Mahiravana captures Rama and Lakshmana

The night was half over. Vibhishana came to Hanumana. He said Do not let anyone enter the enclosure. Even if your father, the Wind God comes, he should not be allowed in either.

Mahiravana decided to go and capture Rama and Lakshmana. He went single handed. He saw Vibhishana outside the fort and was not sure how to go inside and capture Rama and Lakshmana.

He took the form of Dashratha and appeared before Hanumana. He said My sons are inside your enclosre. Please let me see them.
Hanumana said Please wait. Vibhishana will be coming soon. Let us do what he says.
Vibhishana came there and Mahiravana fled.
Hanumana said Dashratha had come to see his sons.
Vibhishana said No one should be allowed inside.

Mahiravana then took the form of Bharata and came to Hanumana. He said he wanted to see his brothers. Hanumana asked him to wait till Vibhishana came there.
Mahiravana left that place.

Hanumana told Vibhishana. Vibhishana said Do not allow any one. Saying he went on his rounds.

Mahiravana then took the form of Kaushlaya and said she wanted to see her sons. Hanumana told her to wait and Mahiravana vanished.

Mahiravana then took the form of Janaka and said he wanted to see his son in law. When Hanumana told him to wait, he too vanished.

Mahiravana then took the form of Vibhishana and came there. Hanumana said You just left a moment ago. Why did you come back so soon. Mahiravana, as Vibhishana, said I have come to warn you of the magic of Mahiravana. I have two talismans with me. Let me tie that on Rama and Lakshmana. They will be safe then.
Thinking it to be Vibhishana, Hanumana let him in.

Mahiravana first put all to sleep. Mahiravana picked up Rama and Lakshmana. Digging a tunnel, he took into his city. There, he put them in a room. Rama and Lakshmana were still asleep.
Mahiravana stayed back in his city.

Soon Vibhishana came on his rounds. Hanumana said You went inside to tie talismans on Rama and Lakshmana. When did you come out?

Vibhishana argues and convinced Hanumana that he was Vibhishana and no one else. Vibhishana said Then let us see if Rama and Lakshmana were safe.

Hanumana let Vibhishana inside and he himself peeped in. Rama and Lakshmana were missing. Everyone else was asleep. There was a tunnel in the ground.

All were shocked and did not know what to do.

Jambuvana then said Let Hanumana go and look for Rama and Lakshmana. he alone can perform this task.

Hanumana creates an enclosure

Rama said to Hanumana, I am relying on you to save us all.
Jambuvana said Mahiravana will not come in open. He will come to steal Rama and Lakshmana. The best is, if all are awake. Let us sit together and plan how to handle this.

Hanumana said he would create a fort using his tail. Rama and Lakshmana would stay inside that, the whole night.

Hanumana coiled his tail and created an enclosure. Sugriva and Angada went inside. Sugriva took the responsibility of guarding Rama while Angada took the responsibility of guarding Lakshmana.

Some more vanaras also went inside to guard Rama and Lakshmana. 

Ravana thinks of Mahiravana

Ravana was not sure whom to send to battle. All the great heroes were no longer alive. His mother, came to him. She said I had tried to talk sense to you, but you did not listen. Vibhishana spoke to you, but you kicked him. There is only one option left. If you remember, you had gone to conquer the nether world. There you had a great son called Mahiravana. He will be able to help you.

Ravana thought of Mahiravana. He ruled over the nether world. A devotee of Goddess Kali, he was an expert in magic. Ravana remembered that Mahiravana had said that if Ravana thought of him, he would come.

Ravana closed his eyes and started thinking about Mahiravana.

Mahiravana started looking around. Who was thinking off him? He realized it was Ravana. He quickly went and greeted his father. Ravana told him what had happened to Lanka, so far.

Mahi said You should have thought of me before Rama and Lakshmana had crossed the ocean. I would have killed them there. I can capture Rama and Lakshmana and no will realize my work. You live with Sita. I will help you.

At Rama's camp, Vibhishana wondered what was happening. He decided to inquire. He took the form of a bird and flew to Ravana's court to hear what was being discussed.

He saw Mahiravana there in the court of Ravana. Not liking this one bit, Vibhishana came back and reported to Rama what he had seen. He said Ravana had sent for his son Mahiravana and the two were discussing how to tackle the enemy.

