Continuing the Fierce Battle Between Hanuman and Rakshasas

I could have done anything but somehow just updating this space on the epic every Sunday for the last 4 weeks and nothing else. This will be the fifth week. In a way, intentionally or unintentionally or as a habit, I am trying to propagate the best principles of living or the ‘ism’ of Ramayana into the roots and veins of altogether different world around us. We can see the seeds for a great future harvest buried deep in the soil with this effort, a change in the rules of the game as we are navigating the fifth or the most beautiful ‘Sundara Kanda’. I have been persistent in the efforts through thick and thin in flipping over to fifth Kanda which leaves us with just two more Kandas out of a total seven. I have already published 72 posts on this epic in the most challenging 20 months of toil to bring a conscientious awareness for a structural, enduring and durable change around us. The main takeaway is the need to aspire for and inculcate the virtuous living of a Rama in the bottom while heralding a Rama Rajya or a kingdom of Rama at the top. We can nudge the people in that direction, countries to sail their boats for that destination presided over by governments heralding His kingdom, by simply swaying to those favorable winds manifested by the cumulative and collective small efforts from all of us. 

For what – there is no tool better than this to create a better world around us. While Rama was ruling the kingdom, there were no widows to lament, nor was there any danger from wild animals, nor any fear born of diseases. The world was bereft of thieves and robberies. No one felt worthless nor did old people perform obsequies concerning youngsters. Every creature felt pleased. Everyone was intent on virtue. Turning their eyes towards Rama alone, creatures did not kill one another. While Rama was ruling the kingdom, people survived for thousands of years, with thousands of their progeny, all free of illness and grief. While Rama ruled the kingdom, the talks of the people centered round Rama, Rama and Rama. The world became Rama's world. The trees there were bearing flowers and fruits regularly, without any injury by pests and insects. The clouds were raining in time and the wind was delightful to the touch. Brahmins (the priest-class), Kshatriyas (the warrior-class), Vaishyas (the class of merchants and agriculturists), Shudras (the servant-class) were performing their own duties, satisfied with their own work and bereft of any greed. While Rama was ruling, the people were intent on virtue and lived without telling lies. All the people were endowed with excellent characteristics. All were engaged in virtue. Simply, there is no grief or sorrow or anything lacking when people are aligned to this virtuous premise. Let us collectively aspire for a Rama to rule over us. 

With this reminder, let us continue learning the fifth Kanda. We had seen Hanuman playing dual role in last post – appeasing Sita and tormenting Rakshasas. A master of words, a warrior on the battlefield, a possessor of immense strength, a gifted vanara who can scale to immense size, an intelligent tactician dealing with enemy alone – Hanuman’s every ability will be exhibited in all glory in this beautiful book centered on him. We had already seen him bringing down Ashoka grove courageously to infuriate and initiate a battle, kill hundreds of kinkaras and burnt a temple sacred to demons while waiting for Jambumali, son of Prahasta. He can use his huge form, fly high into the sky and use powerful objects to decimate the enemy before they can even approach him, which can be seen in the following chapters as the Rakshasa strongmen battles with a powerful, unpredictive and unknown gifted messenger of Rama. 

In chapter 44, Ravana sends Jambumali, son of Prahasta, to capture Hanuman. Jambumali attacks Hanuman with his numerous arrows. Hanuman hurls a big club towards Jambumali and the latter succumbs to it. 

Summoned by Ravana, Jambumali, son of Prahasta arrived, robed and garlanded in red, wearing beautiful ear-rings and an inviolable armor which no weapon could pierce. Large eyed, long fanged, broad shouldered, immense of form and noisy as thunder, he came swaggering, booming and ordering Hanuman to stay. His stride pounded the earth and he radiated a glow like the Sun. Hanuman watched gleefully delighted at the opportunity of another fight as his enemy came charging towards him. When Jambumali shot arrows at Hanuman, some struck Hanuman in his face, rendering his already red face even more flushed. Wounded and bleeding he picked up the iron club, which had earlier claimed the lives of a thousand rakshasas at the Ashoka garden and hurled it at his opponent. When that deadly weapon hit its target, neither Jambumali's head, shoulders, legs, bow nor chariot were in their places. Missing limbs were never found, ornaments were shattered beyond recognition, and nothing was left of either his chariot or of the donkeys that had drawn it. Ravana, furious at having lost not only his soldiers but also Jambumali, ordered the sons of his ministers to subdue Hanuman. 

