29. The Fall of Meghnad

Rama was overwhelmed with sorrow and struggled to comprehend what Vibhishana was saying.

“Vibhishana! Can you please explain the situation once more?” he asked.

“O Ramachandra! Please do not be disturbed by appearances. Meghnad is currently performing a rare rite. This is the time to attack and kill him. I propose that Lakshmana be entrusted with this task. If Meghnad completes the rite, he will become invincible, for that is the boon he has obtained from Brahma. However, if we can kill him now, our victory will be assured,” explained Vibhishana.

The Battlefield

On the battlefield, the demons were trying to keep the Vanaras engaged with sporadic attacks. They believed that the enemy was unaware of Meghnad’s rite. They looked forward with hope to when Meghnad would complete his ritual and reappear.

Without wasting time, Rama instructed Lakshmana to proceed to the location where Meghnad was practicing his ritual. Veer Hanuman accompanied Lakshmana, while Vibhishana guided them to the spot. A select group of soldiers followed as they advanced, well-armed and alert, toward a horde of demons guarding a section at the rear of Lanka.

The Charge

“You must storm through the protective ring that the demons have formed around their prince. Once you spot Meghnad, you must pounce upon him. There is no time to lose,” Vibhishana urged Lakshmana, gesturing toward the demons.

Following a signal from Lakshmana, the Vanara soldiers rushed at the demons, leading to a terrible fight. Taken aback by the sudden attack, Meghnad stood up, leaving his ritual incomplete. He quickly climbed into his chariot and rode out to face the Vanaras.

The Encounter

Meghnad’s bodyguards were caught off guard; they had not anticipated an attack. Though prepared with arms, they were not mentally ready to confront the enemy.

Lakshmana surveyed the area where Meghnad’s ritual was taking place. It was encircled by enormous trees, and Meghnad had prepared some animals for sacrifice. If the invading army had arrived just a little later, Meghnad would have certainly completed his rite.

“Come on, Meghnad! I am ready. Show me your strength and valor!” Lakshmana challenged him.

Meghnad did not respond directly. Instead, he pointed at Vibhishana and yelled, “Are you not ashamed to serve the enemies of our kind? Posterity will remember you as a treacherous coward. You could have lived gloriously among your own people but chose to betray them. I wonder how you are still breathing. Anyone else in your place would have died of shame!”

The Retort

Vibhishana replied calmly yet firmly, “I have no wish to speak harshly, especially since you are on the brink of death. But do not forget that your father bears the brunt of responsibility for the ruin of Lanka. He is guilty beyond measure, and despite my efforts to advise him, I have failed. His atrocious actions will haunt him and all who support him. I have simply chosen to abandon the unjust and support the just; I have no regrets. It is shameful that you did not prove yourself wiser than your father. You dragged a fake figure of Sita Devi into battle and humiliated her before all. That alone justifies your impending death, and soon, you will face it at the hands of Lakshmana.”

The Clash of Titans

Meghnad turned to Lakshmana, seething with anger. “Haven’t you already tasted my power? Have you lost your senses by choosing to challenge me again?”

“Clearly, I have come for a reason! This is your chance to prove your courage instead of boasting,” Lakshmana retorted.

Without warning, Meghnad unleashed a barrage of arrows, leaving Lakshmana bleeding. However, Lakshmana retaliated with a fierce storm of arrows before Meghnad could ready his bow. The clash continued, with Vibhishana observing closely.

A Turning Point

“I can see signs of fatigue on Meghnad’s face. This is the moment to strike!” Vibhishana confided to Lakshmana.

Taking this to heart, Lakshmana fired a series of precise arrows at Meghnad, who collapsed, senseless on his chariot. Yet, he quickly regained his composure and fought back with renewed vigor.

“Do you think you can defeat me with this display of strength?” Lakshmana laughed, drawing another arrow that broke through Meghnad’s protective armor. Severely wounded, Meghnad continued to fight desperately, managing to injure Lakshmana in the process. The battle was a spectacle for both demons and Vanaras.

The Final Assault

Vibhishana rallied the Vanaras, urging them, “Friends! Understand that Lakshmana is in a pivotal battle. Meghnad is Ravana’s last significant support. While you have defeated many demon heroes, as long as Meghnad is alive, our victory is uncertain. It is essential that you assist Lakshmana now by eliminating the demons protecting Meghnad.”

Inspired, the Vanaras charged at the demons fiercely. Soon, Lakshmana managed to kill Meghnad’s charioteer. With control of the chariot lost, Meghnad had to jump off. “Do not despair! Continue to fight!” he called out to the remaining demons, “I will return with a new chariot!”

Meghnad’s Return

Meghnad retreated into the fort, only to return shortly, now riding a new chariot. To everyone’s surprise, he fought bravely again, defeating several Vanaras. However, his courage began to wane. Lakshmana shot down Meghnad’s new charioteer, and another arrow shattered his bow.

Enraged, Meghnad grabbed a new bow and fired arrows at Vibhishana, who had not previously attacked him. In retaliation, Vibhishana used his mace to strike down the horses of Meghnad’s chariot. As they entered a new phase of battle utilizing supernatural weapons, Meghnad soon found himself at a disadvantage against Lakshmana.

The Conclusion

Ultimately, a special arrow sent by Lakshmana, known as Indrastra, severed Meghnad’s head. Vibhishana and the Vanaras erupted in wild cheers while the remaining demons fled in terror.

The Vanaras praised Lakshmana for his victory. He soon approached Rama, bowing respectfully. Rama embraced him, saying, “With Meghnad gone, Ravana has lost his last source of strength. It will not be difficult for me to bring an end to him soon.”

Rama then instructed Sushena to treat Lakshmana’s wounds. Meanwhile, the grim news of Meghnad’s death reached Ravana within the fort. Overcome with rage, he fainted but quickly regained his composure and, seething with wrath, declared his intent to kill Sita as revenge for Meghnad’s death.

As he marched toward the Asoca garden, where Sita was imprisoned, his wife Mandodari and his ministers rushed to stop him. “Listen to my advice! You still have time to surrender Sita to Rama and avert total destruction for Lanka,” Mandodari pleaded.

“If you seek vengeance, target Rama instead! Sita has done nothing to warrant this,” the ministers urged. Realizing the folly of his intentions, Ravana coolly assessed the situation. It would be foolish to harm an innocent prisoner; he understood that he must face Rama himself. To ensure his victory, he arranged for a yajna.