RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II [9]

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RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II [9]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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 forces under Nala stormed

the Eastern Gate; the millions under the command of Angada breached the

Southern Gate; the Western Gate fell before the onslaught of the army led by

Hanuman. Ravana himself guarded the Northern Gate, 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.

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 Agni Astra,

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, 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 and Hiranyâksha. 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 him or her 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. Arrows felled some; 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 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. Jambavan, 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.

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 Rishi, 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 Rishi, 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 Rishi 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

Rishi who lives near by, who directed you here, is no Rishi 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.

Sumithra, 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 hilltop 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

splendor 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 Lakshmana 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 Hanuman killed

him the next day. 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, 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 you ever achieve victory? 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.

Chapter 8(b) The Siege

Finding no means of escape, and overcome by affection for the brother,

Kumbhakarna got ready. They placed cauldrons of toddy and mounds of meat before

him, so that he might breakfast on them. Gulping the whole lot in a moment,

Kumbhakarna proceeded to the battlefield. Seeing him enter the fray,

Vibhishana, his younger brother, ran forward from Rama's camp and fell at his

feet in humble reverence. Rising up, he announced himself by name. Kumbhakarna

beamed in joy; he embraced his brother with loving tenderness. Vibhishana was

the first to speak. He said, "Brother! Ravana insulted me in open court and

kicked me out of the Audience Hall. I considered all aspects of this affair and

counseled him in various ways. He discarded my advice and gave ear to power-mad

foolish ministers; he hurled unbearable abuses on me,

within the hearing of those persons. I could not suffer the shame of it. I

surrendered to Rama, and, knowing that I was helpless and innocent, he accepted

me and granted me refuge". At this, Kumbhakarna replied, "Well, Brother! The

shadow of Death is already on Ravana. How then can he pay heed to good counsel?

Surely, you have done well to fulfill the goal of your life. You are not

Vibhishana now, you are Vibhishana (the shining jewel, the most splendid

ornament) of the Rakshasa clan! You have ennobled and purified the clan by

serving so ardently the very Ocean of Happiness, the Crown of the Raghu

Dynasty, Rama. Go. Serve him with sincere zeal. Brother! I have to engage in

battle regardless of the fate in store for me. I am also nearing Death. Ravana

knows that my heart is not with him. I advise you to give up loyalty to this

side or that, but, confine yourself to loyalty to Rama". Receiving this advice

and the blessings of his brother, Vibhishana returned to the presence of Rama.

He told Rama, "Lord! That mountain of a Rakshasa is Kumbhakarna; he is a

ferociously brave fighter. He has come to engage you in battle".

When the Vanaras heard these words, they were so angry that they spouted fire

and leaped under the leadership of Hanuman on the enemy forces. They threw huge

trees and enormous boulders at him. But, Kumbhakarna stood firm and unaffected.

The Vanara attack was like hitting a mad elephant with an eyelash! Boiling with

anger, Hanuman administered a mighty blow with his clenched fist and Kumbhakarna

reeled. But, recovering soon he returned the blow, and felled him to the ground.

Nala and Nela now joined the fight; they too could not withstand the might of

Kumbhakarna. Fear seized the Vanara hordes. Sugriva and Angada had their share

of the mighty Kumbhakarna's onslaught and they rolled on the ground. At last,

Kumbhakarna squeezed Sugriva under his arm and carried him off the field.

Kumbhakarna asserted that, by

carrying the King off, he had vanquished the Vanara Army.

Meanwhile, Hanuman regained awareness of the state of things; he found Sugriva

was not around; so, he got anxious to discover his whereabouts. While being

carried away, pressed under the arm of the mighty Kumbhakarna, Sugriva

recovered consciousness and he tried his best to wriggle out of the hold.

Hanuman found him engaged in this desperate bid and ran to render him help.

However, Sugriva separated himself from his captor and started a valiant fight

against him. He bit off the nose and ears of Kumbhakarna, and the monster had,

as a consequence, enormous difficulty to breathe. Soon, a horde of Vanaras

yelling "Victory to Rama", "Victory to our Master", surrounded Kumbhakarna and

rained rocks, hills and trees on him. The infuriated demon leaped on the

Vanaras and catching whomsoever he could lay his hands on, he

crunched them and swallowed them. Many were crushed to death. Thus Kumbhakarna

was able to scatter the Vanaras in panic.

At this, Rama told Lakshmana and others that the time had come when he had to

enter the field; his intercession could not be delayed any longer. "Lakshmana!

Bring that 'inexhaustible' arrow-sheath hither", He said. Bearing the command

of Rama on his head, he brought the sheath immediately and placed it in his

brother's hands. Armed with the Kodanda Bow, Rama walked into the battle area,

like a lion towards its prey. Lakshmana, Sugriva, Hanuman and Jambavan

followed him. The arrows from Rama's bow flew fast like winged serpents

straight at the foe. They spread all over the place and penetrated the four

quarters. They destroyed millions of heroes and warriors in the enemy ranks.

