Sundara Kanda 24

Chapter [Sarga] 24

Introduction

Seetha cites the examples of Sachi, Arundhati, Rohini et.al., on their devotion towards their husbands. Ogre women threaten to kill Seetha and eat her.

tataH siitaamupaagamya raakSasyo vikR^itaananaaH |
paruSaM paruSaa naarya UcustaaM vaakyamapriyam || 5-24-1

Thereafter ogre women with a cruel nature, with crooked faces neared that Seetha and spoke unpleasant words harshly.

kiM tvamantaHpure siite sarvabhuutamanohare |
mahaarhashayanopete na vaasamanumanyase || 5-24-2

"O Seetha! Why are you not agreeing to stay in the gynaeceum which is  pleasing to all beings and which is with very best beds."

maanuSii maanuSasyaiva bhaaryaatvaM bahumanyase |
pratyaahara mano raamaanna tvaM jaatu bhaviSyasi || 5-24-3

"You who are a human are thinking highly about the wifehood of a human being. Withdraw your mind from Rama. Otherwise you will not exist at all."

trailokyavasubhoktaaraM raavaNaM raakSaseshvaram |
bhartaaramupasaMgamya viharasva yathaasukham || 5-24-4

"Sport according to your comfort coming together with the king of ogres Ravana,  enjoying luxuries of the three worlds and taking him as husband.

maanuSii maanuSaM taM tu raamamichchhasi shobhane |
raajyaadbhraaSTamasiddhaarthaM viklabaM tvamanindite || 5-24-5

"O beautiful one! O irrreproachable one! But being a human you are desiring that Ram, a who is a human, banished from kingdom, unsuccessful and gloomy."

raakSasiinaaM vachaH shrutvaa siitaa padmanibhekSaNaa |
netraabhyaamashrupuurNaabhyaamidaM vacanamabraviit || 5-24-6

Seetha, with eyes like lotuses, hearing the words of ogre women spoke these words with eyes filled with tears.

yadidam lokavidviSTamudaaharatha saMgataaH |
naitanmanasi vaakyaM me kilbiSaM pratibhaati vaH || 5-24-7

" Whatever words all of you, coming together, spoke in my matter which are hated in the world,  does it not seem sinful in your mind?"

na maanuSii raakSasasya bhaaryaa bhavitumarhati |
kaamaM khaadata maaM sarvaa na kariSyaami vo vachaH || 5-24-8

"Human woman is not waited to become wife of an ogre. All of you freely eat me. I will not honour your words."

diino vaa raajyahiino vaa yo me bhartaa sa me guruH |
taM nityamanuraktaasmi yathaa suuryaM suvarchalaa || 5-24-9

"Although wretched or without kingdom, whoever is my husband, He alone is my master. Like Suvarchala with the Sun God, I am fond of Him always."

yathaa shacii mahaabhaagaa shakraM samupatiSThati |
arundhatii vasiSThaM ca rohiNii shashinaM yathaa || 5-24-10
lopaamudraa yathaagastyaM sukanyaacyavanaM yathaa |
saavitrii satyavantaM ca kapilaM shriimatii yathaa || 5-24-11
saudaasaM madayantiiva keshinii sagaraM yathaa |
naiSadhaM damayantiiva bhaimii patimanuvrataa || 5-24-12
tathaahamikSvaakuvaraM raamaM patimanuvrataa |

"Like the highly fortunate Sachi who waits upon Indra, like Arundhati on Vasishta, like Rohini on the Moon God, like Lopamudra on Agastya, like Sukanya on Chyavana, like Savitri on Satyavanta, like Srimati on Kapila, like Madayanti on Saudasa, like Kesini on Sagara, like Damayanti the daughter of Bhima, devoted to husband Nala, in the same way I am devoted to my husband Rama, the best in Ikshvaku dynasty."

siitaayaa vacanaM shrutvaa raakSasyaH krodhamuurchitaaH || 5-24-13
bhartsayanti sma paruSairvaakyai raavaNacoditaaH |

Ogre women who are incited by Raavana,  listening to the words of Seetha, swooned with anger and frightened Her with harsh words.

avaliinaH sa nirvaakyo hanumaan shiMshupaadrume || 5-24-14
siitaaM saMtarjayantiistaa raaksasiirashR^iNot kapiH |

That monkey Hanuma, not talking and hiding in the Simsupa tree,  listened to those ogre women frightening Seetha.

taamabhikramya saMkruddaa vepamaanaaM samantataH || 5-24-15
bhR^ishaM saMlilihurdiiptaan pralabman dashanachchhadaan |

Those ogres angry licked a lot shining and hanging lips, neared mother Seetha who was shaking with fear in all directions

Uchushcha paramakruddhaaH pragR^ihyaashu parashvadhaan || 5-24-16
neyamarhati bhartaaraM raavaNaM raakSasaadhipam |

Being angry a lot and grasping axes quickly spoke as follows: "This woman is not suited to have the king of ogres Ravana as husband."

saa bhartasyamaanaa bhiimaabhii raakSasiibhirvaraananaa || 5-24-17
sabaaSpamapasarpantii shiMshupaaM taamupaagamat |

Being frightened by ogre women who were horrible that Seetha with best face with tears in eyes and moving from there reached that Simsupa tree.

tatastaaM shiMshupaaM siitaa raakSasiibhiH samaavR^itaa || 5-24-18
abhigamya vishaalaakSii tasthau shokapariplutaa |

Thereafter the wide eyed Seetha nearing that Simsupa tree being surrounded by ogre women was situated there with gloom.

taaM kR^ishaaM diinavadanaaM malinaambaradhaariNiim || 5-24-19
bhartsayaaMchakrire siitaaM raakSasyastaam samantataH |

Those ogres frightened from all directions that Seetha who was emaciated with a pitiful face and wearing dirty garments.

tatastaaM vinataa naama raakSasii bhiimadarshanaa || 5-24-20
abraviitkupitaakaaraa karaaLaa nirNatodarii |

Thereafter an ogre woman named Vinata with a horrible appearance with an angry form, crooked, having a prominent belly spoke to Her.

