Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 26 Yudhakandham

  Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 26    Yudhakandham

Sage Narada’s Stuti

After Rama’s victory, divine beings showered flowers in celebration. Sage Narada appeared in the sky and extolled Rama’s divine nature, calling him the Paramatma, beyond time and Maya. He praised Rama as the eternal truth, Siva, Vishnu, and the foundation of creation, urging him to continue his righteous mission. Narada also prayed for liberation through Rama’s grace and requested to remain in satsang, singing Rama’s glories always. He concluded with blessings for victory over Ravana and disappeared.

The Killing of Atikaya

Ravana mourned Kumbhakarna's death. His sons and warriors, including Atikaya, volunteered for war. A fierce battle followed, where many Vanaras were slain. Angada killed Thrisiras and other demons with aid from Hanuman and Nila. Atikaya proved invulnerable due to a divine boon and armor. Vayu advised Lakshmana to use the Brahmastra. Meditating on Rama, Lakshmana did so, killing Atikaya. The Vanaras celebrated by offering his head as a trophy.

The Victory of Indrajit

As Ravana despaired, Indrajit reassured him and performed a secret yagna to gain magical powers. After completing it, he vanished and reappeared at will on the battlefield, launching a surprise attack. He struck down many Vanaras and finally even Rama and Lakshmana, rendering them unconscious. Believing himself victorious, he returned to the palace. Hanuman and Vibhishana searched the field and found Jambava injured. Jambava, upon confirming Hanuman was alive, declared hope restored. He instructed Hanuman to bring four divine herbs—Vishalyakarani, Sandhanakarani, Suvarnakarani, and Mrithasanjeevani—from Rishabha Mountain.

Kalanemi and Ravana

Fearing Hanuman's success, Ravana secretly approached Kalanemi and requested he delay Hanuman’s mission by posing as a sage. Though Kalanemi tried to persuade Ravana to surrender Sita and embrace renunciation, Ravana grew enraged and threatened him. Kalanemi submitted, seeing his death at Hanuman’s hands as auspicious.

The Killing of Kalanemi

Kalanemi created a fake hermitage and disguised himself as a Rishi. Hanuman, seeking water, arrived at the ashram. Kalanemi tried to trick him with false assurances. When Hanuman went to a nearby lake, he was attacked by a crocodile. Hanuman killed it, freeing a cursed Apsara who revealed Kalanemi’s identity. Hanuman returned and killed the demon instantly.

Hanuman Returns with the Medicine

Unable to locate the herbs individually, Hanuman uprooted the entire mountain and flew back to Lanka. The aroma revived all wounded Vanaras, including Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman then returned the mountain to its place. Rakshasa corpses, submerged in the sea, did not benefit from the herbs.

The Killing of Kumbha and Nikumbha

Following their recovery, the Vanaras retaliated harshly, destroying Lanka’s infrastructure. Ravana sent Kumbha and Nikumbha to fight. Joined by several Rakshasa commanders, a brutal battle ensued. Angada and Sugriva killed most of the demon warriors. Sugriva slew Kumbha; Hanuman killed Nikumbha. The Rakshasa forces were demoralized and reported their losses to Ravana.

Makaraksha and His Defeat

Ravana then sent Makaraksha, a formidable archer. He used magical naga-arrows, terrifying the Vanaras. Rama took charge, destroyed his chariot, and ultimately used the Agneyastra to kill Makaraksha. Ravana was furious and ready to fight himself, but Indrajit calmed him, promising to end the war by defeating the enemies himself.

The Killing of Maya Sita

Indrajit entered the battlefield with his army, prompting Lakshmana to urge Rama to use the Brahmastra against him due to his magical tactics. Rama refused, citing the weapon's use against defenseless enemies as unjust, and prepared to fight Indrajit himself. Indrajit created a Maya Sita, placed her in his chariot, and killed her publicly, distressing the Vanaras and Hanuman, who believed Sita was dead. They informed Rama, who fainted upon hearing the news. Lakshmana and Hanuman consoled him. Vibhishana, realizing it was a magical trick to allow Indrajit to perform a Yagna at Nikumbhila, urged Rama to send forces to disrupt it. Rama permitted Lakshmana, Vibhishana, and the Vanaras to stop the ritual.