In chapter 45, the seven sons of Prahasta surrounded by a great army rush in speedy chariots upon Hanuman, who is standing on the arch gate way. They discharge a shower of arrows on Hanuman. Then, Hanuman crushes all the enemies, using his palms, feet, fists, nails, chest and thighs only as his weapons. After killing those demons, Hanuman climbs up the arch doorway and takes up his position there again. 

Commanded by their king, seven of the most invincible warriors, impetuous youth brilliant as the flames of a fire and the bane of their enemies sallied forth to meet their one-man army. Brilliant as the flames of a fire they went happily, jostling and challenging each other to be the first to attack Hanuman. But the mothers, friends and kin of the little army, remembering the recent fate of other stalwarts watched sorrowfully. Hanuman sitting atop the tower gate saw the chariots of the rakshasas. Glittering, glowing and rumbling like rain laden clouds raced the chariots, while the bejeweled combatants chafing for war and victory thundered headlong towards Hanuman. The volley of arrows that they rained made him seem like a mountain veiled by rain but escaping every one of those arrows Hanuman leapt into the sky. The young rakshasa warriors soared after him while Hanuman loomed large as the Himalayas on the aerial battlefield. He evaded their efforts to hurt him, with a turn, a twist or a leap, seeming to rather frolic with the foe, than fight with them. Suddenly he vented a mighty roar at the sound of which some fell stunned white some fell dead. Hanuman with his bare hands sent his enemies to death. He used his legs to crush, his nails to tear and his fists to pound until they breathed no more and until death claimed them. Those who survived the massacre fled in every direction. Elephants trumpeted their distress and horses fell to the ground. Chariots with their wheels, flag staffs and umbrellas lay shattered, strewn as far as the eye could see, Cries of pain and fear filled the air even as rivers of blood flowed unchecked. But Hanuman, the mighty messenger of Rama was back on the gate tower eagerly waiting to battle with more power intoxicated rakshasas. 

In chapter 46, Ravana sends Virupaksha, Yupaksha, Durdhara, Praghasa and Bhasakarna the five foremost army-generals so as to capture Hanuma. Ravana explains his guess, saying to those five generals that Hanuman may not be an ordinary monkey, but an evil spirit created by Indra the Lord of celestials and asks them to exert a great effort to capture him. Hanuman first kills Durdhara who initially attacks him. He then kills Virupaksha and Yupaksha, by attacking them with a sala tree. Hanuma later kills Praghasa and Bhasakarna, by hurling the top of a mountain on them. After destroying the remaining army together with horses, elephants and chariots, he again returns to the arch doorway of the Ashoka groove. 

When Ravana heard that the most valorous of Lanka had perished in the hands of Hanuman, fear, an unfamiliar emotion so alien to him gripped the king of rakshasas. Not wanting anyone to know that he was afraid, he even tried to cover up the bodily manifestations of that fear. He called for the chiefs of his armies, Virupaksha, Yupaksha Durdhara, Praghasa and Bhasakarna, deputing them to punish the wayward vanara. He even wondered if the monster could have been created by Indra to destroy the rakshasas, "Perhaps this is their way of vengeance. Hearing of the vanara is to believe that he is no ordinary woodland monkey. His actions belie his breed. I have seen many valiant vanaras like Vali and Sugriva, but none were as magnetic, as glowingly handsome or so incredibly intelligent. Nor did they possess such indomitable strength and such inexhaustible energy, which is frightening. This creature is nothing but an embodiment of the greatest power, in the form of a vanara." Since in war, victory was not a certainty, Ravana warned his warriors to be alert and spare no efforts to safeguard themselves. Bowing to their king the chiefs of armies raced away to meet their lone enemy. Durdhara shot the first few arrows at the effulgence before him. Hanuman growing his body to unseen and unheard of proportions jumped onto Durdhara's chariot, the impact of which left the chariot, its horses and its master broken and lifeless. Bounding out of their chariots Virupaksha and Yupaksha tried to hit out at Hanuman, but their short-lived attack ended in disaster as they were also struck down. Praghasa and Bhasakarna faced the same fate. The blood-soaked battlefield rendered pathless with the bodies of dead demons, animals and skeletons of shattered chariots seemed to extend to the very ends of the earth. Wiping out the best among Ravana's war heroes, Hanuman was back on top of the tower gate, glowering and as fearful as Yama at the time of the destruction of the world. 

