Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 27 Yudhakandham

   Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 27    Yudhakandham

The Killing of Indrajit

 Lakshmana, Sugriva, and the Vanara army attacked the Rakshasas at Nikumbhila, where Indrajit was conducting his Yagna. The Vanaras disrupted the ritual, forcing Indrajit to fight. Vibhishana encouraged Lakshmana to strike before the Yagna’s completion, as it would make Indrajit invincible. Indrajit taunted Vibhishana for siding with Rama, but Vibhishana defended his choice, blaming Ravana and Indrajit for their clan’s downfall. In a fierce three-day battle, Lakshmana, aided by Hanuman and Sugriva, killed Indrajit with the Indra-astra, which struck his neck. The arrow cleansed itself in the sea and returned to Lakshmana’s quiver. The Devas celebrated, and Lakshmana informed Rama of the victory, noting that Indrajit’s death weakened Ravana significantly.

Ravana’s Wailing

Devastated by Indrajit’s death, Ravana fainted and wailed, blaming his karma and vowing to kill Sita. As he approached her with a sword, his advisor Suparswa intervened, reminding Ravana of his noble lineage and devotion to Siva, urging him to fight Rama instead. Convinced, Ravana prepared for battle but was wounded by Rama’s arrows and returned to his palace, feeling defeated.

Disruption of Ravana’s Yagna

Ravana consulted his guru, Sage Shukra, who advised him to perform a secret fire sacrifice to summon invincible warriors. Ravana began the ritual in a cave, sealing Lanka’s gates. Vibhishana noticed smoke from the cave and alerted Rama. Hanuman, Angada, and the Vanaras stormed the cave, guided by Vibhishana’s wife, Sarama. They disrupted the Yagna, attacked Ravana, and harassed his wife, Mandodari, to break his meditation. The Vanaras prevented Ravana from completing the ritual, ensuring his vulnerability, and reported their success to Rama. 

Ravana and Mandodari

Ravana consoled Mandodari, explaining that their suffering stemmed from ignorance and attachment. He vowed to fight Rama and, if defeated, attain liberation through Rama’s arrows, instructing Mandodari to kill Sita and join his funeral pyre for moksha. Mandodari, recognizing Rama as Mahavishnu’s avatar, urged Ravana to return Sita and surrender the kingdom to Vibhishana for redemption. Ravana rejected her advice, determined to fight and achieve victory or ascend to Vaikundha.