Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The description of the army of Ravana

 

Chapter - 79– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The description of the army of Ravana

 

Ravana and his army of demons witnessed various inauspicious omens, the weapons slipped out of his hands, the warriors were thrown out of the chariot, horses and elephants were produced loud cries and unwilling to move on the pathways, jackals, vultures, dogs, and donkeys gave out a shrill cry, the owls uttered alarming sounds like the messengers of death. The Jeeva who is sinful, soaked in impurities of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha, Mathshcharya, Ahamkara, and Mamakara, and completely drenched in illusion, physical and sensual pleasures, afar from the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, could ever dream of happiness? The huge army of demons overlooked all the ill omens and sallied forth to the battlefield followed by Chathurangasena/chariot, elephants, horses, and men, mounted on various vehicles, decorated with the banners of different colors, dutifully marched to the battlefield. The disorderly elephants and horses marched to the battlefield were resembled the rainy clouds scattered by the heavy wind. The multitudes of demons attired in magnificent clothes, wielded in several vicious weapons, skilled in war tactics and illusionary powers moved to the battleground. The army of demons was beyond description, the elephants that were guarding the eight directions staggered, the earth quivered, the ocean became agitated, the mountains trembled, the dust-covered the atmosphere concealed the sunlight, and the air stood standstill. The sounds of kettledrums resembled the deafening noise of thunder at the time of deluge, the pipe instruments gladdened the heart of the warriors, the heroes roared like lions and revealed their might. Ravana cheered “Oh! Warriors, eliminate the mass of  Vanaras and bears from the battlefield, while I slay the two hermits.” He ordered his men to proceed to the battlefield, the Vanaras who perceived the mighty demons on the war field, rushed towards them in millions and millions contemplating upon the supreme Lord Rama.

 

Athi Garba Ganayi Na Saguna Asaguna Sravahi Aayudha Hath The | Bhata  Giratha Ratha The  Baji Gaja Chikkaratha Bhajahi Sath The || Gomaya Geedha Karala Khara Rava Swavana Bolahi Athi Ghane | Janu Kaladhootha Ulooka Bolahi Bachana Parama Bhayavane ||

Thahi Ki Sampathi Saguna Subha Sapanehu Mana Bishrama | Bhootha Dhroha Ratha Mohabasa Rama Bimukha Rathi Kama ||

Chaleau Nisachara Kataku Apara | Charangini Ani Bahudhara || Bibidha Bhanthi Bahana Ratha Jana | Bipula Barana Pathaka Dhwaja Nana|| Chale Maththagaja  Jootha Ghanere | Prabita Jaladha Marutha Janu Prere || Barana Barana Biradhaitha Nikaya | Samara Soora Janahi Bahu Maya || Athi Bichithra Bahini Biraji | Beera Basantha Sena Janu Saji || Chalatha Kataka Dhigasindhura Dagahi | Chumbitha Payodhi Koodhara Dagmagahi || Udi Renu Rabi Gayau Cchapayi | Marutha Thakitha Basudha Akulayi || Pavana Nisana Ghora Rava Bajahi | Pralayasamaya Ke Ghana Janu Gajahi || Bheri Napheeri Baja  Sahanayi | Maru Raga Subhata Sukhadhayi || Kehari Nadha Beera Sab Karahi | Nija Nija Bala Paurusha Uccharahi || Kahayi  Dhasanana Sunahu Subhatta | Mardhahu Bhalu Kapinha Ke Datta || Hau Marihau Bhoopa Dhau Bhayi | Asa Kahi Sanmukha Phauja Regayi || Yaha Sudhi Sakala Kapinha Jab Payi |  Dhaye Kari Raghubeera Dhohayi ||