The Epic Battle Between Lord Rama and Ravana in Valmiki Ramayana

The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, recounts a legendary battle between the noble hero Lord Rama and the fearsome demon king Ravana. According to the epic, this battle lasted for seven days, a period that has captured the imagination of countless readers and scholars.

Background of the Battle

Valmiki's Ramayana describes the final encounter between Rama and Ravana as one of the most intense and significant in Indian mythology. The battle witnessed the participation of numerous divine entities and non-human beings, all witnessing the great conflict.

Four Incidents of Combat

The first duel took place on the very first day of battle, when Ravana faced off against the main commanders of the Vanara army, with Rama arriving to subdue him. The second encounter occurred after the death of Meghanada, where Ravana, in his Brahmakavacha armor, wreaked havoc with his Tamasastras, leading to an intense battle between him and Rama. The third duel saw Ravana wielding the Mayastra, leading to a prolonged and difficult battle. The fourth and final day of combat, often the most discussed, lasted a full seven days.

First Duel: A Quick and Decisive Victory

On the first day, Ravana engaged in a series of duels with the Vanara commanders. When he turned towards Rama, the results were awe-inspiring. Rama, with assistance from Hanuman and others, easily overpowered Ravana. The battle was described as follows:

Being covered by hails of shafts and overwhelmed by the high-souled Rama who was armed with a flaming bow on closing with Ravana who took to his heels out of fear even as a cloud would disperse when propelled by a gale.

(Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kāanda, 100th Sarga)

Second Duel: Enraged by Losses

After the death of his commanders, Ravana became enraged and battled Rama with a series of devastating attacks. Rama, aided by his brother Lakshmana, fought back fiercely:

(Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kāanda, 100th Sarga)

Third Duel: Divine Intervention

This duel took place after Lakshmana was healed with a divine herb. With the aid of Indra's divine chariot, Rama engaged Ravana in a series of intense exchanges:

Turning in haste the chariot of Ravana which was rumbling like a cloud on perceiving the King sunk down bereft of energy the charioteer forthwith sneaked away in dismay from the battlefield.

(Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kāanda, 103rd Sarga)

Final Duel: Seven Days of Unyielding Struggle

The final duel is a seven-day affair, as described by Valmiki. Ravana, having braved the most powerful weapons, including the Brahmakavaca, faced Rama with his Vilasstra. Despite his exhaustion, Ravana continued to fight, driven by his desire for Vira-svarga. The battle is a testament to both Rama's and Ravana's prowess:

As the space is its compeer and the ocean is its own analogue the battle between Rama and Ravana can be likened only to the battle between Rama and Ravana.

(Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kāanda, 107th Sarga)

Only the special arrow forged by Brahma and passed down by Agastya could finally end the fierce battle, slaying Ravana.

Conclusion

This seven-day struggle showcases the valour and prowess of both Rama and Ravana, who were determined to the end. The battle is celebrated not only for its length but also for the complex moral dimensions it represents. The final duel serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle between good and evil, and the resilience of both the hero and the villain.