In chapter 47, Ravana sends Aksha, his own son, to fight against Hanuman. Aksha, along with his army elephants and horses, approach Hanuma and incites him to battle by discharging three sharp arrows. As Aksha discharges his arrows, Hanuma bounces quickly to the sky and smashes Aksha, his chariot and the horses with blows. After killing Aksha, Hanuma returns again to the same arch doorway. 

Ravana's messengers once again came back with more news of death and devastation. It was then that his gaze fell on his son Aksha, who was craving and was ready for war. The prince knew what that look in his father's eyes meant and commanded by those eyes alone he sprang up with his gold inlaid bow. Blessed by the brahmins and blazing like the sacrificial fire fed by oblations Aksha set out on his massive golden chariot. Filled with arms and pealing with bells the chariot was drawn by eight of the most magnificent horses, which were so fleet footed that they seemed to hardly touch the ground. As Aksha raced headlong the sound of that noisy army reached the sky and filled the earth. 

The chariot came to a halt in front of Hanuman and Aksha beheld the majesty and greatness in that giant form. It evoked in him a respect mingled with awe. Large eyes opened wide in wonder as he beheld his enemy, and the power that he radiated. Concluding that vanquishing Hanuman would be no easy task, Aksha wasted no time, but chose three of his most deadly arrows and shot them at Hanuman. In the combat that ensued, the sheer show of strength between the two warring forms caused fear among the celestials, and the earth rumbled. The sun shone subdued, the winds stilled, the sky thundered and the troubled oceans roared their reply. Hanuman though hurt by Aksha's arrows and in pain was happy for having met his match. Growing his body to greater dimensions he flew into the skies like a wind-blown cloud as he fought Aksha. Young and arrogant, the rakshasa prince surged towards his enemy like an elephant surging over a grass covered well. Though Hanuman admired Aksha's competence and courage and loathe to slaying him, yet he planned his final move thinking, "This prince has skills and valour to frighten the very devatas and asuras. If I do not kill him now, his strength, which is so invincible, will only increase with time. Killing him then will be that much more difficult. A spreading fire is best put out without delay." Hanuman having decided upon his strategy struck dead all the eight horses that drew the chariot, with his open palm. Even as they fell to earth Aksha the warrior whose skills had no match, who could guard his horses his chariot and his charioteer even while he fought eleven thousand archers, started moving upwards in the sky. Going after him, Hanuman caught Aksha by his feet, whirled him around a thousand times and threw him forcefully to the ground. Broken and bleeding Aksha breathed no more and even as the sages and celestials watched in stunned silence, Hanuman walked back to the gates of the Asoka garden, where he stood like Yama, striking terror in all those who beheld him. 

This concludes chapters 44, 45, 46 and 47 of Sundara Kanda which are the four best chapters showing the battle skills of Hanuman. This is a grandeur tale of a single, mighty, one-man vanara killing hoardes of Rakshasas. The battle is beautifully depicted in this kanda, in which Hanuman slays Jambumali, Prahasta's seven sons, five army generals and Ravana’s own son Aksha. One after the other killing, Ravana’s state grows from rage to fury to fear to sorrow as he sends his most prized possession, his elder son Indrajit. The tale in which Indrajit eventually capture Hanuman, his presence in the king's courtroom and Hanuman’s dialogue with Ravana can be seen in subsequent chapters. 
 

