Sri Rama was sorely troubled by the episode of the illusory deer.How did this happen? All I want is that Seeta and Lakshmana should be safe- so thinking, he hastened his steps.
On the way he saw Lakshamana coming towards him. He exclaimed,What this, Lakshamana? Why did you leave Seeta alone and come away? Suppose some danger has befallen her! You should not have come. Lakshmana answered,So I thought, too, brother, and remained in the hut. But sister-in-law was in a panic. She forced me to go in search of you. He then recounted the conversation between the two of them.
But Sri Rama was still not comforted. He said,Lakshmana, I have grave misgivings. I am certain that
something untoward has happened. What shall we do if it is so?and raced towards the ashram;and Lakshmana followed him.
They entered the ashram. There was no Seeta; not even a sign of her.Have our fears come true?so they were sacred. They then asked themselves,Has she gone to gather flowers? Has she gone to fetch water from the river?and ran about in search of her. And then they asked themselves,Has she hidden herself in some corner displeased with us? Is she hiding for amusement sake?So they looked for her in every nook and corner. But no, there was not a sign of Seeta anywhere. When they called out,Seeta!only the echo answered,Seeta!.
The grief of Sri Rama and Lakshmana beggared description. Both shed tears;What our fate? How can we go back to Ayodhya? When people ask us, Where is Seeta? what shall we answer? What the use of our living?so they wailed.
Sri Rama grief knew no bounds. The separation from Seeta drove him to extreme bewilderment. He appealed to whatever he saw:Plants and trees, where is my Seeta? Oh lake, where is my Seeta? Oh you animals, did you see my Seeta?- so he went on appealing. If the wind whistled among the trees, he would run there. Where is my Seeta? Has some animal killed and eaten her? Has some rakshasa carried her away? Was she drowned in the lake?- so run his thoughts.
Seeta, you are a princess, and yet you enjoyed no happiness. In spite of my advice you came to the forest with me, and you lived this life smilingly. But where are you now? Why are you silent? I cannot live without you, so he wailed.
Hearing Rama words Lakshmana became apprehensive. He was also miserable because of Seeta disappearance; but he was not confounded. He said,Brother, I understand your anguish. It is right and natural that you should grieve over sister-in-law plight. But we can achieve nothing by courting death. Let us search for sister-in-law. Some one must have abducted her. Let us now scour this forest. We may find some clue. Or, Seeta may be somewhere here. So let us deliberate and decide our course of action. Console yourself. Lakshmana words appealed to Sri Rama. Both found what comfort they could and started in search of Seeta.
They looked into every nook and corner of Panchavati. They investigated every bit of the surroundings. They climbed up trees and pulled down nests. They searched every bush and every hollow of trees. But no, there was no sign of Seeta anywhere.
As they proceeded in search of Seeta, they came to the place where Jatayu was lying wounded. He was in his last moments. He called them and said,You are looking for Seeta Devi, arent you? Ravana has abducted her. He is the son of Vishrawassu and Kaikasi. He is the King of Lanka. He is exceptionally valiant but also exceptionally wicked. He has gone to the south with Seeta. I tried to prevent Ravana crime. I fought with him. But that sinner cut off my wings. My body is full of wounds. I am now dying. Somehow I managed to keep breathing for your sake. Seetadevi is terrified. She is repeating just the names of you two. Go to Lanka and rescue her. Kill Ravanasura.With these words he breathed his last.
Sorrow followed sorrow for Sri Rama. The disappearance of Seeta had already overwhelmed him with grief. And now Jatayu, so close to him, was dead; and he had laid down his life trying to help him (Rama). Sri Rama was griefstricken. Together Sri Rama and Lakshmana performed the last rites for Jatayu. They continued their search for Seeta.
They entered Krauncharanya. They encountered a mighty rakshasa there. He was very tall. The amazing thing was that he had no neck and no mouth. His mouth was in his stomach. He used to stretch his arms, draw anyone before him towards himself and thrust him into his mouth. He was called Kabandha. As Sri Rama and Lakshamana approached where he was, he drew both together.He tried to swallow them. But Sri Rama and Lakshmana cut off his two arms. Kabandha screamed with pain. He asked,Who are you?Sri Rama told him. Kabandha was delighted when he heard that the person before him was Sri Rama.
Once he was a messenger of the gods. A curse had transformed him into a rakshasa. He said,Sri Rama, seeing you has made me very happy. The time has arrived for my liberation. Burn me alive. I shall then regain my former form. Sri Rama and Lakshmana did as he had prayed. They cut off branches of trees and laid them on Kabandha body. They lighted them and burnt the body. At once a messenger of the gods, himself a god, appeared. Kabandha had been liberated from the curse.
The god greeted Sri Rama and said,Sri Rama, I will be ever grateful to you for the favour you have conferred. In return I will render a help a small one though. Ravana has abducted your wife. He is a person of stupendous daring. He has a huge army. Do not attempt to overcome him all by yourself.
At some distance from here is the kingdom of Kishkindha. The ruler is Vali. He has a brother,Sugreeva. The brothers have fallen out. So Sugreeva lives on Rishyamuka Parvatha, outside Kishkindha. Go there and inform Sugreeva of your plight. He will be of help to you. He himself is in trouble; help him, too.
On their way to Rishyamuka Parvatha, Sri Rama and Lakshmana came to Mathangashrama. Sage Matanga disciple, Shabari, was engaged in tapas there. At the time of his departure to heaven Sage Matanga told Shabari,Stay in this ashram. One day Sri Rama, the son of Dasharatha, will come here.Entertain him hospitably. You will attain salvation. From that day Shabari had been looking forward to Sri Rama arrival. She used to keep aside the best fruits of the forest for Sri Rama. Every day she used to tell herself,Sri Rama will be here today. He will relish this fruit; he will appreciate this seat. And so every day she would prepare to entertain Sri Rama. At the end of the day she would sigh, saying to herself,How sad; Sri Rama did not come today!
That day her yearning was satisfied. Her joy and zest waxed without limit. She entertained Sri Rama and Lakshmana. She offered Sri Rama the best fruits she had stored for him. She made a prayer;Sri Rama, I am a poor woman. I do not know how to entertain so illustrious a person as you. Accept this humble service. Sri Rama saw Shabari. She was very, very old; but there was an unearthly glow in her face. Her mind was in Sri Rama. She had served Sage Matanga and won his grace. Sri Rama was filled with joy at her affection. He accepted the seat which she offered, and ate the fruits she gave. She felt the joy of attaining her supreme desire. Her tapas had been rewarded. She attained salavation.
Sri Rama was attracted to the glorious ashram. Deer and tigers lived in harmony there. There was no hatred, no envy there. Wild animals had shed their cruelty and lived a gentle life.
Sri Rama and Lakshmana could see Rishyamuka Parvatha from Matangashrama. They hastened towards it. On the way they came to Lake Pampa. It was a sacred lake. Its water was sweet like amrita. The vast sheet of water was a feast to the eye. Creepers and climbers and plants of many kinds grew on the banks. Lotuses, water lilies and saugandhikas had blossomed in it in thick clusters.Red lotuses and white lotuses had beautified the lake. Plants and trees of many kinds grew there.Peacocks danced gaily. Woodpeckers, white crane, parrots and cuckoos delighted the eye and the ear. The water of the lake was clear like crystal. All round the lake lay thick, white sand.
Spellbound by the loveliness of the lake, Sri Rama and Lakshamana stood gazing at it in silence for a while. They had a bath in the lake and were delighted. They drank the water of the lake which was clear like the mind of a good person, and felt refreshed.
They then entered the forest, thick green in colour. It was spring. The boughs of trees bent low with the weight of fruits. Flowers of varied colours enriched the breeze with sweet smell. Cuckoos sang sweetly. Peacocks danced and bees moved from flower to flower sucking honey. Sri Rama and Lakshmana gazed upon the loveliness of the forest. They drank in the beauty of Nature to their hearts content.
But Sri Rama mind was with Seetadevi. The moment he remembered her he lost interest in everything else. His face would wither, and his eyes would be filled with tears. Lakshamana, knew the turmoil raging in his brother mind. He endeavoured to soothe him with appropriate words. And thus they came to Rishyamuka Parvatha.
Rishyamuka Parvatha was, at that time, the abode of aVanara- monkey, Sugreeva by name; he dwelt there with a number of followers. He saw Sri Rama and Lakshmana at a distance, and was alarmed. With his companions he hid in Mathangashrama.
Sugreeva was the younger brother of Vali, the ruler of Kishkindha. He was the brother of an emperor, but yet was now condemned to wander in forests and mountain ranges. He was afraid of his elder brother and was in hiding in the Rishyamuka ranges.
Vali and Sugreeva were the sons of a Vanara King, Riksharaja. The father had, before his death,appointed Vali as king and Sugreeva the Yuvaraja or prince. Vali was a formidable warrior. When, long before all this, the gods and the danavas undertook the churning of the ocean for the sake of amritha, Vali had helped them. He had married Tara, the daughter of a Vanara warrior Sushena. Their son was the valiant Angada.
Sugreeva used to assist his brother in the administration. He was highly respectful towards Vali and devoted to him. He had married Ruma, the daughter of another valiant Vanara, Tara. They all lived happily together.
Vali was a champion warrior. Few could face him on the battlefield. Every day he used to fly from the Northern Sea to the Southern Sea and from the Eastern Sea to the Western Sea before sunrise. He would throw up mighty mountains and catch them like mere balls. He could snap huge trees in a trice. Such was his prowess.
Once a rakshasa, Mayavi by name, turned up near the palace at the dead of the night and began to make a scene. Vali sleep was disturbed. Furious, he set out to subdue the rakhasa. Sugreeva followed his brother. The moment Mayavi saw Vali he fled. Vali and Sugreeva pursued him. Mayavi entered a huge cave. Vali followed. He asked Sugreeva to wait for him outside the cave.
Sugreeva waited accordingly. A day passed; another day followed. Weeks and months went by. But there was no sign of Vali. Sugreeva was sorely troubled.Shall I enter the cave?he asked himself. But the elder brother had instructed him to await his return. Unable to decide what to do, Sugreeva was restless.
A whole year passed. Sugreeva waited anxiously. One day Sugreeva hered the roar of rakshasas.And blood flowed out of the cave like a flood. But there was yet no sign of Vali. Sugreeva was grief-stricken.The rakshasas have killed my brotherhe wailed and wept profusely. He then placed a heavy boulder in the mouth of the cave so that the rakshasas could not come out, and returned to Kishkindha with a heavy heart. He narrated to the Vanaras all that had happened. They wept, saying that the kingdom was orphaned. They chose Sugreeva king, and crowned him. He was a righteous ruler.
But, all of a sudden, one day Vali appeared. The Vanaras were astounded. Vali, whom they had given up for dead, was there, right before them! Sugreeva learnt that Vali was back, and raced to meet him. He danced with joy. He removed his crown from his head and placed it at his brother feet. He said,Brother, we are all thrilled with joy at your return. All these days I ruled as your representative. Accept this crown. Hereafter you are our sovereign, and we are all your servants.
Sugreeva spoke these words with the utmost humility but Vali was not pleased. He said to his ministers,This Sugreeva is a traitor. He has proved treacherous to his own brother. He should be driven out of the kingdom.
Sugreeva was very unhappy. He was truly devoted to his elder brother. But he saw that, somehow,Vali was talking like a mad man. The ministers said,Master, why are you enraged? Your younger brother is a good person. He used to speak with affection about you always. He rules righteously. Why are you angry with him? How has he wronged you?
Vali replied,You know that I chased the rakshasa Mayavi. He entered a cave. I asked Sugreeva to wait for me and entered the cave. It was a vast cave, with several layers. It was pitch dark inside. It took me a year to locate Mayavi there. Then I fought with him and killed him. The cave was flooded with his blood. I then came to the entrance to the cave. But, there was a huge boulder blocking the entrance! This traitor did not want me to come out, and had placed it there. But I pushed it aside and came out. And I find that here, this sinner is merrily ruling over this kingdom.
Sugreeva said with folded hands,Brother, do not doubt my loyalty without reason. Honestly, I have not been a traitor to you. When blood flowed from the cave and I heard only the roar of the rakshasas I was in anguish. I placed the boulder there so that the rakshasas might not come out. I beg of you, do not mistake me. But Vali would not be convinced. He carried away Sugriva wife Ruma by force to his palace. He asked Sugreeva to leave his kingdom at once. Sugreeva, having lost both his wife and his kingdom, found refuge in the forest.
Sugreeva lived always in fear of Vali. So the appearance of Sri Rama and Lakshmana unnerved him.He feared they might belong to Vali camp. He retired to Mathangashrama with his followers. He then said to Hanumantha,Find out who they are and why they have come here.
Hanumantha was the son of Vayu. His mother was Anjanadevi. So Hanumantha is also known as Anjaneya. He was very strong. He was as swift as the God of Winds, Vayu. He could fly in the sky. As a boy once he saw the sun and thought it was a fruit. He leapt to the sky to seize it. Then Lord Indra struck him with his Vajrayudha. Hanumantha fell on a rock. Hishanavu- cheek – became swollen; he came to be known as Hanumantha. He was immortal. So he had no fear of death. So great a person was Hanumantha. He was Sugreeva minister and his close friend.
Hanumantha dutifully approached Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Modestly he spoke to them :Who are you? You are handsome like the gods, the Ashwinis. You are sturdy. Your faces have the glow of royalty. But you wear cloth made of plant fibre, like rishis. Your faces have an unearthly radiance. But like the brightness of moon covered by clouds your lustre is dimmed by some great sorrow. Why have you come here? Be pleased to tell me.
Hanumantha modest demeanour pleased Sri Rama.He said,Lakshmana, did you hear the words of this Vanara warrior? No one who has not studied the four Vedas with attention to the enunciation and the meaning can speak so pleasingly. There was not a single inappropriate word in his speech.There was no unpleasant distortion of face, eye, forehead or brows as he spoke. He said nothing that was unnecessary, but left out nothing that was relevant; never fumbled and was not too fast; his pronunciation was never indistinct so as to cause ambiguity. It is a pleasure to listen to him. Tell him about ourselves.
Lakshmana told Hanumatha in detail all about themselves. Hanumantha was glad that they were not from Vali camp. He was also moved by their plight. He said,My name is Hanumantha. You are now in Kishkhinda. Vali, the elder son of Rikhsharaja, is the ruler. He has a younger brother, Sugreeva. I am Sugreeva minister. These two brothers are not on good terms. Fearing his brother, Sugreeva now lives here. He was apprehensive when he saw you. So I came to enquire about you. I will take you to Sugreeva. He will be happy to meet you. He placed them on his shoulders and carried to Sugreeva. He told Sugreeva about them and introduced them.
Sugreeva was happy to see Sri Rama and Lakshmana. He embraced Sri Rama and said,Sri Rama, I am pleased to see you. Hanumantha has told me that you are a man of rare valour. I sorely need the help of a hero like you. Help me kill my elder brother Vali.
Sri Rama answered,Sugreeva, I have heard about you and your elder brother, Vali. We bent our steps towards this place, on the suggestion of a rakshasa, Kabandha. Hanumantha also has told us something about you. But why do you desire my help to kill Vali?Sugreeva then narrated his story.Sri Rama was moved to pity by his tale of sorrow. He sympathized with Sugreeva who had lost both his kingdom and his wife. He said,Sugreeva, if Vali learns that you have taken shelter here, will he not come here and harass you?
Sugreeva explaned :No, Vali cannot enter Mathangashrama. There is a reason. Once a rakshasa, Dundubhi by name, challenged my brother to a duel. There was a grim fight. Finally Vali killed Dundubhi and made a hump of his body and threw it into the sea. Some blood from the corpse splashed into this ashram. Sage Matanga was angry and said,If the fellow who is responsible for this steps into this ashram, let him die. So Vali cannot come to this ashram. I am hiding here.
