SECTION IV.
Hearing the words uttered by Agastya, Rāma wondered as to how formerly Rākshasas were generated in Lankā. And then shaking his head, he, struck with wonder, momentarily eying Agastya, addressed Agastya resembling fire, saying,—"O worshipful one, hearing thy words that formerly Lankā had been in the possession of the flesh-eaters, I have been seized with great amazement. We had heard that the Rākshasas had sprung in the race of Pulastya. But now thou hast said that they owe their origin to a different source. But were they more powerful than Rāvana and Kumbhakarna and Prahasta and Vikata and the sons of Rāvana? Who was their progenitor? And what was the name of that one of terrific strength? And through what transgression were they driven out by Vishnu? All this, O sinless one, do thou tell me in detail, and do thou dispell my curiosity even as the sun dispells darkness."
Hearing Rāghava's words, fair and fraught with polished phrase and period, Agastya, struck with surprise, said unto Rāghava,—"The lord of creatures sprung from water, first created water. And the lotus-born one generated creatures for protecting that element. And thereupon those creatures humbly presented themselves before the creator, saying,—'What shall we do? We are sore tried by hunger and thirst.' The lord of creatures, laughing, addressed them, saying,—'Ye men, do ye carefully guard this (water).' Thereat some said 'Rakshāma,'[9] and others 'Yakshāma.'[10] Thus accosted by those afflicted with hunger and thirst, the creator said,—'Those among you who have said 'Rakshāma,' shall be Rākshasas; and those among you who have said ‘Yakshāma,’ shall be Yakshas. And there sprang the brothers—repressors of foes—Heti and Praheti—lords of Rākshasas, resembling Madhu Kaitava himself. Praheti, who was righteous, went to the wood of asceticism. And Heti exerted himself to the utmost to get himself wived. And that magnanimous one of immeasurable soul married the exceedingly terrific sister of Kāla, named Bhaya.[11] And on her Heti—foremost of Rākshasas and best of those having sons—begat a son, known as Vidyutkeça. And Heti’s son, the exceedingly energetic Vidyutkeça, possessed of the splendour of the sun, grew up even like a lotus in water. And when that night-ranger arrived at proper youth, his sire turned his attention towards his marriage. And that best of Rākshasas—Heti—in the interests of his son asked for the hand of Sandhyā’s daughter, like unto Sandhyā[12] herself in potency. Sandhyā, reflecting that she needs must have to be given away by her, bestowed her on Vidyutkeça, O Rāghava. Having obtained Sandhyā’s daughter, the night-ranger, Vidyutkeça, sports with her even as Maghavān doth with the daughter of Pulomā. And it came to pass that after a length of time, O Rāma, Sāla Katankatā was filled with child by Vidyutkeça, as the clouds are furnished with water by the Ocean. And then repairing to Mandara, the Rākshasi brought forth her child, having the splendour of rain-charged clouds; even as Gangā had delivered herself of the child begotten by Fire.[13] And having delivered herself of her offspring, she again became bent on disporting with Vidyutkeça. And then forsaking her son, she began to sport with her husband; and the child having sounds resembling the rumbling of clouds, was renounced (by his mother). And forsaken by them both, the infant furnished with the brightness of the autumnal sun, entering his clenched fist into his mouth, began to cry slowly. And it so fell that, journeying with Pārvati, Siva, riding his bull through the aerial regions, heard the sounds of weeping. And along with Umā, he saw the Rākshasa’s son, as he was crying. And sent by Pārvati, whose heart was moved by compassion, Bhava—destroyer of Tripurā—made that Rākshasa’s offspring attain the age of his mother, and conferred on him immortality. And for compassing Pārvati’s pleasure, Mahādeva, indestructible and undeteriorating, granted (the Rākshasa) the power of ranging the air. And, O son of the king, Umā also bestowed a boon: 'Henceforth the Rākshasis shall conceive in a day, bring forth (child) in a day, and the child shall in a day be furnished with the age of its mother.’ And then the great and magnanimous Sukeça, puffed up with the receipt of the boons, having obtained auspiciousness at the hands of the lord, Hara, began to range everywhere, even as Purandara did on having obtained heaven."
| [9] | i.e. We shall protect.
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| [12] | The evening Twilight, spouse of the Sun.
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