Rāmāyana | Yuddha Kaṇḍa | Chapter 59

59. Rāvaṇa Enters Battle Field

[After Prahasta was killed, Rāvaṇa himself enters the battle field. He sent back his commanders, sons and brothers to guard the fort. He hurts or killed large number of monkey chiefs. Lakṣmaṇa who fought with him was greatly wounded by his spear. Rāma fought and defeated him but spared his life at that time and send him back.]

When in the battle with the bull among monkeys seeing that many Rākṣasas as well as their chief had died in the battle they who were having huge weapons, with a speed of the ocean ran away. 59.1

They all went to the king of Rākṣasas and told him that their chief was killed by the son of fire God and hearing to their words, the Rākṣasa chief became very angry. 59.2

After having heard that Prahasta was killed in the battle, The heart of Rāvaṇa was filled with grief as well as anger and then he told the chiefs of army, similar to Indra talking to Deva chiefs. 59.3

"This enemy should not be underestimated because they killed the commander of my army as well his army and elephants who had earlier defeated the army of Indra." 59.4

"So without any hesitation, I shall myself go to the wonderful battle field for killing the enemies and getting victory." 59.5

""I shall myself burn the monkey army along with Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa by using several arrows like a forest is burned by setting it fire and then I shall satisfy the earth by performing oblations with monkey blood." 59.6

After saying this Rāvaṇa, the enemy of Indra mounted the chariot which was shining like flame of fire which is yoked to excellent horses which had excellent shining body." 59.7

Then the king of Rākṣasas went along with sound of kettle drums, conches, cymbals, clapping of hands and line like roars after being honoured and worshipped and after auspicious praises were sung. 59.8

That chief king of Rākṣasas along with mountain and cloud like meat eating Rākṣasas who had sight like burning torch and also surrounded by ghosts and shined like Rudra surrounded by Devas. 59.9

He who had great lustre and looked like mountain came out of the city saw the powerful army of monkeys who were as big as an ocean holding trees and mountains, ready for war and roaring like vast ocean and thunderous clouds. 59.10

Seeing that excessively furious Rākṣasa army, Rāma whose hand resembled great serpents and was accompanied by his own army, told to Vibhīṣaṇa who is an expert in knowledge of shastras. 59.11

"Who is the commander of this army, furnished with every kind of standard, banner and canopy and armed with javelins, swords, stakes and other weapons and missiles and composed of imperturbable soldiers and elephants as high as the Mahendra Mountain?" 59.12

Hearing the words of Rāma, Vibhīṣaṇa who has valour similar to Indra told Rāma facts about that great army who are lead by the foremost among the Rākṣasas. 59.13

"Oh king, the great one who has the face of black colour and who resembles the rising sun and comes riding on an elephant and making it shake its head is Akampana." 59.14

"He who is standing on the chariot and holding a bow which is more lustrous than bow of Indra, who has lion inscribed on his flag, who shines like an elephant with curved tusks and who is famous for the boons that he received from Brahma is Indrajit." 59.15

"That mighty warrior who holds the bow of unequalled size similar to Vindhya, aṣṭa and Mahendra mountains and who stands on a chariot, who has superior strength and has a very huge body is Athikaya." 59.16

"That great one who has tawny eyes resembling the dawn, riding on an elephant with its bells jingling, who is shouting aloud and who is a strong Rākṣasa is called Mahodara." 59.17

"He who is climbing on a horse caparisoned in gold, who is raising high his spear, who is the speed of the thunderbolt and resembles a mountain of evening clouds is Piśācha." 59.18

"He who holds a sharp spear with the lustre of lightning, which had the speed of thunderbolt and comes riding on an excellent bull shining like moon, is the well-known Triśirās." 59.19

"The other one who resembles a thunderbolt, who has large well developed chest. who has a mind that understands, who has king of snakes on his flag and who is moving and twanging his bow, is Kumbha." 59.20

