Paumacariya 12
English (machine translation) 12
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12.1
Thereupon the lord of Laṅkā deliberated together with his ministers: / "To whom should this daughter of mine, full of youth, be given?"
12.2
He was told by the ministers: "There is the lord of Mathurā of pure family lineage, / named Harivāhana; and his son is Prince Madhu.
12.3
He is endowed with auspicious marks, endowed with youth, strength, courage, and power; / to him let this excellent maiden be given; such is our mind."
12.4
Then the Rākṣasa lord said: "Prince Madhu, the son of Harivāhana, / is heroic, possesses the virtue of humility, and is exceedingly beloved by the people."
12.5
Harivāhana too, taking his son, approached Daśānana; / the best of men was highly pleased to see that handsome conduct of his.
12.6
Then the minister of Harivāhana said: "O lord, hear this: / to him a choice trident was given by an Asura who was pleased.
12.7
Now, having traversed a distance of two thousand and two hundred yojanas, / that choice trident returns to him again."
12.8
That excellent, beautiful maiden was given to King Madhu; / a wedding ceremony incomparable on the earth took place.
12.9
Meanwhile, Śreṇika, having bowed, asked the lord of the Gaṇas: / "For what reason was that choice trident given by the Asura?"
12.10
Then Indrabhūti said: "Hear the origin of that choice trident: / In the Airāvata province of Dhātakīkhaṇḍa, in the city of Śatadvāra, there were two friends.
12.11
One of them was Prabhava, and the second was named Sumitra; / staying with the same teacher, they learned the whole traditional lore of the arts.
12.12
There Sumitra, endowed with virtues, became the ruler of the realm; / he then made his friend Prabhava equal to himself.
12.13
Then one day, having been carried swiftly into the forest by a horse, / King Sumitra was captured by Bhillas of uncivilized conduct.
12.14
There Vanamālā was given to the king by the lord of the Mlecchas; / having married her, he returned and entered the city of Śatadvāra.
12.15
Having seen his friend's wife, Prabhava, pierced by the arrows of the flower-weaponed god, / his body stricken, in an instant fell into deep lovesickness.
12.16
Seeing Prabhava whose body was afflicted with a heavy burden of sorrow, Sumitra asked him: / "Tell me the origin of your sorrow, so that I may banish it."
12.17
Then Prabhava spoke there: "There is a popular proverb in the world / that to doctors, kings, and friends, one must clearly reveal these matters."
12.18
Bowing at his feet, Prabhava recounted the origin of his sorrow: / "Upon seeing your wife, master, I fell into agitation."
12.19
Hearing these words, Sumitra said to Vanamālā at night: / "Go with confidence, with a cheerful face, into the presence of Prabhava.
12.20
O beautiful woman, I will give you a thousand villages if you do what benefits my friend; / if you do not desire it, noble lady, I will inflict severe punishment upon you!"
12.21
Having spoken these words, Vanamālā set out in the evening; / she arrived at Prabhava’s house, and he at once questioned her:
12.22
"Who are you, fair beauty, and on what business have you come here?" / She too explained to him her marriage and all the rest.
12.23
While this conversation was going on between them, the king arrived there; / assuming a concealed form, he stood hidden inside the palace.
12.24
Then, realising that Vanamālā had been sent by Sumitra, / Prabhava, seized with spiritual urgency, sent her back toward her own path:
12.25
"Alas! How wicked I am, having a heart that desires Sumitra's wife! / Truly my body is made of adamant, since it did not melt away like snow!
12.26
Or what use is my life to me in this world, steeped in the stain of infamy? / Destitute of conduct, I will swiftly cut off my own head with a sword!"
12.27
Drawing a sword resembling a blue lotus, he put it to his throat; / understanding his intention, Sumitra suddenly seized him.
12.28
"Those men who destroy themselves out of passion or hatred, / their minds deluded by evil, wander in the wilderness of transmigration."
12.29
He took the sword from his hand, and Sumitra brought him to tranquility; / both ruled the kingdom for a long time, their minds free from thirst.
12.30
Then once upon a time, King Sumitra, having accepted renunciation, died, / and was reborn as a dweller in the Īśāna heaven.
