrifying stature fell on the ground. Thereupon, he covered that formidable army of monkeys with

a shower of arrows.

te vadhyamaanaah patita agrya viiraa |

naanadyamaanaa bhaya shalya viddhaah |

shaakhaa mrigaa raavana saayaka aartaa |

jagmuh sharanyam sharanam sma raamam || 6-59-45

Assailed and fallen down, those monkey-warriors, emitted cries as though struck by an

arrow of terror, whom Ravana was destroying with his darts and fled for refuge to Rama who is

capable of affording protection to all.



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tato mahaatmaa sa dhanur dhanusmaan |

aadaaya raamah saharaa jagaama |

tam laksmanah praanjalir abhyupetya |

uvaaca vaakyam parama artha yuktam || 6-59-46

Then the high-souled Rama the skilful archer, taking his bow, set out at once.

Lakshmana, however, approaching him with joined palms, spoke very meaningful words follows:

kaamam aaryah suparyaapto vadhaaya asya duraatmanah |

vidhamisyaamy aham niicam anujaaniihi maam vibho || 6-59-47

"O, noble Brother! Of my own accord, I am able to kill this wretched Ravana. O, Lord! I

shall slay him. Permit me to do so."

tam abraviin mahaa tejaa raamah satya paraakramah |

gaccha yatna parash ca api bhava laksmana samyuge || 6-59-48

The exceedingly powerful and the truly courageous Rama spoke to that Lakshmana as

follows: "Go, Lakshmana and also be strenuous in this duel."

raavano hi mahaa viiryo rane adbhuta paraakramah |

trailokyena api samkruddho dusprasahyo na samshayah || 6-59-49

The exceedingly powerful and the truly courageous Rama spoke to that Lakshmana as

follows: "Go, Lakshmana and also be strenuous in this duel."

tasya chidraani maargasva svac chidraani ca gopaya |

caksusaa dhanusaa yatnaad raksa aatmaanam samaahitah || 6-59-50

"Seek out his weak points and guard against your own. Defend yourself vigilantly with

your eye and bow."



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raaghavasya vacah shrutvaa samparisvajya puujya ca |

abhivaadya tato raamam yayau saumitrir aahavam || 6-59-51

Hearing the words of Rama, Lakshmana embraced him, thereafter offering obeisance

and bidding him farewell, he entered the battle-field.

sa raavanam vaarana hasta baahur |

dadarsha diipta udyata bhiima caapam |

pracchaadayantam sharavristi jaalais |

taan vaanaraan bhinna vikiirna dehaan || 6-59-52

Lakshmana then saw Ravana with arms as large as the trunks of elephants, who was

brandishing his dreadful and fiery bow, covering those monkeys whose bodies he had severed

with a close rain of darts.

tam aalokya mahaa tejaa hanuumaan maaruta aatmajaa |

nivaarya shara jaalaani pradudraava sa raavanam || 6-59-53

The exceedingly energetic Hanuma, born of Maruta the god of wind, beholding this,

rushed on Ravana in order to bring that rain of arrows to an end.

ratham tasya samaasaadya bhujam udyamya daksinam |

traasayan raavanam dhiimaan hanuumaan vaakyam abraviit || 6-59-54

Approaching his chariot, the sagacious Hanuma lifted his right arm and spoke the

following threatening words to Ravana:

deva daanava gandharvaa yaksaash ca saha raaksasaih |

avadhyatvaat tvayaa bhagnaa vaanarebhyas tu te bhayam || 6-59-55

"You have obtained the boon of invulnerability to the celestials, demons, celestial

musicians, ogres and semi-divine beings. But monkeys are a danger to you."



