Sundara kanda Nirnaya of MBTN (7th Chapter)
By
GV & Shobha Srinivasan on dvaita.org
Translation by Scholars of Sri Madhwacharya Seva Sangha, Chennai
hari Sarvottamma, vAyu jIvottamma
shrii gurubhyo namaha
praThamO hanumannAma dhvithIyO bhIma Eva cha |
pUrNapraj~JasthRithIyasthuBagavathkAryasADhakah ||
pR^ithvI manDala madhyasthAH puurNa bodha matAnugAH |
vaiShNavA viShNu hR^idayAstAnna masye guruunmama ||
Dear Krishnabhakthas,
Namaskara. We would like to bring out the word to word meaning, translation & some explainatory notes on Sundara kaanda nirnaya of Mahabharata Tatparyanirnaya.
Everything in this Sundara kaanda Ramayana is beautiful, the story, the characters, the music, the form of verses etc... In Sundara kaanda, Hanuman's jnana, bhakthi, power & prowess are all exemplified & give us a beautiful experience of enjoying a kind of bliss.
The upanishad proclaims that Sri Hari's grace is bestowed to those jivas who workship their Bimba Murthy, who also resides in the lotus heart of Vayu.The compassionate Vayu on our behalf prays Sri Hari thus enaM dInaM dUnaM anAthaM sharaNAgataM rakSha rakSha to release us from the shackles of samsara.The sutra also states Vayu alone leads us to Paramathma. Sri Vadiraja states madhvamAnasa padmabhAnusamaM that Paramathma in madhwa is to be meditated upon. In other words, meditation to be fruitful jiva should meditate on Brahman as present in Vayu.
Since this Sundarakaanda was written by Srimad Acharya as a part of Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya (MBTN) who was Hanuman himself in Treta Yuga, its parayana brings more merit than other sundarakandas for it is authentic. It speaks of the glory of devotion, the absolute master-servant relation between the soul & God. So, reciting it with understanding & devotion to Sri Hari, Vayu would earn their favor & take us to be coveted final purushArtha-Moksha.
OM || rAmAya shAshvatasuvistR^itashhaD.hguNAya sarveshvarAya sukhasAramahArNavAya (balavIryamahArNavAya) |
natvA lilaN^ghayishhurarNavamutpapAta nishhpID.hya taM girivaraM pavanasya sUnuH || || 7-1 ||
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Word to word meaning
sUnuH = The son;
pavanasya = of Wind God (i.e. Hanuman);
lilaN^ghayishhuH = was desirous of crossing;
arNavam.h = the ocean
natvA = After bowing down to
rAmAya = Sri Rama
shAshvatasuvistR^itashhaD.hguNAya = ***who always possessed six perfections (viz: knowledge, strength, prowess, lordship, virility & splendour) which were quite vast;
sarveshvarAya = who was the Lord of one & all
bala - vIrya - mahArNavAya = an ocean of strength (bala) and valor (vIrya) (sukha - sAra - mahArNavAya = an ocean of quintessence of bliss (sukhasAra) or an ocean of bliss (sukha) and richness of knowledge (sAra) or
strength (sAra))
nishhpID.hya = by pressing hard
taM girivaraM = that mighty mountain (Mahendra by name)
utpapAta = and rose high into the sky
The son of Vayu, bowed to Sri Rama who is superior to Brahma & Ramaa, known for his ***six qualities of excellance who stood like an ocean for Bala, Veerya, Vairagya, by pressing the great mountain Mahendra hard with his feet, he went up high into the sky to cross the ocean.
Explanatory notes:
Sri Madhwacharya's Sundarakanda is of special significance for in his previous avatara, he was Hanuman, the devoted messenger of Sri Rama; & so it confers merits great to devotees if they do parayana with true devotion. In Sundarakanda, Hanuman's role is to be viewed as a service to his master, Sri Rama rather than any help rendered to Sri Rama. To go up into the space, one has to control the breath, & he being the son of Vayu, he had no difficulty in going into space, & so he is addressed as pavanasya sUnuH. When he pressed the mountain Mahendra, majority of its part went into the ground which suggests that Hanuman is superior to all the mountains including Mahendra.
chuxobha vAridhiranuprayayau cha shIghraM yAdogaNaiH saha tadIyabalAbhikR^ishhTaH |
vR^ixAshcha parvatagatAH pavanena pUrvaM xipto.arNave girirudAgamadasya hetoH || 7- 2 ||
Word to word meaning:
tadIya - bala- abhikR^ishhTaH = Attracted by his tremendous velocity
vAridhi: = the ocean
chuxobha = become agitated
shIghraM = and at once
yAdogaNaiH saha = along with multitudes of aquatic beings,
anuprayayau = followed him (i.e. began to fly along with Hanuman)
vR^ixAshcha = and even the trees
parvatagatAH = which grew upon that mountain followed suit
girih = Mount Mainaka
xiptaH = who was thrown
arNave = into that ocean
pavanena = by wind
pUrvaM = in olden days (before)
ut.h - Agamat.h = now came up (from the waters)
asya hetoH = for the sake of Hanuman (for providing him a resting place)
The force with which Hanuman pressed the Mahendra mountain brought several changes in the ocean. Attracted by his tremendous velocity, the ocean along with multitudes of aquatic beings, followed him (began to fly along with him for some distance) and so did the uprooted trees on the mountain(as if one goes some distance before bidding farewell to known friends). Mount Mainaka, who was thrown into that ocean by wind in olden days, now came up (from the waters) for the sake of Hanuman (for providing him a resting place).
Explanatory notes:
The Mainaka mountain was once thrown into the ocean by Sri Vayu deva for its safety, rose above the waters with the help of the ocean to offer a resting place to Hanuman since there is no resting place for the on going journey of 100 yojanas. The ocean which induced the Mainaka to come up belong to Surya dynasty to which Sri Rama also belongs. Since any help that is rendered to Hanuman who is the servant of Sri Rama would be considered as service to Sri Rama, so the ocean helped Mainaka to come up to the surface.
Now, for the purpose of providing rest to Hanuman the son of wind God, Mainaka emerged, along with all his mountain slopes, breaking up (or pushing away) the ocean (waters).
syAlo harasya giripaxavinAshakAle xiptvA.arNave sa marutorvaritAtmapaxaH |
haimo giriH pavanajasya tu vishramArthamudbhidya vAridhimavarddhadanekasAnuH || 7-3 ||
saH = That
haimo = golden
giriH = mountain (i.e. Mainaka)
syAlaH = was the brother in law
harasya = of Siva (i.e. Parvathi's brother); and
giripaxavinAshakAle = at a time when the wings of all mountains were
being chopped off (by Indra)
xiptaH = he was pushed
arNave = into the ocean
urvarita - Athma- paxaH = and was thus made to save his wings
marutA = by the wind (god)
vishramArtha tu = and he, for the purpose of providing rest
pavanajasya = to Hanuman the son of wind God
avadhata = (now) came up
anekasAnuH = with all his slopes
udbhidya = breaking up (or pushing away)
vAridhim.h = the ocean (waters)
The mountain Mainaka was son of Himavan & Mena & brother of Parvathi & brother in law of Rudra Deva. It was made up of gold. In earlier days, all mountains had wings. Knowing such a feature would be harmful to the public, when Indra cut off the wings of other mountains , Vayu had thrown Mainaka into the ocean. This enabled Mainaka to save his wings.