Sri Rama said,Sugreeva, have no fear. I will help you. Fight with Vali. I shall kill him. Take it that your dark days are over. Your kingdom and your wife are as good as restored to you. He went on,Sugreeva, as you know, a rakshasa has abducted my wife. It seems he is called Ravana. Do you know anything about Ravana? Will you help me find out where my wife is?
Sugreeva recalled that, when Ravana was carrying her away, Seeta Devi had thrown down a bundle of jewels. He had the bundle fetched. He explained,Sri Rama, some days ago a rakhshasa was carrying away a young woman by force. She was wailing, crying aloud, O Rama! O Lakshmana! When she saw us, she threw down this bundle of jewels. Here they are; see if they are your wife jewels. As soon as he saw the jewels Sri Rama remembered Seeta, and was overwhelmed with grief. His eyes grew dim with tears. He could not identify the jewels. He said,Lakshmana, you look at these jewels. Tell us if they belong to your sister-in-law.
Lakshmana looked at the jewels one by one, and said,These ear-rings I have not seen, nor have I seen this nose- ring. for I have never seen my sister-in-law face. But I am certain the anklets are hers; I know them well because I used to see them every morning when I touched my sister-in-law feet. Sugreeva tried to comfort Sri Rama who was shedding tears. He then asked,Sri Rama, when shall we challenge Vali?Sri Rama said,Let us not delay. We shall do it today. Sugreeva had his misgivings, thinking,How can we start a fight straightway? Vali is a person of immense prowess. He is a superb bowman. He can shoot an arrow to pierce seven trees one after another. Should we not prepare ourselves for a clash with him?
Lakshmana discerned that Sugreeva was terribly scared, and that he doubted if Sri Rama could overcome Vali. He thought first of all Sugreeva had to be reassured. He said,Sugreeva, how will you be reassured about my brother valour?Sugreeva replied,If Sri Rama can pierce seven trees with a single arrow as my brother Vali does, I shall be assured. Smiling, Sri Rama went to a cluster of seven trees with Lakshmana and Sugreeva, and strung his bow. Taking aim, he let fly an arrow. The arrow sped like lightning and pierced the seven trees. Sugreeva and his followers were dumb with astonishment. Then Sugreeva embraced Sri Rama in raptures, and said,Sri Rama, forgive me for testing you. I was forced to do it because of my fear of my brother. I am now convinced that only you can kill Vali. Let us set forth today, as you suggested, and kill Vali. They all went to Kishkindha.
Sugreeva entered Kishkindha and roared once. Vali, who was in the inner apartments of the palace,heard it. News had reached him that Sri Rama and Lakshmana, sons of Dasharatha, who had come from Ayodhya, were supporting Sugreeva. But yet, could Sugreeva summon so much courage? He was furious and came out. Sugreeva challenged Vali to a duel. Vali was always ready to fight. The two combatants came to the forest near by; the duel began. Sri Rama watched it from behind a tree.
Both were formidable warriors. But Vali had the upper hand. The brothers, engaged in grim boxing,looked exactly alike. Sri Rama could not make out who Vali was and who Sugreeva. Sri Rama was upset, not knowing what to do. By then Vali had over-powered Sugreeva; unable to cope with his blows Sugreeva ran away to Rishyamuka Parvatha.
Sri Rama, Lakshmana and others followed him. Sri Rama said to him,Sugreeva, do not misunderstand me. You and your elder brother are replicas. There is not the slightest difference between the two of you in height or build or features. So I could not identify you. But do not be apprehensive. Go again tomorrow and challenge your brother once again. Wear this garland, and I shall know you- so saying he put a garland around Sugreeva neck. The next day Sugreeva once again went to Kishkindha and let out a roar. Vali responded as before. As they were locked in a fight Sri Rama let fly a sharp arrow at the right moment. It pierced Vali chest and he fell down. His end was approaching. All the Vanaras and the women of the royal apartments crowded around him. Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva also approached him.
Vali said,Sri Rama, I know who you are. I have heard that you are exceptionally righteous. But, was it a righteous act to strike at me from behind a tree when we were engaged in a duel?Sri Rama replied,Vali, you are unrighteous, and, therefore, you can be killed by any means. You doubted your brother integrity without a reason. You took away his wife by force. You disgraced him and drove him to the forest. Did no thought of righteousness cross your mind then?Vali now saw light. He repented his earlier deeds, which, now he realized, were unjust. He said,Sri Rama, you are right. I was unfair. I am now unhappy that I made my younger brother suffer. Sugreeva, forgive my offences. Henceforth rule over this kingdom. Look after my wife Tara and my son Angada well. May good fortune bless you- with these words Vali passed away.
Everyone was grief-stricken at Vali death. But what could anybody do? He had paid the penalty for his wrong doings. His obsequies were performed, and they all returned to Kishkindha. On an auspicious day Sugreeva was crowned king. Angada, Vali son, was made the Yuvaraja.
Choose answers to all the questions. All the best !!
Q1. Who tells Shri Rama about who has abducted Sita Devi ?
Q2. Why did Shri Rama go looking for Sugreeva ?
Ans: a) Because Kabandha guided him to Sugreeva indicating that Sugreeva will help Shri Rama b) He thinks Sugreeva has abducted Sita Devi c) So that Sugreeva may give him shelter in the forest d) Because Sugreeva was his old friend
Ans: a) Because she ate only fruits b)To wait for Shri Rama, to entertain him to attain salvation c) Because she were nowhere to go d) Because she was scared to go out due to the fear of Rakshasas
Q4. Who was Hanuman ?
Ans: a)A friend of Jattayu b) A disciple of Mattanga Rishi c)Vali’s Minister d) Son of Vayu God
Q5. Why did Shri Rama agree to kill Vali ?
Ans: a) Because he was Shri Rama’s enemy b) Because he was abducted Sita Devi c) Because he was unrighteous and was not ready to correct himself d) Because Vali was challenged Shri Rama
Q.6 Why did Shri Rama did not kill Vali on the first day of Vali and Sugreev’s fight ?
Ans: a) Because he could not recognize which was Vali of the two b) Because he did not want to help Sugreeva c) Becuase he did not want to kill Vali d) Because Vali has asked to be for forgiven
Q7. Who was Sugreeva’s main minister ?
Lesson 13
Sugreeva’s army perform a great feat
Sampati liberated from curse
Sita Devi darshan
The burning of Lanka
Sugreeva’s army perform a great feat
Sugreeva had promised to help Sri Rama trace Seeta. But it was difficult to carry out the search in the rainy season and so they decided to begin the quest once the rains had ended. Sri Rama and Lakshmana stayed on in the forest.
The rains set in. Black clouds gathered in the sky and darkness enveloped the earth. Thunder and lightning asserted their sway. There were torrential rains. The plants and trees, long thirsting for water, had their fill. The hills, which dust had covered and dimmed, now were washed by the rains and shone forth in regained freshness. The chataka birds, yearning for water, drank to their heartscontent. The sport of Nature struck Sri Rama and Lakshmana with wonder.
The rains receded and it was now autumn. The forest put on new glory now. Wherever one looked,green greeted the eyes. Chakravakas paired and sang together. Plants and trees were bent with the load of flowers and fruits. White clouds floated across the sky like hillocks of cotton. Sunrise and sunset held the beholder spellbound with their loveliness. The blossoming of the lotus, the music of the bees, the sport of swans and chakravakas – everything was fascinating. The moon shed cool light at night. Countless stars twinkled everywhere in the sky. As he gazed at all this magical loveliness around him, Sri Rama remembered Seeta and sighed deeply.
Sugreeva, now the King of Kishkindha, was immersed in the administration. He had completely forgotten his promise to Sri Rama. He himself, his wife and children and his kingdom – these were all that mattered to him, and he was oblivious of everything else.
One day Hanumantha urged Sugreeva : Sugreeva, what has happened to you? You have forgotten the favour that Sri Rama did you. Is this right? Good people never forget the help they receive.However small the favour, it remains green in their memory. And they endeavour to do something in return. You gained the kingdom by Sri Ramas favour. He reunited you and your wife.What great favours he has conferred! You should ever remain grateful to him. And you ought to render whatever service you can. But, what have you actually done? You have clean forgotten him. You have neglected your promise to help him. Poor man, he has lost his wife and is a wanderer in the forest. You are lost in pleasures. This is improper. The rains have receded. At least now take up the task of finding Seeta Devi.
At this very time Sri Rama sent Lakshmana to Sugreeva. Lakshmana said to Sugreeva, Sugreeva,the rains are over. You had promised to help us. but you are lost in selfish pursuits and have forgotten your word. My brother is miserable because of separation from Seeta. Well, at least tell me whether you will help us find Seeta or not. Sugreeva now woke up. He realized that he had been in the wrong. He said, Lakshmana, I have been remiss in my duty. I shall not delay any more. I will come with you to the forest straightway, and meet Sri Rama. We will attend to your work from today. He went to Sri Rama with leaders like Hanumantha. He bowed to him and said, I am guilty of a grievous offence. I pray to you to forgive me. I have not forgotten my promise to you. I shall start the search for Seeta Devi right away.
He then summoned his commander-in-chief, Neela, and the entire Vanara army. Lakhs of Vanaras who lived on the Mahendra, the Himavantha, the Vindhya, the Kailas and the Mandara Mountains responded. Some of them were black, some grey and some red. The grey ones were innumerable.The vanaras were endowed with a variety of capabilities. They could run very fast; they could leap very high; they were skilled in martial arts. These valiant forces came up to Sugreeva. Monkeys and bears crowded so that the forest overflowed with them.
Sugreeva now addressed Sri Rama : Sri Rama, have you seen this huge army? All these are warriors of exceptional valour; they are heroes. Nothing is impossible for them. They can leap over seas. They can climb mountains. They can leap to the sky. They fight valiantly. They will leave straightway in search of your wife. I will send them to different corners. Wherever Seeta Devi may be, they will find her. He then divided the Vanara army into four parts. He made a Vanara, Vinatha by name, the leader of the first group, Hanumantha was the leader of the second group, Sushena of the third and Shatabali of the fourth.
Then Sugreeva addressed his forces; You know that Ravana, the King of Lanka, has carried away Seeta Devi, the wife of Sri Rama. We do not know where Ravana has hidden Seeta Devi – in Lanka or somewhere else in the world. It is now our duty to find her. So set out straightway. Go in four directions and look for Seeta Devi everywhere. Sri Rama has laid us under an immense obligation. Let
us search out his beloved wife and repay the help in some measure. He who locates Seeta Devi will equal me in glory. He sent Shatabali to the north, Vinatha to the east and Sushena to the west.
He then called Hanumantha and said, Hanumantha, you are a master of speed. You can travel where you will. You can travel unimpeded in the sky or in the sea. You can visit the realm of the gods and that of the gandharvas. You are valiant and wise. So I repose the greatest confidence in you. Your share of the responsibility of finding Seeta Devi is great. I feel only you can accomplish this task.Lanka is to the south. So go to the south and search for Seeta Devi. Sri Rama listened to Sugreevas words. He was happy that Hanumantha was Sugreevas trusted friend. He also felt that only Hanumantha could find Seeta. He took his ring off his finger and said, Hanumantha, keep this ring. When you see my wife show her this ring; she will recognize it as mine, and talk to you freely.Hanumantha received the ring reverently with both hands and made it secure.
The armies of monkeys spread out in different directions as Sugreeva had instructed. Confident of discovering Seeta they set out excited and enthusiastic.
The force commanded by Shatabali, which went northward searched for Seeta in Prasthala, Mlecha,Pulinda, Shurasena, Kuru and Madradesha. It continued the quest in Kambhoja, Yavana,Shaka, Bahlika Rishika, Purava, Cheena and Maha Cheena. It scoured the lower regions of the Himalayas and the summits of Kalaparvatha, in the caves of Sudrashana Parvatha and the Devasakha Parvatha ranges, in Mount Kailas and Mount Kanchiparvatha. It looked for Seeta in Kraunchagiri where Devas and Gandharvas reside.
Vinatha, one of Sugreevas generals, went eastward with his powerful army of monkeys. They searched the forests, the mountains and the river banks in the eastern region. They looked for Seeta Devi on the banks of the Ganga, the Sarayu, the Kaushiki, the Yamuna which is well known as the Kalindi, the Saraswathi, the Sindhu and the Shona. They also went to the kingdoms of Brahmamala,Videha, Malava, Kashi, Kosala, Magadha, Pundra and Vanga. They looked for her in the regions of several mountains, the Mandara, the Rishabha, the Udaya Parvatha which the rays of the rising sun turn red, as well as Yavadweepa, Suvarna Dweepa and Ksheerasagara.
To the west went another general, Sushena. His army scoured several kingdoms like Saurashtra,Bahlika, Shura, Bheema and Kukshi, as well as the western coast. It visited the Avanthi and the Angalepa river banks, the mountain called Hemagiri, the Kanchanashikhara, Mount Varaha,and Meru Parvatha, known as the King of Mountains.
The Vanaras entered the forests. They felled plants and trees. They shouted. The forest animals were scared by the hubbub and fled. The noise they made filled the skies. But search as they might,the Vanaras could not find Seeta. They did not find her on the seacoasts or at the bottom of the sea or in the mountain and forest caves.
The Vanaras climbed mountains. They pushed aside boulders to see if there were pits. They climbed to the top of mountains and gazed around. But there was no sign of Seeta They went to different cities and kingdoms. They enquired if persons had newly come there. They looked for Seeta among the new arrivals. They looked for her in every town and every house but she was nowhere to be found. They were unhappy. All the groups except the one which had gone southwards returned disappointed to Kishkindha.
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Sampathi liberated from curse
Hanumantha, Angada, Thara, Jambavantha and their comrades went towards the south. They crossed the Vindhya Mountains and the Narmada. They crossed the Godavari, the Krishnaveni and the Varada, too. They searched for Seeta in Vidarbha, Rishwika, Mahishaka, Kalinga, Kaushika and other regions. They looked in the caves of Dandakaranya and the banks of the Godavari. They visited Andhra, Pundra, Chola, Pandya and Kerala. They entered the region of the Cauvery, with pellucid waters, and the Malaya regions near by. They looked for her in mountainous regions and rivers. But Seeta was not to be seen anywhere. They then reached a big forest. To their surprise they saw that the plants and trees had no leaves, flowers or fruits. The trees were all bare. There were no birds or animals there. It was totally lifeless. There was no water in the rivers; they had all dried up. The Vanaras were left wondering. They searched for Seeta here, too.
Once upon a time a great munilived in this forest. He was exceedingly short-tempered. Once his son was lost in the forest. The muni was afraid his son might be dead. He pronounced a curse : Let the plants and trees of this forest wither away. Let the lakes dry up. Let no living beings dwell here.And so the forest was deserted and frightening.
As the Vanaras were searching for Seeta they came to a cave. There was a rakshasa there. They concluded that he had carried away Seeta and killed him. But they could not find Seeta.
The Vanaras were troubled. They sat down to a conference. They thought, We promised Sri Rama that we would find Seeta but we do not see her anywhere. How can we keep our word?However,they took courage and resumed their search.
They reached the very top of the Vindhyas. They went beyond. They crossed several forests and mountain regions. They reached the seashore. But Seeta was not to be found.
As they were scouring the mountain region they found a spacious cave. A rakshasa architect, Maya, had constructed it for his nymph-wife, Hema. No stranger could enter it. And if any one did succeed in entering it, he could not come out. Hanumantha and the other Vanaras entered the cave. It was dark within. But they proceeded. They came to a big lake and a garden with flowers and fruits. They saw a lady engaged in tapas there. She was old, and had an unearthly radiance. She was Swayamprabha, a friend of Hema. She was in charge of the cave. Hanumantha went up to her, bowed to her and said, Mother, we are the soldiers of King Sugreevas army. We have come in search of Sri Ramachandras wife. He then narrated all that had happened.
