Rama Ravana War Starts
Ravana was furious beyond thinking at the death of Mahodhara, Mahapaarshva & Virupaksh and said to his Charioteer “For having killed my Ministers and laid siege to my Capital, Let me quench my revenge by killing Rama and Lakshmana and alleviate my anguish. In Tree of Rama, Sita is the Flower and Fruits; Jhambhavaan, Sugreeva, Kumudha, Nala, Maindha, Dwividha, Angadha, Gandhamadha, Sushena, Hanuman etc are the big branches; today I will cut of the Root of that Tree” roaring thus due to the velocity of the Chariot the 10 Directions were shaking and challenged Rama.Rivers, Mountains, Forests, Animals, Birds filled Earth shooks due to the sound generated. Using a gory Tamasha Ashtra he tormented the Vanaras; they fell in hordes in all 4 sides. The dust that rose in the retreat of Vanaras was ghastly. The velocity and Momentum which was destermined by Brahma earlier was un bearable to Vanaras . Seeing his Army in disarray owing to Dashagreeva (Ravana’s) Bhanas Rama turned to battle it out with him.
Then Ravana chased away the Vanara Army, saw Rama standing infront of him. He can’t be won over by Enemies; he shone like Maha Vishnu along with Indra by being with Lakshmana. He was standing slanting on the huge Kothanda(Bow); he has Long Eyes similar to blossomed Red Lotus Flower Petals; he has Long Arms which stretches upto his knees; one who quells the Enemy’s Kozhuppu ( Muscles – proud of his physical strength- physical arrogance, impudence) embodiment of Strength & Aura; he has the support of Lakshmana (incarnation of Adisesha). Seeing Vanaras running away scared and Ravana coming towards him, got immensely pleased, caught hold of Kothanda (Bow) in the centre and pulled the strings and made the entire Earth Nadunga (Stagger, Shaken, Shiver, Quiver, stumble, tremble) with Dankar Sound. Due to Ravana’s incessant shower of Arrows and Reverberations caused by Rama’s Bow countless Vanaras and Rakshasaas fell unconscious. Ravana who came in the path of Bhanas of Rama Lakshmana, He appeared like the Rahu being near Sun & Moon . Then Lakshmana wanted to battle with Lord of Lanka 1st bending his bow used Bhanas which were like burning embers. When they were in Flight Ravana matched Arrow for Arrow 1 fo1, 3 for 3, 10 for 10 thus he cut them off. Then he showed the Prowess of his Hands, seeing none of the Arrows falling on him, ignoring Lakshmana, he challenged Rama.
Fiery with Red eyes he covered Rama with shelter of Arrows, which were countered by Rama by Pallams they fell on the ground like angy Serpents. Then each one hit the other with very sharp Bhanas. Each one showed their skill from Left Side, Right side 3600 etc. Without retracting each one went on launching arrows. All creatures were terrified wondering it Rudra (God of Destruction) & Yama (God of Death) were battling it out. Like in Monsoon time the clouds cover the sky with Lightning streaks, their Bhanas (Arrows with Feathers) coverd the Sky with Dazzle of the Bhanas. Incessant Arrows created network which looked like windows in the sky. Those Arrows had hookes, with sharp Tips, they were fitted with Eagle Feathers; they very fast. Both of them with their Arrows made the earth and sky invicible. It looked like the rain bearing clouds covering the sky after Sun had set. Before each one decided to kill each other this battle was akin to Indra and Vridhasura.Till then no one had fought battle like this. Nor did Ravana even in his dream imagined of such a Gory Battle. Both were exceptional Archers; both were matchless in practicing in weapon usage; both were adept in knowing the secrets of Astra (is an individually targetted or WMD missile -type weapon that is to be hurled at an enemy. Examples include arrows from bows. A shastra is a personal weapon, like swords and maces, that must be constantly operated by the warrior And are of Varied types some obtained from Divine Prayers). Both showed various formations skills in adaptability etc; like the waves go in the direction of the wind; the Bhanas rose like Mountains; then the adept Ravana hit on Rama’s forehead with Narasa Bhanas. That garland of the Arrows Blue in colour Rama wore it on his head. This did no cause him any problem. Then Rama bent the Kothanda and used Rudra Asthra after invoking the Manthra, despite their falling on Ravana’s Vest did not break it, No trouble was caused to Ravana. Then Rama picked up choicest of Bhanas and invoking Manthras hit Ravana on his forehead. Ravana stopped them with many Bhanas. They like 5 headed snake pierced into the ground.
Thus countering Rama’s astra Ravana used a gory Asura Asthra from there emanated many Bhanas having faces with the following Lions, Eagles, Crows, Kites, Red Foxes, 5 Headed Snakes, Serpents, Kovayrukazhudai (Mule) born to Father Donkey and Mother Horse, Pigs, Dogs, Cock a doddle do, Crocodiles, Black Cobras, Seeing that Rama got enthused and Launched Agneyastra: The fire weapon, created by Agni, master of the flames emanating Many Bhanas with Faces like Burning inferno, Sun, Moon, Crecent Moons, Dhoomakethu, Planets, Stars, comets, Lightning streaks etc they poured in torrents in countless numbers. Ravana’s asthra got countered by Rama’s asthra in the sky and fell down in pieces. Seeing that Sugreeva and other Vanaras celebrated with great verve and even Rama was satisfied. (Slokas 50)
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