Unable to stand the onslaught of the arrows, the Rakshasas fled. The stream of

arrows never got dry, every arrow that was shot

returned back into the same sheath after inflicting the injury intended.

Realizing that Rama was out to exterminate the Rakshasas forces, Kumbhakarna

was terribly enraged; he roared like a wounded lion and jumped into the midst

of the fray. The Vanaras were alarmed; they fled in fear. Finding that no other

plan was feasible, Rama aimed an arrow at Kumbhakarna and sliced off his hands

at the shoulders. At this, the monster shone like the Mandara Mountain, when

the Lord of Gods, Indra, sliced off its wings. He rushed towards Rama with a

shriek. Rama drew the bowstring full behind the ear and let go a bunch of

arrows under that struck with deadly force all over his face. Kumbhakarna

reeled at the impact but did not fall. So, Rama shot another arrow, which

severed his head and felled it to the ground. When the head was sliced off, the

trunk continued to run for some distance, and to prevent this movement, Rama

shot another arrow, which cut it in

twain.

Suddenly, a splendor arose from the body and advancing towards Rama merged in

him. The Rakshasa attained liberation without performing any Sadhana or Japa

(Recitation of Name) or Thapa (Austerity for Sense Control and Mind-Control).

While alive, he shone like an incomparable hero on the battlefield; dead, he

attained the highest state of Mergence with God. Rama stood on the field, with

a sprinkling of sweat drops on his lotus face; his body revealed a few drops of

Kumbhakarna's blood that had fallen on it during the fight. It was the hour of

dusk; both armies had a fierce hot day of ferocious fight. So, they retired

into their camps. The Grace bestowed by Rama reinforced the spirits of the

Vanaras. Like fire fed by dry grass, the flame of their ardour rose high.

The Rakshasas lost strength, night and day. Ravana bewailed inconsolably. He was

a cobra that had lost its crest-jewel. Pressing his brother's severed head to

his bosom, he wept aloud. Meghanada, his son, tried to soothe him in various

ways; "Tomorrow I shall demonstrate before you my heroic might. I shall, in a

trice, smash this Vanara horde out of shape. I shall confer on you joy

immensely greater than the grief you are burdened with today", he boasted. Very

soon, dawn broke. Messengers informed Ravana that the bears and monkeys had

surrounded the city. This drew the indomitable warriors among the Rakshasas

into the struggle; they marched forth to meet the enemy. Each fought with

whomsoever he encountered to the utmost of his skill and strength. The whole of

that day, the fury was indescribably frightening.

Meghanada ascended his magic chariot and rose into the sky. His challenging roar

thundered like clouds in the doomsday sky. That roar felled the Vanaras to the

ground, as if by a mighty blow. The earth shuddered at its echo. In a moment,

he contrived a pseudo-Sita and, seating her in the chariot, he came down along

the battlefield! Hanuman noticed this before every one else. And accosting him,

Meghanada shouted, "Listen, Hanuman! This Sita, to recover whom, you are waging

this war, I am killing her this moment. Look. With her death, this war must

end", and, drawing his sword, he cut her to pieces and cast them away, Hanuman

was plunged in vengeful rage; he called upon the Vanaras to fight on, with no

thought of survival, and exterminate the Rakshasa brood. The Vanaras attacked

them so ferociously that the Rakshasas fell back into the city.

Hanuman approached Rama and reported to him the wicked deed performed by

Meghanada. As soon as he heard the news, Rama pretended to be affected by it;

he was not unaware of the fact that it was a pseudo-Sita contrived through the

magic skill of the Rakshasas; still, he acted as if he was just a 'man among

men'. Lakshmana too was down with despair; he grieved at the loss of the Mother

of all the Worlds, and sat despondent at the futility of continuing in this

world. Hearing reports of what had happened, Vibhishana rushed to the presence

of Rama. He said, "Master! You know the truth of this. The entire incident is a

fake. Sita is alive and guarded with great care. Ravana alone can have access to

the place where she is kept under guard. Meghanada has only designed a 'Sita'

and killed her in order to deceive us into

despair. Among us Rakshasas such tricks are very common; I know how they revel

in such mean stratagems". Rama and Lakshmana were happy when they heard him,

and they appreciated his exposure of the secret tactics of the Rakshasas. In

order to confirm the statement of Vibhishana and to satisfy himself all the

more, Hanuman assumed another form and entering Lanka City unnoticed by any

one, he went to the park where Sita was kept under guard, and returning, he

assured the Vanaras that all was well. This urged the Vanaras to greater

enthusiasm in battle.

