We had the seen the battle between Hanuman and the Rakshasa strongmen took shape in the last post. It is a duel which went from small to huge with the destruction of Ashoka grove to infuriate and kill hundreds of kinkaras, Jambumali, Prahasta's seven sons, five strong army generals and Ravana’s own son Aksha along with a great army accompanying the famed warriors just under the rank of Ravana and his son Indrajit. Hanuman displayed his battle might for ages by engaging in a single-army duel to weaken the enemy by nullifying them with clever tactics, speed, size and boundless strength. The pictorial or visual representation of this Kanda leaves a lasting impression of Hanuman along with the depiction in words. His flight from Mt. Mahendra by scaling in size, overcoming obstacles enroute, entering impenetrable Lanka, searching for Sita, epic dialogue with a sad Sita in the backdrop of Ashoka garden, battle with demons soon after, getting captured and conversation with Ravana in his courtroom, setting Lanka on fire, visiting Sita for a last time before travelling back are the episodes which everyone need to see pictorially, visually and in written form to get to know the epic qualities, abilities and nature of the foremost devotee and messenger of Rama. If the messenger of Rama is as such, Rama himself is beyond our comprehension, for his memory is the best and a sacred dip in the depictions of him in several forms will carry his blessings upon us. A messenger is annihilating the vices or demons in the world within and around us which the master will continue and complete in the next Kanda to herald a rule of virtues and righteousness. This beautiful Kanda on the noble messenger Hanuman is extremely sacred to read it in divine Sanskrit verses or to know simply as an engaging tale or to know about a vanara who is a self-less servant and sculpted a glorifying tale of himself but not for himself in the greater context of the journey of Rama. The tale of Rama is interwoven with countless servants as Rama always represents a sum far greater than self; with Hanuman representing the best of all and we are more than half-way into this beautiful Kanda on him. We can look at the following chapters to know how Hanuman was captured by Indrajit and his conversation with Ravana.
In chapter 48, Ravana calls Indrajit and asks him to go for a battle against Hanuman. Indrajit wielding a colourful bow quickly comes in a chariot to face Hanuma in combat. The arrows discharged by Indrajit are made ineffective by Hanuman, through his peculiar skill of maneuvering them like a wind-god. Realizing that Hanuma cannot be slain, Indrajit merely takes him captive by discharging the unfailing missile presided over by Brahma, the creator. Hanuman falls on the ground motionless. The demons tie him with ropes and drag him to the presence of Ravana. Hanuman yields to their operation of capture, even though capable of aborting it, eager as he was to meet Ravana.
When Ravana heard of Aksha's death, hiding his anguish and venting his anger he said to Indrajit his son, "Great warriors have been slain. The mightiest of Lanka are no more. Jambumali along with countless soldiers has perished and that little boy Aksha your brother also lies among the dead. Lanka is strewn with the debris of war as broken bodies, shattered chariots and weapons litter the kingdom". Ravana asked Indrajit to subdue Hanuman. Master archer, skilled warrior, indefatigable on the battlefield and invincible to all because of Brahma's boon, Ravana said Indrajit alone could over-power the vanara. "There are none in the three worlds who having warred with you, have not been defeated. In times of distress and conflict, thoughts of you bring me solace. Be doubly alert with this indomitable enemy who has destroyed hoards of rakshasas but is himself indestructible. It is said of him that he glows like the god of fire and races like the god of wind. Go my son, be cautious, travel safely and achieve the goal", warned Ravana.
Indrajit respectfully took leave of his father. A proud warrior cheered and praised by his army he rode away in a chariot drawn by four mighty elephants. The sages, nagas, and siddhas came in droves to witness the show of celestial strength pitted against the awesome might of ferocious rakshasa strength. Beholding Indrajit armed with his bow, the four directions of the earth were rendered gloomy. Beasts of prey set up a cacophony of noises and bird flocks shrieked. Hanuman delighted at the prospect of more fighting roared like a lion as he heard the approaching thunder of wheels. Soon the Vanara and the Rakshasa were locked in deadly combat. Though Indrajit rained a thousand arrows on Hanuman every one of them flew in vain. None found their elusive target. Growing his body bigger and rising higher Hanuman cavorted in the skies playfully dodging every hopeful missile.
