Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 238

Hero Saumitri the lion left that woods, returning

to the camp where the lordly Raghu king was waiting. That

noble-natured one moved swiftly, as when a huntsman spies

the king of beasts in the forest, then runs for his weapons

to choose with haste his deadliest club for mortal combat.

Moments later, that most celebrated one reached the spot

where the Raghu charioteer stood. Bowing before that

pair of feet, then showing deference to Vibhaa,

their best of friends, the high-minded one spoke, "This faithful thrall

10 of yours has found success today, my lord, by your blessings.

With your two feet in mind, I proceeded to the forest

and there did pj to Cmu, my lordship, in her

golden temple. To confuse your servant, a myriad

of chaste maids spread their net of myhow shall I, who am

so ignorant, recount all of that before your feet? I

came upon Candraca, guardian of the gates, but

he let me pass without a struggle due to the power

of your virtues, my lordjust as a great serpent slithers

away, powerless against the virtues of a potent

20 antidote!and thereupon this slave of yours entered that

forest. Next a lion threatened, snarling, but I turned him

back; a most raucous storm blew in with terrifying howls;

forest fires, ever so like doomsday's conflagration, raged

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 239

throughout the land, burning trees in all directions; but, in

a moment's time, that companion of the wind1 went out of

its own accord, and the wind god vanished. It was then I

saw in front of me a gathering of heavenly maids,

sporting in the sylvan grove; with hands cupped reverently, I

honored them, begged a boon, my lord, then bid farewell to them

30 all. Not far off, a temple shone resplendently within

the woods, brightening up that fair land. I descended to the

lake, bathed my body, and with a blue lotus offering

I worshipped Mother fervently. My appeared before

me, granting me a boon. Said that lady of compassion,

'Most pleased with you today, son of chaste Sumitr, are all

the gods and goddesses. Vsava has sent you weapons

of the gods. On iva's orders I myself have come to

expedite this task of yours. Take up your godly weapons,

warrior, and then with Vibhaa traverse the city

40 proper to where Rvai worships Vaivnara in

the temple of the Nikumbhil sacrifice. There pounce

precipitately on that Rkasa, as a tiger

strikes, and destroy him. By my boon you two will enter sight

unseen; I shall sheath you in a veil of my, like a

sword inside its scabbard. Now go with a stout heart, you of

renown.' Tell me, what is your wish, O jewel among men?

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 240

Night departs, and we must not delay. Shall I slay that son

of Rvaa, my lordship, please command this slave of yours!"

The Raghu lord replied, "Alas, howwhen living beings,

50 panic-stricken, run panting for their lives with wind's speed on

seeing in the distance that messenger of Death, by whose

venom gods and men alike are reduced to asheshow

can I send you into such a serpent's hole, you who are

more than life to me? St's rescue is not to be. For

naught, Ocean, did I shackle you, slay countless Rkasas

in war, and bring that Indra among kings with retinue

and army to this golden Lak. Alas, for no good

cause at all did bloody torrents, the likes of rain, drench this

earth. Kingdom, wealth, father, mother, kin and comradeby quirk

60 of luck I lost them all. All I had left in my darkened

room was the lamp, Maithil; now misfortune (ah Fate, by

what fault am I deemed guilty at your feet?) has extinguished

even that. Who is there left in my line, Brother, whose face

I can gaze upon and by so doing sustain this life

of mine? Shall I live on in this mortal world? Come, let us

once again return, Lakmaa, to our forest refuge.

At an inauspicious time, befuddled by the lure of

Hope, we came, Brother, to this city of the Rkasas."

Saumitri the lion answered with a warrior's brashness,

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 241

70 "What makes you, Raghu lord, so fearful? In all three worlds whom

should that hero fear who has in his possession godly

powers? Sahasrka, the gods' sovereign, takes your side, so

too does Virpka, that denizen of Kailsa,

and the maiden of the mountain, his ever faithful wife.

Look there, toward Lakthe anger of the gods, like blackened

clouds, hovers over golden hues on all four sides. Smiles of

the gods, my lord, illuminate this camp of yours, just see!

Direct this slave of yours, and I shall take up my godly

weapons and march into the Rkasa's abode; I shall

80 for sure destroy the Rkasa, by favor of those feet

of yours. You are sage, my lord. Why do you fail to heed the

orders of the gods? You always tread dharma's path; why then,

Aryan, do you today engage in this un-dharmic

act? Who has kicked the consecrated water pot, and where?"2

With honeyed words, the ally, hero Vibhaa, spoke,

"What he says is true, O charioteer, Indra among

Rghavas. Rvai, bane of Vsava and throughout

the world invincible, is in prowess like the over-

powering messenger of Death. But today it makes no

90 sense for us to dread him. In a dream, O jewel of the

Raghus, I saw the Rjalakm of the Rkasas.

Sitting by my head, my lord, and making bright the camp with

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 242

her purest rays, that faithful wife addressed this lowly one,

'Alas, Vibhaa, your brother is now drunk with pride.

