"Understanding the past is key to navigating the future. Every battle, every choice, shapes the path ahead, reminding us that even in the face of overwhelming darkness, the light of dharma must be our guide."
Hearing the story, Meera asked Aditya, "Why are you telling us this? When was Ravan born?"
Aditya replied, "Before we delve into Ravan's birth, it's important to understand the historical context. The origin of Ravana is deeply intertwined with the cosmic battles between demons and divine forces. The narrative begins long before Ravana's birth, rooted in the eternal struggle between good and evil."
Aditya paused, ensuring everyone was attentive. "In ancient times," he continued, "the universe was in a state of flux, with the balance of dharma and adharma constantly shifting. The demons, led by powerful Asuras, frequently challenged the gods, seeking to overthrow them and establish their dominion over the three worlds."
He elaborated, "Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, often incarnated in various forms to restore balance and protect dharma. One such significant incarnation was Lord Vamana, the dwarf Brahmin, who subdued the mighty demon king Bali through his divine wisdom and power."
Aditya's eyes gleamed with the weight of the ancient tale. "The downfall of Bali, although necessary, sowed the seeds of resentment and revenge among the Asuras. They plotted and conspired, waiting for an opportunity to rise again. It was in this period of cosmic tension and anticipation that Ravana was born, destined to become a formidable force of adharma."
Aditya then shifted his gaze to Meera. "Understanding these events helps us grasp the magnitude of Ravana's role in the grand narrative. He wasn't just another antagonist; he was the embodiment of the accumulated rage and ambition of the Asuras, challenging the very fabric of dharma upheld by Lord Vishnu."
The group listened in rapt attention, the ancient tales resonating with their current struggles. They realized that their journey, much like the cosmic battles of old, required unwavering courage and commitment to dharma amidst the trials ahead. By continuing he started from where he stopped
"In the midst of rumblings, the clouds in the form of Rakshasas poured down a shower of weapons on the Peak
Narayana, as with their torrents they shroud a mountain, and the dark and immaculate Vishnu, surrounded by those
swarthy and powerful rangers of the night, resembled Mount Anjana under rain. As locusts in a rice field or gnats in a
flame, as flies in a pot of honey, as monsters in the deep, so did the arrows, keen as diamonds, swift as the wind or
thought, which the Rakshasas loosed on Hari, piercing him, disappear as the worlds vanish at the time of universal
destruction.
"Warriors in chariots or seated on the heads of elephants, soldiers on horseback, infantry stationed in the sky,
leaders of the Rakshasas resembling mountains, with their shafts, spears, swords and darts, caused Hari to hold His
breath, like unto the Twice-born when practising Pranayama [i.e., The science of breath control].
"Like an ocean where fishes play, that invincible God, under the countless blows of those rangers of the night, drew
His bow and loosed His shafts on them; then Vishnu with extreme force, like unto lightning, swift as thought, riddled
them with His penetrating weapons and spears by hundreds and thousands. Having dispersed them under a load of
arrows as the wind a downpour, the Supreme Purusha blew His great Conch Pan-chajaya, and that king of conches,
born of the waters, into which Hari blew with all His strength, re-echoed in such fearful wise that it shook the Three
Worlds as it were. The sound of that king of conches struck terror into the Rakshasas, as the King of Beasts in the
forest terrorizes the elephants intoxicated with ichor. At the sound of the conch, the horses were no longer able to
stand erect, the frenzy of the elephants was subdued, whilst the warriors fell from their cars bereft: of strength.
"Loosed from His bow, Vishnu's arrows, possessed of plumed hafts, having rent the Rakshasas, penetrated into the
earth. Pierced by those darts, which the hand of Narayana loosed in the fight, the Rakshasas fell on the earth like
crags struck by lightning, their powerful limbs tom by Vishnu's discus, the blood flowing in torrents, as from
mountains secreting gold. The sound of that king of conches, the twanging of the bowstring and the voice of Vishnu
stifled the cries of the Rakshasas.
