|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 8 – Lanka Kandam

Devi Mandodhari’s advice to Ravana/Angadha’s conversation with Prabhu Sri Ram

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, Lord Rama is the Lord of the Universe/Jagathpathi, he resides as a soul in living beings, is it possible for a Jeeva to live peacefully without devotion to him? Oh! Uma, this Universe undergoes transformation, creation, and destruction, at the movement of his eyebrows, he could transform grass into Vajrayudha, and Vajrayudha into the grass, it was the reason the challenge of Angadha did not go waste. Angadha put all efforts to save the life of Ravana, advised him to withdraw from enmity towards Ramachandra was fallen into deaf ears. In this way, he crushed the pride of the enemy of Ramachandra, and described the splendor of Prabhu, and prepared to leave “Oh! Dhashanan, you will meet your death in the battlefield after facing several hardships” and left the Kingdom of Lanka. Soon the warriors brought the news of the death of Prahastha in the hands of Angadha. Ravana could not control his grief of the death of his younger son Prahastha, all the demons horrified watching the prowess of Angadha.

 

Angadha returned to Rama, with tears overflowing fallen at the feet of Sri Ramachandra. It was early evening, Ravana became restless and returned to the palace, Devi Mandhodhari approached her husband and requested “Oh! Prabho, kindly leave your wickedness. The battle with Raghupathi will not bring any good to you, his brother draw a line before Devi Sita even that was impossible to cross for you, must have understood your prowess after that incident. The emissaries of Rama destroyed the city of Lanka and killed Akshakumra and Prahastha, do you think you can win over their Master? That Vanara crossed the vast ocean like amusement and entered in your city. He killed the protectors of Vatika, destroyed the pleasure garden and killed our son Akshakumara, he set fire to your Kingdom, where was your prowess at that moment? Oh! Natha, leave your swollen pride, kindly listen to my words. Do not think Raghurama as an ordinary human, he is the Lord of all the living and non-living things. Mareecha realized the power of his Bana, but you did not listen to his advice, because he is from the lowly clan. You were present in the majestic assembly of Janaka with all other Kings, it was Rama who broken the Shivadhanuss and married to Devi Sita. Why didn’t you fight with Rama at that moment? He plucked one eye of the son of Lord Indra, his brother cut off the nose and ears of Shoorpanakha, after all these; you did not understand the prowess of Rama and Lakshmana?.”

 

Devi Mandodhari speaks “Oh! Dhashanan, Rama has killed Khara, Dhooshana, Thrishirass, Kabandha, and Viradha like amusement, and killed mighty Bali with the single shot of an arrow. He is the jewel of Surya clan, constructed a grand bridge across the vast ocean and settled on the Suvela Mountain, he is compassionate, he sends emissaries to advise you, even that emissaries crushed your pride like the lion crushed the herds of untamed elephants. He has extremely valorous Angadha and Hanuman as his warriors, Oh! Lord, still you are calling him as an ordinary human. You are swollen with Abhimana, Mamatha, Ahamkara, and Madha. Oh! Natha, you are opposing Rama and thereby pushing yourself into the mouth of death, you have lost intelligence, Kala will not punish Jeeva, he takes control of the Dharma, Strength, intellect, wisdom, and thought of the Jeeva. Your two sons were killed by Vanara, your kingdom was burned down, Oh! Natha, kindly leave your enmity with Prabhu Sri Ramachandra. Oh! Priya, kindly contemplates that Kripasindhu Lord Rama and attain fruitfulness of your life.” Devi Mandodhari's words were like sharp arrows to Ravana.

 

It was morning, Ravana arrived in the assembly with immense pride, took a seat on the throne fearlessly. Rama after finishing the morning rites called for Angadha, and asked him to take a seat near to him. Angadha reverentially prostrated before Prabhu and took a seat near to him. The Supreme Lord who is extremely compassionate began to speak with a smile “ Oh! Baliputhra, I have to ask you something, Oh! Son, tell me the truth, Ravana born in the demon clan, the entire world is praising his prowess; you have sent the four significant parts of his crown in the air to me, Oh! Son, how did you made it possible?” Angadha spoke with utmost humility “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Sarvajja, Oh! Bhakthavathsala, listen to me, it was not a significant part of his crown, it was the four virtues of a King, known as Samam, Dhanam, Bhedham, and Dhandam. The Veda eulogizes them as four virtues of the King, it is the leg of Neethi and Dharma, and all those took shelter at your lotus feet, which is the place of origin. Oh! Kosaladheesha, Dhashanan is void of virtues and Dharma, he has no faith or devotion at your lotus feet, and he is already on the edge of death. Therefore, all those Sama, Dhana, Bhedham, and Dhanda, took shelter in you.” Rama highly pleased listening to the highly intelligent words of Angadha, further, he described the splendor of the fortress of Lanka to Prabhu.

