Page 1 of Sundara Kãnda: Hanuman's Odyssey



  Sundara Kãnda - Hanuman’s Odyssey

  BS Murthy

  ISBN 81-901911-7-9

  Copyright © 2005 BS Murthy

  Originally published by Self Imprint in 2005

  This improved E-book edition is of 2013

  Cover designed with Madhubani painting

  Other books of BS Murthy –

  Benign Flame- Saga of Love

  Jewel-less Crown – Saga of Life

  Crossing the Mirage – Passing through youth

  Glaring Shadow (A Novel)

  Prey on the Prowl (Crime Novel)

  Puppets of Faith: Theory of Communal Strife (Non-fiction)

  Bhagvad-Gita: Treatise of self-help ( A trans-creative work in verse)

  If Mahabharata's Bhagvad-Gita is taken as a philosophical guide, Ramayana's Sundara Kãnda is sought for spiritual solace. What is more, many believe that reading Sundara Kãnda or hearing it recited would remove all hurdles and usher in good tidings! Well miracles apart, it's in the nature of Sundara Kãnda to inculcate fortitude and generate hope in one and all. After all, isn't it a depiction of how Hanuman goes about his errand against all odds! Again, won't it portray how Seetha, on the verge of self-immolation, overcomes despair to see life in a new light? Besides, how Hanuman's Odyssey paves the way for Rama to rescue his kidnapped wife!

  One is bound to be charmed by the rhythm of the verse and the flow of the narrative in this sloka to sloka transcreation of Valmiki's adi kavya - the foremost poetical composition in the world. After all, it was the saga of Rama that inspired Valmiki the barbarian to spiritualize the same as Ramayana in classical Sanskrit!

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  Dedicated to -

  Childhood friends,  Nittala Rama Rao, who envisaged that I transcreate in English this momentous episode of the adi kavya and Erramilli Rohini Kumar, who, besides encouraging me to undertake the challenge, came  up with  the book jacket besides Katlin Darnall of the World Public Library for the enriching editing."  

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  Canto 1 - Hurdles in Skies

  Egged on by peers Vayu’s son

  Enshrined by man as Hanuman

  Enthused himself to shoulder

  Search of Seetha, Rama’s spouse  

  Snared whom Ravan to Lanka

  Sea across that hundred leagues. 

  With his head then held so high

  Gained he size for task on hand.   

  On that Mahendra mountain then

  Colossus like he sauntered there.  

  Uprooted were trees all those

  Brushed as with his chest that strong. 

  Varied hues of elements there

  Made that mountain resplendent. 

  Grace angels those hill ranges

  For their honeymoon so near moon. 

  At length he reached that hilltop 

  Lay where elephants in their scores. 

  Besides Brahma ’n Surya 

  Prayed he Indra and Vayu.   

  Facing east he sought blessings

  Of Vayu then his Wind God dad  

  And grew more by turning south. 

  Grew as Hanuman more and more

  To cross that sea vast as it roared

  With full tides of full-moon night

  Came he face to face with clouds. 

  As though to test that mountain

  Whether it’s right for his take-off  

  Tapped it Hanuman with his feet.   

  Shook that mountain his impinge 

  Shed trees flowers of hues varied. 

  Flowers all fell then covered it full

  Spread they fragrance far and wide. 

  Welled out water in thick springs 

  Such was pressure of Hanuman’s feel. 

  From the cracks it developed thus

  Creaked out molten metals varied.  

  While huge boulders slid in scores

  Out came smoke in thick columns. 

  With that squeeze it came under 

  Cried all creatures in their caves. 

  Frightened was no less wildlife  

  Heard were their howls world over. 

  In their state of confusion

  Serpents with all fiery fangs

  Marks of swastik on their hoods  

  Spewed then venom in profusion. 

  Venom they spit was fireball like

  Turned to tiny stones there rocks. 

  Herbs of anti-venom were there  

  Turned though antidote none of them.  

  Felt all yogis spirit at play

  Took to their heels demigods then. 

  Not to speak of vessels of gold

  In their fright gods left all goods.  

  In panic they left mid-meal 

  Thought they none of gold armour. 

  In their sodden demeanours then 

  Reached they all their heavenly homes.  

  Amorous angels in their scores 

  Built their love-nests in those skies.

  Ascetics of earth ascended

  For bird’s eye view of Hanuman’s feat. 

  Heard all averments of siddhas 

  As well seers all stationed there. 

  Hill like Hanuman is all set

  Agile as ether to cross seas. 

  It was vanar Lord Sugreev 

  That sent him on Ram’s errand.  

  Angels there who heard those words 

  Looked at Hanuman then wide-eyed. 

  Raring to go then Hanuman

  Slapped his thighs and roared like clouds. 

  Stretched he full then his long tail

  Jerked it like would eagle its prey. 

  Circled Hanuman his tail then 

  Looked that eagle-clawed serpent.  

  Set to take off on that flight 

  Stance he took for task that tough. 

  In that as he shrugged himself 

  Seemed he eager and vigorous.   

  Stared he long at his flight route

  Deep breathed he for take-off then. 

  All set to go Hanuman then

  Thought it fit to them address

  Folks his who were so anxious. 

  Spoke he thus to assure them:

  Won’t I dart like Ram’s arrow

  To Ravan’s land there lay yonder?

  No sooner than I set foot

  Find I Rama’s spouse Seetha. 

  Were I to happen to fail there

  Won’t I rush to heaven itself? 

  Were I to land in blind alley

  Won’t I go back to Lanka? 

  Prevail I over Ravan then 

  And fetch Seetha unfettered

  With him in tow but in chains. 

  As he took-off he declared

  Comes it ever if to the brink

  Uproot he would all Lanka  

  And bring it as gift to Lord Ram. 

  By the thrust of his take-off

  Sucked in were trees into flight. 

  As he flew at jet speed then

  Tailed him trees with birds on them

  And buds that flowered in between.

  In truck with him all of them 

  Seemed they relatives at send off.   

  Sal trees then too followed suit 

  Seemed he spearhead of  large force. 

  With the flowers and birds in tow

  Made then Hanuman wondrous sight. 

  In time weakened as the pull  

/>   Dropped all trees in those waters.  

    

  Covered as he by flowers and all 

  Hanuman flew then glowworm like.   

  As he shrugged off in mid-air

  Fell some flowers on salt waters.  

  Turned as flower-bed sea that vast 

  Seemed it then like star filled sky. 

  Flowers of varied hues on him

  Rainbow on move made him seem. 

  Sonic boom of Hanuman’s flight  

  Scattered flowers on those waters

  Seemed then that sea sky at dawn. 

  Arms his outstretched in his flight

  Looked like serpents with five hoods. 

  Filled his shadow shore to shore

  Though he picked up Mach two speed. 

  Sparkled his eyes as in flight

  Seemed some lava there in flow.  

  Wide open were his bright eyes  

  Seemed they sun ’n moon in skies. 

  With his rosy nose-tip then 

  Looked he like the setting sun. 

  In flight his tail that was long

  Banner then of Indra seemed. 

  With the sparkling teeth of his

  And the tail thus well coiled 

  Sun like aura Hanuman had.   

  Blood red as those Hanuman’s hinds  

  Seemed they red hills well sundered. 

  Wind as passed through his armpits 

  Roared it then like lightning clouds. 

  Mistook him then sky watchers 

  For some meteor that was rare. 

  In flight he looked like elephant

  With its tail spread round its waist.

  Shadow that he cast on seas 

  Seemed to all a speeding boat. 

  Concord like he moved in skies 

  Caused he whirlpools in the seas. 

  With his broad chest Hanuman did 

  Ward off sea tides that reached him. 

  As he speeded in his flight

  Formed a cyclone in the skies

  Caused that storm then in the seas. 

  Mean sea level as rose to skies  

  Made he light of all those tides. 

  As he sped he seemed to count 

  Mountain tides that so neared him. 

  Splash from tides as foamed the skies 

  Gave that silver coat to space.   

  Torn as thus the water sheet  

  Felt all fish as turned naked. 

  Water snakes as sighted skies 

  Feared they eagle was on prowl. 

  Thick and wide was his shadow 

  Seemed so symmetric to one’s eyes. 

  Sped as he past in high skies 

  Seemed his shadow like a cloud. 

  Looked then Hanuman in motion 

  Like a mountain with huge wings. 

  Split as that sea in columns  

  Cruisers they seemed in his chase.   

  Coursed as he thus Garuda like  

  In those skies that filled with birds

  Wind like then he scattered clouds.   

  Clouds as all then went askance

  Shone they well in colours varied. 

  In and out of clouds Hanuman 

  Seemed he like the moon on course. 

  In awe celestial beings then

  Myriad flowers they showered on him.  

  Filtered Surya his heat then 

  While made easy breeze Vayu.   

  Sang his praises seers all there 

  Awestruck angels his prowess. 

  Wondered at his endurance

  Angels all who watched him then.  

  Felt thus Sagar, Lord of Seas 

  For whom Rama’s cause came first. 

  Were I to fail to help Hanuman 

  Make I myself blameworthy.   

  Won’t I owe my reign and all 

  To Ram’s ancestor, my namesake? 

  For he exerts for Ram’s cause

  Bound am I to help Hanuman. 

  Spoke then Sagar to Mainak  

  Prince of hills with golden peaks

  Made who ocean bed his home. 

  Confined were thou by Indra   

  On my bed for ever so long

  Barrier though as to netherworld. 

  Demons all for that lay therein 

  Block thou approach to this world.   

  Prowess such is unique thine 

  Expand thou the way thy  wish. 

  Behold Hanuman as he flies 

  Head over mine for Ram’s sake.  

  Owe that I his ancestor

  Seek I now thy helping hand

  To let our Hanuma serve Rama.  

  Fail if we to help him out 

  Enrage we might angels all. 

  Shoot up forthwith in his path 

  To let him rest on peak thy high. 

  Hanuman is so long in flight 

  Feel I time he rests a while. 

  Lighten if thou his burden 

  Brings it end to Rama’s plight 

  Agony as well  of his spouse. 

  Shoot up now O golden hill 

  Graced by varied vegetation. 

   

  Came out then as Mainaka 

  Depths of sea from that so deep 

  Scene it made like mid-day sun

  Came out as it from thick clouds. 

  In the midst of sea that vast  

  Shone then Mainak like Surya.  

  Lovers all there as lay languid

  Skimmed its peaks the rim of skies. 

  With his golden peak Mainak 

  Shone he then like rising sun.   

  In time as he showed up full

  Dazzled he like suns in scores. 

  Mistook Hanuman for hurdle

  Mainak who rose to the skies. 

  Not the one to get daunted

  Hanuman toppled Mainaka 

  With his bare chest that was strong. 

  Turned as he all turtle then

  Mainaka was so dumbfounded.

  So as a way to woo Hanuman 

  Assumed Mainak human form. 

  It’s my request O Hanuman 

  That thee rest on my shoulder. 

  It was Rama’s ancestor

  Helped who seas all to expand 

  That’s why grateful Lord of Seas

  Sent me to help thee take rest.   

  Well it’s adage that so old 

  Help we must all those us help 

  Sees thus Sagar as favour

  Rest  if thou on my shoulder. 

  Wants me Sagar make thou feel

  At home on my peak utmost. 

  Pray thee break now on my back

  Non-stop flight leagues eight hundred. 

  Might as well thou savour now

  Smell-well fruits of rarest taste. 

  Have as we such ties us bind  

  Consent thou to strengthen them. 

  Cross as thou sea Concord like

  Proud are all of us of thee. 

  Make as thee our V.I.P

  Guests all we give due respect.

  Amongst demigods rank thee high    

  Speed thine no less than thy dad. 

  Let if am I to serve thee

  Feel I served thy dad as well 

  Hold I whom in special esteem. 

  Had all mountains wings in yore

  Hovered thus they all three worlds. 

  Scared all angels and sages  

  Mischance could well cause us crash. 

  It’s thus Indra clipped our wings

  With the diamond sword of his. 

  Came in time as my own turn  

  Unsheathed Indra diamond sword,

  Spiriting me off with gale wind

  It’s thy dad that saved my wings. 

  Owing to thy parent’s grace 

  Wings mine escaped Indra’
s wrath. 

  See in this I golden chance

  Debt to repay benefactor. 

  Pray thee give a chance to us

  Redeem that we age old debt.  

  Now thou consent O great soul  

  Rest have thee as our dear guest. 

  Hanuman at that told Mainak:

  Words though thine me move no end

  Precedence takes now Rama’s cause.      

  Stop if I now in mid-flight   

  How am I to meet deadline? 

  Token then as of his love 

  Caressed Hanuman Mainak’s head. 

  Moved were Sagar ’n Mainak

  At the way thus Hanuman placed

  Lord’s his interest above all else.  

  Bidding adieu to them both

  Picked up Hanuman height in flight. 

  While on course in skies Hanuman

  Looked at them both in reverence.   

  Well in awe at what they saw

  Praised all angels Hanuman then. 

  Standing ovation gave Indra  

  With other gods to Mainaka. 

  Heartened then by his gesture

  Addressed Indra Mainak thus: 

  Pleased as gods all Mainaka

  Feel at ease as I leave thee free. 

  In spite of the threat I posed

  Came out thou to aid Hanuman. 

  In thy bid to help Hanuman 

  Tried thee to aid Rama’s cause. 

  Indra as thus assured him 

  Breathed then easy that mountain. 

  Cherished as Mainak his freedom

  Sped past Hanuman by him then. 

  Thought it fit then gods to put

  Hanuman to test in his quest 

  Spoke they thus to mother of snakes:  

  Well O Surasa see Hanuman 

  Flies he how to find Seetha

  Sea this across to Lanka!  

  Pray posit thyself in his way 

  Obstruct him with ogress frame. 

  Test we must the mettle in him 

  Moves on or he beats retreat. 

  Egged on thus by gods themselves

  Surasa came to confront him. 

  With its ogress look Surasa

  Addressed Hanuman in mid-air. 

  Gods all destined thy large frame

  Serves as sumptuous meal for me. 

  Without a twitch of his eyelids 

  Addressed Hanuman that ogress.  

  Let me tell thee what happened

  To Ram ’n Seetha as they stayed

  With Lakshman  in tow in Dandak. 

  Sent evil Ravan Maareecha

  Decoy as to lure Rama 

  And snared his spouse to Lanka. 

  Set as I on Seetha’s trial

  And live as thou by Rama’s grace

  Pray thee not put stop to that. 

  Eye me if thou as thy prey

  As soon as I finish my task

  Return I would to oblige thee. 

  Surasa made him then privy  

  Boon which Brahma gave to her

  That none can ever pass her by

  Until and unless she lets go.  

  Having ignored Surasa’s threat

  Kept as Hanuman his own course  

  To test him thus she engaged him.

  None there is an escape route

  Settled it all that Brahma’s boon 

  As and when I come in way  

  Pass all through but mine own mouth. 

  Enraged Hanuman dared Surasa

  See if she could swallow him. 

  Neared as she with hill like mouth  

  Outgrew Hanuman mountain like.  

  Stretched she jaws then undaunted  

  Tides that took and clouds in stride. 

  Stalling Surasa’s great swallow

  Assumed Himalayan size Hanuman.

  Stretched she into troposphere  

  Touched he then the stratosphere.  

  None less was the mother serpent

  Mouth she widened enough for him.

  Hanuman to thwart her for all

  Raised himself to heaven itself. 

  Snarled then she her mouth awful

  Enough to engulf heaven and earth. 

  With his presence of mind Hanuman

  Turned then simian with thin tail. 

  Before she could drop her jaws

  Traversed Hanuman through her mouth.

  Gaped as Surasa spoke Hanuman:

  Came out as I from thy mouth

  Boon of Brahma thus fulfilled

  Feel I am a free bird now. 

  Seemed he then to Surasa’s eyes

  Like the moon that’s past eclipse. 

  Spoke thus Surasa to Hanuman:

  Go on with no hindrance now  

  And bring Seetha back to Ram. 

  Looked all worlds in wonderment 

  Hanuman’s feat that third in row.

  Having tricked that Surasa thus 

  Then in high skies flew Hanuman.

  Celestial singers there he saw

  Stable of Airavat as well.

  With features of earth’s wildlife

  Saw he flying beasts in skies. 

  With their aura of angels

  Lived all righteous people there.  

  Went he near to sun ’n moon

  Saw he Agni conduits who

  Oblations to gods all there.

  It’s the region that ruled by

  Visvavas the king that fair

  Live where angels ’n such like

  Besides good souls after death.

  Entered he then that region

  Serves as canopy of three worlds,   

  Path there sun ’n moon doth share

  With Indra’s stable of white elephants. 

  Saw them he all in their turn 

  Martyrs all of great battles. 

  Clouds of myriad colours in skies

  Scattered were by Hanuman’s thrust. 

  Clouds with playing hide and seek 

  In skies then he shone like moon. 

  Flying non-stop in high skies 

  Looked he like a winged mountain. 

  Seeing Hanuman thus speeding 

  Fiendish Simhik turned greedy.   

  Was there ever a prey like this?

  What a sumptuous meal it makes! 

  Gripped she then him by shadow  

  Cast which Hanuman coast to coast. 

  Ship in sail as up the wind 

  Slowed down Hanuman in his course. 

  At last as he looked for clue

  Found his shadow in fiend’s grip. 

  Recalled he in dismay then 

  What Sugreev said at outset

  That one fiend had aptitude

  To grip its prey by mere shadow. 

  Stuck as he got in spite of

  Effort his great to speed up well

  Realized that he was its prey. 

  Grew he then to fill the skies

  Cast his shadow on all earth. 

  At that Simhik came jumping   

  At him with her cave-like mouth.   

  Sensed as he then her intent

  Hanuman thought then better of it. 

  As with Surasa so with her

  Turned he simian in no time

  And thus entered her wide mouth. 

  Seen in awe by all angels 

  It was as if moon eclipsed. 

  Into Simhik as he went

  Vitals her tore with his nails.  

  Moaned as she then in great pain

  Opened she wide mouth her large,

  Came out as he from her then

  Stopped she moaning as she died. 

                  

  Torso as her sank in seas 

  Flight he resumed in those skies. 

  Saw all demigods his great deed 

  Showered they prai
ses then on him. 

  Blessed him angels nonetheless

  Wished him well on his errand. 

  Felt all Hanuman’s great passion  

  Search for  Seetha, Rama’s spouse

  Worth it was for Hall of Fame. 

  Flew as he leagues eight-hundred 

  Saw he yonder some island. 

  On that horizon came to sight

  Found he tree-lines touching skies.