Would I, who abhor defilement, willingly reside in

such a sinful household? Does the lotus ever bloom in

muddy waters? When does one see stars in a cloudy sky?

Due to former deeds of yours, however, the immortals

are favorably disposed toward you. You will inherit the

100 umbrella and the scepter and the vacant kingly throne.

By Fate's decree, I today install you, famed one, as lord

of all the Rkasas. This coming day Sumitr's son,

the lion, will slay your nephew Meghanda. You will

act as his accomplice. Carry out the gods' command with

care, my future king of Karbras.' I awoke and sensed

the entire camp was permeated by a scent from

heaven, and I heard somewhat removed heavenly music,

playing softly in the sky. At the gateway to the camp

I, astounded, saw that charming woman who charms him who

110 inflames Madana.3 A chignon that resembled massive

clouds hid from view the nape of her neck; in her hair glistened

strings of jewelsah me! compared to that, lightning's luster

streaking through roiling thunderheads is of small consequence!

Then suddenly Jagadamb vanished. For a time I

stood there staring, thirsty-eyed, but my want was not fulfilled;

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 243

Mother did not show herself again. Listen well to all

I have to say, charioteer Darathi. Just give

the order; I shall go where Rvai does pj to

god Vaivnara in the sacrificial temple. O

120 keeper of men, keep strictly to the gods' command. I tell

you, your cherished goal will for sure be reached, best Rghava."

St's husband answered, eyes filled with tears, "When I recall

those days gone by, best of Rkasas, my troubled heart cries

out. How can I cast this jewel of a brother into

unplumbed waters? Alas, O friend, when mother Kaikey,

heartlessit was my bad luckfollowed Manthar's selfish

scheme and I, therefore, forsook the comforts of the kingdom

to preserve the good name of our father, that fond brother,

moved by love for brother, quit the courtly life of his own

130 free will. Mother Sumitr wept. From an upper level

in the women's quarters his wife rmil wailed. And all

the other city residentshow can I tell you how

much they all pleaded? But he would pay no heed at all to

their entreaties. Instead, following behind me (like my

very shadow), my brother entered eagerly the woods,

freely giving up for good his youthful adolescence.

Said mother Sumitr, 'You steal away my heart's desire,

Rghava. Who knows by what magic's power you have tricked

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 244

my baby. Now I must entrust my treasure to your care.

140 Guard prudently this precious gem of mine, I beg of you.'

"St's rescue, best of friends, is not to be. Let us turn

back to our forest sanctuary. Difficult to beat

in combat is that Indra among charioteers, that

Rvai, bane of gods, Daityas, and of men. Sugrva,

Indra of the mighty ones; prince Agada, most learned

when it comes to warfare; Hanumn, son of the wind and

strong beyond all measure, like Prabhajana, his father;

Dhmrka, a ball of fire upon the battlefield, most

comet-like; there is Nala and there Nla; Kear

150 a lion of a champion from the vantage of his foes;

and all the other soldiers, god-like in appearance and

as heroic as the gods; you, O great charioteer

when you with help from all these are unable to defeat

that Rkasa, how then, pray tell, can Lakmaa engage

him all by himself? Alas, Hope is a sorceress, I

tell you, friend, for she is why we leapt across the waters

that cannot be crossed and came to the Rkasas' domain."

Then of a sudden, in the regions of the firmament,

Sarasvat, born of the skies, spoke in dulcet tones, "Tell

160 me, is it proper for you, husband of Vaideh, to

doubt the word of gods, you who are the favorite of the
 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 245

god clan? Why, O hero, do you spurn the gods' advice? Cast

a glance into the void." Amazed, the Raghu king saw there

a peacock fighting with a snake. The peacock's screeching cries

commingled with the hissing of the cobra, filling ten

directions with a frightful dissonance. Wings spanned the sky,

looking like a mass of clouds; amidst it all flashed hal-

hala poison, intense as any fiery holocaust.

Both fought fiercely. From fear, the earth began to tremble; the

170 ocean waters constantly were swelling, churning. The next

moment that best of peacocks plummeted to earth, quite dead;

the reptile hissed loudlyvictorious in their struggle.4

Said Rvanuja, "You saw with your own eyes that strange

sight; it is not devoid of portent, mark my words, husband

of Vaideh; mull it over! It is no shadow play; the

gods have shown you through this my what will happentoday

leonine Saumitri will void Lak of her hero!"

The jewel of the Raghu clan then entered once again

his tent and armed his beloved younger brother with those

180 godly weapons. Ah, that handsome warrior cut a gallant

figure, looking much like Skanda, the foe of Traka.

Upon his chest that high-minded one wore a coat of star-

studded armor; from his belt there flashed a brilliant saber,

embossed with precious stones. Down his back a shield glinted, like
 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 246

the solar orb itself; beside it swung a quiver made

of ivory, gold-inlaid, and packed with arrows. In his left

hand that archer held firm the godly bow; on his head there

shone a coronet radiating all around (as though

fashioned from rays of the sun); from that crown bobbed constantly

190 a tuft of hair, just as a lion's mane bobs loosely on

the lion's back. Rghavnuja dressed all excited,

shining brightlyjust like the ray-ringed sun god at high noon.

