Ravana Takes Lanka and the Pushpaka
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 179
Doha 179 · Movement 1 of 2
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Mighty demons once inhabited Lanka before the gods destroyed them in battle. In their place, millions of guardians belonging to Kubera now keep the fortress under Indra's arrangement. Ravana hears of the city and marches with a vast, fierce army.
The Yakshas see the approaching warriors and flee for their lives to distant lands. Ravana enters, surveys the naturally defended city, and feels former sorrow disappear. Lanka becomes his capital, and homes are distributed according to the merit of each demon follower.
The ten headed ruler then attacks Kubera himself. Victory brings back the Pushpaka chariot, a royal vehicle taken from the lord of wealth. Fortress, subjects, and flying splendour gather beneath Ravana's command.
The Pushpaka descends over golden Lanka, bearing the first trophies of Ravana's empire.
Read the passage from the Manas
रहे तहाँ निसिचर भट भारे। ते सब सुरन्ह समर संघारे।। अब तहँ रहहिं सक्र के प्रेरे। रच्छक कोटि जच्छपति केरे।। दसमुख कतहुँ खबरि असि पाई। सेन साजि गढ़ घेरेसि जाई।। देखि बिकट भट बड़ि कटकाई। जच्छ जीव लै गए पराई।। फिरि सब नगर दसानन देखा। गयउ सोच सुख भयउ बिसेषा।। सुंदर सहज अगम अनुमानी। कीन्हि तहाँ रावन रजधानी।। जेहि जस जोग बाँटि गृह दीन्हे। सुखी सकल रजनीचर कीन्हे।। एक बार कुबेर पर धावा। पुष्पक जान जीति लै आवा।।
Mighty rakshasa warriors once dwelt in that city, all of them slain by the gods in battle. Now, by Indra's command, crores of Kubera's guardians keep watch over it.