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esa me daksino baahuh panca shaakhah samudyatah |

vidhamisyati te dehaad bhuuta aatmaanam cira usitam || 6-59-56

"This five-branched right hand of mine, which I now raise, will rob you of your life that has

long been resident in your body."

shrutvaa hanuumato vaakyam raavano bhiima vikramah |

samrakta nayanah krodhaad idam vacanam abraviit || 6-59-57

Hearing the words of Hanuma, the exceedingly valiant Ravana, his eyes inflamed with

anger, answered.

ksipram prahara nihshankam sthiraam kiirtim avaapnuhi |

tatas tvaam jnaati vikraantam naashayisyaami vaanara || 6-59-58

"Strike quickly without fear, O Monkey! Win eternal renown. Thereafter, I shall destroy

you, after measuring your strength."

raavanasya vacah shrutvaa vaayu suunur vaco abraviit |

prahritam hi mayaa puurvam aksam smara sutam tava || 6-59-59

Hearing the words of Ravana, Hanuma the son of wind-god spoke the following words:

"Recollect that I have killed your son Aksha already."

evam ukto mahaa tejaa raavano raaksasa iishvarah |

aajaghaana anila sutam talena urasi viiryavaan || 6-59-60

Thus spoken, the highly energetic and the valiant Ravana the Lord of Demons struck

Hanuma the son of Anjana a violent blow on his chest with the palm of his hand.



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sa tala abhihatas tena cacaala ca muhur muhuh |

aajaghaana abhisamkruddhas talena eva amara dvisam || 6-59-61

aajaghaana cha samkruddhastalenaivaamaradvisam |

Hanuma, thus struck with Ravana's palm, reeled repeatedly. Thereafter the highly

sagacious and illustrious Hanuma secured his balance within a moment and in fury, struck

Ravana the enemy of Immortals with the very palm of his hand.

tatas talena abhihato vaanarena mahaatmanaa || 6-59-62

dashagriivah samaadhuuto yathaa bhuumi cale acalah |

Under the violent impact of the blow of the mighty Hanuma Ravana shook like a

mountain when the earth trembles.

samgraame tam tathaa dristva raavanam tala taaditam || 6-59-63

risayo vaanaraah siddhaa nedur devaah saha asuraah |

Beholding Ravana struck in the fight by Hanuma's palm; the sages, monkeys, semi-divine

beings, along with celestials and demons raised a resounding approbation.

atha aashvasya mahaa tejaa raavano vaakyam abraviit || 6-59-64

saadhu vaanara viiryena shlaaghaniiyo asi me ripuh |

Then, the extremely spirited Ravana, having regained his breath, spoke the following

words: "Well done! Well done! O, monkey! You are my adversary, worthy of praise by your valor!"

raavanena evam uktas tu maarutir vaakyam abraviit || 6-59-65

dhig astu mama viiryam tu yat tvam jiivasi raavana |

Then, Hanuma answered, "O, Ravana! Cursed by that strength since you do still survive!"



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sakrit tu prahara idaaniim durbuddhe kim vikatthase || 6-59-66

tatas tvaam maamako mustir nayisyaami yathaa ksayam |

"O, foolish fellow! Why this boasting? Now come, strike me once! My fist is about to

dispatch you to the Abode of Yama the Lord of Death!"

tato maaruti vaakyena krodhas tasya tadaa ajvalat || 6-59-67

samrakta nayano yatnaan mustim udyamya daksinam |

paatayaam aasa vegena vaanara urasi viiryavaan || 6-59-68

Hearing the words of Hanuma, the powerful Ravana, enraged, his eyes red with fury and

whirling his fist with force knocked it down violently on Hanuma's chest.

hanuumaan vaksasi vyuudhe samcacaala hatah punah |

vihvalam tam tadaa dristvaa hanuumantam mahaa balam || 6-59-69

rathena atirathah shiighram niilam prati samabhyagaat |

Under the shock, Hanuma reeled once again. Seeing that mighty Hanuma exhausted,

Ravana turned his chariot towards Nila.

raaksasaanaamadhipatirdashagriivah || 6-59-70

pannaga pratimair bhiimaih para marma atibhedibhih |

sharair aadiipayaam aasa niilam hari camuu patim || 6-59-71

With his terrific arrows in the likeness of serpents, Ravana the powerful Lord of Demons

pierced the vital parts of his enemy, thus overwhelming Nila the Monkey-general.



