Rama asked Vibheeshana for some suggestions for crossing the sea. He replied that Rama should worship Sea God for help. He also said that one of Rama’s ancestors had dug the earth to make the sea deeper so Rama would be helped. Rama started at once to do the penance to the Sea God.
Again we hear about an
engineering feat. Let us recall that Bhageeratha who was a descendant of Sagara
brought Ganga to the earth. And now we learn that Sagara himself had performed
a feat of dredging the sea.
Rama stretched himself on a
bed of Kusha grass using his right hand as the pillow. This is an interesting
detail given by Valmiki. Using the right or the left hand as a pillow and
stretching on the floor is a common practice even now in Tamil Nadu and perhaps
in the whole of India. We often do it even if there is a pillow available.
Valmiki gives a beautiful description of Rama’s right hand. The poet says when
Rama was in Ayodhya his right hand was smeared with sandal paste and wore gold
ornaments. Sita rested her head on the hand which resembled the snake Takshaka
and bore marks from the bowstring and which had encountered numerous enemies
and which gave charity and so on.
Rama did the ‘Prayopavesha’
that is taking a vow. Rama laid himself on a bed of grass and fasted for three
nights appealing to Sea God to come and help him. As nothing happened Rama got
angry and he thought that the Sea God was arrogant and ungrateful. He addressed
Lakshmana and said ‘The Sea God is arrogant. Some evil persons mistake the
virtuous persons who are soft and without anger to be cowards. Get my bow and I
will teach him a lesson and dry up the ocean’. So saying Rama sent an astra
into the ocean. The whole world trembled and the sea started to boil. Huge
waves rose up in the skies, which were as high as mountains. The great serpents
living there all came out hurt. The crocodiles were thrown out. Lakshmana
requested Rama to calm down. But Rama was not to be appeased and he decided to
send the Brahmadanda astra and drew the string of his mighty bow. Lakshmana
asked his brother not to send the astra. But at that point the Sea God rose
from the sea. He was wearing pearls and the diamond Kaustubha, the twin of
which is worn by Narayana. He begged Rama to be calm and not send the astra. He
explained that all the five elements have their Dharma (nature). He said that
the fire burnt, the earth was solid and stable, the wind had motion and the
water had a depth. The sea had a depth and was impassable which its Dharma was.
He said he could not go against it. But he said he could let them cross without
any danger from the many creatures that live there. He also suggested that the
Vanara Nala who was a great architect (he was the son of Vishwakarma who was
the architect of the Devas) could build a bridge and it would not be disturbed
by the sea. Then Rama was pleased and he said as he could not withdraw the
Brahmadanda Astra once launched so he asked Sea God to show a target for him.
The sea God indicated a place where some evil men were living and doing havoc.
Rama sent his astra there. It fell there with a terrible noise making a great
hole in the earth and from where the water from the netherworld (Patala) sprung
up. This was sweet water. This place was called Vranakupa meaning wounded well.
Then Nala told Rama that he was indeed capable of building the bridge as he had
learnt it from his father and he awaited Rama’s order to proceed. Rama gave his
orders and Nala started the work. All the Vanara Chiefs brought a variety of
huge trees from the forest. Those were Sala, Ashvakarna, Dhava, Bamboo, Kutaja,
Palmyrah, Coconut trees, Karnika trees with flowers, Mango trees, Ashoka and so
on. Some brought big boulders. Nala with expert technique constructed the
bridge with all these materials. It is interesting to note that the Vanaras held
a chord (similar to present day technique) for the alignment of the structure!
Valmiki describes the stages of the construction. In the first day they
completed14 Yojanas, in the second day 20 Yojanas, in the third day 21 Yojana,
in the fourth day 22 Yojanas and the bridge was completed on the fifth day. It
measured 100 Yojanas long (about 1300 km (?) and 10 Yojanas wide to allow the
huge army to cross the ocean. The colossal bridge was beautiful, well built and
strong and looked like a parting line in the ocean. Even the celestials looked
in wonder.
Valmiki describes the bridge
beautifully and says that it was a marvellous one and it was shining like the
path of the star Swati in the sky (Swati patha iva). Swati is a very important
star and the day of Lord Narasimha Avatara is said to be under this star.
But as regards the
dimensions of the bridge they are somewhat mind-boggling and look like an
exaggeration. If this bridge was built between the present Rameshwaram and
Lanka then the distance ought to be very much smaller than mentioned here.
