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 9The Nether Region

Rama embraced Vibhishana, Hanuman, Nala, Nila and others and thrilled them all

with the Divine Touch; at this, the pain that tortured them disappeared in an

instant; the wounds on their bodies were healed. The Vanaras were delighted at

the sight of Rama's happy face. The compassionate look of Rama fell upon the

Vanaras.

Meanwhile, Sulochana, the wife of Meghanada, heard the news of her husband's

death, through her maids who ran to her with the tragic information. "Until

now, I believed that this small task could be accomplished easily by either

Meghanada or Kumbhakarna. Now, I have observed with my own eyes the failure of

their prowess. I am ashamed that Meghanada fell a victim to the attack of

monkeys. Those who are killed by monkeys, how can they claim to be heroes?"

Ravana said. He tried to console Sulochana. He said, "Respected Consort! Give

up your grief. Do not think that I am a hero of that type. I shall bring you

solace, within an hour or so. You can witness on the battlefield, my terrific

might. I shall pluck the heads of those who caused the death of your husband,

and bring them with me. This shall be done, without

doubt". Thus, Ravana boasted and raved in the presence of Sulochana. His anger

burnt his frame and he was beside himself with rage.

Hearing his words, the wise and virtuous Sulochana said, "O Ten-headed One! Is

there in your heart any trace of hope that you can win victory? You are sunk in

the deep darkness of delusion. I had swallowed my resentment and my

disappointment so long, for, I felt that opposing one's father-in-law was

improper, and in this case, it is also useless to try convincing you. Your rage

is the prime cause for the destruction of the Rakshasa population of this

island. Let me tell you this - it is impossible for you to win this war. This

is the truth, the indisputable truth". Sulochana rose suddenly, and wailing

alone, she moved towards the apartments of Mandodari, the Queen, the mother of

Meghanada. Reaching there, she fell at the feet of her mother-in-law and said,

"This calamity has been brought about by your husband

and not by any one else. You too cannot escape such a calamity, which is sure to

befall this day or the next". Her torn heart poured out words that were harsh

and cruel. Mandodari too was pained when she contemplated the evil desires of

Ravana and his pride at his own wickedness; she wept at the realization that

the words of Sulochana were awfully true. The two women sat silent for long,

and later they described to each other the virtues and excellence of Rama and

the patience and chastity of Sita and told themselves that if only they could

get a glimpse of that divine person their lives would be rendered worth while.

Ravana could not bear to witness the agony of his daughter-in-law, the bereaved

Sulochana. Her words thrust his heart like sharp spikes. His grief was so heavy

at the loss of such a bright and loving son that he fell on the floor and in

despair beat his head on the ground. Rising up, he poured out his anguish

before the Siva idol of his favorite temple. Meanwhile, the ministers of his

court approached him there. They said, "O King, Why are you grieving in vain?

Sons, wives and all the rest on whom we lavish our love are all like the

lightning flash that illumines the dark cloud for an instant; they come and go.

Life is a flash, it does not last. Knowing this in full measure, it is not

proper for you to sink in ignorance and bewail their loss. Now is the time to

plan the future. Plan out the strategy by which we

can destroy the enemy at our doors". They tried to bring consolation and remind

him of the immediate task, through various arguments. At last, Ravana folded

his twenty palms and praying to Siva, he fell on the floor of the temple in

reverent homage.

When this happened on the earth above, Ahi-ravana, living in the nether regions

became aware that Ravana was suffering a great burden of sorrow. He thought

within himself. "How could this be? He has all the world under his control and

within his grasp! No one can defeat him". Ahi-ravana worshipped no other god

but the Devi Kamada. Immediately, he meditated on Her and She revealed to Her

votary the place where Ravana was, at that time. So, he could appear before

Ravana, in the Siva Temple itself. He fell at Ravana's feet, announcing his

name while doing so. Ahi-ravana was no other than another son of Ravana. He

enquired the reason why the father was so dishearted. Ravana related to him all

that had happened since the nose and the brothers sliced off ears of Surpanakha.

This account made Ahi-ravana very sad. He

said, "The path of morality is adored by every one in the world. By straying

away from that path and preferring the path of immortality, fear enters the

heart. Instead of paying attention to the past and future, and the likely

course of events, you have plunged into this foolish fatal war. As a

consequence, you have destroyed your clan and your dynasty. You do not know the

heroism and the power that lies dormant in 'man'. You have counted the greatest

among them as the least and the lowest. Yet I wish to tell you one thing now. I

shall capture Rama and Lakshmana and take them with me to the nether regions. I

shall sacrifice them as offerings to my Kamada Devi. I shall thereby bring

immense fame to the Rakshasa name." With these words, he prostrated before

Ravana, and made obeisance to Kamada Devi. Then he entered the camp of Rama.

With his supernatural power, he invoked the spirit of darkness and enveloped

the Vanaras in thick blackness. No one could see his own palm, held before

him! Such was the thickness of the pitch darkness around all. The Vanaras were

extremely vigilant in camp; even Death dare not enter the place. Hanuman, the

Vanara guard, elongated his tail to such an extent that he could encircle the

camp with it many times over, until the coils one over the other became a high

wall, of the size and strength of a mountain barrier. Hanuman himself sat alert

at the only gate through which entrance into this impregnable fort was possible.

Ahi-ravana saw the caudal fort and was stricken with great fear. He could not

conceive of any strategy to outmaneuver this defense. Suddenly getting a

brainwave, he changed himself into the likeness of Vibhishana and accosted

Hanuman at the gate. He told him, "Friend, I must go into the Presence of Rama.