Explanatory Notes:
Thus to show his gratitude & indebtendeness to Vayu, the Mainaka mountain came up to give a resting place to Hanuman who is the son of Vayu.
The above translation caters to the first half of the verse. for the second half, the following is to be added.
Now, for the purpose of providing rest to Hanuman, who is son of Pavana, Mainaka emerged, along with all his mountain slopes, breaking up (or pushing away) the ocean (waters).
naivAtra vishramaNamaichchhadavishramo.asau niHsImapaurushhaguNasya kutaH shramo.asya |
Ashlishhya parvatavaraM sa dadarsha gachchhan.h devaistu nAgajananIM prahitAM vareNa || 7-4 ||
Word to word meaning:
asau = He (Hanuman)
avishramaH = who was not tired at all
na aichchhat.h (or "na aichChat.h") = did not want
vishramaNam.h = rest
atra = on this mountain
kutaH = wherefrom
shramaH = tiresomeness comes
asya = to him
niHsIma pauruSha balasya = who was having unlimited valor & strength
saH = He
AshliShya = after embracing
ParvatavaraM = that great mountain
gachChan.h = started going
dadarsha = and saw (on his way)
nAgajananIM = the mother of serpents (surasa by name)
prahitam.h = who was sent (to thwart him
devaiH = by the gods
vareNa = after conferring upon her a particular boon
eva = for sure
Translation:
Hanuman did not rest on Mount Mainaka since he never gets tired. How could he rest when his valor & strength all are unlimited? One who is never edhausted never needs no rest (vishrAnthi).
He, as a kind gesture, embraced the mountain Mainaka & went up into skies. There he confronted Surasa, the Naga Janani, mother of all serpents, wife of Kashyapa & daughter of Daksha Prajapathi, who was sent by the gods (to thwart him) after conferring upon her a particular boon.
Expanatory Notes:
All Indriya Abhimana Devathas have resting time but not Vayu. He does not rest, if he rests, we cease to exist. Hence, he is rightfully called as Jeevottamma. He is first to enter into our body & the last to leave the body.
It also suggests that we are after the gold, God will be farther. So, a Sadhaka should make God nearer, so that gold may come near. The seeker of truth is always tested for his steadfastness by luring him towards worldly preasures. When he does not fall prey to such things only then he would reach his goal.
jij~nAsubhirnijabalaM tava bhaxametu yadyat.h tvamichchhasi tadityamaroditAyAH |
AsyaM pravishya sapadi praviniHsR^ito.asmAd.h devAnanandayaduta svR^itameshhu raxan.h ||7-5||
Word to word meaning:
pravishya = Entering
AsyaM = the mouth
amara- uditAyAH = of hers, who was told by the gods thus
tava = for you
yat.h- yat.h = whatever entity
tvaM = you
ichChasi = want
tat.h = that entity
etu = shall become
bhakShyaM = your food
saH = Hanuman
sapadi = at once
praviniH sR^itaH = came out
asmAt.h = from that mouth
rakShan.h = protecting (honoring)
svR^itaM = the boon
eShu = of the celestials (in this manner)
uta = also
anandayat.h = he delighted
devAn = the gods
Translation:
To test whether Hanuman was capable of overcoming the challenges by Rakshasa, Devatas had sent Surasa with a boon whatever object she desired to eat, it will fall into her mouth. Armed with such a boon, Surasa wanted to eat Hanuman. Sensing this, Hanuman in a small figure (sUkShmarUpa) entered her wide opened mouth & came out unharmed before she could close her mouth. Thus he not only saved himself but honored the boon given by the devathas. This act pleased all the devathas.
Explanatory Notes:
Devatas have sent Surasa only to test Hanuman. While Sri Rama is his boss, they are all his bhakthas. By this act, Hanuman not only satisfied all devathas but showed his bhakthi towards Sri Rama, his master.
dR^ishhT.hvA surapraNayitAM balamasya chograM devAH pratushhTuvuramuM sumanobhivR^ishhThyA
tairAdR^itaH punarasau viyataiva gachchhan.h chhAyAgrahaM pratidadarsha cha siMhikAkhyam.h ||7-6||
Word to word meaning:
dR^iShhT.hvA = seeing
asya = his (Hanuman's)
sura praNayitAM = affection (respect) for the celestials
cha = and
ugraM = awful
balaM = stength
devAH = the gods
pratuShtuvuH = praised
amuM = him
AdR^itaH = greeted
taiH = by them
sumano.abhivR^iShtya = with a shower of flowers
punaH = again
asau = he
gachChaN = started moving
viyatA eva = by the sky itself
cha = and then
pratidardasha = saw
ChAyAgrahaM = a demoness who could drag any flying being by its shadow,
down below
siMhikA AkhyaM = and who had the name Simhika
Translation:
Pleased by his affection towards them, & knowing Hanuman's strength, devatas praised him and showered flowers on him. Honored by devatas he again flew into the sky & there he at once confronted a demon by name Simhika. She had the power through the boon from Brahma to drag any flying object by its shadow to down below.
laN^kAvanAya sakalasya cha nigrahe.asyAH sAmarthyamapratihataM pradadau vidhAtA |
chhAyAmavAxipadasau pavanAtmajasya so.asyAH sharIramanuvishya bibheda chA.ashu || 7- 7 ||
Word to word translation:
vidhAtA = Brahma
pradadau = gave (as a boon)
asyAH = to her (Simhika)
apratihataM = irresistible
sAmarthyaM = capacity (power)
nigrahe = in arresting (or obstructing)
sakalasya = all living beings
laN^kAvanAya = for the protection of Lanka
asau = that demoness (Simhika)
ava AkShipat.h = dragged below
ChhAyAM = the shadow
pavana Atmajasya = of the son of wind God
saH cha = And he
anavishya = entering within
asyAH = her
shasIraM = body
Ashu = quickly
nibhada = split it to pieces
Translation:
Simhika has the irresistible power to protect Lanka because of the boon given by Brahma deva. She could obstruct anybody entering Lanka. When Simhika drew Hanuman into her mouth, Hanuman entered her body & cut it into pieces. Hanuman delibrately presented as if he was drawn by Simhika just to give respect to the boon bestowed by Brahma to Simhika.
Explanatory Notes:
It was very difficult to enter Lanka because of Simhika's constant vigil. She caught hold of Hanuman & Hanuman appeared to have been caught just to honor Brahma who had given the boon, & not because she had greater strength than Hanuman. He had the strength to avoid, but he did not. She is mere Simhika, but Hanuman is Jeeva & bhaktha of Narasimha.
nissImamAtmabalamityanudarshayAno hatvaiva tAmapi vidhAtR^ivarAbhiguptAm.h |
lambe sa lambashikhare nipapAta laN^kAprAkArarUpakagirAvatha saJNchukocha || || 7-8 ||
Word to word meaning:
saH = He (Hanuman)
iti = in this manner
anudarshayAnaH = displaying
AtmabalaM = his strength
nissImaM = which was unlimited
hatvava = and killing
tAM api = her also
vidhAtR^i vara abhiguptAM = who was protected by the boon of Brahma
nipapAta = landed
laN^kA prAkAra rUpaka girau = on a mountain which looked like the rampart of Lanka
lambe = which was called Lamba &
lambashikhare = which had a lofty peak
atha = afterwards
saMchukocha = he assumed a small body
Translation:
Even though Simhika stood protected by Brahma's boon, Hanuman killed her because of his unlimited strength, when he proceeded further he saw Lanka surrounded by several high mountains. He landed on one of the mountains called Lamba (Trikoota) has several peaks & appeared to be the entrance to Lanka. Till now, he had a huge body to fly in the sky, but now he assumed a small body.