The tapaswini treated them hospitably. She said, I have been appointed to guard this cave. No one who enters here can go out. But, since you are here on a worthy mission, it is not fair to imprison you here. She gave them fruits and water. By the power of her tapas she brought them all outside the cave, wished them success, and returned.
The Vanaras had escaped from the cave but had not found Seeta. They were very unhappy. Once again they looked everywhere. They searched every cave and bush but found no sign of Seeta anywhere.
They were all very tired. They sat down to rest. At that time a huge eagle arrived. It was called Sampathi. It was the King of Birds, and the elder brother of Jatayu. It had a huge body but its wings were burnt out.
Sampathi saw the Vanaras and swooped on them, in order to eat them. The sight of Sampathi unnerved Angada who said, Hanumantha, see how huge the eagle is! It will perhaps pierce us and kill us. How another similar eagle, Jatayu helped Sri Rama! It fought with Ravana and gave its life itself. But this King of Birds threatens to kill us. Our hour seems to have arrived. Let us pray to God.
Sampathi heard Angadas words. He said to himself,How is it these Vanaras are so sad? They mention the name of my younger brother Jatayu. Is he dead? O no, that cant be. Anyway, I shall ask them- so reflecting he said, You Vanaras, who are you? Whence have you come? What happened to my younger brother, Jatayu? Be not frightened. Tell me everything; I will not harm you. Then Angada told him about Sri Rama, and narrated the story of the exile to the forest, the abduction of Seeta, the death of Jatayu at the hands of Ravana in their fight and their own quest.
Sampathi was moved to great grief when he heard the news of Jatayus death. He was also furious with Ravana who had killed him. He said, O Vanaras, it was Ravana who carried away Seeta, wasnt it? He is the king of Lanka. Lanka is a big island. It is surrounded by the sea. You have to go southwards from here to reach it. Go to Lanka and liberate Seeta and come back. May you be fortunate! Then Angada said Sampathi, you did not tell us about yourself. How is it your wings are burnt? Why did you come here?
Long ago my younger brother Jatayu and I wished to compete with the sun and fly with him from the east to the west. We flew high. Because of the sharpness of the sun Jatayu grew tired and began to fall down. I then covered him with my wings. The sun burnt my wings with his fiery rays. At once I fell here. But now that I have told you where Seeta Devi is, my wings will grow again. So a rishi had told me. Even as he was speaking, his wings grew again. The Vanaras were as happy at the sight as Sampathi himself.
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The Vanaras thanked Sampathi and bent their steps towards the sea. They saw the vast ocean. High waves dashed against the shore. There were many poisonous creatures and cruel animals like whales in it. Wherever they looked they saw the vast ocean. It was impossible to cross it. But Lanka could not be reached without crossing the sea. Somehow or the other, they had to manage to do it. Who could do it? They looked at one another. Everyone was hesitant, every one was nervous, every one was curious. No one knew what to do.
Then Angada said, Friends, who is the puissant person who can cross this vast ocean? This ocean is a hundred yojanas wide. Who is the great hero who can leap across the ocean and meet Seeta, and return? Who can enable us to fulfil our promise to Sri Rama? Vanara heroes, what are your abilities? How far can you leap? Tell us.
The Vanara heroes began to unfold their abilities. One Vanara, Gaja, said he could jump ten yojanas.Gavaksha claimed he could jump twenty yojanas. Encouraged by this, another Vanara, Gadaya, said he could clear thirty yojanas. Sharabha claimed he could clear forty yojanas.Gandhamadana claimed he could clear fifty yojanas, Mainda sixty, Dwivida seventy, and Sushena eighty.
Jambava was the oldest and the wisest of the heroes of Sugreevas army there. He was the King of Bears. He was very intelligent. Although the other monkeys were proclaiming their powers Hanumantha had said nothing, and Jambava noted this. Hanumantha was a hero of rare powers, and only he could leap across the ocean. But he knew not his own abilities, and was silent. Jambava decided to stimulate him and make him leap across the ocean.
Then Jambavantha said, Vanara heroes, I am old; I can clear ninety yojanas. But this Hanumantha,Sugreevas minister, can quite clear the ocean. Hanumantha, you are endowed with tremendous abilities, why are you silent? You are yourself the son of Vayu. As a child you mistook the sun for a fruit and leapt towards the sun, you are such a mighty person. You are the sacred person who has received the gift of immortality from Lord Brahma Himself. Why are you passive? Recall your tremendous powers. Leap across the sea. Find out where Seeta Devi is. Convey the happy tidings to Sri Ramachandra. Ensure that we keep Sugreevas promise to Sri Ramachandra.
Then Hanumantha recalled his abilities and valour. He stood up. He said, I shall leap across the ocean. The Vanaras shouted in joy. Victory to Hanumantha!they cried. As they looked on admiringly Hanumantha expanded his form. He grew and grew until he reached the sky. The other Vanaras gazed on him in astonishment. Hanumantha said to them, Friends I shall cross the ocean and go to Lanka. I shall meet Seeta Devi and return. He then leapt towards the sky. He began to float like the wind. The entire world watched in amazement as the mountain-like Vanara flew in the sky.
As Hanumantha flew with the speed of Garuda the sea was disturbed and was covered with foam.Because of his swiftness the water of the sea leapt to the clouds. Anjaneya, who was flying like the king of birds drew clouds, too, with him.
Flying in this manner Anjaneya covered some one hundred yojanas. Farther away he sighted a row of trees in the forest on the seashore. As he continued he saw the gardens of Mount Malaya. Later he sighted southern rivers flowing into the sea.
Anjaneya now contracted his body to its normal size and descended on the other shore of the sea.He alighted on Lambaka, a high peak. Standing on the peak he gazed upon the trees all round. He looked round, and saw Lanka, shining forth in the midst of a wealth of trees.
Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods, had built Lanka. Vishrawas was the son of Pulastya Muni. He had three wives, Ilabile, Kaikasi and Raka. Ilabile was the daughter of Sage Bharadwaja. She gave birth to a son, who was named Kubera. Kubera pleased Parameshwara and by His grace acquired the throne of Lanka and the air chariot- Pushpaka Vimana. He was the happy ruler of Lanka. Ravana and Kumbhakarna were the sons of his stepmother Kaikasi; they defeated him and seized both the throne of Lanka and Pushpaka Vimana. With the consent of Parameshwara, Kubera constructed Alakanagara on Mount Kailas, and became the king of the Yakhshas. Kubera was the god of the North.
Ravana who seized Lanka became the ruler. He stationed Khara and Dushana, sons of his stepmother Raka, a rakshasi, in Janasthana. Sri Rama had slain both of them. On seeing Lanka,Hanumantha recalled all this. Lanka city situated on Mount Trikuta, shone like Kailasa on the mountain. Gardens were rich with flowers and fruits weighing down trees. The highways were beautiful with palaces and mansions.A strong fort surrounded Lanka. A powerful rakshasa force kept watch night and day.
Hanumantha approached the main entrance in order to enter the city. Lankadevi, the guardian of Lanka, saw Hanumantha and chased him. Hanumantha made his request respectfully: Mother, I have come to see the loveliness of Lanka. I beg of you, permit me to enter. But Lankadevi let out a roar and, approaching him, struck him hard. Hanumantha was in uncontrollable rage. He lifted her high and threw her to the ground. He spared her life only because she was a woman. Lankadevi now came to her senses. She said, Great Vanara, what I did was wrong. Pray forgive me. Long ago Lord Brahma said,When a Vanara hurts Lankadevi the end of Ravana approaches, and the rakshasas will be in danger. It looks as if the day has arrived. I shall not stop you. You can enter Lanka, and do what you will.
Lanka was the city of his enemies, and Hanumantha did not wish to enter it by the main entrance. He leapt over the wall and entered the city, his left foot forward. It was night. But he would not rest. He walked along the high way. Wherever he turned there were tall buildings. He could hear the sounds of the tiny bells of dancers and the music of celestial singers from within the buildings. Some rakshasas were engaged in €˜japa(reciting sacred names) and €˜tapas. Several were practicing martial arts. Surveying all these sights Hanumantha arrived near the women apartments of the palace.
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Sita Devi darshan
It was a moonlit night. Within, the palace was brightly lit. Hanumantha looked for Seeta everywhere in the womens apartments. There were several wives of Ravana there. They were all asleep. But there was none who resembled Seeta. Hanumantha moved about in the buildings near by and the residences of Ravanas brothers and high officers. But Seeta was nowhere to be found.
In the course of his search Hanumantha came to another part of Ravanas palace. The palace was beautified with playgrounds where peacocks sported. The walls were studded with diamonds and opals. Everything there was made of gold. All in all, it rivalled the palace of Kubera. Hanumantha entered the palace. He saw rooms full of different kinds of arms and treasuries where ornaments were. He came to Pushpaka Vimana. It was decorated with flowers and diamonds. Birds and serpents had been engraved on the vehicle, with diamonds, opals and corals. He was filled with wonder at the sight. As he looked around, at a distance he saw a row of Ashoka trees. He wondered if Seeta was to be found in the Ashokavana, and bent his steps towards that garden.
There were trees of many kinds in addition to Ashoka trees in the garden. The breeze was scent-laden. Cuckoos sang sweetly. Peacocks were dancing. Hanumantha proceeded, even as he enjoyed the beauty of the garden. He saw a beautiful woman sitting under an Ashoka tree. She was wearing a faded dress and wore no ornaments. Sorrow had dimmed her face. Her eyes were red with weeping. Hanumantha concluded that she was Sri Ramas wife. He danced with delight at having seen Seeta Devi. He was sad to think that Seeta Devi, a princess, was condemned to be in the captivity of rakshasas. Seeta was surrounded by rakshasis and so he climbed up a tree and sat on a branch.
The rakshasis were pestering Seeta Devi to marry Ravana. Unable to bear their harassment she was sobbing.She was saying, No matter how much you torment me, I cannot marry Ravana. Grief welled up in Hanumantha at the sight of Seetas helpless condition. But he restrained himself. After a while the rakshasis tired and fell asleep. Hanumantha thought that this was the opportunity for him, and he began to sing the story of Sri Rama in a sweet voice. The sacrifice performed by Dasharatha,the birth of Sri Rama, his wedding with Seeta, their exile to the forest, abduction of Seeta, Sri Ramas meeting with Sugreeva, his own quest of Seeta – all these he sang. The melodious song thrilled Seeta. It was the story of her beloved husband. She raised her head – but all that she saw was a huge monkey! Seeta was frightened. O this is some rakshasa who has come to deceive me. O gods, protect me- so she prayed.
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Hanumantha realized that she was frightened. He climbed down. With folded hands he spoke humbly :Mother, who are you? You look like the wife of our master, Sri Ramachandra. Are you Seeta Devi?She answered,Yes, I am Seeta Devi, But who are you?Hanumantha recounted all the incidents since her abduction. The death of Jatayu, the hospitality of Shabari, the friendship of Sugreeva, the killing of Vali, the Vanara forces proceeding in different directions in search of Seeta – all this he narrated. He then said, Mother, Sri Ramachandra has sent me here. Your sorrows are as good as overcome. Sri Ramachandra will come here with his army and kill Ravana. He will free you from this captivity and take you to Ayodhya. This is certain. He then gave her the ring which Sri Rama had given him for identification. The sight of the ring rejoiced Seetas heart. The recollection of her husband also grieved her. But she consoled herself. She then made enquiries about the welfare of Sri Rama and Lakshmana.
Hanumantha said, Mother, I leapt across the sea. I can grow as huge as I wish to. Come with me.Be seated on my shoulder. With a single leap I shall take you beyond Lanka. I will take you to Sri Rama and Lakshmana who are wretched because of separation from you. Seeta Devi said, Hanumantha, I am pleased very much with your words. But only my husband should liberate me. Sri Ramachandra should come here and kill Ravana. Only then I shall accept liberation. So I cannot come with you. And it would not be proper to go with you. Hanumantha replied, You are right. I will tell Sri Rama that he should come here swiftly. Give me something I can show Sri Rama to confirm my meeting with you.
Seeta Devi took out the Chudamani tied in the edge of her saree, and gave it to Hanumantha. He received it with reverence and wore it in his head. He then went round Seeta reverently and then bowed to her. She said, Great Vanara, convey my pranamas to Sri Rama. Give Lakshmana my blessings. I shall wait only for one month. Let Sri Rama come here within a month and set me free.Or else, I shall commit suicide, for I cannot bear the pestering by Ravana. I shall jump into fire and kill myself, so that I can protect my purity. Said Hanumantha, Mother, do not worry. Sri Ramachandra and Lakshmana will come here as soon as your message reaches them. They will come with their army and destroy Lanka. They will smash Ravanas army. They will despatch Ravana to the realm of Yama and free you from this prison. There is not the slightest doubt about this. He then once again bowed to Seeta Devi and departed.
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The burning of Lanka
A thought occurred to Hanumantha : I must find out the strength of Ravanas army, how valiant the soldiers are and how secure the fort is. He thought if he started rampaging through the Ashoka Vana, Ravana would send his army and he, Hanumantha, could gauge its strength.
So he started – He broke trees into pieces and threw them down. He rubbed one tree against another and made fire. With deafening roars he leapt from tree to tree. The garden, which had been quiet, was now full of noise and disorder. The sleeping rakshasas woke up and cried out in fear. They hastened to Ravana and reported : Great Lord, a huge monkey has entered Ashoka Vana and is on a rampage. Except the part of the garden where Seeta is confined, it is detroying everything there.Ravana was enraged to hear that Ashoka Vana, which was dear to him, was being wrecked. He sent a big army which charged on Hanumantha.
Hanumantha pulled out the bar of the main door and pounced on the army, whirling the bar all the time. The soldiers ran helter skelter in panic. The bar struck a number of them and killed them.
News of this reached Ravana. He flared up. He sent a bigger army under Jambumali, the son of his commander- in-chief, Prahasta. But in no time Hanumantha exterminated it. Another army led by the son of a minister, shared the same fate. Ravana sent his own son, Akshaya Kumara. The boy fought valiantly but perished.
The news of the death of his son grieved Ravana immensely. He sent another son, a celebrated warrior, Indrajithu. Indrajithu was a formidable warrior; he was called Indrajithu because he had vanquished Lord Indra himself. He fought with Hanumantha and used the Brahmastra. The mighty astra bound Hanumantha. Indrajithu returned to the palace with him.
Ravana was on his throne in his splendid court. The royal court was crowded. Everyone was troubled by the ravage perpetrated by the monkey.
Ravana had ten heads and twenty arms. His was a huge, frightening body. Angrily he demanded of Hanumantha: You monkey, who are you? Why have you come here? Why did you ravage Ashoka Vana?Hanumantha answered: I am the messenger of Sri Ramachandra. I came in search of Seeta Devi. I could not bear the sight of your evil deeds and so ravaged the Vana.
Ravana, you have committed a heinous crime. You have abducted another mans wife. It is a dastardly crime. You are ignorant of Sri Ramachandras valour. If he is displeased, all Lanka will burn and be reduced to ashes. Even now, listen to me. Restore Seeta Devi to Sri Ramachandra. Admit your guilt and seek his forgiveness. Great as he is, he will forgive you. Both you and Lanka will survive. Rule righteously. Ravanas eyes grew red with anger. You, a monkey, how dare you advise me? I shall straightway kill you, he thundered.
