32. The Defeat of Mahiravana

Veer Hanuman, with just a few bounds, reached the mansion where Chandrasena was held captive. The building was enchanting, embellished with precious stones and adorned with intricate engravings and sculptures. The jewels embedded in the structure made the mansion glow luminously, even in the darkness.

Hanuman realized that the buildings of Patala Lanka were as magnificent as those in Lanka itself. He marveled at the wealth the demons of both regions had amassed. The demons stationed around the mansion were preoccupied with a function at their goddess’s sanctuary. However, the entrance was guarded by a giant dragon.

The Fiery Encounter

As soon as the dragon spotted Hanuman, it began to breathe fire and rushed toward him with a terrifying roar, attempting to swallow him whole. Hanuman hesitated, unsure whether to fight the beast or find a way to avoid it altogether.

Suddenly, he heard a cry—a woman’s voice. Without wasting another moment, he shrank to a minuscule size and darted into the monster’s mouth. He quickly emerged on the other side, piercing the dragon’s entrails.

With no further obstacles in his path, Hanuman soon found himself inside the mansion. It was dark, save for the radiant gems scattered about.

The Rescue Plan

He heard the cry again, accompanied by the sharp sound of a whip. In a single bound, Hanuman stood before Chandrasena’s locked room. Peering through the window, he saw the demoness Kantaki whipping Chandrasena, berating her with cruel words. “It was sheer foolishness that Mahiravana brought you here. You have become a curse to us! Confess who is hiding in the sanctuary or face death!” she threatened, tightening her grip around Chandrasena’s throat.

Realizing it was time to act, Hanuman lengthened his tail and sent it through the window. The startled Kantaki immediately released her hold on Chandrasena. However, she had been too cruel to deserve mercy. Hanuman’s tail tightened around her neck, serving as a noose that ended her life.

The Secret to Victory

With a piercing shriek, Kantaki fell dead. Her scream, along with Hanuman’s triumphant laughter, echoed through the mansion, though no one was present to hear it. Then, Hanuman kicked the door open and entered the room, prostrating himself before Chandrasena. He explained his mission and pleaded with her for the secret to Mahiravana’s life and death. Chandrasena’s face brightened at the mention of Rama, and with joy she said, “I will tell you how to destroy Mahiravana, but you must promise to bring Rama to me for a while once he is killed.”

Hanuman made the promise, and Chandrasena divulged the secret he craved to know.

The Quest for the Life-Casket

Hanuman wasted no time in seeking the mysterious place where Mahiravana’s life was securely hidden. He soared through the clouds and dove into the ocean. Beneath the water lay a massive lotus, its petals formed from dazzling flames. Hanuman prayed to the god of fire for protection and leaped into the splendid lotus.

Soon, at the end of a tunnel, he arrived at a gloomy castle filled with the hissing of snakes and the wailing of ghouls. With a mighty roar, Hanuman frightened them away. Those daring enough to approach him received swift kicks and blows, retreating in fear.

The Encounter with the Captain of Ghouls

Reaching a cave-like area within the castle, Hanuman found himself surrounded by ghosts, but they parted at his approach. One terrifying entity, grotesque and menacing, stood its ground and laughed, trying to intimidate the visitor.

<p“Who are you? Get out of my way!” Hanuman ordered.

The being laughed uproariously, proclaiming, “I am the captain of ghouls. But who are you? No one has dared enter this realm before. You are certainly not Mahiravana; I wonder who you are.”

“Oh, captain of ghouls, why aren’t you haunting the cremation grounds? Move aside, or I will demonstrate my strength!” Hanuman replied.

The creature scoffed at him. “Try your strength on me, if you dare!” it challenged.

Without hesitation, Hanuman clenched his fist and struck the being’s chest. It fell but quickly rose and bowed to him, saying, “Now I understand. I was cursed, but Mahadeva assured me that a blow from Hanuman would free me. Greatness be upon you, O Veer Hanuman!”

The Casket of Destiny

After the being vanished, Hanuman entered the cave to find a jeweled casket resting on a stone platform. Flames erupted from its cover as he approached. He attempted to extinguish the fire by blowing on it, but instead, the flames intensified.

Hanuman prayed to the god of fire, “O God! I am the son of your friend, the god of wind. Please be kind to me.” The fire subsided, and a voice called from within the flames, “Know this, Hanuman: the casket holds five bees, and you need five mouths to defeat them all at once.”

Hanuman thanked the god of fire and swiftly returned to Rama and Lakshmana, bringing the casket with him.

The Battle with Mahiravana

By then, Rama and Lakshmana were engaged in an intense battle against Mahiravana’s forces. Hanuman leaped forward, drawing Mahiravana’s attention to the casket. “Look here, king of the netherworld! Your life is in my hands. Better seek refuge at Rama’s feet!” he shouted.

Mahiravana shifted uneasily but forced a laugh, taunting, “Fool, that casket contains your doom! The moment it is opened, you and your friends will be stung by the bees. No one can save you—put it down!”

“You are welcome to try your tricks, Mahiravana! You kidnapped Rama and Lakshmana while they slept. That crime is enough to seal your fate!” Hanuman retorted confidently.

Realizing the impending danger, Mahiravana called for Kantaki to execute Chandrasena. But Hanuman laughed again, revealing, “Kantaki was not as clever as she thought. She had decided to harm Chandrasena long before you ordered it. Ironically, she is now dead!”

In a furious panic, Mahiravana madly attacked Rama and Lakshmana, bleeding himself profusely, creating numerous illusions of himself from his blood.

The Five-Headed Transformation

Knowing time was running out, Hanuman prayed to Lord Mahadeva for five heads. His prayer was instantly granted, and with a mighty roar, he opened the casket. Five bees burst forth at incredible speed, buzzing thunderously. Hanuman snapped his five mouths shut, capturing them all. With a swift motion, he chewed and spat them out.

The numerous false Mahiravanas fell dead, but the original demon still fought on. Without hesitation, Rama released a powerful arrow, severing Mahiravana’s head from his body.

Divine Blessings

Heavenly flowers rained down upon Rama and the five-headed Hanuman as the gods, including Brahma and Mahadeva, appeared before them. Brahma declared, “O Rama, Mahiravana, a descendant of the infamous demon Kalanemi, has been vanquished. Thank the grace of Mahadeva for Hanuman’s success in retrieving Mahiravana’s life-casket from the depths of the ocean.”

Shiva praised Hanuman further, stating, “You exemplify courage, wisdom, sincerity, and truthfulness. Only you could have executed the task of defeating the dreaded Mahiravana. Anyone who prays to the five-headed Hanuman will find protection from ghosts and ghouls.”

Brahma then advised Rama to crown Makaradhwaja as the king of Patala Lanka.

The Fulfillment of a Promise

After presenting his respects to Brahma and Mahadeva, Hanuman returned to his original form. As he prepared to leave, the gods ensured him of Rama’s victory.

Rama promptly summoned Makaradhwaja and arranged for his coronation. Hanuman then addressed Rama, saying, “My lord, please help me keep my word. I could not have located Mahiravana’s life-casket without Chandrasena’s guidance. I promised to take you to her home after Mahiravana’s defeat.”

After a short pause, Rama replied, “Very well, let us go.”

Hanuman beamed with joy, leading the way for his lord.