|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

Chapter -16 - Lanka Kandam

Rama’s description of Dharmaratha/chariot of Dharma,/Lakshmana’s battle with Ravana/Lakshman got struck with the Bhrama’s spear

A huge army of Vanaras and bears who has the stature of mountains proceeded towards the battlefield, they had fierce nails and teeth, seized huge mountains and trees as weapons. They cheered “Victory to Sri Ramachandra! Let the lion-like Rama conquer the untamed elephant Ravana.” Both the armies of demons and Vanaras sang in praise of their Lord, in the battlefield. Ravana arrived in a grand chariot, and Rama stood on the battlefield without any chariot, seeing Kosaladheesha without a chariot, protective shield on the body and feet, put Vibheeshana into heartache, he prostrated before Prabhu and spoke “Oh! Prabho, you have no chariot or nothing to protect your body or feet, how did you face this haughty demon?” Kripanidhi spoke “Oh! Sakha, listen to me carefully, it is not that chariot take a person to victory, 1) The valor and fortune are the two wheels of the chariot, 2) The truthfulness and virtues are the  Dwaja and Pathaka of the chariot, 3) The  strength, intelligence, good control over senses, and Parahitham/benevolence, are the four horses of the chariot 4) Kshama/endurance, Kripa/kindness, Samabhavana/oneness-in-all, is the rope attached to the horse and chariot. 5) The contemplation and meditation upon the Supreme Lord is the excellent charioteer 6) Virakthi and Happiness are the protective shield and sword. 7) Dhanam is the weapon Parashu, 8) Intellect is the spear, 9) Wisdom is Kodhandam,  10) Pure and unwavering mind are the nest of the arrows,  11) Shamam, Yamam, and Niyama are powerful arrows 12) The protective shields are the worship of twice-born and preceptor. Oh! Sakha, these are the highest principles of victory, there is no other way to achieve success in any field. The person who has the chariot symbolizes Dharma, will have victory always, and will not have enemies in their lives. Oh! Valorous Sakha, the person who has the Dharmaratha/chariot of Dharma, could win over the unconquerable enemy of worldly existence at ease.” Vibheeshana fallen at the feet of Prabhu, and shed tears and spoke “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Sri Ramachandra who is the symbol of kindness, compassion, wisdom, and bliss, you have utilized this critical moment to advise me.”

Dhashanan called the Vanaras and bears for the battle, Angadha and Hanuman and huge armies of demons fought against them. Lord Bhrama and all the deities arrived on their respective celestial vehicles on the sky, to witness the vicious battle. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Devi, I was one among them to watch the outstanding war techniques of Rama. Both sides of the armies fought each other enthusiastically, it was the grace of Rama Vanaras and bears defeated their enemies, in this way, Vanaras and bears won over their enemies produced loud voices and thrashed the demons on the ground,  sieved off the heads of the demons, rip opened their stomach plucked out hands and legs of the demons, caught hold of their legs and thrashed on the ground, some of them were buried in the battlefield, those extremely powerful Vanaras and bears resembled ‘Kala’ on the battlefield. Their bodies were soaked in blood, Vanaras furiously flee to different directions like Yamaraja, they have produced boisterous voice resembled thunder, they spanked the enemies with their fist, bit them, crushed them under their feet and bodies, rip opened their stomach and took out the intestine, and put around on their neck as garlands, resembled the numerous Lord Narasimha on the battlefield. The whole atmosphere has reverberated with loud cries and shrieks. They cheered “Victory to Rama who can transform the grass into Vajrayudha and vice versa.”

Dhashanan noticed his army of demons fleeing from the battlefield; he stood on the chariot and took hold of bow and arrows in twenty hands. Dhashanan furiously approached the Vanaras and bears who plucked rocks and trees and tossed against him, those huge rocks broken into small pieces touching the Vajra like the body of Ravana, he stood like the mountain and attacked all those Vanaras and bears, they yelled “Oh! Angadha, Oh! Hanuman, Oh! Raghunatha, protect us. Ravana will eat us like Kala”, thus the Vanaras and bears started to flee out of the war zone, he shot powerful arrows against ten directions simultaneously, they resembled the flying serpents. The shower of arrows blocked the way of Vanaras from all those ten directions. It created huge chaos among the Vanaras and bears, they cried out for help “Oh! Raghuveera, Oh! Karunasindho, Oh! Dheenajanarakshaka, kindly protect us.”

Lakshman could not control his rage, he took the bow and arrow, prostrated before Raghunatha, and proceeded to the war zone. Lakshman proclaimed “Oh! wicked Dhashana, leave those Vanaras and bear, look at me, I am your ‘Kala’” Ravana roared like lion and spoke “Oh! You are there, I was watching out for the murderer of my sons, I have to achieve peace with your death in my hands.” He shot several powerful arrows aiming at Lakshman, but those were crushed into several pieces with the arrows. Ravana used several Astra against Lakshman, but nothing could do any harm. Lakshman shot several arrows against the chariot and charioteer, and destroyed them, he showered arrows aiming his ten head resembled thousands of serpents with wings, it pierced his head like the arrows shot on the mountain, and other hundreds of arrows on his chest, and thus Dhashanan lost consciousness. Shortly, Dhashanan regained consciousness and heaved the powerful trident received as a boon from Bhrama against Lakshman, that powerful trident hit on the chest of Lakshman.  The valorous Anantha fell on the ground withering in extreme pain, Dhashanan made a futile effort to carry Lakshman, but it did not work. How is it possible to carry that Anantha who holds the Thribhuvana/ entire Universe and its living beings as the sand on his hood?