"He who is holding a diamond studded golden mace, who is lustrous as well as smoky, who is advancing as the flag bearer of the army is Nikumbha who has done wonderful valorous exploits." 59.21

"He holds a bow and arrow as well as sword and has a flag and has a form of raging fire and who shines lustrously on the chariot is Naranthaka, who fights with the mountain peaks in the war." 59.22

"He who is surrounded by ghosts of dreadful form and has rolling eyes, with heads of tigers, buffalo mighty elephants, deer and horses, under an excellent white canopy with slender ribs and shining like a moon and is the one who humbles the gods themselves, shining like unto Rudra amidst the Bhūtas, is the great Lord of Rākṣasas there." 59.23-59.24

"He wears swinging ear studs and crown and is similar to the mountain king Vindhya and has a huge body, has destroyed the pride of Lord Indra and Lord Yama themselves, is the king of Rākṣasas and is the one shining like Sun God." 59.25

Rāma then replied to Vibhīṣaṇa who was the destroyer of enemies "What a majesty and what glory has this king of Rākṣasas has?" 59.26

"Rāvaṇa is difficult to be gazed similar to the Sun, and due o his clear form which is covered with lustrous radiance eyes cannot rest on him." 59.27

"The body of the heroes among Devas and Dānavas are not similar to his and does not have a shine like the body of the king of Rākṣasas." 59.28

"All the warriors who fight along with Rāvaṇa are mountain like and use mountain as weapons and also hold many lustrous weapons." 59.29

"Surrounded by the fiery ghost like Rākṣasas, Rāvaṇa who is the king of Rākṣasas shines like Lord of death, surrounded by his hideous assistants." 59.30

"By good luck, that sinner has fallen today on the orbit of my sight and I will release on him my anger born out of the abduction of Sītā." 59.31

After saying the valorous one took out his great bow and followed by Lakṣmaṇa, drew out an excellent arrow. 59.32

After that, that powerful Rāvaṇa spoke to those exceedingly strong Rākṣasas as follows: "Take up your positions unfalteringly and happily at the gates and principal exits, the outposts and fortifications." 59.33

"When the enemy knows that I am with you here, taking it as a weak point, the united monkeys may storm the desolate city and destroy it by surprise." 59.34

Thus the king of Rākṣasas dismissed all his ministers and those Rākṣasas went back to the city and Rāvaṇa entered the ocean of monkeys, just like a gigantic fish with the intention would split the entire ocean. 59.35

Seeing the king of Rākṣasas holding a shining bow entering in the battle field and advancing in to it, the king of monkeys uprooting a huge mountain top ran towards him. 59.36

Holding that peak of mountain completely filled with trees, he threw it at the king of Rākṣasas and he seeing it advancing towards him, Rāvaṇa using arrows with golden shafts broke it into pieces. 59.37

When that tall mountain peak with well-developed trees fell down on the ground that Rākṣasa who was the lord of the world, like the God of death sent an arrow resembling a serpent. 59.38

Taking that arrow which has the speed of thunderbolt and possessing the lustre of fire and which had the swiftness of Indra's thunderbolt, Rāvaṇa sent it to kill Sugrīva. 59.39

That arrow when released from the hands of Rāvaṇa, it having the splendour of the thunderbolt of Indra speedily pierced the body of Sugrīva, similar to the spear of Lord Subrāmaṇya pierced the Krauṇcha mountain. 59.40

Wounded by that arrow, which made him unconscious, that warrior fell moaning on the earth. Seeing him falling on the ground, deprived of his senses in the battle-field, the Rākṣasas raised a shout of triumph. 59.41

Then, monkeys Gavaksha, Gavya, Suṣeṇa, Riṣabha, Jyotimukha and Nala who all had a very huge tearing up rocks, rushed towards Rāvaṇa. 59.42

That king of Rākṣasas using very sharp arrows made their attacks with things to throw as useless and with several arrows well shafted with gold wounded all those chiefs of monkeys. 59.43

