Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— सहजाजानकीदेवीयूथद्वयविनोदनः। रममाणश्चित्रकूटे चिरमास्त रघूद्वहः॥१॥
Brahmā said: Raghūdvaha remained for a long time upon Citrakūṭa, delighting the two divine companies of Sahajā and Jānakī as he sported there.
Passage 2
तदा दशाननश्चक्रे त्रैलोक्यकदनं महत्। तपसा तापिताशेषो रुद्रदत्तवरोजितः॥२॥
At that time ten-headed Rāvaṇa, strengthened by boons from Rudra and having scorched all beings through his austerity, inflicted great distress upon the three worlds.
Passage 3
पुलस्त्यस्य मुनेः पुत्रो विश्रवा इति विश्रुतः। तस्य वीर्यात्समुद्भूताः कुबेरो रावणस्तथा॥३॥
The sage Pulastya had a renowned son named Viśravas. From his potency arose both Kubera and Rāvaṇa.
Passage 4
कुम्भकर्णश्च बलवान् जातमात्रौ तु तौ जगत्। भीषयाञ्चक्रतुः क्रूरौ ससुरासुरराक्षसम्॥४॥
There was also mighty Kumbhakarṇa. From birth those two fierce brothers terrified the world with its gods, Asuras, and Rākṣasas.
Passage 5
अधिलङ्कं कुबेरस्तु स्थानं दत्तं विरञ्चिना। प्राप्तवान् प्रथमं यत्र रक्षसामयनं महत्॥५॥
Kubera first received from Brahmā a dwelling in Laṅkā, that great ancestral seat of the Rākṣasas.
Passage 6
रावणश्च तपश्चक्रे लिप्सुस्त्रैलोक्यसम्पदम्। रेवातीरमधिष्ठाय रुद्राराधनतत्परः॥६॥
Desiring the wealth of the three worlds, Rāvaṇa undertook austerity on the bank of the Revā and devoted himself to worshiping Rudra.
Passage 7
वायुभक्षो निराहारः शोषयन्स्वां तनुं हठात्। तथैव कुम्भकर्णोऽपि भूष्णुरप्रतिमो भवे॥७॥
Living only on air and taking no food, he forcibly emaciated his body. Kumbhakarṇa likewise sought to become unequalled in power.
Passage 8
तपोराशुस्तपःस्थानान्यनेकानि महीतले। रेवातटं पुण्यतमं श्रीमदुज्जयिनीपुरम्॥८॥
That mass of austerity visited many sacred places of penance on earth, including the supremely holy bank of the Revā and splendid Ujjayinī.
Passage 9
महाकालेश्वरं तत्र तोषयामास राक्षसः। मथुरायां च भूतेशमाराराध महातपाः॥९॥
There the great ascetic Rākṣasa propitiated Mahākāleśvara, and in Mathurā he worshiped the Lord of beings.
Passage 10
काश्यां विश्वेश्वरं चैव गङ्गासागरसंङ्गमे। हाटकेश्वरनामानं लिङ्गरूपिणमीश्वरम्॥१०॥
In Kāśī he worshiped Viśveśvara, and at the meeting of Gaṅgā and the ocean he worshiped the Lord in liṅga form named Hāṭakeśvara.
Passage 11
कैलासे पार्वतीनाथं स्वप्रकाशं महेश्वरम्। आरराध महाघोरः प्रेरण तपसा खलः॥११॥
Upon Kailāsa the exceedingly fierce Rāvaṇa worshiped self-luminous Maheśvara, Lord of Pārvatī, through terrible austerity.
Passage 12
सानुजस्तप आतिष्ठन् ववृधे रावणो भुवि। तेजसातितनो भृशं पुनरप्याचरत् तपः॥१२॥
Rāvaṇa persisted in austerity together with his younger brothers. His radiance greatly increased, yet he undertook still further penance.
Passage 13
प्रातर्मध्याह्नसायाह्नेऽकरोच्छिवपूजनम्। कोटिलिङ्गार्चनपरः सुमहाव्रततत्परः॥१३॥
Morning, noon, and evening he worshiped Śiva. Intent on an immense vow, he devoted himself to adoring millions of liṅgas.
