Aradhya The Spiritual Realm Chapter 40 "Chapter 40:The Battle With The Devas Ravana's Near Demise"

"True strength lies not in overpowering others but in recognising one's own limits and respecting the balance of the cosmos."

Arjun, masking his familiarity with the tale, leaned in with a curious expression. "I've heard that Ravana, despite his formidable power, was nearly defeated in battles against the devas. Was it really Lord Brahma who intervened and saved him?"

Aditya nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, that's correct. Ravana's might was unparalleled, but even he faced moments of peril. In one of the most significant battles, Ravana, driven by his arrogance and thirst for dominance, waged war against the devas, the celestial beings who upheld the balance of the universe."

Pausing, Aditya continued, "Ravana's arrogance led him to believe he was invincible. However, during the fierce combat, the devas, led by Lord Indra, managed to overpower him. Ravana, on the brink of death, was in a dire situation. But at that crucial moment, Lord Brahma intervened."

Arjun, feigning ignorance, asked, "Why did Brahma intervene? What was his connection to Ravana?"

Aditya explained, "Lord Brahma had granted Ravana a boon for his intense penance. This boon made Ravana invulnerable to devas, gandharvas, and other divine beings, but he had not asked for protection against humans. Brahma's intervention wasn't just about saving Ravana; it was about maintaining the cosmic balance and upholding the sanctity of boons and curses. Ravana's survival was a reminder of the consequences of pride and the limits of power, even for the most powerful beings."

Arjun nodded, absorbing Aditya's words. "So, the intervention wasn't just an act of mercy but also a reinforcement of cosmic laws and lessons."

"Exactly," Aditya confirmed. "Ravana's story, as chronicled by Valmiki, is rich with lessons about hubris, the importance of humility, and the inevitable consequences of one's actions. It's a reminder that even great power must be tempered with wisdom and respect for the cosmic order."

The group listened intently, reflecting on the intricate web of stories and lessons that their journey seemed to echo, realizing the depth of the ancient narratives they were part of. and Aditya said ill tell one story about how Bramha intervened to save Ravan any way "Narada however, filled with brahmanic ardour stood awhile plunged in thought and, as he pondered, that Indra

among ascetics resembled a smokeless fire.

"He reflected:—

'How can death be overcome, he who afflicts the Three Worlds with their rulers and all animate and inanimate

beings, visiting them with just retribution at the termination of their lives? He, the witness of their offerings and

sacrifices, like unto a second Pavaka; he, whose power energises the worlds when beings attaining consciousness put

forth their activity, and in fear of whom the Three Worlds are disturbed. He before whom the Three Worlds flee in

terror, how dare that foremost of Rakshasas stand before him? He who is Vidhatar and Dhatar, the distributor of

rewards and punishments in accordance with men's deeds; he the conqueror of the Three Worlds, how can Ravana

overcome him? And if he does subdue him, what other order will he establish? Curiosity urges me to descend into

Yama's abode in order to witness the duel between Yama and that Rakshasa in person.'"

"Hearing that great tumult, the Lord Vaivasvata realised his enemy had triumphed and that his army was destroyed.

Knowing his forces were slain, his eyes red with anger, he addressed his charioteer, saying:—

"'Take my chariot there speedily!'

"Thereupon the driver brought the vast celestial car of his most powerful master and that exceedingly energetic one

ascended it. And Mrityu, the destroyer of the Triple World of perpetual change, with a lance and mallet in his hand

and Time as his Rod, stood at Yama's side; and that divine weapon blazed like fire.

"Beholding Kala [i.e., Time as Death] highly enraged, inspiring terror in the whole universe, the Three Worlds were

agitated and the inhabitants of heaven were seized with fear. Thereafter the charioteer urged on his steeds that were

the colour of blood, and drove his thundering chariot to meet the Lord of the Rakshasas; and, in an instant, his

horses, the equals of those belonging to Hari, carried Yama with the speed of thought to the scene of the combat.

"Seeing that terrible chariot that Mrityu accompanied, the followers of the foremost of the Rakshasas took to their

heels, saying:—

"'It is impossible for us to contend with him!' In their cowardice, beside themselves with terror, they fled away,

Dashagriva, however, in the presence of that chariot that spread terror in the Universe, remained unmoved and

experienced no fear.