"Then Hari severed their trembling necks, their darts, banners, bows, chariots, pennants and quivers. As the rays fall
from the sun, as masses of water spout forth from the sea, as mighty tuskers rush down the mountain side, as
torrents of rain fall from a cloud, so did the darts and arrows discharged by Narayana from His bow, fall in hundreds
and thousands. As a lion before a Sharabha, as an elephant before a lion, as a tiger before an elephant, as a panther
before a tiger, as a dog before a panther, as a cat before a dog, as a snake before a cat, as mice before a snake, so did
the Rakshasas flee before the mighty Vishnu. Some escaped, others fell in their flight and the rest lay stretched on
the earth. Whilst slaying his foes in their thousands, the Destroyer of Madhu filled the conch with his breath, as Indra
the clouds with water.
"Put to flight by Narayana's shafts, terrified by the sound of the conch, the army of the Rakshasas, their ranks broken,
fled in the direction of Lanka.
"Seeing his troops routed, decimated by Narayana's arrows, Sumali covered Hari with a hail of darts on the
battlefield, as the fog obscures the sun, whereupon the valiant Rakshasas plucked up courage. Then Sumali, proud of
his strength, rallying his forces, hurled himself forward with a great shout. Shaking his earrings as an elephant his
trunk, that night-ranger, in his joy, raised a great clamour like unto a cloud pierced by lightning and, while Sumali
cried out thus, Hari cut off the head of his charioteer with its dazzling earrings, and the steeds of that Rakshasa
swerved, bearing away Sumali, the leader of the Titans, as those other steeds, the senses, when uncontrolled, bear
away man's judgment.
"Thereafter while Sumali was being borne away by the horses of his chariot, Mali, alert, armed with his bow, rushed
on the mighty Vishnu who, on his vehicle, had thrown himself into the fray; and he let fly his arrows decorated with
gold from his bow, which fell on Hari piercing him, as birds penetrate into the Krauncha Mountain. Assailed by the
shafts, which Mali loosed in their thousands in the fight, Vishnu remained as undisturbed as one in full control of his
senses in the face of adversity.
"Twanging His bow-string, Bhagavat, the Author of all beings, still bearing his sword and mace, discharged a hail of
arrows on Mali, like unto thunder and lightning, penetrating his body, and those shafts drank his blood as serpents a
pleasing draught.
"In the confusion into which he had thrown Mali, the God who bears the conch, discus and mace, struck oft his
diadem and brought down his banner, his bow and his steeds. Deprived of his chariot, that most powerful ranger of
the night seized hold of his mace and, with this weapon in his hand, like a lion from a mountain height, hurled
himself on the King of the Birds [i.e., Garuda, Vishnu's vehicle] as Antaka on Ishana, striking him on the forehead, as
Indra strikes a mountain with his thunderbolt.
"On receiving that violent blow dealt by Mali, Garuda, distracted with pain, carried the God away from the fight, and
Vishnu, having turned away through this act of Mali's and Garuda's, a great clamour arose from the Rakshasas
shouting in triumph.
"Hearing the Rakshasas shout thus, the younger brother of Harihaya,the blessed Hari, was incensed with that King of
Birds who served as his mount and, with the intention of slaying Mali, though his back was turned, He loosed His
discus that was as bright as the solar orb, whose radiance illumines the heavens. Like unto Kala's wheel [i.e., The
Wheel of Time, consisting of days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries and aeons], the discus fell on Mali's
head and that terrible head of that leader of the Rakshasas, thus severed, rolled down amidst torrents of blood, as
formerly that of Rahu.
"At that instant, the Gods, transported with joy, emitted roars like unto lions, crying with all their strength, 'Victory to
You, O Lord!'
