Ramakatha Rasavahini, Part 2, Chapter 8 (a) - The Siege

[Guest guest]

Part 2 - Chapter 8 (a)The Siege

 

When Rama heard from Angada what had happened at Lanka and learnt from him the

attitude and alertness of the enemy, He called together the chief leaders and

commissioned them to decide how best to lay siege to the four gates of the

City. At this, the Ruler of the Monkeys (Sugriva), the Ruler of the Bears

(Jambuvan) and the Ruler of the Rakshasas (Vibhishana) met together; they

decided on the division of their forces into four, under commanders and guides;

then, they fell at the feet of Rama and enthused by His blessings, they gave

orders for attack.

With Rama in their hearts, the Vanaras armed with boulders and trees rolled

forward in terror-striking floods. Lanka was reputed impregnable; but, the

blessings of Rama helped them to break into it. The Eastern Gate was stormed by

the forces under Nala; the Southern Gate was breached by the millions under the

command of Angada; the Western Gate fell before the onslaught of the army led

by Hanuman. The Northern Gate was guarded by Ravana himself, and Rama fought

with him there. The Vanaras had no war-drums or trumpets, but the "Ram - Ram"

they voiced forth in devotion rose as one call from all throats and echoed from

the sky. The entire City of Lanka was sunk in confusion and panic. Ravana was

blinded by foolish pride; he was exulting at the prospect of victory over the

opposing forces, and reveling in the thought that the festive day of victory

had dawned for the Rakshasa Sun. (see for a painting of the battle, the Vahini

Gallery).

The Rakshasas had taken up positions over walls and turrets and bastions of the

fort, just as clouds on the peaks of the Meru mountain. They were beating drums

and blowing trumpets. Their shouts of "Victory for Ravana" confronted the

confident shout "Victory for Rama, the Lord". The boulders that the Rakshasas

were hurling on the Vanaras attacking their walls and attempting to scale them,

were seized ere they fell by the Vanaras and hurled back with fatal effect on

the very Rakshasas crowding the walls. The advance of the Vanaras gained in

momentum as the fight progressed. They killed the Rakshasas wherever and

whenever they caught them. As a giant storm scatters the clouds into the four

directions, the mounting onslaught of the Vanaras so dismayed the Rakshasas

that they fled into the distances and the City was shrouded in despair.

Women, old men, and children began blaming Ravana for bringing about the

calamity that had descended on their heads. Some Rakshasas gave up the fight,

and fled with their wives and children, in order to escape certain death.

Noticing such groups, Ravana gnashed his teeth in anger and yelled, "Cowards,

backing out of battle! I shall cut you into pieces with my Diamond Sword!" At

this, a few of the fleeing Rakshasas stayed in the fray. Meanwhile, the Vanara

heroes penetrated the enemy lines and reinforced by their contemplation on Rama

they entered the inner fortress of Ravana himself, and succeeded in razing it to

the ground. They plucked a pillar of gold and wielding it as a weapon, started

their orgy of destruction. Every Rakshasa they encountered was given a terrible

beating; then, his head was severed and cast away, with such force and such aim

that it fell right in front of Ravana himself. When darkness fell, the Vanaras,

after

demonstrating their superior might and heroism before the Rakshasas, presented

themselves before Rama.

The Rakshasas are nocturnal beings, so, when night fell, their acclamation and

fury increased many-fold. Their shouts of "Victory to Ravana" fell on the ears

of the Vanaras like the roar of lions. The Vanaras plunged into battle again.

The Rakshasa generals, Akampa and Athikaya through their magical skill spread

pitch darkness over the four quarters, and, under cover of the blackness, heavy

rains of dust, stones and blood were poured on the enemy forces. The Vanaras

could not distinguish friend from foe. They were afraid to fight with full

fury. They prayed "Rama! Rama", in a loud voice, so that they could gain

courage and give the enemy a good fight. Rama heard their cries; he called

together Angada and Hanuman and told them that the magic skill of the Rakshasas

had caused the commotion. They were furious at the shameful tactics of the

enemy, but, Rama coolly pulled out the Agneyastra, the Fire-arrow, from his

sheath, and shot it into the

darkness they had designed. The effulgence of that arrow destroyed the darkness,

and filled the area with splendid illumination. The Vanaras and the Bears set

about their task of overwhelming and destroying the enemy with redoubled energy

and enthusiasm. When the triumphant yell of Angada and Hanuman were heard, the

Rakshasas took to their heels and fled. But, they could not escape; the Vanaras

caught them by their feet and threw them far out into the sea! The Rakshasas

retreated into their camp when night advanced. They had no energy left for

continuing the fight. The Vanaras came into the Presence of Rama. When the eyes

of Rama fell upon them, they were all refreshed and recouped, with no trace of

exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Ravana summoned his ministers and addressed them thus: "This day,

