

Sundara Kānda - 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

F-9, 1-10-234, Ashok Nagar

Hyderabad – 500 020

Other books by BS Murthy

Benign Flame- Saga of Love

Jewel-less Crown – Saga of Life

Crossing the Mirage – Passing through youth

Glaring Shadow - A stream of consciousness novel

Prey on the Prowl – A Crime Novel

Stories Varied – A Book of Short Stories

Onto the Stage – Slighted Souls and other stage and radio plays

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

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

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."

Cantos of the Kanda

Canto 1 \- Hurdles in Skies

Canto 2 \- City in Clouds

Canto 3 \- Prelude to Entry

Canto 4 \- Foray into Fort

Canto 5 \- Life in Lanka

Canto 6 \- Precincts to Beat

Canto 7 \- Palace in the Plane

Canto 8 \- Pushpak's Prowess

Canto 9 \- Harem at Night

Canto 10 \- Women in Want

Canto 11 \- Qualms of Celibate

Canto 12 \- At Wits End

Canto 13 \- Errand in the Bend

Canto 14 \- Garden of Grief

Canto 15 \- Withered Flower

Canto 16 \- She is Seetha

Canto 17 \- Guards all Hideous

Canto 18 \- Ravan on Heat

Canto 19 \- Dame in Despair

Canto 20 \- Womanizer at Work

Canto 21 \- Steadfast in Love

Canto 22 \- Deadline to Death

Canto 23 \- Guards that Pander

Canto 24 \- Carrot and Stick

Canto 25 \- Hapless Soul

Canto 26 \- Wandering Thoughts

Canto 27 \- Dream of a Nightmare

Canto 28 \- On the Verge

Canto 29 \- Good Tidings

Canto 30 \- Hanuman's Dilemma

Canto 31 \- Rama's Ballad

Canto 32 \- Is it True?

Canto 33 \- Genesis of Exile

Canto 34 \- Swings in Mood

Canto 35 \- Winning the Trust

Canto 36 \- More of the Same

Canto 37 \- Aborted Move

Canto 38 \- Story to Tell

Canto 39 \- Doubts to the Fore

Canto 40 \- Repeats the Dose

Canto 41 \- Rampage in the Park

Canto 42 \- Panic in the Town

Canto 43 -Itching for Fight

Canto 44 -Takes on Prahastha's Son

Canto 45 \- Marshals in the Mire

Canto 46 \- Generals in the Dumps

Canto 47 \- Akshay's Life on Line

Canto 48 \- It takes Indrajit

Canto 49 \- Ravan's Darbar

Canto 50 \- Cause of Loss

Canto 51 \- Advice to Deliver

Canto 52 \- Placates the Sibling

Canto 53 \- Tail on Fire

Canto 54 \- Arson to Hurt

Canto 55 \- What of Seetha?

Canto 56 \- Havoc of a Take-off

Canto 57 \- Flight sans Hassles

Canto 58 \- Odyssey in a Nutshell

Canto 59 \- Pep Talk to Peers

Canto 60 \- Angad on Rebound

Canto 61 \- Eying the Madhuvan

Canto 62 \- Orgy in the Garden

Canto 63 \- Sugreev's Reading

Canto 64 \- Return of the Platoon

Canto 65 \- News in Brief

Canto 66 \- Tears in Torrents

Canto 67 \- Hanuman's Replay

Canto 68 \- Times of Hope

Yuddha Kanda

(War on Ravan)

Canto 01 - Embrace of a Gift

Canto 128 \- Coronation and After

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 forebear, 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 praises 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.

Doors 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

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

Pushpak'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.

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 full 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 passing 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 lived

Sans his spouse for so long now.

Felt glad Hanuman that he could

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 stupor 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 interest  
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

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  
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 palace 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 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  
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

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 thou 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.

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.

* Invoking Ram 'n Lakshman    
As well vanar Lord Sugreev,  
Laid who store on Lord Rama  
Thundered Hanuman at them thus:

Hanuman I'm Vayu's son    
Privileged to serve mighty Ram  
Lord of Koshal land there yore,   
None him in this world equals  
Sent by him am errand boy  
Smash I would now all thy heads.

Ravans in their scores even  
Match me not in battle skills,  
Slabs 'n trees are all I need  
For razing Lanka to the ground.

Watch as thou in wonderment    
Find I Seetha unhindered  
Leave then Lanka blessed by her. *

_*_ _These verses are the most_

_revered by the devout readers._

In the face of Hanuman then  
Saw there Ravan's men nadir.

Being loyal to their Lord  
Battle yet they gave Hanuman.

Unarmed as he flew in there  
For use as his makeshift club  
Pulled he latch of Lanka's gates.

With that latch so thick and strong  
Amuck he ran then amidst his foes.

In times yore as Indra did  
Slew then Hanuman them in scores.

Scanned he then the battleground  
To take on them who stood the ground.

Managed who then to escape  
Ran to Ravan with that news.

Slighting that as storm in teacup  
So to throw the book at Hanuman  
Sent then Ravan Prahastha's son.

Canto 43

Itching for Fight

None there left to give battle  
Prahastha's son as not yet reached   
Thought of future course Hanuman.

Thought he fit to despoil  
Hill like palace found therein  
Used for funeral pyres to lay.

Up the golden roof of it  
Hop step and jump he went.

Perched on top of that terrace  
Seemed he rivalled sun in skies.

Saw all those him stand up there  
Wondered how he reached those heights.

Grew he so tall that he touched  
Skyscape that was filled with clouds.

Slapped afresh he arms his strong  
Sound that made the guards all there  
Lose their consciousness en masse.

Prayed he Ram 'n Lakshman too  
Invoked he Lord Sugreev's grace.

Gaped as all those guards at him  
Addressed Hanuman them all thus:

Come may Ravans in thousands  
Won't I mincemeat make them all.

Over thy dead bodies now  
Go and I see Rama's spouse.

So to unnerve them further  
Roared he like thunderbolt.

Provoked by the daring of  
Intruder who challenged them,   
Rose to one man guards all there  
So to subdue who snubbed them.

Arrayed Ravan's guards well built  
Aimed they allied weapons at him.

Around the vanar thus they trapped  
Whirlpool like look had those guards.

Enraged by their act Hanuman  
Pulled he pillar of huge girth  
Of that structure of sky high.

Like a rod he twirled it long  
To ward off weapons they threw at him.

Sparks of friction emanated then   
Burnt that place all far and wide.   
Spoke thus Hanuman to those few  
Survived then his great onslaught.

Force ours realize hath thousands    
Match who would me bone to bone.

Know they all to smash thy heads  
Land would soon on Lankan shores.

Know a weakling of vanar  
Equals elephants ten no less.

Prowess elite force ours hath  
Such is that thou can't figure out.

Witness how all vanars would   
Come to kill thee with their nails.

It's thy ill fate that thy Lord  
Snaring Seetha to thy land  
Invited Ram's wrath on thee  
Hapless subjects of his State.

Canto 44

Takes on Prahastha's Son

Sent as he was by Ravan    
In time garden gate Prahastha's   
Son had reached to slay Hanuman  
Who by then came back to post.

Came thus Hanuman face to face   
With Jambumali that Prahastha's son  
Savage fiend that slain all dared  
Feared thus most the world over.

Bow his rivalled Indra's own  
Sent shivers it down enemies' spines.

Strung as he the string to test  
Of his bow to serve his cause  
Echoed its sound in high skies.

Driven in cart of four donkeys  
Came as Prahastha's son near him,  
Greeted Hanuman him in scorn  
Slapping hard his own thighs then.

Jambumali then lost no time  
Aimed he arrows sharp at him.

Missed no arrow its target  
Tip to toe was hurt Hanuman.

Bloodied face of Hanuman then  
Looked like flowering rose at dawn.

Hurt by arrows in their scores  
Mouth of Hanuman's coral red  
Looked like lotus in full bloom.

So to launch a blitzkrieg on  
Prahastha's son by Ravan sent  
Picked up some slab then Hanuman.

What he hurled at Prahastha's son  
Turned that then to pebbles latter.

Enraged Hanuman plucked a tree    
And javelined hard at Jambumali.

Aimed his arrows Prahastha's son    
Tree that just left Hanuman's hands.

Prowess such was Jambumali's  
Shot he arrows in their scores  
Missed none of them its target   
Chipped to firewood tree all that.

With the shield of tree thus lost  
To body blows of Prahastha's son  
Laid bare then all Hanuman frame.

Hanuman pulled a door latch then  
Leapt he thus at Prahastha's son.

Hit then Hanuman with that latch  
Chest of Prahastha's son that strong.

Blow that Hanuman dealt was such  
Broke all bones of fiend that strong.

Battered as by Hanuman then  
Lay dead Ravan's chosen one.

Heard as breaking news Ravan  
Of the death of Prahastha's son  
Went he into rare frenzy.

So to bring to book Hanuman  
Sent Ravan for seven Marshals  
Heirs apparent of secretaries.

Canto 45

Marshals in the Mire

Like the balls of fearsome fire  
Forthwith set out seven Marshals.

Famous for their fighting skills  
Went thy all for Hanuman's scalp.  
Drawn by horses that were swift  
Chariots theirs were made of gold.

Bows theirs were all gold plated  
Quivers of theirs were made of gems.

Enraged they all at the thought  
Scores of Lankans lost their lives  
In their own land at alien hands.

At the head of their force then  
Attack they led all from the front.

Like the darts of pouring rain  
Sent they arrows in their scores.

In the midst of that downpour  
Stood then Hanuman like a rock.

Rose as Hanuman to high skies  
Made he null and void those   
Arrows thus they aimed at him.

Battled as he them from skies  
Seemed he rainbow well therein.  
,

Thundered as he from high skies  
Shivered demons all there gathered.

So to make all those Marshals  
Bite the dust in battle dress  
Needed Hanuman just bare fist.

By the scare thus caused by him   
Demons all in scores then and there  
Died of stroke by awe they felt.

Those all at the fringes then  
Retreated to save their skin.

Looked the battlefield in time  
Like the burial ground to brim.

Formed as canals blood by then  
Flowed with force to hinterland.

Seeing backs of fleeing ranks  
Stood well Hanuman to take on  
Fresh forays of Lankan force  
Ordained by king Ravan next.

Canto 46

Generals in the Dumps

Pondered Ravan death over  
Chosen ones all in their scores.

Thought he then it fit to send  
Four star Generals to take on  
Vanar that was hard to beat.

Chose he Durdhar and his ilk  
Wage who war with lightning speed.

Said Ravan to his Generals  
Wise it's not to take chances  
With that vanar on rampage.

Use all thy wile to ensnare   
Him to bring thus to me live.

That he could slay best of us  
Makes him mighty foe no less.

For the havoc he had wrought  
Reckon I not him mere vanar.

Seems Indra with all his guile  
Shaped this simian our equal.

Subdued as we for him long  
Sense it makes to expect that  
Try he might to hurt us thus.

Need thou tackle this vanar  
With but joint move by thee.

Seems he ghost by Indra sent  
Doubt have I none in my mind.

Know I Vali and his tribe  
Give who can a hearty fight.

Yet they make no patch on this  
Simian shaped by Indra's wile.

Looks he like a superman  
Out to test our demonic strength.

All of thee though severally   
Could win over this simian  
Wisdom lies to take on him  
With the combined strength of thine.