 

 
 
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

 

  

After Solving a Problem, Hanuman Initiates a Battle with Rakshasas

We had seen the important conversation flowing between Sita and Hanuman in Lanka after her discovery. As we had seen in the last two posts, the mastery in communication displayed by Hanuman is there in the open, who very softly drives away the fear of Sita and begins to unravel a complex mysterious unknown of the epic related to the abduction of Sita and peace of Rama. He already introduced himself to Rama on behalf of Sugriva to forge their friendship and help each other. By voicing soothing and accurate words required for the occasion, he won the hearts of Rama then and Sita now in their very first encounter. We know as a matter of fact, some people don’t know the right time to talk, right content to talk, right words to win over personalities and right words to solve problems, reduce suffering and instill hope. It is also seen when some of us talk, others feel it irritating to hear or they simply cannot hear. The improvement needs to be from misplaced communication to talking when it is very apt, and utmost required to make the words feel like music to the ears. We must all learn to achieve that level of communication expertise from this Kanda where the mastery of the learned, scholarly messenger has relieved Sita of her suffering and going to do the same to a worried Rama who is eagerly looking for her whereabouts. This kind of impact through words will have when there is complete congruity in thoughts, words and action and submission in all humility. It is a master class to know about 1. The genuine concern while communicating by being humble and polite. 2. Being mindful of words while communicating. 3. Precise and concise while speaking. Knowing about these episodes of the divine messenger and his expert ability to use voice will become mindful for us to improve a lot in this arena, from an amateur, childish speaker to using talk to solve complex problems at scale and magnitude. 

In the last post, we had seen Sita and Hanuman exchange tokens and stories of past to deepen the faith in each other. Sita is relieved of all the words spoken by Hanuman who conveys that Rama along with mighty vanara army will decimate Lanka very soon and take her back. In the following chapters, Hanuman takes leave of Sita and initiates a confrontation with Rakshasas by destroying Ashoka grove to meet Ravana and know the enemy. We had seen the mesmerizing soft skills of Hanuman and from hereon, the harder side or the most valiant battle skills will be on display as he takes on the demons single-handedly. 

In chapter 40, Sita asks to remind Rama of his having once marked on her cheek with realgar, when a mark on her forehead was defaced, as a further token of Hanuma having met her. Sita also requests Hanuman to appraise Rama of her wretched plight and finally greets him to have a happy journey ahead. 

Even as Hanuman stood ready to leave, Sita quoted another incident from the past. She asked Hanuman to remind Rama of the day when the vermilion on her brow had melted away and how he had instantly produced some more by pulverizing a gemstone. She also repeated another question to be asked Rama, she wanting to know why he, who had then sent the most powerful Brahmastra at so paltry a bird like the crow, was not punishing Ravana. "Save me from this rakshasa who looks at me with lust in his eyes and evil in his heart. I can no longer survive on this island." She wanted Hanuman to tell Rama that by sending away the Chudaamani she would lose what little solace it was bringing her. Pouring out her anguish she said, "Believing that so long as I was alive I would one day meet you, I bear this torment amongst these misshapen barbaric hordes whose language is vile and whose ways are wicked". Having voiced her woeful message Sita stood silently, watching Hanuman grow his body for his leap across the sea. 

In chapter 41, Hanuman thinks within himself that he should implement the fourth strategy for success, viz. open assault with the demons, to meet Ravana and his ministers for knowing their designs and strengths. Accordingly, he makes up his mind to damage the royal pleasure-garden attached to the gynaeceum at Lanka and then proceeds to do that task. 

Moments after walking away from Sita, uninvited and unsought for a thought flickered in Hanuman's mind. That little thought arrested his mighty stride and it said, "You have seen Sita, but you have now to see Ravana to know the enemy" He then started thinking of how he should tackle the enemy. He knew that Ravana's inviolable might would render him immune to the challenge of war. His wealth would make him immune to benefactions and causing dissension among his ranks would be in vain, as powerful enemies never compromised. Hanuman decided that force alone would chastise the rakshasas, for Ravana being a rakshasa would never be open for arbitration. Thinking about his next move, Hanuman told himself that the smallest of tasks required meticulous planning, utmost attention to detail and more than one method of approach. It would also be laudable if an emissary entrusted with a mission could achieve other challenges. He wanted to assess the strength of Ravana and his armies so that he would have the satisfaction of fulfilling Sugriva's command. How can I incite these monsters to war without much effort, so that I can see Ravana with his ministers and his war chiefs, to know of him, his might and his strategy?"  

