Doha - 1
Lovely as a jasmine and a blue lotus, of surpassing strength, repositories of wisdom, endowed with natural grace, excellent bowment, hymned by the Vedas, and lovers of the cow and the Brahmanas, who appeared in the form of mortal men through their own Maya (deluding potency) as the two noble scions of Raghu, the armours of true religion, friendly to all and journeying in quest for Sita, may they both grant us Devotion.
Doha - 2
Blessed are those pious souls who ceaselessly quaff the nectar of Sri Rama's Name, churned out of the ocean of the Vedas, which completely destroys the sins of the Kali age and knows no decay, which shihnes ever bright in the most beautiful moon-like mouth of the glorious Sambhu (Lord Siva), a palatable remedy for the disease of transmigration and the very life of Sita (Janaka's Daughter).
Why not reside in Kasi (the modern Varanasi), the abode of Sambhu and Bhavani (Goddess Parvati), knowing it to be the birthplace of Mukti (final beatitude), the mine of spiritual wisdom and the destroyer of sins? O stupid mind, ho is it that you do not worship Him who drank off the deadly venom (churned out of the ocean of milk at the dawn of creation), the very presence of which was burining all the host of gods? Who else is so merciful as Lord Sankara?
Chaupala
The Lord of Raghus proceeded still further and approached the Rsyamuka hill. There dwelt Sugriyva (a monkey chief) with his counsellors. When he saw the two brothers, the highest embodiments of immeasurable strength, he was exceedingly alarmed and said (to one of his ministers). "Listen Hanuman: those two men are repositories of strength and beauty. Disguised as a Brahmana student go and see them and perceiving their intention in your mind inform me accordingly by means of signs. If they have been despatched by the malicious Vali, I must leave this hill and flee away at once. "Taking the form of a Brahmana the monkey (Hanuman) went up to the two brothers and bowing his head accosted them thus:" Who are you, heroes--one of dark hue, the other fair--that roam the woods disguised as Ksatriyas? Treading the hard ground with your tender feet, wherefore are you wandering in the forest. my masters? Though possessed of delicate, charming and beautiful limbs, how is it that you have exposed yourself to the scorching sun and stormy wind of these wild regions? Do you count in the Trinity (viz.,Brahma, Visnu and Siva the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer of the three worlds) or are you the twin divine sages. Nara and Narayana?
Doha - 1
"Or are you the Prime cause of the world and the Lord of all the spheres, manifested in human form to bridge the ocean of mundane exstence and relieve the burden of the earth?"
Chaupala
"We are sons of King Dasaratha, the lord of Kosala, and have come to the forest in obedience to our father's command. we two brothers are called by the names of Rama and Laksmana. We had with us a pretty and delicate girl, the daughter of King Videha, who has been carried away by some demon here. It is in quest of her that we are moving about, O holy Brahmana. We have furnished you with our account in some detail; now tell us your story in a comprehensive manner, O good Brahmana. " Now Hanuman recovnized his lord and falling to the ground clasped His feet. That joy, Uma, was more than could be described. A thrill ran through his body and no words came to his lips as he gazed on the lovely style of their dress. Then recovering himself he sang His praises and was glad at heart to hav efound his master. "It was quite in the fitness of things that I questioned my lord; but how is it that You ask me like a mortal? I have been roving in error under the spell of Your Maya (deluding potency); it was for this reason that I failed to recognize my lord.
Doha - 2
"In the first place I am dull-witted and deluded, wicked at heart and ignorant; to crown all, my master, who is a befriender of the humble and is no other than the almighty Lord Himself, had forgotten me.
Chaupala
"Although, me lord, I have many faults, let not the servant be cast into oblivion by the master. The Jiva (ego), O Lord, is deluded by your Maya and can be redeemed only by Your grace. On top of it. I swear by the Hero of Raghu's line, I know neither adoration nor any other means (of pleasing You). A servant depends on his master and a child on its mothr and both remain free from anxiety; for a master needs must take care of his servant." So saying he fell at the Lord's feet much agitated; his heart was overwhelmed with love and he amnifested his own (monkey) form. The Lord of Raghus then lifted and clasped him to His bosom and soothed him by wetting him with the tears of His eyes. "Listen, O Hanuman: be not depressed at heart; you are twice as dear to Me as Laksmana. Everyone says that I look upon all with the same eye; but a devotee is particularly dear to Me because he too depends on none but Me.
Doha - 3
"And he alone, Hanuman, is exclusively devoted to Me, who is steadfast in his conviction that he is the servant and that the Lord manifested in the form of the whole animate and inanimate creation is his master."
Chaupala
When Hanuman, the son of the wind-god, found his master so gracious to him he rejoiced at heart and all his agony. disappeared. "My Lord, on the summit of this hill dwells Sugriva, the chief of the monkeys; he is a servant of Yours. Make friends with him, my lord; knowing him to in affiction rid him of all fear. He will have Sita tracked by drafting millions of monkeys in every direction (in search of Her)" Having thus explained to Him everthing, he lifted both the brothers on his back (and took them to the place where Sugriva was) When Sugriva saw Sri Rama, he accounted his birth as highly blessed. He reverently advanced to meet Him and bowed his head at His feet; while the Lord of Raghus and His younger brother embraced him in return. The monkey chief pondered thus within himself, "Will they, good heavens, make friends with me?"