thousands of Rakshasas were slain on the battlefield by the Vanaras. We have

now to plan our strategy to foil them". Then, up rose Malyavantha, the aged

Minister who had served Ravana's father and who was also the father of Ravana's

mother; he counseled various rightful and moral paths for his edification.

"Ravana!", he began, very endearingly, "Listen to my words in calmness. Pardon

me for being outright. Ever since you brought Sita here, bad omens are being

witnessed. It is not possible to describe them in detail. The glory of Rama,

the Supreme Person, cannot be measured and extolled adequately even by the

Vedas. By opposing this Cosmic Person, this Virat Purusha, [see SB: Canto

2, ch. 1] you cannot earn any good, or win any grace. You would do well to

ponder over this calmly.

Rama is the very Person who slew Hiranyakasipu [sB: Canto 7] and Hiranyâksha

[sB: Canto 3 : ch. 17,18,19]. He is the repository of all virtues. Do not

entertain hatred against Him. O Emperor! Save Lanka, I pray. Surrender Sita to

Rama. Do not delay any longer. Your safety lies in immediate surrender". Thus

saying, Malyavantha bowed his head and performed obeisance to the Ruler. These

words hurt Ravana. He was infuriated. He ejaculated, "You seem to be determined

to enter the jaws of Death. Your senility is pleading with me to pardon you; or

else, I would have hacked you to pieces. Beware. Get up and go out of sight".

Ravana hissed

like an angry serpent. Malyavantha felt sorry, for, he feared Ravana's end was

fast approaching. He laughed within himself at the conceit and ignorance that

had blinded Ravana; he concluded that he was yielding to ruinous reasoning and

foolish reactions, brushing aside the advice that would save him and his

empire, because destiny had decided to close his career.

At that moment, Meghanada rose and said, "Father! Do not hesitate. Tomorrow,

during the morning hours, you can witness my skill in war. I shall demonstrate

in action much more than I declare in words." His assurance mollified Ravana's

anger and assuaged him a little. He was filled with joy; it gave him courage

and hope. He drew his son near and caressed him fondly. He patted his head and

extolled, before all the bravery and heroic heart of his son. The Assembly

dispersed about midnight. Each member hied back to his own residence but, no

one of them had a wink of sleep. Nor had any one the appetite for food. All

were sunk in anxiety and terror about the calamity which might overtake them

any moment. Even as they were rolling in fear, dawn spread over the east. The

Vanaras, and the Bears laid siege to Lanka from all directions. Confusion and

panic raised their heads. Their roars echoed from the sky. The Rakshasa

warriors too had to take up arms

and oppose them, for, they had no other alternative. The rain of rocks and hills

that fell on the City from the walls around were fought back with arrows and

other weapons from billions of Rakshasas. They too shouted and yelled

reverberating the sky as on doomsday. But, the huge peaks and hilltops that the

Vanaras threw at them reduced the Rakshasa hordes into a mass of lifeless pulp.

Enraged at the news that the Vanaras had rushed into the City, Meghanada took up

arms and advanced to attack them. The hordes that followed him beat their

war-drums and sounded their clarions. Meghanada was famous as Indrajit, for, he

had once overwhelmed in battle no less a person than Indra, the Ruler of the

Gods. He was the chief among Lanka's generals and a terrible warrior. The

Vanaras lost courage when they espied him on his chariot. Sighting the flight

of the enemy forces, Meghanada shouted in joy and stringing his mighty bow, he

shot a rain of arrows upon them. Drawing the string right back to his ear, he

shot the arrows fast and furious; they flew like winged serpents in all

directions; so, the Vanaras were afraid to face him. They lost the urge to

fight and retreated. Some were felled by arrows; others fainted and fell.