siite paryaaptametaavadbhartuH sneho nidarshitaH || 5-24-21
sarvaatraatikR^itaM bhadre vyasanaayopakalpate |

"O Seetha! You have showed love of husband. This much is enough. O auspicious one! At all times doing something excessively serves as vice."

parituSTaasmi bhadraM te maanuSaste kR^ito vidhiH || 5-24-22
mamaapi tu vachaH pathyaM bruvantyaaH kuru maithili |

"O Seetha! I am happy. Human duty has been done by you. Let there be fortune to you. Do also according to my wholesome words being told."

raavaNaM bhja bhartaaraM bhartaaraM sarvarakSasaam || 5-24-23
vikraantaM ruupavantaM cha sureshamiva vaasavam |
dakSiNaM tyaagashiilaM cha sarvasya priyadarshanam || 5-24-24

"Obtain as husband Ravana who is the lord of al l ogres, bold and handsome, like Indra the lord of Devas, able one and liberal with a pleasing appearance to all."

maanuSaM kR^ipaNaM raamaM tyaktvaa raavaNamaashraya |
divyaaN^garaagaa vaidehi divyaabharaNabhuuSitaa || 5-24-25
adyaprabhR^iti sarveSaaM lokanaamiishvarii bhava |

"Leaving Rama who is a human and miserable, seek refuge in Ravana. O Seetha! With best unguents to the body and decorated with best ornaments, become mistress of all the worlds from today."

agneH svaahaa yathaa devii shichii vendrasya shobhane || 5-24-26
kiM te raameNa vaidehi kR^ipaNena gataayiSaa |

"O auspicious one! Like Svaha the wife of the Fire God, like Sachi the wife of Indra become mistress of all worlds. O Seetha! What is the use with Rama who is miserable and with gone vigour."

etaduktaM cha me vaakyaM yadi tvaM na kariSyapi || 5-24-27
asminmuhuurte sarvaastvaaM bhakSayiSyaamahe vayam |

If you do not do my this spoken word, all of us in this moment will eat you.

anyaa tu vikaTaa naama labamaanapayodharaa || 5-24-28
abraviitkupitaa siitaaM muSTimudyamya garjatii |

Another ogre named Vikata with hanging breasts raising fist and roaring with anger spoke to Seetha.

bahUnypriyaruupaaNi vachanaani sudurmate || 5-24-29
anukroshaanmaR^idutvaachcha soDhaani tava maithili |

"O Seetha with an evil mind! Your many words which are unpleasant have been tolerated due to pity and due to softness."

na cha naH kuruSe vaakyaM hitaM kaalapuruskR^itam || 5-24-30
aniitaasi samudrasya paaramanyairduraasadam |
raavaNaantaHpuraM ghoraM praviSTaa chaasi maithili || 5-24-31

"O Seetha! You are not doing according to our word which is respected by time and wholesome. You have been brought to this bank of the ocean not obtainable by others. You have entered the terrible gynaeceum of Ravana."

raavaNasya gR^ihe ruddhaamasmaabhistu surakSitaam |
na tvaaM shaktaH paritraatumapi saakSaatpurandaraH || 5-24-32

"Withheld in the house of Ravana well protected by us, even Devendra himself is not capable to protect you."

kuruSva hitavaadinyaa vachanaM mama maithili |
alamashruprapaatena tyaja shokamanrthakam || 5-24-33

"O Seetha! Do according to my word, which is beneficial. Discharge of tears is enough. Leave worthless gloom."

bhaja priitiM cha harSaM cha tyajaitaaM nityadainyataam |
siite raakSasaraajena saha kriiDa yathaasukham || 5-24-34

"O Seetha! Have love and happiness. Leave this daily gloom. Sport according to comfort with the king of ogres."

jaanaasi hi yathaa bhiiru striiNaaM yauvanamadhruvam |
yaavanna te vyatikraamettaavatsukhamavaapnuhi || 5-24-35

"O timid one! You know how youth of women is not lasting. As long as your youth will not pass away, so long get comfort."

udyaanaani ca ramyaaNi parvatopavanaani cha |
saha raakSasaraajena chara tvaM madirekSaNe || 5-24-36

"O one with intoxicating eyes! You along with king of ogres roam beautiful groves, mountains and nearby forests.

striisahasraaNi te sapta vashe sthaasyanti sundari |
raavaNaM bhaja bhartaaraM bhrtaaraM sarvarakSasaam || 5-24-37

"O beautiful one! seven thousand women will be in your control. Have as husband Ravana the lord of all ogres."

utpaaTya vaa te hR^idayaM bhakSayiSyaami maithili |
yadi me vyaahR^itaM vaakyaM na yathaavatkariSyasi || 5-24-38

"O Seetha! If you do not do according to my spoken word as is, I will eat your heart indeed by plucking it out."

tatashchaNDodarii naama raakSasii krodhamUrchhitaa |
bhraamayantii mahacchuulamidaM vacanambraviit || 5-24-39

Thereafter an ogre woman named Chandodari swooning with anger, turning around a big spike spoke this word.

imaaM hariNalolaakSiiM traasotkampipayodharaaM |
raavaNena hR^itaaM dR^iSTvaa dauhR^ido me mahaanabhuut || 5-24-40

"Seeing this woman with eyes like that of a deer, with moving breasts due to fear, abducted by Ravana, there occured to me a great desire."

yakR^itlpiihamathotpiiDaM hR^idayaM cha sabandhanam |
antraaNyapi tathaa shiirSaM khaadeyamiti me matiH || 5-24-41

"It is my mind to eat the liver, the spleen, flesh above heart and heart together with muscle and entrails and the head."

tatastu praghasaa naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit |
kaNThamasyaa nR^ishaMsaayaaH piiDayaama kimaasyate || 5-24-42

An ogre woman named Pragasa spoke these words : "Squeeze the neck of this cruel woman. Why do we delay?"

nivedyataaM tato raajJNe maanuSii saa mR^iteti ha |
naatra kashchana saMdehaH khaadateti sa vakSyati || 5-24-43

