The valiant son of Vayu, Maruti, cast his keen gaze over countless domains, yet closure eluded him. A moment of pause gripped his mind—was there merit in re-examining his conclusions? The divine craft before him was woven with mysteries, yet remained obedient to the will of its master, the demon king. This celestial chariot, wrought by the finest architects of antiquity, bore the indelible touch of supreme artisanship, its engineering unparalleled.
Secret chambers lay veiled within its grand design, concealed halls stretched beyond the eye’s reach, and vast unseen spaces whispered of divine ingenuity. Bestowed upon Kubera by the Creator Himself, this marvel was wrested away by his own brother, Ravana, through force and guile. Maruti deemed it wise to probe its depths before venturing into the abyss of the demon king’s palace—his sprawling gardens, hidden caverns, and the perilous mountain edges.
With unwavering resolve, he approached the celestial craft, tracing the exquisite engravings of intertwining creepers and trees encrusted with rubies. Gold reigned supreme, gleaming across every inch of its splendid form. Such artistry transcended mortal and divine craftsmanship alike, for even Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, had marvelled at its grandeur—its finesse, manoeuvrability, and embellishments exceeding imagination. This wondrous vehicle could traverse the suns, the moons, the realms of sages and celestials alike, carrying its war-hungry master, Ravana, to every corner of creation. Every fraction of its form was a testament to meticulous planning, flawless precision, and aesthetic mastery, so much so that even the abodes of gods paled in comparison. No resource was lacking for its ceaseless journey, and its opulence defied measure, a prize won through fierce penance and unyielding valour.
Its vastness harboured chambers both immense and elusive, their mechanisms bound to the will of their master. A confluence of architectural marvels—mundane, celestial, and demonic—coalesced within its frame. Even the wisdom of Agastya and Brihaspati lent themselves to its enhancement. Yet, a balance was struck between magnificence and function, grandeur and agility. This chariot could be drawn by swans, celestial beings, mighty steeds, spectral spirits, colossal elephants, or demons themselves—it bowed to the will of its occupant.
With steadfast determination, Maruti scoured the vessel, seeking a lever, a hidden switch, any mechanism to unveil the secret chambers within. Though he found no trace of Sita, his heart held no disappointment; his diligence left no room for oversight.
Once more, he advanced, his eyes catching sight of a resplendent palace amidst a sea of towering edifices. Its celestial opulence outshone the grandest dwellings, stretching ten miles in length and six in width, a bastion of wealth and refinement. It stood as a harbinger of dread to Ravana’s foes, yet Maruti, son of Anjani, pressed forward, his mind fixated upon his sacred mission—the search for the lotus-eyed daughter of Janaka.
With measured steps, he surveyed its structure, tracing the labyrinthine pathways, gauging points of entry and egress, the vigilance of its sentinels, the deployment of demonesses. He sought to glean every nuance before executing his plan with decisive precision.
At each gateway, elephants stood in formidable pairs—some bore two tusks, others, rarer still, carried three or even four. These beasts, trained in the art of war, guarded the palace with unwavering vigilance. Not a single passage lay unguarded; broad avenues were patrolled by demon warriors, ever watchful.
Maruti discerned the nature of Ravana’s harem—a sanctuary for his consorts and the princesses he had seized from far-flung realms. This domain was an ocean unto itself, teeming with creatures of might and menace—crocodiles, whales, monstrous sharks, slithering reptiles, and a myriad of fish and crabs of unfathomable proportions. The splendour of this place rivalled Kubera’s hoarded wealth and Indra’s boundless riches.
Here, vigilance reigned supreme. Architectural brilliance melded with the tenets of Manu Smriti, and the craft of espionage, as devised by the demon preceptor Shukracharya, found ruthless application. The discipline of governance was unerring, while celestial beauties adorned its halls, surpassing even the courts of Yama, Indra, and Varuna.
His keen eyes fell upon a fortified hall, its roof reminiscent of mighty elephants, its grandeur unparalleled. Within, seats of gold rose in majestic tiers, encrusted with diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. The armrests, carved from the finest ivory, gleamed beneath their silver sheaths and golden bands. In every corner, colossal wolves stood, their golden forms adorned with rarest sapphires of an unparalleled blue.
As he descended into the concealed corridors, wonder enveloped him. The walls and pathways glowed with the radiance of corals and pearls, while moonstones and sunstones cast a bewitching luminance. Was this a cavern or a palace? The very air around him shimmered with ethereal light, soothing his senses, yet deepening the mystery before him.
Advancing further, he encountered a grand hall, bustling with unseen life. The air was thick with the scent of exquisite delicacies from realms unknown, each fragrance an invisible guide, ushering him toward his fateful discovery.
Beyond lay chambers of rest, their cots wrought from gold and ivory, adorned with gemstones, their silken beds a testament to indulgence. Windows, framed in silver and studded with rubies and emeralds, cast a mesmerizing glow. Pillars of pure crystal and coral rose skyward, their grandeur enhanced by garlands of pearls, corals, and jewels. Upon the floor, a tapestry of intricate design stretched far and wide, its motifs depicting the very essence of Lanka—its oceans, forests, mountains, and vibrant life captured in hues of gold and silver.
The air thrummed with the melodies of birds, while the intoxicating fragrance of fabrics wove an enchantment. Ravana’s realm was a kingdom of excess, a bastion of prosperity and indulgence unparalleled in any mortal or celestial dominion.
As Maruti moved forward, he arrived at a sanctum of radiant whiteness, akin to the celestial cow, Kamadhenu. A realm of tranquillity, it gleamed with divine Favor, its dwellers thriving in an atmosphere of unearthly serenity, as if Lakshmi Herself had blessed this place. The subjects of Ravana, replete with wealth and pleasure, offered their silent prayers—not to any celestial force, but to the continued dominion of their sovereign.
In that moment, clarity struck Maruti—this palace, steeped in grandeur and sensual excess, could never be the dwelling of Janaki, the virtuous consort of Rama. The thought brought him relief, washing away the discord in his heart.
