Introduction
Sugreeva sends troops to north in search of Seetha. He gives an account of the snowy regions and provinces of northern side and asks them to search in the places of Yavana, Kuru, and Darads etc., civilisations. Sugreeva specially informs them about a divine province called Uttara Kuru and a heavenly mountain called Mt. Soma on which Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva make sojourn for its sacredness.
ततः संदिश्य सुग्रीवः श्वशुरम् पश्चिमाम् दिशम् |
वीरम् शतबलिम् नाम वानरम् वानररेश्वर || ४-४३-१
viiram shatabalim naama vaanaram vaanarareshvara || 4-43-1
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.1
On sending his father-in-law, namely Susheshana, to westerly direction then the king of Vanara-s Sugreeva, spoke to a valorous vanara named Shatabali. [4-43-1]
उवाच राजा सर्वज्ञः सर्व वानर सत्तम |
वाक्यम् आत्म हितम् चैव रामस्य च हितम् तदा || || ४-४३-२
vaakyam aatma hitam caiva raamasya ca hitam tadaa || || 4-43-2
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.2
That knowledgeable and the powerful one among all monkeys, King Sugreeva, spoke words to Shatabala that are advantageous to himself, and beneficial to Rama as well. [4-43-2]
वृतः शत सहस्रेण त्वत् विधानाम् वन ओकसाम् |
वैवस्वत सुतैः सार्धम् प्रविष्ठ सर्व मंत्रिभिः || || ४-४३-३
vaivasvata sutaiH saardham praviShTha sarva ma.ntribhiH || || 4-43-3
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.3
“Accompanied with a hundred thousand forest-dwelling monkeys of your kind, and also with all of your ministers who the sons of Yama, the Terminator, you have to proceed. [4-43-3]
दिशम् हि उदीचीम् विक्रान्त हिम शैल अवतंसिकाम् |
सर्वतः परिमार्गध्वम् राम पत्नीम् यशस्विनीम् || || ४-४३-४
sarvataH parimaargadhvam raama patniim yashasviniim || || 4-43-4
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.4
“Oh, venturesome Shatabala, you scout out whole of the northern quarter that has snowy Himalayan mountains as its crown for the glorious wife of Rama. [4-43-4]
अस्मिन् कार्ये विनिवृत्ते कृते दाशरथेः प्रिये |
ऋणान् मुक्ता भविष्यामः कृत अर्था अर्थविदाम् वराः || || ४-४३-५
R^iNaan muktaa bhaviShyaamaH kR^ita arthaa ar.hthavidaam varaaH || || 4-43-5
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.5
“Oh, enterprising vanara-s, when this mission is complete and when we can effectuate a task agreeable to Rama, we will become debt-free and accomplished of our purpose. [4-43-5]
कृतम् हि प्रियम् अस्माकम् राघवेण महात्मना |
तस्य चेत् प्रतिकारो अस्ति सफलम् जीवितम् भवेत् || || ४-४३-६
tasya cet pratikaaro asti saphalam jiivitam bhavet || || 4-43-6
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.6
“Great-souled Raghava has indeed done a favour to us, isn’t it. If there is reciprocation to that kind deed, our lives will become fruitful. [4-43-6]
अर्थिनः कार्य निर्वृत्तिम् अकर्तुम् अपि यः चरेत् |
तस्य स्यात् सफलम् जन्म किम् पुनः पूर्व कारिणः || || ४-४३-७
tasya syaat saphalam janma kim punaH puurva kaariNaH || || 4-43-7
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.7
“He who completes the deed of a requester, even though that requester has not rendered any hep earlier, his life becomes fruitful. Then what is there to say again about him who has already received help from the requester? [4-43-7]
एताम् बुद्धिम् समास्थाय दृश्यते जानकी यथा |
तथा भवद्भिः कर्तव्यम् अस्मत् प्रिय हित एषिभिः || || ४-४३-८
tathaa bhavadbhiH kartavyam asmat priya hita eShibhiH || || 4-43-8
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.8
“Let all of you abide by such a thinking as you are the well-wishers of our well-being and welfare, and undertake your mission in such a way as to how Seetha can be found in your search. [4-43-8]
अयम् हि सर्व भूतानाम् मान्यः तु नर सत्तमः |
अस्मासु च गतः प्रीतिम् रामः पर पुरम् जयः || || ४-४३-९
asmaasu ca gataH priitim raamaH para puram jayaH || || 4-43-9
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.9