While the creatures of the earth watched the warring forces, it dawned on Indrajit that subduing Hanuman was no longer a possibility. Deciding to take him captive, he shot the Brahmastra at his opponent. The shaft travelling like the wind struck Hanuman and its mystic powers stayed his swift feet as the great vanara fell to earth. Though Hanuman knew he was invulnerable to all the astras, he quietly let himself be beaten and bound. Aware that Vayu, Brahma, and Indra protected him he was sure that if captured, he would be taken to Ravana whom he had come to see. Bound hand and foot, he was pushed, pulled by the merciless rakshasas. Pretending defeat, Hanuman let himself be dragged unceremoniously into the august presence of the Rakshasa king. He was presented by Indrajit as, "This is the vanara" to the court of Ravana, who viewed the culprit, asking each other 'who he could be', 'where he could have come from' and 'to whom he belonged'. Curious about the strength behind him, they started shouting, "Kill him" "Burn him" "Eat him". Hanuman saw the stunning opulence of Ravana's gem studded court and his ministers, while Ravana saw Hanuman hauled in by the demons. Hanuman beheld Ravana whose effulgence was like that of the mid-day Sun. Red-eyed with fury he glared at Hanuman, ordering his ministers to find out who the intruder was, why he was there and who had sent him? Hanuman said "I am the messenger of Sugriva and sent by him I am here".
In chapter 49, Hanuman sees well-adorned Ravana, who is seated on a well-decorated throne of crystal. He is surrounded by four ministers viz., Durdhara, Prahasta, Mahaparshva and Nikumbha. Surprised to behold the splendor and glory of Ravana, Hanuma believes that he could even rule heaven along with Indra, but for his gross unrighteousness, which pulled him down.
Hanuman stared in angry disbelief at Ravana. He was angry because he was captured and disbelieving because Ravana had achieved it without even moving from his throne. Spellbound he stared at Ravana seated on his golden throne, which was festooned with peerless pearls and studded with priceless gems. Robed in soft silks he dazzled with chains, armlets and bracelets. Like the earth surrounded by the four seas, Ravana sat surrounded by his four ministers, Durdhara, Prahastha, Mahaparsva and Nikumbha. Hanuman oblivious of the torment of his captors stared in utter fascination at the mesmeric magnificence of Ravana, whose radiance was hard to even behold, he said to himself "What a rare and wondrous sight. What beauty, what majesty and what might. He bears all the auspicious marks of a great king. If only his greatness was not devoid of righteousness, he would have been the protector of not only heaven but also of Indra. His unpardonable deeds create fear in all beings including the gods and if angered he will inundate the very earth, rendering it into one vast ocean.”
In chapter 50, As instructed by Ravana, Prahasta his chief minister inquires of Hanuman as to who he was and also his motive in destroying the pleasure-garden as also killing the demons. In reply, Hanuman says that he destroyed the pleasure-garden in order that he might be taken captive and dragged to the presence of Ravana, whom he was eager to see and was forced in self-defense to kill those who stood in his way. Finally, he declares himself to be a messenger of Rama and adds that, though he was incapable of being bound by a missile presided over by Brahma, he surrendered to it only to see Ravana in person.
Ravana red eyed with rage beheld Hanuman whose tawny eyes and bright golden effulgence sent a flicker of fear through him. A feeling that was so opposed to his arrogant confidence, it made him wonder if he could be Nandeswara who had once cursed him or Bana, the great asura in this form. Ravana commanded Prahastha to ask Hanuman from where he had come, who had sent him and why he had demolished the Asoka grove. "Also ask the wretch why he has dared to enter our inviolable city?" thundered Ravana. Prahastha quietly asked, "Peace be with you vanara. May you prosper. Did you come here as a spy sent by Indra, Varuna or Kubera or are you here as Visnu's emissary, to vanquish Ravana? Though your form is that of a vanara, your actions boast of a far superior race and your strength belies your breed. Are you only a monkey? Speak boldly, speak the truth and you shall be freed. Truth shall bring you freedom but deceit will bring you death. If you are not sent by anyone, at least tell me why you are here?"
Addressing Ravana, Hanuman said "I am not a spy and this form is not assumed, because I am a vanara by birth. Since meeting you was proving impossible, I devastated the grove, it was my passage through gate and guard. The rakshasas provoked me, they wanted to fight me and I had to fight back to protect myself. No astra or god can bind me. It is a boon granted me by Brahma. The confrontation with your men was a ploy and my being bound by the Brahmastra pretence. It was the only way that I could see you. Now listen Ravana, know me to be the messenger of Rama. I will now tell you that which will augur you well.”