Vibheeshana was Ravanas brother. He, too, was a son of Kaikasi, but he did not indulge in evil deeds like his elder brothers Ravana and Kumbhakarna. He had performed tapas for a number of years in Gokarna. The boon he had asked for, and secured, from Brahma was that his mind should always rest in righteousness. He was unhappy that Ravana had abducted Seeta. He had often pressed Ravana to restore Seeta to Sri Rama honourably. He now forcefully protested against Ravanas decision to put Hanumantha to death. Ravana thought over the matter and decided that he would not put Hanumantha to death but would teach him a lesson for the havoc he had wrought in Ashoka Vana. He ordered his men to set fire to Hanumanthas tail. The servants at once began to wrap the tail in cloth. But wonder of wonders! As they went on wrapping, the tail went on growing. No amount of cloth would suffice. They brought cloth from every house in Lanka, but, no, they could not find enough cloth. Finally, Ravana said, Set it on fire as it is, and they did so.
At once Hanumantha leapt high. He moved about all over Lanka. He burnt every part of the city.Before Ravana and his ministers could realize what was happening the city was in flames.
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As the fire spread thick smoke enveloped the city. Women and children were choked and began to wail. Some were burnt in their houses. Wailing and shrieks and loud cries filled the air. As the entire city burnt smoke rose to the sky. The conflagration stretched its red tongue on all sides and lapped up the city. There was nothing except fire and smoke everywhere. People were confounded, they cried aloud, they wept, they ran in all directions, and they fell down dead. House or garden or rock -the fire spared nothing.
Hanumantha went to the seashore and shortened and extinguished his tail. Then suddenly he remembered Ashoka Vana, with a shock. What have I done? What is the fate of Seeta Devi?so he asked himself. He was wretched at what he had done. He decided to go to theVana and see what had happened. But just then he heard the Siddhas and the Charanas in the sky, saying to one another,How skilful is Hanumantha! All Lanka is burning but the fire has not spread to Ashoka Vana! Seeta Devi has not been harmed in the least! Hanumantha felt immensely relieved.
Hanumantha returned to Ashoka Vana. Once again he met Seeta Devi and reported to her all that had happened in Ravanas court. He then obtained her consent to leave. He went to the seashore He expanded his form to a gigantic size and leapt over the sea. He reached the northern coast. He joined Jambavantha and the others who were anxiously waiting for him.
The Vanara leaders rejoiced to see him. They danced and hopped about in sheer joy and surrounded Hanumantha. They demanded in one voice, Great Vanara, did you reach Lanka? Did you see Seeta Devi? Why did you not bring her? Tell us all your experiences.
Hanumantha also was delighted to see his friends once again. And he, too, was eager to share his experiences with them. He narrated all that had happened – the leap over the ocean, the meeting with Lanka Devi, the visit to Ravanas palace, the sight of the Pushpaka Vimana, the meeting with Seeta Devi and the burning of Lanka. The Vanaras were delighted with his great exploits. They all set out for Kishkindha.
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Examination on Lesson – 13
Choose answers to all the questions. All the best !!
Q1. Why did Shri Rama send Laxmana to Sugreeva, after the rainy season was over ?
Ans: a) To invite him to sacrifice b) To check out how was Sugreeva looking after his new kingdom c) To meet him as they had not met for a long time d)To remind him to fulfill his promise to look for Sita Devi
Q2. Why did Sugreeva send lakhs of Vanaras in four directions ?
Ans: a) To fight Ravana b) To conquer whole earth c) To look for Sita Devi d) To look for food
Q3 Who found Sita Devi first ?
Ans: a) Nala b) Neela c) Angada d) Hanuman
Q4. Why did Shri Rama give his ring to Hanuman ?
Ans: a) He wanted to reward Hanuman b) Because Hanuman wanted to wear the ring c) So that Hanuman, if he meets Sita Devi, it can be used as identification d) Because he didn’t want it
Q5. Why did Sita Devi give Chudamani to Hanuman?
Ans: a) So that he can prove that he had met her b) She did not want Ravana to get it c) She was afraid the Rakshasies guarding her will take it away d) She didn’t like it
Q6. Why did Hanuman start destroying Ashok Vana ?
Ans: a) Because he didn’t like forest b) Because he wanted to punish Ravana c) Because he wanted to draw Ravana’s army to war to gauge their strength d) Because he liked destroying things
Q7. Which son of Ravana was killed by Hanuman in the Ashok Vana battle ?
Ans: a)Prahastha b) Indrajit c) Akshayakumar d) Vibhishan
Q8. What did Ravan do to punish Hanuman ?
Ans: a)Ordered him to kill b) Burnt his tale c)Put him in Jail d)Insulted him with harsh words
Q9. Why did Hanuman burn Lanka ?
Ans: a)To punish Ravana and to put fear in everybody’s heart before the impending war b) It was an accident c) Sita Devi ordered him to burn it d)Shri Rama had told him to do so
Q10. Why did the burnt wings of Sampathi sprouted anew ?
Ans: a) Becuase of the sun raise b) Becuase of the medicines given by Vanaras c) Because of the sacrifices he made d) He had a boon that if he helped Shri Rarma in any way, he will get back his wings
Q11. Which mountain requests Hanuman to rest and accepts some food in the sea ?
Ans: a)Meru b)Vindhya c) Himalaya d) Mainaka
Correct Ansers below
Examination 13
Q.1 Ans d)
Q.2 Ans c)
Q.3 Ans d)
Q.4 Ans c)
Q.5 Ans a)
Q.6 Ans c)
Q.7 Ans c)
Q.8 Ans b)
Q.9 Ans a)
Q.10 Ans d)
Lesson 14
Lesson 14
The journey to the seashore
Vibhishana becomes an ally
The unique bridge Ram Setu
Preparation for the war
The war begins
The journey to the seashore
Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva were anxiously awaiting their arrival. The monkeys who had gone in other directions had already returned disappointed, Sugreeva was on tenterhooks,wondering why Jambavantha, Hanumantha and other monkeys of that group had not returned. As soon as they did return, they were surrounded by all the Vanaras. Hanumantha prostrated to Sri Rama,Lakshmana and Sugreeva and said, My Lord, Seeta Devi is safe. They were all overjoyed.They said to themselves, Hanumantha has seen Seeta Devi and returned.
Sri Rama said, Hanumantha, you have brought the most gratifying news. Tell us all about what happened. Hanumantha narrated all that had happened from the time he left Kishkinda, and gave Sri Rama Seeta Chudamani. The ring powerfully reminded Sri Rama of Seeta, and tears dropped from his eyes. Hanumantha went on : I have assured Seeta Devi that within a month she would hear in Lanka the roar of the Vanaras and the twang of Sri Rama bow. I have assured her that she will see the rakshasas perishing like moths in a fire and that Lord Sri Ramachandra would liberate her and take her with him.
The story of Hanumantha feats made Sri Rama rejoice. He affectionately embraced Hanumantha. He then said to Sugreeva, Sugreeva, we now know where Seeta is. We must go to the Lanka. We must kill Ravana and recover Seeta. I need your help. Sugreeva replied, Sri Rama, not only I and this my army, but my entire kingdom will be at your command. Tell us what we are to do. He continued, I have an army of monkeys numbering lakhs and lakhs. Let us surround Lanka. Let us cut off Ravana heads and rescue Seeta Devi. Sugreeva enthusiasm pleased Sri Rama. He said, We shall act as you have said. But, before we attack the enemy we must know several things like how big his army is and how well protected his fort is. This is very important in waging a war. Hanumantha probably knows something about Ravana forces and his fort. Let us find out from him. He then turned to Hanumantha.
Hanumantha replied, Sri Rama, Lanka is prosperous in every way. It is full of excited elephants,horses, chariots and rakshasa warriors. The doors of the main entrance of Lanka have powerful iron bars and are strong and secure. Lanka has four such entrances. And at these entrances have been placed huge automatic machines which rain stones and arrows on the enemies.
There is a spacious and secure fort all round Lanka. There are fearful trenches around the fort. A flood of chilly water flows always in these trenches. There are ruthless crocodiles in this water. There are several temporary bridges, in order to provide means of contact with the outside world. Should a hostile army attack, these bridges are removed with the help of powerful machines. Thus enemy forces are prevented from entering Lanka.
Lanka is situated on the Trikut peak, and, therefore, it is impossible to attack it without being seen by the Lanka soldiers. A dangerous forest surrounds Lanka. Thus it is a fort surrounded by water, a fort resting on a peak, a fort surrounded by a forest, and a fort built of stone; it is thus a fourfold fort. There is no approach by water. Therefore Lanka is totally impregnable.
Ten thousand guards protect the eastern entrance. They are mighty warriors, and swords and lances are their weapons. One lakh warriors, supported by the four-winged army, guard the southern entrance. At the western entrance are stationed ten lakh soldiers. They are equipped with swords and shields. A force numbering a crore protects the northern entrance; it is supported by the four-winged army, too. There are mighty generals like Prahasta and Indrajithu to fight for Ravana.
Sugreeva said, Hanumantha, you have described the might of Ravana army. But you cannot have returned without performing some exploit. Tell us about it and delight us. Hanumantha modesty bent down his head and said, My Lord, I have destroyed the temporary bridges across the trenches and thrown them into the trenches themselves. So Lanka is deprived of its waterway. I have demolished the walls of the fort and so Lanka has lost its built fort. I have set fire to Lanka and scared the inhabitants. I have destroyed a big part of the force at the northern entrance. I have shut up the secret passages of the fort. So, all we have to do is to somehow cross the sea; once that is done, take it that our Vanara heroes have wiped out Lanka. If Angada, Mainda, Dwivida,Jambavantha, Panasa, Nala and the commander Neela enter the city of Lanka it is as good as destroyed. So let us first reach the seashore.
Sri Rama was thrilled to hear Hanumantha saga. With an overflowing heart he said, Hanumantha feats are astounding. Who can cross the roaring sea with its leaping waves? Vainatheya who is well known as Garuda, Vayudeva who sustains all life, and this Hanumantha the son of Vayudeva – except these three who can accomplish such an exploit? Anjaneya has accomplished most efficiently the task his king and friend, Sugreeva, assigned to him. The officer who not only carries out efficiently the mission assigned to him but also performs the challenging tasks which unexpectedly devolve upon him, without being asked to do so, comes to be recognized as the cream of mankind.
The officer who does just what he has been asked to do is of the middle level. But he who, despite receiving good guidance, fails, is of the worst category. Hanumantha performance of deeds is both timely and heroic; he is, therefore the greatest among the great. But how unfortunate, I have nothing to give to so great a person. Well, embracing him is all the reward I can nowpresent. He then embraced Hanumantha.
Sri Ramachandra then said, Sugreeva, let us delay no longer. Muster your forces. Let us swiftly journey towards the sea.
Sugreeva collected his forces of Vanaras. The vast army of monkeys assembled. Crores of monkeys came together so that wherever one looked one saw only the heads of monkeys. The monkey army looked like an ocean. In their zest they jumped about; We shall cross the sea and make mincemeat of the rakshasas, Like Hanumantha we shall also burn Lanka – so they shouted exultantly.
Sugreeva introduced the foremost leaders of his army to Sri Rama : This is Jambavantha, the son of Gadgada, exceptionally valiant. He is the king of bears. This is Sushena, my uncle, that is, my mother brother, He is the son of Varuna. The Vanara there is Dadhimukha, the son of Chandra,the Moon God. These three, Sumukha, Durmukha and Vegadarshi are the sons of Brahma. Prince Angada is the son of Vali. Mainda and Dwividha are the sons of Ashwini Gods. Gaja, Gavaksha,Gavaya, Sharabha, Gandhmadana – these are the sons of Yama himself. Also, the sons of God Surya called Jyothimukhas and Sududrdhara, the son of Vasu, are in this army.
Sri Rama, this Vanara who is facing Lanka and roaring, is the Commander-in-Chief of all my forces,Neela. The Vanara standing over there with a banner is Nala, the son of Vishwakarma. He is the king of the Vanaras residing in Chandana. The Vanara radiant in white is the other commander, Shwetha. This general, Kumuda, is the ruler of the kingdom on the banks of the Gomathi. This general, Rambha, travels around in the Krishnagiri, Sahya and Sudarshana ranges. Another general, Sharabha, commands Vanaras known as the Viharas. This valiant general, Panasa, is the king of the Vanaras in the Pariyatra regions. Look, here is another son of Gadgada; he is Dhumra. I have an army of crores of monkeys with powerful generals like Dambha, Sannadana, Krathana of the Himalayas, Pramathi who dwells on the banks of the Ganga, Gavaksha the commander of the Singaleekas, Kesari the king of the Vanara heroes of Mount Meru, and Shatabali the valiant Vanara of Kanchanagiri. Let us go to Lanka and slay Ravana.
Sri Rama was greatly pleased with the mighty army of Sugreeva. He asked Sugreeva to put it on the march. The vast army moved like an ocean overflowing its banks. At Sugreeva request, Sri Rama sat on the shoulders of Hanumantha, and Lakshmana sat on the shoulders of Angada. Bursting with enthusiasm to fight, the great army moved towards Lanka.
On the way the army crossed dense forests, rivers, pools and ponds. The forests were full of different kinds of trees like the thilak, the ashok and the neral. The Vanaras advanced, enjoying the fragrance of flowers and tasting the fruits which hung in bunches from the boughs. They brought down the beehives which they saw in clusters and drank honey. The Vanara army proceeded, killing wild animals and breaking the trees which obstructed their way and flinging rocks this way and that, making a tumultous progress.
In the course of their journey they reached Mahendragiri. They stood on the peak and looked round. They saw the vast sea. They came to the sea. The sea, full of fish and whales, was in a tumult. The waves dashed against the rocks on the shore. They saw the blue sky above and the blue sea beneath. As far as the eye could see it was all the sea, the sea, and blue.
The sight of the sea troubled Sri Rama. He grew dejected, wondering if they could cross the vast sheet of water stretching before them. He said to Sugreeva, Let us halt our forces here. This mass of water is boundless and is dangerous. We have to think of a plan. Let the army camp here tonight.We shall ponder over how we can cross the ocean. So that night they camped there.
The roar of the sea grew louder as the night advanced. It began to roar with triumphant insolence.The sea turned turbulent as the winds lashed it. The noise of the waves dashing against the rocks was deafening. Terrifying creatures like whales and serpents were swimming in the sea. There was a certain beauty even in this terror. The moon light rested on the seafoam and the sea looked like the Ksheera Sagar the milky ocean.
Watching the arrogance of the sea Sri Rama said, Did you watch the sea, Lakshmana? Can we reach Lanka? Lakshmana replied, Brother, how surprising! You are apprehensive. You are the mighty hero who slew Tataki, Subahu, Kabandha, Khara and Dushana – all rakshasas. You have rushed forward undaunted, in the most unnerving situations. That becomes heroes like you. It does not become you to entertain any other kind of thoughts. Be not worried; let us consider how we can cross the sea.
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Vibhishana becomes an ally
After Hanumantha created a commotion in Lanka and departed Ravana called his counsellors for consultation. All the courtiers, ministers and generals assembled. Ravana addressed them; Heroes, a monkey called Hanumantha entered our Lanka city and caused a turmoil. A single monkey has wrought greater havoc than a huge army could have done. It is a matter of disgrace that our army could not check its ravages. The monkey discovered Seeta whom we had hidden. It killed thousands of our rakshasa soldiers and even set fire to Lanka itself. In a short while it will bring Rama to start an onslaught. How on earth did this happen? And how shall we arrest this course of events?
There were very able generals in Ravana army. They were war-enthusiasts. They had never known defeat on the battlefield. And so confidently they said, Maharaja, war does not scare us. Let Rama come to fight. We shall surely defeat him. Indrajittu, Ravana son, was a formidable warrior. He said, Maharaja, let us not wait until Rama comes here. Let us go where he is. Let us give a thrashing
to him and his army of monkeys. The court was full of talk about war. Everyone was reminded of the battlefield. And every one boasted of his prowess.
