Mandhodhari Laments
Thus the wives of Ravana were lamenting and the eldest and most dear to him wife Mandodhari also saw her husband’s body; it was Heart Rending for her. Mandhodhari knew the Chaste Warrior with out showing his back fights unto his death will attain Warrior’s Heaven. But a Human who was no way equal to her Famed husband, killed him this made her grieve and Ashamed. Rama whose Valour was un imaginable had killed Lord of Lanka. This made her lose courage and with no control over her Mind feebly Lamented thus ‘ Hey Great King ! what is this Surprise ? Your Family DietyMahadeva’s close friend Kubhera is Your Elder brother.When You get angry this Earth ,BhuvarLokam , SuvarLokam and the residents such as Devas, Dhanava, Sidha, Gandharva Entourages Indra, Lords of Directions Sages, Brahmins, can they dare to challenge you?Isn’t this well known world over?Seeing You’re the Charanas ran away to corners. When that be the case a Puny Human , saintly mendicant doing Penance , Small boy, one who has No address and driven away from his house, who came to Forest after all were you to get defeated in battle by Him? isn’t this repugnant Avamanam (Slur, Ridicule, shun, Disgrace) to you? What is the reason for this to happen? Hey Greatest Rakshasaa You ought to tell me. This Saintly mendicant who eats only Vegetable, Fruits, Roots, wearing Maravuri (Dresses made of wooden Barks / Leaves), Deer Skin, with Matted Hair, how could he win over You who were the King who was shining with Wealth, Valour, Goddess of Wealth in all 3 Worlds? How could he Kill you? Can anyone bear your Vainat Prowess and Aura? The Lanka you dewll is surrounded by Gory sea; is created on top of the Thriconmale (Thrikoot Mountain) which is not easily accessible to any one;is well guarded by the dangerous Rakshasaas night and Day; there is no justification for Humans to come here.You are capable of taking any Disguise you think; in all aspects You were never found wanting, with all War weaponry / Armoury being fully equipped still Rama won over you in the battle they say, I can’t believe this least bit.
“So Whose Handiwork this could be? Is it possible for an ordinary Human to accomplish this? When You brother Kara, Dhooshana, Thrichiras and 14,000 Rakshasaas were killed in 1 Muhurtham (1½ Hours) then itself I decided that he can be no ordinary Human. When Deva Asuras did not dare to look at this Lanka after all an Alpa (Insignifican, Puny, small, ignorable, measly / meagre, trivial) Monkey entered overcoming the security, killed scores of Rakshasaa Warriors, and destroyed the Lanka City, when I heard that I lost my courage. When I heard that Gory Vanaras constructed a Bridge across the sea it occurred to my intellect that Rama was not an ordinary Human. Or was it that Yama (God of Death)had come in the garb of Rama created a matchless enchanting beauty Sita had he come straight to kill you? Or was it Indra who was defeated by you and insulted did make a ploy and played a ruse to kill you? That could not be so. Where is your strength? Where is Indra’s strength? Can he dare to even stare at you in Battle Field?