Hastily that hero left the camphigh spirited, like

a stallion at the sound of horns when the waves of warfare

crest and crash! Out went that best of warriors; out with him went

Vibhaa attired in warrior's garb, fearsome when in

battle! Gods showered them with flowers; auspicious music

rang across the skies; Apsars danced throughout the void; earth

heaven, and the netherworld filled with shouts of "Victory!"

200 Gazing toward the skies, hands cupped in supplication, that best

of Raghus prayed, "Beggar Rghava begs for refuge at

your lotus feet today, Ambik. Do not forsake, O

goddess, this humble slave of yours. How hard I have striven,

Mother, to maintain dharmaall this is not unknown to

those reddened feet of yours. Now, please, let this worthless being

savor dharma's fruits, O Mtyujaya's darling. Sat,

protect my brothermore dear to me than life, this youth, this

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 247

Lakmaain his battle with the Rkasa. Quell that

most turbulent Dnava. Save the gods, Nistri!

210 Preserve your humble subjects, O slayer of the demon

buffalo; trample under foot the frenzied Rkasa!"

In such a manner the enemy of Rkasas praised

Sat. Just as breezes waft a wealth of fragrance into

royal quarters, so too the air, which carries sound, bore the

prayer of Rghava to the residence at Kailsa.

Indra of the heavens smiled in heaven, and Pavana

of his own accord moved it swiftly through the carrier

of sound. On hearing that sweet prayer, Motherdaughter of the

mountainoverjoyed, said, "Be it so," and gave her blessings.

220 Dawn, she who is dispeller of both gloom and sorrow, flashed

a smile on the rising-hill, as Hope, indeed, does upon

a sad heart. Birds cooed in wooded groves, bumblebees darted

here and there. Night softly sauntered off, taking with her stars;

splendidly a single star yet shone upon Dawn's forehead

but shone with all the brilliance of a hundred stars. Flower

blossoms now bloomed in her tressesa novel star array.

Turning to that best of Rkasas, Rghava then said

"Be cautious, friend. The beggar Rma has entrusted to

you, best of charioteers, Rma's priceless gem. No need

230 of further wordsmy life and death this day are in your hands."
 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 248

Hero Vibhaa reassured the great archer, "You

are favored by the gods, O jewel of the Raghu clan;

whom do you have to fear, my lordship? Champion Saumitri

will, of course, best in combat the champion Meghanda."

Bowing to those feet of the Indra of the Rghavas,

Saumitri started off with his comrade Vibhaa.

Layers of thick clouds enveloped both of them, just as fog

in the winter season encircles mountain peaks at the

break of day. Invisible, the two advanced toward Lak.

240 The goddess My stepped into that golden temple where

KamalRjalakm of the clan of Rkasas,

dressed in wifely Rkasa attirewas seated on her

lotus throne. Smiling, that Ram, Keava's beloved,

queried, "What brings you on this day, O great goddess, to this

city? Voluptuous one, please tell me of your wishes."

Answered My, the queen of aktis, with a gentle smile,

"Today hold in check your power, daughter of the ocean;

god-like charioteer Saumitri will penetrate this

golden city, and by iva's orders that champion will

250 vanquish haughty Meghanda in the temple of the

Nikumbhil sacrifice. Your radiant power is

like the fires of annihilation, O radiating

woman, and hence, what enemy is there capable of

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 249

entering this city? Show sympathy to Rghava,

O goddess, I beseech you. Grant him a boon, O wife of

Mdhava; spare Rma, a follower of dharma's path."

With a forlorn sigh, Indir replied, "Who can fail to

heed your word, you who are adored throughout the universe?

But my heart cries out as I contemplate all this. Alas,

260 that best of Rkasas and his consort Mandodar

do my pj lovinglywhat more can I say? True, it

is through his own fault that the wealth of Rkasas is lost.

I shall therefore hold in check my power, goddess, for how

can I impede the course of destiny? Tell Saumitri

he may enter, without fear, the city. Appeased, I grant

him this boon: may Sumitr's hero son in the coming

battle best the foe-defeating son of Mandodar."

To the western gate walked Keava's desiremost fetching,

she, like a full-blown bloom at dawn cleansed by dewdrops. With that

270 pretty one went My. Succulent banana saplings

withered; auspicious water pots shattered on their own; the

waters of this world went dry. For, that sustaining power

blended then and there with the red lac dye which lined her feet,

as at Night's departure the gossamer of nectar moon-

beams blends into the net of solar rays. Lak's beauty

faded, ah! as when the jewel on the forehead of the

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 250

cobra's mate is lost. Afar, clouds of a sudden rumbled

loudly; the sky wept rain; the lord of waters tossed and turned;

mother earth quaked violently, lamenting, "Oh, my city

280 of the Rkasas, this plight of yoursyou who used to be,

O golden lady, the very ornament of this world!"