The Vanara army marched on
happily, some by the bridge and some of them jumped into the sea and swam. Rama
and Lakshmana upon Sugreeva’s request rode on the shoulders of Hanuman and
Angada respectively. When Rama reached the opposite shore the Celestials bathed
him in holy waters and blessed him to succeed in his mission and rule the world
for a long.
Rama told Lakshmana that after the omens he
could see he predicted that there was going to be a terrible war He asked the
army to proceed and take a formation called ‘Garuda Vyuha’. He said that they
should approach Lanka soon. The army was lead by Rama and Lakshmana along with
Vibheeshana, Sugreeva and other Vanara chiefs and they all marched with great
jubilance and they came to a full view of the city of Lanka. They were sure to
vanquish their enemy. Rama suddenly thought of Sita who was there among the
rakshasas as a prisoner and he felt very unhappy for a moment but shed that
feeling at once. The loud noise from the drums was heard from the city. Rama
and Lakshmana wondered at the magnificent city built by Viswakarma on the hill
Trikoota. It may be recalled that it once belonged to Kubera and Ravana
captured it by defeating his brother.
In the strategic formation
(Garuda Vyuha) Rama and Lakshmana were in the front, Angada and Neela and their
army were placed at its breast, Gandhmadana and his army at the left side,
Rishabha and his army at the right. Jambavan, Susena, Vegadarsi and their
armies of bears were in the middle and Sugreeva at the tail.
Ravana was intrigued by the
advancement of Rama and his army. So he asked his ministers Sarana and Sukha to
spy on Rama’s army and find out its strength, how they built the bridge and
what sort of weapons they carried and so on. They assumed the form of Vanaras
and entered Rama’s camp and started spying around. But Vibheeshana recognised
them and brought them to Rama and asked him to order killing for those
dangerous spies. But Rama was magnanimous and said that he did not want to kill
them as they were not armed and besides they surrendered unto him. This was
Rama’s greatest dharma. He would go to any extent to protect those who
surrendered to him.
Rama asked Vibheeshana to
release them and also asked him to show the spies their army. Rama asked the
spies to carry his message to Ravana and said “You carried my wife with what bravery.
Now show that to us along with your relatives and army. You will see your city
gates and walls razed to the ground and I will send my powerful arrows on you
like Indra did on Danavas. Ravana be prepare tomorrow”. The spies praised Rama
and left quickly.
They went to Ravana and told
him what had happened. They said it was Vibheeshana who caught them. They also
told Ravana about the mighty and invincible army with Rama and Lakshmana,
Sugreeva and Vibheeshana as chiefs. They said that Rama alone could destroy
Lanka. They also spoke about the mighty bridge that had been built. Finally
they requested Ravana to give up Sita.
Ravana who was proud accused
them to be cowards. He wanted to see for himself the army of Vanaras so he went
up to the terrace of his palace and surveyed the army. Sarana pointed to him
the various chiefs of the army including Neela, Angada, Sugreeva, Hanuman and
others. He also explained the great valour of each of them and of what they
were capable. There were crores (one crore is ten millions) of Vanaras in all.
He showed to Ravana Nala who had built the bridge across the sea. Sarana also
told Ravana that the Vanaras could assume any form they liked. He also showed
to Ravana Dhoomra who was the lord of bears from Rukshavanta Mountain on the
banks of the river Narmada. He also pointed out Jambavan who was a mighty
warrior and who had helped Indra in the battle of Devas and Asuras.
Then Sukha told Ravana about
lotus eyed Rama. He said that he was the great scion of Ikshvaku dynasty. He said
he was a great archer and knows Brahmastra and other Astras (missiles). He
pointed out Lakshmana who was well versed in all Shastras, was invincible and
fiery.
Ravana was shaken but he was
furious against his ministers who praised in such terms the enemy army. He
called them foolish but said he excused them for their past services. Ravana
then sent other spies but they too were exposed by Vibheeshana and were beaten
up. Rama excused them and let them go. So Ravana could not get any useful
information about the movements of the Vanara army. But Ravana learnt that Rama
was camping at a mountain called Suveladri.