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 7 – Lanka Kandam

 

Angadha put the ministers of Ravana into the test

Vayuputhra enthusiastically caught hold of all those flying objects that were tossed by Angadha from the assembly of Ravana and kept before Sri Ramachandra Prabhu. Those Vanaras and bears looked at those objects in awe that has the brilliance of cores of Surya. Dhashanan got distressed, looked at his attendants, and shrieked “Get hold of that Vanara, and kill him.” Angadha laughed out. Ravana continued “Oh! Warriors, kill him, and chase all those Vanaras and bears and kill them as well. Let the Earth free from the Vanaras and bears, and bring those two Thapasvin and produce before me.” The Vanararajakumara Angadha could not control his anger, and spoke “Oh! Dhashanan, Oh! Kulaghathaka, have no shame remains in you, kill yourself, and haven’t understood the prowess of that supreme Lord? Your heart is not exploding after watching my strength. Oh!Mandhamathi, Oh!Kumathigami,  Oh! Kutila, you are the storehouse of impurities, you are chattering like a person who is afflicted with high fever, Oh! Wicked one, your death is nearing; you will see it soon before your eyes, while the mighty Vanaras and bears take your life away. Oh! Abhimani, you have considered that supreme Lord Rama as an ordinary human, Alas! Your tongue did not rip off that moment. Do wait for a battle, you will lose tongue as well as head in the hands of Prabhu. Oh! Dhashanan, Rama killed Bali with the single shot of an arrow, how did a human kill a mighty Vanara with a single shot of arrow? You have born in Kujathi/lowly clan, Oh! Jada, Oh! Adhama, you are gibbering and completely lost sense, Ramabanas are in thirst for your blood. I am not taking the life out of you, because it would displease Rama.”

 

Angadha spoke “Oh! Dhashanan, I am capable to break your teeth, but I have not received that instruction from Raghava. Otherwise, I would have crushed your ten heads and heave the city of Lanka into that sea. Your city of Lanka is the fruit of Udhumbara tree and you all are the worms in it. I am a Vanara, love to take the taste of it, but that compassionate Lord Rama did not give permission for that.” Ravana laughed at him boisterously and spoke “Oh! Vanara, Oh! Mooda, how did you learn to speak these kinds of fictitious words? Bali has never spoken words of self-praising. Your life with those Thapasvis made you arrogant, haughty , and deceptive as well.”. Angadha spoke “Oh! Ahamkari, the demon with twenty hands, if I did not pluck out your that powerful tongue, I would remain coward.” Angadha remembered that supreme Lord, and strongly banged the Earth with his leg, in the middle of the assembly, and spoke “Oh! Mooda, if you could loosen its grip form the floor, Rama would return to his Kingdom, also consider he has lost Devi Sita.” Dhashanan announced “Oh! Warriors, remove his grip on the floor and thrash him to death.” Instantly, all those mighty warriors along with Indrajith approached Angadha, and they utilized their entire strength to loosen the grip of his leg on the floor, Alas! all of them failed miserably in their attempt. All those ministers, warriors, and Indrajith returned to their thrones, all tired and perspiration, once again they all tried their strength on Angadha, but failed miserably.

 

Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, none of the warriors could loosen the grip on Earth of Angadha, it was like the desire like the huge tree in the heart of Jeeva which is impossible to cut off,” There were mighty warriors like Meghanatha and crores of them came forward to test their valor, but all their efforts have gone in vain, desperately returned to their seats. It was like the heart of an ascetic who never discards truthfulness, even though he undergoes various pressures from all sides, Angadha’s feet did not move an inch from the place it was fixed, eventually, the pride of enemy vanished, all of them felt the bitterness of failure in their hearts watching the strength of the Vanara. Ravana moved forward to test his strength to Bali Puthra was discouraged “Oh! Mooda, you cannot protect yourself from holding my leg, why don’t you approach that supreme Lord Ramachandra and take shelter at his lotus feet?” soon Ravana returned to his throne, his effulgence was lost, like the moon in the mid-day, felt he has lost all his wealth, head hung down and took a seat on the throne.