"Thereafter let it be known to the king that that human woman has died. He will say thus : "Eat.". There is no doubt in this matter."

tatastvajaamukhii naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit |
vishasyemaaM tataH sarvaaH samaan kuruta piilukaan || 5-24-44

Thereafter an ogre woman named Ajamukhi spoke these words : "All of you killing this woman thereafter do equal pieces."

vibhajaama tataH sarvaa vivaado me na rochate |
peyamaaniiyataaM kSipraM lehyamuchchaavachaM bahu || 5-24-45

"Thereafter all of us will divide. Quarrel is not desirable to me. Liquor, many kinds and a lot of lickables be brought quickly."

tataH shuurpaNakhaa naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit |
ajaamukhyaa yaduktaM hi tadeva mama rochate || 5-24-46

Thereafter an ogre woman named Surpanakha spoke these words: "That which was spoken by Ajamukhi, is desirable to me."

suraa chaaniiyataaM kSipraM sarvashokavinaashinii |
maanuSaM maaM samaasvaadya nR^ityaamotha nikumbhilaam || 5-24-47

"Liquor which is the destroyer of all sorrow be brought quickly. Eating human flesh afterwards, we will dance for propitiating Nikumbila."

evaM saMbhartsyamaanaa saa siitaa surasutopamaa |
raakSasiibhiH sughoraabhirdhairyamutsR^ijya roditi || 5-24-48

Thus being frightened by horrible ogres, that Seetha equalling a daughter of gods, abandoning fortitude, was crying.

ityaarSe shriimadraamaayaNe aadikaavye sundarakaaNDe chaturviMshaH sargaH

Thus completes 24th Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.

Sundara Kanda 23

Chapter [Sarga] 23

Introduction

This chapter describes the ogre women speaking to Seetha about her marrying Ravana.

ityuktvaa maithiliiM raajaa raavaNaH shatruraavaNaH |
saMdishya cha tataH sarvaa raakSasiirnirjagaama ha || 5-23-1

The king Ravana, who makes enemies to cry,  thus speaking to Seetha and also ordering all ogre women,  thereafter  went away.

niSkrante raakSasendra tu punarantaHpuraM gate |
raakSasyo bhiimaruupaastaaH siitaaM samabhidudruvuH || 5-23-2

After Ravana left and obtained gynaeceum, those ogres with horrible appearances went running to Seetha.

tataH siitaamupaagamya raakSasyaH krodhamuurchitaaH |
paraM puruSayaa vaachaa vaidehiimidamabravan || 5-23-3

Thereafter reaching Seetha ogre women swooned with anger and with a very harsh speech spoke these words to Seetha.

paulastyasya variSThasya raavaNasya mahaatmanaH |
dashagriivasya bhaaryaatvaM siite na bahumanyase || 5-23-4

"O Seetha! Raavana, the best among men, born in the family of Paulastya and is a great soul with ten heads. You are not respscting becoming wife of Ravana "

tatasvaekajaTaa naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit |
amantyra krodhataamraakSii siitaaM karatalodariim || 5-23-5

Thereafter an ogre woman named Ekajata whose eyes are filled with red due to anger spoke these words to Seetha, the one with a stomach that can be held by palm of the hand.

prajaapatiinaam SaNNaM tu chaturtho yaH prajaapatiH |
maanaso brahmaNaH putraH pulastya iti vishrutaH || 5-23-6

"Among the six Prajapatis, the fourth Prajapati is Paulastya. He is born by the thought of Lord Brahma.."

pulastyasya tu tejasvii mahaarSirmaanasaH sutaH |
naamnaa sa vishravaa naama prajaapatisamaprabhaH || 5-23-7

Visravasu is born to Paulastya by his thought. Visravasu, is a glorious sage and has radiance equalling that of Lord Brahma .

tasya putro vishaalaakSi raavaNaH shatruraavaNaH |
tasya tvaM raakSasendrasya bhaaryaa bhavitumarhasi || 5-23-8
mayoktaM chaarusarvaaN^gi vaakyam kiM naamamanyase |

"O wide eyed one! Ravana who makes enemies to cry, is Visravasu's son. You are suited to become Ravana's wife. O one with all beautiful limbs! Why will you not agree words spoken by me."

tato harijaTaa naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit || 5-23-9
vivartya nayane kopaanmaarjaarasadR^ishekSaNaa |

Thereafter an ogre woman named Harijata with eyes like those of a cat turned around eyes due to anger and spoke these words.

yena devaastraayastriMshaddevaraajashcha nirjataaH || 5-23-10
tasya tvaM raakSasendrasya bhaaryaa bhavitumarhasi |

"Thirty three crore Devas and the Indra - king of Devas- have been conquered by Raavana. You are suited to become the wife of that lord of ogres.

tatastu praghasaa naama raakSasii krodhamuurchhitaa || 5-23-11
bhartsayanii tadaa ghoramidaM vachanamabraviit |

Thereafter an ogre named Praghasa swooning with anger and then frightening Seetha, spoke this horrible word.

viiryotsiktasya shuurasya samgraame na nivartinaH || 5-23-12
balino viiryayuktasya bhaaryaatvam kiM na lapsyase |

"Why will you not get wifehood of Ravana who is proud of his might, valiant, who will not turn back in wars, who is strong together with valour."

priyaaM bahumataaM bhaaryaaM tyaktvaa raajaa mahaabalaH || 5-23-13
sarvaasaaM cha mahaabhaagaaM tvaamupaiSyati raavaNaH |

"The mighty Ravana can leave his dearest and respectable wife among all his wives and can make you Queen. There is no other better fortune than this."

samR^iddham striisahasreNa naanaaratnopashobhitam || 5-23-14
antaHpuraM samutsR^ijya tvaamupaiSyati raavaNaH |

"Ravana leaving gynaeceum filled with thousand women and shone by various best things can obtain you.

anyaa tu vikaTaa naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit || 5-23-15
asakR^iddevataa yuddhe naagagandharvadaanavaaH |
nirjitaaH samare yena sate paarshvamupaagataH || 5-23-16

