Virbahu starts his battle

With Virbahu was a rakshasa called Dhumraksha. When they entered the battlefield, the armies on both sides, charged up, started roaring. Behind all of them was the brave Bhasmaksha, riding on a chariot covered with leather. Whoever Bhasmaksha looked at, burned to death.

On his elephant, Virbahu was wondering how he would get a glimpse of Rama. He asked Bhasmaksha to proceed. Bhasmaksha, whose eyes were covered with leather, proceeded till he came near Rama. Vibhishana asked Rama to be careful. Whoever Bhasmaksha looked at, would be burnt. Vibhishana said Bhasmaksha has prayed to Brahma and asked for the boon of immortality which Brahma refused. Bhasmaksha then asked for a boon that whoever he looked at would burn. Brahma agreed. The rakshasa wanted to test the boon and he looked at the rakshasas accompanying him, they all got burnt. Happy, Bhasmaksha covered his eyes with leather. He lived alone as no one wanted to marry him. Vibhishana continuing said, hold a mirror in front of him and he will burn to his death.

Rama invoked the weapon that would create a mirror. The arrow flew towards Bhasmaksha. All the vanaras in Rama's army suddenly became transformed into mirrors. Seeing his own face in the mirrors, the rakshasa burned and was reduced a pile of ashes.

When Virbahu heard this he was angry. Riding on his giant elephant he came forward. Angada getting a mountain hurled that at Virbahu who cut that off. He then shot a few arrows at Angada who fell wounded. Seeing Angada fall, Hanumana uprooted a big Sal tree and hurled that at Virbahu. Virbahu cut that off. Hanumana got a bigger tree and hurled that. The tree hit Virbahu's elephant and broke. The elephant, angered, charged at Hanumana. Virbahu shot arrows at Hanumana, and Hanumana fell wounded.
Nala, Nila, Kumuda, Devendra and Mahendra then attacked Virbahu but Virbahu shot arrows at them, and they too fell. This elephant was the son of Airavata, the vehicle of Indra. He had asked to die in the hands of Narayana, and Brahma had said his wish would be fulfilled when he came across Narayana

Rama then decided to face Virbahu. Along with Lakshmana, Vibhishana and Sugriva started proceeding towards the spot where Virbahu was. On the way, Rama asked Vibhishana who Virbahu was.
Vibhishana said this was Virbahu the son of Ravana and a Gandharva woman called Chitrangada. He had a boon from Brahma that till the elephant he was riding on, was alive he would also be alive. Once the elephant fell, he would die too. Also there were only two great warriors left who could now save Lanka apart from Ravana. There were Virbahu and Indrajit.

Virubahu called out for a fight and wanted to know who would fight him. Rama said he would. 

Virbahu leaves for battle

Ravana was wondering whom to send next. Whomever he sent, did not come back alive.

In the heaven there was a gandharva called Chitrasen, whose daughter Chitrangada had been abducted by Ravana. A son was born off Chitrangada and Ravana. This son was called Virbahu. A pious boy, he was a devotee of Rama. He prayed to Brahma. Pleased Brahma granted him an elephant. The elephant was equal in strength to Airavata. Brahma also told Virbahu that with the help of the elephant he would win battles and the day the elephant dies, he would die too. Brahma also said Virbahu would have devotion towards Vishnu and would at the end of his life, go to heaven, 

Virbahu did not live in Lanka but he had told Ravana to call him, whenever there was a need. 

Virbahu hearing of the war in Lanka came to meet Ravana. He also wanted to meet Rama and get a glimpse of him. 

When Virbahu entered Lanka he was surprised. There were corpses of vanaras and rakshasas lying around. He saw burnt houses all around. The ocean had been bridged with rocks and trees. Dogs, jackals and vultures were feasting on the corpses. 

He rose to the sky on his elephant and on the western side he saw Rama and Lakshmana along with Vibhishana. He silently bowed down to all of them. 

He then went to meet Ravana. Ravana was sitting on the ground, tears flowing from his eyes. Ravana was wondering whom to send for battle when Virbahu came and stood before him. 

Virbahu wanted to know the reason for the carnage. Ravana said Rama had been exiled by his brother who had taken over the kingdom. He roamed the forests along with his brother and wife. When Surpanakha went there to collect flowers, her ears and nose was cut off. I abducted Rama's wife. Rama with vanaras came to Lanka. Now Kumbhakarna and other great heroes are dead. 

Virbahu said he would go to battle. He thought death in the hands of Rama would mean going to heaven. His mother hearing this came running and asked him why he wished to go to war when there were so many who had died. 

Virbahu said - If I do not go, who will go? If I die in war, I will go straight to heaven. 

Along with great commanders, Virbahu left for battle. 

Vibhishana tells Rama about Tarani

The moment Tarani fell, Vibhishana fell on the ground and started crying. Rama raised him and asked him the reason for his grief.

Vibhishana said You just killed Taranisen, my son.

Rama said If you had told me earlier, I would not have fought.

All were grief stricken with tears in their eyes.

Rama said to Vibhishana - Your heart is made of stone. You killed your son yourself.

Vibhishana said I am crying not because I have lost my son, but I am amazed by his devotion and strength. My son, dying in your hands, has attained heaven. All those who died in your hands are in heaven. If I could give up my body, I would do so. Brahma gave me a boon to be immortal.