Meghanada returned to the battle very soon. He rained on the Vanaras this time

not only sharp arrows, but spears, maces, axes, pestles, and boulders. The

Vanaras heard terror striking shouts and commands reverberating all around

them. "Beat", "Hold" etc., but they could not see who were obeying those orders

and beating them, hacking them and holding them fast! It was an eerie experience

which spread confusion among them. They were unable to decide whence the danger

came and where they had to turn for refuge. Even redoubtable heroes like Nala,

Nila, Angada and Hanuman were filled with fear. Meghanada aimed arrows at

Lakshmana, Sugriva and Vibhishana and pierced their bodies. But they fought

against him nevertheless with unabated fury. Meanwhile, Meghanada engaged Rama

himself in battle. He showered hissing

serpent-arrows on him. It was the renowned Dragon Weapon, the Sarpastra. And,

Rama the Supreme Actor come in the Human Role, the mighty Hero who destroyed

Khara, Dooshana and their phalanxes, allowed himself to be bound by the effects

of that powerful weapon, the Sarpastra! In order to give due respect to that

Divine Dragon and to demonstrate its potency, he permitted it to harm him! This

may seem strange, but this is the story of Rama, come with attributes,

qualities, and limitations. So people with limited capacities of thought, word

and deed cannot discover this Truth. The Vanaras were rendered helpless and

worried, because the weapon of the Dragon had overpowered Rama. Meghanada was

overjoyed; he rushed among the Vanaras, spouting vulgar abuse.

Jambavan saw him. "O you Vicious Worm! Stop", he cried. Meghanada brushed him

aside, saying. "Fie on you, I had ignored you so far, as too old to deserve

attention. Of what avail are your words to me? Move away". He threw a trident

at Jambavan, which was luckily caught by him and thrown back at Meghanada

himself. The aim was so correct and the throw was so forceful, that the trident

hit him straight on the heart; the wounded man circled round himself a few times

and fell on the ground. Jambavan rushed to where he fell; he held the feet

together and swung him round very fast before he dashed him on the ground.

"Now, say, whether I am an old man. Judge whether I have strength of youth or

the weakness of old age". Jambavan challenged Meghanada. Meghanada did not die,

he rose with great difficulty and moved away. He

had not fulfilled his boast, and so, he felt ashamed to show his face before his

father. He went straight to a garden named Nikumbala, where many Rakshasas had

performed penance and endured austerities in the past.

Four courtiers of Vibhishana who were watching incognito the movements of the

enemy leaders came to know about this and they reported the fact to him. He

hurried to Rama and said, "Master! I listened to a bit of news just now;

Meghanada is about to perform a malignant Yajna to propitiate evil powers. If

he completes the ceremonials, it will be hard to defeat him. We will have to

hurl obstacles". Rama appreciated the suggestion, and was pleased with his

words. He summoned Hanuman and Angada and told them, "Brothers! Go! Disturb and

disorganize the Yajna which Meghanada is observing". He turned to Lakshmana and

said, "Lakshmana! You have to defeat this fellow on the field of battle. Note

that gods are grieving on account of his iniquities". No sooner had he ordered

so, than Vibhishana, Sugriva and Hanuman - the

three - collected a huge force of Vanaras and followed Lakshmana in order to

give him support. Lakshmana armed himself with the bow and the ever-full

arrow-sheath, and after prostrating before Rama, he moved out of the camp, with

Rama installed in his heart. Angada, Nala, Nila and other generals walked behind

Hanuman.

When they reached the Nikumbala Park, they found the Sacrifice already on and

the flesh and blood of buffaloes being offered in the ritual fire. So, they

started disturbing the ceremonies. Meghanada did not however desist; then they

began to loudly caricature the hymns uttered by them to propitiate the Forces,

but, that did not persuade the priests to stop the rituals. So, the infuriated

Vanaras rushed into the sacrificial area, and catching Meghanada by the hair,

they pulled him to the ground and kicked him. Meghanada took hold of the

trident and pounced upon them. Angada and Hanuman fell on him, and were hit

with the trident. The blow was so hard that both of them rolled on the ground.

Lakshmana came to their rescue; he broke the terrible trident in two, Angada

and Hanuman recovered soon and hit Meghanada with

all their strength. However, the Rakshasa did not quail; he did not show any

sign of the impact. Lakshmana rained deadly arrows on him, as if he were the

God of Death come to kill him. Each one attacked him as if raining

thunderbolts. So, using his magic skill, Meghanada rendered himself invisible.

He assumed many a mysterious role and escaped. The patience of Lakshmana ran

out at last; he fixed sacred arrows on his bow, and, invoking on it the might

and majesty of Rama aimed it at Meghanada, wherever he might be. That arrow

entered the heart of Meghanada and ended his life. Since, he had in his mind,

during the last moments the image of Rama and Lakshmana, Angada, Hanuman and

Vibhishana extolled his bravery and the way he died. Hanuman lifted his body

lightly on his shoulders and carrying it to the City Gate of Lanka, placed it

there and returned. Lakshmana approached Rama and prostrated at his feet. Rama

was pleased at his success; he listened to the detailed narrative of the

events at Nikumbala Park. He fondled his brother with great affection.

TO BE CONTINUED

With Sai love from Sai brothers – ‘’