Lakshman Rao
In the early hours of the morning, the assembly of sages, guests of King Rama, gathered at the banks of the Sarayu River. With reverence, they began chanting Vedic hymns to Surya Bhagwan as part of their daily rituals. The air around Ayodhya thrummed with sacred vibrations, casting a serene and peaceful glow over the dawn, bringing an added sense of comfort to the sages. Overhead, crows gathered like an umbrella, stirred by the unfamiliar scene, while sparrows chirped incessantly, seemingly joining the rishis in their hymns. Cuckoos and parrots attempted to mimic the chants, their sounds blending with the sacred rhythms.
As the sages waded into the waters of the Sarayu, the river shimmered a golden hue, reflecting the saffron of their robes, which floated in the current, forming graceful loops and spirals. The sight brought inexplicable delight to onlookers. Water hens darted about, their frantic movements adding a fiery orange hue to the waters, as if the river itself were ablaze. Along the banks, the residents of Ayodhya prostrated themselves, praying for the sages’ well-being and favorable skies during their stay in the city.
Despite the lively scene, the sages remained focused, diligently performing their morning rituals. With spirits renewed, they returned to Rama’s court, where the king inquired about their comfort, expressing his desire to address any shortcomings. The sages praised Ayodhya’s hospitality, stating that although they had experienced the generosity of many kings, none compared to Rama’s. They expressed their desire to extend their stay for two more days, much to the delight of all in attendance.
Later, after completing their afternoon prayers and meal, the sages convened to discuss matters of dharma. It was during this assembly that King Rama requested the sage Agastya to recount the origins of the rakshasas in Lanka and the reasons for their exile from such a grand kingdom.
Agastya began his tale: When Brahma created the waters, he brought forth mighty beings to protect them. As he rested in the lotus of Vishnu’s navel, he awoke and asked his creation what they intended to do. Those who pledged to protect were named Rakshasas, while those who vowed to worship were called Yakshas. Among the Rakshasas were two powerful demons, Hethi and Prahethi. Hethi chose the path of sacred penance, retiring to a life of austerity, while Prahethi sought to expand his demonic lineage.
Prahethi approached Brahma, seeking his blessing to build a kingdom and start a family. Brahma granted his wish, and Prahethi married Bhaya, the sister of Yama. They had a son named Vidyutkesa, a being of immense strength. Vidyutkesa married Salankatakata, the daughter of Sandhya, and they bore a son named Sukesa on Mount Meru. While Salankatakata consulted Sukesa about the threats they faced from other tribes, their child cried out. The cry reached Lord Shiva, who, moved by the child’s tears, granted him the boon to grow instantly to the age of his mother. When Sukesa’s parents returned, they offered prayers to Shiva and Parvati, who further blessed the Rakshasa clan with the ability to bear children who would grow to adulthood swiftly.
This divine boon led to a rapid increase in the Rakshasa population. Shiva, pleased with Sukesa, provided him with a celestial moving city. Sukesa married Devavathi, the daughter of the powerful Gandharva, Gramani, and they lived in strength and prosperity. Their three children—Malyavan, Sumali, and Mali—undertook strict penance for many years, surpassing even the sages in their discipline.
Brahma, pleased with their austerities, offered them a boon of their choosing. In unison, the three brothers requested immense strength, invincibility, longevity, and freedom from sickness. Brahma granted their wishes, and with their newfound powers, they became ruthless, terrorizing gods, Yakshas, and sages alike. The universe trembled under their tyranny, their numbers bolstered by the blessings of Parvati.
Seeking a magnificent abode, the brothers approached Viswakarma, who suggested the southern shores near Mounts Suvela and Trikuta. There, Viswakarma built for them a luxurious city, its palaces adorned with gold, diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones, rivalling the splendor of Indra’s palace in Amaravati. Thus, the demons made Lanka their capital.
Malyavan married Sundari, Sumali wed Kethumathi, and Mali took Vasuda as his wife. Each had children who continued their demonic legacy: Malyavan’s children included Vajramusti, Virupaksha, and Durmukha; Sumali’s offspring were Prahastha, Akampana, and Vikata; and Mali’s descendants included Anala and Anilu. Together, these powerful clans roamed the realms, spreading terror.
Unable to endure the demons’ atrocities, the gods and sages prayed to Shiva for deliverance. Shiva, however, told them that the Rakshasas did not deserve to die and directed them to seek help from Vishnu. The gods approached Vishnu, who promised to rid the world of the demonic menace.
Malyavan, upon learning of the gods’ plea to Vishnu, convened a council. While the younger demons scoffed at the threat, Malyavan warned them not to underestimate Vishnu. He recounted how Vishnu had vanquished the mightiest of demons, including Hiranyakashipu, Namuchi, and Kalanemi. Despite this, the younger demons, filled with arrogance from their boons, declared war on Vishnu.
As the Rakshasas marched on Amaravati, the gods fled to Vishnu for refuge. A great battle ensued, and Vishnu, wielding his divine power, slew Mali with a single blow. Many of the Rakshasa forces were decimated, and the survivors fled back to Lanka. With Vishnu in pursuit, the remaining demons retreated to the abyss of the Daityas, thus vacating Lanka.
As Agastya concluded the tale, night descended, and after offering their farewells, the sages retired to their quarters.