Another ogre woman named Vikata spoke these words: "hom a number of times in war Devas, in war Nagas, Gandharvas and Danavas have been conquered that Ravana , who many times conquered  Devas, Naagas, Gandharvas and Daanavaas  in the war, has come to your side."

tasya sarvasamR^iddhasya raavaNasya mahaatmanaH |
kimadya raakSasendrasya bhaaryaatvaM nechchha.adhame || 5-23-17

"O vile one! Why are you not desiring wifehood of such Ravana, who isfulfilled in all respects and who is a great soul and lord of ogres.

tatastu durmukhii naama raakSasii vaakyamabraviit |
yasya suuryo na tapati bhiito yasya cha maarutaH || 5-23-18
na vaati smaayataapaaN^ge kiM tvaM tasya na tiSThasi |

Thereafter an ogre woman named Durmukhi spoke these words: " O one with long eyes! Fearing whom the sun will not comsume by heat, fearing whom the wind god will not blow, you are refusing to accept him. This is unpardonable."

puShpavR^iSTaM cha taravo mumuchir yasya vai bhayaat || 5-23-19
shailaashcha subhru paaniiyam jaladaashcha yadechchhati |
tasya nairR^itaraajasya raajaraajasya bhaamini || 5-23-20
kiM tvaM na kuruSe buddhiM bhaaryaarthe raavaNasya hi |

"O one with good eyebrows! O Seetha! By the fear of Raavana trees shed a shower of flowers and whenever Ravana desired mountains and clouds will shed water.  Why you are not making up your mind to be the wife of such Ravana, who is the king of ogres and king of kings."

saadhu te tattvato devi kathitaM saadhu bhaamini || 5-23-21
gR^ihaaNa susmite vaakyamanyathaa na bhaviSyasi |

"O Seetha with a good smile! O princess! Understand the kind words spoken to you well and truly." 

ityaarSe shriimadraamaayaNe aadikaavye sundarakaaNDe trayoviMshaH sargaH

Thus completes 23rd Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.

Sundara Kanda 22

Chapter [Sarga] 22.1      

Ravana gives Seetha two months to marry him. He orders ogres to frighten Seetha and bring Her to his control. Ravana then goes back to his own house with his consorts.

siitaaya vachanaM shrutvaa paruSaM raakshaseshvaraH |
pratyuvaacha tataH siitaaM vipriyaM priyadarshanam || 5-22-1

Ravana listening to Seetha's words which were harsh thereafter replied to Seetha unpleasant words which are seen to be pleasant.

yathaa yathaa saantvayitaa vashyaH striiNaaM tathaa tathaa |
yathaa yathaa priyam vaktaa pariBhuutastathaa tahaa || 5-22-2

"If gentle language is used to women they think that men are  under control. If men speak dear words, they will be rejected."

saMniyachchati me krodhaM tvayi kaamaH samutthitaH |
dravato.amaargamaasaadya hayaaniva susaarathiH || 5-22-3

"In your matter, the desire which has risen up is subduing my anger like horses running in a bad path being controlled by a good charioteer."

vaamaH kaamo manuSyaaNaam yasmin kila nibadhyate |
jane tasmiMstvanukroshaH snehashcha kila jaayate || 5-22-4

"Desire is unfavorable to men. If we have desire in someone, we show compassion and fondness on them."

etasmaatkaaraNaanna tvaaM ghaatayaami varaanane |
vadhaarhamavamaanaarhaaM mithyaapravrajite rataam || 5-22-5

"O one with dubious saintly form ! for this reason, although you are suitable to be killed and suitable to be humiliated,  I am not killing you."

paruSaaNiiha vaakyaani yaani yaani braviiSi maam |
teSu teSu vadho yuktastava maithili daaruNaH || 5-22-6

"O Seetha! Here whatever harsh words you are speaking about me, because of those words, you are suitable to be horribly slayed."

ekamuktvaa tu viadeshiiM raavaNo raakshasaadhipaH |
krodhasaMrambhasamyuktaH siitaamuttaramabraviit || 5-22-7

The king of ogres Ravana speaking thus to Seetha,  spoke subsequent word to Seetha with increased anger.

dvau maasau rakShitavyau me yo.avadhiste mayaa kR^itaH |
tataH shayanamaaroha mama tvaM varavarNini || 5-22-8

"O Seetha with best complexion! Two months are remaining in the twelve months time given to you. Within these two months you have to ascend my bed."

uurdhvaM dvaabhyaaM tu maasaabhyaaM bhartaaram maamanichchatiim |
mama tvaaM praataraashaarthamaalabhante mahaanase || 5-22-9

"If you do not agree within  two months,  you will be killed and used for breakfast in my kitchen."

taaM tarjyamaanaaM samprekSya raakSasendreNa jaanakiim |
devagandharvakanyaastaa viSedurvikR^itekSaNaaH || 5-22-10

Seeing Seetha being frightened by Ravana,  those Deva and Gandharva maidens looked at Seetha with grief and  troubled eyes.

auSThaprakaarairaparaa vaktranetraistathaaparaaH |
siitaamaashvaasayaamaasustarjitaaM tena rakSasaa || 5-22-11

They consoled Seetha with the signs by lips, faces and eyes.

taabhiraashvaasitaa siitaa raavaNam raakSasaadhipam |
uvaachaatmahitaM vaakyaM vR^ittashauNDiiryagarvitam || 5-22-12

Consoled by them Seetha, proud of virtuous conduct, spoke words beneficial to self to the king of ogres Ravana.

nuunam na te janaH kashchidasti niHshreyase sthitaH |
nivaarayati yo na tvaaM karmaNo.asmaadvigarhitaat || 5-22-13

"O Raavana! There is no well wisher for you in this Lanka. That is the reason no one prevented you from this bad deed. This is definite."

maaM hi dharmaatmanaH patniiM shachiimiva shachiipateH |
tvadanyastriSu lokeSu praarthayenmanasaapi kaH || 5-22-14

"No one can desire me, Like Shachidevi, the wife of Indra.   In all the three worlds, no one can desire me, wife of virtuous Rama, even in heart."