Vibheeshana was the younger brother of Ravana. He was just and righteous. From the beginning he had blamed Ravana for abducting Seeta. He had advised Ravana : It is not right to kidnap the wife of another man. If the ruler himself strays from the path of virtue the subjects, too, become unrighteous. Besides, the curse of Seeta will ruin Lanka. Send her back. But Ravana ignored his advice. When a person indulges in evil, no one advice appeals to him. It will be like rain pouring on sharp-edged rock. That is precisely what happened when Vibheeshana advised Ravana.
When the rakshasas began to brag about their prowess in the crowded royal court, Vibheeshana could not contain himself. He said, You rakshasas, wait a little. Do not boast of your valour. You may have taken part in mighty wars and even overcome great warriors. But what happened to your much-vaunted prowess when a monkey came to Lanka and ravaged the city, a few days ago? You are bragging ever so much now, why did you not avert the rampage of a single monkey? Be sensible and stop your mad talk.
He then turned to Ravana and said, Brother, follow my advice at least now. Seeta Devi is no ordinary woman. She is an incarnation of Shakthi or the Goddess of Might; so I feel. Restore her at once to Sri Rama and beg his forgiveness. He is righteous. He will be magnanimous and forgive you. Do not disdain him taking him for an ordinary man. The inspiration of his name sufficed to enable Hanumantha to leap over the ocean; Hanumantha disgraced us. If Sri Rama so wills, he can burn the entire city of Lanka and leave nothing but ashes behind. Because of your wrong-doing, your wives, children and subjects will all have to endure great wretchedness. There is only one way of averting this catastrophe, and that is to restore Seeta to Sri Rama.
Indrajithu could not brook Vibheeshana words. He said, Uncle, put an end to such futile talk. Some fellow called Rama, some monkey called Hanumantha; do you seek to frighten us with their names? Vibheeshana, you know not my prowess. I shall shatter that Rama and his army in a trice. I have vanquished Indra and other gods in battle. What is this Rama? There is no question of being awed by such fellows and restoring Seeta.
Vibheeshana answered, Indrajithu my child, you are speaking without discrimination. The hour of disaster is also the hour of perverse thinking. That is your state now. A single arrow of Rama can burn Lanka, so fiery it is.
Ravana then said, Vibheeshana, I suffered you all these days because of my affection for you as my younger brother. I forgave all that you said. But you are now crossing all limits. On the pretext of eulogizing the prowess of your Rama, you are insulting the valour of our soldiers. You live in my kingdom and you are a traitor to us; this cannot be forgiven. Your glorification of Rama seems to indicate that you have joined the enemies. By all means, go to him. I am not prepared to let treasonous fellows stay in my kingdom. All my counsellors are of the view that Seeta should not be restored and that we ought to face Rama on the battlefield. I shall follow their view. Our soldiers are valiant, and they will triumph.
Vibheeshana said, Brother, your intelligence is clouded. What you have done is evil. Even though I point it out to you, you refuse to mend your ways. I do not wish to tarry with such sinners. I am going to Sri Rama. You are elder to me. I shall give you all the affection and respect due to you. But I cannot, for that reason, be hand in glove in your evil doings. I cannot do evil. If the mission of defending righteousness demands it, I will even take your life. From today our relations are cut asunder. Then he left Lanka with four of his loyal companions and made his way to the camp of Sri Rama and Lakshmanaon the seashore.
Vibheeshan arrived at Sugreeva camp and announced, I am Vibheeshana, younger brother of Ravana. Pained by my brother evil act I have abandoned him and come here. Grant me shelter. Sugreeva went up to Sri Rama and said, A certain rakshasa has arrived. He says his name is Vibheeshana, and that he is Ravana younger brother. He says he has come to seek shelter here.But how can we trust somebody who comes from Ravana camp? Sri Rama pondered over his words for a moment and then asked the other Vanaras, How do you feel about this? I will abide by your opinion.
The Vanara leaders replied, Sri Rama, our opinion is not important in this. You, our leaders, consider this and take a decision. During a war the supreme leader word is law. Others should bow to his decision. That is our duty. Then Hanumantha said, My Lord, if you permit, I should like to put in a word. True it is that Ravana is now the monarch of Lanka; yet there are some there who do not see eye to eye with him. Vibheeshana is one of them. It seems to me that it is to our advantage that there is now a rift between the brothers and that Vibheeshana seeks to join us. We can obtain all the information we need about the enemy forces from him. And, if we promise to make him the king of Lanka when Ravana is dead he will surely stand by us. It is, therefore, to our advantage to welcome him.
Sri Rama replied, Hanumantha, ever word you have spoken is true. Even if we can find just one person who can give us information about the enemy, he will be an asset. And so we should welcome Vibheeshana. Besides, he has rebelled against Ravana wickedness and has come to join us. That is another reason to welcome him. Moreover, he seeks refuge here. It is our duty to welcome and protect those who surrender to us. So I receive Vibheeshana with open arms. At these words Sugreeva and the other Vanaras rejoiced. They brought Vibheeshana to Sri Rama.
Vibheeshana bowed to Sri Rama. He said respectfully, Sri Rama, I am supremely happy to have met you. Hanumantha has probably already spoken to you about me. My name is Vibheeshana. I am the younger brother of Ravana and Kumbhakarna. I was unable to check the wicked deeds of my elder brother and therefore have come to you seeking refuge. Sri Rama replied, Vibheeshana, I am pleased with your devotion to righteousness. I welcome you with all my heart to our camp, and embraced him.
Sri Rama went on, Vibheeshana, I have to wage a war against your brother. Therefore, tell me all about the army in Lanka. Vibheeshana answered, Ravana is a redoubtable hero. In valour he equals Indra. The Commander of his army is Prahasta. He has overcome the commander of Kubera himself in battle. Indrajithu, the son of Ravana, is a most valiant warrior; he has an impenetrable armour. He is also a master of illusory warfare. He has secured several astras. In addition to these, there are several mighty generals likeMahodara and Mahaparshwa, in Ravana army. Ravana has crores and crores of soldiers. Sri Rama said, Very well, no matter how big his army may be, we shall thrash it on the battlefield. We shall slay Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Indrajithu and Prahasta. We shall crown you king of Lanka. Vibheeshana voice was choked with emotion.
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The unique bridge Ram Setu
16ram 16
The waves of the overflowing sea were dashing against the rocks. Then Vibheeshana said, Sri Rama,you belong to the dynasty of Sagara. You are, therefore, a kinsman of the king of the ocean.Offer a prayer to him, and he will help you. The suggestion appealed to Sri Rama. He lay down on Kusha grass spread on the shore, and meditated on the God of the Ocean. As he lay with his arm for his pillow, all the Vanaras assembled to see the great man. Lord, respond to the prayers of Sri Rama, so they appealed to the king of ocean.
Three days passed but the Sea God did not appear. Everyone was surprised and also grieved. They exclaimed unhappily, Why does the Sea God not respond to the devout prayers of our master? Sri Rama was enraged. The legs and arms of the mild-looking Rama grew rigid, and his chest rose. His eyes grew red with rage. He frowned. He thought, I worshipped the Sea God with such devotion and yet he has not appeared. How arrogant he must be! Very well, I will not fail to teach him a lesson. Then he said, Lakshmana, did you see how haughty the Sea God is? He did not respond to our prayer, he took no note of us. That means he has failed to be righteous. This, perhaps, is the way of the world. If we conduct ourselves as good persons, people take us to be weaklings and cowards. But if a wicked man is domineering people respect him. The King of the Sea has slighted me. I will teach him a lesson. So saying he took up his Kodanda and twanged the bow. He said, Lakshmana, watch my prowess. With a single arrow I will dry up the ocean. The fish and the other sea creatures which dwell in the sea will suffer untold torment and die. Snakes and whales will be charred to death. There will be no need to build a bridge. With a scaffolding of arrows I will cover the sea; every one can walk upon it as on the ground. The gods were frightened when they heard Sri Rama words. The Sun hid himself behind clouds out of fear. A meteor appeared in the sky. Fire appeared in the sea. A whirlwind broke out, as if the sea was trembling. The waves rose in mad fury and dashed against the rocks. The gods appealed, Sri Rama, do not be enraged.
Then the Sea God rose from the waters. He was wearing sparkling celestial ornaments and a crown.He came up to Sri Rama and embraced him. He said, Sri Rama, shed your rage. I shall help you cross the sea. I shall ensure that no cruel animal harms you when you cross the sea. I will also see to it that nothing sinks in the waters when you build the bridge. There is a Vanara, Nala by name, in your army. He is the son of the divine architect, Vishwakarma. He is good at building bridges. Let him build the bridge. May good fortune attend you! Sri Rama was very pleased. He thanked the Sea God. He then said to Sugreeva, Let the task of constructing the bridge begin straightway.
At once the Vanaras began the task with great zest. They entered the vast forest near by where there were trees of different kinds. They uprooted several trees and brought them and covered the sea. They also brought huge boulders. When the boulders were pushed into the sea the sea was disturbed. The water rose to the very skies. The Vanaras began to construct the bridge. Nala moved about briskly, supervising the work. Within five days, the zestful Vanaras built a bridge a hundred yojanas long and ten yojanas wide. Their joy beggared words when the bridge was ready. They all clapped and whirled and shouted in rapture.
Sugreeva said, Sri Rama, we should not now delay. The bridge is ready. We can easily reach Lanka.Let us start at once. You can sit on the shoulders of Hanumantha and Lakshmana can sit on the shoulders of Angada. Let the entire Vanara army set out for Lanka. Let us reach Lanka and start the war
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Preparation for the war
Under the guidance of Vibheeshana Sri Rama army marched towards Lanka. Some walked on the edge of the bridge, some in the middle. Some swam. The earth and the sky were filled with the noises of the Vanaras on the march. Even the roar of the overbearing sea was drowned by the noises of the army. The Vanara army reached the southern coast of the sea.
Then the heroic Sri Rama divided his forces in battle array according to accepted martial policy.Angada and Neela stood ready at the head of their unit in the chest of the formation; so did Rishabha in the south and Gandhamadana in the left. Jambavantha and Sushena stood in the middle.Sugreeva was at the rear, to protect the army. With Lakshmana by his side, Sri Rama himself was at the front. So the mighty army stood ready for battle.
Ravana sent two of his ministers, Shuka ans Sarana, to assess the forces of Sri Rama. They panicked at the sight of Sri Rama and his huge army. They were certain that if they fought, they would be doomed. They returned to Ravana court. They said Dread Lord, give up all hope of victory in this war. Sri Rama army is vast like the sea. It has thousands of invincible and valiant Vanara heroes. We cannot survive. The Vanara heroes are huge like the banyan tree. They are countless. There are thousands of heroes as formidable as Hanumantha who came to Lanka and caused distress. There are mighty generals like Sugreeva, Angada, Mainda, Dwivida, Durmukha,Neela, Jambavantha, Didhimukha, Sumukha and Vegadarshi. Each one of them is capable of vanquishing the gods and the danavas. And the valour of Sri Rama is beyond the reach of words. Therefore, Ravaneshwara, let us not engage in war. A war spells our doom. Return Seeta Devi at once to Sri Rama and save Lanka.
Their words angered Ravana. He said, Enough of your impertinence. I only asked you to have a look at Rama army and report. I did not seek your advice. I am set on fighting.
A rakshasa, Malyavantha by name, stood up and said, Ravana, listen to my few words. A king should be learned, should be acquainted with ethics and should be righteous. Such a monarch will remain on the throne for a long time. If a war looms inevitable he takes note of the enemy strength. If the enemy is stronger, he enters into an agreement. Otherwise, he fights. Sri Rama forces are stronger than ours. It would be prudent to seek an agreement.
Besides, what is a war? It is a clash between two kings or groups. And, what leads to a war? One of the two does wrong, and the other suffers injustice. So they fight. That means, a war is a conflict between two principles, Justice and injustice. You are leading an immoral life; you are doing wrong.Therefore, in this war yours is the unrighteous side, and Sri Rama is the righteous side.When there is a clash between righteousness and unrighteousness, righteousness will surely triumph. Therefore, if there is a war, surely Sri Rama will win.
Ravana, you have a boon – that gods, and danavas cannot kill you. But in the world. there are living beings of many types besides the gods and the danavas. Men, monkeys and bears, too, can be formidable. Their roar sets even our daring generals trembling.
Moreover, frightening omens are being seen inside Lanka and around it for some days. Horses neigh offensively and shed tears. Animals like the vulture and the fox send forth frightening cries. It has been raining blood. All these foreshadow dangers.
Sri Rama is no ordinary man. If he were an ordinary man, why would crores and crores of monkeys co-operate with him? How did Hanumantha acquire the strength to leap across the ocean? How could the army of monkeys build a unique bridge in a few days?
Take note of all this. Go to Sri Rama and restore Seeta Devi. Seek his forgiveness. He is merciful; he will forgive your offence.
Malyavantha words drove Ravana to a towering fury. His eyes grew red. Rolling his eyes he replied,Malyavantha, what is all this idle talk? What means this eulogy of a trivial man? Why do you exaggerate Rama prowess and decry my strength? Are you against me? Are you envious because I am the sovereign? I shall never restore Seeta whom I have brought here with great difficulty. I am determined to fight. Let Sugreeva fight; or let it be Lakshmana, or Rama himself, I shall despatch them all to the realm of Yama. He then ordered his generals to prepare the army for a war. His army made itself ready and stood in battle array.
Vibheeshana, now in Rama camp, saw Ravana army. He said to Rama, Ravana army is ready to fight. This is the formation. Prahastha is stationed in the west, Mahaparshwa and Mahodara are stationed in the south, and Indrajithu, Ravana son, in the south, ready with their armies. Ravana himself stands in the north. Ravana army comprises a thousand elephants, ten thousand chariots, twenty thousand horses and more than a crore sodiers. Rama said, Let us maintain the present formation, and march against Lanka. Let Neela face Prahastha. Let Angada encounter Mahodara and Mahaparshwa. Let Hanumantha fight with Indrajithu. I myself will challenge Ravana; I have vowed to kill him. Let Lakshmana accompany me. The Vanaras were eager to reach Lanka and begin the battle. They spent the night on a mountain, Suvaladri, near by. Next morning they entered Lanka.
The city of Lanka stood on a peak, the Trikuta Shikhara. It had been built by Vishwakarma. It was a hundred yojanas long and thirty yojanas wide. It had a big encircling wall. Four towers shone in four corners. Storied houses and palaces added to the splendour of the city. The tall buildings, spacious palaces and wide highways filled the monkeys with wonder. There were lovely gardens.
They were radiant with champaka, palmyra and punnag trees. The gardens glowed with flowers and fruits of many kinds. A stream flowed in every garden, and peacocks sported by them. Cuckoos sang. The monkey army surrounded Lanka even as it drank in its beauty. The leaders of the monkey army were all valiant. Some had the strength of ten or twenty elephants. They could break into pieces huge boulders with their fists. They could uproot and hurl huge trees. The mighty army was all eagerness to shatter Lanka.
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The war begins
Sri Rama, in the van of the army, looked round. Only the heads of monkeys were to be seen as far as the eye could see. Having looked once again at the army of monkeys bigger than the sea, Sri Rama summoned the Vanara leaders. Sugreeva, Angada, Anjaneya, Neela and others came. Sri Rama said, We are now ready to fight. The enemy forces also are ready. But let us give Ravana one more opportunity before the battle starts. Let us send Angada as our emissary.