"Beholding Mali slain, Sumali and Malyavan, in burning grief, took refuge in Lanka with their forces. Meanwhile
Garuda having recovered, retraced his steps and, in fury, dispersed the Rakshasas with the blast of his wings. Their
lotus faces cut with the discus, their breasts tom by the mace, their necks severed by the ploughshare, their
foreheads split open by pikes, some pierced by the sword, some slain by arrows, those Rakshasas began to fall from
the skies into the waters of the sea.
"Narayana, like unto a luminous cloud, with his excellent shafts loosed from His bow, as so many lightning strokes,
exterminated those rangers of the night with their hair dishevelled and streaming in the wind. Their parasols broken,
their rich apparel torn by the shafts, their entrails ripped open, their eyes wide with fear, those warriors, throwing
away their arms, fell into a frenzy of terror. Resembling elephants attacked by a lion, those night-rangers with their
mounts emitted cries whilst fleeing from that Primeval Lion [i.e., Vishnu's incarnation as Nrsimha—half man, half
lion], who pursued them.
"Overwhelmed by a rain of darts from Hari, they threw away their weapons, and those rangers of the night
resembled sombre clouds which the wind drives before it. Their heads severed by the discus, their limbs crushed
with blows from the mace, cut in two by strokes of the sword, those foremost of the nightrangers, resembling sable
clouds, crumbled like rocks and they stumbled and fell on the earth which they covered completely like dark
mountains which have been shattered.
"When the army that followed him was destroyed by Padmanabha, Malyavan halted in his flight, as the ocean when
it reaches the shore. His eyes red with anger, his head trembling, that ranger of the night said to Padmanabha, the
Supreme Purusha
"'O Narayana, You are ignorant of the ancient tradition of warriors, since You, as if a stranger to their caste, dost slay
those who, in their terror, have retreated in the fight. That assassin who commits the sin of slaying a foe who has
turned his back on him, O Chief of the Gods, does not attain heaven, as do the virtuous on leaving this world.
Assuredly if You dost desire to enter into combat, You Who art armed with conch, discus and mace, here I stand!
Manifest Your prowess that I may witness it!'
"Seeing Malyavan standing motionless, like unto the mountain of that name, the younger brother of the King of the
Gods, in his valour, answered the foremost of the Rakshasas, saying:—
"'I have vowed to the Gods that I will deliver them from the terror you have inspired, by slaying you, I shall honour
that pledge. The welfare of the Gods is dearer to me than life itself; therefore I shall destroy you all; now descend
into the lowest hell!'
"Thus did the Lord of Lords speak, He Whose eyes resembled crimson lotuses and, filled with fury, the Rakshasa, with
his spear, cut open his breast. Wielded by Malyavan's arm, that weapon emitting the sound of a bell, glittered in the
breast of Hari like lightning athvart a cloud. Thereafter, He Who is dear to the God Who bears the Spear [i.e.,
Karttikeya, also called Skanda] drawing out that lance, hurled it at Malyavan and, as formerly Skanda loosed it, that
weapon, flying from the hand of Govinda, rushed on the Rakshasa like unto a great meteor striking the Anjana
Mountain, and it fell on his mighty chest, that was adorned with innumerable diamonds, as lightning strikes a rocky
summit. That blow cut his mail asunder and his eyes were veiled but, recovering consciousness, he stood erect once
more, like unto an immoveable rock. Armed with an iron club with innumerable spikes, he struck the God violently in
the centre of the breast and, in his martial ardour, having wounded the younger brother of Vasava with his fist, that
ranger of the night retreated a bow's length. At that moment, the cry 'Excellent, Excellent' arose in the sky.
"Thereafter the Rakshasa attacked Garuda, and Vainateya incensed, drove him off with the blast of his wings as a
violent tempest disperses a heap of withered leaves.
"Seeing his elder brother driven back by the blast of Garuda's wings, Sumali, overcome with confusion, with his
troops fled in the direction of Lanka. And thrust back by the violence of the wind produced by those wings, Malyavan
also, joined by his forces, fled to Lanka covered with shame.