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sa shara ogha samaayasto niilah kapi camuu patih |

karena ekena shaila agram rakso adhipataye asrijat || 6-59-72

Nila, the Army General of Monkeys, tormented by that hail of arrows, with one hand

hurled a great rock at Ravana the king of demons.

hanuumaan api tejasvii samaashvasto mahaa manaah |

vipreksamaano yuddha iipsuh sarosam idam abraviit || 6-59-73

niilena saha samyuktam raavanam raaksasa iishvaram |

anyena yudhyamaanasya na yuktam abhidhaavanam || 6-59-74

Meanwhile, Hanuma of exalted mind, burning with courage, regained his breath and in

his martial ire cried out furiously towards Ravana, the Lord of Demons who occupied in fight with

Nila as follows: "It is not proper to engage in a combat with a person who is already doing a fight

with another."

raavano api mahaa tejaas tat shringam saptabhih sharaih |

aajaghaana sutiiksna agrais tad vikiirnam papaata ha || 6-59-75

Then, the mighty Ravana, however, shattered the rock hurled by Nila with seven pointed

arrows and it fell down, crumbling to pieces.

tad vikiirnam gireh shringam dristvaa hari camuu patih |

kaala agnir iva jajvaala krodhena para viirahaa || 6-59-76

Seeing that rock crumbling to pieces, Nila the Army-general the destroyer of enemies

who resembled the Fire of Time, glowed with fury.



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so ashva karnaan dhavaan saalaamsh cuutaamsh ca api supuspitaan |

anyaamsh ca vividhaan vriksaan niilash ciksepa samyuge || 6-59-77

In that fight, Nila hurled Aswakarna trees, Shala trees with extensive flowering, Chuta

trees and other various types of trees.

sa taan vriksaan samaasaadya praticiccheda raavanah |

abhyavarsat sughorena shara varsena paavakim || 6-59-78

Ravana, confronting those trees, bursted them and showered a hail of dangerous darts

on Nila the son of Fire-God.

abhivristah shara oghena meghena iva mahaa acalah |

hrasvam kritvaa tadaa ruupam dhvaja agre nipapaata ha || 6-59-79

Showered by a multitude of shafts, as from a cloud, the mighty Nila assumed a diminutive

form and leapt on to the point of Ravana's standard.

paavaka aatmajam aalokya dhvaja agre samavasthitam |

jajvaala raavanah krodhaat tato niilo nanaada ha || 6-59-80

Seeing Nila the son of Fire-God standing well on the point of his standard, Ravana

inflamed with fury. Then, Nila shouted loudly.

dhvaja agre dhanusash ca agre kiriita agre ca tam harim |

laksmano atha hanuumaamsh ca dristvaa raamash ca vismitaah || 6-59-81

Beholding that monkey sometimes leaping on to the point of Ravana's standard

sometimes on to the tip of his bow and sometimes on to the peak of his diadem, Lakshmana,

Hanuma and Rama were astonished.



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raavano api mahaa tejaah kapi laaghava vismitah |

astram aahaarayaam aasa diiptam aagneyam adbhutam || 6-59-82

The mighty Ravana, amazed at the monkey's agility, seized a marvelous and glowing

arrow called Aagneya the weapon of Fire.

tatas te cukrushur hristaa labdha laksyaah plavam gamaah |

niila laaghava sambhraantam dristvaa raavanam aahave || 6-59-83

Thereafter, those monkeys who felt rejoiced to see Ravana disconcerted at the agility of

Nila and had found an occasion for jubilation, shouted joyously.

vaanaraanaam ca naadena samrabdho raavanas tadaa |

sambhrama aavista hridayo na kimcit pratyapadyata || 6-59-84

Then, provoked by the shouts of the monkeys, his heart possessed with confusing,

Ravana did not know what to do.

aagneyena atha samyuktam grihiitvaa raavanah sharam |

dhvaja shiirsa sthitam niilam udaiksata nishaa carah || 6-59-85

Ravana the demon, taking up an arrow, charged with the missile presided over by the

fire-God, aimed at Nila who had perched on the tip of his standard.

tato abraviin mahaa tejaa raavano raaksasa iishvarah |

kape laaghava yukto asi maayayaa parayaa anayaa || 6-59-86

Then, Ravana the king of demons said: "O monkey! You are endowed with agility

combined with a supreme power of magic."