“On his part this Rama, who is the best on among men and the champion of enemies’ fastnesses, is the estimable one for all beings, and his interests have indeed fell in with ours. [4-43-9]
इमानि बहु दुर्गाणि नद्यः शैल अंतराणि च |
भवन्तः परिमार्गन्तु बुद्धि विक्रम संपदा || || ४-४३-१०
bhavantaH parimaargantu buddhi vikrama saMpadaa || || 4-43-10
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.10
“Let all of you with your assets of wisdom and valour rake over all of these impassable places, rivers, mountains and also their canyons. [4-43-10]
तत्र म्लेच्छान् पुलिन्दान् च शूरसेनान् तथैव च |
प्रस्थालान् भरतान् चैव कुरूम् च सह मद्रकैः || || ४-४३-११
कांबोज यवनान् चैव शकान् पत्तनानि च |
अन्वीक्ष्य दरदान् चैव हिमवन्तम् विचिन्वथ || ४-४३-१२
prasthaalaan bharataan caiva kuruum ca saha madrakaiH || || 4-43-11
kaaMboja yavanaan caiva shakaan pattanaani ca |
anviikshya daradaan caiva himavantam vicinvatha || 4-43-12
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.11, 4.43.12
“There in the north, the provinces of Mleccha-s, Pulinda-s, that way Shurashena – Prasthala – Bharata – Kuru – Madraka – Kaambhoja – Yavana shall be scrutinized along with the cities of Shaka and Darada, and then search in Himalayas. [4-43-11,12]
The Mleccha is the province of the then India to the North-West and it is defined as: pratyanto mleccha syaat – ‘at the end of the country there is Mleccha province… amarakosha; go maa~Nsa bhakShako yastu viruddham bahu bhaaShate sarva aacaara vihiinaH ca mleccha itiu abhidiiyate – bodhaayana; — ‘eaters of beef, talkers of odd languages, devoid of all ethics [with reference to Indian scriptural ethics, especially marriage as an institution, immoralities etc.,] and they are called Mleccha-s…’ bodhaayana aphorisms.
Some hold the view that Ramayana was written more lately to Greek’s invasion on India on seeing the names like this Yavana, Shaka etc. for this please see the endnote for some more information
लोध्र पद्मक खण्डेषु देवदारु वनेषु च |
रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्या ततः ततः || || ४-४३-१३
raavaNaH saha vaidehyaa maargitavyaa tataH tataH || || 4-43-13
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.13
“In the stands of Lodhra trees, Padmaka trees and in the woods of Devadaru, or Deodar trees, Ravana is to be searched there and there, together with Seetha. [4-43-13]
Lodhra trees are of Tymplocos racemosa, and Devadaru tree is of Uvaria longifolia, commonly called as Deodar trees.
ततः सोम आश्रमम् गत्वा देव गन्धर्व सेवितम् |
कालम् नाम महासानुम् पर्वतम् तम् गमिष्यथ || ४-४३-१४
kaalam naama mahaasaanum parvatam tam gamiShyatha || 4-43-14
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.14
“You to Soma hermitage, which is adored by the gods and gandharva-s, and then you go to that great-peaked mountain named Mt. Kala. [4-43-14]
महत्सु तस्य शैलेषु पर्वतेषु गुहासु च |
विचिन्वत महाभागाम् राम पत्नीम् अनिन्दिताम् || ४-४३-१५
vicinvata mahaabhaagaam raama patniim aninditaam || 4-43-15
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.15
“On its cliffs, mountainsides and in caves the highly fortunate and impeccable wife of Rama shall be searched. [4-43-15]
तम् अतिक्रम्य शैलेन्द्रम् हेम गर्भम् महागिरिम् |
ततः सुदर्शनम् नाम पर्वतम् गन्तुम् अर्हथ || ४-४३-१६
tataH sudarshanam naama parvatam gantum arhatha || 4-43-16
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.16
“On going across that lordly mountain Kala, which great-mountain is impregnated with gold, it will be apt of you to go to the mountain named Sudarshana afterwards. [4-43-16]
ततो देवसखो नाम पर्वतः पतग आलय |
नाना पक्षि समाकीर्णो विविध द्रुम भूषितः || ४-४३-१७
naanaa pakshi samaakiirNo vividha druma bhuuShitaH || 4-43-17
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.17
“Latter there will be a mountain overspread with various birds and adorned with varied trees named Devasakha which is a sanctuary for birds. [4-43-17]
तस्य कानन खण्डेषु निर्झरेषु गुहासु च |
रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यः ततः ततः || ४-४३-१८
raavaNaH saha vaidehyaa maargitavyaH tataH tataH || 4-43-18
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.18
“Let Ravana be quested after in the segments of woods, at waterfalls, and even in caverns of that mountain, together with Vaidehi. [4-43-18]
तम् अतिक्रम्य च आकाशम् सर्वतः शत योजनम् |
अपर्वत नदी वृक्षम् सर्व सत्त्व विवर्जितम् || ४-४३-१९
aparvata nadii vR^ikSham sarva sattva vivarjitam || 4-43-19
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.19
“On crossing Mt. Devasakha, there is a vacant land to a span of hundred yojana-s all around, which is devoid of mountains, rivers and even trees, and discarded by all beings. [4-43-19]
तत् तु शीघ्रम् अतिक्रम्य कांतारम् रोम हर्षणम् |
कैलासम् पाण्डुरम् प्राप्य हृष्टा यूयम् भविष्यथ || ४-४३-२०
kailaasam paaNDuram praapya hR^iShTaa yuuyam bhaviShyatha || 4-43-20
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.20
“But you all will be overjoyed on traversing that hair-raising wasteland quickly and on attaining Mt. Kailash. [4-43-20]
‘The Kailash mountain believed to be the abode of Shiva, the tutelary god of the Snowy Range of Central Asia and the wealth god Kubera, was to the north of Himalayas. It would appear to correspond with the Kwenlun Range, which extends northwards and connects with the Altai chain. The route indicated must have been by the south skirts of the desert towards the west, to pass by the Kailash Range…’ Ancient Geography. This is presently in Tibet.
तत्र पाण्डुर मेघाभम् जाम्बूनद परिष्कृतम् |
कुबेर भवनम् रम्यम् निर्मितम् विश्वकर्मणा || ४-४३-२१
kubera bhavanam ramyam nirmitam vishvakarmaNaa || 4-43-21
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.21
“There is the delightful mansion of Kubera, which in shine will be like a silver cloud and processed with gold, and the Divine Architect Vishvakarma has constructed it. [4-43-21]
विशाला नलिनी यत्र प्रभूत कमलोत्पला |
हंस कारण्डव आकीर्णा अप्सरो गण सेविता || ४-४३-२२
haMsa kaaraNDava aakiirNaa apsaro gaNa sevitaa || 4-43-22
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.22
“Where an expansive lake is there, which is replete with lotuses and costuses, overrun by swans and partridges, and adored by throngs of apsara-s, that is the place of Kubera, Deity for Wealth-Management. [4-43-22]
तत्र वैश्रवणो राजा सर्व भूत नमस्कृतः |
धनदो रमते श्रीमान् गुह्यकैः सह यक्ष राट् || ४-४३-२३
dhanado ramate shriimaan guhyakaiH saha yakSha raaT || 4-43-23
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.23
“The son of Sage Vaishravana and king of yaksha-s, who is reverenced by all beings for he is the money giver, that fortunate king will be rejoicing there along with guhyaka-s, viz., yaksha-s. [4-43-23]
तस्य चन्द्र निकशेषु पर्वतेषु गुहासु च |
रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यः ततः ततः || ४-४३-२४
raavaNaH saha vaidehyaa maargitavyaH tataH tataH || 4-43-24
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.24
“Ravana shall be searched on Mt. Kailash, and even in the caves of nearby mountains which will be shining like moon, together with Vaidehi. [4-43-24]
Ravana is a brother of Kubera and the aircraft of Kubera, namely Pushpaka, is seized from this very Kubera. Thus, there is every chance to hide Seetha at Kubera’s place bringing Kubera under duress.
क्रौन्चम् तु गिरिम् आसाद्य बिलम् तस्य सुदुर्गमम् |
अप्रमत्तैः प्रवेष्टव्यम् दुष्प्रवेशम् हि तत् स्मृतम् || ४-४३-२५
apramattaiH praveShTavyam duShpravesham hi tat smR^itam || 4-43-25
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.25
“Thereafter on reaching Mt. Kraunca you shall cautiously enter into a highly impassable tunnel of that mountain to search Seetha. That tunnel, they say, is an un-enterable one. [4-43-25]
Kumara or Skanda, the son of Shiva-Parvati-Ganga made this bore by using His shakti prayoga ‘Divine power.’ This is his birthplace, and the legend of His birth and growth are detailed in Bala Kanda.