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 15 – Lanka Kandam

The ferocious battle between Meghanath and Lakshman/ Meghanatha killed in the battlefield/Ravana with huge armies arrives in the battlefield

 

Meghanatha regained consciousness, saw his father before him, felt extremely shameful. He decided to conduct a fire sacrifice to attain a unique boon to remain unconquerable and followed severe austerities in a cave. Vibheeshana informed Prabhu “Oh! Compassionate Lord, the wicked and sinful Meghanatha performing a Yaga, he is Devashathru, if he successfully completed this Yaga, no one could win over him.” Raghupathi pleased at Vibheeshana and called for an assembly of Angadha, Hanuman, Jambavan, Sugriva, Nala, Neela, etc.  The Supreme Lord Rama spoke “Oh! Dear Vanaras, go with Lakshman and create obstacles to the Yaga of Meghanatha.   Lakshman you have to kill him in the battle. I am anxious about the distress of the deities; you have to use intellect or weapon to kill Meghanatha. Oh! Jambavan, Sugriva, and Vibheeshana, you all should be with your army of warriors to support Lakshman.” Immediately Lakshman prepared to perform the task of Prabhu, wielded in bow and arrow, contemplated upon Prabhu, and spoke “If I have returned without taking the life of Meghanatha, do not address me as the sincere servant of Raghupathi. If Meghanatha was supported by thousands of Lord Shiva, I will not let him free. It is my promise on Lord Rama.”

 

Lakshman who is Anantha, prostrated before Rama, and proceeded with Angadha, Jambavan, Sugriva, Hanuman and Vibheeshana, followed by a huge army of Vanaras and bears. They saw Meghanatha performing a huge fire sacrifice offering blood and meat as oblations; Vanaras entered in the Yaga arena and wrecked the Yaga proceedings. Rakshasa firmly seated on their Asanas and continued the Yaga, Vanaras mocked at them, physically abused the demons seated before the Yagagni. Finally, Meghanatha could not tolerate the turmoil caused by the Vanaras and bears; he took a sharp trident and rushed out of the cave, and rushed towards Lakshman, and roared like lion. Vayuputhra and Angadha attacked Meghanatha were hit hard on their chest and brutally wounded and both of them fell down on the ground. Meghanatha tossed huge rocks and rushed to Lakshman, but it was broken into two pieces with the arrow of Lakshman. Vayuputhra and Angadha regained consciousness and chased after Meghanatha, but he stood firm, they have tried all tactics to hurt Meghanatha was miserably failed, he roared like Kala and attacked the Vanara, was shot with a powerful arrow by Lakshman, watching the darting arrows like Vajrayudha, he disappeared from the sight. Meghanatha used illusionary powers and fought with Lakshman, it was extremely difficult for Lakshman, sometimes he appears and sometimes not, also appeared in numerous forms, Vanaras terrified watching the illusionary fight, Anantha could not control his rage, have chased Meghanatha long time in the battlefield, decided to kill him without wasting much time. He contemplated upon Kosaladheesha, aimed a powerful arrow against Meghanatha, which pierced the heart of Meghanatha, thus Meghanatha left his mortal coil on the battlefield, before parting his Prana enquired “Where is Ramanuja? Where is Rama?” Angadha and Hanuman who were watching this sight said “Your mother is  fortunate.”

 

Hanuman carried the mortal coil of Meghanatha and deposited before the main door of the palace of Ravana. The deities and Rishis came to know about the death of Meghanatha, they eulogized “Jai Anantha! Jai Jagadhadhara! Oh! Prabho, you have protected the deities.” and showered flowers upon Lakshman and the divine Dhundhubi echoed in the sky. Lakshman returned to Prabhu and prostrated before him. Dhashanan has fallen unconscious hearing the death of Meghanath. Devi Mandhodhari became inconsolable, wept bitterly beating her chest hardly. Dhashanan pacified his queens with various advice “This world is impermanent; do not keep attachment on anything.” Ravana was extremely cruel but had great knowledge of Prakrithi and the nature of Jeeva, which were the highest philosophies. The advice given by Ravana to his wives was pure and highly auspicious. There are people who advise others but do not follow the same. The entire palace sunk in deep sorrow at the death of Indhrajith/Meghanath. 

 

On the next day, the Vanaras and bears surrounded the four palace gates, Dhashanan shrieked to his army men “If anyone flees from the battlefield would face strict death punishment, hence warriors who are not courageous or confident to fight against the enemies can retire now. I have prepared myself to fight against the enemies with the power of my hands; I will give the right answers to the enemies who attacked my clan and the kingdom.” Ravana’s grand chariot got ready for the battle, the huge sounds of announcements for the war have reverberated in the sky, he was followed by mighty demons who have the appearance of Anjanadhri, and they have found several bad omens on their way. Ravana had great confidence and faith in the prowess of his twenty hands. He did not take notice of the bad omens, weapons slipped out of his hands, warriors fell down from the chariots, horses and elephants started to run frantically, donkeys, foxes, cried loudly, the eagles screamed all over the battlefield, owls screeched out loudly. The person who is soaked in worldly matters and bondage, drenched in Mahamoha/away from Lord, people who takes pleasure in tormenting others and animals, people who are soaked in worldly pleasures, people who are completely drenched in Maya, cannot be peaceful or wealthy or witness good omen, not even in their dreams.