Ravana thought of a wicked
plan. He called his great magician Vidhyujihva and asked him to make a head
resembling that of Rama and the great bow of Rama and asked him to bring those
to Sita who was in the Ashoka Vana. His plan was to show that to Sita and to
make her believe that Rama was no more. Ravana then went to see Sita who was
sitting there crying her sad plight. He told her that she was not caring for
his affection but then Rama had been killed. He told Sita that it was foolish
of her to think of someone who was no more. He told her that his chief of army
Prahasta attacked the Vanara army in the night when it was sleeping. So
Sugreeva, Jambavan, Hanuman and many others were killed. Then Prahasta cut off
the heads of Rama and Lakshmana and there was a great loss of many Vanaras. So
saying, he threw Rama’s imitation bow in front of Sita.
Sita saw her beloved’s head
soaked in blood and covered with dust and it had also the crest jewel
“Choodamani” on its head. She was in great grief and cried saying that
Kaikeyi’s cruel plans had cost Rama’s life and the whole Ikshvaku line was
destroyed. She asked herself how Rama could die without releasing her from
Ravana. She was in great agony and cried how Rama could be caught unawares like
that. Sita asked how Rama could abandon her and embrace the earth. It was a
pathetic sight to see Sita totally shaken. Sita cursed herself for having
married Rama, which had caused him his premature death. She said that she must
have been a great sinner in her past life. Sita said that she would follow her
husband and die.
At that time one of the
Rakshasa guards came there to announce that Ravana was needed urgently by his
ministers. So Ravana left that place at once. Once he was gone the magic head
and the bow all disappeared as the power of black magic was over.
Sarama who was Vibheeshana’s
wife was a kind person and she had been ordered by Ravana to look after Sita.
Sarama became a good friend of Sita and she consoled Sita by explaining to her
that Ravana actually played a trick on her. She said that Rama who is in the
know of everything was invincible and so also the Vanaras who were protected by
Rama. She said it was just black magic to deceive Sita. She assured Sita that
she herself saw that Rama and his army had crossed the sea and were near the
city gates. At that time they also heard the drums and trumpets sounded by the
army of Vanaras. Sarama then offered to go and meet Rama for Sita’s sake. But
Sita told her with tearful eyes that it would suffice if she could only tell
her what the wicked Ravana was planning.
Sarama did so and came back
to tell Sita that both Ravana’s mother Kaikasi and old Minister Aviddha advised
Ravana to return Sita to Rama considering how Rama killed single handed all the
rakshasas in Janasthanam and also the great havoc made by Hanuman in Lanka when
he had set fire to it. She said that Ravana was adamant and did not want to
leave Sita. Sarama then assured Sita that Rama would surely kill all the
rakshasas and also Ravana and take her back to Ayodhya. Then they heard the
loud noise made by the Vanara army which shook the earth.
Ravana and his ministers
realised that Rama was ready to strike. Nevertheless Ravana accused all his
ministers who were also brave not to act like cowards. At that time Ravana’s
maternal grandfather Malyavan who was well versed in 14 sciences (4 Vedas, 6
Vedangas, Purana, Mimamsa, Nyaya and Dharma) spoke to Ravana and tried to
reason him. He said “Ravana a king who knows well the state craft should make
peace with another king who is more powerful. You are doing something
unrighteous and Rama who follows Dharma is sure to see victory. You have got
boons by virtue of which you cannot be killed by Devas, Danavas and other
celestials. But you have no protection from powerful men, monkeys and bears. We
are seeing ill omens in Lanka. The birds are wailing. One sees a dark person
with shaven head and with a fearful face appears at the door of every house at
the dawn and at dusk. The safety of Lanka is in your hands”. But Ravana paid no
heed to his words.
But Ravana abused him and
defended his position. He said that all of them were rather unkind towards him
even though he was their king. He said that Rama was a lonely person abandoned
by his father and sent to the forest. Ravana asked them how they could treat
Rama superior to him. Ravana said that it was not in his nature to submit to
any one so he would rather die than give back Sita.
Malyavan was so shocked that
he just blessed Ravana and left the court. Ravana organised the defence of
Lanka. He placed Prahasta at the eastern Gate, Mahodara and Mahaparshva at the
southern Gate, Suka and Sarana at the Northern Gate. He and Viroopaksha decided
to be in the city. He felt safe and retired to his Palace.