The two of them climbed the city ramparts and viewed not far

away god-like Saumitri, like sun-god Tvimpati,

veiled in fog, or like the lord of fire, that Vibhvasu,

cloaked in billowing smoke. Alongside was charioteer

Vibhaathe wind with wind's companiondifficult

to overcome in combat. Who could save today, alas,

the hope of Rkasas, that Rvai. As the tiger,

maneuvering for position, moves under cover of

290 the brush when he spots a fine stag off in some dense woodsor

as the crocodile, the likes of Yama's discus weapon

incarnate, with swiftness glides undetected out toward that

distant bather he caught sight of in the middle of the

riverso too did champion Lakmaa with companion

Vibhaa proceed with speed to slay the Rkasa.5

With a sigh of resignation and bidding her good-byes

to My, pretty Indir returned to her own home.

Mdhava's beloved wept. Mother earth in joy soaked up

those teardropsas oysters suck in tenderly, O cloud maids,

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 251

300 water from your eyes and form priceless pearls whose excellence

is born when chaste Svt shines in the circle of the sky.

By the strength of My's power, that pair of warriors marched

into the city. At Saumitri's touch the portals flew

wide open with a thunderous clatter, but whose ears did

that racket reach? Alas! all Rkasa charioteers

were made deaf by My's trickery; none saw those foemen,

like Ktnta's messengers, overpowering, serpents

slithering slyly into a bed of blooming flowers.

Quite surprised, Rmnuja gazed all around and saw a

310 force of four divisions at the gatewaymahouts on their

elephants, horsemen on their steeds, great charioteers in

chariots, and on the ground foot soldiers, messengers of

amanafearsome, like Bhma, unbeatable in war.

A glow like creation's final fire filled the firmament.

Nervously the heroes gazed upon the all-consuming

blazing Virpka, a stellar Rkasa, who held

a prakveana weapon and rode astride a golden

chariot. There stood the champion Tlajagh, as tall

as a tla palmlike a Gaddhara, enemy

320 of Mura. And there was Klanemi upon the back

of an elephant, a warrior with the power to deal

death to foes. Fond of the fight and deft as well, Pramatta

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 252

stayed besotted always on the liquor of heroics.

Cikura, a Rkasa who seemed an equal to the

sovereign of the Yakasand there were other mighty

heroes, terrors all to gods, Daityas, and mankind. Calmly,

with utmost care, the two proceeded. Saumitri, silent,

observed on either side of them hundreds and hundreds of

golden temples, shops and gardens, ponds and fountains; stabled

330 horses, elephants within stalls; countless chariots the

hue of fire; arsenals; and charming theaters adorned

with precious stones, ah yes! just as in the city of the

gods! Who is able to describe Lak's many riches

the envy of the gods! coveted by Daityas! who can

count the jewels in the ocean or stars throughout the sky!

Within the city those champions gaped in rapt attention

at the Rkasa king's palace. Golden colonnades and

diamond columns glistened; the pinnacles protruding from

that edifice reached the sky, resplendent like the peaks of

340 Mount Hemaka. Ivory embossed with the charm of gold

enhanced the windows and the doors, a delight to the eye,

looking splendidly like shafts of sun at daybreak on a

mound of snow. That much celebrated Saumitri stared in

stupefaction, then spoke to friend Vibhaa, Indra

of champions, "Among monarchs, your elder brother is to

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 253

be praised, best of Rkasas, a sea of glory in this

world. Ah, who owns such riches on the surface of this earth!"

With a dejected sigh hero Vibhaa spoke, "You

are right, gemstone of champions. Who, alas, does indeed own

350 such riches on the surface of this earth? But nothing is

forever in this mundane life. One goes, another comes

that is the way of the world, just like waves upon the sea.

Come quickly, O best of charioteers, and carry out

this day the slaying of Meghanda; gain for yourself

immortality, my lord, by drinking fame's elixir."

The two moved posthaste, unseen, by the grace of My.

Hero Lakmaa watched wives of Rkasaswho even

put to shame doe-eyed lovelieson the bank of a pond, gold

water jugs perched on their hips, sweet smiles upon their honeyed

360 lips. Lotus flowers bloomed in lakes that morn. Here and there a

charioteer of imposing stature would emerge. Foot

soldiers, decked out in iron armor, left their flowered beds.

Someone blew a conch shell brazenly, putting all at once

an end to sleep. Syces saddled up their mounts. Elephants

trumpeted loudly, trunks flaunting mudgaras, on their backs

resplendent silk trappings, fringed with pearl pendants. Chariot

drivers loaded diverse weaponry and golden banners

carefully onto their chariots. Enchanting morning

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 254

music could be heard within the many temples, ah me,

370 just like that played in homes throughout Bengal during dola

when all the gods appear on earth to worship Ram's mate!

Flower-maids sauntered to and fro, gathering flower blooms,

filling all the paths with floral scents and brightening with

color their surroundings, just like Dawn, friend of the flowers.