Passage 14
लवणोदधिमध्ये सर्वमानुषदुर्गमे। तीव्रेण तपसा युक्त आरराध महेश्वरम्॥१४॥
In the midst of the salt ocean, at a place inaccessible to all humans, he worshiped Maheśvara with fierce austerity. Worship, Learning, and Śiva's Favor
Passage 15
गन्धैः पुष्पैस्तथा धूपैर्दीपैः कमलमालया। नित्यमाराधनं तस्य नाह्रीयत दिने दिने॥१५॥
Day after day his constant worship never diminished: he offered fragrances, flowers, incense, lamps, and garlands of lotuses.
Passage 16
शैलेषु वनदुर्गेषु सरितां पुलिनेषु च। विचचार तपोयुक्तः खेचरो वीर्यसंवृतः॥१६॥
Absorbed in austerity and filled with power, the sky-ranging Rāvaṇa wandered among mountains, remote forests, and the sandy banks of rivers.
Passage 17
पुराभिकृतं विष्णोरपकारमनुस्मरन्। देवब्राह्मणहन्तूनां सोऽभवद्द्रोहकारकः॥१७॥
Remembering an ancient injury associated with Viṣṇu, he became hostile and brought violence upon gods and Brāhmaṇas.
Passage 18
वेदशास्त्रपुराणानि वेदाङ्गानि च सर्वशः। सोऽधीत्य ब्रह्मचर्येण धनुर्वेदं तथाविधम्॥१८॥
Maintaining celibate discipline, he thoroughly studied the Vedas, śāstras, Purāṇas, Vedāṅgas, and the science of archery.
Passage 19
राक्षसाचार्यवर्यस्य शिक्षमाणोऽखिलाः कलाः। पारङ्गतोऽभूद्विद्यानां पार्वतीशप्रसादतः॥१९॥
Learning every art from the foremost teacher of the Rākṣasas, he mastered all branches of knowledge by the grace of Pārvatī's Lord.
Passage 20
शिवोऽपि भगवान्तस्य सर्वान् कामानपूरयत्। अनन्याराधनश्रद्धासुप्रसन्नमनाः परम्॥२०॥
Lord Śiva, supremely pleased by his faithful and exclusive worship, fulfilled all his desires.
Passage 21
वेदानां च तथाङ्गानां व्याख्याता सोऽभवत्स्वयम्। व्याचक्रे वेदशाखाश्च वाचस्पतिरिवापरः॥२१॥
He himself became an expositor of the Vedas and their limbs and explained the Vedic branches like another Bṛhaspati.
Passage 22
तस्य घोषयतो वेदान् दशभिर्वदनैर्दृढम्। अभवत्सुमहाच्छब्दः स्वरवर्णविभूषितम्॥२२॥
When his ten mouths forcefully proclaimed the Vedas, a tremendous sound arose, adorned with proper tones and syllables.
Passage 23
प्रतिवर्णं प्रतिपदं क्रमं व्याकृतवान् स्वयम्। चतुर्णां च जटाषट्के प्रातिशाख्यपुरःसरः॥२३॥
He personally analyzed every syllable, word, and sequence of the four Vedas, including the six complex recitations and the Prātiśākhyas.
Passage 24
वेदाचार्यमुनीनां च मतानि ज्ञातवान् पृथक्। पाठभेदांस्तथा सर्वान् स्वरभेदांश्च कृत्स्नशः॥२४॥
He separately learned the views of Vedic teachers and sages, together with every variant of recitation and intonation.
Passage 25
इत्थं स वेदशाखानां पारं प्राप सुदुर्गमम्। मनीषी पण्डितवरः सर्वशास्त्रेषु कोविदः॥२५॥
Thus that intelligent and foremost scholar crossed the difficult expanse of the Vedic branches and became learned in every śāstra.
Passage 26
प्रसादात् पार्वतीशस्य ख्यातोऽभूद्भुवनत्रये। राजर्षिं तामसं चैव धर्ममर्यादास्थितः खलः॥२६॥
By the favor of Pārvatī's Lord he became renowned in the three worlds, observing the boundaries of a dark, royal form of dharma despite his wicked nature.
Passage 27
किन्तु विष्णुं तदीयांश्च निरन्तरमसौ द्रुहन्। युक्त आसुरभावेन प्रजासन्तापकृद्भवेत्॥२७॥
Yet he continually hated Viṣṇu and those belonging to him. Possessed by an Asuric disposition, he became a tormentor of the people.
