Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ramayana: A Divine Drama – Vol. V
Ravana felt frightened, looking at the power and prowess of
Hanuman. He thought that when a mere monkey had so much
courage and strength, the followers of Rama must be much
greater than him. Ravana decided to humble Hanuman by
setting fire to his tail, for the tail is very dear to a monkey.
Yards of cloth were brought to wrap around the monkey’s
tail, and it was set on fire. Hanuman leapt from mansion to
mansion, setting fire to every house with his burning tail.
(SSB 1996 p57)
When Hanuman set fire to Lanka and went back, Ravana
started worrying that Rama would definitely arrive, any time
from then. He considered the possible defeat at Rama’s
hands. These were the effects of his own guilty conscience! It
led him hallucinate all such scenarios and did not give him a
moment’s peace! (SSB 2002 p.118)
PREPARATION FOR THE BATTLE
Ravana assesses the damages and seeks suggestions:
At the Audience Hall, Ravana called the ministers together, and
invited them to give expression to their estimate of the situation.
“You are aware of the calamities that were inflicted by that
messenger of Rama. What preparations are necessary What are
your suggestions for the future Tell me quite frankly, without
the slightest fear.” The ministers looked at each other. They
sneered in repressed laughter, but no one dared speak.
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