|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -25 - Lanka Kandam

The concluding part of Lanka Kandam - Rama's return to Ayodhya/Rama visits the hermitage of Rishis and Sages/ The nectar-like marvelous message of Sri Goswami Tulsidas Maharaj

Prabhu Sita Ram took a seat on the grand throne in the celestial vehicle/Pushpaka Vimana, the Vanaras and bears cheered “Victory to Raghuveera’, that celestial vehicle had great speed, the deities’ showered flowers upon Rama. There were cool freeze carrying rich fragrances of fresh alluring flowers, the waters in the ocean, ponds, and rivers were pure, there were several auspicious omens came into view, all their hearts were pleasing and serene, the sky and all the directions looked clear, Raghuveera spoke to Devi Sita “Oh! Sita, look at this place; this is where Lakshman killed Meghanatha, see the places where the demons got killed in the hands of Angadha and Hanuman, look at this place where Kumbhakarnna and Ravana who were the enemies of the deities killed. Oh! Devi, look at this place, here is the grand bridge constructed across the vast ocean, and take notice at the Shivalinga sanctified in this place.” Lord Rama and Devi Sita heartily prostrated before Lord Shambhu.  The compassionate Lord showed and detailed the names of woods he has taken shelter, and the places he had spent in the absence of Devi Sita. Shortly, the celestial vehicle arrived in Dhandakaranya the place where Sage Agasthya and illustrious Rishis lived in the woods. Rama visited all the hermitages of the Rishis assembled, received their blessings and went to Chitrakoot, he met Rishis and Sages in Chitrakoot, prostrated before them and received their blessings as well. The celestial vehicle they have traveled had the speed of wind; Prabhu showed the Kalimalaharini the sacred river Yamuna to Devi Sita. Then he showed the Punyavathi Devanadhi Ganga, and spoke “Oh! Sita, prostrate before her, it removes the sins of crores of Janma with the sight of this sacred river Ganga, Oh! Devi, look at the Prayagraj which is the King of all the sacred places on the Earth. Oh! Devi, look at the highly auspicious river Papanashini and have a look at the river Thriveni which is the ladder to the abode of Lord Sri Hari. Oh! Devi, look at this magnificent, and highly auspicious Ayodhyanagari which removes the Thapathraya and Bhavabhaya of the Jeeva.” Kripalu prostrated before the city of Ayodhya, his eyes overflown with the tears, immersed in a supreme state of bliss. Prabhu took a halt in Thriveni and took bath in the sacred river, performed rites, and various charities with the Vanaras to the twice-born.

 

Prabhu spoke to Hanuman “ Oh! Kapishwara, assume the form of a twice-born, go to Nandagau and meet Bharatha, inform all that happened in Lanka, and enquire his welfare as well, and return to me immediately.” Vayuputhra left to skywards, Prabhu visited the hermitage of Sage Bharadhwaja. Sage received Rama, Sita, and Lakshman with great reverence worshiped and eulogized Rama, and blessed them. Prabhu prostrated before Sage Bharadhwaja, and bade farewell with folded hands, returned to his celestial vehicle. Nishadharaja Guha came to know the return of Prabhu, called out for an urgent meeting of all those tribal people, and ordered his men to arrange several ferries to keep ready for Prabhu. At that moment, the celestial Vehicle took a stop on the riverbank of Ganga at the will of Prabhu. Devi Sita worshiped Ganga and performed detailed rites; Devi Ganga was highly pleased and blessed Devi Sita “Oh! Sundari, have a long blissful married life.”

 

Guha came to know about the arrival of Prabhu, rushed to him with extreme happiness. He fell at the feet of  Janakisametha Rama, Prabhu was highly pleased to watch the devotion of Guha, raised him from the feet, and embraced. Ramapathi who is the essence of wisdom and kindness, embraced Guha and instructed him to be seated next to him, and enquired about his welfare. Guha spoke “ Oh! Prabhu, I am extremely happy watching those lotus feet, which is worshiped by Lord Bhrama, and Lord Shambhu, Oh! Rama who is supreme bliss, flawless, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” Prabhu Sri Hari affectionately embraced Guha as if Bharatha.  Guha who was born in the tribal clan, have no wisdom or practices had achieved the greatest fortune in his life. Tulsidas Maharaj speaks “Oh! Prabhu, this dull-minded and ignorant Tulsidas engaged in worldly desires, and completely forgotten to take shelter at the feet of Karunanidhi who is most promising to all. The glorious legend of Ravanashathru Lord Rama provides intense devotion and faith, moreover, it removes the Kamadhi Dhosha of the listener and reader as well. It provides supreme wisdom and knowledge, is constantly sung by Devas, Siddhas, and Sages in extreme bliss. Whoever read or listen to the Rama and Ravana Yudhdham, with great devotion and faith, would attain success, intellect, and perpetual grace of Prabhu. Oh! Mortals, listen to it carefully, this Kali era is the house of evilness, there is nothing that could save you other than the glorious names of Lord Sri Rama.”