"O Lotus-eyed Prince, the Rakshasas having been repeatedly defeated in the battle by Hari and having lost the most
valiant of their leaders, in their inability to withstand Vishnu, Who was destroying them, abandoned Lanka and went
to dwell in Patala with their consorts. O Prince of the House of Raghu, those Rakshasas, renowned for their strength
and who were the issue of the Salakatankata Race, remained under the leadership of Sumali. It was You Who didst
destroy those warriors of the family of Paulastya named Sumali, Malyavan, Mali and their companions, who were all
exceedingly resourceful and more powerful than Ravana. None other could have subdued the enemies of the Gods
or have weeded out those thorns in the side of the Celestials, save Narayana, the God Who bears the conch, discus
and mace. You are that Four-armed God, Narayana, eternal, invincible and immutable, Who came to exterminate the
Rakshasas. You are the Father of all Beings, who, whenever righteousness declines and for love of those who take
refuge in You, dost appear to wipe out evil-doers.
"O Lord of Men, I have related in detail all that concerns the origin of the Rakshasas. Learn further, O Prince of the
Raghus, of the immeasurable power of Ravana and his sons.
"For a long time, Sumali wandered about the nether regions, tormented by the fear of Vishnu, whilst the mighty God
of Wealth, surrounded by his sons and grandsons, sojourned in Lanka.
"After a time, that Rakshasa, named Sumali, emerged from the nether regions to range the world of men. With his
earrings of pure gold, he, like unto a dark cloud, took with him a young girl who resembled Shri without her lotus
and, as that Rakshasa wandered about the earth, he beheld the Lord of Wealth, who in his Chariot Pushpaka was
going to visit his sire. Beholding that son of Paulastya, that lord who was as radiant as a God, advancing towards him
like unto fire, he, amazed, returned to Rasatala from the world of men.
"Thereafter that exceedingly intelligent Rakshasa reflected 'Which is the best way of increasing our power?'
Thus did the foremost of the Rakshasas, who was like unto a dark cloud and was wearing golden earrings, reflect
within himself and, having considered awhile, that extremely sagacious Rakshasa said to his daughter Kaikasi, for
such was her name:—
"'My Daughter, it is time for you to wed; your youth is slipping away and, afraid of being refused, those who are in
love with you do not pay their suit. Striving to fulfil our duty, we seek only thine advantage. Assuredly, you are
endowed with every good attribute and resemblest Shri in person, O Dear Child! A young daughter is a source of
anxiety to her father who is concerned for her honour, nor does he know whom she will wed. O Beloved Child, the
mother's family, the father's family and the one into which she is received are all three involved in this anxiety. Do
you therefore seek out that blessed ascetic, the foremost of Paulastya's offspring and choose Vishravas, the
descendant of Paulastya, O My Daughter. Assuredly you will beget sons equal to that Lord of Wealth, who, in his
splendour, rivals the sun.'
"At these words, in filial obedience, that young girl went to seek out Vishravas where he was undergoing penance. At
that time, O Rama, that Twice-born, the issue of Paulastya was engaged in the Fire Sacrifice and himself appeared
like unto a fourth fire. Heedless of the late hour and, in obedience to her sire, she presented herself before the
ascetic and, halting there with her eyes cast down, fixed on her feet, she scratched the earth from time to time with
her toe.
"Beholding that lovely girl, whose face resembled the full moon and who shone in her own radiance, that Muni of
exalted lineage, enquired of her saying:—
"'O Fortunate One, whose daughter art you? From whence dost you come and for what reason or with what motive?
Answer me truthfully, O Beautiful One?'
"Thus questioned, the young girl with joined palms, answered:
'By thine own powers, O Muni, you must be conversant with mine intentions! Learn only, O Brahmarishi, that it is by
the command of my sire that I have come, and Kaikasi is my name. The rest must be known to you.'
