We began the sixth book ‘Yuddha Kanda’ or the book on battle last week. I don’t even know if I can attempt to write about this epic in its entirety from book one on Bala Kanda to the sixth one, we are dealing with at present. This is the holiest of tasks and one must be qualified enough to jump into this venture. I have none of the qualifications like - hearing from a Guru about this epic or being commanded or advised by a Guru to write on this subject or a complete authority of knowing the nuances of the epic by being a teacher or if I can be someone who can be tolerated upon completing the epic in its entirety or if I am blessed profoundly to take up the task and come this far. But this effort could be transpired and see the light of the day by ticking the boxes for some of these qualifications at least. Else we cannot see this take shape in the online space or happenings in the world around us on the ground. Once again, blessed are we to learn about this epic through this little effort as we reach the last known book in the journey of Rama.
If Sundara Kanda is the heart of the Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda can be considered as the ‘guts’ or the second most vital book of the poem. If the Ramakatha is about any one thing, it is the history of God’s descent to destroy the very avatar of evil in the world. It is only natural that this happen in this Kanda where the poet devotes the greatest portion of narrative to this Book to a detailed, extensive account of the many battles, single combats that comes before and set the stage for the culminating duel between the Rama and the avatar of evil Ravana. Defeating and slaying Ravana is the culmination of eradicating evil from its roots in the world. This is the sole purpose of God’s descent to the earth in human form of Rama. This defeat is described in the lengthiest book of the epic – Yuddha Kanda which has 131 chapters or 4500 verses. The personality and purpose of Rama is explained in detail in two lengthiest books – Ayodhya Kanda and Yuddha Kanda. Ayodhya Kanda, with 119 chapters and second longest, elaborate his portrayal as the ideal man, the paragon of self-control and exemplar of social dharma, who calmly gives up his rightful succession to the throne to preserve the truth of his father’s word. His critical function as a major avatara, or ‘incarnation’ of the Lord Vishnu, who takes on a human birth to rid the world from the oppression of an otherwise invincible rakshasa king, Ravana comes to a major detail in the last book, which stands as the longest book required to detail the end of evil and rise of virtuous in the world.
The story of Yuddha Kanda which comprises the bridging of the ocean by the Rama’s army, the siege of Lanka, the prodigious battles fought before the city walls, the slaying of Ravana, the installation of the righteous rakshasa prince Vibhishana on the Lanka throne, and the consecration of Rama as the divine, universal king together form the principal theme of the book. This book solely focuses on Rama and the many battles fought to bring the downfall of the wicked. Battles and battles are the culmination which marks the rise of Rama in all glory after facing innumerable pains all along including the 14-year exile in deep forests for a young, royal prince. The sufferings are manyfold, and no one can escape feeling sorry after listening to the story. These unknown sufferings are going to lay miraculous battle episodes to bring glory, herald a righteous world and bring victory at last to Rama which he truly deserves. With so much importance attached to this Kanda, it is needless to say the book on battles is going to be interesting, entertaining, enriching and educating with many beautiful episodes interspersed across the many chapters. As we have already begun the book last week, let us look at the detailed fight in a brief summary henceforth. We had seen Rama’s embrace of Hanuman, some conversation within army and Hanuman’s detailed description of Lanka and Rama, along with Vanara army reaching the ocean shore in the south. In Lanka, Ravana assembles with his ministers to take stock of the destruction left behind by Hanuman and discuss on the impending war which can be seen in following chapters.
In chapter 6, Ravana recalls the over-powering of Lanka and discovering of Sita by Hanuman. He calls a meeting of his ministers and invites suggestions from them in view of the latest situation of a probable attack of Rama and his army on the city of Lanka.
Meanwhile in Lanka Ravana, the lord of the rakshasas, hung his head in shame. Devastated at the havoc wreaked by Hanuman, he thundered "A mere monkey. Is he so great that he walks in and out of Lanka with such nonchalance? Not only does he enter this impregnable city, but he sees Sita, kills mighty rakshasas, breaks ramparts and burns it. I want your unanimous opinion of the enemy and how they should be dealt with. Rama marches upon Lanka with mighty forces. He will either dry up the sea or bridge it to reach here. Think of the confrontation with the vanaras and of how we can protect our armies.
In chapter 7, the demons inspire Ravana with confidence and eulogize his army's strength. They suggest that Indrajit alone is enough to kill the army of monkeys together with Rama.
The ignoramus horde, unaware of the matchless might of their enemy said, "Listen Ravana, countless are our armies and manifold their weapons, why do you even worry? Did you not vanquish the serpents at Bhogavati and Kubera at mount Kailash to bring down the Pushpaka? Fearing you and craving your friendship, the danava king Maya gave his daughter Mandodari in marriage to you. Even the Kalakeya rakshasas who sprang to life every time they were reduced to dust finally succumbed to you. Ravana, when you could subdue the mightiest of kshatriyas, equals of Indra, how can you not conquer Rama who can match them neither in spirit nor strength? Do not even exert yourself for Indrajit can single-handedly eliminate the vanaras. Do not let the calamity unleashed by that monkey distress you in whose hands Rama is about to die.
