Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

Valmiki Ramayana 4.38

Vālmīkirāmāyaṇa 4.38

Language
Sanskrit

4.38.1

iti bruvāṇaṃ sugrīvaṃ rāmo dharmabhṛtāṃ varaḥ
bāhubhyāṃ saṃpariṣvajya pratyuvāca kṛtāñjalim

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.2

yad indro varṣate varṣaṃ na tac citraṃ bhaved bhuvi
ādityo vā sahasrāṃśuḥ kuryād vitimiraṃ nabhaḥ

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.3

candramā raśmibhiḥ kuryāt pṛthivīṃ saumya nirmalām
tvadvidho vāpi mitrāṇāṃ pratikuryāt paraṃtapa

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.4

evaṃ tvayi na tac citraṃ bhaved yat saumya śobhanam
jānāmy ahaṃ tvāṃ sugrīva satataṃ priyavādinam

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.5

tvatsanāthaḥ sakhe saṃkhye jetāsmi sakalān arīn
tvam eva me suhṛn mitraṃ sāhāyyaṃ kartum arhasi

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.6

jahārātmavināśāya vaidehīṃ rākṣasādhamaḥ
vañcayitvā tu paulomīm anuhlādo yathā śacīm

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.7

nacirāt taṃ haniṣyāmi rāvaṇaṃ niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ
paulomyāḥ pitaraṃ dṛptaṃ śatakratur ivārihā

Then Ráma, best of all who guide
Their steps by duty, thus replied:
'What marvel if Lord Indra send
The kindly rain, O faithful friend?
If, thousand-rayed, the God of Day
Drive every darksome cloud away?
Or, rising high, the Lord of Night
Flood the broad heaven with silver light?
What marvel, King, that one like thee
The glory of his friends.should be?
No marvel, O my lord, that thou
Hast shown thy noble nature now.
Thy heart, Sugriva, well I know:
Naught from thy lips but truth may flow,
With thee for friend and champion all
My foes beneath my arm will fall.
The Rákshas, when my queen he stole,
Brought sure destruction on his soul,
Like Anuhláda who beguiled
Queen Sachí called Puloma's child.
Yes, near, Sugriva, is the day
When I my demon foe shall slay,
As conquering Indra in his ire
Slew Queen Paulomi's haughty sire.'

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.8

etasminn antare caiva rajaḥ samabhivartata
uṣṇāṃ tīvrāṃ sahasrāṃśoś chādayad gagane prabhām

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.9

diśaḥ paryākulāś cāsan rajasā tena mūrchitāḥ
cacāla ca mahī sarvā saśailavanakānanā

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.10

tato nagendrasaṃkāśais tīkṣṇa daṃṣṭrair mahābalaiḥ
kṛtsnā saṃchāditā bhūmir asaṃkhyeyaiḥ plavaṃgamaiḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.11

nimeṣāntaramātreṇa tatas tair hariyūthapaiḥ
koṭīśataparīvāraiḥ kāmarūpibhir āvṛtā

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.12

nādeyaiḥ pārvatīyaiś ca sāmudraiś ca mahābalaiḥ
haribhir meghanirhrādair anyaiś ca vanacāribhiḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.13

taruṇādityavarṇaiś ca śaśigauraiś ca vānaraiḥ
padmakesaravarṇaiś ca śvetair merukṛtālayaiḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.14

koṭīsahasrair daśabhiḥ śrīmān parivṛtas tadā
vīraḥ śatabalir nāma vānaraḥ pratyadṛśyata

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.15

tataḥ kāñcanaśailābhas tārāyā vīryavān pitā
anekair daśasāhasraiḥ koṭibhiḥ pratyadṛśyata

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.16

padmakesarasaṃkāśas taruṇārkanibhānanaḥ
buddhimān vānaraśreṣṭhaḥ sarvavānarasattamaḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.17

anīkair bahusāhasrair vānarāṇāṃ samanvitaḥ
pitā hanumataḥ śrīmān kesarī pratyadṛśyata

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.18

golāṅgūlamahārājo gavākṣo bhīmavikramaḥ
vṛtaḥ koṭisahasreṇa vānarāṇām adṛśyata

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.19

ṛkṣāṇāṃ bhīmavegānāṃ dhūmraḥ śatrunibarhaṇaḥ
vṛtaḥ koṭisahasrābhyāṃ dvābhyāṃ samabhivartata

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.20

mahācalanibhair ghoraiḥ panaso nāma yūthapaḥ
ājagāma mahāvīryas tisṛbhiḥ koṭibhir vṛtaḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.21

nīlāñjanacayākāro nīlo nāmātha yūthapaḥ
adṛśyata mahākāyaḥ koṭibhir daśabhir vṛtaḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.22

darīmukhaś ca balavān yūthapo 'bhyāyayau tadā
vṛtaḥ koṭisahasreṇa sugrīvaṃ samupasthitaḥ