Rama was having
consultations with Vanara chiefs. Some Vanaras went as birds and saw the
preparations made by Ravana and informed Rama. Vibheeshana explained the
strength of each of the Rakshasa chiefs. Vibheeshana also told Rama that
Ravana’s army was very loyal to him and it was a mighty one. Rama designated
Neela to oppose Prahasta, Angada to the South Gate and Hanuman to the West Gate
to oppose Indrajit. Rama asked Vibheeshana, Sugreeva and Jambavan to be in
charge of the Vanaras at the North and West Gates. Rama ordered all the Vanaras
to return to their original form because they had assumed the form of men like
the rakshasas in order to mingle with them and spy on them. Rama along with
Lakshmana decided to face Ravana. Then the beauty of the Mount Suvela attracted
Rama and he wanted to go up and spend the night there.
Rama told Vibheeshana that
he wanted to see Lanka of Ravana who had invited death by carrying away Sita.
Rama felt sad that just for the misdeeds of one person Ravana, the whole tribe
was going to be wiped off. Rama spent the night on the top of Suvela with the
full moon shining in the sky. Lanka city appeared as though it was suspended in
the sky. Valmiki’s description of Lanka shows that it must have been a very
beautiful city. No doubt it was so because it had belonged to Kubera who is the
God of wealth.
When the day broke Rama saw
Lanka with its sky-high palaces and gardens and was struck with wonder. It
resembled Indra’s city Amaravati. Rama also saw Ravana standing on the top of a
great tower. He was dark in colour and was dressed in his red royal dress that
was like a great red cloud during sunset. Sugreeva was so enraged in seeing
Ravana that he suddenly flew to him and having announced that he was Sugreeva
and the servant of Great Rama started fighting with him. He knocked off a crown
from one of Ravana’s ten heads. Ravana too attacked Sugreeva saying that he was
going to kill him. They fought like two tigers or lions or elephants. Valmiki
gives detailed technical description of the duel they fought describing the
blows and counter blows etc. Ravana was exhausted and took recourse to illusion
warfare. Sugreeva realised this and just flew back to join Rama.
The Vanaras greeted this
encounter of Sugreeva. Rama saw Sugreeva with his wounds and embraced him.
While Rama admired him for his valour he also gently chided him for having
taken such a grave risk. Rama said that all of them were so upset on seeing
Sugreeva undertaking the most dangerous adventure. Rama said if he were to be
killed by Ravana then he would have not cared to live after vanquishing all the
rakshasas and getting back Sita because he had so much affection for Sugreeva.
Rama said that he knew that Sugreeva was a great hero but still he said Ravana
was a mighty warrior. Sugreeva with great emotion and humility replied “Oh Rama
when I saw that wicked Rakshasa who stole Devi Sita I was boiling with anger so
how could I act otherwise”.
Rama too was so furious that
he ordered the assault on Lanka. The Vanara army attacked the walls of the
city; Ravana too replied with equal force. The place was filled with war cries,
blowing of the trumpets, beating of the drums and so on. The Vanaras smashed
the city walls with huge rocks. Many Vanaras were killed by the rakshasas as
they tried to jump over the wall.
The Vanara chiefs fought
with their counterparts of the Ravana’s army. Lakshmana fought with Viroopaksha
and Rama with Agniketu, Rashmiketu and Suptaghnu. The field was covered with a
river of blood. The battlefield presented a horrible picture. The Vanaras
dominated and several Rakshasa chiefs were killed. The battle continued into
the night and due to darkness the Vanaras started attacking Vanaras and the
rakshasas did likewise. There was so much loss of lives that they feared the
day would never dawn for them. Angada killed Indrajit’s charioteer to the
acclaim of all and Indrajit became furious and just disappeared having lost his
driver. Rama cautioned everyone to be careful and vigilant against any attacks
by Indrajit. Indrajit remained invisible and sent Nagastra (serpent missile)
and bound Rama and Lakshmana who lost their senses.
Rama directed ten mighty
chiefs, such as, Jambavan, Angada and others to search for Indrajit. They flew
into the skies and searched for him but they were obstructed by Brahmastra sent
by him against them and they became powerless. Then Indrajit said in a loud
voice that even Lord Indra could not find him. By the power of Brahmastra Rama
fell down followed by Lakshmana. Hanuman and other Vanaras were drowned in
great grief. If Indrajit had not used his illusion war fare he could not have
done this to Rama. Rama was not expecting such a thing from Indrajit.
Sugreeva and Vibheeshana
came there and saw Rama fully covered with the arrows of Indrajit. They all
broke down upon seeing Rama and Lakshmana lying on the ground without any
conscience. Vibheeshana could see Indrajit because of his magical powers.
