Ramayana – Chapter 6: The War of Lanka

The War of Lanka

After the chapter of friendship and search, in which Hanuman's valor and his success as Rama's envoy were highlighted, the entire Vanara army was eager to march towards Lanka. Rama's heart was distressed by the separation from Sita, but his resolve to establish dharma and justice was even stronger. The time had now come to destroy the demons in Lanka and bring Sita back.

Building the Bridge

The Vanara army gathered on the seashore was countless. The vast multitude of Vanaras echoed the sky with enthusiastic slogans. Rama prayed to the Sea God for passage, but when there was no response for three days, his eyes turned red with anger. He strung an arrow on his bow, causing an earthquake in the ocean. The Sea God appeared, frightened, and told them the method of building a bridge through the Vanaras named Nala and Nila.

"O Raghava," said the Sea God in a humble tone, "two Vanaras named Nala and Nila are blessed by your father. Whatever stone they touch will not sink. With their help, you can build a bridge across the ocean." Rama, pleased, ordered Nala and Nila to build the bridge.

The Vanaras worked tirelessly day and night. Some uprooted rocks from mountains, while others brought trees. With slogans of "Jai Shri Ram," the Vanaras placed stones in the sea. Nala and Nila arranged the stones systematically. In five days, a massive bridge, a hundred yojanas long and ten yojanas wide, was completed. Rama established a Shiva Lingam on the bridge and performed its worship properly.

The Slaying of Ravana

Once the bridge was ready, Rama's army set off towards Lanka. In Lanka, the demon army was also ready for war. Ravana was drowned in his ego, believing that no one could breach his Lanka Puri. A fierce battle ensued. Valiant Vanaras like Hanuman, Angada, Nala, and Nila devastated the demon army. Lakshmana slew Meghanada.

Finally, Rama and Ravana came face to face. Both were mighty warriors. Rama severed Ravana's ten heads with his divine arrows, but they reappeared each time. Rama used the Brahmastra. The Brahmastra struck Ravana's heart, and he met his end. Chaos erupted in Lanka city. The gods showered flowers, and chants of victory for Rama filled the air.

Rama's influence and grace extended even to the demons. By slaying an unrighteous being like Ravana, he granted him liberation as well. Even the demons who attained martyrdom in the war found salvation. Rama's compassion showers upon all creation, whether friend or foe. Vibhishana was made the king of Lanka, and Rama instructed him to rule with dharma and justice.

Sita's Trial by Fire

After Ravana's slaying, Rama met Sita. After years of separation, their eyes filled with tears of love. However, Rama told Sita that she would have to undergo a trial by fire to prove her purity. This was necessary to avoid public censure. Sita accepted Rama's command.

A large pyre was built. Sita, meditating on Rama, entered the fire. Agni Deva himself appeared and brought Sita out, holding her in his lap. Agni Deva declared that Sita was completely pure and bore no blemish. The gods also praised Sita's purity. Rama accepted Sita.