Hanuman's talk with Ravana in Kamba Ramayanam

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We address him as the supreme devotee of Lord. He is the very form of might,

courage, self-control, wisdom, master of communication skills, brilliant

singer, a Siddha, a motivator, a born leader, excel in war skills, strong &

soft as wind, embodiment of humility & modesty, a perfectionist in grammar &

the list goes infinite like this .... You name any attribute & the very

example is Sriman Maruti - Anjaneya - Hanuman - Pavanasuta.

 

To Hanuman, it was not enough to convey the message of Rama to Sita and

taking back her message to Rama. It was a usual postman> '> s job. Of

course, this postman needed a little more skill, as the envelope contained

only the receiver> '> s name with no address written !

 

He realised that he was not a messenger alone. These rakshasas should

realise the prowess, power and potentialities of their enemy. They should

realise the fact that they are not facing mere weaklings. Most important of

all, he should meet Ravana and make him feel the supremacy of Rama or at

least shake the core of his being - however little it might be. If it could

not be done, it would at least make him understand that the intelligence

network of Vanaras was so efficient as to find out the place in which Janaki

was hidden, though it was virtually the other corner of the globe.

 

Meeting Ravana was not that easy. Would the emperor of the three worlds give

appointment to a mere monkey? Then, he should become a troublemaker and

attract attention. He should destroy this grove first; kill whatever

rakshasa was available close by; cause extensive damage to the palatial

buildings. That would make the security force to come in search of him. If

he destroys the security force even, it would compel the administration to

send someone superior. Ultimately, he would be taken to Ravana and he can

then drive his point home.

 

You will remember that this was the same Hanuman who restrained himself from

pouncing on Ravana and stopped his impulse to kill him. That is Hanuman. The

ability to distinguish between what unassigned jobs could be and should be

taken up and what should not be done. The clarity of purpose, willingness to

accept responsibility voluntarily, dedication, sharp intellect - what not?

 

When Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his abilities - to break the spell of the

curse he had - he mentions thus.

adangavum valleer kaalam adhu andrel - You are capable of self-restraint if

the time is not propitious.

amar vandhal, madangal munindhal anna valaththeer - if war ensues, you would

fight with the strength of an angered lion. Here comes the jewel of an

observation. thodangiyadhu ondro? (Is it that a task that you undertake is)

well begun alone? muttrum mudikkum thozil allal - (you would) complete the

task (with all essential sub and super tasks connected and relevant to it -

that is the implication of the word muttrum) idangeda vel vaai ooru

kidaithaal idayadheer - you will not stop or demur when difficulties and

drawbacks encounter you. (from Kamba Ramayanam)

 

He then stamped and stomped the grove and destroyed the artifacts that it

had. (The grove was tastefully enriched with artificial hillocks and

waterfalls even.) He swayed his massive arms and slayed the rakshasa guards.

He jumped over the trees, broke their branches, pulled out the creepers;

plucked the massive trees from their very roots, as if they were mere twigs

and attacked just any rakshasa who appeared before him.

 

And, his plan started working.>

The news of a monkey destroying the grove and killing the guards there

reached Ravana. Though he could not believe that a monkey could ever kill

the mighty rakshasas, he had to concede and send a detachment. It was

destroyed. Another and another and yet another were put to the same end.

Soon fear spread over the island. It was the intention of Hanuman, for he

adopted horrifying ways in killing his pursuers. When abnormal ways are

adopted to kill someone, we know that it attracts more attention than the

normal ways. Death is certain either someone is stabbed or human-bombed. We

are witnesses to the fact that the latter way attracts quick attention and

spreads waves of panic faster.

 

Gruesome ways of killing -

 

Hanuman seems to know this fact. The killing of Sambumali was one such case.

Hanuman jumped on the chariot of Sambumali, wrenched his bow from his hand,

and bent it to such an extent that the bowstring formed a loop. He then

eased the loop over Sambumali> '> s head until it went down around his neck.