Pays regardless though to press   
One shouldn't fail to guard his flanks.

Spurred on thus by king Ravan  
Pressed his Generals to the front.

Seemed it as an exodus  
Led as they their force varied.  
Came they face to face in time  
To face thus Hanuman lay in wait.

So that they could surprise him  
Pounced they all at once on him.

With no let the five all fought   
With their lightning arms to boot.

First to hit him was Durdhar  
With his arrows five so sharp  
Managed which all but to scratch   
Frame that giant of Hanuman then.

Took that Hanuman as affront  
Turned he skyward to confront.

So to engage in dogfight  
Made chariot his then Durdhar   
Airborne like a fighter jet

Wind as toys with clouds all  
Arrows all those of Durdhar  
Managed Hanuman to scatter.

Durdhar's job to make difficult  
Grew then Hanuman further more.

In time from high skies Hanuman  
Landed straight on Durdhar's cart.

Crushed as Durdhar therein lay  
Saucer turned his chariot huge.

With the fall of Durdhar thus  
Crushed he couple of more Generals.

Not to give up Ravan's men  
Hit all Hanuman in tandem  
With their maces on his chest.

Withstood he then their assault  
With no more than his bare first.

Enraged in the end Hanuman  
Plucked a tree large lay thereby   
With which he felled Ravan's men.

With the death of his peers thus  
Took on Hanuman Praghana then.

Bhasakarna too joined hands  
So to aid then Praghana's cause.

Threw as Praghana at Hanuman  
Sword his sharp with all his strength  
Bhasakarna sent lance his long.

Bled his body head to foot  
Hurt as Hanuman by them both.

Plucked then Hanuman some hillock  
With which he crushed them to bones.

Having killed all five Generals   
Slain he then the entire force.

In his fury then Hanuman  
Looked like Indra on rampage.

Littered by the corpses then  
Graveyard looked the battlefield.

Amidst the ruins of Ravan's hopes  
Stood like colossus Hanuman then.

Canto 47

Akshay's Life on Line

Heard as all of Durdhar's fall   
Akshay truly itched for fight.

Fell as Ravan's eyes on him  
Bowed his son with golden bow.

In his chariot made of gold  
Rode as Akshay to Hanuman  
Seemed he like the sun on move.

Wind God it beats at his game  
Akshay's chariot drawn by eight.

Custom built in heaven itself  
Out-maneuvers it all on earth.

Battles as he from that frame  
None can ever face Akshay then.

With such battle guard Akshay  
Went to confront Hanuman then.

Like the lion on hunt Akshay  
Looked at Hanuman as his prey.

Having met his match Akshay

Felt eager to fight Hanuman.

To tease the vanar to fight him  
Shot Akshay then three arrows.  
Failed as they to hurt his foe  
Saw the fight on hand Akshay.

Hanuman too then came to see  
Makes Akshay hard nut to crack.

Raged as battle between them  
Stopped all worlds to witness that.

Bull's eye hit those arrows three  
Aimed by Akshay at Hanuman's  
Head that he held ever so high.

Blood as spilled on his frame thus  
Made him seem the morning sun.

Enthused by the fight on hand  
Enhanced his frame then Hanuman.

So to account his foe's affront  
Destroyed vanar Akshay's force.

Angered at that Akshay then  
Aimed arrows in scores at him,  
Akin that was to downpour   
Of monsoon on mountain then.

Prowess at such of Akshay  
Shouted Hanuman his salute.

Went as the praise to his head  
Taunted Akshay Hanuman then  
To fight the one whom angels dread.

Hurt though he was by arrows   
Sent in rows by Akshay's bow,  
To take then on the daring youth  
Jumped up Hanuman high in skies.

With no respite to Hanuman  
Aiming arrows thick and fast  
As would hailstorm hill terrain  
Chased him all the way Akshay.

With his lightning reflexes  
Escaped arrows all Hanuman.

Taking Akshay's tender youth   
Though he was no babe at arms  
Felt like sparing him Hanuman.

But then Akshay was intent  
To take the vanar his captive.

Matchless prowess of Akshay  
Made the son of Vayu think  
Youth he was not meant to die.

Lad this Ravan's on his own   
Could bring gods 'n angels too  
Knees on to theirs in battles.

Battle that's on hand I now  
Looks he's gaining upper hand.

Fail if I now to confine him  
Shame me he would in no time.

No way out for me but now  
Than slay Akshay Ravan's son.

Killed as prelude then Hanuman  
Stallions eight of Akshay's cart.

Broke as Hanuman his vehicle  
Hors de combat turned Akshay.

Not the one to get daunted  
Kept up tempo still Akshay.

Eagle as an would have its prey  
Took hold Akshay's legs Hanuman.

Handled Hanuman then Akshay  
Washerwoman would as garments  
On some stone by waterside.

With the impact that it took  
Akshay's frame there lay tattered.

With the fall of Akshay thus  
Even Indra felt surprised.

To slay more of Ravan's men  
Lay then Hanuman there in wait.

Canto 48

It takes Indrajit

Aggrieved as by Akshay's death    
Thought then Ravan of sending    
Son his eldest who subdued  
Indra himself in battle.

Addressed Ravan his eldest  
Who could invoke that mantra  
To make his arrow Brahmastra  
And thus stun foes formidable.

With thy prowess at battle  
Beat thou all in battlefield.

With thy mystic powers and all  
None can harm thee in combat.

Is there any in all three worlds  
Hath who not heard of thy fame.

In the art of waging war  
Thou I know are my equal.

At the hands of this vanar  
Dared who challenge Lanka's might  
Warriors in their thous did die  
With the Generals at their head.

Wonder how did our Akshay  
In spite of his combat skills  
Come a cropper with vanar!

Wise it not to take him light    
Saw who end of young Akshay  
And such veterans from our ranks

Won't thy sight in battlefield  
Scare the mighty of all worlds.

Wiped as vanar our panzers  
Akshay 'n the five Generals  
Not to speak of seven Marshals  
Makes it no sense to expose    
More of our men to the same.

Using arms of thine varied  
Use there none to waste thy time  
Looks like none but Brahmastra  
Could take care of this vanar.

For the dharma of the land  
Won't let rulers fight the foes  
Having men to fill that role  
Constrained am I to send thee.

Takes as one the battlefield  
Killer instinct he should have.

Ravan's son then Indrajit

Rose to greet his revered dad.

Praised by all there to one man  
Felt then Ravan's son enthused.

On his errand Indrajit    
Seemed like tidal wave on move.

Got he onto his chariot  
Drawn by roaring lions all four.

With no further loss of time  
Reached straight Indrajit target.

From his aura knew vanar  
It was none but Indrajit  
And that he had fight on hand.

Posited himself Indrajit    
To take the vanar in his stride.

With the dust the lions did kick  
Filled was entire space in skies.

So to watch how Vayu's son  
Takes on one who subdued them,  
With their fingers crossed in awe  
Watched all gods there from high skies.

Sight at that of Indrajit    
Itched then vanar to engage   
Him in single combat who  
Done in Indra Lord of gods.

Tested Indrajit his bow  
Sound it made like thunderbolt.

In time Hanuman found himself  
Engaged at war of his life.

As a ploy to stall his foe  
Fought him Hanuman from the skies.

To make Hanuman his target  
Sent Ravan's son such arrows   
Wings which had to cruise in air.

Swift as Hanuman in escape  
Arrows all those got past him.

Sparred with some more Indrajit  
Managed Hanuman to thwart them.

As though to tease Indrajit  
Neared as Hanuman ever so close  
Shot then Ravan's son arrows  
With such aim to hit bull's-eye  
But swift as Hanuman in mid-air  
Kept he ever thus out of range.

Sight all this made exciting  
For all those who came to watch them.

Hanuman then was all at sea    
How to conquer Ravan's son,  
Latter too seemed have no clue  
How to tackle foe his strange.

Worried all looked Indrajit   
For his failure to bring down  
Foe of Lanka with his skills.

Realized Indrajit at length  
Hard it was to slay Hanuman.

So he thought it fit to use  
Brahmastra to stun Hanuman.

Invoked Indrajit Brahma  
Powers he arrow of his sharp  
To stun Hanuman out of wits.

With the power of Brahmastra  
Lay then Hanuman unconscious.

Hanuman by the blessings of  
Brahma his own grandfather  
In time regained consciousness.

Having realized Ravan's son  
Tied him with the Brahmastra  
Recalled Hanuman boon he got  
From Brahma to safeguard him.

How were Indrajit to know  
Made me Brahma exempt from  
Mantra invoked in his name?

Aware got he unshackled  
From the grip of Brahmastra  
Thought he fit to lay low then  
Out of respect for the Lord  
Brahma who gave birth to his  
Father Vayu rules who skies.

Feared not Hanuman Indrajit  
Blessed as he was by Brahma.

Taken he would be captive  
All too well then Hanuman knew.

Feigned as Hanuman in coma  
Sent men Ravan's son to him.

Chose as he to turn captive  
Lost no time then Ravan's men  
To tie his frame then tip to toe.

Wanting then to meet Ravan    
Hanuman bore the insults all  
Thrown at him by Lankans then.   
Soon as Lankans tied vanar  
With ropes made of strong coir  
Eased out its force Brahmastra.

Realized Indrajit in time  
Foolishness it was to use    
Ropes to augment Brahmastra.

At loss was thus Indrajit  
How to tackle Hanuman then  
Got who freed from Brahmastra.

Pricked as Lankans all the way  
Kept mum Hanuman in the hope  
Led he would be to Ravan.

Let thus Hanuman to take him  
Though he could have freed himself.

In time to the Lankan court  
Brought was Hanuman tied in ropes.

Took a hard look Ravan then  
At that vanar who looked strong.

In whispers then Ravan's court  
Wondered at the developments.

Angered were all those nobles  
Slew that he their kith and kin,    
Soon as they saw Hanuman thus  
Brayed all they for blood of his.

At the sight of Ravan's court  
The like of which he never saw  
Wondered Hanuman for his part.

Ravan as he saw Hanuman   
Pushed 'n prodded by his guards  
Seemed too nonplussed as it were.

Espied as he thus Ravan   
Had who aura of but God  
Stunned no end was Hanuman then.

Lost as Ravan his cool soon  
Wanted he to go to roots,  
Bid he thus his men enquire  
How come Hanuman did trespass.

Council as then questioned him  
Declared Hanuman that he came  
Sent by vanar Lord Sugreev

On an errand of import.

Canto 49

Ravan's Darbar

Stared as Ravan in dismay    
Looked at him in awe Hanuman.

Studded as it with rare diamonds  
Had king Ravan crown of crowns.

Garments Ravan wore were silk  
Ornaments on him all were gold.

Frills to its his dress scented    
Smeared with ash was his forehead.

Eyes of his so wide and sharp  
Turned they red by his rage then.

Heads he sported ten in all  
Seemed they all but as if one.

Wore as myriad chains of gems  
Dangled which on his bare chest,    
Made they rays of mid-day sun  
Peeping out of thick dark clouds.

Epaulets he wore seemed to crown

Hands his both so strong and long.

Sat thus Ravan on his throne  
Had that for seat smooth carpet.

Posited as he on high throne  
Fanned him damsels for comfort.

With their advice to render  
On call were his secretaries.

In the midst of those gathered  
Seemed he island in high seas.

