|
|
| Jai Hanuman |
|
Taking Sita's permission, Hanuman climbed up a tree and began to eat fruits of many trees. He ate the ripe and sweet fruits but threw away the raw ones. When his hunger was satisfied, and idea came to his mind, "Should I not let these guards around the Ashoka tree and the rest of the demons know that it can be trespassed. This will also show how brave and alert these soldiers are." Thus, he started destroying the trees and plants which were carefully looked after. When the garden was ravaged, there was great confusion amongst the demon guards. Hanuman jumped up the rampart of Ravana's palace.
Hanuman raised such a storm that the guards and soldiers could do nothing and were helpless before an ordinary monkey. They together rushed towards him. They could not even touch him. Then, they took their swords out of their sheaths and threw their spears towards him. Hanuman's hands and tail were so fast that he not only saved himself from the attack but gave them a good thrashing too. The she-demons came running to Sita lest she should be harmed or taken away by the monkey. The demons came running to Ravana and told him what had happened.
Ravana could not believe them and shouted. "What are you saying? A monkey has destroyed the Ashoka garden which even Gods dare not enter! How can anyone have the courage and the guts to sneak into my palace?" The demons said, "Our Lord! This is not the case. We tried our best to catch him but he jumps and bounces like a ball from one tree to another. Our weapons have proved useless. Have a look at us. He is responsible for this plight of ours."
Ravana ordered one of his army commanders to present Hanuman before him at once. The army commander took his soldiers with him to the high wall of the palace where Hanuman was destroying whatever he found. The demon soldiers shot arrows at Hanuman. At that stage, Hanuman was enjoying the action. He could not even be injured. On the other hand, the army commander was killed with a single assault of Hanuman's mace. The soldier took to their heels. Then many more demon warriors were sent to arrest him. They all lost their lives.
When Hanuman could not be apprehended, Ravana asked his younger son Akshaya to do the needful. Akshaya climbed his chariot and reached the scene of fight between Hanuman and the demons. He was fully armed and protected by his army. Hanuman wanted to make clear to Ravana what Rama's devotee could do and what strength or power he possessed. When Akshaya attacked, Hanuman retaliated. Akshaya's chariot was destroyed and his charioteer was killed. Akshaya drew his sword and made an assault on Hanuman. Hanuman jumped up in the sky. Akshaya tried to jump and tried to brandish his sword. In turn, Hanuman caught hold of his leg and revolved him in the air. Akshaya fell dead on the ground.
Ravana was greatly shocked at the news of his son's death. He was so enraged that he decided to punish Hanuman himself. Then his elder son Meghanad said, "O father! I shall punish the killer of Akshaya. You need not take this trouble. There is no question of your going to catch a monkey while I am here."
|
| |
|