155. Duel between the vanara brothers - First round.

                 Rama stared at Sugreeva with an amusing smile and then nodding his head took-up his bow. Then he took an arrow from the quiver and locked it to the bow. Then he aimed at a sala tree, and darted that arrow. The twang of his bowstring reverberated in all directions like a very loud thunder. The golden arrow released by Rama perforated NOT one but ALL the seven sala trees. And after perforating all the seven sala trees, the powerful arrow leveled the areas of the mountain, and then entered the earth. A moment later it emerged from the earth and swiftly rested in the quiver of Rama.
Comment.              
            Some experts on Valmiki Ramayana interpret the course of the arrow as under:
     That arrow not only drilled one tree as asked by Sugreeva, but all the seven, and also a mountain from peak to core, and even entered the seventh earthly plane, that which is beneath the sixth plane of the earth, where atala, vitala, sutala, paataala, rasaatal, talaatala are the names of the six strata of earth.
End Comment
               Sugreeva was profoundly flabbergasted by this demonstration of the capability of Rama. Sugreeva was so stunned and dumbfounded he was speechless. With tears (of joy, amazement astonishment etc.) running from his eyes he kneeled while his ornaments dangled, and prostrated before Raghava with his head touching the feet of Rama. Overjoyed with that deed Sugreeva told Rama "You have now demonstrated that you are abundantly and absolutely capable of eliminating even all the gods including Indra.  I am now satisfied that liquidation of Vali would be a child's play for you. I am now feeling extremely happy that I got you as my friend.
                "Oh, Rama, I humbly request you to eliminate that enemy of mine in a brother's semblance for my happiness."             Hearing that Rama embraced Sugreeva and replied "Okay, my chum. Let us go to Kishkindha pronto. Oh, Sugreeva, you go in advance, and challenge your brother Vali for a duel." 
               They all jaunted off merrily with imbued confidence to Kishkindha, the city of Vali, and hedged themselves in the thickets of forest trees (within the bounds of the area covered by the curse of the maharishi Matanga) and waited. Sugreeva firmly tightened his girdle-cloth for the duel and proceeded ahead and shouted boisterously inviting Vali for a duel. Vali was incredulous to hear the call for a duel since the shouting voice of Sugreeva appeared as though to crack the sky. At the same time Vali became infuriated and rushed out impetuously of his palace chambers.
              Then a very tumultuous and awful fight occurred between Vali and Sugreeva. Those two brothers who were convulsed in frenzy battered each other with their thunderbolt-like palms and lightning-like fists. Then Rama wielding bow in his hand watched those two valiant brothers who were alike in their appearance, like the Ashwin twins among gods. Due to this reason Rama could not differentiate between Sugreeva and Vali, and as such he could not take any action to kill Vali. Meanwhile Sugreeva was not able to withstand or counter the thrashings of his brother, Vali. As a result he ran away to the area that was out of bounds for Vali.
Vali, therefore, returned to his place.
           Sugreeva went straight to Rama. Sugreeva felt ashamed and as such could not face Rama.  Looking down he told Rama in a piteous voice, "Showing your dexterity you encouraged me to invite Vali for a fight, but you got me battered by my enemy. Why have you not taken any action? You should have truly made it known at that time, Raghava, that you would not kill Vali, then I would not have come here, to Kishkindha."
          Rama, looking kindly at Sugreeva and replied softly
"Sugreeva, my dear friend, please listen. I will explain the reason why I did not take any action against Vali. Both of you brothers look very much alike in ornamentation, attire, physicality and movements. There in no difference in the voice, bodily glow, way of looking, also in bravery and in speech. I, therefore could not take any action.
           "You have some identification for yourself so that I will not mistake you for Vali." Then Rama told Lakshmana "Lakshmana, please pick up a gaja creeper around there. They are very beautiful to look at.  Please garland Sugreeva with that."
            Lakshmana did that, of course. With that garland around his neck, Sugreeva shone forth like a black rain cloud against a backdrop of rich ochry colour of sunset, and with a train of herons adorning that cloud like a garland. Sugreeva felt that the garland has made him feel more strong and confidant. He also felt that his physique became effulgent by that garland. With a sense of an increased confidence Sugreeva started to meet Vali for the last time. Rama, Lakshmana and the other vanaras accompanied him.
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154. Sugreeva's misgiving about Rama's capability.