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 6 – Lanka Kandam

The conversation between Angadha and Ravana ends in huge chaos in the assembly

Ravana spoke “Oh! Vanara, I have a brother mighty Kumbhakarnna and a valorous son Indrajith, and I have won over the living and non-living things in the Universe, haven’t heard of my prowess? Oh! Fool, it was the help of Vanaras your Prabhu built a bridge across the vast ocean, is that you call valor? There are numerous species of birds fly over the ocean and reaches on the other side of the shores, which are not considered as a valorous deed. Oh! Vanara, my twenty powerful hands have the strength of the ocean, and many kings and deities, and Manushyas were lost their lives in it. Who is that powerful hero who has the strength to cross the unfathomable twenty oceans like the might of my hands? I have employed Ashtadhikpalakas to serve me. You are praising the prowess of the ordinary human. If your master is so powerful and courageous, why did he send a Vanara as an emissary before me? why didn’t he come and meet me in person? Is he shy to make a peace treaty with me? Look at my powerful hands which have shaken the Mount Kailash, and Oh! Mooda, Vanara, praise your Prabhu as you wish. I have sieved off my head into the Yagagni and pleased that Lord Shambhu, therefore who is valorous and superior to Ravana? I have attained the boon from Lord Bhrama, that I would get killed in the hands of a human which is impossible to happen. I am not at all worried about Bhrama’s boon it must have pronounced out of his ignorance. Oh! Mooda, you are shameless, you are praising an ordinary person before me.”

 

Angadha spoke “Oh! Dhashanan, you are shameless in the whole world. You are self-praising your valorous deeds, hoisted the Mount Kailash, and offered your heads in the sacrificial fire to Lord Shambhu, you have repeated these two for twenty times. You have not mentioned anything about your encounter with Sahasrabhahu and Bali, which you are keeping as secrets in your heart. Oh! Mandhdhabhuddhe, listen to me, do not talk nineteen to the dozen, do you think the person who sieved off his own head is powerful? Even a magician cut off his body into several pieces; do we address him as valorous? Oh! Dull-minded Ravana, the flies get attracted to the fire and dies in it, the donkey’s carries the load of human, but none calls them valorous. Oh! Dhashanan, leave your self-praising, listen to me, leave your pride, I have come here as an emissary of Raghava who is extremely compassionate even to his enemies, to keep you safe from the war, there is no glory for a lion in killing a jackal, I have remembered the words of my Prabhu, and I have patiently listened to your harsh words. Otherwise, I would have smacked your face and deliberately taken Devi Sita from your custodian and taken to Rama. Oh! Devashathro, I have understood your valor from the day you have abducted Devi Sita, while Prabhu was away. You are haughty and arrogant, I am the emissary of Lord Rama, I wonder how I kept quiet after listening to your harsh words against that Prabhu. I could have easily thrash you on the floor, destroy your warriors, destroy your kingdom, and I can take away your wives along with Devi Janaki. If I did that, it won’t bring any fame to me; because it is no use testing my prowess on the mortal coil.”

 

Angadha continued “Oh! Dhashanan, There are fourteen kinds of people who are dead alive 1) People who are remote from the practice of devotion and faith to supreme Lord Rama 2) The person who engages in devious acts 3) the person who is engaged in sensual pleasure and  lustful deeds 4) Person who is not interested in reading or listening to scriptures and ignorant, 5) Person who is immensely rich but miser, 6)Person who is suffering from poverty, 7) Person who is always indulge in physical well-being 8) The elderly person who always brood over past and worries about the future, 9) Person who has no sense control, easily gets angry 10) Person who has attained ill fame, 11) Person who is against Veda and enemy of ascetics and twice-born 12) Person who engages in immoral deeds, 13) Person who is soaked in material living and worldly bondage and 14) The person who engages in sinful deeds. Oh! Dhashanan, ignorant one, listen to me, this is one of the reasons I am not killing you, therefore do not rouse my anger.”

Ravana could not control his anger, bit his lips, shaken his hands vehemently on the air, and spoke “Oh! Mooda, Oh! Adhamavanara, your death is neared, even though you are small, you have preached big words. Oh! Ignorant one, you have spoken all those foolish words with the confidence that you have the support of that Tapasvi who is coward, timid, and fearful. He has no virtues or fame, that was the reason his father send him to woods. Moreover, he is besieged with the sorrow of separation from his dearest wife. He is scared of me, demons eat several humans day and night, Oh! Mooda, leave your ignorance.”

