24. The Siege of Lanka Intensifies
The Vanaras had grown so panicked that when Vibhishana approached them, they mistook him for Meghnad and fled. However, Jambavan shouted at them, assuring them that they had nothing to fear.
Despair and Hope
Vibhishana was deeply saddened to see Rama and Lakshmana lying helpless. He had given up hope of capturing the throne of Lanka.
But Sugriva embraced Vibhishana and said, “Do not believe that victory has already gone to Ravana. Rama and Lakshmana have merely swooned away. Once they regain consciousness, they will undoubtedly vanquish Ravana and secure you the crown of Lanka.”
Sugriva then addressed his uncle Sushena, saying, “Once Rama and Lakshmana regain consciousness, you can return to Lanka with a group of demoralized Vanaras. I will continue fighting until Sita Devi is rescued.”
Reviving the Warriors
Sushena replied, “I recall the ancient battle between the gods and the demons. The demons, through their supernatural magic, were able to make many gods unconscious. However, Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, revived them with his elixir. The herbs needed to prepare this elixir can be found on hills across the Ocean of Milk. We should send Hanuman to fetch those herbs without delay.”
The Arrival of Garuda
While they discussed this, a roaring sound was heard, and a luminous being was seen approaching through the sky. The animals shrieked and birds fluttered at the arrival of the mighty Garuda.
As Garuda descended beside Rama and Lakshmana, the arrows that pinned them to the ground transformed into snakes, which quickly dispersed.
Garuda touched the wounds of Rama and Lakshmana, instantly healing them. The two brothers sat up, and Garuda greeted and embraced them.
Garuda’s Assurance
Rama exclaimed, looking at Garuda, “We have regained our lost strength through your rejuvenating touch. Seeing you brings me delight akin to that which I felt only when I saw my father, King Dasharatha, or my grandfather, King Aja. You charm me with your demeanor and attire. Who are you?”
Garuda replied, “O Ramachandra! I am your friend and servant—one who is dear to you. My name is Garuda. I rushed here to free you from the dangerous snare of arrows, which were, in fact, snakes that fled at my sight. In this battle against the demons, you must remain vigilant, as they can resort to any trick to achieve their goals.”
As Garuda prepared to leave, he said, “Do not dwell on me right now. When the battle is over, you will remember me and understand our connection. Rest assured of your victory. Ravana is destined to die, and you will recover Sita Devi and return to Ayodhya in triumph.”
Garuda embraced Rama and Lakshmana once again before soaring into the clouds.
The Vanaras Rejoice
When the Vanaras saw that Rama and Lakshmana had fully recovered, they could barely contain their happiness, celebrating with bugles and drums. It was midnight, and they wasted no time in surrounding the fort of Lanka.
Ravana was surprised to hear the Vanaras’ jubilant noises. He summoned his ministers and asked, “Why are the Vanaras so joyful? Shouldn’t they be mourning the deaths of Rama and Lakshmana?” He sent some of his trusted spies to investigate.
The spies returned, astonished to report that the Vanaras were preparing to seize the fort, directed by Rama and Lakshmana as before. Upon hearing the news, Ravana felt disheartened to learn that the brothers had survived Meghnad’s snake-arrows. He commanded a demon hero named Dhumraksha to eliminate the invaders.
The Fierce Battle
Dhumraksha gathered a battalion of skilled soldiers and confronted the Vanaras at the western gate, wielding powerful weapons. The Vanaras charged at the demons, and it soon became apparent that the demons were on the defensive, with many retreating.
In a clever maneuver, Dhumraksha managed to kill several Vanaras. Hanuman, observing his tactics, uprooted a large stone and hurled it at Dhumraksha’s chariot, forcing the demon to leap out just before the stone shattered his vehicle and killed his horses.
Protected by his fellow demons, Dhumraksha fought valiantly, but the battle turned when Hanuman faced him directly. Dhumraksha struck at Hanuman with a mace, but it barely scratched him. Hanuman retaliated by uprooting another large rock and crushing Dhumraksha, who fell dead on the battlefield. The demons panicked and fled into the fort, while the Vanaras celebrated, praising Hanuman’s bravery.
The Death of Heroes
Ravana was enraged by the news of Dhumraksha’s death. Desperate, he called upon another demon hero, Vajradramsta, entrusting him with the task of destroying the enemy. Vajradramsta, an expert in magic, attacked the Vanaras through the southern gate, accompanied by several skilled lieutenants.
He encountered Angada, who stood ready at the southern gate. In the ensuing battle, many soldiers from both sides lost their lives. Eventually, Angada managed to damage Vajradramsta’s chariot. In a moment of skill, Angada struck with his sword, beheading Vajradramsta and sending the Vanaras into a frenzy of joy. The news reached Ravana, who understood that Vajradramsta was dead, igniting further panic in his ranks.
Ravana’s Last Orders
In a fit of anger, Ravana ordered another fierce hero, Akampana, to take his place on the battlefield with a large army and a strong chariot. The resulting battle was more intense than ever, with Vanara heroes like Kumud, Nala, Maind, and Dwividh fighting valiantly against the demons. However, Akampana charged with ferocity, gaining ground against the Vanara heroes.
Hanuman, recognizing the threat posed by Akampana, rushed forward, rock in hand. But Akampana’s arrows shattered the rock before it could hit. Undeterred, Hanuman uprooted a tree and struck Akampana down, who breathed his last as his soldiers fled, leaving their weapons on the battlefield.
The Vanaras erupted in joyous celebration, their laughter filling the air, sending shivers down the spines of the demons. Ravana, already distressed by his heroes’ deaths, surveyed the battlefield. He urged his remaining warriors, including his chief commander, Prahasta, to prepare for what seemed an increasingly desperate situation.
Prahasta’s Determination
Prahasta acknowledged the dire circumstances, reiterating that surrendering Sita Devi may have been a wiser choice. Yet, he pledged his obedience to Ravana’s command, regardless of the cost. Mobilizing his best fighters, he prepared for battle, driven by the hope of turning the tide before it was too late.
As Prahasta entered the battlefield, Rama turned to Vibhishana, asking, “Who is this demon who appears so bold?”
“He is the chief commander of Ravana,” Vibhishana responded. “He is no ordinary demon; he is adept with a variety of weapons and poses a significant threat.”