                 Sugreeva did not know what to say or how to thank Rama. On an impulse he started to adore and extol Raghava "It is doubtless that you will burn down everything when you are angry, like the blazing sun at the end of an yuga, with these arrows of yours that are highly blazing, incisive and invaders on stealthy places.
                  "I feel that you should be made aware of all the relevant aspects about Vali, like as to how impetuous he is, as well as to how strong, brave,courageous etc. he is. After hearing about him you may decide the course of action against him. 
                 "Every day before dawn Vali hops from western ocean to eastern, as well as from southern to northern for offering water oblations to the rising sun.
                "For exercise he climbs high mountains and sometimes rends their greatest peaks and volleys them up and catches them, as though they are play balls. He used to personally fell many sturdy trees of diverse origins by his mighty hands.
                 "Let me tell you about the amusing anecdote about one rakshash called Dundubhi vis-à-vis Vali. The normal guise of that rakshash Dundubhi was that of a buffalo. His size was so huge like Mt. Kailash and his strength was said to be that of thousand elephants.
                "Born quite strong, he enlarged his strength and allied capabilities by the boons bestowed on him. This made him headstrong and more evil-minded. He fancied to establish that he was the most powerful in all the worlds.
               "He thought that the lord of rivers, namely the Ocean was considered as the most strong. By beating him (Ocean) in a duel he (Dundubhi) will be acclaimed as the most powerful. The Ocean diplomatically declined by saying
'I am not capable to give you a fight as I am not more competent than you. However, there is one who is not less strong than you and you may fight with him. He is the one who gives sublime shelter for sages and the father-in-law of Shankara. He is well-know by the name Himavan, the king of mountains, and he embodies great cascades, cataracts, and caves, and he alone is capable to accord a matchless happiness to you in the form of a fight.'
                  "Dundubhi was happy to note that the great ocean was afraid of him. Then he went to Himavan like an arrow darted from a bow. There Dundubhi started to blare discordantly and boisterously.  He also started to toss very huge rocks resembling white elephants, severally. Then the gentle and delightful Himavan looking like a silver cloud came out and told the rakshash 'My dear fellow why are you bothering me?  I am just a shelterer of sages. I am not used to fight and I have never fought with anybody.' 
                Dundubhi grew more arrogant to hear the submissive words of Himawan. The rakshash shouted disdainfully at Himawan 'Whether you are incapable to fight with me, or not venturing me as you are scared of me is not my concern. Tell me who can really give me a very combative fight.' 
             Himavan thought for a while and replied Dundubhi with a smile 'Oh, my dear fellow, you better try Vali. He is Indra's son. He is said to be brave and glorious. He is now ruling the pompous city Kishkindha. He is said to be highly intelligent one besides being very strong and has fought many duels. I understand that nobody has defeated him.'
            Dundubhi then came straight to Vali's city Kishkindha in the guise of a buffalo with sharp horns that was awe-inspiring. At the gateway of Kishkindha he bellowed clamorously like a war-drum as though to quake the earth. He started uprooting the trees around there, scooping the earth with hooves, and insolently goring the gateway with horns like a goring elephant.
                "Vali who was resting in his palace chambers with his courtesans became intolerant to hear that noise. He came out followed by his ladies, like the moon with stars. Seeing the cause of the nuisance was Dundubhi, Vali asked him the reason for causing the disturbance. He also threatened Dundubhi with dire consequences if he did not go away immediately.
               "Dundubhi retorted 'I was told that you are quite valiant and strong, but I now see you shouting at me hiding behind the skirts of ladies. If you are really as strong and mighty as I have been informed, come out and fight with me. If you do not have the guts then continue to hide behind the ladies and unrestrainedly delight yourself till morning in your voluptuous gratifications and bear up my rage for this night, oh, coward.  Also embrace all the vanaras and bequeath appropriate endowments to them, and you may bid adieu to all your people as the king, as you may not see them later. Look at the Kishkindha city for the last time tonight, and make someone very capable as in charge of the city, and also rejoice with the females till sunrise as there is no tomorrow to you.
              "'To kill you now will be a child's play for me. But, I, being a highly honorable person, hereby spare you because you are drunk and do not possess any weapons. At dawn, I am going to kill you.'
              "Hearing that Vali laughed that rakshash off. Then he discharged all the females, and told Dundubhi 'Drink and rejoice with females will no way inhibit my strength or capabilities. Consider this drunkenness of mine as the toast of a gallant fighter in this deadly fight.' 
              "Saying so the enraged Vali adjusted the golden chest-pendant (which was given to him by his father Mahendra) around his neck on to his chest and steadied himself for the fight. Then Vali came out and took effortlessly that mountain-similar Dundubhi by horns, and booming highly he whirled and bumped him onto the ground. Vali repeatedly whirled and thrown him onto the ground. Blood gushed out copiously from the ears, nose and mouth of Dundubhi. Somehow Dundubhi managed to revive. The fight between them was very gruesome. Vali who was similar to Indra in his fortitude fought with that rakshash with his fists, knees and feet, and as well as with boulders and trees. After quite some time it became very clear that Vali was gaining over that rakshash.
Comment.
        Indra, the father of Vali had given Vali the goldern chest pendent. Whenever Vali wears it, half the strength of his opponent would be transferred to Vali. Hence, the strength of Dundubhi was depleted now. And the same was transferred to Vali.        
End Comment.         

             "In that unto death fight Dundubhi was lifted up and repeatedly pounded on the ground. In that process blood flirted out copiously from all the nine holes of his body. Shortly after that Dundubhi died.
             "Looking at the dead body of Dundubhi with derision,  Vali lifted the carcass of that rakshsh and swayed it with his hands and hurled him away in a single flick. While flying blood drops oozed from the mouth of the dead body and fell in the hermitage of the sage Matanga.
             "Sage Matanga was enraged to see the blood drops falling in his hermitage. He came out of his hermitage to find out how, why and where from the blood fell in his hermitage. He saw the mountainous buffalo lying on ground lifelessly. Blood was oozing out from all the holes of that animal. He realized from his ascetic power that it was Vali who tossed the cadaver of that buffalo.
             "Highly  infuriated, the sage released the curse on Vali to the effect that the whole of the Mt. Rishyamuka which was the sheltering wood of his (i.e. the sage), would be out of bounds for him who caused it stained with squirts of blood, and if he entered this place peradventure or otherwise, fatality would embrace him. By his hurling the body of this rakshash the trees were also completely destroyed. This angered the sage more. He, therefore, added a clause to his curse that he ( i.e. the person responsible for this, to wit, Vali) ought not to set his foot within a distance of one full yojana around this hermitage, and if that evil-minded one placed his foot then the main clause of the curse would take effect. He further added an additional clause to the effect that all of his (i.e. Vali's) friends who were dependent on his (i.e. the sage's) woods shall not live here and they should depart from it pronto.
             "Still not pacified, the sage added yet another clause to his curse that 'This forest of mine is always protected like my own son, and if the vanaras of Vali set foot on this forest for further destruction of leaves or sprouts, or for the fruits and tubers of this forest, or for any other reason, they too will be covered by this curse of mine.  And today is the day of limit and any vanara is seen here from tomorrow, will be petrified for many thousand years to come.'
             All the vanaras, who were subservient to Vali and living in that forest left immediately for Kishkindha. Seeing and learning from them the curse of the sage Matanga, Vali approached the sage and requested him to withdraw his curse.
             "The sage did not relent. As such Vali cannot set his foot on this mountain. He does not even wish to look at it.
On learning the inaccessibility of this forest to him I heaved a sigh of relief  and moved here in this great forest along with my followers. 
             "This huge heap of bones that is shining forth like a mountaintop is that of Dundubhi, which Vali once hurled without any difficulty. Also these are the seven enormous sala trees full with their branches, and Vali is capable to make each of them leafless to display his vigour, of course, one at a time.
              "Oh, Rama, I am apprising all this to you so that you would know how strong Vali is. Now knowing the strength of Vali, will you be able to exterminate him?" 
               Lakshmana was amused by this misgiving of Sugreeva. He, with a smile asked Sugreeva "What would you like Rama to perform which will instill confidence  in you as to the capability of Rama?"
              Sugreeva replied  "Vali used to agitate each of the trees, one after the other, on many occasions. If Rama can rend one tree out of the seven with only one arrow, then I can construe that Rama is not less competent than Vali. Lakshmana, if he lifts and kicks the skeleton of this dead buffalo by the might of his foot, and makes it fall at a distance of at least two hundred bow-lengths, then all the inhibitions in my mind about the strength of Rama would vanish."
                 Sugreeva noticed that Rama's eye-corners became red with anger. With a view to pacify Rama, he continued
"Vali is a mighty vanara, an intrepid one, who esteems his own intrepidity, and one who is well renowned for his might and tenacity, and in combats he is an undefeated one. Some of his deeds could not be emulated even by gods. In view of that I took shelter in this Mt. Rishyamuka. Concluding that the lord of vanaras Vali to be an unconquerable, unattackable, unsympathetic one I am not leaving this Mt. Rishyamuka. I am moving about these forests along with earnest ministers like Hanuman and other significant ones, only because I am disconcerted and sceptical of him. I chanced upon a laudable and true friend in you, oh, Rama, the patron of friends, hence I take shelter in you, oh, tigerly man, for you are the final resort for those seeking salvation, like Mt. Himavan. I know the might of that mighty and malicious brother of mine, and oh, Raghava, I am not quite aware of your might.
              "Definitely I am not examining, demeaning or intimidating you. Vali's macabre exploits caused cowardice in me. It is definite, oh, Raghava, your word, courage, and physique denote some sublime radiance in you, as with ash covered fire." 
               Rama smilingly replied "As you are unable to confide in the intrepidity and the capability of ours, I shall ingrain commendable confidence in you with some demonstration." 
             Rama, then casually flipped the skeleton of Dundubhi with his big toe, and flicked that withered body of the rakshash with his big toe to a ten yojana distance without lifting his foot.
            Seeing this, Sugreeva said "Oh, friend, at that time when my tired and tipsy brother Vali tossed this body it was unspoilt, wet with blood and full with flesh. Raghava, now this body is sleazy, without flesh, also rendered into a strawy condition. I agree that even in such a condition it must be quite heavy and you flipped it using only you big toe of your left leg. This demonstrates that you are now energetic.
             "As the carcass is now much lighter than when Vali hurled it, I am not able to assess your might vis-a-vis that of Vali. 
             "I will be satisfied about your might if you could rip off this one sala tree with a single arrow. After seeing you doing this all my inhibitions about your capability would vanish." 
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153. Sugreeva narrates the cause of enmity with Vali.