 

The huge army of Ravana proceeded, it was divided into various sections like an army of elephants, chariots, horses, and warriors moved on the pathways with various weapons in numerous vehicles, decorated with colorful Pathaka and Dhwaja. The armies of demons were attired in colorful garments and had the greatest skill in war field and illusionary fights etc. The Ashtadhikgajja baffled, the ocean became unrest, mountains trembled, and dust raised from the movements of huge armies, thus blocked the sunlight, the wind has stopped, Mother Earth has quivered, the sounds of Bheri and Dhundhubi sounded like thunder at the time of deluge, there were sounds of divine instruments too to please the hearts of warriors. They exhibited their strength and roared like lions. Ravana ordered “Oh! My dear army men wipe out the clan of bear and Vanaras form the Earth. I will take care of the two Thapasvis/princes of Ayodhya”, and ordered his men to move forward on the battlefield.

 

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 14 – Lanka Kandam

Rama's battle against Kumbhakarnna/Kumbhakarnna Moksham/Rama gets fastened with Nagapasha and Garuda removes the Nagapasha

The Supreme Lord Rama/Rajeevalochana spoke “Oh! Sugriva, Vibheeshan, Lakshman, listen to me carefully, keep safe of our armies of Vanars and bears, I will take a look at the strength of the army of our enemies.”

 

The Supreme Lord Rama wielded in bow Saranga, and powerful arrows entered in the battlefield, he stretched the bow that produced a deafening noise and shot lakhs of powerful arrows against the army of demons darted like the serpents with wings, scattered on different directions, it sieved the head of several thousands of demons, some of them lost hands and legs, some of the arrows pierced the chest of demons, and several demons were brutally wounded. The demons who were narrowly escaped from the arrows, rushed to fight against that Parambhramam, the demons that got shot of arrow produced loud voices withering in pain, some of the demons flee out of the battlefield, there was huge chaos created in the war zone. Shortly, Prabhu killed several demons with his powerful arrows that returned to its nest after the completion of the task.

 

Kumbhakarnna noticed a huge army of demons were disappeared from the battlefield in a few seconds, the mighty Kumbhakarnna became furious, produced roar like a lion, he plucked mountains and heaved on the Vanaras, watching the flying objects, Prabhu crushed them with his arrows. Raghunatha furiously shot several arrows against the enemy of demons, that pierced their bodies, blood gushed out of their bodies resembled the Mount Anjanadhri decorated with crimson-colored powder. Vanaras rushed to Kumbhakarnna who was already lost control of his army and desperately produced a boisterous laugh, caught several Vanaras and thrashed on the ground, and crushed under his feet and body. These Vanaras and bears flee out of the war zone, like the goat before the Jackal.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Bhavani, Vanaras and bears terrified and cried out loudly, “These demons are going to wipe out the clan of Kapi, Oh! Rama, slayer of Khara, Oh! Compassionate like the rain clouds, Oh! Pranatharththihari kindly protects us from the troubles.” Immediately, Prabhu who was listening to the cries of Vanaras and bears rushed to the war zone and shot hundreds of powerful arrows against the demons, it pierced the body of Kumbhakarnna and it disappeared in his body, he furiously rushed to Raghava, the trees trembled, earth quivered, he plucked a huge rock, Raghukula Thilaka shot an arrow on the hands that hoisted the mountain, soon he changed the mountain on his left hand, Prabhu sieved off that hand too, it fell on the ground with a loud thud, Kumbhakarnna resembled the Mandhara Mount without wings. Kumbhakarnna furiously looked at Prabhu, as if ready to swallow the three worlds. He produced boisterous sound and widely opened the mouth, the Siddhas, deities, who were watching the vicious battle from the sky was terrified and produced cries of fear. The supreme Lord who is Karunanidhi, listening to the anguish of the deities, stretched the bow up to his ears, and shot several arrows in the mouth of Kumbhakarnna and closed it completely. Even though his mouth was shut, his legs had great speed, Prabhu shot an arrow that severed his head, and it fell down at the feet of Ravana.

 

Dhashanan became frantic watching the bodiless head of his brother Kumbhakarnna like the serpent lost its precious gem on the forehead. The headless body of Kumbhakarnna did not stop its chase, Prabhu shot an arrow and cut into two pieces, several Vanaras, bears, and demons crushed under the body parts of Kumbhakarnna, gave out an appearance of two huge mountains fallen from the sky on the Earth.  Soon, a brilliant ray/soul from the body of Kumbhakarnna entered in the mouth of Lord Sri Ramachandra The deities and Rishis were extremely pleased to watch the sight. The deities produced the divine Dhundhubi, eulogized Prabhu  “Victory to Sri Ramachandra! Victory to Raghukulathilaka! Victory to Sri Ramachandra Prabhu!” and showered flowers upon him and returned to their abodes. Maharishi Narada eulogized the valor of Sri Hari, it was highly pleased Lord Ramachandra.

 

The Supreme Lord Raghunatha, whose face soaked in perspiration, eyes reddened like a red lotus flower, body smeared in bloodstain, holding powerful bow and arrows on both the hands, surrounded by the armies of Vanaras and bears, shone on the middle of the battlefield. Tulsidas speaks “It is difficult to describe the splendor of Sri Ramachandra Prabhu, even for the thousand tongued Adhishesha.” Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Parvathi, the compassionate Lord provided his Paramdham to that wicked and cruel Kumbhakarnna too. Oh! Girija, whoever does not take shelter at the lotus feet of Prabhu and keep away from the worship of Raghupathi is unfortunate and dull-minded.”

