Lakshman Rao
After completing his dance and the recitation of the Samagana, Ravana, the mighty ruler of Lanka, prepared to conduct a sacred pooja to Lord Shiva. He gathered flowers and river water, setting up his worship on the banks of the Narmada. At the same moment, King Arjuna of Mahishmathi was frolicking in the river with his womenfolk. Arjuna resembled a great elephant amidst a herd of beasts, a figure of strength and grandeur. Seeking amusement, he stretched out his thousand arms like a vast bridge, halting the river’s flow. This caused the waters to reverse and flood the banks, sweeping away Ravana’s place of worship.
Ravana, puzzled by the sudden flood, at first thought a storm might have broken on the other side of the river. But after observing the clear sky, he sensed something unusual and dispatched his trusted spies, Suka and Sarana, to investigate. They flew into the air and soon discovered, five miles away, a giant form—Arjuna, with his thousand arms stopping the river, creating a bridge for his women to play in the ebbing waters. Upon their return, Ravana realized it was indeed Arjuna causing the disruption. Enraged, he summoned his warriors and prepared for battle, determined to confront Arjuna then and there.
Upon reaching the Narmada’s shores, Ravana’s war council announced his challenge: “I am Ravana! Tell Arjuna that I have come to fight.” Arjuna’s advisors, however, replied, “O Ravana! Our king is at leisure, intoxicated with pleasure amidst his women. It is forbidden to engage in combat with one who is intoxicated, in the company of women, or performing rituals. Wait until dawn, and you shall have your battle.”
Impatient and unwilling to delay, Ravana insisted on fighting. Arjuna’s warriors, determined to defend their king, challenged Ravana to defeat them first. Ravana’s forces, hungry for battle, leaped into action, swiftly overpowering Arjuna’s men. In a savage display, the demons feasted upon the slain, consuming flesh and drinking blood until their hunger was sated. Horrified by this massacre, Arjuna’s soldiers fled, informing their king of the dreadful events.
Arjuna, resolute and unshaken, assured his women that there was no need for fear. Like a mighty elephant, he leaped to the riverbank, ready for combat. Prahasta, one of Ravana’s fiercest generals, stood before him like a towering mountain, but Arjuna, with his powerful mace, struck him down, sending him crashing to the ground. The remaining demons fled in terror.
Ravana, seething with fury, engaged Arjuna in a fearsome duel. Their battle was like the clash of titans, their weapons flashing like lightning and booming like thunder. Blood soaked the earth as if the sky itself rained crimson. It was as if two great mountains had collided, each determined to outlast the other. Both warriors fought with unparalleled speed, precision, and resolve, each striving for victory. Ravana sought to eliminate Arjuna and claim triumph, while Arjuna fought to defend the honour of Mahishmathi, determined that his kingdom should remain unconquered.
The intensity of the battle escalated, and the very air trembled with the force of their strikes. Arjuna, in a final surge of strength, struck Ravana on the head, momentarily paralyzing him. As Ravana staggered, Arjuna swiftly whirled his mace and struck Ravana’s chest, causing him to fall, his energies waning. Seizing the opportunity, Arjuna used his thousand arms to bind Ravana and dragged him, a captive, to his chariot, carrying him back to the palace.
Prahasta, having recovered from his earlier defeat, pursued Arjuna, pleading for Ravana’s release. But Arjuna, undeterred, drove him away, securing his victory. In Indraloka, the gods marveled at this astonishing turn of events—Ravana, the demon king blessed with boons, had been defeated and captured by Arjuna. News of this reached the great sage Pulastya, Ravana’s grandfather, who immediately set out for Mahishmathi.
Upon his arrival at the palace, the people recognized the radiant presence of the sage and informed King Arjuna. Startled by the news, Arjuna, accompanied by his family, ministers, and priests, welcomed Pulastya with due reverence, chanting Vedic hymns and offering hospitality in accordance with tradition. Pleased by the king’s respect, the sage inquired, “O king, is your dharma intact? Are your rituals undisturbed? Is your family safe, and are your subjects living in accordance with righteousness?”
With folded hands, Arjuna replied, “Great sage, my kingdom thrives under the rule of dharma. My family and people enjoy peace and safety. But now, my kingdom is doubly blessed, for you have graced us with your presence. It is a fortune beyond my deserving to behold you in my lifetime. This is my throne, my wife, my children, and my council. Command me, O sage, and whatever you desire shall be yours. I offer you my kingdom and all its wealth.”
Pulastya, moved by Arjuna’s humility, said, “O mighty king, you have proven your power by defeating Ravana, who was blessed with many boons. However, I beseech you to release my grandson.”
Without hesitation, Arjuna released Ravana, and the two rulers made peace through the sacred fire. Arjuna honoured Ravana with gifts, and Pulastya gave his blessing for Ravana’s safe return to Lanka.
“O Rama,” said Agastya, “however powerful a king may be, even the defeated must be treated with dignity and honour. That is the greatness of Arjuna.” With that, Agastya concluded for the day, promising to narrate Ravana’s next move on the morrow.
