The Epic War

The purpose of Raama-avataara

When Dasharatha prayed for a son, the devathes made their way to Chaturmukha Bramha’s presence and implored, “O lord! Please protect the helpless people of the world who are being troubled by demonic forces.

The sons of Vishravasana, with their terrible penance sought boons from you, and they have become undefeatable. Kumbhakarna’s elder brother Raavana is especially cruel. The ten headed one has captured kingdoms in ten directions and is dreaded by the entire world.

The evil Raavana causes distress to the sages and the devathes, hindering their studies of Vedas and performance of worship.

He loots treasures and captures exquisite women. His prowess is amazing. There’s no stopping him. If he isn’t killed, the world will come to an end.”

When Bramha heard the distraught devathes, he along with Rudra and the other devathes invoked Naarayana with devotion.

“O Naarayana. Before the fire of Raavana’s atrocities swallow the entire world, be born as the son of Dasharatha. Extinguish the flames of Raavana’s cruelty with your might and protect those who have sought your refuge”.

Pleased with their prayers, Naarayana spoke in a deep sonorous voice “O devathes, very soon I will destroy your nemesis, Raavana.”

Naarayana’s words were like music to their ears. Feeling reassured the devathes left for their abodes.

Thus one can conclude that the main purpose of Raama-avataara was the killing of Raavana and Kumbhakarna.

The War and its Witnesses

“Raamaraavanoryuddham Raamaraavanayoriva Gaganam gaganakaram sagaram sagaropamam”

Valmiki describes the war between Raama and Raavana, in the Yuddha kaanda, as one without compare. He says just like the sky is like nothing but the sky and the ocean is like nothing but the ocean, the war between Raama and Raavana was like nothing else but the war between Raama and Raavana!

Whenever the gods descend to earth and perform extraordinary feats, the devathes, gandharvas, siddhas, rishis and others gather in the skies, unseen by mortal eyes, to witness the grand spectacle and to be filled with Sathvik delight.

And so it was with this war too.

As the end of Raavana and the war approached, Raama and Raavana came face to face. Both were extremely powerful and skilled, and it seemed like the very earth shook under the impact of their attack and counter-attack. But Raama who was playing along, deftly defended himself from Raavana’s onslaught and the battle went on and on.

When Raama grievously injured Raavana, the latter lost consciousness. To save his lord and master, Raavana’s charioteer quickly fled with an unconscious Raavana.

When Raavana regained consciousness, he was deeply upset at his inglorious exit from the battlefield and berated his charioteer. Raavana who had never had to face such a situation in his entire life, then knew that he had to either win or be killed. He wanted to quickly resume the battle.

At this point, one of the rishis who had gathered in the sky appeared before Raama...

To be continued