Ravan in his darbar seem  
As though Indra held his court.

Stood then Hanuman gaping at  
Ravan at his splendorous best.

Though the pain of confinement  
Made him feel thus out of sorts  
Sight of Ravan made Hanuman  
Stare at him in wonderment.

Bowled over by Ravan's charm  
Thought over then Hanuman thus:

Can there be a king on earth  
Better who can the Ravan Great?

Were he not to foul dharma  
Is he not the one to rule  
In his right the heaven as well.

But that he is perverted  
World all made to pay the price.

Were Ravan to set his mind  
To destroy earth and heaven itself  
Power he seems to have for that.

Canto 50

Cause of Loss

Seeing Hanuman unshaken  
Smitten was Ravan by doubts then.

Wondered Ravan if bull god  
Cursed him when he shook Kailash  
Came in disguise to harm thus.

Or could he be that Banasur  
Came in form of this vanar?

Clueless as was Ravan then  
Prahastha he then addressed thus:

Wish I Prahastha thee find out  
Wherefore came this simian fiend,   
What was at his back of mind   
Spoiled when he our garden?

Trespass why did he Lanka  
Made him what to give us fight?

Assured Prahastha then vanar  
Harm him none would in Lanka.

Promised he then safe passage  
To trespasser there thus lay trapped.

Have thou come to spy on us  
Sent by gods from heaven itself?

Clear it's all from thy valour  
That thou art no mean vanar.

Mince no words 'n bare the truth   
That we could thee free forthwith.

If thou try to sidetrack us  
Know that will be at thy risk.

Hanuman in turn told Ravan  
That his trip had none to do  
With the gods that Lankans scorned.

Am I from the vanar ranks  
Came to see thee king Ravan.

Spoiled I know thy garden    
That thy guards would usher me  
To thy court O Lankan king.

Came as thy guards to kill me  
Slain them just to save my life.

Stunned as Indrajit me then  
With the aid of Brahmastra  
Blessed as I was by Brahma  
Came I soon out of its spell.

On my own I came to thee  
None as ever would contain me.

Know me as the one sent by  
Rama to make truce with thee.

Canto 51

Advice to Deliver

Unnerved continued Hanuman  
With Ravan who scared all gods.

Wishes Sugreev thou all well  
With the message that follows.

Help as it would thee all now  
Heed thee advice of my Lord.

Dasarath was a godly king    
Fame he earned for rule his fair.

Son his eldest Lord Rama  
So to honour his dad's word  
Gave up lawful right on crown.

For the help his wife the third  
Rendered him in some battle  
Gave word Dasarath to her then  
Honour bound he would be to    
Fulfill wishes three of hers,  
Came when time to crown Rama  
Sought as she crown for her son  
Went Ram with his spouse Seetha   
In tow with his brother Lakshman    
To Dandak woods on exile then.  
Janaka's daughter that worthy  
Woman that wed first Dasarath's son  
Kidnapped was she from those woods.  
With his sibling Lord Rama  
Went on searching for Seetha.

Came he soon to Kishkindha  
Made he pact with Sugreeva.

Vow as per his Lord Rama  
Slew the sibling of Sugreev  
Vali who stole wife of his.

Vali's valour world all knows  
Felled him but Ram at one go.

Got as Sugreev Vanar Crown    
Besides hand of Vali's wife  
Apart from his stolen one  
So to keep the word he gave  
To Lord Ram to find Seetha    
Sent he vanars in their scores   
Covering earth and heaven as well.

Find thou in the vanar ranks  
Valorous all in their thousands  
Conquer who could on their own  
Worlds all three there at one go.

It's me Hanuman, Vayu' son  
Flew the sea of hundred leagues  
To reach Lanka in search of  
Seetha kidnapped wife of Ram.

Scanned I Lanka's width 'n breadth  
Found I Seetha in the end.

O well learned king Ravan  
Is it fair for thee confine  
Wife of another in thy land?

It's no dharma for the king  
Breaks he rules of humankind.

Bodes it ill for all thy folk  
That thee annoy Ram and his  
Sibling who could destroy all  
And sundry as well at their will.

For thine unfairness to Ram  
In snaring loving spouse of his    
Sure to rue thy citizens all.

Send back Seetha to her man  
Pray heed advice of this mine  
Given in keeping thy interest.  
Fail thou heed my Lord's advice  
Found as I now in thy land

Seetha faithful wife of Ram  
Rest of it is left to him  
How to book thee for thy foul.

Being such a learned king    
Wonder how thou fail to know  
Seetha would prove thee costly.

Pays it to know Rama's wife  
Is not the one to get seduced  
By the vile of devil itself.

May thou live for ever so long  
Boon thou got from God Himself   
Fail if thee to mend thy ways  
Sure thou soon would come to grief.

Know the rider that God put  
For thee to keep death at bay  
Is on hand to see thy end.

In battles all with gods and such  
Boon hath it that come thou clean.

It's thy fate that failed thee true   
To seek no harm from men and us,  
It's thus Ram and we vanars  
Bring would thy end in combat.

Lay not as knives two in sheath  
So's the case with good and bad.

Blessed as gods thee for good deeds    
Punish they would now for foul acts.

How thou fail to see writing  
On the wall when Seetha's man  
Could slay Vali thy equal!

Rama if were to give nod  
For that matter I would now  
Sink thy Lanka in the seas.

Tied are my hands for Rama  
Vowed he would slay well in time  
Hands with his own who that dared   
Kidnap his dear spouse Seetha.

Spare would Rama not even  
Indra were to harm his cause,

What would come of folk like thee  
Were they to cross swords with him?

Know Seetha thou here confine  
Would cause curtains to come down  
On the Lankan stage of thine.

She's like the hangman's rope  
Brought by thyself to Lanka  
On thine own to hang thyself.

With her power of chariness  
Burn as well she might thy land.

Why drag down them all of them  
Hordes of wives and thy siblings.

O Ravan the Lankan king  
Heed thee advice of Sugreev.

Know Ram is no mere mortal  
Power hath he to destroy all  
Exists whatever in three worlds  
And bring life back onto earth.

In all races of worlds all  
None there equals him as man.

Makes it's no joke to join  
Battle with the god in him.

That thou hurt the god on earth  
Hope there none for thee in life.

In their bid to save thy life  
All three worlds if ever combine  
Yet Ram would make bite thee dust.

Destined if were one to die  
At the hands of Seetha's man  
Gods themselves know wash their hands.

Treating Hanuman's words ranting  
Lost his cool then Lankan king.

Canto 52

Placates the Sibling

In rage Ravan then ordered  
Hanuman be to put to death.

Stood up Vibhishan in dismay  
The sibling fair of Lankan king.

To stall the folly of the court  
Pleaded Vibhishan with Ravan.

To set Ravan in right frame  
Praised his sibling him to skies.  
Heed me learned king Ravan  
Fair it's none to kill Hanuman.

Kill if we one on errand  
Don't all we earn infamy?

Remind none thee O learned  
It's not how the king should act.

Swayed if thou by thine anger  
What would come of thy learning?

Thus O Ravan unrivalled    
Better be prudent in thy act.

Words at these of his sibling  
Hissed in anger then Ravan.

The way he acted mala fide   
It's no ill to kill Hanuman.

Would not let go Vibhishan  
Ravan on the path that's wrong.

Won't thee realize O learned    
It's no dharma to kill one  
Brings that missive from rivals?

Brief it's not mine to plead for  
Life of one who harmed us all  
But to keep up thy fair name  
Deal thou with him as ordained.

Severe a limb or lash him well  
That's the way to deal with him.

It's not wise to act in haste  
Calm down so my great sibling.

Is there any better than thee  
Knows who dharma in theory

Nuances as well in practice?

Valour with thine unrivalled    
Conquer did thou all three worlds.

High such being thy position  
Why let act such lower that?

Uphold honour of Lanka  
Not by killing this vanar  
But by slaying Ram who sent   
Him to act in foul manner.

How this vanar on errand  
Could have acted on his own   
Without the goading of his Lord?   
Were he to be freed by thee  
Fetch he would then his masters    
Itching to land on our shores    
For thee to see the end of them.

Falls if Rama at thy feet  
Bites as and when he the dust   
It's then but gods would realize  
How thou made all cowards of them.

With thy penchant to conquer  
Were thee to slay this vanar now  
Would thou lose the chance of life   
To slay that Ram 'n Lakshman too   
For they fail to come to know  
Made thou captive Seetha thus.

To slay vanar hordes are all  
Itching are our men at arms,  
Slay if thee but one vanar  
Won't thou deprive them their chance?

So to let our foes to know  
To face us death is no less scared  
Force we may all foes to show  
Backs of theirs in battlefield.

Takes it no more than a score  
Of our men to settle all scores    
With Ram 'n Lakshman if they dare  
Ever to set foot on our shores.

Averred as thus his own sibling

Changed his mind then king Ravan    
To kill Hanuman lay there tied.

Canto 53

Tail on Fire

Sibling as his stood so firm  
Spoke then Ravan changing tune.

Spare as we may life of him  
Let him not go scot-free now.

Pride as vanars at their tails  
Set his tail on fire that hurts.

Goes as he back with burnt tail  
Makes a scene to folk back home.

Burns as his tail like a log  
Take this vanar round boulevards.

Having led him out of court  
Set the palace guards all there    
Rags to tie on Hanuman's tail.

Worked as guards on tail his long  
Turned it Hanuman like tree trunk.

Pouring oil then on rags  
Set they tail of his on fire.

Gathered in time Lankans all  
To see Hanuman's tail on fire.

Though he could have freed himself  
Bore that Hanuman thus in thought.

Escape that I this ordeal  
It's not for me such big deal.

Isn't it the trouble they give  
Fraction of the hurt I caused?

Can't I on my own tackle  
All these Ravan's men at arms?

Bear I should well this ordeal  
For the sake of my Lord Ram.

Roamed I though the town at night  
Failed I would have to grasp well  
The ins and outs of its layout.

Now that they would take me round  
Through their streets in broad daylight  
Chance I would have to assess  
Strengths and weakness of the foe.

Falling as well in his trap  
Led him Ravan's men in chains  
Through the streets of Lanka then.

Gloating over their success  
Made they Hanuman their trophy.

Unmindful of burning tail  
Scanned all Hanuman as he moved.

Saw he dumps of ammos large  
Found he bunkers there well manned.

Buildings he found camouflaged  
Tunnels which had underground.

As they taunted him a spy  
Smiled to himself then Hanuman.  
So to see his tail on fire  
Came out Lankans then in droves.

Carried some then to Seetha  
Tale of vanar's burning tail.

For so long all in undertones  
He's the one with whom thee spake.

Hurt was Seetha by that news  
Prayed she Agni to spare him.

Submit she did to Fire God   
That he might save Hanuman then.

Deem if thou me true to Ram  
Spare then Hanuman from thy heat.

Goodwill of gods if I earned  
For my goodness to mankind   
Be kind now to this Hanuman.

If Ram feels that I do yearn  
For the embrace of his warmth  
Pray go cool on Hanuman now.

Feel if thee that Lord Sugreev  
Could help Rama take me out  
From the darkness of Lanka  
Pray thee comfort give Hanuman.

Lost no time then God of Fire  
From his heat to spare Hanuman.

Blew then Vayu his father  
Icy breeze to cool Hanuman.

