Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The description of the battle between Vanaras and demons

 

Chapter - 81– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The description of the battle between Vanaras and demons

 

Rama spoke pleasantly “Oh! Dear friend, Vibheeshana, whoever possesses the chariot of vows, pieties, and austerities can conquer the mighty and invisible foe known as an attachment to worldly matters and bondage.” Vibheeshana clasped the feet of Raghunandhan in extreme joy “Oh! Prabho, you have utilized this opportunity to impart the highest of wisdom, Oh! Prabho, you are an embodiment of bliss and knowledge.” On the battlefield, Ravana shrieked at Vanaras to meet their fate in the hands of dreadful demons, while Angadha, Hanuman like mighty warriors were all prepared to battle against them, soon a fierce battle broke out between Vanaras and demons. The deities, Siddhas, Lord Bhrama, celestials arrived to witness the battle between Rama and Ravana. Lord Mahadeva spoke “Oh! Devi Uma, I was also among the deities to witness the glorious war between Rama and Ravana.” The deities eulogized the valor and virtues of Rama, both the demons and Vanaras were maddened with the passion to battle against each other, the Vanaras and bears led the war field with the grace of Lord Sri Ramachandra. They tore each other in vengeance, caught the enemies on leg and thrashed on the ground, showered rocks and trees on each other, they caught the enemies and ripped off their limbs, the bears and Vanaras killed several demons and buried under the sand. The Vanaras and bears resembled the death who desperately fought against the demons.

 

Maha Ajaya Samsara Ripu Jeethi Sakayi So Beera | Jake Asa Ratha Hoyi Dhrida Sunahu Sakha Mathidheera || Suni Prabhu Bachana Bibeeshana Harashi Gahe Padhakanjja | Yehi Misa Mohi Upadhesahu Ramakripa Sukha Punjja | Utha Pachara Dhasakandhara Itha Angadha Hanumana | Laratha Nisachara Bhalu Kapi Kari Nija Nija Prabhu Aana ||

Sura Bhramadhi Sidhdha Muni Nana | Dhekhatha Rana Nabha Chade Bimana || Hamahu Uma Rahe Thehi Sanga | Dhekhatha Ramacharitha Ranaranga || Subhata Samara Rasa Dhuhu Dhisi Mathe | Kapi Jayaseela Ramabala  Thathe || Yek Yek San Bhirahi Pacharahi | Yekanha Yek Mardhi Mahi Parahi || Marahi Katahi Dharahi Paccharahi | Seesa Thori Seesanha san Marahi || Udhara Bidharahi Bhuja  Uparahi | Gahi Padha Avani Pataki Bhata Darahi || Nisichara Bhata Mahi Gadahi Bhalu | Oopara Dari Dhehi Bahu Balu || Beera Balimukha Judhdha Birudhdhe | Dhekhiatha Bipula Kala Janu  Krudhdhe ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The conversation between Vibheeshana and Rama

 

Chapter - 80– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The conversation between Vibheeshana and Rama

 

The mighty Vanaras and bears in multitudes who resembled mountains without wings rushed to the demons, carrying huge trees and rocks on their hands, with the sharp nails and teeth as a weapon, fearless by nature cheered in excitement “Hail Rama! Hail Seethapathi Sri Ramachandra who resemble lion to the untamed elephant-like Ravana!” and they sang in praise of Lord Sri Ramachandra. The demons praising the might of the demon king Ravana, and the Vanaras and bears praising the glories of Sri Ramachandra, engaged in a fierce battle, the war field echoed the sounds of ‘Victory!  Victory!”. Vibheeshana who has grown too fond of Rama noticed his elder brother Ravan mounted on the magnificent chariot and Rama, the Lord of Raghu, without a chariot on the battlefield, it pushed him in utter dismay, he prostrated at the feet of Lord Rama, and spoke in tears “Oh! Prabho, you have no chariot or shield to protect your body, or you have no pair of feet cover, how could you fight against that mighty demon?” The merciful Lord Sri Ramachandra spoke “Oh! Vibheeshana, Oh! Dear Friend, listen to me carefully, I shall explain the real nature of a chariot, its four wheels represent valor and fortitude, the banner and standard of the chariot represent truthfulness and good conduct, the four horses of the chariot represent, strength, self-control, discretion, and benevolence, the reins on the horses represent forgiveness, compassion, and steadfastness. The faith and devotion are the charioteers, the dispassion is the shield, and the contentment is the sword, charity is the axe, the spear represents wisdom/supreme knowledge, the bow represents determination, the quiver represents pure and firm mind, and the Yama and Niyamas/austerities, penance, vows, are the powerful arrows. The selfless service to Bhramin and preceptors are the supreme Kavacha/shield, that brings fruitfulness to the task. Oh! Dear friend, whoever owns the chariot of piety, austerities, vows, shall have no enemies.”

