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 The reason why Rama, Lakshmana and the vanara host was in war against Ravana was to liberate Sita. If Sita were killed, it would make the war purposeless. That would frustrate them and make them lose their heart, Indrajit thought. They may give up this war. That was one easy way of stopping the war. There was no point in continuing the war, since the chances of success seemed bleak and since these humans were no humans at all.
But there was another dangerous possibility. If Sita was killed, they may rise up in anger – instead of getting frustrated – and redouble their efforts, fight to the last with even more vigour, at least for the sake of taking revenge. Therefore, it was also necessary to keep them inactive, or indecisive till such time that he could complete the
yaga.
However, there was no question of killing Sita. It would frustrate Ravana more! He would not allow it. Therefore, Indrajit created an illusory Sita in living form and decided to kill her instead, in the battlefield. There was one difficulty, though. The person who witnesses the gory deed, must have seen Sita. It was ideal to kill this maya Sita, in the presence of Rama. But he would easily find out the difference. He has, after all, lived with her for so many years. He therefore chose to kill maya Sita, in the presence of Hanuman. Now, Hanuman has seen her twice in the asoka vana, when he came in search of her a couple of months ago. He would not be able to see the intricate details, if he sees her from a distance. More over, if you manage to whip up emotions, not even the most intelligent would be able to see the truth. Therefore, Hanuman seemed to be the ideal witness.
That was not enough. Indrajit proposed to make an announcement in the field, within the earshot of Hanuman, that he was on his way to Ayodhya to kill Bharata, Satrughna, and their mothers and to destroy the entire city.
 Kamban says: pogalar endra pOdhum – Even if they don’t go
anumanai aandup pOkki – by sending Hanuman there (to Ayodhya)
aagiyadhu arindhaal andri – (they would try to know) what has really happened; until then
arunthuyar aatral aatrar – they would not be able to bear the immensity of this grief.
The news that Sita was killed would stop them from further action. The thought that I was on my way to Ayodhya would frustrate them and make them inactive. Since Sita is already lost, they may decide to go to Ayodhya to protect them from destruction. Even if they do not go, they would at least send Hanuman to Ayodhya to find out the truth. If Hanuman moves out of here, that itself would give us sufficient respite and I would have time to complete my yaga.
It has to be observed here that even Indrajit thinks of Hanuman as the most important warrior, whose absence would help him in his efforts. The Nikumbhila yaga was so important, for it would give Indrajit invincibility and invulnerability against anyone.
(To be continued)
Hari Krishnan
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