With His approval I had gone outside the camp to perform my evening prayers and

rites. I have finished them now. If I do not go without delay, I would incur

the sin of disobeying His command. So, allow me to enter the camp." Those words

and that form took in hanuman, which were to his ears and eyes the same as

Vibhishana's. He allowed him into the camp. He found Nala and Sugriva fast

asleep, since the day’s fighting exhausted them. Rama too was sleeping,

with His hand clasping the hand of His brother

Lakshmana. The pseudo-Vibhishana who was approaching him was not un-noticed by

Rama. He had incarnated, adopting, in sport, the human frame and His purpose in

so doing was to destroy the entire Rakshasa species and wipe them off. His task

will remain unfinished if the descendants of Ravana survived in the nether

regions. So, He played His role, as if He did not know the trick that

Ahi-ravana was about to indulge in. Others cannot understand His ways. He knows

where, when and by which means, one has to be exterminated. He plays His drama,

in His own way.

The Rakshasa recited the Mohana Mantra, which would make whomsoever he wants

swoon and become unconscious. That made the Vanara heroes sleep even more

soundly. Then, he bound Rama and Lakshmana and carried them off to his region

in the bowels of the earth, the region called Patala.

After some time, the Vanaras woke up and were plunged in dismay when they found

that Rama and Lakshmana were not beside them. The place where they had slept

had become a deep pit. The entire camp was soon filled with cries and groans.

The Vanaras were rendered as miserable as the sky without the moon, or lotus

blooms without water. The Vanaras started moving in all directions to seek out

the brothers and recover them. Many ran towards the shore of the sea; many

searched the borders of the campus. No one could discover any clue. The Vanaras

lost hope and courage; they were overcome by sorrow and despair. "All this

juncture, this misfortune has overtaken us." The Vanaras lamented their fate in

this manner. Sugriva, the King of the Vanaras, himself fell unconscious on the

ground. Vibhishana had not heard about this

incident; he was returning with wet clothes on, from a sea bath, after

performing his morning rites. The Vanaras ran towards him and revealed to him

that Rama and Lakshmana could not be seen in camp. Vibhishana was struck with

sorrow for one instant; but, since he was conversant with the tricks that the

Rakshasas could play, using their supernatural powers, he guessed the plot

correctly. "Come. Let us go into the camp," he told them. This gave them some

little consolation. When he talked with Hanuman at the gate, he was surprised

and shocked. Hanuman asked, "Why? You passed through this gate into the camp a

while ago; you asked me permission to do so."

It was now clear to Vibhishana. He could picture in his mind what had happened.

So he addressed the Vanaras thus: "Vanaras! There is no need to be anxious.

Ahi-ravana, the son of Ravana is a master in such tricks. He is living in

Patala ... the nether regions. Judging from the depth of this pit, I am sure it

is he who has carried Rama and Lakshmana to his own place underground. I have no

doubt on this point. For, no one else can assume my form. Do not be

disheartened. It is best that some one from among us who is mighty proceeds

thither." Vibhishana looked around and sighting Hanuman, he said, "Hanuman!

Your physical and mental strength are known all over the world. Go immediately

to Patala and bring back those Oceans of Mercy, Rama and Lakshmana. Vibhishana

described also the route that Hanuman had to take to

reach Patala, where Ahi-ravana stayed. Sugriva, Angada and Jambavantha clasped

Hanuman to their breast and shed tears of joy. Hanuman solicited permission

from his Royal Master, Sugriva and, while starting on his mission, told the

Vanaras, "Do not fear. Do not be anxious in the least. Whoever he is, I shall

destroy him, even if I have to sacrifice my life. I shall stand before you with

Rama and Lakshmana pretty soon. Be assured". With these words and with the

acclamation, Jai Rama, Jai Rama (Victory to Rama, Victory to Rama) emanating

from his tongue, Hanuman started off. Reaching the Patala region, he rested a

while under a tree. He heard two birds sitting above him, conversing aloud.

Hanuman knew the language of birds; so, he sat listening to their talk. "Dear

One", spoke the bird, "Ahi-ravana has brought two brothers Rama and Lakshmana,

and he has made all preparations to sacrifice both of them to Goddess Kamada

just now. He will cast those holy bodies away, after the sacrifice.

We can feast on those sacred bodies to our full content. This day is a festival

day for us." Hanuman rose suddenly from under the tree; like a cobra whose tail

has been trodden upon, he hissed with rage, and leaped forward like a giant

flame. "Alas! I fear what has happened already to my Lord", he wailed.

He entered the City of Ahi-ravana. At the very entrance, he had to fight and

overcome Makaradhwaja, the guard in monkey form. But, seeing that he was a

monkey, he explored his genealogy and history; Hanuman was able to win his

confidence and get from him inside information about Rama and Lakshmana and

their fate. He also came to know from him that the brothers were to be taken at

dawn to the temple of Goddess Kamada, for being offered as human sacrifice to

Her.

Hanuman asked Makaradhwaja, the Monkey Guardian of Patala, where the cruel

Overlord of the Nether Regions kept the two brothers. He gave him all the

details. However, he insisted that he will not allow him to enter the area,

for, he had to obey his master and be loyal to him and to his interests.

'Whatever the suffering I have to endure, I shall not let you in,' he said. "If

I show you special consideration for the reason that you too are a monkey, I

will thereby be dishonoring the entire monkey species, as unreliable and

ungrateful. My lord, Ahi-ravana, is as much adorable to me as your lord, Rama

is to you. So, however near you may be to me, I shall not waver or deviate; I

must do my duty and carry out his command. You can get in only after defeating

me in combat", he said challengingly. Hanuman appreciated

his sentiments and his sense of duty. He was happy that Makaradhwaja had taken

the proper attitude. He took up the challenge and entered into the fight. After

some time spent in fierce combat, Hanuman decided that protraction was not

desirable; so, he twisted his tail around the body of Makaradhwaja and cast him

far out in the distance. Then, Hanuman boldly entered the City. He noticed a

florist entering the gate with a fine big garland of fragrant flowers.