  Landed he soon on high peak

  Of the Malaya mountain range.  

  Like a mountain on the move

  Sauntered Hanuman on that high. 

  Felt he then that his giant size

  Won’t make spying his easy.

  It’s thus Hanuman thought it fit

  Better he assumed simian shape. 

  It was akin to Vishnu

  Becoming pygmean to push down

  Bali into depths of earth. 

  Before he turned a small fry then

  Looked he at his huge frame though. 

  Climbed he Lamba Mountain then

  Had which countless coconut crowns. 

  For the close up of the town 

  Jumped onto ground then Hanuman.  

  Sea across that miles and miles

  In the end then thus Hanuman

  Made his way to Ravan’s land. 

  Canto 2 - City in Clouds 

   

  On the landmass of Lanka 

  Chitrakoot was the king mountain 

  Kissed its peaks all clouds in skies

  Reigned Ravan from peak foremost.

  Climbed as Hanuman that mountain 

  Rained all trees then flowers on him.

  Such was stamina of Hanuman 

  Fresh he looked from that short rest.

  Felt he had still left in him 

  Strength to circle earth itself. 

  Flying wonder that Hanuman 

  Powerful soldier none the less. 

  Green all yonder found Hanuman 

  Reached as he that mountain range.

  Valleys all of that hill range 

  Had thick trees ’n wide gardens.

  Had he thus a full measure of 

  Land of Ravan that was green.

  Bore all trees there fruits varied 

  Besides date palms and santras. 

  Thick were bushes on those hills 

  Fragrant flowers all bloomed therein.

  Birds well nestled on trees all there

  Rustled leaves were by southern breeze.

  Graced flowers lotus tanks all those

  Swans in them swam with rare grace.

  Grew fruits well in all seasons

  Well-grown farms in scores there lay.

  Itching to search Ravan’s town

  Hanuman in time reached its gates.

  Lest Rama should sneak in there 

  On high alert were Ravan’s troops.

  Bricks of gold made Lanka’s wall  

  Kissed its castles clouds in skies.

  Mansions it had in millions

  Wide ’n well laid were there roads.

  Climbed creepers green gold arches 

  Looked like Lanka heaven on earth.

  Seemed as Lanka city in clouds

  Lay dwellings on mountain peaks.

  Built it was by gods’ builder 

  Earned it fame in Ravan’s reign. 

  Lankan fort in that sea then

  Seemed like saree clad maiden, 

  Compound wall its laid in gold   

  Looked like virgin’s narrow waist, 

  Long-range guns its plaits parted

  Seemed as gables gold ear-rings.

  Moved as Hanuman languidly

  Thought he thus in wonderment:

  Sky scrappers these of Lanka

  Won’t they lead to heaven itself!

  None but Kubera owned it once

  But vile Ravan grabbed from him.

  Demons then came to own this place  

  Teeth that protrude seem them fiends.

  Such as reside in Lanka

  Circled by seas as it were  

  Foe to fear made king Ravan.

  Came as cropper demigods all

  Of what avail Rama’s vanar force!

  Maginot line that Ravan built

  Find would Rama hard to breach.

  Rich as Lankans ’n powerful

  Bribe ’n bravery might not work.

  But for Angad, Neel ’n Sugreev 

  Rest might get stuck at these gates.

  Place why horse before the cart

  Makes it sense to strive my best.

  So felt Hanuman it’s proper

  Handled he better task on hand. 

  With my normal simian form

  Won’t I hoodwink Ravan’s men?

  Big and powerful they are all

  How to throw wool in their eyes!

  Why not I turn tinier

  And wait till the sun goes down.

  Lying in wait Hanuman then 

  Weighed all options on his hand.

  Not by letting Ravan’s men

  Smell a rat of my spying  

  How am I to find Seetha! 

  Without muddling my errand

  How to find here Seetha soon? 

  Towel in throws as night at dawn 

  Confronted by unforeseen

  Mid-course dullards leave their jobs.

  Mission one’s awry goes for sure 

  Meddles if one in half knowledge.

  Thus for having come so far

  Why not carry Seetha’s word

  For the waiting ears of Ram. 

  Stop me if these in my tracks 

  Derailed gets then Seetha’s search.

  How to look for Rama’s spouse

  Unseen by these guards in scores!

  Given the strength of their network

  None the disguise might well work.

  Were I to surface as it were 

  Might I as well get captured.

  Makes it eminent if I move 

  With darkness to aid me well.

  It’s night that makes conducive

  To search Ravan’s own premises.

  Having worked out his plan thus 

  Waited Hanuman moon to come.

  When the sun went out of scene 

  Cat-like instinct showed Hanuman.

  Airborne was he soon over 

  Lanka’s well-laid avenues all.

  Pillars silver had buildings 

  Windows whose wore golden frames.

  Built were mansions eight-storied 

  Set on gold floors were cat’s eyes.

  Stuccoes precious gems had walls 

  Adorned pearls their wide doors all.

  Domes there were all gold plated 

  Bright they were by day and night.

  Having had a bird’s- eye view

  Flustered Hanuman Lanka’s wealth.

  Land that was of king Ravan 

  Domicile of those demons varied.

  As if to show him the way

  Moon  came out in full bloom then. 

  In the moon rays of full moon

  Seen Hanuman the green signal. 

  Canto 3 - Prelude to Entry

  Having hovered in the skies

  Landed Hanuman in Lanka.  

  Bypassed Hanuman those sentries

  Manned who Lanka’s gates all there.

  Such was mirth of Lankans then

  Matched in decibels roars of seas

  Graced that place with soothing breeze.

  Lived there people strong ’n stout 

  Carved were elephants on main gates.

  Of the star-filled bluish skies

  Mirror image so Lanka seemed. 

  Unfurled sea breeze Lankan flags 

  Unleashed tinkles their trinkets.

  Onto Lankan wall he jumped

  Got he then a bird’s-eye view. 

  Do
ors there all were gold plated  

  Paved were verandahs with corals.

  Facades were all filled with gems

  Rooftops there had gold elephants.

  Cat’s eyes inlaid staircases  

  Furnished well were drawing rooms.

  In tandem with those tinkles

  Emanated from women’s jewels

  Bird calls rent air from courtyards.

  Wide-eyed he then stared for long  

  At such splendour never equalled.

  Marveled as he at such wealth 

  Thoughts his turned to Ravan’s might.

  Guarded as well Lanka thus

  Is there scope for entry then? 

  But Kumud, Angad, Sushena too 

  Might stand chance as Maind and Dwivid. 

  Not to speak of Lord Sugreev 

  Kusaparv, Jambavan, Ketumal, and I no less.

  Be that as it may Lanka

  Stands no chance with Ram Lakshman.

  Won’t look Lanka like a dame

  With these dwellings as ear-rings

  And its workshops her huge boobs?

  Lights with its on won’t Lanka

  Look like woman in white saree?

  Got wind of him Lankin then

  Deity Lanka’s that huge fiend.

  Came she forthwith in his way

  Hideous with her frame so large.

  Lost she no time to confront

  Him in her tone that was harsh. 

  Value if thou life thy now

  Make a clean breast of thyself.

  How it entered thy little head

  Sneak thou might in Ravan’s land?

  Undaunted said thus Hanuman:

  Dared as thee to address thus

  May I know now who art thou?

  With thy hideous looks and all

  Why thee stand guard at this time?

  Then the deity in response

  Spoke to Hanuman in disdain.

  Guard I Lanka day ’n night

  Serve I Ravan in good faith.

  Tuck thy tail and run for life

  Lest thy soul should rest in peace.

  That thou realized who I am  

  Make haste now ’n beat retreat.

  Hanuman at this grew so huge

  Matching Lankin pound for pound.

  Having come thus face to face 

  Hanuman then her thus addressed.

  As I heard of thy Lanka 

  Know I came as just tourist.

  All I want is to saunter 

  All through Lanka in leisure.

  With that Lankin lost her cool

  Flared she thus at Hanuman then.

  Enough of cunning O simian

  Dare if thou cross swords with me.

  Acting then all innocent

  Addressed Hanuman thus Lankin:

  Seek as I to see thy place

  Wonder why thou make big fuss?

  Lankin at that turned physical  

  With her fist on Hanuman’s frame.

  Roused as Hanuman in anger 

  Roared he loud like lion hungry. 

  Then a left hook he landed

  On her huge frame bare fisted. 

  Yet he did no more than that

  Out of respect for women folk. 

  With the power of his punch then

  On all fours the fiend fell down. 

  Writhed  as she in such great pain

  Pitied Hanuman the woman in her.

  Scared no end was wounded fiend

  Begged she mercy from Hanuman.

  Hurt not women valorous men

  Know am Lankin, Lanka’s deity.

  As I was by thee matted  

  Think I time to tell thee all.

  Signalled Brahma to Lanka  

  Nadir as I lose my fight 

  At the hands of some simian.

  Lost as I the fight to thee

  End I see of Ravan’s reign. 

  How can Brahma ever go wrong?

  Seetha’s kidnap proves him right.

  Thus O Hanuman get thee set 

  On thy mission in Lanka straight.

  Seizes us as Brahma’s curse

  Go in search of Seetha now

  Snared who Ravan to this land. 

 

  Canto 4 - Foray into Fort

  Lankin as thus gave visa 

  Set then Hanuman on his course.     

  Having Lanka’s bird’s eye view  

  Through its back door he entered.

  So to bring it bad tidings

  Put forth he then his left foot.

  In time he went to King’s Way

  Had that flowering trees on sides.

  Dwellings in all either side 

  Saw he mirth ’n merry then.

  Glow of Lanka seemed to him

  As cloud of silver in the skies.

  Light as creaked out from houses

  Swastiks in their scores rays made.

  Roamed as he then Ravan’s town

  Well-pleased Hanuman with himself.

  Houses he passed one by one 

  Each was shaped a different one.

  Sang as dames in those dwellings

  The sound of music pleased Hanuman.

  Wore as women waist-bands all

  Trinkets theirs made music scores.

  Breathed in roars who exercised 

  Rhapsodic too were Vedic chants.

  Saw he demons all there gathered 

  Sang they hymns in Ravan’s praise.

  For men in arms and spies on rolls 

  In Lanka’s heart lay large barracks.

  Tonsured men in penance he saw

  Magical powers all seemed to have.

  Weird men he found single-eyed 

  With lone ear some left him dumb.

  Hideous many such fiends he found

  Well armed with their arms varied,

  Maces some had furrows-long 

  Discs rest held that covered acres.

  Medium built they by and large 

  Frames theirs neither long nor short.

  Fair were some and others darkish 

  Lookers were there in both groups.

  Turns took sentries to hold high 

  Ravan’s standards of conquests.

  Flowers men garlands wore pastel 

  Frames their glowed with sandal paste.

  Men all dressed in ways varied 

  Myriad all they arms carried.

  To guard Ravan’s gynoecium

  In midst garrison was that laid.

  Archways wide of solid gold 

  Adorned Ravan’s famed palace.

  Moats it had of lotus white 

  Wide-eyed Hanuman witnessed them.

  Chamber music rent then air

  Neighed white horses in courtyards.

  Lined as chariots in deep files

  Lay in hangers airplanes large,

  Languid while in move elephants  

  Scores were horses with long manes.

  Strolled all over deer in heat 

  So the sentries on their beat. 

  In spite of the vigil they kept

  Threw Hanuman wool in their eyes.

  Canto 5 - Life in Lanka

  Moon in time came overhead

  Raged he bull like in cow-pen. 

  Kept he darkness all at bay 

  Seemed to dispel sins of men.

  Rays his splendid in columns 

  Sparkled lotus-like in prime.

  In those high skies full of clouds 

  Seemed he like one swan encaged.

  Spot his that was well visible 

  Appeared like a well-horned bull.

  Light the king of stars as shed

  Fell that on his cousin blooming

  Brought that latter’s spots luster.

  Like the king on diamond throne

  Shone as well the moon that night.

  Ambience moonlight enticed all

/>   Mates estranged to warm embrace. 

  Went as wanton to walk streets

  Women married were ever eager

  To mate their men they loved to core.

  Men there were no less in scores

  Gulped who by then pint or more. 

  Some of them as tried to boast 

  Rest in fistcuffs took to brawls.

  Tried to shake their stupor as some

  Others took amorous routes to mates.

  Full of smiles were women fulfilled 

  Heaved though heavy then unfulfilled.

  Roared as skies then like trumpets   

  Swore soldiers like hissing snakes.

  Saw he many there sober souls

  Took place debates informed then. 

  Found he many an ugly folk

  Were they none the less decent.

  Women wondrous had virtuous mates

  Matched they stars of cloudless skies.

  Birds as hidden by flowering buds

  Women charming lay in male arms.

  Went to their men women in want

  Fondlers they turned to rouse them.

  Women lovelorn who rivalled moon 

  Lacked as they mates turned all pale.

  Men all who had women to mate 

  Love they made to them all night.

  Eye lashes of dove-eyed dames

  Hid their eyes in thick black veils, 

  Jewels that those wore in scores

  Cast a charming light on them. 

  None of them though made him feel 

  Seetha could be one of them. 

  Forlorn Seetha he knew well 

  Would be lost in Rama’s thought.

  Saw he none of that anguish 

  In them Seetha would have felt. 

  In her agonized mood Seetha  

  Won’t she look like that crescent 

  Screened by thick dark clouds in skies?

  Failed as he to find Seetha

  Nonplussed was then Vayu’s son.

  Canto 6 - Precincts to Beat

  Having recouped from despair 

  Roamed then Hanuman all the more.

  Entered he then Admin block 

  Came with face-to-face palace.  

  Keep at bay as lions poachers  

  Looked all scary palace guards. 

  Archways silver, gateways gold 

  Made that look like heaven on earth.

  Vigil while some kept on elephants 

  Rode others tireless horses there.

  Guards had ivory chariots there 

  Wheels of which were made of gold.

  Facades had all well cut gems 

  Furniture there lay out of world. 

  Deer as ran fast in their stride

  Birds went helter-skelter then.   

  Like a diamond in the sky

  Lay there palace of Ravan.

  Wore there dames all such jewels 

  Made which them all seem angels.

  Lay shaking hands sandal trees  

  And that gave it woods like look. 

  Kettledrums as raised high decibels  

  Conchs in chambers blared in scores. 

  Ocean like spread had that fort 

  Paved its rooftop with rare gems.

  Such was splendour of that place 

  Gaped it Hanuman wonder-struck.

  Felt of Ravan’s place he then

  As the jewel crown of worlds. 

  Left he none there bush to search 

  Peeped he then through all windows. 

  Done with dwellings of hirelings 

  Prahastha’s mansion then he reached.

  Kumbhakarn ’n Vibhishan 

  Ravan’s siblings both of them 

  Lived in mansions magnificent. 

  Went in Hanuman one by one

  Quarters there of eminent men.

  Entered he then abodes of 

  Vidyunmal ’n Vidyujjivih. 

  Spared he not the places of 

  Sons of Ravan in his search.

  Sumali’s palace he sauntered 

  Jambumali’s own not to spare. 

  Hurried Hanuman in his search

  Of Math’s as well Yuddhonmath’s.

  Into Sukana’s house he went 

  Came he out of Vikata’s place.

  Got as he in Vakra’s suite

  Lost his privacy latter then.

  Karala’s residence came under

  Hanuman’s scanner along with

  Pisaacha’s palace that was next.

  In his search of Seetha thus  

  Laid he bare there all nobles.

  Having drawn blank with Lieutenants’ 

  Quarters he searched then General’s. 

  Hideous ogresses at the gates  

  Guarded Ravan’s high fortress.

  Fearful they looked head to foot

  Carried weapons they weird in shape.

  As though to catch foes in flight

  Harnessed scores were horses there.

  Battle hardened elephants then

  In their hundreds he found there.  

  Mountain-like they move in wars

  Make they enemies run for life.  

  Shiver all mighty down the spine 

  When they come to hear trumpets. 

  In their gold shields soldiers all

  Glittered then like mid-day sun. 

  Found he there all palanquins gold 

  Galleries filled with masters’ works.

  Gyms as there for body builders

  Parks to peck for lovers there were.

  Ravan’s place was mountain like 

  Peacocks there strolled on their toes.

  Flags there fluttered in their scores 

  Lent they breeze the roaring sound.

  Like hot sun of mid-summer 

  Dazzled Ravan in nightgown.  

  Vessels of gold and ivory cots

  Hanuman in scores saw them there.

  Sauntered as he in aisles then 

  Spillover on wine he stepped. 

  Women there as had lovely gait

  Rustled sarees to rhythmic beat. 

  Women in numbers he found there

  Looked who charming dream-girl like.

  Canto 7 - Palace in the Plane

  To probe Ravan’s own chambers

  Ventured Hanuman further down.

  Armaments stacked in piles he found  

  With rare conchs that give war cries.

  With flaw none in cut or shine

  Vessels he found with gems to brim. 

  What he saw in Ravan’s place 

  Made it seem like magic land.  

  To his wonder he found parked 

  Aircar unique called Pushpak. 

  Stood out for its looks Pushpak

  Seemed it was like made for gods.

  Lodged in it were women of charm

  Live wire like they moved in aisles.

  In its splendour looked Pushpak 

  Like the moon on earth landed.

  Insignia it had hills of gold 

  Bore they trees of flowers diamond.

  Housed it mansions furrows-long

  Lawns theirs had large swimming pools.

  Seemed it as if on take-off 

  Sight that made him rub his eyes.

  Carved were birds on huge corals 

  Made of gems were horse statues.  

  Birds therein all seemed to him 

  Like the allies of Love God.

  Goddess Lakshmi’s deity lay

  On lotus red in blue waters

  With elephants white on either side.

  Swayed as it him no end then 

  Went he in thrall round Pushpak. 

  Overawed though he by Pushpak 

  Resumed his search soon Hanuman. 

  Having failed to trace Seetha 

  Seized was he with thus sorrow. 

  Canto 8 - P
ushpak’s Prowess

   

  End to end he searched Pushpak 

  Cover he could not all its ground. 

  Wonder that was Pushpak called

  Like the one that never conceived.

  Abodes of gods ’n angels too

  Add up not to Pushpak’s tail.

  It had in itself to change

  Needs to suit of who owns it,

  Got it Ravan not for song

  For he had to shed his blood. 

  When in flight it acquires speed

  Synch which would with pilot’s mind.

  Presence of it then got Lanka 

  Preeminence in all three worlds.

  Frescos it had men in rows

  With that vigorous look on them.

  Amidst vernal season then

  Looked Pushpak like flower mountain.  