Hanuman's thoughts and their manifestation seemed to happen almost simultaneously. His gaze fell on the incomparable beauty of the Ashoka grove, pride of Ravana and jewel among the marvels of Lanka. "I shall destroy this grove", he said, "which will infuriate Ravana and bring him here with his horses, elephants and men. In that fight which will then ensue I shall slay every one of them and return to Kishkindha with great joy." His enthusiasm and imagination became a reality as he swung into action. He flew around with the speed of stormy winds, uprooting hundreds of trees and razing the grove to the ground. He knew that this devious plan of provocation would soon lead to confrontation. A confrontation which would blossom into a full-fledged war in which Ravana and his forces would perish. Beautiful as the garden of the gods, and joy of the rakshasas for centuries, the Ashoka grove was reduced to an ugly nothingness within minutes by Hanuman. Every tree, pillar, post and edifice were shattered. The noisy shrieks of terror-struck bird and beast reached a crescendo even as deadly serpents and insignificant insects seemed to instantly become extinct. Blossoming trees entwined with lush vines, rudely broken and thrown on the ground resembled weeping women. Its mesmeric charm was snuffed out forever, a victim of vengeful wrath and Hanuman stood outside the grove glowing in all his splendor and ready to maul the mightiest of monsters." 

In chapter 42, Seeing the devastation caused to the pleasant grove by Hanuman the female-demons ask Sita who that great monkey was and where he has come from and talked to her. Sita replies that she knows nothing of him. Some of the female-demons go to Ravana and report to him that the pleasant grove attached to the gynaeceum has been destroyed by a mighty monkey and that the monkey went to Sita and talked to her also earlier to the devastation. They also report that Seetha expressed her ignorance about him. Then, Ravana gets angry and sends some demons called Kinkaras to catch hold of Hanuman. Eighty thousand Kinkaras rush towards Hanuma to catch him. But Hanuman, with his might, kills all Kinkaras with an iron rod. Getting to know of the killings, Ravana again sends Jambumali, the son of Prahasta to catch hold of Hanuma. 

While Hanuman ravaged Ravana's cherished garden, the shrieking of frightened birds, startled animals and crashing trees echoed and re-echoed through Lanka filling the island with sudden fear. It woke the demon guard who quailed at the devastation they saw and at the appearance of omens that boded ill to the rakshasas, heralding their ruin. Beyond all that chaos, they saw the terrifying form of Hanuman, the cause of it all who, witnessing their awe of him grew his body to unprecedented dimensions, sending out waves of terror. The rakshasas ran to Sita pestering her with questions of who Hanuman was, where he had come from, why he had come and who had sent him. "Why was he talking to you?" They wanted to know. "Do not be afraid beautiful one, tell us", and Sita said, "How will I ever know of these fiends and their magical ways of changing forms at will. You should know better, for just as a snake alone can discern the tracks of another snake, you alone should be aware of the deceptions of your fellow beings. Perhaps he is one among you?"  

Hearing her, the frightened savages fled in frenzy to Ravana. Reaching the palace, the rakshasas told Ravana of the disaster. They told him of Hanuman who may have come as an envoy of Indra, Kubera or from Rama himself, as his messenger to seek Sita. They said that there was no place in the Ashoka garden, which had escaped the havoc wrecked upon it by Hanuman's crushing arms and trampling feet. There was destruction everywhere except where Sita was, and the only tree standing was that under which she sat. "Perhaps the vanara did not want to harm her or perhaps he was too wearied", they said, "but you must punish him who has transgressed not once but twice. Once by talking to Sita and then again when he consigned the grove to ruin. None who wished to live would have spoken to Sita, whom you desire. For that alone he deserves death" As Ravana listened to the tales of disaster and devastation, a great rage possessed him. His dilated eyes flashed the fire of his fury and from them fell hot tears, like drops of flaming oil from burning lamps. He ordered eight thousand of his most fierce warriors with massive bellies and sharp fangs, to capture Hanuman.  