Resolving that this was the best chance to reach the place he wanted to, he

assumed suddenly a molecular form and occupied the garland he (the florist) was

carrying. The garland was not rendered any heavier; it was as light as ever. The

florist had no idea of what happened. Everything was as before, for him. The

garland was delivered to Ahi-ravana himself. He took it in both his hands and

placed it round the neck of the image of Kamada in the temple. He also offered

various rich dishes as sanctified food to the idol. From his

vantage point on the garland round its neck, Hanuman ate up the dishes as they

were placed before the idol. The Rakshasas saw the food disappearing, and they

were delighted that their Goddess had deigned to accept their devotion.

Ahi-ravana too was happy, at the thought that 'this day, my prayers have been

answered: my fortune has reached its summit.'

Meanwhile, Rama and Lakshmana, the brothers, were brought in, decorated in the

manner in which sacrificial animals are decorated. Gigantic Rakshasa warriors

were holding them by their arms on either side. Hanuman saw them being made to

stand by side of the sacrificial altar. Hanuman bowed obeisance to Rama from

where he was, and filled his mind with adorations for Him. The guards placed

the brothers right in front of the Idol, and held sharp swords near their

necks. Ahi-ravana said that the sacrificial offering of the lives of the two

brothers has to take place immediately after the waving of the Holy Flame, and

that they ought to be ready to execute their task, without a moment's delay.

Rama and Lakshmana, who were really Divine Beings playing the role of humans,

had discovered that it was Hanuman who had eaten

the food offerings placed by Ahi-ravana before the Deity, and that knowledge

induced them to take on to the impending events with great good humor. Seeing

them smiling and light-hearted, Ahi-ravana was awfully enraged. He said, "Well.

If the few moments more of life that you are granted give you so much of joy, I

do not grudge it; be happy while you can. A while later, you can smile in the

realm of Yama, the Ruler of the Dead". He paid no regard to the brothers, but

continued to relish their fate and utter harsh words to wound them even more.

At this, the priest rose and paying respects to his master, informed him that

the code of political morality requires that the victims be permitted to pray,

if they so desire, to their guardian for peace after death. The Rakshasa Chief

rose from his seat and announced, "Princes! If you have any well-wishers, this

is the time to express gratitude for them, since you have only a few moments to

live". Rama and Lakshmana looked at each other's face

and smiled.

That very moment, Hanuman let out a terrific roar. Hearing it, the Rakshasas

imagined that their Goddess had manifested Herself and was expressing Her

anger. Hanuman jumped from the garland, assuming his terror striking Form and

grasping the sword that was in the hand of the Goddess, he felled Ahi-ravana to

the ground and hit him all over, hacking him to pieces. But his body was of

diamond strength and he had won a mysterious boon, which made the bits get

together and become whole, as soon as they were separated. At last, Hanuman

fixed Rama in his mind and with a shout, Jai Rama; he caught the head in one

hand and with the other sliced the neck. Before they could join, he threw the

head into the blazing fire, in the sacrificial pit, before the Idol.

Just then, Makaradhwaja managed to reach the temple and the presence of the

Goddess. On seeing him, Hanuman recovered the golden crown from the head of

Ahi-ravana, and placing it on his head, he proclaimed him ruler of Patala and

advised him to be ever grateful to the Brothers and to be always loyal and

devoted to them. He had Rama and Lakshmana seated on his shoulders and, at one

jump, he rose from Patala and landed for them [the Vanaras] with their million

eyes. Vibhishana and others could not contain the joy that overwhelmed them

when they saw the Brothers safe and sound before them. They fell at the feet of

Rama and Lakshmana; they clasped Hanuman in their arms and shed tears of

gratitude. The Vanaras praised Hanuman in a thousand different paeans. They

lifted him on their shoulders; they fed him and

fondled him. They embraced him, poured their love on him. Vibhishana stood

before Rama and said, "Lord! What shall I say of your Leela, your Sport? You

alone can reveal to us the meaning of your acts and activities. You have come

with the resolution to wipe off the Rakshasa denizens even in the Nether

Regions. All this stage-acting is, I know, to fulfill that resolution".

Ravana came to know that Hanuman had brought Rama and Lakshmana back from the

kingdom of Ahi-ravana. He heard the tragic news of the death of his son,

Ahi-ravana. He collapsed and fell on the ground; he lamented his loss, long and

loud; tears flowed in streams from his eyes. Mandodari, the Queen, came to him

and tried her best to console him and reduce his grief. He did not give ear to

her words; he only grew more and more enraged at her soft counsel. Ravana

mustered courage and rose suddenly, to meet a Minister who presented himself at

that time. His name was Sindhuranatha; he was a respected elder, far gone in

years. He was a very wise man, who was in close proximity to Vibhishana, when

he was formerly in Lanka. He advised him on various moral virtues and on the

mortality of men and things. Ravana did not

listen to his words; he even treated them with patent disgust. The Minister was

sad when he saw his reaction. He felt, "In times of misfortune, intelligence

too gets warped. Poor fellow! He is heading towards disaster and so, even sweet

counsel tastes bitter to him". Still, out of compassion, he continued with his

words of sympathetic advice.

Ravana said to himself: "Now my kith and kin have been decimated; there is no

one left alive". Just then, an aged Minister said, "Why do you say so? You have

another surviving son, Narantaka, who has with him 72 crores of Rakshasas. Call

him for support; send a messenger immediately. He can destroy the enemy; you

need have no doubt". Ravana was delighted at these words. He sent the

messenger, named Dhoomakethu with instructions to bring with him the clever

Narantaka. The messenger described the tragedies that had overtaken Lanka and

communicated the urgent appeal Ravana had made for his help. He proceeded, on

the spot, with his hordes and as soon as he reached the field he fell upon the

Vanara forces. Hanuman spied him from far. He went forward to confront him. On

seeing him and his terror striking form

Narantaka was struck with fear. He asked Dhoomakethu who he was and was told

that he was Hanuman, the invincible hero who had killed all his brothers.