 

It was the end of daylight, both the armies returned to their respective shelter places. It was a tedious day for the valorous armies of Vanara and bears, but with the grace of Lord Ramachandra, all the tiredness was vanished and regained their prowess, like the fire on the straw. The might of the demons decreased day by day like the person who self-praises his virtues. Dhashanan kept the head of Kumbhakarnna close to his chest and wept bitterly. The female demons cried out loudly praising his prowess and bet on their chest. At that moment, Meghanatha arrived on the sight and pacified his father “Oh! My dear father, you will see my valor tomorrow, I have received boons from my beloved deity, and I have received power and chariot as a boon.” In this way, while Meghanatha was praising his val0r, the daylight has arrived. The army of Vanaras surrounded the four sides of the palace gate, one side of the gate was the powerful Vanaras resembled Kala and another side was demons skilled in the war field, and both of them fought for their victories. Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “ Oh! Garuda, the war between those powerful warriors was beyond description,” Meghanatha rose to the sky in his illusionary chariot, and produced loud roar, Vanaras got terrified, he utilized various weapons like trident, spear, axe, sword, mace, dagger, rocks, and several Astra and Shathras, that has the power of Vajrayudha, the sky was covered in powerful arrows, the huge voices, and cries of the warriors filled in the air. None could see whom they are fighting with, Vanaras rose to the sky with the rocks and huge trees, but they could not see Meghanatha who is wielded in illusionary powers. Meghanatha transformed the hills, valleys, and caves as the bed of arrows with his illusionary powers, Vanaras got stuck in the middle without the knowledge of where to proceed, in this way he put Nala, Neela, Angadha, Hanuman, and powerful warriors into big trouble. Meghanatha shot powerful arrows against Lakshman, Vibheeshana, and Sugriva and brutally wounded them. Further, he moved to Raghuveera, the arrows shot on the body of Prabhu transformed into serpents, thus the supreme Lord who is the slayer of Khara, independent, eternal, impassionate, was fastened with the Nagapasha.

 

The Supreme Lord Sri Ramachandra who has no dual forms, mighty and independent, assumed the form of a human perfectly played his role, he pretended to be fastened with the Nagapasha in order to increase the ferociousness of the war, but the deities were horrified. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Girija, How did Prabhu get fastened with Nagapasha? He is the destroyer of worldly bondage and worldly existence, he is omnipresent, he is the essence of the Universe and its living beings, recitation of his glorious name is enough to cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence and release the Jeeva from the clutches of worldly matters and bondages. Oh! Bhavani, it is impossible to describe and understand the amusements of that Prabhu who has assumed Sagunaroopa, it is incomparable, beyond words and intellect. The Vairagins abandon false perceptions and contemplate upon that Prabhu.”

 

Meghanatha who has illusionary powers created huge havoc among the Vanaras came into view and poured harsh words on them. Jambavan could not control his anger, Meghanatha showered abuse on him “Oh! Mooda, elderly Jambavan, I have left you free from the war zone, Oh! Adhama, how did you get the courage to challenge my prowess?” Meghanatha shoved a powerful spear on Jambava, but he tactfully caught it and tossed it back, it pierced the chest of Meghanatha, soon he fell down on the ground with a loud noise. Jambavan caught hold of his legs and thrashed him on the ground, in this way the elderly Jambavan proved his strength. It was the boon of Bhrama, Meghanatha did not lose his life, Jambavan took his leg and hurled to Lanka. Devarishi advised Garuda to hurry to the battlefield to release Lord Rama who was caught in Nagapasha. Prabhu Sri Ramachandra who was fastened with the Nagapasha remained firm, all those serpents were eaten fiercely by Garuda, thus Prabhu got relieved from the Maya, the Vanaras, and bears became extremely happy. The Vanaras and bears took hold of rocks, and trees used their powerful nails and teeth as weapons proceeded against the demons. The demons started to flee from the war zone and took a seat on the fortress wall.

 

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 13 – Lanka Kandam

Ravana approaches Kumbhakarnna/Kumbhakarnna's meeting with Vibheeshan/ Kumbhakarnna's fight against Sugriva

Ravana after instructing the demon Kalanemi to create an obstacle to the search of herb to revive the life of Lakshman returned to his palace.  Later, Ravana came to know that Hanuman returned with the herb and Lakshman regained consciousness, he was extremely distressed, worriedly approached his young brother Kumbhakarnna, who was in deep sleep. Ravana used all the tricks to wake him up, finally, he got seated, looked at Ravana as if he met Kala.  Kumbhakarnna asked Ravana “Oh! Brother, what’s that bothering you? Why are you so pale?” Ravana explained all that from the abduction of Devi Sita and the consequent troubles of Vanaras and bears and spoke “Oh! Dear brother, that Vanaras killed most of the demons, they have killed our valorous warriors in the army, the extremely fearless Durmukha, Devanthaka, Naranthaka, Athikaya, Akambana, Mahodhara all died on the battlefield.”

 

Kumbhakarna grieved over the death of the warriors, and spoke “Oh! Mooda, you have abducted the Lokamatha, Paramba, Bhagavathi, Jagadamba. How did you get peace? Oh! Rakasharaja, it was not a fair deed from you, why did you wake me up? Leave your pride and take shelter in Lord Sriramachandra and contemplate upon him, then you will have all the auspiciousness. Oh! Dhashanan, how did you envisage Rama as an ordinary human, after having Hanuman like an extremely prowess warrior as an emissary? I feel pity for you; it was your foolishness brought miseries to you, did not mention before executing the treacherous plan. You have prepared to fight against that supreme Lord Raghurama who is worshiped by the Lord Shambhu, Lord Bhrama, and deities. I should have informed the truth Maharishi Narada told me several years back, anyway it is too late to talk about it. Oh! Brother, be with me, I will approach that supreme Lord Ramachandra who has the complexion of dark clouds, beautiful eyes has the resemblance to lotus flower petals, and the protector of Thapathrya/Adhideivika, Adhibhauthika, Adhyathmika, we will take shelter at his lotus feet, and attain the fruitfulness of our lives.” In this way, Kumbhakarna eulogized the glories, and virtues of Sri Ramachandra Prabhu. In the meantime, Ravana arranged to bring several pots of intoxicating drinks and the huge size of meat before Kumbhakarnna who consumed all that given, and produced boisterous voices resembles thunder. Instantly he lost all the good senses with the influence of the intoxicating drink, left out of the palace without armies or weapons to fight against the Vanaras and bears.

