Hanuman slaying Mahiravana and Ahiravana in Patala Loka

Patala Loka: Hanuman slaying Mahiravana and Ahiravana:

(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 79 to 87)

• Meditation:: I meditate on Bhakta Hanuman slaying Mahiravana in Patala Loka.

• Ravana remembering Mahiravana in Lanka: After the death of Indrajit, Ravana understood that Lanka has been reduced to ashes. There is no fighter left to send against Rama. Now he has to go to the battlefield himself. Tears flowed from his eyes in grief. During that time Nikasha, the mother of Ravana, who had earlier tried to desist Ravana from the battle, was filled with pity seeing the condition of Ravana. She reminded Ravana of his son Mahiravana in Patala Loka. Ravana as if got a new life. He remembered Mahiravana who was a worshipper of Mahamaya and expert in Maya. He was also great fighter. Mahiravana arrived in Lanka from Patala Loka. Hearing everything he said that he was called too late. However, he assured Ravana that by his power of Maya he will destroy the enemies. His power of Maya is such that even if Indra and Sachi is seated on the same throne, he can kidnap Sachi without the knowledge of Indra.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 79)

• Vibhishana reporting Sri Rama about Mahiravana: In the meantime, Vibhisana to know the future plan of Ravana, took the form of a bird and entered the palace of Ravana. He saw and heard Mahiravana there and was filled with apprehension. He went to Sri Rama and reported that. He said that Mahiravana was a great warrior as well as great in the power of Maya. Mayamaya is like a prisoner in his house. He is a conqueror of the three worlds and can do whatever he likes with his power of Maya. Vibhishana told Jambavan to device a way to protect against this enemy. Jambavan consulted Hanuman.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 80)

• Hanuman guarding Rama and Lakshmana: Jambavan said that in direct fight, Hanuman could have faced the enemy directly. But this enemy is expected to come stealthily at night. Therefore everyone should remain awake at night and keep vigil. Hanuman said to Sri Rama to cover the sky with Vishnu Chakra so that the enemy cannot approach through the sky. Hanuman himself created a fortress with his tail and the entire army was lodged inside it. Sri Rama slept on the lap of Sugreeva and Sri Lakshmana in the lap of Angada. Vibhishana took rounds around the fort as a watchman. Hanuman himself guarded the door of the fort as a door-keeper.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 80)

• Mahiravana abducting Sri Rama and Lakshmana: As Vibhishana was taking the rounds around the fort he told Hanuman that even if your father comes, do not allow him inside. On that other hand Mahiravana came there from the sky. He saw the Vishnu Chakra. He saw the fortress made by Hanuman and Vibhishana taking rounds there. He thought of ways to enter the fort.
- Mahiravana first took the form of Dasharatha and approached Hanuman with the wish to see his sons Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman told him to wait for Vibhishana. When Vibhishana came there Mahiravana ran away.
- Mahiravana then took the form of Bharata and approached Hanuman with the wish to see his brothers Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman told him to wait for Vibhishana. When Vibhishana came there Mahiravana ran away.
- Mahiravana then took the form of Kaushalya and approached Hanuman with the wish to see his sons Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman told her to wait for Vibhishana. When Vibhishana came there Mahiravana ran away.
- Mahiravana then took the form of Janaka and approached Hanuman with the wish to see his son-in-laws Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman told him to wait for Vibhishana. When Vibhishana came there Mahiravana ran away.

Finally Mahiravana came in the guise of Vibhishana himself. Hanuman asked him why he had returned so early. Mahiravana (as Vibhishana) said that, Mahiravana knows many secret illusions, so it is better to tie a rakhi on the hands of Rama and Lakshmana. Saying this Mahiravana entered the fortress in a secret manner. He saw Rama and Lakshmana sleeping on the laps of Sugreeva and Angada (and the vanaras protecting them all around). Taking the name of Mahamaya, he threw some dust and made the vanaras unconscious. Then he carried Rama and Lakshmana to the nether world through a tunnel. In the nether world he kept demons to guard them.

When the real Vibhishana came to Hanuman taking the rounds and asking the welfare of Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman was confounded as he thought that the real Vibhishana was inside the fort. Hanuman told many harsh words to Vibhishana. It took some effort by Vibhishana to convince Hanuman that he was the real Vibhishana. Then they entered the place where Rama and Lakshmana were sleeping. Realising that Mahiravana has abducted Rama and Lakshmana, all the vanaras and Vibhishana started crying. They decided to give up their lives. Jambavan consoled them and said that Hanuman, who can move in the three worlds, should first be given a chance to search Rama and Lakshmana. If he fails they can think of giving up their lives. Everyone agreed on this proposal.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 81)

• Hanuman searching for Sri Rama and Lakshmana: With grief in heart for his misjudgement, and declaring that he will consign his body in the ocean if he is not able to find Sri Rama, Hanuman started his search. He went through the same tunnel through which Mahiravana abducted Sri Rama. He came to Patala Loka and saw many palaces, sacred places and sages. But he could not find Sri Rama. Then Hanuman entered the city of Mahiravana. There were many ponds and trees in that city. There were beautiful ladies. There were elephants, horses and chariots of surprising forms. Hanuman thought that Rama and Lakshmana are in that city itself. He took the form of a small monkey and sat on a tree. The residents were surprised seeing that monkey. An old woman came and said that earlier Mahiravana had performed severe austerities and propitiated Mahamaya. He asked the boon to become immortal. The goddess said that boon of immortality cannot be granted and he should ask for some other boons. Mahiravana then asked the boon that he should not die on the hands of serpents, gods etc. He only left out human beings and vanaras thinking that they were the eatables of demons and can cause no harm. The goddess said that he will perish on the hands of human beings and vanaras. The old lady said that the king has captured two men and now a vanara has arrived. It shows that the death of the king is near. Hanuman rejoiced listening to the words of that old lady.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 82)