In chapter 51, Hanuman narrates the story of Rama, who on command from his father, went on exile to Dandaka forest along with Sita, who was later borne away by Ravana through the sky over Rishyamuka mountain. Hanuman adds that Rama, while searching for Sita at Mount Rishyamuka, happened to meet Sugreeva and made friendship with him. Hanuman also tells the story about Rama installing Sugreeva in the throne, after killing Vali and about Sugreeva promising Rama to get Sita searched. Celebrating the glory of Rama, Hanuman points out to Ravana that if he wished to survive, he should give back Sita to Rama and that he should be prepared for the worst on the other hand he refuses to do so.
Hanuman the mighty vanara said to the most powerful of rakshasas, " Ravana, Sugriva who is like a brother to you sends you this message, pertinent not only here in this world but also in the world here after. Dasaratha was the king of Ayodhya, and Rama his first born, the most virtuous among men. When Rama had gone to live in Dandaka along with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana, Sita was lost and Sugriva promised to find Sita and Rama killed Vali and crown him." "Vali is dead and Sugriva has sent countless legions in every direction to look for Sita. I have found her in your own home. Look Ravana great is your penance. It does not befit you who are a great scholar and knower of all things righteous, to abduct and hold captive the wives of other men. The wise like you should never be dishonorable nor pursue matters that are opposed to justice. Are there anyone either among the devas or asuras who can face Lakshmana's arrows supported by Rama's anger? Offending Rama can anyone live in peace on this earth? Heed Sugriva's counsel and prosper now and forever. Understand that righteousness alone begets every form of wealth and return Sita to Rama". Hanuman told Ravana that with his finding of Sita ended his duty, for he was commanded only with it. What was to be done next was Rama's decision. He advised the rakshasa king not to squander the merits of his profound penance, which assured him eternal life.
Your boon renders you invincible - neither devas nor gods can kill you but, in your arrogance, refuse to see that there is reason to worry about that very boon. Sugriva is not deva or an asura. He does not belong to anyone against whom you have been granted immunity. When Sugriva is a monkey and Rama is human how can you even hope to save yourself?" "Righteousness alone can negate the effects of unrighteousness. You have exhausted the merits of your good deeds. Your transgressions against righteousness and the consequences of Sita's abduction now haunt you. Repentance and atonement alone can negate the ills of unrighteousness. Do not even think of an encounter with Rama who has wiped out entire rakshasa army single- handed and destroyed Vali. She whom you hold a prisoner, thinking her to be Sita, is but a noose around your neck and the doom of Lanka. Keeping her is like harboring a five- hooded snake. Lanka, which is already burning in the effulgence of Sita will soon be incinerated in Rama's rage. Do not be the cause for the destruction of your wives, sons, brothers, ministers, your wealth and your kingdom. I am the servant of Rama and I know him best. I am neither a rakshasa nor a human but an intermediary without prejudice, so do heed me. Be wise Ravana. Think, Rama is no ordinary being. He can dissolve and create worlds within moments. Neither Brahma, Siva nor Indra will be able to protect you from Rama against whom you have transgressed so unpardonably. How can you ever hope to live?" His fearless words so infuriated Ravana that he ordered the death of Hanuman.
This concludes chapters 48, 49, 50 and 51 of Sundara Kanda where we had seen Hanuman in battle with Indrajit, the most feared archer next to Ravana. A Brahmastra was eventually used by him after Hanuman could evade all other means. This captured him and Hanuman fell on the ground with a thud. There is no weapon which can subdue Hanuman and he pretended to be bound by the demon army to visit Ravana. Upon the order, he was dragged to the courtroom of Ravana where Hanuman was impressed by the effulgence of Ravana and the setting. Hanuman was questioned from where he came and, on whose behalf, he waged the battle in an otherwise inviolable Lanka. Hanuman shot back by giving every reason behind his act and asked Ravana to correct the course to prevent his and the kingdoms destruction. How Ravana responded to this brave messenger’s correct suggestion and the demolishing acts in the battle in his own backyard and the further deliberations can be seen in subsequent chapters.
