My Name Is Ravana Page 3

  I reached Lanka and took Sita straight to Mandodari’s boudoir and ordered Mandodari to take care of Sita. No questions were asked. I went to my room quickly, quietly and shut the doors. I wanted to be alone for some time.

  MY CONFIRMATION TO THEIR RUMOURS

  I was in my room with many thoughts running chaotically. It was hard to sleep with the noise in my head but gradually my body’s fatigue took over and I fell asleep.

  By the time I woke up, Mandodari understood that I had abducted Sita. Sita’s condition cannot be expressed in words. She wept all day and all night. The matter spread to the citizens and this was the only topic in every town every street and every house. No one understood my act and no one dared to question me at court.

  My family members, my wives, my children, my brothers... no one came to me for quite some time to discuss the matters. My silence made everyone conclude that it was Sita’s beauty that had made me carry her to Lanka. I remained silent. And with my silence the rumours only became stronger and stronger. I was soon made out as a man of lust to my own people. My silence made me more bad and that is what I wanted too.

  As the days passed, one day Mandodari came to me, stood silent, awaiting my attention. I called her close and asked her to sit beside me. She came close, took my hands into hers and whispered, “Why are you doing like this? You have many wives and I am the most loved among them. None of us were unhappy with you. We all loved you and you kept all of us happy. But now you brought a new girl; she doesn’t want to be your wife. You are a great king. You should not do this to her. You should control your lust.” Listening to her, my blood boiled. I couldn’t imagine myself beside Sita and I had no such intentions. Yet I was helpless, unable to reveal my divine mission.

  In my frustration I shouted, “I am the King, my name is Ravana and what I want is what I want, no matter what, no matter who all and how many dislike it. I want her to be here and she has to be here.” Nothing I said was the untruth, yet I had left it deliberately ambiguous. And I knew that my wives, my people and the world would only take it as a confirmation of the rumors.

  I WANTED SITA TO BE HAPPY

  Mandodari along with her sisters (my wives) came to me and said, “Your wish is yours. You are not in the position to understand any of us. Your eyes covered with lust. We have not come to make you understand as you have already made your decision. It is now our turn to let you know our decision. You may marry any number of women, and none of us have objected it as long as the woman comes to you accepting you as you are. However, this is not the case with Sita. We can neither be peaceful nor even eat something when someone is in sorrow right in front of us. We plead you with our hands together; please do something to keep her happy. We are unable to bear her sorrow.”

  Deep inside my heart, I was pleased that my people chose what is right—they chose to support Sita. But this is all Maya. Maintaining the stubbornness in my voice, I replied, “I will try” and, pointing my hand towards the exit, I indicated that they had to leave.

  I called my men and ordered that a luxurious mansion be built for Sita. My orders for building a mansion for Sita was prime topic of interest and discussion for the public. In no time the mansion was ready and I instructed my women to move Sita from Mandodari’s palace to the new mansion. Every act of mine was watched through a magnifying glass by my people. People started calling the Mansion as “Sita Kota” (Sita’s Castle). You can walk down in the lush green woods of today’s central Sri Lanka and you will find traces of this place in an area now known as “Seetha Kotuwa”.

  It didn’t take too much to realise that all this materialistic luxury had absolutely no importance to Sita. I also understood that no matter what I did, Sita would never be happy. Her happiness was with Rama alone.

  I cannot keep her happy, whatever I do, I cannot keep her happy. At least let me put her away from all this artificiality and make her live close to nature, where there is no shoka (sadness).

  I then decided to move her to my garden of nature, “Ashoka Vanam” (“A” means No, “Shoka” means Sadness and “Vanam” means Garden). I moved her to the Garden of No Sadness.

  RAMA CRACKING THE CLUES

  On the other side, Rama started cracking the clues one by one.

  I need to pause here to praise mankind. Though Sri Hari is the Ultimate, he was now in the form of a human, just like you. I learnt from the skills of Rama, how powerful a human can be. And how powerful Ram was, is how powerful you can be. Mankind has attained all kinds of feats by sheer alignment with nature. You have learnt to tame the most ferocious lion and have made cattle a part of your family. This nature of understanding and communicating with other beings also helped Rama in cracking the clues.