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jiivitam khalu raksasva yadi shaknosi vaanara |

taani taany aatma ruupaani srijase tvam anekashah || 6-59-87

"Do you save your life if you can, even though you are creating numerous deeds of

various kinds indeed worthy of your own self, O, monkey!"

tathaa api tvaam mayaa muktah saayako astra prayojitah |

jiivitam pariraksantam jiivitaad bhramshayisyati || 6-59-88

"Even then, the arrow charged with a mystic missile I am about to loose, will severe you

from life, which existence you seek to preserve."

evam uktvaa mahaa baahuu raavano raaksasa iishvarah |

samdhaaya baanam astrena camuu patim ataadayat || 6-59-89

Thus speaking, Ravana the long-armed King of Demons, having placed Agni Missile with

his arrow, struck Nila the Army-General.

so astra yuktena baanena niilo vaksasi taaditah |

nirdahyamaanah sahasaa nipapaata mahii tale || 6-59-90

Struck on the chest by the arrow combined with a missile, Nila being burnt all over,

suddenly fell to the ground.

pitri maahaatmya samyogaad aatmanash ca api tejasaa |

jaanubhyaam apatad bhuumau na ca praanair vyayujyata || 6-59-91

Yet by virtue of the powerful aid of his father and his own native vigor, though brought to

his knees on to the earth, he was not deprived of his life.



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visamjnam vaanaram dristvaa dashagriivo rana utsukah |

rathena ambuda naadena saumitrim abhidudruve || 6-59-92

Seeing Nila unconscious, Ravana, eager for fight, in his chariot whose rattling sounded

like thunder-clouds, rushed on Lakshmana.

aasaadya ranamadhye tam vaaraitvaa sthito jvalan |

dhanurvisphaarayaamaasa raaksasendrah prataapavaan || 6-59-93

Coming to the centre of the battle-field, the powerful Ravana the King of Demons

prevented Lakshmana to go forward, halted, standing there in his glory and lifted up his bow.

tam aaha saumitrir adiina sattvo |

visphaarayantam dhanur aprameyam |

abhehi maam eva nishaa cara indra |

na vaanaraams tvam prati yoddhum arhasi || 6-59-94

Lakshmana of indomitable courage spoke to that Ravana who was lifting up his

unfathomable bow (as follows): "O, King of Demons! Now enter into combat with me; cease from

fighting with the monkeys!"

sa tasya vaakyam paripuurna ghosam |

jyaa shabdam ugram ca nishamya raajaa |

aasaadya saumitrim avasthitam tam |

kopa anvitam vaakyam uvaaca raksah || 6-59-95

Hearing that marvelously modulated voice that resounded like the twanging of a bow-

string, Ravana drawing near his adversary, who stood close to his chariot, answered in anger:



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distyaa asi me raaghava dristi maargam |

praapto anta gaamii vipariita buddhih |

asmin ksane yaasyasi mrityu desham |

samsaadyamaano mama baana jaalaih || 6-59-96

"O, Lakshmana! By my good fortune, you in your perverted mind, reached within my

range of sight so as to meet your death. This very instant, you will go to the region of Death, after

having collapsed by the bang of my rain of arrows."

tam aaha saumitrir avismayaano |

garjantam udvritta sita agra damstram |

raajan na garjanti mahaa prabhaavaa |

vikatthase paapakritaam varistha || 6-59-97

Then, Lakshmana, unmoved spoke to that Ravana who was roaring with his sharp and

protruding teeth (as follows): "Greatly dignified ones eschew [shun] bragging! O, the foremost of

evil-doers! You are sounding your own praises!"

jaanaami viiryam tava raaksasa indra |

balam prataapam ca paraakramam ca |

avasthito aham shara caapa paanir |

aagaccha kim mogha vikatthanena || 6-59-98

"O, King of Demons! I know your valor, strength, energy and courage! Come! I now stand

here, with my bow and arrows in hand. O what use are vain boasts."



