Episode 19 - Destruction of Asoka Garden by Anjaneya and his fight with the Rakshasas

To execute his plan, Anjaneya decided to destroy Asoka Garden which was extremely attractive to the eye and the mind and particularly loved by the Rakshasi ladies. He began to pull down trees, break the branches and destroy the mountain peaks and the banks of the ponds and the water-pools. As a result of the destruction, the garden looked forlorn. Birds flew out of their nests terrified and serpents and animals galloped helter-skelter. Creeper-houses, museums and resorts in the garden were also destroyed. Having thus offended the mighty Ravana, Hanuman took up position at the entrance of the garden awaiting the Rakshasas and eager to fight them single-handed.

The Lankans were awakened to the horrible howls and shrieks of the birds and animals and the cracking sounds of the uprooted trees. The security guard, Rakshasis, too woke up to the reality that the beautiful garden was destroyed by the terrible mountain-like monkey. Then they questioned Sita: “Who is this monkey? Where has he come from and why? What is it that he has spoken to you?” The chaste and beautiful Sita cleverly answered: “How can I know the tricks of the terrible Rakhasas? As a serpent alone identifies the feet of a serpent, you alone certainly know who he is and what he will do. I am also afraid of him and think that he is a Rakshasa in disguise.” It may be noted that speaking an untruth is not only justifiable but is regarded as a higher Dharma than speaking the truth in certain circumstances according to Hindu philosophy and Sastras.

Some of the Rakshasis then ran up to Ravana, the King, and reported the havoc played by the monkey with the Asoka Garden, his meeting with Sita and Sita's disinclination to reveal his identity. They also pointed out that the monkey destroyed the entire garden except the area surrounding Sita.

Hearing the report of the security guard, Ravana became furious like the fire kindled by Homa (offering of ghee etc.). Drops of tears dropped from his eyes reddened by anger like drops of oil coupled with little flames dropping down from huge burning lamps. He immediately ordered a group of 80,000 Kinkaras (a special army unit), who were equal to him in strength, to capture Anjaneya. All of them were war-mongers, well-armed and they rushed to the garden gate where Hanuman was waiting for them. The Rakshasas attacked Anjaneya with maces, arrows, spears and other weapons. Hanuman raised a frightening war cry and announced to the Rakshasas: “Victory unto Rama, Lakshmana and Sugriva! I am a servant of Rama and the son of Wind God. A thousand Ravanas are not equal to me in war. I will destroy Lanka and accomplish my task.” The Rakshasas were terrified by Anjaneya's thunderous voice. However, obeying their king's command, they attacked him with all kinds of weapons. Hanuman took out an iron bar, partially dismantling the gate and with it killed most of the Rakshasas. The remaining ones ran for their lives and reported the proceedings to Ravana.

Hanuman waited at the Chaityaprasadam (Fort-gate) and he was roaming like a lion for the twin purpose of instilling fear in the minds of the Rakshasas and to provoke them to further battle. Hearing his roar, hundreds of security guards rushed and surrounded Anjaneya with their deadly weapons. But he was too quick for them. He pulled out a golden pole supporting the Fort and swung it round and round so that fire issued forth from it and destroyed the gate along with the Rakshasas. He also loudly proclaimed: “There are thousands of Vanaras like me pervading the whole earth and our King, Sugriva, will land here, accompanied by them soon and there will be no Lanka, no Rakshasas and no Ravana, who has made Rama his enemy.”

By the command of Ravana, other Rakshasas rushed out of their camps to fight Anjaneya and to kill him, if possible, and if not, to capture him, at least. Minister Prahasta's son and later, seven other Ministers' sons were despatched and were promptly killed by the mighty Anjaneya.

Ravana then summoned five Commanders named Virupaksha, Yupaksha, Durdhara, Praghasa and Bhasakarna and counselled them: “O Commanders! Go with a huge army, chariots, horses and elephants and punish the monkey. In your strategy, you have to show a sense of time and place. He is not really a monkey but a great Bhutam (element like Fire) created probably by the penance of Indra, the Lord of the Devas (gods). I have, in the past, accompanied by you, defeated the Devas, Rishis, Asuras and other divine groups. Therefore, it is inevitable and to be expected that they intend some harm for us out of revenge. This hero of a monkey is not to be taken lightly or treated with disrespect but is to be captured by force.”

“I have seen great Vanara warriors like Vali and Sugriva (Vanara Kings), Jambavan (Commander of the bears), Commander Nila and others. They do not have the terrible strategic movement, splendour or valour like Anjaneya. Nor do they have the intellect, the physical strength, the enterprise or the power to assume swiftly different forms like him. Therefore, know him to be an extraordinary being in the guise of a monkey. However, I remind you that there is none in all the three worlds who can stand before you in war. Even so, he who knows warfare and wants to triumph, has to protect himself inasmuch as victory in war is fickle and uncertain.”

Having received the King's instructions, the Commanders, who had the radiance of fire, left; fully equipped with weapons, for the area where Anjaneya was stationed. They soon encircled and attacked him from all directions and wounded him. However, they were no match for Anjaneya. He uprooted and employed a huge Maddi (sal) tree to kill some of them. Some others were killed by a mountain peak hurled at them by the Vanara. He was not to be denied weapons. He picked up and employed horses as missiles against horses, elephants against elephants, chariots against chariots and soldiers against soldiers. The battle-field was filled with corpses of Rakshasas and animals and broken chariots. Having finished his task, Hanuman resumed his position at the main entrance like God of Death, ready for further battle.

Note: Ravana's admiration for Anjaneya, though he is an enemy, presents him as a true warrior. It may also be noted that having created enemies for himself, Ravana is realistic enough to expect retaliation at some point of time.