वसन्ति हि महात्मानः तत्र सूर्य सम प्रभाः |
देवैः अभ्यर्थिताः सम्यक् देव रूपा महर्षयः || ४-४३-२६
devaiH abhyarthitaaH samyak deva ruupaa maharShayaH || 4-43-26
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.26
“In that tunnel great-souled sages reside at the request of gods, and those great-sages are similar to Sun in their resplendence and godly in their mien. Even then, you search for Ravana therein that tunnel. [4-43-26]
क्रौन्चस्य तु गुहाः च अन्याः सानूनि शिखराणि च |
निर्दराः च नितंबाः च विचेतव्याः ततः ततः || ४-४३-२७
nirdaraaH ca nitaMbaaH ca vicetavyaaH tataH tataH || 4-43-27
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.27
“Besides the main peak of Mt. Kraunca, its other peaks, terraces, crevices and midriffs shall be searched, far and wide. [4-43-27]
अवृक्षम् काम शैलम् च मानसम् विहग आलयम् |
न गतिः तत्र भूतानाम् देवानाम् न च रक्षसाम् || ४-४३-२८
na gatiH tatra bhuutaanaam devaanaam na ca rakShasaam || 4-43-28
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.28
“The treeless Mt. Kaama and the abode of birds Mt. Maanasa are also to be searched, and there is no inlet for any being, let alone gods or demons. [4-43-28]
These mountains Maanasa and Kaama are said differently in other translations, like ‘the wish-endower Kaama and the bird-less Maanasa Mountains.’ That is to say, ‘even birds cannot enter there then where is the question of entry to other beings…’ If that place is un-enterable even for birds or gods how these few monkeys can enter, is the question that ensues. Sugreeva gives the answer to Rama at the start of this exodus of monkeys, saying that these monkeys can do any undoable task, which is peculiar to these genera.
स च सर्वैः विचेतव्यः स सानु प्रस्थ भूधरः |
क्रौन्चम् गिरिम् अतिक्रम्य मैनाको नाम पर्वतः || ४-४३-२९
krauncam girim atikramya mainaako naama parvataH || 4-43-29
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.29
“You all have to search Mt. Kraunca inclusive of its mountainsides, grades, and its fringe mountains, and on moving away from that Mt. Kraunca, a mountain named Mainaaka is there. [4-43-29]
This Mainaaka is different from the one that wanted to give hospitality to Hanuma during his flight across ocean in Sundara Kanda.
मयस्य भवनम् तत्र दानवस्य स्वयम् कृतम् |
मैनाकः तु विचेतव्यः स सानु प्रस्थ कंदरः || ४-४३-३०
स्त्रीणाम् अश्व मुखीनाम् च निकेताः तत्र तत्र तु |
mainaakaH tu vicetavyaH sa saanu prastha ka.ndaraH || 4-43-30
striiNaam ashva mukhiinaam ca niketaaH tatra tatra tu |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.30, 4.43.31a
“The mansion of the demon Maya is there which is built by himself and that Mt. Mainaaka is to be searched out, inclusive of its crests, grades and caves. Thereabout the dwellings of horse-faced females, namely KimpuruSa-s, are there and you have to search them also. [4-43-30, 31a]
The word ashvamukhi is taken as one word to explain the genera of kimpuruSa , a kind of sylvan beings like yaksha-s, caarana-s and the like, whereas some take it as horse-faced beings.