The hideous hordes armed with clubs, maces and dazzling arrows swarmed towards their enemy, like moths swarming towards a blazing fire. Even as they milled around him Hanuman thumped his powerful tail on the ground, the sound of which shook the city and brought birds from the sky crashing down to earth. Amidst and above the crescendo of noises that were rocking Lanka rose the voice of Hanuman, booming, confident and proclaiming, "I am the slave of Rama, king of Kosala of whose wondrous deeds the minstrels sing. I can use trees and boulders as weapons to fight a thousand Ravanas, even as you watch I will destroy Lanka and pay my obeisance to Sita." Listening to his bellows and beholding his awesome form, glowing red in the light of the setting sun, the advancing rakshasas faced Hanuman fearfully. Impelled by their master, they stoically marched towards their opponent whose form was stupendous and whose effulgence, blinding. Picking up a huge iron bar that lay on the ground, Hanuman with one mighty sweep mowed down a hundred kinkaras. Holding that bar like Garuda holding a serpent, Hanuman flew into the skies from where he rained death and terror on the hapless demons. Those who escaped the carnage fled once again to tell Ravana of it and the enraged lord of Lanka ordered the mightiest of them all, the invincible and unconquerable son of Prahastha to subdue Hanuman. 

In chapter 43, after damaging the pleasure-grove and killing the Kinkaras dispatched by Ravana, Hanuman thinks of destroying a sanctuary which is sacred to the guardian-deity of the demons. Hanuman ascends to the top of the sanctuary and after killing the guards posted there, shows his strength by clapping on his arms and by uttering the names of Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva in a roaring voice. Hanuman assumes a gigantic form and uplifting a pillar in that sanctuary, he speedily whirls it around and burns the sanctuary by producing a fire, created out of its friction with the other pillars. 

The Ashoka garden was gone and as Hanuman stood contemplating his next move, he saw an edifice which was still intact, and which resembled a temple. Wondering why he had overlooked it, and as if to show off more of his strength Hanuman leapt on to it which was as lofty as mount Meru. Sitting there, he struck his shoulder with his palm, the sound of which pained the ears of its listeners and brought flying birds plummeting to earth with a thud. He once again went on his roaring spree as he shouted, "May Rama, master of all weapons be victorious. May Sugriva protected by Rama be victorious. And I am Hanuman slave of Rama and slayer of enemies." Even as Hanuman shouted his slogan, the temple guard rushed at him while he broke a pillar from where he sat, whirled it around with such speed that a fire was born out of the friction and in that fire was burnt the temple of the rakshasas. That most powerful of vanaras next announced that there were thousands like him sent by Sugriva who were combing the entire sea bound earth for Sita. "Mightiest of the mighty", he thundered "some among them have the strength of ten elephants, each, some have the strength of a hundred, while yet others are as powerful as a thousand elephants each. Sugriva, the death of you all, will dispatch hundreds of thousands of such vanaras, whose weapons are only their teeth and their nails. Because of your enmity with Rama, Lanka will soon cease to exist and so will you and so will Ravana." 

This concludes chapters 40, 41, 42 and 43 where we had seen Sita narrating one last incident before Hanuman took leave from her. The job is done and his mission of arriving in Lanka has been fulfilled but he thinks quickly on his feet and wants to achieve more for his master before flying back to Rama. He wants to know about the enemy, its strengths and more by meeting Ravana. This propels him to engage in a war by all himself to get the required attention, decimate a fraction of Rakshasa strongmen and know all the intricate details of the most powerful kingdom led by a seemingly invincible demon head. The battle has been initiated and it will be interesting to see how Hanuman alone will kill through the ranks of Rakshasas, starting from the bottom and reaching all the way till most powerful son of Ravana, Indrajit. He already damaged Ashoka grove completely, slayed hundreds of Kinkaras and burns a temple sacred to demons. The trail of further annihilation by the mighty vanara before willingly succumbing to enemy can be seen in subsequent chapters.