Wondered Hanuman how it was  
Rags though on his tail on fire  
Yet he felt no heat as such.

Tail as mine as thus burning  
None I feel the pain for that!

For the soothing feel I have  
Lay the reason somewhere else.

For the sake of Rama's cause  
Didn't Mainaka offer seat  
For me to rest on his peak?

Likewise Agni should've thought  
Fits it Rama's cause like glove  
Were he to leave me unscathed.

Might I as well owe all this    
To the kindness of Lord Rama  
And his faithful spouse Seetha.

Or else Agni being friend  
Of my father Vayu wind  
Would have spared me this ordeal.

Knowing am on Ram's errand  
Gave as affront folks all these  
So to keep up his prestige  
And to make them well realize   
That they played all but with fire  
Won't I pay them in same coin?

Houdini made as he then  
Went he roaring up in skies.

With his burning tail and all  
Landed then on Lankan gates.

Assumed simian form Hanuman  
Slipped he through the chains on him.

Grew he then back into giant  
Looked he all the while for mace.

Picked he latch of that huge gate  
Slew he all the guards he faced.

Having none to restrain him  
With his burning tail Hanuman  
Shone he like the mid-day sun.

Canto 54

Arson to Hurt

Having had his way thus far  
Thought of future course Hanuman.

Why not I give them in kind  
For what they did all to my tail?

Much is left to hurt the foe  
Caused I might have some damage.

Why not I torch Ravan's town  
With the help of tail mine  
That they set on fire themselves?

For the favour of Agni  
Make I Lanka his fodder.

Hovered as he in mid-air  
Surveyed Ravan's land he thus.

Landed then on some dwelling   
Jumped he then from one another.

Chose he Prahastha's own palace  
With its sprawling compound then   
And made he bonfire of all there.

Next in line was Mahaparsva's   
Mansion that met similar fate.

Not to content even then  
Burnt he dwellings of nobles.

Leaned he then on that palace    
Owned by one who subdued him.

Set he fire then one by one  
Houses of the following.

Jambumali's 'n Sumali's  
Rasmiketha's 'n Suryasathru's  
Damstra's 'n so Duraatma's  
Romasa's 'n Ghora's as well  
Mattali's besides Yuddhonmatha's  
Karala's and Pisaachas's too.   
Kumbha's as well Nikumbha's  
Yagnasatru's 'n Brahmasatru's  
Not to speak of Kumbhakarna's.

But spared Hanuman that dwelling  
Lived where Vibhishan who pleaded  
Case his then in Ravan's Court.

Razed as fire in those places  
Turned all therein to ashes.   
Went he then to that courtyard  
Where lived Lankan king Ravan.

Set he Ravan's fort on fire  
With the fading flame on tail.

Spread as fire in Ravan's court  
Thundered Hanuman even more.

As if to aid his son's cause  
Unleashed Vayu his frenzy.

Goaded thus by Hanuman's dad  
Spread tongues Agni far and wide.

In that towering inferno  
Came all dwellings crashing down.

Looked then Lanka that lost soul  
Thrown down from the heaven itself.  
Lost their wits all then Lankans  
Felt they Fire God turned vanar.

Filled all streets were with Lankans  
Rent were skies there with their cries.

Jumped all over compound  
From the debris of dwellings  
Flowed then molten gold in streams.

Turned to ashes demonic frames  
Turned grey landscape of Lanka.

In myriad shades of crimson red  
Sprouted tongues of fire to skies.

Burning Lanka seemed as if  
Tripura of yore Shankar burnt.

To bring Lanka to its knees  
Moved then Hanuman to outskirts.

With still burning tail of his  
Set fire Hanuman there dwellings.

Raged as fire in those buildings  
Heard all bursting sounds from them.

Smoke that embers emitted then  
Rose in columns to high skies.

Wondered all those who survived  
Came if death in Hanuman's form.

Brahma's it was wrath felt some  
Set what Hanuman to smash them.

Took some Hanuman for Vishnu's   
Avatar to end Ravan's reign.

It's in no time fire got spread  
To nearby jungles all so deep.

Trapped as such in jungle fire    
Died wildlife of forests there.

Rent was air with cries of all  
Lost who then their kith and kin.

With the havoc that he caused  
Lanka seemed an accursed land.

Climbed up Chitrakoot Hanuman  
Surveyed Ravan's land ravaged.

Felt glad Hanuman that Lanka  
Lost its edge to fight Lord Ram.

Tail as his was still on fire  
Looked he still the rising sun.

Having done his job Hanuman  
Prayed he in all reverence Ram.

Gods all for his one-man show  
Showered then praises on Hanuman.

Amidst the ruins of Lanka then  
Stood like victor there Hanuman.

Felt on second thought gods all there  
What they discerned was but dream,   
For how could Hanuman on his own   
Raze all Lanka at one go!

At the sight of Lanka thus  
Rubbed all angels then their eyes.

At the havoc Hanuman caused  
Worlds all trembled then dismayed.

Sages at that in their scores  
As well angels there gathered  
Not to speak of Yakshas then  
Thought it augured well for world.

Canto 55

What of Seetha?

Died as embers in Lanka  
So to quench his burning tail  
Went upto beach then Hanuman.

Cooled as he tail by seashore  
Felt then Hanuman thus in qualms.

Have I gone wrong by burning  
Lanka to the last dwelling?

Was it all wrong on my part    
Lost I bearing in my wrath?

Of all what that afflicts man  
Anger takes the pride of place.

Drives to extremes man anger   
Thought in his 'n deed as well.

Whoever can nip his anger  
In the bud is man seasoned.

Reckoned as I not her welfare  
On whom Rama stakes his life  
Raison d'être of Odyssey mine  
Doubt there none it's foolhardy.

Now that Lanka is on fire  
Wouldn't have Seetha lost her life?

What for came I to Lanka   
Is it to kill Rama's wife?

While the going was so good  
How come lost I my bearing!

Spared as fury of Fire God  
Not a square inch of Lanka  
Where was space for her to hide?

Were Seetha to perish in fire   
How am I to show my face  
To her Lord who trusted me.

Why not I now end my life    
Why to go to Ram with guilt.

How am I go back to them   
How to look all them in face?

How I subscribed to world-view  
That vanars wouldn't get focused!

To let him in spite all go wrong.    
Makes man passion imperfect

Hear if they that Seetha died  
Ram 'n Lakshman won't live more.

At the death of their siblings  
Bharat 'n Satrughn follow suit.

Reign if ends of Ikshvaakus  
Orphaned would be world at large.

For the foolish act of mine  
Won't I turn the accursed soul?

As sunk Hanuman in sorrow  
Omens he sighted all too good.

Felt he raging flames of fire  
Won't match power of Rama's wife.

Won't her aura keep at bay  
Flames of raging fire from her?

Won't the Fire God himself know    
Touch he cannot Rama's spouse?

How can ever be Rama's wife  
Destined to burn like some sack?

As well Agni spared my tail  
Would he ever touch Seetha then?

Mainak as did offer help  
To sustain cause of Lord Rama  
Wouldn't then Agni follow suit?

Won't her love for Rama make  
Lakshman rekha for Fire God?

Wavered as thus Hanuman then  
Heard he angels speak in awe.

Gods too never dared to dream  
Ever would Ravan get subdued,  
With Lanka thus now on fire  
Lankans have no place to hide.

What did Hanuman to Ravan  
Was like taming lion on heat  
In its own den with bare arms.

Turned though Lanka to ashes  
Wonder what made tongues of fire  
Leave out Rama's spouse unscathed!

Having heard all those angles  
Spoke of her escape from fire  
Heaved a sigh of relief he then.

That Seetha was left unharmed  
Made then Hanuman jump for joy.

On the spur then felt Hanuman  
Should go back to Rama's spouse  
So that he could take her leave.

Canto 56

Havoc of a Take-off

Finding Seetha in fine shape  
To her Hanuman prostrated.

As bade Hanuman her goodbye  
Spoke in fondness Rama's spouse.

Wish I now thee in some nook  
Take some rest for day or two.

Well, O Hanuman thy advent  
Made my sorrows turn their backs.

Bring as and when thou my Ram  
Know am not sure whether I live.  
Leave as thee to fetch Rama  
Wonder whether I stand agony  
Replace that would joy thou gave.

Can ever Ram 'n Lakshman cross   
Sea this vast to reach Lanka  
With the vanar force that's large?

In spite of thy words so bold  
Find I linger doubts these mine.

Apart Garud 'n Vayu, thou   
Who else could cross sea this vast?

Tell me how thou would address  
Problem this that confronts Ram.

If thee take me back I know  
Spares the bother for my man  
To cross this sea with force of his,  
But then Rama wouldn't have it  
Since it's not the proper way  
For him to reclaim his Seetha.

It's but proper for Lord Ram  
That he takes me on his own.

Measure of Ravan as thou got  
Guide my Ram to subdue him.

Impressed as he by her words  
Addressed Hanuman her concerns.

Vast is bear and vanar force  
To help thy man sure rescue thee  
Lord Sugreev mine hath at hand.

Know our army is so vast  
Once it lands on Lankan shores  
Fills it to the last square inch.

Ram 'n Lakshman with arrows  
Could kill Lankans to last man.

Once they thus end Ravan's reign  
Takes thee back Ram to thy town.

Having endured ordeals long  
Time thou embrace hope from now.

Having Ravan seen thus dead  
Walk thee would free to thy man.

Know the day is not far off  
Lands when Ram on Lankan shores.

Having said thus Hanuman took  
Leave of Rama's spouse Seetha.

That Hanuman had come and gone   
Seemed that all like dream for her.

That he did make Lankans rue  
Portend well for things to come.

Assured that he Ravan's end  
Made Seetha pray Ram no end.

For his take-off to go back  
Arishta mountain climbed Hanuman.

Passing clouds made Arishta look    
Like the shy bride that was veiled.

Caressed by those sun rays thus  
Seemed it woke up then from sleep.

Water falls of rivers on that  
Sounded they like Vedic chants.

Seemed all trees of Arishta then  
Like raised arms of scores of those  
Ascetics engaged in prayers there.

Orchestra of magic flutes  
Breeze made Arishta's bamboos turn.

Covered by snow from tip to toe  
Seemed Arishta then blissful soul.

Peaks sky high 'n caves all deep  
Made Arishta seem cover all worlds.

Flowers varied of myriad trees    
Gave that touch of bridal ware.

Beasts in woods all in their scores  
Sauntered in groves that were thick.  
Home it made all Gandharvas    
Home away home for all of them.

Herbs it all had so myriad  
Made they medicines that varied.

Set as Hanuman his huge foot  
Rocks all got to pebbles reduced.

In his bid to sail across  
Grew he further frame his large.   
Sighted Hanuman sea across    
Crossed that he to reach Lanka.

On his return trip to home  
Veteran like he then took-off.

With the pressure it came to bear  
Sank then Arishta deep in ground.

Pressed as Arishta to its core    
Caved in with groan ocean bed.

Lost as Arishta its bearing  
Trees then there got uprooted.

With their fate as thus got sealed  
Roared lions all there in distress.

Flew as Gandharv women all there  
Slipped their pallus off their breasts.

Serpents there lay furlongs long  
Curled in pits of square foot then.

Angels all then came to rest  
On its lovely peak foremost,  
With that havoc of take-off  
Took flight all of them in fright.

In time only seen was tip  
Of that Arishta of great girth.

