Episode 21 - Ravana's call to Indrajit and Anjaneya's capture by Indrajit

Ravana somehow reconciled himself to the death of Aksha, his young son, and then called another son, Indrajit and remarked: “You have obtained great Astras (Arrows used with Mantras) from Lord Brahma through your penance and you are well-versed in their use. Both gods and Rakshasas have tasted your strength in war and there is none who has not been troubled by you. You have handed them all sorrow and defeat. You have a great sense of time and place and you are well protected by your physical strength, your valour and your penance. There is nothing impossible for you in war and such is your wisdom that there is nothing beyond your accomplishment. You are my equal in every respect. Whenever there is war, I have no worry, knowing that you ensure our victory.”

“My Commanders, warriors, horses, elephants and chariots have been lost. Your beloved brother, Aksha, has been killed. You take stock of the great Monkey's strength and valour in relation to yours and organise yourself and your speed in a manner suitable to your strength. Lots of armies and great weapons like the Vajra have failed before Anjaneya, the Wind God's son, who is like fire. Therefore, consider the various aspects, be cool and focussed on your purpose. Remember the use of various Astras and begin your campaign. The fact that I am deputing you on this dangerous mission is not the best method and yet it is the king's duty. O Indrajit! May you succeed!”

Indrajit listened to his father's advice, circumambulated him and left for the battle-field in a chariot, along with an army of Rakshasas, well-determined and enthusiastic about the ensuing battle with Anjaneya. Hanuman heard the sound of the chariot and the sound of the bow-strings produced by Indrajit with joy. Indrajit had such great reputation for terror and cunning in war that while he was proceeding to the battle-ground, the earth looked gloomy in all the quarters and cruel animals were wildly howling. Hanuman, for his part, raised a huge war cry and assumed a mountain-like form. Both Anjaneya and Indrajit had great speed, strength and fearlessness in war and looked like the Lord of the Devas (gods) and the Lord of Asuras (Rakshasas), respectively.

Soon the battle began and Indrajit aimed lots of powerful arrows at Hanuman who skillfully moved between them in the air, untouched by them. Both of them were masters of warfare and neither could overwhelm the other. Soon Indrajit realised that Anjaneya could not be killed by any means. Therefore, he thought that he had to find a way to capture him and employed the Brahmastra, the most powerful weapon, against Anjaneya. Anjaneya was encircled by the Astra and brought down to the ground. He realised that this Astra belonging to Lord Brahma had the power to bind him temporarily and accordingly, bade his time. Though he knew he could release himself from the shackles of the Astra, out of respect for Lord Brahma, he kept quiet and reflected: “I am protected by Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and the Wind God, my father, and so, I am not hurt. Though I am captured, this is an opportunity for me to see Ravana into whose presence I shall be taken.”

Seeing Anjaneya bound by the Astra, the Rakshasa soldiers used ropes and barks of trees to reinforce the Astra. As a result, the Astra released its hold on Anjaneya. Indrajit realised the folly of the Rakshasas as he knew that the Astra would not operate on a person held by other devices and the Mantra (hymn) whose effect had been nullified, would not work again. Anjaneya was dragged along the route to the king's palace by the Rakshasas, inflicting punishment on him on the way with their fists and sticks. Soon Hanuman was produced before Ravana, the Rakshasa King and his Ministers. Ravana saw Hanuman in chains. Hanuman, in turn, looked at Ravana who was shining like the sun by his strength and splendour. Ravana was furious and his eyes reddened as he ordered some of his Ministers to question him. Anjaneya was accordingly questioned as to his purpose of visiting Lanka and by whom he was sent. Anjanya answered: “I have come here as a messenger of Sugriva.”