“One who is always concerned about protecting the worlds, Omnipresent God, Eternal, one who has no begining or End, one who is not destructible, one who is Blemishless, one who is above Indra and Dieteis, one who is above Brahma, creator of this universe and residing beyond that in Vaikuntam, who adorns Conch, Chahkra (wheel with sharp wedges on it’s Rim) Mace, one whose Chest is covered by Srivatsa Maru and one who protects the entire Universe, one who is never separated from Maha Lakshmi and one who is not defeatable by Anyone Sriman Narayana has himself incarnated as Rama in Human Form. Lord of all worlds, one who has immeasurable Aura, that Lord only in order to bestow Most Auspicious Blesssings to all, Has in the Battle Decimated You, Your Entoruages “said Mandhodhari
“Earlier You had done penance and won over the Indriyas had kept them under your
control; then all the 3 Worlds were enticed to you. They were all waiting for a revenge have they contaminated you? Despite my repeatd cautioning not to have Enmity with Rama, you did not Listen to me. Have you seen its consequence now? ‘Knower of everything should you not have warned me?’ I did not give room for you to accuse me. Hey Rakshasaa Husband! I am not able to know the reason for so much of your enchantment for Sita! With Your wealth disarrayed, Sons, Friends, Relations Dead, and You Lying like this as a corpse what else did you see as benefit? She is Greater Pathivratha ( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble doting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power)t han even Arundhati; She has more special devotion towards her husband than Rohini; She is Like Mother to you; You succumbed to wicked thoughts and forcible assaulted was it the right thing for you? If you ask ‘if She was such a great Pathrivratha (Chaste, Noble Lady of Virtuous Character) why didn’t she kill me?’ In Patience she is the Ornament of Patience to the Patient Earth ; She is the Godess of Wealth to the Originator of Welath Lakshmi; She has Limitless Affection for Her Husband; one who is not born in Human Womb; She is of bewitching Flawless beauty and Form; She was living in uninhabitted by Humans Dandakaaranya where wild animals were roaming around; With none to protect her in the vicinity, She was alone; She was trembling with Fear; Having taken the garb of Sanyasi (Mendicant), You deceive her with the ehelp of Mareecha dragged her husband and his brother far away from her place. When she had no or even least bit interest in You; You pulled her Hair in the Head with Your hand made her Kadhara ( Pleading, Yelling, Bellowing, screaming loudly, Exasperation) Dind’t You drag her while she was crying hoarsely thus? You forgot me as I am all Yours. The reason for that is that Your Intellect was swayed can you say it was because of my Beauty or intellect or my earlier Virtues / Traits got diminished? You had used force on that great Pathrivratha (Chaste, Noble Lady of Virtuous Character) which caused your destruction by her Power of Penance. All this happened due to misfortune what else? If you ask ‘Why did not Sita’s Pathrivratha (Chaste, Noble Lady of Virtuous Character) Agni destroy me then? ‘wasn’t even Agni (Fire) was trembling and would he have dared to touch You then?
“Person who had done Sinful activities, at the time of its giving fruits, will experience utmost Misery and Pain is there any doubt? The person who does Chaste, Pure Karma (activity) will enjoy Comfort; person who does Sin will suffer Misery. Vibheeshana is with the Soul of Dharma; always followed righteous path; he sought Charanam (Refuge, Your Lotus Feet, Shelter, Help, Asylum, Support or all of these) of Rama who is Epitome of Dharma (Righteous conduct, Just, Duty, Pious, humble, Charitable, respectful, humble, Ethical, being Noble, all this done beyond expectation and without anticipation). He has got the Kingdom of Lanka, Long Life, along with Ultimate in Luxuries, Comfort Whereas you followed Adharma; forsake Dharma; carried out Sins; You earned the enemity of Rama epitome of Dharma; You did great Harm to him. Now having lost Kingdom of Lanka, having been beaten by Humans, Losing Your Life, with Sons, Friends, Relations decimated, you also made us Orphans and made us flounder in the sea of sorrows, in this Battle field in the bare ground with dust laden you are lying as Corpse. The Foxes, Dogs, Eagles, Crows, will eat the Limbs of your body.
“There are many more beautiful Ladies waiting for your grace. You have been bound by the Lust, and were swayed in your intellect,is Sita near to me in Form, Lineage, Knowledge or Capability? This due to Your swooning over Sita did not realize! All Living beings will have Death due to some reason or other. Whereas You have invited this Sita (Mrithyu-Death) with great difficulty invited her to your Home. ! You also protected her as thought keeping her rearing a child in womb for 10 months. Finally you got a Child called Death.Sita so far suffered having been separated from her Husband; now her sufferings are over. She will blissfully spend time with her Husband hereafter. Myself with you rare Luxuries, Comforts I enjoyed and experienced. Now My Punyam (Good fortune accrued from Past or being accumulated for future by Virtuous Dharma / good deeds / conduct) has reduced, Sins have started having a say, sink in sea of sorrow, having lost you as well, lost my son indrajith, I will spend my future as widow and as an orphan.