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sa;evam uktah kupitah sasarja |

rakso adhipah sapta sharaan supunkhaan |

taaml laksmanah kaancana citra punkhaish |

ciccheda baanair nishita agra dhaaraih || 6-59-99

Thus accosted, the King of Demons, infuriated, loosened seven marvelously plumed

arrows which Lakshmana shattered with his beautiful golden-shafted arrows of sharp ends and

edges.

taan preksamaanah sahasaa nikrittaan |

nikritta bhogaan iva pannaga indraan |

lankaa iishvarah krodha vasham jagaama |

sasarja ca anyaan nishitaan prisatkaan || 6-59-100

Beholding those arrows shattered like great cobras with their hoods shattered, Ravana

got angry and loosened other sharp arrows.

sa baana varsam tu vavarsa tiivram |

raama anujah kaarmuka samprayuktam |

ksura ardha candra uttama karni bhallaih |

sharaamsh ca ciccheda na cuksubhe ca || 6-59-101

Lakshmana, however, caused a well-aimed rain of missiles from his bow to fall on

Ravana and nay, even broke Ravana's arrows with his arrows called Khura, Ardhachandra, the

excellent Karni and Bhalla. He did not feel perturbed.



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sa baanajaalaanyapi taani taani |

moghaani pashyaamstridashaariraajah |

visismiye laksmanalaaghavena |

punashcha baanaannishitaanmumocha || 6-59-102

Seeing his successive arrows proving in vain, Ravana the King of those hostile to Gods

was astonished at Lakshmana's skill and released more whetted shafts upon him.

sa laksmanash ca aashu sharaan shita agraan |

mahaa indra vajra ashani tulya vegaan |

samdhaaya caape jvalana prakaashaan |

sasarja rakso adhipater vadhaaya || 6-59-103

Lakshmana, the equal of Mahendra the Lord of celestials, fixing some sharpened arrows,

swift as lightning and of blazing effulgence on his bow-string, discharged them on Ravana in

order to strike him down.

sa taan praciccheda hi raaksasa indrash |

chittvaa ca taaml laksmanam aajaghaana |

sharena kaala agni sama prabhena |

svayambhu dattena lalaata deshe || 6-59-104

Whereupon, Ravana the King of Demons shattered those pointed arrows and struck

Lakshmana in the forehead with a struck Lakshmana in the forehead with a shaft as bright as the

Fire of Time, which had been bestowed on him by Brahma the Lord of Creation.



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sa laksmano raavana saayaka aartash |

cacaala caapam shithilam pragrihya |

punash ca samjnaam pratilabhya kricchraac |

ciccheda caapam tridasha indra shatroh || 6-59-105

Struck by Ravana's arrow, Lakshmana reeled a little and was scarcely able to retain his

bow. But, coming to his consciousness with difficulty, he shattered that weapon belonging to

Ravana, Indra's enemy.

nikritta caapam tribhir aajaghaana |

baanais tadaa daasharathih shita agraih |

sa saayaka aarto vicacaala raajaa |

kricchraac ca samjnaam punar aasasaada || 6-59-106

Then, Lakshmana the son of Dasaratha struck Ravana, whose bow was broken, with

three pointed darts. The king, pierced by those arrows, swooned and regained his senses with

difficulty.

sa kritta caapah shara taaditash ca |

sveda aardra gaatro rudhira avasiktah |

jagraaha shaktim samudagra shaktih |

svayambhu dattaam yudhi deva shatruh || 6-59-107

Ravana, the enemy of celestials, whose bow was broken, struck by the arrows, his limbs

spattered with flesh, and streaming with blood, himself of formidable energy, seized in the battle a

spear gifted to him by Brahma the Lord of Creation.



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sa taam vidhuuma anala samnikaashaam |

vitraasaniim vaanara vaahiniinaam |

ciksepa shaktim tarasaa jvalantiim |

saumitraye raaksasa raastra naathah || 6-59-108

Ravana the Lord of the country of demons hurled with strength on Lakshmana, that

blazing spear, emitting smoke and as bright as fire, frightening the monkeys in the fray.

taam aapatantiim bharata anujo astrair |

jaghaana baanaish ca huta agni kalpaih |

tathaa api saa tasya vivesha shaktir |

bhuja antaram daasharather vishaalam || 6-59-109

Lakshmana the younger brother of Bharata struck that weapon falling upon him with

arrows and darts, as if it were a sacrificial fire. Nevertheless, that spear entered Lakshmana's

broad chest.

sa shaktimaan shaktisamaahatah san |

jajvaala bhuumau sa raghupraviirah |

tam vihvalantam sahasaabhupetya |

jagraaha raajaa tarasaa bhujaabhyaam || 6-59-110

The mighty Lakshmana, struck by the spear, lay on the earth, breathing fire. The king,

rushing suddenly on him who was yet insensible, seized him brutally in his hands.

himavaan mandaro merustrailokyam vaa sahaamaraih |

shakyam bhujaabhyaamuddartum na shakyo bharataanujah || 6-59-111

Though he was able to lift up Himavat, Mandara and Meru mountains as also the Three

Worlds with the Gods, he could not raise Lakshmana the younger brother of Bharata.