• Mahiravana arranging to sacrifice Sri Rama and Lakshmana before Mahamaya: The residents then heard festive music and arrangements from inside the palace of Mahiravana. When an old lady was coming from the palace, they enquired her. The old lady said that the secrets of the palace should not be divulged, so they should keep this secret. The king has captured two beautiful men from somewhere and is going to sacrifice them after some time before the Mahamaya. They are kept as prisoners now. It breaks her heart to see this. Who can be their unfortunate parents?
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 82)

• Hanuman meeting Sri Rama and Lakshmana and assuring them: Hanuman thought that it is not proper anymore for him to stay in that place. He got the news of Sri Rama and Lakshmana. He took the form of a small fly and entered the prison chamber where Sri Rama and Lakshmana were there. Then reverting to his original form, he told them the story of how they have been abducted. Sri Rama in a tone of helplessness asked Hanuman that they do not have an army or their bows and arrows. Therefore, how can they free themselves? Hanuman assured them and said that Mahiravana has brought them there for his own downfall. If required he will fight against the demons with trees and rocks. First he should know the wish of the Mahamaya. After sometime, it was announced that the puja of Mahamaya will start soon. Goats and buffaloes in large number will be sacrificed. Two human beings will also be sacrified. Sri Rama and Lakshmana were decorated with various flowers and taken to the temple of Mahamaya.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 83)

• Hanuman meeting Mahamaya and knowing her wish: Hanuman then took the form of a small fly and whispered into the ears of Mahamaya. Hanuman asked Mahamaya whether she has given command to Mahiravana to sacrifice Sri Rama and Lakshmana. If that is so, then he will drown her and her temple into the sea. He is the servant of Sri Rama. Mahamaya laughted listening to Hanuman. Then the Devi said that Mahiravana is wicked and devoid of Dharma. He kills gods and brahmanas. Sri Rama has incarnated only to destroy such demons. There is no difference between Shiva and Rama. Then the Devi told the way to kill Mahiravana. During the sacrifice when Mahiravana will ask Rama and Lakshmana to bow down to Mahadevi, Rama and Laksmana should ask Mahiravana to demonstrate how to bow down properly. The demon will lay down flat on the ground. Hanuman should then take the sword and slay him. Hanuman went back and conveyed this plan to Sri Rama and Lakshmana.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 84)

• Brahma telling the story of Mahiravana: In the meantime, Indra asked Lord Brahma as how Sri Rama and Lakshmana will be saved from Mahiravana. Lord Brahma said that Mahiravana was earlier a gandharva named Shatrudhanu who used to perform music and dance in the court of Lord Vishnu. Once when sage Ashtavakra came there, he laughed at the sage looking at his deformed body. The sage cursed him that he will become a demon in the Patala Loka. When the gandharva repented and asked for pity, sage Ashtavakra said that he will be the chief of demons and Mahamaya will reside in his place being propitiated by him through penance. When Sri Rama incarnates, he will abduct Rama and Lakshmana and his head will be chopped by Hanuman. Then his curse will end.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 85)

• Hanuman slaying Mahiravana and liberating him: As told by Mahamaya, during the puja, Mahiravana asked Sri Rama and Lakshmana to bow before the Mahadevi. Sri Rama and Lakshmana said that they do not know how to bow before the goddess and he should demonstrate it to them. Mahiravana demonstrated it by falling flat before the Mahadevi with his head downwards. Hanuman took the sword from the hand of Devi and jumping before Mahiravana, severed his body into two pieces. The Image of the Goddess laughed. The servants of Mahiravana fled in panic. Mahiravana attained the form of gandharva and went to heaven.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 86)

• Hanuman slaying Ahiravana: The news spread to the queen of Mahiravana. She became filled with rage. She said that Devi Yogadya, whom the king had worshipped so long has finally taken the sides of humans and vanaras. Therefore, she should first drown her Image and then destroy the enemies. She was pregnant with ten months child and came to fight with bows and arrows and an army. She shot arrows at Hanuman. Hanuman threw huge trees at her but she always destroyed them with her arrows. Hanuman was confused and in anger kicked her belly. Ahiravana was born from her as a small demon. Immediately after birth he with a roar attacked Hanuman over his chest. Hanuman was amused but could not catch him. He always slipped from his hands because his body was slippery. Hanuman then thought of wind-god. The wind-god blew wind and filled the body of Ahiravana with dust. Hanuman caught hold of him and throwing him on the ground, killed him. All those who came to fight with Hanuman was subjugated by him. The sages of the Patala Loka became pleased.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 87)

• Hanuman rescuing Mahamaya: When Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman was about to leave Patala Loka, the goddess adored by Mahiravana told them not to leave her since there will be no one to serve her in that place. Hanuman rescued the goddess and took her out of Patala Loka. They moved through the tunnel and appeared before the army of Sugreeva.
(Krittivasa Ramayana - Lanka Kanda - 87)

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