The Path of Ruin
The Path of Ruin
Ravana, the Rakshasa emperor of Lanka, was holding his court in his inimitable style. He had already vanquished all the Devas, including Indra, and the Astadikpalakas were doing sentry duties at his palace.
They entered the Rakshasa named Akampana, trembling with fear. He prostrated before Ravana. Ravana roared, “Why are you aftraid? Come on and say what you want to tell.” Akampana narrated in a shaky voice how a prince called Rama entered the great forest Dandaka, disfigured Surpanakha, killed Khara, Dooshana, and Trisula and exterminated the entire demon force there.
Ravana became furious to hear this. He rose from his throne and declared, “I will instantly kill that tiny creature Rama.” But, Akampana waved to him “Sir, not so simple. But, there is one way, Rama’s wife, Sita, is so beautiful that I can hardly describe her , I suggest you try to get her by hook or crook. Rama will die for her. weeping.” Ravana calmed down to think it over.
Next morning, Ravana went to the hermitage where Maricha lived. Ravana outlined his plan and requested Maricha to help him in kidnapping Sita. Maricha, a very wise one, now tried to dissuade Ravana from confrontation with Rama. He said, “My Lord, do not think of Rama. If you pick a quarrel with Him, that is the end of your race. Don’t allow your pride and ego to cloud your judgement. I know what Rama is. See the scare of wounds on my body, which He had inflicted as a boy of just sixteen years. I wish you and your race should thrive. I cannot join in a plan to ruin the Rakshasa clan.” Ravana was convinced and he returned to Lanka.
His sister Surpanakha arrived at his palace the next day, with cut eyes, nose, and ears. She described how she was insulted by two men, Rama and Lakshmana, and also how that young lady Sita laughed in merriment over her (Surpanakha’s) predicament.
She wept and wept. Ravana tried to console her. “Tell me what I can do to redeem your lose. She said, “Brother, I can’t sleep or eat till that damsel Sita is humiliated. When I saw her beauty, I decided that she should find a place in your harem. You will be right person to possess her. She is so graceful.”
Her words tempted Ravana to unbearable heights. He assured his sister that he will set out at once to the Dandakaranya to kidnap Sita and bring her to Lanka.”Dear Sister, I will make you happy. If not, I am not worth my name and fame,” he declared.
With this determination, he went to Maricha again. Maricha sensed something was wrong. Ravana unfolded a plan. Maricha should take the form of a Golden deer and take Rama away from His house. After drawing out Rama deep into the forest, he should cry out in Rama’s voice to bring Lakshmana also away from the cottage. This would leave Sita alone and Ravana would kidnap her.
Maricha was dumbfounded. With folded hands, he told Ravana,”My Lord, please give up any idea of harming Rama and Sita. I am sure He will not spare you. Yours and the entire Rakshasa race will be wiped out. You have brought fame and glory to the Rakshasas. Why do you yourself, ruin it foolishly?”
This time Ravana had come with his mind made up. He would not be dissuaded. Moreover, he was filled with lust for Sita. No amount of good counsel would prevail. He turned to Maricha,”I have not come here to take advice from you. I am commanding you as a king.” Maricha had no choice. He knew Ravana had chosen the path of ruin. He had done his best to steer him away, but failed. If he disobeyed, Ravana would kill him. Instead, he thought, “Let me obey my master and be killed by that Divine Being, Rama.”
Ravana and Maricha left for the Dandakaranya forest to execute their wicked plan.
Questions :
- What was the instigation for Ravana to pick a quarrel with Rama?
- What was Maricha’s advice?