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shaktyaabraahmyaa tu saumitristaadito.api stanaantare |

visnoramiimaamsyabhaagamaatmaanam pratyanusmarat || 6-59-112

Lakshmana, though wounded in the breast by Brahma's weapon, recollected that he was

an inconceivable fraction of Vishnu Himself.

tato daanavadarpaghnam saumitrim devakantakah |

tam piidayitvaa baahubhyaam na prabhurnanghane.abhavat || 6-59-113

Ravana that thorn in the side of the Gods, though overcoming that Lakshmana who

removed the pride of demons, was unable to bear him away with his hands.

tatah kruddho vaayusuto raavanam samabhidravat |

aajaghaanorasi kruddho vajrakalpena mustinaa || 6-59-114

Thereupon, the enraged Hanuma the son of the Wind-God rushed towards Ravana and

struck angrily on his chest with his fist, resembling a thunder-bolt.

tena mustiprahaarena raavano raaksaseshvarah |

jaanubhyaamagamadbhuumau chachaala cha papaata cha || 6-59-115

By that blow of the fist, Ravana the Lord of Demons reeled and fell on his knees to the

ground.

aasyaishcha netraih shravanaih papaata rudhiram bahu |

vighaarnamaano nishchesto rathopastha upaacishat || 6-59-116

A lot of blood oozed out from his face, eyes, and ears. Reeled and motionless, he

became and sat in the middle of the chariot.



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visamjjno muurchitashchaasiinna cha sthaanam samaalabhat |

visamjjnam raavanam dristvaa samare bhiimavikramam || 6-59-117

risay vaanaraashchaiva nedurdevaashcha saasuraah |

Seeing Ravana despite his redoubtable strength swooned on the battle-field, sages and

monkeys began to shout in triumph as did also celestials and the demons (invisibly present on

the scene).

hanuumanatha tejasvii laksmanam raavanaarditam || 6-59-118

anayadraghavaabhyaasham baahubhyaam parigrihya tam |

Then, the courageous Hanuma lifting up Lakshmana in his arms, who had been wounded

by Ravana, brought him to Rama's presence.

vaayusuunoh suhrittvena bhaktyaa paramayaa cha sah || 6-59-119

shatruunaamaprakampyo.api laghutvamagamatkapeh |

That Lakshmana, whom his foes were unable to move, became light for Hanuma

because of friendship and great devotion of Hanuma the son of Wind-God towards him.

tam samutsrijya saa shaktih saumitrim yuthi nirjitam || 6-59-120

raavanasya rathe tasmin sthaanam punarupaagamat |

That spear leaving Lakshmana, who was overcome in the battle, returned to its position

in that chariot of Ravana.

raavano.api mahaatejaah praapya samjjnaam mahaahave || 6-59-121

aadade nishitaan baanaan jagraha cha mahaddhanuh |

The mighty Ravana too, regaining his consciousness in the great battle-field, picked up

his sharp arrows and the great bow.



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ashvastashcha vishalyashcha laksmanah shatrusuudanah || 6-59-122

visnorbhaagamamiimaamsyamaatmaanam pratyanusmaran |

Healed and free from that lance, Lakshmana the annihilator of his foes, recollected of

himself as a part of the inconceivable Vishnu the Lord of Preservation.

nipaatitamahaaviiraam vaanaraanaam mahaachamuum || 6-59-123

raaghavastu rane dristvaa raavanam samabhidravat |

Beholding the great army of monkeys whose great warriors were overthrown on the

battle-field, Rama rushed on Ravana.