By the arrows of the king of Rākṣasas who was enemy of devas, those monkey generals having a very huge form, were wounded and fell on the ground and afterwards, he started hurting the monkey army with very many arrows. 59.44

The wounded and fallen down warriors, were stuck with great arrow of fear and those monkeys pained by the arrows of Rāvaṇa went and sought protection of Rāma, who protects all. 59.45

Then the great one who was a skilful archer, Rāma, took his bow and set out at once but Lakṣmaṇa with folded hands approached him and spoke the following relevant words. 59.46

"Oh Noble one, my skills are sufficient to kill this very bad one and so permit me so that I can kill that Rāvaṇa." 59.47

The truly valorous Rāma who was greatly lustrous told him, "Go Lakṣmaṇa and be successful in this fight." 59.48

"Rāvaṇa is endowed with great strength and possesses an outstanding prowess during a war. The Three Worlds themselves could not withstand his fury. There is no doubt about it." 59.49

"Hide your weaknesses while searching for his weaknesses and then protect yourselves properly with your eye as well as the bow." 59.50

Lakṣmaṇa after hearing the words of Rāghava hugged him and worshipped him and after saluting him went for the battle. 59.51

Then he saw Rāvaṇa with elephant like hands with a huge bow which was greatly shining who with a great rain of arrows was attacking those monkeys whom he had wounded badly. 59.52

Seeing this the greatly lustrous Hanuman who was the son of wind God to put an end to that magic of arrows rushed towards Rāvaṇa. 59.53

After approaching the chariot, valorous Hanuman lifted his left arm and threateningly spoke the following words to Rāvaṇa. 59.54

"You have got a boon that devas, Dānavas, Gandharvas, Yakṣas and Rākṣasas should not be able to kill you but not against monkeys and therefore they are dangerous to you." 59.55

"This raised right hand of mine which has five branches will rob you of your soul which has been residing in your body." 59.56

The greatly valorous Rāvaṇa after hearing these words of Hanuman, with anger inflaming his eyes told the following. 59.57

"Without any hesitation hit me monkey and get everlasting fame and after knowing your strength by that, I shall destroy you." 59.58

After hearing the words of Rāvaṇa, the son of wind God told" Please remember that I have killed your son Akṣa earlier." 59.59

Once he told this, the greatly lustrous king of Rākṣasas Struck with his palm the valorous son of Wind God. 59.60

Struck by the palm, Hanuman repeatedly reeled for a second but he secured his balance within another second, and greatly enraged he hit the enemy of the devas by his own palm 59.61

Struck by the palm of that great monkey, the ten necked was shaken like a mountain when the earth trembles. 59.62

Seeing that Rāvaṇa was beaten by a palm in the battle the sages, the monkeys, Sidhas, Asuras and devas cheered. 59.63

After getting his breath back that greatly lustrous Rāvaṇa told, "Well done, Oh Monkey hero. You are a proper adversary for me." 59.64

When Rāvaṇa told like this Hanuman replied back, "Cursed be your strength for in spite of my valour, you are still alive." 59.65

"Oh evil minded one, why this boasting? Now again strike me and then my fist will send you to the world of god of death." 59.66

Hearing the words of Hanuman, Rāvaṇa's anger was greatly inflamed and then with blood shot eyes, lifting his right fist with great zeal hit forcefully at that valorous monkey. 59.67-59.68

Hanuman who was stuck on his broad chest reeled again and again and seeing that might Hanuman was exhausted, Rāvaṇa turned his chariot towards Nila. 59.69

The ten necked king of Rākṣasas With great serpent like arrows which can pierce greatly, wounded the vital parts of Nila, the commander of monkeys. 59.70-59.71

That Nila the commander of the monkey army tormented by the flood of those arrows, with one hand lifted a mountain top and threw it on the chief of Rākṣasas. 59.72

