My Name Is Ravana

by Bala Sankuratri

  Then an onslaught of arrows ensued, both of them giving their best. Not even a single arrow or missile of Athikaya reached Lakshmana and not even a single arrow of Lakshmana reached Athikaya for a long time. They were so quick in countering each other’s arrow and destroying them before they reached their targets, that it shook everyone. This went on, on and on. Finally, Lakshmana knocked Athikaya out with Brahma Astram (a powerful missile).

  With Athikaya down, almost all the powerful warrior heads were done. The only leftover leaders were me, my son Indrajith, Nikumba, Kumba, Kara’s son Makaraksha and few more. Though it was Good on the other side, it was not that easy to face this Bad. The Good, however, are still unaware of the strength of Indrajith and Ravana. The Good were going to face some real Bad times, for sure. Indrajith going to show the unexpected to Rama’s Sena.

  THE FINAL COMBAT PART 6

  I called Indrajith to my room, motivated him to the highest and dispatched him. Before he set off for his innings at the battlefield, Indrajith performed the Agni Homam and killed a black goat as a ritual offering to seek victory. The fire in the Homam, burnt with no smoke and completely consumed the wood and oil offering. Indrajith felt it as the sign of victory. He cross-checked all his weaponry, deadly missiles including Brahma Asthram, boarded onto his magical invisible chariot and went to the battle with great ease and confidence.

  He entered the battle skies in the invisible form and showered a rain of sharp arrows onto the vanaras. Thousands of vanaras died and thousands were badly wounded, including the mighty warriors of Rama’s army like Gandhamaadhana, Nala, Maindha, Gaja, Jambavantha, Sugreeva, Rushaba, Angadha and Dwividha.

  The arrow hurt Rama and Lakshmana as well. Rama called Lakshmana and said “Lakshmana, Indrajith is now invisible and is at his fullest energy. Fighting the invisible Indrajith will be an error in strategy right now. Most of our soldiers are badly wounded and dying. We need to think a way to pacify the enemy first. A good warrior should not only fight with the enemy but should also defend his men. We need to defend our men; and to do this we need to think of a way to somehow pacify or divert this invisible Indrajith. Do as I say. Indrajith wanted you and me and not these vanaras and so let us both pretend to be dead, so that Indrajith will turn back happy and we can gain some time.”

  As decided between themselves Rama and Lakshmana fell down. The trick worked and Indrajith turned back to his palace.

  The whole battle ground was laid with bodies of vanaras, bears and other animals who had supported Rama. It was hard to see the soil. Night was cast and Vibhishana and Hanuman walked through the bodies with lanterns, sorting out the ones who were hurt and alive from those who were fatally injured and dead. Can you just imagine how much damage Indrajit caused in five hours by the number of bodies lying packed down on the soil? Try. Try and guess. It was estimated to be around six hundred and seventy millions causalities. In other words, it would be more than thirty-two times the entire population of Sri Lanka today. Indrajith’s battle was that ferocious and hence Rama and Lakshmana had to use this ploy as defense.

  As they walked helping and checking bodies, Vibhishna and Hanuman kept shouting “Is anybody alive? Is anybody there?” Often their calls were met by silence or groans. After searching for some time, Vibhishana found the old Jambavantha, the king of bears, alive and conscious. Vibhishana asked anxiously, “Are you ok?” Jambavantha replied with very weak tone, “I am fine. Don’t worry about anything else. Check if Hanuman is safe.” Vibhishana was surprised. “Why are you asking particularly about Hanuman?” he asked. “You didn’t even ask for Rama and Lakshmana.” To which Jambavantha replied, “If Hanuman is alive and all were dead including Rama and Lakshmana, it is ok. Hanuman singlehandedly can make the impossible possible and bring them back to life.” Vibhishana was surprised. Jambavantha continued, “Even if everyone is alive yet Hanuman dead, then winning this battle still becomes tough.”

