Indrajit's Hidden War and Hanuman's Mountain

After Kumbhakarna's death, Ravana's sons and commanders came out in anger. Narantaka rode into the vanara ranks until Angada stopped and killed him. Devantaka fell to Hanuman, Mahodara to Nila, and Trishira to Hanuman. Mahaparshva and other warriors were also defeated in fierce encounters. Lanka and the allied army were both losing familiar faces.

Then Atikaya appeared upon a towering chariot. His armour turned ordinary arrows aside. Lakshman faced him, and the Wind indicated that only a weapon associated with Brahma could pierce the protection. Lakshman invoked it, released his arrow, and Atikaya fell.

After these defeats, Indrajit returned to concealment and illusion. He performed a rite to strengthen his weapons, vanished into the sky, and sent down a storm of arrows. Ram, Lakshman, Sugriva, Angada, Nila, and countless companions fell wounded. The battlefield became suddenly still. Only a few warriors could move.

Hanuman and Vibhishana walked across the dark field carrying lamps and searching for their companions. They found Jambavant badly hurt. The ancient bear-king did not first ask whether Ram lived or how much of the army remained. He asked, "Is Hanuman alive?" Vibhishana wondered why. If Hanuman still stood, Jambavant explained, scattered hope could become action again.

Jambavant directed Hanuman north to a Himalayan peak where four herbs shone: one that freed the body from lodged weapons, one that joined wounds, one that restored natural colour, and one that awakened life. Hanuman rose at once and flew north above the night.

He reached the mountain but could not distinguish the required plants among its many shining herbs. Rather than waste the little time remaining, he lifted the entire peak. Carrying it over ocean, forest, and field, he returned. As its fragrance spread, breathing steadied, weapons loosened, and strength returned. Ram and Lakshman sat up. The vanara army opened its eyes.

Hanuman returned the mountain to its place. The army survived, but Indrajit remained. Stopping him would require knowledge of the secret behind his concealed war.