  Canto 9 - Harem at Night

  In the midst of Pushpak lay 

  The Palace Royal of Ravan.

  Built it was with gems all rare

  Plinth it had of two score miles. 

  Went in Hanuman in the hope 

  Therein he would find Seetha.

  Having got in he sauntered  

  In those royal chambers there. 

  With their knives drawn to the hilt

  Found he guards there door to door.

  Saw he Ravan’s wives in scores 

  Maidens that he grabbed by force.

  Found he ponds of ocean size 

  Lived where crocodiles with white whales.

  Amidst the riches it sported

  God like Ravan lived in there.

  With sons ’n siblings there Ravan 

  Bettered thus lifestyle of all gods.

  Entered harem Ravan’s Hanuman 

  Pushpak’s that was star attraction.

  Custom built was that Pushpak 

  By God’s own architect for Brahma.

  In the times of yore Kuber

  Sought and got it from Brahma,

  Wanting it to serve his needs

  Grabbed it Ravan waging war.

  Spoils of war as it made 

  Pictured bullfights on its walls. 

  Stretched its ceiling to high skies 

  Cellars its touched depths of earth.

  Pushpak’s glitter makes Lanka 

  Seem as daytime during nights. 

  Emeralds it had for doorknobs 

  Windowpanes were crystal class.

  Pearls it had all paved for floor 

  Gave that look of white carpet. 

  Woodwork of its red sandals 

  Made the place all smell so sweet. 

  Shaped so well were secret vaults 

  Deceive they would the best of spies.

  Entered Hanuman its pantry

  Feed which could a million mouths.  

  Aroma of all recipes there

  Reached him with a come-hither tag.

  Entered he then that portion

  Lived where Ravan as the god.

  Stairs it had of gems inlaid 

  Handles of them ivory made.

  Pillars it had gold ingots 

  Glowed they all like candlelights.  

  None was taken for granted

  Flawless was the way it shaped. 

  With woven Atlas on them bright

  Laid were carpets continent size.

  Birds on heat were perched on trees 

  Cooed they in their scores well pecked. 

  Smoke that scented sticks emitted

  Got spread throughout Ravan’s land.

  Kept its aura gloom at bay 

  It’s where Ravan set his shop.

  At home Hanuman felt therein

  Entered though he enemy’s place. 

  Felt he was in heaven itself 

  Fit for gods of every faith. 

  Finding no scent of Seetha 

  Seemed he gambler who lost all.

  With his person ’n harem  

  No less Ravan added then

  Lustre to that bright Pushpak.

  Maidens there were in thousands 

  Dressed they like for fashion show.

  Drunk they were all to the dregs 

  Bent their eyelids all downward. 

  Slept one by one all of them 

  Seemed the place as swan filled pond.

  Postures theirs were well composed 

  Breath their smelled as flowers at dawn.

  Petals like lotus their faces 

  Seemed in sleep all lotus buds.

  Zoomed all drunken bees in scores 

  As would go round flowers in bloom.

  Celibate as he wished they were 

  Flowers all real and not damsels. 

  Angel like dames made Ravan’s 

  Harem seem like star filled sky. 

  Ravan in their midst then looked 

  Like the blooming moon in skies.

  Felt of Ravan’s lovers Hanuman  

  Were like meteors made there home.

  Skins theirs were like cloudless skies 

  Pure were demeanours of those dames.

  Orgasms multiple they had all 

  Askance went things on them all.

  In their coitus furious dots

  Vermilion theirs smudged foreheads.

  Passion with such they coited

  Crushed were pearls of chains they wore. 

  Breath of theirs as they made love 

  Withered all flowers of their garlands. 

  Chains of jewels that they wore 

  Made their boobs seem sun ’n moon.

  Sank as pearls in their valleys 

  Seemed they swans that lay in rest.

  Looked like canal banks their thighs 

  Waists theirs seemed so tiny streams.

  Smiled in slumber some sweetly 

  Dreamt as though of lay they had.

  Embrace in theirs of Ravan

  Breasts of theirs as chest his crushed

  Made then imprints of their chains

  Seemed that matching pairs on them.

  Covered as pallus their faces 

  Pairs of bellows turned their breaths.  

  As was standards of Ravan

  Bright were hues of their sarees. 

  Turned as pallus to bellows 

  Vibed like pendulums their ear-rings.

  Smelled well as the breath of theirs

  Got that better with wine they had.

  Sexy co-wives of Ravan 

  Kissed in ardour one another.

  In their craving for Ravan 

  Made they lesbian love in turns. 

  Some of them in their slumber 

  Folded their hands for pillows. 

  Made some thighs of their co-wives

  Headrests for their wondrous heads. 

  Used some leggies flat bellies 

  Of co-wives to spread their legs.

  Entwined slept as Ravan’s dames

  Seemed they strings of white roses,

  Hair theirs seemed to cover them all

  Bees as would all flowers in bloom.

  Harem Ravan’s felt Hanuman

  Creeper like grove in full spring.    

  Body odours of those dames

  Lent the air all with then scents.  

  With such abandon slept they all 

  Moved their sarees up their thighs.

  That Ravan was fast asleep 

  Gods dared eye his women in sleep.

  Most of them in Ravan’s hold

  Came coveting him on their own.

  Beauty as theirs made him weak 

  Dragged he some of them to bed.

  Fetched him some the hearsay true 

  His great valour spread world over.

  Found none of them then Hanuman 

  Found might wanting to share throne.

  Seeing them all so fulfilled 

  Wished he Ram ’n Seetha well.  

&nbs
p; That the learned Ravan snared

  Seetha who was chaste to Rama

  Saddened Hanuman no end then.

  Canto 10 - Women in Want

  Hanuman on the sly entered

  Chambers private of Ravan.  

  Such a cot he found lay there 

  Made to rival Ravan’s throne. 

  Meant to impart moon’s aura 

  Had it canopy made of wreaths.  

  Cot his huge was made of gold 

  Seemed on it sun came to rest. 

  Fanned by lovely handmaidens

  Rent air perfumes rare fragrance.

  Bed it had of soft sheepskin 

  Stuffed to brim with silk cotton. 

  With red eyes for want of sleep

  He-man Ravan lay there spread.  

  Layers thick of sandal paste

  Applied on his manly frame

  Soothed those scores of love bites deep. 

  Splendid jewels wore he then

  Seemed they lightning in grey cloud.

  In the forest of fair sex  

  Slept there Ravan like a log.

  Signs there were for all to see 

  Left he none there to make love. 

  Hanuman in awe neared Ravan

  But the fact that he played foul

  Made him stop then in his tracks.

  Such was aura of Ravan 

  Made the simian stare at him.

  Harem in his lay Ravan 

  Like a trunk with thick creepers. 

  Arms his long with gold epaulets  

  Looked like poles for Indra’s flags.

  Sported scores both combat scars  

  Of his battles fought with gods.  

  Like the mythical five-hood snakes

  Arms his strong were well tapered. 

  Of hair oils his women had used 

  Smelled his hands of varied scents. 

  Rings he wore on his fingers

  Gave a measure of his strong hands

  Made which worlds all bow to him.

  With the power of his own hands 

  Subdue he could all three worlds.

  In that king-size bed Ravan 

  Lay he like a king elephant. 

  Such was the build of his frame

  Looked he like a mountain then. 

  Breaths of Ravan seemed to fill 

  The insides all of that Pushpak.

  Thus the aisles of that Pushpak 

  Were then filled with flowery scent.

  Diamond ear-studs of Ravan

  Seemed as diadem askew then.

  On his hairy chest that broad

  Glistened golden chains he wore.

  Loincloth he wore of white silk 

  Left its guard on legs his strong.

  Lay as he on white bedspread 

  Looked he like a black diamond.

  Amidst the candle light that night 

  Seemed he like rain-bearing cloud.

  Women that slept on his huge bed 

  Shone like stars in clear blue skies.

  Saw Hanuman all Ravan’s wives  

  With their aura that paled moon.  

  While some slept on arms his long 

  Others lay on his thighs that strong.

  Had they ear-rings of cat’s eyes 

  Wore they armlets of large gems.

  It’s their aura in Pushpak  

  Made it Milky Way on earth. 

  Hourglass figure women all had 

  Had them Ravan all of them. 

  For those in queue to make it to 

  Ravan’s bed of hot pursuit

  Thought of his was so pumping 

  Failed they manage to have wink.

  Like a wreath that logged to boat 

  Lasses some hugged their veenas.

  Slept a dame with drum by side 

  As would she have her newborn.

  One with throbbing boobs so big

  Hugged a drum like lover in want.

  Pressed one flute in her valley 

  As would amorous woman manhood.

  Hugged as eager a woman violin 

  Pressed by heaving breasts of hers

  Scored it erotic notes on own. 

  Looked one temptress every inch 

  Hugged she trumpet like a wrench.

  One who drank all to the dregs 

  Tabor she locked in armpit.  

  Demure was the one that hugged 

  Drum so small her breasts could hold. 

  Those that could hold no longer

  Made they dildos of their flutes. 

  Tipsy turned a woman in sleep 

  Jug of lavender thus upturned. 

  One of those whom Ravan had

  Drained as she to dress herself

  Laid her hands on her nipples. 

  Amorous woman in all her want 

  Locked one lissome lass like brace. 

  Came to Ravan’s women handy

  Instruments varied that there lay.

  Saw he then the gem of all

  Slept who on a separate cot. 

  Charm hers was such made the rest 

  Woman of golden hue there lay

  None other than king Ravan’s queen.

  Heard as he all gods coveted

  Mandodari the marvellous one

  Yet felt Hanuman that peerless

  Woman might as well be Seetha.

  In his joy he found Seetha

  Got he into simian ways.

  Canto 11 - Qualms of Celibate

  Felt soon Hanuman that Seetha

  Forsake would not her Lord Ram.

    

  How could forlorn Seetha then 

  Would have had that happy look?

  Could ever Seetha find a man 

  Who would out tempt her Rama?

  In his search for Rama’s spouse 

  Went in Hanuman further down. 

  To his surprise there he found 

  Many more in wait for Ravan.

  After a bout of game of dice 

  Worn out there lay some on beds.

  On their sexiness lasses

  Indulged then in innuendos.

  Some as cracked crude party jokes

  Rest of them had heck of time.

  Praised all each other’s wantonness

  Bragged they all about ways of flesh.

  Felt then Hanuman if at dawn

  Should Ravan all lay them true

  Makes him raging bull in pen. 

  Finds as he his mates on heat 

  Looks he no less king elephant.

  Meant to succor their sex urge

  Sweets varied were well laid there.

  Found he there lay on platter 

  Meat of deer and boars deep-fried.

  ‘Use-me’ vessels of solid gold  

  Brimming there with leftovers.

  Beasts assorted were slaughtered 

  For the sumptuous meal they had.

  Recipes all of fish he found 

  Flesh as well of birds roasted. 

  Plentiful lay food vegetarian   

  Fresh that was and spicy too.

  Besides silver jars of wine

  Desserts were there in gold plates.

  On the cots that lined furlongs 

  Spread were jasmines one foot deep.  

  Corals those that filled the floors 

  Seemed they all like burning coals.

  Aroma of the food there lay

  All the more them made hungry. 

  Served were juices of fresh fruits 

  Spirits they raised in there gathered.

  Mean it was no that quarter 

  Than those chambers of Ravan. 

  Entered storeroom as Hanuman  

  Found he racks and racks of gold. 

  Saw he wine in vats of gold 

  Studded which all with rare gems.

  Vats of silver there he found 

  With half ful
l of wine still left.

  Lay there mounds of food so fresh 

  Feed which could scores hungry souls.

  Found be broken goblets there 

  Stamped by maidens in their haste.

  Stepped he out of that quarter

  Straight into that banquet hall  

  Lesbians full in their couplings. 

  In their pairs they shared blankets

  Which in turns they pulled on each.

  Breath of some made own pallus 

  Ripple like reeds in windy climes.

  Aroma from their breath then matched   

  With those dregs of wine they left.

  Sea breeze that was so profuse 

  Scent theirs took to all corners. 

  In that banquet hall were found 

  Beauties black ‘n blonds as well.

  Worn out as by excess sex  

  Looked some then like shrunken bees.

  Women of allure though they were  

  None had charms of Rama’s spouse.

  Celibate that he was Hanuman

  Developed thus he qualms of own

  If the sight was right for him!

  Doubts came thick and fast to him 

  Turned if he then peeping Tom. 

  Blamed he Ravan for his plight 

  Act whose brought him to that pass.

  Single minded that Hanuman

  Aside he set his doubts in time. 

  For he had no covetous look

  Women all failed to excite him. 

  Felt he nice that his own mind 

  Helped his celibate intent then. 

  What else could he do to find

  Seetha than to scan fair sex.

  Would one expect to find her

  Amidst a flock of deer on run.

  With no stone as left unturned

  Alas, Seetha he couldn’t find.

  Lovely women all he found there 

  But not Seetha his Lord’s spouse.

  Looked he then back at Pushpak 

  Searched he which from tip to toe.

  Not the one to leave mid-course 

  Pursued Hanuman Seetha’s search.

  Canto 12 - At Wits End

   

  In his search for Seetha thus

  Sauntered Ravan’s place Hanuman.

  Failed as he to find her still

  Felt she could have died of grief.

  Finding her no yielding type 

  Ravan could have got her hanged.

  Or else Seetha should’ve gone

  Underground in Ravan’s land. 

  Were he to go with blank page 

  Would Lord Sugreev approve that?  

  Would not all the pains it took

  For him to reach Ravan’s land

  Come to naught were she not found?

  When he would go back in time 

  Won’t his peers and Lords as well

  Get round him for Seetha’s news?  

  Were he to show empty hand 

  Won’t that break the hearts of all?

  What would elder Jambavan say?

  How Prince Angad would take it!

  So as not to fail them all 

  Not by finding Seetha now, 

  Better I pull up socks my well

  So to pass through pathless woods.

  If one gives up not on hopes 

  Tends that towards goal his own.

  Resolved he thus not to sulk 

  But to press then even more.

  Having felt thus he went back 

  To all those places he had been. 

  After making one more round

  Of the harem of Ravan 

  Stepped he out of Pushpak then.  

  Entered he then those dwellings 

  Annexed to Ravan’s Royal Court.

  Searched he then the town proper 

  That was Lanka’s headquarters. 

  As though to leave none to chance  

  Sauntered Hanuman suburbs there all.

  Left he none of private parks 

  Nor he spared a public place.

  But for woman of hideous looks 

  Found he not there Rama’s spouse.

  Saw he though there stunners too

  Found he Seetha nowhere there. 

  Saw he many an angel there 

  In them in vain he searched her. 

  Drew he blank in captive cells 

  Lodged where women by Ravan brought.

  Having failed to find her there

  Agonized Hanuman even more.

  What a waste of time it was

  To come to Lanka in her search!

  Sank he on his knees Hanuman

  Despaired of that mission failure.

  Canto 13 - Errand in the Bend

  On the rebound then Hanuman 

  Like a lightning reached Pushpak.

  Staring at the place he searched 

  Thought he errand of his failed. 

  How come Seetha was not found 

  Left I though no room to search?

  In all entire land of this

  Had I left a stone unturned?

  If I go by Jataayu’s words 

  And fetch Rama here forthwith, 

  Failing to see her he would  

  Take his wrath on all of us. 

  Would have Seetha in despair

  Succumbed to Ravan in secret! 

  Sped as Ravan her in arms

  Out of range of Ram’s arrow,

  Preferring death to his amour

  Did she into ocean drop?

  Flew as Ravan her in skies

  Having seen never ending seas 

  Lost she might have been her nerve

  And thus died in mid-air then.

  Chaste as Seetha to her man

  The thought of rape by Ravan then

  Would have led her heart to seize. 

  Committed that she to her Lord

  Tried as she to wriggle herself

  Would have slipped from Ravan’s grip.

  With none around to rescue her

  Drowned she might have Ram in mind.

  For that matter Ravan’s wives 

  Would have killed her by envy.  

  Or else forlorn Seetha might

  Have died in her great despair.

  For Lakshman to help her out

  Seetha would have surely cried. 

  Maybe in some secret vault

  Ravan could have confined her. 

  Seems it absurd even then 

  Seetha would to Ravan turn.

  With no news of Seetha now

  Makes it no sense to go back.

  Reported dead or found missing, 

  What a breaking news it makes? 

  What an end to such beginning 

  Should that ever end in deadlock?

  Were I to go now without a clue 

  What’s the worth of my errand? 

  Not for Sugreev sent me here 

  Have I count of Ravan’s wives.

  What would Rama have to say 

  Were I to face him blank faced? 

  Were I to state that found her not 

  Wouldn’t he die of broken heart?

  Hears if he of mission failure

  What for he would like to live?

  Seeing Rama slip in coma 

  Lakshman too would come to grief.

  Back home Bharat ’n Satrughna  

  Break down hearing breaking news.

  Won’t on hearsay go to grave

  Mothers three of brothers those four?

  Having failed to keep his word

  Won’t our Sugreev die of shame?

  Unable to bear her man’s death

  Wouldn’t then Ruma forego life?

  Mourns as Tara, Vali’s death

  Won’t her new Lord’s death kill her?

  Wont’ then follow suit Angad 

  Tara’s son to Vali born.

 
If ever enemies eye our land 

  What would come of our empire?

  Made all prosper Sugreev’s reign 

  Won’t they feel all orphaned now?

  In the wake of Sugreev’s death 

  Sport ’n pastime suffer no end? 

  Won’t feel vanars fatherless  

  And get scattered world over?

  In that depressed state of theirs 

  Many might as well end their lives. 

  Were I to go without her sight

  It’s like taking death sentence.

  Serves no purpose going there 

  Without the news of her welfare.

  Were I to stay put here itself 

  Might they as well live in hope. 

  Better I remain in her search

  Feed I would on fruits ’n roots. 

  As and when I reach dead end

  Can’t I immolate without a trace?

  Or unto death I would fast

  Upon my frame let beasts all feast.

  Why not I let myself drown 

  In the selfsame sea I crossed?

  It was such a good beginning 

  Why should it ever end different?

  Fail in case to find Seetha

  What if I turn ascetic here? 

  Live if I in Lanka thus 

  Won’t I let live my folk there?

  Downs as curtain death on life 

  Takes none further part on stage.

  At not finding Rama’s spouse

  That’s how Hanuman’s mind wavered. 

  Brave that he was rose in time 

  And thought of seeing Ravan’s end.

  Or else I could lift Ravan  

  And fly across the sea I crossed.

  Confined somewhere in these parts

  How that would serve Seetha’s cause?  