  After Sita was abducted, right from under his nose, Rama hunted for Sita high and low. When he couldn’t find a trace of her he underwent great depression and wanted to commit suicide. Lakshmana stood like a rock for Rama and motivated his brother from time to time. Both of them identified the dying Jataayu and got the first clue that I, Ravana took Sita away in the southern direction.

  Rama and Lakshmana, continued their search in the said direction for Sita. They tried drawing information from all possible sources. After few days of travel and tracking, they found Kadamba, who helped them by suggesting that Sugreeva (a vanara king, a monkey king who was also suffering similar to that of Rama as Vaali, Sugreeva’s elder brother misunderstood Sugreeva and took Ruma, Sugreeva’s wife and the kingdom into his custody) be approached. He also informed them that Sugreeva would be available on Mount Rusyamooka near Pampa Lake.

  For your information, this lake falls into Karnataka as per today’s modern territory distribution.

  Rama and Lakshmana, continued their journey to reach Pampa Lake. They were befriended by Sugreeva and his band. Hanuman was one of the most trusted ministers to Sugreeva. It was here that Rama met Hanuman for the first time. Rama and Sugreeva came into an agreement to help each other. Rama taking his turn first, helped Sugreeva in getting his wife back by killing Vaali. In the process, Sugreeva got the kingdom Kishkindha as well. Kishkinda was the kingdom of vanaras (monkeys).

  It was, Sugreeva’s turn now. Rainy season being due, Sugreeva requested a break for four months and invited Rama and Lakshmana to stay in his kingdom. After a month he sent messages to every monkey kingdoms across the world and instructed them gather on the full moon of the next month at Kishkinda. He gave them a one-month notice. Monkeys from the smallest size to the mighty gorillas were on time at Kishkinda. When Ram stood there, it appeared like an ocean of apes moving towards him. Jambavanthaa, king of bears and friend of Sugreeva also extended his support with his army for the noble cause. Looking at the show of allegiance Rama suddenly felt bolstered.

  But before he took the next steps, Rama wanted to know two things. The first was “Is Sita alive?” and the second was, “If she is alive, where is she?” After knowing the answer to these two crucial questions he would then seek to gauge the strength of Ravana and his army. Knowing Rama’s intention Sugreeva quickly divided the entire fleet into four groups and instructed them to go in search of Sita in four directions. He gave each group a time limit of one month to report back.

  As there was already a hint from Jataayu that Ravana took Sita in southern direction, Sugreeva allotted the best of this army towards the south and this group consisted of Neela, Hanuman, Mahabala, Jambavantaa, Nala, Gavaksha, Ulkamuka, Asamga, Madhana, Amgadha and many such brave hearts.

  Observing the talents of Hanuman from time to time, even Rama was confident that this team would bring a positive note soon. Rama called Hanuman, hugged him and said, “You are the only hope, I have now and that is the only reason I am still living.” Then, giving his ring to Hanuman he said that this would help him in identifying himself to Sita as his messenger.

  The teams dispersed on duty. North, West and East teams came back with no result. It was almost a month and there was no news from the South. A little after a month the South team happe
ned to meet Sampaathi, Jataayu’s brother and got to know the incident happened between me and Supaarva. Sampaathi also gave them the location of Lanka, where Sita was imprisoned by me, the Lankaadeeshwara. The team was happy that they finally got some valid information about Sita and her location, Lanka.

  They quickly moved in the direction Sampaathi guided them towards and reached the seashore. According to Sampaathi the distance from the shore to Lanka island was one hundred Aamadas (an ancient measurement). One hundred Aamadas was no small distance and the team heads convened to review their strength in crossing the sea. Hanuman was voted as the right choice. Thus it was voted that Hanuman would be sent to my Lanka.

  TIME TO MEET THE MESSENGER

  Ten Amavasyas (no moon days) had passed. I knew by sheer instinct that any moment now Rama or his messenger would identify and find Lanka. Rama, my Sri Hari, would have gathered and put together pieces of the puzzle. These were my last days as Ravana on earth. Before the combat, I wanted three things to happen. The first was to prepare Vibhishana as the next king of Lanka. With his pure heart and infallible stand on truth and justice he would make a great king to the people.