                  Sugreeva said "Vali is my elder brother and he was very dear both to my dad and myself. After the demise of our father, Vali succeeded him apart from the reason that he was the eldest son, all the ministers had glorified him immensely. I had no ambition for the crown and was very happy to see my dear brother Vali on the throne.  While he was ruling the great kingdom of my father and forefathers, I have always bowed down to him like a servant and stood by him. But, alas, the destiny decided otherwise. There was a fierce rakshash named Maayaavi, the elder brother of the rakshash Dundubhi and the son of the rakshash named Maya. For some reason I could not fathom, there was a great enmity between this Maayaavi and Vali.  I am not sure but I think it is because of some female. 
                When all of us were sleeping soundly in a night, that Maayaavi came to our kingdom Kishkindha and started shouting. We did not understand what that sudden high pitched sound was, as all of us were not fully awake. A few moments later we recognized that the voice was that of Maayaavi and that he was challenging Vali for a fight. Vali was furious primarily for the reason that he was disturbed in the middle of the night when he was at sound asleep. He got up and told us that he was going to accept the challenge and kill that rakshash.
             All the females and myself requested him not to go out for a fight at that time for the reason that he got up from sound sleep and as such may not be able to defeat that rakshash as he (Vali) might not have collected all his wits. But Vali spurned our remonstrances and stormed out. I accompanied my brother in order to help him if and when required. 
              The rakshash seemed to have taken aback to see both of us. Obviously he became nervous and took his heels. Vali pursued him and I followed my brother Vali. That rakshash suddenly dropped into a cavity in the ground covered with grass. On reaching that cavity, Vali told me "Dear Sugreeva, I am going and you stay here and be on the alert. Do not go away until I return after killing that rakshash."
             He did not agree to my request to accompany him. As desired by my dear brother, I waited and waited for over a year. Then on one day I noticed some blood with foam gushed out that hole. Then I also heard some sounds of screaming. The voice was NOT that of my brother. I, therefore presumed that the noise was the cry of victory by that rakshash.
              "Oh, friend Rama, I came to the logical conclusion that the rakshash vanquished and killed my brother. I, therefore, covered the cavity very firmly and performed water oblations to my deceased brother, and then returned to Kishkindha. 
              "Then all the ministers requested me to take over the throne. I was crowned.
              "Vali returned one day after destroying the enemy. I was very happy and welcomed him back effusively. I bowed with the crown touching his feet.  But he was terribly angry to see me as the king of Kishkindha. He arrested all my ministers. 

            "He was not prepared to listen to any of my explanations. He was very angry and shouted at me with many expletives. And summoning people and venerable ministers he hurled very abusive words at me. He told 'You all are aware that earlier the gigantic and rancorous rakshash Maayaavi challenged me for a duel on a night. I accepted and went after him. This brother of mine followed me. That Maayaavi ran away as he was fraught with fear on seeing me with my brother at my side, and he ran away and entered a great cavity in the earth.

               'I then told my brother that I would not return without killing that rakshash and asked my brother to wait at that cavity's entrance, till my return. Believing that he would be staying at the entrance of the cavity I entered that cavity. It took over a year for me to find that rakshash.  When I found him, I killed him along with all his relatives.
              'Unfortunately I found the cavity was plugged firmly. I also noticed that it was fully filled with the gushes of blood emanated from the mouths and bodies of that rakshash and his relatives. I could not see any exit. I shouted calling Sugreeva many times but I did not get any reply. Somehow, with great difficulty I managed to come out and arrived here. Now I find that this fellow Sugreeva has usurped my kingdom.'

               "He then ruthlessly banished me, then and there in the court itself. I was not allowed to take anything, even a change dress. I, therefore ran out of Kishkindha with a single clothing on my body. Then I learned that he nonchalantly appropriated my dear wife, too. He threatened to kill me, too. I came to this mountain Rishyamuka, because Vali cannot set his foot here due to some another reason.

                 "Now you know that I was punished for no fault of mine. Oh, Rama, I beseech you to protect me from my unreasonable but very mighty brother, Vali, who is all set out to erase me from this world."

                Rama told Sugreeva "I will assuredly protect you, my friend. I see how you are deluged in a sea of sadness, but I will make you to get over that sea, and you will definitely regain abundantly whatever you lost." 

              Sugreeva was very happy to hear those words of Rama.

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152. Sugreeva shares his plight with Rama.