Ravana got the news of Tarani's death. He was shocked.
Sarama was in grief.

Ravana then started thinking, who was to be sent next. 

Taranisen killed

Tarani, growling said - Rama, You wish to return back to your land but you will not be able to.

Lakshmana, angered, shot a few arrows at Tarani, who quickly cut those off. Lakshmana with an arrow, created darkness which caused Tarini to falter. Lakshmana then invoked the Gandharva weapon, and the complete army of Tarani was annihilated. Angry, Tarani aimed a spiked mace at Lakshmana. Lakshmana fell senseless. Hanumanaquickly grabbed Lakshmana and fled from there.

Tarani then called out for Rama. Rama said he would kill him soon.

Tarani looked at Rama and he saw the entire universe in Rama's body. He threw down his bow and bowed down before Rama.

He said - You are the Lord of the Universe. You are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. You are all Gods. You are the beginning and the end. You are all the qualities - Raja, Tama and Satva. You, taking various forms, put an end to all evil. Give me refuge in your lotus feet. I was born in the clan of the rakshasas and that is my misfortune. With your lotus hands, if you put an end to me, I will go to heaven.

hearing Tarani, Rama's eyes were filled with tears. He said - I will not be able to kill someone who is so devotional. Vibhishana, please help me. I think I will not get Sita back. How can I hurt my devotee? If I try to shoot an arrow at him, that will hurt me.

Rama sat down.

Tarani realized that Rama was pleased with his devotion and that is why Rama was refusing to raise his weapons. He needed to do something, else how would he get liberation from the rakshasa birth.

Tarani then shouted - Rama, What gave you the notion that I will not fight. I will now kill you. I will have Sita sit on Ravana's throne.

Lakshmana aimed arrows at Tarani. Tarani, who wanted to die in the hands of Rama, did not want Lakshmana to defeat him. Vibhishana realizing this said to Rama - Lakshmana fainted once when he fought this person. Why send him again? Please fight him yourself.

Rama shot arrows at Taani, which Tarani cut off. Rama with a crescent arrow cut off the horses of the chariot of Tarani. Tarani jumped off the chariot and styarted hurling rocks, trees and whatever he could find at hand. Rama was tense.

Vibhishana said thsi person would die only when killed by the weapon of Brahma. Rama then invoked the weapon of Brahma. Seeing this weapon, Tarani said Please grant me a place near you after I die.

The weapon cut off Tarani's head. The moment the head fell on the ground, it started taking the name of Rama.

Tarani sees Rama

Fight started. Vanaras with rocks and trees and Tarani using his arrows. So powerful was his war that the vanaras started fleeing.
Rama asked Vibhishana who was this who was coming? Vibhishana cleverly said, This was a relative of Ravana, a very pious and learned person.

Tarani wanted to catch a glimpse of Rama. He was anxious to see Rama and his father. How much longer would he have to wait? He fought as much as he could, driving the vanaras away, trying to reach Rama.

On his way, he was stopped by Nila. Tarani said Please let me go and see Rama and Lakshmana.
Nila said  How will you go, when I kill you with a blow from the mountain.

The vanaras standing around laughed. They said first Makaraksha came with a chariot of cows and now was coming one, who had name of Rama written all over.  What would the rakshasas think of next?

Nila uprooted a tree and tried to bring that over Tarani's head, but Tarani caught that with one hand and threw it down. Nila then got a mountain and tried to kill Tarani with that, but Tarani smashed the mountain with his mace. With an arrow, Taranisen wounded Nila.

Hanumana then climbed up on the chariot of Tarani and snatched the whip from the hands of the charioteer. Tarani gave one hard slap and Hanumana fell down. Hanumana climbed up on the chariot once again and Tarani and Hanumana began fighting. Tarani once again flung Hanumana from the chariot.

Angada then came to fight. The rocks, boulders and mountains hurled by Angada were all cut off by sharp arrows of Tarani. Angada killed the horses drawing the chariot. The charioteer quickly got more horses to draw the chariot. Tarani struck Angada on his chest with heavy iron mace and Angada fell on the ground.

Other vanaras came and started hurling rocks and mountains and it looked as if it was raining rocks. Tarani, adept at using weapons, cut off everything that was thrown at him.

Suseshan and Sugriva who came to fight Tarani could also not withstand his arrows.

Driving his chariot Tarani then came where Rama was. Rama and Lakshmana were surrounded by Vibhishana on the left and Jambuvana on the right. Tarani quickly and quietly bowed down before Vibhishana. Getting down from his chariot, he then bowed down before Rama.

Vibhishana said to Rama - Look, the enemy is bowing down.

Rama said - Enemy was here to do battle. Why should he then come and bow down before me?

Vibhishana said This is a big devotee of yours.He worships you. He has come because his king told him to come.

Rama said If that was the case, then he should be given what he wants.

Lakshmana said - That would be disastrous as he would ask for the victory of Ravana.

Rama said - You need to understand the heart of the devotee.

Taranisen prepares for war

Ravana could not believe his ears when he heard off the death of Makaraksha. What kind of enemy was this ? All great heroes who had gone to war, had gone but not come back alive. Whom to send now?

Ravana thought of Taranisen. He sent for Taranisen. When the prince came, Ravana said - Please save Lanka. Your father, Vibhishana, advised me, telling me what to do. My ego came in way, and I refused to listen to him. I kicked him and he left and took refuge with Rama. You are his son, but you have stayed back in Lanka. Help Lanka.