Vibhishana said Mahiravana was an expert in magic and illusion. He lives in the nether world. Gods fear him when he goes to battle. Mahamaya is there in there nether world with him, What ever he wishes is granted. All need to be careful here. All need to stay up and beware.

Hanumana said he would stay up the night and kill Mahiravana when he came.

Vibhishana said that may be true but I am very restless. I will not have any peace of mind before the night passes.

Sun is released

All were overjoyed. Jambuvana said, It was best that Hanumana returned the mountain to its original place. Hanumana rose into the sky with the mountain.
Ravana saw Hanumana flying. He asked seven rakshasas to go and grab Hanumana and kill him. They flew behind Hanumana and tried to grab him. Grabbing them with his tail, Hanumana dashed to the ground, killing them.One of them managed to survive and he went and gave the news to Ravana.

Hanumana in the meanwhile kept the mountain where it was. Now knowing which herb was medicinal, Hanumana took a few leaves and crushed it in his hands. He had sprinkled the juice over the Gandharvas whom he had killed. The gandharvas came to life and started attacked Hanumana again. Hanumana fled from there and flew back towards Lanka.

Hanumana came back to Rama. Rama then asked Hanumana what was there in his armpit. Hanumana then told Rama how he had captured Sun and kept him in his armpit.

Rama asked Hanumana to release the Sun. Hanumana spread his hands. Sun came out and went skywards.

Rama embraced Hanumana. 

Hanumana meets Bharata and Lakshmana is revived

Hanumana went back to the mountain. He started looking for the medicines. He then saw the gandharvas singing and dancing there. He went to them asked them to tell him where he could find the medicines.
The gandharvas said they obeyed only HaHa and HuHu who were their kings. Saying this they started attacking Hanumana. Hanumana also started fighting back.
HaHa and HuHu came to fight but were defeated by Hanumana. Hanumana then started moving from peak to peak but could not find the medicine.
Not seeing any other alternative, Hanumana tugged at the mountain and uprooted it. Many animals started running around. Trees fell. Hanumana jumped in the sky with the mountain in his hand.

Hanumana then flew over Kailasha and passed over Ayodhaya, while travelling southwards. Having heard a lot about Bharata,  He flew  Nandigram, where Bharata was living. Bharata saw something in the sky. It was huge and its shadow was covering the land. The moonlight falling on Rama's sandals was being covered. Who dared do this?  Now knowing who was this, Bharata gave a catapult to Shatrughna. Shatrughna aimed towards the sky. Taking the name of Rama, the catapult was released. The iron ball that had been propelled, hit Hanumana. Hanumana lost his consciousness. Still holding onto the mountain and the Sun, Hanumana landed in Nandigram. He started taking the name of Rama.

Hearing the name of Rama, Bharata came running. Bharata asked him who he was and how he knew Rama who had gone to the forests with Lakshmana and Sita.
Hanumana was in intense pain and was unable to speak.
Vashishtha then came there. The great sage knew what was happening in Lanka and had not said anything. He then said to Bharata, Why have you stopped this great person?
Vashistha, with some mantras, relieved the pain of Hanumana.
Hanumana then said all that had happened so far.

Bharata and Shatrughna broke into tears hearing the tale from Hanumana. Bharat then said I will come with you to Lanka. Shatrughna will handle Ayodhya.

Hanumana said Rama would not allow this. Bharata said Then go fast , Hanumana.
Hanumana said he had no strength left, after having been hit by the catapult.

Bharata then got an arrow. He asked Hanumana to climb up on the arrow along with the mountain and Sun. Hanumana was amazed to see Bharata's strength. He, who was able to lift Hanumana, the sun and the mountain on the arrow.

Bharata released the arrow. Withe speed of the wind, Hanumana landed in Lanka. All were stunned to see Hanumana come there with the mountain. Hanumana said he had been unable to recognize the medicine, thus he had got the whole mountain.
Rama said Hanumana , You are Great. There is nothing you cannot do.

Rama then asked Sushena to get the medicine. Sushena climbed on the mountain and started searching its peaks for the medicine. He got the herbs and made a paste from them. He then held the paste under Lakshmana's nose.

Blood started flowing in the veins. The broken ribs became like before. Slowly Lakshmana came to life. Lakshmana got up, and with tears in his eyes, Rama embraced Lakshmana.