  As he thought the better of it

  And thought none of Ravan more

  Came to sing the same old tune. 

  Were I to go by Jataayu’s words 

  And fetch Rama here forthwith 

  Finding her not he would sulk

  And his wrath would harm us all.

  Stay if I back in Lanka

  Harm I none in Kishkindha.

  Oh, isn’t yonder garden there? 

  Well, how I failed to notice that!

  Seems like gods are guiding me 

  In my search of Rama’s spouse.

  What if that grove yields that fruit 

  Brings which joy to Rama’s heart?

  Buoyed by that thought he set 

  Sights his all then on that grove. 

  So to bring him good tidings

  Prayed he Ram ’n Seetha then

  As well Lakshman and Rudra,

  Besides Indra and Vayu 

  Yama ’n Surya not to speak

  Angels all there in the skies

  Prayed them all he in reverence. 

  Hoping to find her in grove

  Sought he as well Sugreev’s grace. 

  Striding there in long strides 

  Worked out moves his in advance.

  Find I would there guards for sure 

  With swords drawn to stop trespass. 

  For the comfort of someone  

  Breezes past that he that grove

  Seems that Vayu is concerned. 

  Assume I might tiny form

  And turn needle in haystack. 

  Hope gods all of heavens there are

  Help me in my mission on earth.

  If I were to go blindfold  

  Moonlight hope would lead me to

  Rama’s spouse in Ravan’s land.

  Sure to bless is Lord Vishnu 

  That I would see Seetha now.

  How I wish to see Seetha 

  With such beauty that is rare.

  Pining for so long for Ram 

  May not she look at her best.  

  Canto 14 - Garden of Grief 

  With Seetha in mind Hanuman

  Reached that garden royal soon

  Perched he then on compound wall. 

  In that grove that’s thick and wide 

  Saw he scores of full-grown trees.

  Besides Asoka trees there were 

  Flowering neem and mangoes too.

  Like Ram’s arrow then he sped 

  Towards a climber in that grove.

  Flowers there all pleased him much

  Thrilled him sounds all birds then made.

  Shone there flowers North Star like 

  Sauntered there then deer languid.

  Craving cuckoos cried on trees

  Bees on heat on flowers there zoomed.

  Hovered birds then for their mates 

  Clamoured peacocks there on ground.

  Jumped as he from tree to tree

  Woke up birds all from their sleep

  Birds as fluttered into skies 

  Severed by their wings flowers all there.

  Fell as flowers those on him thus

  Made they mountain on his frame.

  To get rid of that flower burden

  As he grew in size Hanuman

  Seemed he Spring God on the rise.

  Flowers as scattered all over 

  Gave that mother earth maiden look.

  Toyed as he then with trees there 

  Fell all balance flowers they wore.

  Tried as he to test his strength

  Dropped were ripen fruits they bore.

  Spared not his push leaves even 

  Trees there stood like lost gamblers.

  Bare as turned thus trees all there 

  Birds were then left with no shades.

  Pulled he trunks then with his tail 

  Broke them all with arms and legs.

  Like the ravaged women by him

  Battered there lay Ravan’s grove. 

  As would scatter clouds by wind 

  Severed lay creepers from tree trunks.

  Found as he his way inside 

  Saw he footpaths paved with gold.

  Ponds were there of pure water 

  Steps which had with gems inlaid.

  Beds of those had pearls for sand 

  Grew there golden trees on banks.

  Made flowers lotus red carpets 

  Swans like royal guests sauntered.

  Serviced were they by canals 

  Brought they water nectar like.

  Lined on banks of those canals 

  Trees that nearly kissed skyline.  

  In the midst of that vast grove  

  Mountain there lay that was huge.

  Had it numerous caves so deep 

  House which could a million men.

  Found on it a stream Hanuman

  Seemed that like a dame enraged

  Sprang who up from beloved’s lap.

  As would desist her friends then

  Her from leaving estranged mate

  So bent branches on those banks

  Touching waters at mid-stream. 

  Wound its way then back that stream 

  As would pacified woman backtrack.

  On those branches of thick trees  

  Birds of same feather flocked together. 

  With clear water that was cool

  Laid there was a swimming pool.

  Change rooms built for both sexes

  Gave that complex ambiance rare.

  Gardens lay there in the scores 

  Walkways were all coral paved. 

  Flowerpots plenty of pure gold    

  Contained colorful crotons there.

  Spread there Sinsupa far and wide   

  Dais of gold all covered its ground. 

  Round the dais of spick and span

  Grown were tropical trees varied. 

  In that grove of golden hues 

  Shone Hanuman like rising sun. 

  Trinkets tied to branches there 

  Set they tune for pas
sing breeze.

  Soared as hopes his sky high then 

  Climbed he Sinsupa’s topmost branch.

  Had a premonition Hanuman then

  Seetha would grace that place soon. 

  Wonder as was that Pushpak 

  Seemed the garden none the less.

  Forlorn so long that Seetha 

  Wouldn’t she find this grove soothing?

    

  Why not as she got used to 

  Strolling in the thick jungles.

  Fatigued as would be Seetha

  By the constant thought of Ram

  Might come her for recouping. 

  As she saunters in that grove  

  Recall she would with fondness

  Time she spent with her man then.

  Besides she was so fond of

  All that goes for life in woods.

  Fail she might not to turn up 

  For her morning bath downstream.

  Think I not of another place 

  Better which would for morning walk.

  Were she to be alive still 

  Won’t she be drawn to this stream?

  Driven by hope of finding her 

  Lay there Hanuman in hiding.

  Canto 15 - Withered Flower

  Failed as Seetha to turn up 

  Came in open then Hanuman.

  Deep breathed as he so he felt 

  Scent there that of sandalwood. 

  Ventured as he further down 

  Thought he was in Indra’s grove.

  Wildlife he found there so rare 

  Thought he visited other planet.

  Buildings there were five-storied 

  By boulevards wide hundred feet.

  Fruits they bore all golden hues 

  Seemed they street lamps in their scores.

  Perched as they in their thousands 

  Seemed as trees had birds for leaves.

  Birds as flew with flowers in beaks

  Looked they all like well-decked brides.

  For their flowery burden then

  Developed branches some hunchbacks.

  Garden plants in some courtyards 

  Peeped over their compound walls.

  Find them would a passerby 

  In their varied shades of green.

  Wondered Hanuman how he failed

  First to search that wondrous place.

  In the gardens of all earth 

  Won’t it score a perfect ten?

  What other place can Ravan find 

  Helps which Seetha change her mind?

  Saw he then that hall supreme 

  Built by Ravan to rival

  God’s own pavilion in grandeur.

  Raised on thousand gold pillars 

  Glowed that like one thousand suns.

  When he could his sight adjust 

  Saw he towers its kiss the clouds.

  As if it were by sixth sense   

  To Sinsupa turned back Hanuman

  Only to find there seated 

  Woman so young with dress so old.

  Heard her sighs he on and off 

  Circled her as demonic guards. 

  Seemed she like a flame so bright 

  Shrouded then by smoke that thick.

  Clad she was in soiled silk

  Wore no necklace on her self.

  Grief her wore down to core 

  Sat she bowing head in shame.

  Cried she with her tear-filled eyes

  Looked she distraught ’n famished.

   

  Like a hare that lost its way

  Into hounds on hunt she looked.

   

  Dark hair hers in plait that thick

  Touched the ground on which she sat.

   

  In spite of her soiled dress

  Demeanor hers was lady like.

   

  Well she could be Rama’s wife

  Kidnapped by the Lankan king. 

   

  No doubt it was Rama’s spouse 

  For she matches thumbnail sketch

  That Lord Rama drew for him.

   

  Charm her golden frame oozes

  Brings forth brightness to darkness.

   

  Waist her narrow lends her frame 

  The flowing look that aids her gait.

   

  Eyes her wide like lotus leaves  

  Were shaped to acquire amorous looks.

   

  But, in her grief they lost lustre

  As would stars by clouds shrouded.

   

  As would spendthrift his holding

  Agony of hers shrivelled her frame.

  With signs none of her rescue

  Seemed she lost her will to live.

   

  Wanted she her man to know

  Ravan by force brought her there

  Though she would not yield to him.

   

  Swollen were her tearful eyes

  Sunken were her crimson cheeks.

   

  Ever since Ravan brought her there

  Looked she had no bath since then   

  Made which seem her cloudy moon.

   

  Found in dilemma Hanuman then

  If she could be Rama’s spouse.

   

  But then aura he espied

  None but Seetha could have that.  

   

  Looked he then on for jewels

  As though they were missing links.

   

  Those to him Ram made privy

  Found them lying on low branch. 

   

  To help Seetha please Rama

  Well crafted were all of them.

   

  Dust as they all thus gathered 

  Turned those into dirty brown. 

   

  Missing indeed from that lot

  What she let go from mid-air

  So to give clue to her man.

   

  It was vanars who found her  

  Shawl with jewels hers tied in

  That she dropped on Rushyamook.

   

  How well these all now I see

  Match with those that dropped by her.

   

  That she wears the same saree

  Wore she when was abducted

  Won’t that shawl well go with this.

   

  Who else would have this aura

  Than dear Rama’s spouse Seetha!

   

  Bound am I to rescue her

  From the clutches of these guards.

  Won’t that gladden Rama’s heart

  Saddened for so long for her?

   

  Paired as well as Seetha-Ram

  Were there ever a couple on earth!

   

  Ravan though had parted them

  Minds in their they stay as one.

   

  Robbed as he of his Seetha

  Rama still has will to fight.

   

  What a wonder Rama

  Find the beloved of his Lord.

  Canto 16 - She is Seetha

  Prayed then Hanuma in earnest

  Lord Rama he revered most 

  And then thought of task on hand.

   

  Seeing her in such distress

  Felt as if his heart was seized.

   

  Casts when shadow fate on man

  Can he ever go beyond its reach?

   

  But for being Rama’s spouse 

  Wouldn’t have fate ever crunched her more?

   

  Whichever way one might see it 

  Made for each other couple they make.

   

  Seeing Seetha in her plight 

  Recalled he then Ram’s valour.

   

  If not for her would have Ram

>   Cared to end ever Vali’s reign? 

   

  If not for his exile Ram

  Why should ever he kill Viradha?

   

  Miss not targets Ram’s arrows 

  Struck were demons in their thousands.

   

  Khara neither nor Trisura 

  Could stand Rama in combat.

   

  But for Seetha how Sugreev 

  Would have got great Vali’s crown. 

   

  Why in search of her I came 

  To this land that Ravan rules.

  Were Rama to lose patience 

  Won’t he topsy-turvy world?

   

  Not for Ram the crown of earth 

  Were Seetha not sharing throne. 

   

  But for being Janaka’s darling

  Can one decline Ravan’s hand?

   

  Daunting must be plight her now 

  Though she is Lord Rama’s spouse.

   

  Wonder how she puts up with 

  Fiends all those who pester her! 

   

  How sad Seetha had to miss 

  Folk back home all who love her. 

   

  It’s her love for her man Ram

  Makes which Seetha shun Ravan.

   

  In her sorrow for her man

  Lost she appetite once for all.

   

  Ceases not she not to sigh

  Once she never ceased to smile.

   

  Seeks as oasis one in sands  

  Craves Rama to see his wife.

   

  Gets Ram when his beloved back 

  Won’t he feel like dethroned king  

  Gets when back his crown in time!    

   

  No doubt it’s her will to meet 

  Her man that keeps her going.

   

  Turned she to her captor blind 

  Ever she keeps her man in mind.

   

  Seetha though is crown jewel 

  Sans Ram she’s jewel-less crown.

   

  It’s no different with Lord Ram 

  Braves who though she’s not on hand.

   

  Sight of hers as shakes me thus

  How would Ram ever take her plight?

   

  Can he bear to see Seetha’s 

  Plight now wretched as here captive? 

   

  In the forlorn state of hers

  Shadow she’s no more than  

  Of the former self of hers.

   

  Seem in vain the rays of moon 

  Try to soothe her soul perturbed.

   

  At the plight of his Lord’s spouse

  That’s what mighty Hanuman felt.

  Canto 17 - Guards all Hideous

  Swans as swim in blue waters 

  So did moon in Lankan skies.  

   

  It’s as if moon wanted him

  Espy Seetha’s distressed self. 

   

  For the eyes of Hanuman then 

  Seetha seemed a sinking boat. 

   

  Seen then Hanuman in moonlight 

  All those guarding Rama’s spouse.

   

  Saw he many a single eyed 

  With no ears he many there found.

   

  Baldish there were some of them

  Had hair others from head to foot.    

   

  Many had there such drooping lips

  Brushed which with their sagging breasts. 

   

  Midgets ugly were there too

  With weird sentries in their scores.

   

  Coarse all were they in discourse 

  Wore all sheepskin for their dress.

   

  On their well built torsos some

  Had there animal heads varied. 

   

  Had some of them camel feet 

  Moved while others on elephant legs.

   

  On their beastly bodies some 

  Carried handsome human heads.

   

  Noses had some there across 

  Had others vertical lips on them.

   

  Tongues had many of carpet size 

  Hanged which on their wall like lips.

  Ogresses such as kept an eye

  On Rama’s spouse in that garden.

   

  Armed they were all to their teeth

  With varied weapons of war carried.

   

  Flesh they ate of every beast

  Drank they blood from veins direct.

   

  On guard was that hideous lot

  Circled Seetha round the clock. 

   

  Bathed not Seetha in Lanka

  Cared she not to comb her hair.  

   

  Pulled was Seetha thus forlorn

  Weaned from Rama for so long.

   

  Bereft though of she jewels

  Love for her man lent aura.  

   

  Seemed she hapless deer no less 

  Strayed who into lions on prowl.

   

  Looks she had of looking glass 

  Never once dusted for so long. 

   

  Failed that graceful Ravan’s grove

  To cheer despaired Rama’s spouse. 

   

  Sans her smile did Seetha seem

  Flowerless plant in midst of spring.

   

  Moved was Hanuman by her sight

  Thought he too of Rama’s plight.

   

  Won’t she know in heart of hearts

  That her man would come to her?

   

  Doubt she had none in her mind

  Life of hers was tied with Ram. 

   

  Heat of her sighs seemed to char

  Nascent leaves of high branches.

   

  Having perceived her nature

  Poised Hanuman to praise her. 

   

  Felt he glad for his Lord too

  Got who such a wife like her.

   

  Having prayed to Lord Rama  

  Hanuman lay in wait for dawn.

  Canto 18 - Ravan on Heat

  In time it was time to dawn

  Sprang up Lanka to last man. 

   

  Vedic chants that rent the air

  Sounded music to Hanuman.

   

  Surely Ravan would wake up

  Then to sound of that music.

   

  Thought as Hanuman so Ravan

  Stirred in bed in Seetha’s thought.

   

  Lust of his for Rama’s wife

  Made him lose his peace of mind.

   

  Got as he down from his bed

  Lost he no time to reach her.

   

  Entered Ravan that garden

  Failed it charm his enamored heart.

   

  Stride in his to reach Seetha

  Left Ravan all deer stranded.

  Heat of Ravan’s lusting self

  Made the drops of dew boil.

  So to be at beck and call

  Moved in tow his women folk too.

  Heading he thus his harem

  Headed Ravan to add one.

   

  Fanned some then their man on move

  Dames with swords some doubled for guards.

   

  Held one pretty jug of gold

  Filled with vintage wine for him. 

   

  Shade one leggy lass of grace

  Gave him with a hood of gold.

   

  Still in stupo
r some of them  

  Seemed to follow him by scent. 

   

  With no time to turn becoming

  Followed him some as they woke. 

   

  Let loose was hair on their face

  Had they none their bras on them.

  Lusted they all for Ravan

  Bestowed on them he favours.

   

  Felt they proud of his valour

  Fetched which riches of all worlds.

   

  Wore they all those gold jewels

  Made which Hanuman gasp for breath.

   

  Sighted as he Ravan then

  With the women he saw by night

  Overawed Hanuman none the less. 

   

  Aiding nascent light at dawn 

  Led him some with candlelights. 

   

  With his libido thus evident

  Looked Ravan like Cupid on earth.

   

  In his stride his silk garment

  Slid over his broad shoulders. 

   

  Overwhelmed by what he saw

  Discreet distance kept Hanuman. 

   

  Hand in hand moved Ravan’s wives

  Seemed they strengthened his position. 

   

  Cooed then koels to caution

  Seetha as he seemed nearing.   

   

  Strode yet Ravan in long strides

  Towards Seetha whom he snared. 

   

  Wondered Hanuman why Ravan

  Wanted Seetha who spurned him. 

   

  For she spurned a handsome king

  Valued Hanuman Rama’s spouse. 

   

  At the might of king Ravan

  Felt he humble being strong. 

   

  At length Ravan reached Seetha

  Turned who by then his heartthrob.

  Canto 19 - Dame in Despair

  Seetha whose head bowed so low

  Sensed that Ravan neared her then. 

   

  Shook she like a paddy reed

  Swept by stormy coastal winds.

  Cried she no end in her fright

  Black-eyed Seetha at the threat. 

   

  Like she was a forlorn boat

  In the midst of sea that vast.

   

  Severed as from a well-grown tree

  Seemed so withered a branch Seetha.

   

  In spite of her forlorn state

  Gave her bright look innate charm.

   

  Made though Ravan her captive

  Mind of hers was with her man.

   

  Bore she travails to love Ram

  Than to triumphant Ravan turn.

   

  Kept as captive by Ravan

  End of tunnel she saw none.

   

  Wondered Hanuman how her fate  

  Deemed it fit to languish her.

   

  In her grief then looked Seetha  

  Like one caught in some scandal.

   

  Looked she like a waning lamp

  Amidst Ravan’s women on guard.

   

  For the loss of Rama’s love

  Wore she look of bankrupt then. 

   

  Made her grief then look her like

  Lotus stem that plucked from bed.

   

  Like the moon on eclipse night

  Lost she spark of her charm then.

   

  Looked she like a lotus pond

  Trampled by score wild elephants.

   

  River beds seemed cheeks her both 

  With lean streams in summer months.

   

  Fair as lily though she was

  Sunburns turned brown her fair skin.

   

  Pined then Seetha as lioness

  In some zoo for jungle mate. 

   

  With her thick plait Seetha looked

  Like earth with its well-grown trees.

  Fed by Rama’s thoughts Seetha 

  Lived she just by breathing air.

  That her man might slay Ravan

  Prayed she gods all in reverence.

   

  It was in that state Ravan

  Found the one he craved no end. 