He then said to Angada, Angada, go to Ravana and give him this message : Ravana, I am here as Rama emissary. Our entire army is ready for battle. One word from Rama, and the entire whole of city of Lanka will be mere ashes. Your entire kingdom will have to suffer for your folly. You yourself, Kumbhakarna, Indrajithu and others will fall to our arrows. Therefore, at least now, act justly.Surrender Seeta Devi to Rama. Avert the war. You will still be the king of Lanka. And the needless death of thousands will be averted. If, even then, Ravana turns a deaf ear, we shall fight and smash the enemy.
When Sri Rama had spoken, Angada leapt to the sky and went to Ravana. Even as Ravana wondered how this monkey had come up to him Angada said, Ravana, I am the son of Vali. My name is Angada. I am the commander of Sugreeva forces. I am here as Sri Rama emissary. Having introduced himself he gave Ravana Sri Rama message. Ravana flew into a rage. He said, No, that can never be. I shall not restore Seeta Devi. I am not afraid of Rama. I am ready to fight. Angada returned to Sri Rama and conveyed Ravana reply.
Sri Rama said, Advice is wasted on fools. They invite ruin. Ravana himself is an example. We have no choice but to fight. The declaration of war is inevitable. He then turned to Sugreeva and nodded.
Sugreeva understood his mind. He turned to the army of monkeys and said, Begin the onslaught.The monkeys, who were restless with unbearable eagerness, roared like lions with enthusiasm. They uprooted trees and pulled out boulders and brought them. Even as the rakshas watched, they climbed up the wall. They assailed the rakshasas with the trees and the boulders they were carrying. They rolled down rocks and made mincemeat of the rakshasas. They scratched the faces of the rakshasas and confounded them.
This kind of warfare was unknown to the rakshasas. They could not cope with the sudden onslaught of crores of monkeys. They took some time to recover from this attack and then began to counter attack with their weapons. They had many kinds of weapons. In addition to maces, bows, spears and swords they had weapons which they had secured from the gods as boons. Besides, they were all expert warriors. They had mastered several weapons by decades of practice. They had fought with the mightiest of gods.
But the Vanaras had no weapons. Trees, mounds and hillocks and boulders were their weapons.Their teeth and nails were their special astras. But they had a weapon surpassing all these – the power of Sri Rama name. The moment they repeated Sri Rama name they felt inspired. New energy surged through their bodies. Besides, they were aware of the great truth that they were battling against injustice and unrighteousness. Not an iota of a selfish motive tainted their fight.I must prosper, I must acquire a kingdom, I must win fame – there was no such greed or pettiness in them. This war is for the establishment of righteousness. It is our duty to participate in it – so they felt, and staked their very lives on the battlefield.
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Examination on Lesson – 14
Choose answers to all the questions. All the best !!
Q1. Why did Vibhishan leave Ravana ?
Ans: a) Because he was jealous of him b) Because he feared for his life c) Because he did not get to be the King of Lanka d) Vibhishan did not wish to stay with Ravana as Ravana continue to sin without mending his ways
Q2. Why did Shri Rama accept Vibhishana in his camp ?
Ans: a) Because he was Ravana’s brother b) Because he was seeking refuge in Shri Rama and he would be able to give away secrets of the enemy Ravana c) Because Vibhishan was a Rakshasa d) Becuase Sugreev suggested so
Q3 Why did Shri Rama decide to attack the Sea God ?
Ans: a) Because Sea God would not help in finding the way to cross it despite Shri Rama’s requests b) Because Sea God was Shri Rama’s enemy c) Because Sea God was Ravana’s friend d) Because Shri Rama wanted to show his prowess
Q4. Who was given the responsibility to build the bridge across the sea ?
Ans: a) Hanuman b) Sugreeva c) Nala d) Angada
Q5. The city of Lanka was built by -
Ans: a) Vishwakarma b) Ravana c) Kubera d) Kumbhakarna
Q6. Who was sent as an emissary to Ravana to give him a last chance to mend his ways ?
Ans: a) Hanuman b) Sugreeva c) Vibhishana d) Angada
Correct Answers below
Examination 14
Q.1 Ans d)
Q.2 Ans b)
Q.3 Ans a)
Q.4 Ans c)
Q.5 Ans a)
Q.6 Ans d)
Lesson 15
Lesson 15
Overcoming the Sarpastra
Ravana disgraced
The death of Kumbhakarna
Hanuman transports the mountain
Indrajit killed
Overcoming the Sarpastra
So a fierce war began between the Vanaras and the rakshasas. Boulders and trees hurled from the Vanara side split the heads of the rakshasas, and blood streamed from their bodies. The rakshasas fell with a thud. The rakshasas, too, sent forth dreadful astras. The astras split open the chests of the Vanaras, and cut off their heads. So lakhs of rakshasas and Vanaras lost their lives. A veritable lake of blood formed in the battlefield. The heads, bodies and limbs of rakshasas and Vanaras floated in the lake.
Some rakshasas and Vanaras engaged in duels. Some times the rakshasas had the upper hand,some times the Vanaras had the upper hand. Elephants and horses lay dead on the battlefield.Everywhere one saw dead bodies of rakshasas and Vanaras, dead elephants, broken chariots and horses rolling in pain, all in a lake of blood. Night fell, but the battle continued. Indrajithu, Ravana son, began creating illusions. In the thick night he started shooting sharp arrows. Sri Rama himself, bow in hand, took on the invisible Indrajithu, The collision of Indrajithu astras with Sri Rama arrows, was electrifying. Sri Rama sent forth, one swiftly following another,thousands of blazing arrows and lit up the entire battlefield. The battlefield was filled with the triumphant shouts of the Vanara heroes and the sounds of several musical instruments like the kettledrum, the panava, the anaka and the gomukha.
Unable to endure the blows inflicted by Sri Rama, Indrajithu shot even more stinging arrows. His arrows pierced the bodies of the Vanaras and blood leapt like a fountain from them. Distressed Vanaras died. Some arrows entered the bodies of Sri Rama and Lakshmana and caused painful wounds. Blood streamed from the wounds. Indrajithu then shot the Sarpastra (the Serpent Arrow).The asthra bound both Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Both lost consciousness. Intoxicated with his triumph Indrajithu returned to Lanka.
The moment Sri Rama and Lakshmana lost consciousness there was chaos in the Vanara army. The Vanaras were confounded and knew not what to do next.What awaits us?they began to ask oneanother. Sugreeva, Angada, Hanumantha and others began to sob in dismay.
Vibheeshana then applied cold water to their faces and brought them back to consciousness. He said, Sugreeva, arouse yourself. What is the use of despairing in this manner? Such things are bound to happen in the course of a war. You are the leader. No matter how overwhelming the difficulty or the grief, you must endure it. Or else, the army will be confounded. Restrain yourself for a while. Sri Rama will recover consciousness. And that is what happened, too. Sri Rama recovered and rose. His entire body was riddled with arrows. Lakshmana was still in a swoon. Sri Rama wailed, Lakshmana still lies unconscious. How can he be restored?
Just then a storm arose. As they all watched in wonder Garuda appeared in the sky, flapping his broad wings swiftly. The Vanaras were delighted to see him. Garuda deva alighted in the battle field, and at once the serpents which had bitten Sri Rama and Lakshmana and held them, slid away as fast as they could. Smiling, Garuda approached Sri Rama and Lakshmana and gently patted them. At once Lakshmana regained consciousness and rose. The wounds caused by the Sarpastra healed at once. Sri Rama, Lakshmana and the other Vanara warriors felt renewed energy. Zest returned to the battlefield. They all bowed to Garuda and displayed gratitude.
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Ravana disgraced
Ravana was filled with amazement when he learnt that Sri Rama and Lakshmana had survived the attack of the Serpent-Arrow. He called Dhumraksha, a general, and said,Dhumraksha, take a very powerful army and destroy utterly the Vanara army and Rama and Lakshmana. Dhumraksha accordingly came to the battlefield with a large army.
A fierce battle ensued between the Vanara army and the rakshasa army. The Vanaras hurled boulders and trees and broke the heads of the rakshasas. They broke their legs and arms. Their heads burst open. Their teeth dropped. Their tongues were out-stretched and their limbs and organs like the ears and the noses were crushed. The rakshasa forces were not passive. They began to slaughter the Vanara army with a variety of weapons. They slaughtered a number of monkeys. They broke the heads of monkeys and made blood flow like a rivulet. Using their clubs and maces they turned the monkeys into masses of flesh. The entire body covered with blood, the reddish brown monkeys turned completely red. As this fierce battle went on, Hanumantha started a duel with Dhumraksha. Both were mighty warriors. Both fought with an iron will. Both were belligerent. It was impossible to foretell who would win and who would lose. Finally, Hanumantha averted a blow from Dhumraksha mace and, seizing a hill near by, hurled it at him. At once Dhumrakshas fell down dead, and his army ran helter skelter.
Ravana was upset when he heard that Dhumraksha had been killed. He sent a general called Vajradamshtra to the battlefield. But he shared the fate of Dhumraksha. Angada killed him. Then came Akampana. Hanumantha slew him. Prahasta led the onslaught next, and fought fiercely, but Neela killed him.
Ravana was indignant when he saw how the Vanara army slew everyone of his generals. He himself entered the battlefield with a huge army. With him came several generals like Athikaya,Pishacha,Trishira and Kumbha, wielding a variety of arms. Lakhs and lakhs of rakshasas came with Ravana. Some had two faces and some three. Some had the faces of horses, camels and pigs. They were all ugly. The eyes of some of them sent forth fire. The rakshasas all came roaring, ready for battle.
The Vanaras, too, prepared to meet the fresh challenge. Sri Rama and Lakshmana strung their bows and stood ready. Ravana shot a blazing arrow as if he would burn the entire army. Sri Rama cut it with an arrow. Enraged, Ravana began to rain arrows. Fire issued from his arrows. The fire was fierce, as if it would burn up the entire army. But Sri Rama effortlessly subdued them. He cut Ravana arrows on their way.
When Sri Rama and Ravana were fighting, it was as if two mountains clashed. The earth trembled as they shot arrows. As one astra cut another, blinding flashes of lightning issued. There was the deafening sound of thunderbolts. Fire broke out like a forest fire. Sri Rama felled Ravana crown to the ground. He killed his charioteer. He broke Ravana chariot and pierced his armour. Ravana body was full of wounds. As blood streamed from Ravana body Sri Rama said, Ravana, today you have been thrashed. Go to your palace and rest. Disgraced and boiling with anger, Ravana returned to the palace. He was wretched as he said to himself, Did I have to be granted my life by Rama? I have never known defeat on the battlefield, and yet I was humiliated by a mere man! Is there no one to avenge this disgrace!- so he wailed.
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The death of Kumbhakarna
All of a sudden Ravana remembered Kumbhakarna. He was Ravana younger brother, and endowed with rare valour. At one swoop he could take toll of thousands. This recollection gave Ravana some comfort.
But Kumbhakarna was deep asleep. His was no ordinary sleep. If once he slipped into slumber he would not wake up for six months. Then he would be awake for just a day; then back to slumber.
Kumbhakarna had a belly worthy of his strength. Whenever he woke up, he would complain that he was hungry. He would gobble sheep and hens and cartload after cartload of cooked rice.
Ravana was worried because Kumbhakarna was in deep slumber; how could he be awakened? He had gone into slumber only a few days before, and would not wake up for another six months. But the situation did not permit waiting that long. Bewildered, Ravana sent for his ministers. He told them,It is a grim battle, and the enemy is gaining the upper hand. Kumbhakarna is our only hope now. Without him we are bound to taste defeat. So think of some way of waking him up.
The ministers thought over the problem. They then went to Kumbhakarna palace. He was slumbering. His body was a veritable mountain. The very sight scared them. But they had no choice,he had to be awakened somehow or the other.
They piled up huge hills of meat by his side. They tied hundreds of animals like pigs and deer to his cot. They made a heap of cooked rice until it reached the sky. They filled huge boilers with blood and wine. They then ordered hundreds of rakshasas to beat drums near him. The noise was deafening but did not reach the ears of Kumbhakarna. Then all the rakshasas shouted together and roared and bellowed but all this availed nothing. The rakshasas twisted Kumbhakarna legs, pounded them,sounded conches and kettledrums. Birds in the nearby forests flew away in fear at the sound and lions and other animals roared. But Kumbhakarna was blissfully asleep. They dragged him with a rope tied to his waist, and twisted wooden pieces in his nostrils. They poured water into his ears.They pulled his hair. But no, Kumbhakarna did not wake up.
They then brought hundreds of elephants and made them walk on him. This created a slight disturbance for Kumbhakarna and he moved and yawned, and yawned again. The sound of the yawn frightened the sheep and they began to bleat. A little awake from his slumber, Kumbhakarna looked around in anger. The hills of rice and meat somewhat pacified him. In a short while he made the rice-hill disappear. Then he enquired : What is the matter? Why did you wake me?With folded hands the rakshasas answered, Great Lord, Lanka is in great danger. The king has sent for you to meet him at once.
Kumbhakarna hastened to Ravana palace. Ravana embraced him. He then explained the peril Lanka was facing. He said, Brother, my honour depends on you. If you hasten to the battlefield and vanquish Rama you will save our honour. Otherwise, our lives are not worth living. Kumbhakarna answered, Brother, is it only now that you remember us? Did you seek our consent when you committed this sin? You have to suffer the punishment for your crime. You asked nobody when you committed a wicked deed but seek the help of people when you are in trouble; this policy is not right. Ravana was discomfited.Kumbhakarna himself broke the silence: Well, this is not the time for judgement. All Lanka is in danger, and must be saved. So I will go to the battlefield, and return after killing Rama and Lakshmana. He then strode towards the battlefield.
When this monstrous rakshasa entered the battlefield the Vanaras were stunned. Angada infused courage in them and asked them to hurl boulders and trees at him. But the boulders and trees broke into pieces when they touched his body. Unmindful of the boulders assailing him Kumbhakarna advanced insolently. He would draw towards him a number of monkeys together and swallow them.
This rakshasa who was advancing like a devil was terrifying. Hanumantha and others lifted boulders and hills and hurled them down on him from the sky. But Kumbhakarna rendered them ineffective.When Hanumantha brought a huge hill Kumbhakarna snatched it from him and threw it back at him. Hanumantha screamed in agony.
A number of Vanara heroes like Neela, Gavaksha and Rishabha fell on Kumbhakarna together. They began to hit him with their maces, while at the same time kicking and pounding and punching him.But Kumbhakarna felt nothing. Instead, Vanara heroes fell to the ground. Kumbhakarna swallowed those he could seize and dashed others against rocks; he stalked the battlefield like Yama.
Angada, Sugreeva and Hanumantha together threw mountains on Kumbhakarna. Sugreeva bit off his ears and nose. This infuriated the rakshasa all the more, and he began to trample the Vanaras under foot and destroy them. Like a drunken elephant in rut, which has entered a banana garden, he began to destroy the Vanaras.
Lakshmana shot hundreds of arrows at Kumbhakarna. The latter body was covered with arrows.But unmindful of them the rakshasa lunged at Sri Rama. Sri Rama began to shoot powerful astras. By then Kumbhakarna had begun to feel weak. But yet he threw about his limbs and took toll of monkeys. He hurled a huge hill at Sri Rama. Sri Rama cut it with his arrows. Sri Rama saw the havoc Kumbhakarna had wreaked and decided to get rid of him. He cut off his legs with ardhachandrastra. He cut off his arms with Vayavyastra. Having lost his legs and arms Kumbhakarna collapsed. Sri Rama shot the Indrastra and cut off his head, thus relieveing the world of a pest.
The news of the death of Kumbhakarna stupefied Ravana. He fainted. After a while he regained consciousness and began to lament for his brother. Then his sons Trishira, Devantaka, Narantaka, and Mahakaya, and his brothers, Mahodara and Mahaparshwa volunteered : Maharaja, do not be distressed. We shall go to the battlefield and exterminate the Vanara army and Sri Rama and Lakshmana. They then went to the battlefield with a powerful army.