Taranisen said You are one who has conquered the three worlds. One should say ill of ones parents.

Ravana said You are a brave warrior. Go and win the battle.

Taranisen said He would what was best. The war was not the time to talk about good and bad. It was the time for action.

Ravana was pleased with words of Tarani. Ravana personally decked Tarani. A grand chariot was brought and decked up.

Tarani then went to Sarama, his mother. He said to her- Mother, the king has asked me to go to battle. I will now get a chance to see Narayana. I will get to see father and touch his feet. Please permit me to go.

Sarama was shocked to hear this. She said - I will not allow you to go into this battle. I will take you with me and leave Lanka. Let Ravana stay with his Lanka. Your father is a just person which is why he left Lanka to serve Rama. You to Rama and serve Him, who is none other than Narayana. Rama will ensure that not one single person is left alive in Lanka. You, yourself are well versed and learned. How can you talk of going to fight Rama.

Hearing his mother's words, Tarani said, Mother, I know that Rama in none other than Vishnu. Even then I will fight Rama. If I die in Rama's hands, it will be a place in heaven for me. And Mother, who can kill whom, when all we see around us are different forms of Vishnu.Do not grieve over death. I have heard from father, that the body is nothing but a shell. Rama will not kill me, if he knows I am a son of Vibhishana. If I am alive, I will come and greet you again.

The learned Sarama tried to control her tears.

Tarani took leave of his mother and decided to leave for battle. He wrote the name of Rama all over his body. He engraved the name of Rama on tablets made from the mud taken from Ganga, and had that stuck all over his chariot. Taking his bow in his hand, Tarani came out and reached the western gate.

Makaraksha

Ravana got the news of the death of the sons of Kumbhakarna. He could not control his tears. He sent for Makaraksha. Ravana asked him to kill Rama and avenge the death of his father, Khara.
Makaraksha said he would go and kill Rama and Lakshmana.
In his mind he was thinking that heroes like Kumbhakarna and Atikaya had fallen in battle. It was said that Rama was none other than Vishnu. If that was true, that dying in the hands oif Rama, he would attain heaven. Also Rama would not attack cows, so he decided to ride on a chariot driven by cows and bullocks. The chariot was covered by leather made from cow hide.
With instruments playing all around, Makaraksha climbed on the chariot with his weapons.

Makaraksha came face to face with Hanumana. Hanumana was in a dilemma. If he attacked the demon, he would end up killing the cows and bullocks.

Makaraksha shot arrows wounding many vanaras. The great vanaras were afraid to attack the demon because of the cattle. They asked Rama to intervene.

When Rama came, he was in a dilemma. Before he could react, the demon fired arrows at Rama. Rama then invoked the weapon that invoked the wind. The cattle and cattle skin all flew off in the great wind that was generated.

The vanaras then attacked with rocks and trees which the demon cut off. Nila and Sugriva were injured when they tried to fight the demon.

Rama then came and said I will soon kill you. Rama invoked a weapon that was cut by the demon. Makaraksha then shot an arrow that pierced Rama. Gathering force, Rama managed to cut off the bow of the demon. Makaraksha got another bow and resumed fighting. Rama was injured badly.

Rama thought - I had killed his father with a few arrows, but the rakshasa is much stronger than his father. Rama cut off the bow of the demon. The demon picked a spiked mace and started fighting. Rama cut off the mace. Makaraksha hurled his sheild at Rama who cut that off.

Angered, the demon came to fight Rama empty handed. With a crescent shaped arrow, Rama cut off the hands of Makaraksha. Rama then invoked the fire weapon and with that, he killed Makaraksha.  

Kumbha and Nikumbha fall

Seeing this Virupaksha, a demon, attacked the vanaras. He was fighting fiercely. Vanaras started running. Mainda, a vanara, seeing this dealt a big blow on the head of Virupaksha. The demon fell dead. Vidyutmali, a demon saw this and started raining arrows. Nala, uprooting a huge tree, came to fight.  Nala cleverly dodged the arrows. Virupaksha jumped off his chariot and started wrestling with Nala. Virupaksha could not stand the blows being dealt and he quickly went and jumped back onto his chariot. He then released a powerful weapon. Seeing this, Nala grabbed a tree and hurled that at the demon. Along with the chariot, the demon was also smashed.

The demons went to Kumbha and Nikumbha and said that all brave rakshasas were getting killed.

Kumbha then got into the field and started his attack. Vanaras Mahendra, Devendra and Angada then attacked Kumbha. Kumbha wounded Mahendra with his arrows. Seeing this Devendra grabbed a huge mountain and hurled that at Kumbha, who cut off the mountain. Devendra also fell, injured.

Seeing this Angada attacked with a mountain. The mountain was cut off and Kumbha wounded Angada with his arrows. Rishabh, Kumud and Sushena, three vanaras, then attacked. Kumbha wounded them too.

Sugriva then got into the attack. Kumbha Kumbha rebuked him saying a vanara deserved to to live in the forests and not fight battles with rakshasas.
Sugriva jumped on the chariot of Kumbha. He tried to grab the bow of Kumbha but was unable to do so. Sugriva said I was able to snatch off the mace from your father's hand but I was unable to grab the bow from your hand. You are a great warrior.