Witnessing

the pitiable plight of the Vanaras, Hanuman was overcome with rage; he hastened

towards Meghanada, full of fury appearing as the God of Death Himself! He

plucked a mountain peak that was nearby and threw it at the Rakshasa leader. As

soon as he saw the peak rushing towards him like the messenger of Death,

Meghanada used his magical skill to rise up into the sky. His chariot, the

horses and the charioteer were all crushed underneath that peak as it fell

exactly where it was aimed. Meghanada designed many other magic stratagems.

But, his design to create terror in Hanuman was as ineffective as the attempt

of a miniature snake to terrorize the King of Eagles, Garuda. He showered fire

from the sky; he rained blood. He spread thick night, when day was bright. The

darkness was so dense that one could not see his own palm spread before his

eyes. The Vanaras were confused and rendered despondent by such tactics. They

felt that their end had come.

Rama saw the tricks into which the Rakshasas had descended in their despair; he

laughed within himself at their helplessness; he became aware that the Vanaras

had lost confidence and courage; so, he shot one single arrow into the fray.

The magic of the Rakshasa was mortally hit and it no longer worked. Brightness

was restored to the earth, as if the Sun had risen in the sky. The Vanaras

recovered self-confidence and advanced towards the Rakshasa ranks. The

compassionate glance of Rama fell upon them and they were refreshed. The entire

Vanara horde shouted with one voice, "Jai, Jai for our Lord, Rama", and pressed

forward against all odds. Nothing could halt them; no one could delay their

advance. To heighten courage and quicken their pace, Lakshmana joined Hanuman,

and with his mighty bow and sharp arrows he fell upon Meghanada. Ravana heard

that Lakshmana had jumped into the fray and so he hastened to send strong

re-enforcements to support his

son on the field. The Vanaras fought without respite, armed with tree and rocks.

Both sides fought ferociously with unabated fury. Most of the fight centered

round duels between warriors and leaders. The Vanaras hit with their clenched

fists and bit with their sharp teeth; this caused the death of a vast number of

Rakshasas. They clipped with their nails many a head from the shoulders on which

they rested; they pulled many a hand from the sockets in which they were

fastened. The yell of victory with which the Vanaras announced their triumph

resounded among the Nine Islands. Headless corpses of the Rakshasas continued

to run along the directions which the Rakshasas took while alive; seeing this

eerie phenomenon, the Vanaras broke into ribald laughter. The roads that

criss-crossed over the vast field of battle were filled with streams of blood.

Lakshmana and Meghanada were involved in deadly combat. Each appeared the

other's equal in skill and strength. Indrajit decided to defeat Lakshmana by

magic stratagem rather than by the tactics of war. But, even these were foiled

and his plans ended in failure. Lakshmana in a spurt of terrific rage destroyed

the chariot of Meghanada and killed his charioteer. Afraid that his death was

imminent, Meghanada took on hand the supremely potent weapon, Sakti, that

Brahma had gifted, and, aiming it at the very heart of Lakshmana, he directed

It to the target. The weapon hit the heart of Lakshmana, coming straight from

Meghanada's hand. Lakshmana fell on the ground, in a 'mortal' swoon. Meghanada,

now no longer in fear, approached the fallen hero and tried to lift the body

away to his own camp. Though his strength was equal to Lakshmana's, Meghanada

could not raise the body. Countless warriors came forward to help him;

but, numbers were of no avail. Lakshmana was the Primeval Serpent, [sB: Canto 5,

Ch. 25] that bears the Cosmos on Its Thousand Hoods, Adisesha, come again. How

could any one however strong or any number of such ones succeed in lifting him?

Only those who have won the Grace of Sri Rama could move Lakshmana!