  Canto 20 - Womanizer at Work

  To fair Seetha he confined

  Spoke then Ravan in disdain. 

   

  With thy pair of lovely hands

  Why block sight of thy bosom 

  Hope it’s not the fear of me

  Prompts thee squat in like fashion. 

   

  Is a beauty like thine ever 

  And a lover than me better!

   

  What to fear in this Lanka

  Lost whose Lord his heart to thee.

   

  Fair it’s not for thee to blame

  Granted when it’s to our ilk  

  Force we might all women we fond  

  Never mind ever their state of mind.

   

  Crave as I for thine embrace

  Wait I though for thy consent.

   

  Fill thy heart with love for me

  Let not fear ever grip thy mind. 

   

  Having known my love for thee

  Don’t thou know that it’s not fair

  That thee should fail thy upkeep

  And thus make me sad for thee. 

   

  From heaven I fetch garments such

  To make thee best dressed dame on earth.

   

  For thy wear I get jewels

  Not even by angels worn.

   

  Thou being the crown jewel 

  Of the feminine world at large

  How come then thou shun jewels! 

  Knowing as well youth is like

  River that courses to the seas 

  Why not grant me thy favour

  And thus make the best of life.

   

  Since there none to rival thee

  Having set the hallmark thus

  Looks like Brahma ceased His work.

   

  Perchance He now espies thee 

  Finding thou so well endowed 

  What with such rare sex appeal

  Would He ever quit ogling thee? 

   

  Such is beauty of thy frame

  Wherever I look I get stuck. 

   

  Dearth there none for mates for me

  Brought them in scores from all lands 

  Yet I’ve taken to thy charms

  Make I thee my Queen of Hearts.

   

  Gods from I got such ransom

  Made me that the richest man, 

  Not to speak of self as well

  Won’t I place all at thy feet.

   

  Worlds I conquered all the three

  Wealth of nations I plundered

  Consent if thou to take me

  Gift all that to thy father.

   

  None is there in heaven ’n earth

  Dares who ever to cross my path.

   

  Dust I made to bite enemies  

  Burnt their standards in their sight.

   

  Since no one can rescue thee

  Better thee tie thy life with me.

   

  Know I value thee no end

  Turn thy mind to life at hand.

   

  Spend thy days in royal ways

  Make we love in nights for long.

  Having enslaved my heart now

  Might well treat me as thy slave.

   

  Weigh if thee that Ram and me

  In the scale of thy int
erest

  Won’t thou know the way it tilts?

  Lost he crown when all too young   

  Could have died though not so old.

   

  What if he still lives on earth

  Gets he how a clue of thee?

   

  Were he to get wind of thee

  How doth he dare to face me?

   

  O dear lady thou have won

  The heart of mine the ladies man.

   

  O femme fatale as I burn 

  For the possession of thy frame

  Fail I women all who crave me. 

   

  See all these are queens no less

  Make them willing maids to thee.

   

  Served as thus by all of them

  Won’t thou look a goddess then?

   

  In the Pushpak that I won

  Come to live like favoured one. 

   

  If ever thy man regains crown

  Would he make a patch on me? 

   

  So that I add honey as well

  Know thy buttered side of bread.

   

  Lovebirds like we all our life

  Live ever making love no end. 

  Canto 21 - Steadfast in Love

  Hurt by Ravan’s words Seetha

  Spoke to him thus in smooth tone.

  How thou belittle my Lord Ram!

  Doth it behove a learned man?

  Blinded by thy lust Ravan

  Fail thou see the God in Ram.

  Having lovely wives in scores

  Why eye me Ram’s only wife?

  How come thou think Rama’s wife

  Would ever bed with another man!

  Pray thee divert from me lust

  Engage all thy women in want.

  Want as thou thy wives loyal 

  Let me be bound to my man.

  Lust if thou for another’s wife

  Won’t thou know that mars thy life?

  That thee take the righteous path

  Won’t’ thou have a right counsel?  

  Wonder how thee fail to see

  Lanka by thine act would rue.

  History all know bears witness

  Ruined are kingdoms ruled by vile.

  If thou wish thy Lanka well

  Better bear that in mind O king.

  Well O Ravan wicked as thee

  Sure thou die like some street dog.

  Hear as all those by thee hurt

  Sure they feel good at thy death.

  Sever as its rays never from sun

  Never I would wean from my Ram.

  Had I Rama’s arm for rest

  Is there better for thee to give?

  Gain as wisdom read who Vedas 

  It’s my Lord who gained my hand.

  Help as might a gamekeeper

  Beast on heat to find its mate

  Let me lovelorn meet my man.

  Why thou want to ruin thyself

  Why not fences mend with Ram. 

  My Lord I tell is large hearted

  Treats he kindly those penitent. 

  Take O Ravan my counsel

  So thou could live for so long.

  Plead I would thy case with Ram

  Though thou hurt my cause no end.

  Scare thou might the death even

  Escape there none from his wrath.

  Comes when Rama with war cry

  Thou then shiver in thine own shoes. 

  Leave my Lord the king archer

  Can thou stand up to Lakshman? 

  Come their arrows thick and fast

  Where thee find some place to hide?

  Know it won’t be beyond my man

  Lakshman being there with him

  To hunt down thee all to last man.

  It’s no big deal for my man

  To take me back by slaying thee. 

  Having known thy limitations

  To confront my man in person

  Don’t I know that thou contrived

  That golden deer to keep him out.

  Shame on thee O low Ravan

  With that golden deer as ruse

  The way thou snared me to Lanka.

  It’s one thing to trick me then

  When my man was not at home

  As thou face Ram ’n Lakshman

  Ball game it would be different. 

  Canst thou hold their little fingers 

  How can then thou fight them both?

  Scorch as sun-rays ponds there all

  Sharp their arrows sieve thy frame.

  Earned as thee, wrath of Ram

  Know thine end is so near end.

  Canto 22 - Deadline to Death

  Hurt as he by Seetha’s taunts

  Spoke thus Ravan in harsh tone.

  Wonder the way women all tend

  Tends as enamoured man of them,

  As though his stock fell so low

  Tend they all to belittle him.

  If not for my love for thee

  Rein in how could my anger!

  It’s but fondness for thee mine 

  Makes me spare the day for thee.

  But for the fact thou won me

  Head thine would have rolled by now.

  Know the way thee rubbished me

  Should’ve earned thee third degree.

  Afflicted though by his lust

  Couldn’t take Ravan Seetha’s snub.

  Months two more is all I give

  For thee to choose death or me.

  Fail if thou to bed with me

  Make thy flesh then my breakfast.

  Feared all angels having heard

  Threat that Ravan’s to Seetha.

  Concern theirs for Seetha then

  Made them signal her welfare.

  Assured thus of angelic grace

  Spoketh Seetha thus assured:

  To put the right into thy head

  Sad O Ravan thee have none.

  Knowing that I’m Rama’s wife

  Thinks fit none to day-dream me.

  For the sin of snaring me

  Escape there none thee from death.

  Bid in thine to kidnap me

  If not for thy fear of Ram

  Why thee contrived his absence?

  What to make of thy valour

  Boast thou as from safe distance

  From my Lord thou fear to face?

  Ogle as thee Rama’s wife

  Wonder how thou turned not blind ?

  Abused as thou my Lord Ram

  How come thou not turned yet dumb!

  Given if Rama me the nod

  Power I have to burn thee now.

  It’s no joke to dupe my man

  Ruse it’s but of thine own fate

  Helped thee thus to hijack me

  So that my Lord sees thy end.

  For that cowardly act of thine

  Boasts of thine all sound hollow. 

  Enraged by her words Ravan

  Stared at her in seething rage.

  Shook he as in burning wrath

  Stilted sideways his gold crown. 

  Turned as his, eyes blood red

  Peeled off sandal paste on him.

  Turned to lumps of coal at once

  Diamonds of his waist-band then.

  On his arms with gold epaulets

  Hair his stood all in straight lines. 

  Ear-rings his of bright corals 

  Matched they both the rising sun. 

  In his rage did Ravan seem

  Like the funeral pyre on fire.

  Hissed then Ravan in anger

  Spoke to her thus in despair.

  But for lack of common sense

  How can someone fall for Ram!

  Looks like I have lost patience

  Time I end thy rein on life.

  Having spoken to Ram’s wife

  Addressed Ravan his own folk.

  Know I lost
my heart to her

  Kept I whom as thy captive.

  For the possession of this lass

  Passion mine is ever on raise.

  Until she takes me in arms

  I can’t have the peace of mind.

  If she were to turn my queen

  Make her see the life in store.

  Pander her to my embrace

  Pamper would I her in bed.

  Fails if she to fall in line

  Torture all the way to hell.

  Came at that an ardent dame

  Spoke she then in passion thus:

  Make me thine in heat Ravan

  What thou get from this cold fish?

  Brahma seems to have deprived 

  Her the chance to bed with thee.

  Requites not if lass his love

  Won’t she turn a pain in neck?

  Mounts if man a dame in want

  Takes she would him to his cum,

  Having said that lass on heat

  Forced then Ravan fence across. 

  Turned as ground their makeshift bed

  Seemed as though the earth had quaked.

  Came as he back from that jaunt

  Led Ravan his women all home. 

  Went as he thus to Pushpak

  Left was Seetha in panic.

  Canto 23 - Guards that Pander

  To see Ravan off the grove

  Followed suit then guards all there.

  At the bidding of their king

  Trooped they all back to Seetha. 

  Felt they disgust for Seetha

  That she rubbished Ravan thus. 

  Sang they praises of Ravan

  Sense they tried to put in her.

  In time lost a guard temper

  And then spoke to Seetha thus:

  Great grandad of king Ravan

  Is none other than Lord Brahma.

  Ravan’s father Visravas

  Was the son of Pulasthyu.

  Looks thy wits have gone astray

  To snub Brahma’s great grandson.

  To give Seetha more of lead

  Harijata took the baton then. 

  Don’t thee know that Ravan’s might

  Made all demigods turn their backs?

  To make Ravan thine own man

  Wonder how thou take so long?  

  To entice Seetha for their Lord

  Praised then Praghasa thus Ravan: 

  Loves no less his queen Ravan

  Looks whose make thee pale even

  That’s why it’s all seem so strange

  That our king should take to thee.

  Harem his filled to the brim

  With beauties of rarest kind 

  Who would rival thee no less. 

  Taunting Seetha as her wont

  Took-off then an amorous one.

  Dames all die to climb his bed

  Craves he but to bed with thee

  Seem thou fail to well perceive 

  What’s it like his lovemaking?

  Sun said another in same vein

  Looks so pale at Ravan’s glow. 

  Why thou fail to bask thyself

  In the embrace of such man?

  At thy feet is king of kings

  Wonder how thee shun him thus.

  Well be thou in Ravan’s bed

  Why thee opt for then deathbed.

  Canto 24 - Carrot and Stick

  Finding Seetha still unmoved

  Thought the better of guards all then

  Brought they dreamland close to her.

  Said they all in one tone then

  None there ever a Pushpak like

  In which Ravan keeps his queens.

  For thy man the Lankan gates

  Out of bounds by Ravan made 

  Stop thy lament for lost cause

  Make the best as Lankan queen.

  Know Ravan is Fortune One

  Takes thee as his beloved one

  Grant he would thine every wish.

  Even one-night stand with him

  Make thee forget thy man’s want

  Lost who throne ’n failed thee too.

  For all they said to pander her

  Hurt was Seetha’s aggrieved soul

  Take she could no more of that.

  Stop thy tirade of my man

  Know it’s sin to belittle him

  And to pander his spouse thus. 

  Prefer I die as Rama’s wife

  Than to live as Ravan’s queen.

  Though he lost the crown of his

  Sits he yet on my heart’s throne.

  What if he lacks worldly wealth

  Makes me rich his manly worth. 

  Apart though are our bodies

  Milk and water make our souls.

  It’s thy foolishness to think

  My man can’t ever make it here,

  In the palanquin of my heart

  Didn’t I bring him so long back?

  Raged as were they by her sneer

  Enraged they mobbed all her then.

  Saw as he the scene Hanuman

  Feared he then for Seetha’s life.

  Frightful as all made themselves

  Shivered then Seetha in her shoes.

  Picked up they all pick-axes

  Poked they Seetha with stick’s end.  

  At that Hanuman saw Seetha

  Run for cover to where he was.

  Chased all Seetha all the way

  Nail they could her in the end.

  Worked all single minded then

  To make Seetha change her mind.

  To floor Seetha for their Lord

  Took then fiendish Vinatha floor. 

  It’s as well thee stood by Ram

  It’s time that thee shift thy base.

  For thy steadfastness to Ram

  Looks like gods all granted thee

  Fortune that’s rare for fair sex

  That of becoming Ravan’s queen.

  Why to speak in equal terms

  Can Ram match his little finger?

  Block thy past as Rama’s wife

  Gloat thyself as Ravan’s queen.

  Why not take thee Ravan’s hand

  And turn toast of all three worlds?

  In time thy man in despair

  Wander would he to deathbed.

  Were thou fail to heed our words

  Won’t we make a meal of thee?

  With her sagging breasts that swing

  Venomous Vikata came forward.

  Spoketh as thee words such rash

  It’s our goodness that spared thee.

  Brought thee Ravan to this shore

  Forget that Ram comes this far.

  Dares none ever to eye Lanka 

  Scope there none for thy escape.

  Invoke and see Lord Indra

  How he fears our king Ravan.

  What’s the sense in thy crying

  It’s time that thee jump for joy.

  Surely thou pass prime in time

  As the favoured of Ravan

  Why not make the best of prime? 

  In the garden of thy bloom

  It’s all joy rides with Ravan.

  At the beck and call we all

  Come to serve thee all the time.

  Fail if thee take Ravan’s hand

  Fail we not to sever thy head.

  Chandodari then put her mace 

  On breasts daunting of Seetha.

  Is it not to enjoy these

  Assets ample of snow white

  Brought thee Ravan all the way?

  As thou let not Ravan lay

  Hands his eager on thy breasts

  Make I would them food for me. 

  At that Praghasa spoken thus:

  Why to waste our breath on her

  Why not stuff out breath of hers. 

  As she failed to lay with him

  Learns as Ravan of her death

  Won’t he let us feast her flesh? 

  Set the pyre to roast
her well 

  And fetch I arrack in barrels. 

  Surpanakha thus spoketh then:

  Find I tiring all this grind

  Guarding Seetha round the clock

  High time it’s all brought to end

  In grand orgy with her flesh.

  Put they thus the fear of death

  In Seetha who then liked to live 

  For the sake of Ram she loved.

  Canto 25 - Hapless Soul    

  Guards as gave her no respite

  Broke down Seetha in despair. 

  Seetha in time pulled herself

  And thus explained her position.

  It’s no custom for humans

  To get wed to the demonic folk.

  Stick I would to our tradition

  Leave the rest to thy decision.

  Having stated her position

  Sulked then Seetha in distress.

  Cornered as would deer hunted

  Crouched there Seetha in dismay.

  Like a withered leaf on floor

  Lovelorn Seetha thus there lay.

  Tears those profuse as she shed

  Passed her valley in thick streams.

  In her fright then her frail frame 

  Looked like banana plant in storm.

  In her fear as shivered Seetha 

  Snake like shrivelled then her black plait.

  Ceased as Seetha not to sigh

  Blouse her wet then turned all dry.

  In her pain then Seetha wailed

  ‘Oh my Rama where art thou’!

  Why not thou me give consent

  Now to die though love to live

  To spend the rest of life with thee. 

  Won’t it prove the words of wise

  One can’t time his death himself? 

  Takes as leaking boat its time

  To sink down to the ocean bed

  What if my grief kills me slow?

  Seems my sorrow cuts my heart

  Erode as floods the banks there all.

  What else it’s but misfortune

  To lose such a good husband.

  Suffer I like the one who took

  Arsenic on one’s way to death.

  Looks like I am paying price

  For the misdeeds of last birth.

  See none escape route to Ram

  Better I draw the curtains now

  On the accursed life of mine.

   

  How I forgot as his wife

  Until he doth give his nod

  Right none have I to take life!

  Canto 26 - Wandering Thoughts

  Sense of respect for her man

  Made her position all the worse. 

  Having lost her nerve in time

  Cried she like a hapless child. 

  With the intent to snare me

  Cruel Ravan lured my man

  With that golden deer I craved.

  That thy canny Ravan made

  Me the captive of thee folk

  Taunt as thou by sadist pranks

  Intent have I none to live.

  Of what avail is my life now

  Useless since it’s to my Lord.

  Seems my heart is made of steel

  Or else grief mine sundered same.

  Sans Ram life is leper like

  Since I nurse it nonetheless

  What a worthless woman am I?

  What a man is my Lord Ram

  Sans him what doth life portend?

  How I wish thou kill me now

  Bear I can this pain no more.

  Not even with mile long pole

  Touch I would that wretched Ravan.

  Scorned by me as all the way

  What a shameless man is he

  So to crave for hand of mine?

  No way I would turn to him

  Why thou waste thy time on me?

  Wonder how my wondrous man

  Came to spare this beastly man! 

  On his own did slay my Lord

  Demons fourteen thousand once. 

  What threat Ravan would then pose

  To my Lord who killed those fiends?

  He who slain Viradha then 

  Would he fail to save me now?

  True it’s no mean task to come

  To Ravan’s land in midst of seas

  But can one ever stop my man?

  Still I wonder why Rama 

  Fails to come to my rescue!

  Looks like my Lord is clueless

  Where his beloved wife is held,

  If not for that wouldn’t he chase 

  Ravan all the way to hell?

  When he took him in mid-air

  Clipped as Jataayu’s wings Ravan

  Who then Rama makes privy 

  It was Ravan that snared me!

  How I owe my gratitude

  To that noble bird so old

  Who fought Ravan for my sake. 

  Should Rama get wind of me

  Won’t he descend on this land

  Whirlwind like to suck Ravan?

  Won’t he turn on his wrath then

  On the demonic Ravan’s force? 

  Won’t thus Lankan women all get

  Measure for measure of my pain then?

  One and all of Ravan’s men

  Would find too hot to handle 

  Ram in battle with Lakshman.

  Won’t all funeral pyres redden

  Skies of Lanka for days on? 

  It’s all Ravan’s mindlessness

  Brings which Lanka to the brink. 

  Won’t I see omens portend

  Lanka’s fall in near future?

  Bites as Ravan battle dust

  Brings that Lanka to nadir.

  As thy men all go to hell

  Won’t thee then all pine for them?   

  With no male to caress thee

  Wail all thee in every hearth.