12.31
Falling from the celestial chariot, he entered the womb of Queen Māhadī / and was born as the son of Harivāhana, this Prince Madhu.
12.32
Prabhava, his mind deluded by false belief, died and wandered in transmigration; / he was born as the son of Viśvāvasu and Jyotimatī, named Śikhin.
12.33
Having practiced the doctrine of an ascetic, he died right there with a lingering desire / and became the lord of the Bhavanapatis, Prince Camara, possessed of great supernatural power.
12.34
Recognising his friend and his past benefaction through the domain of clairvoyance, / he went and presented the jewel of a trident to King Madhu.
12.35
This entire life of King Madhu has been told to you; / whoever reads or hears it, O Śreṇika, acquires the fruit of merit."
12.36
The lord of Laṅkā, having conquered the earth in eighteen years, / reached Mount Aṣṭāpada to worship the Jina shrines.
12.37
Performing the worship of the Jina temples with water-grown and land-grown flowers, / the Ten-faced One, accompanied by all the kings, bowed with a joyful mind.
12.38
Meanwhile, he who had been installed by Indra as a world-guardian, / named Nalakūbara, resided in Durlabhapura.
12.39
Learning that Rāvaṇa had approached Mount Aṣṭāpada, / King Nalakūbara became enraged and dispatched an envoy to him.
12.40
The envoy arrived and saw the lord of Laṅkā in the assembly; / bowing with his head, he sat on a seat and said:
12.41
"An envoy has been sent into your presence, O king, by Nalakūbara; / he says: 'Come and see the invincibility of Durlanghapura against enemies!'"
12.42
And he was told by Rāvaṇa: "Until I quickly return / after going to worship the Jina temples in the Nandana grove,
12.43
until then, remain at ease, sporting among beautiful women. / O messenger, go and speak thus to the lord of Durlanghapura!"
12.44
Moving with the graceful speed of mind and wind, the envoy went to his master’s hall / and related clearly everything that had been said by Rāvaṇa.
12.45
Then he built a rampart of fire covering a hundred leagues, / and numerous mechanical engines that destroyed the lives of enemy warriors.
12.46
Having gone to the Nandana grove and bowed to the shrines with devotion, / the Ten-faced One returned once again to his own abode.
12.47
Equipped with armour and weapons, the Ten-necked One sent Prahasta and the other warriors / with a full army to seize Durlanghapura.
12.48
Arriving, they saw the city with a towering rampart of flames on all sides, / extremely difficult to cross amidst engines, striking terror into enemy warriors.
12.49
Then, having completely besieged it, the zealous Rākṣasas attacked, / but they were struck down by the enemy using various magical spells.
12.50
Then a man was sent by the slaughtered Rākṣasa warriors; / going to the lord, he said: "O master, listen to me!
12.51
Approaching, they are burned on all sides by blazingly hot fire; / numerous men are struck down within the frightful-mouthed mechanical engines."
12.52
Hearing this report, the wise ministers of the lord of Laṅkā / were deliberating on a means to protect their own army,
12.53
when just then, a female messenger was sent by Uparambhā, the wife of Nalakūbara, / who was passionately in love with the Ten-faced One, and she arrived.
12.54
Bowing her head, the female messenger said to Rāvaṇa in private: / "O lord, hear the reason for which I have been sent!
12.55
Nalakūbara has a famous wife named Uparambhā; / indeed, I have been sent by her, Citramālā by name.
12.56
Her heart is eager to see you, bound by love, / intensely devoted to your virtues; grant her your favour by granting a sight of yourself!"
12.57
Covering both his ears, the son of Ratnaśravas spoke thus: / "I do not look upon another's beloved wife even if she is endowed with beauty, much less a courtesan!
12.58
Another's wife, opposed to this world and the next, should always be avoided like leftover food / by a man endowed with steadfast virtue."
12.59
Knowing the female messenger's errand, the skilled ministers there said: / "Considering one's own advantage, even an untruth should be spoken.
12.60
If the woman is gratified, master, she might cause a breach in the city; / receiving respect, she will become dedicated to our honour."