 

Sunu Suth Bhayau Kalbas Ravan So Ki Man Ab Param Sikhavan| Dhanya Dhanya  Thaim Dhanya Bibeeshan Bhayahu Thath Nishichar Kulabhooshan||

 

Vibheeshana watched his brother Kumbhakarnna, he approached him and prostrated before him.   Kubhakarnna took hold of his brother and embraced Vibheeshana, and was truly happy to know him that as a sincere devotee of Raghupathi. Vibheeshana spoke “Oh! Dear brother, I have advised Ravana not to keep enmity against Sri Ramachandra, but he was not willing to listen, he kicked me out of the palace, I felt extremely ashamed and returned to Prabhu Ramachandra who saw me in a pathetic state and accepted me as one of his attendants.” Kumbhakarnna spoke “Oh! Dear son, listen to me, Ravana is rushing to the mouth of death, he is under the clutches of Kala, he cannot listen to any of the advice at that moment. Oh! Vibheeshana, you are a highly fortunate one, you are the precious jewel in the clan of demons, and you have brought fame by serving that Raghupathi who symbolizes wisdom and virtues. Oh! Vibheeshana, you have to serve sincerely Ramachandra with your mind, words, and actions. He is Ranadheera, kindly leave me now. I am under the influence of Kala, Oh! Brother, I have lost good consciousness, I could not recognize my relatives or enemies, and I am already on the way to the mouth of death.” Vibheeshana returned to Sri Ramachandraprabhu.

 

Vibheeshana spoke “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Thrilokabhooshana, here comes the Kumbhakarnna, who has the stature of a mountain and extremely valorous in the battlefield.” The powerful Vanaras enthusiastically approached Kumbhakarnna, they crushed their teeth, plucked trees and pillars on their way and rushed to Kumbhakarnna and tossed on him, in this way, the Kapis and bears hurled several thousands of trees and mountains on Kumbhakarnna, but nothing could block his way to the battlefield. The mountains and trees heaved upon Kumbhakarnna were like the berries thrown on the elephant, he did not move an inch from his position. Hanuman gave a hard punch on Kumbhakarnna who lost balance and fallen on the ground with a loud thud.   Kumbhakarnna brutally attacked Nala and Neela, and all those Vanaras and bears on his vicinity, the remaining Vanaras and bears ran off from the war zone, none had the courage to fight against Kumbhakarnna.  He fought against Angadha, Sugriva and various powerful warriors and defeated them, all of them lost consciousness, Kumbhakarnna who symbolizes prowess took hold of Sugriva who was fallen unconscious and thrust Vanararaja on his armpit.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, it was an amusement of Lord Raghupathi, like the Garuda plays with the serpents, otherwise, the supreme Lord Ramachandra who creates, preserves and destroys the Universe and its living beings with the movement of his eyebrows, why should keep quiet watching all these atrocities of Kumbhakarna? Whoever sings in praise of the splendor of Raghupathi would definitely cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence effortlessly. Hanuman regained consciousness after receiving a blow from Kumbhakarnna, searched for Sugriva who was in the armpit of Kumbhakarnna got himself released, because Kumbhakarnna loosened the grip on Sugriva, thinking that he must have died. Sugriva who got released from the armpit of Kumbhakarnna, bitten the ears and nose of him and rose to the sky, Alas! That moment Kumbhakarnna realized that Sugriva is still alive. Kumbhakarnna took hold of the leg of Sugriva and thrashed him on the ground, but Sugriva rose from the ground and gave a hard punch calling out “Jai Sriram, Jai Sriram, Jai Kripanidhi” and returned to Prabhu.  Kumbhakarnna who was lost ears and nose got annoyed and returned from the battlefield,  the Vanaras in the battlefield got alarmed watching the dreadful demon Kumbhakarnna without nose and ears. They cheered “Victory to Ram, Victory to Sriram” and heaved huge rocks and trees on Kumbhakarnna who was already frenzied walked like Kala towards his enemies, he consumed crores of Vanaras on his way, it was like the reptiles inside the cave. He crushed many Vanaras and bears to death, he crushed them with his hands on the ground, numerous bears and Vanaras escaped from his nose and ears and ran out of his sight. The haughty and powerful Kumbhakarnna was all prepared to fight and stood like to eat all that entire creatures in the Universe created by the Lord Bhrama, all the valorous Vanaras and bears ran out of the battlefield. The army of demons felt immensely pleased watching the progress of the battle, all those Vanaras and bears already disappeared from the war zone, Rama watched the pitiable state of his army of Vanaras and bears, and the progress of the army of demons.

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 12 – Lanka Kandam

 Hanuman's encounter with the demon Kalanemi/ Hanuman uprooted the mountain of herb and while returning on the skyways meeting with Bharatha/ Lakshman regain consciousness

Lord Shankara speaks “Oh! Parvathi, listen to me carefully, the supreme Lord whose anger causes the destruction of the fourteen worlds at the end of Kalpa,  is worshiped by deities, Rishis, Sages, Manushyas, and all the living and non-living things, cannot be defeated in the battlefield. It can be understood with the grace of that Supreme Lord Ramachandra. It was evening hours, all those warriors returned to their respective shelter places. The Supreme Lord who is absolute Bhramam enquired for Lakshman, in the meantime, Hanuman brought Lakshman on his shoulder, seeing Lakshman in an unconscious state, Prabhu could not control his grief. Jambavan spoke “Oh! Prabho, there is a well-known physician Sushena in the city of Lanka kindly sends someone to bring him immediately.” Hanuman assumed a tiny form and went to Lanka, effortlessly plucked the house of  Shushena, and placed it before Prabhu.