  Comes all this true when Rama

  Learns here Ravan confines me. 

  Lands as Ram in hot pursuit

  Ravan would have no respite.

  Naïve is Ravan for he gloats

  That he kept me on death row.

  Won’t he shortly come to know

  That he himself dug his grave? 

  Deserve demons no more now

  Graves than mass in barren lands.

  Having put a brave face thus

  Gripped was Seetha yet by doubts!

  Can I come to see my Ram

  Should vile Ravan keeps his word

  And gets served me for breakfast?

  Might my Lord have thought I died

  Or else wouldn’t he scan all earth?

  Taking me for dead and gone

  Man mine would have given up life.

  Won’t he gladden gods all there

  Stay with his in heaven of theirs? 

  Would a godly man like Ram

  Need to keep his woman in mind?

  Out of sight is out of mind

  Maybe norm with all humans,

  With his sense of fairness Ram

  Won’t he cherish his life with me?

  Wonder how I met this fate

  Being wife of such great soul!

  Turned as void for his loss

  Why hanker for life I now?

  Having lost the will to fight

  What if Ram ’n Lakshman too

  Penance to taken in despair!

  Who knows wily Ravan didn’t

  Contrive death of Ram and him. 

  See I no end of misery

  Carry why now more of it?

  Come I nowhere near yogis

  For whom joys and sorrows

  Meaning have none of their own.

  But the rest all gloat fortune

  And get shaken by hard times.

  Ram as is not there to guide 

  Why not I take my own life?

  Canto 27 - Dream of a Nightmare

  Seetha’s intent to end life

  Made some
scurry to Ravan.

  Stayed some back to turn their ire

  On Rama’s spouse in despair then.

  That thou would be put to death

  No need for thee to end life.

  Rose then Trijata one learned

  Appraised thus the risks involved.

   

  She’s Janaka’s daughter fair

  Married young to Dasarath’s son

  Reveres whom world as Lord Rama.

   

  Slept off as I dream I had

  Trouble that portends to us all.

   

  Trijata’s prophesy of doomsday

  Shell-shocked those on Seetha’s guard.

   

  Detail now thou dream thy had

  Makes thee speak thus so frightened.

   

  Averred well Trijata that she saw

  Heavenly palanquin in her dream.

   

  Reclined therein Ram in white

  Stood by Lakshman in blood red.

   

  Found I Seetha in my dream

  Sit on sky-high white mountain.

   

  Mounted then Ram ’n Lakshman

  Huge white elephant with four tusks.

   

  Oh that elephant that unique

  Made they to that mountain peak. 

   

  Taken as if cue from Ram

  Lowered its back that white giant.

   

  For her to climb up to him

  Gave Ram his hand to Seetha.

   

  Having sat thus in Ram’s lap

  Rose as Seetha so to probe

  Saw I touch her sun ’n moon.

   

  Took they chariot swift all then  

  Drawn by bulls all eight snow white.

   

  Drove it Lakshman to us straight

  Ram and Seetha came our midst. 

   

  In our land as they landed  

  Reached out Pushpak in welcome.

   

  Having took them on its board

  Flew off Pushpak then northwards.

   

  It’s as if gods beckon Rama 

  Makes that risky for Ravan.

   

  Saw I Ravan in my dream

  Drunkard like lay on the floor. 

   

  In his flight to save his skin

  Seems he slipped from thus Pushpak. 

   

  Saw I Ravan’s tonsured head

  Peeping from that donkey cart.

   

  Looked he like one out of mind

  Madman like he played then pranks. 

   

  In all fear then fell Ravan

  On all fours in front of Ram.

  Tore he all his garments then

  Lost he coherence as he raved.

   

  Went he then to hole so foul

  Filled with filth and night soil.

   

  Pushed as was he by some lass

  Fouled he was from head to foot. 

   

  All the way to that quagmire

  Dragged was Kumbhakarna too

  As though to share Ravan’s fate.

   

  Saw I naked Ravan’s sons

  Riding southward on wild beasts.

   

  In that pell-mell in Lanka

  Found I Vibhishan stand his ground

  Waving that white flag at Ram.

   

  All in white with his aura

  Wore Vibhishan then Lankan crown.

   

  Held as Vibhishan Court Royal 

  Played then music Band Royal.

   

  Climbed he up a white elephant

  With his men wise four in tow.

   

  Heard I demon folk of Lanka

  Playing drums to funeral tunes.

   

  To the brim of its gables

  Saw I Lanka sink in seas.

   

  With his burning tail I saw  

  Came down Rama’s aid on us,

  Torched as he thus one by one

  Went up in flames homes of all.

   

  Lanka as was thus burning

  Wailing I saw women in streets.

  Saw I men folk of Lanka

  Apply cow dung on their wives.

   

  So to escape Rama’s wrath

  Better we into woods retreat.

   

  No man ever spares tormentors 

  Of the woman he comes to love.

   

  Stop thy tirade at Seetha

  Seek her pardon for thy life.

   

  Portend but well such dreams all

  For those hapless women forlorn.

   

  Count thou on her good nature

  Though all thee had abused her.

   

  Nothing but her forgiveness

  Can save us from Rama’s ire.

   

  Take this all as just bad patch

  In her glorious reign on earth.

   

  In the regal mien of queen

  Seen I Seetha with Rama

  Flying back to her native.  

   

  Portends trouble to our Ravan

  At the hands of Seetha’s man.

   

  See that eyelid left her twitch

  Fetches it news her all good.

   

  Shoulder as her left spasms

  It’s but signal troubles exit.

   

  See I quivering her left thigh  

  Know it portends no different.

   

  Heard I some bird tell Seetha

  Expect she could her man soon.

   

  Having heard what Trijata said

  In her goodness Rama’s wife

  Promised them all safe passage

  As and when Ram comes chasing.

  Canto 28 - On the Verge

  Stunned as guards all kept silent

  Had then Seetha yet second thought.

   

  Recalled as she Ravan’s threat

  Thought she fit to end her life. 

   

  Wonder didn’t I drop dead now

  Ravan though scared me to death!

   

  If it were not made of stone

  Why wouldn’t sorrow break my heart? 

   

  Better on my own end my life  

  Fiends all here sure skin me live. 

   

  Fails to turn up if my Lord  

  Bound to cruel Ravan then 

  Like a surgeon at his work

  Turn his scalpel on my frame.

   

  Since the outer limit he gave

  Me to lean my mind on him 

  Would be at hand in two months

  Feel I like one on death row

  To be led for her hanging

  One fine morning to gallows.

   

  How can ever I tell my folk

  Fate mine is like boat that caught

  In the storm of high seas now.

   

  It’s by craving golden deer

  Brought I ruin on all of us.

   

  Looks like ill-fate was at work

  To make me lose my common sense.

   

  Thou all-knowing O my Lord  

  How thou fail to come to know

  Me that Ravan vowed to kill?

   

  My heart though is set on thee

  It’s as though thou forsook me.

   

  O my Lord, how come thou

  Thought it fit to ignore me!

   

  When thou regain crown thine soon

  Won’t thou regale with new queens?

 
 

  But thy Seetha likes to end

  Life hers as thy faithful one.

   

  Loyal here all to Ravan

  Who would poison me procure? 

  Wavered as her hapless mind

  So she wandered for low branch. 

   

  In her bid to hang herself 

  Coiled she her hair that long.

   

  Thought she dearly of her man

  And her beloved brother-in-law. 

   

  As she was to take the plunge

  Paused she finding omens some good.

   

  Canto 29 - Good Tidings

  Courtiers as would flock to kings

  Omens good came in thick and fast.

   

  Twitched her left eye unceasing

  Turned as bright her dark eyes then. 

   

  Shoulder splendid of hers left

  Wont to shoulder Rama’s head

  Seized by spasm to usher good. 

   

  As if her man was on hand 

  Shivered the left one in welcome

  Wondrous thigh of hers so round 

   

  As if Rama sought them both

  Slid down pallu from her breasts.

   

  Having read the signals right

  Seed she seemed at onset sown

  Of that monsoon which was full. 

   

  In the phase of post eclipse

  Moon like looked then Rama’s wife.

   

  Felt at all ease Seetha then

  Hoping better days would come soon.

  Canto 30 - Hanuman’s Dilemma

  Picture perfect of Seetha

  From his hiding got Hanuman. 

   

  Divined having Seetha thus

  Gloated Hanuman his fortune.

   

  Hoping to see Rama’s wife

  Roam as my peers world over 

  Blessed am I that gods all willed

  It’s me but who finds her now.

   

  Having come to Ravan’s land

  Won’t my spying aid Rama?

   

  Privy if to ins and outs

  Of the fortress of Lanka 

  Won’t that come all so handy

  For Lord Ram to win this war?

   

  Isn’t lament pulling her

  How to infuse hope in her!

   

  Worry she had none of yore

  Neck deep now she in sorrow 

  Won’t I owe it to my Lord

  Console should I his beloved.

   

  Were I to fail to infuse hope

  In the hapless Rama’s spouse

  Of what avail this trip mine?

   

  Fail if I to inform her

  Rama’s intent to reach her  

  In her state of helplessness

  Won’t I leave her high and dry?

   

  Truly it’s my chance of life 

  Make I could Ram feel at ease

  With the news of her welfare.

   

  How to make it to Seetha

  Encircled by Ravan’s guards?

   

  Fail if I to sound her now

  In her hapless state of mind

  Might end her life as it dawns.

   

  Fail if I to speak to her

  What am I to tell her man?

   

  Were I to go back to Rama  

  Without a word from his beloved

  Won’t that make him frustrated?

   

  Fail if I were to lift her

  Before we close in on Ravan

  Won’t she bring her life to close? 

   

  Why rush back to Kishkindha 

  Why not find I ways ’n means

  To appraise her of Rama’s plans. 

  Speak I might as well to her 

  To make her know there all to know.

   

  Were I to converse in Sanskrit

  Might she take me for Ravan

  In the guise of Rama’s friend.

   

  Let me talk in native slang

  That she takes me for vanar.

   

  In her state of shock Seetha

  See might in me weird creature.

   

  Fearing Ravan came in disguise

  What if Seetha starts shouting? 

   

  With the knives all drawn out now

  Won’t guards all those gherao me?

   

  Might they as well try to kill

  Me to serve as mid-day meal.

   

  Well, would they find me sitting duck 

  Won’t I jump from branch to branch.

   

  As I go on gaining size

  Won’t they shiver all down their spines?

   

  Forces to fetch to rein me 

  Won’t they all to Ravan run?

   

  Won’t then Ravan send his force

  Chance that gives me to take them. 

   

  But in that sea of his army

  How to find an escape route?

   

  If I were to get captured  

  Fail I would to contact her, 

  So she fails to get the wind

  Of the state of Rama’s mind?

   

  Seetha as would stay perturbed

  Won’t that make my trip wasted? 

   

  Keeps that Rama in darkness

  Place where Ravan confined her. 

   

  Were I to get killed or captured

  Leaves that Rama in square one. 

   

  Can one Rama find to cross

  Sea this vast to reach Seetha?

  Take I can all Ravan’s men

  But that drags on for so long

  Thus I can’t go back in time.

   

  How can one ever zero on

  One who wins the war on hand 

  Gauge I till width of the gulf

  Wise it not to go for jump.

   

  If I were to turn my tail

  How would Seetha get my trial,

  Were I to try to talk to her

  Won’t I have a war on hand?

   

  Won’t the success of errands

  Come to depend on the one

  Vested who is with the same?

   

  Won’t the best of well-laid plans

  Go awry in hands of those 

  That lack tact to tackle them?

   

  Better I fail not Rama’s cause

  With some thoughtless act of mine.

   

  How to make her take it cool

  That me her man sent for her!

   

  In the hearing of her now

  Mutter if I would Rama’s tale

  Might it as well dawn on her  

  It was her Lord that sent me.

   

  Won’t my words in praise of Ram

  Bring back memories of their time?

   

  So to sing then Rama’s tale

  In the hearing of his spouse

  Perched then Hanuman on low branch.

  Canto 31 - Rama’s Ballad

   

  For Seetha’s ears then Rama’s tale

  Sang in sonorous tone Hanuman. 

   

  In lineage old of Ikshvaakus

  Known to all for his valour

  Dasarath was the reigning king.

   

  Noble as he was the king

  Valued was he like a saint

  Power he had to rival gods.

   

  Generous was he by nature
r />   Took he care of his subjects

  Ruled he like a god on earth. 

   

  For his righteous reign Dasarath

  Earned he fame the world over.

   

  Esteemed he his eldest son

  Known to all as Lord Rama,

  Prowess his to target well

  Arrows at his enemies awe.

   

  Wavers not he from dharma

  Adheres he to human rights

  Keeps his word at every turn

  Gives no quarter to enemies.

   

  Stepmother of Ram, Kaikeyi 

  Wanted who crown for her son

  Coerced as she Dasarath then

  Gave up Ram thus his birthright

  So led Seetha with Lakshman

  To the thick woods of Dandak.

   

  Demons that ruled roost in Dandak 

  Menaced they folk lived all there

  Killed them all Ram at one go

  Restored he thus righteous reign.

   

  At the news of kindred’s death

  Thought of settling scores Ravan, 

  So he summoned Maareecha

  Turned who into golden deer

  Tempting Seetha to seek him,

  Sent then Seetha Ram to fetch

  Magic deer that stole her heart, 

  Arrow when Ram’s hit Maareech

  Rent he cries then mimicking him 

  Made which Seetha fear for Ram,

  Goaded Rama’s wife Lakshman  

  To go in search of his sibling, 

  With none there to stand by her

  Kidnapped Ravan Seetha then.

   

  Set as he on search for spouse  

  Came Ram in touch with Sugreev

  Stole whose wife his own sibling.

   

  To uphold dharma then Rama  

  Slew he Vali that mighty

  Helping Sugreev ascend throne.

   

  In time as per pact he made

  Sent Sugreev his vanar force

  In search of Seetha thus missing. 

  It’s my fortune that I came

  Place to this in search of her. 

  Picture have I of Seetha

  Painted for me by Rama.

   

  Won’t this lady well tally

  Picture with that Ram gave me? 

   

  Spake as he with all his warmth

  Looked up Rama’s wife in hope.

   

  Found though she no soul in sight

  What she heard then made her glad.

   

  Sensing Seetha’s upbeat mood  

  From hideout then came out Hanuman.

   

  Canto 32 - Is it True?

   

  Aura Hanuman’s made Seetha

  Think in terms of sun at dawn

  Peeping out of branching trees. 

   

  Stared then Seetha in wonder

  Hanuman sighted in splendour.

   

  Wondered in awe then Seetha  

  Who that wondrous vanar was.

   

  As she was at loss to know

  What to make of that visitor

  Prayed she then Ram for guidance.

   

  Stared as Hanuman at her long

  In her awe then swooned Seetha. 

   

  Seetha at length pulled herself

  Wondered whether she had a dream.

   

  Looked then Seetha all over

  Waking up though from her sleep.

   

  Finding Hanuman staring her

  Lost she consciousness at once. 

   

  Regained sense as she in time 

  Recalled she then that proverb 

  Portend simians ill in dreams.

   

  Felt then Seetha to start with

  Wink with none in lovelorn state

  How she could have had a dream!

  Since I tend to think of Ram

  All the time with never a pause

  What I heard that simian sing

  Product could be of my mind.

   

  Song as it’s that my heart sings

  Seems my ears have probed inside.

   

  But then it’s no illusion

  Him I see in flesh and blood.

   

  May god bless that what he said

  Would come true to bring me cheer.

   

  Canto 33 - Genesis of Exile 

  Seeing Seetha’s demeanour change

  Gladdened Hanuman’s heart no end. 

   

  Folding his hands in reverence

  Approached he then Rama’s wife.

   

  Find thee grieving for some time

  What doth make thee feel so sad? 

   

  Thy eyes that are all welled up 

  Make they clear that thou are hurt.

   

  From thy bearing one can see

  Come that thou from noble stock.

   

  Tend I think that thou are none

  But an angel strayed to earth.

   

  Wonder thou could be North Star

  Came down here from those high skies.

    

  Pray thee tell me who art thou

  Have thee left thy man in huff?

   

  Seen thee grieving for some time

  Have thee lost some dear soul then?

   

  The more I see thee lovely one

  All the more I hold thee high.

   

  O thy bearing ’n demeanour  

  No less empress make thee look.

   

  Are thee hapless Seetha then

  Snared by Ravan from thy man? 

   

  Making two plus two as four

  Take I thee for Rama’s wife.

   

  Spoke as Hanuman to her thus

  Seetha thought it fit to speak. 

   

  Dasarath was the king of kings

  Daughter in-law am his near

  Treated me he daughter like.

   

  Seetha am king Janaka’s dear

  Given in marriage to Rama

  Son of Kausalya the Queen 

   

  In that palace of Koshal

  What a life I led with Ram

  For the best of twelve summers. 

   

  Heavenly rule to bring on earth

  Came then time to crown Rama.

   

  Thought it fit then Kaikeyi

  Dasarath’s favoured number three

  To see her son then ascend throne.

   

  Made she clear then to Dasarath

  Surely she would starve to death

  Were he to crown Ram instead.

   

  Pressed as she her suit to hilt

  Cited she then that caveat

  Cater would the king to her  

  Wishes three all when expressed. 

   

  Pulled as by his love for Ram

  Stressed as Dasarath to the core

  Wanted she that Ram may spend

  From then fourteen years in woods. 

   

  Bound as Dasarath to his word

  Sounded he then his first-born.

   

  Gladly my man gave up then

  Birthright his to rule his land.

   

  Ordained thus by Kaikeyi

  Set to Dandak woods then Ram.  

   

  Wanting hassles none for me

  Wanted Ram that I stayed back. 

   

  What was there for me to cling

  On to Dasarath’s pala
ce then

  When my man was not at home?

  Not the one to forego Ram

  Lakshman too then joined us.

   

  That’s how three of us entered

  Those thick jungles of Dandak.

   

  Neared as end of our exile

  Snared me Ravan from my man.

   

  Intends Ravan to kill me 

  Were I to fail to take his hand

  No more than in two more months,

  Who is there to tell my man

  Made up my mind to die now

  For none I would have of Ravan.

   

  Canto 34 - Swings in Mood

   

  Moved as Hanuman to the core

  Made he move to soothe Seetha. 

  Know am Hanuman Rama’s man  

  Came in search of thee his spouse.

   

  Rama is so scholarly

  Well versed he with four Vedas  

  Possesses as well Brahmastra

  Spares that none in combat zone.

   

  Know Lakshman is no less sad

  That he made thee hapless then.