Left no trace of its glory  
At length that peach of mountains.

Unmindful of that havoc  
Had a smooth sail back Hanuman.

Canto 57

Flight sans Hassles

Airborne as he so he seemed  
Like a mountain with huge wings.

Nagas all from stratosphere    
Saw him then in his flight route.

Stars all in their resplendence  
Saw him as he passed them by.

Hanuman got a feeling then  
Was he there in another world.

Moved as he thus in high skies  
Seemed he swallowed clouds all there.  
Picked as up he speed in flight  
Seemed as if skies shrunk in size.

Formed then rainbow in mid-air  
Looked that like a welcome arch.

Clouds as darkened in mid-course   
Played he hide 'n seek like moon.

As and when he came in view  
In his vest he shone like moon.

Acquired as if Garuda's grace

With such ease then Hanuman flew.

Seemed then ether spread to world  
Words those Hanuman spoke to self  
About the valorous deeds of his  
Done by grace of Lord Rama.

Approached when he Mainaka  
Touched him Hanuman in reverence.

Sighted as he Indra's hill  
Roared then like a lion Hanuman.

Induced by the roars of his  
Thundered all the clouds in skies.

Sighted as he home shore soon   
Waved his tail in triumph Hanuman.

Sounded as he his comeback  
Seemed all worlds then shook to roots.

With such chaos in the skies  
Guessed his peers all his approach.

Waited they with bated breath  
For Hanuman to come then in sight.

Soared their spirits as with his roars    
Reached they shores to see him land.

Urge of theirs to see Hanuman  
Made them all jump up and down.

Jambavan it was then addressed  
All the vanars there gathered.

Doubt there none that our Hanuman  
Is well on his way back home.

Neared as Hanuman southern shore  
Raised sea mean level in welcome.

For the sight of Hanuman then  
Climbed all vanars then treetops.

Jumped for joy as those vanars  
Fell all leaves from their branches.

Heard they roar of their hero

Raised those decibels all over.

Sighted as all Hanuman soon  
Raised they hands in salute then.

Folks as his lay awestruck then  
He on Mahendra's peak landed.

Jumped he down to rejoin  
All those vanars whom he left.

In their joy then vanars all  
Ran to mob their own hero.

Finding him in pink of health  
Sigh of relief heaved they all.

Looked at him all in reverence  
Fetched they rare fruits all for him.

Sounding welcome for Hanuman  
Gave their throats then vanars all.

To elders all and Prince Angad  
For his part then bowed Hanuman.

Knew as he their eagerness  
To hear the story in detail,  
As though to save all for Ram  
Gave he brief as 'Seen Seetha'.

Having embraced Prince Angad  
Squatted Hanuman there on lawn.

Goaded by the vanars then  
Told he how he found Seetha.

In her lament for her man  
Found I famished her to bone.

That he himself saw Seetha  
Cheered the vanars there gathered.

Roared as vanars with one throat  
Shocked were birds all in their flight.

Raised as vanars tails their long  
Looked like ladders they to skies.

Pachyderm like as sat Hanuman

In their joy they hugged him all.

Bringing order then Angad  
Addressed Hanuman thus in praise.

None can equal thee on earth  
Flew who over sea this twice.

Swore as all of us to die  
Had thee failed to find Seetha  
It's thy valour saved our lives.

It's thy reverence to Sri Ram  
Made thee as the chosen one  
To discern Seetha there yonder.

News of Seetha in his wait  
Sure to gladden Rama's heart.

Clapped all vanars to one man  
At what all Angad just then said.

Kept they silence of pin drop

So that Hanuman could go on.

So to let him unfold then  
With their hearts in mouths they sat.

So to catch his every word  
Sat next Angad to Hanuman.

With the vanars there thus sat  
Seemed the place then royal court.

Canto 58

Odyssey in a Nutshell

Where to start and what to tell   
Felt like Buridan's ass Hanuman.

For their part then all his folk  
Sat there tight to catch his words.

As though to help him in script  
Addressed Jambavan Hanuman thus:

Tell O Hanuman where and how  
Found thee Seetha Rama's spouse.

Tell us how thou zeroed on  
Rama's spouse in wilderness.

Brief us now of odyssey thine  
So that we can plan ourselves.

At the request of his peer  
Spoke then Hanuman in loud tone.

Of course thee all bear witness  
That I flew off from these shores.

Came across I in mid-seas   
Mountain that was made of gold.

Sky high grew it in no time  
Blocked it my way all the way.

To the errand on my hand  
Saw it as I then hindrance.

Lashed it as I with my tail  
Went it crashing down on knees.

Assumed form it then human  
And in warmth thus spoke to me:

For my friendship with thy dad  
Thou should take me as thy kin.

Am king of mountains Mainaka  
Dwell in seas these underneath.

Mountains all in times of yore   
Had we wings to circle worlds  
Afraid of our crash landing  
Complained all to Lord Indra.

Chose as Indra to clip wings  
Of the mountains there are all  
It's thy father but who saved   
Wings of mine from being clipped.

Bound am I to extend help  
To thee now on this errand  
With the intent to serve Ram  
That he reclaims his lost spouse.

Offered though he me to take  
Rest on golden peak of his  
Wanting not to waste my time  
Wished I none of that for me.  
Having grasped my urgency  
Pressed he none more Mainaka.

Bid as I him adieu then  
Slipped he back then to sea bed.

Resumed then I unhindered  
Journey mine that seemed so long.

Came across I then Surasa  
Mother of serpents of all seas.

Oh how she made clear her intent   
That she would make meal of me!

Not to rub on her wrong side  
Pleaded my case with her thus:

Lived with Seetha 'n Lakshman  
For long Ram in Dandak woods.

Snared as Ravan fair Seetha  
Sent me her man to find out.

For thy being his subject  
Dharma it's thine aid his cause.

As and when I find Seetha  
Convey I would to that Ram  
And come back to thee forthwith  
So that thou me have for meal.

But she would have none of it  
And said none can escape her.

Mouth as she hers wide open  
Gained I size to thwart her move.

Pulled as she jaws her so wide  
To thwart her then I turned tiny.

So to beat the boon she got  
That none can ever detour her  
Went in and I came out swift  
Brought as she her jaws to close.

In spite of the fact I tricked  
Yet she wished me all the best.

Bade as she me then adieu   
So all creatures of the seas.

Hardly had I flew a league   
Felt as if was slowing down.  
Surveyed as I all over  
Found no hindrance in my route.

In awe then I continued  
Straining every nerve of mine.

To get to the roots of problem  
As saw I down from high skies  
Found a fiend at my shadow.

Though she saw the giant of me  
Yet she challenged me that fiend.

Said the fiend then all in glee  
Glad I've found a giant in thee  
Sure thou make full meal for me.

Like I did with that Surasa  
Grew up in size all the more.

Rose as it to swallow me  
Made I myself then puny.

Deftly then I entered her  
Came out swiftly with her heart.

With her heart thus in my hand  
Fell its corpse on high seas then.

From the talk of Siddhas then  
Witnessed who all that from skies  
Simhik was the fiend I slain

Killed as I the fiend that weird  
Came to know that pulls its prey  
Clutching at but their shadows.

Sank at length as sun in seas  
Set then I foot on those shores.

As I reached the Lankan gates

Found there a fiend to confront.

Having tongues of fire for hair  
Tried that fiend to slay me straight.

Needed as I no more than  
Fist of mine to pin her down   
Spoke that terrified fiend to me.

O great vanar thou may know  
Me as Lanka's main deity  
That thee could well beat me true  
All else here would bite the dust.   
In spite of the guards all there  
Covered I Lanka all that night  
Yet I found not Seetha there.

Searched I Ravan's palace then  
Came a cropper there even.

Sauntered as I in and out  
Found I to my wonder there  
Garden with all golden walls.

Entered then I in great hope  
Garden that was out of world.

In the midst of that garden  
Found a dame I there squatted.

Unkempt all her pitch dark hair  
Wide-eyed she was of middle age.

Downcast was she by demeanour  
On guard there were women garish.

Taunted her all in their turns  
Looked she like a trapped creature.

Ceased she not to pray her man  
Cared she none fore self-upkeep.

Cursing Ravan in between  
Wished she then to end her life.

By the virtue of her soul  
And the beauty of her self  
Felt I she could be Seetha.

Heard I tinkles of anklets  
Sensed I women were nearby there.

Hiding myself on high branch  
Waited for those women to come.

Sighted then I Ravan there  
With his queens 'n keeps in tow.

Seetha who sat in sorrow  
Changed her posture to cover more.

Neared as Ravan her in lust  
Cowered all the more then Seetha.

In his bid to gain her love  
Fell then Ravan at her feet.  
Snubbed by Seetha even then   
Gave her Ravan two more months  
For her to choose from him or death.

At that Seetha seethed in rage  
Spoke she to him with disdain.

How thou fail to know Ravan   
Spouse am I of godly Ram?

Snared as crooked way by thee  
Don't I know how coward are thou?

What if thou are Lankan king  
Measure thou none to Ram's valet.

Slighted as by Rama's wife  
Burned in anger Ravan then.

Having thus lost his bearing  
Moved Ravan to throttle her.

Stopped him in his tracks his queen  
With these words that pleased him well.

Measure as thou to Lord Indra

Makes she no patch ever on me.

Why run after Seetha then  
With me at thy side for fun?

Won't thou have in thy harem  
Women ever eager to please thee?

Having massaged ego his  
Led she back him to harem.

Turned guards all then too hostile  
To Rama's spouse who snubbed Ravan.

Though they scolded her loudly  
Paid them deaf ear then Seetha.

Seeing Seetha unmoved thus  
Ran some then to brief Ravan.

Rest of them in exhaustion   
Fell asleep all one by one.

In spite of that sans respite  
Wept then Seetha for her man.

Woke up in trance Trijata then  
From their ranks to address them.  
Dream I had that bodes all ill  
To Lanka 'n our Lord as well  
Of course owing to this dame.

Better we make up with her now  
So that she would save our lives.

For the suffering women like her  
Dreams such as those portend well.

Better we seek now her mercy  
So that we could come out clean.

Having heard what Trijata said  
Assured Rama's spouse them help.

Seeing her in such a plight   
Felt I wretched for her sake.

Contrived I then to be heard  
By her as I praised her man.

Having heard me tell her tale  
Moved as she then spoke to me.

O little vanar who art thou  
Who did send thee to Lanka?

Got as thee so close to Ram  
Tell me how thou met my Lord?

Then I said to soothe her thus:  
Made Lord Rama friend my Lord  
Sugreev king of vanar world.

Hanuman am I sent by Ram  
In search of thee in Ravan's land.

Gave me Rama to show thee  
Ring this he wears ever on him.

At thy beck and call am now  
Bid me to take thee to Ram?

Such was Seetha's perspective  
Thought it would be fit for Ram   
If he were to slay Ravan  
And then take her back with him.

Wanted then I from Seetha  
Something dear to both of them  
So that I could show that Rama.

Thus she gave me this diadem  
That she said would please her man.

Then she told me that episode  
Wherein a crow turned eager  
All to savour Seetha's charms  
That too when she was with Ram!

She was not to let me go  
Wished as I to take her leave.

Wanted Seetha I tell Ram  
Suffering hers for want of him.

Bid me she to fetch her man  
Soon with Lakshman 'n Sugreev.

