Baal Kaanda
34 - The birth of Ravana and his brothers, their austerities, opulence and tyranny
Chaupais
Description
Then Ravana sent for Meghanada and admonished him, inciting him to greater strength and hostility."The gods who are staunch in battle, powerful and proud of their fighting skill, you should conquer in battle and bring them in chains." The son got up and bowed to the commands of his father. In this way Ravana ordered all and himself sallied forth, club in hand. Even as the ten-headed Ravana marched, the earth shook and at his thundering call the spouses of gods miscarried. Hearing of Ravana's angry approach the gods themselves sought the caves of Mount Sumeru. When the ten-faced Ravana invaded the beautiful realms of the guardians of the ten quarters, he found them all desolate. Again and again he roared loudly like a lion and, challenging the gods to battle, scoffed at them. Mad with lust of blood he traversed the whole world in search of a combatant; but nowhere could he find anyone.The sun-god, the moon-god, the wind-god, the god of water, the gods of wealth and fire, the gods of time and death and all other gods entrusted with the governance of the world. Kinnaras, Siddhas, men, gods and Nagas, all were wilfully harassed by him. All embodied beings in the creation of Brahma, whether men or women, submitted to Ravana's will. All did his bidding out of fear and always bowed suppliantly at his feet.