Values for Life: You cannot be victorious by cheating a |
Hanuman in extreme haste went to the Drona Hills and searched for the herbs frantically. He forgot the names of the herbs. After pondering for some time he plucked the whole mountain and flew back. When the wind permeating the fragrance of the herbs blew, Sri Ram, Lakshman and all the comrades came back to life again. All the vanars got up with double vigour, assumingly after a sound sleep. Jambavan told Hanuman: “Young one, take the Hill back and place it as before.” Hanuman did accordingly.
As all of them re-emerged happily, Sugreev and Angada gave orders to restart their attack on Lanka. Hearing these orders they brought torches and kindled fire everywhere. Ravan was sunk in gloom. He told Kumbha, the first son of Kumbhakarn : “Son, you go to the war-front and finish all the vanars .”
Along with Kumbha his brother Nikumbha also proceeded. Kambana, Prajangha, Yoopaksha, and Sonithaksha also accompanied them with large forces. In that fight during night, many Rakshasas died at the hands of the vanars. Many monkeys also received fatal wounds. Kambana hit the monkeys with his arrows seeing which Angad opposed him. Prajangha, Yoopaksha and Sonithaksha came forward towards Bali’s son in fury. He dauntlessly fought the three and became tired. The vanar leaders, Mainda and Vivida watched the unequal fight and came running. Angada killed Prajangha while Vivida killed Sonithaksha. Mainda annihilated Yoopaksha. Kumbha saw the situation growing out of their control. He came forward and starting pouring his arrows on the vanars. They were unable to give combat retreated. Sugreev saw this and gave single combat to Kumbha, whom Sugreev lifted and threw into the ocean. Kumbha stirred the ocean and re-emerged to continue fight with Sugreev. The latter in the direct combat that followed, crushed Kumbha to death. When Nikumbha saw that his brother was killed, he came to Sugreev to engage him in battle. There upon Hanuman came forward, warding off Sugreev and fought Nikumbha. In the duet, Hanuman plucked his head and threw it away. All remaining Rakshasas ran in fear and panic and reported the matter to Ravan.
Ravan ordered Makaraksha, son of Khara, to go and kill the enemies. He fought with many vanars and defeating them posed against Sri Ram. Sri Ram cut off his flag post, destroyed the chariot and killed the charioteer and finally bade Makaraksha to the higher world.
Hearing about the adversities, Ravan decided to go to the war-front with his huge army. However soon Meghanada came and saluted him. He appeased his father: “I shall go and wipe out the enemies one and all. You may please go to your chamber and take rest.”
Meghanada got lost in thought for a while and went to his chamber. He then came out through the west fort keeping a magic toy of Sita. He lifted the toy in front of Hanuman and others and cut off its head. Blood streamed out. Observing the horrifying act, Hanuman’s heart broke and ran down to Sri Ram to inform him of the incidence.
On hearing the news Ram fell unconscious. Vibhishan smelt that something was wrong. He went to them and asked about the issue. Hanuman narrated what he had seen. Vibhishan hearing this laughed roaring and clapped his hands. He said: This is a trick of Meghanada? Who on this world and others can kill the Goddess Lakshmi. It was his trick to distract your attention. Meghanada is now in Nikumbhila and is doing his yajna. If he is able to complete this, no one will be able to defeat him. Hence rush and distort his secret yajna.” Hearing this Sri Ram was relieved. Lakshman came to Ram and sought his blessings to fight Meghanada.
The vanar heroes collected huge stones, trunks of woods and rocks and threw them relentlessly at Nikumbhila. The yajna was made incomplete. Soon after that Lakshman and Meghanada fought directly for three consecutive days. The fight was terrible and unforeseen. At the end of the third day, Lakshman took Indrastra from his quiver and contemplating Sri Ram in his mind darted it unerringly. It pierced Meghanada’s chest and he fell dead.
KK Shanmukhan ( To be concluded )
(July 19, 2015 Page : 62)
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