Mahiravana dies

In the heaven Shiva asked Brahma how Rama and Lakshmana would be freed. Brahma said -
Once there was a Gandharva called Shatrudhanu who used to sing and dance in front of Vishnu. Once the sage Ashtavakra came to see Vishnu. Seeing the sage's body which was bent, the gandharva started laughing and lost the beat at which he was singing. The sage cursed him to be born as a rakshasha.
The gandharva said This is too big a curse for something which I did. I had no bad intention.
The sage said What I said will happen. You will stay in the nether world and will be a devotee of Shiva and Durga. Vishnu will be born as Rama and then Hanumana will cut off your head and you will be relieved.

Mahiravana asked Rama to bow and Rama asked him to show how. The moment Mahiravana did that, Hanumana cut off Mahiravana's head.

The gandharva was freed and Hanumana freed the tied Rama and Lakshmana. Rama embraced Hanumana. 

Hanumana goes in search of Rama and Lakshmana

Sugriva said to Hanumana - All know you to be a great devotee of Rama. You jumped across the sea to find Sita. Go in search of Rama. Mahiravana tricked you and you must go in search, to make amends.

Hanumana's eyes were wet. He said I will go in search. I will look everywhere. If I do not find them, I will not show my face to anyone.

Hanumana then entered the tunnel that had been used by Mahiravana to capture Rama and Lakshmana.

On the other end of the tunnel he saw a wonderful world. Sun was shining brightly. He saw Ganga there, in a form called Bhogavati. He saw many sages, among them he saw the sage Kapila.

He saw the palace of Mahiravana. Disguising himself, he entered the palace to look out for Rama. He saw many good looking people there. He saw houses made of Gold. Finding a tree, he climbed that up and waited there.

People were surprised to see a monkey there. They wondered where the monkey had come from. An elderly person there said - I am reminded of an old story. Mahiravana had prayed to Goddess Mahamaya, to become immortal. The Goddess had not granted that boon. She instead granted him a boon that he would be invincible in battle from all except humans and vanaras. Now Mahiravana has captured humans and brought them over, and I see a vanara here. This is not a good sign.

Hanumana was happy to hear this. He waited on the tree. The tree was on the bank of a lake and many women were coming there to fetch water in their pitchers. Off them, one was a royal maid. The other women asked her, what was the occasion? There was celebration going on in the palace.
The maid said What I tell you, make sure sure, no one hears. The king has brought over two exceptionally handsome young men. They are to be sacrificed to Mahamaya today.

Hanumana heard this. He quickly got off the tree and went into the main palace. There he saw a room which was heavily guarded. Taking the form of a bee, Hanumana went into the room and saw Rama and Lakshmana. Taking his own form, he woke them up. Lakshmana asked - Where are are Sugriva and Angada? Where are we? Where is Vibhishana?

Hanumana said You have been captured by Mahiravana. 

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.

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.