Meanwhile, Hanuman of a great mind, burning with courage, regained his breath and in his battle rage cried out furiously towards Rāvaṇa, the Lord of Rākṣasas who was occupied in fight with Nila as follows: "It is not proper to engage in a combat with another person when he is already doing a fight with another." 59.73-59.74

But that greatly lustrous Rāvaṇa using seven very sharp arrows struck that mountain and it fell down, broken in to pieces. 59.75

The commander of the monkey army observed that the mountain was broken in to pieces and that destroyer of the enemy due to his anger glowed like fire of death. 59.76

In that fight, Nila hurled Aśvakarṇa trees, Sāla trees with extensive flowering, Chuta trees and other various types of trees. 59.77

Rāvaṇa confronted all those trees and broke them to pieces and rained many horrendous arrows at the son of the fire God. 59.78

Showered by large number of arrows as if it was raining from the cloud, that very strong one assumed a very tiny form and jumped to the end of the flag of Rāvaṇa. 59.79

Seeing that the son of fire God was sitting on his flag post, Rāvaṇa burned with anger and then Nila shouted loudly. 59.80

Seeing that monkey occupying the tip of the flag, tip of the bow and tip of the crown, Lakṣmaṇa, Hanuman and Rāma were greatly astonished. 59.81

That greatly lustrous Rāvaṇa seeing the agility of the monkey was astonished and then took a wonderful and greatly lustrous arrow called Āgneyāstra [arrow of fire.] 59.82

Thereafter, those monkeys who felt happy to see Rāvaṇa disconcerted at the agility of Nila and having found an occasion for jubilation, shouted joyously. 59.83

Greatly provoked by the shouting of the monkeys was confused in his mind and did not know what has to be done. 59.84

Rāvaṇa using that arrow of fire god shot at Nila, the monkey who was sitting on the top of his flag. 59.85

That king of Rākṣasas Rāvaṇa who was greatly lustrous told to Nila, "Oh monkey you are extremely agile and endowed with knowledge of magic." 59.86

"Oh monkey now, if you can try to save your life, though you are doing numerous acts of various kinds which are worthy of yourself." 59.87

"In spite of that, the great arrow that I am releasing charged with mystic strength, would take away your life, which you are trying to protect." 59.88

After saying like this the great king of Rākṣasas Rāvaṇa, after placing the arrow on the bow, struck the commander of monkey army with it. 59.89

That arrow with mystic power, hit Nila on the chest and he was completely burnt down and fell on the floor. 59.90

Due to the powerful help from his father and his own innate lustre Though he was brought to the knees on the floor, he did not lose his life. 59.91

The ten necked one interested in fighting war, after seeing the monkey lying unconscious rushed in his chariot towards Lakṣmaṇa. 59.92

Rāvaṇa, who was the greatly famous the king of Rākṣasas, approached Lakṣmaṇa who was in the middle of battle field, halted Lakṣmaṇa and stood before him lifting his great bow. 59.93

Lakṣmaṇa, who had indomitable courage, spoke to Rāvaṇa who was raising his indomitable bow "Oh king of Rākṣasas, you please fight with me as you should not fight against monkeys." 59.94

Hearing those words of Lakṣmaṇa resembling the twang of a bow in full pitch of that sound, Rāvaṇa approached Lakṣmaṇa, came near to him and spoke these furious words. 59.95

"Oh son of Raghu clan, due to good fortune, at last you have come within ambit of my sight, so that you will meet your death Immediately you would be going the land of death after you are killed by the hail of my arrows." 59.96

Then without expressing any surprise seeing Rāvaṇa who was roaring through his teeth "OH king of evil doers, you have been boasting about yourself and dignified people do not roar." 59.97

"Oh King of Rākṣasas I know about your valour, strength, energy and courage. Come here as I now stand here, with my bow and arrows in hand. Of what use are vain boasts." 59.98

