The Yudha Kandam is believed to be the last and final Kandam, written by Rishi Valmiki himself. Many scholars believe that Uttara Kandam was a later addition. Readers will recall that the previous Kandam, namely, the Sundara Kandam ends with the vanaras, monkeys, led by Angada, and guided by Hanuman, reporting to Rama and Sugriva, the joyous news of their journey, down south to the sagaram, ocean; and Hanuman leaping to Lanka; seeing Sita Ma, and returning safely.
The Yudha Kandam begins, appropriately with Rama's praise of Hanuman. He has done a most difficult job. Nobody else, in the entire world can even conceive of such a task. Only Garuda and Hanuman can cross such a huge sagaram. Hanuman has also managed to survive all the risks, in the highly fortified Lanka, and return alive. A great service to his master Sugriva. He has also saved me, Lakshmana, and the Raghu Vamsam from apakeerti, disrepute, by finding Sita, devoted to Dharma. Rama is sad that he is not able to repay Hanuman. Rama gives Hanuman a warm aalinganam, hug.
As has happened before, to Rama, is his manushya avataram, he starts worrying about how to cross the big sagaram, with the huge vanara sena. What is the plan? As Lakshmana has done before, he chides and encourages Rama. No need to torment yourself. We will certainly cross the sagaram and kill Ravana. Sugriva says, grief brings disaster. Instead, you must command me to bring back Sita. Let us build a bridge to Lanka. My vanaras will be great warriors, assuming any form. You are the King. I am your Minister. No one can face you in combat. Be angry, like a Kshatriya, warrior. Sugriva offers a positive vision. Rama, consider the ocean crossed and war won.
Rama accepts Sugriva's counsel. Naturally. He starts seeking vital data from Hanuman, about the fortifications and defences of Lanka, size of the Army, etc. Hanuman gives a very detailed reply, with specific information on the massive defence capabilities of Lanka. He also mentions the destruction he wrecked on Lanka. He, like Sugriva, reassures Rama of victory. He asks for Rama's command to start the journey, at a good muhurtam.
Rama is reassured. He vows to destroy Lanka and Ravana. At mid-day, with sun shining, an auspicious time, Rama requests Sugriva to start the march, towards Lanka. Sita will be revived on hearing of my yatra, as if by amrit. Rama is familiar with joytisham. Recalls that the day's nakshatram is Uttara Phalguni. He has a twitch in his right eye, a lucky sign. He suggests that Neela, the army head lead the march.
Avoid poisoned food offered by rakshasas. Rama suggests roles for different vanara leaders. Rama himself will ride on the shoulders of Hanuman. Lakshmana on the shoulders of Angada. Sugriva gives the formal orders. The vanara sena moves with great utsaham, enthusiasm. Valmiki gives a detailed description of the yatra, journey. Lakshmana assures Rama that he is going to soon kill Ravana, and return to prosperous Ayodhya, with Sita. Lakshmana points out several positive signs. His description is another example of Valmiki's encyclopaedic knowledge, including Astronomy. The sena was moving briskly. Not stopping for long anywhere. Keen to help Rama win the war and save Sita, as soon as possible. Valmiki gives a rapturous description of the land, lakes, hills, trees, plants, flowers etc. The sena reaches the ocean shores. Rama says the sena should rest. Be vary of any enemy actions. There is need to discuss a strategy to cross the sagaram. Valmiki, the Kavi, gives, as we expect, a gripping description of the sagaram, its waves, creatures, colours of the sky, reflected on its surface, etc.
Meanwhile, in Lanka, Ravana discusses with his ministers the threat from Rama, and how to counter it. He recalls, in detail, the havoc wrecked by Hanuman on the whole of Lanka. He seeks the advice of his ministers. He expects them to have thought deeply. He wants active deliberation, and concensus. Again, Ravana elaborates the threat. Rama is coming with thousands of vanaras. Rama and his brother Lakshmana can even dry up the samudram, ocean! Although, Ravana spoke to Sita dismissively of Rama, as a weakling, now confronted with invasion, he is much more realistic. He recalls Rama killing the mighty Khara, in battle. Readers will remember this from Aranya Kandam. Surpanaka was scared, and informed her brother Ravana.
The Rakshasa, Demon ministers tell Ravana that his vishadam, dejection is unwarranted. They list the strengths of the Lankan army. They flatter Ravana, on his strengths and various past exploits over serpents in Bhogavathi, Kubera in Kailash, seizing the Pushpaka Vimana, his daughter Maya as his wife, and many more such conquests. Indrajit alone can beat Rama. The ministers commit the typical rajasic, arrogant error underestimating the adversary; and exaggerating one's own strengths. Some mantris apologise for their error in under estimating Hanuman. They vow to destroy the entire vanara jati! One even suggests that some of them will go to Rama, in manushya rupam, human form, and say that they have been sent by Bharata. Rama and Lakshmana will become emotional. Then, we destroy all of them! Such bravado goes on! Vinasha kale viparita buddhi! When disaster is impending, intelligence goes astray.
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