                  Sugreeva replied Rama "That rakshash Ravana was going southward with your Seetha. Truthfully I hereby promise  you, my dear friend, I will make an all-out effort to find where Seetha is and also to help you to get her back.
                 "I, too, am in somewhat similar position as you are. I, too, have this yearning caused by the separation of wife. But I did not despair like you, nor I have forsaken my courage and hope. Though I am a primitive vanara, I am not totally disheartened for the usurpation of wife. I am not presumptuous to advise you, who is very well read and courageous. However, there is no point to get disheartened and weeping.
                 "Please do not think that I am preaching or instructing you. I am just telling a benefiting and friendly thought."
                 The kind words of Sugreeva solaced Rama greatly. Rama dabbed his eyes and gave Sugreeva a thankful smile. Rama rallied back to his normal demeanor and embraced Subgreeva. Then he thanked Sugreeva by saying "Sugreeva, a friendly obligation was discharged by you in a benefiting and befitting manner at the time of need. Your are not only a friend in need but a friend in deed, too. Oh, friend, I steadied myself in my own nature on hearing you. I am very fortunate that I got you as a friend, as it is very impossible to get a friend like you especially at these times. Your immediate endeavor is to locate where my dear Seetha is."

                  Sugreeva felt elated by the praise of Rama. In a very happy mood he replied Rama "When you who has all kinds of endowments and good virtues are my friend, doubtlessly I am worthy to be blessed by all gods in everyway. There is no doubt that with your help it will be possible to achieve even the kingdom of gods. As such I need not worry any longer about my kingdom or afraid of my own brother Vali."

               Sugreeva then looked around and went to a well flowered sala tree not far off from there, covered with some leaves and bedecked with honeybees. Sugreeva broke off one branch of that tree with adequate leaves and looking quite charming. He then came back and spreading it out and indicated Rama to sit on it. After Rama, Sugreeva also sat on it facing Raghava. Hanuman followed suit and brought a branch of a sala tree for Lakshmana. 

          After settling comfortably on the branches of the sala tree, Sugreeva started telling Rama about his plight vis-à-vis with his brother Vali "My brother calumniated me and snatched my wife. He tried to kill me. As he is much more powerful than me, I eluded him and moved over to this mountain Rishyamuka. Affronted by my brother, I have become his enemy. I am living here and trembling with fear of him, all the time. Now that you have become my friend I seek your protection from him."

                 Rama smiled and replied "Helping is the fruit of friendship while harming is enemy's trait. I wish to free you from the fear of your brother Vali once and for all. I would like to kill him, and kill him today itself."

              Sugreeva was very pleased to hear Rama's assurance and told Rama "Rama, I am completely immersed in sadness and your assurance has cheered me up. 

              "My brother Vali deposed me from my kingdom for an unreasonable reason, oh Rama, and speaking harsh words he peremptorily banished me. He seized my wife who is loftier than my life. He tried many times to annihilate me, but, I killed those combatant vanaras sent by Vali to kill me. I thought that Vali sent Lakshmana and you to kill me. That is why I did not wish to be seen by you when I saw you. Though I am engulfed in tribulations I still sustain myself so far due to these vanaras like Hanuman , who have come with me and protecting and helping me in every way they can. These friendly vanaras are guarding me all over, and wherever I go they go along with me, and if I were to stay they too will stay.

             "Rama, this is my sad-story in brief. I kept it short as a detailed one may be too tedious for you. I may however, add that my elder brother Vali is very powerful and a renowned one for his intrepidity. His end would end all my distress and my later life and quietude depend on his destruction."
            Rama asked Sugreeva "I would like to know what caused the enmity? I am interested to know the details. After knowing the cause of the enmity, and evaluating upon the strength and weakness of the cause of enmity, as well as the enemy himself, I will evolve the appropriate means to obliterate him."

            Sugreeva was surprised as well as pleased to hear that Rama wanted to know the details of the cause of the enmity between Vali and himself. Then with a happy countenance Sugreeva started to tell Rama about the cause of the enmity between Vali and himself.

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151. Rama and Sugreeva became friends.

                  Hanuman took both the princes straight to his master Sugreeva and told him "Oh! Sir, this is Rama and the other one is his brother Lakshmana. Rama is the son of the great king Dasharatha of Ikshvaku dynasty. Rama came to the forests of dandaka along with his wife and his brother Lakshmana due to certain compelling reasons.
               "Ravana stole the wife of Rama when dwelling in the forests. He has come seeking you in this regard. These two brothers Rama and Lakshmana, are desirous to make friendship with you. I suggest that you agree to that as it will be very advantageous to you, too." 
               Sugreeva readily agreed and told Rama "Sir, I consider it a great honour to become your friend. As a mark of my friendship, hereby I extend my arm. Take this hand of mine into yours and let the convention be stably made fast." 
              Rama gladly clasped the extended hand of Sugreeva, and ardently abiding by the vow of friendship he embraced Sugreeva, grippingly and happily.
              Then Hanuman produced fire with two sticks and then made it to glow. He then decorated, worshipped the fire with flowers, and then gladly and devoutly placed that fire in between Rama and Sugreeva.
              Then Rama and Sugreeva  performed circumambulations to that well glowing ritual fire, and thus entered into the pact of friendship.

              And then Sugreeva snapped off and spread a fully flowered tree-branch of sala tree with many leaves, and sat on it along with Rama. Then Hanuman the son of Vayu, gladly gave a well-flowered branch of sandalwood tree to Lakshmana. Then that delighted Sugreeva with his sweet words, and with his eyes quavering in happiness, told Rama softly "Rama, I am ridiculed, stolen is my wife, I move here about in these forests with dread and fear haunting me. I took refuge in this impenetrable forest. It is my own brother who denounced me. He has declared me an enemy of his. Because of that I am living in these forests with scare and fear, and with dismayed vitality. I fervently entreat you to protect me from my powerful and mighty brother Vali." 
                Rama nodded and replied with a smile "A friend is the resultant factor of helpfulness. Also a friend in deed is a friend indeed. I certainly will eliminate that Vali, the abductor of your wife. The arrows of mine are unfailing and scorchers like sun, sharp ones tied with eagle feathers, similar to Indra's Thunderbolts, sharp are their point and straight is their egress, similar to enraged snakes, and these arrows of mine will be sped up to fall on that vicious Vali. 
               "You may visualize now itself the falling of Vali like a splintered mountain onto the ground, when completely ruined by these cruel arrows that are similar to venomous snakes." Thus Rama inculcated confidence in Sugreeva.
                The assuring words of the confident Rama appeased Sugreeva, who became completely satisfied told Rama "By your grace, Dear Rama, let me regain my wife and kingdom." 
              During the friendly conversation between Rama and Sugreeva, the left eyes of Seetha, Vali and Ravana that bear similitude with lotuses, golden orbs, and fireballs respectively fluttered equally.
Comment.
 The flutter of left eye to the male is considered a bad omen while to the female it is a good omen.
End Comment. 
Sarga 5
                 Then Sugreeva having got such a mighty ally grew more and more happy every moment. In a highly ecstatic mood he told Rama "My best minister Hanuman who seems to have become your most adherent follower informed me of the reason for which you have come to the forests along with your wife and your brother Lakshmana. I also learnt that while living in the forest, a rakshash took away your dear wife when you and your brother were not with her.
                  "And he also said about that rakshash killing the eagle Jataayu who was trying to save your wife from that rakshash. I, hereby assure you that very shortly I will find where your dear wife is and will retrieve her, like the retrieval of Vedic Scriptures.