Riled like this the king became enraged and loosened seven of great arrows which were decorated by great feathers, which Lakṣmaṇa broke with gold ornamented arrows which had sharp edges. 59.99

Seeing that the arrows were broken like the hoods of great Cobra were shattered, Rāvaṇa got very angry and dispatched several sharp arrows. 59.100

The younger brother of Rāma then showered large number of arrows called Kṣura, Ardha Chandra, karni and Bhalla using his bow and broke arrows of Rāvaṇa without getting perturbed. 59.101

Seeing that his various sets of arrows are going in vain, the king who was enemy of devas was greatly astonished at the skill of Lakṣmaṇa and once more sent several arrows. 59.102

That Lakṣmaṇa who was equivalent to Devendra fixed on his bow sharp and lightning like swift arrows, which were greatly lustrous and sent them aimed at Rāvaṇa with an intention of killing him. 59.103

Then Rāvaṇa the King of Rākṣasas shattered those pointed arrows and struck Lakṣmaṇa in the forehead with a shaft as bright as the Fire at deluge, which had been bestowed on him by Brahma the Lord of Creation. 59.104

Being hit by Rāvaṇa's arrow Lakṣmaṇa reeled a little and holding firmly his bow, he regained his consciousness and he with difficulty shattered the bow of the enemy of Indra and devas. 59.105

Then after breaking his bow, the son of Dasaratha stuck and pierced the king with three arrows, he swooned and later regained consciousness with great difficulty. 59.106

That Rāvaṇa who was the enemy of devas, whose bow was broken and limbs shattered and greatly wounded letting out blood, with formidable energy seized a spear gifted to him by Lord Brahma for continuing the battle. 59.107

Then Rāvaṇa, the lord of the country of Rākṣasas hurled on Lakṣmaṇa with all his strength that spear which was shining and burning like fire, emitting smoke and frightening the monkeys in the battle field. 59.108

The younger brother of Bhārata with several arrows and darts stuck that spear as if it is a sacrificial fire but that spear entered the broad chest of Lakṣmaṇa. 59.109

The mighty son of Raghu clan fell hit by the very mighty spear on earth and was breathing hot breath and the king suddenly rushed there and brutally seized him in his two hands. 59.110

Though he could earlier lift Himalayas, Mandāra and Meru mountain along with the Gods there, he could not lift the younger brother of Bhārata. 59.111

The son of Sumitrā though he was wounded on his chest by the weapon given by Lord Brahma, he recollected that he was a minute part of Lord Vishnu himself. 59.112

Rāvaṇa the thorn on the body of devas who had removed the pride of devas and Dānavas, though he could hit Lakṣmaṇa, he was not able to carry him with his hands. 59.113

At that time the very angry son of wind God rushed towards Rāvaṇa and struck him angrily by his fist which resembled the thunderbolt. 59.114

By the hit of his fist, Rāvaṇa the king of Rākṣasas reeled and fell on the earth on his knees. 59.115

A lot of blood flowed from his face, eyes as well as his ears and he reeled and fell motionless and sat in the middle of the chariot. 59.116

Seeing Rāvaṇa despite his very great strength lying swooned on the battle-field, sages and monkeys began to shout in that victory as also did the devas and the Dānavas. 59.117

Then the very lustrous Hanuman carrying Lakṣmaṇa who was wounded by Rāvaṇa on his shoulders and brought him nearer to Lord Rāma. 59.118

It was due to the friendship and devotion that Hanuman had towards Lakṣmaṇa, that made him fight for him though he could not be moved by his enemies. 59.119

That spear leaving Lakṣmaṇa who was made not conscious in the battle went back to its place in the chariot of Rāvaṇa. 59.120

The greatly lustrous Rāvaṇa who regained consciousness in the great battle field, got hold of his sharp arrows and his great bow. 59.121

