Book 6 of the Valmiki Ramayana

Yuddha Kand — The Book of War

युद्धकाण्ड

A bridge of stones, a war of dharma against pride, and the fall of Lanka.

Episodes in this kanda

  • Vibhishana Seeks Refuge — Cast out for counselling peace, Ravana's brother crosses to Rama — who vows to shelter anyone who comes seeking refuge.
  • The Bridge to Lanka — When the ocean will not yield, an army of monkeys builds a bridge of floating stones across the sea.
  • Angada's Foot — Rama sends Vali's son for one last offer of peace — and the boy plants a foot in Ravana's court that no warrior can move.
  • The Waking of Kumbhakarna — Roused from his enchanted sleep, the giant Kumbhakarna calls the war unjust — then marches out to die for his brother.
  • The Mountain of Herbs — Indrajit's weapon fells Lakshmana, and Hanuman flies to the Himalayas — returning with a whole mountain when he cannot find the herb.
  • The Fall of Indrajit — Ravana's invincible son fights from the clouds and from invisibility, until Lakshmana breaks his secret rite and ends him.
  • The Fall of Ravana — Brother and son fallen, Ravana rides out at last — and Rama's Brahmastra finds the secret of the nectar in his navel.
  • The Trial by Fire — Reunited at last, Rama asks Sita to prove her purity by fire — and the flames refuse to touch her.
  • The Return to Ayodhya — The exile complete, Rama flies home on the Pushpaka with Sita and his allies — and Ayodhya lights every lamp to welcome him.

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