Aug 18, 2007

Chapter 51: Devlok captured!

Meanwhile, final examinations for Ravana’s sons AkshKumar (?) and Meghnath in war skills. They pass. Their guru (their great-grand-dad Sumali the sage of demons actually), is much pleased. Upon being asked for ‘gurudakshin’, he says “Gimme Devlok!” “OK” says the two and all 3 are off to Ravana.

Ravana is on the verge of war-path to Devlok in order to become ‘Universal Great.’ Upon getting added strength from him 2 sons, he is touched and thinks he is now unbeatable. But when the sons meet mom, mom’s happy because no she can wage her own war against Ravana to stop him from destroying himself by attacking Devlok. But sons, since birth, are taught only one thing by Sumali: war and succeed. So, they say, “Cant help you, mom. We are with pop.” She is that much more isolated now. Vib too is trying to stall things and Kum is worried about his sleepy vow.

Now, news of war to Indra. He says “We will fight Ravana (while Kum is asleep).” Meghnath is oath-bound to do tapas to Maya god before any war. So Ravana, Kum and Akshkumar go to battlefield to fight against Indra & Co. But, Indra and Co have not come. So they all wait.

Upon waiting, Kum’s time of wakefulness expires and he sleeps off. Then comes Indra & Co. A big fight ensues while Akshkumar goes to get Meghnath’s help. So, it is Ravana alone Versus Indra & Co. Ravana gets caught.

Meanwhile, Meghnath’s tapas becomes fruitful and he is given a sword-like thing by Goddess. Both he and Akshkumar return to the battlefield and fight Indra & Co. Now Ravana got 2 helping hands and hence he succeeds. Indra & Co are caught. Ravana occupy. Devlok and owes success to his granddad, who says his gurudakshin to M&A are now complete.

Ravana gets Indra & Co to his palace, all bound with chains. Tells them all to be his servants. But ‘Kaala’ (God of Death), one of Indra’s cohorts, says, Ravana cannot be trilok’s king because, he (Kaala) can see all (future, present and past) and he can even see Ravan's death. A minor scuffle and Kaala is bound again tightly. Kaala says no one can kill him - he has two instances: life and death. Kaala says he is not afraid of Ravana because his other face is Death. And no one can destroy death nor time. Ravana’s wife also says same and he accuses her of not being with him (ravana) in whatever he does. He also tells her (when she suggests to leave Kaala alone) to know her limits in suggesting to him what he should do. Ravana ties Kaala to his bed.

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