  While, Jambavanta was saying this about Hanuman, Hanuman himself came, went on bended knees, joined his hands with great respect and asked Jambavantha, “Kindly guide me on what should be done now.” To which Jambavantha said, “My son, you were born with great power and strength. Had you not flow over the sea and identified Sita, today this attempt to fight for Good may not even have been possible. You have to perform a great job now, listen carefully. Hope you remember, Susena spoke about Visalyakarani, Mrutha Sanjeevini, Savarna Karani and Sandhana Karani as medicinal plants on Aushadhi Parvath (mount) in Himalayas when Rama and Lakshama were hurt by the Naga Asthram few days back. Do you remember, we all saw Garuda helping Rama and Lakshmana before we implemented Susena’s idea? We have to implement that now for our soldiers and that is the only hope. I will give you directions of how to reach the said Aushadhi mount. You with your great power should go and quickly get those herbs and plants here. Remember, every living being even after the heart stopped beating can be brought back to life if treated properly. However, for such treatments, there is very limited time and hence you should be very quick and fast. Fly in the northern direction from here till you reach the snow mountains of Himalayas; keep flying on those mountain ranges until you come to two mounts of great height. Those are Rushaba and Kailasa mounts. You need to take the path between those two to reach Sarwa Aushadhi Parvatha. You can easily identify this mount as this keeps glowing in the night due to the nature of few life-giving herbs on it.”

  Hearing to the directions from Jambavanta, Hanuman didn’t waste a second. He took off; his flight far beyond the speed of your modern supersonic jets. Hanuman reached but the teaming plant and herbs confused him. Did he have the time to pick what he thought were the life-giving herbs and return? What if he was wrong? Could he afford to return and re-hunt for the right herbs? In a fraction of a second Hanuman did what he thought was the smartest thing to do, especially in the situation he was in. He uprooted the entire mount and flew back to Lanka carrying the mountain on his palm and landing on Trikuta Parvath. The mere breeze of that medicinal mount made many vanaras recover. Rama and Lakshmana also looked refreshed, all their wounds cleansed. The fatally wounded ones were treated with the expertise in the Sena. Once all of them recovered, Hanuman took the mount back to Himalayas and placed it in its original state and returned before the sun rose.

  It was like a miracle. The entire Rama Sena (Rama’s Army) were back on their feet, surging with life and as strong as they were when they crossed the bridge and reach Lanka. The vanaras shouted with joy. Hanuman too shouted jubilantly, happy that he was able to do what he did do. Listening to these sounds, my men shouted with fear.

  THE FINAL COMBAT PART 7

  Sugreeva with his selected troop entered the city of Lanka and set all the elephants, horses and other war animals free, while also destroying all the chariots possible. Both the Rama Sena and the Ravana Sena started fighting again. Rama rang the war siren once again; Sugreeva instructed some of his vanara to jump on Ravana’s palace and instigate war immediately. The enthusiasm in vanaras was high. I quickly sent Nikuma and Kumba but they couldn’t stand long in front of vanara’s hunger for victory. Sugreeva knocked Kumba and Hanuman knocked Nikumba. I then sent for Makaraksha who went straight to Rama and Lakshmana and shouted that he was going to take revenge on Rama for killing his father Kara. Rama told him, “Don’t talk. Show!” Then proceeded to kill Makaraksha with the Aagneya Astram.

  I sent Indrajith again. He went out to the battle again repeating his rituals of Homam and killing a black goat. Indrajith turned invisible but instead of attacking any and everyone he only targetted Rama and Lakshmana, making it difficult for the brother to fight the invisible. Lakshmana lost his patience and shouted with anger that he would use the Brahma Astram. Rama quickly stopped Lakshmana and said “Lakshmana, it’s only Indrajith fighting now; no other soldier is fighting. If you use the Brahma Astharm along with Indrajith those who were not fighting with us will also die. Remember the first rule in our education: weapons should be used for defense or countering or killing t
he one who is fighting with us and not on those who were not. Withdraw your thought of using Brahma Astram now. You may use it when it is appropriate.”

  In the meantime, Indrajith was cooking up a wicked plan. He decided to use Sita to dupe Rama and his army. He created an illusion of Sita and placed it in his chariot. Then he rode the chariot to the war front, right in front of the vanaras. Seeing Indrajith visible, the vanaras surrounded the chariot. Hanuman assumed her to be real Sita and shouted at Indrajith to fight like a warrior and hurting Sita was unethical. While Hanuman was shouting, Indrajith took “Sita” by the hair, pulled her down and chopped her head off.

  Seeing “Sita” dead, Hanuman was shocked and went blank for a while. Quick on his feet, Indrajith disappeared. Hanuman went running to Rama and said that Indrajith killed Sita right in front of his eyes. Rama collapsed, Lakshmana started crying and took his brother into his lap. Sugreeva, Jambavanta and all others were disappointed and stood not knowing what to do next.

