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The Capture of Varun
of soldiers marching on foot. They were all marching towards Varunapuri. Camping at various places on the way, Ravan, the King of Lanka approached Varunapuri. King Varuna also had made extraordinary preparations for the war. Varuna's two mighty sons each superior to the other were intent upon inflicting upon Ravan an ignominious defeat; and making him lick the dust in utter humiliation and desperation. They were standing like towers, ready to fight like veritable gods of war. They were out to destroy Ravan's army. Their chief commander who was a mighty master of many kinds of magical and supernatural powers and who had mastered the way of using countless supernatural devices of destruction stood like a pillar of strength, looking forward to the opportunity of experiencing the delight of fighting, the only delight which he really enjoyed in his life.
Ravan pitched his camp at a distance of twenty-four miles from the batle-field. The sun was declining to the west. Ravan's armies comprising millions of warriors were burning with enthusiasm to show their mettle in warfare. After having completed his duties, Ravan invited to his tent all the Vidyadhar kings, princes and chief commanders and explained to them his plans for the first day's battle. He also suggested the battle-formations for the first day. Indrajit was appointed the supreme commander of the combined forces. Hanuman was appointed his lieutenant. After the session ended all went to sleep.
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They woke early in the morning; and began to beat the battle-drums. All the armies took up their weapons; went into the battle-field; and took up the prescribed positions. Their enthusiasm was boundless. By the time the sun rose, all the armies except the emergency army of Kumbhakarna went into the battle-field and took up their positions according to the prescribed formations.
Prince Pundarik was commanding the forces of King Varuna. He stood in his chariot at the head of the army, carrying weapons. As he stood there, he was like a mountain peak, in stature and stability. Prince Rajiv who was a great master of
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