Doha - 4
Then Hanuman related all the circumstances of both the sides, and having installed the sacred fire as a witness he concluded a firm alliance (between Sri Rama and Sugriva).
Chaupala
The alliance was thus unreservedly concluded and Laksmana narrated all the past history of Sri Rama. Said Sugriva with his eyes full of tears, "The daughter of Janaka (the deliberating with my counsellors I saw her fallen in the enemy's hands and being borne through the air loudly wailing. Crying Rama Rama Ah! my Rama' she dropped her scarf when she saw us. "When Sri Rama asked for that he handed it over to Him at once. Sri Rama pressed it to His bosom and grieved much. Said Sugriva. "Listen, O hero of Raghu's line: sorrow no more and take courage in your heart. I will render service to you in every way so that Janaka's daughter may come and see you."
Doha - 5
The Ocean of Mercy, who was at the same time the highest embodiment of physical strength, rejoiced to hear his ally's words, "Tell me, Sugriva, why have you come to stay in the forest?"
Chaupala
"My lord, Vali and myself are two brothers. The affection that existed between us was past all telling. Once upon a time, O lord, the son of the domon Maya, who was known by the name of Mayavi, came to our town (Kskindha). At dead of night he called out at the gate of the town. Vali could not brook his enemy's challenge to a bout and sallied forth to meet him. But when he saw Vali coming, he took to flight. I too had accompanied my brother. The enemy went and entered the cave of a big mountain. Then Vali gave instructions to me, "A wait my return till a fortnight. If I do not return, then take me as slain. "When I had waited there for a month, O slayer of Khara, a copious stream of blood issued from the cave. I, therefore, concluded that the demon had slain Vali and that he would come and kill me too.
Accordingly I blocked the mouth of the cave with a rock and fled away. When the ministers saw the town without a master, they forced me to accept the throne. Meanwhile Vali, who had killed the enemy, returned home and saw me (installed on the throne), he nursed a grudge against me in his heart. He gave me a most severe beating as he would an enemy, and robbed me of all that I had including my wife. For fear of him, O gracious hero of Raghu's line, I wandered all over the world in a pitiable condition. A curse prevents him from coming over here. yet I remain ill at ease in mind." When the gracious Lord heard of His devotee's distress both His long arms started throbbing (thus showing His martial spirit as well as His determination to punish Vali)
Doha - 6
"Listen, Sugriyva: I will kill vali, with a single arrow. His life will not be saved even if he takes refuge with Brahma (th Creator) or even with Rudra (Lord Siva).
Chaupala
"One would incur great sin by the very sight of those who are not distressed to see the distress of a friend. A man should regard his own mountain-like troubles as of no more account than a mere grain of stand, while the troubles of a friend should appear to him like Mount Sumeru, though really they may be as trifling as a grain of sand. Those fools who are not of such a temperament in vain to make friends with anybody. A friend should restrain his companion from the evil path and lead him on the path of virtue; he should proclaim the latter's good points and screen his faults, should give and take things without any scruple and serve his friend's interest to the best of his ability and finding him in distress love him a hundred times more than ever. The Vedas declare these to be the qualities of a noble friend. He, however, who contrives to speak bland words to your face and harms you behind your back and harbours some evil design in his heart, and whose mind is as tortuous as the movements of a snake is an unworthy friend and one had better bid good-bye to such a friend. A stuped servant, a stingy monarch, a bad wife and a false friend--these four are tormenting like a pike. Relying on my strength dear friend, grieve no more; I will serve your cause in every way possible. " Said Sugriva, "Listem, O Hero of Raghu's race: Vali is possessed of immense strength and is exceedingly staunch in battle." He then showed Him Dundubhi's bones and the seven palm-trees, which were struck, down by the Lord of Raghus without any exertion. When Sugriva witnessed Sri Rama's immeasurable strength his affection for Him grew all the more and he was now satisfied that he would succeed in killing Vali, He bowed his head at His feet again and again and was delighted at heart to recognize the Lord. When the light of wisdom dawned on him he said; "My mind, O Lord, has been set at rest by Your grace. Renouncing pleasure, prosperity, home, personal glory and all I will render service to You. All these are stumbling-blocks on the pathe of Devotion to Sri Rama(Yourself) : so declare saints given to the worship of Your feet. Pairs of opposites such as friend and foe, joy and sorrow, in this world are products of Maya (Illusion) and have no reality. Vali is my greatest friend, by whose grace I have met You, Rama, the Allayer of sorrow. On waking from a dream when a man comes to know the identity of him with whom he had fought in the dream, he feels abashed. Now my lord, do me this favour that I may recounce all and worship You night and day. " On hearing the words of Sugriva, imbued as they were with dispassion, Sri Rama, who held a bow in His hand, smiled and said, "Whatever you have said is all true; but my words, O friend, can never be otherwise." Sri Rama (says the saint Kakabhusundi), O Garuda (king of birds) makes us all dance even as a juggler would make his monkey dance: so declare the Vedas. Taking Sugriva with Him the Lord of Raghus proceeded with a bow and arrow in Hi hands. Then the Lord of Raghus sent Sugriva, who, strengthened by Sri Rama, thundered under the very nose of Vali. On hearing his roar Vali sallied forth frantic with fury. His wife, however, clasped his feet with her hands and warned him thus: "Listen my lord: the two brothers with whom Sugriva has concluded an alliance are of unapproachable majesty and might. They are no other than Sri Rama and Laksmana, the sons of King Dasaratha (the lord of Kosala), who can conquer Death himself on the field of battle."