 

Sushena fallen at the feet of Prabhu and informed the name of the herb and the availability of the same, that could bring back the life of Lakshman, he spoke to Vayuputhra “Oh! Vayuputhra, kindly bring the herb at the earliest before the daylight.” Hanuman prostrated before Ramachandra, and set out in search of the herb.   On the other side, one of the demons informed the news to Ravana about the state of Lakshman, he rushed to the house of Kalanemi and informed about Hanuman’s search for the herb. Kalanemi advised Ravana “Oh! Prabho, those powerful Vanaras burned down your Kingdom before your eyes, it is impossible to fight against them. Listen to my advice, do not keep enmity with the Prabhu Raghuram, contemplate that supreme Lord Raghu, and meditate upon that Prabhu who has dark cloud complexion and has the most lovely appearance pleasing to eyes. Kindly leave your haughtiness, and foolish thought of “me, myself and mine,” wake up from the night of Mahamoha, he is supreme Lord who symbolizes Kala, how could you win over him? Not even in your dreams.” Ravana could not control his anger, Kalanemi thought “This wicked Ravana swollen with pride and sin, waiting to meet his death in the hands of Prabhu, it is good for me to meet my death in the hands of that Prabhu.”

 

Kalanemi created a beautiful pond, shrine, and pleasure garden with his Mayavidhya. Vayuputhra traveled on the skyways thought to take shelter in the shrine and quench thirst, Kalanemi disguised in the form of an ascetic was seated in the shrine, and persuaded the sincere attendant of Mayapathi. Vayuputhra prostrated before the ascetic, Kalanemi started singing in praise of the virtues of Raghuram. “Oh! Vayuputhra, I could sense the battle between Raghurama and Ravana, there is no doubt that Ram will win the battle, I can witness all those from here because I am aware of all.” Hanuman asked for water was handed his vessel, Hanuman said “Oh! Mune, my thirst won’t go away with the water in your vessel.” Kalanemi advised “Oh! Kapeeshwara, go to the nearby pond, quench your thirst and take a bath.  I shall give you Deeksha, return immediately that would give you supreme wisdom.”

 

Hanuman entered the pond, felt something caught hold of his leg, and it was a female crocodile. Hanuman killed the crocodile, immediately it assumed the form of a beautiful celestial Apsara, before leaving in a celestial vehicle, she spoke “Oh! Kapeeshwara, you have removed the curse of a sage, I have got freed from all the sins, Oh! Vanaraveera, the ascetic you have met is a dreadful demon disguised in the form of a Tapasvi.” Thus the Aspsara left to her abode. Hanuman approached the Rakshasa who was disguised in the form of an ascetic and spoke “Oh! Mune, kindly receive your Gurudhakshina, after that you can give me advice.” Hanuman increased the length of his tail and coiled him, and thrashed him on the floor before death Kalanemi assumed his original form and uttered “Rama Rama” and left his mortal coil. Hanuman felt immensely pleased and left the hermitage. He set foot on the mountain to collect the herb, but could not recognize the herb Sushena was instructed. He remembered he has no time left, so he uprooted the whole mountain, and kept it on his palm, and traveled on the skyways of the city of Ayodhya.

 

Bharatha who was settled in Nadhagau after returning from the Chitrakoot, found a massive form flying on the sky, mistook it is a demon, shot an arrow against Hanuman. He fell down with a loud thud calling “Ram Ram” Bhartha rushed to Vanara listening to the cries calling for Rama; he embraced Hanuman and made all efforts to bring him back to consciousness. Bharatha became devastated, shed tears of grief "the grief of separation from Rama did not leave me yet, it keeps giving me anguish again and again. If I have sincere devotion at the lotus feet of Raghupathi, if I am devoted to Rama with mind, actions and words, if Raghupathi is promising to me, let all those pains of Vanara disappear.” These words rushed to the ears of Hanuman; soon, he got out as if from the deep sleep uttering “Jai Kosaladheesha”. Bharatha embraced Hanuman affectionately and shed tears, he remembered the compassion of Raghukulathilaka, could not control the rush of emotions.

 

Bharatha enquired “Oh! Sakha, How is Rama who is supreme bliss, mother Janaki, and my brother Lakshman? Hanuman described all that happened to Rama in brief, Bharatha could not control his grief, felt sad “ Oh! Lord, why did I take birth in this world? I am not able to help that Prabhu in any of his troubles.” Soon he regained courage and spoke to Hanuman “ I do not want to create any delay to your journey back to Suvela mountain, should not wait for the daybreak, kindly be seated on my arrow with that Sanjeevini mountain on your palm, I shall assist you to reach your destination in no time.” Kapivara thought how an arrow flies with my weight and mountain; he contemplated upon Prabhu Ram, and prostrated before Bharatha and spoke “Oh! Prabhu, I remember your splendor and reach to my destination” Thus, he prostrated before Bharatha and bade farewell. On his way, Hanuman remembered the kindness of Bharatha and highly appreciated the sincere devotion of Bharatha to Lord Rama, his prowess, virtues, humility, kindness, and courage, etc.