Meanwhile, the shades of evening invaded the land. The two opposing forces

returned to their camps. Sri Rama saw the returning Vanaras but could not see

Lakshmana among them. He asked, "Where is Lakshmana?" Just at that moment,

Hanuman entered carrying the body of Lakshmana over his shoulder. Hanuman was

praying plaintively: "Rama! Rama!" Rama acted as if he was perturbed and

affected by anxiety; but, he soon righted himself. He laid the body of

Lakshmana on his lap and examined it carefully for long. Jambuvan, the aged,

spoke at that juncture. He said, "Lord, let us not lose time; Let us not delay

treatment or hesitate. It is best we get Sushena here, the physician, from

Lanka; he knows the remedy." That very minute, Hanuman assumed a microscopic

human form and entered the inner city of Lanka. Even while moving in, he was

hurt by a doubt whether Sushena would comply with his request to come into the

camp of Rama. So, Hanuman resorted to a

ruse. He lifted the house of Sushena with him inside it, and brought it intact

over the intervening distance. When Sushena emerged, he found himself in the

presence of Rama himself. Sushena fell at the feet of Rama, and disclosed the

name of the mountain where the drug, which could save Lakshmana, was growing.

While considering whom to send in search of that precious drug, Hanuman himself

prostrated before the lotus feet of his Lord, and prayed that he might be

enjoined to bring it. And Rama entrusted the task to him.

Lakshmana wounded and lying unconscious while Hanumangoes off to bring the magic herb

Meanwhile, one of his spies reported to Ravana that Sushena, the physician, had

reached the presence of Rama. Ravana consulted Kalanemi on this new development

and its consequences. Kalanemi replied, "Ravana! This Hanuman is an impossible

person! Did he not set Lanka in flames even when you were looking on? What

special skill or strength do I have to contain and conquer this Hanuman? The

time to do the right is still not past. Give up the absurd notion that it is

possible for you to win a victory over Rama. Go; take refuge at the feet of

Rama. Your fortunes will get better thereby. Forsake your pride and obstinacy."

Kalanemi gave Ravana good counsel; but, what he looked for was something

different. Therefore, Ravana condemned him. Shaking with rage, he shouted: "Are

you prepared to obey me? If not prepare yourself for death". Kalanemi thought

that it would be much more beneficial to die at the hands of Rama than being

killed by Ravana;

so, he left for Rama's camp. Exercising his magical skills, he sought a lake in

the center of a lovely park, and wearing the robes of a rshi, he sat in deep

meditation on its bank. Hanuman who was on his way to the mountain range where

the life saving drug was to be found, was exhausted, since he had no rest after

the fierce engagement with Meghanada. So, he felt that a few moments of rest and

a drink from the cool lake would be worthwhile, for he could proceed there after

all the quicker. Hanuman fell at the feet of the rshi, who was reciting the name

of Rama and extolling his exploits and excellences. He was delighted; he too

sang the Name "Rama! Rama!". The disguised Kalanemi told him further, "O

Vanara! There is a war being fought between Rama and Ravana. I am watching it

every day from here. There is no doubt that Rama will soon emerge as victor

without fail". Hanuman was elated at this; he told the sage, that he was very

thirsty. The sage told him that his water vessel had

cool refreshing water and he offered it to him. Hanuman said, "Master! This

little quantity cannot quench my thirst to any appreciable degree." Then the

rshi told him that there was a lake nearby and he could have a dip in its

limpid waters and also drink his fill, in order to get refreshed. Hanuman

agreed and proceeded towards the lake indicated. He stepped into the lake,

until his feet were immersed in the water; just then, a crocodile crept up from

within the lake and held his foot in its vile grip. Of course, it could not do

any further harm. For, Hanuman shook it off and hit it to death. As soon as the

crocodile's life ended, it stood before Hanuman as a resplendent Heavenly Being.

Hanuman was surprised at this vision. He asked the Appearance, "Who are you?"

That person answered, "O Servant of Rama! My load of sin melted away when I had

the good luck of seeing you and being touched by you. Kalanemi and I were

musicians, Gandharvas, at the Court of Indra in Heaven. One day, the sage,

Durvasa, celebrated for his short temper, arrived at Court. When our eyes fell

on that wild ferocious figure, we burst into laughter. And, so he cursed both

of us to be born on earth as Rakshasas. We pleaded for mercy, holding his feet

and shedding tears of contrition; he took compassion on us and said, 'Well! You

will take birth in Lanka. The Lord will be incarnating as Rama, in the last

quarter of the Treta Age and a terrible battle will ensue between Rama and the

Ruler of Lanka; during that battle, Lakshmana, the brother, will get fatally

hurt by the weapon called Sakti and Hanuman, a devoted servant of Rama, will be

journeying to the Sanjivi Mountain, green with bushes of drugs; you both be

liberated from the Rakshasa

encumbrance by contact with him'. "O Vanara! The rshi who lives near by, who

directed you here, is no rshi at all. He is a Rakshasa in disguise; he is named

Kalanemi."