Hearing this, Narantaka became even more ferocious; he placed arrows on his bow

and let them off against Hanuman; but he caught them all by the hand and broke

them to pieces. He came very close to Narantaka and pounded his breast heavily

with his clenched fist. He lifted him aloft and turning him around fast, threw

him deep into a Nether Region named Rasatala. Millions of his Rakshasa

followers were thrown into the sea. He broke into smithereens the chariots in

the army of Narantaka; the charioteers were also decimated.

Chapter 10Ten Heads Roll

When Ravana heard the news of this holocaust, he exclaimed, "Whoever expected

that the war would end thus? Whoever expected that it would be so calamitous a

disaster?" The news of Narantaka's death spread terror throughout Lanka. Many

wise scholars approached Ravana, the bereaved father, and sought to give him

consolation and comfort. But, their effort was but waste of time; their advice

did not enter the heads of Ravana. When Ravana recovered himself, he heard the

wailings of Narantaka's wife, and that made him angrier still. He forgot

himself in the flames of vengeance and anger. The night ended and day dawned,

even though Ravana did not notice it. The Vanaras gathered at the four gates of

the city and were, as usual, getting ready to storm them and enter. Ravana

assembled the Rakshasa warriors and addressed

them thus: "Soldiers! If your hearts shudder at the prospect of battle, it is

best you leave the ranks this very instant. Do not flee when the battle is on;

if you do so, I shall slaughter you with my own hands". Threatening them thus,

he felt they would fight to the last. Then, he ordered the fleetest chariot to

be brought to him. He ordered that the war-drums be beaten and trumpets blown.

Like darkness intensifying mountain peaks, the Rakshasa warriors marched

forward in serried ranks. A series of bad omens assaulted them; but, Ravana who

boasted of his physical prowess did not pay heed to them. The weapons he held in

his grasp slithered down; the charioteer who had taken his seat fell from his

perch. The elephants and horses marching forward to battle started wailing

aloud. All around, dogs and foxes set up a cacophony of grief. Owls hooted

ominously as if announcing the doom that loomed over Lanka.

The Rakshasa forces - cavalry, elephantry and infantry - marched forward to meet

the enemy at the gates. The earth exuded tremors when the forces trampled hard

on it. The splendour of that army was indescribable. The army led by Ravana

shone like the army that the God of Spring leads every year, with all its

colour, music, and joy. Drums, trumpets, bugles and pipes played around in a

majestic stream of heroism and adventure. Meanwhile, the monkeys and bears

pounced on the Rakshasas and fell upon them, like a host of heavy mountains

whose wings were clipped by the arrows of some strange power. They attacked

them like the minions of Death. Their most efficient weapons were teeth and

nails. They threw hills and huge trees on the foe. By their leonine roar,

"Victory to our Lord, Sri Rama", they made the elephant

hearts of the Rakshasas shudder in mortal fear. Very soon, the battle became a

series of duels between the Rakshasas and the Vanaras. The cry, 'Victory to

Rama' was met by the cry, 'Victory to Ravana'. The Rakshasa fought like the

emissaries of Death; the Vanaras bled from many wounds. They pounded the

enemies heavily with their fists. They tore them to pieces with their teeth;

they kicked them in the ribs with their feet. They held them in their grip and

tore them apart. They pulled out their entrails and wore them round their

necks. Ravana saw with alarm the decimation of his army. He took up his bow and

shot arrows at the soldiers of his army fleeing for life from the field of fury.

The Vanaras were inspired when they saw Ravana filled with anger at his own

warriors. They yelled in joy and leaped towards him in large numbers. They

aimed peaks and trees at him. Ravana turned all round him and encouraged his

soldiers to stand firm. The Vanaras fled in all directions unable to meet

the onrush. They wailed, "O Lord, Sugriva! Sugriva; Save us, save us."

The showers of arrows sent by Ravana darkened Earth and sky. The Vanaras ran to

the far corners of the land. Chaos prevailed in the camp. Lakshmana noticed the

situation; he girded up his loins and armed himself with his bow and sheaf of

arrows. Prostrating before Sri Rama, he rose with his blessings and proceeded

to the field of battle.

Lakshmana accosted Ravana, and scoffed at him thus: "You villain! What benefit

can you gain by slaughtering monkeys and bears? Gaze at me, standing before you

like Death itself, the Spirit of Time come to finish your earthly career."

Ravana replied, "O! Don't I know you? You are the destroyer of my son. I was

looking out for you for many days. My heart will find solace only on my killing

you this day". Ravana yelled in anger and let loose sharp arrows at Lakshmana.

But Lakshmana cleverly cut them into a thousand splinters. In addition,

Lakshmana shot fiery shafts at Ravana and they succeeded in cutting to pieces

the chariot of Ravana as well as his charioteer. Lakshmana rained arrows in

deadly groups of hundred and more. They found their mark on the face of Ravana

and on his chest, so that he was felled to the

ground, having lost consciousness with the blow and the pain. Yet, he recovered

very quickly and rose up in ferocious anger, and directed against Lakshmana the

terrible mighty missile that was conferred on him by the first of the trinity,

Brahma Himself. When the missile hit him, Lakshmana rolled to the ground.

Hanuman saw the fall, and he hastened to the side of Lakshmana, shouting

imprecations against Ravana. Ravana administered a heavy blow on Hanuman with

his clenched fist. It made Hanuman reel in pain, but he steadied himself. He

returned the blow even more power-filled than the one he got from Ravana.

Ravana was stunned by the impact. He said within himself, "May this fellow's

fist be burnt to ashes. I never dreamt that a monkey's fist could discharge

such a thunderbolt".

Meanwhile, Lakshmana recovered from the swoon and rose ready for the fray.

Ravana had to be helped into another chariot having become unconscious again.

