Epics

As the army of the rākṣasas was routed in the war, the wives of the rākṣasas, who were now widowed were grief-stricken. They huddled together and spoke to each other, “How did the ugly-looking, pot-bellied Śūrpaṇakhā even think of making advances towards Rāma? Though he looks soft, he is immensely powerful. He possesses the best of virtues and is handsome; on the contrary, this rākṣasī is hideous and possesses no good quality at all. She is fit to be killed by the world.

Indrajit quickly understood Rāma’s strategy. The master of illusions placed before him an illusory Sītā and pretended to kill her before his enemies’ eyes. As an enraged Hanūmān rushed at him, he noticed Sītā in Indrajit’s chariot. She looked sorrowful and her face was pale because of fasting; the lady, Rāma’s beloved, wore but a single piece of garment which was unwashed and worn out. Hanūmān observed her for a moment and concluded that she was certainly Maithilī and shed tears.

Kumbhakarṇa took a massive form as he marched ahead. His eyes were as large as a cartwheel and he looked like a moving mountain. As he came to the battlefield, he said to his men, “I will burn the army of monkeys this very day. Well, but they have not caused me any harm and are in fact, ornaments for gardens and parks in our cities. However, they will be slaughtered because of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.” As he marched ahead dreadful omens appeared all around.

Even as they were watching, there arose a swift wind, hurling water into the ocean, driving away clouds, and seeming to shake the mountains. The wind was being driven by a pair of powerful wings and suddenly, the serpents that dwelt there were terrified and plunged deep into the sea. And in a moment, the vānaras discerned Garuḍa who was as radiant as Agni. Looking at this invincible creature, the nāgas that had bound Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa fled in fear. Garuḍa then touched the faces of the brothers with his hands and immediately, their wounds healed.

Rāma observed many portents and advised Lakṣmaṇa that they must attack Rāvaṇa’s city without delay. He descended from the mountain Suvela and inspected his army of vānaras. He commanded them to march on to the citadel. The vānaras picked up rocks, boulders, and full-grown trees to use as their weapons. In no time, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa along with the vānara army reached the ramparts of Laṅkā.

The spies returned to Laṅkā and informed Rāvaṇa that Rāma and his army had camped in the vicinity of Mount Suvela. Rāvaṇa was displeased that the spies had been discovered by his enemies. One of the spies named Śārdūla explained to Rāvaṇa the power of Rāma’s prowess and the power of his army. Agitated, Rāvaṇa summoned his counsellor Vidyujjihva, the master of illusions and instructed him, “Let us delude Sītā with a deceit. Bring me an imitation of Rāma’s head as well as his bow and arrows.” Vidyujjihva immediately agreed and the king rewarded him with a piece of jewellery.

Upon listening to Hanūmān’s words, Rāma said, “Listen to my view in its entirety. I would, under no circumstance, turn away someone who has come to me seeking friendship; I would not do so even if his character was flawed. Irrespective of him being good or evil, the rākṣasa can do me no harm, can he? I can slay all evil creatures that reside on earth with the tip of my finger. I always grant protection to beings who seek refuge in me. So, bring him here, Sugrīva! I will ensure his protection, even if he were Rāvaṇa himself.” Sugrīva accordingly informed Vibhīṣaṇa.

Hanūmān flew through the sky which resembled the ocean in all its features. He entered and reemerged from the mass of clouds and resembled the moon, which is alternately hidden and revealed. He stroked the king of mountains, Sunābha (Maināka) with his hand and flew like an arrow shot from a bow. As he spotted the Mount Mahendra, he roared and it was heard by the vānaras who were waiting eagerly for him. Jāmbavān understood from Hanūmān’s joyous roar that he had brought good news and told so to all the other vānaras.

Hanūmān grew in size and set forth from there. But as he left, he thought, I have found her, but there is one thing that remains. Among the four upāyas, sāma in case of rākṣasas will be fruitless; dāna is not required as they have amassed a lot of wealth; bheda doesn’t work as they are proud of their strength; I will take to the fourth, the daṇḍopāya. If I kill a few rākṣasas now, it will weaken them. The best person achieves things over and above what is assigned to him.