Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 24 Yudhakandham

 Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 24     Yudhakandham

Ravana and Shuka

Ravana questioned Shuka about the delay, treatment by Vanaras, and his tired appearance. Shuka explained how Vanaras nearly killed him but spared him after Rama’s intervention. He delivered Rama’s warning to return Sita immediately or prepare for battle, asserting Rama’s readiness to destroy Lanka with his powerful army and arrows. He described the might of the Vanaras, naming warriors like Nila (son of Agni), Angada (son of Bali), Hanuman (son of Vayu), and many others, highlighting their colossal strength and fearlessness.

Shuka then preached a spiritual discourse, urging Ravana to abandon his enmity. He explained the nature of the body as made of five elements and how ego and attachment to sin and virtue trap the soul in a cycle of births and deaths. Shuka advised Ravana to realize his true self as Atman, detach from worldly ties, and seek refuge in Rama—the Paramatma, the non-dual supreme being. He warned that continuing on the path of desire would lead to downfall and hell, but chanting Rama’s name and meditating on him would lead to moksha (liberation).

Enraged, Ravana lashed out at Shuka for preaching like a guru despite being a mere servant, warning him to leave or face death by his sword. Fearful, Shuka fled and sought safety at home.

Shuka’s Story

Shuka, a noble Brahmana living a Vanaprastha life, devoted himself to pleasing the Devas and opposing the Asuras. Seeking to corrupt him, the Rakshasa Vajradamshtra disguised himself as Sage Agastya during a visit to Shuka’s ashram and requested a goat meat dish. Shuka and his wife agreed. Vajradamshtra then impersonated Shuka’s wife and cooked a dish using human flesh. When the real Agastya returned and unknowingly ate it, he cursed Shuka to become a Rakshasa who lived on human flesh.

Shuka pleaded innocence. When Agastya understood the deception, he regretted his hasty curse but could not revoke it. Instead, he blessed Shuka: “You will serve Ravana, then meet Rama and deliver his message. Upon fulfilling that duty, your Rakshasa nature will be cleansed, and you will be dear to the Devas again.”

Malyavan Advises Ravana

Malyavan, Ravana’s grandfather, visited and warned him of ominous signs: untimely thunder, blood rain, animals acting abnormally, and deities in disarray. He urged Ravana to return Sita and seek Rama’s forgiveness, recognizing Rama as Vishnu incarnate. Ravana dismissed him scornfully, mocking Rama as a mere man aided by monkeys and told Malyavan to retire.

The War Begins

The armies assembled. Ravana, ten-headed and mighty, faced Rama, who shot arrows destroying his crowns and umbrellas. Ravana smiled nervously and withdrew.

Each side positioned its warriors: Ravana guarded the North, with Prahasta (West), Vajradamshtra (South), and Meghanada (East). Vanaras placed Nila (West), Angada (South), Hanuman (East), and Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva (North).

Battle broke out in full fury—weapons clashed, war cries filled the air, and the Vanaras stormed Lanka, destroying its defenses. Spies sent by Ravana were caught, beaten, and released by Rama. They returned praising Rama’s compassion and advised surrender. Ravana tried to demoralize Sita. A magician, Vidyujihva, created a fake severed head of Rama. Ravana presented it to Sita, falsely claiming Rama was dead. Sita fainted. Sarama, Vibhishana’s wife, comforted her, revealing the deception and promised Rama would triumph within four days.

Angada Meets Ravana

Rama sent Angada to deliver a final warning: return Sita or face destruction. Angada thundered: “My arrows tremble the earth. Aren’t you ashamed?” Ravana ordered his soldiers to kill him, but Angada hurled them away and smashed part of the palace before departing.

The War of Rakshasas and Vanaras

Vanaras led by Kumudan, Nalan, Gajan, Gavayan, and Hanuman advanced, clearing obstacles with trees and rocks. The battlefield roared with cries, drums, weapons, and dying warriors. Celestial beings—Gandharvas, Siddhas, Kinnaras, sages like Narada—watched the great war from the skies.

Indrajit fought Angada, whose swift tactics overwhelmed him. Jambumali battled Hanuman and was slain. Prahasta faced Sugriva; Nala fought Nikumbha; Lakshmana met Viroopaksha; Rama killed ten mighty Rakshasas in swift succession.

The Use of Naga Astra

Defeated by Angada, Indrajit used the Naga Astra, binding Vanaras with serpentine energy. They lay paralyzed, and Indrajit boasted of victory. Devas and sages grieved. Suddenly, Garuda, enemy of snakes, arrived—breaking the spell. Rama blessed Garuda, and the Vanaras rose, reinvigorated.

Ravana, unaware of their revival, believed Indrajit had won. But the Vanaras reappeared, weapon ready. Furious, Ravana sent Dhumraksha to crush them.

The Killing of Dhumraksha, Akampana, etc.

Dhumraksha attacked with full force, but Hanuman countered him fiercely. After a brutal fight, Hanuman crushed him under a mountain. Vanaras celebrated; Rakshasa women mourned.

Next, Vajradamshtra approached from the South and clashed with Angada. The fierce battle left many dead, their blood flooding the field. Angada killed Vajradamshtra with a sword.

Then came Akampana through the East. He fought Hanuman and was slain. Ravana, trembling, saw the Vanara army spanning from Rameswaram to Lanka. Furious, he summoned his mightiest commander, Prahasta.

The Death of Prahasta

Ravana lamented the lack of warriors and sent Prahasta, accompanied by his ministers—Kambhahanu, Mahanadan, Durmukha, and Samunnathan. They emerged from the Western tower to meet Nila and his forces.

The battle intensified. Vanaras and Rakshasas fell in heaps. Jambava slew Kambhahanu and Durmukha; Nila killed Mahanadan and Samunnathan. In a final duel, Nila killed Prahasta. Ravana raged in despair at the death of his commander-in-chief.