The sight of a refreshed army advancing on them warned the Vanara warriors. Again there was a dreadful battle between the Rakshasas and the Vanaras. However determinedly they might fight, the rakshasas began to falter. Angada slew Naranthaka, Hanumantha slew Devantaka and Trishira, Neela slew Mahodara and Rishabha slew Mahaparshwa. Mahakaya, with a huge body like that of Kumbhakarna, was killed by Lakshmana who used the Brahmastra.
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Hanuman transports the mountain
17ram 17
The angusih of Ravana at the death of his sons and brothers was beyond the reach of words. I sent my sons and brothers to death because of my selfishnesshe wailed over and over again. His son Indrajithu consoled him in many ways. He told his father, I will vanquish the enemyand set out with a huge force.
Indrajithu steeds galloped with the speed of the wind. Behind him came lakhs of valiant rakshasas armed with bows, swords, spears and axes.
As soon as they reached the battlefield, the rakshasas started laying about them with their weapons.With shouts of triumph they swooped on the monkeys. Shooting arrows like lightning they cut off the heads of the Vanaras. Because of their blows the heads of the monkeys flew about like balls. High up in the sky, Indrajithu was still shooting arrows and rousing his own warriors. Each one of his arrows killed thousands of Vanaras. He sent forth hundreds of arrows at a time and harassed the Vanaras. After a while, he launched a battle of illusions.
This utterly bewildered the Vanaras. They only saw the arrows but could not make out whence and how they came. The arrows descended on them once from the north, the next time from the east, there after from the south- west. Then Sri Rama said to Lakshmana, Lakshmana, now Indrajithu has the upper hand. He is fighting a battle of maya – illusions. If this goes on, the Vanaras will be helplessly butchered. So let the two of us encounter him. We cannot overcome him. He will employ powerful astras against us. If we are wounded and fall down, he will return with the joy of victory.Then we can have a spell of rest, be refreshed, and wage war tomorrow. Lakshmana agreed. Sri Rama and Lakshmana began to send their arrows in the direction where Indrajithu seemed to be.
Indrajithu was very glad to see Sri Rama and Lakshmana. He used particularly sharp arrows. Sri Rama and Lakshmana fell down unconscious. Indrajithu returned to Lanka with arrogant ostentation.
The swooning of Sri Rama and Lakshmana overwhelmed the Vanara heroes with grief. But Jambavantha infused courage into them and called Hanumantha. He said, Hanumantha, this is not the hour for weeping. Sri Rama and Lakshmana have swooned. Lakhs of monkeys have been mortally wounded. They must be cured. So a herb called the Sanjivini is needed. At once leap over the sea and go to the Himalayas. You will see two very tall peaks, the Rishabha and the Kailasa. Between them is a peak known as the Oushadha. Thousands of herbs are found there. With those herbs it is possible to prepare medicines that can cure any disease. There are four herbs there – mrithasajeevini, vishalyakarani, savarnyakarani and sandhanakarani. Mrithasanjeevini is capable of recalling a dead person to life. Vishalyakarini heals wounds. Savalyakarni ensures that no scar is left behind. With sandhanakarni it is possible to rejoin limbs severed from the body. Therefore, bring them as fast as you can.
Hanumantha agreed and crossed the ocean. Travelling in the sky he reached the Himalayas. Gods,gandharvas, yakshas and kinnaras dwelt there. There were a number of caves in the mountains, and sages were immersed in tapas in the caves. Hanumantha stood between the two peaks, the Kailas and the Rishabha, and looked round. All round him were herbs, herbs and herbs.He was bewildered. How was he to recognize the herbs he was to take? What was he to do? The mission brooked not a moment delay, for the lives of Sri Rama and Lakshmana were at stake, and thousands of monkeys would perish. No, this must be averted somehow or the other, he said to himself.
And then a way out flashed to him – he meditated on the name of Sri Rama, and put his hand to the base of the mountain, the Oushadha. Wonder of wonders! The mountain stood in his palm. Still meditating on the name of Sri Rama, he rose in the air and began to fly back to Lanka. The vary gods were amazed at Hanumantha feat and exclaimed, Admirable! Wonderful! Great!
Hanumantha came to Lanka with the mountain of herbs. Jambavantha and Sugreeva were wonderstruck at his achievement. Jambavantha searched out the Sanjivini among the herbs and made a current of air blow from it towards Sri Rama and Lakshmana, and the Vanara heroes who had swooned. At once they all rose as if from sleep. Sri Rama heard about the incredible feat of Hanumantha and embraced him joyfully. The Vanara army shouted with the joy of victory. At the suggestion of Jambavantha Hanumantha carried the mountain back and placed it as before.
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Indrajit killed
Sri Rama army charged into Lanka with renewed zest. The guards were in panic at the sight,deserted the fort and fled. The Vanaras lit torches and began to set fire to all Lanka. Mansions and houses and even a portion of the palace were in flames. Pearls, diamonds, opals and gems were burnt to ashes. Thousands of rakshasas were charred to death. The fire stretched its red flaming tongue in all directions. Women and children bellowed in panic, It is pralaya, the Day of Destruction is here!, they shouted. Flabbergasted, they ran this way and that. In their torment the rakshasas could not distinguish between their own forces and others, and struck down their own warriors.Horses neighed in pain and elephants trumpted in agony, and the animals ran helter skelter trampling everyone in the way underfoot, and the situation became confusion worse confounded. No matter how hard they tried, the rakshasas could not take control, the Vanaras had the upper hand.
Ravana then sent mighty warriors like Kampana, Prajhanga and Kumbha, But they all persihed at the hands of the Vanaras. Then came Nikumbha, whom Hanumantha killed, and Makara, whom Sri Rama sent to death.
Indrajithu returned to the battle. Once again he started a battle of illusions. Then Lakshmana bowed to Sri Rama and said, Brother, I have made up my mind that I shall myself kill Indrajithu. Bless me.Sri Rama embraced and blessed him. Lakshmana, sitting on the shoulder of Hanumantha, went to the battlefield.
Indrajithu rained arrows. He also sent forth several deadly weapons without a moment pause. They pierced Lakshmana body and blood streamed from the wounds. Stung to the quick Lakshamana also directed very sharp arrows at Indrajithu. Both were formidable warriors. Each cut in the very air the arrows of the other. Arrows seemed to leap without intermission from the bows of both.
Lakshmana shot deadly arrows poisonous like serpents. Indrajithu broke them with a thousand arrows. Lakshamana rendered ineffective the stinging arrows shot by Indrajithu. As they fought grimly their armours were broken to pieces. Blood leapt from their bodies like water in a fountain.Their arrows covered the sky itself. Their roars threatened to split open the very skies. They never seemed to tire. So swift were their offences and responses that it was impossible to see how they took out the arrows and fixed them and shot them, and when the bow changed from one hand to the other.
With four arrows Lakshmana killed Indrajithu charioteer. But, Indrajithu was unaffected. He continued the fight even as he took charge of the chariot. With new arrows Lakshmana broke his chariot. Indrajithu body was riddled with arrows. He got into another chariot and continued the fight. Lakshmana cut his bowstring. Indrajithu retorted with stinging arrows. They were powerful like Indra Vajrayudha; they tormented Lakshmana. He cut a weapon known as Rathashakthi shot by Indrajithu. When Indrajithu employed a terrifying weapon endowed with the power of sacred verses, Lakshmana retaliated with an awesome arrow. The two unearthly and blazing weapons collided in mid air fully. A huge fire rose to the skies. Both were enraged that their arrows had been rendered ineffectual. Lakshmana shot the Varunastra, and Indrajithu replied with the Raudrastra. Lakshmana overcame Indrajithu Agneyastra with his Saurastra. Indrajithu shot the Asurastra, and at once several weapons like swords, axes, and maces leapt from it and sped towards Lakshmana; but he overcame it with the Maheshwarastra.
Finally, Lakshmana fixed the blazing Aindrastra to the bowstring, empowered it with the appropriate sacred verse and directed it against Indrajithu. With dazzling brilliance it leapt to him, cut off Indrajithu head and threw it away. The very gods applauded the victory. The Vanaras shouted in triumph. The rakshasas fled in panic. The battlefield was filled with the Vanaras roars of victory.
The news of Indrajithu death struck Ravana like a thunderbolt. He fell down like a tree the roots of which have been axed and wailed heartrendingly. Again and again he swooned; he rolled over in anguish and wailed. After a while he collected himself. He thought, Well, I shall surely wreak veangeance. He prepared to go to the battlefield.
When Ravana himself set forth, what followed needs no description. The surviving rakshasas felt a new confidence surging within them. They picked up their weapons and ascended their chariots. Ravana, too, ascended his chariot. Warning omens greeted him on the way, but he ignored them.
As soon as Ravana entered the battlefield, Lakshmana began an onslaught. But Ravana cut his arrows into pieces in the air itself. A fierce battle raged between Ravana and Lakshmana. Lakshmana cut the standard on the chariot of Ravana and killed his charioteer and his horses. Ravana was furious and shot the Shaktyayudha. Lakshmana fell down unconscious. Sri Rama then sent forth the powerful astras and forced Ravana to leave the battlefield. Hanumantha once again went to the Himalayas and brought the Oushadha Mountain. The breeze blowing over the Sanjivini restored Lakshmana.
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Examination on Lesson – 15
Choose answers to all the questions. All the best !!
Q1. Who was the son of Hanuman ?
Ans: a) Hanuman had no son b) Makardwaja c) Angada d) Tara
Q2. Who abducted Shri Rama and Laxmana to Patalaloka with the intention to make their sacrifice ?
Ans: a)Kumbhakarana b) Indrajit c) Prahasta d) Ahiravana
Q3 How did the Vanaras, Shri Rama and Laxmana over come the effects of Sarpastra ?
Ans: a) By taking medicines brought from Himalaya b) Because of the arrival of Garuda, the effect of Sarpastra was neutralized c)Vibhishana gave him medicines d)With time, the effects of Sarpastra wore off
Q4. How was Ravana disgraced ?
Ans: a) Sita Devi refused to go with him b) Vibhishana insulted him c) His sons disobeyed him In their first fight together,d) Shri Rama granted him life and let him go from the battle field after defeating him
Q5. Who killed the Kumbhakarana, the brother of Ravana ?
Ans: a) Shri Rama b) Laxmana c) Hanuman d) Angada
Q6. How were Shri Rama and Laxmana saved from the effects of attack from Indrajit ?
Ans: a) Vibhishana gave them medicines b) Because of the arrival of Garuda c) Because of Mantra said by Rishies d) Because of Mritsanjeevani brought by Hanuman from Himalaya
Q7. Who killed the mighty Indrajit ?
Ans: a) Hanuman b) Shri Rama c) Laxmana d) Sugreeva
Q8. Who killed Ahiravana and released Shri Rama and Laxmana from Patalaloka ?
Ans: a) Hanuman b) Angada c) Vibhishana d) Sugreeva
Correct answers below
Examination 15
Q.1 Ans b)
Q.2 Ans d)
Q.3 Ans b)
Q.4 Ans d)
Q.5 Ans a)
Q.6 Ans d)
Q.7 Ans c)
Q.8 Ans a)
Lesson 16
Lesson 16
The killing of Ravana
Back to Ayodhya
The coronation of Shri Ram
The killing of Ravana
Ravana returned to the battlefield in another chariot. Sri Rama himself encountered him. Gods assembled in the sky to witness the Rama-Ravana duel. Then Devendra thought, Ravana is seated in a magnificent chariot; Rama has to stand on the earth and fight. That would not be a fair fight. I shall give Rama my own chariot and the charioteer. He summoned his charioteer Matali and said,Matali, hasten to Lanka and respectfully offer Rama these astras and my chariot, and be in charge of the chariot. Matali sped to Lanka and told Sri Rama of Indra desire. Sri Rama was glad. He devoutly went round the chariot and then ascended it. The battle of battles began.
The arrows which leapt from Ravana bow assailed Sri Rama like serpents. Sri Rama overcame them with the Garudastra. Ravana sent forth thousands of arrows and damaged Sri Rama chariot and wounded his charioteer. This misadventure infuriated Sri Rama. He frowned. Fire issued from his eyes, as though to burn the enemy.
His towering rage struck terror in everyone. The earth shook, the very mountain, on which dwelt fierce creature like the lion and the tiger, trembled. The Trees swayed in fear. The sea was disturbed.Birds screeched in fear, and clouds acquired fierce colours. Gandharvas, Yakshas and Kinnaras, as well as rishis and munis, gathered in the firmament to witness the duel between Sri Rama and Ravana.
Ravana shot the Shulayudha to slay Sri Rama. It could strike with the terrifying power of a thunderbolt. It had steel nails all round. It could slay all evil spirits. When Ravana shot the Shulayudha, the Vanaras were in panic.
What hope is there! they gasped, and closed their eyes in terror. When Sri Rama seized it, whirled it round and round, and hurled it, it exploded powerfully and broke into pieces. Then Rama shot the Trishiras hard like diamond and sharp. They pierced Ravana forehead. Sri Rama said to Ravana,Ravana, what happened to your much-vaunted prowess? Where are your brothers, your sons and your army? See what disaster has flowed from your sin. You do not deserve to be forgiven. Just then Sage Agastya came there. He taught Sri Rama a mantra known as Aditya Hridaya. Sri Rama repeated the mantra devoutly. The Sun God appeared and said, Sri Rama, I appreciate your devotion. Your wish will be fulfilled, and you will be victorious in the battle.
Once again a fierce fight started between Sri Rama and Ravana. All the worlds shuddered. The other rakshasas and Vanaras had their weapons but watched the Sri Rama – Ravana duel, with no thought of the weapons they held.
Sri Rama shot sharp arrows and cut the standard on Ravana chariot. Ravana struck Sri Rama horses with mighty astras. But they were celestial steeds and the arrows could not hurt them.Ravana hurled a multitude of weapons like the mace, the wheel, the parigha, the club and the spike.Such menacing – looking and deadly weapons descended on Sri Rama chariot and the Vanaras like rain. As he sent forth more and more astras Ravana grew more and more exhilarated.Ravana, who was immersed in the duel, fixed thousands of arrows to his bowstring, and went on assailing Sri Rama. Sri Rama retaliated with a number of arrows. A veritable roof was created in the sky by their arrows.
Each cut the arrows of the other. Untiringly they shot arrows, changing the bow from one hand to another. They roared and fought like incensed elephants. They fought like bulls which, even if they are hurt, recover and charge again. The duel of these two enraged combatants was thrilling and breathtaking. They fought to kill. Each glared at his antagonist in rage and assailed him. Their determination made them look fierce.
Guiding the chariot in a battle itself is an art. Their charioteers were exceptionally skilful, and so they battled using a variety of movements. They faced each other and clashed fiercely. Sri Rama forced Ravana horses to retreat, and Ravana wounded Matali.
The entire world echoed and re-achoed the sounds of the weapons, the maces and the parighas they sent forth. Their astras fell into the distant seas and raised waves. They crashed into peaks and pounded and shattered them. Trees broke in the forests and fell to the ground. The gods and the gandharvas exclaimed, Ah, this is indeed a battle! Never before has a duel been fought which could match this duel, nor will there ever be a duel to match this. Only the sky can compare with the sky,only the ocean with the ocean; similarly, only the Rama-Ravana duel can be compared with the Rama-Ravana duel.