 

Ithi Sri Ramacharitha Manase Sakala Kali Kalusha Vidhwamsane Shashtama: Sopana: Samaptha:||

 

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -24 - Lanka Kandam

 Lord Indra and Lord Shambhu eulogizes Prabhu Sri Ram/The Vanaras and bears who have lost lives in the battle regains life/Prabhu Sriram along with Lakshman and Devi Sita travels in the celestial Vimana

Lord Indra eulogized Prabhu “Oh! Jaya Srirama, Oh! Saundaryadhama, you are the ultimate shelter place of your devotees, Oh! Rama, who is adorned in powerful bow and arrow, destroyer of Khara Dhooshana and numerous demons, destroyer of wicked demons, Victory to you, Oh! Prabho, you have killed the wicked Dhashanan and restored peace among the deities. Victory to you! Oh! Prabho, you have reduced the burden of mother Earth. It is difficult to describe your splendor and magnanimity, Victory to Ravanashathru, who destroyed the cluster of wicked demons. Lankeshwara took great pride in his power and imprisoned the deities and Gandharvas. He tortured Rishis, Sages, Siddhas, humans, animals, serpents, and birds. He was extremely wicked, took great pleasure in causing afflictions to others, and finally got back the fruits of his Karma. Oh! Dheenadhayalo, Oh! Kamalanayana, listen to me, I have been too arrogant, I have taken great pride in me, Oh! Prabho, after witnessing those lotus feet, all my pride and arrogance which causes afflictions have vanished. The intellectuals worship the Nirguna Bhramam with constant meditation and contemplation, but the Sagunaswaroopa of that Kosaladheesha Srirama lured my heart more than anything. Oh! Prabho, kindly reside in our hearts with Devi Vaidhehi and Lakshman, kindly consider me as your sincere servant, Oh! Lakshminivasa kindly blesses us with intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet.”

 

Dhey Bhakthi Ramanivas Thras Haran Sukhadhayakam | Sukhadhama Ram Namami Kam Aneka Cchabi Raghunayakam | Sur Brindha Ranjjan Dhvandha Bhanjjan Manuj Thanu Athulithabalam | Bhramadhi Shankara Sebya Rama Namami Karuna Komalam ||

 

Lord Indra continues “Oh! Ramanivasa, Oh! Bhayanashaka, Oh! Sharanagathavathsala kindly blesses us with the intense faith and devotion at your lotus feet. Oh! Prabho who excels the beauty of numerous Kamadeva, is the essence of supreme bliss, Oh! Raghunayaka, Oh! Rama, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Prabho, you are the destroyer of Dhvandha/duality/grief and happiness, good and bad, evil and pleasant, gain or loss, etc.  You have assumed a marvelous form which is incomparable, worshiped by Lord Bhrama, Lord Shankara, and deities, Oh! Rama who has a lovely appearance, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. Oh! Kripalu, kindly advice me what shall I do?”

 

Prabhu Ramachandra spoke affectionately “Oh! Surapathi, Oh! Devaraja, listen to me, the Kapis and Vanaras met their death in the hands of demons are on the battlefield, they have sacrificed their lives for me, hence you should restore their lives.” Sage Kakabhushundi speaks “Oh! Garuda, Oh! Pakshiraja, the instruction of Prabhu is not understandable for people like us, it is understandable for intellectuals and wise, Prabhu is capable to destroy the whole living beings, and restore their lives, but he showed reverence to Lord Indra. Immediately Indra showered nectar of immortality on the Kapis and bears in the battlefield and restored their lives. They enthusiastically ran towards Prabhu, as if got out of deep sleep. The nectar of the immortality sprinkled on the battlefield restored the lives of Kapis and bears only because they were contemplated upon Prabhu while leaving mortal coil, they got relieved from the worldly bondage and attained Moksha, the demons that left their mortal coil forgetting the supreme Lord Rama did not regain their lives. There is no deity benevolent than Rama who provided his supreme abode to the lustful demon Dhashanan. Thus Prabhu wiped out all those wicked demons on the Earth and reduced her burden.  The deities showered flowers upon Rama, along with Devi Sita and Lakshman, and returned to their respective abodes.

 

The Sarvajjyani Lord Shambhu arrived before supreme Lord Rama, with folded hands, tears overflowing from eyes, in a supreme state eulogized the Prabhu.  Thripurari spoke in extreme compassion “ Oh! Raghukulanayaka, who is wielded in powerful bow and arrow, kindly protect us. Oh! Prabho, you have Saguna and Nirgunaroopa as well, you are powerful wind that destroys/scatter away Mahamoha like dark clouds, you are the colossal fire that destroys the false perception like dense woods, you are the source of supreme bliss, you are the shrine of virtues, you have a lovely appearance, you resembles the midday Sun that removes the hallucination like darkness, Oh! Prabho, you reside in the woods like the heart of your devotees and you are the lion that removes the impurities like Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Madha, Moha and Mathshcharya. The worldly desires and bondages are frost that destroys the lotus flower, you are beyond description, you are magnanimous, and you symbolize the Mandharaparvatha which is used to churn the Bhavasagar. Oh! Prabho, kindly protect me from the extreme fears and anxieties of Bhavasagara. Oh! Rajaram, who has dark cloud complexion, beautiful eyes resembles lotus flower petals, you are the constant companion of distressed people and remove their sufferings, you are the source of happiness to the Sages and Rishis, you are the jewel on the Universe, you are the favorite deity of Tulsidas, and you are the destroyer of extreme anxieties and fears. Oh! Rama kindly resides in my heart with Devi Janaki and your brother Lakshman. Prabho, Oh! Karunasindho, I will visit you in the Kingdom of Ayodhya, to witness your grand coronation ceremony as the King of Ayodhya.” Thus Lord Shambhu eulogized Rama and returned to his abode.

 

Vibheeshana approached Prabhu and prostrated before him, and eulogized in a sweet voice “ Oh! Prabho, Oh! Sarangapane, kindly listen to my prayers. You have destroyed Ravana and his relatives, and entire clan and reinstated the glory; moreover, you have showered extreme compassion and grace on me, born in a wicked clan, impure by nature. Oh! Prabho, kindly sanctify the house of mine with your presence and kindly remove the exhaustion of long days of battle, kindly take notice of the wealth of Lanka, and wealth of the palace, and distribute to those Vanaras according to your wish. Oh! Prabho, kindly do not leave me and take me to Ayodhya with you.” listening to those passionate words Prabhu’s eyes welled up with tears.

