The process of writing Ramayanam Starts 15

The process of writing Ramayanam Starts 15

The astute minister of Sugriva, the valiant lieutenant of Sri Rama, Hanuman, jumped over the Southern seas from India to Lanka where the Rakshasa monarch Ravana ruled..

Hanuamas adventurous mission was to search and discover the whereabouts of Mata Sita, whom the Demon Chieftain had abducted.

Surpassing many hurdles, Hanumanji is now stationed near the colony of residential palaces in the city of Lanka where Ravana Himself along with his close kinsmen, generals, ministers and courtiers resided.

The imposing central palace was occupied by Ravana and the other palaces were occupied by his close aides.

The residential colony was under the vigilant and uninterrupted watchful protection of fierce, and really giant sized Rakshasas.

The walls of the buildings were covered with silver sheaths. The main halls and alleys were decorated with gold.. Each house had many rooms, ante rooms, huge halls of various sizes, all well built and well decorated with precious metals, gems, and furnished and upholstered with skins of tiger, lion, deer and other fancy animals.

The armed foot soldiers were backed up by soldiers atop pedigree horses brought in from all parts of the world, and huge elephants too were arrayed in large numbers. It was a round the clock vigil with periodical change of personnel an animals. In addition to this armed guards were patrolling around at regular intervals riding swift chariots..

The signs of supreme affluence and opulence was evident all around. The air was filled with sweet sounds of music emanating from the palaces.. The atmosphere was filled with loud announcements

heralding the victory of the demon king..

Hanuman set out on his mission of reconnaissance with all alacrity.. jumping from one house to another house methodically. He was all alone, away, away from all his kinsmen, but he was bold, no trace of fear affected Him and he went about his job with keen sense of purpose.

Hanumanji started his search from the residence of the demon Prahasta.. He jumped on ahead to the residence of Mahaparshva, Kumbhakarna, Vibheeshana, Mahodara, Viroopaksha, Vidhyujjihva, vidyunmaalee, Vajradamshtra, Shuka, Sarana, Indrajit, Jambumaalee, Sumali, Rashmikethu, Soorya Shatru, Vajrakaya, Dhoomraaksha, Sampaati, Vidyutroopa, Bheema, Ghana, Vighana, Shukanaasa, Vakra, Shata, Vikata, Brhamakarna, Damshtra, Romasha, Yudonmatta, Mattha, Dvajagreeva, Atikaaya, Aksha, Indrajihva, Hastimukha, Akambana, Karala, Pishaacha, Shonitaksha, Pishaacha, Devantaka, Narantaka, Kumbha, Nikumbha, Ugravaktra, Ghora and Ghoraarava

( Hanuman must have been one of the earlier prototypes of census enumerators.. but this enumeration was in secret, in the darkness of the night in a foreign land.. The names can be used even now to name babies especially for the ultramodern parents.)

Hanuman was really amazed to witness the affluent lifestyle of all these kinsmen and lieutenants of Ravana.

Finally the valiant Hanuman reached the huge mansion of Ravana Himself

He found that Rakshasis with deformed and ugly eyes were guarding the place all around and changing guards at regula intervals. They carried all sorts of weapons like spears, darts, bows and arrows, thorny mazes, and so on..

Various army formations were stationed around the Royal Palace. The army consisted of demons carrying all sorts of lethal weapons.

There were hundreds of well bred horses with soldiers atop. There were elephants caparisoned and armoured and ready for combat at very short notice.

And nearer the palace, there were gardens, bowers, and niches of pleasure all attached to the main building.. The halls were well lit and were stocked with rich food and beverages and the plates and utensils were all made of gold and studded with precious gems. And the urns, plates and cups were ever full with food and drinks..

( This is a condensation of the graphic description of Ravanas place, as found in theSundarakandam of Valmiki Ramaynam.. )

The story can continue.. with grace of God.. next day.