Were thou fail to bring Rama  
And the rest in just two months  
Live I not a day longer.

Spoke as she in such despair  
Seized I was with burning rage.

Then and there I turned a fiend  
Ravaged the grove that held her.

Cowered all beasts there so varied  
Woke up in fright Seetha's guards.

Seeing me thus in fury  
Ran they all to tell Ravan.

Pictured they then to Ravan  
Havoc I wrought in garden.

Were Ravan to give orders  
Boasted they would make me pay.

In his bid to subdue me  
Sent Ravan then his kinkars.

Eighty thousand strong they were   
Slew I them all to last man.

'Lost Lanka its vast army',  
Told Ravan his spies on prowl.

Chose I then their funeral place  
Slew its guards with just one stroke.

With huge force to capture me  
Sent then Ravan Prahastha's son.

Spared I not then one even  
Broke their backs with iron latch.   
With the death of Prahastha's son  
Dispatched Ravan ministers' sons.

One by one to hell all them   
With that latch I then dispatched.

Not the one to give up soon  
Sent Ravan his five Generals.

As I made them bite the dust  
Chose Ravan to send his son.

Akshay though of tender age  
Astute was he in warfare.

Yet I caught him by his legs  
Flung him thus to Ravan's court.

Enraged Ravan by all that  
Sent his first born to battle.

That he subdued Lord Indra  
Knows him world as Indrajit.

All his valour came to naught  
When it came to me subdue.

Realizing I matched him well  
Stunned me he with Brahmastra.

At his behest his flock then  
Tied me with all sorts of ropes.

As they took me to Ravan  
Fumed at me then he in rage.

Wanted he to find out then  
Why thus I played spoilsport.

Him I told for Seetha's sake  
Caused I all that destruction.

Moreso made it clear to him  
Sent I was by Lord Rama.

Gave thee counsel I told him  
Lord Sugreev too for thy good.

Sent Sugreev thee his greetings  
Words these with to caution thee.

In my exile I met Ram  
Vow I took to stand by him.  
Ram then wanted me to help  
Him to fight who snared Seetha.

Thereby had I that barter  
Whereby he would slay Vali  
Stole who my wife unfairly.

To his vow to kill Vali  
Made Ram Lakshman bear witness.

With that single arrow Ram  
Brought an end to Vali's reign.

Made as he me vanar king  
Owe him I to stand by him.

'Send back Seetha to Lord Ram'  
Advice this mine to thee now  
Come would Hanuman to deliver.

That thou know the vanar force  
Could well conquer all three worlds  
Hope thee heed this advice mine.

Slighted as he by these words  
Lost his cool then Lankan king.

Gave he go by to dharma  
Ordered I be put to death.

Spoke then sibling of Ravan  
Revere all there as Vibhishan.

Goes thy diktat O my Lord  
Not with grain of thy dharma.

In the annals of state craft  
Sent are men to mend fences  
Ill behoves the recipient king  
Kills if he the one thus sent.

Punish if we must this vanar  
Sever we could a limb or two.

At that Ravan gave orders  
Tail mine be then set on fire.

Having hit my tail with sticks  
Tied it they with jute and all.

Poured they tons of oil then  
Set they thus my tail on fire.

So to slight me all the way  
Taken was I round the streets.

That they could make fun of me  
Led I was then to Main Square.

Vanar then I turned tiny  
Slipped out of the ropes they tied.

Grew I then to touch the skies  
Slew them all there at one go.

Set I fire to buildings all  
There in Lanka one by one.

Burnt as Lanka to the core  
Worried I was for Seetha.

Took I Seetha's death for sure  
Sank in sorrow to my knees.

Cried then as I unceasing  
Heard I Yakshas talk in skies.

From their talk I learnt for sure  
Came no harm to Rama's spouse.

Felt it's all but grace of hers  
Gave that respite to my tail.

Reached I then the Lankan beach  
Quenched there well my burning tail.

Went I straight to Seetha then  
Took her leave to fly back home.

Took-off then I from Lanka  
To head home to see thee all.

There in high skies I flew past  
Sun with trillion stars 'n moon.

With the blessings of Rama  
And the wishes of our folk  
Bring I could thee good tidings.

In brief that's all what happened  
Much is left for us to do.

Canto 59

Pep Talk to Peers

Having told the main story  
Fillips these then gave Hanuman.

Heartened that I found Seetha  
Glued I then to Rama's thought.

Lays who store on spouse like her  
Woman there none so ever like her.

Ravan is no common man  
For he survived Seetha's ire.

Can turn Seetha to ashes  
With her looks the gods even  
Should they come ever coveting her,  
But Ravan who laid on her  
Hands his as he kidnapped her  
Came out unscathed from her wrath.

How I wish that I could have  
Brought her back to meet her man.

On my own then I could have  
Killed all Lankans with Ravan.

Land as we all in Lanka  
What would Ravan's fate be then?

For me to slay all of them  
Could have taken day or two,  
So to bring them to their knees  
Need we but an hour at most.

But then Ravan's eldest son    
By no means a pushover,  
Dared he as well subdued too  
None the less than Lord Indra,   
Shy as gods all from him thus  
Hails him world as Indrajit.

How I wish to fly back now  
So to make him bite the dust.

With thy blessings on my own  
Conquer could I all three worlds.

Were Jambavan to confront him  
Where would Ravan hide his head?

Won't our Angad on his own  
Give a run to demons there all.

We've Neel 'n Panasa too  
Need but fists to smash mountains.

None there ever in angels too  
Match who might well Manduni.

What to speak of Dwividu then  
Comes when it to fighting foes.

These two of the Aswin clan  
Ever eager to fight such wars.

Come not to grief they in wars  
Blessed are thus by Lord Brahma.

Partook both they nectar then  
Subdued when they angels all.

Having them at our forefront  
For us on the Lankan shores   
Figure it would make but picnic.

Fire as I set to Lanka  
Prayed all Lankans to Lord Ram.

Ram 'n Lakshman I extolled    
Besides vanar Lord Sugreev.

Wondered as they who I was    
Gave them that I'm Vayu's son.

As I reached her to take leave  
Found Seetha in great distress.

Amidst the guards who circled her  
Seemed she full moon sunk in clouds.

Confined as thus by Ravan  
Lost she none the sight of Ram.

Thinks she none of another man  
Breathes she air that sounds Rama.

Wore she saree same old one  
That which she had on her then  
Snared when Ravan so long back.

Plaited she seems not her hair  
Ever since she was thus confined.

Wont it's her to chant Rama  
Threaten her as and when her guards.

Pester ever as her captors  
Rama's wife is tired of life.

Felt all glad as Seetha learned  
Her man made our Lord his friend.

Doomed as Ravan by her curse  
Bound to get killed by her man.  
Slim as Seetha by nature  
Got she slimmer in despair.

Left it's now to us vanars

How to see her out of woods.

Canto 60

Angad on Rebound

Spoke thus Angad Vali's son:  
Found as Hanuman Seetha now  
Why not we fetch her to Ram?

How it feels if we tell him  
Found though we failed to fetch her.

Know we all could fly across  
Ocean this vast to reach there  
And slay Ravan and his men.

Then we could bring Seetha back  
And make Rama meet his spouse.

Slain as Hanuman Ravan's men  
What is left for us to do  
Than lead Seetha back to Ram?

Why to bother folk back home  
For what we could do on our own?

When he expects her the least  
Won't it be a pleasant surprise  
That we fetch her to him thus.

Having heard thus Angad speak  
Said then Jambavan in response:

Sent we were to find Seetha  
Not to take her back with us.

Exceed if we Rama's brief    
Might we earn his ire as well.

Better we mind all Rama's vow  
That he would slay with his hands  
The one who dared to snare his wife.

Should we go by route thee show  
Won't we make him fail his word?

Sounds it prudent that we might  
Go back to Ram with her news.

Move thine surely saves bother  
For the rest of folks back home  
But know Ram would like it not.

Canto 61

Eying the Madhuvan

At that Angad retracted  
Agreed he to fall in line.

Thought it fit then vanar folk  
To let Hanuman lead them back.

Moved as they like cloud in skies  
Played the sun then hide and seek.

Kept all vanars their eyes on  
Hanuman at the head of them.

Felt all they were indebted  
For him having saved their lives.

Buoyed were all by the thought  
That Ram would be pleased with them,  
Proud all felt that they could help  
Lord Rama who helped their Lord.

In that mood they saw Madhuvan  
Garden like which nowhere there  
Full of honeycombs on huge trees.

Garden that was Sugreev's own  
Dared none ever to step in there.

Aided by all well-built guards   
Dadhimukh, Sugreev's own uncle  
Guarded that place round the clock.

Tempted as were vanars all  
Licked their fingers all of them.

Pleaded all with Prince Angad  
To let them have a glassful each  
Of honey in plenty in Madhuvan.

Nod as he got from elders  
Gave nod Angad to vanars.

Swarmed then simians all over  
Honey they savoured to last drop.

Left they not a fruit or root  
Fill to the hilt they had all.   
In their mirth then those simians  
Danced they all till legs them failed.

Sang some then in sonorous tunes  
Blabbered others as in small groups.

Pranks they played of every sort  
Spared they none of one another.

Leapt as some from tree to tree  
Others did jump from branch to branch.

Lost they all then their bearings  
Poked some of them their noses.

Turned they naughty all in end  
Spread they all then far and wide.

Wretched as made they garden rare  
Warned then Dadhimukh all of them.

Heeded but they not his words  
Made that Dadhimukh think over.

Took he then them all to task  
And that spoiled their party.

Swarmed all vanars then Dadhimukh   
As would bees when stirred from comb  
And that frightened Dadhimukh then.

With their nails all long and sharp  
Scratched as some the garden chief   
Dug their teeth strong others in him.

Canto 62

Orgy in the Garden

At length on the same coin   
Paid as Dadhimukh trespassers  
Went then Hanuman to save them.

Sending Dadhimukh then packing  
Goaded Hanuman them for more.

With that go by from Hanuman    
Beseeched Angad then his flock  
That they could have more of fun.

Vanars at that hailed Hanuman  
As well Angad their young prince.

Having got the license thus  
Indulged they in wild orgies.

Cared they two hoots for the guards   
And chased them out of that garden.

Having had their fill in time  
Vanars then had their siesta.

To take the vanars then to task   
Guards all regrouped in their scores.

Drove but vanars all of them  
Back to their posts in no time.

Fought then vanars mock battles  
Honeycombs with those they emptied.

Vanars some were high by then  
Made they beds of leaves to sleep.

Faltered they all in their steps  
Tried as some to walk a while.

Stumbled as some in mid-course    
Stepped them over rest of them.

Inhaled as though laughing gas  
Went on laughing some of them.

Twice shy being bitten for once    
Staid put guards all in their posts.

Yet vanars all itched for fight  
And threw them all in mid-air.

Injured as they fell on ground  
Limped all in pain to Dadhimukh.

Annoyed as he with vanars  
Addressed thus the chief of guards.

Time it's not to lose our hearts   
Better we regroup 'n fight them.

Bucked up as all by his words  
Back they went to trespassers.

Uprooting a tree Dadhimukh  
Signalled he the fight on hand.

Lined up guards all then in files  
Marched on rampant vanars there.

Followed suit as some their chief  
Lifted boulders others there large.  
Angad's vanars there scattered  
Turned they sitting ducks all then.