Hanumana kills Kalnemi and captures the sun

Hanumana soon landed there. Seeing Kalnemi disguised as a sage, bowed down to him. Hanumana said who he was and said he had come to look for the Vishalyakarani herb that he needed to take back before day break. Kalnemi asked Hanumana to rest, eat something and then go looking for what he needed. Hanumana said he was in a hurry and had no time. Kalnemi said If a guest went away hungry, that would be a sin. He said there was a stream close by and if Hanumana had a bath there and came back, he would try and help him.

Hanumana agreed. He went and jumped into the waters. The sound was heard by the crocodile. The crocodile, Kumbharini, came rushing. Seeing Kumbharini, the fishes in the water started swimming away.Kumbharini came and grabbed Hanumana.

Hanumana was stunned. What was this happening? Hanumana jumped up on the bank of the stream with Kumbharini still holding onto him. With his nails, Hanumana tore apart Kumbharini's body. Kumbharini then changed into a beautiful woman who rose into the skies. She said she was a celestial girl called Gandhakali. She used to go around dancing. Once while dancing, she had fallen on the sage Daksha. The sage had cursed her to be a crocodile saying when she met Hanumana she would be relived.The woman then told Hanumana to be careful of the false sage. Saying this, she vanished.

Kalnemi was happy. Hanumana was not comingback, which meant he had been eaten up by the crocodile. He began thinking of ruling Lanka with Ravana and also get Mandodari as his wife.
Hanumana then appeared there.

Kalnemi was not sure what to say. Hanumana said I know you are not a sage. Show your real self. Kalnemi appeared before Hanumana in his rakshasa form. Both began fighting. Hanumana, pressing his knee of Kalnemi's chest, killed him. Hanumana then picked up the body, swung it in the sky and flung it. Kalnemi's lifeless body landed in Lanka.

Ravana was shocked to see this. He need to do something. He then sent for the Sun God and asked him to go up in the sky. The sun said It was still night and there were hours to go before it was time.
Ravana said he did not care.

Sun reluctantly agreed to go.

Hanumana saw this. He jumped up in the sky and appeared before the Sun. Sun was unable to travel. Hanumana was blocking his way. Sun asked his charioteer who was this blocking the way. The charioteer said it was a vanara. Sun said he would burn this vanara.

Hanumana heard this and bowed down to Sun and requested him not go up in the sky else Lakshmana would die.
Sun said he would not be able to disobey Ravana.
Hanuman then grabbed the Sun and locked him under his armpit. The sun was captured.

My postings here

Due to work pressures, I will be posting here only on weekends for the rest of this month and most part of next month. I will try and post, in between, if I can.

Ravana tells Kalnemi to go to Gandhamadana

Ravana sent for Kalnemi, a demon. Kalnemi was related to Ravana. Ravana said - Hanumana is going to Gandhamadana to get medice for Lakshmana. if he goes there and gets the medicine before the sun rises, Lakshmana will live, else he will will die. I need you to go to the mountain and stop Hanumana. You are an expert in magic. Do something to prevent Hanumana from coming back before dawn. If Hanumana dies, I will give you half the kingdom of Lanka.

Kalnemi said Hanumana is very clever. If he sees me, he will kill me. Tell me how I should approach him.
Ravana said You will think of a way, I trust you. I will tell you this. I know the mountain very well. There is a stream in which resides a crocodile. No one touches the water of the stream, fearing the crocodile. Hanumana does not know Gandhamadana well. Find an excuse and send Hanumana in the waters. Take up the guise of a sage. Sit there. When Hanumana comes there. Ask him to have a bath in the stream and then come to you. Hanumana will get killed by the crocodile and that will be the end of Lakshmana and thereby Rama.

Kalnemi said I will be inviting my death by going close to Hanumana. Have you forgotten that you got slapped by him and fell off your chariot. You are sending me to my death.

Ravana started getting angry. Kalnemi said it is one and the same for me. I die either in your hands or Hanumana's hand.

Kalnemi was strange to look at, with eight hands and four heads. Taking the guise of a sage, Kalnemi went to Gandhamadana and set up his ashrama there. 

Hanumana gets ready

Rama rushed back and took Lakshmana's head on his lap. He started looking at others for help.
He said Lakshmana is a part of me. Without Lakshmana I am nothing. I will not return back to Ayodhya. I came to the forest on my father's word and this is what has happened.