 

Rama spoke “Oh! Brother, you are right, your wealth and the palace are belongs to me, but I am extremely anxious about Bharatha, every second seems to be Yuga for me. He has embraced the life of a Thapasvi and living in the woods, hardly consuming any meals, and always reciting and remembering me. Oh! Sakha, kindly make arrangements to meet my brother Bharatha. If I did not return after the prescribed time of Vanavasa, I can’t meet my brother alive. You should rule the Kingdom of Ayodhya till the end of Yuga, contemplating upon me, after that like those ascetics you will return to my abode.” Vibheeshana prostrated before Prabhu and took hold of his feet. The Vanaras and bears took shelter at the feet of Prabhu and started eulogizing Prabhu. Vibheeshana returned to the palace and stored all those gems and finest garments in the Pushpakavimana and brought before Prabhu.

 

Kripasindhu Lord Rama spoke with a smile “Oh! Sakha, Vibheeshana, go high in that celestial Pushpakavimana and spread all those finest garments and precious gems on the Earth”. Vanaras and bears collected all those finest garments fallen according to their taste, they carried a handful of gems and put it in their mouth as if it was something to take pleasure in, later they spew it out. Rama, Lakshman, and Devi Sita enjoyed the sight and laughed out loud at the amusement of Prabhu. The Supreme Lord who is not easily attainable even for the illustrious Rishis and Sages, the Veda describes that Lord as ‘Nethi Nethi”, that supreme Lord who is the ocean of mercy engaged in various amusements with those Vanaras and bears. Lord Shiva speaks “Oh! Uma, the sincere devotion and faith upon that supreme Lord Rama is more meritorious than Japa, Thapa, Yaga, Yoga, various Vratha, extreme austerities, and penance.”

 

The Kapis and bears attired in finest garments, stood before Prabhu, watching their facial appearance and different colors Kosaladheesha immensely pleased, he laughed out loudly, showered his compassionate grace upon them, and spoke affectionately “Oh! Vanaras, it was your prowess made me defeat Ravana, and crown Vibheeshana as the King of Lanka. Kindly return to your own homes, and live fearlessly, always contemplates upon me.” The Vanaras and bears spoke with folded hands “Oh! Prabho, you have well-spoken, Oh! Raghuram, you are the Lord of three worlds, you have brought us under your protection, but Prabhu, we cannot leave you, and how did the mosquitoes protect them from Garuda?” Raghuram made an effort to send them back to woods, but they were not willing to leave the Prabhu. Finally, Prabhu made them understood, and they have returned with sad faces, meditating upon the Supreme Lord. The compassionate Prabhu called them back and instructed them to settle on the celestial vehicle and it moved high on the sky, Prabhu heartily prayed to the twice-born and instructed the Vimana to move on the Northern direction.

 

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -23 - Lanka Kandam

 

The deities and Lord Bhrama eulogizes Raghava 

The deities showered flowers upon Rama, and Devi Sita, the sky reverberated in the divine sounds of Dhundhubi, Kinnaras sang melodiously from their celestial vehicles, the celestial Apsaras performed dances to their tunes, it was supremely gorgeous sight and the Kapis and bears cheered watching the beautiful Janakisametha Rama “Victory to Raghupathi who is supreme bliss.” Mathali who is the charioteer of Lord Indra prostrated before the lotus feet of Prabhu and returned to Indraloka.

 

The deities who were always keen on their welfare spoke “ Oh! Dheenabandho, Oh!Dhayalo, Oh! Raghuram, you have showered extreme kindness to the deities, you have killed Kamalolupa, Dhurmargi, Ravana who is wicked and took great pleasure in harassing the deities and the Universe. Oh! Prabho, you are impartial, you are supreme Bramham which is eternal, you are indestructible, changeless, flawless, and desireless, have no birth or death, you are the storehouse of virtues, you are beyond Thrigunas, you are unconquerable, you have extreme prowess, and extremely compassionate. Oh! Prabho, you have incarnated as Matsya, Koorma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, and Parashurama. Oh! Prabho, whenever the deities shoved into troubles, you have assumed various forms and protected them. The wicked Ravana was haughty and arrogant, symbolizes Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha and Mathshcharya. It is surprising to watch the Adhamashiromani Dhashanan attained that supreme abode with your mercy. The deities are highly deserved to attain the knowledge of Paramarththa, but we have become truly selfish and forgot to contemplate or meditate upon that supreme Bhramam, therefore we are drenched in the unfathomable ocean of Janana and Marana. Oh! Prabho, we are taking shelter at your lotus feet. Kindly protect us.” In this way, deities, Siddhas, Rishis, and sages eulogized Rama and stood with folded hands.