   

  Having heard all what he said

  Joyous turned then Rama’s wife. 

   

  Hoping for the best in life

  How well said that one should live.

   

  Felt all at ease then Seetha   

  With the simian her man sent.

   

  Seeing change in Seetha thus

  Moved he then to reach her close.

   

  What if Ravan came disguised

  Developed Seetha thus second thought.

   

  Opened my mind to Ravan

  What a fool all I made myself!

   

  Taking Hanuman for Ravan

  Sank in sorrow then Seetha.

   

  Saddened as her change of stance

  Bent then Hanuman in reverence. 

   

  Sighed then Seetha at her fate

  She at length thus addressed him. 

   

  In thy disguise as vanar

  Won’t I know thee vile Ravan?

   

  How come thou think I forgot

  Saintly garb donned by thee then?

   

  What a shame on thee Ravan

  Stalk thou dame so unwilling?

   

  Sensing Hanuman in distress

  Looked she into his eyes then,

  Feelings what she saw in him

  Made her sing a different tune:

  Make as thou me feel easy

  And that Ravan puts me off

  Think my fears are but liars

  Seems thou art but Rama’s man. 

   

  If thou are by Rama sent

  Won’t thee tell me his welfare?

   

  Flood waters as wear river-banks    

  Rama’s name so weans sorrows.

   

  Is it true and not a dream

  That Rama’s Hanuman is with me?

   

  Making nights for me wink-less

  That Ram can’t sooth me in dreams

  Seems dream-god is jealous of me!

   

  Sights as ’n when man vanar 

  Said to bring all good tidings,

  Came I face-to-face with thee

  Won’t it then all portend well?

   

  How come at the drop of hat

  Changing am I my thinking?

   

  Time I kept my doubts at bay

  Lest Ravan should gain leeway.

   

  In spite of her averments thus

  Failed Seetha to trust Hanuman.

   

  Having into shell withdrawn

  Kept she then her own counsel. 

  Having gauged her state of mind

  Addressed Hanuman her sweetly.

   

  It’s but sun-like shines thy Ram

  Nears him when moon turns all pale.  

   

  Him none equals in learning

  Rivals gods in kindness Ram.

   

  Sight at his all vile turn pale

  Next to him looks Cupid but plain.

   

  Using his man Maareecha

  Turned who into golden deer 

  Contrived Ravan to make Ram

  Chase it leaving thee his spouse.

   

  Ram in time would let Ravan

  Pay the price for snaring thee.

   

  To make thee privy his intent

  Sent I was by thine own Lord.

   

  Lovelorn Ram is crestfallen

  Lakshman too is ever eager

  To set thee free from evil Ravan. 

   

  Pledged his force all Lord Sugreev  

  That Lord Ram could fight Ravan.

   

  Back home all but think of thee

  Know they sent me to trace thee.  

   

  Take it won’t thee long to meet

  Ram and Lakshman in this spot. 

   

  Treats me equal as Sugreev  

  Servant like I serve thy Ram. 

   

  Crossed I know the sea this vast

  Bade by Ram to reach thee now. 

   

  Know it none of Ravan’s tricks

  But am Hanuman Rama’s man.

  Canto 35 - Winning the Trust

  Spoke as Hanuman in that vein

  Developed Seetha trust in him.

   

  She then said in sonorous tone - 

  How come Rama came in touch

  With thee and thy Lord Sugreev? 

  How can thou be so certain

  Ram ’n Lakshman that thou met. 

   

  Tell O Hanuman for my sake

  Facial features of those two.

   

  Gladdened as she opened up

  Spoke thus Hanuman to Seetha:

   

  Talking no end of thy man

  It’s a pleasure of its own kind. 

   

  Recall as I his features 

  Solace it would thy sad heart.

   

  Whether it’s godly frame of his

  Or his kindly heart therein

  None can ever know which scores more. 

   

  While frame his is mid-sun like

  Hath he patience of mother earth. 

   

  Gives he shelter who might seek

  Blemish he hath none in conduct.

   

  Lays he store on noble thoughts

  Goads his folk to think likewise. 

   

  Leads he life of celibate now

  Fate as thee thus weaned from him.

   

  None he slights as come to seek

  Given not Ram to spare who dare.

   

  Hath he Vedas all by heart

  Excels he ever in warfare.

   

  Second to none he in valour

  None there equals him in grace. 

   

  Whoso submit tone his soothes  

  Terse it turns to those oppose.

   

  While at ease he seems vigorous  

  Looks he strong from head to foot.

   

  Frame his seven-foot is well built

  Face his oblong ever looks good. 

   

  Lips his rosy slip like glove

  Rows teeth over of snow white. 

   

  Eyes his wide both compelling

  Strike so dark and deep as well. 

   

  Manner as well demeanour his

&nbsp
; Holds good adage of old thus 

  Handsome is as handsome doth.

   

  Worthy no less than thy man

  Lakshman the brother-in-law thine.

   

  If thy Ram is blue diamond

  Lakshman is all golden-hued.

   

  It’s the search for thee Seetha

  Brought them both to Kishkindha.

   

  Banished as by his sibling

  Met them Sugreev in hiding.

   

  Sugreev as was good to us 

  Followed we his loyal band.

   

  It was thus we came to meet

  Ram ’n Lakshman dressed all coarse.

   

  But Ram had that bow on him

  Make which would all bow to him.

   

  Sighted as he them in arms

  Shivered but Sugreev in his pants.

   

  Sent me my Lord on errand

  So that I could befriend them.

   

  Made I thus thy man privy

  Plight of our own Lord so good.

   

  Having heard that story Ram

  Thought it fit to meet Sugreev.

   

  Realized as they both of them  

  Sail they thus in same boat then 

  Lords those both came ever so close.  

   

  Consoled Rama vanar Lord  

  Lost who wife to his sibling.

   

  Said then Lakshman to Sugreev

  Seems Ram’s spouse was snared by some.

   

  That Ram had to lose his wife

  Made Sugreev grieve all the more.

  Flew as Ravan thee by force 

  Recall how thee threw jewels

  From the skies of Kishkindha. 

   

  Showed we them all to thy man

  Told we know not who snared thee.

   

  How the sound of that landing  

  Still rings fresh in Kishkindha? 

   

  Sighted  as he thy jewels  

  Fainted Ram in Lakshman’s lap. 

   

  Compelled as if by thy thought

  Woke up Ram and tapped them all.

   

  As if to dust them all then

  Shed Ram tears on all of them.

   

  Left with no more drop to drop

  Seemed he drained his heart for thee.

   

  For safe keeping of them all

  Gave them Ram to Sugreeva.

   

  Having thus lost thee consort  

  There none is to console Ram.

   

  Had he no wink all these days

  Pines he ever to sleep with thee

   

  Having lost the trace of thee

  Know thy man is truly lost.

   

  Lost as he his lovely spouse

  Pleases him none spring even.

   

  It’s for certain that Rama  

  Would kill Ravan in Lanka.

   

  Know vanars all bound by oath

  Take thee back soon to thy Lord.

   

  For he slew the vile Vali

  Oath we took to help thy Lord.

   

  Having crowned our Sugreeva  

  As the king of Kishkindha

  Won’t we all owe to thy man?

   

  Grateful Sugreev vow then took

  To help thy man to get thee back. 

   

  It’s in thy search Sugreeva  

  Sent all simians to scan earth. 

   

  Bade us Sugreev not to leave

  Stone unturned to search Seetha.

   

  Vanars are on global hunt

  To nail the vile who snared thee thus.

   

  Angad son of slain Vali

  Marched with some of us southward.

   

  Lost we way in vast Vindhyas  

  Groped in dark for several weeks.

   

  Not to go sans breaking news

  To our Lord who owed thy man

  Thought we all to end our lives. 

   

  If ever it came to the crunch

  Felt we should die exhausted

  In search of Rama’s dear Seetha.

   

  Haunted by our own failure  

  Lost we hope of finding thee.

   

  Low then we all felt to core

  Lay we flat on mountain peak

   

  Flew in then Sampaathi

  Sibling of slain Jataayu.

   

  Having heard his sibling’s death

  Spaketh thus the agonized bird.

   

  Pray thee tell me O vanars

  Who did kill my good sibling?

   

  Angad then told Sampaathi

  Trying to save Rama’s spouse

  Lost his sibling his own life. 

   

  Having heard the story thus

  Sampaathi then told Angad  

  With the bird’s-eye view of his  

  Sensed he Ram’s spouse in Lanka.

   

  Having got the clue from him

  Led us southward then Angad.

   

  At the prospect of success

  Enthused were then all of us.

  Sea vast in time as we reached

  Poured that water on our hopes. 

   

  In that Angad and the rest 

  Saw the mission as ending there.

   

  But the urge to find out thee

  Made me lunge that sea across.

   

  Chance I had to see Ravan

  Glad I met my Rama’s wife.

   

  It’s me Rama’s own Hanuman

  Treat me as thine own servant. 

   

  Know am none but Vayu’s son

  Trust that Rama yearns for thee.

   

  Lakshman as is wont of his

  Is at Rama’s beck and call.

   

  Sent me Sugreev to Lanka

  In the service of thy Lord.

   

  At the news of thy kidnap

  Sunk our vanar folk in grief.

   

  Break I when the news to them

  Know they all would jump for joy. 

   

  Hears as Rama thou are sad

  Won’t he itch to take thee soon?

   

  Know am but the son born to

  Anjana Devi queen of queens.

   

  Married though she king Kesar

  Womb hers was by Vayu blessed. 

   

  Valour of mine ’n conduct 

  Spread far ’n wide fame of mine.

   

  Brought I thee as good tidings

  Time thee look for happy times. 

   

  Ardour that she found in him

  Made then Seetha trust Hanuman.

   

  With the change of her mind thus

  Rolled on her cheeks tears of joy.

   

  With that bright look on her face

  Shone she like a full moon then 

  Freshly out of grand eclipse.

  Knowing that he won her trust

  Spoke then Hanuman to her thus: 

   

  It’s time that I now start moving

  Pray tell whatever in thy mind

  Treat I would as Rama’s word.

   

  Being none but Wind God’s son

  Strength I have to fly all worlds.

  Canto 36 - More of the Same

&nbsp
; Went on Hanuman in same vein  

  So that Seetha trusts him more. 

   

  O Lord Rama’s revered wife  

  Gave thy man this ring of his

  Me to pass on to thee now. 

   

  Guessed thy man thy state of mind

  Felt his ring would make thee trust

  Me he sent in search of thee.

   

  Grabbed then Seetha Rama’s ring

  Fondled it for ever so long

  As she would her husband’s hand.

   

  Aided by that bright diamond 

  Face her glowed like moon in bloom.

   

  Reminisced as she Rama’s love

  Turned then coyer her demeanour.

   

  For the valour he had shown

  Seetha in time praised Hanuman. 

  One as would a small canal

  Wonder how thou crossed the sea!

   

  It’s but bravado O Hanuman 

  For thou came to face Ravan.

   

  That thou enjoy my man’s trust

  Know thee have my trust as well. 

   

  Came it when to judging men

  Know my man is none to err.

   

  That Rama is keeping fit

  Take that as my good fortune.

   

  Having lost his loving wife 

  Wonder why it takes so long

  For him to scorch all this earth! 

  Looks like I am ill-fated

  That Ravan could confine me

  Wife of whom all gods give way.  

   

  Hope not my loss made Rama

  Lose his nerve to face Ravan. 

  Despair in his at my loss

  Hath it made him lose focus? 

   

  Hath he in his forlorn state

  Lost all interest in his mates? 

   

  Came it when to foes of his

  Hath he softened in his stance? 

   

  Bid in his to rescue me

  Can he count on his allies?

   

  Doth he draw his plans with care? 

  And yet to make it good in life

  Need as men all gods’ blessings

  Won’t he pray for his success?

   

  Hope not year long separation

  Made him lose his love for me.

   

  Knew he not what hardship is

  Wonder how he bears all this!

   

  Hope they are all doing fine

  Won’t he get to hear from home?   

   

  Beset by grief of my absence

  What if Rama got bogged down

  And goes he slow on my rescue?

   

  Dutiful sibling that he is

  To join battle with Ravan

  Did Bharata send his army?

   

  Would thy good Lord Sugreeva

  Force his bring to fight my cause?

   

  Know I Lakshman on his own

  Can take Ravan and his men.

   

  Hope the day is not far off

  Ravan when is felled by Ram.

   

  Doth the heat of his passion 

  Stoked thus by my separation

  Wont to wither his handsomeness?

  Word to keep of his father

  Left he crown with no regret,

  With no bother in the world

  Led me with him to the woods,

  Now that I am not with him

  Hath he lost the track of life? 

   

  Loves as he me dear than self

  Loves his people nonetheless.

   

  Having reminisced her man thus

  Hoping Hanuman picks up threads

  Kept then silent Rama’s spouse. 

   

  Having read her mind Hanuman

  Made the position clear then thus:

   

  In the know is not thy Lord 

  Ravan it was who snared thee.

   

  Report as I back to Ram

  Ravan it’s thee made captive 

  Won’t he descend on Lanka

  With our vanar force to boot?

   

  To help us land in Ravan’s land

  Won’t he with his arrows make

  Bridges across sea though vast?

  Were the god of death to try

  Stop to Rama in his tracks

  Won’t he slain that god even?

   

  Sans his consort to comfort 

  Stirs Ram in bed restlessly. 

  To espy thy man in Lanka

  Takes it not long for thee now. 

  On my word O Rama’s dear

  Day that now is not far off.

   

  Sees as Rama demeanour thine

  Won’t his visage turn so bright?

   

  Touches he not drink or meat

  Partakes but a meagre meal.  

   

  Fails he feel the flies on him

  Lives as he lost in thy thought.    

   

  Engrossed as ever in thy thought

  Thought he hath none for the rest.

  Forlorn in his eyes so deep

  Barring eyelids from closing

  Fills thy picture to the brim.

   

  Sees as he a flower or fruit

  Wont it his to sigh for thee.

   

  Sad though he in separation

  None he slacks in preparation

  To take thee back for reparation.

   

  That her man would rescue her

  Made the hapless Seetha glad,

  But the plight of her beloved  

  Made the spouse of Rama sad.

   

  Canto 37 - Aborted Move

  In time Seetha gave Hanuman

  The key to state of mind of hers. 

   

  That my man is so constant

  Lifts my spirits all well to skies

  But the news of his despair

  Pulls me down back to square one.

   

  Vices if were to drag down

  Man on road of his misery  

  In the plenty of riches 

  Forever loses man his course

   

  Can one really overcome

  What is ordained by his fate?

   

  Won’t my story underscore 

  Aspect this of life on earth.

   

  In the high seas of sorrows

  Boat of my life as capsized

  Can my man ever carry me

  To the joyous shores of life? 

   

  When Rama would bring nadir

  Closer to the Lankan shores?

   

  Tell Rama to beat deadline

  Set by Ravan for my death.

   

  For Ravan to snuff my life

  Left are just but two more months. 

   

  Plead did my case Vibhishan

  But paid deaf ear his sibling.

  Won’t make my man Ravan pay

  The price for treating me badly?

   

  Told me Anala in person

  Daughter dear of Vibhishan.

   

  Aid de Ravan Avindhya 

  Advised his Lord in public

  ‘Better give Seetha to her man’.

   

  Averred Ravan’s ablest aide

  Lands when Rama in Lanka

  That would be the end of it.

   

  Sixth sense of mine seems to tell

  That my man would come for sure.

   

  It’s not in Ram
to leave his wife

  High and dry in enemies’ hands. 

   

  Know I know that he did kill

  Demons in thousands at one go.

  Know I my man can tackle

  Ticklish things as one trivia

   

  Strike his arrows his enemies

  As would lightning its targets.

   

  Felt glad Hanuman he induced

  Hope in Rama’s distressed spouse.

   

  To cheer Seetha all the more  

  Assured he then Ram would come.

   

  Or else why not escape now 

  Carry thee would on my back 

  And  land thee in thy man’s lap.

   

  Permit if thou I would pluck

  Lanka from its roots in earth

  And place it at the feet of Ram.

   

  Either way it helps thee meet  

  Man thine who is in thy wait.

   

  Be that as it may thy man

  Is all set to rescue thee.

   

  Choose if thou to come with me

  Cuts that short thy separation.

   

  Make up thy mind Rama’s wife

  Leave thus thou this Ravan’s den.

   

  Rest as thou on my strong back

  Fly I would at Mach two speed.

   

  Thee as I fly back to Ram

  None of Ravan’s could catch up.

   

  Came as I here in flicker  

  Won’t we slip back in whisker? 

   

  Amused at what Hanuman said

  Spoke then Seetha to him thus:

   

  With due respect to thyself

  To take me over sea this wide

  More it takes than simian jumps.

   

  Tell me how with tiny frame

  Thou me carry on thy back?

   

  Words those Seetha’s naïve uttered

  Made great Hanuman feel slighted.

   

  Why to fault good Rama’s wife

  For she knows not my true worth.

   

  So thought it fit then Vayu’s son

  To show her all his innate strength.

   

  For that he then chose a spot

  Which wouldn’t restrict his full  growth.

   

  Tried as she to keep up pace

  Glimpse to have of his face then

  Seetha at length found herself

  Staring at the stars themselves. 

   

  Having shown her his prowess

  Assumed normal form Hanuman. 

   

  Told he then her that he could

  Fetch her forthwith to her man.

   

  Won’t that let her cut short all

  Suffering of her beloved Ram? 

   

  Splendorous Seetha then in awe

  Spoke to wondrous Hanuman thus.

   

  Seen O Hanuman with my eyes

  What a mighty frame thou have! 

  If not for thy skill Hanuman

  Know I it’s no joke to reach

  Lanka across sea this vast.

   

  Sure I feel thou fly me back

  For me to reach Rama’s feet.

   

  But on second thought I wonder  

  Whether I lose my self in flight.

   

  Once in mid-air nerve I might

  Lose and fall down from that height.

   

  Then the hungry whales in seas

  Won’t they make a meal of me? 

   

  Slow down if thou for my sake

  Won’t that make us sitting ducks?

   

  Gives that Ravan’s loyal men

  Time to spare in catching us.

   

  Gherao as they us mid-air

  Contrive how thou to escape?

   

  Won’t that put thy life at risk

  And mine as well in mid-flight? 

   

  Fight as thee all Ravan’s men

  Won’t in fright I lose balance?

   

  Dares not one to ever engage  

  Thee in dogfight in high skies  

  But then Ravan’s men in hoards  

  Prevail might by hook or crook. 

