On the Rakshasas having been slain, all the ascetics, for the purpose of congratulating Raghava, came to Rama as he gained (back) his kingdom. Kaushika, and Yavakrita, and Gargya, and Galava, and Kanva- son unto Madhatithi, - who dwelt in the east, (came thither); and the reverend Swastyastreya, and Namuchi, and Pramuchi, and Agastya, and the worshipful Atri, and Sumukha, and Vimukha,- who dwelt in the south,- came in company with Agastya.”* And Nrishadgu, and Kahashi, and Dhaumya, and that mighty sage- Kausheya- who abode in the western quarter, came there accompanied by their disciples. And Vasishtha and Kashyapa and Atri and Vishwamitra with Gautama and Jamadagni and Bharadwaja and also the seven sages,+ who for aye resided in the northern quarter, (came there). And on arriving at the residence of Raghava, those high-souled ones, resembling the fire in radiance, stopped at the gate, with the intention of communicating their arrival (to Rama) through the warder. And that foremost of ascetics-the righteous Agastya- versed in various branches of learning and cognizant of the Vedas along with their branches,- addressed the warder, saying,- “Do thou say unto Dasharatha’s son that we- the sages-have come (here).” Then at the words of Agastya, the gate-keeper quick* and swift presented himself with celerity before the high-souled Raghava. And that one versed in polity and emotional expressions, of worthy ways, possessed of ability, and endowed with patience, swiftly seeing Rama resembling the full moon in brightness, communicated unto him the arrival of that supreme of saints-Agastya. Hearing of the arrival of the anchorets, possessed of the effulgence of the sun new-risen, he answered the warder, saying,- “Do thou usher them in, having regard to their comfort.” And seeing the ascetics before him, Rama with joined hands worshipped their feet with arghyas, and with regard consecrated cow unto each, and saluting them with collected mind, he ordered seats (for the saints). And having, according to their rank, seated: themselves on gorgeous and superb seats of Kusha or deer skins embroidered with gold, those foremost of sages- those mighty saints, versed in the Vedas, -along with their disciples and leaders, having (previously) been asked as to their welfare, addressed Rama, saying,- “O son of Raghu. O mighty-armed one, complete welfare is ours. By good luck it is that we see thee fortunate, with all thy foes finished. By good luck it is that, O king, Ravana- destroyer of creatures- hath been slain by thee. Sure, Rama, it was no great matter for thee (to slay) Ravana along with his sons and grandsons. Furnished with thy bow, thou canst, without doubt, destroy the three worlds themselves. By good fortune it is, Rama, that Ravana along with his sons and grandsons hath been slain by thee. By good fortune it is that to-day we see thee victorious along with Sita, and, O righteous-souled one, with thy brother, Lakshmana, (ever) compassing thy profit. (By good fortune it is) that, O king, to-day we behold (thee) in company with thy mothers and thy brothers. By good fortune it is that those night-rangers, Prahasta, and Vikata, and Virupaksha, and Mahodara, and the unconquerable Akampana, have all been slain (by thee). By good fortune it is, O Rama, that he then whose proportions there are no other’s greater on earth,- even Kumbhakarna, was brought down (by thee). By good luck it is, O Rama, that those highly powerful night-rangers, Trishiras and Atikaya and Devantaka and Narantaka, I have been slain by thee. By good luck it is that thou hadst been encountered in hand to-hand combat with that foremost of Rakshasas, incapable of being slain by the celestials themselves; and achieved victory (ultimately). To defeat Ravana in battle was (for thee) small matter but it is piece of good fortune that Ravana’s son, who had confronted thee for combat, hath been slain (by thee) in battle. By good fortune it is that thou, O mighty-armed one, hadst been liberated from (the bonds of) that foe of the celestials whose course resembled that of Time;* -and that thou also hadst secured victory. Hearing of the destruction of Indrajit, we congratulate thee (on thy success). He was incapable of being slain by all creatures, and in battle possessed mighty powers of illusion. Hearing that Indrajit slain, amazement hath seized us all. Having conferred on us this holy freedom from fear, O Kakutstha, O repressor of enemies, thou through good fortune, wilt grow in victory.” Hearing the speech of the ascetics of sacred souls, Rama, coming under the influence of mighty wonder, said with joined hands,- “Ye worshipful ones, wherefore, passing by those exceedingly powerful ones- Kumbhakarna and the night-ranger, Ravana-do ye praise Ravana’s son? Wherefore, passing by Mahodara, and Prahasta, and the Rakshasa- Virupaksha- and Matta, and Unmatta, and the irrepressible Devantaka and Narantaka- redoubtable heroes all- do ye extoll Ravana’s son? And wherefore, passing by Atikaya and Trishiras and Dhumraksha,- that night-ranger-all endowed with exceeding prowess, do ye extoll Ravana’s son? What was his prowess? And what his strength? And what his might? And by virtue of what cause did he surpass Ravana? If I can well hear the same, (do ye tell it me). I by no means command you. If the thing can bear disclosure, I would hear it. Pray, speak out. How was Shakra vanquished by him, and how also did he obtain the boon? And how was the son powerful,- and not his sire-Ravana? How could that Rakshasa, surpassing his sire, conquer Shakra in mighty encounter, and how did he obtain the boon foremost of anchorets, do thou to-day unfold all this unto me, who ask (for the same).”
* The name of Agastya had before been just specified among the incomers; but so it is in the text. -T.
+ Ursa Major, or the great bear, the seven stars of which are the souls of as many saints,- Marichi, Atrai, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vasistha. -T.
* Turnam- according to the commentator, is mental celerity, and drutam- physical. This distinction, however, is seldom, if ever, observed by Sanskrit authors. -T.
* i.e. surpassing perception. -T.