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his visit. Citrānga said, 'Let friendly relations be established between Indra and you. He offers to you his daughter Rüpavati' (10). Rāvana replied, "You hand over to me all the cities on the Vijayārdha and we are friends, or prepare tomorrow for war.' Thereupon Citränga gave him an idea of the strength of the various constituents and divisions of Indra's army and of his fortifications. Rāvana said, 'If I fail to vanquish him in battle, I would throw myself in blazing fire' (11-12). These words were echoed by Indrajit. Citrānga while leaving invited them all to the feast of battle (13). Indra was informed. He made preparations for war and came forth on Airāvata (14). Strategic arrangement of Indra's forces (15).
XVII Sandhi. War between Ravana and Indra: Indra's
defeat
On Rāvana's arrival both the armies fell upon each other (1). Description of the battle (2). Seeing his army retreat under pressure from the enemies Mahendra's son Prasannakirti rushed through the ranks of Indra's forces (3). As he was engulfed in a volley of arrows from the Gods, Śrīmālin first confronted Candra, who retreated. Yama took his place. He also beat a retreat and Kubera too after him met the same fate. Nobody could give him a stand (4). Then Kesarin, Kanaka and Agni together confronted him. But they also turned their back. When Indra's sons faced him he severed their heads. Thereupon as Indra himself was moving, Jayanta offered to go (5). Jayanta challenged Srimālin, who forthwith broke Jayanta's bow and destroyed his chariot. Jayanta, saved by a hair's breadth swooned, but coming to himself destroyed śrīmālin's chariot. Śrīmālin fell unconscious but recovering fell upon Jayanta who struck him on the chest with a bolt. Srimālin fell dead (6-7).
cription of the Description point and again fed Indra (16), vantage.
Now Indrajit rushed forth with a challenge and in the duel destoryed Jayanta's armour. Before he can jump and catch hold of him Indra intervened (8). Several stalwarts gathered and surrounded lonely Indrajit. But he displayed the highest heroism. On being informed of this Rávaņa rushed forth in his chariot (9). At Rāvana's order, the charioteer brought him near Indra and the battle raged at its cliniax (10). Every one sought out his match and got engaged with him in a deadly struggle (11). Description of the fighting warriors (12). Description of the battleground (13). Description of the fight between Rāvana and Indra. Řāvana mounted his elephant and again fell upon Indra (14-15). Description of the elephants of Rāvana and Indra (16). Young Råvana's agility put aged Indra at a considerable disadvantage. Rāvana took a jump and bound his opponent with a garment. The Demons declared victory and all the generals of Rāvana's army captured their opponents. Thus taking with him hundreds of captives Rāvaņa returned to Lańkā (17). Sahasrāra, Indra's father begged for his son's life. Rāvaņa released Indra along with his vassals on their agreeing to perform the menial services allotted to each. But Indra gave up his kingdom and renounced the world (18).
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