Atikaya’s end - Chapter 08

In the previous chapter, we saw Ravana’s lamentations. , Now we'll see Atikaya’s end.

Atikaya a great rakshasa warrior who had obtained several boons from Lord Brahma was enraged to see his brothers killed by the enemy. He charged at the Vanaras riding his chariot which shone like the sun. The Vanaras looked at his huge figure and got scared and ran to Rama shouting that Kumbhakarna had come back alive. Rama too looked at him. Rama was impressed by his personality, his armour, his chariot, and all the bows and arrows he was carrying. Rama asked Vibheeshana who he was. Vibheeshana replied that he was Ravana’s son and was equal to his father in his valour. He said that he had obtained several boons from Lord Brahma along with the chariot that he was riding. Vibheeshana said that he was Atikaya who was also an excellent minister and gave good counsel to Ravana. He asked Rama to take appropriate steps to stop him who had been causing great damage to the Vanara army.

The Vanaras attacked him with rocks and trees (they had only those weapons) but Atikaya showered arrows made of full iron (another instance where iron is mentioned) and counter-attacked. He wounded many Vanaras and chased them like a lion would a group of deer. He approached Rama and shouted that he wanted to fight with someone who was a real warrior. Lakshmana stood up with his mighty bow and strung it making a loud noise. Atikaya told Lakshmana that he was a small boy and asked him to run away in order to save himself from his sharp arrows. Lakshmana challenged him to fight. Atikaya sent a powerful arrow, which Lakshmana interrupted on its way with his arrow. Atikaya sent yet another one which again was stopped by Lakshmana. Then Lakshmana sent a powerful arrow, which hit Atikaya on his forehead. He was shaken by it as was Tripurasura by the arrow of Shiva. Atikaya sent an arrow that hit Lakshmana’s chest and created a fountain of blood. Lakshmana finally sent an astra after chanting mantras and Atikaya also did likewise. These two astras annihilated each other and burnt down. The fight continued and Lakshmana was advised by Varuna the rain God to use Brahmastra, which alone could be effective. Finally, Lakshmana sent Brahmastra after chanting the mantras. Atikaya tried to stop it with several astras and weapons but in vain. His head was cut off which fell down along with his crown. The rakshasas saw this and in panic retreated to the city. All praised Lakshmana for his victory over Atikaya.

 

In the next chapter, We'll see Ravana’s lamentations and Indrajit goes to fight.

.