Values for Life: Brave people don’t attack a feeble person.
Angad, the young hero, Bali’s son was a valiant fighter. He was very intelligent and was dexterous in the art of speaking. That was why Sri Ram chose him as the ambassador to Lanka to convey to Ravan about the impending war unless he returned Sita.
As vanars kept Suka, Ravan’s messenger, captive; Ravan and his men also tried to catch and keep Angad prisoner. But their ploy did not work. The stately hero retaliated all attacks, delivered his message beautifully and returned successfully. His bravery was displayed before Sampathy and before Ravan. Angad stood in the fore-front of war. He fought and killed many important warriors of Ravan’s army.
Ravan in the Battle Field:
Ravan decided to go to the battle field.“I am going to fight directly and win.” He said: “Those who are interested to come with me voluntarily are welcome.”
All the veteran generals, commanders and war heroes accompanied him. The huge army of Ravan in different ranks and files approached through the north fort. Observing them all Sri Ram asked Vibhishan to introduce them. Vibhishan pointed out each hero separately and gave his characteristic. The huge armed procession included Meghanada, Athikay, Mahodara, Thrisira, Kumbha etc. Ravan initiated the war darting deadly missiles on the vanar force. The retreating force approached Sri Ram for protection.
Lakshaman, taking hold of his bow and arrows sought permission from Sri Ram. He requested: “Please bless me to fight these Rakshas.”Ram cautioned him: “Even Indra will be disheartened when entangling in war with them. They are experts in witchcrafts and black magic. They can quickly transform into any other person or take different shapes.Sri Ram then blessed Lakshman and cheered him to the battle field. When Hanuman saw Ravan in the war-front, he jumped into his chariot and told him pointing his finger: “You who continuously torture the Devas and saints will have ruin from us, the monkeys. I am the person who killed one of your sons.”So saying, Hanuman gave a harsh blow to Ravan. He lost his conscious for some time and fell in his chariot. When Ravan retrieved his sense, he appreciated Maruti’s strength and told: “You are the strongest among this lot. But if I retaliate, you will certainly die,” and inflicted a blow to Hanuman .
Lakshman saw this high-handedness and approached Ravan. Their fight became one of the toughest hitherto. They exchanged missiles like torrents. Lakshman cut the bow of Ravan into two. The helpless and puzzled Ravan darted the spear that Maya gifted, at Lakshaman who fell unconscious. Ravan got down from his chariot and tried to life the person of Lakshman. He, who lifted the Himalaya Mountain, could not tilt Lakshman’s body. Hanuman came running and gave a hard blow to Ravan who vomited blood and sat on the ground. Maruti with ease lifted Lakshman’s body and carried it to Ram. By then Maya’s spike got separated from Lakshman’s body and went back to Ravan. Lakshman got well and up. Seeing Ravan face to face Ram got ready to fight. Maruthi said: “Kindly ascend on my shoulder and fight Ravan.” Sri Ram did accordingly. Then Ram addressed Ravan: “I was very eager to see you in close range. This is that opportune moment. Wait for a split of a second so that I shall kill you and all your companions.”
The exchange of blows started. The fight became very touch. Ravan in between regardless of war etiquettes struck an arrow on Hanuman. Seeing this Sri Ram’s wrath crossed its limits. He selected an arrow and darted it against Ravan’s chest. He fell on the ground unconscious. Observing the weakness of his enemy Sri Ram destroyed his crowns, flags, umbrellas and the chariot killing all the horses. Ravan slowly recovered. Sri Ram commanded to him:“You are very fatigued and without much paraphernalia today. Go to your kingdom and take rest. No fear or worry. Come tomorrow well prepared.”Ravan in shame and self-disdain, hung his head and walked out.
(To be concluded)
KK Shanmukhan
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