Kumbha said Leave the bow alone, let us fight empty handed.
They both started wrestling.
Kumbha dealt blow and Sugriva went flying and landed in the sea. Seeing a disciple of Rama land in its waters, the ocean withdraw its water and created dry land and Sugriva did not drown.

Sugriva jumped back. Kumbha dealt another blow and Sugriva went flying. Sugriva came back and kicked Kumbha. He then picked up an elephant tusk and attacked Kumbha with that. Seeing Kumbha wounded, he then picked Kumbha and dashed him against the ground, killing him.

Seeing Kumbha fall, Nikumbha attacked. He picked up a weapon which was sprouting fire. Seeing this, Sugriva was scared. Hanumana came to Sugriva's rescue. Nikumbha hurled the weapon at Hanumana. The weapon struck the forehead of Hanumana and broke into pieces.

Hanumana then dealt a blow with his hands. Nikumbha was unaffected. He then struck Hanumana on his chest. Hanumana fell. Quickly, Nikumbha grabbed Hanumana to give him to Ravana.

Hanumana regained his consciousness. He saw himself as a prisoner. Hanumana grabbed the ears of Nikumbha. Nikumbha tried to brush off Hanumana. Hanumana jumped into the sky, tearing off Nikumbha's ears. Then jumping on Nikumbha;s shoulder, using Nikumbha's hair as a rope, Hanumana tore off the demon's head.

Hanumana picking up the head, flew off where Rama was sitting.

Angada kills demons

Ravana felt insulted. It had to war. If the gates would be closed, the enemy would burn the city, if the gates were open they would kill the brave. It was better to die in battle.
Ravana called Kumbha and Nikumbha, sons of Kumbhakarna. He asked to go to battle and avenge their father's death.
Huge in size, the two brothers set out for battle. They went and approached the western gate.
A fierce battle started among the vanaras and the demons.
A rakshasa called Vrajadanta hit Angada with his mace. Angada was stunned for sometime. Regaining his composure. Angada picked up a rock and hot the demon on his head. Vrajadanta was dead.

A demon called Sankampana then attacked Angada with arrows, Angada jumped on his chariot. With kicks and boxes, Angada broke the chariot. The demon jumped off the chariot with his sword in his hand. Angada jumped behind the demon.   Angada snatched the sword and shield from the demon. Using that sword, Angada cut off the head of the demon.

Seeing this, Shanitaksha, a demon, attacked Angada. Prajangha and Yupaksha, two rakshahsas joined Shanitaksha. Srimainda and Dwivida, two vanaras came and joined Angada. The three vanaras started fighting the three demons.

With a huge tree, Angada smashed the hand of Prajangha. Angada with a huge blow, smashed the head of the demon.  Yupaksha attacked Angada with a sword. Angada grabbed Yupaksha with all his might. Shanitaksha, in the meanwhile attacked Dwividha with his iron mace. Momentarily stunned, the vanara recovered. Yupoaksha released himself and attacked along with Shanitaksha. Dwividha, using this nails, scratched Shanitaksha badly and then killed him.

Yupaksha and Srimainda had a fierce fight. Srimainda grabbed Yupaksha and with tight squeeze broke his chest. Yupasha died. 

Vanaras set fire to Lanka

The air was full of sounds proclaiming Victory to Rama. Ravana was scared. This army of vanaras and humans would destroy Lanka. All who were dead have risen. The night is not yet over, and they have come up alive. How was this possible? What kind of enemy was this, that did not die even if killed? Forget the war, I will close the doors of the city of Lanka. The enemy will not be able to enter.

Ravana ordered the doors of the city to be closed. For five days the doors remained closed. Seeing this

Something had to be done. Sugriva went to Rama. Seeing him, Rama asked him if he had an clue why Ravana locked the doors of Lanka. When Sugriva was clueless, Rama looked towards Jambuvana for help. Jambuvana said The only way to find out was to send vanaras inside Lanka. They would set fire to the city. Lanka doors would have to be opened.

Vanaras went into the city. They grabbed all the cloth they could find and soaked those in btter and oil and left those on the roofs of the houses. Later coming back with flaming torches, they set fire to the cloth pieces.

Chaos started inside the city. People started running around trying to escape from the flames. Enjoying this, Hanumana jumped from house to house, burning whatever and whomever he could see.  

Hanumana revives all

Seeing the mountain not respond, Hanumana got angry. He started grinding his teeth in anger. It was time to teach the mountain a lesson. He started pulling at the base of the mountain. With a great creaking sound, the mountain was dug out. It created chaos on the mountain. Animals started falling on each other. Many sages meditating were rudely awakened.

Taking the form of a sage, the mountain appeared in front of Hanumana. The sage asked Hanumana who he was and why he was acting in that manner.

Hanumana said He was a servant of Rama and had come to take the medicinal herbs to revive Rama, Lakshmana and the vanaras.

The sage said Do not harm the mountain and keep it where it was. I will show you the place where the medicinal plants grow.

Hanumana thanked the sage, kept the mountain and collected the herbs. He then jumped in the sky and in a moment he was in Lanka.

The smell of the herbs was enough. Hanumana took the medicines along with him, whereever he went, around the battle field. All fallen vanaras, Rama and Laksmana sat upright.

All bowed down before Hanumana. Rama said to Hanumana that his name would be known all over, for ages to come. He asked Hanumana what he needed, Hanumana said he just wanted to embrace Rama. 

