Sargham 042

War Begins

Then the Rakshaaas went to inform Ravana that Vanaras have laid siege of Lanka. Hearing that Ravana got further enraged created more fortifications than earlier When he climbed on top of his Palace and saw, Lanka and it’s surrounding Mountains, Hills, Forests was hidden by the War eager Vanaras. How to destroy these many was the worry that came to his mind? After thinking for Long he got courage, saw Rama and his Army in awe. By then Rama had come with his Army near the corridors of the fort saw that Lanka was guarded by Ominous looking Gory Rakshasaas. Seeing the Novel Pillars, Flags, Staffs Rama was reminded of Sita. “Oh My! Janaki (Sita) who has Eyes like that of the female Deer is She worthy of even slightest hardship? In this Lanka she is being harassed by the Gory Rakshasis, grief stricken is lying on the ground. All this happened because of me. She is bearng this only for me isn’t it?” thus he grieved. As he is of collosal mercy he subdued his Anger “Start Your War’”thus he commanded.

Hearing that each Vanara competed with the other and made Lion Roar - “With Moutain peaks and Boulders we will break Lanka into smithereens” thus thought each of the Vanara leaders. Taking the Moutainpeaks, with different uprooted Trees the patoon commanders got ready to wage war. While Ravana was looking at them, not bothering for him, they the Vnara Warriors started jumping over the Fort walls in their respective allotted areas, Seeing this Rama was happy. Ready to lay down their Lives having Trees and boulders as the weapon with Red face and Golden hued Bodies surrounded Lanka. With Trees, Mountain peaks, with their clentched Fist broke walls, Groves, they destroyed the steps. The clear water filled Trenches wee now dumped with wood, grass, boulders, Trees. With 10 Billion Vanaras the Generals scaled the Fortress walls. They dashed the Golden engraved foot steps, Minarets / Domes which were huge/tall were demolished. Like the Rogue Elephants they were trumpheting and Jumping they were coming and going requipping themselves entered Lanka from all 4 Sides. Capable of taking the disguise as per mere thought “May Rama Lakshmana and Sugreeva Live Long” they were all chanting, Yelling, roaring doing Attakasam (Loud Laughter aware of good time nearing, overjoyed, ruckus behaviour) went towards Lanka. Meanhwhile Army Generals Veerabahu, Subahu, Nala jumped over the fortress walls and got their divisions organised in the eastern gate front on the Eshanya (North east corner) Kumudha with 10 Crore(100 Million) Vanaras were staying. Prakasa and Bhanasa were appointed to assist him; On the South fort gate Sadhavali with 20 Crore (200 Million) Vanaras was ready on the South east front; While on the west front gate Tara’s father Sushena was ready with 60 crore (600 Million) Vanaras in South west front. King of VanaraSugreeva was with Jahmbahvaan and Rama Lakshnamana; The Kolangoola King Kavaksh with he body and ominous Eyes was on RHS of Rama with 1 Crore (10 Million); Gory speedy Bears Dhoomra with 1 Crore (10 Million) on LHS of Rama. Strength and Vitality matchless Vibheeshana with his Ministers with Mace stood near Rama; Gaja, Kavaksh, Kavaya, Sarabha, Gandhamadha were moving in all the places protecting the Army.

Seeing this Ravana was enraged gave orders for the entire Lanka Army to start. Hearing the Rakshasaas were enthralled and made horrendous ovation.The War drums which were like Full moon were beaten with the sticks with Golden handles and Conch shells. With expensive ornaments decoration Black body with all directions exploding in the Ears Conch shells were blown as war Bugle, they looked like the Storks flying across the dark rain bearing clouds. During Deluge time and also during Moon raising the Rivers go and flow into the sea, like wise the Ravana Army reached their respectively places with Aravaaram( Ostentation, Pompous,ruckus ovation credulous of their Victory). Seeing this the Vanra Army retailiated more Vociferously Lion like Roar , thunderous roar, this made the sound recochette with echo from the Thrioot caves, lower valley . Conch, Dhundhubi, Berigaidrums,etc war instruments and the Armies ovations made the Sky and Earth tremble.

In earlier times Deva AsuraYudahm(Epic War between Celestials and Demons)took place this Vanara -Rakshasaa War was akin to that and it has started now. Rakshasaas were telling their prowess with Mace, Swords, Tridents, Sickles, hit Vanaras. Rakshasaas were shouting ‘May King be Victorious’ and Vanara warriors were shouting “May Sugreeva King be Victorious” such ovations started. With Trees, Mountain Peaks, Nails, Teeth Vanaras attacked Rakshasaas. From the top of the fortress walls Gory Rakshasaas attacked and tore with Swords, Tridents, Long spears, the Vanaras who were standing on the ground. Vanaras were enraged and scaled the walls pulled them down the ground and attacked the Rakshasaas. Pitched battle took place between Vanaras and Rakshasaas for which to give example is difficult (Slokas 48).

****************