raakSasaadhama raamasya bhaaryaamamitatejasaH |
uktavaanasi yatpaapaM kva gatastasya mokSyase || 5-22-15

"O vile ogre! You will get the suitable results for the sinful  words you spoke to me, who is the wife of the great resplendent Rama. You can not escape from this wherever you go."

yathaa dR^iptashcha maataN^gaH shashashcha sahitau vane |
tathaa dviradavadraamastvaM niicha shashavat smR^itaH || 5-22-16

Do not think that you are equal to Rama as you and Rama are living on earth. "Like an elephant in rut and a hare at war in the forest, in the same way O vile one! Rama is like an elephant and you are said to be like a hare."

sa tvamikSvaakunaatham vai kSipanniha na lajjase |
chakSuSorviSayam tasya na taavadupagachchhasi || 5-22-17

"Such you are not shameful abusing the lord of Ikshvaku dynasty Rama. You are not getting Rama's matter so much."

ive te nayane kruute viruupe kR^iSNapiN^gale |
kSitau na patite kasmaanmaamanaarya niriikSataH || 5-22-18

"O ignoble one! For what reason your these eyes which are cruel, crooked, which are black and reddish brown, are not falling down after seeing me with sinful desire."

tasya dharmaatmanaH patniiM snuSaaM dasharathasya cha |
kathaM vyaaharato maaM te na jihvaa vyavashiiryate || 5-22-19

"Why your tongue did not fall off after speaking about me,  who am the wife of virtuous Rama and the daughter-in-law of Dasaratha.."

asaMdeshaattu raamasya tapasashchaamapaalanaat |
na tvaaM kurmi dashagriiva bhasma bharmaarha tejasaa || 5-22-20

"O Ravana! Although you are suited to be burnt into ashes, not having the mandate of Rama and preserving austerity, I am not reducing you into ashes with my glory."

This verse indicates the character of a pious women and those who believe that is the only one to  whom we can accede to. Such people do not try to protect themselves inspite of  having ability to do so. Mother Seetha had exhibited the same here.

God has declared that …

            PATIM VISHWAASYAATMESHWARYAM

It is not indicated in the Veda that the jivas need to protect themselves. Hence, mother Seetha said that she do not have the mandate of Sri Rama. 

Mother Seetha is away from Rama and is under the siege of Ravana. What penance is she performing?. Believing that Rama is her protector and not trying to protect herself is the penance. The NYAASA is the penance

Giving the protecting responsibility to God is NYAASA. Since mother Seetha is performing penance, She has not burnt Raavana.

One need not doubt the ability of mother Seetha to burn Raavana. When demons have lighted the tail of Hanuma, mother prayed the Agni to protect Hanuma by uttering

                        SHEETHO BHAVA HANUMATHAH (53.28).

If She had said, DAGDHOBHAVA DASHAANANA, Agni would have burnt Raavana. But she has not done it. This is the dharma of the one who surrender to God and leaves the responsibility of protection with Him.

naapahartumahaM shakyaa tvayaa raamasya dhiimataH |
vidhistava vadhaarthaaya vihito naatra saMshayaH || 5-22-21

" I  belong to the noble Rama and am can not be abducted by you. This act has been made for your slaying. In this there is no doubt."

shuureNa dhanadabhraatraa balaiH samuditena cha |
apihya raamaM kasmaaddhi daarachauryaM tvayaa kR^itam || 5-22-22

"You are strong, brother of Kubera and in possession of strong army. Having such qualities  why  did you abduct me after  diverting Rama away from the hermitage."

siitaayaa vachanaM shrutvaa raavaNo raakSasaadhipaH |
vinR^itya nayane kruure jaanakiimanvavaikSata || 5-22-23

King of rakshasas Ravana listening to Seetha's words turned around his cruel eyes and saw Seetha.

niilajiimuutasamkaasho mahaabhujashirodharaH |
siMhasattvagatiH shriimaan diipta jihvagralochanaH || 5-22-24

Ravana was qual to a black cloud, with big shoulders and neck with the strength and gait of a lion, glorious with radiant tip of tongue and eyes.

chalaagramakuTapraaMshushchitramaalyaanulepanaH |
raktamaalyaambaradharastaptaaN^gadavibhuuSaNaH || 5-22-25

He was tall with moving front portion of crown, with excellent garlands and anointments, wearing red garlands and clothes, with ornaments made of refined gold.

shroNisuutreNa mahataa mechakena susamvR^itaH |
amR^itotpaadanaddhena bhujageneva mandaraH || 5-22-26

Like Mount Mandara tied by Vasuki for producing nectar, Ravana was well tied by a black big thread.

taabhyaaM sa paripuurNaabhyaaM bhujaabhyaaM raakSaseshvaraH |
shushubhe.achalasaMkaashaH shR^iN^gaabhyaamiva mandaraH || 5-22-27

Equalling a mountain the king of ogres shone with those perfect shoulders like Mount Mandara with its peaks.

taruNaadityavarNaabhyaaM kuNDalaabhyaaM vibhuuSitaH |
raktapallavapuSpaabhyaamashokaabhyaamivaachalaH || 5-22-28

With the color of just risen sun, decorated by earrings, he was like a mountain with Ashoka trees with red flowers and shoots.

sa kalpavR^ikSapratimo vasanta iva muurtimaan |
shmashaanachaityapratimo bhuuSito.api bhayamkaraH || 5-22-29

Equalling a Kalpavriksha he was like the embodiment of spring season. Like a funeral mound in a grave-yard was horrible even though decorated.

avekSamaaNo vaidehiiM kopasamraktalochanaH |
uvaacha raavaNaH siitaaM bhujaN^ga iva niHshvasan || 5-22-30

With red eyes due to anger,  Ravana was looking at Seetha sighing like a serpant and spoke to Seetha.

anayenaabhisampannamarthahiinamanuvrate |
naashayaamyahamadya tvaaM suuryaH sandhyaamivaujasaa || 5-22-31

O Seetha! follower of wealth less and non-righteous Rama ! Now I will destroy you like sun destroying morning twilight with light.

ityuktvaa maithiliim raajaa raavaNaH shatruraavaNaH |
samdidesha tataH sarvaa raakSasiirgoradarshanaaH || 5-22-32