“Having enjoyed with you in the Famous exotic places like Kailash, Manthara, Meru, Chaithraratha, Nandana with matchless wealth, Aura Novel and unique Ornaments Garments and Perfumes casually, and was witnessing the Wonders of the world and the countries while flying aloft in Pushpaka Vimana (Flower Air craft)! As you are dead all the Happy moments with you, comforts, Luxuries, Blissful Happiness have all vanished. Now I have to think Who was She and Who am I now. Oh My! Even Kings Wealth is ephemeral! can we believe that?
Hey Great King! When in the Bed you were playing with me how would I describe the charm of Your Face then? They were shaming with Eye brows which were bent like the Manmadha’s (God of Love) Bow, With elevated Nose which was slightly bigger, With Moon like pleasant illuminence and Beauty like Lotus Flower, Aura like Adithya (Sun). You were effervescent with
Huge Crown, with Lips like Tundli Fruit with the ear lobe balls which were shining with Navarathnas (1 Ruby 2 Sardonyx 3 Saphire 4 Emerald 5 Coral 6 Topaz 7 Carbucle 8 Pearl 9 Diamond / Lapis Lazuli). The eyes were swirling with arrogance, wearing many types of garlands and necklace made of variety of Fowers with fragrance it appears right now that with bewitching smile you are speaking to me. Oh My! That very same face has now gone pale , has been slit open by Rama’s Bhanas, with flowing blood dried, Smeared by Kozhuppu ( Muscles – proud of his physical strength - physical arrogance, impudence), Meat ,with dust soaked in Blood, now you are shining like earlier times. My Life Force! what shall I do now? I was unaware of this misfortune.
If you ask Don’t you know “This Body is a bubbule of water, Like a Lightning streak” I have been born as the daughter of Mayan the King of Dhanavas who are strong and Valourous; I have got an affectionate husband who is Prathaapa (Glory, Fame,Greatness) Lord of Rakshasaa. I was blessed with a Son who dragged and imprisoned Indra the king of 330 Million Celestials. What more do I need? Any one who can match me? I am now gone as I was arrogant that Worry, Suffering won’t touch me. When I was too sure that nothing can be fall me when you are around what was the reason why you felled by Human?
With Aura of the Rainbow Cloud , slippery, Keyur, shoulder bands, Pearl necklace,Gem Necklace, with all these ornaments and during Love play you were more handsome, and in the battle field you were like the Lightning in the dark rain bearing cloud You were a treat to my Eyes.That Body is now slit open by sharp Bhanas. Like Porcupine the Bhanas have been planted on the body of Ravana shot by Rama with no place to even put a Pin, has cut Nerves, Muscles, it is looking Vikara ( ugly, revolting body shapes, scary, threatening, uncouth, cruel disguises / postures). Though I have not done Punyam to hear You or speak to you, I came here so that at least I can hug you to my heart’s content. These Rama Bhanas are hindering me to hug you even. What Great Sin have I done like the Moutain powdered by Vajahrayudha you are lying dead with Blood smeared and dust laden looking ghastly? Does Death apply to you? I was under the impression, unlike the other Animal’s Death is mere dream for you and not applicable to you. Now the same Dream has become reality. How was it that you were killed by Rama? You are the Death of Death. You are the Devotee of Paramasiva. How did you succumb to Kala (Death)? You had enjoyed the wealth available in all 3 worlds; one who made all the 3 Worlds Kadhara ( Pleading, Yelling, Bellowing, screaming loudly, Exasperation). You won over the Administers of Worlds; You lifted Sankara along with Kailash Mountain; You quelled those who were with Kozhuppu (Muscles – proud of his physical strength- physical arrogance, impudence); You became famous by exhibiting your Prowess often; You made all animals stirred; You have rich Voice which will make the animals shiver on hearing it; He who speaks with profoundity to Enemies; He nurtured his friends, relations without shortcomings; He had immense Valour; You had killed countless Yakshas, Dhaanvas; You had won over Great Rakshasaas Nivadha Kavacha; he had spoiled countless