 

Rama kept Lakshman on his lap and wept bitterly like an ordinary human, it was midnight, they were expecting the arrival of Hanuman, Rama embraced Lakshman repeatedly, and shed tears “Oh! Brother, you do not like to see me in grief, you do not want to see me in troubles, you have left your parents for me and followed me to woods, and you have been very loving and kind always. You have undertaken all those troubles living in the woods; you have lived in extreme heat, cold, and wind, all those harsh climatic conditions in the wood. Oh! Thatha, why are you not responding to me? Where is that your love for me? If I was known this before, I would not take up a journey to wood, or followed my father’s promise. All those relationships come and go in life, but a devoted brother like you will not be born again. Oh! Dear brother, kindly open your eyes, look at me. How did a bird live without wings? How did a serpent live without its gem on its forehead? How did an elephant lose its trunk live in peace? Oh! Thatha, I cannot live without you, but my fate forced me to live like a dead in your absence. How did I return to Ayodhya without you? How did I say that I have sacrificed my brother to locate my wife? I would have preferred to return without my wife and proved my weakness before everyone. Oh! Brother, I cannot control the grief of losing a devoted brother, and failed to locate my wife, how did I console your mother who has lost her lonely son? She has readily offered all your responsibilities to me, she was quite sure that I will take good care of you and I will be promising to you always. What did I say when I return from the woods? Oh! Brother, kindly open your eyes and answer to my queries.” in this way, the Supreme Lord who is the destroyer of sorrows, repeatedly grieved and tears overflown down the cheeks.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, Sri Ramachandra Prabhu is eternal, incarnated on the earth for the welfare of the Jeeva. The Vanaras and bears seated around Prabhu were sunk in deep sorrow. Shortly, the appearance of Hanuman brought great relief and happiness to all; Rama rushed to Hanuman and embraced him. The Supreme Lord who is Paramajjyani is grateful always.  The physician Sushena applied the herb on Lakshman, immediately Lakshman got out of the deep sleep, and embraced Rama. All those Vanaras and bears were extremely happy. Hanuman carried back Shushena along with his home and restored it in the city of Lanka.

 

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 11 – Lanka Kandam

The battle between Indrajith/Meghanatha and Lakshman 

The demons hurled numerous mountains and fireballs against the Vanaras and bears, they produced huge sounds, and the warriors produced loud noises resembled the friction of rainy clouds. The Vanaras fought with the demons and badly wounded, but they did not leave the war zone. The Vanaras plucked huge rocks and hurled on the fortress, the demons in the fortress were killed instantly. Meghanatha rushed to the site with his huge army of demons to fight against the enemies. He proclaimed “Where is Kosaladheesha? Where are those two Thapsvis? Where are those famous youths experts in archery? Where are Nala, Neela, Dhvidha, Angadha, Hanuman, and Jambavan? Where is that unfaithful Vibheeshana? I will kill them all.” He showered arrows against the Vanaras, it darted like the serpents with wings, there was no one could retreat the arrows of Meghanatha, several Vanaras fallen with loud thuds, some of the Vanaras and bears ran off from the war field, none had the courage to face Meghanatha, all the Vanaras and bears disappeared from his sight. He shot ten arrows on each Vanaras who shriveled in extreme pain, the valorous and powerful Meghanatha roared like a lion in the war zone.

 

Hanuman understood his armies of Vanaras are under threat; he rushed to the site producing deafening noise, like Kala. He pulled out a huge rock and tossed it on Meghanatha, he immediately jumped out of the chariot into the sky and left the charioteer, chariot, and horses under the rock. Hanuman persuaded him for a dual fight, but Meghanatha was not confident enough to fight against that powerful Vanara, refused his calls. Meghanatha approached Srirama and used various Astra and Shastra against him, but Prabhu destroyed all his weapons before it rose to the sky. Meghanatha frightened to watch the expertise of Raghava, he stood like a baby serpent before Garuda. Meghanatha used illusionary weapons against Prabhu Sri Rama, who is Lord Maya, whose Maya influence the illustrious Rishis, Sages and deities, even Lord Bhrama and deities.

 

Meghanatha exhibited illusionary powers, he rose to the sky and produced a shower of fire, there were several sudden watercourses rose from the Earth, there were dreadful Dakinis and Sakinis with weapons shrieked before the Vanaras, there were showers of secrets, blood, skeletons, hair, stones, etc. there were heavy sand storm blocked the visibility, and created darkness completely, watching all those illusionary powers of Meghanatha all the Vanaras assembled were terrified and feared their death is nearing, Rama smiled at them. Rama understood the Vanaras are horror-struck, he shot an arrow and removed all the illusions of Meghanatha, like the brilliant rays of the sun, removes the darkness and he showered compassionate grace upon the Vanaras and bears, soon they have regained their valor and strength, soon they entered in a fierce battle with the demons was beyond description. Lakshman after obtaining permission of his brother preceded to the war zone with Angadha, was extremely furious holding the powerful bow and arrow.

