Prahastha Goes to Battle
Hearing at Lanka that Akampana was killed Ravanan’s face went pale and looked at his Ministers for some time then the thought within himself and discussed with his Ministers he wanted to check the Army in fore noon. Entire city was decorated with Flags, Arches, Garlands. Rakshasaas were gaurding them in crowds. Army was in formation in repective places.Looking encircled and under siege looked at Prahastha and said “Unless we wage war with Enemy, we can’t get rid of this siege. Either Myself or kumbhakarna or You or Indrajith or Nikhumbha have to take responisibility for this. So take the Army you wan’t go to where Vanaras are there go and win and come back. The Vascilating natured Monkey Army the moment they see you coming will run away. Would they stand there once they hear the Roar of the Rakshasaa warriors? Vanaras do not have steady mind. They do not have training in battles; they can’t stay in one place. Hence like the Elephants when the hear Lion roar, tremble they too will tremble and die of fear. When the Army goes helter skelter Rama Lakshmana will be vexed and their Mind will be under clutter and you can catch them easily. If we fight Battle, it is not certain we will Die. Even if we do so we will earn Fame and Warrior’s Heaven. If we do not wage war, dying at the hands of Enemy is certain. By that we will get infamy and destruction only. So do what is favourable or Unfavourable as you feel.
When Prahastha heard Ravana; like the Minister Jupiter to Indra said “Hey Great King! What my self Vibheeshana had earlier anticipated same thing has happened now. But we did not have unity and had different ideas and were in conflict, it had not happened so. If we return Sita then, we will have Fame and Well being for Lanka if not then total destruction await us, wasn’t that what was decided then itself? I have from you received unimaginable Rewards, Gifts, Hounours, Felicitations, With affectionate words and praise you have enhanced my reputation. At any given point of time I am duty bound here to fulfill your aspirations. I have no other Happiness other than that. I consider my wife, children wealth as a piece of straw in matters concerning you.See I will offer my Praanan (-Life force, Last Breathe, that without which causes Physical and medical Death) as Ahuthi (sacrificial offerings During Homa in Agni kundaie Fire Pit) in the war today” said Prahastha
Then he addressed the Army commanders “Please hurry up fast and bring a huge Army. My Bhana’s which will fall like the Indra’s thunderbolt, I will feed completely the Birds like Eagle with Vanara’s bodies”said Prahastha. Accordingly Rakshasaa Army got ready. Entire Lanka was reverberating with their Slogans, with the shining Armoury looked like the Forest filled with Rogue Elephants. Everywhere there People were seen who perform the Agni & Peace Homa. Also people were paying respects to Brahmins with fragrance and Flowers. Air having absorbed the fragrance of Flowers, Ghee (Melted butter), fragrant materials was flowing pleasantly. Rakshasaas eager to win, wore the Garlands which were praised with famous Manthras (Verses). They wore the best of Vests, Bows, came bowed to Ravana and stood by Prahastha.
He also took permission from Dasa Greeva (10 Head neck) ie Ravana, loud War Drum was beaten, boarded the Divine Chariot. It was filled with all types of Armoury. The horses were able to travel at the speed of wind. The Charioteer par excellence marched them. The Aura of Sun and Luring like Moon everyone’s mind, proper wheel, yoke with all the requisite machinery of right proportions, with Windwos made of Gold, it looked as though it is miling with its Aura. To get into such a Chariot, took permission from Ravana, surrounded by Sea like Army started from Lanka. Then the Dhundhbi Musical instrument started playing along with Conch blowing were like the thundering of the clouds spread all over the sea. Peope who were preceding Prahastha were like Giant size Rakshasaa with Gory war cry. Prahastha’s Ministers Naranthaka, Kumbahanu, Mahanatha, Samunnatha were coming surrounding him. Surrounded by Rakshsaaas who were like rogue Elephants Like the King of Oceans surrounded by giant Marine mamals, Prahastha came out of the Eastern Gate. Like the Yama (God of Death) who comes out during Time of Deluge Rakshasaa Chief of Army with his entourageswar cry all the Creatures were trembling and made ugly sounds of fear. In the Sky were flying thinking ‘Today we will get Meat, Blood to our heart’s content’ and felt happy about it. Gory Foxes coughing out Flames of Fire were howling away. Burning embers fell from sky. Strong winds blew. The planted fought with one another and the Light dimmed. Clouds were thundering and poured Blood on Prahastha’s chariot and the Rakshasaaas who preceded him. In the Mast one Kite was sitting facing south and was itching both wings with its Beak. Seeing the Aura odd Prahastha came down. Charioteer who is born in the best clan of Charioteer’s clan and the famed Charioteer accidentally, the Horses’ reigns fell from his Hand. The matchless Aura and Lumunence which was there before he started went away in 1 Muhurtham (1 ½ Hours). Horses tripped even in plain surface. Seeing the famed Prahastha coming into the field Vanara warriors were ready with Mountians, Trees, Boulders and with tumultuous Sound challenged his arrival. Both sides were in the war mood and were mesmerized by the occasion were shouting away which made all directions tremble. They were very fast; they were very capable in battles; each one had decided to kill the other. Each one was inviting the other for battle by patting their won shoulders. Thus the wicked Prahastah wanted to destroy the Vanara Army and then win over Rama Lakshmana like in aLighter burning wick Lamp Fire moths’ come and fall prey entered the Vanara Army whose speed / Morale was ever increasing. (Slokas 48)
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