22. The Confrontation at Lanka
Ravana marched into the garden where Sita sat weeping, brooding over the fate of Rama. At a distance stood a horde of demon women, guarding her.
Ravana began speaking in a tone as if he had good news to convey. He said, “The play is over. Your Rama is killed. Hence, there is no need for hesitation on your part to marry me. Do you wish to hear how Rama met his end? After his arrival in Lanka with an army of Vanaras, he fell asleep in his camp, exhausted. Prahastha, my able general, entered his camp with a regiment of demons and beheaded him. Vibhisana was captured while trying to escape.
Sugriva, Hanuman, and other leading personalities of Rama’s camp have also been killed, along with countless Vanaras. Only Lakshmana has managed to flee, accompanied by a few Vanaras.”
Then Ravana ordered a demon to summon Vidyujjihwa to bring Rama’s head. Vidyujjihwa, who had been waiting for this summons, arrived instantly, sporting a false head and a bow that resembled Rama’s.
“Let Sita have a look at her husband’s head and realize the situation,” Ravana commanded. As Vidyujjihwa laid the head and bow he had created through magic before Sita, Ravana added, “You can see not only the head of Rama but also his bow. Do you now understand that you have no choice but to marry me?”
Sita’s Despair
Sita looked at the head in horror and burst into wailing. She held Kaikeyi responsible for the misfortune that had befallen Rama. “How will mother Kaushalya bear it when Lakshmana conveys the news of Rama’s death to her?” she muttered before swooning away. The demon women sprinkled water on her face. When she regained consciousness, she told Ravana, “Be kind and arrange for me to be taken to my husband’s pyre. I wish to enter the pyre and end my life. The gods will be pleased with you if you assist me in accomplishing this goal.”
Before Ravana could speak again, a messenger rushed in to inform him that Prahastha, the general, and the ministers were waiting to consult him urgently. Ravana left the garden immediately, with Vidyujjihwa following him. As soon as they crossed the gate, the false head and bow disappeared.
A Glimmer of Hope
Vibhisana’s wife, Sarama, who cherished Sita, hurried to her and consoled her, saying, “I assure you, all that Ravana said was nothing but lies. Do you know why he left abruptly? It is because Lanka is in grave danger from an invasion by Rama. I have witnessed the tension among our soldiers, who are preparing their horses and elephants for battle. I have no doubt that Rama will defeat Ravana and rescue you. Have patience, my dear sister!”
Sarama’s words brought some peace to Sita, and she ceased her weeping. Sarama continued, “Should I fly to Rama’s camp and deliver news about you? I can fly at will and even command a speed greater than Garuda, the bird of Vishnu.”
“Your kindness overwhelms me. But, at this moment, what I need most is to know Ravana’s next move. He frightens me, and I will feel some relief when his attention is diverted,” replied Sita.
Sarama wiped the tears from Sita’s eyes and left. After a while, she returned and reported, “I heard Ravana’s mother and an aged minister advising him to surrender you to Rama. However, Ravana remains obstinate and refuses to return you. Unfortunately, his arrogance is supported by foolish ministers.”
The Call to Battle
As they spoke, the sound of drums, bugles, and conch shells accompanied by the war-cries of the Vanaras echoed from the distance. They realized that Rama was preparing to assault Ravana’s fort.
Ravana heard the sounds while conferring with his ministers. His fury turned toward them. He roared, “Time and again, some of you have advised me to surrender Sita to Rama. I trust you are not panic-stricken now that the cry of the enemy is upon us.”
One of his ministers, Malyavanta, replied, “My lord, if Rama proves stronger than us, why should we hesitate to compromise with him? Why not surrender Sita Devi, who is the sole cause of enmity? Such a move is sanctioned by convention!”
Malyavanta reminded Ravana that the boon protecting him from various beings did not extend to Vanaras and wolves. Ravana did not appreciate Malyavanta’s warning. He cast a stern glance at the minister and declared, “In the guise of a well-wisher, you harm me like an enemy by disheartening me. What is Rama but a mortal wandering in the forest? The Vanaras are his only strength. I am the king of demons, the terror of the gods. How can you advise me to bow to a human? I believe you are either jealous or have been swayed by the enemy. There can be no other explanation for your conduct. I tell you for the last time; there is no question of my restoring Sita to Rama. If Rama is indeed stronger, I would rather lose my head than submit!”
The aged Malyavanta understood that Ravana was in no mood to listen. He blessed Ravana and wished him success in the battle before leaving the court. Thereafter, Ravana discussed defense strategies with his other ministers. Meghnad, Shuka, Sarana, and Virupaksha shared the responsibility, and the heroes sang praises of Ravana before dispersing.
The Vanaras Assemble
Meanwhile, some Vanaras grew pessimistic about their chances in the battle as they gazed at the imposing fort of Ravana. They wondered whether scaling the high walls or penetrating the well-guarded gates was even possible.
However, Vibhisana rekindled their courage, stating that his four companions, taking the form of birds, had surveyed the preparations inside the fort. This knowledge would aid them in invading the stronghold.
Vibhisana and his companions detailed to Rama the demon-heroes the Vanaras would face. After listening carefully, Rama decided which Vanara should confront which demon. He advised those Vanaras capable of taking human form to remain in Vanara shape during battle, to avoid confusion. Only Hanuman, Sugriva, Neela, Angada, and Vibhisana could assume human forms, ensuring their true identities remained clear as they led the army.
Rama and Lakshmana, accompanied by Vibhisana and other heroes, ascended Subela hill. From the hilltop, they could clearly see Ravana’s fort atop Mount Trikut. As they gazed at the fort and the demons nearby, the Vanaras let out powerful roars.
They spent the night atop the hill. At dawn, Ravana’s fort, adorned with gardens and orchards, appeared exceptionally beautiful. As Rama and his companions admired it, Ravana was seen observing them from the terrace of his castle.
Unable to contain himself, Sugriva shouted, “You wicked Ravana, I, the follower of Ramachandra, declare your doom!”
Ravana retorted, “Your name suggests you have a fine throat, Sugriva. Well, I will soon cut that fine throat!”
Suddenly, Ravana and Sugriva lunged at each other, locked in a fierce struggle. Growing tired, Ravana resorted to tricks. Sugriva, finding it hard to cope, took flight and landed near Rama.
Rama reproached Sugriva, saying, “Why did you initiate the fight without my permission? You are the king! If danger befalls you, our soldiers will lose their nerve. We must proceed calmly. Only then can we end Ravana and crown Vibhisana as the king of Lanka.”
“My lord! I could not contain my rage at the sight of the demon who wickedly kidnapped Sita Devi,” replied Sugriva.
They then descended from the hill. The army was instructed to follow them. They marched toward Ravana’s fort and camped in front of its northern gate, which was guarded by Ravana himself.