"Coming within range of his adversary, Yama, in fury, loosed arrows and darts piercing Ravana's vital parts but he,

master of himself, let fly a hail of shafts on Yama's chariot, as a cloud lets fell its waters, and though the Rakshasa was

unable to repel those great shafts that fell in hundreds on his mighty breast, yet he experienced no ill effect;

nevertheless, after a fight lasting seven days, and all those missiles of various kinds that Yama, the Scourge of his

Foes, loosed upon him, Ravana, averting his face, became distraught and a terrible struggle ensued between Yama

and the Rakshasa, each eager to triumph and neither turning back in the fight.

"At that time, Devas, Gandharvas, Siddhas and great Rishis with Prajapati at their head, assembled on the field of

battle, for the duel taking place between the Lord of the Rakshasas and the King of the Dead appeared like the

dissolution of the worlds.

"Ravana, stretching his bow, like unto Indra's thunderbolt, filled the whole of space with his shafts and he struck

Mrityu with four barbed arrows and his driver with seven, thereafter with his swift arrows piercing Yama in his vital

parts a hundred thousand times.

"Then, from the mouth of the enraged Yama, a circle of flame issued, accompanied by wind and smoke, verily a fire

of wrath.

Beholding that marvel in the presence of Gods and Danavas, both Mrityu and Kala were transported with rage and

Mrityu, in a paroxysm of anger, said to Vaivasvata:—

'Suffer me to destroy this wicked Rakshasa! This very day, in accord with the natural law, this Rakshasa shall cease to

be! Hiranya-kashipu, the fortunate Namuchi, Shambara, Nishandi, Dhuma-ketu, Bali, Virocana, the Giant Shambhu,

mighty monarchs, Vritra and Bana, the Rajarishis versed in the Shastras, Punnagas, Daityas, Yakshas and troops of

Apsaras, with the earth and its mountains, rivers and trees and the great ocean, have all been destroyed by me at the

end of the World cycle, O Great King. Those beings and others in great numbers, who were powerful and invincible,

have been annihilated by my glance, how much more easily can I bring about the death of this ranger of the night?

Let me go therefore, O Virtuous Lord, that I may destroy him! No creature, however powerful he may be, can survive

if my glance falls upon him. This power is not mine own; it is a natural law that on whosoever I cast my glance, O

Kala, he does not live even for an instant.'

"Thus spoke Mrityu and the illustrious Lord of Justice answered:—

"'Calm thyself, I shall slay him!' Then the Lord Vaivas-vata, his eyes red with anger, lifted up the Rod of Death that

never misses its target, that Rod to the sides of which the snares of destruction are attached, and he seized hold of a

hammer like unto a flash of lightning, which, by its aspect alone, extinguishes the breath of living beings, how much

more when it falls on them! That weapon surrounded by flames, that huge mace, that seemed to consume the

Rakshasa, emitted sparks when that mighty being took hold of it. Then, as the God prepared to smite Ravana, the

Grandsire of the World appeared suddenly and said:—

"'O Great-armed Vaivasvata, O You, whose courage is immeasurable, know that you must not strike the ranger of the

night with your Rod. I have bestowed a boon on him, O King of the Gods, you must not render it void for I have

pledged my word! Verily he who makes me appear as a deceiver, whether he be God or a mere mortal, renders the

Triple World guilty of deceit! That terrible weapon, if loosed in anger, will strike down all beings, irrespective if they

are dear to me or no. Inevitable destruction and death to all follows on that Rod of Death of immeasurable splendour

created by me! Undoubtedly, O My Friend, you should not let it fall on Ravana's head, for once it falls, none will

survive even for an instant. Should it fall on the Rakshasa Dashagriva, whether he die or does not die, either way,

deceit will have been practised! Therefore turn aside that uplifted Rod from the King of Lanka and confirm my good

faith in deference to the worlds!'

"Thus addressed, the virtuous Lord of Death, Yama answered:—

"'I shall restrain the Rod as you are our Master, but, as I may not slay mine adversary who is protected by your boon,

what shall I do now in the fight? I shall render myself invisible to the Rakshasa!'

"So speaking, he vanished with his chariot and horses.

"Thereafter, Dashagriva, master of the field, proclaimed his name and, re-mounting Pushpaka, emerged from Yama's

abode. Vaivasvata, however, with the Gods, preceded by Brahma, joyfully returned to die Celestial Region, as did the

great Muni Narada also."