athainamupasamgamya hanuumaanvaakyamabraviit || 6-59-124

mama pristhom samaaruhya raaksasam shaastumarhasi |

visnuryathaa garutmantamaaruhyamaravairinam || 6-59-125

Meanwhile, Hanuma approaching Rama spoke the following words: "You have to punish

the demon by climbing my back, as Vishnu on Garuda in order to fight with the Enemy of Gods."

tachchhrutvaa raagavo vaakyam vaayuputrena bhaasitam |

athaaruroha sahasaa hanuumantam mahaakapim || 6-59-126

rathastham raavanam samkhye dadarsha manujaadhipah |

Hearing those words spoken by Hanuma the son of Wind-God, Rama soon after

mounted the great monkey, Hanuma. Rama the Lord of men then saw Ravana standing in his

chariot in the battle-field.

tamaalokya mahaatejaah pradudraava sa raavanam || 6-59-127

vairochanamiva kruddho visnurabhyudyataayudhah |

The mighty Rama became angry on seeing him and rushed upon that Ravana like unto

Vishnu with his uplifted mace rushed upon Virochana.



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jyaashabdamakarottiivram vajranispesanisthuram || 6-59-128

giraa gambhiirayaa raamo raaksasendramuvaacha ha |

Rama made a sound in drawing the cord of his bow and like unto the roll of thunder,

spoke in a deep voice to Ravana as follows:

tistha tistha mama tvam hi kritvaa vipriyamiidrisham || 6-59-129

kva nu raaksasashaarduula gatvaa moksamavaapsyasi |

"O, Tiger among the Demons! Stay, stay! Having evoked such a displeasure to me,

where will you flee and get an abandonment?"

yadiindravaivasvatabhaaskaraanvaa |

svayamubhavaishvaanarashamkaraanvaa |

gamisyasi tvam dashadhaa disho vaa |

tathaapi me naadya gato vimoksyase || 6-59-130

"Even if you seek refuge in the region of Indra the Lord of celestials or Yama the Lord of

Death or the Sun or Brahma the Lord of Creation or Agni the Lord of Fire or Shiva the Lord of

dissolution or in the ten regions, even in those abodes you will elude me from now on."

yashchaisa shaktyaa nihatastvayaadya |

gachchhanvisaadam sahasaabhyupetya |

sa esa raksoganaraaja mrityuh |

saputrapautrasya tavaadya yuddhe || 6-59-131

"O, Ravana the King of Demons! The one who was struck by the spear, fell swooping this

day only to recover consciousness immediately, will now, assuming the form of death, claim you,

your sons and grandsons in battle."



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etena chaatyadbhutadarshanaani |

sharairjanasthaanakritaalayaani |

chaturdashaanyaattavaraayudhaani |

raksah sahasraani nisuuditaani || 6-59-132

"Here is he, under whose blows of arrows, fourteen thousand demons of terrible form

perished, who had established themselves in Janasthaana and were furnished with excellent

weapons."

raaghavasya vachah shrutvaa raaksasendro mahaabalah |

vaayuputram mahaavegam vahantam raaghavam rane || 6-59-133

rosena mahataavistah puurvavairamanusmaran |

aajaghaana sharairdiipaih kaalaanalashikhopamaih || 6-59-134

Hearing the words of Rama, Ravana of great strength, full of rage and recollecting his

former hostility struck with flaming arrows resembling the tongues of the Fire of Dissolution, on

Hanuman the son of Wind-God, who with extreme velocity, was bearing Rama in the battle-field.

raaksasenaahave tasya taaditasyaapi saayakaih |

svabhaavatejoyuktasya bhuuyastejo.abhyavardhata || 6-59-135

Even when struck by that demon with his arrows in the battle, the vigor of Hanuman, who

was endowed with native strength, increased still further.

tato raamo mahaatejaa raavanena kritavranam |

dristvaa plavagashaarduulam krodhasya vashameyuvaan || 6-59-136

Thereupon, seeing Hanuman the Tiger among the monkeys getting wounded by Ravana,

Rama was transported with anger.