Explanatory Notes:
Because of his unrivalled strength he killed Simhika although she had a boon from Brahma. The mountain is called Lamba because of its height. But when he landed on it, it also got into the ground because of his strength.This mountain was standing sentinel in guarding Lanka just as the ocean which was also guarding Lanka on all sides. Hanuman could reach Lanka by taking huge as well as small bodies by his mahima & anima siddhis respectively.
bhUtvA bilALasamito nishi tAM purIM cha prApsyan.h dadarsha nijarUpavatIM sa laN^kAm.h |
ruddho.anayA.a.ashvatha vijitya cha tAM svamushhTi pishhTAM tayA.anumata eva vivesha laN^kAm.h || 7- 9 ||
Word to word meaning:
saH = He
bhUtva = becoming
biDAlasamitaH = as small as a cat
prApsyan.h = desired to enter
tAM purIM = that city (Lanka)
nishi = during night
dadarsha cha = And he saw
laN^kAM = the city Lanka
nijarUpavatIM = assuming her original form
ruddhaH = prevented
anayA = by her
Ashu = quickly
atha = then
vijitya = he overpowered her &
sva muShti piShtAM = crushed her with his fist
anumata eva = Only after being permitted
tayA = by her
vivesha = he entered
laN^kAM = Lanka
Translation:
When Hanuman wanted to enter Lanka, it was already night; & so he decided to enter after becoming as small as a cat. A demoness named Lankini who was guarding the entrance to Lanka obstructed him from entering. He soon overpowered her with his heavy blows. Unable to withstand she permitted him to enter Lanka
Explanatory Notes:
Hanuman entering Lanka at night suggests his valor & strength because asuras are awake during night & not during the day. To kill them, when they are awake, one must have enormous strength which Hanuman alone had. Demoness Lankini was not killed because she was righteous but Simhika was killed because she was evil minded & unrighteous.
mArgamANo bahishchAntaH so.ashokavanikAtaLe |
dadarsha shiMshapAvR^ixamUlasthitaramAkR^itim.h || || 7- 10 ||
Word to word meaning:
mArgamANaH = searching
bahishchA andantaH = outside the city" means "in gardens, etc
sa dadarsha = he saw (located)
shiMshapAvR^ixa = shiMshapA tree (also known as shiMshupA tree) =
kaandaka-yukta-ashoka-visheshhaH = one kind of Ashoka tree which
has thorns;
mUla sthita = sitting under (it);
ramAkR^itim.h = the AkR^iti of Laxmi (Sita)
(which means that the image or replica of Sita is sitting under the tree)
Translation:
Hanuman, searched inside the city and in the gardens, etc. and finally spotted Sita's image or replica or Akriti seated.
Explanatory Notes:
The kidnapped Sita was not real but duplicate figure which was activated by the presence of Indra. This is mentioned in Kurmapurana.
naralokaviDambasya jAnan.h rAmasya hR^id.hgatam.h |
tasya cheshhTAnusAreNa kR^itvA cheshhTAshcha saMvidaH || || 7- 11 ||
tAdR^ik.hcheshhTAsametAyA aN^gulIyamadAt.h tataH|
sItAyA yAni chaivA.a.asannAkR^itestAni sarvashaH || || 7- 12 ||
bhUshhaNAni dvidhA bhUtvA tAnyevA.asa.nstathaiva cha |
atha chULAmaNiM divyaM dAtuM rAmAya sA dadau || || 7- 13 ||
Word to Word meaning:
11.
saH = He
jAnan.h = knowing
hR^id.h + gatam.h = the intention
rAmasya = of Rama
naraloka viDambasya = who was acting like a human being
kR^itvA = performed
cheShtAshcha = acts
saMvidaH = & possessed knowledge
cheShtAnusAreNa = in accordance with the acts
tasya = of Rama
12.
tataH = therefore
adAt.h = he gave
aN^gulIyam = the ring (of Rama)
tAdR^ik.h cheShtA sametAyAH = to the (Maya) Sita whose acts were identical
with those of (original) Sita
yAni cha eva = And whatever ornaments
Asan.h = were present
sItAyAH = on the person of the original Sita
tAni = those ornaments (were also present)
sarvashaH = fully
AkR^ite = on the person of that form also (i.e. of Maya Sita)
13.
bhUShaNAni = the ornaments
dviddhA bhUtvA = though they became doubled
tAni = those duplicate ones
Asan.h = were
tathaiva cha = exactly like the originals
atha = then
sA = she (Maya Sita)
dadau = gave him (Hanuman)
divyaM = the divine
chUDAmaNiM = Crest jewel
dAtuM = for passing it on
rAmAya = to Rama
Translation:
Sri Rama's intention throughout was to act as human being while on earth. So, Hanuman following Sri Rama also acted & spoke similarly as a human being. Even Sita (the duplicate) acted as a human being. Hanuman met this Sita in Ashoka vana, spoke to her & gave Sri Rama's signet ring (angulIyaM). Whatever ornaments original Sita wore on her body were present on Maya Sita in Lanka. All the duplicate ornaments looked exactly like the original because of the Divine will. After conversation with Hanuman, Sita gave him her Choodamani (head jewel) to be handed over to Sri Rama.
Explanatory Notes:
Sri Rama conducted himself as an ordinary human being, not as an avatara of God. Following his foot steps, Hanuman also behaved as a human being; in terms of meeting & conversing with Sita although he knew that she was not real Sita. All his conduct was not due to ajnana, but because of awareness of the purpose of Sri Rama's avatara.
Secondly, eventhough he was told by Sampathi that Sita was under Simsupa tree in Lanka, he followed the instruction of Sri Rama faithfully & consciously because of his unquestionable faith in his master which stands as an example for his bhAghavatha dharma.
The credit in duplicating the ornaments which the real Sita wore goes to her only. The Maya Sita while coming to Lanka with Ravana threw most of them, in a bundle among the Vanaras in Kishkindha except the Choodamani which she gave now to Hanuman.