His charioteer cleverly drove the chariot in the direction of Lanka itself. He

got back his awareness as soon as he reached Lanka. He ordered that a special

destruction yielding, victory-ensuring ritual called Patala Homa be performed

so that he could defeat the enemy at his door. What a big fool was he! Can he

ever achieve victory in a fight with Rama? Those who were spying his activities

on behalf of Vibhishana carried the news of the Patala Homa to him and he was

alerted in time. Vibhishana approached Rama without delay, and falling at his

feet said, "Lord! Now Ravana is engaged in a ritual, the same as the one, which

Meghanada began in the past. This

ceremony too has to be defiled and desecrated by the monkeys so that Ravana

might be deprived of the benefits he hopes to secure through it. In case this

Homa is allowed to reach its conclusion, without interruption, it will be very

difficult to defeat Ravana".

Very soon day dawned. In accordance with the orders of Rama, Angada and Hanuman

proceeded to the Ritual Enclosure with a large following. They jumped and

leaped in great hilarity and surrounded the palace of Ravana. "Sacrilegious

sacrificer! Fleeing from battle, and finding safety at home, are you sitting

cozily performing meditation?" Angada dared go very near him and deal him a

kick with his foot. Ravana was engaged in preparatory silence and 'meditation'.

Even the slightest movement or distraction of attention would make him unfit and

unholy, so that the Homa he was to perform for achieving victory would be

rendered infructuous. Angada and the monkeys took liberties with him. Some of

them dug their teeth into him. A few tugged at his crown of hair. That was the

limit. Ravana became fiercely angry; he rose to

his feet and catching hold of a few monkeys, he twirled them fast over his head

and tried to smash them on the ground. But, he could not move even a little

step. This became a matter of greater shame. Soon, a regular scramble and

struggle ensued between Ravana and Vanaras. The ritual ceremony he had planned

could not be gone through. Ravana was sunk in grief.

Rama was informed of all that had happened. Vibhishana and others were happy at

the consummation of their strategy. Ravana was badly disappointed that he could

not succeed in performing the Yaga. But he had to resolve dutifully to proceed

to the battlefield. As soon as he started from his palace, bad omens greeted

him. Kites flew in and out on his head and his hands, and his crown slipped

from its place. He paid no regard to the warnings. He ordered that the

war-drums be beaten and the clarions sounded. Hundreds of thousands of

Rakshasas gathered when that signal was given. The army proceeded to wage a

mortal battle against Rama. Rama equipped himself with the arrow-case and took

the bow in his hand. With his long arms and broad chest, the splendor-filled

embodiment of charm stood on the battlefield, the very

picture of heroic might; the gods assembled over-head and offered reverent

homage to the Savior of Humanity from the Rakshasa hordes. The Vanara army

followed Rama, arrayed in perfect order and alert to command. Like the

thunder-spitting clouds bringing destructive floods on the earth on the Day of

Deluge, the Vanara hordes moved fast towards the Rakshasa forces, bent upon

annihilation of the enemy. The mountain peaks that the combatants threw against

the enemy fell with the noise of thunder; in an instant, the chariots, elephants

and horses of the Rakshasa armies were destroyed. Thousands and thousands of

Rakshasas fell on the ground. Blood flowed as rivers. Ravana lost all his

warriors. He felt he was alone, and that the monkeys and bears were many. So,

he decided to draw on his magic powers. He exercised magic on all except Rama.

But Rama willed otherwise. Through His Will Ravana saw wherever he turned vast

ocean of Vanara hordes, with Rama and Lakshmana in the vanguard, leading

the forces. At this, Ravana realized that his magic could not produce any

effect. Soon, Rama called to his presence the Vanaras and told them in grave

seriousness: "You are all exhausted by the long and hardy battle. Go and take

rest. Now, watch the fight between Rama and Ravana".

No sooner had he said these words than Ravana encountered Rama with a

challenging roar. At this Rama smiled and said in a soft voice, "Fool! First

listen to the words of moral counsel I am giving. There are three types of men

in the world: The first are like the patali tree, which blossoms finely, but

the blossoms do not turn into fruit. Those who indulge in mere speech and do

not practice a mite of what they talk are of this type. The second group is

like the plantain tree. It gives flowers and fruits, both. Those who speak and

act, practice what they assert, these are of this type. The third type is like

the jack tree - it has no flower; it has only fruits. The best type of men does

not prattle or boast or talk high; they are silent workers who act with no

boast. You are a mere braggart. Your immoral rule has

brought ruin on your race."

Ravana was not in a mood to swallow these imputations. He said, "What? Dare you

teach me?", and he poured out a stream of abuse. Suddenly, he shot a bunch of

hard hitting arrows on Rama. Rama replied with the Fire Arrow. The arrows of

Ravana were burnt to ashes by the weapon that Rama released. Ravana directed

against Rama millions of sharp-edged wheels and three-pronged spears. But, the

hopes of his wicked heart were not fulfilled. Rama thereupon lifted his

redoubtable bow and shot a stream of deadly arrows, which flew straight at

Ravana like irresistible messengers of death and cobras eager to inject their

fatal venom.

Rama noticed that as soon as his arrow sliced off one head, another grew in its

place. Ignoring his impending death, Ravana was immersed in pride; he

challenged Rama in great exultation. It was a ghastly sight; the heads that

rolled to the ground were shouting, "Where is that Rama? Where is Lakshmana?

Where is that Sugriva?". The heads that remained on the trunk were gnashing

teeth and asking for Vibhishana, and pouring abuses on him. They said, 'Brother

of mine! Shame on you for awaiting the news of your brother's death, so that you

may succeed him on the throne! You are not a hero; you are a cowardly ascetic.

Fie on you. No one should look you in the face". Soon, the lost heads

re-appeared and Ravana fought most fiercely and with un-equaled valor.

Lakshmana, Sugriva and Angada watched him and admired his

prowess. Finally, Rama resolved that the end of Ravana should no longer be

delayed. His iniquities were multiplying with every passing day. Nala, Neela

and other Vanara heroes were casting rocks at Ravana, and hurting him greatly.