12.61
Having agreed to this, the female messenger was dismissed by the Ten-faced One; / going to her mistress, she related the whole message.
12.62
And hearing the words of the female messenger, Uparambhā set out quickly; / she reached the mansion of the Ten-faced One, entered it, and sat comfortably.
12.63
And the Ten-faced One said to her: “Good lady, what pleasure of love is there here in the forest?
One must not honor [love] leaving aside [one's home in] Dullaṅghapura.”
12.64
Hearing that speech, an utterance of sweet and gentle murmurs,
she, tormented by passion, gave him the lore Āśālī.
12.65
Having obtained that lore, the Ten-faced One, accompanied by the entire host of his army,
went to the settlement of Dullaṅghapura and broke down the rampart.
12.66
Hearing that Rāvaṇa had arrived and that the rampart was destroyed,
King [Nala]kūbara marched forth at once in pride.
12.67
Then he began to fight in the battle together with the Rākṣasas,
where volleys of arrows, javelins, spears, and iron bars were cast forth from both sides.
12.68
The lord of Laṅkā said: “O good Uparambhā, you are my guru,
you who give the power-rich lore named Āśālī.
12.69
Born of an exalted family, having also taken birth from Sundarī’s womb,
you are the daughter of Kāśadhvaja; remain one who guards her virtue.
12.70
Even today your beloved of handsome form and grace is alive, good lady;
enjoy excellent pleasures with him for a long time!”
12.71
Having honored him, King Nalakūbara was released by the Ten-faced One;
ignorant of any fault [on her part], he enjoyed pleasures together with her.
12.72
Having conquered in the midst of battle the lord of Dullaṅghapura along with his army,
the Ten-faced One arrived at Mount Vaitāḍhya, in the realm of Indra.
12.73
Hearing that Rāvaṇa had arrived nearby, Indra there,
preparing to take action against the enemy host, consulted his father Sahasrāra.
12.74
Then Sahasrāra said: “Son, he is endowed with power,
the master of a thousand lores; peace with him is best.
12.75
Whether through two armies or as long as his power is equal or superior,
knowing place and time, until then peace should be made.
12.76
It has been said by ancient men: a dispute is not made with the strong;
it causes great sorrow and does not achieve the goal.
12.77
Knowing that very thing, son, do not be bewildered regarding your own interest;
give him your daughter, if you desire your own kingship.”
12.78
Hearing this speech, Indra, his body seized by fierce rage,
then began to speak, as if splitting the sky with his voice:
12.79
“Is a maiden to be given to one who deserves to be killed? Why, father, did you speak so abjectly?
Such a deed is not for those who are weighty with elevated pride.
12.80
Even death in battle is fitting for superior men whose hearts are steadfast;
even kingship obtained through bowing down to another does not bring bliss.”
12.81
Having spoken thus, Śakra quickly entered the armory pavilion,
and began to put on armor together with the guardians of the world.
12.82
One mounted a chariot adorned with an erected flagpole;
another leaped upon a spirited horse with waving chowries.
12.83
Another called out: “Quickly bring the armor and helmet!”;
there arose a mutual clamor over bows, spears, swords, and lances.
12.84
Having donned his armor together with the host of world-guardians,
Indra mounted Airāvaṇa and went forth from his city.
12.85
Resounding with numerous drums and kettle-drums, deep with the sounds of horns and excellent conches,
musical instruments began to thunder with a cloud-like roar.
12.86
Hearing the sound of instruments, the army of the Rākṣasas was filled with zeal;
horses, elephants, chariots, and foot-soldiers began to arm themselves.
12.87
Grasping weapons and shields—arrows, javelins, discus, lances, swords, and clubs—
the entire [army] was made battle-ready in merely an instant.
12.88
With the piercing sound of struck instruments and fleet foot-soldiers bounding beside horses,
the vast Rākṣasa army rushed upon the champions of Indra.
12.89
From this side, the front line of the Rākṣasa army was broken by the champions of the lord of the gods
with iron bars, stones, spears, javelins, and clubs, their elephants and horses falling down.