The Abhimana devatha for the Choodamani is Mukhya prana. Sending this through its own Abhimana devatha to Sri Rama is of special significance.This crest jewel, Choodamani is worn on the head by Sita, & her sending it in return to the signet ring of Sri Rama suggests that she is the servant of the Lord. Sri Rama sending his ring suggests that he will extend his helping hand to all those who surrender to him with utter humility & devotion that He is the savior & protector of all.
yadyapyetanna pashyanti nishAcharagaNAstu te |
dyulokachAriNaH sarvaM pashyantyR^ishhaya eva cha || || 7- 14 ||
teshhAM viDambanAyaiva daityAnAM vaJNchanAya cha |
pashyatAM kalimukhyAnAM viDambo.ayaM kR^ito bhavet.h || || 7- 15 ||
Word to word meaning:
14.
yadyapi = Although
te = those
nishachara guNAH tu = multitudes of demons
na pashyanti = could not realize
etat.h = this fact
sarva = all
dyuloka chariNaH = gods
eva cha = as well as
R^ishhayaH = seers
pashyanti = could see it
15.
viDambanAya eva = Only for arousing confidence
teShAM = in them
cha = and
vaJNchanAya = for cheating
datyAnAM = the demons
ayaM viDambaH = this kind of drama
kR^itaH bhavet.h = was perhaps enacted (by Maya Sita) & Hanuman)
pashyatAM = in the very sight of
kalimukhyAnAM = kali purusha & others (to hoodwink them)
Translation:
All this happened only during night when all the demons were awake but did not know what was happening since all were drunk to the brim & not in senses. The devathas, jnAnis & Rishis residing in the celestial worlds were aware that Sita - Hanuman episode was only make believe drama played by Sri Rama & that it is meant to fool the daityas headed by Kali & his associates who were active during night.
Explanatory notes:
Hanuman although knew that Sita in Lanka was duplicate, he without revealing her identity, behaved as if she were real & gave the ring of Sri Rama which Sita received & in turn Sita too acted as if she were real Sita handed over her Choodamani to Hanuman. All this only to fool Kali & other daithyas. So, it is necessary to believe that Hanuman did this not out of ignorance, but want only to make known the daithyas that Hanuman, the servant of Sri Rama, met Sita in the Ashoka vana.
kR^itvA kAryamidaM sarvaM vishaN^kaH pavanAtmajaH |
AtmAvishhkaraNe chittaM chakre matimatAM varaH || 7- 16 ||
Word to word meaning:
pavanAthmajaH = Hanuman
kR^itvA = by accomplishing
idaM sarvaM = all this
kAryaM = work
vishaN^ka = without any fear
matimatAM varaH = that best among the wise ones (Hanuman), then
chittaM chakre = made up his mind
Atma AviShkaraNe = to disclose his identity.
Translation:
Hanuman, the son of Vayu accomplished this mission without fear; & he the greatest among the intellectuals made up his mind to disclose his identity as the servants of Sri Rama, & the greatness of Sri Rama to Daityas.
Explanatory notes:
Hanuman without a trace of fear, carried out this mission among the daityas & by his valor & strength, he not only revealed his nature but his master's as well.
In the sloka, the word AtmaviShkaraNe means, he unveiled himself. It also means Bhagavan Sri Rama, since Atma originally refers to Brahman. It is interesting to note that some words like Hari, Atma, Bruhathi etc. refer to Vayu & Bhagavan as well.
atha vanamakhilaM tad.h rAvaNasyAvalupya xitiruhamimamekaM varjayitvA.a.ashu vIraH |
rajanicharavinAshaM kAN^xamANo.ativelaM muhuratiravanAdI toraNaM chA.a.aruroha || 7-17||
Word to word meaning:
Atha = Then
vIraH = the valorous one
avalupya = destroyed
Ashu = soon
tad.h =that
vanaM = garden (Asoka by name)
rAvaNasya = of Ravana
akhilam.h = in its entirety
varjayitva = leaving untouched
imam.h = this
ekaM = single
xitiruhaM = tree (simsupa)
ativelaM = extremely
kAN^xamANaH = desirous of
rajani chara vinAshaM = destroying the demons
muhuH = he repeatedly
atirava nAdI = roared loud
cha = and
Aruroha = scaled
toraNam.h = the arch (at the entrance of the garden)
Translation:
Hanuman, the mighty destroyed the entire Ashoka vana well protected by Ravana. But he left Simsupa tree underwhich Sita was sitting. He scaled the elevated arches & gateways of Lanka & from there, he roared loudly like a lion desirous of destroying the demons.
Explanatory Notes:
This has spiritual meaning. Hanuman leaving one tree suggests that it represents our sastra & so he left it untouched; and uprooting other trees suggests uprooting such of those that are against our shastra. His destroying the vana, is to please Bhagavan who has taken avatara to vanquish the evil minded daithyas.
athAshR^iNod.h dashAnanaH kapIndracheshhTitaM param.h |
didesha kiN^karAn.h bahUn.h kapirnigR^ihyatAmiti || 7-18||
atha = Thereafter
dashAnanaH = the ten headed one (Ravana)
ashR^iNod.h = heard about
paraM = atrocious
kapIndra cheShTitaM = activities of the mighty monkey &
didesha = ordered
bahUn.h = a large number of
kiN^karAN = his servants
iti = as follows
kapiH = the monkey
nigR^ihyatAM = let get caught
kapiH nigR^ihyatAM = let the monkey be caught
Translation:
Ravana on hearing "through his 20 ears" that Askhoka vana was destroyed by a mighty monkey ordered all his servants to catch him & present it before him.
Explanatory notes:
After knowing such great destruction, Ravana instead of evincing bhakthi, he became angry with the monkey.
samastasho vimR^ityavo varAddharasya kiN^karAH |
samAsadan.h mahAbalam.h surAntarAtmano.aN^gajam.h || 7-19||
kiN^karAH = His servants
vimR^ityavo = who had no (fear of ) death
varAd = due to the boon of
harasya = Lord Siva
samAsadan.h = approached
mahAabalaM = the powerful
aN^gajam.h = son
sura + antarAtmanaH = of vAyu, the indweller of the celestials
samastashaH = from all directions
Translation:
All the servants who had no fear of death due to the boon granted by Lord Siva, went to bring Hanuman, the mighty son of Vayu who is the inner controller of all the devathas including Lord Siva.
Explanatory Notes:
The Rakshasas not with standing their boon from Siva who had fallen on him were killed by Hanuman who is the inner controller of all the devas including Siva.
ashItikoTiyUthapaM purassarAshhTakAyutam.h |
anekahetisaN^kulaM kapIndramAvR^iNod.h balam.h || 7-20||
Word to word meaning:
ashIti koTi yUthapam = consisting of 80 crore chieftains;
purassara = along with;
ashhTakAyutam.h = 80,000 warriors (8 times 10,000)
aneka heti sankulaM = carrying many kinds of weapons
AvaNAt.h = surrounded
KapIndraM = the great monkey (Hanuman)
Translation:
An army of 80 crore chieftains & 80000 warriors armed with various kinds of weapons were sent to kill Hanuman. Such a powerful army surrounded the lonely Hanuman, the great Kapeendra.
Explanatory notes:
The sending of such a huge army with weapons to catch Hanuman suggests Ravana's fear that if left unchecked, he could do more harm.
samAvR^itastathA.a.ayudhaiH sa tADitashcha tairbhR^isham.h |
chakAra tAn.h samastashastaLaprahArachUrNitAn.h || 7-21||
Word to word meanings:
saH = And he (Hanuman)
taThA = thus
samAvR^itaH = surrounded
bhR^isham.h = completely
taiH = by them, and
tADitaH = attacked
AyudhaiH = with weapons
chakAra = made
tAn.h = them
tala - prahAra - chUrNitAn.h = pulverized by blows with his palms
samastashaH = completely
Translation:
Although the army surrounded him with weapons of all kinds, Hanuman with his palm (Tala prahara) crushed them to powder.