Hanuman then released the bow. When it sprang back, the bowstring became the

deadliest of noose and severed his head. The head flew in the air before it

fell to the ground.

 

Ravana could not believe it. He then sent his five most valiant commanders.

When they were also dispatched, he was puzzled. His pride did not permit him

to manoeuvre detachments larger than that. He had finally to accept the fact

and sent Aksha Kumara, his handsome son. Hanuman destroyed the army that

came with him and killed him. And in what manner ! ....Just imagine... He

held Aksha Kumara> '> s head by one hand and feet by the other, put him

supine on the ground and rolled him over and over again on the earth - like

one moves the pestle over the traditional flat grinding stone, AMMI. Blood

drenched the earth. Chunks of flesh and puddles of blood and the worn out

skeleton of Aksha Kumara remained lying unattended. Nobody dared to go near

the corpse shredded down to pieces to collect them, remove them and to

perform the obsequies.

 

It took Indrajit to capture Hanuman. He had to use the Brahmastra, the most

powerful of all warheads of those days to stop him. The mightiest killer

just was enough to make him fall unconscious for a while. He was dragged

through the streets of Lanka to be produced before Ravana.

 

When he was thus dragged through the streets, Hanuman was planning is

strategy. He was planning his dialogue with Ravana. He was thus far

successful in causing terror everywhere in the island though the rakshasas

were momentarily rejoicing their power over him, who was bound by the most

powerful of weapons, that too was supposed to last only for a short while.

His task now was to strike terror in the mind of Ravana or at least shock

him. To hit him on the soft spot of his stout ego. To warn him that he is

facing a very powerful foe. To remind him of the defeat that he tasted at

the hands of Vali. And to tell him that his victor was vanquished by Sri

Ramachandra - the Supreme.

Hanuman was once again impelled to start a fight with Ravana when he was

produced before him in his Court. We see him restraining himself for the

third time here. > '> This fellow cannot overpower me nor can I overpower

him easily. Moreover, it may take months for the battle to end. Mythili has

set a target period of one month from now. It is not on the part of wisdom

to start a combat now. He could be killed by Rama. Nobody else can do so.

(vellalam iramanAl pirarum velvarO?)> '>

 

*A leader should know when to hit and when to lie low. He should not be

guided by impulse. His decisions should be backed by strong reasons and not

sudden whims that happen to appeal for the moment. Hanuman> '> s

self-control should be compared with Sugriva> '> s character. He could not

contain himself when he saw Ravana for the first time and flew across to his

rampart where he was standing, watching the Vanara army that had just

reached Lanka and gathered on the Suvela Mountain. He wrestled with Ravana

for a long time, making Rama feel desperate from a distance. >

*

When he returned to Rama with the crowns of Ravana, Rama could not tolerate

it. Though he tones down his anger, his unhappiness shows through. He calls

the act of Sugriva as irresponsibility. > '> For what could I do if

something had happened to you? You are the leader of the army. Even if I

gain a victory over the Rakshasa, how do you expect me to be happy without

you? For, what is winning Sita back, after all, when I don> '> t have you by

my side?> '> It was Vibishana> '> s intervention that saved the situation

from turning an utter embarrassment for Sugriva.

 

Well, coming back to Ravana Durbar. > '> I am the emissary of the great

archer with lotus petal like eyes,> '> was how Hanuman introduced himself.

The self-appointment is established beyond doubt ! He then goes on to

describe Rama and portray him as the reincarnation of Narayana, in nine

verses. On the tenth verse he, as if incidentally, slips an information.

 

I am a slave of Sri Rama. We, a team of Vanaras, under the leadership of

Angada, son of Vali, set out in search of Sita.> '> The mention of Vali> '>

s name recalled the ghosts of the past to Ravana> '> s mind. The one thought

that he would like to forget was the defeat that he tasted at the hands of -

to be more appropriate at the tail of - Vali.

