Ram6 37

Created by Jijith Nadumuri at 26 Aug 2011 13:25 and updated at 26 Aug 2011 13:25

VALMIKI RAMAYANA

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BOOK 6: YUDDA KANDA

SECTION 37

Meanwhile, Rama the king of men and Sugreeva the Sovereign of Vanaras, Hanuman the son of Vayu, Jambavan the king of the Rikshas, Vibhishana the Rakshasa, Angada the son of Vali, Lakshmana, Sushena along with his kinsfolk, Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Kumuda, Nala and Panasa, all having reached the enemy s territory, assembled to take counsel together. "Observe this city of Lanka, ruled by Ravana, impregnable both to Devas and Asuras together, or the Uragas and Gandharvas." Ravana", the lord of Rakshasas always stays in the City. Think of the ways and means for the success of our expedition." While they were talking thus, Vibhishana the younger brother of Ravana spoke the following meaningful and polished words:

"My counsellors named Anala, Panasa, Sampati and Pramati went to the City of Lanka and returned here." "Assuming the form of Birds, all the four entered that enemy s citadel and observed the measures taken by Ravana closely." "O, Rama! I give a detailed report as it was given to me of the defence arrangements made by tha evil minded Ravana, hear me."

"The very strong Prashata is standing near the eastern gate. Mahaparshva and Mahodara of mighty prowess are at the southern gate." Indrajit", the son of Ravana is at the western gate along with many Rakshasas armed with harpoons, swords, bows, spears and hammers together with warriors furnished with weapons of various kinds." "A prey to great anxiety, Ravana knower of magical formulas, is himself stationed at the northern gate, along with several thousands of Rakshasas holding lances in their hand."

"As for Virupaksha he with mighty army carrying spears, clubs and bows along with other Rakshasas, occupies the center of the fort." "All these counsellors of mine watched those groups of troops arranged in Lanka in this manner and immediately returned here." "The Elephants and chariots number some ten thousand each, the cavalry twenty thousand and there are more than a crore foot soldiers. These strong and intrepid Rakshasas endeavouring to kill someone in battle have ever been their sovereign s favourites." "O, Rama! In these Rakshasas, a retinue of ten lacs each is near at hand for each Rakshasa."

The mighty armed Vibhishana showed those counsellors to Rama after reporting the aforesaid news pertaining to Lanka, thus informed by his counsellors. The counsellors of Vibhishana themselves confirmed all that was known regarding Lanka. Thereafter, the illustrious Vibhishana, in his desire to please Rama, addressed that lotus eyed one, further with the following words: "O, Rama! When Ravana attacked Kubera in battle, sixty lacs of Rakshasas sallied forth with him. All of them were akin to the evil minded Ravana in prowess, in strength, in courage and in pride."

Indignation" need not be resorted to (by you) based on this report. I am not terrifying you, bt only arousing your wrath. You are indeed capable of overpowering even Devas by your valour." "Having set out these Vanara forces in battle array, you shall destryoy Ravana with this great army of Vanaras, composed of four divisions, which surround you." Vibhishana having spoken thus Rama gave the following orders for the attack of the adversaries.

"At the eastern gate of Lanka, Nila that lion among Vanaras for his part, surrounded by many Vanaras, should attack Prahasta." "At the southern gate, Angada the son of Vali, surrounded by his mighty army, should oppose Mahaparshva and Mahodara." "Let Hanuman that son of the Wind and of inscrutable spirit, surrounded by a multitude of Vanaras, enter the City through the western gate." I am myself determined to slay that wicked who owing to the boon he has received, enjoys oppressing multitudes of Daityas and Danavas, as also the magnanimous sages and who ranges the world, persenting all being. With the aid of Lakshmana, I shall forcibly enter the northern gate where Ravana is stationed along with his army."

"Let the mighty Sugreeva the king of Vanaras, the valiant Jambavan the king of Riksha and Vibhishana, the younger brother of the Lord of Rakshasas occupy the central position of the army." Vanaras" should not assume human form in the battle, for, in the army of Vanaras, this Vanara shape should serve as a sign of recognition among us." "Among our own people also, the form of Vanaras will become a sign of recognition for us. Seven of us will attack the foe in our human form, I, my brother Lakshmana, who is full of valour, my friend Vibhishana and his four companions."

Having said thus to Vibhishana for the success of the enterprise, Rama in the role of a wise leader, decided to stay on Mount Suvela, after observing its charming slopes. Thereafter, having covered the entire filed with his great army and having made up his mind to destroy the enemies, that high souled Rama of great courage, set out for Lanka with a joyous and exultant air.

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