Ramayana, page 74
Like the waters of a lake become less and less with the advance of summer, even so, as time went on, the army on both sides was getting diminished in number.
Slowly Ravana began to realise that Fate was siding with Rama: that the gods were favouring him. Or else, how could all this have happened to him and his men? He saw the great warrior Virupaksha killed by a blow from the palm of that monkey Sugriva. This was a thing which had to be seen to be believed. He called Mahodara and asked him to take over where Virupaksha had left.
Like a moth rushing towards a flame Mahodara went towards the army of the Vanaras with a desire to annihilate it. Sugriva was the one who faced him when he saw the harm which Mahodara was causing to his army. They fought for a long time and finally Sugriva caught hold of a sword. Holding it in his powerful hand he cut off the head of Mahodara and it fell on the ground like a ripe fruit which can no longer stay on the tree. Rama heard the triumphant cry and was pleased with the prowess of his friend. Mahaparshva tried to win where his companions had lost. A portion of the Vanara army was attacked by him and, armed as they were with but trees and rocks, they could not brook the arrows and javelins and other dreadful weapons used by him and his associates. He was a great archer and his valour was great. They could not bear it. They were being killed in large numbers.
Angada came to the rescue of his men. Jambavan joined him and he broke the chariot of Mahaparshva. Angada fought valiantly for a long time and so did the rakshasa. Finally Angada killed him with a powerful hit from his fist. Panic set in the army of Ravana and within a moment he realised who had caused it. The very sky resounded with the happy cry of the Vanaras whose king and prince had despatched three of the commanders to the abode of Yama.
Ravana hurried towards Rama in his chariot. He had seen the death of his three warriors who had come with him and he was furious. He spoke to his charioteer: “I will end the misery in my Lanka by killing these brothers who have been wreaking such havoc in my army. Take me soon to where they are.”
Ravana was once again in front of Rama. He did not want to remember the previous encounter when he had fared so badly. It was like a bad dream to him, to be forgotten as soon as possible. Ravana despatched an astra by name Tamasa which was enough to frighten the Vanaras. It had been given to him by Brahma and the army was being burnt with it. Rama came to where Ravana was. Ravana saw him with his brother and to him he looked like Narayana with Indra by his side.
Rama was leaning against his glorious bow. He seemed to be towering up to the skies, so powerful was the effect of his stance. His lotus eyes were trained on Ravana and his magnificent arms were strong and powerful. The anger on the brow of Ravana was seen by Rama and he grasped his bow firmly in his hand. The valiant Rama whose fame was known to all the three worlds was seeing the havoc caused by the astra of Ravana. He saw too that Ravana had come to him straight with a desire to challenge him. Rama was very happy that the encounter was sought by Ravana.
Rama strung his bow and he began to send his sharp arrows towards him. The twanging of his bow was heard by all. Ravana replied with his arrows and soon there ensued a serious fight between the two. Ravana was not willing to be disturbed by Lakshmana. He passed him by and went to Rama. Rama was only too happy to meet him. They fought for a long while and the sight was pleasing to those who were watching them. The brightness of the arrows and the speed were like flashes of lightning streaking across the sky during the rainy season. The sky was hidden as though by clouds: so dense was the rain of arrows from their bows. Both were great archers both were well versed in the art of fighting. Both were proficient in the knowledge of astras and the fight was glorious.
Rama invoked the mantra and sent the astra by name Rudra and it could not penetrate the armour of Ravana. Again Rama tried another astra and that again proved futile. They were countered by Ravana and they entered the earth. Ravana now despatched the astra by name Asura and his arrows assumed the forms of wild and dangerous animals and began to harass Rama. Rama sent the Agneyastra which was enough to burn them all up.
The Vanaras had all assembled and they stood watching the duel and cheering whenever the astras of Ravana proved to be ineffectual. An astra which was presided over by Maya was sent by Ravana and this was rendered useless by Rama. The duel went on and neither was able to gain ascendency over the other. Gaandharvastra was used by Rama and this was fought by Ravana sending the Suryastra. The sky and the earth were glowing with the many circlets of light emerging from the bow of Ravana. Each was like a miniature sun and the entire army looked at them in wonder.