But, the dusk of evening intervened and the battle ended for the day. That

night, Thrijata sat near Sita, describing the battle between Rama and Ravana.

She told her that whenever Rama sliced off a head, another grew in its place.

Sita's face paled at this news; she sank in sadness. Thrijata was surprised at

this development; she said, "Do not yield to anxiety. His heart has your Form

enshrined in it; that is the reason why the heads grow." At this Sita became

both sad and happy. Thrijata hastened to add, "Sita! Have no doubt. His end is

imminent. Rama will triumph. Rama too is remembering you every time he shoots

an arrow; he too has your form in his heart. So, the end is prolonged until the

moment comes when Ravana gives up your memory for a short while.

That moment will spell his doom; he will be killed that instant."

Ravana filled the next day of the battle with his magic mystery. The battlefield

was filled with his creations: ghosts, eerie beings and sprites with bows and

arrows. Female spirits danced around, holding swords in one hand, gorging blood

from skulls held in the other. 'Hold', 'Beat', 'Kill'- they yelled in screaming

voices. In whichever direction the Vanaras advanced, high walls of fire met

them. The monkeys and bears were astounded. A thick rain of sand fell without

stop on the Vanara forces. Ravana roared in glee at the plight of his enemy.

Lakshmana, Sugriva and others were incapacitated. The warriors prayed

pathetically to Rama to come to their help. Many ‘Hanumans’ created

by Ravana’s magic besieged Rama; each 'Hanuman' carried huge mountain

peaks; they also attempted to bind Rama in the

knots of their tails! The tails coiled and grew over many miles in all

directions. But Rama shone unconcerned and unharmed, blue like a fresh blossom

in the midst of all the carnage and confusion. He knew that it was all the

frail product of Rakshasa magic. He laughed within himself at the efforts of

Ravana to mystify him. With a single arrow shot from his bow, he destroyed all

the varied effects of that magic skill. The monkeys and bears saw the frightful

scenes disappear in a trice, and they were happy. The entire thing melted away

as fog before the rays of the sun, as soon as the arrow of Rama entered it. The

Vanaras caused a hailstorm of stone to fall on Ravana. They jumped all around

him with the missiles. Rama then selected a sharp arrow and shot it straight at

Ravana. It sliced off a head. Another grew on the spot in a trice. It happened

again and again. Rama watched the fun and seemed to be enjoying it. He

remembered the phenomenon of greed coming in place of gain; as soon

as something is gained, greed for more is born. He pictured the falling head as

gain and the growing head, as greed!

The battle that ensued between Rama and Ravana was fought with incomparable and

unexcelled fury. The saying goes that the Ocean is like the Ocean and the Sky

is like the Sky. They cannot be compared with any other phenomenon; so, too,

the battle between Rama and Ravana has that battle alone as equal to it. The

battle lasted for eighteen days. Rama was not in the least exhausted by the

fighting; it was a sport, a pastime for him! There were a few more days left

before the fourteen years' exile was to end; so, he could well afford to engage

himself in the game of war. If Rama decides on the finale, how can Ravana

postpone his end or change the decision? When the allotted days, were over,

everything conspired to create bad omens for Ravana. Dogs howled, foxes moaned,

donkeys brayed. Bird and beast set up piteous

wails. Balls of fire dropped from the sky. Sudden bursts of flame became evident

in all directions. The heart of Mandodari, the Queen, beat loud and fast. Every

idol in every home and temple in the island shed tears in plenty. Tornadoes

spread havoc over hill and dale. Alerted by these calamitous signs, the gods

knew that the end of the Rakshasas was near and they gathered overhead to

witness the triumph of Righteousness, shouting, Jai! Jai, welcoming the

victory.

Then Rama shot a bunch of thirty-one arrows at the same instant on Ravana. They

darted like deadly cobras. One arrow entered the 'nectar jar' that Ravana had

underneath his navel; the rest, the thirty, sliced off his heads and hands.

When the heads and limbs rolled on the ground, they hopped about and rose and

fell in frantic dance, for some little time and then lay quiet. Thus Ravana rid

himself of life and reached heaven. The day was the fourteenth of the bright

half of the Chaitra month.

That instant, a host of heavenly drums resounded from the sky. The splendorous

spirit of Ravana merged in Rama. Struck by that vision, the Vanara warriors

were aghast with wonder. They were amazed at the valor and heroism of Rama in

the battle against Ravana, which lasted full 18 days. They exclaimed with one

voice: "Victory, Victory to Rama." Hearing that Ravana had died, his queen

Mandodari collapsed on the floor. When she recovered, she hastened with her

maids to the corpse of Ravana and wailed aloud. She collected the heads and was

stricken with grief at the tragic fate of her lord. She recited with fond

reminiscence the exploits of Ravana in the past. "Lord! You had overwhelmed and

subjugated the entire Creation. The Rulers of the eight directions had fallen at

your feet, praying for protection. Of what

avail was all that glory! Of what avail were the austerities and asceticism that

you underwent; you had to endure this fate in spite of all the might you had

won. This blow fell upon you since you turned away from Rama. You could not

conquer the promptings of lust; he who becomes a slave to lust cannot escape

dire punishment, be he as powerful as even the God of Death, Kaala. Blinded by

lust, you could not avoid this tragic end. Lusted you to ignore Rama and invite

this calamity on your head. Ravana! Rama has incarnated with the purpose of

destroying by the fire of his anger the forest of Rakshasa vice. I disclosed

this to you many times over; but a cruel fate rendered you deaf to my

importunities. I told you that he is no mere man. You relied foolishly on your

physical prowess, your clever intellect, your vast treasures and the vast

numbers of Rakshasas you ruled over. Did I not plead with you, holding your

feet in my hands, to surrender to Rama, the Ocean of Mercy, and thus save

the Rakshasas from annihilation? My pleadings were not welcome to you. You were

engaged constantly in inflicting injury on others, an activity, which gave you

great joy. You seldom attempted to confer benefits on others. Your urges were

ever towards sinful deeds and thoughts. In spite of this, Rama has conferred

his blessing and your spirit has merged in him. What great compassion is this!