  The second thing I wanted was a ready army. After all, I needed a powerful army to show the power of Lankadeeshwara. Though Rama is none other than Sri Hari, he doesn’t know about his divine powers; he is just like a normal human and a good prince. What I had to do was scare who ever first stepped on the soil of Lanka, so much so that my opponent would return quickly to prepare for the battle of a lifetime. This should be the clash of the titans: Na Bhootho Na Bavishath (like never before and never after).

  And last, not the least, I should enjoy these last days till I get the news from my so-called enemy.

  I declared daily carnivals in the kingdom. It was the heights of joy. With firecrackers all around, it looked like milky way descended from the sky down to Lanka. Men and women, boys and girls, dancing, singing and jumping with joy. The land reverberated with the sound of bagpipes, trumpets, drums, veena, mrudangams, tabalas, gatams. I joined in with the jubilation with my invention, Ravana Hatta (An anciend, bowed, stringed, handheld musical instrument also known as Ravana Hasta Veena). During those days there was no need to cook at home, every day was a feast from me to all. Children, elders, men and women feasted straight from the royal kitchen. Spirits spilt freely and I entertained with my wives, making the most of every living moment.

  Nobody asked why celebrations were on. But it was undoubtedly on. While jubilations were on, one person continued mourning: Sita. She filled Asoka Vanam with tears. I went to her fully drunk along with my wives flanking both sides and invited her to enjoy her days in Lanka. As usual, she took it the other way; of course I wanted her to take it that way. All my wives laughed at her, except Mandodari. Mandodari was just not my wife, she was like a good friend and tried to correct me many times, especially during my deeds with Sita. Sita looked at me with red eyes. Redness that was made up with anger, fear and helplessness. For a moment I felt shaken; as if I was being observed—as if she could see into my soul. My heart raced. I don’t know why, but her searching look of anger made me nervous. I was careful not to show my fear and nervousness to Sita, especially in front of my wives. Quickly a thousand thoughts ran across my mind and all the intoxicants I had swallowed seemed to dry inside me. Was it true? Was it possible that someone was observing me? Rama? His messenger? Was it time to proclaim my message? Something that provoked battle immediately?

  I took a deep breath, summoning all my courage and responded to her staring red eyes and roared: “If you do not agree and surrender to me within two months from now, I have to end your life.”

  Many sucked their breath sharply. I had to push it, emphasize it. I called the caretakers there and said, “In two months, if she doesn’t change her mind, you can chop her into pieces, without even intimating me. Once she is dead, let me know.” With that I walked off, using my anger to cover my uneasiness. I left Sita to continue with her tears.

  No sooner I reached my place, after the scene with Sita, a guard knocked my door. He looked nervous when he bowed. I nodded, indicating he could speak.

  He said “An unusual ape that changed its size entered the Asoka Vanam, met Sita and communicated something which we couldn’t understand. On hearing the monkey, Sita looked relaxed. She stopped crying. Both of them also exchanged some identities. The monkey destroyed everything in your garden my Lord.” Before I could react to the whirlwind of thoughts that came to me, another guard came running to me to say that the most powerful coast guard Lankini had been suppressed and a strange creature had entered the island.

  I started sweating.

  One part of me feared the final battle that was set to happen, thanks to my irrevocable actions and one part of me exulted that I was to meet my Sri Hari and end my cycle on earth. The monkey should be Sugreeva or someone from his group. I wanted to see him. This monkey had to cross the sea to reach Lanka. Anyone who could do that, I knew, was someone with special powers and it would not be easy to captivate him.

  I instructed the guard to take eighty thousand soldiers to arrest him. In a bit, I received a message that the monkey had killed all of them. Taken aback I sent Jambumali, a powerful warrior. I got the same feedback. Seven of my ministers were dispatched; once again the same feedback. I took stock and sent another set of powerful warriors: Virupaksha, Yapaakshyu, Dhoordara, Prugasu and Basaakara. Again, all were killed. I was shocked. My younger son, Akshaya took the initiative to try his luck; in vain.

  This was no ordinary monkey.

