RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI PART II (9)

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Om Sri Sai Ram

 

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