 

Angadha could not keep quiet after listening to the harsh criticism about Prabhu Raghuram. Whoever listens to the abuse on Lord Hari and Hari undergoes the sin of Gohathya. Kapikunjjara produced a defeating noise and thrashed his both the hands on the floor violently, Earth quivered, the ministers who were seated on the majestic throne fallen on the ground and lost their crowns, and flew out of the assembly hall holding breath. Ravana lost his control on the throne, shaken completely, somehow managed to regain his courage, but he could not save the marvelous crown he was adorned, it was damaged and rolled on the ground,  he picked up and kept on the head, the gems and stones of the ministers ‘ crown were flew in the gush of air from the mouth of Angadha. The Vanaras in the Suvela Mountain watched the mysterious sight of crowns and gems in the air, thought the stars falling down from the sky. They thought Ravana must have thrown Vajrayudha on Angadha, all those crowns, gems and stones were darted with great speed and fallen on the Suvela Mountain, Prabhu smiled and spoke “ Oh! Vanaras, do not feel anxious, it is not that stars or Vajrayudha, or Rahu or Kethu. It is the crowns of the ministers from the assembly of Ravana were shoved by Angadha.”

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 5 – Lanka Kandam

 The conversation between Angadha and Ravana - 1

Ravana spoke “Oh! Little Vanara, speak politely, Oh! Dull-minded I am the enemy of deities, tell me the name of you and your father. What was that friendship with me and your father? Don’t you know I am the enemy of deities?” Angadha spoke politely “Oh! Dhashanan, I am Angadha, son of Bali. Haven’t seen him before?” The answers to Ravana put him in extreme uneasiness and spoke “Yes I remember, there was a mighty Vanara in the name of Bali. Are you the son of that Bali? Then you have born as fire to your clan like the cluster of Bamboo trees. You will bring destruction to your clan, why you did not die from your mother’s womb? You should be ashamed to introduce yourself as an emissary of a Thapasvi, your life has become futile. Where is Bali? Is he fine?” Angadha laughed and replied “ Oh! Dhashanan, in ten days of time, you will be with Bali, and then you can embrace him and ask his welfare, he will describe the results of enmity with Raghukulanayaka. Oh! Wicked, listen to me, the heart where there is no love and devotion for Rama is polluted. Yes, I am the destructor of my clan, you have twenty hands and ten heads after all these are you the proctor of your clan? Even the deaf or dumb won’t agree with that. How did I bring destruction to my clan? I have taken shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Ramachandra who is worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Lord Maheshwara, Rishis and Sages, and makes their life fruitful. I am the emissary of that supreme Lord Raghunayaka, it is surprising to watch that your heart is not exploding with your swollen pride.”

 

Ravana could not control his rage and speak “Oh! Wicked Vanara, I have learned the Neethishasthra and Dharmashastra thoroughly, that was the reason I have to abide with you.” Angadha replied “Oh! Dhashanan, I know your knowledge in Dharmashasthra, you have proved your knowledge in Shastra by abducting the chaste woman Devi Sita. I have heard of your attitude to the emissaries, you are aware of Dharmashasthra that was the reason you have protected your sister who has lost ears and nose in the hands of Lakshman, you have forgiven the mistake of  your sister, therefore your knowledge in Dharmashastra is well known to all. I am fortunate to have your Dharshan.” Ravana got annoyed “Oh! Vanarashada, Oh! Jadajantho, do not gibber, look at my twenty powerful hands, it is capable to arrest the Dikpalakas, I have lifted the Shambhu Parvath Mount Kailash with my hands, like the swan in the Akashasaras. Oh! Angadha listen to me, who is that powerful warrior capable to fight against me in your army? Your Lord Raghunatha is already weak, besieged with the pain of separation from his wife. His brother is already besieged with the sorrow of his brother, you and Sugriva are like the trees on the riverside, which has no existence at all, can be uprooted with the massive flood. My brother Vibheeshana is fearful natured, your minister elderly Jambavan cannot even stand in the battlefield due to old age. The two Vanara brother Nala and Neela are great architectures; undoubtedly there is a mighty Vanara who have great prowess, who burned the city of Lanka.” Angadha replied “Oh! Rakshasa Raja, don’t you remember a Vanara burned the city of Lanka? Oh! Ravana, that mighty Vanara is just a plain minister of Sugriva, he came here to collect the information about Devi Sita. Oh! Ravana, I am not worried or angry, we have no plans or there is no one in our army to fight against you, it is our principle not to fight against people who have equal strength. No one speaks highly about if the lion kills the frog, therefore it is sinful and below status for Rama to kill you. Oh! Ravana, I shall tell you the truth, it is unbearable to face the enmity of Kshatriyas.” In this way, Angadha passed several sarcastic comments on Ravana and roused his anger, it hurt his pride.