Yaaga (Offerings to Celestials in the Sacrifical Fire Pits reciting Vedas and the Verses invoking the respective Dieties); He protected those who belonged to him; Discipline in following rules; He who created unique Mayaa (Mystic / Sorceer and Magician / Hypnotic / exponent in deception with ability to vanish into thin air and appear in sky far away or nearby) in Battle field; He abducted the Maidens of Celestials, Asuras and Humans Forcibly. He made the Enemies Ladies shed tears profusely; He had given excessively to those who belonged to his camp; he protected the Lanka so no one could dare to cast his evil eye; His exploits made others Nadunga(Stagger, Shaken, Shiver, Quiver, stumble,tremble); he had done Ahuthi(sacrificial offerings of his Head During Homa in Agni kundaie Fire Pit) 100 Times; He had given Limitless carnal pleasures to all of us; He is the Crowning Jewell amongst Battle Warriors. Having got such a person as my Husband, now that I am seeing him dead because of Rama , what sort of a creature am I to be still alive? I do not know; is my Life Vajhra (indestructible)? My husband had got a boon that other than Humans his death will not happen from any of the others; I had not done such severe penance. Inspite of that Rama who had killed my husband can’t kill me. The great Powers of Rama Bhana don’t they work on me? you have slept on the most exquisite expensive Best Beds of the world which others have not even dreamt of today you are lying in barren Ground in this blood streaming dust laden with foul stench on all 4 sides with Dogs, Foxes, Eagles, Crows making ominous sounds how is it you are sleeping with out getting up? My dear Indrajith’s head was severed by Lakshmana’s Bhana which in turn mentally pierced my Heart. Still I was alive. Was it not because of the confidence that at least you are there? The bhana which took your Life has killed me as well. I have no feelings that my relaions are dead; not the grief; when you are there what is there for me to fear was my conviction. Today having lost you totally, lost all the Luxuries, I am drowned deep in sea of sorrow.
You attained the Vitality and Vigour which others can’t, Wouldn’t you take this Longing wife of yours along with you? Would I Live after you have passed away? You wouldn’t normally like to be bereft of me. Did you get the Heart to deceive me and leaving me to anguish thus? I am pitiably moaning for you all this while and you hven’t spoken a word in reply to me till now. Or is it You are antoganised that I left the Queen’s chambers without any viel on my face and all people could see me, and walked out of the Fort gate by treading along?Can even Sun and Moon dare to stare at your wife? Can even the wind blow on them? **( Ravana had all the Planets of SoalrSytem , the 5 Elelemnts of Air, Water, Earth, Fire, Space, Sun, Moon to listen and orbit / move as per his whims and fancy, such was the power he had acquired and excercised , so much so as my DIL –Daughter in Law said When Indrajit was going to be born, he set all the Planets in such a position by which he could attain valour and fame.where there was a small interchanging of 2 planets which led to Indrajith’s death in ignominy). Why aren’t you angry at their presence here unashamedly? The Ladies of Harem who had enjoyed varied Lustful sports with you are today Kadhara (Pleading, Yelling, Bellowing, screaming loudly, Exasperation)! Shouldn’t you console them? Shouldn’t you be supportive to them? They are born in Noble Lineages; great Pathivratha ( pure pristine and Noblest, Chaste, Loving, Humble dotting Wife not falling prey to Fame, Money or Power); have never deviated from Dharma; are always very longing in serving elders; all these have become widows having lost you.; are now bound by the enemy’s Vasam (Enticed, Lured, clutches, strangle hold, captured, captivated, enamoured); they are floundering in the deep sea of sorrow. These Ladies you have assaulted, usurped - abducted willingly or unwillingly You have killed their Husbands and relations and insulted them, their curses have fruitified today. As per worldly adage that ‘the tears of chaste women if it falls on the ground won’t