Sundarakanda

Chapter 48

Hearing that Prince Aksha has been killed and mentally absorbing the same Ravan spoke with anger to Indrajit who is equal in valor to Indra

"The Kimkaras have been killed , so are Jambumali, the sons of the minister, the five generals and many other Rakshasas along with the well provided for armies of chariots, elephants , horses and foot soldiers . Your brother Aksha Kumarhas also been killed in the battle. O Destroyer of foes ! I have more confidence in your capabilities than that of the others. Keeping in mind the Vanaras capability , intelligence, and valor , and also knowing your own capabilities too battle with him appropriately".

“Sending you for battling Hanuman does not appear to be right from my affection for you. Nevertheless it is in accordance with the state craft and duties of a king. O destroyer of enemies , in the battle field one is to display all his capabilities . For with victory as the main goal”. Hearing these words of his father , Indrajit who equals Indra in valor resolved to go to battle and circumbulated his father paying his respects

Then Indrajit the best among archers and experienced in employing all weapons moved in his chariot to the place where Hanuman was waiting. Hanuman too hearing the sounds of the approaching chariot and the sounds of the bow being strung felt elated and ready for the battle.

Then Indrajit who is experienced in destroying enemies sent forth lightning like sharp pointed arrows inlaid with gold and winged with feathers. The arrows of Indrajit, the archer who is skilled in deploying arrows skillfully, were made ineffective by Hanuman moving skillfully between the arrows. Thus the two warriors skilled in battling battled skillfully to the amazement of all.

The great warrior Indrajit knowledgeable about all missiles realized that Hanuman cannot be killed and hence bound him using Brahmastra. Hanuman too realized that he has been bound by Brahmastra and now thought in his mind that it must be a blessing from Brahma. Knowing fully well the power of that missile and reflecting on his own capability to free himself from that missile by the grace of Brahma, he none the less decided to bow to the power of the missile .

Then those Rakshasas seeing that Hanuman is not moving quickly bound him with ropes of hemp and bark. As soon as Hanuman was bound with ropes he was at once released from the power of Brahmastra. For the effect of Brahmastra will be nullified when the person is bound by any other means .

Realizing that Hanuman bound by other means is freed from the effects of Brahmastra, Indrajit reflected in his mind. "When bound by any other means the Brahmastra becomes ineffective. These Rakshasas not knowing made the great effort futile. No other Astras can be deployed after the Brahmastra. Brahmastra can also be not deployed again. If he breaks free we cannot do anything !! “

Then Indrajit led Hanuman though not bound by Brahmastra but bound by other ropes to the assembly hall where Ravana was surrounded by his followers. Ravan saw the Hanuman being pushed around by the Rakshasa. Seeing Hanuman with eyes burning with anger Ravan then ordered his experienced and ministers to interrogate him.Then the ministers duly questioned Hanuman about the purpose of his visit. Then Hanuman replied. “ I am a messenger sent by Sugriva, the King of Vanaras”.

Thus ends chapter 48 of Sundarakanda.

Om Tat Sat