Comment.
When four Vedas were stolen by the twin rakshashas called Madhu and Kaitabha, Vishnu retrieved them, in his Fish incarnation. Again when rakshash called Somakaasura stole them, Vishnu in the form of Hayagreeva (Horse-faced Divinity), retrieved them. 
End Comment.                

            "Oh! Rama, I will fetch your wife to give her to you wherever she may be, in netherworld or even in the empyrean world. Now consider that your wife is as good as an indigestible foodstuff made with poison, indigestible even for Indra.
             "Oh! Dear Rama! In fact I saw your wife when she was being carried away by the rakshash. She was crying piteously calling 'Rama, Rama...' and also calling 'Lakshmana...' and she was writhing in the flanks of that rakshash Ravana like the wife of the serpents' lord. I saw her when I, with my ministers were on the cliff of the mountain. On seeing us she dropped the upper cloth of her sari along with some jewellery.
            "We took those jewellery items and stored them safely. I will get them and you may confirm whether they, in fact, belong to Seetha." 
                Rama was surprised as well as pleased and said eagerly "Get them quickly, my friend." Sugreeva went in and brought the jewelry covered by the sari cloth. Taking and seeing them Rama's handsome face became like a mist filled moon, and his eyes brimmed over with tears. He could not contain his anguish for Seetha, but at the same time happy to see the ornaments. However, the separation from his dear better half was so excruciating, he fell on the ground wailing 'oh, dear... oh, dear...' The more he hugged those decorative ornaments close to his heart, the more he hissed like a wrathful serpent in a snake pit. With the unending rush of tears he saw Lakshmana at his side and started to wail piteously. "Lakshmana, see this upper cloth and these ornaments of Vaidehi, shed from her body and dropped onto the ground while she was being carried away. Seetha must have definitely dropped these ornaments onto pasture land, for they appear to be in their original shape, without any dent or any other damage." 
                   Lakshmana nodded in agreement and commented "I have not seen the earrings or the bracelets. Except en passant I have never seen her face in detail. But because I always salute her feet I definitely recognize these anklets well."
                Rama nodded and turning to Sugreeva and asked him "Please tell me towards which country that rakshash was going along with Seetha."
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150. Hanuman meets Rama and Lakshmana.

             After carefully thinking for a while about the best and most appropriate guise with which to meet the humans, Hanuman decided upon that of an ascetic. Descending the mountain, the ascetic Hanuman walked towards Rama and his brother.
            On nearing them Hanuman stopped before them and looking at them askance and greeted them softly and well pleasingly like a widely read scholar (which he actually was). He then asked them politely "You two look like kingly saints, as well as deities by your build and also ascetics with best vows. Mind telling me why you two are wandering in this wilderness.
            "Is it because you like watching the trees grown on the banks of Pampa from all over? It seems that owing to your presence on these banks make this river Pampa with its propitious waters to shine forth. By look you two seem to be kshathryas, but you wear jute-cloths. With your mighty shoulders and other lordly features all beings in this forest seem to be scared of you.
           "Both of you look dauntless, bold and brave and your sharp glances resemble that of a lion. Wielding bows like that of Indra's bow you must be the the real enemy destroyers. Your glorious, splendid and courageous appearance resemble a Sacred Bull.  Your arms look like the trunk of an elephant and your resplendence suggest that you are foremost among men. 
            "Eyes of yours are like fine lotus petals. Are you superhumans?  But, you wear tufts and braids! Are you some undaunted human ascetics? And, you two look alike! Are you from some world of gods?" 
              Hanuman waited for their reply, but he got only silence. Obviously, Rama was assessing Hanuman. When he did not get any reply, Hanuman continued "I wonder why you two are keeping silent. Okay! I will continue. One vanara named Sugreeva, who is virtuous and worthily among all vanaras is expelled by his brother Vali, for an unreasonable reason.
               "I and some more vanaras hold Sugreeva as our king. He has sent me to you. My name is Hanuman, another Vanara. Our king, the righteous Sugreeva is desirous of making  friendship with you two. I am a vanara, too and one of his ministers. I am the son of Vayu (Air-god). I came here from Mt. Rishyamuka in an ascetic's form as desired by that Sugreeva.  I can wend my way by my will, and wear any guise as I wish." 
              After saying what he wanted to, Hanuman waited patiently for a reply. Hearing all those words said by Hanuman, Rama nodded with a smile and told his brother Lakshmana "Lakshmana! He says that he is a minister of that king of vanaras, Sugreeva whom I desire to contact, but he himself seems to be desirous of meeting us on his own. Soumitri, this minister of Sugreeva seems to be very knowledgeable and a pleasant worded one. It is quite obvious that grammar is severally and comprehensively learnt by him. I find that that there was not even a single error in his long talk to us.
              "His face, eyes, forehead or brows, or other faculties of expression indicate that he is not only very knowledgeable but quite honest, too. I find his demeanor impeccable.
              "He has orderly refinement in speech that is remarkable and undelaying, and he speaks propitious words that are quite pleasing to the ears as well as to the heart. His speech is quite enthralling, too.
              "Oh,Lakshmana, without this kind of envoy, it would be very hard for a king to accomplish things in his ways and means. Such a subordinate is a treasure to a king."
               On hearing Rama, Lakshmana nodded smilingly and turned to Hanuman and said "The virtues of that great soul Sugreeva are known to us, oh, scholarly Vanara. As a matter of fact we have come over here to seek Sugreeva."
                Hanuman heaved a sigh of relief. He felt quite exhilarated. He asked the brothers "I am very happy to hear that. May I ask you what for you have come into these perilous forests which are hardly penetrable and abounding with many a serpent and animal?" 
               Lakshmana replied "The king named Dasharatha, a resplendent one and the patron of virtues was ruling the four-caste system with its, and by his own rectitude, for he is also bound within that four-caste system. There is none despising him, nor he despised any and for all the living beings he was like the Grandparent Brahma on earth.
               "And this is my eldest brother named Rama who is the  eldest son of that great king Dasharatha. For certain reasons he is deprived of his kingdom, and has come hither to dwell in the forests, followed by me and by his wife Seetha.  
               "My name is Lakshmana. My brother's wife was abducted by a rakshash.
               "One chap named Danu, son of Diti, who became a rakshash by a curse had said that Sugreeva, the chief of the vanaras here, is a capable one, and he will be able to lead us to that rakshash who abducted my brother's wife. Danu said that when he was released from the curse and was moving towards skyward.
             "In view of that we have come over here to find and seek a friendship with Sugreeva.
             "In case you have not heard about my brother Rama, I will tell you about him. He gave away riches in charity. He was very well known by all the subjects of the kingdom of our father and was acclaimed as the lord of this world earlier. Such a lofty prince now agrees to accept the lordship of Sugreeva. He is the son of one who was a patron of virtue and who himself was a shelterer, to whom Seetha is the daughter-in-law. Such a shelterer's son Rama now seeks shelter under Sugreeva. He is a virtuous one and protector of all the world, and also is the only refuge for all in earlier times. Such a prince called Raaghava, my mentor, is now seeking refuge from Sugreeva.  By whose beneficence all people are always delighted, he that Rama is now seeking benefaction from the lord of vanaras."
               After hearing Lakshmana, Hanuman said "Intellectuals of your kind, who have conquered anger and senses will be most welcome by the chief of vanaras Sugreeva, who will consider your advent as godsend. He who is made as an enemy, very much insulted, and banished from the kingdom by his own brother Vali, that Sugreeva is roaming about forests fearing him alone, his own brother Vali. He that son of Sun, Sugreeva, will render help to you two, joining forces of our like Vanaras in searching and finding Seetha. Please give me the honour of presenting you to Sugreeva."
              The brothers readily agreed. On discarding the ascetic's semblance that estimable son of Vayu, Hanuman assumed his own guise viz. that of a vanara, and taking those two valiant ones onto his shoulders he proceeded towards Sugreeva. 

