27. Endless Struggles Against Kumbhakarna
Endless Struggles Against Kumbhakarna
Innumerable Vanaras surrounded the great demon Kumbhakarna, doing their best to overpower him. However, Kumbhakarna caught hold of them in his grip, crushing them to death, batch after batch. It soon became clear that it was far beyond the power of the Vanaras to defeat the demon.
Angada and Sugriva uprooted a hill and hurled it at him. But Kumbhakarna protected himself by raising his iron fist, throwing the hill aside and emerging unhurt. He then aimed his trident at Sugriva. Fortunately, Hanuman intercepted it mid-flight and dashed it to the ground.
The Fall of Sugriva
The Vanaras erupted in joyful cheers. But before the echoes of their shouts faded, a rock hurled by the demon struck Sugriva, knocking him senseless. Kumbhakarna swiftly lifted him and hurried away into the fort, the unconscious enemy slumped over his shoulder.
Though Hanuman witnessed it, he did not panic. He trusted that Sugriva would take necessary action upon regaining consciousness. Hanuman continued to boost the spirits of the Vanaras with his inspiring words.
Sugriva’s Fury
Hanuman’s faith in Sugriva proved correct. When Sugriva awakened and found himself on Kumbhakarna’s shoulder, he wasted no time in biting the demon’s ear and nose furiously. The demon cried out in pain, throwing Sugriva to the ground and attempting to kick him. But Sugriva evaded him just in time and flew towards Rama for safety.
Kumbhakarna returned to the battlefield, where Lakshmana stepped forward to confront him. However, Kumbhakarna ignored Lakshmana, marching straight towards Rama.
The Confrontation Between Rama and Kumbhakarna
Rama addressed the demon: “You feel proud of having defeated Indra. But remember, I am not Indra. I can end your life in an instant if I choose.”
Kumbhakarna replied, “Listen, Ramachandra, I am neither Vali nor Maricha, that you would dream of defeating me. However, I will allow you to display your valor to your heart’s content before I kill you. Come on!”
Initially, Rama shot the same arrow that had once pierced seven bulky trees in a row, but it had no effect on Kumbhakarna. A little agitated, Rama then discharged a rarer shaft, cutting down one of the demon’s hands.
The Battle Intensifies
With roars that echoed like thunder, Kumbhakarna uprooted a gigantic tree and charged at Rama. But another arrow from Rama’s bow dispatched Kumbhakarna’s remaining hand. When Kumbhakarna continued his assault, Rama cut through the demon’s legs and finally severed his head.
The Vanaras rejoiced around Rama, while the demons screamed in horror and began to scatter.
Ravana’s Despair
Upon hearing of Kumbhakarna’s death, Ravana fell unconscious. Kumbhakarna’s sons—Devantaka, Narantaka, and Trishir—as well as Atikaya, wailed loudly, joined by the fallen hero’s brothers, Mahodara and Mahaparshwa. The air was heavy with sadness.
When Ravana regained consciousness, fear gripped him; he realized he might lose not only his kingdom but also his life. For the first time, he regretted ignoring Vibhishana’s counsel.
A Ray of Hope
Trishir approached Ravana and asked, “Why do you look so troubled, O King? Do you forget that there was a time when you conquered all three worlds? Do not underestimate your strength. Allow me to go to the battlefield; I will avenge our loss.”
His brothers also volunteered to join him. Ravana, glad for their courage, embraced them and sent them into battle.
The Resumption of Battle
The fighting resumed with fervor. The furious Narantaka proved a strong match for the Vanara forces. However, he could not last long; at Sugriva’s suggestion, Angada confronted him and swiftly ended his life.
Trishir, Mahodara, and Devantaka then charged at Angada. With remarkable courage and presence of mind, Angada engaged them, until Hanuman arrived to rescue him, killing Devantaka with a single blow. Neela soon followed and dispatched Mahodara effortlessly.
The Might of Atikaya
Atikaya, witnessing the loss of his comrades, advanced to face the enemy, resembling a mountain in motion. Rama asked Vibhishana, “Who is this?”