Indrajit proudly said aloud that he killed Rama and Lakshmana who were supposed
to be great heroes and who had killed Khara and Dooshana. He said that his
father could now sleep peacefully. Then he showered arrows on the Vanaras
wounding Hanuman, Jambavan and others. Thinking that he had really killed the
princes, Indrajit went back to the city to meet his father. Sugreeva broke down
but Vibheeshana consoled them all by saying that the Rama and Lakshmana had
only swooned and would recover shortly. He encouraged all the Vanaras and told
them to protect the princes till they recovered.
Indrajit went to Ravana and
told him that he had killed the Rama and Lakshmana. Ravana was overjoyed and
hugged his son. He also ordered that Sita be taken in Pushpakavimana to the
battle field so that she could see for herself that both Rama and Lakshmana
were dead. He also ordered celebrations for their victory. Accord- ingly the
rakshasis took Sita to the battle field. Trijata who was friendly with Sita
accompanied her. Sita from the Vimana saw the princes lying on the ground like
dead persons. Sita broke down and wept loudly. She lamented that contrary to
the astrological and other predictions she had become a widow. She said how
this could happen because Rama and Lakshmana were great warriors and were
invincible. Sita said that she felt sorry more for her mother- in-law. Then
Trijata consoled Sita and said “Devi do not weep for the princes because they
are not dead. Look at the Vanaras their face does not show any trace of sadness
but only anger. Besides Pushpaka Vimana would not have accepted you if you were
to be a widow. You can see that Rama and Lakshmana are being guarded because
they are alive”. Then they returned to Ashoka Vana.
Rama regained consciousness
by his own strong will (he was Lord Vishnu incarnate) and saw Lakshmana lying
on the ground. Rama was so sad that he wept and said “After seeing my brother
in this state I have nothing to gain with delivering Sita. I can get another
women like Sita but can I get a brother like Lakshmana. How could I return to
Ayodhya and answer Sumitra. Oh Lakshmana it is because of me you came to the
forest and met with death. You were a great solace and support for me but now
you are not there to help me”. Rama asked Sugreeva to return to his palace and
he thanked all the Vanaras for their bravery and requested them to go back to
Kishkindha. Hearing these words spoken by Rama all the Vanaras shed tears.
Vibheeshana came and was in
great sorrow to see Rama and Lakshmana all covered with arrows. He did not
approve of the illusory warfare of Rakshasas against Rama’s army who on the
contrary stuck to Dharma war following certain codes of conduct. He also cried
saying that he would no longer get the kingdom if Rama were to be killed. This
is not befitting Vibheeshana to think only of himself at that time of despair.
Valmiki brings out the true nature of people. He does not try to hide such
behaviour on the part of Great Vibheeshana.
Sugreeva consoled
Vibheeshana saying that Rama had only swooned after seeing Lakshmana
unconscious. Then he ordered that the princes be taken away to safety to
Kishkindha and he would go and kill Ravana and restore Sita Devi to Rama.
Sugreeva’s uncle Susena suggested that Hanuman be sent to get some Life saving
plants, such as, Sanjeevakarini and Visalyakarani, which he said, were of
divine origin.
At that time a great tempest
rose and all the serpents in the sea started disappearing to the bottom of the
sea, the reason being the great Garuda appeared in the sky. Let us recall that
Garuda is the vehicle of Vishnu. Garuda is known to be the greatest enemy of
all serpents and they dreaded him. So much so even the serpent mis- sile
(Nagastra) of Indrajit also lost its spell on Rama, Lakshmana and all the
Vanara army and they all got up with their wounds healed. Rama thanked Garuda
for his great help and for having resorted their health and splendour and also
having blessed them with greater strength than they had before. Garuda said
“Sir all the serpents from the missile are from first generation of serpents
born to the mother Kadruva which are very poisonous. The rakshasas are very
wicked and crooked persons and you should be very vigi- lant”. He then blessed
Rama with all the success in vanquishing Ravana and his rakshasas and left.
There rose a great uproar from the Vanara army which resounded everywhere.
The Rakshasas and Ravana
heard these cries of triumph and were totally surprised. Ravana sent some
rakshasas to find out what was happening. They climbed over the wall and saw
that Rama and Lakshmana were liberated from Indrajit’s astra and the Vanara
army was ready for battle. They reported this to Ravana who could not believe that
Indrajit’s missile had no effect because the Nagastra was a boon given to
Indrajit by the serpent king Vasuki. He ordered one of his best chiefs
Doomraksha, to take a huge army and kill Rama and his army.