Lakshmana was impatient to fight with Ravana and he came with his bow. He sent several arrows with a desire to wound Ravana and the fight began now between Lakshmana and Ravana. Lakshmana was able to fell the banner of Ravana’s chariot and Ravana’s charioteer also. He broke the bow of Ravana. Vibhishana rushed up and killed the horses of the chariot. Ravana’s anger against his brother was unbearable. He jumped down from his chariot and took up a Shakti and hurled it at Vibhishana. Lakshmana stopped it half way. Ravana now took up a Shakti which was endowed with divine powers. It was more powerful than Yama. He twirled it in his mighty arms and Lakshmana rushed towards Vibhishana and stood shielding him from Ravana’s Shakti, which he had flung in wrath against his brother. Lakshmana fought with his bow and arrows and Ravana decided that he should put an end to Lakshmana and his prowess. He said: “Vibhishana has, no doubt, been saved by you. But you will not be able to escape the fury of my Shakti. I have now hurled it at you. It will, this moment, suck the life out of you after splitting your chest.” Ravana roared with anger and hurled the Shakti at Lakshmana. It had been made by Maya and it had never failed to claim a victim. It came towards Lakshmana and it was fearsome like a thunderbolt. Rama said: “May the Shakti lose its potency. May it leave my brother unhurt.”
The Shakti entered the chest of Lakshmana and it was like a dread serpent entering the hole which is its home. Lakshmana was wounded in the chest by it and he fell down senseless. Rama was watching him fall and he was greatly upset by the fall of Lakshmana. Tears sprang to his eyes and he was wild with anger. He knew that it was not the time to be angry and he fought with Ravana, and at the same time, minded his brother whom he loved with a deep intense love. His mind was in a turmoil and he saw blood gushing from the wound in the chest of Lakshmana. The Shakti had pierced Lakshmana and had afterwards entered the earth. Rama could not contain himself. He went and tried to pull the Shakti out and when he pulled it with both his hands it broke in his hands. Ravana was all the while sending arrows at Rama and they hurt him.
Rama was unconcerned about his own pain but he embraced Lakshmana and taking him in his arms, he said: “Hanuman, Sugriva, come here and protect my brother. This wicked Ravana who seems to be the personification of evil has to be killed. Like the Chataka bird, which has been aching for rain during the arid months, is thrilled at the sight of the rain-cloud darkening the sky, my heart leaps up at the sight of this man who will be the cause for the display of my valour. I assure you of one truth: this world will have either Rama or Ravana. Two of us cannot live in the same world. Two swords cannot be placed in the same scabbard. With the death of Ravana all my sorrows will be forgotten. The loss of my kingdom, the life in the forest, the wanderings in the Dandaka, the separation from Sita, the opposition of the rakshasa and now this great sorrow, this pain like torture in hell, will all vanish once Ravana is killed. This Vanara army was collected for the sole aim of killing him. Vali was killed and Sugriva was installed on the throne for the sole purpose of killing Ravana. It is for the killing of this sinner that the bridge was built across the sea. Now that he is here before me and now that he has come within my sight he can never hope to escape from me. I ask you all to assemble on the top of the hill and from there you can watch the fight between me and my dearest enemy. The devas and the gandharvas and all the celestials will see what it is that makes Rama a hero. Till the worlds stand, till the earth stands above the sea, so long as living things inhabit the earth and the three worlds the war between me and Ravana will be talked about. I will complete my task successfully."
Rama began to fight with renewed vigour. The encounter was as fierce as it was before and the spectators heard only the twanging of their bowstrings and the swish of their arrows as they hissed in the air. Ravana was tired and he was tortured by the many arrows which had tips of gold and which hurt like living fire.
