Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 22 Yudhakandham

 Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 22     Yudhakandham beginning

After Hanuman’s return from Lanka, Rama marvels at Hanuman’s incredible feat—crossing an ocean hundred of yojanas wide, slaying many Rakshasas, and setting fire to the city. He praises Hanuman’s loyalty and valor, recounting how Hanuman met Sita Devi in Lanka and saved the Surya clan, along with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugriva. Rama then wonders aloud about the daunting task ahead: crossing a crocodile-infested sea and facing the demon and his soldiers before he can see Sita again.

Sugriva reassures him, asserting that the mighty Vanaras are invincible and ready to overcome any obstacle. He suggests various methods for crossing the ocean, such as using Rama’s arrows to part the sea or constructing a dike and expresses confidence that reaching Lanka will guarantee Ravana’s defeat. Rama then turns to Hanuman for a detailed description of Lanka—its layered forts, ditches, and defenses.

Hanuman explains that Lanka is situated atop the Trikuda mountain, gleaming like a golden city with a fort spanning around seven hundred yojanas. The city is protected by seven-story gate towers on all four sides, seven layers of walls with deep trenches and mechanized bridges, and thousands of Rakshasas and warriors who guard its strategic structures. He describes the opulent palaces, golden dining halls, drama theatres, and quiet introspection spaces within Lanka. While roaming the city with his father Vayu’s help, Hanuman found every luxury there. However, after exchanging Rama’s ring with Sita’s Choodaratna, he admitted that he committed a misdeed by destroying part of their garden, killing Ravana’s son Akshakumara, and severely damaging the Rakshasa forces. When Ravana confronted him, instead of outright killing him—as diplomatic codes forbade slaying messengers—Ravana ordered his tail to be set on fire as an insult. In response, Hanuman broke free, wreaked further havoc by burning a wide radius within the city, and demonstrated that the enemy’s fighting capacity had been greatly reduced. He urged that they begin the final assault to vanquish the demons and please Lord Yama.

Rama’s Preparation for War

Inspired by Hanuman’s account, Rama carefully formulates a battle strategy. He observes auspicious signs, including a twitch of his right eye, and assigns roles to his commanders, notably appointing Nila to allocate tasks among the warriors. Rama plans to lead personally, accompanied by Lakshmana on Angada’s shoulder and a retinue of notable Vanara commanders. The Vanaras, in high spirits and energized by the imminent war, journey northward. They gather fruits and water, play along the way, and by evening reach Mahendra Mountain, where they perform oblations at twilight and seek guidance from Varuna, the god of the seas, on how to cross the ocean. Despite the daunting sight of a deep sea filled with tall waves, crocodiles, and wild animals, the group pushes forward, though doubts and concerns ripple among them. Even Rama, despite his divine nature, momentarily partakes in the shared apprehension of the mortal state.

Ravana’s Preparations and Counsel

On the opposite shore, Ravana convenes with his ministers to assess the consequences of Hanuman’s incursion. He is disgraced that a mere monkey breached the impenetrable gates and forts of his city, inflicted significant losses—including the death of his son Akshakumara—and caused widespread destruction. In a heated meeting, Ravana laments the embarrassment and vows to address the matter. He criticizes the fact that Hanuman infiltrated Lanka and interacted freely with Sita, even questioning how it was possible given the high security around her. Ravana’s ministers offer contrasting views on strategy and decision-making; they discuss the merits of unanimous versus debate-ridden decisions and advise him on overcoming his insecurities about battling Rama. Ravana is partly consoled by these reassurances, which remind him of his past victories over gods and demons.

Kumbhakarna, roused from a long sleep, is called to share his thoughts. With blunt candor, he warns that aligning with Rama would be wise since Rama is not merely human but the incarnate Lord Narayana destined to establish Dharma. According to Kumbhakarna, opposing Rama will inevitably lead to calamity not only for Ravana but his entire kingdom. Indrajit also commits himself to fighting Rama, promising to return victorious.

Vibhishana’s Defection

Vibhishana, Ravana’s youngest brother, enters the court and praises his king before advising him to consider the futility of opposing Rama. He argues that none of Ravana’s formidable warriors, including even Indrajit, can match Rama’s divine power. Vibhishana contends that Ravana’s enemies are not the obvious foes but those falsely cloaked as friends who would abandon him when disaster strikes. Moved by his own inner conviction, Vibhishana, already an ardent devotee of Narayana, resolves to seek refuge at Rama’s feet. Despite Ravana’s angry outburst and threats, Vibhishana decides to leave Lanka, taking with him four confidants. He bids farewell to his kin, assuring that his loyalty now lies with Rama and urging Ravana to reconsider his actions before it is too late.