 

Lord Bhrama eulogized the supreme Lord Raghava “Oh! Jaya Rama, Oh! Sukhadhama Hare, Oh! Raghunayaka, who is wielded in powerful bow and arrow, you are a powerful lion that kills the untamed elephant-like Samsara. You are an ocean of virtues. Oh! Natha, you are highly powerful, all-pervasive, you have the loveliness of countless Manmatha. The Siddhas, Sages and poets singing in praise of your matchless beauty and virtues, your fame is pure and it sanctifies whoever sings in praise of you. Oh! Prabho, you have killed that Dhashanan, like a Garuda, took control over the Mahasarpa. You are the source of happiness to your devotees, and remove the fears and sorrows of them. Oh! Prabhu, you have perfect control over senses and anger, and never get angry with anyone without reason. Oh! Prabhu, you are magnanimous, kind, benevolent, and have endless virtues; you have incarnated to reduce the burden of the Earth. Oh! Prabho you symbolize wisdom and knowledge, you have neither birth nor death, you are omnipresent, you are eternal, and you have neither beginning nor end. Oh! Rama, Oh! Karunakara, I shall prostrate before you, you are the jewel of the Raghu clan and destroyer of Khara and numerous demons. Oh! Prabho, you remove the sins of the worshiper. You have adorned Vibheeshana as the King of Lanka, you are the storehouse of virtues and wisdom, and you are incomparable. Oh! Rama, who is free from impurities, has no birth, void of Maya, and independent. Oh! Prabho, I shall repeatedly prostrate before you. You have endless prowess, your hands have extreme might, which is capable to destroy the cluster of wicked, and protect the noble and virtuous as well. Oh! Prabho, you are extremely compassionate to the noble and virtuous, and always promising to them, I shall prostrate before that supreme Lord Rama along with Devi Sita, who is the storehouse of loveliness and beauty, Oh! Prabho, you are the cause and effects as well. You are the source to get released from the vicious cycles of birth and death. Oh! Prabho, you remove the fears and sins of your ardent devotees. Oh! Rama, who is adorned in powerful bow and arrows, and eyes, has the resemblance of lotus flower petals, you are Lakshmikantha, you are supreme bliss, and you are prominent among the Kings. Oh! Prabho, you are the destroyer of Madha, Moha, Mathshcharya of your devotees, you are eternal and changeless as well, and you are beyond perception. The Veda eulogizes your splendor, even though you have incarnated in various forms, you are beyond description and remains unattached to it, like the Sun and Sunrays. Oh! Prabho, these Vanaras are fortunate ones, Oh! Sarvavyapi, they are taking immense pleasure in your association. Oh! Hare, the body of deities are cursed one because we are excessively indulged in heavenly pleasures and have no devotion. Oh! Dheenadhayala, kindly shower you compassionate grace on me and shower that supreme knowledge of all-pervasive Bhamam. You are the essence of the Universe and its living beings. Oh! Prabho, I consider the sorrows/material welfare and bondage as happiness and indulging in the heavenly pleasures, therefore I am forced to commit sins.  The supreme Lord Shambhu and Devi Uma, always meditate and contemplate upon the lotus feet of that supreme Lord Ramachandra who is the destroyer of wicked, and precious jewel of the Universe. Oh! Rajadhiraja, kindly provide a boon to have intense devotion and faith at your lotus feet.” The Chathurmukha Bhrama eulogized the supreme Lord Ramachandra along with Devi Sita and took great pleasure in the loveliness of them.

 

At that moment, Dhasharatha appeared before them, his eyes were drenched in tears watching his sons and daughter-in-law, Prabhu and Lakshman reverentially prostrated before him and Dhasharatha blessed them. Rama spoke “Oh! Father, it was your Punyakarma, made me win over the wicked Dhashanan who is impossible to kill.” Dhasharatha highly pleased and shed tears, Prabhu understood that his father’s love for them has not changed yet. Therefore, Prabhu advised Paramaththa/knowledge of the highest philosophies to his father. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, although Dhasharatha had devotion, was not relieved from the love for his children; hence he did not attain Moksha. Whoever worships the Sagunaroopa without any desire, and never yearn for Moksha, Lord Rama provides intense devotion through his Sagunaroopa to his devotees. Dhasharatha repeatedly prostrated before Prabhu and returned to the abode of Lord Indra. Surapathi Lord Indra was highly pleased to watch his brother, Lord Rama, along with Devi Janaki and Lakshman.

 

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -22 - Lanka Kandam

The coronation ceremony of Vibheeshan as the King of Lanka/Devi Sita’s return from the pile of fire

Mandodhari speaks “Oh! Natha, you have mistaken Rama who is supreme Lord Hari,  he is the destroyer of the wicked demons like woods, you have considered him as an ordinary human. He is worshiped by Lord Bhrama and Lord Shambhu, you did not worship that Prabhu who is extremely compassionate. The moment you took birth, you were engaged in various atrocities and caused afflictions to others; this body of yours was the storehouse of sins, although that supreme Lord Rama provided his abode to you. I shall repeatedly prostrate before the supreme Lord Rama who is the absolute Bramham. Oh! Natha, there is no deity magnanimous and benevolent that the supreme Lord Raghunatha who offered Paramagathi which is difficult even for the illustrious Yogis and Rishis.” The deities, Rishis, and Sages were highly pleased with the praise of Devi Mandodhari. Lord Bhrama, Lord Maheshwara, Maharishi Narada, Siddhas, Illustrious Rishis, sages and Sanakadhis, looked at the glorious form of Raghupathi and devoured the splendor of Prabhu with their eyes, and drenched in the supreme state of bliss.