Thereafter the Muni, reflecting awhile, uttered these words:—
"'I know well, O Fortunate One, what brings you here, you are desirous of having sons by me, you whose gait is like
unto an intoxicated elephant! But, having presented thyself at this hour[1], hear me, O Fortunate One, you shalt
bring forth offspring of a dark aspect delighting in the companionship of doers of evil deeds. O Lady of Lovely Form,
you shalt beget Rakshasas of cruel exploits.'
"At these words, Kaikasi prostrated herself, saying:—
"'O Blessed One who recitest the Veda, I do not desire such sons whose nature is depraved, from you, be gracious
unto me!'
"Thus besought by that youthful maiden, Vishravas, foremost among Munis, like unto the moon in the presence of
Rohini, added:—
"'O Lady of Lovely Face, the son you shalt bring forth last will be like unto me, assuredly he will be virtuous.'
"Thus did he speak to that young girl, O Rama, and after some time she gave birth to a hideous child with the face of
a demon, exceedingly dark; and he had ten necks and great teeth and resembled a heap of collyrium; his lips were of
the hue of copper, he had twenty arms and a vast mouth and his hair was fiery red. At his birth, jackals and other
wild beasts with flaming jaws circled from left to right. The God Parjanya let loose a rain of blood whilst clouds
emitted harsh sounds; the sun ceased to shine, fierce winds blew and the unchanging ocean, Lord of the Rivers, was
agitated.
"His father, who resembled the Grandsire of the World, thereupon conferred a name upon him and said:—
'This child with ten necks shall be called Dashagriva.'
"After him the mighty Kumbhakarna was born, that giant who was unequalled on earth, and a daughter of hideous
aspect, named Shurpanakha, while Kaikasi's last child was named Bibishana.
"When this great being was born, a rain of flowers fell and, in the heavens, celestial gongs resounded whilst an aerial
voice cried, 'Excellent', 'Excellent'.
"Thereafter Kumbhakarna and Dashagriva throve in that vast forest and each was exceedingly powerful and they
were scourgers of the worlds. The insensate Kumbhakarna ranged the Three Worlds devouring the great Rishis who
were fixed in their duty, and yet he remained unsatisfied.
"As for the virtuous Bibishana, ever vowed to righteousness, the study of the Veda being his chief nourishment, he
lived as the subduer of his senses.
"After a time Vaishravana, the Lord of Wealth, went to visit his sire in his Chariot Pushpaka and, seeing him flaming
with effulgence, the Rakshasi sought out Dashagriva and said to him:—
"'My Son, behold Vaishravana, your brother, blazing with glory and behold your state, who art of the same family, O
Dashagriva. You who art of immeasurable might, strive to be like Vaishravana himself.'
"Hearing his mother's words, the arrogant Dashagriva experienced a wave of overpowering bitterness, whereupon
he formulated this vow.
"'I swear to you in truth that I shall become my brother's equal if not his superior in power; banish any fears that may
have entered thine heart!'
"Thereafter, in his spleen, Dashagriva, accompanied by his younger brother, began to undertake an exceedingly
difficult task, undergoing a rigid penance.
(He thought) 'I shall accomplish mine end by asceticism' and having thus resolved, he went to the lovely hermitage of
Gokarna in order to purify his soul. There that Rakshasa with his younger brother performed unsurpassed austerities.
Such were his mortifications that he gratified the Lord, the Grandsire of the World, who, in his satisfaction, granted
him those boons that would assure him of victory."
When Rama enquired of the Muni:—"How did those highly powerful brothers practice penance, O Brahmana, and of what nature was it?"
Then Agastya of tranquil mind answered Rama and said:—"Various were the pious observances of each of them; Kumbhakarna too, putting forth all his strength, constantly
pursued the path of duty. In the heat of summer he stood amidst five fires and, in the rainy season, he took up the
Vira posture, whilst in the winter season he remained plunged in water.
"Thus two thousand years passed during which he applied himself to piety and remained on the righteous path.
