The Names of Rama's Great Warriors Resound Through Ravana's Hall
Sundara Kanda, Doha 54
Doha 54 · Movement 2 of 2
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Shuka begins to name the strength gathered on the farther shore. Dvivida and Mainda. Nila and Nala. Angada, Gada, and Vikata. Each name enters Ravana's assembly like the first sound of a distant war drum.
Dadhimukha, Kesari, Nishatha, and Shatha follow. These are not anonymous shapes within a forest multitude, but commanders whose courage, speed, and power give distinct faces to the army Ravana had dismissed as food for demons.
At the end stands Jambavan, a gathered mountain of strength, ancient among the bears and steady within the vast host. The roll call does not yet contain every warrior. It is only enough to let Lanka hear that Rama's compassion is not undefended and that the sea conceals an approaching world of names.
Before the warriors cross the ocean, their names arrive first and take their places in Ravana's court.
Read the passage from the Manas
द्विबिद मयंद नील नल अंगद गद बिकटासि। दधिमुख केहरि निसठ सठ जामवंत बलरासि।।54।।
Dvivida, Mainda, Nila, Nala, Angada, Gada, Vikata, Dadhimukha, Kesari, Nishatha, Shatha, and Jambavan, that mountain of strength.