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tasyaabhisamkramya ratham sachakram |

saashvadhvajachchhatramahaapataakam |

sasaarathim saashanishuulakhadgam |

raamah prachichchheda shitaih sharaagraih || 6-59-137

Going near his chariot with his sharp and pointed arrows, Rama shattered it along with its

wheels, horses, banner, canopy, great standard, charioteer, darts, spears and swords.

athendrashatrum tarasaa jaghaana |

baanena vajraashanisamnibhena |

bhujaantare vyuudhasujaataruupe |

vajrena merum bhagavaanivendrah || 6-59-138

Thereupon, with a great force, Rama struck with his shaft shining brightly as the

thunderbolt, that Ravana, the enemy of Indra, in his broad and beautiful chest, even as the mighty

Indra would strike the Mount Meru with his thunderbolt.

yo vajrapaataashanisamnipaataa |

nna chuksubhe naapi chchaala raajaa |

sa raamabaanaabhihato bhrishaarta |

shchachaala chaapam cha mumocha viirah || 6-59-139

That valiant King of Demons, whom neither thunder nor lightning could cause disturbance

or trembling; stumbled letting fall his bow at the valiant impact of Rama's missile which created a

deep injury.



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tam vihvalantam prasamiiksya raamah |

samaadade diiptamathaardhachandram |

tenaarkavarnam sahasaa kiriitam |

chichchheda raksodhipatermahaatmaa || 6-59-140

Seeing that Ravana swooning, the magnanimous Rama took up a blazing arrow shaped

like a crescent moon and immediately used it to shatter the diadem of Ravana the Lord of

Demons, which was of bright hue.

tam nirvisaashiivisasamnikaasham |

shaantaarchisam suuryamivaaprakaasham |

gatashriyam krittakiriitakuuta |

muvaacha raamo yudhi raaksasendram || 6-59-141

In that battle-field, Rama said to that Lord of Demons whose splendor was dimmed, the

setting of his diadem river, who resembled a venomous snake robbed of its poison or like a sun

its rays extinguished, bereft of luster.

kritam tvayaa karma mahatsubhiimam |

hatapraviirashcha kritastvayaaham |

tasmaatparishraanta iti vyavasya |

nna tvaam sharairmarityuvasham nayaami || 6-59-142

"You have accomplished a highly terrific great feat and my brave soldiers have

succumbed beneath your blows. Now, you are weary and in this condition, I shall not put you

under the clutches of Death."



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prayaahi jaanaami ranaarditastvam |

pravishya raatrimchararaaja lankaam |

ashvasya niryaahi rathii cha dhanvii |

tadaa balam preksyasi me rathasthah || 6-59-143

"O, King of the Ranger of night! I know you have been tormented in the battle. Go and

return to Lanka. Having regained your breath, come back in your chariot with your bow and then

standing in your chariot, you will witness once more my prowess."

sa evamukto hatadarpaharso |

nikrittachaapah sa hataashvasuutah |

sharaardito bhagnamahaakiriito |

vivesha lankaam sahasaa sma raajaa || 6-59-144

At these words, that King Ravana, his joy boasting subdued, his bow shattered, his

horses and chariot slain pierced with arrows, his great diadem broken, he soon returned to

Lanka.

tasmin praviste rajaniicharendre |

mahaabale daanavadevashatrau |

hariin vishalyaan saha laksmanena |

chakaara raamah paramaahavaagre || 6-59-145

While that mighty Ravana the Lord of Demons and the enemy of celestials and titans

returned to Lanka, Rama arranged for drawing out arrows from monkeys and from Lakshmana

too, in the forefront of that vast battle-field.



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tasmin prabhagne tridashendrashatrau |

suraasuraa bhuutaganaa dishashcha |

sasaagaraah sarvamahoragaashcha |

tathaiva bhuumyambucha raah prahristaah || 6-59-146

That Ravana, the adversary of the King of the Gods being vanquished, the celestials,

Asuras the multitude of beings in all the quarters, the creatures of the ocean with the great

serpents as also all beings on earth and in waters rejoiced very much.

ityaarse shriimadraamaayane aadikaavye yuddhakaande ekonasastitamah sargah

Thus completes 59th Chapter of Yuddha Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the

work of a sage and the oldest epic.

Sriman Moola Rama Vijayate

References

K. M. K. Murthy. (2002). Yuddha Kanda - Book Of War.

Merriam-Webster. (2007). At http://www.m-w.com.

Reference.com. (2007). At http://www.reference.com.

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