Ravana's Death

 Ravana's Death

The reverberations of Ravana's death were felt across the kingdom, which soon succumbed to a wildfire of despair that ran amok amongst the Rakshasas and the king's many wives.

The Vanaras roared triumphantly at Rama's victory and at the death of the king of the Rakshasas. Fortunate omens appeared, as a fragrant breeze began to blow, flowers were showered upon Rama, and the gods played auspicious instruments. Vibhishana, Sugriva, Jambavan, Hanuman, and the chief commanders of the Vanara army went to Rama and accorded him all honour.

A husband's death

The Rakshasis heard of Ravana's demise and rushed out of the inner quarters, their hair loose. They exited from the northern gate, crying for their husband, and rushed through the ground, which was covered in blood.

They saw the mighty Ravana, fallen to the ground, and wept. One of them grasped his feet, another held on to his neck, while one placed his head on her lap, regarding it with unspeakable affection.

They lamented, "You who terrified Indra and Yama sleep on the ground, killed in battle. You were fearless in the face of all beings, but now lie dead. You did not regard the advice of those who wished you well and told you to stop. You rejected Vibhishana, and held Sita here against your will -thus killing yourself, the Rakshasas, and us, who are now bereft of you."

Moment of truth

His chief wife, Mandodari, cried. "Ah, large-armed hero! The king of gods, Indra himself was afraid to face you in battle. Gandharvas and celestial sages would flee at your sight. Yet, you were killed by a mere man in battle! I do not believe Rama could have defeated you.

"You first defeated your senses and then routed the world. It is your senses which finally emerged victorious. Or perhaps, Indra himself has appeared as Rama. He killed Khara and the 14,000 Rakshasas, and that was hardly a human deed. I advised you against fighting Rama, but you did not listen. Look at what has happened now. Your obsession for Sita was destined to end this way, and I am rendered to this state, bereft of you. My brother-in-law was right.

There is no reason to grieve for you, for your prowess and valour are well-known. I grieve because of my own pain. I am anguished at my separation from you. You do not even look upon me. Shame on my heart, which does not shatter into a thousand pieces!"

For dharma's sake

Rama instructed Vibhishana to perform Ravana's funerar rites and return the Rakshas to the fortress.

Vibhishana, however, hesitated, for, how could he perform the last rites for one such as Ravana, who had abandoned dharma so completely? "He was an enemy in a brother's guise and desired to harm all beings. Ravana does not deserve honour even though he may be honourable like my older brother. People may think I am cruel at first glance, but I am sure they will understand," he said.

Rama, the very best of those who bear dharma, said, "1 have won this battle because of you, and as such, ought to do as you will. However, listen to what I have to say. It is true that he was engaged in adharma and falsehood. However, he was always invincible and valiant in battle. In any case, all enmity ends in death. What we sought has been achieved. Perform his last rites, Vibhishana, for he is to me what he is to you."

Vibhishana arranged for Ravana's final rites, offering him water, and sent Ravana's wives back to the fortress after comforting them.