15. Hanuman’s Defiance and the Wrath of Ravana
Ravana was infuriated by the reports he had received from his demonesses. In his anger, he summoned some of his most capable soldiers to capture or eliminate Hanuman, the son of the wind god.
The Encounter in the Asoca Garden
The demon troops advanced toward the Asoca garden, their anticipation palpable. They were taken aback when they laid eyes on the luminous figure of Hanuman. Despite their initial surprise, they quickly surrounded him.
Hanuman’s Declaration
Before the demons could strategize their next move, Hanuman thumped his tail on the ground, flexed his muscles, and declared in a thunderous voice, “Victory to Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugriva! I am Hanuman, the son of Vayu, the god of wind, and a devoted servant of Rama. I will crush the demons like ants and reduce your city to dust before bowing to Mother Sita and returning to my master, Rama.”
The First Battle
The demons were awestruck. They felt the urge to flee but knew Ravana would not forgive them if they did. Resolutely, they readied themselves and shot arrows at Hanuman. Surprisingly, as Hanuman bled, he appeared even more fearsome.
Seizing a large iron mace from the ground, Hanuman swiftly dispatched the demon soldiers, leaving only a handful to escape and report back to Ravana.
Ravana’s Anguish
Ravana was aghast at the devastation and called upon Jamvumali, the brave son of Prahasta, a renowned demon hero, to capture the extraordinary Vanara. Meanwhile, Hanuman set his sights on a grand castle nearby. Choosing action over idleness, he began uprooting its massive pillars, causing the structure to crumble. The guards attempted to resist, but their efforts were futile against Hanuman’s might.
Jamvumali’s Challenge
Soon, Jamvumali arrived on a chariot drawn by donkeys and launched an immediate attack on Hanuman. Hanuman countered with a boulder, which Jamvumali deflected with his arrows. The two warriors exchanged blows, but ultimately, Hanuman hurled his mace at Jamvumali, ending the demon’s reign.
Desperate Measures from Ravana
The news of the defeat reached Ravana, who, filled with rage, dispatched his minister’s seven sons, renowned for their valor, to confront Hanuman. Riding chariots pulled by swift horses, the young warriors showered arrows upon Hanuman. Leaping into the sky, he evaded their attacks and retaliated with fury, quickly sending each hero to the ground.
The Commanders’ Last Stand
Stunned by the loss, Ravana summoned five of his commanders—Virupaksha, Yupaksha, Durdhara, Pradhasa, and Bhavakarna—to capture Hanuman. Recognizing the danger posed by the Vanara, he warned them that Hanuman might be a supernatural being sent to trouble them.
Determined, the five commanders equipped themselves with the finest weapons and rushed into battle. While Hanuman evaded their arrows, Durdhara, a master archer, managed to strike him. Enraged, Hanuman descended upon Durdhara’s chariot, ending both the archer and his horses in a single blow.
Uprooting trees and hurling them like missiles, Hanuman swiftly eliminated Virupaksha and Yupaksha before returning to the garden wall to prepare for the next wave of attackers.
A New Challenger: Aksha
Next, Ravana sent his own son, Aksha, a formidable warrior, to challenge Hanuman. Riding a golden chariot drawn by eight flying horses, Aksha confronted the Vanara. Realizing he faced a unique threat, he unleashed a barrage of arrows, but Hanuman soared above them.
In a decisive move, Hanuman seized Aksha from his chariot, whirling him through the air before casting him aside. This devastating defeat dealt a severe blow to Ravana.
Meghnad Enters the Fray
Ravana, composed despite his anger, called upon Meghnad, his other son, instructing him to engage Hanuman, but only after assessing his strength. Meghnad, known for his strategic prowess, approached Hanuman quietly, ready to strategize.
The Clash of Titans
Upon spotting Meghnad, Hanuman roared defiantly. As Meghnad launched arrows, Hanuman leapt into the air, dodging each attack. Disappointed by his failure, Meghnad decided to imprison Hanuman instead, using the powerful Weapon of Brahma. As Hanuman fell, he sensed the weapon’s effect but chose to remain in captivity, believing he could learn more about Ravana’s forces.
Captivity and Revelation
When Hanuman lay still, the demons rushed forth, binding him with ropes. Unknown to them, this act rendered the Weapon of Brahma ineffective. Meghnad alone understood the mistake made by the overzealous demons.
Led to Ravana’s court, Hanuman endured humiliation at the hands of the demons. When he arrived, Meghnad proclaimed him before Ravana, detailing Hanuman’s destruction of their gardens and soldiers. The courtiers whispered in awe, questioning his origins and intentions.
The Confrontation with Ravana
Hanuman met Ravana’s gaze with contempt, standing silently. With a commanding stare, Ravana instructed his minister to question the captive. The minister asked, “Vanara! Explain your presence here and the destruction you’ve caused.”
Hanuman responded confidently, “I am the emissary of Sugriva, the king of the Vanaras, and I am here at his request.”
Ravana, intrigued, pressed further, demanding to know Hanuman’s motives and the reasons behind his actions.
