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Pavananjay's Return
373
“Then we have to make speedy preparations to set off on our compaign. This time, I will personally accompany you all. Now, the time has come to teach a bitter lesson to Varuna and his haughty sons. Until we fight and destroy all the defences of Varunapuri they will not recover their senses. Ravan accompanied Pavananjay to Varunapuri. He was accompanied by his vast army and a number of subordinate kings.
Hearing the determination of Ravan to plunge into the fight Pavananjay was greatly grieved. He thought, “This will cause a tremendous destruction of humanity. Rivers of blood will flow. Kingdom after kingdom will be destroyed. Therefore, somehow Ravan should be prevented from entering the war. But this is possible only if we can prevail upon Varuna to surrender himself to Ravan but who can persuade Varuna and his sons who captured and imprisoned the heroic commanders Khar and Dushana to see reason."
Yet, he felt that some way to achieve this objective must be found out. So, Pavananjay decided to use diplomatic measures to achieve this objective. He thought it was absolutely necessary to use diplomatic measures for this purpose. The compromise should be such that Ravan should not be displeased and Varuna should not be disgraced. After thinking deeply about this, he found out such a way.
Ravan had already planned extraordinary battle-formations. He appointed Pavananjay, the commander of the combined armies and explained to him the battle-formations for the firstday.
"Indeed, your battle-formations are extraordinary !” Pavananjay praised Ravan's battle-formations greatly.
"But the success of the battle-formation depends upon the skill and ability of the commander."
“You will know it tomorrow.”
“Very good Pavananjay! I have this confidence in you. I am sure that you will attain a splendid victory."
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