"Having overcome Yama the foremost of the Gods, the Tennecked Ravana, proud warrior, went to seek out his

followers. Beholding him with his limbs covered with blood, riddled with wounds, they were amazed. With Marica at

their head, they offered felicitations to him on his victory and re-assured by him, they all took their places in the

Pushpaka Chariot. Thereafter the Rakshasa descended into the watery region inhabited by Daityas and Uragas under

the powerful protection of Varuna. From there he went to the Capital Bhogavati, where Vasuki reigns, and, having

subjugated the Nagas, he joyfully entered the city made of precious stones. There the Nivatakavacas, Daityas

protected by Brahma dwelt, and the Rakshasa, approaching them, challenged them to fight. Instantly those intrepid

Daityas, full of valour, armed with every weapon in their martial ardour, rushed out joyfully.

"Then the Rakshasas and Danavas struck each other furiously with spears, tridents, Kalishas, harpoons, swords and

Parash-vadhas and, while they fought thus, a whole year passed away without either side being victorious or

suffering defeat.

"At the end of that time, the Grandsire, Lord of the Three Worlds, the imperishable God, appeared in his marvellous

chariot and, in order to bring the bellicose activities of the Nivatakavacas to a close, that Ancient One made known to

them the purpose of his intervention, saying:—

"'Ravana cannot be overcome in battle by the Gods or Asuras and you yourselves cannot be destroyed even by the

Immortals and Danavas together. It would find favour with me, if the Rakshasas were joined with you in friendship;

undoubtedly all benefits are shared by friends.'

"Thereupon, in the presence of fire, Ravana concluded an alliance with the Nivatakavacas and became their friend.

"Honoured by them according to tradition, he sojourned in that place for a year, where he passed his time exactly as

in his own city. There, having studied a hundred forms of magic he became proficient in one, then he set out to

explore Rasatala in order to discover the capital of the Lord of the Waters, Varuna. Reaching the City of Ashma, he

slew all the inhabitants and, with his sword, pierced his powerful brother-in-law, Vidyujjihva, the consort of

Shurpanakha, who was proud of his strength and who, with his tongue, was licking a Rakshasa, preparatory to

devouring him. Having slain him, Ravana thereafter, in an instant, destroyed four hundred Daityas. It was then that

the celestial abode of Varuna, resembling a cloud, dazzling as Mount Kailasha, appeared to that monarch, and he

beheld there the Cow, Surabha, from whom milk ever flows which forms the Ocean Kshiroda.

"Ravana saw Vararani, Mother of cows and bulls also, from whom is born Candra of cooling rays, who ushers in the

night, taking refuge under whom, the great Rishis subsist on the froth of that milk from which the Nectar of

Immortality, the food of the Gods sprang, as also Svadha, the food of the Pitris. Having circumambulated that

wonderful Cow, known to men as Surabha, Ravana penetrated into a formidable region defended by troops of every

kind. It was then he beheld the splendid residence of Varuna, abounding in hundreds of cataracts, ever wearing a

delightful aspect and resembling an autumn cloud.

"Having struck down the leaders of the army in battle, whom he riddled with blows, Ravana said to those warriors:—

'Speedily inform the King that Ravana has come hither seeking battle, saying "Accept this challenge if you are not

afraid, otherwise, paying obeisance to him declare, 'I am defeated!""

"Meantime, the sons and grandsons of the magnanimous Varuna, provoked, set out with Go and Pushkara.

"Those valiant beings, surrounded by their troops, harnessed their chariots that coursed wheresoever they desired

and shone like the rising sun.

"Thereafter a terrible struggle ensued, causing the hair to stand on end, between the children of the Lord of the

Waters and the crafty Ravana. The brave companions of the Rakshasa Dashagriva, in an instant, destroyed Varuna's

entire army.

"Seeing their army struck down in the fight, the sons of Varuna, overwhelmed by a hail of missiles, broke off the

conflict and, as they were escaping underground, they beheld Ravana in the Pushpaka Chariot and hurled themselves

into the sky in their fleet cars. Having attained an equally advantageous position, a desperate fight broke out afresh

and a terrible conflict arose in the air like unto that between the Gods and the Danavas. With their shafts, like unto

Pavaka's, they put Ravana to flight and, in their joy, emitted countless shouts of triumph.

"Then Mahodara, provoked, on seeing Ravana thus sore pressed, banished all fear of death and, in his martial ardour,

casting infuriated glances round about, with his mace struck the chariots that were coursing at will with the speed of

the wind, causing them to fall on the earth. Having slain the soldiers and destroyed the chariots of Varuna's sons,

Mahodara, seeing them deprived of their cars, emitted a loud shout. The chariots with their steeds and their

excellent drivers, destroyed by Mahodara, lay on the earth and, though bereft of their vehicles, the sons of the

magnanimous Varuna, by virtue of their natural prowess, remained courageously in the sky without being perturbed.

