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94
JAIN RAMAYAN
“O you king of Lanka! You may lead our armies and fight against Ravan tomorrow but remember we must somehow or the other defeat and capture Kumbhakarna, Indrajit and Meghavahan and the other Rakshasa heroes. We must capture them dead or alive. We must somehow or the other defeat them or destroy them. Then the only problem will be regarding Ravan."
"May your wish be fulfilled.” Sugriv said in a serious voice, encouraging Shri Ram.
The night had far advanced. Darkness had enveloped the camp. Silence reigned supreme everywhere. Only the low noises of the guards walking up and down could be heard. After having held a long consultation relating to the next day's war all went back to their respective tents. Only Shri Ram sat in his tent alone thinking of something deeply and looking into nothingness.
THE THIRD DAY (In the third day's battle both the armies suffered inconceivable loss and experienced frustration and the bitter fear of defeat. Ravan himself came into the battle-field leading his armies. Vibhishan tried to awaken him from his stupor of arrogance; but Ravan was only incensed by his words. He began to boil with anger. The two brothers began to fight in a terrible manner. Lakshman bound Indrajit with the Nagpash and sent him to his tent. Shri Ram also inflicted a similar disaster on Kumbhakarna. Chandrarashmi took Meghavahan captive. As soon as he heard about this Ravan became deeply agitated and released a divine weapon called the Amoghvijaya against Vibhishan; but Lakshman at once came forward and himself faced and received the stroke of that weapon. In consequence, his chest was severely wounded. On account of unbearable pain and grief, Lakshman collapsed to the ground. Infuriated by this event, Shri Ram broke to pieces the five chariots of Ravan. Ravan terrified ran back into Lanka. Seeing Lakshman lying unconscious on the ground, Shri Ram on account of grief and anguish swooned. Just then the sun set. The war ended for the day. The battle-field was covered with countless dead bodies of soldiers.)
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