 

 

Ravana handled all those funniest remarks of Angadha, laughed loudly, and replied “The Vanaras are sincere to their Masters, they do all they can to serve their Master. You are shameless Vanaras dance to the tune of your Master. You Vanaras dance and perform various tricks to entertain the public and save your Master. Oh! Angadha, your clans are sincere servants of Masters. I respect virtues; I did not take your mockery on me seriously.” Angadha spoke “Oh! Dhashanan,  I have heard from Vayuputhra, who brilliantly explained your nature, he destroyed your pleasure gardens, killed your son, he burned down your city, he should not blame for it. Oh! Ravana, I have not done the right thing to make you understand the aftereffects of the war with that Prabhu. You have no shame, or hatred because you are so brutal, capable to kill and eat your father.” Ravana laughed out loud and said “ I will consider you are my next prey after killing my father. I have a thought in me Oh! Adhama, Oh! Abhimani, I am not killing you because you are the dearest son of famous Bali.” Angadha speaks “ Oh! Dhashanan, I shall narrate your prowess, listen to me, once a Ravana went to Pathal Loka to meet Bali and conquered him, was caught by the children, and tide him in the stable, and bet him harshly. Later, Bali arrived and saw that Ravana, felt pity, and released him. Further, Ravana was arrested by Sahasrabahu, thinking a unique creature was released by Sage Pulasthya. It is shameful to speak that Ravana stuck into the armpit of Bali. Oh! Ravan, do not get angry at me, which Ravana are you?”

 

Ravana speaks “Oh! Mooda, listen to me, I am that powerful Ravana who hoisted the Mount Kailash, I have offered my head as flowers in the fire sacrificial to Umapathi. I have several times worshiped Thripurari and offered my head as a flower to him. I have plucked my heads with these powerful hands; even the Dikpalakas know my prowess. The greatness of my broad chest is known to that Ashtadhigajjas, whenever I fought with them they have lost their powerful tooth that could cause only minor wounds on my chest, I have plucked their tooth out courageously. The Earth quivers while I walk, like the untamed elephant on the ferry, I am that mighty Ravana, whose prowess is known to the three worlds, have you heard of him? Oh! Vanara, you are talking ill about that Ravana and praising an ordinary human. Oh! Vanara, you are weak and wicked as well, I have measured the sharpness of your tongue.” Angada could not control his anger, he spoke “ Oh! Adhama, Oh! Abhimani, Oh! Mooda, how did you consider Rama as an ordinary human? Do you know the prowess of that mighty Parashurama, who chopped off the thousands of hands of Sahasrabhahu, and killed numerous wicked Kshatriyas on the Earth, that valorous Parashurama’s pride was crushed before Rama, Oh! Arrogant, and wicked Ravana, You do not know the power of the cupid arrows of Manmatha, the sanctity of Devanadhi Ganga and compassion of  Kamadhenu, you don’t know the glory of Kalpavruksha, you do not know the significance of charity of meals, what do you know about the splendor of nectar, do you think Garuda is an ordinary bird? Do you think the thousand hooded Adhishesha is an ordinary serpent? Do you think the precious Chinthamani is an ordinary stone? Oh! Mandhabudhdhe, listen to me do you think the Vaikunda is an ordinary abode, do you think it is easy to obtain intense devotion and faith at the lotus feet of Sri Hari? Oh! Dhashanan, listen to me, the mighty Hanuman, a  Vanara destroyed your pride and numerous army of demons, he ruined your pleasure garden and burned the city of Lanka, killed your son Akshakumara, is he an ordinary Vanara? Oh! Ravana, leave your pride and take shelter at the lotus feet of Prabhu, Oh! Wicked Ravana, if you do not take shelter in the compassionate Lord Rama, you cannot save yourself even from Lord Bhrama or Lord Shambhu. If you continue enmity with Raghurama, he will sieve off your head before those Vanaras, and all those Vanaras and bears will play like a ball with your head. If Rama gets angry on the battlefield, you cannot save yourself from him, therefore, understand my words and contemplate that Paramathma Lord Rama.” The most intellectual words of Angadha were worked like ghee poured into the fire.

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 4 – Lanka Kandam

 Angadha's encounter with Prahastha/ Angadha's meeting with Ravana

Lankesha who is extremely haughty and fearless arrived in the assembly of ministers, even if Lord Bhrama like the preceptor imparts the knowledge to a dull-minded person Lankesha, it is impossible to attain wisdom. Raghava finished the early morning rites and called for the meeting of the chief of Vanaras and bears, and ministers, he enquired them about the next course of action. The elderly Jambavan prostrated at the feet of Prabhu and began to speak with folded hands, “Oh! Sarvajja, who resides as a soul in living beings, all-pervasive, Oh! Lord of virtues, intellect, prowess, brilliance, and righteousness, I shall suggest a thought according to my intellect, kindly listen to me, we can send Angadha the son of Bali as an emissary to Ravana.” Everyone supported the very idea of Jambavan, the supreme Lord who is the ocean of mercy spoke to Angadha “Oh! Baliputhra, you are the abode of virtues, prowess, courage, and intellect. Oh! Thatha, go to Lanka, I need not teach you what to speak or whatnot. You are highly intelligent and skillful; you have to inform him about the purpose of my visit and his welfare in detail.”