<p“He is one of Ravana’s sons, born to Dhanyamali. He is nearly as strong as Ravana and has a boon from Brahma that protects him from gods and demons. He must be defeated immediately to prevent further loss of our forces,” replied Vibhishana.
Several Vanara heroes, including Kumud, Dwividh, Maind, Neela, and Sharabha, rushed forward to battle the young demon, but they were harassed and forced to retreat.
A Standoff Between Lakshmana and Atikaya
Atikaya stood before Rama and declared, “I do not wish to fight a herd of timid creatures. Is there anyone bold enough in your camp who will confront me?”
Lakshmana stepped forward and raised his bow, challenging the demon to a duel. Atikaya dismissed him, saying, “You seem too diminutive to inspire me. Why are you so eager to die? Step aside to stay safe!”
“No more bragging; let us fight. I need to see if you are indeed a hero,” provoked Lakshmana.
The Fall of Atikaya
The battle began. As the fight progressed, Atikaya began to respect Lakshmana’s courage and skill. The two opponents soon abandoned conventional weapons and used supernatural abilities instead. Ultimately, a powerful arrow from Lakshmana beheaded Atikaya.
The news of this young hero’s death shocked Ravana, leaving him furious with his generals for underestimating the enemy’s strength.
Meghnad’s Intervention
“Father! Do not worry while I am alive. Don’t you remember my victories? If you allow me to engage in battle now, our victory is assured!” proclaimed Ravana’s son Meghnad.
Ravana’s despair lifted, and he thanked Meghnad, giving him the green light to proceed. Meghnad gathered a trusted army, climbing into a chariot of his choice.
Strategic Gameplay
Yet he did not rush into battle right away. Instead, he performed a Yajna with his soldiers surrounding him, charging his weapons and talismans with fresh power. Only after this sacred rite did he tackle the enemy.
Meghnad sent his army to the battlefield while he himself turned invisible and flew above the fray.
The Chaos Unleashed
Meghnad’s army proved to be a significant threat to the Vanaras, who were constantly encouraged and directed by Meghnad from above. The Vanara heroes found themselves bewildered.
The invisible Meghnad’s arrows struck even Rama and Lakshmana. Rama alerted Lakshmana, “Surely, it is Meghnad troubling us while remaining invisible. He will not stop until we seem overpowered by his arrows.”
The Night of Darkness
A barrage of Meghnad’s arrows soon struck Rama and Lakshmana, causing them to collapse to the ground. Meghnad returned to his fort, overjoyed with his success.
The evening descended, and Hanuman, alongside Vibhishana holding torches, surveyed the conditions of their soldiers, assessing their losses. They came across Jambavan, who lay blinded from the battle. “I trust our Hanuman is still strong,” said Jambavan.
The Rising Hope
“Why are you only concerned for Hanuman and not for others?” Vibhishana questioned him.
<p“Vibhishana! Understand this: if Hanuman remains robust and alive, our mission shall succeed. We gain nothing if all our soldiers remain unharmed, but we lose Hanuman,” replied Jambavan.
Hanuman touched the old Jambavan’s feet, seeking his blessings. “My child, the safety and success of our army depend on you. Be brave and carry out your duty with sincerity,” Jambavan advised.
The Quest for Healing
Jambavan then described how to revive Rama and Lakshmana: “Hanuman should fly to the Himalayas, crossing the sea and land. There, near the majestic peaks of Kanchan and Kailas, lies a hill abundant with medicinal plants. Among them are four rare herbs: Visalyakarani, Mritasanjivani, Souvarnakarani, and Sandhanakarani. These four herbs can cure all our wounded and sick soldiers. So, O Hanuman, fetch them from the Himalayas.”
Hardly had Jambavan finished when Hanuman soared into the sky. He flew non-stop over the sea and land, reaching the grand Himalayan region, captivated by its lofty peaks and holy sites. Soon, he located the hill rich with a variety of plants and landed beside it.