The Demon Formation Closes around Rama Like Darkness around the Young Sun
Aranya Kanda, Doha 18
Doha 18 · Movement 3 of 3
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The warriors rush forward in battle formation, shouting for Rama to be seized. Their ranks converge upon the single figure standing before Panchavati.
The poet turns the field into the edge of dawn. Rama is the young rising sun, apparently alone, while demons gather around him as though darkness could surround and overpower the source of morning.
Their cry mistakes number for power and solitude for weakness. The formation tightens, weapons lift, and the black host tries to close every avenue. Yet the image has already revealed the outcome. However thickly night encircles the first sun, its very approach to that radiance announces the hour in which it must disappear.
The demons close around the solitary young sun, unaware that their encirclement is the shape of approaching dawn.
Read the passage from the Manas
आइ गए बगमेल धरहु धरहु धावत सुभट। जथा बिलोकि अकेल बाल रबिहि घेरत दनुज।।18।।
The warriors came rushing in formation, crying 'Hold them! Hold them!' as they charged. It was as though demons were swarming around the young morning sun, seeing him standing alone.