You died at his hands; this is a fortune that few can achieve. Why, Rama came

into this world in human form for the special purpose of killing you. The

Rakshasa Ruler himself laid the royal road to the destruction of the Rakshasa

race! This will be known as your greatest achievement! This is the supreme

example of your protective skill! Is this the final result of all your

austerity and spiritual Sadhana? Rama! Have you done this to prove that no one

can escape the consequences of his deeds? What greater example for that law can

there be? This calamity brought about by him is here for all to see

and learn from". Mandodari wailed for long, sitting by the side of her lord.

Mandodari had realized through her wisdom that Rama was Parabrahmah Itself, the

Universal Oversoul, the Absolute. The gods watching her from heaven were elated

at her outlook and attitude at this hour of grief. The wailing of Mandodari

moved Vibhishana. He agreed that what she said and felt were correct. Rama and

Lakshmana approached Vibhishana and consoled him. They directed him to perform

the funeral rites for his deceased brother. And according to that order, he too

carried out all the prescribed rites and rituals, at the proper places and with

correct ceremonial. Mandodari and other women also offered water offerings,

sanctified with mantras and til. Every item of the funeral rite was gone

through in correct order, without any hitch or disturbance, by Vibhishana who

was all the while comforted and consoled by Rama. Rama said that when the

curses Ravana had invoked on himself by his sins had ripened and fulfilled

themselves, he was killed, and, so, there was no reason why the death should be

lamented.

Rama called together in his presence Lakshmana with Sugriva, Jambavantha, and

Angada, and asked them to go into Lanka with Nala, Nila and others for

installing Vibhishana as the Emperor of Lanka. He directed them to proceed

without delay, for the fourteen years of exile, which the father had prescribed

for him, would end the next day. But, Vibhishana protested and pleaded, "Why do

I need an empire? Please place me instead in the immediate presence of your

Lotus Feet, he prayed. From this day Lanka is yours; treat Lanka as a part of

Ayodhya", he insisted. But, Rama did not agree. He elucidated many political

principles and declared that his order was irrevocable. Then, Vibhishana prayed

that his own hands should entrust him with the Empire. Rama replied, "No. Having

observed and followed my father's command for

thirteen years, eleven months and twenty-nine days, it is not proper that on the

very last day, I should go against it. I am on exile as he desired and an exile

should not enter any town or human settlement. You are not unaware of this

rule." Thus saying, he blessed Vibhishana and instructed Lakshmana to go into

Lanka and install the new Emperor on the throne of Lanka. Bowing their heads in

acceptance of this assignment, Lakshmana, Sugriva, Angada, Nala, Nila, and

others started towards the city and reached the palace. They placed the crown

on the head of Vibhishana and put on his forehead the auspicious mark of

authority. Vibhishana prostrated before the assemblage of Vanaras and

acknowledging their friendly help, promised to fulfill the real purpose of his

life through following their example and benefiting by their help. "I shall

rule over this land as Rama's agent; I shall not accept it as mine. I have

already dedicated all of myself to Rama." He suffered great grief when he

reminded himself of the cruelties and injuries inflicted by Ravana, his sons and

his warriors on the Vanara hordes; but, he consoled himself by the thought that

everything that had happened had been the 'sport' of the Supreme Will, Rama.

Soon, they all proceeded to where Rama was and fell at His feet in reverential

homage.

Then, Rama called Hanuman near and told him, "O Hanuman, Incomparable Hero! Go

into Lanka on my errand once more and communicate to Sita all that has happened

and return with authentic news about her condition." Accordingly, Hanuman

entered Lanka, went to the place where Sita was and fell at her holy feet. She

asked him, "Are Rama and Lakshmana safe, with their Vanara forces? Is Rama, the

Ocean of Compassion, safe and happy?" Hanuman replied with folded palms and

bowed head. "Rama is safe and happy in all respects. He has killed Ravana and

installed Vibhishana the permanent Emperor of this land." Sita was glad at the

news of Rama's victory and Ravana's downfall. Her face brightened with joy; she

felt a great thrill of delight. Tears of joy streamed from her eyes. "O Leader

of Vanaras! What can I offer you as a

gift for conveying to me this best of news? Nothing can equal in value the

comforting words you have spoken," she said. Hanuman replied, "Mother! The

bliss you evinced, the blossoming of joy - they have given me as much as a gift

of the three worlds. What more can I crave for? What greater fortune can anyone

need than the fortune of seeing Rama victorious over the enemy and happy with

his Brother?" With these words, he prostrated once again at the feet of Sita.

Sita said, "O Best among Vanaras! I was sunk in agony these ten months of

separation from my Lord, and hence I could not see or know anything about the

external world. I do not know which day of the week it is today, nor whether it

is the bright or dark fortnight, or which day it is in that fortnight. Whatever

it is, you have given me the most welcome and the most auspicious news; so, I

shall name it the Mangala Day, (though it may generally be named otherwise. It

was a Tuesday), meaning the Day that brought Mangala or

auspiciousness and joy. May this Day be held sacred and may you, the bringer of

this news, be adored specially on this day, more than on other days of the

week." At this, Hanuman fell at her feet and stood with folded palms.

Sita pleaded with Hanuman, "Get me the boon of meeting the Embodiment of charm

and compassion, my Lord, Rama. Do you not know that all this fighting and

killing in war was for my sake, for the sake of restoring me to my Lord? Take

me soon to the Lotus Feet of Rama", she said plaintively. Hanuman could not

bear the anguish that was patent in the words of Sita. He leapt into the sky

and reached Rama in a trice. He narrated all that happened during the meeting.