Hanumana goes in search of medicine

Using his tail as a propeller, Hanumana jumped into the sky. He increased his size and in a moment, he crossed the ocean. Great was the speed with which Hanumana was travelling.
Leaving Himalayas, Hanumana reached Kailasha, where he saw the white peaked Rishyamukha.
There he landed. He could get a lovely fragrance but he could not locate the medicinal trees. These were divine trees and not visible to everybody.

Not seeing the medicines, Hanumana thought that Jambuvana was not sure of what he had said. There were no medicinal trees.

He then thought -Jambuvana was the son of Brahma and he would not say just anything. There must be a reason.

Hanumana bowed down to the mountain and requested it to show him the medicinal plants.

The mountain was quiet. 

Jambuvana tells Hanumana about the medicine

Indrajit returning back, went straight where Ravana was.. He gave the news of his victory to Ravana.
He gave a detailed description of how he had managed to fell all the great vanaras, Rama and Lakshmana.

Ravana hugged his son and blessed him.

In the field, only two people were breathing - Vibhishana and Hanumana. They went around to see who all were alive. It was a terrible sight. Sugriva and the great vanaras and the army of millions of vanaras had all fallen.

Seeing Rama and Lakshmana fallen, Hanumana and Vibhishana could not control their tears.

Only person was breathing slightly, and that was Jambuvana. Vibhishana begged Jambuvana to help.
Jambuvana was not able to see anything. He said I have many arrows stuck on my body and I am unable to open my eyes. It is hearing a voice, I think it is Vibhishana. If that is so, then please fetch Hanumana.

Vibhishana told Jambuvana that Sugriva, Rama and Lakshmana had all fallen, and way had to be thought of, to revive them.

Jambuvana said There is only person who can help now. That is Hanumana. If he is breathing, then do not worry. All will be saved.

Vibhishana said Hanumana is here, next to you.

Hanumana touched Jambuvana's feet.

Jambuvana said - You alone, Hanumana, can save all. Fly up into the sky. See where the Himalayas are. There you will see a mountain called Rishyamukha, south of Kailasha. It has peaks, white in color. On that peak you will find four medicinal trees. These are four different kinds of medicines. These trees shine in the night. They are called Vishalyakarani, Mritasanjivani, Sancharini and Suvarnakarini.

These medicines have to fetched before day break.

(Here Krittivasa says that this is not mentioned in the Ramayana of Valmiki). 

Indrajit returns victorious

Indrajit decided to attack at night.

At the eastern gate, Nila was present. Seeing Indrajit, the vanaras started running away. Nila tried to stop them and then decided to come and face Indrajit.
Nila asked him to leave the battlefield and save his life.
Indrajit said - Creatures of the forest, you were happily were roaming around, Why did you come to fight and put your lives in danger. Who is Sugriva? What skills does Lakshmana have? Killing a few rakshasas does not make Rama great. Rama and Lakshmana would have been dead if they had not been saved by Garuda.

A battle of words started between Nila and Indrajit, with each abusing the other.

Indrajit then went and hid behind the clouds and started showering arrows. Vanaras started falling. Rivers of blood started flowing. Nila fell in the battlefield.

Winning over the eastern side, Indrajit attacked the southern side. Adept with the skill of handling weapons and also hiding behind clouds, he let out a ferocious attack. Mahendra, Devendra and Angada fell in battle.

Winning over, Indrajit went to the northern side. The vanaras could not fight an invisible enemy and vanaras like Sugriva and Dhumraksha fell in battle.

On the western side, Indrajit encountered Hanumana. After a verbal fight with Hanumana, Indrajit, hiding behind clouds, shot arrows wounding Rama and Lakshmana. Rama and Lakshmana fell in battle.

Happy, Indrajit went to Ravana, to give him the news of victory.

Indrajit performs his sacrifice

Indrajit went and sat for his sacrifice. Many rakshasas got all the materials needed for the worship . Red cloth, Red flowers and Red sandal paste was got. Pans full of clarified butter was kept there and goats for sacrifice were brought into the chamber.

Reciting mantras, Indrajit lit the fire. Mixing rice and barley with the butter, Indrajit offered that to the fire. The red clothes and red garlands were offered. The flames of the fire shot up. The brahmanas sitting there recited mantras. Agni came and appeared before Indrajit. Indrajit offered raw rice, paddy, barley, yogurt and honey.

Indrajit asked for victory and he was granted that for this visit.

Happy Indrajit jumped on his chariot and raced to attack. 

Indrajit meets Manodari

Getting his father's approval, Indrajit went to get ready. He told his charioteer to get the chariot ready. He then decided to meet his mother. He knew his mother would be distraught if he left without telling her. He went to meet Mandodari. Mandodari along with the other wives of Ravana was busy worshiping Shiva and Parvati when Indrajit entered her chamber.
Mandodari hugged her son. She said she knew he would be going to war and that all the big heroes who had gone, had not returned, and so she was afraid.
She said - Return Sita to Rama and make peace. Your uncle Vibhishana is a righteous man and he was kicked by your father, in front of all. Your father abducted Sita and now he sends others to fight instead of going himself.

Indrajit laughed. He said - My father is my teacher. He is the one who won over all worlds. You should not be saying things against your husband. Indra, who is the lord of the Gods, had relations with the wife of his guru, Goutama. Chnadra, the moon abducted the wife of Brihaspati, his Guru. Pavana, the wind, had relations with a female Vanara. If Rama wanted to save his wife, he should not have brought her along with him, in the forest. Killing Khara and Dushana, Rama has become our enemy.

