Ramayana_VOLUME V with index

Ravana
destructive floods on the earth on the Day of Deluge, the Vanara
hordes moved fast towards the Rakshasa forces, bent upon
annihilation of the enemy. The mountain peaks that the
combatants threw against the enemy fell with the noise of
thunder. In an instant, the chariots, elephants and horses of the
Rakshasa armies were destroyed. Thousands and thousands of
Rakshasas fell on the ground. Blood flowed as rivers. Ravana
lost all his warriors. (RKRV Part II p.251-253)
Lanka was enveloped in great sorrow as the warriors started
killing the demons. Even the people who did not commit any
wrong became victims of this war. The sinner may be one, but
punishment falls on all those around him. Does the roaring fire in
a forest burn only the neem trees and spare the mango trees since
they are sweet The fire consumes every tree that comes in the
way. The Jasmine in a forest wafts its fragrance to all those
around it. Similarly, war kills the good as well as the bad people.
(SSB 1996 p.67)
Gradually Ravana started losing each one of his celebrated
generals 46 . He felt he was alone, and that the monkeys and bears
were many. So, he decided to draw on his magic powers. He
exercised magic on all except Rama. But Rama willed otherwise.
Through His Will Ravana saw wherever he turned vast ocean of
Vanara hordes, with Rama and Lakshmana in the vanguard,
leading the forces. At this, Ravana realised that his magic could
not produce any effect. Soon, Rama called to his presence the
Vanaras and told them in grave seriousness: “You are all
46
SSB 2002 p.125
69