The Gods in the heaven said - Do not grieve Rama, Lakshmana will live.

Rama said to Sushena - Please help my brother.

Sushena said Lakshmana still has some life in him. Please send Hanumana to get the medicine. With that, I will bring Lakshmana back to life.

Rama said I am in no position to do any thing, you please tell Hanumana.

Sushena then said to Hanumana - Please get the medicine for Lakshmana. Go to the mountain called Gandhamadana. There is the medicine called Vishalyakarani. The mountain has nine peaks. One one peak live Shiva. One the second peak lives the Sun. Third peak is the abode of the Gandharvas. Fouth peak has Sal trees. Fifth peak has lions and tigers. The sixth peak has a river flowing. One the banks of the river are the medicinal trees with blue flowers and yellow leaves, The branches are red in color and it has golden colored vines. Get that for me. This has to be brought before the sun rises. Beware of the Gandharvas HaHa and HuHu who live there.

Rama said this will take years, how will Hanumana come back before dawn.

Hanumana said Do not worry, I will go and get the medicine before the night ends.

Saying this, Hanumana got ready. He folded his ears and using his tail for balancing, jumped into the sky. He increased his size to twenty yojanas and sped on.

Ravana saw this. He knew Hanumana was going for the medicine to revive Lakshmana. He needed to foil Hanumana's attempt.

Ravana fells Lakshmana

Ravana started a terrible battle. Whoever faced him, was being subdued easily. Vanaras were falling. Nala, Nila and mant others fell from Ravana's arrows.
Ravana told his charioteer to take him where Rama was.
Ravana saw Rama and was stunned. Instead of Rama, he was seeing the entire universe.
Ravana realized this was Vishnu. He was now happy. If he died, he would go to heaven. He decided to fight it out.

A fierce battle started between Ravana and Rama. Ravana's arrows pierced Rama and he took a break. Lakshmana seeing this, started the fight with Ravana. Lakshmana cut off the charioteer and the horses. Vibhishana, with his mace, smashed the chariot. Ravana looked at Vibhishana.

He said to Vibhishana - It is because of you that our dynasty is destroyed. He picked up a spear and aimed that at Vibhishana. It was a ferocious weapon. Vibhishana appealed to Lakshmana for help. Lakshmana cut off the spear with three arrows.

Ravana then picked a spear that was Yama's weapon. If it struck anyone, it would surely result in the death of that person. Ravana had got that to kill Rama. He aimed that at Vibhishana. Lakshmana cut that off.

Ravana then remembered a spear that he had got from Maya, his father in law. He picked that up and aimed it at Lakshmana. He said You saved Vibhishana, now let me see if you can save yourself. Think of your dear ones, as you will die now.

Gods in heaven were terrified to this terrible weapon speed towards Lakshmana. This spear, called Shakti, would kill who ever it was aimed at.

Rama saw this and appealed to the weapon to spare Lakshmana. If you cannot, then kill me.

The spirit of the weapon said I am compelled to kill Lakshmana. I am slave of the one who keeps me.

The spear hit Lakshmana. Piercing Lakshmana , the sharp end of the spear came out of the other end of his body.

All was quiet. Lakshmana was gasping.

Rama was not sure what to do. The vanaras came and tried to pull out the spear. No one was able to. Finally Rama went and pulled the spear out. Ravana seeing this, started showering arrows.

While the vanaras took care of Lakshmana, Rama started fighting Ravana. So fierce were Rama's arrows, that Ravana fled from the battlefield. 

Ravana tries to kill Sita

Grief gave way to anger. Ravana said Lanka is now being destroyed because of Sita. If Sita is no longer alive, all problems will be resolved. Indrajit had cut what was an illusion. I will cut the real Sita.
Taking a sword in his hand, Ravana went towards the Ashoka garden. Mandodari was afraid of something like this. Controlling her grief, she rushed behind Ravana.

Sita was afraid and was fearing her life. She started calling out to Rama for help.

Ravana raised his hand and Mandodari grabbed him.

Ravana said He would kill Sita and put an end to all troubles.

Madodari said You are a learned person. Do not get the sin of killing a woman of yourself. Lanka has enough trouble now.