Stretching their bows, they pierced Mahodara and, gathering together, they surrounded Ravana on the battlefield

and, with their formidable shafts, like unto thunderbolts loosed from their bows, they overwhelmed him in their

rage, as clouds rain down on a great mountain.

"On his side, the irascible Dashagriva, like unto the fire of dissolution, showered down a fearful hail of missiles on

their vital parts with irresistible and uninterrupted force, and there were maces of every kind, Bhallas in their

hundreds, harpoons, lances and huge Shataghnis. Then Varuna's sons, reduced to walking on foot, saw themselves

restricted like unto sixty-year old elephants who have entered a great morass and, beholding the sons of Varuna thus

stricken and exhausted, the supremely powerful Ravana emitted shouts of joy like unto an immense doud, and letting

forth those loud roars, he struck Varuna's offspring with shafts of every kind which he showered down upon them

like a cloud.

"Thereupon they turned back and fell headlong to the ground and their followers carried them hastily from the

battlefield to their homes, whilst the Rakshasa cried out 'Carry the tidings to Varuna!'

"Thereafter one of Varuna's counsellors, named Prahasta, answered him saying:—

"'Varuna, the Lord of the Waters, that mighty monarch, whom you are challenging to combat, has gone to

Brahmaloka to hear the Gandharva music. Why exhaust thyself in vain, O Hero, since the King is not here?'

"Then the Lord of the Rakshasas, having heard this, proclaimed his name and emitted joyful cries; thereafter, issuing

out of Varuna's abode and returning from whence he had come, Ravana ascended into the sky and directed his

course to Lanka."

Ravana continues his conquests and confrontations, showing "Thereafter Ravana's war-intoxicated followers ranged

the City of Ashma and Dashanana beheld there a great palace, the archways of which were set with emeralds and

adorned with a network of pearls. Abounding in golden pillars and sacred altars, the stairways, made of gold, were

studded with diamonds and hung with small bells and delightful seats placed here and there, so that it resembled the

palace of Mahendra.

"Beholding that beautiful dwelling, the supremely powerful Ravana reflected within himself:—

'Whose is this marvellous mansion like unto the peak of Mount Meru? Go, O Prahasta and ascertain speedily to

whom this residence belongs!'

"Thereupon Prahasta entered that excellent abode and, finding no one in the first apartment, he went to another,

penetrating into seven rooms till at last he observed a fire burning, in the flames of which he beheld a man seated,

laughing aloud; and, hearing that dreadful laughter, Prahasta's hair stood on end. The man thus seated as if

unconscious in the fire, blinding to look upon as the sun and like unto Yama himself, was wearing a golden chain.

Beholding this, that nightranger speedily left the house and communicated all to Ravana.

"O Rama, Dashagriva, resembling a piece of collyrium, alighting from Pushpaka, sought to enter that dwelling but a

huge-bodied person, moon-crested, barred the door. His tongue resembled a flame, his eyes were red, his teeth

dazzling, his lips like the Bimba Fruit, his nose dreadful and he was handsome of form with a neck curved like a

conch, marked with three lines, his jaws enormous, his beard thick, his bones well covered with flesh, possessing

large fangs, his whole aspect terrible, causing the hair to stand on end; and he held a mace in his hand as he stood at

the door; then as Ravana beheld him, his hair rose on end, his heart beat furiously and his body trembled.

"Perceiving these inauspicious omens, Ravana began to ponder within himself and while he was reflecting thus, that

Being addressed him, saying:—

"'Of what art you thinking, O Rakshasa? Tell me without fear! I shall confer the pleasure of combat on you, O Hero, O

Night-ranger!'

"Thereafter he spoke again to Ravana, saying:—

"'Dost you desire to enter into conflict with Bali or hast you some other intention?'

