Lanka Kand
The book of Lanka recounts the epic battle between good and evil, the valor of the Vanara army, and the ultimate victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
Key themes: Bridge to Lanka · The Great Battle · Ravana's Defeat
Kanda 6 · 37 Episodes
Verse counts
Lanka Kand Episodes
Auspicious Invocation
At the opening of the Lanka Kanda, Tulsidas invokes the Guru, the divine, and the holy Name. This prayerful beginning sets a sacred tone for the canto.
Nala and Nila Build the Bridge; Rama Establishes Shri Rameshwar
With the help of Nala and Nila, the Vanara army builds a bridge across the ocean. Rama also establishes Shri Rameshwar, sanctifying the campaign ahead.
Rama Crosses the Ocean and Camps on Subel
Rama crosses the ocean with his army and camps on Mount Subel. In Lanka, ominous signs fill Ravana with anxiety.
Mandodari's Counsel and Ravana's Dialogue with Prahasta
Mandodari urges Ravana to return Sita and choose the path of wisdom. Ravana then discusses the coming war with Prahasta.
Rama on Subel and the Moonrise
The episode offers a beautiful vision of Rama seated on Subel. The moonrise is described in a tender and luminous mood.
Rama's Arrow Brings Down Ravana's Crown and Parasol
Rama's arrow brings down Ravana's crown and royal parasol. The stroke is a sharp blow to Ravana's pride.
Mandodari Again Warns Ravana and Praises Rama
Mandodari once again warns Ravana and speaks of Rama's divine greatness. She pleads with him to abandon arrogance before destruction comes.
Angada in Lanka and His Dialogue with Ravana
Angada enters Lanka as Rama's envoy and speaks fearlessly in Ravana's court. He offers Ravana one final chance to return Sita and seek refuge in Rama.
Mandodari Again Tries to Reason with Ravana
Mandodari again reminds Ravana of dharma, prudence, and the consequences of war. Ravana remains blinded by attachment and pride.
Angada's Return and Dialogue with Rama
After returning from Lanka, Angada reports all that transpired to Rama. Their dialogue turns to Ravana's obstinacy and the course ahead.
The War Begins
The Vanara and Rakshasa armies finally meet in open battle. The great war of Lanka begins with tumult, courage, and fierce combat.
Malyavan Advises Ravana
The elder statesman Malyavan advises Ravana to make peace and act wisely. Ravana refuses to turn back from his destructive resolve.
Lakshmana Battles Meghnad and Is Struck by the Shakti
Lakshmana and Meghnad engage in a fierce duel. Meghnad's Shakti weapon strikes Lakshmana, leaving him unconscious.
Hanuman Brings Sushena and Sets Out for Sanjivani
Hanuman brings Sushena the physician and sets out in haste to fetch the Sanjivani herb. On the way he overcomes Kalnemi's deceit, frees Makari, and continues his sacred mission.
Bharata's Arrow and His Meeting with Hanuman
As Hanuman returns with the life-giving herb, Bharata's arrow strikes him and he falls unconscious for a moment. Their meeting then becomes a moving exchange of devotion and news of Rama.
Rama's Lament and Lakshmana's Revival
Seeing Lakshmana's condition, Rama laments in deep love. Hanuman returns with the herb, and Lakshmana rises restored.
Kumbhakarna Awakens and Counsels Ravana
Ravana has Kumbhakarna awakened for war. Kumbhakarna rebukes him with harsh truth and also shares a meaningful exchange with Vibhishana.
Kumbhakarna's Battle and Liberation
Kumbhakarna displays terrifying might on the battlefield and throws the Vanara ranks into turmoil. At last, he meets Rama and attains liberation.
Meghnad's Battle and the Serpent Noose
Meghnad wages a battle of illusion and binds Rama in the serpent noose as part of the Lord's divine play. The sight brings brief sorrow to the gods and the Vanara army.
The Destruction of Meghnad's Yagya and His Fall
Meghnad's Yagya is disrupted before it can be completed. In the fierce battle that follows, he is slain and ultimately redeemed by divine grace.
Ravana Marches to War and Rama's Chariot of Victory
Ravana himself sets out for battle, while the glory of Rama's chariot of victory is revealed. The war between Vanaras and Rakshasas grows even more intense.
Lakshmana's Duel with Ravana
A fierce duel unfolds between Lakshmana and Ravana. Their exchange of celestial weapons makes the battlefield blaze with fury.
Ravana's Swoon, the Destruction of His Yagya, and Battle with Rama
Ravana is struck into a swoon, and his attempt to secure victory through ritual is destroyed. Then the climactic battle between Rama and Ravana surges forth again.
Indra Sends His Chariot for Rama
Indra sends his celestial chariot and charioteer for Rama. Mounted upon it, Rama presses the war against Ravana with even greater force.
Rama Shields Vibhishana from Ravana's Shakti
Ravana hurls his Shakti at Vibhishana, but Rama takes the blow upon himself. This act reveals the Lord's unwavering protection of his devotee.
Ravana's Battle with Hanuman and the Destruction of His Illusions
Hanuman fearlessly engages Ravana in battle. Ravana unleashes deceptive illusions, but Rama destroys them at once.
Fierce Battle and Ravana's Collapse
The combat grows intensely fierce, and Ravana is struck unconscious by Rama's blows. Yet, driven by pride, he rises again to continue the fight.
Trijata Consoles Sita in the Ashok Grove
In the Ashok grove, Trijata brings Sita news of the battle and offers her comfort. She reassures her that Rama's victory and their reunion are near.
Rama's Final Battle with Ravana and Ravana's Death
Rama and Ravana enter their decisive final battle. With the Lord's unfailing arrow, Ravana is slain, and cries of victory resound everywhere.
Mandodari's Lament and Ravana's Funeral Rites
Mandodari grieves deeply over Ravana's fall and recognizes the ruin caused by his arrogance. At Rama's instruction, Vibhishana performs Ravana's funeral rites with due honor.
Vibhishana's Coronation as King of Lanka
By Rama's grace, Vibhishana is crowned king of Lanka. A reign of righteousness begins in a land long troubled by adharma.
Hanuman Brings News to Sita, and Sita Undergoes the Fire Ordeal
Hanuman reaches Sita in the Ashok grove and conveys Rama's welfare and victory. She is then brought with honor, and through the fire ordeal her purity is revealed before the world.
The Gods Praise Rama and Indra Rains Nectar
The gods praise Rama and extol his divine glory after the victory. Indra then sends a shower of nectar that revives the fallen Vanaras and bears.
Vibhishana's Plea and Rama's Urgency to Return to Bharata
Vibhishana humbly asks the Lord to remain in Lanka for a while. Rama speaks of Bharata's loving anguish and expresses his urgency to return to Ayodhya without delay.
Vibhishana Showers Gifts on the Vanaras and Bears
As a gesture of gratitude, Vibhishana showers garments and ornaments upon the Vanaras and bears. They wear them with innocent delight and great joy.
Rama and Sita Depart for Ayodhya on the Pushpaka Vimana
Rama and Sita ascend the Pushpaka Vimana and set out for Ayodhya. Accompanied by their devoted companions, they begin the joyful journey home after victory.
The Glory of Shri Ramcharit
This closing section proclaims the glory of Rama's deeds and the merit of hearing or reciting them. With devotion, its remembrance brings auspiciousness and removes sorrow and fear.