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The Capture of Varun
435
The soldiers of Ravan's army began to shout in elation. Pundarik became infuriated. His anger rose to the skies when he saw his brother captured by the enemies. King Varun's other sons, Sumangal, Swastik, and Vasav came to assist Pundarik. They were determined to capture Hanuman or to kill him. The second phase of the day was over. The soldiers of Ravan's army were full of admiration for Hanuman's heroism. Ravan who sat on his elephant Bhuvanalankar and who was at a great distance beheld Hanuman's mastery of the arts of war and was immensely pleased with his success. Near him, there stood Sugriv, the valiant ready with his army. He too was greatly impressed by Hanuman's extraordinary heroism. Ravan by means of a wave of his hand suggested to Sugriv to go ahead. Accordingly, without delay Sugriy came near Hanuman and began to attack Pundarik's brothers, Sumangal, Swastik and Vasav. Sugriv had fought in many wars. He was an experienced warrior. Sumangal, Swastik and the others found it difficult to face him. They, unable to face him, ran behind him to extricate themselves from the situation. Sugriv leaving them behind rushed towards Pundarik. Hanuman had some rest. So Sugriv challenged Pundarik. A terrible fight broke out between Sugriv and Pundarik. Neither was inferior to the other in his mastery of the arts of warfare. In another part of the battle-field Varun's sons pounced upon Ravan's army and began decimating the enemy soldiers.
The third phase of the day was about to end but Pundarik and Sugriv were not prepared to acknowledge each other's superiority. Hanuman released against Pundarik twenty-five arrows in a chain and drew his attention towards himself. Sugriy like a hungry lion pounced upon Varuna's army and began to inflict upon them heavy calamities. The earth was flooded with blood.
Hanuman risking everything began to fight against Pundarik. Prahasit took the chariot so close to Pundarik's chariot that they could not shoot arrows at each other. Hanuman took up his mace. Pundarik also took up his mace. Both jumped to the ground and they began to fight with maces in a ferocious
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