Hanuman's Capture by Indrajit

After his warriors were defeated, Ravana summoned his son, the mighty warrior Indrajit, who had knowledge of many magical weapons. Only he could stop Hanuman now.

Ravana summoned his son Indrajit and instructed him to capture or kill Hanuman. The prince of Lanka, as powerful as the son of a god, with eyes like lotus petals, circumambulated his father and prepared for battle.

Indrajit, who surpassed all wielders of weapons in their skill, emerged like the ocean on the night of a full moon night, and boarded his chariot. Hanuman was thrilled to hear the sound of his chariot and the twang of his bowstring, even as semi-divine beings and sages gathered to watch the two warriors battle.

Hanuman saw Indrajit arrive and let out a fierce roar. Indrajit pulled at his bowstring, and the twang resounded like thunder. He released a torrent of arrows and Hanuman rose to the sky, to avoid them. He deftly moved between and around them and avoided them, even though Indrajit aimed them well and they possessed the force of lightning. Both the warriors were fast and accomplished in the art of battle.

Indrajit soon realized that Hanuman could not be killed and decided to capture him instead.

He released the Brahmastra, the weapon of Brahma, the Creator of the universe. It rushed towards Hanuman and bound him. When he fell to the ground, the great Vanara recalled the blessings of Brahma, Indra, and his father, the god of wind, and remained fearless even though he was bound. He realised that it was beneficial for him as well, for now he could see Ravana in person.

The other Rakshasas ran up and bound Hanuman in physical restraints, which released Brahma's weapon, as that bond could not coexist with another. Indrajit fretted for the Rakshasas caused great harm in their ignorance, but Hanuman never realised that he was free.