  Seeing the crowd around Rama, Vibhishana came and asked “Why are you all so dull and depressed? What happened to Rama? What is all this?” Lakshmana explained the situation. Listen to Lakshmana, Vibhishana shouted, “No chance! Indrajith cannot even touch Sita. I know my brother Ravana a lot more than any other. Except during the time of abduction, Ravana did not touch Sita. He didn’t allow any man in his absence to enter Asoka Vanam where Sita was captivated. Indrajith cannot even see Sita. If he touches Sita, it will not be you or me Rama, it will be Ravana who will be killing Indrajith first. Don’t worry, it was all Indrajith’s trick. I know him from his childhood. Forget about what Hanuman had seen. Remember even we created an illusion of dying So why won’t Indrajit resort to an illusion like that? Remember all of you, this is Lanka that has the most advanced war techniques and all you see need not be true.”

  On listening to Vibhishana’s words, Rama hugged him tight. His tears of sorrow turned to tears of love and happiness.

  Vibhishana continued saying, “But it is time for us to be very careful. Indrajith might have done this to buy some time from your all. He had a special boon from Brahma to overcome such difficult wars and situations. A special and auspicious Homam to be performed at Nikumbila Chaiyam before any war felt difficult. On successful completion of the said ritual, victory is assured to him. We should not allow the Homam to complete. Rama, you take rest and send Lakshmana with me. I am sure your brother will be able to handle Indrajith, do not worry.”

  Rama felt happy listening to Vibhishana and sent Lakshmana and his troops with him.

  THE FINAL COMBAT PART 8

  Vibhishana, Lakshmana, Sugreeva and Hanuman got themselves ready with their troops to fight with my son Indrajith and his army. Before leaving Rama’s camp Vibhishana went to Rama and said “Rama, rest assured, victory is guaranteed. Let me tell you one more secret: while Brahma gave a boon to Indrajith, he also said that Indrajith will die in the hand of one who interrupts him in completing the Homam. Now it is your brother going to interrupt the Homam, in other words Lakshmana going to kill Indrajith soon.” With that he moved with the troops to fight Indrajith.

  Indrajith had already started the Homam and thousands of his soldiers were guarding him all around. Vibhishana suggested that Lakshmana send the Vanara Sena to attack Indrajith’s army as much as possible. As army guarding Indrajit weakened, Indrajith would have no choice but rise in between the Homam to fight Lakshmana and his troops.

  Lakshmana followed Vibhishana directive. What followed was a massive clash between Indrajith’s and Lakshnamana’s army. In no time many of Indrajith’s soldiers were felled and Indrajith was cornered. Being left with no other choice, Indrajith stopped the Homam and got on to his chariot.

  Hanuman increased his size enormously and started killing thousands of Indrajith’s solders. While the situation rapidly deteriorated for Indrajith, he was also left with very limited soldiers. Indrajith swung his bow and strung arrows and started aiming at Hanuman from distance. His attack was fierce and Hanuman was wounded at multiple places, all over his body. He challenged Indrajith saying, “Indrajith, I made your father vomit blood! Come fight me face to face if you have the courage. Fighting from afar, is not worthy of a warrior like you. Come! Let us see who has more strength.”

  Vibhishana directed Lakshmana to start his fight with Indrajith as Hanuman was badly injured. The battle between Lakshmana and Indrajith started; both of them showing their prowess in archery. Vibhishana kept on directing Lakshamana and as he directed, Lakshmana slowly moved toward Nikumbila and took complete control on the Homam venue. All this while, Indrajith was completely involved in countering Lakshman’s arrows, missiles and couldn’t observe Vibhishana’s directions to Lakshmana and Lakshmana maneuvering himself towards Nikumbila.

  Seeing Lakshmana taking control of the Nikumbila venue, Indrajith couldn’t say anything to Lakshmana but clearly understood that it was Vibhishana’s directions. He turned towards Vibhishana and said, “I can make out that it was you who directed Lakshmana and I can also understand that it was you who instigated Lakshmana to fight. You know all the secrets of Lanka and you, fighting against me and my father is not fair.”

