Lanka Kaanda
181 - Destruction of Meghanada's sacrificial performance; his engagement on the battle-field and deliverance at the hands of Laksmana
Chaupais
Description
When Meghanada recovered from his swoon, he felt much ashamed to find his father before him. He speedily betook himself to a convenient mountain cave and resolved to perform a sacrifice which would render him invincible. At this end Vibhisana approached the Lord and told Him his considered view. "Listen, my lord of incomparable might and generosity: the wicked Meghanada, who is a past master in creating illusions and the scourge of heaven, is performing an unholy sacrifice. If, my lord, the sacrifice is allowed to be completed, he will not then be speedily conquered." The Lord of the Raghus was highly gratified to hear this and summoned Angada and many other monkeys. "Go with Laksmana, brethren all, and wreck the sacrifice. And it is for you, Laksmana, to kill him in battle. I am much distressed to find the gods in terror. You must finish him by force of your wit might or one way or other, mark me, brother, the demon must be put an end to. And Jambavan, Sugriva and Vibhisana, you three must keep by his side with your regiment." When the Hero of Raghu's line had finished His command, Laksmana, who was staunch in battle, girt the quiver by his side and strung his bow; and cherishing the Lord's glory in his heart, he spoke in a voice deep as thunder, "If I return today without slaying him (Meghanada), let me no longer be called a servant of Sri Rama (the Lord of the Raghus). Nay, even if a hundred Sivas come to his help, I shall nonetheless kill him in the name of Rama (the Hero of Raghu's line)."