Ravana went back and then decided to go to battle himself. Afraid that Mandodari may try to stop him, Ravana collected his weapons and marched straight towards his chariuot. Mandodari came. She asked him to return Sita and save what was there of Lanka. Seeing that he would not listen, Mandodari, with tears in her eyes, prayed to the Gods and let Ravana go.

Ravana and Mandodari grieve

Indrajit had died in the morning but Ravana had not been informed. The messengers were afraid of facing him. It was noon and a messenger taking courage went to Ravana and said that Indrajit had died.

Ravana fell from his throne. All the courtiers came rushing and tried to revive the king. Coming to his senses, Ravana started crying. Where have you gone Indrajit, son of Ravana and Mandodari. You had conquered the Gods and a human was able to kill you. All this happened because of Vibhishana. If I am alive after my war with Rama, I will cut Vibhishana to pieces.

Mandodari heard of the death of her son. She fainted. People tried to review her by pouring water on her head. Some held their fingers near her nose to see if she was alive. Coming to her sense, Mandodari started grieving. I got you, my son, after praying to Shiva. What have I to live for now. 

Sushena applies medicine on Lakshmana

Rama then sent for Sushena. He said to Sushena - You know the power of medicines. Lakshmana is wounded. He still has parts of arrows sticking in his body. Please help him.

Sushena got his medicines and went where Lakshmana was. He slowly extracted the arrows from the body of Lakshmana. He then applied his medicine on the wounds. The smell of the medicines and the medicine entering the blood stream of Lakshmana did wonders. Lakshmana's body became like it was earlier.

Rama was pleased to see this. He said to Sushena that there was no one equal to him in the science of medicines. 

Rama's joy

In the fight Lakshmana had been wounded. Hanumana and Vibhishana both carried Lakshmana out.

On the side, Rama was worried. He had sent Lakshmana to fight Indrajit. He was thus thinking when Lakshmana arrived, blood flowing from his body. Vibhishana said Lakshmana had come victorious. Indrajit was no more.

All were very happy and celebrations started in Rama;s camp. Rama was happy. He could see the end of Ravana close by. 

Gods relived at the death of Indrajit

When he held his bow, Indra was scared. He had scared all. No one was saved from his arrows. Bless Lakshmana, who killed Indrajit.

Now all can live in peace. All that is left now is the death of Ravana, in the hands of Rama and we will be joyous. 

Indrajit dies

Vibhishana said killing Indrajit would not be a simple task. Indrajit performed a sacrifice befofre starting for his battle. The day he completed the sacrifice, he would return victorious. Indrajit had been cursed by Brahma that whoever was able to stop his sacrifice before its completion, would be the one who would kill Indrajit. Send Lakshmana with me. Indrajit would be preparing for his sacrifice now. We will got and stop that.

Rama asked Vibhishana about Indrajit's curse.

Vibhishana said Indrajit had asked Brahma to make him immortal. When Brahma had refused, Indrajit asked that when he completed his sacrifice and went to war, he would return victorious. Brahma said he would give him that boon. Indrajit would also be able to fight, hiding behind clouds. If someone was able to stop the sacrifice before it was completed, Indrajit would die in the hands of that person.

Rama said he was worried for Lakshmana. Vibhishana said he aware of Lakshmana's strength. When Ravana had tried to lift Lakshmana, he had been unable to do so. Also Lakshmana had the strength of a hundred Indrajit.

With a few selected vanaras, Vibhishana and Lakshmana set forth for Lanka.

Crashing the gates, the group entered into the city. Fighting their way through, they entered the hall where Indrajit was performing his sacrifice. Hanumana, getting a tree, flung that at the sacrificial fire, extinguishing it. He then started urinating on all the offerings.

Angry, Indrajit started shooting arrows at Hanumana, which the vanara skillfully avoided.

Lakshmana then picked up his bow and started showering arrows at Indrajit. Indrajit avoiding the arrows, said to Vibhishana - Fie on you. You are a traitor. You disclosed the secret of my death.

Vibhishana said Though I was born a rakshasa, I did not envy others. I did not try to get what others had. I did not abduct anyone's wife.

Indrajit tried to climb on his chariot, but the vanaras broke that.

Vibhishana said to Lakshmana to stop him from going behind the clouds. If he went there, he would be invisible. He thus captured Indra and Brahma had to come and beg for Indra's freedom.

