68. SITA'S JOY :

SUKA, the Rakshasa scout, went and

reported to Ravana: "I did my job

according to your instructions. But my

efforts were fruitless. They were rough

with me and made me feel thankful to be

allowed to come back. Rama, to whom it

was sport to slay Viradha, Kabandha,

Khara and others, has arrived with the

army of Sugriva. They have somehow

come to know of the place where Sita is

held captive. The bears and monkeys have

crossed the sea and are standing ready for

battle before Lanka. The visible earth is

covered with this army. There is nothing

to be gained by discussions and debates.

Their strife can only be quenched with our

blood, Oh King! Consider well what

needs to be done, and do it."

And then he added with fear, in a

suppressed voice: "We may yet escape if

Sita is restored."

Ravana was enraged. "What did you

say?" he cried. "Let no one talk to me of

Sita being restored. They do not know my

strength who talk like this. I can slay the

gods, the Vanaras, the Gandharvas and the

Yakshas. My darts can burn up Indra

himself and Yama too. Wait and see how

this wretched fellow Rama and his army

will be destroyed."

Ravana believed what he said. He had

dwelt long on his previous achievements

and, filled with pride, had become

foolishly obstinate.

Then he sent for two of his ministers

and told them: "Scouts have come and

reported that a large army has built a

causeway to Lanka and has come over

here. This is indeed strange news, but as

yet nothing serious has happened. Go and

observe the enemy and bring me a full and

detailed report of their strength."

Accordingly, the spies assumed the

shape of Vanaras and coming to Rama's

camp and mixing with the other Vanaras

looked all around. But Vibhishana,

discovering their disguise, caught hold of

them and produced them before Rama.

They pleaded that they were mere

messengers sent by their king and prayed

for release.

Rama said: "Show them our army. Let

them have a good look around before they

return. Give them free and full

opportunity to see our strength. And, Oh

you Rakshasa messengers! When you go

back to Ravana, tell him, 'The strength on

which you relied when you carried Sita

away is to be put now to the test. Your

fortress, your city and your army will be

destroyed, Rama's darts will pierce your

body.' Yes, convey this message to your

king."

The spies heard Rama's words and

agreed to convey them to their master.

Then, impelled perhaps by force of habit,

they said: "Victory to thee!" The Vanara

army took this to be a fine omen.

The spies went back to Ravana and

said: "O King! We were discovered by

Vibhishana and were in fear of death but

Rama would not let them kill us and he

ordered our release. King! Our enemies

are determined. Rama and Lakshmana,

Sugriva the Vanara king and Vibhishana,

they are all of one mind. It is difficult for

us to prevail against an army led by such

warriors. We have seen Rama, son of

Dasaratha. He impressed us as being by

himself strong enough to destroy our city

and army. We have seen the courage of

the Vanaras and their eagerness for battle.

It is not expedient to try the fortune of war

with them. It seems best to restore Sita to

Rama. Do consider what should be done."

Of course the advice was sincere and

well meant, but Ravana could not control

his fury. He said: "Even if the whole

world turns against me, I shall not yield to

fear. Even if all the Devas, Gandharvas

and Vanaras join together to oppose me, I

shall not return Sita. Because you were

thrashed by the enemy, you give me this

cowardly advice. Faint hearts! Where is

the foe who can vanquish me?"

Having said this, he went to his high

tower and himself surveyed the enemy's

strength. His ministers and officers were

with him.

Those who had gone out to reconnoitre

described at length the Vanara chiefs and

the army behind them. They recounted the

strength of that huge army of bears and

monkeys gathered together from the farflung

forests, mountains and river-valleys

of the world.

They spoke of their physical strength

and courage, their firm devotion to Rama,

their unity and eagerness to slay the

Rakshasas. All those that had gone

confirmed this. "Look!" one of them

said. "That majestic and graceful youth

with matted locks and bow in hand is

Rama. See how he looks round him with

eyes of love and command and how his

glances seem to brighten the quarters and

to fill all with devotion and confidence.

The mighty armed warrior near him is his

brother Lakshmana, a peerless bowman

and Rama's second soul. And look! Next

to him is Sugriva, wearing Vali's garland.

He is the equal of Vali himself. There,

next to him you see Vibhishana, your

brother. It is not easy to vanquish such

warriors. Consider well and take all steps

necessary for victory in such a situation."

As the ministers extolled the strength

of the enemy, Ravana's rage grew more

and more furious. This is the way of a

tyrant. The wise king is never angry with

those who bring him true information or

with ministers who give him good advice

for his welfare. But now Ravana's mind

was confused. He had no use for true facts

or good advice.

His thought followed a strange line. He

judged Rama by his own character. He

thought that, if Sita could be made

somehow to yield to him, Rama would

return home disgraced and broken

hearted. Hence be resolved to make one

last attempt with a different technique.

He sought the help of a Rakshasa

sorcerer. "Oh, Lightning-Tongue!" he said

(that was his name), "prepare a head

which looks so exactly like Rama's that it

will deceive Rama's nearest and dearest

into believing it is his. When I send for

you, come to the park where Sita is

incarcerated and place it before her."

The sorcerer agreed to do as he was

bidden.

Then Ravana went once again to the

Asoka Park and tried to beguile Sita.

"Your husband and his army have been

destroyed." be said. "My warriors crossed

the sea and attacking Rama and his

monkeys, when they were tired and

asleep, killed them all. A warrior has

brought the head of your husband for me

to see. Why do you still persist in your

obstinacy? Join my wives now and reign

as their chief. Take my advice and

become the queen of Lanka."

Then he ordered a Rakshasa to fetch

Vidyut-Jihva, the sorcerer. The conjurer

came and placed before Sita a head that

looked exactly like Rama's.

Startled by the sight, Sita cried, "So

then, is this my fate?" and broke into

hopeless lamentation.

Meanwhile, Rama's army had come

close to Lanka and the ministers and

generals sent word to Ravana desiring an

immediate interview. Ravana, therefore,

had to leave Sita at once and go to the

Assembly Hall.

Ravana's presence was necessary to

keep up the sorcerer's illusion. So, when

he left the place, the, apparition of Rama's

head vanished like smoke. Sarama, who

was a lady of the royal household posted

as a companion of Sita, consoled her

explaining the illusion. She said: "No one

has killed Rama. He has reached Lanka at

the head of a great army. They have built

a wonderful causeway across the sea and

are all over Lanka like a submerging sea.

The Rakshasas are panic-stricken. Ravana

is only trying to deceive you through

sorcery."

Sarama went on to inform Sita:

"Several ministers advised Ravana to

restore you and save himself by

unconditional submission. But he would

not listen to them. 'I may perish in battle,'

he said, 'but I will not bow, a suppliant

before Rama. I shall never return Sita and

sue for peace.' Holy lady! No harm can

come to you, Rama will surely triumph

and this wicked one will perish."

Even as Sarama was speaking, the

noise of the drums and trumpets sounded

by the Vanara army reached Sita's ears

and filled her with joy. She knew that

Ravana's end was near. The Rakshasas in

Lanka heard the same noise and trembled

in fear.

Next : 69. SERPENT DARTS

Continues...