Elsewhere others scurried here, now there, bearing loads of milk

and yogurt. Gradually the hustle and bustle and the

noise intensified as townsfolk woke throughout that city.

Someone said, "Come, let us mount the wall. If we fail to get

there early, we shall not secure a spot where from to view

380 the spectacular fight. I wish to soothe my eyes upon

our prince in martial garb and all those other excellent

warriors." Another answered boastfully, "What is the point,

I ask you, of ascending the city walls? Our prince will

best both Rma and his younger brother Lakmaa in

an instant, for who in the world can stand his ground against

those arrows? Our enemy subduer will burn his way

through the opposition forces just as fire rages through

dry grasses. He will strike his uncle Vibhaa a

frightful blow, then manacle that cur. Surely the victor

390 will come to the assembly hall to receive his royal

favors, so let us head for that assembly hall ourselves."

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 255

What more shall the poet say of all that hero saw and

heard. Smiling inwardly, the famous one, divinely brave

like a god himself and bearing godly weapons, moved on,

followed by charioteer Vibhaa. Close ahead

there shone the temple of the Nikumbhil sacrifice.

Upon a cushion made of kua grass sat Indrajit

worshipping his chosen deity in private, clad in

silken clothes with a shawl made of the same, on his forehead

400 a mark of paste made from sandalwood, around his neck, a

garland. Incense smoldered in a censer; all about burned

lanterns fueled with purified ghee. There were heaps of flower

blossoms and a ko-ko dish and spoon, fashioned from

rhinoceros horn and filled with you, O Jhnav, your

water, you destroyer of defilement! To one side lay

a golden bell and sundry offerings on a golden

platter. The door was closed. All alone, the Indra among

charioteers sat in a trance as though Candraca

Indra among yogisO Mount Kailsa, on your crest!

410 As a tiger, driven by hunger, enters like Yama's

messenger a cow shed, so fierce-limbed Lakmaa entered

that god's house by My's power. His sword clattered in its

scabbard; shield and quiver clanged together violently; the

temple trembled underneath the weight of that warrior's feet.

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 256

Startled, Rvai opened wide his eyes. The hero saw

in front of him a god-like charioteerbrilliantly

coruscating like the ray-ringed solar god at midday!

Prostrating himself in obeisance, the champion, with hands

cupped in supplication, said, "O Vibhvasu, at a

420 most auspicious time your humble slave worshipped you today;

and thus, my lord, you sanctified this Lak with the touch

of your two feet. But, for what reason, tell me, brilliant one,

have you come disguised as the mortal Lakmaa, foe of

Rkasas, to grace your devotee? What is this ll

of yours, shining one?" Again that hero bowed to the ground.

Dreadful Darathi, with a warrior's daring, answered,

"I am not god Vibhvasu. Observe well, Rvai.

Lakmaa is my name, born to the Raghu clan. I have

come here, lion of all warriors, to vanquish you in war;

430 do battle with me instantly!" As a wayfarer stands

transfixed with terror if suddenly he sees upon his

path the king cobra, hood raised, just so that hero stared in

Lakmaa's direction. A fearless heart today had just

turned fearful! a lump of iron melted from high heat, ah

yes! the sun, by Rhu, had been swallowed, darkening that

mass of brilliance of a sudden! summer's heat dried up the

lord of waters! by stealth, Kali entered Nala's body!

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 257

Astonished, the champion spoke, "If truly you are Rma's

younger brother, then tell me, charioteer, by what guile

440 did you penetrate today the city of the king of

Rkasas? There are hundreds and hundreds of Rkasas

in power the terror of the Yaka sovereignwho, with

fearsome weaponry in hand, guard the city gates. The high

walls of this city are like mountains; upon those ramparts

pace ten thousand soldiers, like deadly discus weapons. By

what strength of my, hero, did you fool them all? Who is

the charioteer throughout this universe, born of gods

or of men, who single-handedly could defend himself

against that throng of Rkasas in battle? Why then do

450 you mislead me, your humble servant, with this illusion;

tell this slave that, Sarvabhuk! What grand jest is this of yours,

O jester? Saumitri is no formless god; how could he

penetrate this temple? Look there, the door is still now closed.

Your lordship, grant this devotee of yours a boon that I

may free Lak of her fears by slaying Rghava this

day, that I may drive away the ruler of Kikindhy,

and that I might offer shackled at the feet of our great

king the traitor Vibhaa. Hear that, everywhere horn

blowers sound their war horns. Were I to tarry, those troops of

460 Rkasas would become dispirited; bid me farewell."

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 258

Responded god-like leonine Saumitri, "I am your

god of death, unruly Rvai! That serpent slithers

through the grass to bite him whose time has come! You are ever

drunk with pride; made hero by the power of the gods, you,

fool, constantly disdain those gods! You are undone at last,

rank one. By order of the gods, I challenge you to fight!"

