Chapter CXXIII: Section CXXIV

Having brought that car Pushpaka, adorned with flowers and having stationed himself at a distance, Bibhishana the lord of Rakshasas, being incited to hurry on, humbly and with folded hands, spoke unto Rama, saying, "What shall I do, O Raghava?" Hearing those words the highly powerful Raghava, in the presence of Lakshmana, gave vent to the following accents out of affection--"All these monkeys and bears have brought about the accomplishment of my work with great care. Do thou, satisfy them, O Bibhishana, with diverse jewels and riches. With these and thee, I conquered the city of Lanka, lord of Rakshasas. They all fought with a delighted heart, having renounced all fear of life and who did never go away from the battle-field. Do thou, with a gift of riches and jewel, make good the work of these monkeys and bears who encompassed the accomplishment (of my end). Being honoured and delighted by thee grateful, all these leading monkeys shall repair (to their respective quarters). (If thou art found to be) sacrificing, self-controlled, compassionate and (the just) collector of revenues, all shall be attached unto thee. For this I do address you (thus). O lord of men, the soldiers, disgusted, renounce that king who is void of all royal accomplishments, and who uselessly slays soldiers in the conflict". Being thus accosted by Rama, Bibhishana, with a distribution of jewels and riches, honoured all those monkeys. And beholding all those leading monkeys worshipped with jewels and riches Rama ascended that excellent car, taking the bashful, and high-minded Vaidehi on his lap and accompanied, by his powerful brother Lakshmana, a skilled bowman. And being stationed on the car Kakutstha honouring all the monkeys, the highly powerful Sugriva and Bibhishana, said--"O foremost of monkeys, ye have performed a friendly service--it hath been appreciated by me--do ye repair to your wished-for quarters. O Sugriva, thou, ever afraid of impiety, hast performed all that a loving and well-wishing friend should do. Do thou, encircled by thy army, proceed towards Kishkindha. Do thou, O Bibhishana, live in thy kingdom, Lanka, conferred upon thee, by me. Not even the celestials, headed by Indra shall be able to assail thee. I wish to return to Ayodhya, the capital of my father's (kingdom). I wish to obtain your permission (and for this) I have invited you all". Being thus addressed by Rama, all the leading monkeys bears as well as the Rakshasa Bibhishana said with folded hands--"We wish all to go to Ayodhya. Do thou take us. We shall all range with delight at forests and gardens. Beholding thee installed and bowing unto Kaucalya, we shall soon return to our respective homes, O foremost of kings". Being thus accosted by the monkeys with Bibhishana, the virtuous-souled Rama, spoke unto them and Sugriva and Bibhishana, saying--"Dearer than the dear, I shall attain to, when returning my city, along with you all, I shall enjoy in the company of all my friends and relatives. O Sugriva, do thou soon ascend the car along with the monkeys. Do thou ascend too, O Bibhishana, lord of Rakshasas, with all thy courtiers". Thereupon ascended that celestial car _Pushpaka_, Sugriva, greatly delighted with the monkeys and Bibhishana, with his courtiers. And they all having got up, the excellent car, of Kuvera at the command of Raghava, rose up in the welkin. And in that car coursing at will and drawn by effulgent ganders, Rama greatly delighted appeared like Kuvera (himself). And all the monkeys, bears and the highly powerful Rakshasas sat in that celestial car unobstructed and at their pleasure.