"On his side, Vibishana, who was virtue itself, intent on duty and of pure soul, stood on one leg for five thousand
years. This penance accomplished, troops of Apsaras danced and a rain of flowers fell, whilst the Gods hymned his
praises. During another five thousand years, he stood facing the sun, his head and arms raised, his mind fixed in
contemplation of the Veda. In this wise, Vibishana, like an inhabitant of heaven in the Nandana Gardens, dwelt for
ten thousand years. And Dashagriva deprived himself of nourishment for the same period and every thousand years
sacrificed one of his heads to the God of Fire. Thus nine thousand years passed and nine of his heads had been
sacrificed to Fire; when ten thousand years had gone by, Dashagriva prepared to sever his tenth head when the
Grandsire of the World appeared, and He, with the Gods, highly gratified, presented Himself before Ravana and said
to him:—
"'I am pleased with you, what boon shall I confer on you this day? You shalt not have undergone these austerities in
vain. O You who art conversant with dharma, speedily choose what boon will most please you; you have found favour
with me, O Dashagriva!'
"Thereupon Dashagriva, delighted, bowing down to that God, answered in a voice trembling with joy:—
"'O Bhagavat, for living beings there exists no fear like that of death; there is no foe comparable to Mrityu, therefore I
choose immortality!'
"Thus spoke Dashagriva and Brahma answered him saying
"'It is not possible to grant you immortality, choose some other boon!'
"At these words of Brahma, the Creator of the World, O Rama, Dashagriva replied with joined palms:—
"'May I not be slain by Supamas, Nagas, Yakshas, Daityas Danavas, Rakshasas nor by the Gods, O Eternal One, O Lord
of Beings. I do not fear other creatures, who, with men, I look upon as mere straws, O You who art adored by the
Celestials.'
"Thus spoke the Rakshasa Dasaratha, and the Lord, the Grandsire of the Worlds, who was accompanied by the Gods,
said to him
"'It shall be as you desirest, O Foremost of the Rakshasas!'
Then, having answered Dashagriva thus, O Rama, the Grandsire added:—
"'Hear what great favour I shall grant you further in my satisfaction. The heads that formerly were sacrificed by you
into the fire, O Irreproachable One, will now grow again as they were before and, O Rakshasa, I will finally confer
another boon on you that is hard to obtain, O My Friend, you shalt be able to assume any form you desirest at will.'
"As soon as the Grandsire had spoken thus, the heads of the Rakshasa Dashagriva, that had been consumed by fire,
grew again.
"O Rama, having spoken thus to Dashagriva, the Grandsire of the Worlds said to Vibishana:—
"'O My Dear
Vibishana, you whose intellect is fixed on virtue, I am gratified with you, choose a boon, O Righteous
and Pious One.'
"Then the pure-souled Vibishana, who radiated good qualities as the moon her beams, spoke with joined palms,
saying:—
"'O Bhagavat, I have endeavoured to do that which I ought to do. You are the Guru of the World; if, in your
satisfaction, you dost accord me a boon, then hear me; O Blessed Lord. May my soul ever be fixed in righteousness in Means I always be in Dharma side
the midst of the greatest adversity. Without being instructed, may I be able to use the Brahma Weapon. May
whatever thoughts come to me, wherever or in whatever state I find myself, always conform to virtue and may I fulfil
my duty! O Most Exalted of Beings, these are the boons I consider to be the most precious; for those who follow
dharma nothing is impossible!'
"Then Prajapati, full of joy, again addressed Vibishana saying
"'O Most Virtuous and Dear Child, let it be as you sayest, though you wast born in the Rakshasa Race, O Slayer of
Your Foes, no evil ever enters your heart! I grant you immortality!'