Freed of the lance and healed of his wounds, Lakṣmaṇa the destroyer of his enemies recollected that he was a part of the Lord Vishnu, who was beyond thought. 59.122

Seeing the dead monkey warriors of that great army in the battle field, Rāma rushed towards Rāvaṇa. 59.123

And then Hanuman approached Rāma and told him the following words, "You should punish that Rākṣasa riding on my back in the fight with this enemy of Gods, like Lord Vishnu rides on Garuda." 59.124-59.125

Hearing those words spoken by Hanuman the son of Wind-God, Rāma mounted on the great monkey, Hanuman. Rāma the Lord of men then saw Rāvaṇa standing in his chariot in the battle-field. 59.126

When the greatly lustrous one saw him, he rushed to him like Lord Vishnu rushed towards Virochana with uplifted mace. 59.127

After making a twang sound in his bow, Rāma spoke in a deep voice resembling the roll of thunder to Rāvaṇa. 59.128

"Oh tiger among Rākṣasas, Stay, stay there, after creating an act of such displeasure against me, where can you go?" 59.129

" After you have come near me, even if you go and hide in the world of Indra, Yama the god of death or Sun God or go away in any of those ten directions, you will not escape from me." 59.130

"The one whom you fell by using your spear went in sorrow but has regained his consciousness and he assuming the form of death will kill you with your sons and grandsons." 59.131

"He is the one who killed fourteen thousand great Rākṣasas in Janasṭhāna, who were horrifying to look at and who were well equipped with all great weapons." 59.132

When the very strong king of Rākṣasas heard these words of Rāma who was being carried by the very speedy Hanuman in the battle, with great anger recollected his former enmity with him, stuck him with the flaming arrows resembling the flame of death at deluge." 59.133-59.134

Though that Rākṣasa hit him with his arrows, the lustre around Hanuman who by innate nature was lustrous, further increased. 59.135

Then the greatly lustrous Rāma seeing the wound made by Rāvaṇa on the tiger among monkeys, flew in to extreme rage. 59.136

Going near Rāvaṇa's chariot with his sharp and pointed arrows, Rāma shattered it along with its wheels, horses, banner, canopy, great standard, charioteer, darts, spears and swords. 59.137

Then he struck the broad and pretty chest of the enemy of Indra with arrows which were similar to the great Indra striking the Meru mountain with his thunderbolts. 59.138

That king of Rākṣasas whom neither the fall of thunder or lightning can disturb, nor cause any trembling, stumbled though he was greatly valorous hero and the bow that he was holding fell due to the great arrow of Rāma, which also injured him. 59.139

Rāma seeing that Rāvaṇa was fainting took up a lustrous arrow with a crescent tip and broke his crown which was shining like Sun God of that king of Rākṣasas. 59.140

Rāma then told that king of Rākṣasas whose splendour had reduced because of his broken crown, who resembled a venomous snake and who was bereft of lustre like a Sun who has lost his lustre. 59.141

"You have accomplished a huge and great job as my brave soldiers have succumbed to your blows. I have made you weak in mind and weary in the body for that reason and because of that I will not put you under the clutch of death now." 59.142

"Oh Rākṣasa king, I know that you have been tormented in this battle and so return to your city of Lanka. After you have regained your breath come again riding on a chariot with your bow and then you will witness my fighting strength." 59.143

When he heard these words, with his pride and joy destroyed, with his shattered bow, with his horses and charioteer being slain, with body pierced by arrows and with his crown broken, he immediately returned to Lanka. 59.144

While that mighty Rāvaṇa the Lord of Rākṣasa who was the enemy of devas and Dānavas returned to Lanka, Rāma arranged for drawing out arrows from monkeys and from Lakṣmaṇa too, in the forefront of that vast battle-field. 59.145

When that enemy of the king of devas was defeated, devas, asuras, all beings from all the directions, all beings of the sea and all great serpents and all beings in earth and water rejoiced. 59.146

This is the end of Fifty Ninth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.