तम् देशम् समतिक्रम्य आश्रमम् सिद्ध सेवितम् || ४-४३-३१
सिद्धा वैखानसाः तत्र वालखिल्याः च तापसाः |
siddhaa vaikhaanasaaH tatra vaalakhilyaaH ca taapasaaH |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.31b,
“On crossing over that province there is the hermitage adored by siddha-s, the resolved-souls. There the sages, namely siddha-s, vaikhaanasa-s, and vaalakhilyaa-s will be there. [4-43-31b, 32a]
वन्दितव्याः ततः सिद्धाः तापसा वीत कल्मषाः || ४-४३-३२
प्रष्टव्याः च अपि सीतायाः प्रवृत्तिम् विनय अन्वितैः |
praShTavyaaH ca api siitaayaaH pravR^ittim vinaya anvitaiH |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.32b, 4.43.33a
“Then you venerate those sages with accomplished souls, whose asceticism alone has effaced their blemishes, and you may even humbly ask them after Seetha’s whereabouts. [4-43-32b, 33a]
हेम पुष्कर संछन्नम् तत्र वैखानसम् सरः || ४-४३-३३
तरुण आदित्य संकाशैः हंसैः विचरितम् शुभैः |
taruNa aaditya sa.nkaashaiH haMsaiH vicaritam shubhaiH |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.33b, 4.43.34a
“There is the lake belonging to Vaikhaanasa sages, overspread with golden lotuses, and overrun with prosperous swans whose resplendence will be similar to the tender sun. [4-43-33b, 34a]
औपवाह्यः कुबेरस्य सर्वभौम इति स्मृतः || ४-४३-३४
गजः पर्येति तम् देशम् सदा सह करेणुभिः |
gajaH par.hyeti tam desham sadaa saha kareNubhiH
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.34b, 4.43.35a
“The carrier elephant of Kubera known as Saarvabhauma will always be visiting that place along with she-elephants. [4-43-34b, 35a]
तत् सारः समतिक्रम्य नष्ट चन्द्र दिवाकरम् |
अनक्षत्र गणम् व्योम निष्पयोदम् अनाअदितम् || ४-४३-३५
anakShatra gaNam vyoma niShpayodam anaaaditam || 4-43-35
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.35b, 4.43.53c
“Passing that lake there will be just sky which will be devoid of moon, or sun, or the clusters of stars, and it will be cloudless and noiseless. [4-43-35b, c]
गभस्तिभिः इव अर्कस्य स तु देशः प्रकाशते |
विश्राम्यद्भिः तपः सिद्धैः देव कल्पैः स्वयंप्रभैः || ४-४३-३६
vishraamyadbhiH tapaH siddhaiH deva kalpaiH svayaMprabhaiH || 4-43-36
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.36
“That place will be luminescent with the self-resplendence of godlike sages who have accomplished their asceticism and who are taking rest at that place, as if illuminated with innumerable rays of the sun. [4-43-36]
तम् तु देशम् अतिक्रम्य शैलोदा नाम निम्नगा |
उभयोः तीरयोः तस्याः कीचका नाम वेणवः || ४-४३-३७
ते नयंति परम् तीरम् सिद्धान् प्रत्यानयन्ति च |
ubhayoH tiirayoH tasyaaH kiicakaa naama veNavaH || 4-43-37
te naya.nti param tiiram siddhaan pratyaanayanti ca |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.37, 4.43.38a
“On crossing over that province there is a deep flowing river named Shailoda. On both of its riverbanks bamboo brakes called as Keecaka-s will be there. Those bamboos will be enabling the movement of siddha-s, accomplished souls, from one bank to the other. [4-43-37, 38a]
Keecaka is the term to denote that ‘when air is puffed in the bamboo, whistles or fluting can be done…’ and this variety of bamboos is used to make the transverse flutes in India in contrast to the present day metal flutes, where the diameter and wall-thickness of each bamboo stick is carefully selected to produce a desired tone and pitch. The travel to the other bank is by the entwined bamboo-sticks-bridges across the river, and these monkeys shall make use of those bridges because anyone/anything falling in that river will be petrified, say frozen to petrifaction.
उत्तराः कुरवः तत्र कृत पुण्य प्रतिश्रियाः || ४-४३-३८
ततः कांचन पद्माभिः पद्मिनीभिः कृतोदकाः |
नील वैदूर्य पत्राढ्या नद्यः तत्र सहस्रशः || ४-४३-३९
रक्तोत्पल वनैः च अत्र मण्डिताः च हिरण्मयैः |
tataH kaa.ncana padmaabhiH padminiibhiH kR^itodakaaH |
niila vaiduurya patraaDhyaa nadyaH tatra sahasrashaH || 4-43-39
raktotpala vanaiH ca atra maNDitaaH ca hiraNmayaiH |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.38b, 4.43.39, 4.43.40a
“Then there is the North Kuru, the dwelling of those who have achieved divine merit in their previous births and now born in that country to enjoy the fruits of that divine merit, thus that country itself is earmarked for meritorious beings. At that place, the lotuses in the rivers will be golden in hue. The runners and stalks of lotus plants bear lotus-leaves that are bluish like the bluishness of lapis lazuli. There will be thousands of such rivers filled with such plants in water, and with waters mingled with the waters of other lakes, and decorated with the thickets of red Costuses alongshore. [4-43-38b, 39, 40a]
The Costus is a lotus-like plant grwoing on land, like Kashmir’s Saussurea hypoleuca, Latinised from Greek ‘kostos’.