"Having uttered these words, as Prajapati was preparing to accord a boon to Kumbhakarna, all the Gods, with joined
palms, addressed him thus:—
"'As for Kumbhakarna, do not grant him any boons! You knowest well how the Three Worlds fear this perverse
wretch! In the Nandana Gardens, seven Apsaras and ten servants of Mahendra were devoured by him, O Brahma, as
also Rishis and men. Such are the deeds of this Rakshasa before receiving a boon; if one is conferred on him, he may
consume the Three Worlds 1 O You whose splendour is immeasurable, feigning to grant him a boon cause him to
become bemused; in this way, the worlds will live in peace and he will receive his just deserts.'
"Thus did the Gods speak, and Brahma, born of the lotus, thought on the Goddess, his consort, and, as soon as he
called her to mind, Sarasvati appeared at his side and, with joined palms said to him:—
"'O Lord, I am here, what shall I do?'
"Then Prajapati answered that Goddess, who had come there, saying:—
"'O You who art Speech, be you in the mouth of that Indra among the Rakshasas and utter that which the Gods
desire.'
'"So be it!'" she answered and,having entered his mouth, Kumbhakama said:—
"'To sleep for innumerable years, O Lord of Lords, this is my desire!'
"'May it be so!'" answered Brahma and, with the Gods, he departed.
"The Goddess Sarasvati then left the Rakshasa, while Brahma, with the Gods ascended to the heavenly region.
"When Sarasvati had departed, Kumbhakarna came to himself and that perverse wretch, in his misfortune,
reflected:—
"'How can such words have passed my lips? I must have been bemused by the Gods who came hither.'
"Having received those various boons, the three brothers of flaming energy, returned to the Sleshmataka Forest where they dwelt happily.
"Sumali, having learnt of the boons that the rangers of the night had received, abandoning his fear, emerged from
the nether regions, and the companions of that Rakshasa, Marica, Prahasta, Virupaksha and Mahodara rushed out
also fiill of fury.
"Thereafter Sumali with his friends, surrounded by the foremost of the Rakshasas, sought out Dashagriva and,
embracing him, said:—
"'By the grace of heaven, O Dear Child, the desire of my heart has been fulfilled since you have received these
excellent boons from the Lord of the Three Worlds. The great fear that forced us to abandon Lanka in order to take
refuge in Rasatala, into which we were precipitated by Vishnu, has now been dissipated! Many and many a time,
under the threat of that terror, we abandoned our retreat but, being pursued, together we plunged into hell. Your
brother, that crafty Lord of Wealth, took possession of the City of Lanka, the abode of the Rakshasas. If it be possible
by conciliation, gifts or force, to regain the possession of it, then do so, 0 Irreproachable Hero! You wflt then become
the sovereign of Lanka and, by your grace, the Rakshasa Race, that has been disestablished, will be reinstated;
thereafter you will reign over us all, O Lord.'
"Then Dashagriva answered his maternal grandfather who stood near and said
"'The Lord of Wealth is mine elder brother; it is not fitting that you should speak thus.'
"Quietly rebuked in this wise by that Indra of the Rakshasas, the most powerful of them all, Sumali, being aware of
his intentions, did not insist further.
"Some time later, as Ravana continued to reside in that place, Prahasta addressed these significant words to him:—
"'O Valiant Dashagriva, such a speech is not worthy of you; brotherly love is not the concern of heroes! Hear me 1
There were two sisters who loved each other and who were supremely fair; they were wedded to that Lord of
Creatures, the Prajapati Kashyapa, and with him Aditi begot the Gods, those Lords of the Three Worlds, whilst Diti
begot the Daityas. To the Daityas, those virtuous heroes, the earth, with its mountains, surrounded by the ocean,
formerly belonged. They waxed exceedingly strong, nevertheless they were slain in war by the mighty Vishnu, who
gave over the imperishable Triple World to the Gods. You are therefore not the only one to act in opposition to a
brother, which was done by the Gods and Asuras. Follow my counsel therefore!'
"Dashagriva, hearing these words was filled with joy and, having reflected a moment, he said, 'It is well!' and, in his
delight, that same day the valiant Dashagriva with his rangers of the night repaired to the wood bordering on Lanka.