Indrajit then decided to go for war at the right time, when the signs were right. The widows of the fallen warriors said they wanted Indrajit to fight and get revenge for the killing of their husbands.

Manodari then said - Son, you are brave and handsome, Listen to me and stay tonight, If you have to go to war, go tomorrow.

Indrajit said - Father has given me permission to go today. I will not be able to stay back tonight. I have to go and complete my Nikuntila sacrifice and then I will go to war.

Saying this Indrajit left.

Indrajit wants to go to battle

Lanka was crying. All were in shock. Controlling himself, Indrajit went to Ravana and said You should sent me and not the others. I would have got Rama and Lakshmana for you. If you permit, I will go again and kill the big vanaras, Rama, Lakshmana and Vibhishana.

Ravana was happy to see the spirit of Indrajit. He gave his permission to proceed. 

Ravana grieves for Atikaya

A messenger went to Ravana and said your four sons and two brothers who had gone to war have fallen. Five were killed by Vanaras and one by Lakshmana.
Ravana was stunned for some time.
He asked the messenger to repeat what he had said, again. The messenger repeated what he said.
Ravana was in shock. What enemy was this, who had felled Kumbhakarna and Atikaya? Ravana said - My body burns and any eyes bleed to see my son Atikaya, the brave and noble one.

Thus Ravana spent the night crying. 

Atikaya falls

Vibhishana said this dark tall warrior is Atikaya, a son of Ravana and Malini. He is a very learned person and also a very strong and brave warrior. He can use all weapons and is skilled in them . Praying to Brahma he got many wonderful weapons and a chariot. he has an armor which is impenetrable. If he starts fighting all vanaras will be soon dead. To avoid that, you will need to do something fast.

Atikaya saw Vibhishana and bowed down to him. He said - Uncle, you are living and serving the great Vishnu. I want him to bless me.

Saying this, Atikaya took his chariot where Rama was. He said to Rama - Do not show pity on me. When all this is over, let me reside on your lotus feet.

Rama said You are a learned person. I will let you live along with Vibhishana, after killing Ravana.

Atikaya said There is no need of that. I want to die in the battlefield, after fighting you. I do not want to fight animals, and Lakshmana is young so I want to fight you.

Lakshmana said he wanted to fight.

Atikaya said You are too young. Lakshmana strung his bow and Atikaya was amazed to see his skill.

Atikaya agreed to fight Lakshmana on the condition that Rama and Vibhishana would judge who was a greater warrior.

Arrows started showering, with Lakshmana cutting off the arrows of Atikaya.

Pawana as a breeze whispered into Lakshmana's ears that he should aim for the armor of the demon.

Lakshmana then invoked a powerful weapon. Atikaya seeing that weapon come towards tried to cut it off, but he was unable to. Soon the arrow went and cut off his head.

As soon as the head fell on the ground, it started taking the name of Rama.

Vibhishana seeing this, said you were a great warrior and a great devotee. 

Atikaya enters the battlefield

Atikaya said a silent prayer to Rama. He did not want Rama to leave him, was determined to fight the battle.
He made a sound with his bow. So loud was the sound that the vanaras started running away.
He then said - Monkeys - Run form here. I am Atikaya, a brave warrior, who had fought and won battles in the three worlds. I am here to destroy my father's enemies.

Some vanaras went to Rama and told him about Atikaya.

Rama asked Vibhishana, who was this, who had come to fight.

Mahapasha falls

Mahapasha saw Trishira and Mahodara fall. With his mace, he began attacking the vanaras. A vanara called Hemkuta saw this. He lifted a mountain and hurled that at Mahapasha.
The mountain met its mark and Mahapasha was crushed under it.

Atikaya saw the five heroes fall and he decided to attack.

Mahodara and Trishira fall

Seeing Narantaka fall, Mahodara came riding an elephant. Trishira also joined him. They both attacked Angada with their weapons. Angada fought bravely.
Seeing Angada surrounded, Hanumana joined Angada. Devantaka hurled a weapon at Hanumana. Angry, Hanumana kicked Devantaka to death.
Mahodara then attacked Nila. Nila hurled a boulder and that crushed both Mahodara and his elephant.

Trishira, with a sword in his hand, then attacked. Hanumana jumped on his chariot. Snatching the sword from his hand, Hanumana cut of Trishira with that sword. Trishira was dead.

Narantaka dies

Seeing Ravana cry, one of his sons, Trishira, came to him. He said - Father, you wanted to be immortal, but Brahma did not give you that boon. Uncle Vibhishana became immortal because of his qualities. He gave you good advise, but you did not listen. You also fought with your elder brother, Kubera. Everyone is scared of Vasuki, you made sure he is scared of you. You won over the Gods. Today is my chance. I will win the war for you.

Devantak, Narantak and Atikaya, brave heroes, wanted to go to battle along with Trishira. Getting permission from Ravana, the four heros decked themselves up for battle and stepped out.

These four sons of Ravana were accompanied by Mahodara and the brave Mahapasha.

Their mothers were crying. Sons - Please do not go and leave me alone. When a brave like Kumbhakarna fell, what will you do, Go and take Rama's Sita to him. That will save Lanka and your lives. If Ravana is after your lives if you commit such an act, then go and take refuge in Kailasha. Kubera will protect you.