So saying, the hero boldly bared his sword. Dazzling the

eye with the brilliance of the fire that ends the world, that most

excellent of sabers glinted, as do lightning-flash-filled

470 thunderbolts in the hands of akra. Then said the son of

Rvaa, "If truly you are Rmnuja, the fierce-

armed Lakmaa, then I shall certainly oblige your wish

for war with war; is ever Indrajit dissuaded from

the battlefield? But first accept my hospitality,

champion supreme, and abide within this edificeyou

may be the enemy of Rkasas, yet now you are

my guest. I shall dress myself in warrior's garb, for it is

not the practice, among the brotherhood of warriors, to

strike an unarmed foe. This code of conduct, best of warriors,

480 is not unknown to you, Katriyaneed I say more?"

In a voice like that of thunder, Saumitri spoke, "Once he

has caught a tiger in his snare, does the hunter ever

set him free? I shall slay you here and now, you imbecile,
 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 259

in like fashion. You were born among the Rkasas, O

evildoer; why with you should I heed the dharma of

Katriyas? I slay a foe by whatever means I can."

Said the conqueror of Vsava, (like Abhimanyu,

seeing all the seven champions, that champion, out of rage,

became the very essence of some molten iron), "You

490 are a blemish on the brotherhood of Katriyas, fie

on you a hundredfold, Lakmaa. You are without shame.

Were the Katriya fraternity to hear your name, in

disgust those charioteers would place hands over ears. You

stole into this temple in the manner of a thief; like

a thief, you I shall punish. Were a snake to steal into

the nest of Garua, would he again return to his

own hole, you reprobate? Who has brought you here, foul fellow?"

In the twinkling of an eye the strong-limbed one picked up the

ko dish and hurled it with a dreadful roar at the head

500 of Lakmaa. To the ground the hero crashed, felled by that

horrific missile, as the king of trees falls crashing from

the force of the lord of winds. His godly weapons clattered,

and the temple shook as though caught in a violent earthquake.

There flowed a rivulet of blood. Quickly Indrajit seized

the godly swordbut was incapable of lifting it.

He grabbed the bow, drew it toward him, but the bow stayed steadfast
 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 260

in Saumitri's grasp. Furious, he then clasped the shield, but

his strength proved powerless to carry out that task. As, in

vain, an elephant tugs at mountain peaks, his trunk wrapped round,

510 so tugged that Indra among champions at the quiver. Who

in the world comprehends My's my! That proud one stared

at the door, defiant, in a rush of temper. Startled,

that best of warriors saw before hima tremendous pike

in hand and looking like some Dhmaketuhis uncle

Vibhaa, a one most formidable in warfare.

"At last," the foe-conqueror said sadly, "I realize

how this Lakmaa gained entry to the city of the

Rkasas. Alas, O uncle, was such conduct proper

on your part, you whose mother is chaste Nika, you who

520 are blood brother to the greatest of the Rkasas? and

to Kumbhakara, the very image of the trident-

wielding ambhu? and whose nephew has bested Vsava?

You show the way to your own home, uncle, to a thief? You

seat a lowly Cala in the residence of kings?

But I do not rebuke you, for you are one who is to

be revered, one comparable to my own father. Please step

aside from the doorway. I shall go to the armory,

then shall send Rmnuja to the place of amana.

Today I shall expunge in war Lak's ignominy."

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 261

530 Replied Vibhaa, "Your efforts will prove futile, my

knowing lad. It is Rghava I serve; how could I do

him harm, whom I am asked to guard?" Rvai responded

deferentially, "O brother of my father, your words

make me wish to die. You, the slave of Rghava? How do

you bring such language to your lips, O uncle, please tell that

to this thrall of yours. Fate has set the crescent moon upon

the brow of Sthudoes that moon ever plummet to earth

to wallow in the dust? O Rkasa charioteer,

how could you forget who you are? into what exalted

540 clan you were born? Who is that lowly Rma after all?

The regal geese sport upon a crystal lake among the

lotuses my lordship, do they ever go paddle into

muddy waters, home of algae scum? The lion, Indra

of the beasts, when does he ever, O you lion among

warriors, address the jackal as a friend? He is but a

dumb dog, and you, most wise; nothing is beyond the ken of

those feet of yours. He is just a little-minded mortal,

O champion, this Lakmaa; if that were not the case, would

he have called an unarmed soldier to do battle? Now tell

550 me, grand charioteer, is this the dharma seemly to

grand charioteers? There is no child in Lak who would

not laugh at such a claim. Out of my way. I shall be back

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 262

soon enough. We shall see today by what godly force this

foul Saumitri fends me off in combat. In battles with

gods, Daityas, and with men, you have seen through your own eyes, O

best of Rkasas, the prowess of your humble servant.

Shall we see if your slave shies from such a puny human

being? That braggart, insolent, entered here, this temple

of the Nikumbhil sacrificecommand your thrall and

560 I shall make the worthless mortal pay. Into the city

of your birth, uncle, that forest dweller has set foot. O

Providence, do depraved Daityas stroll in paradise's

Nandana garden? Is the blooming lotus an abode

for worms? Tell me, uncle, how am I to tolerate an

affront like thisI, who am your brother's son? And you, too,

O jewel among Rkasas, how do you abide it?"