The king Ravana who causes enemies to cry thus speaking to Seetha, thereafter ordered all ogre women with horrible appearances.

ekaakSiimekakarNaaM cha karNapraavaraNaaM tathaa |
gokarNiiM hastikarNiim cha lambakarNiimakarNikaam || 5-22-33
hastipaadyashvapaadyau cha gopaadiiM paadachuuLikaam |
ekaakSiimekapaadiiM cha pR^ithupaadiimapaadikaam || 5-22-34
atimaatrashirogriivaamatimaatrakuchodariim |
atimaatraasyanetraam cha diirghajihvamajihvikaam || 5-22-35
anaasikaaM simhamukhiiM gomukhiim suukariimukhiim |

Ravana ordered all those ogress  who are described as - who one with a single eye, one with a single ear and one with ears as covering, one with cow's wars, one with ears of an elephant, one with dangling ears, one without ears and one with the feet of an elephant and one with the feet of a horse, one with feet of a cow,one with hair over feet, one with a single eye and one with a single foot, one with big feet, one without feet, one with a big head and neck,one with big breasts and stomach, and one with big mouth and eyes, one with a long tongue, one without tongue, one without nose, one with the face of a lion, one with the face of a cow,one with the face of a pig.

yathaa madvashagaa siitaa kSpraM bhavati jaanakii || 5-22-36
tathaa kuruta raakSasyaH sarvaaH kSipraM sametya cha |

pratilomaanulomaishcha saamadaanaadibhedanaiH || 5-22-37
avarjayata vaidehiiM daNDasyodyamanena cha |

"O ogres! All of you should accomplish the task to bring the daughter of Janaka, Seetha, under my control quickly. Bring Seetha under my possession with hostile and favorable tasks, with kind words, with gifts and dividing words and exertion of punishment,."

iti pratisamaadishya raakSasendraH punaH punaH || 5-22-38
kaamamanyupariitaatmaa jaanakiiM paryatarjayat |

Ravana thus ordering ogress, again frightened Seetha with a mind full of lust and anger.

upagamya tataH shiighraM raakSasii dhaanyamaalinii || 5-22-39
pariSvajya dashagriivamidaM vachanamabraviit |

Thereafter an ogre named Dhanyamalini quickly neared Ravana, embraced him and spoke these words.

mayaa kriiDa mahaaraaja siitayaa kiM tavaanayaa || 5-22-40
vivarNayaa kR^ipaNayaa maanuSyaa raakSaseshvara |

"O king! Sport with me. O lord of ogres! Of what use to you is this Seetha who is colorless and a wreched human."

nuunamasyaa mahaaraaja na divyaan bhogasattamaan || 5-22-41
vidadhaatyamarashreSThastava baahubalaarjitaan |

"O king! Lord Barhma did not assign to Her (Seetha)  the wonderful best luxuries earned by the might of your arms. This is definite."

akaamaaM kaamayaanasya shariiramupatapyate || 5-22-42
ichchhantiiM kaamayaanasya priitirbhavati shobhanaa |

"You can derive pleasure by desiring a woman who do not desire you. Good happiness will occur to one who loves a woman who desires him."

evamuktastu raakSasyaa samutkSiptastato balii || 5-22-43
prahasanmeghasamkaasho raakSasaH sa nyavartata |

Thus spoken to by that ogre,  that Ravana who was strong equalling a cloud, thereafter returned back laughing."

prasthitaH sa dashagriivaH kampayanniva mediniim || 5-22-44
jvaladbhaaskaravarNaabham pravivesha niveshanam |

That Ravana departing was as though shaking the earth and entered his house with the lustre of blazing sun shine.

devagandharvakanyaashcha naagakanyaashcha sarvataH || 5-22-45
parivaarya dashagriivaM vivishustaM gR^ihottamam |

Deva and Gandharva maidens and Naga maidens surrounding Ravana in all directions entered that best among houses.

sa maithiliiM dhrama paraamavasthitaaM |
pravepamaanaaM paribharsya raavaNaH |
vihaaya siitaaM madanena mohitaH |
svameva veshma pravivesha bhaasvaram || 5-22-46

That Ravana frightening Seetha, who was steadfastly intent on virtue and who was shaking, leaving Seetha, infatuated by love, entered his own house which was shining.

ityaarSe shiirmadraamaayaNe aadikaavye sundarakaaNDe dvaaviMshaH sargaH

Thus completes 22nd Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.

Sundara Kanda 21

Chapter 21

In this chapter Seetha replies to Ravana saying that He should seek friendship with Rama and return Her back to Rama.

tasya tadvachanam shrutvaa siitaa raudrasya rakSasaH |
aartaa diinasvaraa diinam pratyuvaacha tataH shanaiH || 5-21-1

Seetha listening to that horrible ogre's word, being tormented spoke in reply with a pitiable voice, pitifully and slowly.

duHkhaartaa rudatii siitaa vepamaanaa tapasvinii |
chintayantii varaaroha patimeva pativrataa || 5-21-2
tR^iNamantarataH kR^itvaa pratyuvaacha shuchismitaa |

Being tormented by grief, in a pitiful state, with excellent limbs, devoted to husband, thinking about husband alone, with pleasant smiles Seetha was sobbing, shivering and placing a straw in between herself and Ravana spoke thus in reply with a smile.

Mother Seetha placed the straw in between her and Ravana to indicate

-          that she is not supposed to talk to him directly

-          straw is eligible to talk to her but not Ravana

-          like the dried straw, Ravana is also ready to be burnt

-          if Rama becomes angry, Ravana also will meet with the same fate as the Crow which ran through the three worlds, to save his life,  with a  dried straw following it everywhere

Seetha is the incarnation of Sri Maha Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. When a son speaks angrily, mother out of compassion speaks with affection and smile. Similarly, Seetha had not got angry over Ravana. She pitied Ravana and thought that he is asking for the one which he is not supposed to and continued to say with a laugh on Her face ….

nivartaya mano mattaH svajane kriyataaM manaH || 5-21-3
na maaM praarthayituM yuktaM susiddhimiva paapakR^it |

"Turn your mind back from me. Let your mind be made on your own wives. Like best emancipation for a sinner, it is not appropriate to you to pray me."