Ravana left the field and there was great rejoicing at his discomfiture. Rama was, in a way, relieved that Ravana went away from there since he could devote all his attention to Lakshmana who was still unconscious. His mind had not been fully in the duel and he asked Sushena: “Sushena, as you saw, Lakshmana has been hurt by Ravana’s Shakti. He is dear to me and my heart is not in the fight when my brother is suffering. I have neither the will nor the desire to devote all my time and attention on Ravana. If this brother of mine should die what will be the use of my living after that? I have no wish to live nor do I desire any happiness if he should die. My valour has gone to sleep and the bow slips from my nerveless hands. My arrows are scattered all over the place and I cannot even aim properly. Tears dim my eyes and my limbs are beyond control like those of a man still wandering in the world of dreams. My concern is great since Lakshmana has not been able to wake up from his faint. I have made up my mind to kill myself.”
37. SANJIVINI AGAIN
Rama was sighing with sorrow and he sat by the side of his brother with his eyes raining tears. Lakshmana was his alter ego and he could not bear this grief. He lamented: “I have seen my beloved Lakshmana on the ground. He has been grievously hurt and his body is covered with the dust of the battlefield. I have no longer any desire to win the war, or to live or even to rescue Sita. These things do not seem to be worth anything now. What is there for me if I win this war when my brother loses his life? I do not desire the kingdom nor my life. Kinsmen can be found from place to place. Wives can be found everywhere. But a brother, one who is born with me, who has been like a shadow to me, who has been my sole supporter and comfort during my dark days, will I find him anywhere? There is no place where I can find another Lakshmana.”
Rama was now sobbing openly and Sushena said: “My lord, Lakshmana is not dead. His face has not lost that glow of life and that makes me realise that he is not dead. His face has not the darkness which is associated with death. His face is like that of one who is in deep sleep. His palms are still as pink and soft as a lotus and his eyes have not lost their flash. This is not the face of a dead man. Lakshmana’s face is that of a long-lived man. His face has all the beauty and auspicious signs which indicate a long life. He is not dead. Abandon this grief. Lakshmana, the killer of his foes, is very much alive. There is no doubt about it.”
Sushena turned to Hanuman and said: “You are the only refuge for us. You once brought the hill containing the Oshadhis at the request of Jambavan. Can you do it again? The Oshadhi by name Vishalyakarani is enough to bring him back to consciousness and heal his wounds.”
Before he could complete his sentence Hanuman was in the air rushing towards Himavan. He went there with the speed which was his heritage. He looked at the earth and soon he was high above and in a matter of moments he was landing on the peak which contained the Oshadhis. He looked at the many creepers and, as before, he did not know which was the Oshadhi wanted by Sushena. Once again he lifted the mountain and all the while he thought: “This is the safest thing to do. I may, in my excitement, take the wrong herb and do more harm than good. I will take the Sanjivini mountain itself and Sushena can do what he will with it.”
He carried the small mountain in his right hand and he flew back to Lanka. Sushena took the herb which he needed and the army was amazed at the feat of Hanuman.
When he breathed in the healing leaves of the herb which Sushena had crushed and held to his nostrils, the fragrance of the herbs made Lakshmana rise up from the ground and he had shed his weakness. The healing fragrance of the herb had made him lose his fatigue and his wounds had all disappeared. He was his old self.
Rama was shedding tears of joy and rushing to Lakshmana said: “Child, Lakshmana, come here. Come to me and sit by my side.” With wet eyes he embraced his beloved brother and said: “I am the most fortunate of all human beings. I see you alive and no one knows the extent of my good fortune. Lakshmana, if you had died, then the world would have had no meaning for me. Sita, my life and the kingdom would all have meant nothing to me. I would have killed myself if you had not been revived.”
Lakshmana was overcome with affection and he was also distressed at the words of Rama. He said: “Rama, you have been famed because of the fact that truth is your religion. You should not behave like any ordinary human being and give in to grief like this. The valiant never go back on their words: And you should remember to keep your promise. You should not be despondent for my sake. You must kill Ravana and fulfil your promise to yourself. When he is summoned with your roar of challenge he will not be able to face you and your fury.
“Before the sun sets you should fight with him and kill Ravana. If you really desire to kill Ravana, to keep up your oath, if you really love Sita, then listen to my words and summon him to fight with you. You will certainly kill him today. I know it.”
Lakshmana’s words made Rama feel proud of him. This brother of his had been the sole source of comfort to him during his days of pain and now he was a source of inspiration to him. Rama called himself fortunate that he had a brother like Lakshmana.