  Vibhishana replied, “Dear child, you are my brother’s son. I was one among those who raised you. Remember, some of those war field techniques that you are using now, were taught to you by me. You are like my child. I do not want to kill you or see your end. I am only standing for justice. The situation has come to me in such a way, that I have to stand for my own men or for Dharma. My learnings guided me to stand for Dharma. It was not me Indrajith, it was your father who couldn’t understand me in spite of repeated requests to surrender Sita back to Rama. I still admire him for his great knowledge and administration. Remember, it was me all the time with him in support. We have been together since our childhood; we grew up together. Trust me, I do not need to listen to my own brother’s greatness from you. You are young and understandably over-enthusiastic. Your thinking is limited to winning the war. As for me, I am worried about our men. I cannot and will not support Ravana as what he is doing is Adharma (injustice). If I don’t condemn it now, I have to face the situation like that of Kumbakarna. You are too young to understand all these Indrajith and that is why you humiliated and insulted Rama, Lakshmana and their troops by killing ‘Maya Sita’. You do not deserve to live any further. Let’s stop discussions and get into action.”

  Indrajith turned his chariot towards Lakshmana. When he did that Hanuman bent down and placed Lakshmana on his back to match Indrajith’s height. Now they were equally pitted. Indrajith said, “Lakshmana, did you forget that you have come to fight with Indrajith, the one who made you and your brother faint last time?” To which Lakshmana replied, “Stop it Indrajith, you never fought royally. You were always invisible during your fight. That itself show how brave you are. Be visible and try your luck now.” Indrajith was enraged by Lakshmana’s words. Turning himself visible he started fighting on the battle ground.

  Indrajith and Lakshmana’s war went on, on and on... for a very long time. Arrow and missiles from both the ends flew into the skies and countered each other. The battle seemed endless, as both were equally pitted. Vibhishana said to Lakshmana, “Lakshmana, it is going good. I can observe fear on Indrajith’s face. Continue in the same way.” Then turning to the vanaras he said, “Dear vanaras, I too will join you in killing Indrajith’s troops. I will leave Indrajith to Lakshmana as he is my brother’s kid and I raised him.”

  Vibhishana then killed Indrajith’s charioteer. Indrajith then struggled to take care of his chariot and battle with Lakshmana simultaneously. Vibhishana then killed Indrajith’s horses and broke the chariot wheels. Indrajith went down. Yet the dauntless warrior stood on the ground and continued fighting. He instructed his men to cover him up and keep fighting with Lakshmana and Vibhishana for a moment. Then quickly without anyone noticing he went into the court and came back with another powerful chariot and horses. Lakshmana and Vibhishana were impressed and p
raised Indrajith for his quick moves.

  The war between both Lakshmana and Indrajith went for a long time. The Vanara Sena and Vibhishana killed everyone in Indrajith’s troop and then Lakshmana killed the new charioteer of Indrajith while Vibhishana once again brought the new horses down. And then, finally, Lakshmana’s powerful asthram (arrow) pierced Indrajith’s heart and took his last breath.

  Vibhishana and vanaras jumped and shouted out of joy. They surged towards Rama. Learning of the victory, Rama hugged Lakshmana and Vibhishana. Susena from the vanaras’ army treated all of them for their wounds.

  MY FINAL REVIEW

  I was standing alone in my balcony watching the sunset and the saffron skies. The colour of the skies and its reflection all through the land indicated the establishment of Dharma. The red Sun out there indicated my mega battle with Rama and its setting down into the horizon forecasted my defeat.

  Just as I stood there mediating on the beauty before me, I received the message about Indrajith. I didn’t react much to the message as I was expecting the same. Almost all the great warriors from my side were killed and only a small number of soldiers and three commanders—Mahaparsvu, Mahodhara and Virupaksha—were left. Before I send these three with their teams to Rama, I need to verify whether everyone left over are good enough to take care of Sita. Once I am on the war field, my people in the palace and at Ashoka Vanam may hear the bad news. What if in frustration they hurt or kill Sita before Rama or Vibhishana come to her after my death? I cannot let that happen. In the next phase of War, I have to leave my palace, queens and everything behind before entering the battlefield. I am not sure if I will return to the palace. As long as I am alive on the battlefield, Sita is safe here. But I was sure that I would fall down at some point. Before that happens I needed to ensure Sita goes into the protection of Rama or Vibhishana and would be safe even in the interim of my demise. What if any of my men or women hurt her or kill her? It was a huge possibility and it needed to be covered.