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149. Hanuman is bid to meet Rama.

                   Wearing a very worried face, Sugreeva was watching the two brothers. He noticed that those two were wielding top-class  weapons and their bearing was quite audacious. And those two seemed to be coming towards the Mt. Rishyamuka. These observations made Sugreeva ambiguous and apprehensive. He was very much frightened, too and he felt a sinking feeling in his heart. He noticed that the other vanaras were frightened, too. He told his ministers "Here they come wearing jute cloths and move about in this forest deceitfully. I wonder whether they have been sent by Vali to eliminate me."
          Then he beckoned all his ministers and other vanaras and they gathered around him. Then Hanuman, one of Sugreeva's very able ministers, said "Sir, I feel that we need not worry about those two divine like humans. I am sure that Vali would not have sent them here, as he knows very well that no one can harm us in this mountain."
          Sugreeva was inclined to agree with Hanuman and said "Their arms are long, their eyes are broad and they are well armed with bows, arrows and swords. These two are like the sons of some divinity. Nevertheless, it is possible that they are sent by Vali. You know that Vali do have very many friends and these two may be his friends. I am afraid that trusting them absolutely without proper verification is an unpardonable mistake.
              "You know very well that enemies move in disguise and will trounce the complacently self-assured ones who relax caution due their own self-confidence, on the first opportune occasion. In such exploits Vali is an ingenious one.  And all kings will be observing many aspects of their enemies to eliminate them.
              "My dear Hanuman, go to them in some appropriate disguise, for your own guise would be distinguishable by Vali's agents. Talk to them and find out who they are, why they have come here etc." 

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148. Rama was highly perturbed at the thought of Seetha.

                  Lakshmana was somewhat startled to hear the tone with which Rama spoke to him. Scrutinizing his brother's anguished face, Lakshmana guessed the reason. The Pampa lake with full of Lotuses, costus and fishes looked extremely beautiful comparable with Seetha's face. 

                Rama conntinued "Oh! Soumitri, magnificent is this Pampa Lake with its cat's-eye-gem like waters, and with the fully bloomed lotuses and costus is beaming forth, along with many trees around her.

                "Oh! dear bro, see the forest of Pampa which looks very auspicious in its appearance.

                "But inexplicably my thoughts wander over dear Bharata and Seetha and I am very much distressed by the same.

                "Nevertheless it is very pleasant to look at this auspicious Pampa with its delightful forests overspread with many diverse flowers and cool water.

                "The entire area is shining very much with bluish and yellowish grassland with a variety of trees, with flowers covering it like flowery bed-sheet with variegated colours.

               "The treetops fully covered by flowers are very pleasing to the eyes and to the mind.
              "Oh! Soumitri, the breeze from the trees is quite invigorating and Manmadha, the Love God, prevails at this time, and prideful is this month with all trees with their fragrance, flowers, fruits and trees."

               In this manner Rama was describing the lake, trees, mountain, landscape etc.  Then he continued "I, who is already pervaded by grief, am now well tormented by the Love God, and this cuckoo that has happy calls is rather provoking me.

             "This gallinule bird happily calling in the forest brooks is making me uncomfortable with its calls, as the Love-god has already made me lovestruck. Earlier when we were in the hermitage, on hearing this bird's call, dear Seetha used to tell me to listen, and she herself was highly cheerful at this bird's calls. Very many amusing birds of that kind are flitting all over the trees, bushes, and creepers emitting very many sounds. Well mingled are these female birds with their male ones, for which they are well admired by their own flock, oh! Soumitri, and such birds are calling gladly together with the pleasing humming of king-bees.

                   "At the shore of this Lake Pampa rejoicing are these birds in groups, and these trees loaded with the mating sounds of the gallinule birds, and the callings of the male black cuckoos, while inciting me they are inspiring love in me.

                 "This spring season is burning me like fire with its fiery paraphernalia like the clusters of red flowers of hellebore that are akin to fireballs, the humming of honeybees that is alike the rustle of campfires, and the coppery red colour of tender leaves just sprouted that is identical to burning fire.

               "These things make me long to see my Seetha. Without her I feel that there is no point to continue to live. My dear Seetha has an enchantment for these enchanting woodlands bustling with koels up to their horizons, and Lakshmana, similarly enchanting is this vernal season to her.