38. THE FINAL ENCOUNTER
Ravana was facing Rama and the words of Lakshmana were still ringing in the ears of Rama. He took up his bow and from the string poured forth a stream of deadly arrows, fearful enough to scorch the world. Ravana had taken another chariot and he was as glorious as the sun in his chariot yoked with the seven horses and steered by Aruna. Ravana’s arrows were equally deadly and each was like the Vajra of Indra. Rama’s arrows tipped with gold were flowing in a continuous stream and the fight was a glorious sight to watch. The skies were filled with the celestials who had assembled to see the fight for which they had been waiting ever since Narayana had promised them deliverance. They exclaimed: “This is an unequal fight. Ravana is riding in a chariot while Rama is standing on the ground. Rama should have a chariot too.”
Indra agreed and summoned Matali, his charioteer. He asked him to take his chariot to the earth and ask Rama to ascend it. All on a sudden the divine chariot was found on the field of battle. It was a chariot wrought with gold. Several bells tinkled at the edge of the roof. Gems of translucent lustre glistered on the pillars of the chariot. There was a profusion of chamaras and the famed green horses were yoked to it: horses which were decorated with garlands of gold.
Matali approached Rama and said: “Rama, Indra, the lord of the heavens, has sent this chariot to be of use to you. It will help you win the war. This bow which is divine and this armour have also been sent to you along with these arrows which are like the rays of the sun. Indra has sent you his Shakti. Valiant one, I will steer the horses as you wish and help you to conquer this Ravana even as Indra did the asuras.”
Rama looked at the chariot and then at Lakshmana. They both smiled knowingly. They had seen this chariot years back when they were paying a visit to Sharabhanga. And again, Agastya had told them that Indra would send his chariot to Rama when the need arose. Both the brothers remembered this and to them it was a good omen since the gods were favouring them in their struggle with Ravana.
Rama, who made the entire world glow with his radiance, went towards the chariot and, after making a Pradakshina to it, he ascended it with great humility.
Both the chariots stood facing each other and the sight thrilled those who were looking on. The fight was to begin.
Ravana took up the Gaandharvastra and despatched it and Rama took the same astra to counteract its effects. Devastra was used against Devastra. Ravana felt angry and he sent the astra Rakshasa. The arrows, as soon as they left the bow, became poisonous serpents and hissed at Rama. Their faces were like flames and they were spitting poison. They were like Vasuki and their hoods were gleaming and all the quarters were filled with myriads of snakes. Rama leaped with excitement and with a faint smile on his lips, he invoked Garuda and sent the astra towards the Rakshasa astra. The gold-tipped arrows from Rama’s bow became each a Garuda and they sought out the serpents and destroyed them. Ravana now shot several sharp arrows at Rama and with some he hurt Matali. The banner of Indra’s chariot was felled with a single arrow of Ravana’s and he aimed some more of them at the horses. The celestials were unhappy at the turn of events and they could not but admire the valour of Ravana. Rama was also hurt because of some of the arrows of Ravana and this caused consternation and sorrow in the minds of Vibhishana and the others. The heavenly rishis were also unhappy. The sea became turbulent and the waves which rose up from the sea were so high that they seemed to be trying to reach the skies. The sun lost his glow and he seemed oppressed by Dhumaketu. He looked fierce. The planet Mars tried to touch the star Vishakha which was presided over by Indra and Agni, which was the family star of the kings of the Ikshvaku race. Ravana looked like the mountain Mainaka as he stood in his golden chariot.
Rama was finding it difficult to meet the shower of Ravana’s arrows with own. He was furious at his own frustration and with his brows knit in anger and his eyes red, he glared at Ravana as though he would burn him with his eyes. The world trembled at the sight of Rama in his anger. The mountains were shaking in fear and the lions and tigers in them were frightened too.
The birds and the beasts wandered around in fear. The sky was filled with evil omens and the sight of them and the frown on Rama’s face made even Ravana pause for a while in uncertainty. The gods were watching the encounter with eager faces and the asuras blessed Ravana while the devas were accompanied by the divine rishis when they said “May you be victorious” to Rama.
