Chapter XCI: Section LXLII

Having in the conflict slain that conquerer of enemies, Lakshmana graced with auspicious marks, with his body bathed in blood, experienced delight. And then supporting himself on Bibhishana and Hanuman, the exceedingly powerful Lakshmana endowed with prowess, taking Jambavan, Hanuman and all the monkeys with him, speedily went to the place where Sugriva and Raghava were. And then going round Rama and saluted him, Sumitra's son stood before his brother, like Indra's brother staying before Sakra. And approaching with a look which of itself was significant,[372] the heroic Bibhishana described unto the high-souled Raghava the dreadful destruction of Indrajit. And then the delighted Bibhishana related unto Rama how the high-souled Lakshmana had cut off the head of Ravana's son. And as soon as that exceedingly powerful one heard of the destruction of Indrajit by Lakshmana, he experienced a huge accession of joy, and thus delivered himself,--"Excellent, O Lakshmana! Pleased am I (with thee). Thou hast performed a difficult feat. The son of Ravana having been slain, know for certain that we have been victorious". And then smelling the head of the bashful Lakshmana, enhancer of fame, (Rama) endowed with prowess, from affection forcibly hugged him into his lap. And making him seat on his lap, and overpowering him with embraces,[373] (Rama) again and again tenderly eyed his brother, Lakshmana. And moved with grief, that best of persons, Rama, smelling the head of Lakshmana, wounded with darts and having his person pierced (with arms), sighing and breathing hard--and nursing his body with his hand, addressed Lakshmana, soothing him,--'To-day his son having been slain, I deem Ravana himself as slain in fight. On that wicked-minded enemy of mine having been destroyed, I am victorious (in encounter). By luck, O hero, hast thou in conflict severed the right arm of the fell Ravana. Verily he (Indrajit) was his stay. Both Bibhishana and Hanuman have done mighty deeds in battle. In three days and nights, (my enemy) hath been brought down. To-day have I been made foeless. Now Ravana will for certain march forth,--backed by a mighty phalanx. Ravana will for certain sally out, hearing his son brought down. That unconquerable lord of Rakshasas, aggrieved for the destruction of his son, marching out,--shall I slay, environed with a mighty force. O Lakshmana, the conqueror of Sakra having in battle been slain by thee--who art my lord--Sita and the (entire) earth are not incapable of being obtained by me". Having thus soothed and embraced his brother, Raghu's son--Rama--highly rejoiced, calling Sushena, said,--"Do thou so act that this highly wise son of Sumitra, devoted to his friends, may be healed and be eased. Do thou without delay heal Sumitra's son, attached to his friends, of his wounds. And do thou also carefully relieve all those heroes in the army of bears and monkeys fighting with trees,--as well as others, who have been wounded and have got sores (in consequence)". Thus addressed by Rama, the high-souled monkey-leader administered a potent medicine to the nose of Lakshmana. And smelling the same, he got healed; he was relieved of his pain and his outgoing vitality was shut up. And at the mandate of Raghava he likewise treated his friends headed by Bibhishana and all the principal monkeys. And restored to his natural condition, Sumitra's son, healed, and with his exhaustion removed, and his suffering gone off in a moment, experienced exhilaration of spirits. And Rama and the monkey-king and Bibhishana and the powerful lord of bears along with their hosts, seeing Sumitra's son risen hale, rejoiced greatly in delight. And the high-souled son of Dacaratha honored exceedingly that exceedingly hard feat of Lakshamana; and the monkey-king, hearing that the conquerer of Sakra had fallen in fight, was filled with joy.

[372] _i.e._ of the destruction of Indrajit.

[373] _Avapiritam--(ac) pained_. Ramanuya says this epithet refers to
Lakshmana's having been wounded in the encounter. I differ from
him.--T.