                "This fire of grief born out of the throes of love, and furthered by the attributes of spring season will swiftly burn me down. Now, my Seetha in her absence is intensifying my agony, and this visible spring season, the remover of the touch of sweat too, is doing the same.

                "Overwhelmed with the grief of worry about that deer eyed Seetha, such as I am, I am burnt down by this cruel vernal breeze of forests.

                 "And these peacocks that dance here and there are shining forth with crystal like windows on their plumage, when up-shoved by the wind.

               "Those peacocks that are surrounded by their peahens and convulsed in love are intensifying longing in me, who is already muffled in love-longing. See! Lakshmana, on that mountain terrace this peahen longing for love is dancing along with her husband, that peacock. Spreading his beautiful wings and screaming as though joking,  that peacock is longingly running after his female. Definitely no rakshash has abducted that peacock's ladylove, hence he is dancing with her in these beautiful forests. Living in this flowering month is unbearable for me. Lakshmana, see the fondness between these animals and birds. See that peahen in her passion is following her husband.

                "Had she, that broad eyed lady Seetha, not been abducted, she too would have followed me in this way with an ecstatic love. See Lakshmana, while these forests are abundantly weighty with lovely flowers but they are of no use to me. Though these flowers on the trees are exceedingly beautiful they are falling onto the earth wastefully, along with the swarms of honeybees hovering over them.These blithesome birds appear to be inviting each other in mutual consent, and they are melodiously calling as they like, and this is causing love madness in me.

                  "Should this spring season be there too, where my dear one Seetha is living, she with her unrequited merriment will definitely be saddened like me. Definitely this spring season will not touch that place where she is; and even if this touches that place, how can that lady with black-lotus-eyes can possibly comport without me! Otherwise, even if the spring happens to be there where my dear Seetha is, what can that fine waisted lady do under threat by others?

            "When Seetha was with me, this crow flew into the sky and cawed much indicating Seetha's departure from me, and now sitting on the tree it is cawing presumably indicating early arrival of Seetha. This bird roving in the sky indicated about the abduction of Seetha. I hope that  this very same bird will now lead me near to that broad eyed one.

              "Oh, Soumitri, see those Karnikara trees blooming with beautiful flowers. Their tree-trunks on those southern hill-terraces of Pampa are highly splendorous to look at. That one, that kingly mountain which is ornamentally impregnated with ores and minerals is exhausting much mass of wondrous dust with the colour of its ores, that is drifted by the wind's speed. On the mountainsides, Soumitri, all over fully flowered are the exquisite Kimshuka trees, while their leaves are hidden under those reddish flowers, and with them that mountain looks like a mountain of fire.

              "See the splendorous trees of Pampa here, oh! Soumitri. Look, their branches bestirred by wind and bend onto the neighboring trees, as though to make them within the reach of climber-plants. And the climber-plants passionately bear upon those trees, like the doting of passionate women.

                "Oh, Lakshman, if only that devout lady Seetha is found, and all the three of us were to stay here, I wouldn't care about Indra's throne in Heavens or Ayodhya's throne. 

                "See the cool water of this Pampa Lake filled with blue lotuses, and with ruddy geese well moving in, and well venerated by the partridge birds. Well filled with waterfowls, curlew birds, and adored by great animals, this Pampa glistens very much with the pleasantly calling of birds. Seeing all these, I am very much kindled with passion and very much reminded of my dear wife, Seetha.
               "See that female deer along with the male deer moving there on those wonderful mountainsides. Then look at me, who is weaned away from such a beautiful eyed lady Seetha. And as such, my heart is further agonized on seeing these wide-eyed deer, and for not seeing her, the wide-eyed Seetha.

                "That youthful and decent lady though succumbed to suffering in forests used to look as though got rid of her sufferings, and as though a gladsome woman, and she used to speak to me, one smitten by her love, very fondly. What can I say in Ayodhya to that kind hearted lady and my mother Kausalya, oh, prince Lakshmana, when she asks 'where is she, my daughter-in-law? And how is she? '

               "Begone! Lakshmana. You may see Bharata, that affectionate one for his brothers. I will not be able to live leaving off Seetha." 
              Lakshmana became very distressed to see the utter misery of his dear brother Rama. He tried to console him by saying "Oh, my dear brother, please control yourself. Let safety betide you.
             "Try to remember only the fondness for the dear ones and keep in abeyance the sadness caused by separation.

             "We will surely find and crush that Ravana even if he goes and hides in the nether world, or still deeper world from there.

             "Cast-off your pathetic mood. You know very well that nothing can be gained without a try. Vehemence is might, and there is no superior might than vehemence and nothing is impossible for a man with vehemence. Vehement men do not regress in deeds, and taking hold of vehemence alone we can regain Seetha."

            The mere voice of his dear brother was very soothing to the mind as well as the heart of Rama. And his words acted as a powerful tonic to Rama whose mind was clogged with the distressing thoughts and his conscience marred by emotions. He looked fondly at Lakshmana and nodded with a smile. Then he got rid of pity and fondness, and derived courage to go ahead with confidence.

             Then both the valiant brothers strode forward majestically towards the Mt. Rishyamuka. 

             The chief of the Vanaras in the Mt. Rishyamuka, while meandering thereabout happened to see those two who were so amazing to look at and seemed to be coming towards that Mt. Rishyamuka, was frightened and petrified. 

On seeing those magnificent two, Rama and Lakshmana, the monkeys there around the Lake were frightened and fled towards the pious hermitage of the Sage Matanga, where no one with a nefarious intent can enter.

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147. Rama and Lakshmana goes towards Mt. Rishyamuka.