The rakshahshas said You are living only because you are our mothers. We are not afraid of mere humans. Why should we take refuge in the house of that brother, from whom our father got the Pushpaka chariot. If we fall in battle, we will leave for the heavens in wonderful chariots. We will kill Rama and Lakshmana like Garuda kills snakes.

Saying this, the six heroes with their armies got ready.

Vanaras attacked with stones, rocks and trees and these were cut off by the demons. Some rakshasas fell from the blows received from the vanaras.

Narantaka started shooting arrows everywhere. Vanaras began falling and soon the soil was red, from the blood of the vanaras.

Sugirva asked Angada to intervene. Angada went and attacked Narantaka. Narantaka lifted a spear and hurled that towards Angada. No one knew what would happen. Angada's chest was like thunder, and the spear when it struck his chest, broke into two. Angada then killed the horses drawing the chariot of Narantaka.

Narantaka then dealt a mighty blow at Angada. Angada did not fall. Jumping, he placed his knee on the chest of Narantaka, and killed him. 

Ravana's grief

The rakshashas who managed to escape alive rushed to inform  Ravana about the fall of Kumbhakarna.
In Lanka, Ravana was anxious since he had sent Kumbhakarna for war. He felt sure that Kumbhakarna would come back victorious and a messenger would soon come with the news of his brother's victory.
He started thinking of what all he would do, once Kumbhakarna returned.
While he was thus thinking, he heard some noises. This was the noise coming from the Gods and sages  celebrating. This had never happened with his brother being alive. What had happened?

A messenger then arrived there. Hesitating he told Ravana that Kumbhakarna had fallen.

Ravana fell down on the ground hearing this. Some of the rakshasas rushed and lifted Ravana and made him sit on a throne
Coming to his senses, Ravana started crying and grieving over the death of his brother. He said - I am the killer of my brother. I sent him to war. All were afraid of you, O brother. Where have you gone? Today Lanka has become empty. I will now have to die.

Kumbhakarna falls

Sugriva had been unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he saw himself in the arms of Kumbhakarna, being carried around in Lanka. He saw golden houses all around and not a single vanara in sight. Something had to done done quickly. Sugriva grabbed onto Kumbhakarna's ears and nose. With bites and scratches, Sugriva clawed off the ears. Kumbhakarna, in terrible pain, let go off Sugriva. Taking the ears and part of the nose, Sugriva fled till he reached back the camp of Rama.

Kumbhakarna was angry and frustrated. In rage, he rushed back to the battlefield. He went and started swallowing vanaras, who again started escaping from the holes in his head, where his ears and nose were.

Lakshmana seeing this came to face Kumbhakarna. The demon said Call your borther Rama. Let me fight him.
Rama came and smiled and said Finally you have called your death. I will kill you and then I will kill your brother Ravana.
Kumbhakarna said - I am not Khara or Dushana, nor am I Trishira, Kabandha or Maricha. I have a body strong like rock. I am Kumbhakarna. Try all your weapons on me and let me see what you can do.

Rama shot an arrow which pricked Kumbhakarna like a pin. Kumbhakarna said Is this what you can do?

Kumbhakarna then started flinging his mace around. Many vanaras fell. The rest started fleeing. Seeing this, Lakshmana said to the vanaras - Instead of running, climb up on Kumbhakarna's back and push him to the ground. Once he is on the ground, start hitting him.

When the vanaras climbked up on Kumbhakarna, the demon brushed them aside.

Rama then invoking the weapon of Brahma, cut off Kumbhakarna's right hand. When the hand fell, many vanaras got crushed under that hand. Uprooting a tree with his left hand, Kumbhakarna resumed his fight. Rama, with asharp arrow cut off the left hand. Invoking the weapon of Indra, Rama cut off Kumbhakarna's legs.

Falling, he dragged himself to swallow Rama. Rama then invoked the weapon of Brahma again. Kumbhakarna's head rolled off his shoulder. 

Kumbhakarna captures Sugriva

Kumbhakarna went to get ready when Mahodara came to him. He said - Now that you are awake, you r wives want to see you. Do visit them once.

Kumbhakarna said - This was not the time, when the enemy had attacked. If all goes well, I will come back and spend time with them.

Ravana came to decorate Kumbhakarna himself, to get him ready for war.

With his head nearly touching the skies, Kumbhakarna stepped out. He let out a loud roar.

The vanaras were scared and started fleeing. Seeing this Angada shouted at them. he asked to fight and die and not flee. The vanaras then started showering rocks and trees at Kumbhakarna.

Angry and Irritated, Kumbhakarna took his spear and hurled that at the vanaras. Many vanaras lost their lives, pierced by the spear.

He then caught hold of a few vanaras, and started swallowing them.

In fear, the vanaras started fleeing.

The brave vanara, Nila, saw this. He uprooted a tall sal tree and flung that at the demon. The tree struck Kumbhakarna and broke into pieces.

Some vanaras climbed onto his body but Kumbhakarna started catching them gulping them. The vanaras then started escaping through his nose and ears.

Kumbhakarna then started striking out with his mace. Angada and Hanumana fell on the ground, getting hit. Hanumana rose up in the sky and big rocks, broke the mace of Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna then hit Hanumana who feel down on the ground.

