21. The Final Preparations for Battle
At Rama’s command, the Vanaras spread into the nearby jungles, gathering massive rolls of timber and throwing them into the sea. The sturdier Vanaras fetched gigantic boulders and rocks, dumping them into the water. Splashes of water rose high, and the sea was in a tumult.
Some Vanaras busily adjusted the stones and timber, ensuring they wouldn’t be washed away by the waves. Others supervised the work to make certain that Nala’s directions were followed precisely.
The construction of the great barrage proceeded uninterrupted, taking only five days to complete.
The March Begins
When the bridge was ready, the Vanara army prepared to march through the broad path. Vibhishana, along with his four followers, kept a vigilant eye on their route, ensuring the enemy could not attack while they were unprepared.
Sugriva insisted that Rama and Lakshmana should not walk, so Rama had to sit on Hanuman’s shoulders, while Lakshmana rode on Angada’s. Hanuman and Angada flew for the majority of the journey.
Crossing the Sea
The Vanaras began crossing the sea with unbridled enthusiasm and joy. Each one tried to surpass the others in speed, resulting in some slipping into the sea from time to time, which turned out to be great fun. Their loud cheers drowned out the roar of the waves.
On the other side, lush forests abounded with fruits—ideal places for rest. However, Rama decided to lead the army as close to the city of Lanka as possible, and all followed him without complaint, which pleased him immensely.
Approaching Lanka
As they approached Lanka, they could hear the sound of drums and other musical instruments coming from the city. The Vanaras screamed and roared, attempting to outdo the sounds emanating from the city.
“Lakshmana! Look at the magnificent towers of the city built by Vishwakarma on Mount Trikut!” Rama exclaimed, pointing at the splendid city in the distance.
Strategic Formation
It was decided that the Vanaras would array themselves in the formation of a gigantic eagle, known as the Garuda Vyuha. Angada and Neel would remain at the center, with Vrishava guarding the right flank and Gandhamadan overseeing the left. The formation would be led by Rama and Lakshmana, while Sugriva held the rear position.
Ravana’s Response
Rama then instructed Sugriva to release Shuka, Ravana’s emissary. Upon arriving before Ravana, Shuka reported, “O king! I flew to the other side of the sea and delivered your message to Sugriva. However, the Vanaras mistook me for a spy and imprisoned me.”
“There is no time to lose,” Shuka warned. “Surrender Sita Devi to them to avoid a bloody war. Otherwise, prepare to face them immediately.”
“Surrender Sita?” Ravana yelled. “I will not do it even if all beings from every realm wage war against me! I’ve longed to fight and will eagerly face Rama, who has no idea of my strength!”
Spying on the Enemy
Ravana then told his ministers, Shuka and Sarana, “Go find out the truth about the Vanaras. Count their numbers and ascertain how they crossed the sea.” The two ministers transformed into Vanaras and entered Rama’s camp, but were soon captured by Vibhishana.
Presented before Rama, they confessed their intentions and were allowed to return to Ravana with a warning: “Tell Ravana that the thunder of my wrath will fall on him tomorrow morning.”
Calling for Intelligence
Upon return to Ravana, the ministers reported their findings, suggesting, “The enormous Vanara army led by Rama poses a significant threat, and we believe Sita Devi should be returned to ensure peace.”
“You are cowards, unworthy of demons!” Ravana shouted, furious at his ministers. “You will not trouble me again!”
Further Surveillance
Desiring firsthand knowledge of the enemy camp, Ravana climbed to the top of his palace with Sarana. “Point out the leaders of the enemy,” he ordered.
Sarana identified several key figures among the Vanara forces, emphasizing their strengths. However, the sight of Rama and Lakshmana evoked a moment of fear in Ravana, quickly replaced by anger at his ministers for exaggerating the Vanara heroes’ prowess.
Completion of the Mission
Ravana commanded a group of expert spies to infiltrate Rama’s camp for further intelligence. But they were detected by Vibhishana and brought to Rama, who showed them mercy and allowed them to leave, albeit after a beating from the Vanaras.
The spies returned to report to Ravana, sharing their belief that an attack on Lanka was imminent. “Surrender Sita or prepare to defend the city,” they warned.
“There is no question of surrendering Sita,” Ravana bellowed, dismissing them and instructing a magician named Vidyujjihwa to create a false head resembling Rama’s to use as a tactic against him.