So to save his men Angad  
Took on Dadhimukh on his own.

Half drunk by then as Angad  
Gave no quarter to Dadhimukh  
And hit him hard with fist his strong.

Fell on floor as then Dadhimukh    
Who was none but his grandad  
Ceased not Angad to hurt him.

Beaten thus by his grandson  
Lost his consciousness Dadhimukh.

Woke up Dadhimukh thereafter  
Guards he led back to barracks.

Lost no time the Guards-in-Chief  
Addressed his men thus aggrieved.

Serves no purpose to fight back  
Appraise we might vanar Lord    
Of the havoc wrought by these  
To the Madhuvan loves he most.

Be it Angad for such foul  
He's not the one to spare.

Got this garden vanar Lord  
As a bequeath from his dad  
Who in turn got from his dad.

Treats as Madhuvan as his child  
Sure this carnage would outrage  
Sugreev our Lord no end now.

Count on me to tell Sugreev  
That they be all put to death.

Having spoken thus Dadhimukh  
Flew to Sugreev with his flock.

In no time did Dadhimukh sight  
Lord his Sugreev with his folks.

Having with his aids landed  
Headed Dadhimukh to his Lord.

Saw then Sugreev his uncle  
Approach him with dull demeanour.  
Led then by the boss of theirs    
Guards of Madhuvan saluted  
Vanar Lord all one by one.

Canto 63

Sugreev's Reading

Fell as Dadhimukh at his feet  
Spoketh vanar Lord perplexed.

What's thy fault that makes thee fall  
At the feet of thy nephew?

Fright thine makes me worried man  
Harmed might've been my Madhuvan.

Ardour thus by Sugreev showed  
Moved then Dadhimukh to speak thus:

Though all knew it out of bounds  
Trespassed vanars some Madhuvan.

Ignored they all my warnings  
Ate they every fruit and root.

Swarmed as by all bees out there  
Yet they squeezed out honey in tons.

Having got drunk to the hilt  
Mocked they my guards who cautioned.

Guards as there did try to stop  
Beat them to pulp those vanars.

Makes me sad that Prince Angad    
Aided as well abetted them.

Lay as wounded men of mine  
Flung some vanars them sky high.

In thy reign O Lord Sugreev  
That's how folk thine slew our guards.

Having sensed then some import  
Enquired Lakshman then Sugreev  
What could have gone awry them.

What's the matter vanar Lord  
Why thy folk all look depressed?

Having by then smelt the rat  
Appraised Sugreev Lakshman thus:

Complains Dadhimukh my uncle  
That Prince Angad and his flock  
Ravaged Madhuvan to its roots  
As well slew its guards in scores.

If not for the happy end  
To the errand on their hand  
Would have Angad ever condoned  
Deeds those vandal of vanars?

Strong as Dadhimukh 'n his folks  
Failed to stop them all in tracks  
Would mean spirits of Angad's flock  
Could have soared to skies all high.

Feel I Angad and party  
Having by then found Seetha   
Would have indulged in orgies.

It's but Hanuman who could have  
Found out Seetha in spite of  
Hurdles all there to reach her.

Fails he never to deliver   
Backed by Jambavan 'n Angad  
Leads when Hanuman from the front.

Turned as joyous by the news  
Brought by Hanuman from Seetha  
Lost they could have their bearing.

Had not Hanuman sighted her   
Dare how they would ever enter  
Madhuvan after mine own heart?

It's but their joy that gave cause  
For their pranks all with those guards.

It's this grasp of their action  
Made that Dadhimukh rush to us.

Feel I certain from all this  
Found was Rama's spouse Seetha.

If not Angad would not have  
Let his flock thus play havoc  
With the Madhuvan of our clan.

With the way Lord Sugreev spoke  
Pleased no end was Lakshman then.

Happy was Ram at the turn  
Of the tide in Seetha's search.  
Turned then Sugreev to Dadhimukh   
Thanked him for the news he brought.

Dispatched Sugreev his uncle  
So he sends back Angad's flock.

No less eager all of us   
To hear where Hanuman found Seetha.

Made the joyous look of Ram  
Joyous Lakshman and Sugreev.

Canto 64

Return of the Platoon

At the diktak of his Lord  
Took leave Dadhimukh of them all.

Flew he back then to Madhuvan  
With his flock to fetch Hanuman.

Speeded as he to his Lord  
Rushed he so back to Madhuvan.

In the garden he left them    
Found he vanars turn sober.

Went he straight to Angad then  
Spoke he thus with folded hands.

Pardon my flock and me too  
For we tried to stop thee all  
From thy having fun of life.

At thy pleasure O Prince Angad    
Let thy folk have some more fun.

Like thy dad in days of yore   
Sugreev 'n thou make our Lords.

Told we Sugreev thy uncle  
Landed thou all in Madhuvan.

Felt he so glad hearing that   
Found I safe 'n sound all thee.

Flared up he not as I told  
Spoiled all of thee Madhuvan.

Now he sent me here to fetch  
Thee all back to him forthwith.

At this Angad told his flock  
Rama could be in the know.

Inclined am to think so  
Seeing joyous Dadhimukh's face.

Now that all of us had fun  
Why not go back to our Lord.

Wish I none have to dictate  
Like to follow what thee say.

Brought as thou us this glory  
Honour me thou as thy Prince  
It's no time that's opportune  
For me to thee dictate terms.

Spake as Angad to his flock  
Made that happy one and all.

Spoke they in turn to Angad  
All of them in one voice,  
Like thou take us as equals  
Who else would treat his subjects?

Bow as thou to thy subjects  
Take thee that to top of world.  
Think as thee of thy uncle  
We too wish to see our Lord.

Lead us all to where thee go  
None of us would drag his feet.

Gave as Angad green signal  
Rose then his flock to the skies.

Angad thus with at the head  
Flew they flying saucer like.

Thus in tow with Hanuman then  
Pulled his flock all back Angad.

Sighting Angad in the skies  
Spoke then Sugreev to Rama.

See our vanars flying back  
Portends that well for Seetha.

Espy speed at which they fly  
Would they do so had they failed?

To me if he were to fail  
Would ever Angad show his face?

Besides fouling my Madhuvan    
Were he failed to find Seetha  
How dare Angad come to me?  
If not that they found Seetha  
Would have Angad let his flock  
At the pain of death enter

Madhuvan that's so dear to me?

Feel I certain Hanuman did  
Find Seetha in thy waiting.

Espouses as he some cause    
Hanuman is ever dedicated.

Whatever he might undertake  
Known is Angad for his luck.

Now that Angad advances  
Like the one who succeeded   
That should make us feel easy.

That our vanars on errand  
Wrecked my garden in orgies  
Would but portend that Seetha  
Was found in the pink of health.

Won't they roar in joyous mood  
What's that but they got it right.

Saw vanar Lord in descent  
Angad's flock in bid to land.

In salute to that force his strong  
Raised then Sugreev tail his straight.

Seeing Sugreev in welcome    
Signalled Angad to his flock  
Land they might all on the trot.

Enthused as were all by then  
Lost no time to land vanars.

Having went to Rama straight  
'Seen I Seetha' told Hanuman.

Gladdened tidings of the news  
Hearts of Ram and his sibling.

Felt glad Sugreev that Hanuman  
Caressed was by Lakshman's eyes.

Melted loving look of Ram

Hanuman to the core of heart.

Canto 65

News in Brief

Followed Angad suit Hanuman  
Paid he respects to Lord Ram.

Such was vanars' state of mind  
Spoke they out of turn they all.

Blabbered they all one by one  
In bits 'n pieces what they heard.

Amused by their hearsay Ram  
Heard them all for quite sometime.

Enquired in time Ram of them  
What doth Seetha think of him.

At that they all passed baton  
To Hanuman who was in the know.

Set to recap then Hanuman  
Thought of Seetha in reverence  
And turned southward to face her.

Taking seat at Rama's feet  
Handed him then that diadem    
Given by Seetha for recall  
And thus spoke with folded hands.

Pressed as I was by my peers  
Crossed I ocean lay there south  
In search of Seetha there yonder.

Reached I Lanka in no time  
Land that ruled by vile Ravan.

Found I Seetha in distress  
Jailed as Ravan to digress  
From her love to thee her Lord.

In the hope of her rescue  
Lingers she on in thy thought.

Never having had bad dream   
Wonder how her life turned sour.

In tight rein is Seetha held   
Day 'n night of vigil to boot  
Of the devilish guards in scores.

Floor she uses for her bed   
Curses Ravan for her plight.

It's that Seetha in lament  
Found I at length in torment.

In time I could impress her  
That am but thine own agent.

How glad was she as I told  
Hath Lord Sugreev turned thy friend.

Steadfast as she in thy thought  
Prayed thee for long in reverence.

Told me she then that story  
Of the eager crow and thee.

Beseeched Seetha then with me  
To tell her tale of owes to thee.

Give this diadem to my Lord  
When thy Lord is there with him.

Tell my Ram that I relive  
Touch his as he adorned me  
With this diadem my dad gave  
To me on our wedding day.

It's this one that makes me feel  
As if thee are ever with me.

Gave though Ravan two more months  
To change my mind or face then death  
Prefer I would to end my life  
At the end of one more month.

In her state of distress Lord  
That's how Seetha spoke to me.

Now that I made thee privy   
To the plight of thy Seetha  
Think of ways 'n means to take    
Our force there to bring her back.

Felt though Ram then so sad  
Spouse his was in such distress,  
Yet he felt glad that Hanuman  
Could show him the way to her.

Canto 66

Tears in Torrents

Moved by Seetha's plight he heard  
Wept Ram holding her diadem.

Welling his eyes to then brim  
Brought it memories in torrents.

Told he then the import of  
Diadem that to Lord Sugreev.

It was gift of her father  
At the time of our wedding.

Given it was by nonetheless  
Than Lord Indra to her dad.

As I see this diadem now  
Recall I well our wedding  
Graced by parents of us both.

Ever I recall that aura  
Gives this diadem to Seetha.

For the solace of my soul  
Make it encore O Hanuman  
How my Seetha misses me.

My dear sibling O Lakshman  
How this diadem in my hands  
Wrenches my heart to the core.

Though gave Seetha thirty days  
Outer limit for me to act  
How can ever I wait that long.

To my Seetha whom I love  
Take me forthwith O Hanuman.

Delicate being her nature  
What an ordeal it could be  
To be confined thus for long?

Won't her moon like face look like  
Full moon shrouded by thick clouds?

Tell me what all Seetha said  
Want I hear to her last word.

Keen am I to get picture  
Of the pining of my spouse.

Canto 67

Hanuman's Replay

Moved no end by Rama's plight    
Spoke with ardour then Hanuman.

Narrate I would verbatim  
Tale she told me to tell thee.

Woke up as I ahead of Ram  
Slept when we both in open  
Pecked my bosom Kakasur.   
Bore I pain all in silence  
Not to disturb his sleep then.

Taking advantage of that  
Went on hurting me that crow  
Making fountains of my breasts.

Fell as my blood on his chest  
Woke up Ram to find me bleed.

Saw he as me in distress  
Hissed my man like king cobra.

Dare who did to lay his hands  
On thy breasts that brush my chest!

To his dismay he then found  
Kakasur with blood on hands.

Realized Ram that Kakasur  
Bird of birds was Indra's son.