go waste’ Can there be a better example than You? You encompassed all the 3 Worlds with your Aura; earned the name is the Purest Warrior; where did you get this measly intellect to steal a Lady? You made Mareecha disguise as a Deer, got rid of Rama Lakshmana from the Hermitage, when you abducted Sita wasn’t then it self it was established that you are a Coward (Courageless)? Till date I am not aware that in Battle you have been Courage less or Frightened? This was an indication that Your good fortunes had diminished and the time of your destruction had neared by this act of Yours in abducting Sita. The adage ‘ if the Great Persons do wrongful acts Harm will befall them soon ‘ had come true in your case. Your Younger brother Vibheeshana is well aware of the Past ,Present &Future; who does not falter on Sathyam(Truth); Great Soul; when he saw you brought Sita he said “ Oh My ! Destruction for Clan has come” thus breathing heavily he said these words , you made them become true by giving room for Lust and Rage. You also vanquished the Great Rakshasaas. Was it destined that the Rakshasaa Race was to be wiped out because of You ? Now you have made all those who belonged to you as Orphans and left them in Lurch.it is not necessary for me to grive over you who is famous for your strength &Valour; but due to Ladies Habit, my thinking intellect has swayed and I am Lamenting like this. Followed by the Punya Papa Karma (benefits of Good Noble and Sinful Deeds) you have left this World. Shouldn’t I be felling sorry about my self who is in deep anguish? You had shunned all those sane words by Your Brothers, Friends, Relations in your Hitham ( though unpalatable, Soothing counsel - in the interest / Good of Your well being). Didn’t Vibheeshana tell you many times those words which will earn you and which will were Ensure your well being , safety, Fame with adequate reasons, backed by Sashtras (Vedic Doctrines) and their benefits in a soft, Humble, Sweet Manner? Did you follow those? The Wise counsel given by Mareecha, Kumbhakarna, and my father you abhored with Your Arrogance of Power, Vitality &Vigour., the consequences of which you are facing today.
Hey Rakshasaa who is like Rain bearing cloud! Who Is wearing yellow colour Silken robe! One who is adorned by beautiful shoulder Flat Rings! Spreading your Limb sin disarray , bold soaked, aren’t you lying in barren ground? When I am grieving and sobbing like this in sorrow, can’t you reply me at least one word ? You are born in the Lineage of Great Warriors and sagacious persons those who do not go back in Battles great Rakshasaas Maali, Sumaali, Malyavvan . Should n’t you at least look at me? Get up; it is Long time now; please get up. Tell such disgrace hasn’t happened to you! Bearing this humiliation can you still be Lying down? The Sun who was so far scared you has entered in Lanka and is shining brightly without fear. The Parihayudha weapon (Javelin Mace with spikes) akin to Indra’sVajhrayudha with that you have killed countless enemies, . That is shining like the Sun, which is adorned by Golden necklaces.it has always been revered by you. Here see Rama’s Bhanas lying powdered and scattered. Is this grave yard of War your darling Heroine? Despite telling you number of times with out leaving her you are hugging her(earth) and lying? As though you are scornful of me , you havne’t turned this side to talk to me. Having Lost you, agonizing so much still my heart hasn’t exploded into 1000 pieces shouldn’t this be torched?” - Lamented Mandhodhari.
Thus Tears profusely pouring , due to the affinity she had for Ravana, longing for him Manddhari fainted. With pale face, beody became lean and weak, when She was lying on his Chest unconscious she was akin to the Lighting streak during Dawn / Dusk amidst he Red hued clouds. Then his other wives crying unabashedly took her into their arms and said “Mother! Childhood, Adulthood, Youth stages are not permanent for the Creatures, like wise the Wealth of Kings are also ephemeral, aren’t these unknown to you?” - thus they cajoled her. Hearing that Mandhodharai regained her consciousness cried unabashedly wetting her clothes with Tears.
