Ravana Orders the Sacred Fires Extinguished
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 181
Doha 181 · Movement 1 of 2
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Masters of illusion fill the demon race, without dharma or compassion even in dream. Ravana sits within his assembly and surveys sons, followers, kinsmen, and grandsons in numbers beyond counting. Pride rises naturally at the sight of such power.
His words carry anger and intoxication. The gods are enemies, he tells the night wanderers, but they will not fight face to face. Whenever the demons approach in strength, heaven's warriors flee.
A different attack will destroy them. Brahmin feasts, yajnas, fire offerings, and worship nourish the sacred order on which the gods depend. Ravana commands his hosts to obstruct every one, turning violence from battlefields toward altars, kitchens, hermitages, and prayer.
From Lanka's throne, Ravana sends darkness toward every sacred flame.
Read the passage from the Manas
कामरूप जानहिं सब माया। सपनेहुँ जिन्ह कें धरम न दाया।। दसमुख बैठ सभाँ एक बारा। देखि अमित आपन परिवारा।। सुत समूह जन परिजन नाती। गे को पार निसाचर जाती।। सेन बिलोकि सहज अभिमानी। बोला बचन क्रोध मद सानी।। सुनहु सकल रजनीचर जूथा। हमरे बैरी बिबुध बरूथा।। ते सनमुख नहिं करही लराई। देखि सबल रिपु जाहिं पराई।। तेन्ह कर मरन एक बिधि होई। कहउँ बुझाइ सुनहु अब सोई।। द्विजभोजन मख होम सराधा।।सब कै जाइ करहु तुम्ह बाधा।।
They could assume any form at will and knew every art of maya. Not even in dreams did they possess dharma or compassion. One day, the ten-faced Ravana sat in his court, surveying his immense household and kin.