तरुण आदित्य संकाशा भान्ति तत्र जलाशयाः || ४-४३-४०
महाअर्ह मणि पत्रैः च कांचन प्रभ केसरैः |
नीलोत्पल वनैः चित्रैः स देशः सर्वतो वृतः || ४-४३-४१
mahaaarha maNi patraiH ca kaa.ncana prabha kesaraiH |
niilotpala vanaiH citraiH sa deshaH sarvato vR^itaH || 4-43-41
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.40b, 4.43.41
“Everywhere that province shines forth with highly valuable leaves which will be in the hue of sapphires, with fibrils in the hue of gold, and with amazing thickets of blue costuses around lakes, which lakes will be surrounding that province with a resplendence similar to sun. [4-43-40b, 41]
निस्तुलाभिः च मुक्ताभिः मणिभिः च महाधनैः |
उद्भूत पुलिनाः तत्र जातरूपैः च निम्नगाः || ४-४३-४२
udbhuuta pulinaaH tatra jaataruupaiH ca nimnagaaH || 4-43-42
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.42
“There the sand dunes of deep flowing rivers are lumped together with incomparable pearls, highly valuable jewels and gold. [4-43-42]
सर्व रत्नमयैः चित्रैः अवगाढा नगोत्तमैः |
जातरूपमयैः च अपि हुताशन सम प्रभैः || ४-४३-४३
jaataruupamayaiH ca api hutaashana sama prabhaiH || 4-43-43
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.43
“That province is with amazing mountains that are replete with every kind of jewel, golden in hue, splendorous like Ritual-fire, and they are intercalated into the deep flowing rivers. [4-43-43]
Perhaps these poetic accounts of golden, jewelled riverbanks and golden lotuses etc. might have attracted the then invaders towards India, presuming that the loot is over there on the riverbanks like sand. However mythical these accounts might be, they portray that the lands and rivers are self-contained and self-sufficient.
नित्य पुष्प फलाः तत्र नगाः पत्ररथ आकुलाः |
दिव्य गन्ध रस स्पर्शाः सर्व कामान् स्रवन्ति च || ४-४३-४४
नाना आकाराणि वासांसि फलन्ति अन्ये नगोत्तमाः |
divya gandha rasa sparshaaH sarva kaamaan sravanti ca || 4-43-44
naanaa aakaaraaNi vaasaa.nsi phalanti anye nagottamaaH |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.44, 4.43.45a
“There the trees will be eternally flowering and fruiting on which birds will be endlessly squawking. Their yield will be spilling forth meeting every delicacy with a divine smell, taste and touch. Some other best trees will yield clothing in numerous shapes. [4-43-44, 45a]
मुक्ता वैदूर्य चित्राणि भूषणानि तथैव च |
स्त्रीणाम् यानि अनुरूपाणि पुरुषाणाम् तथैव च || ४-४३-४५
सर्व ऋतु सुख सेव्यानि फलन्ति अन्ये नगोत्तमाः |
महा अर्हाणि मणि चित्राणि फलन्ति अन्ये नगोत्तमाः || ४-४३-४६
striiNaam yaani anuruupaaNi puruShaaNaam tathaiva ca || 4-43-45
sarva R^itu sukha sevyaani phalanti anye nagottamaaH |
mahaa arhaaNi maNi citraaNi phalanti anye nagottamaaH || 4-43-46
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.45, 4.43.46
“Some of the best trees will be yielding such of those adornments which will be vying with ornament made with pearls or with lapis gemstones, and suitable both for women and men. Like that, they can be worn happily in all seasons. Some other best trees will be yielding gemlike marvellous decorations applicable to noblesse. [4-43-45, 46]
शयनानि प्रसूयन्ते चित्र आस्तारणवन्ति च |
मनः कान्तानि माल्यानि फलन्ति अत्र अपरे द्रुमाः || ४-४३-४७
पानानि च महा अर्हाणि भक्ष्याणि विविधानि च |
manaH kaantaani maalyaani phalanti atra apare drumaaH || 4-43-47
paanaani ca mahaa ar.hhaaNi bhakShyaaNi vividhaani ca |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.47, 4.43.48a
“There are other trees that produce wooden-beds with astonishing upholsteries, and even garlands that will be attractively heartening, while some other trees will be yielding juices and foodstuffs that are relevant to highly choicest consumers. [4-43-47]
स्त्रियः च गुण संपन्ना रूप यौवन लक्षिताः || ४-४३-४८
गन्धर्वाः किंनरा सिद्धा नागा विद्याधराः तथा |
रमन्ते सहिताः तत्र नारीभिः भास्वर प्रभाः || ४-४३-४९
gandharvaaH ki.nnaraa siddhaa naagaa vidyaadharaaH tathaa |
ramante sahitaaH tatra naariibhiH bhaasvara prabhaaH || 4-43-49
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.48b, 4.43.49
“The females of Uttara Kuru province will be handsome and youthful and they are rich by their attributes. There the radiantly bright celestials like gandharva-s, kinnaraa-s, siddha-s, vidyaadharaa-s will be delighting along with their own females. [4-43-48b, 49]
Some say that the females are also born out of the very same trees by adding the word prasuuyante to these compounds of trees. Nevertheless, it is better taken as ‘daughters of soil.’
