Rama's Arrows Are Fire, and the Demon Hosts Are Moths
Sundara Kanda, Doha 15
Doha 15 · Movement 2 of 2
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Hanuman asks Mother Janaki to let courage remain within her heart. The golden city and its innumerable guards may appear solid around the solitary grove, but they do not determine the approaching end.
The demon multitudes are no more than moths drawn toward flame. Raghupati's arrows are the fire into which their power is already moving.
Know them as burned, Hanuman says. The destruction Lankini recognized and Trijata dreamed is contained within Rama's bow before the army has reached the sea. Sita's waiting is held inside a victory whose flame has not yet become visible in Lanka.
The arrows have not yet crossed the ocean, but Hanuman asks Sita to know the demons as already burned.
Read the passage from the Manas
निसिचर निकर पतंग सम रघुपति बान कृसानु। जननी हृदयँ धीर धरु जरे निसाचर जानु।।15।।
The demon hordes are moths; Raghupati's arrows are fire. Mother, hold courage in your heart. Know that these creatures of darkness are already consumed.