12.90
Seeing their own army being broken in battle by the divine champions,
the Rākṣasas, fully equipped with all weapons, fell upon them.
12.91
Vajra and Vajravega, Hasta and Prahasta, likewise Mārīca,
Sura, Sāraṇa, Jaṭhara, and champions such as Gaganōjjvala—
12.92
accoutred and armored, their greatness and pride blazing with fierce rage,
began to fight in such a way that the army of Indra retreated.
12.93
Seeing the vanguard of their army broken in battle by the Rākṣasas,
the champions of Indra also rose against them, rejoicing with enthusiasm:
12.94
Ghanamālin, Taḍitpiṅga, Jvalitākṣa, and Adripañjara,
and those led by Jaladhara—these fought against the night-wanderers.
12.95
Seeing the warriors struck down from their horses and vehicles, the son of Mahendra, monkey-bannered [and]
fierce in battle, Prasannakīrti, charged forth suddenly.
12.96
Then Śrīmālin, the son of Mālyavant, releasing hundreds of arrows,
penetrated the army of the gods, like a blazing forest fire in a woodland.
12.97
Śikhin, Kesaridaṇḍa, Ugra, and champions like Kanakaprabha
fought together with them, Śrīmālin and Prasannakīrti.
12.98
At the front of battle, the heads of these warriors, severed by Śrīmālin with crescent arrows,
fell to the earth like lotuses.
12.99
Seeing those servants slain, Indra himself arose,
and he, marching forward, was then checked by his son Jayanta:
12.100
“Stay confident, my lord! As long as I crush them at the front of battle;
what need is there of an axe where [a thing] can be torn off by a fingernail?”
12.101
A dread great battle ensued between Śrīmālin and Jayanta,
in which weapons clashed against one another and masses of sparks arose.
12.102
Drawing his bow with joy, Śrīmālin with a golden [arrow]
deprived Jayanta of his chariot, and he fell bewildered under the sway of a swoon.
12.103
Having regained consciousness in battle there, Jayanta, exceedingly enraged,
struck Śrīmālin upon his chest with the blow of a mace.
12.104
Seeing Śrīmālin lifeless at the front of battle,
Indrajit urged his excellent chariot forward and stood facing Jayanta.
12.105
Pierced with arrows in battle by the son of Rāvaṇa,
the son of the lord of the gods had his body reddened with blood, like a mountain anointed with red chalk.
12.106
Seeing that Jayanta, his son, was bathed in blood from arrow wounds,
Indra, mounted on Airāvaṇa, charged forth suddenly.
12.107
With the great sound of kettle-drums, the army of Indra, comprising vast arrays of elephants, chariots, horses, and foot-soldiers,
surrounded prince Indrajit on every side.
12.108
Seeing his son surrounded in battle by the army of the gods,
the lord of Laṅkā, standing on his excellent chariot, advanced facing Indra.
12.109
The guardians of the world belonging to Indra and the battle-heroic Rākṣasas clashed,
casting down showers of arrows upon each other in terrible anger.
12.110
With swords, spears, discus-weapons, clubs, maces, scimitars, lances, and tridents / the good warriors in battle struck one another, giving no quarter.
12.111
In some places [resounded] "Kill, kill, kill!", in some places swords clashed with clatter and ring, / and in some places was the sound "crack, crack, crack!" of bodies pierced by arrows.
12.112
Elephant grappled with elephant, excellent chariot with chariot, / horse with horse, and foot-soldier with foot-soldier.
12.113
Seizing one another by the head, their greatness won through honor from their masters, / the heroes fought in battle, while the cowardly men fled.
12.114
As they fought with joy, the fire from the blows of clashing weapons / blazed all around, causing burning pain to the warriors.
12.115
Amid the sound of kettle-drums, wardrums, large horns, the trumpeting of elephants, and the neighing of horses, / they could not hear one another, even a cry that fell upon the ear.
12.116
Struck by swords, arrows, javelins, and clubs, some wallowed on the earth's surface; / falling and rising again, other noble warriors marched forward.
12.117
Covered with blood from heads cut off and fallen in that very instant, / hosts of headless trunks danced to the sound of musical instruments struck furiously.