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.23

maindaś ca dvividaś cobhāv aśviputrau mahāvalau
koṭikoṭisahasreṇa vānarāṇām adṛśyatām

He ceased: thick clouds of dust rose high
To every quarter of the sky:
The very sun grew faint and pale
Behind the darkly-gathering veil.
The mighty clouds that hung o'erhead
From east to west thick darkness spread,
And earth to her foundations shook
With hill and forest, lake and brook.
Then hidden was the ground beneath
Fierce warriors armed with fearful teeth,
Hosts numberless, each lord in size
A match for him who rules the skies:
From many a sea and distant hill,
From rock and river, lake and rill.
Some like the morning sun were bright.
Some, like the moon, were silver white:
These green as lotus fibres, those
White-coated from their native snows.
Then S'atabali came in view
Girt by a countless retinue.
Like some gold mountain high in air
Tárá's illustrious sire was there.
There Rumá's father, far-renowned,
With tens of thousands ranged around.
There, tinted like the tender green
Of lotus filaments, was seen,
Compassed by countless legions, one
Whose face was as the morning sun,
Hanúmán's father good and great,
Kesarí, wisest in debate.
There the proud king Gaváksha, feared
For his strong warrior arm, appeared.
There Dhúmra, mighty lord, the dread
Of foes, his ursine legions led.
There Panas, first for warlike fame,
With twenty million warriors came.
There glorious Níla, dark of hue,
Arrayed his countless troops in view.
There moved lord Gavaya brave and bold,
Resplendent like a hill of gold,
And near him Darímukha stood
With millions from the hill and wood
And *Dwivid famed for strength and speed,
And Mamda, both of Asvin seed.
There Gaja, strong and glorious, led
The countless troops around him spread,
And Jámbaván the king whose sway
The bears delighted to obey,

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.24

tataḥ koṭisahasrāṇāṃ sahasreṇa śatena ca
pṛṣṭhato 'nugataḥ prāpto haribhir gandhamādanaḥ

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.25

tataḥ padmasahasreṇa vṛtaḥ śaṅkuśatena ca
yuvarājo 'ṅgadaḥ prāptaḥ pitṛtulyaparākramaḥ

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.26

tatas tārādyutis tāro harir bhīmaparākramaḥ
pañcabhir harikoṭībhir dūrataḥ pratyadṛśyata

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.27

indrajānuḥ kapir vīro yūthapaḥ pratyadṛśyata
ekādaśānāṃ koṭīnām īśvaras taiś ca saṃvṛtaḥ

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.28

tato rambhas tv anuprāptas taruṇādityasaṃnibhaḥ
ayutena vṛtaś caiva sahasreṇa śatena ca

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.29

tato yūthapatir vīro durmukho nāma vānaraḥ
pratyadṛśyata koṭibhyāṃ dvābhyāṃ parivṛto balī

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.30

kailāsaśikharākārair vānarair bhīmavikramaiḥ
vṛtaḥ koṭisahasreṇa hanumān pratyadṛśyata

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.31

nalaś cāpi mahāvīryaḥ saṃvṛto drumavāsibhiḥ
koṭīśatena saṃprāptaḥ sahasreṇa śatena ca

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.32

śarabhaḥ kumudo vahnir vānaro rambha eva ca
ete cānye ca bahavo vānarāḥ kāmarūpiṇaḥ

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.33

āvṛtya pṛthivīṃ sarvāṃ parvatāṃś ca vanāni ca
āplavantaḥ plavantaś ca garjantaś ca plavaṃgamāḥ
abhyavartanta sugrīvaṃ sūryam abhragaṇā iva

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.34

kurvāṇā bahuśabdāṃś ca prahṛṣṭā balaśālinaḥ
śirobhir vānarendrāya sugrīvāya nyavedayan

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.35

apare vānaraśreṣṭhāḥ saṃgamya ca yathocitam
sugrīveṇa samāgamya sthitāḥ prāñjalayas tadā

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.36

sugrīvas tvarito rāme sarvāṃs tān vānararṣabhān
nivedayitvā dharmajñaḥ sthitaḥ prāñjalir abravīt

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

4.38.37

yathā sukhaṃ parvatanirjhareṣu vaneṣu sarveṣu ca vānarendrāḥ
niveśayitvā vidhivad balāni balaṃ balajñaḥ pratipattum īṣṭe

With swarming myriads onward pressed
True to his lord Sugríva's hest;
And princely Ruman, dear to fame,
Led millions whom no hosts could tame,
All these and many a chief beside
Came onward fierce in warlike pride.
They covered all the plain, and still
Pressed forward over wood and hill.
In rows for many a league around
They rested on the grassy ground;
Or to Sugríva made their way.
Like clouds about the Lord of Day,
And to the king their proud heads bent
In power and might preeminent.
Sugríva then to Ráma sped.
And raised his reverent hands, and said
That every chief from coast to coast
Was present with his warrior host.

Ralph T. H. Griffith 1870, The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse

Translations (1)

Commentaries (6)

Linked texts (3)