Explanatory notes:
tairbhR^isham.h does not mean that Hanuman was greatly beaten, it means that their touching Hanuman is akin to an elephant being beaten with a flower garland. Also it means that they made full effort from their side, but it was futile on Hanuman as he is vajrasharIra.
punashcha mantriputrakAn.h sa rAvaNaprachoditAn.h |
mamarda sapta parvataprabhAn.h varAbhiraxitAn.h || 7-22||
Word to word meanings:
punashcha = further
saH = he
mamarda = crushed to death
mantriputrakAn.h = the sons of ministers
sapta = seven in number
rAvaNa prachoditAn.h = sent by Ravana
parvata prabhAn.h = they were like mountains &
vara abhiraxitAn.h = well protected by boons
Translation:
Seven sons of ministers of Ravana's cabinet were crushed & killed by Hanuman. They were like seven majestic mountains & were well protected by Brahma's & Siva's boons (varAbhiraxitAn.h)
balAgragAminastathA sa sharvavAksugarvitAn.h |
nihatya sarvaraxasAM tR^itIyabhAgamaxiNot.h || 7-23||
Word to word meaning:
saH = He (Hanuman)
vihatya = killed
bala agra gAminaH = those who were foremost in the army
sharva vAk.h sugarvitAn.h = and who were very haughty because of the boons
of Lord Siva
axiNot.h = destroyed
tR^itIya bhAgaM = one third of
savaraxasA = the entire Rakshasa army
Translation:
Hanuman thus by killing the seven haughty sons of ministers & other warriors, reduced the army to two third its number.
anaupamaM harerbalaM nishamya rAxasAdhipaH |
kumAramaxamAtmanaH samaM sutaM nyayojayat.h || 7-24||
Word to word meaning:
nishamya = Hearing about
balaM = the strength
hareH = of the monkey
anaupamaM = as something unparalleled
rAxasAdhipaH = the Rakshasa king, Ravana
nyayojayat.h = pressed into service
sutaM = his own son
AtmanaH samaM = who was equal to himself
kumAraM axaM = Aksha Kumara by name
Translation:
Hearing of the incomparable & matchless strength of Hanuman, Ravana sent his son Aksha Kumara, who was equal to Ravana in strength to nab Hanuman.
Explanatory Notes:
Aksha Kumara by being equated to Ravana suggests that he represents Ravana.At the same time, killing Aksha Kumara by Hanuman also suggests that Hanuman could kill Ravana inspite of his boons.
sa sarvalokasAxiNaH sutaM sharairvavarshha ha |
shitairvarAstramantritairna chainamabhyachAlayat.h || 7-25||
Word to word meaning:
shitaiH = sharp
vara astra mantritaiH = rendered powerful with sacred mantras
saH = He (Aksha Kumara)
vavarshha = indeed rained
sharaiH = arrows
sutaM = on the son
sarvaloka sAxiNaH = of Vayu, the witness of all the worlds
shitaiH = these arrows were sharp
vara astra mantritaiH = and were rendered as powerful missiles with sacred
mantras
na cha = but he was not
enaM = Hanuman
abhyachAlayat.h = able to shake
Translation:
On Hanuman, the son of Vayu, who is sarvalokasAxin.h, that is one who overlooks all the worlds & our activities, Aksha Kumara rained arrows & deadly weapons made powerful by sacred mantras. They could not shake Hanuman.
Explanatory Notes:
This shows his unlimited strength & valor.hari sarvottamma, vAyu jIvottamma
sa maNDamadhyakAsutaM samIxya rAvaNopamam.h |
tR^itIya eshha chAMshako balasya hItyachintayat.h || 7-26||
Word to Word meaning:
saH = Hanuman
samIxya = looking at
maNDa madhyakA sutaM = the son of Mandodari
rAvaNa upamaM = who was comparable to Ravana himself
achintayat.h = assessed him
iti = as follows:
eSha = "He (Aksha Kumara) is
tR^itIyaH = the third
aMshakaH = division
balasya = of the army
Translation:
Hanuman looking at Aksha Kumara, the son of Mandodari, estimated to be equal to Ravana in strength but knows that he forms one third of the trio namely Ravana, Indrajit, Aksha.
Explanatory Notes:
Hanuman after annihilating one third of Ravana's army now readies himself to kill Aksha who is known for his physical strength, because of boons & by weapons. All this is denoted by the words "hi" and "cha" in the shloka.
nidhArya eva rAvaNaH sa rAghavasya nAnyathA |
yadIndrajinmayA hato na chAsya shaktirIxyate || 7-27||
Word to word meaning:
sa nidhArya: He (Hanuman) decided that
rAvaNaH = Ravana
rAghavAya eva = had to be left for Rama only
na anyathA = It cannot be otherwise
yadi = if
indrajit.h = Indrajit
hataH = will be killed
mayaa = by me
asya = his
shaktiH = martial prowess
na Ixyate = will not be witnessed & appreciated by others
atastayoH samo mayA tR^itIya eshha hanyate |
vichArya chaivamAshu taM padoH pragR^ihya pupluve || 7-28||
Word to word meaning:
ataH = Therefore
EshaH = this fellow (Aksha Kumara)
tR^itIyaH = the third among the trio (Ravana, Indrajit & Aksha)
tayo samaH = who is equal to the other two
hanyate = is to be killed
mayA = by me
vichArya = having reasoned
evaM = in this manner
pragR^ihya = catching hold of
taM = him
padoH = by his two feet, he
pupluve = rose high into the sky
Translation:
Although all the three are to be killed, Hanuman after giving a thought as to whom to kill first reasoned out thus. Ravana should not be killed since Sri Rama is to kill him. Indrajit also is to be spared for the time being since his dexteritty in wielding the weapons is to be seen & appreciated by other vanaras. So, the only person to be killed by him is Aksha.
Explanatory Notes:
Although Hanuman could kill all the three easily he did not do so; and spared Ravaa to Sri Rama, Indrajit to Lakshmana. Aksha, for him to kill. At once Hanuman caught hold of his feet & heaped to a high altitude inspite of Aksha continuously raining arrows on Hanuman. Thus Aksha could neither save himself nor harm Hanuman in any manner.
sa chakravad.h bhramAturaM vidhAya rAvaNAtmajam.h |
apothayad.h dharAtaLe xaNena mArutI tanuH || 7-29||
Word to word meaning:
saH mArutItanuH = Hanuman, the son of Vayu
vidhAya = having made
rAvaNa AtmajaM = the son of Ravana (Aksha)
bhrama AturaM = go round & round
chakravat.h = like a wheel
apothayat.h = threw him
dharAtaLe = to the ground
xaNena = in a moment
Translation:
Hanuman caught hold of Aksha, & whirled him round & round violently like a wheel & threw him on to the ground in a fraction of a second.
Explanatory Notes:
Aksha's body crumbling into pieces on throwing on to the ground suggests the great strength of Hanuman.
