25. The Battle of Ravana and the Vanaras
As Prahasta, Ravana’s general, rushed at the Vanaras, followed by some of his most capable lieutenants, the brave Vanara heroes Dwividha, Durmukh, and Tar faced him fearlessly. Jambavan also leaped forward, carrying a massive rock on his head as a weapon. Before Prahasta could showcase his battle skills, his lieutenants—Narantaka, Samunnata, Mahanada, and Kumbahana—fell victim to the Vanara heroes’ devastating attack.
Prahasta’s Fury
This infuriated Prahasta like nothing else. He drove his chariot into the ranks of the Vanaras like a thunderbolt, killing many of them. Seeing his spirited attack, Neel jumped forward to confront him, and a fierce battle ensued. Neel uprooted a rock and smashed it against Prahasta’s chariot. Prahasta challenged Neel from the ground, and the two became locked in a brutal duel. Prahasta momentarily stepped back to retrieve his bow, but before he could nock an arrow, Neel brought down another rock on his head. With a piercing cry, Prahasta fell flat.
Ravana’s Descent into Battle
His soldiers fled in panic, relaying the news of their general’s demise to Ravana. The news sent Ravana into a rage of fury and despair; he resolved to march onto the battlefield himself. A powerful chariot with suitable horses had already been prepared for him. Soon, Ravana emerged from the fortress, followed by a regiment of demon-heroes.
Rama and Vibhisana
From a distance, Rama asked Vibhisana, “Who are these now coming out to face us?” Vibhisana pointed out Akampana and Meghnad, the sons of Ravana, along with other formidable warriors like Atikaya, Mahodara, Pishacha, Trishura, Kumbha, and Nikumbha, in addition to Ravana himself. Rama acknowledged that Ravana was a formidable opponent, noting that such valor was rarely seen even among the gods.
The Fight Intensifies
Rama was eager to exact vengeance on the wicked kidnapper of Sita. He and Lakshmana stood poised to challenge Ravana. Suddenly, Sugriva stepped forward to halt Ravana’s advance. However, a swift arrow released by Ravana sent Sugriva crashing to the ground, prompting the demons to cheer lustily for their king.
The Vanara warriors—Gavaksha, Gavaya, Rishabha, Jyotirmukha, and Nabha—immediately rushed into Ravana’s ranks, only to be met by a relentless barrage of arrows from Ravana. Rama quickly moved to protect his lieutenants. But Lakshmana urged Rama, pleading for the opportunity to fight Ravana. Rama consented, advising him to be cautious.
The Confrontation
Lakshmana advanced to confront Ravana. Before they clashed, Hanuman appeared before the demon king and declared, “Ravana, while you may have immunity from the gods, fellow demons, and gandharvas, remember you are not beyond the reach of the Vanaras. I am here to end you with a single blow.”
“Very well, Hanuman. You may strike me, and in doing so, you will etch your name in history as the Vanara who dared to challenge the mighty Ravana. Then I will kill you,” Ravana replied.
“But don’t forget, Ravana, that your son Aksha fell to my strength!” Hanuman reminded him. Ravana suddenly struck Hanuman’s chest; however, Hanuman stood firm, returning the blow with fierce intensity, causing Ravana to visibly shake, which delighted the Vanaras.
The Turning Point
Ravana acknowledged Hanuman’s might, but the Vanara said, “My strength means little if you can endure my blow. Strike me again, and I will unleash my rage, sending you straight to hell.” Ravana obliged and struck Hanuman again. Hanuman, momentarily dazed, regained focus and aimed at Ravana. But Ravana redirected his chariot to face Neel, who was launching an assault with a rock.
A Battle of Strength
A rock hurled by Neel was about to collide with Ravana, who smashed it to pieces with an arrow. Next, he fired a flame arrow at Neel, causing him to collapse senselessly. Ravana then turned his attention to Lakshmana, declaring, “Your last hour has come. That is why you stand before me.”
Lakshmana countered, “A true hero does not boast as you do. Let’s not delay our trial of strength.” A fierce exchange of arrows began. For a considerable duration, Lakshmana remained unscathed, persistently aggravating the demon king. Yet eventually, fatigue overtook him, and he fainted. Ravana stooped to capture him and bring him to his fortress, but Hanuman interfered just in time, delivering a powerful blow that knocked Ravana unconscious and caused blood to flow from his mouth, nostrils, and eyes.
Rama and The Final Assault
Hanuman lifted Lakshmana and rushed him back to Rama. Shortly after, both Lakshmana and Ravana regained consciousness, with Ravana preparing to launch a renewed attack. This time, Rama stepped forward to confront him. Hanuman asked Rama to sit on his shoulder, and Rama agreed.
Seeing Rama atop Hanuman approach, Ravana fired an arrow at the Vanara. This provoked Rama, who released a volley of powerful arrows in return. The arrows obliterated Ravana’s chariot, along with his standard, horses, and charioteer. One arrow struck Ravana squarely in the chest, toppling him from his ruined chariot, and another severed his helmet from his head.
Retreat and Regroup
“Ravana! You are exhausted. I grant you permission to return home and rest. Return only when you have fully regained your strength. Now, go!” Ravana felt a surge of shame but had no choice but to retreat. Rama and Lakshmana then returned to their camp to tend to their injured soldiers.
Kumbakarna Awakens
Inside the fortress, a despondent Ravana lamented to his allies, “I, who defeated Indra, the king of gods, have been vanquished by a mere human. It is regrettable that during my boon from Brahma, I failed to mention immunity against humans; I never imagined such a threat would arise from them. But lamenting my folly is futile now. Lanka must be protected. Go and awaken Kumbakarna.”
Kumbakarna had been asleep since before the war began, requiring special measures to wake him. A group of demons approached with offerings of food, flowers, and sandalwood paste to appease him. Kumbakarna lay sleeping like a mountain in a vast hall, and the demons proceeded cautiously, for his breath could sweep away anyone in front of him like a leaf before a ferocious wind.
The Awakening
The demons arranged the food near Kumbakarna’s mouth, then began blowing conch shells, playing bugles, beating drums, and shouting significantly. However, their efforts proved fruitless. They struck him with maces, yet he remained undisturbed. Finally, they brought in a herd of elephants, which trumpeted loudly and climbed over Kumbakarna’s massive body. Only then did he open his red eyes.
He sat up, pleased by the sight of the food and drink nearby. After finishing the offerings without a word, he asked the demons, “Why did you wake me? I trust no harm has befallen Ravana!”
Yupaksha, a trusted minister of Ravana, came forward and said, “O Kumbakarna! We are in a perilous situation. What gods or gandharvas could not achieve has been accomplished by humans. They have besieged Lanka with their Vanara army. In the first round of battle with Rama, the leader of the invaders, our King Ravana was forced to retreat.”
Kumbakarna’s Rage
Kumbakarna’s face flushed with anger. “Destroy the Vanaras!” he roared. “Let me drink the blood of Rama!” But Mahodara pleaded, “Before you head to the battlefield, please meet with Ravana. A discussion with him will streamline your mission.”