   

  Engage as thou all of them

  Won’t that leave me unguarded?

   

  For vile Ravan’s men to kill

  Won’t that make me easy prey? 

   

  Comes it if to such a pass  

  Won’t thy toil go in vain?

   

  In spite of the odds so great

  Should thou take me to my man

  Won’t that leave him feel slighted?

   

  In case Ravan gets me back

  Holds me tight in no man’s land

  How on earth my man gets there?  

  Whichever way might one may look

  Seems it sound that thou might fetch

  Man mine here than other way round.

   

  Turns it if our mission failure

  Won’t that put the life of Ram

  As well the rest all at risk?

   

  Hear if they soon none of me

  Ram ’n Lakshman both of them

  For sure embrace death in time.

   

  Credo it’s but of my soul

  Touch I never another man

  Than my Rama whom I love.

  Held me Ravan in kidnap

  Disgust it caused all the way.

   

  Know I well my man doth hit

  Bull’s-eye every time he aims.

   

  Enters he once battle zone

  Know his arrows like sun-rays

  Cease they never from his bow.

   

  To join battle with Ravan

  It’s my request O Hanuman

  Fetch thou my man with Lakshman.  

   

  Canto 38 - Story to Tell

  Respect with all due to her

  Addressed Hanuman thus Seetha.  

   

  Surmise I can from thy words  

  What a woman of virtue makes.

   

  It was not a fair offer

  For the fair sex on my part

  Help I them as piggyback.

   

  Intent that thine not to touch

  Someone other than thy husband

  Made I know thee stay thus put.

   

  One so chastely as Seetha

  Is there ever in all three worlds! 

  Won’t I tell Ram in detail 

  Spoke thee what and all I saw.

   

  Urge it’s mine to bring an end

  To the suffering of thee both

  That was at the back of mind

  Offered when I thee my back.

   

  Thought I fit to offer help

  Takes as it some time for Ram

  Reach to Lanka with his force. 

   

  Owing to my love for Ram

  Without further loss of time 

  Thought I would fetch his beloved.

  Canst if thou come back with me

  Bestow something that soothes him.

   

  Moved to core as Rama’s wife

  Spoke with ardour to Hanuman. 

   

  Dost thou remind my man then

  The story of that amorous crow.

   

  It was during our outing

  On the banks of Mandakin

  Happened that in broad daylight. 

    
 

  Stayed we then at Siddhashram

  Laid which was in thick garden.

   

  Lay as I in Rama’s lap

  Having lapped up garden path,

  Got a crow at my bosom  

  Dropped I pallu chasing it. 

   

  Pushed as that I in dismay

  Back it came to try its luck.

   

  Lord mine witnessed that tussle

  In which my breasts got exposed. 

   

  Amused by its eagerness

  Teased as Ram with innuendos

  Kept I blushing all the while.

   

  Scolded him as I roundly

  Me he took then in embrace

  Smiled he sweetly to soothe me.

   

  Tears that gushed then from my eyes

  Streams as they made on my cheeks

  Wiped them he to comfort me.   

   

  Sapped as I lay in his lap

  Slumbered I for so long thus.

   

  Woke up as I my man took

  Turn his to rest on my thigh.

   

  Finding my man in deep sleep

  Back came that crow to resume

  Beaked it flesh from my bosom. 

  Bore all as I fearing that

  Gets disturbed my man in sleep

  Blood in streams from my valley

  Made its way to Rama’s chest.  

   

  Having woke up by its warmth

  Saw my Lord then my torment. 

   

  Hurt as I was by that crow

  Pearl like breasts mine turned corals.

   

  Saw as Ram that eager crow 

  With its blood stained beak ’n all

  Gripped was my Lord with anger.

   

  Oh, that crow was Kakasur

  Happened to be Indra’s son

  Known to cover the earth and all

  With the matching speed of sound.

   

  Seeing Rama’s blood red eyes

  Saw the danger Kakasur

  Flew thus swiftly in panic.

   

  Upset by the hurt it caused

  To me beloved of his heart

  Lost no time Ram to punish it.

   

  Took he some reed lay nearby

  Which with power of his mantra

  Turned then into Brahmastra.

   

  Chased that missile Kakasur

  All the way to Indra’s place.

   

  Even Lord of heavenly gods   

  Felt he could not help his son.

   

  Back came that crow to save life

  Sought he pardon from my Lord.  

   

  Though Ram came to forgive him

  The weapon in use was sure to hurt.

  As a way to save his life

  Pleaded Kakasur with Ram

  Let the damage be limited

  To the right eye that he bore.

   

  Having owed his life to Ram

  Left then one-eyed Indra’s son.

   

  Wonder how the one who used

  Brahmastra on Kakasur

  Fails to put the same to use   

  To punish the man who confines me?

   

  Is it that Ram fails to know

  Bitter would be his better half!

   

  Having taken vow to help

  All and sundry in distress

  Is it fair for Ram to leave 

  His own one thus in the lurch? 

   

  Not the one to act in haste

  Hath he patience of oceans.

   

  Hath my suffering not tested

  Patience his with vile Ravan?

   

  Aims as he and shoots arrows

  Escape none there for his foes. 

   

  If my Lord has some concern

  For me forlorn spouse of his

  Won’t he come to my rescue?

   

  What of Lakshman his sibling

  Moves not one inch in spite of 

  The loss of sister-in-law his?

   

  Surely my Lord and Lakshman

  On their own can bring to knees

  Gods all there in heaven at once. 

   

  Looks like it’s my misfortune

  That my Lord and his sibling

  Should make no move to rescue

  Me from clutches of this man.

   

  Moved as Hanuman by lament

  Of the hapless Rama’s wife

  Tried he thus to cheer her up.

   

  Swear I to the fact that Ram

  Swallowed was by thy sorrow.

  Now that I would head to Ram

  With the tidings of our meet

  Know its beginning of the end

  Of thy sorrows of all hues.

   

  For these demons to rue in time

  Count on Ram to bring curtains

  Down on Ravan’s Lankan stage.

   

  It’s no big deal for Rama

  To make cruel Ravan meet

  His nadir with all his men.

   

  Let me hasten to thy man

  So to convey news of thine.

   

  In spite of the hope it gave

  Spoketh in teras thus Seetha.

   

  Tell my man that I live by

  Hope of making life with him.

   

  What else can I wish for him

  Rama’s dearest brother Lakshman 

  That he joins his wife soon

  Whom he left to serve us both. 

   

  Sad it was that he gave up 

  Conjugal his life for long

  So to take care of us both. 

   

  He is such a pet of Ram

  For he is a handsome man. 

   

  Though he is my brother-in-law

  Me he treats as mother no less. 

   

  If not for his loving care  

  In our exile in those woods  

  Life would have been hell for us.  

   

  Know that Rama loves Lakshman

  Much more than me his own spouse. 

   

  Sees Ram their dad in Lakshman

  And that helps him soothe himself. 

   

  To do the needful for my sake

  Trust I would thou spur Lakshman. 

   

  Entrust I would thee the task

  To goad my man to take me back. 

  Let my man know I wouldn’t live

  Day one longer than one month. 

   

  Surely Rama can save me

  From the sin of my suicide. 

   

  As a token of her love

  To be passed on to her man

  Gave him Seetha her diadem. 

   

  Took that Hanuman in reverence

  Matched which well with ring finger. 

   

  Felt then Hanuman truly blessed

  For the trust that Seetha placed. 

   

  Being in front of Seetha

  Bore he Rama in his mind.  

   

  At length he came out of trance

  Made he move to take her leave. 

   

  Canto 39 - Doubts to the Fore

  In her new found hope Seetha

  Voiced then her feelings thus: 

   

  Once Rama sees this diadem  

  Warmth of my love fills his heart. 

   

  It’s all left to thee Hanuman

  How th
ou make it back to Ram. 

   

  Hope thou slip not on thy way  

  So that I could come out clean. 

   

  Having assured her Hanuman

  Inclined was he to take leave. 

   

  Lost her nerve then Rama’s wife

  Leave would Hanuman all too soon. 

   

  In the choking tone of hers

  Encored she her feelings thus: 

  Tell O Hanuman my concern

  To my man and his sibling. 

   

  Protocol by thou deem it fit 

  Regards mine pay to thy folk

  One by one to each of them. 

   

  Feel I thou art the right one

  To goad my Lord to save me true. 

  Fetch thou Rama for my sake

  Earn thee goodwill of us both. 

   

  Like a rock thou stand by Ram

  Hurricane like stir his conscience.    

   

  Roused if  Ram by thee Hanuman

  Know he would turn typhoon then.  

   

  Having heard thus Seetha speak

  Assured Hanuman Rama’s spouse. 

   

  At the head of vanar force

  In no time would land Lord Rama.  

   

  Declares as Ram war on him

  Face would Ravan wrath his then. 

   

  Surely thy hurt would impart

  Cutting edge to thy Lord’s wrath.  

   

  Know thy Ram is all eager

  To make thee empress of this world. 

   

  At those words of Hanuman then

  Pleased was Rama’s spouse no end. 

   

  Stood as he to bid adieu

  Tried she thus to detain him. 

   

  Why not stay  for one more day

  Wish I now thou took some  rest.  

   

  Presence thine in precincts these  

  Soothes my hard pressed mind as well. 

   

  Till thou come back with my man

  Wonder whether my life would last? 

   

  Visit of thine as soared my spirits  

  Fear thy farewell doubles my grief. 

   

  Honest to be with thee now

  Came to develop on second thought

  Doubts on Sugreev’s simian force. 

   

  How can vanars ever on earth

  And for that matter Ram even

  Cross the seas to reach this shore? 

   

  For all I know, other than thee

  God Vayu and good Garuda 

  Can none ever cross Lankan seas. 

  Be that as it may pray tell

  How thou could bring vanars all

  With Ram ’n Lakshman to this land. 

   

  Find if ways ’n means to take

  Me back to my anxious Lord

  Brings that glory none to Ram. 

   

  Regain I but my glory

  Go back as I to my folk

  With the standard of my Lord. 

   

  If my man ever slays Ravan

  Battle great in for his spouse,

  Enhance that would his prestige 

  As the one to contend with.  

   

  Battle in that for his spouse

  For my Ram to slay Ravan

  Pray thee show me script thou have. 

   

  Felt then Hanuman Seetha’s words   

  Worthy they all woman of note 

  So he  addressed her nerves thus:  

   

  How thee fail to reckon Sugreev’s 

  Resolve to win this war for Ram? 

   

  To take on Ravan and his men

  Know brings Sugreev to Lanka

  Tens and thousands of vanars. 

   

  Know our vanar force excels

  Man to man all Ravan’s men. 

   

  Creed it’s that of us vanars

  Not to show our backs to foes. 

   

  Bears in our force in numbers 

  None the less than our vanars. 

   

  Deem if thou me fit and strong  

  Know my folk score more than me. 

   

  Came as I here all the way

  For the rest all it’s child’s play. 

   

  Thus O Seetha in no time

  Land would vanars in Lanka.  

   

  On my shoulders take I Ram

  As well Lakshman to fly them. 

  Once they set foot in Lanka

  Know that would end Ravan’s reign. 

   

  Perish as Ravan and his men

  Take thee back would Rama home. 

   

  Lurks as Ravan’s end in corner  

  Come to quick end thy sufferings.  

   

  As would Ravan bite thus dust

  Reach thou thy Lord as free soul. 

   

  Bound as Ravan to exit

  Bid all sorrows thee adieu. 

   

  Though he felt he said it all

  Resumed Hanuman on second thought. 

   

  Mark my word O Rama’s wife

  Man thy would soon kill Ravan.  

   

  So to slay all Ravan’s men

  Vanars know need no more than 

  Mere their nails ’n teeth of theirs.  

   

  Won’t the war cries of vanars 

  Make all Ravan’s men stone-deaf? 

   

  Piqued as by pain in groin  

  Caused by longing for thee long 

  Heat thy man turns on Ravan

  Caused who thus thy separation.  

   

  Thus O Seetha be certain

  Bound is Ram to take thee back.  

   

  Man as thy hath his sibling 

  Face to Ravan’s force in tow

  What is there for thy worry? 

   

  With the end of Ravan thus

  Turn thou new leaf in thy life. 

  Canto 40 - Repeats the Dose

  Spurred as Seetha by pep talk

  Spoke she then with fortitude. 

    

  Words thy no less drops of rain

  Land on that so parched for long.  

   

  In the despaired heart of mine 

  Seed like words as sowed by thee

  Seem they turned all sprouts of hope.  

  Ever I cherish the time I spent

  With my beloved spouse Rama,

  Keep in mind to remind my Lord

  The tale of crow that lost its eye. 

   

  In that night-long lovemaking

  Smudged as dot my vermillion

  Remind my Ram that he fashioned

  Dot on my cheek not forehead. 

   

  How a valorous man like Ram

  Fails to wreck his vengeance on

  Man who came to snare his wife? 

   

  Let him know that this diadem

  Which I got at our wedding

  Helps me think of him fondly. 

   

  Now that I have parted with

  Let him know that have I none

  Helps that to soothe my torment.

   

  It’s the hope of meeting  him

  With which I bear slights all these.

   

  Live I thirty days in hope

  Fails if my Lord me by then

  Left I with but no option

  Than to take my life on own.

/>    

  Ram if fails to come in time

  With no reason to live more,

  Ogles at me as Ravan  

  Bear I won’t his lustful look. 

   

  Sank as Seetha in sorrow  

  Spoke thus vanar to cheer her.

   

  Swear I do now by thy man

  Fond he is no less of thee.

   

  Now that I traced thee at last

  For the end of thy sorrows

  Note the count down hath started.   

   

  As and when I let him know

  Though art confined by Ravan 

  To land in Lanka with vanars

  Wastes not Ram a second even.

   

  Battle Royal that follows

  Ensures Ram would slay Ravan.

  To spur on Rama even more

  Why not give me something more?

   

  Show if thou him my diadem

  To spur him on to fight for me

  Need there none for something else.

   

  Enthused by her words Hanuman

  Stirred his frame to fly back home.

   

  Grew as he in size Hanuman

  In awe Seetha gazed at him.

   

  At the prospect of his loss

  Spoke to him in tears Seetha.

   

  Tell my man ’n his sibling

  Suffering am in anxiety.

   

  How to rescue me in time

  Counsel Rama O Hanuman.

   

  Fare thee well O dear vanar

  Know I wish thee bon voyage.

   

  To journey back to Kishkindha

  All set Hanuman to leave her. 

  Canto 41 - Rampage in the Park

  Bid as adieu Hanuman soon

  Exuded warmth Seetha then.

   

  As he left her felt Hanuman -  

  Were I to fail to probe Lanka

  Won’t my trip be incomplete?

   

  How to test the guys all these

  Than ride roughshod over them? 

  Were I to slay a few Generals

  Won’t that weaken Ravan’s force?

   

  Found as I now Rama’s wife

  What if I dent Ravan’s pride?

   

  Why not eyes ’n ears I keep  

  Wide open for task on hand?

   

  Why fail assess relative strength

  Of  Ravan’s men and us vanars?

   

  Better I invite Ravan’s wrath

  That he lets loose kinkar force.

   

  Battle as I palace guards

  Chance it gives to test their strength.

   

  Oh, this garden of gardens

  Could be dear to evil Ravan.

   

  Were I to arson this garden

  Spits fire enraged Ravan then.

   

  Won’t he send his elite force

  Alive or dead to take me soon?

   

  Won’t I take on all of them

  On my own in their own land?

   

  All those high and mighty trees

  Hurricane like then Hanuman mowed.

   

  Bulldozed as he his way through

  Birds there perched all lost their nests.

   

  Set he as the place on fire

  Seemed that like huge funeral pyre.

   

  Birds there flew to save their lives

  Sounds they made then reached the skies.

   

  Fire as raged there thick and fast

  Cried wildlife there then thus trapped.

   

  Soon the scene turned inferno

  Came dwellings all crumbling down.

   

  Turned in no time burning coal

  Garden meant for queens to cool. 

   

  Hanuman in all eagerness  

  Waited to take Ravan’s men

  Expected to confront him.

   

  Canto 42 - Panic in the Town 

  To the sound of falling trees

  Woke up Lanka from siesta.

   

  Cried as flying birds all then  

  Cuddled all Lankans in panic.

   

  Reached as tongues of flame to skies

  Rushed out Lankans from their homes.

  So to put the fear of death  

  In them into giant he turned. 

   

  Ran to Seetha women in fright  

  Hoping that she  throws some light.

   

  Tell us Seetha what thee know

  Why this fiend did came to us?

   

  Fear thee have none to tell us  

  What was that he spoke to thee?

   

  Playing her cards close to chest

  Countered Seetha them all thus:

  How can thee ever expect me

  Privy to thy demonic tricks? 

   

  Find as serpents their kindred

  Thou should know him from his ways?

   

  If thou let me I surmise

  Demon some could be on roll now.

   

  Ran as some to Ravan then

  Went round some to see debris.

   

  Appraised Lankans then Ravan  

  About the fiend that came to town.

   

  O Lord Ravan came vanar

  With whom Seetha spoke for long.

   

  Pressed as we her long ’n hard

  Preferred she not to divulge things.

  It’s quite likely that vanar

  Is one sent by her own man.

   

  Garden that is Lanka’s pride

  That is after thine own heart

  Razed that vanar to the ground.

   

  In spite of the fire he set

  Sits as Seetha though unfazed, 

  What else it’s but his miracle

  Touch her none those tongues of fire?  

   

  Clearly it was his intent

  To see that Seetha was not hurt.

   

  Sits still Seetha in cool shade

  Right under the tree thus spared. 

  That he conferred with Seetha

  And caused arson in thy land

  Feel that fiend hath doubly sinned.

   

  Thus we feel O Lankan king

  Spare thou must not that simian. 

   

  Words those uttered by his folk  

  Made then Ravan fume in rage. 

   

  Scorch as if to  all three worlds

  Burned he like the mid-day sun. 

   

  To restrain vanar on rampage

  Committed Ravan his panzers.

   

  Eighty thousand strong it was

  Force he sent to take Hanuman.

   

  On their way to pin him down

  Armed they all were to the teeth.

   

  Went they all to have a go

  As if to keep date with death.

   

  Came as he in striking range

  Spears they threw all at him sharp.

   

  Closed in they all soon on him

  With their swords ’n clubs as well.

   

  Itching for a fight with them

  Hit the ground with tail Hanuman.

   

  Grew then Hanuman all the more

  Slapped he arms his to scare them.

   

  Sound that traversed to high skies

  Made birds drop dead
in their scores.