It is to be noted that this Aksha later on is to be born as Lakshana, one of the sons of Duryodhana.
vichUrNite dharAtaLe nije sute sa rAvaNaH |
nishamya shokatApitastadagrajaM samAdishat.h || 7-30||
Word to word meaning:
nije sute = When his son
vichUrNite = was smashed
dharAtale = on the ground
rAvaNaH = Ravana
nishamya = heard about it
shoka tApitaH = & was afflicted with grief
saH = He
samAdishat.h = ordered
tat.h agrajaM = Aksha's elder brother (Indrajit) to fight
Translation:
Ravana was afflicted with grief on hearing that his second son Aksha had been pulverized and killed. So, he decided to send Aksha's elder brother (Indrajit) to fight with Hanuman.
athendrajinmahAsharairvarAstrasamprayojitaiH |
tataxa vAnarottamaM na chAshakad.h vichAlane || 7-31||
Word to word meanings:
atha = Then
indrajit.h = Indrajit
tataksha = attacked
vAnara uttamaM = the mighty monkey
mahAsharaiH = with powerful arrows
vara astra saMprayojitaiH = which were backed by great missiles (mantras)
na cha = but he was not
ashakat.h = able to
vichAlane = move (shake) him
Translation:
Indrajit with his powerful weapons attacked Hanuman (vAnarottamam) the highest among the monkeys but could not shake him.
Explantory Notes:
Indrajit like his brother Aksha came to fight with Hanuman but in vain. It is to be understood that even Rudra & other devathas, the bestowers of boons on them could not overpower Hanuman.
athAstramuttamaM vidheryuyoja sarvadushhshhaham.h |
sa tena tADito harirvyachintayannirAkulaH || 7-32||
Word to word meaning:
atha = Then
yuyoja = he employed
vidheH = Brahma's
uttamaM = most powerful
astraM = missile (Brahmastra)
sarva duHsahaM = which nobody could overcome
tADitaH = Hit
tena = by that weapon
sa hariH = Hanuman
nirAkulaH = without any panic
vyachintayat.h = thought as follows
Translation:
Indrajit as a last resort, decided to launch the hallowed weapon Brahma astra to kill Hanuman. Unaffected by this astra even a little bit, Hanuman began to think about it thus.
Explanatory Notes:
Normally no body could withstand Brahma astra including Rudra, but Hanuman being the future Brahma bhAvibrahma could nullify it with ease.
mayA varA vilaN^ghitA hyanekashaH svayambhuvaH |
sa mAnanIya eva me tato.atra mAnayAmyaham.h || 7-33||
ime cha kuryuratra kiM prahR^ishhTaraxasAM gaNAH |
itIha laxyameva me sa rAvaNashcha dR^ishyate || 7-34||
Word to word meaning:
hi = indeed
varAH = the boons
svayambhuvaH = granted by Brahma (to others)
vilaN^ghitAH = were violated
mayA = by me
anekashaH = several times
saH = Brahma
mAnanIya eva = is certainly to be honored
me = by me (now).
tataH = therefore
atra = in this context
aham.h = I shall
mAnayAmi = respect him (by submitting myself to the Brahmastra)
iha = Here
me laxyameva = my goal here is only
kiM = what
ime cha = these
prahR^ishhTaraxasAM gaNAH = overjoyed Rakshasa crowds
atra = here
kuryuH = are going to do
sa rAvaNaH cha = and (by this act of mine) even Ravana
dR^ishyate = can be seen by me
iti = This is how he thought
Translation:
Indeed, many of the boons granted by Brahma (to these rAxasa-s) were violated by me several times (by killing them). Chaturmukha Brahma is certainly to be honored by me (now). Therefore, here in this context, I shall respect him (by submitting myself to the Brahmastra).
By my doing so (my becoming bound to BrahmAstra), what can these overjoyed Rakshasa crowds do to me? [On the other hand] in this manner, Ravana can be seen by me.
Explanatory notes:
Although Vayu & Brahma are equal in many respects, though Hanuman nullified the boons sanctioned by Brahma several times, this time he submitted to it. Ravana sena on catching him would take him to Ravana that will enable him to have an audience with Ravana.
idaM samIxya baddhavat.h sthitaM kapIndramAshu te |
babandhuranyapAshakairjagAma chAstramasya tat.h || 7-35||
Word to word meaning:
te = those rakshasas
Ashu = quickly
babandhuH = tied that
kapIndraM = mighty monkey
sthitaM baddhavat.h = as if he was made immobile
samIxya = after seeing
idaM = this Hanuman
anya pAshakaiH = with other ropes
cha = and
tat.h astraM = that weapon
asya = of Indrajit
jagAma = lost its hold on Hanuman & disappeared
Translation:
After seeing Hanuman, who stood still as if bound by BrhmAstra, those Rakshasas made bold and tied Hanuman with other ropes. This act of theirs [degraded the very efficiency of the astra]. The astra, sent by Indrajit, soon disappeared [and reached Brahma's abode].
Explanatory notes:
Hanuman knows that Brahma astra will do no harm to him. We must have full faith in Hari & Vayu. They are our saviors, without this knowledge, if we worship other devatas, it will be a asura puja.
atha pragR^ihya taM kapiM samIpamAnayaMshcha te |
nishAchareshvarasya taM sa pR^ishhTavAMshcha rAvaNaH || 7-36||
Word to word meanings:
atha = Thereafter
pragR^ihya = catching hold of
taM kapiM = the monkey
te = the rakshasas
Anayana +cha = brought him
samIpaM = to the vicinity
nishAchara + Ishvarasya = of the king of Rakshasas (Ravana)
sa cha rAvaNaH = and he, Ravana,
pR^ishhtavAN = questioned
taM = him (Hanuman)
Translation:
The Rakshasas after catching Hanuman the Kapi who only appeared to be subdued led him to the court of Ravana for questioning.
Explanatory notes:
They mistook Hanuman to be an ordinary monkey & even Ravana mistook him so.This suggests his total ignorance.
kape kuto.asi kasya vA kimarthamIdR^ishaM kR^itam.h |
itIritaH sa chAvadat.h praNamya rAmamIshvaram.h || 7-37||
Word to word meanings:
kape = O monkey !
kutaH = from where
asi = have you come?
kasya vA = and to whom do you belong?
kimarthaM = for what purpose
idR^ishaM = this kind of act
kR^itaM = was done by you?
IritaH = questioned
iti = in this manner
sa cha = he (Hanuman)
avadat.h = replied
praNamya = after paying obeisance to
IshvaraM = his Lord
rAmaM = Sri Rama
Translation:
Ravana thus questioned him by addressing him as monkey. Where from did you come? Whose messenger are you? What is your mission in destroying the Ashoka vana? Hanuman after paying his obeisances to Sri Rama, the Sarvottamma answered all the questions.
Explanatory notes:
Whatever is done by Hanuman, the great Bhagavath bhaktha it is only to please the Lord. So he prays, the Lord before the beginning of a work, in the middle, & at the end. That is why he is called ruju.
(Adau antecha, madhye cha, viShNuH sarvatra gIyate)
avaihi dUtamAgataM durantavikramasya mAm.h |
raghUttamasya mArutiM kulaxaye taveshvaram.h || 7-38||
Word to word meanings:
avaihi mAM = know me as
mArutiM = Hanuman, son of vAyu
dataM = messenger
raghUttamasya = of Sri Rama
duranta vikramasya = possessed of extraordinary valor
AgataM = that has come to you
IshvaraM = also understand that I am capable of
tava kulaxaye = wiping out your entire lineage
Translation:
Hanuman revealed his identitty as Maruthi, the son of Vayu & the messenger of Sri Rama. He told him that he was capable of wiping out his entire lineage.
