“A good ambassador,” thought Hanuman “should deliver an indelible message. I should have a direct encounter with Ravan. What is the best way out?” “This Asokavan, it seems, is the most favourite to Ravan. If I destroy this, I shall have a chance to face off with him,” thought Hanuman Thinking thus, he started doing havoc to the garden. He broke out branches, felled trees and destroyed the walls. Hearing the noise the guards came forward rushing with their spikes and tried to attack Hanuman who in no seconds dispatched them to the world of Yama. Ravan was informed of the skirmishes. He sent a large force to defeat and capture Hanuman, under the command of Akshakumara, his youngest son. A real war was ensued between Hanuman and the Rakshasas. Many Rakshasas including Akshakumara were laid to death. Listening to this bad news Ravan shouted in anger, “I shall directly fight and finish this obstinate monkey. Lead me…” At this hour, Meghanada, Ravan’s first son appeared and told his father, “Father, why do you worry when I am here and ready to answer any challenge? I shall go and kill him at once.” “No”, said Ravan, “Defeat him, tie him up and bring him before me.”
A fierce fight took place between Meghanada and Hanuman . Within a very short time Hanuman disposed Meghanada’s supporters. Ravana’s son, unable to bear the onslaught of Hanuman and feeling impossible to contain him, threw brahmastra at Hanuman.The vanar chief saluted the brahmastra and allowed himself to be bound by it. He was carried by several Rakshasas to Ravan, who with eyes red with wrath and fury shouted at Hanuman, “Who are you? Who sent you here?” “I am Hanuman, Sugriva’s messenger.” “Who is Sugreev?”
“Sugreev is Bali’s brother who caused his death?” “Why did you destroy this garden? How did you reach here? What is your purpose?,” Ravan asked Hanuman. Ravan was seated on his throne above and Hanuman was standing on the floor. Soon Hanuman rolled his tail up into a circular cushion and jumped over it and sat comfortably. His seat was now above that of Ravan. Many armed Rakshasas, seeing this arrogance of the Hanuman, came forward to attach him, but Hanuman thrashed them with his legs and killed all of them. Hanuman, eyes protruded with anger and biting his canine teeth, told Ravan, “You are a fool to have kidnapped the spouse of Prabhu Ram. Unless you return her and apologise to him your whole kingdom will be smashed by Sri Ram.” “Is there no one to slay this wretch here?,” roared Ravan. By this time Hanuman’s bondage of brahmastra had ceased and he became independent. Hearing Ravana’s orders many armed generals attacked Hanuman. Vibhishan, youngest brother of Sugreev, came forward and argued with Ravan: “Prabhu, no learned king will kill the messenger. If we kill him how will Ram get the message? We must deform him and send him back with your message.” “That is good. That suggestion is ideal,” suggested Vibhishan. “Burn his tail and release him so that other monkeys will drive him away from their group.” “Wonderful. Bring old rags and oil,” ordered Ravan.
Lanka Burnt
Many pieces of old clothes were fetched and they started winding the rags around Hanuman’s tail that seemed endlessly growing large. All the old clothes and new ones seemed inadequate to cover his tail. “In that case,” suggested one, “dip the tail in the oil tank and kindle fire.” “Good idea.” The Rakshasas dipped his tail in the oil tank and kindled fire.Hanuman with the fire on the tip of his tail jumped and flew everywhere and spread fire.All the important buildings and houses caught fire and several Rakshasas were burnt to death. Smoke touched the sky.Sounds of outbursts and loud cries, helpless groans and curses rend the air.Half of Lanka was ruined by Hanuman.After accomplishing his duty meticulously, Hanuman jumped the ocean back. As he reached the other shore he gave an alarm to his comrades with his lion like roar. Hearing the thunder like roar all the vanars were delighted. When he landed; Jambavan, Angada, Nala, Neela and others rushed towards him in great passion and embraced Hanuman and kissed him. Hanuman narrated all the incidents to them.
K K Shanmukhan (To be concluded)
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