A fierce battle took place
and thousands died on either side but finally the Vanaras dominated. Hanuman
hurled a huge rock on Doomraksha’s chariot and smashed it along with the
charioteer. Doomraksha jumped with his mace and came to attack Hanuman who
killed him with a rock. The Rakshasas retreated in panic and the Vanaras
praised Hanuman for his deed.
When Ravana came to know of
the death of Doomraksha he was dejected and became furious. He then ordered the
mighty warrior Vajradamshtra to go and destroy the princes and their army and
they rode immediately in his golden chariot to face Rama. He was followed by
four types of rakshasa army, those riding in chariots, those on horses and
elephants and others on foot. There were ill omens but he did not mind them and
got out through the South Gate. He caused great damage to the Vanaras until
Angada came to attack him. They fought like lions. Finally Angada severed his
head with his sword. The rakshasa army fled into Lanka city and the Vanaras
praised Angada.
Ravana came to know of the
fate of Vajradamshtra and sent the great hero Akampana (literally meaning
unshakable) with a huge army. He led them through the West Gate. Again he saw
several ill omens but did not mind them.
They fought a fearful
battle. There was so much dust and the visibility so poor that at times they
fought with their own men. The field was covered with blood mixed with dust and
was littered with corps. The Vanara chiefs Kumuda, Nala, Mainda and Dvividha
fought fiercely causing damage to the rakshasas and were counter attacked by
Akampana. They were unable to face him. At that time Hanuman uprooted a huge
tree and hurled it on Akampana. But he cut it with his arrows. Hanuman then
smashed the rakshasas, the chariots and elephants with a tree. Akampana was
enraged and he shot fourteen powerful arrows at Hanuman that wounded him
causing him to bleed profusely. He looked like a big tree with red flowers or
smokeless fire, a simile often used by Valmiki. Hanuman plucked another tree
and smashed it on Akampana’s head, which put an end to his life. The Rakshasa
army took to their heels. Hanuman was praised by Vibheeshana, Sugreeva and
others but he remained calm and humble.
The death of Akampana came
as a great shock to Ravana. He held consultations with his ministers and called
Prahasta and told him that he was a great expert in warfare and the need had
come for such heroes. Ravana said, “Lanka could be saved only by me or by
heroes such as Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, Nikumbha and you. Go with your army and
the Vanaras would be frightened away by your powerful voice and the princes who
are attacking us could be killed. Tell me your opinion frankly”. Ravana
cleverly puts the blame on Rama for having come and waging a war with Lanka.
Prahasta had earlier advised
against going to war with Rama but now he said that he was ever grateful to
Ravana for all that he did to him and he would surely go and fight for
Ravana’s sake. He said that he was prepared even to give up his life for
Ravana’s sake. He then offered prayers to Fire God Agni, bowed to Ravana and
left with a huge army. Prahasta rode his excellent chariot made of gold drawn
by horses and his flag carried the figure of a serpent. They blew the trumpets
and made a loud noise. His four great ministers, Narantaka, Kumbhahanu,
Mahananda and Samunnata also followed him. A vulture came and perched on his
flag which was an ill omen and Prahasta was a bit perturbed. But they all
charged forward.
Rama was quite impressed by
looking at Prahasta who was coming out of the East Gate and he asked
Vibheeshana who he was. Vibheeshana told Rama that it was Prahasta who knew all
astras and was the chief of a great army. The Rakshasas attacked the Vanaras
using arrows, maces, swords, axes etc., and the Vanaras used trees, huge
boulders and so on. There was bloodshed. Vanara chiefs killed the four
ministers. Enraged by this loss Prahasta showered arrows on Vanaras and killed
many of them. Blood was flowing like a river. It was Neela who came to attack
Prahasta. While Prahasta used his strong mace to hit Neela, he used huge rocks
and trees to defend himself. Though he was wounded badly Neela finally killed Prahasta
by hitting him on the head with a huge boulder and he fell down with blood
gushing from his head. His army in panic and fear retreated into the city.
Ravana was in great grief at
the loss of Prahasta. Slowly the reality dawned on him and he realised that the
Vanaras were not mere monkeys because they could kill the mighty warrior
Prahasta. He decided to go to the battlefield and burn the princes with
his fiery arrows. He then mounted his beautiful and mighty chariot drawn by
powerful horses and rode through the North Gate amidst his huge army and army
commanders.
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