We have learnt about the story of war between Gods headed by Indra and Rakshasas led by Ravana. As the war prolonged with both sides standing on equal terms and experiencing same losses, Ravani, son of Ravana weaves magic through his magical powers by inflicting damage on celestial forces and deceptively captivating Indra. The war concludes when Indra was taken captive to Ravana’s abode. Indrajit, originally named Meghanada, earned his title "Indrajit" due to his remarkable feat of defeating Indra, the king of the devas (gods). The name "Indrajit" literally translates to "Conqueror of Indra" in Sanskrit. We can see the same person evolving as Indrajit and gives a tough battle to Hanuman, Rama and Lakshmana, even eclipsing the skills of his demon father sometimes. The same way as we had seen with Indra being captured by him, Indrajit also imprisons Hanuman, Rama and Lakshmana at different points during the battle in Ramayana. This is also studied in the earlier two Kandas or books. During the mission to find Sita and after inflicting heavy losses on Rakshasa side, Hanuman was finally captured by Indrajit using Brahmastra and produced in Ravana’s court. Indrajit also used his formidable skills and magical powers to capture Rama and Lakshmana in the final battle. He employed the Nagapasha, a powerful weapon that released serpents to bind them. It took the aid of Garuda to free Rama and Lakshmana from the serpent hold. Looking at these powers and inquisitive to know more about Indrajit, Rama questions the sages to recount the story of Indrajit and his formidable prowess in battle. This inquiry is part of Rama's broader interest in understanding the events and characters that played significant roles in the great war against Ravana. We are looking at all these chapters which establish Ravana and his son as formidable adversaries.
After listening to the story of victory over Gods, Rama questions how Ravana is dominating without opposition and is there anyone who defeated him. Agastya recounts the tale of his encounter with king Arjuna near river Narmada and we can look at how Arjuna captures Ravana in following chapters.
In chapter 32, Arjuna captures Ravana.
Ravana was performing rituals on the banks of the Narmada River, offering flowers in devotion. At the same time, King Kartavirya Arjuna, the ruler of Mahishmati and possessor of one thousand arms, was enjoying the waters of the Narmada with his entourage of women. Arjuna, eager to test his immense strength, dammed the river with his arms, causing its waters to reverse and flood the surrounding areas. The sudden deluge swept away Ravana’s ritual offerings, forcing him to abandon his incomplete rituals.
Perplexed and angered by the river's behavior, Ravana ordered his aides, Shuka and Sarana, to investigate the cause of the unexpected flood. They discovered Kartavirya Arjuna sporting in the river with his companions, his one thousand arms forming a barricade. They reported back to Ravana, describing Arjuna as a giant of a man, radiant and formidable, surrounded by women like a bull elephant among its herd.
Enraged at the interruption of his rituals, Ravana decided to confront Arjuna. Accompanied by his trusted commanders, including Mahodara, Mahaparshva, and Dhumraksha, Ravana roared defiantly and approached Arjuna. The clash began with Ravana's advisers killing and consuming Arjuna’s guards. Alarmed by the attack, the remaining guards informed Arjuna, who reassured his companions not to fear. Emerging from the waters, Arjuna, with his golden armlets glinting in the sunlight, seized a massive club and prepared to face Ravana.
The ensuing battle was fierce. Arjuna, using his extraordinary strength, fought Ravana’s warriors, including Prahasta, who wielded an enormous mace. Despite Prahasta’s powerful blows, Arjuna countered skillfully, shattering Prahasta’s mace and ultimately defeating him. Witnessing Prahasta’s fall, Ravana’s other commanders retreated temporarily, leaving Ravana to face Arjuna directly.
The duel between Ravana and Kartavirya Arjuna was monumental, resembling the clash of two mountains or two agitated oceans. Ravana, with his twenty arms, and Arjuna, with his thousand, struck each other with their clubs, each blow resounding like thunder. Both displayed unparalleled resilience, enduring the devastating strikes of their opponent. At one point, Arjuna’s club landed a crushing blow on Ravana’s chest. Though protected by divine armor granted through a boon, Ravana was momentarily weakened and staggered back.
Seizing the opportunity, Arjuna, with overwhelming strength, captured Ravana as Garuda might seize a serpent. Binding him with his many arms, Arjuna carried the defeated Ravana to his city of Mahishmati. The gods, siddhas, and charanas, who had witnessed the battle, showered praises and flowers on Arjuna for his victory.
Upon entering Mahishmati, Arjuna was greeted with celebrations by his people, who honored him as a hero. Ravana, bound and humiliated, became a testament to Arjuna’s might. However, the tale reflects the cyclical nature of power and rivalry, as even the indomitable Ravana met his match in the Haihaya king. This episode not only highlights Arjuna’s unparalleled strength but also underscores the relentless ambition of Ravana, whose determination often led him into conflicts with the most formidable beings in creation.
In chapter 33, Arjuna releases Ravana on the request of Paulastya.
This recounts the capture of Ravana, the mighty rakshasa king, by Kartavirya Arjuna, the ruler of Mahishmati, and the subsequent intervention of the sage Paulastya, Ravana’s grandfather. After Ravana was captured by Kartavirya Arjuna, news of his plight spread across the heavens, reaching the ears of Paulastya, a great sage and Ravana’s grandfather. Disturbed by the humiliation of his descendant, Paulastya decided to intervene. With supernatural speed, the sage traveled to Mahishmati, a city thriving under Arjuna’s rule and comparable to the celestial Amaravati in its splendor.