Passage 28
अजस्रं तप आस्थाय महाव्रतसुसंयतः। ब्रह्मचर्यकरस्तीव्रो रोषेण प्रज्वलन्निव॥२८॥
Constantly engaged in austerity, tightly restrained by a great vow and celibate discipline, he seemed to blaze with fierce anger.
Passage 29
ऐहिकीं भूतिमन्विच्छन्नारराध महेश्वरम्। युयोज स राक्षसानीकं स्थानं च चकमेत्तराम्॥२९॥
Seeking worldly sovereignty, he worshiped Maheśvara, organized the Rākṣasa host, and intensely desired a realm of his own.
Passage 30
हितास्तस्याभवन् कैचित्राक्षसप्रवरास्तदा। अत्युग्रकर्मणे तस्मै स्थानाय समजिज्ञपन्॥३०॥
Certain foremost Rākṣasas became his counselors and proposed a suitable dwelling for that doer of exceedingly fierce deeds. The Rākṣasas Encourage His Ambition
Passage 31
राक्षसा ऊचुः— अहो पौलस्त्य भुवने भवानप्रतिमो गुणैः। कर्मणा विद्यया कान्त्या शौर्येण यशसा तथा॥३१॥
The Rākṣasas said: O descendant of Pulastya, no one in the world equals you in action, learning, splendor, courage, fame, or virtue.
Passage 32
त्रैलोक्यभोगयोग्योऽसि प्रसादात् पार्वतीशितुः। अतस्तुभ्यं समुचितं वास्तव्यं मृगयामहे॥३२॥
By the favor of Pārvatī's Lord you are fit to enjoy the three worlds. Therefore we seek a residence worthy of you.
Passage 33
यत्रस्थः साधयेः सर्वं भवतात्ममनोषितम्। तपसा तेजसा चैव स्वाभीष्टो विक्रमेण च॥३३॥
Established there, you may accomplish everything desired in your heart through austerity, splendor, and valor.
Passage 34
यथेच्छं कुरु वीर्येण राज्यं त्रैलोक्यगोचरम्। उद्धरस्व वरं भार्यामीहस्व वरस्त्रियः॥३४॥
By your might establish whatever sovereignty you desire throughout the three worlds; choose an excellent wife and seek the finest women.
Passage 35
त्रैलोक्यवररत्नानि संचिनुष्व स्वधर्मणि। एतत्ते ख्यातियोग्यं ख्यातेशः कर्म च निर्मलम्॥३५॥
Gather the finest jewels of the three worlds in accordance with your own way; such a renowned and splendid act befits your fame.
Passage 36
आकर्ण्य रक्षसां वाक्यं रावणस्तपसोर्जितः। उवाच प्रहसन्नुच्चैर्धरीकृतदिक्चयः॥३६॥
Hearing the Rākṣasas' words, Rāvaṇa, empowered by austerity and confident that he had subdued every direction, laughed loudly and replied.
Passage 37
अहो रे राक्षसश्रेष्ठाः किं नु स्थानं ममोचितम्। ख्यातिमियाद्भावेन सम्पत्कामोऽपि विक्रमी॥३७॥
“O foremost Rākṣasas, what dwelling would truly be worthy of me, a mighty one who desires both renown and prosperity?”
Passage 38
बिभेम्यहं चातितरां बालिनो वानरेश्वरात्। महाबलान्महाघोरात्किष्किन्धानगरीशितुः॥३८॥
“I greatly fear Vāli, lord of the monkeys and ruler of Kiṣkindhā, for he is immensely powerful and terrible.”
Passage 39
भूयः बिभेम्यहं वीरात्सहस्रभुजकाननात्। कृतवीर्यसुताद्रीमदर्जुनात् क्षत्रियोज्जितात्॥३९॥
“I also fear the heroic thousand-armed Arjuna, glorious son of Kṛtavīrya and conqueror of warriors.”
Passage 40
अन्ये तु मे तृणप्राया ये सुरासुरकिन्नराः। नराश्च वानराश्चैव न तान् विगणयाम्यहम्॥४०॥
“All other gods, Asuras, Kinnaras, humans, and monkeys are like blades of grass to me; I do not count them at all.”
Passage 41
ताभ्यामाक्रान्तमानोऽस्मि भविष्णुभुवनेष्वहम्। ययोर्वीर्यं बलं चैव हृदि शलायते मम॥४१॥
“Only those two trouble my pride throughout the worlds, for their power and strength remain like a thorn in my heart.”