Misdeed that of Indra's son  
Found then my man hard to bear.

Plucked he then a nearby reed  
And with power of his mantra  
That he turned to Brahmastra.

Let as Ram that Brahmastra  
To chase Kakasur to death  
Spewed it tongues of fire at him.

So to save his life his dear  
Turned that crow to one and all  
Including his dad Indra.

None as came forward to help  
Came back Kakasur to Ram  
Sought he pardon for his foul.

Inclined though Ram to pardon  
Yet he couldn't help hurt his eye  
Since none retracts his mantra.

Thanking Ram for his reprieve  
Left Kakasur with left eye then.

Said she thus she fails to grasp  
How come Rama spares Ravan.

Is there someone in all worlds  
Who would stand up to fight Ram?  
Concern if hath Lord Rama   
For me his spouse ever loyal  
May he come 'n slay Ravan.

Am I not like mother to him  
What made Lakshman thus stay put?

Oh my man and his sibling  
Could kill Ravan on their own,   
And if they both feel for me  
Why they fail to rescue me?

Seems both of them mistook me  
For some reason know not what.

Seeing Seetha doubt herself  
Gave I her thus assurance.

It's his sorrow for thee know  
Made that Rama lose his way.

Seeing thy man immobilized  
As well Lakshman lost his wits,  
Now that I would tell thy tale  
Both of them would spring to life.

Enthused by the news I fetch  
Land they would soon in Lanka.

That would be the beginning of  
The end of Ravan's reign on earth.

For thy Lord to trust my word  
Give me keepsake he gave thee.

Having thought a while Seetha  
Gave this diadem now thou hold.

In my hurry to see thee  
Bid I adieu to thy spouse.

As I started to gain size  
So that I could cross the seas  
Spoke then Seetha to me thus.

As she took thy name O Lord  
Broke she down then in despair.

Having at length set her tone  
Chanted thy name like mantra.

That thou bestow trust in me  
Praised my fortune then Seetha.

As a seat for her fly back  
Offered then I her my back.

Told I she would be with thee  
Before she could spell thy name.

Said she it's not in her vein  
Touch to alien male on own.

Felt I it's my misfortune  
Laid as Ravan hand on me  
Kidnapped as he me then thus.

So can't I make on thy back  
Though thou are a friendly soul.

Once thou go back to thy folk  
Pay my respects to them all.

Implore upon my Lord Ram  
Help me come out clean early.

Mind thee tell all to my Lord  
How guards all these distress me.

Men of men O Lord Rama  
That's how Seetha pines for thee.

Canto 68

Times of Hope

Said then Hanuman to Rama  
Came as thy spouse to trust me  
Spoke she further thus with me.

Stress the need to do needful  
Speak as thou to my Lord Ram.

How I wish thou gone by now  
Yet I feel thou need some rest    
Stay so back for one more day.

It's thy coming O Hanuman  
Set the mind of mine at rest.

Leave as thee the Lankan shore  
High 'n dry me that would leave.

In contrast to strength thee gave  
Won't thy absence make it worse.

Be that as it may Hanuman  
Reach to Lanka as thee did  
Can all vanars cross this sea?

To slay Ravan for my sake  
How my Lord 'n his sibling  
Can cross over sea this vast?  
But for Vayu, Garud 'n thou  
Who else could cross Lankan seas?

How to bring all to these shores  
Thus O Hanuman give a thought.

Surely on thy own Hanuman  
Make can Ravan bite the dust   
Yet that leaves no role for Ram  
In the rescue of his spouse.

If my Lord doth declare war  
And downs Ravan in combat  
That would enhance his prestige  
And earns me honour in reclaim.

Ravan as did snare me then  
Spirit if thou me from Lanka  
Won't it go down well with Ram.

Proper thus it's for my Lord  
Comes he here 'n takes me back.

Keeping all this in thy mind  
For my rescue by my man  
Need there is for thee to come  
Up with foolproof plan some now.

Seeing how she lays in store  
Honour of her beloved man  
Spoke I to her in reverence.

Goddess like O Rama's spouse  
Know Sugreev is committed to  
Help thy man to set thee free.

Know we vanars in millions  
Stake our lives to keep the word  
Lord our thus gave to thy lord.

Choose if vanars to breach earth  
Is there someone to stop them?

Blessed are all of us with skills   
Roam we may all worlds are there.

Falls none ever as short of me  
Vanars in scores better me true.

As I could do what I did  
What to speak of rest of them?

Now it's time thee feel easy  
Soon we vanars land in droves  
With thy Lord to set thee free.  
Discount if thou vanar strength  
Don't thee know that I could fly  
Ram 'n Lakshman on my back  
Shores to these to fight Ravan?

Thou well know that thy man with  
Sibling his would come out trumps.

Nevertheless we all vanars  
To fight the forces of Ravan  
Would be there on hand to Ram.

Land as we on Lankan shores  
To hear the roars of vanar force

Won't it take thee now so long.

Slays when Ram the evil Ravan  
Won't thee hand in hand in time  
Ascend Ayodhya's throne with him?

Having heard my words Seetha  
Said she would ever live in hope  
That thee would soon set her free.

Yuddha Kanda (War on Ravan)

Canto 01

Embrace of a Gift

Pleased no end was Rama then  
Hope thus Hanuman could infuse   
In his forlorn spouse Seetha.

Well O Hanuman thy great deeds  
Would stand out all times to come.

With God Vayu 'n Garuda  
Fly who with ease seas across  
Make thee living legend now on.

Just to set foot in Lanka  
Dare not angels ever in dreams.

Know not I a soul on earth  
Dared that trespass Ravan's land,  
Speaks in volumes thy valour  
Dared as thee 'n came back sound.

Comes it when to sheer valour  
Know thee none can ever equal.

Blessed is thy Lord Sugreeva  
Hath who in ranks Vayu's son  
Acts who to his Lord's benefit  
Outside though brief of his Lord.

Might we call him just worthy  
Who that goes by master's brief.

Meets no end on he errand  
Strives who none though well-spoken.

Errand on that thou was sent  
To find my spouse in alien land  
Ruled by none else but Ravan  
Left no stone thou ever unturned.

Had thee not thus found Seetha  
Sure it would have been my death  
Know thus with thy dedication  
Saved thou life of me for now.

For I lost my crown and all  
For the worse of fate of mine  
For thy good turn O Hanuman  
For me to show due gratitude  
None have I to bestow thee.

Like to take thee in my arms  
So that I could bring my heart  
Closer now to thine own one  
Helps as that to convey well  
Gratitude it bears for thee.

Having spoken thus Rama  
Taken Hanuman moved by then  
Into warmth of his embrace.

Canto 128

Coronation and After

Led by Vasisht high priest then  
Ram 'n Seetha reached high throne.

One by one then twelve Vasus  
And those grand seers eight of them  
Perfused both of them with scents.

Then those elders let Brahmans  
Virgins, nobles and Generals  
Likewise perfuse them on throne.

Soon after were invited  
Angels all to perfuse Ram  
Seetha too with heavenly scents.

Held Ram's sibling Satrughna  
Canopy over royal heads  
While Lord Sugreev deemed if fit  
To don the role of fan boy then.

As a mark of his respect  
Fanned them Vibhishan from other end.

Standing in for Lord Indra  
Gave them Vayu gold lotus.  
On his own then Vayu gave   
Pearl necklace for Ram to wear.

Made the singers 'n dancers  
Sent by Indra from his court  
Seem it like a heavenly show.

Portend well to Ram's lordship  
Mother earth came up with bounty.

Last which would for generations  
Such farm wealth Ram gave Brahmans.

For the sake of their womenfolk  
Ram gave Brahmans all rare gems.

Gave then Ram to Sugreeva  
Pearl chain that seemed Milky Way.

Gave Lord Ram to Prince Angad   
Epaulets gold with blood red stones.

Pearl chain that Ram gave Seetha  
Looked like moonbeam in blue skies.

With the consent of her Lord  
Gave then Seetha silk garments  
As well jewels to Hanuman.

Pulled out Seetha from her self  
Necklace that was she fond of.

Sensed as Ram her intent true  
Beseeched he she bestows that  
Upon the one she loves the most  
Apart from the spouse of hers.

Heartened as she was at that  
Gave that Seetha to Hanuman.

Wore it Hanuman in reverence  
Shone he like the moon on earth.

Honoured Rama Dwividu then  
With Maindun 'n Neel as well  
With such gifts that touched their hearts.

Went on Ram to honour friends  
Left was none from vanar ranks.

Not the one to ignore friends  
Ram then called for Vibhishan  
Gave him gifts that pleased him most.

Last but not the least on list  
Was Hanuman who got the best  
From Lord Ram who valued him.

Came as time for guests to part  
Gave them consent Ram to leave.

All the way to Kishkindha  
Led then flock his Sugreeva.

Left for Vibhishan to Lanka  
To reign in place of Ravan then.

Settled as Ram for his long reign  
Spoke he then to Lakshman thus:

Sibling loyal O Lakshman  
Consent to be my Crown prince.

At that Lakshman turned his back  
Bharath he then pushed to forefront.

Yagas ordained by Vedas  
In his long reign Ram performed.

Reign ten millennia his lasted  
Domain of its spread worlds over.

Helped as Lakshman in his reign  
Giving hands of Ram then touched   
Horizons wide of all three worlds.

Took care Ram of his subjects  
No poor cousin was ever ignored.

In his reign all lived full life  
None was ruined by Acts of God.

Died no infant in his reign  
Lived no dacoit to name one.

Reigned well dharma in his time  
Gone were faction fights of yore.

None was barren in his land  
In scores bore women there children.

Took his name all day and night  
Revered him all worlds to one man.

Climes all then put their best foot   
Dared not drought to visit his land.

Lived all making best of life   
Shown was door to greed by all.

Sense of fairness ruled as minds  
Were there no mean in his reign.

Such was golden rein of Ram  
10 K summers it lasted  
To the world that lapsed itself  
Turned that distant past in time.

Told are life 'n times of Ram  
In this foremost poetic work  
Sage Valmiki gave this world.

Brings it cheer to who reads it  
Besides those who hear it read.

Women who hear all Ramayan  
Bear they sons who live for long.

Hears who victor Rama's tale  
Keeps he death at bay for long.

Who in reverence hears saga  
Of Lord Ram in Ramayan  
Gave to world by Valmiki   
Comes out unscathed from hardships.

Helps man Ramayan come to   
Grips with anger and distress.

To and fro in one's voyage  
Gives this tale him safe passage.

Hear who Rama's tale till end  
Gods are known to bless them all.

Rulers who read Ramayan  
Come to rule the entire world.

Swear who by this ancient work  
Absolved would be from all sins.

Store if set by Rama's tale  
Turns warrior the tides battle.

Reads if one or hears this tale  
Grace he hath of Lord Rama.

In his avatar as Rama  
Ordained Vishnu that Seshu  
Makes who heavenly cushion for him  
Would be with him as Lakshman.  
One who hears ever this saga  
Gets a spouse who well pleases.

Who in reverence hears this tale  
Earns he fame that lasts for long.

Reads Whoso this adi kavya  
Wins he heart of Lord Vishnu.

Essence of it whoso gets  
Pleases progenitors 'n angels.

Rewrites whoso this saga  
As told by sage Valmiki  
Ascend he would heaven in end.