Explanatory Notes:
Hanuman by telling Ravana, that he is capable of wiping out his entire lineage suggests that he is Yama to him since he is the messenger of Sri Rama.
na chet.h pradAsyasi tvaran.h raghUttamapriyAM tadA |
saputramitrabAndhavo vinAshamAshu yAsyasi || 7-39||
Word to word meanings:
na chet.h = if you do not
pradAsyasi = return
tvaran.h = at once
raghUttama priyAM = Rama’s beloved (wife Sita)
tadA = then
Ashu = soon
yAsyasi = you will meet with
vinAshaM = annihilation
saputra mitra bAndhavaH = along with your children, friends & relatives
Translation:
If you fail to return Sita at once to Sri Rama, you are sure to be killed along with your sons, friends & relations.
Explanatory Notes:
Hanuman telling that his sons relatives will be killed soon suggests the truth that all those who hate God are to be destroyed if not immediately at least ultimately. It is imminent.
na rAmabANadhAraNe xamAH sureshvarA api |
viriJNchisharvapUrvakAH kimu tvamalpasArakaH || 7-40||
Word to word meanings:
sureshvarAH api = Even higher orderlies of celestials
viriJNcha sharva pUrvakA = like Brahma & Siva
na xamAH = are not capable of
rAma bANa dhAraNe = withstanding the onslaught of Rama’s arrows
kimu = what to speak of
tvaM = you
alpa sArakaH = with insignificant strength?
Translation:
Before the destructive power of Sri Rama’s arrows Brahma. Rudra & other devathas could not stand what to speak of you with little strength.
Explanatory notes:
When Brahma & Rudra are no match to stand before Sri Rama. That Ravana who received boons from Brahma & Rudra is also no match goes without telling.
prakopitasya tasya kaH purasthitau xamo bhavet.h |
surAsuroragAdike jagatyachintyakarmaNaH || 7-41||
Word to word meaning:
jagati = In the whole world
sura asura uragAdike = comprising celestials, demons & serpents
kaH = who
bhavet.h = will be
xamaH = capable of
sthitau = standing
puraH = before
tasya = him (Rama)
achityakarmaNaH = of incomprehensible deeds
prakopitasya = once he becomes enranged
Translation:
Even the great powerful divine beings cannot stand before Sri Rama when he becomes angry what to speak of you, Ravana. Sri Rama is beyond our spoken word & mind.
Explanatory notes:
To become angry is not the quality of Sri Rama who is all merciful. Ravana thought he was all in all & could do anything. To correct him & remind him that there is one supreme being with supreme power above him & that he will not be pleased with heinous deeds & that they shall be punished severely, Hanuman used the word anger in this sense, & not as a natural attribute to Sri Rama.
itIrite vadhodyataM nyavArayad.h vibhIshhaNaH |
sa puchchhadAhakarmaNi nyayojayannishAcharAn.h || 7-42||
Word to word meaning:
itIrite = When Hanuman spoke in this manner
vadhodyataM = he (Ravana) decided to kill Hanuman
vibhIshhaNaH = However, Vibhishana
ni avArayad.h = dissuaded him from it
saH = So Ravana
ni ayojayat.h = ordered
nishAcharAn.h = the demons
puchchhadAhakarmaNi = to set his tail on fire
Translation:
Ravana angered by humiliation ordered his Rakshasas to kill the vanara. Seeing this, Vibheeshana the younger brother of Ravana dissuaded & suggested that a messenger should not be killed. So, Ravana ordered his demons to set fire to his tail.
Explanatory notes:
Vibheeshana by intervening did not help to save Hanuman, but by this act, he discharged his dharma only. Who can kill prana? If Vibheeshana had not intervened Hanuman could have killed Ravana. So his intervention in fact, saved Ravana's life & not Hanuman's life. Ravana ordered to set fire to Hanuman's tail since the tail is an important part in a monkey's body.
athAsya vastrasaJNchayaiH pidhAya puchchhamagnaye |
dadurdadAha nAsya tanmarutsakho hutAshanaH || 7-43||
atha = Subsequently
te = they
pidhAya = wrapped
asya puchChaM = his tail
vastra saJNchayaiH = with wads of cloth
agnaye daduH = and set it on fire
hutAshanaH = but Fire (god)
marut.h sakhaH = who is Vayu's friend
na dadAha = did not burn
asya tat.h = his tail
Translation:
They wrapped his tail with wads of cloth & then set fire to it. By this, his tail never caught fire.
Explanatory notes:
Agni is the friend of Vayu & so he had no effect on Hanuman's tail who is Vayu's son. Agni cannot exist independently whereas Vayu could do so.In Taratamya (grading) Agni is far below Vayu & so he cannot do any harm to Vayu & he could only serve as a subordinate to Vayu who is jeevothama.It means Mukhyaprana resides in Agni & assumes the name Agni & enables Agni to function.
mamarshha sarvacheshhTitaM sa raxasAM nirAmayaH |
baloddhatashcha kautukAt.h pradagdhumeva tAM purIm.h || 7-44||
Word to word meaning:
saH cha = And he (Hanuman)
baloddhatashcha = who was supremely powerful
mamarshha = tolerated
sava cheshhTitaM = all their nefarious act
nirAmayaH = with no sign of panic (quietly)
kautukAt.h = all this was due to his anxiety & eagerness
eva pradagdhuM = only to burn down
tAM purIM = the city (of Lanka)
Translation:
Hanuman with his supreme strength stood untouched & allowed Rakshasas to meddle with his tail since with that he could burn the city of Lanka.
Explanatory Notes:
When Brahma Astra itself could not affect him what to speak about this little meddling of his tail. He kept silent since he planned to destroy Lanka with this fire.
dadAha chAkhilaM puraM svapuchchhagena vahninA |
kR^itastu vishvakarmaNo.apyadahyatAsya tejasA || 7-45||
Word to word meaning:
saH = He
dadAha cha = burnt
akhilaM purIM = the entire city
vahninA = with the fire
sva puchchhagena = which was on his tail
kR^itastu api = Although the city was the creation
vishvakarmaNaH = of Visvakarma
adahyata = it was burnt
asya = by his
tejasA = splendour (power)
Translation:
With the fire in his tail Hanuman, made the city Lanka go into flames.Although the city had been built by Vishwakarma, it could not withstand the heat & fury of the fire from his tail, because of his splendour.
Explanatory notes:
The city of Lanka built by Viswakarma, the divine Architect, by the orders of Brahma, was said to be fireproof. But that it caught fire from the tail of Hanuman & was reduced to ashes suggests his extraordinary strength & greatness.
On this auspicious Vijayadasami/Madhwajayanthi day, I would like to conclude
Sundarakaanda Nirnaya.
suvarNaratnakAritAM sa rAxasottamaiH saha |
pradahya sarvashaH purIM mudA.anvito jagarja cha || 7-46||
Word to word meanings:
pradahya = Burning down
purIM = the city
saha = along
rAxasottamaiH = with the Rakshasa leaders
sarvashaH = completely
suvarNa ratna karitAM = which was built with gold & precious stones
saH = Hanuman became delighted
cha = and
jagajaH = roared
mudA.anvito = with delight
Translation:
Seeing the entire city built with gold & gems burning along with the Rakshasa leaders, Hanuman with full satisfaction roared like a lion.
