Episode 20 - Fight between Aksha and Anjaneya and Aksha's death

Knowing the death of the Commanders and the soldiers at the hands of Anjaneya, Ravana signalled his own son, Aksha, to go and fight the Vanara. The young hero, Aksha, climbed into a great chariot protected by a golden net around it and proceeded. The chariot was shining like the morning sun, equipped with all kinds of weapons and could move on the ground as well as in the air. Aksha was accompanied by a huge army and he approached Hanuman, who was waiting for the enemy. Aksha looked at Anjaneya with great respect and surprise.

Aksha estimated his own strength and his enemy's strength and quickly took stock of the whole situation. The battle between him and Hanuman was so fierce that the earth shook, the sun failed to shine, the wind stood still, the mountains shuddered, the sky thundered and the sea was agitated. The gods and the demons were bewildered alike.

Aksha hit Anjaneya with a few arrows on his head and the latter reeled and blood issued from his mouth. Yet he was glad and was impressed by the prowess of the young Rakshasa Prince. Aksha was like a cloud with a bow, like a rainbow, and rained arrows on Anjaneya who was like a mountain. Anjaneya was pleased with the art of war exhibited by Aksha and raised a war cry. The young Aksha, full of arrogance and anger moved closer to Anjaneya as an elephant would move into a trap. Both were in the air and Anjaneya was moving between the numerous arrows aimed at him and avoiding them. The whole sky was filled with arrows. Hanuman thought: “Aksha, young and brilliant like the morning sun, is doing the deeds of a seasoned warrior. Somehow, my mind is not made up to kill him. This young hero combines strategy, skill and valour in war and must be admired and feared by the gods, the Rakshasas and by one and all.”

Soon Hanuman realised that the enemy was escalating like fire and it was time to check him and close out the battle. He decided to kill Aksha. First, he destroyed his chariot with a blow delivered by his hand. Aksha jumped out into the air. Hanuman slowly approached him and caught hold of his feet. He swung him round and round and dashed him to the ground killing him at once. Hanuman again waited at the Main gate expecting further battle with the Rakshasas.

Note: Anjaneya is a true warrior and just as Ravana has admiration for him, he has great admiration for Aksha, a heroic son of Ravana.