In chapter 8, all the demons of King Ravana present there namely Prahasta, Durmukha, Vajradamshtra, Nikumbha and Vajrahanu, eulogizing their strengths, assure the king that they can individually kill Rama and his army within no time.
Surasena, massive as a dark cloud and chief of the rakshasa army, said, "Ravana, when neither devas, danavas or pisachas can face you in war, why are you even thinking of a mere vanara. In our arrogance that none would dare attack us, we were not vigilant enough, that is why the monkey stole in and out of Lanka in a flash. How could he have otherwise escaped me? Command me and I shall wipe out every one of them, off every grove, forest and mountain.
Supporting Surasena, Durmukha said that Ravana's humiliation by Hanuman was unpardonable and Vajradhanshtra said that they should not be bothered by a monkey who has sneaked in and out of Lanka in the dark of the night. Cautioning the rakshasas that enemies should be won by deception he said, "Let countless rakshasas transform into humans pretending to be sent by Bharata. We shall then join them to send the vanaras to the land of Yama."
In chapter 9, Against the words from unknowledgeable and foolish Rakshasas, Vibhishana speaks words of morality.
Vibhishana, watching them who were clamoring for war pleaded with Ravana, "dear brother this is not the time for war. War is only when all other strategies fail. Almighty, all knowing and every righteous, Rama will be difficult to face. By crossing the sea, Hanuman has made the impossible possible. Can anyone even imagine such a feat? It has happened because Rama is blessed by the divine and it is he who conceived Hanuman's flight into Lanka. The power of the enemy is immeasurable. Never underestimate it in your haste. They say that Ravana carried away Sita because Rama killed Khara, but it was Khara who trespassed into Rama's territory and Khara who attacked Rama first. Is it not every man's right to save his life as best as he can? Stealing brings infamy, hastens death, ruins wealth and brings upon sin. We are in great peril because of Sita. We should either give her up or perish. Of what use is even the very best if it causes quarrel. Do not invite enmity with Rama who is so full of dharma. Anger destroys peace. Be righteous. It will bring you greater glory."
Ravana listened to Vibhishana quietly and left for his palace.
In chapter 10, Vibhishana, the half-brother of Ravana, lists out bad omens occurring in the city and in the gynaeceum and advises Ravana to restore Sita to Rama as an atonement to these evil forces. Ravana turns a deaf ear to Vibhishana's counsel and sends him away.
The next day Vibhishana once again set out on the intimidating task of reasoning with Ravana. He greeted his brother and gentle words fell softly as he said that from the day Rama's queen had been brought to Lanka many bad omens had appeared. The brilliance of sacrificial fires was veiled by smoke, reptiles and ants infested places consecrated for sacred rituals, cows no longer produced milk, arrogant elephants had turned docile, and horses neighed dolefully. Even Lanka had gone up in flames and the remedy for it all was repentance and the return of Sita. "The city and the palace know that you are the cause of all the prevailing ills," continued Vibhishana. "Fear of you silences them from telling you the truth, but I am being your brother will tell you what exactly I have seen and heard."
Ravana heard, but refused to heed and flew into a great rage as he roared, "I fear none. None can free Sita, not even Rama for he can never face me in battle."
In chapter 11, Ravana goes again to the assembly hall, to hold consultations with his ministers, other important demons and Vibhishana.
When Ravana refused to return Sita and denounced Vibhishana's counsel, when Prahastha did not condone that counsel but remained silent, that day began the end of Ravana. The wretched rakshasa blind to every danger, burning with his impious love for Sita was soon to reap the results of his evil deads. Mounting his golden chariot he rode to his council hall. The best of Ravana's men, lavishly robed and bejeweled, had come in droves to stand before their master. To them he said that the swiftest among them should quickly fetch the most valiant of Lanka to him. The city soon echoed with the clamor of the chosen as they rushed to reach the palace and into that august assembly of the most intelligent and renowned of Lanka walked Vibhishana, Prahastha and Suka.
This concludes chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of Yuddha Kanda where we had seen Ravana calling a meeting of his ministers when he was humiliated and devastated by the havoc wreaked by Hanuman. The surrounding Rakshasas, in their unawareness boasted of the many past battle victories of Ravana and spoke of Rama meeting the same fate. All are arrogant and extremely confident of their strengths which they project as nullifying any opponent except Vibhishana. The brother of Ravana, Vibhishana was visibly perturbed by the events and the ignorant words of the Rakshasas. He gives a wise counsel to return Sita and end the enmity with Ravana without engaging in any battle. He also speaks about many bad omens which they faced ever since Sita was held captive. This wise counsel doesn’t get into the head of Ravana or other Rakshasas as he rages against freeing Sita. This conversation within Ravana’s assembly will continue in the upcoming chapters which can be seen in subsequent chapters.
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