|
 Indrajit is depicted as the most valiant, powerful and clever of all rakshasas. Even the killing of the mighty Kumbakarna does not go beyond one canto. Ravana is shown in the battlefield on two different occasions. But Indrajit was the only one who puts in a stiff fight against the host, running to several cantos. He could bind both Rama and Lakshmana as well as the entire Vanara army, with his nagasthra – the snake noose. They were lying motionless, till Garuda appeared in the scene and the snakes lost their power in the presence of their natural enemy. However, it has to be mentioned here that the Nagasthrap Padalam (Canto) was Kamban’s addition to the original of Valmiki. Valmiki does not mention this.
Again, it was Indrajit who with the Brahmastra, pushed Lakshmana and the entire army, excepting Sri Rama – and Vibishna who was not in the field then – into a stupor, necessitating Hanuman to bring the hillock of herbs to rejuvenate them. It has to be accepted that this son of Ravana was quite extraordinary in his skill. Not only in his skill with the bow; but in employing maya (illusory techniques) in his warfare. To be more proper, one may like to call it war(un)fair!
After the vanara host and Lakshmana were brought back to life from the stronghold of the unfailing Brahmastra, Ravana summons Indrajit once again and asks him to go to the battlefield. Indrajit was one among those who spoke against the wise counsel of Vibishana and chided him for advising Ravana, the all powerful, to return Sita, who was the wife of a man. For, man is nothing but food for rakshasas. Why should someone be afraid of his food, Kamban makes a humorous remark, through a
rakshasa.
But the later happenings make Indrajit realise the truth. He is quick to realise that Rama and Lakshmana are none but the Supreme, in human form. He tells his father:
Maanidan allan. He is not a man. Thollai vaanavan allan. He is not one of the demi-gods. He is the Supreme one. Father, when I set the Brahmastra against them, I included Rama as its target. It is a wonder that it didn’t touch him. This is proof enough father, to show that Rama is none else but Narayana
himself.
But Ravana taunts him. He accuses Indrajit of being afraid of mere humans. This is the same tactics that Ravana adopts each time he is advised against the retention of Sita. He chided Vibishana and insulted him to such an extent that he left him. He reproached Kumbakarna with cowardice when he advised him to return Sita. Now, it is for Indrajit to take the blame. Ravana was headstrong. Not a strong-head.
 Indrajit was hard put. He realised that it was not within his power to turn his father to the right direction. Of course, he stood by the side of his father, aided and abetted him, until he came to know of the supreme might of the opponent. Therefore, what Indrajit was afraid of was not Dharma, but defeat.
He then assured Ravana of his support. He designed a quick plan. He needed time to perform the Nikumbhila yaga. If he were able to complete it, it would make him invincible. But, these two humans and the vanara host should be silenced till then. They should be shocked out of their senses. They should be put in a state of indecision or they should decide to leave the island, of their own.
Indrajit had a clear plan.
(To be continued)
Hari Krishnan
More
Articles
|