As when a snake is made to bow its upraised head by the

power of a mighty mantra, just so, shame-faced and glum,

that charioteer, Rvaa's younger brother, answered,

570 glancing at the son of Rvaa. "I am not to blame,

my child. You rebuke me all for naught. By the error of

his deeds, alas, has our king brought ruin on this golden

Lak, and destroyed himself. The god clan religiously

abstains from sin, but Lak city overflows with it.

And Lak sinks within these blackened waters, just as earth

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 263

will do, come Pralaya. That is why, for protection, I

have sought the refuge of the feet of Rghava. Who is

there who wants to drown for the wayward ways of someone else?"

The bane of Vsava grew livid. Gravely, as when the

580 Indra among clouds rumbles angrily in the sky at

midnight, that Indra among warriors spoke, "You who follow

dharma's path, younger brother of the king of Rkasas,

are renowned throughout the worldaccording to what dharma,

pray do tell this humble servant, please, let me hear, did you

abandon all of theseyour kin, your caste, your brothers? It

says in the learned books that even if outsiders are

with virtue and your people virtueless, still then your own,

devoid of virtue, are to be preferredoutsiders are

forever only that. Where, O best of Rkasas, did

590 you learn this lesson? But I, in vain, do reprimand you.

In such company, O brother of my father, why would

you not but learn barbarity? He who travels with the

lowest of the low becomes himself a lowly creature."

At this point, through the care of My, Saumitri regained

consciousness and, with a roar, that hero twanged his bowstring.

Taking aim that champion pierced foe-besting Indrajit with

the keenest of his arrows, just as the enemy of

Traka, the great archer, pierced Traka with a hail

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 264

of arrows. Alas, there flowed a rivulet of blood (just

600 as a stream of water courses down the body of a

mountain in the monsoon season), moistening his clothes and

muddying the ground. That charioteer, beside himself

with pain, snatched up the conch shell, bell, the plate of offerings,

whatever was within the temple, and enraged hurled them

one by oneas charioteer Abhimanyu, unarmed

against the strength of arms of seven charioteers, threw

first the crests of chariots, their wheels, then broken swords, torn

leather shields, pierced armor, whatever he could lay his hands

upon. But illusive My, stretching out her arms, caused

610 all those things to fall wide of the mark, just as a mother

brushes back mosquitoes swarming round her sleeping son with

a wave of her lotus-like hand. Enraged, Rvai ran

at Lakmaa, letting out a wild roar, like a lion

challenging the beaters there before him.6 But because of

My's my, in all the four directions that hero

saw horrific Daadhara mounted on his monstrous

water buffalo; saw lapi with the trident

in his grip; saw Caturbhuja with the conch, the discus,

and the mace in his four hands; and saw, with trepidation,

620 the multitude of the god clan's charioteers in their

vehicles from heaven. Dejected, the hero sighed and

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 265

stood there enervated, ah me, like the moon when swallowed

up by Rhu or like the lion caught within a snare.

Rmnuja let drop the bow, then bared his wondrous sword;

the eye was dazzled by light from its broad blade. Alas, the

blinded conqueror of foes, hero Indrajit, struck by

that falchion fell upon the ground drenched with blood. Mother earth

quaked violently; boisterously the ocean swelled. And at once

the whole universe filled with a stupendous noise. In the

630 heavens, on the earth, and throughout Ptla, both mortal

and immortal beings, in sheer terror, anticipated

some disaster. There, as the sovereign of the Karbras

sat in his courtly hall upon his golden throne, his crown

of gold of a sudden slipped from his head and tumbled down,

as the pinnacle on a chariot when severed by

an opposing charioteer teeters, then falls beneath

the car. Seized with misgivings, the champion, king of Lak,

remembered akara. Praml's right eye slightly twitched.7

Absentmindedly, alas, that chaste wife, unawares, wiped

640 the vermilion from her pretty forehead.8 For no reason,

Mandodar, queen consort of the Rkasas, swooned. And,

asleep in their mothers' laps, babies cried mournful wails, just

as Vraja's children cried the time their precious yma made

the land of Vraja dark, setting off for Madhupura.

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 266

Felled in unfair combat, that foeman of the Asuras'

foes, that hope of the Rkasa clan, addressed the champion

Lakmaa with harsh words, "Disgrace to the community

of warriors, you, Sumitr's son! Shame on you a hundred

times! I, the son of Rvaa, fear not amana. But

650 what will be an eternal sorrow in my heart, base one,

is that by a blow from your weapon I shall die today.

Iwho in pitched battle subdued Indra, the subduer

of the clan of Daityasam to die now by your hand? For

what false step has Providence meted out such punishment

upon this humble servantshall I ever understand?

What else can I say to you? When the lord of Rkasas

gets word of this, who will save you, O meanest of all men?