Rama gathered Angada, Vibhishana and others and told them to proceed to the

place where Sita was and directed them to bring Sita respectfully to his

presence. They went to the Asokavana where she was so long interned; Vibhishana

directed that Sita may take bath, wear fine silk clothes and be decked in

jewels, when she moved out of the Asokavana. But, Sita

cast aside the suggestion; she said, "Rama is the most precious jewel I have;

that one jewel is enough for me. Seeing him is the bath I shall be satisfied

with. The prostration I shall do for him is the silk cloth for me. I do not

like to wear anything that was once Ravana's property." The depth of her

yearning moved Vibhishana. He asked the maids to respect her wishes; they also

said that Sita was desperately wishing for Darshan of her Lord.

Soon, a palanquin was brought and Sita was seated in it. The Vanaras bore the

palanquin on their shoulders. The Rakshasa women who had survived, the Vanara

warriors, and others were jumping with excitement, on both sides of the road,

when Sita passed through. They stood on tiptoe and even jumped high to get a

clearer and nearer view. But, Sita did not turn to right or left; she bent her

head and was sunk in one single thought - Rama. When a little distance had yet

to be covered, Sita came down from the palanquin, for, she felt that she should

go to her Lord in humility, walking the distance. She walked slowly towards

Rama; as she neared Rama, the Vanaras standing along the path fell at her feet

and cheered, 'Jai, Jai Sita Ram'. When she came within a short range, Rama

declared that she should not be brought to

him immediately, but that she had to go through the Ordeal of Fire!

At this, the Vanaras were stunned into silence and despair. But, they had to go

and collect dry sticks and fuel for lighting and feeding the fire for the rite

of ordeal. The Vanaras had carried on their shoulders huge mountain peaks and

rocks before and during the war with Ravana; now, those very Vanaras were

finding little sticks of dry wood too heavy for their strength, for, their

hearts were heavy at the thought of Sita being put through this new trial! Of

course, Rama knew that Sita had spotless character and was the very embodiment

of virtue. And, Vibhishana, Angada, Sugriva and others knew that the fire

ordeal was only to convince the world. The fact was, the Shakti that 'was' Sita

was transmitted and installed in Fire, when they were in the Dandaka Forest. The

Sita who was in Lanka was but the Body; the

Shakti or the Vital Core was all the while fostered in Fire by Fire. She had now

to pass through Fire so that she might emerge as the real Sita, embodied Shakti.

 

Sita welcomed the rite; for the world will be convinced that her heart was pure

and unblemished. She was happy to see the flames leap up. Lakshmana, however,

was overcome with grief, for he himself had to supervise the rite. Sita

consoled him with her soft counsel. "Lakshmana! When I was married, the

Brahmins lit the Fire on the wedding day and sanctified the function. Today,

Fire will give me new birth; after that, I will wed the Lord again. Feed the

fire well, for that is the right thing to do". Lakshmana was moved by her pang

of separation, her yearning for reunion, her loyalty to righteousness, her

attachment to justice and her intelligent analysis of the situation. He shed

tears and folded his palms in reverence and stood silent. For, he could find no

words to express his feelings. Fixing his gaze on the

face of Rama, he piled firewood on firewood and lit the fire till it blazed.

Sita was elated when she saw the leaping flames. She had no trace of fear in

her mind. She walked towards the fire and standing before it said, "O Receiver

of Sacred Offerings! By word or deed or thought I have not dwelt in my mind on

anyone other than Rama, my Lord, O Purifier. You reside in the heart of every

living being. Become as cool as sandal paste to me, when I enter you". She

prostrated before Rama and moved into the Fire. The God of Fire, Agni, appeared

in the form of a Brahmin bringing with him the real Sita, and offered her at the

feet of Rama, just as the Lord of the Ocean of Milk offered Lakshmi at the feet

of Lord Vishnu. She shone on the left of Rama, like a golden lily by the side

of a full-blossomed blue lotus. The gathering of gods expressed their joy by

sounding heavenly drums and trumpets.

Vibhishana hurried into the city and brought clothes and jewels fit for Divinity

in the aerial chariot named Pushpaka; he placed them before Rama. Rama asked

that the chariot be taken high up in the sky and the valuables be showered from

there on the people below. Vibhishana did as directed; the Vanaras grabbed

whatever fell on them or near them. They mistook the gems to be fruits that

were red and ripe. When they found from the taste that they were stones, they

cast them away in disgust. Rama and Sita enjoyed this fun and laughed in

sympathy. Many Vanaras and Bears wore the clothes they secured and approached

Rama in gratitude. Dressed in multicolored costumes, they danced about in

ecstasy. Rama appreciated them and addressed them most graciously; "O Vanaras!

Through your prowess and valor, I was able to

destroy Ravana and place Vibhishana on the throne of Lanka. Now, you can all

return to your own homes. I shall always be with you. You need have no fear

hereafter". Rama consoled and comforted them all by the gracious gesture,

promising his eternal protection and assuring them that there will be no

occasion for them to fear anyone or any calamity. The Vanaras and others were

overwhelmed by gratitude for the love he showered on them; they lost all

moorings of their minds; they stood folding their palms in reverential homage

and said, "Lord, your words are in consonance with your majesty; they confuse

us and render us dumb. We are weaklings; you are our Protector, our Guardian.

You rule over the three Worlds. Can a fly ever claim to have given help to the

eagle? Can a tiny lamp claim to reveal by its light the Sun?” The Vanaras

fell at Rama's feet and stood with tear-streaming eyes.

The Vanaras and Bears felt they had to obey the orders of Rama, however

unwilling they were to depart from his Presence. They turned towards their

homes with mixed feelings of joy and grief, praying to Rama for His continued

blessing and with the Form of Rama imprinted on their minds. Nala, Sugriva,

Hanuman, Vibhishana and other leaders and warriors could not give utterance to

their feelings; they stood silent with looks fixed on the face of Rama, trying

to subdue their anguish. Observing the depth of their love and attachment, Rama

had them seated in the aerial chariot named Pushpaka, which he was ascending.

TO BE CONTINUED

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