1842.] An abstract Translation from the Pudma Pooran. 1123 



Bharata went to Chitrakoot, and informed his brothers of the event, 

 who returned with him and performed the funeral rites of the deceased. 

 After the ceremony, Rama being sorrowful, lay down his head upon Seta's 

 lap and fell asleep. Jauntah, a son of Indra, having quizzed the penitent 

 Stootaseras about his huge head and uncouth figure, the latter transformed 

 him into a crow, and since that time he was called Kauk-asoor. This 

 crow being tantalised with the sight of one of Seta's breasts as she sat 

 supporting the sleeping Rama, alighted on her shoulder, and began 

 tearing the flesh with his beak. As Seta could not defend herself 

 without awakening Rama, she bore it with resignation. Rama on 

 opening his eyes, saw the blood flowing from her breast like a river. 

 In his anger he prayed over the grass of the fields, and each blade became 

 an arrow and flew in the direction of the crow, who seeing no escape 

 from such a shower of missiles, threw himself at the feet of Rama 

 and implored his pardon, which Rama at last granted. The party then 

 arrived at a place called Purnasala, where they lived in a hut made of 

 leaves during about thirteen years. 



Visravas, the grandson of Poolustea, one of the nine Pruja-puttee, mar- 

 ried Kakesey, the grand-daughter of Sookasa, and daughter of Soomaly. 

 One night lying with her husband, Kakesey conceived and bore a son, and 

 called his name Ravana. He had ten heads and twenty hands. Another 

 night she conceived a son named Koombhakurna, and a daughter named 

 Soorpanaky. On a third night she conceived Vebeshun, who became a 

 devotee of Vishnoo. Ravana and Koombhakurna went to the mountain 

 Himavunta to worship Roodra. To prove his devotion, Ravana cut off his 

 own ten heads with his sword, and presented them as an offering to Roodra 

 instead of fruits and flowers. Seva appeared before him and said, " Whatever 

 thou askest, that will I give unto thee." " I pray thee," answered Ra- 

 vana, " that I may not be subject to death by the hands of gods or asoora, 

 angels or devils." Roodra replied, " Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." 

 Then Ravana waged war against the gods and penitents, who being sorely 

 pressed, went to Vishnoo and implored his assistance. In the mean time 

 Soorpanaky, the sister of Ravana, went to Rama at Purnasala, and request- 

 ed him to marry her. Instead of complying with her request, he cut off 

 her nose and ears ; and sent her away. She accordingly departed, crying 

 aloud, to a place called Janakasthan, the residence of the giants Khara, Doo- 

 shana, and Treserus, who had an army of 14,000 strong. She shewed 

 them her wounds, and solicited revenge. The giants then arose with one 

 accord, and fought against Rama, who slew them with the edge of the 

 sword. Soorpanaky then fled to her brother Ravana, and informed him of 

 what had happened. Ravana immediately ordered the giant Mareecha to 



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