"Hearing these words, Ravana was overwhelmed with fear so that his hair stood on end but, recollecting himself, he

answered:-

"'O You, the foremost of those skilled in speech, who resides in this mansion? I would enter into combat with him if

you counsdlest me to do so1'

"Then that Being answered him, saying:—

"'The Lord of the Danavas lives here; he is supremely magnanimous, valiant, possessing truth for his prowess,

endowed with many qualities, resplendent, like unto Yama bearing a noose in his hand, bright as the rising sun,

incapable of being defeated in combat, impetuous, invincible, victorious, a veritable ocean of accomplishments, softspoken, the support of those who depend on him, devoted to his preceptor and the brahmins, conversant with the

proper time (for executing actions), gifted with great powers, truthful, handsome, skilful, heroic, ever engaged in die

study of the Veda; though walking on foot, he moves like the wind, he shines like fire, radiating heat like the sun, he

stands in awe of neither Gods, spirits, snakes nor birds, fear is unknown to him. Dost you wish to fight with Bali, O

Lord of the Rakshasas, O You gifted with supreme energy? Then enter this abode speedily and engage in the

encounter!'

"Being thus addressed, the Ten-necked Titan went in to where Bali was, and that foremost of the Danavas, who

resembled a flame of fire and was as hard to gaze upon as the sun, beholding the Lord of Lanka, burst into laughter

and, taking the Rakshasa by the hand placed him on his lap, saying:—

"'O Ten-necked Lord of the Rakshasas, O Long-armed One, what desire of thine shall I gratify? Say what has brought

you hither?'

"Being thus addressed by Bali, Ravana answered:—

"'O Illustrious One, I have heard that formerly you were imprisoned by Vishnu, verily I have the power to release you

from these bonds!'

"Hearing these words of Ravana, Bali laughed and said:—

"'Hear and I will tell you, O Ravana! The Dark-hued One Who stands at the door, formerly subdued all the Danavas

and other powerful Lords and I also was imprisoned by Him. He is as invincible as Death; none in the world can

delude Him. He, Who stands at the entrance, is the Destroyer, Creator and Preserver, Lord of the Three Worlds.

Neither you nor I know Him; He is the Lord of the past, present and future, He is Time, He is the Kali Yuga, He

overthrows all beings; He is the Creator and Destroyer of the Three Worlds and of all animate and inanimate things;

that great God of all Gods creates and re-creates the universe again and again for ever. O Nightranger, He is the

Dispenser of the fruits of sacrifices, gifts and oblations, verily He is the Creator and Preserver of the entire Universe,

there is none in the Three Worlds comparable with Him in majesty and glory. O Scion of the House of Paulastya. He

has the Danavas, our forbears, and you, under His control, like beasts bound with ropes.

'"Vritra, Danu, Shuka, Shambu, Nishumbha, Shumbha, Kalanemi, Prahlada and others, Kuta, Virocana, Mridu, Yamala,

Arjuna, Kansa, Kaitabha and Madhu all radiated heat like the sun and were as resplendent as its rays, all moved like

the wind and showered down rain like unto Indra, all celebrated sacrifices and underwent severe penances, all were

exalted of soul and followers of the Path of Yoga, all acquired wealth and enjoyed many pleasures, all distributed gifts

abundantly, studied the Veda and protected their subjects, all were defenders of their kinsfolk and slayers of their

foes, none could stand against them in the Three Worlds and they were powerful, thoroughly conversant with the

Shastras and all branches of learning and were never known to retreat in battle.

"'They ruled the kingdoms of the Gods, having overcome them a thousand times, and they were ever engaged in

harassing them and protecting their own followers. Inflated with pride and arrogance, given to attachment, they

were as effulgent as the newly risen sun, but the glorious Hari, the Lord Vishnu knows how to bring about the

destruction of those who perpetually trouble the Gods. He creates them all and Himself constantly brings about their

end; existing by Himself at the time of dissolution.

"'These highly powerful and illustrious Danava Chiefs, able to assume any form at will, were destroyed by that

glorious God, and further, all those heroes, said to be invincible and irresistible in warfare, have been discomfited by

the wondrous power of Kritanta [i.e., The incarnation of the force of destiny].'

"Having spoken thus to Ravana, the Lord of the Danavas again addressed the King of the Rakshasas, saying:—

"'O Hero, O You gifted with great strength, take up this shining disc that you seest and draw near to my side; I shall

then tell you how I have broken my bonds forever. Do what I have told you, O Long-armed One, delay not!'

"O Descendant of Raghu, hearing this, the highly powerful Rakshasa, laughing, proceeded to where that celestial disc

was. Proud of his strength he deemed himself able to lift it with ease but, taking hold of it, he could not move it by

any means and, being ashamed, that highly powerful one again attempted it and barely raising it, that Rakshasa

immediately fell to the earth unconscious, bathed in a pool of blood, like unto a Sala Tree that has been felled.