Hanuman approached Kalanemi, and shouted in his ear, "Dear Preceptor! Accept the

offering I propose to make in return for the lesson you taught me. You are my

Guru and I have to pay you fees". What had happened was that Kalanemi had

wondered why Hanuman had taken such a long time to quench his thirst and

return, and he had guessed that the reason was the revelation of his own

identity and history by his brother who was living his curse out there, as a

crocodile. So, Kalanemi pretended to be too deeply involved in dhyana to

recognize the person who stood before him and accosted him. Hanuman knew the

disguise that Kalanemi was hiding under. He caught hold of his neck and twisted

it fast until he died, with the words, "Rama! Rama!" emerging from his lips with

the last breath.

Kicking aside the corpse, Hanuman hastened towards the Drona Mountain Range and

reaching the Sanjivi Hill, started looking for the drug he had come for. But,

he failed to identify it among the plentiful vegetation with which the hill was

carpeted thick. Time was running out; his return was already considerably

delayed; he was conscious of the urgency of Rama's Command. So, he resorted to

another plan. He plucked the entire hill and leapt through the sky carrying it

on his palm.

He had to pass over the City of Ayodhya on his way to Lanka, during the hours of

night. Bharatha was at that time pining alone, wakeful but worried about his

brother and his life in the forest. Suddenly, the moonlight was darkened by a

shadow, the shadow of Hanuman and the hill falling upon him. Bharatha inferred

that the monkey with the mountain load must be a Rakshasa that had assumed that

form proceeding on some wicked mission. He decided to destroy it before it could

accomplish any mischief. Seizing his bow, he shot an arrow at it, drawing the

string right back to the ear and with good aim. When the arrow struck him,

Hanuman gave out a shrill cry, "Rama!"

When that name fell on his ears, Bharatha stood up shocked and ran towards the

fallen monkey. From Hanuman he learnt the story of his mission and the urgency

of his errand. He was overcome with grief; but, he embraced Hanuman and pleaded

that he must be pardoned for his foolish haste. Bharatha broke into tears. He

prayed, "If it is true that I have adored Rama through thought, word and deed

and that I have not deviated from this path, let this Vanara be restored to his

original health and strength."

When Bharatha lamented so deep and took so firm a vow, Hanuman was relieved of

his pain; he rose up fresh and free. Then a thought entered into him, to test

the sincerity of Bharatha. He said, "Victory to the Lord of the Raghu Dynasty".

At this, Bharatha's heart was so struck by anguish that he broke into loud sobs;

he pleaded, "O Chief of Monkeys! Are Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana keeping well? My

mother, Sita, is she happy and in good spirits?" Bharatha shed tears of joy

when he recollected the absent Sita and his brothers. At this, Hanuman related

to him all that had happened. Bharatha was overwhelmed with sorrow when he

heard the narration; he fainted and fell on the ground, when he heard that

Lakshmana had lost consciousness on the field of battle. Recovering soon,

Bharatha rose and said, "Hanuman! Pardon me for my foolish act. I ought not to

cause any further delay. Hasten with Sanjivi Hill, with the precious drug that

can cure him. Proceed

fast".

Hanuman fell at the feet of Bharatha and raised aloft the Hill on his palm. When

he took off and flew into the horizon, Bharatha watched him with unwinking eyes,

until he disappeared from view. He was glad that at last he was able to secure

some knowledge of the movements of Rama; but, he was full of grief at the

condition of Sita and of Lakshmana. With a heavy heart, he went home and

communicated the story to the mothers.

Sumitra, the mother of Lakshmana, though saddened for a while, quickly recovered

her composure, reminding herself that Rama was present by the side of her son.