 

Dhaye Bisala Karala Markata Bhalu Kala Samana The | Manahu Sapaccha Udahi Bhoodharabrindha Nana Bana The ||

Nakha Dhasana Saila Mahadhrumayudha  Sabala Sanka Na  Manahi | Jaya Rama Ravana Maththagaja Mrigaraja Sujasu Bakhanahi ||

Dhuhu Dhisi Jaya Jayakara Kari Nija Nija Jori Jani | Bhire Beera Itha Ramahi Utha Ravanahi Bakhani ||

Ravanu Rathi Biratha Raghubeera | Dhekhi Bibheeshana Bhayau Adheeera || Adhika Preethi Mana Bha  Sandheha | Bandhi Charana Kaha Sahitha Saneha || Natha Na Ratha Nahi Thana Padhathrana | KehiBidhi Jithab Beera Balavana || Sunahu Sakha Kaha Kripanidhana | Jehi Jaya Hoyi So Syandhana Aana || Sauraja Dheeraj Thehi Ratha Chaka | Sathya Seela Dhrida Dhvaja Pathaka || Bala Bibeka Dhama Parahitha Ghore | Cchama Kripa Samatha Raju Jore || Esa  Bhajanu Sarathi Sujana | Birathi Charma Santhosha Kripana || Dhana Parasu Budhi Saththi Prachanda | Bara Bigyana Kadina Kodhanda || Amala Achala Mana Throna Samana | Sama Jama Niyama Silimukha Nana || Kavacha Abhedha  Bipra  Gurupuja | Yehi Sama Bijaya Upaya Na  Dhooja || Sakha Dharmamaya Asa Ratha Jake | Jithana Kaha Na  Kathahu Ripu Thake ||

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – Ravana hurries to the battlefield followed by the large army of demons

 

Chapter - 78– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – Ravana hurries to the battlefield followed by the large army of demons

 

Dhashanan pacified the women who were lamenting over the death of Indhrajeeth, “Always remember the truth that the Prakrithi/all the material matters are perishable.” He taught the people about the absolute truth, the destructible nature of material matters, although he was sinful, and engaged in immoral deeds. There are a few who follow what they preach, some take great pleasure in preaching wisdom and rarely make an effort to follow them. The next morning all the Vanaras and bears took their seats on the four gates of the palace, Dhashanan summoned his army chief and ordered “I have decided to teach my enemies with the might of my arms, hence if anyone scared to enter the battlefield can retire right now, I will take care of their lives, they have to face dire consequences of it.  I wholly depend on the might of my arms, I have brought hostility towards Rama, and I will give a befitting reply to the enemies who invaded us.” Ravana wielded in weapons, mounted on the grand chariot, and rushed to the battlefield. The war field echoed with the clattering sounds of weapons, there were several demons that accompanied by Ravana, they have experienced various bad omens on their way, Ravana rushed forth like a storm, did not pay attention to the visible signs of death, he was proud of the might of his arms.

 

Thab Dhasakanda Bibidhi Bidhi Samujjayi Sab Nari | Nasvararoopa Jagatha Sab Dhekhahu Hridhaya Bichari ||

Thinhahi Gyana Upadhesa Ravana| Aapuna Mandha Katha Subha Pavana || Para Upadesa Kusala Bahuthere | Je Accharahi The Nara Na Ghanere || Nisa  Sirani Bhayau Bhinusara | Lage Bhalu Kapi Charihu Dhwara || Subhata Bolayi Dhasanana Bola | Rana Sanmukha Ja Kara Mana Dola|| So Abahi Baru Jau Parayi | Sanjuga Bimukha Bhaya Na Bhalayi|| Nijabhuja Bala Mei Batharu Badava | Dhehau Utharu Jo Ripu Chadi Aava || Asa Kahi Marutha Bega Ratha Saja | Baje  Sakala Jujjau Baja || Chale Beera Sab Athulitha Bali | Janu Kajjala Kai Aandhi Chali || Asaguna Amitha Hohi Thehi Kala | Ganayi Na Bhuja  Balagarba Bisala ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The death of Meghanatha brought extreme grief to Ravana and Devi Mandodhari

 

Chapter - 77– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The death of Meghanatha brought extreme grief  to Ravana and Devi Mandodhari

 

Meghanatha while leaving the mortal coil uttered “Where is Ramanuja, Lakshman? Where is Rama?”, Angadha and Hanuman exclaimed, “Your mother is fortunate to have you as her son, at last, you have pronounced the sacred name of Lord Rama while leaving the mortal coil.” Hanuman carried the lifeless body of Meghanatha and deposited it at the entrance of the Palace of Ravana. The deities and celestials rejoiced over the death of the demon Indhrajeeth, showered flowers, sung in praise of Rama, Lord of Raghu, and the sounds of divine instruments reverberated all over the sky, the deities and Siddhas cheered in extreme joy “Hail Lord Anantha! Hail Ramanuja! Hail Lord of Raghu! Hail the supporter of Universe!” Thus, the celestials eulogized the glory of Lakshman, it was the hours of dusk Lakshman returned to the camp of Rama. Dhashanan lost consciousness after witnessing the lifeless body of Indhrajeeth, could not control the grief of death, Devi Mandodhari wept bitterly beating her chest in utter pain, the people of Lanka doomed to gloominess, and everyone cursed the pride and arrogance of Ravana.