सर्वे सुकृत कर्माणः सर्वे रति परायणाः |
सर्वे काम अर्थ सहिता वसंति सह योषितः || ४-४३-५०
sarve kaama artha sahitaa vasa.nti saha yoShitaH || 4-43-50
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.50
“All the inhabitants of North Kuru have carried out good deeds in earlier births, hence they are accorded with paradisiacal pleasures now. All are engaged in passion, all of them live in pleasure and prosperity along with their youthful females. [4-43-50]
गीत वादित्र निर्घोषः स उत्कृष्ट हसित स्वनः |
श्रूयते सततम् तत्र सर्व भूत मनोरमः || ४-४३-५१
shruuyate satatam tatra sarva bhuuta manoramaH || 4-43-51
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.51
“The notes of vocal and instrumental music will be flowing out mixed with the peals of vivacious laughter, which will always come to ears in a heart-stealing manner for all beings. [4-43-51]
तत्र न अमुदितः कश्चिन् न अत्र कश्चित् असत् प्रियः |
अहनि अहनि वर्धन्ते गुणाः तत्र मनोरमाः || ४-४३-५२
ahani ahani vardhante guNaaH tatra manoramaaH || 4-43-52
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.52
“There is none who is infelicitous and there is none who is friendly to untruthful ones, and in that province these heart-pleasing attributes of those blessed souls like rejoicing, festivity etc. will be enriching day by day. [4-43-52]
तम् अतिक्रम्य शैलेन्द्रम् उत्तरः पय्साम् निधिः |
तत्र सोम गिरिर् नाम मध्ये हेममयो महान् || ४-४३-५३
tatra soma girir naama madhye hemamayo mahaan || 4-43-53
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.53
“On passing beyond that mountain in Uttara Kuru, there is a treasure trove of waters, namely vast of Northern Ocean, in the mid of which there is gigantic golden mountain named Mt. Soma. [4-43-53]
The north of Himalayas is referred as the northern ocean. It is held that Himalayas have emerged from an ocean to where Vali used to leap everyday in the early hours to offer water oblation to the Sun.
इन्द्र लोक गता ये च ब्रह्म लोक गताः च ये |
देवाः तम् समवेक्षन्ते गिरि राजम् दिवम् गताः || ४-४३-५४
devaaH tam samavekShante giri raajam divam gataaH || 4-43-54
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.54
“Those who have gone to the sphere of Indra, and those who have gone to the sphere of Brahma can clearly see that lordly Mt. Soma, situated in the vast of ocean from the vast of heavens. [4-43-54]
स तु देशो विसूर्यो अपि तस्य भासा प्रकाशते |
सूर्य लक्ष्म्या अभिविज्ञेयः तपता इव विवस्वता || ४-४३-५५
suurya lakShmyaa abhivij~neyaH tapataa iva vivasvataa || 4-43-55
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.55
“Even though that place is sunless it is comprehensible as if with sunshine, since it is illuminated with the resplendence of Mt. Soma itself, which will be irradiating that place as if with the resplendence of the Sun. [4-43-55]
भगवान् तत्र विश्वात्मा शम्भुः एकादश आत्मकः |
ब्रह्मा वसति देवेशो ब्रह्म ऋषि परिवारितः || ४-४३-५६
brahmaa vasati devesho brahma R^iShi parivaaritaH || 4-43-56
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.56
“The God and Cosmic-Souled Vishnu and Shambhu or Shiva, an embodiment of eleven selfsame Souls, called ekaadasha rudra-s , and the god of gods Brahma who is surrounded by Brahma-Sages, will be sojourning on that Mt. Soma. [4-43-56]
Here the Cosmic-Souled God is said as Vishnu, because He alone has shown His vishva ruupa ‘cosmic aspect…’ in Maha Bharata, and He has the attributes of SaDguNa sampatti ‘the six-ingredients…’ and also by bringing the saying from Nrisimha Puraana:
evam eva mahaan shabdo maitreya bhagavaan iti | parama brahma bhuutasya vaasudevasya na anyagaH || nR^isimha puraaNa ‘the bhagavaan is the term for vaasu deva, naaraayaNa, Vishnu and there is no other course than to accept otherwise…’ The ekaadasha rudra-s are 1. aja 2. ekapaada 3. ahirbudhni 4. hara 5. shambhu 6. tryambaka 7. aparaajita 8. iishaana 9. tribhuvana 10. twaSTa 11. rudra These are called the brain-children of Rudra and at times of Brahma. Then the Trinity is said to be there, without exception.