She told herself, "The son born of my loins is offering his very life, in the

service of Rama! That is enough consolation for me. It gives me a great sense

of satisfaction. My life has attained fulfillment. But, I am concerned, because

Rama must be afflicted at the fate of Lakshmana; this 'loss of consciousness'

must be affecting him; separation from his brother might cause him grief. Son!

Satrughna! Go to where Rama is and be by his side". At this Satrughna stood up

in readiness, saying, "What greater good fortune can fall to my lot?" But,

Bharatha stopped him and said, "Without specific orders from Rama, I am unable

to agree to your joining him". Bharatha comforted Satrughna, and told him that

Rama might dislike this act, and that it was always beneficial to bow to his

will.

Meanwhile, in Lanka, Rama was guarding Lakshmana. The day rolled into evening

and night and even into the hour of midnight. The Vanaras were squatting around

Rama. Rama, acting as merely human, expressed anxiety at the non-arrival of

Hanuman. "It is midnight; there is yet no sign of Hanuman! Has he lost his way

by any chance? Brother Lakshmana is still critically unconscious!" He turned

the face of Lakshmana tenderly towards him, and fondling it with tearful

affection, said, "Brother! Open your eyes and look at me. Never have you spent

such long hours without turning your eyes towards me. Without even a wink you

watched over me, all these years, with no respite. How can I bear this silence

from you? Since yesterday, I have none to comfort me with soft speech". Rama

wailed thus, like common mortals. "Brother! For my sake, you forsook both

parents and wife; you came into exile and forest life, along with me, though

you were under no obligation to

do so. You never paid attention to the hardships you encountered. Your nature is

simple and sweet. But, for my sake you welcomed the hot sun, you got wet in the

rain, and you shivered in the cold. You would not take food, at mealtime; for,

you had no regular hours. You gave me whatever food you collected. Lakshmana, I

am not unaware of the fact that often you laid yourself on the bare ground on an

empty stomach. Brother! For twelve long hours I am deprived of loving care, do

you not realize this? Lakshmana! Open your eyes just once and look upon me;

that is what I most need now". Rama held the chin of Lakshmana in his loving

hand and prayed most touchingly for one glance from his eye. The Vanaras shed

tears of sorrow at the anguish that Rama experienced. Many of them climbed the

hill-top trees and peered into the distance to discover signs of the approach

of Hanuman.

Soon, Hanuman appeared carrying the Sanjivi Peak on his upraised palm. Hanuman

shone before their eyes as the embodiment of courage, made more lovable by the

splendour of compassion. He touched ground and came among the Vanaras. The

Vanaras shouted, 'Hail! Hail!' They said, "You have made our lives worth-while;

had you not come before dawn, we would all have plunged into the ocean and ended

our lives, for, we could not have survived Lakshmana or cared to exist without

him. You have saved our lives." When Rama saw Hanuman with the Peak on which

the curative plants were growing, His delight was beyond measure. Sushena

immediately secured the drugs he required - the Visalyakarini,

the Samdhanakarini, the Souvarnakarini and the Samjivakarini - from the Peak and

administered them to Lakshmana. And, Lakshmana sat up, fully awake. Rama was

overcome with joy; he embraced his brother and caressed him very fondly. He

exclaimed, "Brother! Brother! Where had you been these hours?" His eyes were

streaming with tears of joy and gratitude. He was plunged in high delight,

comparable only to Brahmic Bliss. Meanwhile, as a result of contact with the

vitalizing air that blew from the Sanjivi Peak in their midst, the Vanaras who

had fallen dead during the days of bitter battle recovered their lives and were

able to sit up and move about as before. This produced great joy among the

Vanaras, who danced in glee, embracing their revived companions and kinsfolk.

Rama showered his blessings on Sushena; he assured Sushena that he would guard

him against any vengeful steps that Ravana might plan against him. He ordered

Hanuman to deposit him back again in Lanka, house and all, and

also to deposit the precious Sanjivi Peak near his house, in memory of his

service to Lakhsmana and the Vanaras. Hanuman praised his services and thanking

him for saving the life of his master as well as those of his companions. He

carried his house, with him in it, as well as the Peak and placed them safely

on the ground in Lanka.