 

Vibheeshana heavy heartedly approached the queens who were crying and beating their chests, he felt extremely sad watching the pathetic state of his brother, Prabhu instructed Lakshman to pacify Vibheeshana, and Vibheeshana returned to Prabhu who looked at him affectionately and spoke “Oh! Vibheeshana, leave your grief and perform the final rites for your brother.” Thus, Vibheeshana performed all those rites prescribed in scriptures according to the time and zone, Mandodhari and other queens offered oblation for the deceased, they praised Prabhu and returned to their palace. Vibheeshana returned to Prabhu after performing final rites of Ravna, prostrated before Rama who called for Lakshman and spoke “ Lakshman, you along with  Sugriva, Angadha, Nala, Neela, Jambavan, and Hanuman go with Vibheeshan to the city of Lanka, and prepare for the coronation ceremony of Vibheeshana as the King of Lanka. I am not allowed to visit Lanka or any city, due to the command of my father. I can send my brother and Vanaras to perform the rites because they are equal to me.” Vanaras enthusiastically proceeded to Lanka after receiving instructions from Rama, and they have made all the arrangements for the crowning ceremony. They respectfully made seated Vibheeshana on the magnificent throne of the Kingdom of Lanka, adorned him with the sandalwood paste and vermilion on his forehead, and eulogized him. They stood before him with folded hands, shortly Vibheeshana returned to Prabhu. Raghupathi called those Vanaras and spoke to them affectionately, listening to the nectar-like words they immersed in bliss “ Oh! Vanaras,  it was your prowess made it possible to kill the enemy and perform the coronation ceremony of Vibheeshana, your fame will continue to stay in the three worlds, whoever sings in praise of you along with my legend would cross the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence effortlessly.” They stood before Prabhu with folded hands, took great pleasure in the nectar-like speeches of Prabhu, and prostrated before him.

 

Prabhu called Hanuman and spoke “Oh! Hanuman, visit Lanka and inform all the details of the battle to Devi Sita and enquire her welfare, and return to me.” Hanuman entered the city of Lanka, soon those demons arrived to receive Hanuman, and they respectfully took him to Devi Janaki. He prostrated before Devi Janaki far from her seat, Devi Janaki understood it was Hanuman who is the emissary of Lord Rama, Devi Janaki spoke “Oh! Vathsa, how is that supreme Lord who is Kripanidhi, how is Lakshman? How’s the army of Vanaras?” Hanuman spoke “Oh! Mother, Kosaladheesha is doing well. He conquered Ravana in the battle and performed coronation of Vibheeshana as the King of Lanka.” Devi Janaki immensely pleased and shed tears and spoke “Oh! Puthra, what did I offer to you? The three worlds are not enough to offer as a gift for the news you have brought to me.” Hanuman said “Oh! Mother, I have won the Akhilanda after attaining Rama and Lakshmana safe from the battlefield.” Devi Janaki spoke “Oh! Vathsa,  Let all those virtues remain in your heart! Let that Kosaladhipathi along with Lakshman remains promising to you always !. Oh! Puthra, I would like to see that Prabhu who has the complexion of dark clouds and extremely attractive.” Hanuman returned to Prabhu and conveyed the messages of Devi Sita.

 

Suryavamsha Thilaka Rama called for prince Angadha and Vibheeshana and spoke “ You both accompany Hanuman, and bring Devi Sita with all respects.” They immediately rushed to the Ashokavatika where Devi Sita is seated, there were a group of female demons were serving Devi Sita. Vibheeshana instructed the females to do the necessary to Devi Sita before leaving Lanka, they gave auspicious bath to Devi, and adorned her in various ornaments all over the body, a beautiful palanquin was kept ready for Devi who contemplated upon the Anandaroopa Raghupathi and took a seat in it. The palanquin was guarded by the demons with weapons, all those Vanaras and bears rushed to have a look at Devi Sita, but the guards blocked their way, Raghuveera smiled and spoke “ Oh! Vibheeshana, bring Devi Sita on foot, let those Vanaras and bears see their mother.”  Those Vanaras and bears extremely pleased listening to Sarveshwara Raghunatha. The deities showered flowers upon them. Prabhu wanted to bring back Devi Sita who was already deposited with Lord Agni; therefore he uttered some unpleasant words that put the female demons into deep sorrow.

 

Devi Sita who is virtuous and chaste in words and action sincerely followed the words of Prabhu, and spoke to Lakshman “Oh! Thatha, kindly create a pile of fire and help me as a priest to perform my duties.” Listening to the extremely sad but highly intelligent words of Dharma and Neethi, Lakshman’s eyes soaked in tears. He stood with folded hands before Prabhu, but he was unable to speak anything. He understood the state of Rama; he went to collect woods and created a huge pile of Agni. “Agni who is omniscient, if I was chaste and devoted to my Lord Raghuveera, with  words, deeds, or mind, let this Agni provide the coolness of the sandalwood paste to me.” Mythili contemplating upon Lord Rama uttered “Victory to Rama! Victory to the Kosaladheesha, who is sincerely worshiped by Lord Shambhu” and entered in the pile of Agni, as if in the pool of sandalwood paste. Shortly, that marvelous form of Devi Sita vanished in the Agni, but no one was aware of the confidential talks that took place between Devi Sita and Rama while in the Chitrakoot. The deities, Siddhas and Sages witnessed Lord Agni rose from the fire assumed in a divine form holding hands of Devi Sita who is eulogized by Veda and Vedanta, thus Lord Agni offered Devi Janaki to the hands of Rama like the Samudradevatha offered Devi Mahalakshmi to Lord Vishnu.  Thus, Jagathjanani, Paramba, Bhagavathi has the appearance of golden lotus took a seat on the left of Rama who is lustrous as blue lotus.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

Chapter -21 - Lanka Kandam

Dhashanan gets killed in the battlefield/Mandodhari eulogizes Rama

 

The deities who were witnessing the vicious battle between Rama and Ravana, found Prabhu Ram in the middle of numerous Vanaras holding mountains sized rocks in their hands, they cheered with mixed feeling “Victory to Rama, Victory to Kosaladheesha”, Rama shot an arrow on the illusionary images of Vanaras, and once the Maya vanished from the battlefield, the numerous Vanaras and bears holding rocks and trees, enthusiastically rushed to Ravana. Rama showered arrows aiming his heads and hands, and severed them. The glorious battle between Rama and Ravana cannot be described by hundreds of Adhishesha, Sharadha, Vedas and poets, for hundreds of Kalpa. The fly that enjoys on the wing high in the sky thinks as its strength, the dull-minded Tulsidas made an effort to describe some important visuals of the battle between Rama and Ravana. In this battle, Rama shot arrows aiming at the head of Ravana did not work as everyone desired, it was an amusement of Prabhu Sriram, and this constant effort of Prabhu to sieve off the heads of Ravana put the deities, Rishis, and Sages in extreme anguish.