Indrajit created a chariot from his magic and climbed on that. Vibhishana asked Hanumana to stop Indrajit from going upwards.

Lakshmana started showering arrows. Trying to avoid that, Indrajit went skywards, where Hanumana stopped his path. Hanumana broke the chariot. Indrajit tried to escape in the skies, but Hanumana holding his legs started pulling him down. Hanumana also asked the other vanaras to come and help him.

Indrajit tried to run out , but Vibhishana was guarding the gate. Vibhishana called out to Lakshmana and a battle;e started between Lakshmana and Indrajit.

Hearing of this, Brahma asked Indra to find out a way in which Lakshmana could kill Indrajit. Lakshmana had to be given the weapon which would kill the demon and he needed to use that. Indra silently came and gave that to Lakshmana.

Lakshmana invoked the weapon. Seeing that, Indrajit was scared. Lakshmana released the arrow. Indrajit tried to avoid that but was unable to. The arrow came and cut Indrajit's head off.

Rama's grief

Rama fainted when he heard about the killing of Sita. The vanaras got water and started sprinkling that on Rama, trying to revive him. Lakshmana tried to console Rama. Rama, coming to his senses was in grief. He started cursing himself saying why did he have to go running after Maricha in the form of the deer. Nothing would have happened, if he had not chased the deer.

Vibhishana asked Rama to control himself. He wanted to know who had seen Sita being killed. Rama said Hanumana had seen that.

Vibhishana said something was not correct. Sita was someone whom Ravana refused to return. Ravana was willing to put Lanka at stake rather than return Sita. Indrajit did not have the courage to go near Sita. Vibhishana said it was best if Hanumana went and saw Sita in the Ashoka garden.

Hanumana went and saw Sita sitting in the garden. Hanumana came and told Rama that Sita was well and alive and that the Sita that had been killed was an illusion.

Rama then asked Vibhishana, what was the way to put an end to Indrajit. 

Killing of the false Sita

Ravana fell from his seat when he heard of Virbahu's death. All heroes sent to battle had not come back alive. When Ravana was thus thinking, Indrajit came and said it was time he went again and fought.
Ravana agreed. After all Indrajit was the the only one who had fought and returned back alive.
Indrajit said he was surprised how the dead were coming back to life. He had put an end to Rama and Lakshmana and Garuda had revived them. Then when he put an end to them, Hanumana got the medicine and rescued them. How was this happening?
Ravana said this was the work of Hanumana. Hanumana had to be killed first.
Indrajit left and went to see Mandodari, his mother. On his way, he thought, his mother would try to stop him. He decided to go to battle and then when he returned, he would greet his mother.
He went to his prayer room to perform his sacrifice before the battle.
Agni appeared before Indrajit and said Why do you pray to me everyday? What do you want from me?
Indrajit said He wanted to put an end to Rama and Lakshmana.
Agni said that was not possible. Rama was Narayana himself.
Angry, Indrajit left the sacrifice and climbed on his chariot. He went and started showering arrows, felling the vanaras. Lakshmana asked Rama to use powerful weapon and destroy Lanka. Rama said You speak like a child. What did the innocent women of Lanka do that they should die a terrible death?
Indrajit saw he was not able to tackle Rama and Lakshmana. He went back to Lanka and sent for Vidyutjivha. He asked Vidyutjivha to create a clone of Sita, who should be absolutely like Sita in appearance. Indrajit said, he would kill this clone in front of Rama. Seeing this, Rama would die. Seeing that Lakshmana would die too and the vanaras would leave Lanka.
Vidyutjivha created an idol of Sita and with mantras, made it come alive. Vidyutjivha then told the clone who she was and why she was there.

With this clone on his chariot, Indrajit started again for battle. Coming out from the western gate, he started hitting the clone with the whip used by the charioteer.
The false Sita started shouting out for help. Holding her hair in one hand, Indrajit held a sword in another.

Hanumana saw this. He was ready to fight but he was unable to move. What if Sita got hurt. Hanumana had tears in his eyes. Hanumana said It was a sin to kill a woman.
Indrajit said If killing a woman resulted in the death of the enemy, then that was just. I will first kill Sita and then put an end to Rama and Lakshmana.