 

Angadha rose from the seat and prostrated before Prabhu, “Oh! Prabho, you are compassionate, your grace is enough to perform all the deeds successful. Oh! Prabho, you are the storehouse of virtues, and you are well capable to perform the tasks, even the impossible.” Angadha felt proud of himself, even though the Prabhu is capable to accomplish all his tasks by himself, he had showered his grace upon him and assigned to perform the task of emissary, it elevated him to a state of bliss. He repeatedly prostrated before Prabhu, and meditated upon his glorious deeds, and prostrated before the army of Vanaras and bears, and set out to Lanka. The son of Bali is extremely valorous in battlefields, fearless natured, and has great prowess.

 

The moment Angadha arrived in the city of Lanka, he saw Prahastha, son of Ravana engaged in amusements with the demons. Angadha started a conversation with him, eventually, it ended in a ferocious fight, and both of them were equally powerful. He prepared to hard kick Angadha, was lifted with hands, and shoved away. The demons who were watching the vicious fight between Angadha and Prahastha ran off to various directions, while they were watching, Prahastha was crushed to his feet and killed instantly. The demons kept silent, assumed that the Vanara who set fire to Lanka is back again. The people of Lanka horrified at the sight of Angadha.

 

Angadha arrived before the doors of the palace of Lanka, contemplating upon the lotus feet of Sri Ramachandra, there were huge sized, mighty demons have the appearance of the lion were stood before the doors. Angadha informed the gatekeepers to inform their King about his arrival as the emissary of Rama. Dhashanan laughed boisterously and informed the guards to bring him inside the palace. Thus a group of demons took Angadha inside the palace. Angadha saw the mighty Ravana seated on the majestic throne, like the mount Anjanadhri. His twenty powerful hands resembled huge trees; head appears as the mountain peaks, bodily hairs resembled creepers. His mouth, nostrils, eyes, and ears resembled the caves in the mountains. The extremely powerful Baliputhra entered the huge assembly fearlessly. The entire ministers rose from their seats immediately, it roused anger in Ravana. Once again he remembered the splendor of Lord Ramachandra and took a seat in the assembly like a lion among the herds of untamed elephants.

 

 

Ravana enquired “Oh! Vanara who are you?” Angadha replied “Oh! Ravana, I am the emissary of Sri Ramachandra, you and my father had a great relationship. Therefore, I have come here to advise you. You have born in the illustrious clan of Sage Pulasthya, and you are his grandson, you have worshiped Lord Bhrama and Lord shiva, and attained various boons, and you have achieved all that desired in this life. You have won over Lokapalaka and Kings on the Earth. You have abducted Lokamatha Devi Janaki due to your haughtiness or illusion, reconsider your foolishness, there is time to correct your mistakes, you have to listen to my advice, and Prabhu will forgive you for all those sins. You have to return Devi Sita with all respect and request his forgiveness and seek shelter at the lotus feet of Raghuvamshamani who is Pranatharththihari as well. The compassionate Lord will remove all your fears and afflictions.”

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 3 – Lanka Kandam

 

The powerful Ramabana crumples the crown and umbrella of Ravana/ and ear ornaments of Devi Mandodhari

 

Ravana could not control his anger against Prahastha, shriek out “Oh! Dull-minded, who taught you this idea? Oh! Puthra, you have false notions, you are creeper on the powerful tree.” Prahastha and Ravana had arguments for quite some time, finally, he returned to his fortress saying that “The medicine won’t work to a person who is destined to die. Hence, my promising words will not work for your welfare.” It was in the evening hours; he took great pride in his powerful twenty arms and returned to the palace. There was a beautiful open terrace in the palace where music and dance programs were conducted, Ravana seated on a marvelous throne in the entertainment hall, Kinnaras sang in praise of him, the celestial Apsaras beautifully danced to the tunes of various musical instruments. Ravana took great pleasure as hundreds of Indra, even though he was under the threat of enemy; it did not bother him at all.