Passage 42
इत्याकर्ण्य वचस्तस्य राक्षसास्तमसोर्जिताः। ऊचिरे वचनं सर्वे ये तत्र प्रियचिकीर्षवः॥४२॥
Hearing his words, the darkness-empowered Rākṣasas who wished to please him all spoke together. Golden Laṅkā Is Proposed
Passage 43
स्थानं तु ते पुरी लङ्का योग्या वसतये प्रभो। रक्षसामयनं दीव्यत्स्वर्णप्राकारभासुरा॥४३॥
“Lord, the city of Laṅkā is a residence worthy of you—the ancient home of the Rākṣasas, radiant with shining golden ramparts.
Passage 44
बृहद्गोपुरसाहस्रलङ्घना रथदुर्जया। परिखावलयप्राप्तलवणोदधितरस्थिता॥४४॥
“It has a thousand immense gateways, cannot be conquered by chariots, and stands beyond a ring-like moat formed by the salt ocean.
Passage 45
सौवर्णविपुलाट्टालतलभोजालमण्डिता। रत्नमाणिक्यखचितगृहभित्तिमनोहरा॥४५॥
“It is adorned with vast golden towers, stories, and terraces; its house walls delight the eye with settings of gems and rubies.
Passage 46
धनोपपूर्णविपर्णबृहदापणशोभिता। सिन्धोरन्तर्जलद्वीपावाडवान्नेः शिवेव या॥४६॥
“Its great markets overflow with every kind of wealth. Set upon an island amid the ocean waters, it is secure even from the submarine fire.
Passage 47
वासवस्येव नगरी सलिलैः प्रतिविम्बिता। सर्वर्तुफुल्लपुष्पाढ्योद्यानाराममहीरुहा॥४७॥
“Reflected in the waters, it resembles Indra's city. Its garden trees are laden with flowers blooming in every season.
Passage 48
गुञ्जद्भ्रमरसंदोहघूर्णन्मत्तारकानना। आपर्णमणिमाणिक्यमुक्ताविद्रुमराशिभिः॥४८॥
“Swarms of humming bees reel intoxicated in its groves, and its shops contain heaps of gems, rubies, pearls, and coral.
Passage 49
सर्वतः सर्वदा पूर्णभिसामाना दिवानिशम्। सूर्यांशुस्पृष्टसौधतपनीयमणिकेतना॥४९॥
“Day and night it is completely supplied on every side; sunlight touches its mansions, golden roofs, and jeweled dwellings.
Passage 50
प्रोतुङ्गकनकस्तम्भमहाशालाशतान्तिता। या पूर्वं रचिता साक्षात् स्वबुद्ध्या विश्वकर्मणा॥५०॥
“Hundreds of great halls rise upon lofty golden pillars. Viśvakarmā himself formerly designed and built the city by his own intelligence.
Passage 51
रक्षसां विनिवासार्थं जाम्बूनदमयी पुरी। तां गृहाण बलात् स्वामिस्तत्र राज्यं प्रशाधि भोः॥५१॥
“This golden city was made as the dwelling of the Rākṣasas. Take it by force, master, and rule your kingdom there.”
Passage 52
रावण उवाच— तत्र ज्येष्ठो मम भ्राता कुबेर इति विश्रुतः। स आस्ते वैधसा दत्तं स्थानं दिव्यमुपाश्रितः॥५२॥
Rāvaṇa said: “My elder brother, the renowned Kubera, dwells there in that divine place granted to him by Brahmā.”
Passage 53
राक्षसा ऊचुः— को भ्राता कः पिता स्यात् क इह खलु सुहृद्धर्ममित्रादिरस्य स्वार्थं ज्यायान् जनस्य द्रुतमभिकरुण्येद्भूरि यत्नं तदर्थम्। सर्वः स्वार्थं समीह्य त्रिजगति भवति स्वस्वकार्ये प्रवृत्तो विजित्यैनं दशास्य त्वमिह समुचितं दर्शयस्वात्मवीर्यम्॥५३॥
The Rākṣasas replied: “Who is brother, father, friend, religious ally, or anyone else when one's own interest is greater? Every being in the three worlds pursues his own purpose. Conquer Kubera, O ten-headed one, and display the power worthy of you.” Source Note The Sanskrit follows source leaves 382–385 (printed pages 355–358). All fifty-three independent passages are continuously numbered in the source.