Here mother Seetha is giving advice to those who think badly about other’s spouses and also to all Jivas who think that the soul (which belongs to God)  is body and is independent. The nature and the living souls belong to the God.

The ideas “I” and “Mine” are caused by mind.

Mind is like a tortoise. Like a tortoise, it gets killed if one makes it fall on its back. Similarly, the sound /word “Mana: ” becomes “Nama: ” if we reverse it. If we contemplate on this, we can get rid of the thought of enacting soul as per the wish of the mind.

Ma: = Mine    Na=Not     Na ma: = Not mine.  If one acts with this thought, it becomes renunciation and mind can not rule such individuals. Hence, Seetha advised Ravana to turn away his mind from Her.

akaaryam na mayaa kaaryamekapatnyaa vigarhitam || 5-21-4
kulam sampraaptayaa puNyam kule mahati jaatayaa |

"I was born in a great family lineage and is appropriate to have one husband. I can not do any blameashable act. "

evamuktvaa tu vaidehii raavaNam tam yashasvinii || 5-21-5
raavaNam pR^iSThataH kR^itvaa bhuuyo vachanambraviit |

Seetha, the renown, thus speaking to that Ravana, turned back and spoke words again.

vaahamaupayikii bhaaryaa parabhaaryaa satii tava || 5-21-6
saadhu dharmamavekshasva saadhu saadhuvratam chara |

"I  am wife of another and devoted to husband, and am not suitable wife to you. Observe righteousness. Follow the right path of conduct of virtuous."

yathaa tava tathaanyeSaaM daaraa rakSyaa vishaachara || 5-21-7
aatmaanamupamaaM kR^itvaa sveSu daareSu ramyataam |

"O Ogre! How your wives are to be protected, in the same way others' wives are to be protected. Making yourself as an example enjoy your own wives."

atuSTaM sveSu daareSu chapalam chalitendriyam || 5-21-8
nayanti nikR^itiprajJNaM paradaaraaH paraabhavam |

"One who is not satisfied in own wives, a fickle-minded one with disturbed senses, mean minded one, will be humiliated by other’s wives."

iha santo na vaa santi sato vaa naanuvartase || 5-21-9
tathaahi vipariitaa te buddhiraachaaravarjitaa |

"Are there not good people here? Or are you not following those who are good? Your behavior indicates the perverted nature of yours."

vacho mithyaapraNiitaatmaa pathyamuktaM vichakSaNaiH || 5-21-10
raakshasaanaamabhaavaaya tvam vaa na vratipadyase |

"You who is being led by mind towards unreal is not taking the advise of righteous elders and is leading in the path which would lead to destruction of ogres."

aakR^itaatmaanamaasaadya raajaanamanaye ratam || 5-21-11
samR^iddhaani vinashyanti raaSTraaNi nagaraaNi cha |
tatheyam tvaam samaasaadya laN^kaa ratnaughasamkulaa || 5-21-12
aparaadhaattavaikasya vachiraadvinashiSyati |

"After getting a king who has uncontrolled mind, interested in a bad path, wealthy states and cities also will be destroyed.  Having a king like those in you,  Lanka which is filled with best things, in a short while will be destroyed due to your sin."

svakR^itairhanyamaanasya aavaNaadiirghadarshinaH || 5-21-13
abhinandanti bhuutaani vinaashe paapakarmaNaH |

"O Ravana! living beings will be happy when a sinner like you is destroyed by your own short sighted sin.

evaM tvaaM paapakarmaaNam vakSyanti nikR^itaa janaaH || 5-21-14
diSTyaitad vyasanaM praapto raudra ityeva harSitaaH |

"People who have been humiliated by you will be happy the day you are killed and being happy will speak thus: 'The cruel Ravana by God's grace has got this danger' ".

shakyaa lobhayituM naahamaishvaryeNa dhanena vaa || 5-21-15
ananyaa raaghaveNaahaM bhaaskareNa prabhaa yathaa |

"I will not be tempted by wealth or by money. I am not separate with Raghava like the sun-shine with the sun."

Godess Lakshmi remains with Lord Vishnu in all places and all conditions. Mother Seeta is indicating here that  she is Godess Lakshmi.

upadhaaya bhujam tasya lokanaathasya satkR^itam || 5-21-16
katham naamopadhaasyaami bhujamanyasya kasya chit |

"I have surrender to the Lord of the World,  whom all the Jivas asks for boons, and took the protection from His shoulder as pillow. How can I make as pillow some other one's shoulder?"

ahamaupayiikii bhaaryaa tasyaiva vasudhaapateH || 5-21-17
vratasnaatasya viprasya vidyeva viditaatmanaH |

"Like the education of a brahmin with a famous mind, initiated in religious vow, I am suitable wife to that Rama alone the lord of earth."

saadhu raavaNa raameNa maaM samaanaya duHkhitaam || 5-21-18
vane vaashitayaa saartham kareNveva gajaadhipam |

"O Ravana! Let me meet together with Rama like a female elephant with a male elephant in a forest."

Mother Seeta is suggesting to all those who seek self realization to not to, once again, get enticed by mundane pleasures.  Every moment should be spent in meditation on Him and also thoughts should be filled with He as Protector.

Since there is no one to advice Ravana, mother Seeta is advising him further ….

mitramaupayikam kartum raamaH sthaanam pariipsataa || 5-21-19
vadham chaanichchhataa ghoraM tvayaasau puruSarSabhaH |

Those who desire continuous existence and not desired to be slayed should make friendship with Rama, who is the best amongst the men.

viditaH sa hi dharmajJNaH sharaNaagatavatsalaH || 5-21-20
tena maitrii bhavatu te yadi jiivitumicchasi |

"Rama, the righteous one, is indeed known as one who loves those who seek His protection. If you desire to live, let there be friendship between you and Rama."

