Setubandha

Author(s): Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 168

SETUBANDHA
42. On whatever limb that token 37 of his beloved was placed by him, an incessant thrill passed through it, as if it had been touched by Sītā.
43. Inflamed with wrath at the thought of Rāvana, his face, though soiled with tears, thereupon looked formidable like the orb of the fierce midday sun.
44. His gaze, even like the burden of the task before him, rested on his powerful bow, long inactive, but a true image of the eyebrows of the angry god of death.38
45. The bow, though unbent, seemed to be equipped with the string as Rāma's gaze, fixed for a moment at the lower end, slowly moved upwards, surveying the weapon.39
46. And, Sugriva's heart, yearning to requite the kindness of Rāma, was at that moment filled with elation, regardless of Rāvana's pride, as if the heavy task imposed upon him had already been achieved. 40
47. The resolve to march (to Lankā) was implanted in Rāma's heart, like a poison that was to bring destruction to the demons: it seemed to promise fulfilment of his cherished purpose; while the knitting of the brows revealed his wrath.
48. His gaze rested on Lakşmaņa's face, like an adornment;41 on Sugrīva's broad chest,42 like his garland of sylvan flowers; on Hanumat, like his fame; 43 and, like a command, on the host of apes.
49. He, then, set out on his march towards the surging sea, convulsing the earth, with the woods trampled down by the host of apes; even as the Mandara mountain journeyed to the sea on the eve of the churning of the ocean.44
37. i.e., the jewel. 38. i.e., when Yama knits the brows in wrath.
39. Rāma's gaze moving from one end of the bow to the other is fancied as the bowstring.
40. i.e., Sugrīva cheered up at the prospect of vanquishing Rāvana and requiting his obligation to Rāma.
41. i.e., added to the lustre of his face by cheering him up. 42. i.e., in token of admiration for his valour. 43. i.e., heightened the glory of Hanūmat, already famous for his exploits.
44. One of the frequent references in the poem to the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons with the Mandara mountain as the churn-staff.