Paulastya’s arrival in Mahishmati was met with reverence. Kartavirya Arjuna, upon hearing of the sage’s presence, rushed to receive him with proper respect. He greeted Paulastya with arghya, madhuparka (traditional offerings), and words of honor, acknowledging the sage’s divine stature. Arjuna expressed his gratitude for Paulastya’s visit, likening it to a rare blessing and uplifting his kingdom’s lineage. The king humbly offered his kingdom, family, and self to the sage’s service.
Paulastya, pleased with Arjuna’s hospitality, inquired about the kingdom’s adherence to dharma and its well-being. He then addressed Arjuna, acknowledging the king’s remarkable strength in capturing Ravana, an unparalleled feat considering Ravana’s might and reputation. Paulastya praised Arjuna’s fame but gently requested the release of Ravana, urging the king to heed his words.
Without hesitation or argument, Kartavirya Arjuna obeyed Paulastya’s request, demonstrating his respect for the sage. Arjuna not only freed Ravana but also honored him with divine ornaments, garlands, and garments. To formalize their reconciliation, Arjuna and Ravana performed a ritual with fire as a witness, forging a pact of non-violence and friendship. Bowing before Paulastya, Arjuna returned to his residence, content in having respected the sage’s wishes.
Ravana, though freed and treated with honor, was humiliated by his capture. Paulastya, satisfied with resolving the matter, returned to Brahma’s realm. This episode, however, left Ravana deeply affected, marking a rare instance of his subjugation. Paulastya’s intervention highlighted the value of respect for sages and the importance of restraint, even for the strongest of warriors.
Arjuna, despite his strength and dominance, demonstrated humility and wisdom by listening to Paulastya. Yet, Ravana, undeterred by his humiliation, continued his restless conquests, spreading terror across the Earth.
In chapter 34, Vali hangs Ravana on his girdle.
Ravana roamed the Earth after being freed by Kartavirya Arjuna, seeking to assert his dominance over anyone rumored to rival his strength. This arrogance led him to the gates of Kishkindha, the city ruled by the formidable Vali. Upon his arrival, Ravana issued a challenge to Vali, who was known for his unparalleled might and golden garland. However, Vali was not present, as he had gone to perform his evening prayers (sandhya) at the oceans. Tara’s father, an advisor among the apes, warned Ravana of Vali’s strength and urged him to wait or reconsider his challenge, suggesting he might face certain death unless fortified by amrita (nectar of immortality). Dismissive of the warnings, Ravana mounted his Pushpaka chariot and flew to confront Vali at the southern ocean.
When Ravana reached Vali, who was engrossed in his prayers, he attempted to stealthily attack him. However, Vali, calm and vigilant, was unshaken. Comparing Ravana to a mere hare before a lion, Vali swiftly grabbed Ravana with his arms, much like Garuda seizing a serpent. Displaying his extraordinary strength, Vali held Ravana tightly by his side and leaped into the sky. He carried Ravana across the skies to each of the four oceans, stopping to perform his sandhya rites at every location.
As Vali flew through the air, Ravana’s aides attempted to follow, roaring and trying to rescue their lord. However, Vali’s incredible speed and strength left them exhausted and falling behind. Even the mountains and birds could not keep pace with Vali’s flight. Worshipped by celestial beings for his unmatched agility, Vali bore Ravana through the heavens, his strength seemingly limitless.
After completing his rituals at the four oceans, Vali returned to Kishkindha with Ravana still secured by his side. Landing in a grove, Vali finally released Ravana, laughing and taunting him. Exhausted and amazed by Vali’s strength, Ravana admitted defeat. He praised Vali’s unmatched valor, comparing his swiftness to thought, the wind, and Suparna (Garuda). Acknowledging Vali as his equal, Ravana proposed a pact of eternal friendship between them, vowing to share all his possessions and resources.
In the presence of fire as a witness, Vali and Ravana solemnized their bond, embracing as brothers. Ravana stayed in Kishkindha for a month, living as a guest under Vali’s hospitality. Despite their newfound camaraderie, Ravana’s advisors soon persuaded him to leave and resume his campaigns of terror against the three worlds. This encounter left a lasting impression on Ravana, showcasing Vali’s extraordinary strength and honor.
The story concludes with a reflection on Vali’s unmatched prowess and how even someone as mighty as Ravana was humbled by him. Yet, it is noted that Vali ultimately met his end at the hands of Rama, a testament to the latter’s divine might.
This concludes chapters 32, 33 and 34 of Uttara Kanda where we had seen the tales of Ravana humbled by mighty kings who are stronger than him. The question asked by Rama whether Ravana is rebuffed by anyone got the response from sages through these episodes. Arjuna captures Ravana even as he defeated Gods with strength and pride. He was humiliated by the defeat as Paulastya came to free him. A similar fate was met to Ravana in the hands of Vali, another powerful Vanara king, brother of Sugriva. Before the story of Ramayana ever occured, Ravana was defeated and humbled by Vali, as the both later forged a pact of friendship. We can see the conversation between sages and Rama navigate in another path as the story of Hanuman and his childhood is recounted in subsequent chapters.
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