 

Ravana, in his earlier days was too proud of himself and was challenging

every known warrior of superior might to a single combat. He wanted to

engage Vali in a fight. Vali had the habit of performing his morning

prayers, after bathing in the oceans and in isolation. When Ravana went to

challenge Vali, the latter was in meditation, with closed eyes. Ravana

stealthily took a position behind Vali. Vali though in meditation could

sense what was happening and tied Ravana down with his tail. When he rose up

in the sky, Ravana was hanging from his tail. He then jumped into oceans

many, making Ravana to lie under water for long, long times. When he

returned home, he hung Ravana from the ceiling over the cradle of Angada, as

if he were a toy. > '> I have brought a ten-headed insect for you boy> '>

was how Vali insulted Ravana.

Imagine the kind of feelings that would have passed through the heart of our

unparalleled egotist. But, it is only the beginning. As we know the very

name 'Vali' made Ravana shudder. Just two verses earlier, his eyes were

spewing fire. Now they mellow. An uneasy smile appears on his countenance. >

'> Ah...I see> ...> are you a messenger sent by Vali> '> s son? How is

Vali? Is he well?> '> Hanuman enjoyed this uneasiness. He slips more

information in pieces and pokes at the shaken ego of Ravana.

 

anjalai arakka Fear not O demon. Paar vittu andharam adaindhan. He left this

world and reached the heaven. venjina Vali meeLaan. He will never return.

vaalum poi ozindhandre! Nor will his tail. Don> '> t worry sire. Vali is

dead and gone. He will not come back and his tail was also dispatched with

him. It won> '> t return either.

>

Hanuman told Ravana that the most powerful Vali was killed by a single arrow

shot from the bow of Sri Rama, thus giving him the message that Rama was not

to be underestimated. But that information helped to pacify Ravana> '> s

troubled heart. Vali is dead. He was able to see only up to that and no

more. His passion, folly and ego were too thick to be penetrated. He could

not see the fact that if Rama killed Vali, who had overpowered him, it would

not be difficult for Rama to put him to such an end.

 

Ravana> '> s reaction

>

Ah I see. Your king is so meek as to worship the one that killed his elder

brother. Your team leader Angada is brave enough to serve a person that slew

his father. What a glorious way to follow! It seems you serve him because

you are all afraid of him. Don> '> t be afraid of me. I won> '> t kill you.

You may convey to me what you are supposed to.> '>

>

Putting up a brave face when the heart is confused. Few moments before, this

same Ravana was fretting and fuming. Ravana was a person who could not

tolerate the slightest > protest. Here, he had lost a sizeable portion of

his army and even his own son, Aksha Kumara in an attempt to capture this

monkey. He could not contain his grief, anguish and anger. He was very

particular to kill this monkey in revenge. Look at the words that he utters

now. He reassures Hanuman - who is supposed to be afraid of Rama and serves

him because of the fear he has for a person who killed his leader - that he

won> '> t kill him as he was an emissary.

>

He so magnanimously adds. > '> You came with the message of someone. But you

caused untold damage by destroying my land and engaging in a battle with my

army needlessly. Now that you are caught, you must be afraid. Don> '> t be

afraid. I won> '> t kill you, as you are a messenger.> '>

>

That must have been the bravest of speeches! Imagine this Ravana. He was so

angry moments ago. And he had valid reasons too. Loss of a handsome son in

the most gruesome way would anger anyone. The proportion of anger in the

case of a person like Ravana, with such power over the worlds, need not be

emphasised. Now he tries to reassure the monkey that killed his army and his

own son.

>

The folly does not stop with that.

Nothing kills passion faster...

>

>

I am saying these words by the order of Sugriva,> '> said Hanuman. > '> You

have violated Dharma. You are blindly rushing towards your death. The

effects of penance you undertook - by conquering the baser desires of the

senses five - are on the wane by what you have done now. The glory that you

earned by your victories over the three worlds has diminished already by

your misdeeds. A portion of whatever remained was wiped by me today. You are

going to see your glory, your power and the strength of your boons moving

away from you if you persist in what you are doing.> '>

>

What you have done is not worthy of a person, who has mastered the Vedas.