                   While Shabari was ascending to heaven with her own divine self-resplendence, Rama was wondering about the magnificence of the disciples of the maharishi Matanga. He shared his thoughts with Lakshmana with the words "We have now seen a highly astounding hermitage of self-controlled sages in which the deer and tigers are at home, and is adored by divers birds.
                   "Oh, Lakshmana, holy is our taking a bath in this holy Pampa Lake, for it is formed by the waters of seven seas, and even holier is our oblation of this holy waters to manes. What that was unpropitious for us is now completely abated by our holy bath and holy oblations.
                  "Mt. Rishyamuka which is beaming forth nearby, on which the son of the Sun, Sugreeva is living along with a few other vanaras. He is said to be hiding there out of fear from Vali. Now the next immediate action for us is to get into contact with that Sugreeva. With that end in mind, we will go to that spectacular Lake Pampa. Come on, Lakshmana. I am very eager to meet Sugreeva, for my next immediate enterprise called 'The search for Seetha' is under his aegis."
               Then both the brothers exited from that hermitage, and started marching towards the Lake Pampa. But on the way took a little diversion and entered into a lake called Matanga Lake.
             Both the brothers were quite composed and dispassionate until they entered the area around the lake Pampa. However, when they reached the shore of that ladylike lake, Rama was filled with sorrow. Nevertheless both enjoyed viewing that beautiful lake which was beaming forth with lotuses hemming in from inside, and trees like Tilaka, Ashoka, Punnaga, Bakula, Uddala, are hemming it from outside.
             That lake wass huddled with delightful fringe lands and lotuses squeeze it from within, and its water was plethoric and crystalline, and its sand was softish all over. It was beautified with packs of fishes and tortoises, and packs of trees on its banks, on which climber plants were wraparound like the ladyloves of those trees. And that was adored by the beings like sylvan, reptilian, celestial, georgic, and elfish beings, and it is overcrowded with trees and tendrils, and it is a trove for fairish and goodish water.
The lotuses of the lake were rich in their fragrance, and with the heaps of clusters of reddish, whitish, and blackish lotuses, and with such pinkish, whitish, and reddish lotuses the sheet of water was like a picturesquely painted canvas and it was surrounded by the orchards of flowered mango trees and sounded much by the screams of peacocks.
               Then both looked at the mountain renowned as Rishyamuka which was abounding with colourful ores and amazingly flowered trees. The highly valiant Sugreeva presided over that mountain. Rama then told Lakshmana "oh, Lakshmana, you make a headway for that chief of vanaras, Sugreeva."

                              End of Aranya Kanda

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146. Rama meets Shabari.

                 As suggested by Kabandha, Rama and Lakshmana started in the direction indicated by Kabandha. When they sighted the Pampa Lake they took the westward moorland of that lotus-lake Pampa, and after some time spotted the idyllic hermitage of Shabari.
                On getting at that hermitage and on perusing that  beautiful environment that was wreathed round with several picturesque trees, those two came nigh of Shabari. On seeing them that sublimated yogi Shabari instinctively recognized them and with folded palms, got up imperatively, and then she touched reverently the feet of Rama with both her palms, and then that of the sagacious Lakshmana, impressively. She gave them water for feet-wash and mouthwash, and other viands customarily offered to visitants. After accepting them with a show of immense pleasure, Rama inquired the anchoress, who was unflinchingly abiding in her duty, about her welfare etc. 
              Shabari replied "Just now, on your pleasing manifestation before me, my ascesis is accomplished, and now my birth is fructified completely, and likewise now my subservience to my mentors is well hallowed.
            "Oh, best one among men, now all my ascesis is fructified when I worshiped you in person, who is none other than the god among gods, and thus the heaven will also be there for me.
            "Oh, kind one, your blessed sight has sanctified me. And oh, endower of respect, by your beneficence I wish to go to those returnless worlds. I think my prayer to you is justified.
           "Divine aircrafts of unequalled refulgence had lifted those disciples of Sage Matanga in whose tendance I was in, to welkin on your arriving at Chitrakuta.
            "Those knowers of probity, highly providential, and eminent-saints have told me, 'Rama will come to this highly blest hermitage of yours along with Soumitri and you have to cordially welcome them as your guests, and on your seeing him you will go to best worlds, where merit remains undiminished.'
           "Oh, the best one among men Rama, thus I was told by those highly providential sages and I have gleaned various forest fruits and eatables that occur on the moorlands of Pampa Lake for your sake. After offering them to you, I would like to show you this holy place." 
            Rama nodded and told her "You and your preceptors' effectiveness has been told in effect from the wraith of the great souled Danu's son, Kabandha. I would be greatly pleased if you show me the hermitages personally. We certainly would fill our stomachs with the delicious fruits and other scrumptious eatables kept for us by you."
             On hearing those words of Rama, Shabari offered them the fruits and other eatables kept for them. Both the brothers ate them with great relish. Then Shabari started to show that unique woodland to both of them saying "Oh, Rama the delight of Raghu's lineage, this one is comparable to a crammed cloud that would be ever ready to yield much cherished cloudbursts, and compacted with animals and birds that are ever ready to enjoy seasonable rains, is that hermitage to which you have come, that way this woodland is well known as Matanga, meaning a cloud, or an elephant, or an elephantine cloud that showers blessings on all; and oh, highly resplendent Rama, you may see this snuggery nest, where those contemplative souls, my teachers, used to conduct oblations into the Ritual-fires, orienting and worshipping them with Vedic hymns.
                 "Where those great sages who were highly revered by me used to offer flowers with their extremely doddery hands in the worship the Altar of Fire; and this is that Altar of Fire raised at western end.
                 "Oh, the best one from Raghus, by the efficacy of the ascesis of my teachers these Altars of Fire are with incomparable irradiance, and even now they are irradiating all the directions with solemnity. See them. Enervated by dieting and straining the sages were incapable to go for sea bathing, and just at their thought process all the seven seas came close by, in coalescence.  See them.
Comment.
That is why Pampa Lake is held sacred. Instead of rivers going into sea, seas flowed back to form this lake for the sake of these old sages. Sea bathing is considered as the best, river bathing is of medium merit, and bathing with well or vessel water is so so, in terms of holy baths.
End Comment.            
            "On performing holy baths those sages had spread their jute cloths on those trees with their own doddering hands here at this place. Which garlands they have knotted together with black-lotuses and other flowers while they were worshiping gods, are really those garlands, and indeed there is no discolouration to them.
            "You have seen what is seeable and you have listened what is listenable of this woodland in its entirety. Now I wish to castaway this sheathe of soul, called my body. I desire to make that soul to move nigh of my teachers feet." 
            Rama was very much pleased to hear those duty-congruous words of Shabari  and said, "Astonishing is this hermitage and its inmates." 
            Then Rama looked benignly at Shabari who was firmed up in her faith towards her masters, and said "Oh, saintly lady, you treated me with utmost deference. You may go to your cherished worlds, where you can solace yourself with your masters."
            Thus that way said by Rama in consent, she who is wearing tufty-matted hair, jute-cloths, and deerskin as her clothing, she offered herself as an oblation into the Ritual-fire, and then like a flaring fire, she went to heaven alone.
Now she appeared as an angel bejewelled with angelic ornaments, wearing angle's wraparound and angelical flowery tassels, and bedaubed with suchlike cosmetics, and as with the scintillations of electric sparks she scintillated that province.
             Shabari who was a perfect yogin with perfected meditative concentration, now went to that sanctum locus where the blest souls of those sublime sages, namely her masters, saunter.

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