 

Rama with the huge armies of Vanaras and bears settled in the Mount Suvela. Lakshman constructed a beautiful hermitage on a lush green raised land, seats were decorated with the leaves and flowers covered with the skin of deer. Prabhu seated on that beautiful raised seat, he kept the bow and arrows on his left and right and kept his head on the lap of Sugreeva. Vibheeshana whispered something on the ears of Prabhu.  The highly fortunate Angadha and Hanuman were massaging the feet of Prabhu. Lakshman was all prepared with his bow and arrow.  Whoever contemplates upon this divine form of Rama, are fortunate ones. Prabhu looked at the moon and spoke “Look at the moon, he is magnificent as Mrigaraja. He is powerful and lustrous as a lion pierces the forehead of untamed elephant-like darkness, and majestically explores through the woods. Look at that sparkling stars resembles scattered pearls adorn the beautiful woman like a night on the sky. Oh! Brother, what did you think of the dark part of the Chandra?” Sugriva speaks “Oh ! Raghurama, it is just a mirror image of Earth on it” another one said “It is the stain that caused by Rahu”  and another one said, “It is because Lord Bhrama took the lustrous portion of Chandra to add up the beauty of Devi Rathi.” Prabhu spoke, “Listen, poison is the companion of Chandra, that’s why he stored it in his heart; he tortures the lovers who are separated from their beloved companions.” Hanuman spoke “Oh! Prabhu, Chandra is your sincere servant, he is installed your image in his heart, it shows darkness in him.” The Supreme Lord who is Sarvajja laughed at the words of Hanuman. Rama spoke “Oh! Vibheeshana, look at the southern part of the sky, the clouds are heavy, and lightning and thunder have begun, there will be heavy downpour and wind”. Vibheeshana replied “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Kripalu, listen there are no rain clouds or lightning. There is an open terrace on the top of the palace of Lanka, there will be regular dances and music conducted to take pleasure in it for Ravana.  He is seated on the grand terrace and taking pleasure in the music and dance, and the umbrella on top of his head gives out the appearance of dark clouds, it is the ear ornaments of Devi Mandodhari gives out the appearance of lightning, Oh! Devaraja, it is the sound of musical instruments resembles the thunder.” Prabhu smiled at the stately pleasure of Ravana, stretched an arrow aiming those object, with the single shot of arrow, it crumbled the umbrella, the crown of Ravana, and the ear ornaments of Devi Mandodhari before that assembly, it created huge chaos in the assembly. But none of them realized that it was Ramabana, after finishing the task the Ramabana returned to its shell.

 

There was no earthquake or hurricane, there was no Astra or Shatra, the people assembled were devastated, felt it as a bad omen. Ravana watched the guests are scared, he laughed out and spoke: “ It is nothing to worry about, do not get panic, all of you go back to your homes and sleep well.” They all returned to their homes, Devi Mandodhari could not keep herself calm, the moment her ear ornament crumpled in the assembly, she could not control her heartbeat, her eyes filled with tears with folded hands she spoke “Oh! Prananatha, kindly listen to me, kindly leave your enmity with Rama, and do not miscalculate him as an ordinary human. Kindly, believe me, he is supreme Lord assumed the form of Raghukulathilaka, the Veda eulogizes his body parts contributes the Universe, his feet represents Patal Loka, his head is the abode of Bhrama, all his Indiriyas/sense organs represents the abode of deities, the movement of his eyebrows represents Kala, his eyes are Surya and Chandra respectively, his hair represents the clouds, Ashwini Kumaras are his nostrils, the blink of his eyes constitutes day and night, his ears represents ten directions. The wind represents his breath, his speech represents Veda, the upper lip represents Lobha, his sharp teeth represent Yama, Maya is his smile, his hands represents ten directions, his face represents Agni, tongue represent Varuna, his movements represents Shrishti – Sthithi and Laya, the hairs on stomach represent the eighteen types of plants in general, his bone represents mountain, veins represent rivers, his stomach represents the ocean, and anus is Badavagni.  Shortly, his entire limb constitutes the Universe. Lord Shiva represents Ahamkara, Lord Bhrama represents wisdom, Chandra represents mind, and Lord Vishnu is intellect. He is Lord of living and non-living things incarnated as Rama. Oh! Prananatha, kindly listen to my words, kindly leave your enmity to that supreme Lord and take shelter at his lotus feet, so that it would protect me from the ill fortune of widowhood.”

 

Ravana laughed boisterously “ The influence of Moha and Maya is so powerful, women are the storehouse of Maya, Bhaya, Aviveka, Ashuchi, Nirdhaya, Sahasa, Asathyam, Chapala, like eight impurities. You have described the Vishwaroopa of my enemy, Oh! Priye, all those forms are under my control, I have heard everything from you, and I also understood my mastery over it. Oh! Mriganayani, you are highly confidential, if it was heard properly it would provide happiness, and free the individual from fear and trepidations.” Mandodhari understood the nearness of his death caused hallucination to him.