The clone started crying loudly calling out for help. Indrajit picking up his sword, brought it down on the clone, cutting it into two.
Seeing this, the vanaras started to flee. Hanumana asked to turn back and cut off Indrajit's head and having killed Sita.

Seeing the vanaras come towards him, Indrajit fled and went inside Lanka.

Rama heard a lot of noise and was not sure what was happening. He asked Jambuvana to go and see what was the matter. Jambuvana went and on his way he saw Hanumana coming back. He asked him what was the matter. Hanumana told him Sita had been killed.

Going to Rama with tears in his eyes, Hanumana told Rama what had happened. 

Virbahu falls

Virbahu was in awe when he saw Rama. He was sure this was other than Vishnu in the guise of a human. He got off his elephant and bowed down at Rama.
Rama was in a dilemma. He would not be able to kill someone who was devoted to him.
Virubahu thought if Rama did not kill him, he would not achieve his aim.
He got up and climbed back on his elephant and was ready to fight.
Rama and Virbahu began their fight.

The sky was covered with arrows. A loud noise was produced with the arrows clashing against each other. When Virbahu invoked the fire weapon, Rama invoked the water weapon. Virbahu then shot an arrow which hit Rama on his chest. Rama, controlling his pain, shot an arrow to cut off the bow of Virbahu. The arrows touched the bow and fell down. Rama then invoked a crescent arrow which then cut off the bow of Virbahu. In his mind, Virbahu was happy. He understood that this time was coming close and the person with whom he was fighting, was none other than Narayan.

Virbahu got another bow and shot some arrows, which Rama cut off. Seeing Rama tired and wounded, Lakshmana shot arrows and cut off the arrows of Virbahu. Virbahu then shot arrows at Lakshmana. The arrows pierced Lakshmana on his chest, and he fell down. Virbahu then aimed a mace towards Lakshmana, which Rama cut off.

Virbahu then said this was not fair, Why was someone interfering in the fight. Why was Ramam cutting off weapons aimed at Lakshmana.

Rama said there was no difference between him and Lakshmana. Virbahu said he was aware of that. All were part of Narayana. Rama was quiet. They resumed fighting.

Rama shot arrows which struck Virbahu. Virbahu fell senseless on his elephant. Seeing his master unconscious, the elephant rose to the sky with its master. Lakshmana asked Rama to kill the demon using the weapon of Brahma. Rama said that would not be fair. After all Virbahu was a noble learned person.

Virbahu regained his senses. Sugriva said he had heard that Virbahu's life was tied to the elephant. If the elephant died, Virbahu would also die. Saying this, Sugriva rose to the sky. Sugriva hurled a big boulder at the elephant. The animal caught the boulder in its tusks and crushed it. Sugriva then hurled a tree which struck the elephant on its head and broke. The elephant then grabbed Sugriva in its trunk and threw him aside.

Virbahu then asked Rama to come and fight and not let any second person interfere.

Rama said You talk of fairness. Your aunt, Surpanakha, a widow, came to entice me and Lakshmana and got her ears and nose cut. That was her character. Your father forcibly abducted my wife. He also pushed out his elder brother, Kubera, from Lanka, and took over the kingdom.

Saying this, the fight between Rama and Virbahu resumed, with one cutting off the arrows of the other. Rama was hurt by an arrow and he fell down. Seeing this, Vibhishana picked up a bow and started fighting in place of Rama.

Virbahu said Our dynasty is blessed to have a person like you, so devoted to Vishnu.

Rama regained composure and the fight started again.

Seeing no alternative, Virbahu invoked the weapon he had got from Brahma and used that. Rama was unable to repel that. Pavan then came and told Rama to use the weapon he had got from the sage Sarabhanga. Rama fetched that weapon and released it. The arrow, cut off the arrow released by Virbahu and then it went and cut off the head of the elephant.

Virbahu jumped off the elephant. Rama cut off the bow of Virbahu. Virbahu then asked Rama to use the weapon of Vishnu and make an end of him. Rama, Rama was reluctant but then thought, if Vibahu did not die, Ravana would not get killed. So, he decided to use the weapon.

The weapon went and cut off the head of Virbahu. The cut head was chanting the name of Rama. Vibhishana got the cut head to Rama. With Rama's touch, Virbahu was released from the earthly bounds.

Rama asked Vibhishana how many such warriors were there in Lanka. Vibhishana said now only Ravana and Indrajit were left.