12.118
While such a battle raged and masses of warrior weapons fell, / the lord of Laṅkā then spoke to his charioteer, Sumati:
12.119
"Drive my excellent chariot swiftly facing Indra in battle! / What is gained by killing other warriors of matchless strength?
12.120
This Indra-status that he has assumed, unmatched in virtue and beauty— / I shall shatter all of it, this pride born from the power of Vidyās!"
12.121
Addressed thus, the charioteer swiftly directed the chariot—adorned with banners and pennants, / having a speed like that of the mind and the wind—towards Indra.
12.122
Seeing that Rāvaṇa approaching, the divine soldiers, agitated with fear, / then set out to flee, indeed trampling over one another.
12.123
Seeing his army broken, Indra, mounted upon Airāvaṇa, enraged / and unleashing a shower of arrows, approached the lord of the Rākṣasas.
12.124
Rāvaṇa too, with strikes of his own arrows, swiftly cut into two pieces / that incoming shower of arrows, his hands moving with the speed of his bow.
12.125
Then the lord of gods in fury seized the fire-weapon; / blazing with flames, it was discharged against the lord of Laṅkā.
12.126
The whole army of Rākṣasas was thrown into turmoil, scorched by the intense heat; / but Rāvaṇa swiftly quenched it with the water-weapon.
12.127
Again, Indra quickly discharged the great darkness-weapon; / Rāvaṇa too swiftly destroyed it with a light-weapon.
12.128
Resembling the staff of Yama, blazing with jewels upon their hoods, serpent-arrows / discharged by the lord of Laṅkā bound the entire divine army.
12.129
Seeing his own army bound by snakes and deprived of easy movement, / the lord of gods, mounted upon Garuḍa, destroyed the serpent-nooses.
12.130
Seeing the lord of gods released from the serpent-noose, / the lord of Laṅkā at that very moment mounted the rutting elephant Bhuvanālaṅkāra.
12.131
Śakra too, mounted on the excellent elephant Airāvaṇa resembling a mountain, / fought with Daśānana; elephant fought elephant as well.
12.132
Both mighty lordly elephants rushed forward, grand in unyielding pride, / with tusks like high clubs, appearing like uprooted mountains.
12.133
Both struck blows upon tusks, trunks, and the bodies of the men; / they trumpeted and roared like clouds in the rainy season.
12.134
With ichor dripping, surrounded by swarms of humming bees, / skillful with quick, swinging trunks, the great elephants fought in battle.
12.135
While the elephants fought, the ten-faced one seized the lord of gods, / having rushed upon him to pull down the rider of the elephant.
12.136
Bound with a celestial cloth and swiftly turning back on his own lordly elephant, / his pride and enthusiasm gone, [Indra] was like the moon in the eclipse of Rāhu.
12.137
The son of Indra, captured by Indrajit in battle, was then released: / what use are husks when the essence of the rice has been taken?
12.138
Then Indra's entire force—fine elephants, horses, and infantry— / broke, fled, and reached Mount Vaitāḍhya.
12.139
Taking the lord of gods, Daśānana, complete with his own army, / set out toward Laṅkā, covering the vast sky.
12.140
Seeing him approaching, the citizens of the city of Laṅkā and his attendants, / having come out to meet him, welcomed him with hundreds of auspicious rites.
12.141
With a white umbrella raised and a pair of graceful chauris waving, / he entered the city of Laṅkā, like the lord of the gods [entering] the abode of gods.
12.142
He arrived at his own palace, blazing with the rays of diverse jewels; / accompanied by shouts of "Victory!", he descended from the Puṣpaka vimāna.
12.143
Having conquered his enemies clad in armor, and having subjugated many noble kings, / through pure good fortune previously earned, the lord of Laṅkā rejoiced there, immersed in happiness.
12.144
Here ends the twelfth chapter in the Paümacariya, titled "The March to Vaitāḍhya, the Binding of Indra, and the Entry into Laṅkā".
Linked texts (1)
- Paümacariya — Vimalasūri, Māhārāṣṭrī Prakrit