 

Lakshman who has the fair complexion, long hands, broad chest, eyes reddened in fury, shone like mount Himalaya. Dhashanan appointed his powerful men wielded in various weapons to fight against Vanaras who have sharp nails and teeth as their weapons. These Vanaras plucked trees and hills heaved on their enemies cheering “Jai Sri Ram’, they used powerful fist, teeth, and nails, against the demons, pounced on them with their heavy bodies and the demons crushed under their bodies and feet.  The huge number of warriors of Vanara and bears, under nine chief of army personnel, scattered all over the Lanka, producing boisterous and threatening voices. The deities witnessed the ferocious battle between the demons and Vanaras in awe. The battlefields were resembled a pool of blood, and packed with severely wounded warriors. Lakshman fought against the mighty Meghanatha, the battle continued so long, eventually, Meghanatha adopted deceitful means to win Lakshman who is Anantha, shattered the chariot and charioteer of Meghanatha. It was evident that Meghanatha, could not withstand the fight against Lakshman and he may die in the hands of Lakshman.  Soon, Meghanatha shot a powerful Shakthyayudha against Lakshman, it caused him to fall unconscious, Meghanatha fearlessly moved closer to Lakshman, with his warriors and made an effort to lift him from the ground became unsuccessful, is it possible to lift a thousand hooded Adhishesha who carries the entire Universe on his hood?

|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 10 – Lanka Kandam

 The vicious battle between Vanaras and demons/Malyavan's advice to Ravana

Hanuman and Angadha chased their enemies, crushed them to death, sieved off their heads, and those were fallen before Ravana, like several broken mud pots of curds. They brutally attacked the demons approached, and tossed them at the lotus feet of Prabhu, and Vibheeshna introduces the names of the demons to Prabhu.  The compassionate Lord send that demon to his abode, thus the wicked and cruel demons who consume human meat attained the Paramagathi, like the Yogi and ascetics.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, the supreme Lord Rama is extremely compassionate and kind to Jeeva, he is Kripanidhi, he offers Paramagathi even to his enemies. Oh! Bhavani, Is there any deity benevolent than Rama? Even after listening to his kindness and affection, Jeeva is not willing to take shelter in him, they are soaked in worldly matters and bondage, and undergo extreme agony and sufferings are dull-minded and unfortunate. Ayodhyapathi understood Hanuman and Angadha entered in the palace of Ravana, these two Vanaras resembled Mandhara Parvatha, destroyed the fortress of Lanka. They fought with the demons till the hours of sunset, finally, at the end of the day, they returned to Prabhu, and prostrated before him. Raghupathi highly pleased with Hanuman and Angadha, showered his grace upon them, instantly they both got relieved from the exhaustion of long day battle. The army Vanaras and bears in the city came to know that Angadha and Hanuman returned to Prabhu, eventually they also returned to the woods.”

 

It was during the night; the demons regained their strength and went to meet Dhashanan. The demons whose strength multiplies in the night went in search to fight against the Vanaras and bears, once again a fierce battle has begun, in this way the two powerful enemies continued to battle for long hours. These demons were dark in colors, huge in size, had great strength, and extremely valorous in the war field. The Vanaras were fierce and had different colors, these two enemies had equal strength and were experts in the war field. The leaders of the demons Akambana and Athikaya found their warriors are failing, soon they have utilized illusionary powers to fight against Vanaras who terrified the sudden darkness engulfed the field of battle, created huge chaos.

 

Raghunatha understood the reason for the sudden darkness, called for Hanuman and Angadha, and made them understand the situation and given instructions to tackle them. These two Vanaras returned to battlefield viciously, Prabhu smiled to himself and shot Agneyasthra. Alas! There was sudden brilliance spread all over the battlefield like the wisdom removes the ignorance, the brilliant rays of sun removes the darkness. The Vanaras and bears felt extremely happy and enthusiastically flee to different directions to attack the demons. Hanuman and Angadha produced deafening voices that created trepidations among the demons; they started to flee from the battlefield. But the Vanaras did not leave them, caught them and thrashed them on the floor, pulled their legs, and heave them to the ocean, eventually, they have become a feast for the aquatic animals. In this battle some of them were killed, some were brutally wounded, and some of them took shelter on the dome of the fortress, in this way the Vanaras and bears attacked the army of Ravana.

 

It was too dark in the night, all those four armies of Vanaras and bears returned to Suvela Parvatham. They prostrated before Kosalaraja, soon they have regained their strength with the grace of Kripalu. Ravana called for an urgent meeting of ministers and informed “The Vanaras and bears destroyed half of our warriors, what should we do?” Soon Malyavan, who is an elderly minister and maternal uncle of Ravana spoke “Oh! Son, listen to my promising words, the moment you have abducted Devi Sita and brought her to Lanka, we are facing too many troubles and witnessing several band omens, it is beyond description.  It is impossible to attain peace and serenity in their lives who oppose that supreme Lord Rama who is eulogized by Veda and Vedanta. He is Kripalu who has incarnated as Rama on the Earth, killed Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashipu, and Madhukaitaba, like powerful demons. He is Badavagni/Kalaroopi to the wicked demons, he is the storehouse of virtues, he symbolizes wisdom and knowledge, he is worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Lord Mahadeva and deities, and hence no one will keep enmity against that Supreme Lord Rama. Therefore leave your enmity against Rama, and return Devi Vaidhehi with all respects, and take shelter at the lotus feet of Prabhu who is Kripanidhi.” All these words of Neethishashtra shot like powerful arrows in the heart of Ravana, spoke angrily “Oh! The unfortunate one, I do not want to see your face, get out of my palace immediately. If you were not aged, I would have killed you, remember one thing, you should not come in front of my eyes.” Malyavan moved out of the assembly thinking that “He would get killed in the hands of Prabhu in no time.”  Meghanatha haughtily spoke “Watch everyone; you will see my valor tomorrow morning. I have decided and I am certain that, I will definitely achieve fruitful results tomorrow.” Ravana regained his confidence from the words of Meghanatha, he took Meghanatha on his lap and showered love. They continued to discuss about the war tricks; eventually, the daylight has arrived. Vanaras began to attack the huge palace door from the four directions; they surrounded the fortress, created huge chaos in the city. The demons appeared in various fierce weapons, pulled out hills, and heaved on the Vanaras and bears.