Doha - 7
Said Vali, "Listen, my timid darling, the Lord of Raghus looks upon all with the same eye. Even if He kills me, I will attain His divine abode and have Him as my eternal Lord."
Chaupala
So saying he sallied forth in his great pride. thinking no more of Sugriva than of a blade of grass. The two brothers clsed with each other. Vali browbeat Sugriva, and striking him with his fist roared in a thundering voice, Sugriva now fled in dismay (and returned to Sri Rama); the stroke of his clenched fist had fallen on him as a bolt from heaven. "What did I say, O gracious Hero of Raghu's line? This is no brother of mine but Death himself." You two brothers are identical in appearance; it was because of this confusion that I did not kill him. "He stroked Sugriva's body with His hand and lo! it became as hard as admant and all his pain was gone. He put so his neck a wrath of flowers and giving enormous strength sent him back. Agian the two brothers fought in many ways, while the Lord of Raghus watched them from behind a tree.
Doha - 8
When Sugriva had tried many a trick and exerted all his might he lost and felt much alarmed. Sri Rama then drew His arrow and shot Vali in the heart.
Chaupala
Struck by the shaft Vali fell to the ground smarting with pain; again he sprng up and sat, when he saw the Lord before him-dark of hue, with His matted hair coiled on His head bloodshot eyes and the how still drawn. Gazing on Him again and again he fixed his heart on His feet; now that he recognized the Lord he felt that he had realized the reward of his birth. Although his heart was full of love, the words on his lips were harsh; looking towards Sri Rama he said, "Even though, my lord, You descended on earth for upholding righteousness, You have killed me as a hunter would kill a wild beast. I, Your enemy and Sugriva, Your dear friend! For what fault did You take my life, my lord?" Listen O wretch: a younger brother 's wife, a wife, a sister, a daughter-in-law and one's own daughter--these four are alike. On would incur no sin by killing him who looks upon these with an evil eye. Fool, in your extravagant pride you paid no heed to your wofe's warning. You knnew that your brother had taken refuge under the might of my arm; and yet in your vile arrogance you sought to kill him!"
Doha - 9
"Listen, Rama: my strewdness cannot avail against my master, But, my lord am I a sinner yet even though I have found shelter in You at the hour of my death?"
Chaupala
When Sri Rama heard this most tender speech of Vali, He stroked his head with His hand, "I make your body immortal; you may keep up your life." Said Vali, "Listen, O Ocean of Mercy: sages continue their efforts (for God-Realization) during successive births; but at the last moment they fail to utter the name `Rama' But He, on the strength of whose Name Lord Sankara bestows immortality on all alike, has appeared in a visible form before my very eyes! Shall I ever get such a golden opportunity again?
"He has appeared before my very eyes, whose praises the Vedas ever sing only in negative terms and whom sages are scarcely able to perceive in their meditation even after they have controlled their breath and mind and freed their senses from passion. Knowing me to be a victim of excessive pride the Lord said to me, `Preserve your life!'But who would be such a fool as to insist on cutting down a celestial trees and using it as a fence to protect an acacia tree? Now, my lord, look upon me with compassion and grant me the boon that I ask: in whatever species of life it may be my fate to be born,I may continue to love Sri Rama's (Your) feet. This son of mine, Angada by name, is my equal in training and strength. O Bestower of Blessedness; therefore, accept him, my master; and holding him by the arm, O Lord of gods and men, treat him as Your servant."
Doha - 10
Intensifying his devotion to Sri Rama's feet Vali dropped his body (without his knowing it) even as an elephant little knows the falling of a wreath of flowers from its neck.
Chaupala
Sri Rama sent away Vali to His own abode. All the people of the city ran in dismay. With dishevelled hair and a tottering frame. Tara (Vali's wife) wailed in many ways. When the Lord of Raghus was her distress, He imparted to her wisdom and dispelled her delusion. "Made up of the five elements, viz., earth water, fire, ether and air, this body is extremely vile. The mortal frame lies, buried in eternal sleep before your eyes, while the soul is everlasting. For whom, then, do you lament?" The light of wosdom downed on her and now she embraced His feet and asked of Him the boon of supreme Devotion. The almighty Sri Rama, O Uma, (says Bhagavan Snkara) makes us all the like so many marionettes. Sri Rama then gave orders to Sugriva, who prformed all the funeral rites with due ceremony. He next instructed His younger brother (Laksmana), "Go and crown Sugriya as the king." Bowing their head to the Lord of Raghus, all left in obedience to His orders.