Doha 74b

The doings of Śrī Rāma, when manifested in an embodied form (Saguṇa-Sākāra), Bhavānī, cannot be logically interpreted by resort to reason or speech. Realizing this, those who know the truth about Him and are full of dispassion adore Śrī Rāma, discarding all theological speculation. (1) Having thus thrown the monkey host into confusion, Meghanāda at last revealed himself and began to pour abuses. Jāmbavān said, “Remain standing awhile, O wretch,” When he heard this, his anger knew no bounds. (2) “Fool, I spared you only on account of your age. And yet you have had the audacity to challenge me, O vile creature,” So saying he hurled his glittering trident. Jāmbavān, however, caught it in his hand and, darting forward, (3) struck Meghanāda in the chest with it so vehemently that the enemy of gods reeled and fell to the ground. Once again Jāmbavān in his fury took Meghanāda by the foot and, swinging him round, dashed him against the ground and thus showed him his strength. (4) By virtue of the boon,* (granted to him by Brahmā), however, he died not for all the striking inflicted on him. Thereupon Jāmbavān seized him by the foot and tossed him into Laṅkā. At this end the celestial sage Nārada despatched Garuḍa, who took no time in reaching by the side of Śrī Rāma. (5) * In the Adhyātmarāmāyaṇa Vibhīṣaṇa tells Śrī Rāma:— यस्तु द्वादश वर्षाणि निद्राहारविवर्जितः॥ तेनैव मृत्युर्निर्दिष्टो ब्रह्मणास्य दुरात्मनः । लक्ष्मणस्तु अयोध्याया निर्गम्यायात् त्वया सह॥ तदादि निद्राहारादीन्न जानाति रघूत्तम । सेवार्थं तव राजेन्द्र ज्ञातं सर्वमिदं मया॥ तदाज्ञापय देवेश लक्ष्मणं त्वरया मया । हनिष्यति न संदेहः शेषः साक्षाद्धराधरः॥ (Yuddhakāṇḍa VIII. 64—67) “Brahmā (the Creator) has ordained the death of this wicked soul (Meghanāda) at the hands of one who has neither slept nor taken any food for full twelve years. Given over to your service, Lakṣmaṇa, O Chief of the Raghus, has known neither sleep nor food etc., ever since he came away from Ayodhyā: I have come to know all this, O King of kings. Therefore, O Ruler of gods, command Lakṣmaṇa to accompany me with all speed; for he is no other than Śeṣa, the support of the earth, and will doubtless slay this demon.”

The king of birds seized and devoured the whole swarm of snakes created by Meghanāda’s demoniac power. The charm was thus dispelled and all the divisions of the monkey host rejoiced again. (74 A) Armed with rocks, trees, stones, and claws, the monkeys rushed forth in their fury; while the demons took to their heels in utter confusion and climbed up the fort. (74 B)