Sahil

With Ravana’s death the war ended. Vibheeshana performed his last rites and then Rama carried out his coronation as the king of Lanka. Hanuman with the permission of Vibheeshana went to fetch Seeta from the Ashoka Vatika in a palanquin. Trijata and the other she-monsters dressed Seeta beautifully and apologised to her for their sins. […]

Now, the demon-king Ravana came into the battlefield to fight against Rama.His gold Lanka had been reduced to ashes. His near and dear ones had been sent to the Death-god. Laments of orphans and widows could be heard in the entire Lanka. Soldiers on both sides clashed fiercely. Wherever Ravana went, there would be an

After the death of Kumbhakarna, the responsibility of Lanka’s safety fell on the shoulders of Indrajeet. Indrajeet was performing a sacrifice that would make him unconquerable. But the monkeys came to know of it and interrupted it leading to its failure. Enraged, Indrajeet returned to the battlefield to finish Lakshmana who was waiting for him.

The next day, Indrajeet, expert in magic, rode into the battlefield with an illusory Seeta. When Indrajeet beheaded her, the monkey warriors were horrified. They told Rama who was shattered by the news. But Vibheeshana told him about Indrajeet’s magical powers and reassured him.Now all of them were sure that Seeta was safe in Lanka

Sugreeva divided the army into four wings and deployed them at the four gates of Lanka. Soon, the army armed with maces, bows and arrows, swords and spears attacked the four gates of Lanka with the announcement of ‘Jai Sri Rama’. At the behest of Ravana, the demon-army too stood its ground on the battlefield.Indrajeet

Ravana stationed his generals and warriors where they could defend Lanka against the attacks of the enemy. He tried to destroy Seeta’s confidence in Rama so that Rama might be defeated before the actual battle and thus Seeta might become his queen.Rama’s severed head was shown to Seeta. Frightened, she wept, but soon she heard

Rama decided to send one more messenger to Lanka before the war. All of them chose Hanuman again. But Rama said, “This time, Angad will go as the messenger to Ravana lest they should think that there is only one brave warrior in the monkey-army.” Angad reached the court and tried to persuade Ravana, but

Building a Bridge Rama forgave the Sea-god. The troops collected logs and trunks of trees, boulders and rocks and began to throw under the able guidance of Nala and Neela. All were leaving no stone unturned to make the bridge. For five days they dragged and pushed and pulled till they had built a bridge

The ocean was the greatest hurdle that lay before the army of Rama. The entire army was clueless as to how to cross over the ocean. Everybody was aware of the might of Rama’s arrows. But Rama being compassionate decided to pray to the Sea-god to give way to his army. Then he sat down

Vibheeshana bowed to Rama and explained that he had been unable to bring his brother onto the righteous path, so he had left him. He sought shelter with Rama. The monkey-soldiers, including Sugreeva, Angad and even Jambavan, were suspicious about Vibheeshana’s sincerity. They felt he might be a spy. When Rama asked Hanuman’s opinion, Hanuman

Vibheeshana was a virtuous man even though he was Ravana’s brother. Since childhood, he was interested in religious rituals. At the same time, Ravana despised humans and monkeys. Puffed up with immense physical strength and arrogance, Ravana did not like what Vibheeshana said.Vibheeshana, however, was firm in his view that Ravana should return Seeta and

Soon, Rama and Lakshmana along with the entire monkey-army reached the shore of the ocean at Mount Mahendra. There, they discussed how they were to go across the ocean. Rama was also worried for this reason. They had no clue as to how to cross over the mighty ocean that lay ahead.The arrival of Rama,

After burning the entire Lanka to ashes, Hanuman extinguished the fire in his tail by jumping into the sea. Taking leave of Seeta, and assuring her of his return soon with Rama, Lakshmana and the monkey-army, Hanumana swiftly flew back. Mother Seeta bade Hanumana a tearful adieu. He also warned Hanuman against the hurdles on

Ravana laughed after listening to Hanuman. He ordered his soldiers, “A monkey is very fond of its tail. Set fire to his tail and flog him out of Lanka.”Everyone in the court consented and ridiculed Hanuman. Hanuman, too, smiled heartily after hearing the order.The demon soldiers and guards tied yards and yards of rags soaked

Meghnad with Hanuman bound in ropes reached Ravana’s court which was unmatched in splendour and glory. Ravana himself was an invincible warrior. He was bedecked with gorgeous clothes and jewellery. As Hanuman was brought to the court as a captive, no seat was offered to him. Hanuman extended and coiled his tail to form a