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 2 – Lanka Kandam

The advice of Devi Mandodhari and Prahastha to Ravana

The woods were loaded with flowers and fruits in all seasons in the presence of Lord Rama. These Vanaras and bears consumed succulent fruits and uprooted the trees and mountains, thrown to the city of Lanka. If they meet any demons in the woods, they cut off their ears and nose, sing in praise of Prabhu Ramachandra and send him back to the city. In this way, many demons were disfigured were approached Ravana and informed the arrival of Rama with the huge armies of Vanaras and bears, they have constructed a huge bridge across the vast ocean, etc. Ravana became agitated and spoke is deafening voice, “What? Those Vanaras and bears constructed a bridge across the vast ocean? Is that true he constructed bridge on that Samudradevatha?” he laughed and returned to his palace. Devi Mandodhari understood Prabhu Ramachandra constructed a huge bridge across the ocean like child’s play, she terrified and took her husband to her chamber, prostrated before him and spoke affectionately, “Oh! Natha, kindly do not get angry with me, you cannot have enmity with a person who is extremely powerful and intelligent. Raghupathi and you have huge differences, he is Surya and you are a firefly before him. Rama is the slayer of the powerful demons Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, Madhukaitabha, who are the sons of Dithi, he fastened Bali with his intellect, he killed Sahasrabhahu, he has personified on the Earth to reduce her burden. Oh! My Lord, he is the Lord of Kala, Time, and destiny, do not keep enmity with him. Kindly take shelter at the lotus feet of Rama, and return Devi Janaki to him, leave the Kingdom to your sons and go to woods and contemplate upon that Lord Raghunatha. Oh! Prabho, Lord Rama is extremely compassionate, no one will go behind to attack a compassionate person, not even a leopard, and you have attained all the stately luxuries in your life. You have won over Deva, Asura, and all the living and non-living things in this world. Oh! Lord, the saintly people suggests, it is the responsibility of an individual to follow Ashrama Dharma and leave to the forest in the latter years of age, Oh! Natha, you have to contemplate upon that Lord who is the creator, preserve, and destructor of the Universe and its living beings. Oh! Lord, kindly leave all your interest in worldly matters and take shelter at the compassionate Lord Raghunatha. He is Kosalaraja Raghupathi who is sought after by Rishis and Sages with constant meditation and contemplation, even the Emperors leave their throne and follow renunciation to attains that supreme Lord Raghurama, he has arrived to shower his grace upon us. Oh! Natha, if you follow my advice, your fame would spread in three worlds.”

 

Mandodhari prostrated before Ravana and took hold of his feet, shed tears and her body was quivering, and began to speak “Oh! Natha, kindly meditate upon Raghunatha, so that my relationship with you would flourish.” Ravana took hold of Mandodhari, he began self-praising “Oh! Priye, your fear is baseless, who is powerful than me in this world? I have shown my prowess to all the deities, I have conquered Varuna, Dikpalaka, Vayu, Yama and all. These deities, Asuras, and humans are under my control, why are you so scared of him?” In this way, he pacified Devi Mandodhari and returned to the assembly. Devi Mandodhari understood that it was his destiny that took control of his intellect; no one can save him from the mouth of death. Ravana enquired his ministers “How did we tackle our enemies?” Ministers speak “ Oh! Prabho, listen to me, why are you asking this question repeatedly? Why should we fear of Raghuram? Manushyas, Vanaras, and bears are our meals.”

 

Prahastha spoke with folded hands “ Oh! Prabho, you should not do anything against justice, your ministers have not much knowledge about it. All your ministers are dull-minded always speaks which pleases you. Oh! Lord that would not bring any good to you. The Vanaras crossed the vast ocean and arrived in the city. All the people are praising the valor of that Vanara who burned down the city of Lanka, why you did not feel hungry to eat him while he was burning the city? What was the reason to spare him while he was burning the entire city? Oh! Lord, your minister’s advice may be pleasing to listen but that cannot help you at this moment of perils, it would throw you into trouble. Rama and Lakshman have constructed a huge bridge across the vast ocean like a child’s play, and settled on the hills of Suvela, with a huge army of Vanaras and bears, do you think they are ordinary humans and easy to consume? These ministers are uttering something unreasonable, Oh! Pitha, kindly listen to me, do not consider me as a coward, there are many people who talk and speak pleasant words, but there are very few speak the truth but unpleasant to listen. Kindly listen to my most promising words to you, kindly send an emissary to Rama, further send Devi Sita to him and keep friendship with him. If Rama returns with his wife to his Kingdom, there is no need to have enmity or battle with him, otherwise, fight against him on the battlefield. If you follow my advice, you will attain fame in this world and afterlife on the Earth as well.”