The learned, the wise would never think of treading the path of destruction,

like what you do. You have taken another man> '> s wife stealthily, by force

and against her wish. Nothing can stop your destruction Ravana! Even if you

have thousands of strong arms that can devastate the worlds, even if you are

endowed with thousands of heads, that is not going to stop your end. They

would just turn to ashes, just as a small flame of a lamp turning bales and

bales of cloth to ashes. (kadung kanal ut podhi seerai jnuuru avai sEmam

seluthumO> '> ) Return Sita and live long, sparing your kith and kin of gory

death.> '>

>

Nothing of the long peroration of Hanuman appealed to Ravana. All his twenty

ears turned a deaf ear! He listened to only one sentence, however. That

Hanuman says so by the order of Sugriva. He laughed like thunder. > '> A

puny monkey existing on fruits and roots has advised me! And another monkey

dared to enter my country and is standing before me!> '> His anger surfaced

again.

>

 

That> '> s the trouble with all thick heads. They can never see what is

really wrong with them. Just look at this Ravana. He performed great penance

to gain power. He waged gory wars to reach this position. He established

himself as the greatest in all the three worlds. He had the Devas, and even

the elements, to serve him. He had the richest wealth in the universe that

even Hanuman, at the time of his search for Sita, acknowledges as the result

of unrelenting effort and his penance. He had the most beautiful damsels to

serve on him. But to what avail? He could not see what was wrong with him!

He could not realise that it was against all virtues to covet another man>

'> s wife and retain her against her wish. He could not see the warnings

written on the wall. He was deaf to all the good-intentioned advice. The

greatest of maladies is not wrongdoing alone. But the inability to realise

what one is doing is wrong.

>

Valluvar says:

>

oodhi uNarndhum pirarku uraithum thaan uNarAp

pEdhayaril pEdhayar ill. (Kuaral 834)>

>

There is a man that is learned and subtle and a teacher of others, and yet

continues to be the slave of his passions himself; there is no greater fool

than he. (Tr. by Sri VVS Aiyar).

 

Does it not remind one of what Ben Elton, the British comedian, said? > ">

Nothing kills passion faster than an exploding harpoon in the guts> "> .

That was true in the case of Ravana. His lust for Sita did not die until

Indrajit, his eldest son was killed and until he lost almost all of his army

in the pursuit of a vain and vexatious desire.

>

Just two words are sufficient to infuriate Ravana and to make him lose his

head. > '> Return Sita> '> . We see this happen whenever these words are

uttered, whether by Malyavan, the grandfather of Ravana, Vibishana,

Kumbakarna or Indrajit himself. It may be surprising. Even Kumbakarna

advised him against the retention of Sita. Indrajit realised this much

later, just a day before his death. Nothing changed Ravana> '> s heart,

excepting the death of Indrajit. That desire for Sita died with the death of

Indrajit.

>

You may recall the embarrassed state in which Ravana was when he heard the

name of Vali and how he mellowed. The information that Vali was dead

rejuvenated his spirits. His ego was thick enough to obscure him from the

other information that it was Rama who killed Vali. He ordered the killing

of Hanuman. > '> He should be left alive,> '> reasoned Vibishana, > '> at

least to go back to those humans and inform them of what happened here. If

you put him to death, you are losing the opportunity of letting them

informed of our might.> '>

 

Hanuman's words are the essence of Vedas & the best philosophies existing on

earth ....

It's Siva himself (as Hanuman) who tried to persuade Ravana of his

unauspicious intentions & acts.

>

This episode of Ramayana stands as a jewel in the entire length & breadth of

the epic.

 

 

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--

Krishna Prasad

 

.. Yad yad aacarati sreshtah, tad tad eva itaro janah. As the Gita puts it,

consistency of purpose and a spirit of dedication and, if necessary,

sacrifice, should characterize the new spirit.

We Must - Swami Chinmayanada