Explanatory Notes:
He not only burnt the city but also the Rakshasa leaders who were the enemies of God. This act of Hanuman will please Sri Hari.
sa rAvaNaM saputrakaM tR^iNopamaM vidhAya cha |
tayoH prapashyatoH puraM vidhAya bhasmasAd.h yayau || 7-47||
Word to word meaning:
saH = and Hanuman
vidhAya = rendered
rAvaNaM = Ravana
saputrakaM = along with his son (Indrajit)
tRiNa upamaM = worthless as blades of grass
vidhAya = He reduced
purIM = the city
bhasmasAd.h = to ashes
tayoH prapashyatoH = before the very eyes of those two (Ravana & Indragjit)
yayau = and then he departed from that place
puraM and purIM both mean the same. They are pAThAntaras
Translation:
Ravana & his sons were watching helplessly while Hanuman reduced the city to ashes and Ravana and his sons to blades of grass. After this, he departed from there.
Explanatory notes:
While the city was burning, they were watching & could do nothing not even an attempt to put out the fire. Hanuman, therefore, made Ravana & his sons equal to straw (tRiNopamaM) by this act. Ravana with the boon from Rudra, & Indrajit who defeated Indra were helpless during the buring of Lanka. This suggests that Hanuman is greater than Rudra & Indra. He is therefore Jeevothama.
vilaN^ghya chArNavaM punaH svajAtibhiH prapUjitaH |
prabhaxya vAnareshiturmadhu prabhuM sameyivAn.h || 7-48||
Word to word meaning:
vilaN^ghya = He crossed
punaH cha = again
arNavaM = the ocean
prapUjitaH = was honoured
svajAtibhiH = by his fellow monkeys
prabhaxya = enjoyed
madhu = honey
vAnara IshituH = of the king of monkeys, Sugreeva (in his Madhuvana)
sameyivAn.h = and reached (came back to )
prabhuM = his Lord Rama
Translation:
Hanuman, after crossing the ocean, reached Kishkindha & after his fellow vanaras honored Hanuman & after all of them rejoiced to their heart's content by drinking honey from Sugreeva's Madhuvan, Hanuman quickly reached Sri Ramachandra.
Explanatory notes:
Sugreeva maintained Madhuvan well & he liked it. Hanuman and other vanaras, in order to rejoice their return to Kishkindha and to convey indirectly the good news of their successful mission, destroyed Madhuvana and drank the honey from Madhuvana. They symbolically suggested thereby to Sugreeva that Hanuman destroyed Ashoka vana of Ravana in Lanka."
This act did not displease Sugreeva, while destroying Ashoka vana displeased Ravana. From Madhu vana, Hanuman going to see Ramachandra suggests he is duty bound.
rAmaM sureshvaramagaNyaguNAbhirAmaM samprApya sarvakapivIravaraiH sametaH |
chULAmaNiM pavanajaH padayornidhAya sarvAN^gakaiH praNatimasya chakAra bhaktyA || 7-49||
Word to word meanings:
pavanajaH = Hanuman
sarva kapi vIravaraiH sametaH = along with all other Vanara leaders
saMprApya = approached
rAmaM = Sri Rama
sura IshvaraM = the Lord of Celestials
agaNya guNa abhirAmaM = who was resplendent with countless excellent
qualities
nidhAya = having placed
chUDaamaNiM = the crest jewel (of Sita)
chUDaamaNiM and chULaamaNiM both mean the same. They are pAThAntaras
padayoH = at His feet
chakAra = he performed
bhaktyA = with loving devotion
praNatiM = prostration
sarvaN^gaiH = with all parts of his body (touching the ground)
Translation:
Along with other Vanara leaders, Hanuman after reaching Sri Ramachandra, who is resplendent with countless excellent attributes an enchanting figure himself, placed Choodamani at His lotus feet & offered his obeisances with overflowing bhakthi in his heart, mind & soul.
Explanatory notes:
Hanuman's taking all other vanaras with him to see Sri Ramachandra suggests that he alone can take all devathas to God & recommend to Him to shower His Grace.
All vanaras could get the darshan of Sri Rama since all of them were behind Hanuman in his noble task of location Sita.
Similarly, if we as disciples of Sri Madhwacharya followw what he had said would certainly take us nearer to Him & be liberated.
rAmo.api nAnyadanudAtumamushhya yogyamatyantabhaktiparamasya vilaxya kiJNchit.h |
svAtmapradAnamadhikaM pavanAtmajasya kurvan.h samAshlishhadamuM paramAbhitushhTaH ||7-50||
Word to word meanings:
rAmaH api = and Rama
na vilaxya = unable to find
anyat.h ki~nchit.h = anything else
anudAtuM= to be given
amuShya pavanAtmajasya = to him (Hanuman)
atyanta bhakti bharitasya = who was full of immeasurable loving devotion for Himself
kurvan.h = performed the act of
sva aatmapradAnaM = giving away Himself (to him)
adhikaM= which was something extraordinary
paramAbhituShTaH= with utmost satisfaction & pleasure
samAshliShat.h= He embraced
amuM = him
Translation:
Sri Ramachandra fully satisfied & moved by Hanuman's immeasurable bhakthi unable to reward him befittingly with any gifts gave himself fully to (svAtma pradAna) Hanuman & embraced him & bestowed His Grace.
Explanatory Notes:
The service rendered by Hanuman & the reward Sri Rama bestowed on him are unique examples in themselves & they stand on their own without any comparision.
Here bhakthi exhibited by Hanuman is pure & exalted for it is shown by Jeevothama, & pleased with him is none less than Sri Rama, the Sarvothama.
This concludes the Sundarakanda Nirnaya in the Mahabharatha Tatparya nirnaya of Jagadguru Srimad Madhwacharya.
Our respectful pranams & thanks to Vidwan Hayavadana, Puranik, Pandit G. P. Nagarajachar, Dr. N. Venkatesh Acharya, Sri B. Nagaraja Rao, Sri A. R. Subbannachar, Sri Gururaja Acharya, Dr. M. Narasimha Acharya & others involved for giving us word to word meaning, simple translation, providing us with some explainatory notes.
We thank Sri Madhwacharya Seva Sangha, Chennai, allowing us to post the contents of the book.
Our thanks to our guru Sri Keshava Rao & Smt Meera tadipAtri in providing the ITRANS verses & also adding to the translations .
Namaskara.
With Kind Regards,GV & Shobha Srinivasan
References:
The sanskrit verses is available in pdf format. The whole of MBTN is available in www.dvaita.net.
The text is written in 4 different languages (Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil) with commentary in English. The publisher has published AnubhAsya, anumadhwavijaya, Sundarakaanda nirnaya, Adi-antya shlokas & many more (verses in 4 languages) with simple English translation.
Jagadguru Sri Madhwacharya virachita Sundara Kanda Nirnaya
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bhAratIramaNamukhyaprANA.ntargata shrii kR^iShNArpanamasthu