 

Ramanuja Kaha Ramu Kaha Asa Kahi Cchadesi Prana | Dhanya Dhanya Thava Janani Kaha Angadha Hanumana ||

Binu Prayasa Hanumana Udayo | Lanka Dhwara Rakhi Puni Aayo || Thasu Marana Suni Sura  Gandharba | Chadi Bimana Aaye Nabha Sarba || Barashi Sumana Dhudhunbi Bajavahi | Sree Raghunatha Bimala Jasu Gavahi || Jaya Anantha Jaya  Jagadhadhara | Thumha Prabhu Sab Dhevanhi Nisthara || Asthuthi Kari Sura Sidhdha Sidhaye | Lacchimana Kripasindhu Pahi Aaye || Sutha Badha Suna Dhasanana Jabahi | Moorucchitha Bhayau Pareau Mahi Thabahi || Mandhodhari Rudhana Kara Bhari | Ura Thadana Bahu Bhanthi Pukari || Nagara Loga Sab Byakula Socha | Sakala Kahahi Dhasakandhara Pocha ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – The mighty Meghanatha was killed on the battlefield by Lakshman

 

Chapter - 76– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – The mighty Meghanatha was killed on the battlefield by Lakshman

 

Lakshman who is none 0ther than Adhishesha prostrated at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Ramachandra, and proceeded to the battlefield followed by the mighty Vanaras Angadha, Hanuman, Nala, Neela, Mayandha, etc. Lakshman along with his army of Vanaras arrived at the place where Meghanatha was performing fire sacrifice, found the pool of blood and buffalos close to the sacrificial fire, soon the Vanaras scattered all the sacrificial ingredients, creating a mess all over the place, but Meghanath seated firm without moving an inch, Vanaras played all the tricks on him was made an effort to scatter away was failed, they kicked him hardly, punched him, pulled his hair, finally Meghanatha rushed to get his trident and chased out all the Vanaras from the cave, all those Vanaras took shelter at feet of Lakshman.  Meghanatha approached Lakshman with a loud roar, infuriated by the obstacles caused in the fire sacrifice, Hanuman hurried to Meghanatha was hit by his powerful trident on the chest. Meghanatha hurled the trident on Lakshman was broken into two with the might of his arrow, meanwhile, Angadha and Hanuman attacked Meghanatha but the demon stood gigantically even more powerful, finally, the Vanaras and bears realized that it’s not easy to conquer Meghanatha, so they returned to Lakshman. Soon Meghanatha hurried to Lakshman with a boisterous shriek, resembled death, Lakshman showered arrows resembled thunderbolt on Meghanatha, was avoided tactfully with his illusionary powers, he assumed various forms on the battlefield, the Vanaras got confused and realized that the enemy cannot be conquered easily. Lakshman hovered over Meghanath in extreme rage, thought already been given several opportunities to save Meghanatha from death, contemplating upon Lord Rama, Lakshman shot an arrow on his chest, that pierced the heart of Meghanatha, soon he has withdrawn all those illusionary powers at the moment of death.

Raghupathi Charana Nayi Siru Chaleau Thurantha Anantha | Angadha Neela Mayandha Nala sanga Subhata Hanumantha ||

Jayi Kapinha So Dhekha Baisa | Aahuthi Dhetha Rudhira Aru  Bhaisa || Keenha Kapinha Sab Jagya Bidhamsa | Jab Na  Udayi Thab Karahi Prasamsa || Thadhapi Na Udayi Dhareanhi Kacha Jayi | Lathanhi Hathi Hathi Chale Parayi || Lai Thrisoola  Dhava kapi Bhage | Aaye Jaha Ramanuja Aage || Aava Parama Krodhakara Mara | Garja Ghora Rava Barahi Bara || Kopi Maruthasutha Angadha  Dhaye | Hathi Thrisoola Ura Dharani Giraye || Prabhu Kaha Cchadesi Soola Prachanda | Sara Hathi Kritha Anantha Juga Khanda || Udi Bahori Maruthi Jubaraja | Hathahi Kopi Thehi Dhau Na Baja || Phire Beera Ripu Marayi Na Mara | Thab Dhava Kari Ghora Chikara || Aavath Dhekhi Krudhdha Janu Kala | Lacchimana Cchade Bisikha Karala || Dhekhesi Aavath Pabi Sama Bana | Thuratha Bhayau Khala Anthardhana || Bibidha Besha Dhari Karayi Larayi | Kabahuka Pragata Kabahu Dhuri Jayi || Dhekhi Ajaya Ripu Darpe Keesa | Paramakrudhdha Thab Bhayau Aheesa || Lacchimana Mana Asa Manthra Dhridava | Yehi Papihi Mei Bahuth Khelava || Sumiri Kosaladheesa  Prathapa | Sara Sandhana Keenha Kari  Dhapa || Cchada Bana Majj Ura Laga | Marathi  Bar Kapatu Sab Thyaga ||

Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Sri Tulsidas Maharaj – Lanka Kanda – Lakshman proceeds to battle against Meghanatha

 

Chapter - 75– Sri Ramacharitha Manas – Lanka Kanda – Lakshman proceeds to battle against Meghanatha

 

King of birds Garuda hurried to the battlefield and ate up the serpents created by illusionary powers of Meghanatha, all the Vanaras and bears got rid of the Nagapasha and fear, rejoiced at heart, once again they have picked up huge rocks and trees on their hands and hurried to demons who were utterly confused taken a seat on the wall of the fortress. When Meganatha regained consciousness, saw him before his father Ravana, was completely ashamed of his fate. Meghanatha did not wait for long, hurried to the mountain cave to perform a sacrifice that could keep him invisible on the battlefield.  Vibheeshana came to know about the scheme of Indhrajeeth, hurried to Lord Rama, and expressed his concern “Oh! Prabho, you have incomparable and glories, the wicked Meghanatha who is the master of illusionary powers performing a fire sacrifice, if he has completed the sacrifice, it would be difficult to get him killed on the battlefield. Therefore, kindly do something to stop him from the performance of sacrifice.” Lord of Raghu expressed his gratitude to Vibheeshana and summoned Angadha and the mighty Vanaras, and spoke to Lakshman “Oh! Brother, you may proceed to the battlefield with the mighty Vanaras, Angadha, Sughrivah, and Vibheeshana, you should not allow Meghanatha to complete the fire sacrifice, Oh! Brother, it is your responsibility to kill Meghanatha on the battlefield. I can’t bear to watch the deities in distress any longer, Jambavan, Sugrivah and Vibheeshana will be following you with their army of Vanaras and bears.” Lakshman who is enthusiastic, staunch in battle, wielded on bow and arrow, contemplated the glories of Lord Sri Ramachandra, and spoke words that resembled the deafening thunder “Oh! Lord of Raghu, If I did not accomplish my task, kill Meghanatha on the battlefield, I will be no longer addressed as the servant of Lord Sri Ramachandra. I promise on Lord Sri Ramachandra, I will kill Meghanatha even if he was protected by hundreds of Lords Shambhu.”

 

Khagapathi Sab Dhari Khaye Maya Naga Barootha | Maya Bigatha Bhaye Sab Harashe Banara Jootha || Gahi Giri Padhapa Upala Nakha Dhaye Keesa Risayi | Chale Thameechara Bikalathara Gada Para Chade Parayi ||

Meghanadha Kai Moorcha Jagi | Pithahi Biloki Laj Athi Lagi || Thuratha Gayau Giribara Kandhara | Karau Ajaya Makha Asamana Dhara || Iha Bibeeshana Manthra Bichara | Sunahu Natha Bala Athula Udhara || Meghanadha Makha Karayi Apavana | Khala Mayavi Dheva Sathavana || Jau Prabhu Sidhdha Hoyi So Payihi | Natha Begi Puni Jeethi Na Jayihi || Suni Raghupathi Athisaya Sukha Mana | Bole Angadhadhi Kapi Nana || Lacchimana Sanga Jahu Sab Bhayi | Karahu Bidhamsa  Jagya Kara Jayi || Thumha Lacchimana Marehu Rana Auhi | Dhekhi Sabaya Sura Dhukha Athi Mohi || Marehu Thahi Balabudhdhi Upayi | Jehi Cchijai Nisichara Sunu Bayi || Jamavantha Sugreevah Bibheeshana | Sena Sametha Rahehu Theeniau Jana || Jab Raghubeera Dheenhi Anusasana | Kati Nishanga Kasi Saji Sarasana || Prabhu Prathapa Ura Dhari Ranadheera | Bole Ghana Iva Gira Gambheera || Jau Thehi Aaju Badhe Binu Aavau | Thau Raghupathi Sevaka Na  Kahavau || Jau Sath Sankara Karahi Sahayi | Thadhapi Hathau Raghubeera Dhohayi ||