Ravana’s fall
Ravana’s fall
The great battle began between the Rakshasas and Vanaras. Ravana’s powerful generals were killed one by one, by Sugriva, Hanuman, Angada, Jambavan, and their Vanara chiefs. Ravana found the trend of battle going unfavourably to Rakshasas.
When his mighty commander-in-chief Prahasta was killed, Ravana himself led the army and entered the battle. Rama saw Ravana for the first time. Respect and admiration rose within Him. “But for his evil act, what a mighty person he is,” thought Rama. Rama and Ravana were face to face. Rama knocked off Ravana’s crown, broke his chariot, and destroyed all his weapons. Ravana stood dazed and helpless in front of Rama.
But, Rama spoke to him kindly, “Ravana, I will not fight with an unarmed warrior. Go and come back tomorrow with fresh weapons.” Ravana returned to his palace crestfallen.
A storm was raging in Ravana’s mind. Nobody had defeated him in war till then. For the first time, he started feeling guilty. But, his egoism and vanity overpowered him and he gave orders that his brother Kumbhakarna should be woken up and sent to the battlefield.
Kumbhakarna woke up and came to Ravana’s court. When Ravana described the plight, in which they were placed, Kumbhakarna rebuked his elder brother, “You have committed a shameful act in stealing another man’s wife. You should have defeated Him in battle first and then, brought His wife. All this time, you were taking only flattery and rejecting good advice. However, as you are my brother in deep trouble, it is my duty to stand by your side.”
Saying this, Kumbhakarna went to the battlefield and attacked Rama and his army and played great havoc. Rama could not tolerate this and killed Kumbhakarna in a fierce battle.
Next to go was Indrajit at the hands of Lakshmana. Ravana was greatly agitated. He began to see his faults. But, he was desperate now. Being a brave warrior, he chose to fight till the end.
A celestial chariot was got ready for Ravana, bedecked with all kinds of weapons. He entered the battlefield and, brushing aside all Vanara resistance, attacked Rama.
Rama showed all His skill in archery, in fighting Ravana. Indra, the divine ruler, sent his chariot and driver, Matali, to assist Rama. Rama bowed to the divine chariot and got into it. He cut off Ravana’s heads one by one. But, to His surprise, the heads started sprouting again. Then, Matali reminded him of the divine astra given by sage Agastya. Rama gratefully acknowledged the advice and used that astra. This powerful astra rent the air and pierced Ravana’s chest, where all his power was centred. Ravana fell dead to the great joy of Vanaras and celestial beings, who were watching the war from the skies. Vibhishana could not contain his grief. Rama consoled him, “Vibhishana, he is, after all, your brother. He died a brave death. Perform the last rites for him with reverence.”
Rama told Lakshmana, “You have seen what a great personality Ravana was. But for his lust and ego, nobody could beat him.”
Questions:
- What made Ravana ponder about the result of war?
- What was Kumbhakarna’s reaction when he was asked to go to war?
- What was Rama’s opinion about Ravana?