 

Every time when Prabhu shot several arrows to cut off Ravana’s heads was growing like the Lobha in the Jeeva, it was seemed impossible to kill him. Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, Rama looked at Vibheeshana, wanted to test the devotion of his sincere attendant, Vibheeshana spoke “Oh! Prabho, who is the Lord of living and non-living things, Oh! Sarvajja, and the protector of righteous people, sages and Rishis, Oh! Ashrithavathsala, who is the source of protection and happiness of the deities, it was the nectar restored on the navel of Ravana causes him to stay alive after several shots of arrows.” Prabhu was highly pleased with Vibheeshana, took powerful arrows in hand, at that moment several bad omens have come into view. The foxes, Jackals,  and donkeys produced loud cries, Raven's croak as if it was informing the upcoming disaster to the world. There were Dhoomakethus/comets visible all over the sky, there was a strange light visible all over the battlefield, like the hours of Solar eclipse, Devi Mandodhari became anxious, even the statues shed tears. There were heavy storms, thunder and lightning followed with the hurricane, Earth quivered, rain clouds shed hairs, dust, and blood on the Earth, it is impossible to describe all those bad omens. The deities were alarmed watching the strange happening in the world, they cheered “Victory to Raghupathi! Victory to Kosaladheesha” watching the anxiousness of the deities, Prabhu Ram aimed thirty-one arrows against Ravana, stretched the bow up to ears and released the arrows, it darted like Kalanaga. One of the arrows dried up the nectar from the navel of Ravana, the rest of the thirty arrows sieved off ten heads and twenty hands respectively. The headless corpse danced in the battlefield, it wandered aimlessly, Earth quivered, Prabhu Ram shot another arrow that cut the body into two parts while leaving mortal coil it screamed “Where is Rama? I will kill him on the battlefield.” Thus Dhashanan’s corpse fell on the Earth and it quake heavily, oceans, rivers, Digajjas, and mountains quivered. His heaviness of the body caused several Vanaras and bears crushed to death. The arrows deposited the severed hands and heads of Dhashanan before Devi Mandodhari and returned to its nest.

 

The deities produced sounds of Dhundhubi, showered flowers upon Prabhu.  Ravana’s Jeeva assumed a brilliant ray and entered in the mouth of Prabhu Sriram. Lord Shambhu, Lord Bhrama, and the deities witnessed that marvelous sight and enjoyed. The Bhramanda reverberated with the cheers “ Victory to Raghuveera, Victory to Prabala Bhuja Balashali! Victory to Kripalu! Victory to Mukunda!” The Rishis and sages eulogized Prabhu and showered flowers upon him. The deities and Rishis eulogized “Oh! Prabho, Oh! Mukunda, Oh! Kripasagara, who destroys the grief of worldly existence, and provides a supreme state where there is no grief or sorrow, is the safest asylum to the people who have taken shelter in him, he is the destroyer of wicked people, Oh! Paramakarana who is the source of the Universe and its living beings, Oh! Karunakara, we shall repeatedly prostrate before you.” and showered flowers on Prabhu. The sounds of divine instruments echoed in the sky. The appearance of Rama in the battlefield resembled several Manmatha, the beautiful matted hair locks decorated with the flowers, resembled the mountain in the darkness, and lightening as well. He was wielded in bow and arrow on the blood-smeared body, resembled the Thamalavruksha which is the shelter place of red-colored birds.

 

Prabhu Ram showered compassionate grace upon the deities, Vanaras, and bears, who cheered “Jaya Sukhadhama, Jaya Mukunda!” in extreme bliss. Mandodhari fell unconscious seeing the bodiless heads of her beloved husband, soon all the queens assembled and they brought Mandodhari on the battlefield, they wept bitterly. Their hairs were disheveled, and garments were misplaced, had lost body consciousness, they bet hardly on the chest and cried out loudly and described the splendor of Ravana “Oh! Natha, the Earth quivered at your prowess, Lord Agni, Lord Chandra, and Lord Surya, lost brilliance before you, the Adishesha, and Koorma could not hold your weight, now it is rolling on the battlefield in the dirt. Lord Varuna, Lord Indra, Lord Kubera, and Lord Vayu were scared to fight against you, and you have won over ‘Time’ and Kala’ with the strength of your powerful hands, now you are lying down like a strange creature in the battlefield. Oh! Natha, the entire Universe knows your prowess, your sons and relatives all are extremely powerful.  Alas! The enmity against that supreme Lord Rama brought you in a miserable state. There is no one in your clan to cry for your death, Oh! Natha, the whole Universe was under your control, the Ashtadhikpalakas reverentially prostrated before you on a regular basis, now the Jackals and foxes are feasting on your heads and hands. The enmity against Rama brought you wretched state, Oh! Swami, you did not listen to my advice. You have considered Rama who is the Lord of living and non-living things as an ordinary human.”

