Lakshman Rao
The ten-headed demon, Ravana, renowned for his ostentatious nature, stood before his ministers after his hollow victory over Yama, the Dharma Pala. They hailed him, “O victorious one, you are great, greater, and greatest, Dasanana! The universe is fortunate to witness your triumph.”
Buoyed by their praise, Ravana proclaimed, “Our goal is to assert dominion over the universe.” Prahastha, one of his counselors, then noticed that Ravana was bleeding profusely and advised, “I suggest suspending our campaign for a month so you may recover your strength.” Ravana agreed, and they returned to Lanka, where the demon forces welcomed him with resounding cheers and celebrated the greatness of their king. Despite his injuries, Ravana healed swiftly and soon set his sights on conquering the “Lord of Waters” in the ocean’s depths.
Astonished by their king’s mighty ambition, his Rakshasa forces followed him with renewed vigor. Along the way, Ravana captured Bhogavathi, the kingdom of Vasuki, the king of divine serpents. From there, he launched an attack on Manimayapura, the stronghold of the Nivata Kavachas, a race blessed by the Creator with invincibility. The battle was fierce, with both sides displaying great strength, inflicting massive destruction upon each other. For a year, the fight raged without victory or defeat.
At this critical moment, Lord Brahma descended and commanded both forces to cease. He declared, “Neither of you should harbor enmity. You are both invincible, blessed by me at different times. You must forge a deep-rooted friendship.” In Brahma’s presence and witnessed by the sacred fire, both sides vowed eternal friendship. Ravana was pleased, and the giants revered him as a divine guest. They taught him the craft of illusion in a hundred forms, which he mastered within a year.
After a majestic farewell, Ravana pressed onward toward Asma, the kingdom of the Kalakeyas, a warlike tribe. Though they resisted fiercely, Ravana, enraged, slew their leader, Vidyutjihva, and the tribe surrendered. In his fury, Ravana went on a killing spree, slaying even his brother-in-law, father-in-law, and other relatives. When he regained his senses, many were dead, but his counselors consoled him, saying, “O mighty king, bravery knows no kinship or compassion. You acted righteously, and history will honor your chivalrous deeds. Let us proceed toward our grand target, Varuna’s kingdom.”
After a long march, they reached a magnificent place adorned with exquisite palaces of unparalleled architecture. The guards, known as Puskara Rakshasas, warned Ravana to leave as they were protecting Varuna’s domain. Furious at the warning, Ravana slew the guards and crossed the boundaries. Inside, he witnessed a sacred scene: the divine cow, Surabhi, endlessly pouring forth milk, creating a milk ocean. Nearby stood the legendary ox, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, and from the ocean of milk emerged the rejuvenating God Chandra.
Ravana, feeling an unexpected sense of peace, performed a hundred circumambulations around the divine cow, surabhi showing reverence before continuing. However, when Varuna’s sons heard of the slain guards, they confronted Ravana with their forces but were swiftly defeated. Ravana demanded that the king be informed of his challenge for war.
A sage counselor of Varuna, Prahasa, addressed Ravana, saying, “O mighty king, you have defeated Varuna’s sons and forces. Varuna is in heaven now, so by the principles of war, you have already won.” Declaring victory, Ravana and his forces moved beyond the kingdom of Asma, where they came upon a dazzling city filled with palaces adorned with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, and corals. Each column was made of gold, and the walls were carved with images of legendary warriors and rulers.
Prahastha ventured through seven halls of opulence, each draped in rich curtains of pearls, until he encountered a colossal figure, resplendent with gold and silver, his face like fire, his hair like the wind, and his eyes as calm as the full moon. Prahastha returned to Ravana, who, filled with curiosity, entered fully armed and confronted the giant. The figure, wielding a massive pestle, addressed him, “O demon king, what is your purpose here? Speak plainly.”
Ravana responded, “I seek battle and victory. Who is the ruler of this place? Lead me to them so I may conquer.” The giant led Ravana into a grand palace guarded by invisible flames, introducing him to the Demon Lord who resided there. This lord was described as generous, brave, powerful, and undefeated in combat—a being of immense virtue, equal to the brilliance of the sun and the might of death itself. He respected sages and upheld righteousness, treating women with honor and maintaining unwavering patience.
Ravana was told, “This great lord is Bali, the mighty ruler of this realm. Go and meet him.” When Ravana entered Bali’s presence, the demon lord greeted him kindly and asked, “O king of great strength, what brings you to my realm?”
Ravana replied, “I have heard that long ago, Vishnu imprisoned you. I shall release you from this bondage. No force can overpower me.”
With a smile, Bali explained, “The one who imprisoned me is Time itself, a force that governs all existence. Even the mightiest beings, including your ancestors, have sought refuge under this law. No power can defy Time.”
Bali then pointed to a glowing ring nearby and said, “This is the ear ring of my great-grandfather, Hiranyakashipu, who lost it during his battle with Vishnu. Try to lift it and bring it to me.” Ravana attempted to lift the ring but failed. Bali, seeing this, remarked, “Even the strongest cannot escape the fate decreed by Time. Vishnu, in his many forms, has destroyed even the mightiest of beings. In time, you too will meet your destiny.”
Ravana, burning with anger at the mention of Vishnu’s power, sought to prove his strength. However, Lord Vishnu, watching from afar, decided it was not the right time to strike. He vanished, leaving Ravana to claim victory in his usual boastful manner. His followers cheered, and they returned to Lanka.
Thus, Agastya concluded his tale, saying to Rama, “This was the folly of Ravana, who sought blessings from each defeat, eroding his moral strength and hastening his downfall. Let us now retire, for it is late.”
