When Ravana heard that Atikaya had been killed by Lakshmana, he became very anxious and said: “The supremely intolerant Dhumraksha, Akampana, the best of wielders of weapons, Prahasta and even Kumbhakarna—these powerful warriors eager for combat and conquerors of enemy armies have been conquered by their enemies. Those valiant rakshasas with gigantic bodies, though skilled in the use of many kinds of weapons, have been slain along with their armies by Rama, who is never wearied by action. Many other heroic giants have also been struck down. Those two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, were earlier bound by my son Indrajit, whose strength and prowess is well known, with dreadful arrows given by Lord Brahma. They freed themselves from that bond, which was impossible for all the gods, demons, Yakshas, Gandharvas and Nagas, by means of some power or deceptive trick which I am not familiar with. Rama and Lakshmana escaped from captivity. All those brave Rakshasa warriors who sallied forth under my command were killed in battle by the extremely powerful monkeys.
I do not see anyone who can annihilate Rama, along with Lakshmana, the monkey army, the valiant Sugreeva and Vibhishana in combat. Oh, how very powerful is Rama! And how great is the power of his weapons! On confronting His prowess the rakshasas met their end. I think that the valorous Rama is the all-good Lord Narayana. Out of fear of Him, indeed, the city of Lanka has its gates and arches sealed. Remaining ever vigilant, guard this city with its garrisons, and guard the Ashoka grove where Sita is. Whenever someone enters or leaves, we should know about it always. Wherever there are garrisons, those coming and going should be checked again and again. Surrounded by your own troops, remain stationed everywhere!
“O night-stalkers, you should observe the locations of those monkeys all the time, whether it is dusk or midnight or even sunrise. You should never overlook the monkeys. You should see whether the enemy army is stirring, advancing or staying put.”
Hearing Ravana’s command, all those mighty rakshasas carried it out to completion. After instructing them in this way, the miserable Ravana entered his own palace, carrying the thorn of anger in his side. The fire of wrath having been lit, that mighty lord of the night-stalkers brooded over the death of his son, sighing repeatedly.
Thus completes 72nd Chapter of Yuddha Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Sriman Moola Rama Vijayate