  I became thoughtful. Then I summoned my elder son Meghanath who had been awarded the title of Indrajith on defeating Indra. Perhaps the monkey got bored with the destruction he was wreaking or perhaps Indrajith succeeded. I do not know but Indrajith brought the monkey to my courtyard. All my men, ministers, my brother Vibhishana and me were waiting to see the monkey. Who was this creature and what did he want?

  The monkey messenger, introduced himself as Hanuman, messenger of Rama and stated the purpose of his visit to Lanka. Before he did he sang in praise of Rama. Then, he advised me to surrender Sita and warned me in a polite manner that not heeding to his advice would lead to my death.

  IDENTIFYING THE NEXT KING

  The moment I heard that it would lead to my death, I felt very happy for my work going as per my plan. It meant that I was getting closer to my destiny and moksha. Though Hanuman’s words filled my heart with joy, I of course could not express it. I had to continue with my pretense, my act of cruelty. It was crucial in order to make the mission successful.

  My next thoughts were: Who would be the King of Lanka after me?

  All my ministers and officials were in the court then, including Vibhishana who was seated to my left. I was inclined to choose Vibhishana, however it was my duty to test all of them before coming to a conclusion. Time was of the essence now; especially now that the messenger had reached our doorstep. That only meant that Rama—none other than Sri Hari—would soon be reaching Lanka. I decided to test them right then and right there. Hanuman stood before me.

  Pointing to him I started insulting him. Taking my cue the entire court of wise men followed me. There were cat calls, hooting and gales of laughter. As I spewed insults, my eyes sought out Vibhishana. I saw my brother just sitting silent, with his head down, as if the insult were being made to him.

  I banged the floor with my foot and drew the court’s attention. Then standing up and drawing myself to my full height I shouted: “Off with his head.” Everyone in the court applauded and jeered, encouraging the decree. Everyone, except my brother. Standing, Vibhishana took a deep breath and shouted: “Silence.” The court was suddenly silent. He looked around slowly, then looked at me and said, “I object to your decision my Lord and my dear brother. Hanuman is a messenger and killing messenger is against Dharma (law). I do not want you and this Lanka to sentence any one against Dharma. It was you who taught me all this. Forgive me, if I have hurt you but thi
s is what I feel.”

  I was gladdened that I was right about my brother. At least there was someone who wasn’t a mere yes-man; who used his head during crisis. I paused and then turned my eyes towards the rest of the wise men in the court. All of them instantly understood that Vibhishana was right. They hung their heads in shame. Vibhishana stood straight and stubborn. I confirmed in my mind that Vibhishana would be my successor.

  TUNING VIBHISHANA

  I couldn’t go down. Had I done that the sense of badness would have got diluted. I then decided to continue the nature and ordered the men to put fire to the monkey’s tail, take him round the streets and send him away.

  This Hanuman was just not a simple messenger and certainly not just any monkey. The fire did nothing to him. He burnt all my streets, met Sita again and went away. Rama sent the right person to Lanka. I announced a high-level meeting and asked all my cabinet members to gather including Kumbakarna (Vijaya). The agenda of the meeting was to get prepared for the war.

  The meeting commenced and everyone out there knew what had all happened. My brother Kumbhakarna was unaware as he was asleep. He has a curse from his great grandfather Bramha that made him sleep most of the time. I explained him all that happened right from Surpanaka’s visit to Rama. Because all the heads were present for this meeting, I worded it the way they knew of the situation. However, Kumbakarna being Vijaya understood my indication well. His eyes lit up as he listened and looked at me keenly. It was an unspoken signal between us: he was also internally happy like me. It had started. But because everyone was there he said, “You should have consulted me, Vibhishana and this court before bringing Sita to Lanka. You didn’t do that. Had you done that before, today this situation of war might not have rose. Anyway, what was done is done. Surrendering ourselves to Rama is a great disgrace, now. We are left with no choice. Thinking of any other option is just a mere waste of time. Getting ourselves ready for combat without wasting time any further is better. That messenger burnt the whole Lanka and killed many of our men. That Rama killed one complete battalion of ours. We should not spare them. We should take revenge, without underestimating them. Our army should be alert and be ready for everything. Remember, this is a do or die situation. Each and everyone of us better remember to be on our toes. I am going to my fort to eat now and will be ready for the battle. Call me when needed.”