Then Rama told Vibheeshana “ You please perform the Funeral rites for your elder brother Ravana and ask these Ladies to return to Lanka”.Then Vibhheshana thought over the words he had expressed earlier thought to himself “If Rama order I will do, or else I will not do” having thus decided said “Lord! He had forsaken the path of Dharma; merciless; he faltered on truth; he had abducted other’s wives; My Heart doesn’t permit me to perform Funeral rites for him. He had only done harm to all Living Beings; worldly he is my elder brother but he is my Enemy; he is worthy of reverence only because he is elder to me; it does not behove of me to pay respects to this person who had made the world yell, bleed, bellow, scream cry in anguish. If I do not perform the funeral rites for my elder brother the world will say I have no mercy or compassion. Let them say so to the maximum extent they want. When they analyse his Dosh (Fallacy, deficiency, defect, flaw, offence, weakness, fault, imperfection, shortcoming, blame, catch, mistake, guilt, reflection, accused, culprit, delinquent, culpable,convice, blameworthy) Even they will concede what I did was Yuktham (appropriate, Strategically correct, the right approach to derive maximum benefit)” - said Vibheeshana
Thus Rama having heard the genuine opinion of Vibheesshana with Soul of Dharma felt slightly Happy understanding the inner meaning of his words said “Because of you this Victory was obtained; so I should do task which is dear to you. I should tell you what is in your Hitham (Palatable, Soothing counsel - in the interest / Good of You- well being). Your performing Funeral ritual is my desire too. It is in your interest too. Hey Lord of Rakshasaa! He is born in Rakshasaa creed; he had sought only Adharma; he had faltered on Truth. But still he was full of Aura, strong, Valoruous, one who did not backtrack in Battle. I have heard even Indra & Devas had to retreat in war with him many times.Great Soul; extremely Manly, He has made the Enemies Yell and scream in despair, if you ask ‘ despite all his qualities is he not my Enemy? Should I perform the Funeral Rites for him?’Please note all Malice, Enmity, Hatred, animosity, revenge, Anger should go after person is Dead. Should you show that even he is dead? So please perform his final funeral rites. He is your elder brother, as you are knowers of the intricacies of Sashtras please perform the Rituals as per procedure. World will adore you an dconfer on your Fame despite he being his sworn enemy who had done intolerable Sins, Vibhheshana with no mailicous intent and forgiving Performed the Final Funeral Rites for him” said Rama.
Hearing that Vibheeshana taking consent of Rama, escorted the Ladies to Lanka. He very quickly performed the Funeral rites done for those who have conducted many Yaaga (Offerings to Celestials in the Sacrifical Fire Pits reciting Vedas and the Verses invoking the respective Dieties) **(as Ravana done many Yagams and Penance continuously, unfortunately he went astray in Lustful ways and Power got into his Head in later Years). They stacked many sandal wood logs spreading perfumes on top of it, as per Veda Proceedure Deer skin of Ranghu breed was spread on top of it, Then they conducted the Corpse Rituals as per prescribed procedures. On South west Fire pit was created in west Garhapathya Agni, East Ahavaneeya Agni, South Dakshnina Agni were created, Fires were lit in the vessles were curd (Yoghurt) and Ghee (Melted butter) were mixed poured it on all the places of that Fire. Near the feet to bring the king Moon the vehicle and the stone grinder was kept in between thighs, Sthali and other wooden vessles, top of it Arani, Beneath It as well, Ulakkai was also kept at the reepsective places as directed by the priests. Then near the corpse a pure breed Goat was sacrificed and Homa (sacrificial offering in Fire pits to Gods, Celstials, Departed by invoking prayers / Vedas) done, then they spread the Samith (woooden sticks for Homa) duly dipped in Ghee – melted butter were spread all 4 sides. Then they decorated the Preytha (Dead body) with choicest of Perfumes, garlans, flowers, garments ornaments, Vibheeshana and other Rakshasaas crying profusely, with sunken heart sprayed the battered rice. Vibheeshana reciting Vedic verses, lit fire to the body. Then he took bath, with wet cloth Aruhampul (Grass offered for God Ganesha), Rai and water poured it in earth and invoked the preytha (Dead Body) did Tharpanam (Libations by water to the departed). He paid respects to those present there consoling the ladies who were taken to Lanka. After they entered the City Vibheeshana came back to where Rama was stood with humility. They - Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva and Vibheeshana were happy at the death of the Enemy. (Slokas 127)
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