Sugriva saw this and decided to attack. He uprooted trees and went attacked Kumbhakarna. the trees broke. Kumbhakarna flung weapons of Sugriva, who dodged them and then hurled some at the demon. Kumbhakarna then took a mountain and hurled that at Sugriva. Sugriva was crushed under the mountain. Seeing this as his chance, Kumbhakarna grabbed Sugriva and decided to take him as a prize to Ravana.

Kumbhakarna meets Ravana

Ravana greeted Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna said - Whom do you fear? Let me know and I will kill your enemy.
Ravana said What do you know of the problems that Lanka has been facing, while you kept sleeping. We are three brothers and one sister. When our sister was widowed, she wanted to live independently in the forests and I let her. I had kept her in a forest on the other side of the ocean, and had sent Khara and Dushana to be with her, for her protection and safety.
In Ayodhya, Dashratha had four sons, of whom the eldest was Rama. Dashratha gave the throne to Bharata and drove away Rama.
When Rama and Lakshmana saw Surpanakha plucking flowers, they cut off her nose and ears. Rama killed Khara and Dushana when they came to help Surpanakha.
When Surpanakha came cried in front of me, I did not know what to do. I went and brought over Rama's wife.

Rama got help from Sugriva, brother of Vali and has come and attacked Lanka. There is an old bear with them who keeps telling them what to do.

They have built a bridge over the ocean using trees and rocks.

On the western gate, they have setup came and many great rakshasha warriors have been killed.

Kumbhakarna said - I do not think Rama and Lakshmana are ordinary people. I feel that they are Narayana, in the guise of humans.

Ravana said - If this was Narayana, why were they roaming in the forests?

Kumbhakarna said - Maybe they are ascetics.

Ravana said - Then why are they are here and not in a pilgrimage?

Kumbhakarna said - Maybe because they are born in a royal family.

Ravana said - Then why the matted hair of their heads?

Kumbhakarna said - Maybe Rama is hunting.

Ravana said - Then does Rama have the sacred thread around his shoulder.

Kumbhakarna said - Maybe he is a celibate.

Ravana said - Then does Rama have a woman with him?

Ravana said - What is Rama's greatness? He goes to a low caste person, if he is called. He created his matted hair, by applying sap of trees in his hair. What Indra and other Gods did not dare, Rama did. He entered Lanka. He crossed the mighty ocean, bridging it.

Vibhishana went joined Rama. All told me to return Sita. If I do that, all will laugh.

Kumbhakarna said - You do not have able ministers in your court. Sugriva is no less in strength, than Vali. You have been misguided and have acted in a manner which is not correct.

Ravana was furious when he heard this. He said - All you do is sleep, while I fight my wars. You can give me advice, but can you fight my battle for me?

Kumbhakarna said - Vibhishana had advised you well, but you did not listen. I am there. I will fight for you. I will kill Rama for you and get you his head.

Saying this, Kumbhakarna went to get ready for battle.

Kumbhakarna

Kumbhakarna said - I think I know why I awakened. It must be Indra, who has attacked again. Every time he comes, he suffers defeat and goes away. He does not learn from that. Even if Yama comes, I will swallow Yama.

A rakshasha called Virupaksha, with folded hands, said to Kumbhakarna - Do not get angry on the Gods. Indra has not done anything. It is men and vanaras who have attacked. Surpanakha's nose and ears were cut by Lakshmana. Ravana brought over Rama's Sita. Hanumana jumped across the ocean and burnt Lanka.

Kumbhakarna said Let me go and win the battle with Rama and the I will meet Ravana.

A rakshahsa, Mahodara, said the king had not ordered for the battle. Kumbhakarna felt hungry again. Food was got for him.

Kumbhakarna came out. He stood watching out for the fighting armies. So big was his size, that he was visible, when he stood near the walls of Lanka.

Kumbhakarna stepped over the wall and marched towards the vanaras, who seeing the size of Kumbhakarna, fled.

Rama asked Vibhishana, where this great warrior hiding till now?

Vibhishana said He is my brother Kumbhakarna. If he fights with his mace in his hand, he can win over the three worlds. When he was born, he started eating up all who were near him. When Indra had attacked him with his thunderbolt, Kumbhakarna had swallowed the thunderbolt. Seeing Indra's elephant, Airavata, he had pulled one of the tusks of the elephant and had hurled that at Indra.
When we three brothers had sat at the pilgrimage, Gokarna, and had prayed to Brahma, Brahma had appeared and had asked us to ask for boons.
Brahma had blessed Ravana saying he would be victorious over all except men and vanaras. I was blessed with immortality.
When it was time for Kumbhakarna, Indra and the other Gods were scared. Without any boon, Kumbhakarna was fercious. Any boons and he would destroy the world. They asked Saraswati for help.
The Goddess went and sat on Kumbhakarna's tongue. When Brahma asked Kumbhakarna what he wanted, he said he just wanted to sleep. Brahma said so be it - sleep for ever.

Ravana was shocked to hear this. He went to Brahma and asked him to change the boon. Brahma said For six months, Kumbhakarna would sleep. He would get up for one day, and then go back to sleep.
If he was woken untimely, it would be the end of him.

So saying, Brahma had vanished.

Kumbhakarna went off to sleep and we had to carry him on our shoulders.

Today he had been woken untimely, which means he will die in your hands, Rama.



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Kumbhakarna steeped back into Lanka and went to meet Ravana.