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -20 - Lanka Kandam

 

 The vicious battle between Rama and Ravana/ Thrijada details the battle to Devi Sita

 

Prabhu affectionately called for the Vanaras and bears who were extremely baffled, Ravana saw the deities praising Lord Rama, and thought “Fools! They are thinking I am all alone on the battlefield, they are always under my harassment and will remain.” He rose to the sky and produced deafening roar at them, the deities flee from his sight, and soon Angadha rose from the Earth and caught hold of Ravana’s leg and pulled him down on the Earth.   Balisutha crushed Ravana with his feet and returned to Raghava. Dhashanan managed to stand on his feet and produced boisterous voices, shot arrows with his ten hands against the enemies, and brutally wounded them. Ravana pleased watching the enemies withering in pain and took great pride in the might of his hands. Raghupathi showered arrows and it severed his hands and heads, but it kept growing in no time, like the sins multiply on the sacred lands, watching this Kapis and Vanaras got annoyed “ This sinner has no death, even if Prabhu removes his hands and heads”, and rushed to attack Ravana. Balisutha, Vayusutha, Angadha, Nala, Neela, Sugriva, Dhvividha, hurled rocks and trees on Ravana, but all of them caught in his hands and hurled back to Vanaras. Some of the Vanaras used sharp nails as weapons, others stamped on him, Nala and Neela took a seat on his head and used their sharp nails and wounded severely, blood gushed out of his forehead, Ravana chased after the Vanaras,  shortly found it is impossible for him to get hold of those Vanaras. Once again, he shot powerful arrows with his ten hands Alas! Hanuman and mighty warriors lost consciousness. Ravana felt extremely happy watching the hours of sunset, Jambavan saw all those Vanaras fallen unconscious, he called for the armies of bears and they rushed to Ravana,  hurled huge rocks and trees against Ravana who caught the bears and thrashed them on the ground. Riksharaja Jambavan saw his armies of bears were brutally killed by Ravana, could not control his rage; he hit hard on the chest of Ravana who fallen unconscious from the chariot. Vanaras and bears who regained consciousness returned to Raghupathi. Rakshasa stood around Ravana and anxiously looked at each other.

 

 

Thrijada informed Devi Sita about the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, and she also mentioned the mysterious happening every attempt of Prabhu to severe the heads and hands of Ravana, after listening to this Devi Sita felt extremely anxious, sunk in deep grief. Devi Sita speaks “Oh! Mother Earth, why don’t you speak about what’s going to happen? How did Ravana get killed? He is harassing the entire world, even though Raghupathi’s arrows severed his heads, he is not meeting his death. He’s still alive, because of his bad luck that drives me from the service and devotion to the lotus feet of Prabhu. That golden deer put an evil eye on me, my ill fate influenced to speak harsh words to Lakshman, it created intense pain of grief from the separation of my husband, it piercing my heart like the poisonous arrow, Alas! I did not meet my death, while I was going through extreme afflictions, Oh! Thrijada, that God is protecting Ravana.” Devi Sita shed tears of grief and prayed to that Kripanidhi. Thrijada spoke “Oh! Princess, listen to me, Devashathru will die if his heart is pierced with an arrow, but Prabhu is very careful to pierce his heart because it is the dwelling place of Devi Janaki. Prabhu was aware of the fact that Ravana’s heart is the place of Devi Vaidhehi, and also known that Prabhu is inseparable from that Devi Vaidhehi, so its the dwelling place of him too. Prabhu does not want to cause the destruction of the entire Universe, with the shot of his arrow.” Thrijada’s explanations brought grief as well as happiness to Devi Sita. Thrijada continued “Oh! Devi, let me tell you how Ravana receives new sets of heads and hands, whenever Ravana loses his head, eventually he will lose the consciousness as well. At that moment, you will disappear from his heart,  Prabhu is waiting for that exact moment to pierce his heart.” In this way, Thrijada pacified Devi Sita from immense grief and left to her fortress. Devi Sita withered in the pain of separation from Prabhu, hence Devi Vaidhehi disliked Chandra and night as well. The moments were felt Yuga for her, Devi Vaidhehi sunk in deep pain of separation from Prabhu, suddenly her left hand and eye quivered as a sign of good omen, and she felt pleased with the thought that Raghurama will locate her soon.

 

 

It was mid of the night; Ravana regained consciousness and found him safe in the palace, shrieked at his charioteer “Oh! Mandhabudhdhe, you have brought me back from the battlefield, you are a fool.” Charioteer fell at the feet of Ravana and begged for forgiveness, further early hours of daybreak Ravana took chariot and proceeded to the battlefield. The Vanaras and bears terrified watching him alive, they ran to different directions, crushing their teeth in extreme anger, plucked huge trees and mountains, and heaved on him. Rakshasa could not face the atrocities of Vanaras and bears, started to flee from the war zone. Vanaras surrounded Ravana and vigorously attacked him; once again Ravana lost his hope to win over his enemies. He started using illusionary powers, created numerous Vethala, Bhootha, Pretha, Pishacha that have dreadful appearances. They were holding bow and arrows, Yoginis were carrying powerful swords and skulls, they were taking great pleasure in the taste of blood, they were singing and dancing all over the battlefield. They were producing deafening cries and shrieks that reverberated on the four directions. These spirits rushed to Vanaras and bear to swallow them, they flee to different directions Alas! There were huge fires all over the battlefield. Vanaras and bears lost hopes to get out of the war zone, Ravana showered sand storm upon them, in this way he caused to flee the Vanaras and bears with his illusionary powers. Lakshman, Sugriva, and numerous warriors lost consciousness, a few of the warriors cried out loudly “Oh! Raghuram, Oh! Rama, Oh! Raghunatha kindly protects us.” Ravana created numerous Hanumans with huge rocks in hand and they all of them rushed to Rama, and the Kosalaraja who has a lovely appearance and dark cloud complexion, shone among them like the auspicious Thamalavruksha.

|| Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter -19 - Lanka Kandam

The vicious battle between Rama and Ravana 

The fierce battle between Rama and Ravana created huge havoc in the battlefield, the sky packed with the heads and bodies of the Ravana resembled several Rahu and Kethu, Raghuveera showered arrows on Ravana, Alas! Every time fresh heads and hands appeared in the body of Ravana, like the Jeeva’s persistent desires in worldly matters and bondage. Ravana least worried of his death, he furiously shot arrows and overturned the chariot of Raghava, it was disappeared from the sight for half an hour like the Surya covered in rain clouds. The deities alarmed and shrieked in terror, Prabhu showered arrows on Ravana and sieved off his heads and hands, it blocked the view between sky and Earth. The bodiless heads shrieked “Where is Lakshman? Where is Kapiraja Sugriva? Where is Kosaladheesha Raghuvara?” in this way, these bodiless heads roared in the atmosphere intensified the terror among the Vanaras. There were several bodiless heads screaming for Rama, watching this dreadful sight, Kapis and bears flee from the war zone. Raghuvamshamani shot an arrow and busted them all from the battlefield. The Kalikas in the battlefield collected all those heads of Ravana, gave out the appearance that they were eagerly waiting to take bath in the pool of the blood in the battlefield to worship the Vatavruksha like the battlefield.

 

Dhashakanda could not take the failure; he furiously shoved a powerful spear against Rama, that darted against Vibheeshana, it was noted by Prabhu thought “I have taken the vow to protect people who have taken shelter in me. I should not let Vibheeshana hurt on the battlefield.” Lord Rama pushed away Vibheeshana and stood facing that powerful spear, it pierced the body of Prabhu, and lost consciousness for a while, although it was a part of amusements of Prabhu, the deities devastated. Vibheeshana could not control his anger, watching Prabhu withering in pain; he rushed against Ravana, “Oh! The unfortunate one, Oh! Mooda, you have gained the enmity of deities, Manushya, Nagas, and Munis as well. You have offered your heads reverentially on the fire sacrifice to please Lord Shambhu, that was the reason you have sustained with the one crores of heads on the battlefield. Your death is dancing around your head, Oh! Fool, are you trying to live in peace after keeping enmity against Sri Ramachandra Prabhu?,” Vibheeshana gave a hard punch with his fist on the chest of Ravana, it hurled Ravana and vomited blood from ten mouths, he managed to stand on feet and fought against Vibheeshana, the dual fight continued for some time, Vibheesha fought successfully with the grace of the supreme Lord.

 

Lord Mahadeva speaks “Oh! Uma, there was a time, Vibheeshana was not dared to look at the face of his elder brother, but with the grace of Prabhu, he fought against his brother fearlessly, like Kala.” Hanuman noticed Vibheeshana was extremely tired, he took a huge rock and rushed to Ravana, he crushed the chariot, horses, and charioteer of Ravana, and stamped on the chest of Ravana, even though his entire body quivered, he did not fall on the ground. In the meantime, Vibheehana returned to Lord Rama, in his absence Hanuman took good control of Ravana who gets caught of the tail of Hanuman, was flew with the Ravan high in the sky. These two warriors of equivalent strength started to fight from the sky resembled Mount Anjanadhri and Sumeru fighting each other. The fight between these two continued so long, Hanuman realized it is impossible to defeat the opponent with prowess and intellect, he prayed to Lord Ramachandra. They both fallen down on the Earth and the fight continued, the deities cheered and appreciated the might of them. The Vanaras and bears saw Hanuman getting exhausted, soon they rushed to the war zone to fight against Ravana, but they got struck with the powerful hands of Ravana. There were new sets of Vanaras arrived on the battlefield to fight against Ravana, was got troubled with the illusionary powers of him, Ravana disappeared from their sight, and appeared in numerous forms, another time he assumed the form of all those Vanaras and bears and stood before them, the armies of Vanaras and bears confused watching the numerous forms of Ravana, started to flee from the war zone calling for “Oh! Prabho, Raghurama kindly help us, Oh! Lakshmana, kindly protect us.” The crores of Ravana produced boisterous laugh against those Vanaras caused to flee in different directions.

 

The deities were in extreme trepidations “Oh! Princes of Kosala, we have lost hopes for the victory over the demon, he has assumed crores of Ravana, preparing to defeat all of us. We have to hide us in the caves, Ravana’s might have multiplied.” Thus the deities began to run away, but Lord Bhrama, Lord Shambhu, and illustrious Rishis and Sages who were aware of the prowess of Raghurama stood firm, without any trepidations watching the vicious battle. All the Vanaras and bears mystified and started to flee from the battlefield; soon the extremely valorous Hanuman, Angadha, Nala, and Neela entered the battlefield and severed the heads of numerous Ravana. Kosaladheesha saw the trepidations of deities and Vanaras, smiled to himself and shot powerful arrows on Saranga that destroyed all those illusionary Ravanas, in a few seconds.  Thus, all those illusionary forms of Ravana disappeared from the sight, like the brilliance of Surya removes the darkness. The deities saw the demon Ravana all alone on the battlefield, regained their hopes showered flowers praising the supreme Lord Rama.