"Meantime the counsellors of the Lord of the Rakshasas, who were in the Pushpaka Chariot, cried out loudly 'Alas!

Alas!' and thereafter, the Rakshasa, regaining his senses, rose up, his head bowed in shame and Bali said to him:—

"'Draw near, O Foremost of the Rakshasas, and listen to my words, O Hero! This disc encrusted with gems, which you

didst seek to lift, was an ornament for the ear belonging to one of my forbears and has remained here where it fell,

look upon it 1 O You, endowed with great strength, the other fell on the summit of a mountain and, besides these

two, his crown also fell on the earth before an altar during the encounter. Formerly neither time, death nor disease

could overcome mine ancestor Hiranyakashipu, nor could he be visited by death during the day, at dawn or dusk. O

Foremost of the Rakshasas, neither a dry nor a wet object nor any weapon could encompass his end.

"'It came about that he entered into a dreadful quarrel with Prahlada and antagonism having grown up between him

and the defenceless and courageous Prahlada, the Lord appeared in the form of Nrsingha, he of dreadful aspect who

was the cause of terror to all beings. O Foremost of the Rakshasas, that awful Being, casting glances here and there,

overwhelmed the Three Worlds and, taking up Hiranyakashipu in his arms, he tore his body open with his nails; that

same Being, the supreme and taintless Vasudeva stands at the door! I shall now tell you of that supreme God, do you

hear me, if my words have any significance for you. He who stands at the door has subdued thousands of Indras and

hundreds and thousands of great Gods and Rishis.'

"Hearing these words, Ravana said:—

"'I have beheld Kritanta, the Lord of Spirits and Death Himself! His hair is formed of serpents and scorpions, he bears

a noose in his hand, his tongue is like unto a flame of fire darting like lightning, his jaws dreadful, his eyes red; he is

endowed with immense speed and is the terror of all beings, like unto the sun incapable of being looked upon.

Unconquerable in combat, the chastiser of evil-doers, yet even he was overcome in conflict, nor did I experience the

least fear of him, O Lord of the Danavas. I do not know this person (at the door), it behoves you to tell me who he is.'

"Hearing these words of Ravana, Bali, the Son of Virocana, answered:—

"'He is the Lord Hari, Narayana, the Protector of the Three Worlds. He is Ananta, Kapila, Vishnu and the highly

effulgent Nrsingha; He is Kratudhama and Sudhama who bears the dreadful mace in his hands. He resembles the

Twelve Adityas, He is the first Man, the primeval and excellent Purusha; He is like unto a dark blue cloud and is the

first Lord of the Gods. O Long-armed One, He is encircled by flame; He is the supreme Yogi, beloved of His devotees;

He projected the universe, preserves it and destroys it, assuming the form of Time endowed with great power. This

Hari, bearing the discus in His hand, is the sacrifice and is worshipped in the sacrifice, He is the one great form of all

the Gods, all beings, all worlds and all knowledge; He is Baladeva, O Mighty-armed One, the Slayer of Warriors; He

has the eye of a hero and is the eternal Guru, the Father of the Three Worlds. All Sages, desirous of liberation,

meditate on Him. He who knows Him thus, is freed from sin; he, who remembers, adores and worships Him, attains

all.'

"Hearing these words of Bali, the highly powerful Ravana, his eyes red with anger, went out with uplifted weapons.

"Beholding him thus inflamed with fury, the Lord Hari, Who bore a club in His hand, reflected, 'In deference to

Brahma, I shall not slay this sinner yet,' and making himself invisible, He vanished.

"Then Ravana, not beholding that Purusha there, rejoiced, and, shouting exultantly, issued out of Varuna's abode and

departed by the same way by which he had come," his prowess and determination "Having overcome Yama the

foremost of the Gods, the Tennecked Ravana, proud warrior, went to seek out his followers. Beholding him with his

limbs covered with blood, riddled with wounds, they were amazed. With Marica at their head, they offered

felicitations to him on his victory and re-assured by him, they all took their places in the Pushpaka Chariot. Thereafter

the Rakshasa descended into the watery region inhabited by Daityas and Uragas under the powerful protection of

Varuna. From there he went to the Capital Bhogavati, where Vasuki reigns, and, having subjugated the Nagas, he

joyfully entered the city made of precious stones. There the Nivatakavacas, Daityas protected by Brahma dwelt, and

the Rakshasa, approaching them, challenged them to fight. Instantly those intrepid Daityas, full of valour, armed with

every weapon in their martial ardour, rushed out joyfully.