Ramcharitmanas – Chapter 6: Lankakand: War and Victory

Sundara Kanda: War and Victory

In Sundara Kanda, Hanumanji located Mother Sita and set Lanka ablaze, instilling faith in victory among the devotees of Rama. Now, Lanka Kanda begins, where the decisive war between righteousness and unrighteousness is declared. The Vanara army has crossed the ocean and reached Lanka, and the moment for Rama's final battle with Ravana has arrived. Ravana stands with his illusory powers and vast army, while Rama enters the battlefield as the embodiment of truth, dharma, and justice.

The Sound of the War Trumpet

The land of Lanka echoed with war cries. As the Vanara army chanted 'Jai Shri Ram', the demons made the atmosphere terrifying with their cruel laughter. Giant elephants, chariots, horses, and infantry were ready for war. Both Rama and Ravana were leading their respective armies, with a strong desire for victory in their eyes. It seemed as if a fierce collision was about to occur between two mountains, causing the entire earth to tremble. The brave Vanara Angada roared and challenged Ravana, "O Ravana! Your end is near. You have committed a great sin by abducting Mother Sita. Now, no one can save you from Rama's arrows."

Ravana became furious. "O Vanara! What do you know about Rama? He is just an ordinary human. I, Ravana, am the lord of the three worlds! I will destroy him and his army in an instant!" He ordered his army to attack, and the fierce flames of war erupted. The Vanaras also attacked the demons with full force. They began to slaughter the demons with stones, trees, and their claws.

The Slaying of Ravana

The battle between Rama and Ravana was extremely fierce. Both were great warriors, and they were striking each other with unerring accuracy. Ravana displayed his illusory powers, taking on many forms, but Rama foiled every move with his divine arrows. Finally, Rama used the Brahmastra. That arrow pierced Ravana's heart and passed through, and Ravana fell to the ground. Ravana was slain.

With Ravana's slaying, a wave of sorrow swept through Lanka, while the Vanara army was filled with boundless joy. The gods showered flowers from the sky. By Rama's grace, dharma was established, and unrighteousness was destroyed. Rama handed over the kingdom of Lanka to Vibhishana, inspiring him to rule justly. The entire atmosphere resonated with the glory of Rama's name.

Sita's Trial by Fire

After Ravana's slaying, Rama was eager to bring Mother Sita back. However, to avoid public slander, Rama asked Sita to undergo a trial by fire. Goddess Sita entered the fire without any hesitation. Agni Deva (the fire god) himself appeared and testified to Sita's purity, stating that Sita was innocent. After the trial by fire, Rama accepted Sita, and a wonderful confluence of victory and love was visible on his face.

Mother Sita's trial by fire was another proof of the establishment of dharma. It demonstrated that truth and purity always triumph. After this, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman prepared to depart from Lanka for Ayodhya. They knew that they would receive a grand welcome in Ayodhya, and after many years, a coronation would take place. The next chapter, Uttara Kanda, will narrate the story of Rama's coronation and his ideal reign.