Another day dawned. War drums could be heard from the Rakshasa camp. The Vanaras

were agog with excitement; they drew enormous strength from the thought of Rama,

their guardian and guide. Each of them was filled with the might of many

elephants. They all jumped about, impatient, to start the fray. That day the

enemy generalissimo was Dhoomraksha. He fought desperately, but he was killed

the next day by Hanuman. At this, Akampa stepped into the breach and fought

ferociously at the head of the demonic horde. Angada led the Vanaras against

Akampa, and he was able to kill the Rakshasa general that very day. Hearing

that Akampa had met his death at the hands of the enemy, Prahastha rushed into

the battlefield raising great hue and cry. Nila took him on, and, remembering

ever more keenly the name of Rama, he engaged him furiously. Leaping on him

with terrible ferocity, Nila succeeded in killing the new general Prahastha.

Mahodara came next. Hanuman

jumped on him with a reverberating roar, and fought with him, tooth and nail.

Soon, he was able to cut Mahodara into pieces.

For five long days thereafter, the two sons of Kumbhakarna [see also: SB, Canto

7, Ch. 1, verses 44-45], Kumbha and Nikumbha, continued the fight, at the head

of a phalanx of fierce Rakshasas. On the sixth day, both brothers reached the

Heaven that warrior heroes attain when they die on the field of battle.

Observing the unbroken series of calamities that rained upon their forces, the

Rakshasas of Lanka were stricken with panic; they were struggling to hide

themselves somewhere in order to save their lives; many surrendered and sought

refuge in the Camp of Vanaras. They blamed Ravana and abused him bitterly. Many

proceeded to Queen Mandodari and prayed to her to arrest the train of disaster.

She too was sad that Ravana had yielded to his mad impulses, and she tried to

dissuade him away from the war.

But, the war went on unabated. Makaraksha, the redoubtable warrior, continued

the battle. Lakshmana opposed him and killed him. When such signal success was

accomplished in a trice, the Vanaras leaped in joy and shouted, "Jai! Jai!"

Ravana wailed and wept when he heard that his unbeatable generals had all, one

by one, fallen dead on the ground! He ran towards the place where his brother,

Kumbhakarna, lay asleep, and he attempted to awaken him by urgent and drastic

means. Vast crowds of Rakshasas gathered near his ears and beat huge drums

wildly. Ravana brought hundreds of boxers who hit the sleeping demon; hundreds

rained punches on him with their fisticuffs; many dealt heavy thrusts on his

thighs, with gigantic maces. At last, the eyes opened, and the demon looked

around. Ravana related his despair to him; he told him of the death of his own

sons. That made him rise in red vengeance, as if he was the very embodiment of

Time, the

Universal Destroyer. He exclaimed, "Fool! Can victory be ever achieved by you?

You have tarnished yourselves unpardonably by the sin of stealing and bringing

away Sita, the Mother of the Universe. Your wicked act is inexcusably heinous.

Your viciousness is bringing destruction on Lanka. Go, surrender to Rama at

least now, regardless of your absurd sense of prestige! Was it right, for a

ruler charged with the high duty of maintaining righteousness and suppressing

unrighteousness in his kingdom, to cast off propriety and good conduct, and

abduct another's wife? Has this the approval of ethics? Is it conducive to

spiritual progress? You have to suffer the fruits of your actions. Ravana! Rama

is no ordinary mortal. Surpanakha, (RRV2-2) our sister, was maddened by lust;

she planned to achieve her selfish desire and she suffered the consequence of

her

wickedness. She set your instinct on fire, and induced you to enact this

barbarous crime. Listening to a wily woman, you cast aside all discrimination,

and brought on your head this calamity by the mischief of your own hands."

Kumbhakarna laid the blame on his own brother and advised him for long. But

Ravana was in no mood to accept the blame. "Do not desert me in disaster.

Prepare yourselves for leading our armies into the war; save my life", he

pleaded.

 

Bhajan Sung by Sathya Sai: Shuklambara Dhara Ganapati Mantram

 

Ramakatha RasavahiniThe Sweet Story of Rama's GloryOriginal in Telegu written by

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai BabaRendered into English by Professor N. Kasturi

Source: http://www.vahini.org/ramakatha2/ch8a.htmlVahini.org: 'Vahini' Books

written by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

 

 

Finance Tax Center - File online. File on time.