Stationed on the Trikuta Mountain, that ranger of the night sent out Prahasta, who was skilled in speech, as his
ambassador, and said to him:—
"'Go speedily, O Prahasta, and speak to the foremost of the Nairritas, addressing him in conciliatory words, saying:—
"'This City of Lanka, O King, belongs to the magnanimous Rakshasas! O My Friend, you didst take possession of it; it
is not just, O You who art beyond reproach! If you dost restore it to us now, O Hero of unrivalled exploits, I shall be
gratified and justice will have been maintained.'
"Then Prahasta repaired to the City of Lanka, whose strong support was Dhanada, and addressed that Lord of Wealth
of illustrious lineage in the following words:—
"'I have been deputed by your brother Dashagriva, who is near at hand, that long-armed hero who is pious and the
foremost of
warriors, to come hither and my words are those of Dashanana, O Lord of Wealth 1
"'This ravishing city, O Large-eyed Hero, was formerly held by the Rakshasas of terrible exploits, whose chief was
Sumali. It is on this account, dear son of Vishravas, that Dashagriva asks you to restore it to them; this request is
made in all friendliness.'
"Having heard Prahasta, Vaishravana replied in words worthy of one who is skilled in speech and said:—
"'Lanka was bestowed on me by my sire when it had been abandoned by the rangers of the night; I have peopled it
by inducements of gifts, honours and every kind of privilege. Now go and bring this answer to Dashagriva—"The city
and the kingdom under my dominion are thine also, O Long-armed Hero, enjoy this realm without restriction; share
this dominion and its riches with me without division."'
"Having spoken thus, that Lord of Wealth went to visit his sire and paying obeisance to him related the nature of
Ravana's request, saying:—
"'O My Father, Dashagriva has sent a messenger to me, saying, "Give up the City of Lanka that was formerly occupied
by the Rakshasa Race." What shall I do now, O Blessed One, tell me?'
"On this enquiry, the Brahmarishi Vishravas, foremost of the ascetics, said to Dhanada who stood before him with
joined palms:—
"'Hear me, O My Son, the long-armed Dashagriva has spoken of this matter in my presence and I have often rebuked
him; he is exceedingly wicked and, in my wrath, I said to him "You will be destroyed; it were better for you to listen to
my words which are fraught with reason and integrity". He is perverse however, and the boons he has received have
so intoxicated him that he can no longer discriminate between what is just and unjust. It is on account of my curse
that he has fallen into this lamentable condition. Do you therefore retire to Mount Kailasha, that support of the
earth, O Long-armed Hero, and leave Lanka with your followers at once. In that place the enchanting Mandakini, the
most excellent of rivers flows, whose waters are covered with golden lotuses radiant as the sun, and Kumuda, Utpala
and other varieties of water-lilies of sweet fragrance. Devas, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Uragas and Kinneras sojourn
there, constantly disporting themselves. It is not fitting, O Dhanada, that you should enter into combat with that
Rakshasa, for you are conversant with the special boons he has received.'
"Hearing this reply and obedient to the counsel of his venerable sire, Dhanada left Lanka with his consort, his sons,
his ministers, his vehicles and his wealth.
"Meantime Prahasta had sought out the mighty Dashagriva and, with a joyous heart, said to him in the midst of his
counsellors:—
"'The City of Lanka is now free, Dhanada has abandoned it and has departed. Do you establish thyself therein so that,
with us, you canst fulfil your duty.'
"Thus did Prahasta speak, and the all-powerful Dashagriva invaded Lanka with his brothers, his army and his court. As
the Gods enter heaven, so did that enemy of the Celestials enter that city that Dhanada had just deserted and which
was divided by well-planned highways. Enthroned by the rangers of the night, Dashanana installed himself in that
city, which was filled with Rakshasas resembling dark clouds.
[End of Chapter 37]