Even though you plunge into the sea's unfathomed waters,

our sovereign's wrath will navigate to that domainburning

660 like Vaba. That rage of his, like a forest fire, will

incinerate you in the woods, if you flee into the

forest, you beastly thing. Even Night, you fool, will not be

capable of hiding you. Dnava, divine, or man

who is fit to rescue you, Saumitri, when Rvaa

is angered? Who in the world will wipe away your blemish,

blemished one?" Saying this, that noble-minded one recalled

with sadness in those final moments the lotus feet of

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 267

both his mother and his father. Anxious, he grew calm as

he thought of Praml, his eternal bliss. Tears blended

670 with his blood as both flowed freely, alas, dampening the

earth. The sun to lotus Lak had reached his setting-hill.

Like dying embers or gentle rays of Tvimpati,

just so the mighty one lay on the surface of the earth.

His eyes awash with tears, Rvaa's younger brother spoke,

"You who always rest on finest silken bedding, fierce-armed

one, from what aversion do you lie now on the ground? What

would the king of Rkasas now say, were he to see you

lying on such bedding? and Mandodar, chief queen of

the Rkasas? and pretty Praml whose countenance

680 is like that of the moon of autumn? and all of Diti's

daughters, who in beauty shame the godly maidens? and chaste

Nika, your aged grandmama? What will they all say,

the clan of Rkasas, and you, the crown-gem of that clan?

Get up, dear lad. It is I, your uncle, calling youI,

Vibhaa! Why do you not pay heed, you who are more

dear than life to me? Arise, dear boy, I shall open wide

the door immediately, as you requested. Proceed now

to the armory, efface today in battle Lak's

stain. O pride of Karbras, does the ray-ringed solar god,

690 delight to eyes of all the world, ever go beyond the

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 268

setting-hill at noon? Then why today do you, dressed as you

are, famed one, lie upon the ground? The horns blow, listen there,

they call to you; the king of elephants is trumpeting;

horses whinny shrilly; armed is the Rkasas army,

an Ugraca when it comes to war. The enemy

is at the city gates, get up, foe-conqueror. Preserve

the prestige of this clan of ours in the coming battle."

In such a manner hero Vibhaa wailed with grief.

Saddened by his comrade's sadness, leonine Saumitri

700 spoke, "Restrain your sorrow, crown-gem of Rkasas. What is

the purpose of such fruitless lamentation? It was Fate's

decree that I slay this soldier; you are not to blame. Come,

let us now return to camp where Cintmai worries,

separated from his humble servant. Listen well, O

champion, auspicious music emanates from the homes of

heavenly beings." The best of charioteers then heard

celestial melodies, most enchanting, like in a dream.

The two left hurriedly, just as a hunter, when he slays

the young of a tigress in her absence, flees for his life

710 with wind's speed, panting breathlessly, lest that ferocious beast

should suddenly attack, wild with grief at finding her cubs

lifeless! or, as champion Avatthm, son of Droa,

having killed five sleeping boys inside the Pava camp

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 269

in dead of night, departed going with the quickness of

a heart's desire, giddy from the thrill and fear, to where lay

Kuru monarch Duryodhana, his thigh broken in the

Kuruketra war! They both traveled unseen, by My's

grace, to where the champion, the joy of Maithil, was camped.

Bowing to those lotus feet, Saumitri the lion spoke

720 with utmost deference the following, hands together,

"By the grace of your two feet, jewel of the Raghu clan,

this humble slave proved superior to the Rkasa

in combat. Meghandathat hero, that conqueror

of akrais no more." Then planting a kiss atop his

younger brother's head and hugging him affectionately,

his lordship spoke, eyes wet with tears, "I have gained again this

day by your strength of arms my St, O Indra of great

physical prowess. You, of all the heroes, are to be

most lauded. Praise be to mother Sumitr. Praise to your

730 father Daaratha, the progenitor of you and

most valued of the Raghu clan. Fortunate am I, your

elder brother; lucky is your place of birth, Ayodhy.

This fame of yours will be proclaimed throughout the world for all

time to come. But remember, offer pj to the strength-

bestowing gods, my fondest one. Man is forever weak

when dependent on his own strength only; and if success

 Meghanadavadha Kavya6th canto 270

is realized, it is by the good graces of the gods."

Addressing Vibhaa, ally supreme, the husband

of Vaideh intoned warmly, "At a most auspicious

740 moment, O companion, I came upon you in this land

of Rkasas. You, in the guise of a Rkasa, are

good fortune for the Rghavas. You today have placed

the clan of Rghavas in your debt by your merit, gem

of merit. As the king of planets is the monarch of

the day, so too, I say to you, the king of friends is you.

Come everyone, worship her who is beneficent, that

akar." And from the sky the gods in great delight rained

down blossoms. Jubilant, the army bellowed, "Hail, spouse of

St!" In terror, golden Lak woke to peals of glee.

750

Thus ends canto number six,

called "the slaying,"

in the poem

The Slaying of Meghanda.