Finally, Sri Rama employed the Nishitastra and cut off the head of Ravana. But oh wonder! Another head appeared in its place. With another astra Sri Rama cut off that head, but yet another appeared in its place. No matter how many times he cut off the head another appeared. Sri Rama was worried. He reflected, How does this happen? Have my arrows been enfeebled? Or, is thisRavana beyond the reach of death? My arrows slaughtered mighty rakshasas like Khara, Dushana and killed even Vali; why are they ineffective now? Then Matali said, Sri Rama, why are you in such despair? Ravana end approaches. Now employ the Brahmastra. Aim at Ravana chest; do not delay.
Sri Rama drew out the Brahmastra. The great Agastya himself had given it to him. It had been created by Lord Brahma. Indra, the conqueror of the three worlds, had employed it. In the feathered base of the Brahmastra dwells Vayudeva and in its blade dwell the Sun God and Agni. Endowed with the energy of all living beings it was lustrous like the sun and sent forth fire like a serpent. It could speed like lightning. It was so powerful that it could reduce mountains to powder. It was like the Vajrayudha. It was the most powerful of all the weapons in the world. Sri Rama took it out, empowered it with sacred verses and fixed it to his bowstring. The entire world was panic- stricken.
In great rage Sri Rama pulled the string and, aiming at Ravana chest, let it go with all his might.Shooting forward like the Vajrayudha wielded by Indra, the Brahmastra struck Ravana in the chest. His chest burst.
The bow slipped from Ravana hands. His head bent to a side. His tongues stretched out, the eyeballs moved up and got stuck. Blood fell in torrents. Ravana fell down dead.ram 18
The Brahmastra split open Ravana chest and killed him and then returned to Sri Rama quiver. All the Vanaras burst into joyous shouts. The gods in the sky showered flowers and exclaimed,Unrighteous- ness has been vanquished, righteousness has won.
The rakshasas stood aghast at the death of Ravana. Saying, We have been overcome. There is no meaning in fighting any further, they stopped fighting and surrendered to Sri Rama.
Ravana death overwhelmed Vibheeshana with grief. After all, they were brothers, however wicked Ravana might have been. Sri Rama said to the sobbing Vibheeshana, Vibheeshana, it is not right that you should grieve in this fashion. Ravana fought valiantly and has attained the heaven of the heroic. However evil he might have been, he fought bravely. He did not hide in the palace like a coward. That merits admiration. Go now to Lanka and make arrangements for the funeral. Ravana is dead and we can have no quarrel with him now. He has now gone to a world in which there is no hatred, no envy, no anger and no suffering. Now he is like a brother to me also. So, go to Lanka now. Console Ravana wives and children and grandchildren. You will be the next king, and that may make them apprehensive. They may fear that you will persecute them because you were hostile to Ravana. Go to them and relieve their fears. Assure them that your administration will not trouble them in the least. Give them your word that you will be guided by truth and Dharma. Let Ravana funeral be worthy of a great hero.
Vibheeshana took some comfort. He decided to carry out Sri Rama instruction. He went to Lanka and called on Mandodari and the other wives of Ravana. They were stupefied by the death of their husband. Vibheeshana comforted them with timely words of consolation. He organised the funeral of Ravana on a grand scale.
Then Sri Rama called Hanumantha and said, Hanumantha, go at once to Ashoka Vana and tell Seeta Devi that I have killed Ravana. Bring her here. Hanumantha at once leapt to Ashoka Vana. He bowed to Seeta Devi and said, Mother, do you remember me? I am Hanumantha. Once I brought a message from Sri Rama to you. Now I bring very auspicious news. Sri Ramachandra fought a grim battle with Ravana. Ravana was killed. The rakshasas surrendered. Sri Ramachandra has commanded me to take you to him. Be pleased to come with me.
Joy and wonder bewildered Seeta. She fainted, unable to bear her ecstacy. She recovered after a while and said, Hanumantha, what joyous news have you brought! My good fortune dawns again.Sri Ramachandra has slain Ravana! Oh, my good fortune is matchless. She visualized the joyous days ahead and smiled. She recalled the misfortunes of the past and sobbed bitterly. She set out to see Sri Rama, in ecstatic excitement.
Seeta and Hanumantha approached Sri Rama. Sri Rama looked at Seeta, and she looked at him.Joy,love and excitement danced in the eyes of both. Both thought of Fate which had long separated them and shed tears. Seeta Devi ran to Sri Rama and touched his feet with her forehead.Her tears fell on his feet like grains of akshatha. It was a spectacle to fill the beholders with joy and grief at the same time.
Then suddenly Sri Rama said to Seeta Devi, Seeta, all these days you were in the house of another man. So how can others be certain that your chastity has not been tainted? The words struck Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Hanumantha and other Vanara heroes like a bolt from the blue. What! Doubt Seeta Devi purity! they exclaimed.
Sri Rama had not the slightest doubt about the spotless purity of Seeta Devi. His object was to bring home to every one her purity. Only Seeta Devi knew this. She was not upset. She said to Sri Rama, My Lord, I know what is in your heart. I am not in the least unhappy. Whether people doubt my chastity or not, I shall prove my purity. That is my duty, too, and she turned towards Lakshmana. She said, Lakshmana, prepare a pit of fire. The Vanara leaders were stunned by her resolve. They wept saying, Will Seeta Devi enter fire? We set her free from imprisonment, is it all in vain? Our fighting the war has served no purpose. What will happen if Seeta Devi enters the fire?
With a heavy heart Lakshmana prepared a big fire. He placed together faggots of sandal wood and other superior wood, and lighted them. Seeta walked up to the blazing fire. Everybody watched,hardly able to breathe.
Seeta Devi looked up at the sky with folded hands. Addressing the gods she said, Lord Brahma and other gods, I bow to you all. I was separated from my husband for a long time. I was in the house of another man. I could not avert what providence had ordained. But during this long period my body, mind and speech all rested only in my husband and Lord, Sri Ramachandra. The name of my lord, Sri Ramachandra, is engraved upon my heart. If it is true that not the faintest spot sullies my chastity,let the Fire God save me. She then went round the fire and jumped into it. The Vanaras cried aloud in anguish.
The next moment the effulgent Lord, the Fire God, rose from the flames, carrying Seeta Devi in his arms like a child. She had not suffered the least harm. On the other hand, she was more radiant than before. She was far lovelier than before. Giving the smiling Seeta Devi to Sri Ramachandra, the Fire God said, Sri Rama, Seeta Devi is the purest of the pure. No one can doubt her purity. It is a greivous sin to do so. Accept her. Lord Indra and other gods appeared and praised Seeta Devi Chastity. They eulogized both Sri Rama and Seeta Devi and sang their praises. The Vanaras shouted in joy.
Sri Rama assembled all the Vanara heroes. He expressed his gratitude to all the Vanaras who had assisted him in locating Seeta, overcoming Ravana and reuniting him with his wife. He prayed to Indra to restore all the dead Vanaras to life, and the boon was granted.
Then Sri Rama said, Vibheeshana, my mission here is over. After you are crowned I will return to Ayodhya. I have promised Bharatha that I shall be in Ayodhya as soon as the period of fourteen years ends. The period is coming to an end. How Bharatha will be pining for me! I must return at once.
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Back to Ayodhya
Vibheeshana was crowned at a grand ceremony. All the Vanaras and rakshasas participated happily.The residents of Lanka were happy that the righteous Vibheeshana became their ruler.
Sri Rama said, Vibheeshana, I shall set out for Ayodhya. Be a righteous ruler. Make every one happy. Vibheeshana heart was overflowing with gratitude. His voice was choked. He said, Sri Rama, my heart overflows with gratitude. You are our God. I cannot find words to praise your greatness. Sri Rama, I wish to see your state and your mothers and brothers. I shall visit your Holy land and thus achieve fulfilment in life. My Pushpaka Vimana can take us wherever we wish, very fast. Let us set out for Ayodhya at once.
Sri Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana ascended the vimana. Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Hanumantha, Neela and other Vanara heroes joined them. The Pushpaka sped to Ayodhya like a dart.
As they travelled, the sight of the borders of Kosala thrilled Sri Rama. The heart of this great man was overflowing with rapture. He said to Lakshmana, Look, Lakshmana, we can see our kingdom,Kosala. Here flows the Sarayu. We are returning to our land. There is no joy greater than seeing our dear land. Our motherland which gave birth to us and brought us up is the holy of holies. However wealthy, however attractive other countries may be our motherland is supreme to us.Lakshmana also was thrilled at the sight of Kosala. Both stood facing their motherland and bowed with reverence.
On the way they saw the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja. Sri Rama said, Let us stay here tonight.Let us pay our respects to the Sage and leave tomorrow. Let Hanumantha set out for Ayodhya straightway. Let him convey to Bharatha the news of our approach. He then said to Hanumantha, Hanumantha, go to Ayodhya. Meet Bharatha. Note his manner. He is a very righteous, great man,and I am certain he will be waiting for me. But it is hard to tell what changes may have come about in fourteen long years. He may now desire to be the king. Or, the people may desire that he should continue as the king. If that is the situation, our return will inconvenience everyone.So we can stay on in the forest. Let Bharatha rule righteously and continue. But if he is immersed in thoughts of me, we must at once hasten to Ayodhya. Therefore, Hanumantha, start at once. Find out how things stand and come back.
The Pushpaka Vimana reached the ashrama of Sage Bharadwaja. They all alighted and paid their respects to the sage. Sri Rama narrated all that had happened from the day he left the ashram. The sage was unhappy that Sri Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana had suffered so much. But he also admired the resoluteness with which they had faced them. He praised the marvellous feats of Rama and Lakshmana. He blessed them all. He commended highly the selfless service of the Vanara heroes and their spirit of self-sacrifice. They spent the night in the ashram.
Hanumantha sped to Ayodhya.Bharatha was staying in a place called Nandigrama. He carried on the administration from Nandigrama. With matted hair and the garment of a hermit, he lived the life of a hermit. He used to worship the sandals of Sri Rama. He was pining for Rama return, living for the moment when he would see Sri Rama and restore the kingdom to him.
True, Bharatha was leading the life of a tapaswi, but he was not indifferent to his duties as a ruler.He did not leave the administration to others and vegetate. He ruled most efficiently. He wore himself out for the welfare of the people.
Hanumantha came to Nandigrama. He met Bharatha. He said, with folded hands, Maharaja, I am Sri Rama servant. My name is Hanumantha. He thus introduced himself. Bharatha was thrilled at the mention of Sri Rama name. In great joy he welcomed Hanumantha. He treated him hospitably and made enquiries. He said, Hanumantha, is Sri Rama well? Is my sister-in-law, Seeta Devi, well? My brother Lakshmana is well, too, isn’t he? Tell me about Sri Rama. I am eager to know about him.Where is he now? Why has he not come yet? He had promised to be here as soon as the fourteen years ended. But he has not come back yet. I cannot wait any longer. If my elder brother does not return, I will jump into fire.
Hanumantha comforted him saying, King Bharatha, do not be troubled. I have brought gladdening news. Sri Rama is coming here with Seeta Devi and Lakshmana. He is now in Bharadwaja Ashram. He told Bharatha, the story of Sri Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana from the time they left Chitrakuta – the stay in Dandakaranya, the killing of Khara, Dushana and Trishira, the episode of the illusory deer and the abduction of Seeta by Ravana and so on. The narration thrilled Bharatha. He considered himself privileged to have such an elder brother. He embraced Hanumantha. He then communicated the news to Kausalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi and Shatrughna. He ordered the city to be splendidly decorated by the time Sri Rama arrived. Hanumantha returned to the ashram of Sage Bharadwaja.
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The coronation of Shri Ram
The news spread in Ayodhya that Sri Rams was returning. The people were in raptures. Every house and every road were decorated. Everywhere there was festivity and joyous excitement. People erected flowery arches, drew figures with coloured powders and hoisted flags. They composed songs and sang the glories of Sri Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana. They gathered near the main entrance to the city waiting for the arrival of Pushpaka Vimana.
The Vimana arrived from the ashram of Sage Bharadwaja. People rent the air with joyous cries. Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta alighted. Once again people shouted so that their cries Victory to Sri Rama! reached the sky.
Bharatha ran up to Sri Rama and touched his feet with his forehead. Ecsatcy made tears stream from his eyes. Sri Rama embraced his younger brother with affection and patted him. He touched the feet of Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, and the Guru, Vashishta. He embraced Shatrughna who prostrated to him.
The joy of the people of Ayodhya beggared language. They all entered the city in a grand procession.Sri Rama told Bharatha of the exploits of Sugreeva and other Vanara heroes. He also told him of the help he had received from Vibheeshana.
Bharatha said, Brother, I have carried on the administration of Ayodhya for fourteen years as your representative, as you instructed me. Now you are back in Ayodhya. Be pleased to accept this kingdom, it is yours. All of us wish that you should rule over it and that is the desire of the people also. The people shouted joyfully, to endorse his submission.
At an auspicious time, Sri Rama ascended the throne of Ayodhya. Guided by preceptors and elders like Vashista and Sumanthra and with the co-operation of his brothers, he ruled wisely and well. Hanumantha stayed in Ayodhya as his honoured follower.
Sri Rama ruled with exemplary righteousness. He performed several sacrifices like the Poundarika, the Ashwamedha and the Vajapeya and helped the growth of Dharma. During his reign people, too, were righteous and virtuous. Disease was unknown. They lived long. People loved one another and had an egalitarian attitude.
Sri Rama was devoted to the welfare of his people. He paid particular attention to the economy and finances of the state. There was no muddle anywhere. There was no fear of thieves, and deceit, robbery and looting were unknown. Everyone was endowed with competence. No one was avaricious. No one coveted what belonged to another. People of different religions lived in harmony. Everyone was devoted to his duty.
People were full of admiration for Sri Rama. Sri Rama name was ever on their lips and in their hearts. They knew the power of that name. They became sanctified by ever cherishing that name.
There was no fear of wild animals in Sri Rama kingdom. Trees grew luxuriously and in plenty. There was plenty of food. Trees were loaded with flowers and fruits.
Sri Rama made his kingdom the home of happiness and joy. Ayodhya became the veritable heaven on earth.
Victory to Sri Rama, the greatest and most glorious of the great and the glorious, Sri Rama accompanied by Sri Seeta, Lakshmana, Bharatha,Shatrughna and Hanumantha!
Mangalam Kosalendraya Mahaniya Gunabdhiye
Chakravarthi Tanoojaya Sarvabhaumaaya Mangalam
All things auspicious to Sri Rama, the ruler of Kosala, the ocean of admirable traits and the son of Emperor Dasharatha!
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Examination on Lesson – 16
Choose answers to all the questions. All the best !!
Q1. Whose chariot did Shri Rama use in the final fight with Ravana ?
Ans: a) Vibhisahana b) Sugreeva c) King Guha d) Lord Indra
Q2. How did Sage Agasthya help Shri Rama in the final battle with Ravana ?
Ans: a) By teaching him Aditya Hridaya Mantra b) By giving him a Chariot c) By giving him bow and arrow d) By giving him weapons
Q3 Who finally became the King of Lanka after Ravana’s death ?
Ans: a) Shri Rama b) Vibhishana c)Sugreeva d) Hanuman
Q4. Why did Sita Devi perform the fire ritual?
Ans: a) To prove Shri Rama that she was pure b) To prove Vibhishana that she was pure c) To prove Laxmana that she was pure d) To prove to the world that she was pure
Q5. Why did Shri Rama send Hanuman in advance to Ayodhya ?
Ans: a) To check the mentality of Bharat as well as the people of Ayodhya b) To prepare his visit to Ayodhya c)To tell Kaushalya Mata about his arrival d) To make staying arrangement in advance
Q6. Finally who was coronated on the throne of Ayodhya ?
Ans: a)Bharat b) Laxmana c) Shatrughna d) Sri Rama
Correct Answers below
Examination 16
Q.1 Ans d)
Q.2 Ans a)
Q.3 Ans b)
Q.4 Ans d)
Q.5 Ans a)