न कथंचन गंतव्यम् कुरूणाम् उत्तरेण वः |
अन्येषाम् अपि भूतानाम् न अनुक्रामति वै गतिः || ४-४३-५७
anyeShaam api bhuutaanaam na anukraamati vai gatiH || 4-43-57
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.57
“Under any circumstances you shall not go to the north of Kuru province as there is no other way out to follow, even for other beings like daitya, daanava, yaksha, gandharva-s, though they possess some extraordinary capabilities. [4-43-57]
‘Here we have a glimpse of the Arctic region with the Aurora Borealis to the north of the Uttara Kuru realms. The Uttara Kurus, it should be remembered, may have been a real people, as they mentioned in the aitareya braahmaNa viii-14 wherefore the several nations who dwell in this northern quarter beyond the Himalayas, the Uttara Kurus and the Uttara Madras are consecrated to glorious dominion and people term them glorious…’ Mouris, Sanskrit Series, Vol. I
सा हि सोम गिरिः नाम देवानाम् अपि दुर्गमः |
तम् आलोक्य ततः क्षिप्रम् उपावर्तितुम् अर्हथ || ४-४३-५८
tam aalokya tataH kShipram upaavartitum arhatha || 4-43-58
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.58
“That mountain named Soma is an impassable one even for gods, and it will be apt of you to quickly return from there on seeing that mountain. [4-43-58]
एतावत् वानरैः शक्यम् गंतुम् वानर पुंगवाः |
अभास्करम् अमर्यादम् न जानीमः ततः परम् || ४-४३-५९
abhaaskaram amaryaadam na jaaniimaH tataH param || 4-43-59
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.59
” It is possible for the vanara-s to go only up to there, oh, best vanara-s, and we have no knowledge of those sunless and boundless realms available far and beyond. [4-43-59]
सर्वम् एतत् विचेतव्यम् यन् मया परिकीर्तितम् |
यत् अन्यत् अपि न उक्तम् च तत्र अपि क्रियताम् मतिः || ४-४३-६०
yat anyat api na uktam ca tatra api kriyataam matiH || 4-43-60
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.60
“You shall thoroughly search in all those provinces that are explained by me, and you have to make up your mind for searching in other places that are not referred by me. [4-43-60]
ततः कृतम् दाशरथेः महत् प्रियम्
महत्तरम् च अपि ततो मम प्रियम् |
कृतम् भविष्यति अनिलोअनलौपमा
विदेहजा दर्शनजेन कर्मणा || ४-४३-६१
mahattaram ca api tato mama priyam |
kR^itam bhaviShyati aniloanalaupamaa
videhajaa darshanajena karmaNaa || 4-43-61
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.61
“Thereby, oh, Air-godlike and Wind-godlike vanara-s, on your seeing the princess born in Videha kingdom, namely Vaidehi, an extremely desirable task for the sake of Dasharatha’s son Rama is considered as done. Thereby it becomes a still privileged accomplishment even for me achieved through your efforts. [4-43-61]
ततः कृतार्थाः सहिताः सबान्धवा
मया अर्चिताः सर्व गुणैः मनो रमैः |
चरिष्यथ उर्वीम् प्रतिशान्त शत्रवाअः
सह प्रिया भूत धराः प्लवंगमाः || ४-४३-६२
mayaa arcitaaH sarva guNaiH mano ramaiH |
cariShyatha ur.hviim pratishaanta shatravaaaH
saha priyaa bhuuta dharaaH plava.ngamaaH || 4-43-62
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 4.43.62
“Thereafter, oh, fly-jumpers, when you with accomplished purpose and adored by me with heart-pleasing concessions, and when your enemies are silenced, you will rove over the earth with your friends and relatives and with your beloveds, also fostering your progeny.” Thus Sugreeva said to the monkeys going to North. [4-43-62]
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