Ravana is egoistic. If he is asked to surrender, he may refuse. Hence, mother Seeta suggesting to Ravana to make friendship with Rama. Mother Seeta thought that Ravana might agree for friendship, since friendship indicates that two are equal.

Further, She said, that “If you desire to live, let there be friendship between you and Rama.". The existence and identity of all the living and non-living objects are dependent on the Supreme God. If one wants to fell a branch of tree, he/she is supposed to make that branch of tree as base and break it. Similarly, those who want to steal those belonging to Him should surrender /make friendship with Him to protect his existence or identity.

Mothere Seeta making it clear to Ravana that for happy living  in this world with this physical form (body) and to leave this form, one needs His grace, and without His grace one will not get peaceful death. (Because of this truth, Ravana lost all his worriers, relatives, friends, brothers, sons, all his heads and finally met with a pitiable death).

Here is a specific indication in saying  “tena maitrii bhavatu te yadi jiivitumicchasi |” –  “If you desire to live, let there be friendship between you and Rama." All of us think that the movement or motion of this physical body indicates one is alive or dead. However, it is not true. Like the soul to the physical body, God is to the soul (the life/existence of soul is dependent on Paramatma).  Thus,  living together with God is  real life/existence of the soul.

Ravana ! do not think Rama may not pardon you as you have made a mistake. Rama is well known for his compassion and as protector of those who seek him. He never minds the mistakes of those who seek His protection.

We all do many mistakes which make god angry. There is no excuse for the mistakes and not all yagna can get rid of the fruits of mistakes. The only way to come out of the karmic fruits of such deeds is to believe in His compassion and His noble quality to protect all those who seek Him and thus love Him and seek His affection.

prasaadayasva tvaM chanaM sharaNaagatavatsalam || 5-21-21
maaM chaasmai niyato bhuutvaa niryaatayitumarhasi |

"You seek graciousness of this Rama who loves those who seek protection. Becoming piously disposed, you are suited to return me to this Rama."

evam hi te bhavetsvasti sampradaaya raghuuttame || 5-21-22
anyathaa tvam hi kurvaNo vadham praapsyasi raavaNa |

"In this way giving me to Rama will become fortunate to you. O Ravana! If you do in a different way, you will get slayed."

This advise of mother Seeta is the advise to all of us,  who are in this worldly affairs. All of us who enjoy His creations as ours,  need to realize that all those surrounding us belong to Him and enjoy only those which we are supposed to (as described in Veda and other scriptures) that too only after offering it to Him who is dwelling in all of us.

varjayedvajramutsR^iSTaM varjayedantakashchiram || 5-21-23
tvadvidham tu na sa kruddho lokanaathaH sa raaghavaH |

"Drawn out Vajrayudha, the weapon of Indra may spare some one like you. Lord of death may spare you for a long time. That Rama the lord of worlds greatly enraged will not spare you."

raamasya dhanuSaH shabdaM shroSyasi tvaM mahaasvanam || 5-21-24
shatakratuvisR^iSTasya nirghoSamashaneriva |

"Like the great sound of Vajrayudha hurled by Indra, you will hear a loud sound which is sonorous of Rama's bow."

iha shiigraM suparvaaNo jvalitaasya ivoragaaH || 5-21-25
iSavo nipatiSyanti raamalakSmaNalakSaNaaH |

"Arrows with good nodes, with blazing tips, like snakes, with characteristic signs of Rama and Lakshmana will fall down soon here in Lanka."

rakSaaMsi parinighnastaH puryaamasyaaM samantataH || 5-21-26
asampaataM kariSyanti patantaH kaN^kavaasasaH |

"Arrows tied with the plumes of an eagle will hit ogres everywhere in this city and will cover the city without space."

raakshasendramahaasarpaan sa raamagaruDo mahaan || 5-21-27
uddhariSyati vegena vainateya ivoragaan |

"That Garuda called Rama speedily will pluck the great serpants called ogres like Vainateya plucking the serpants."

apaneSyati maaM bhartaa tvattaH shiighramarindamaH || 5-21-28
asurebhyaH shriyaM diiptaaM viSNustribhiriva kramaiH |

"My husband who is a destroyer of foes will take me away from you like Lord Vishnu with three steps taking away the brilliant prosperity from Asuras."

janasthaane hatasthaane nihate rakSasaaM bale || 5-21-29
ashaktena tvayaa rakSaH kR^itametadasaadhu vai |

"O ogre! While the army of ogres was being killed at Janasthana which became the land of dead, this bad deed has been done by you being powerless."

ashramam tu tayoH shuunyaM pravishya narasimhayoH || 5-21-30
gocharaM gatayorrbhaatrorapaniitaa tvayaadhama |

"O lowest one! When those brothers were gone out, entering hermitage without them, I have been abducted by you."

na hi gandhamupaaghraaya raamalakSmaNayostvayaa || 5-21-31
shakyaM samdarshane sthaatuM shunaa shaarduulayoriva |

"Like tiger by dog, smelling the scent of Rama and Lakshmana it is indeed not possible by you to stand in their view."

tasya te vigrahe taabhyaaM yugagrahaNamasthiram || 5-21-32
vR^itrasyevendrabaahubhyaaM baahorekasya vigrahe |

"To you like that, enmity with those two is like the enmity of one hand of Vruttasura with two hands of Indra and it is not persevering for you to be an opponent with them."

kShipraM tava sa naatho me raamaH saumitriNaa saha || 5-21-33
toyamalpamivaadityaH praanaanaadaasyate sharaiH |

"My husband that Rama together with Lakshmana will take away with His arrows your life quickly like the sun drying up shallow water."

giriM kuberasya gato.athavaalayam |
sabhaaM gato vaa varuNasya raajJNaH |
asaMshayaM daasharatherna mokSyase |
mahaadrumaH kaalahato.ashaneriva || 5-21-34

"Killed by time even if you go to the mountain of Kubera or to his house or if you go to the assembly of King Varuna, without doubt you will not be relased from Rama like a great tree from thunderbolt."

 ityaarSe shriimadraamaayaNe aadikaavye sundarakaaNDe ekaviMshaH sargaH

Thus completes 21st Chapter of Sundara Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.