The Fall of Ravan

Having lost his sons and brothers, Ravan burned with rage. He rode into battle on his greatest chariot. Ram was fighting on foot. Seeing this, Indra, king of the gods, sent his own divine chariot with his charioteer Matali for Ram.

The battle went on and on. In the Valmiki Ramayan, when Ram looked weary and troubled, the sage Agastya came and taught him the Aditya Hridayam, a hymn in praise of the Sun. Ram recited it three times and returned to battle with fresh strength.

Every time Ram cut off one of Ravan's heads, a new one grew. In the Ramcharitmanas, Vibhishan then revealed the secret: there is nectar in Ravan's navel, and while it remains he will not die. In the Valmiki Ramayan, Ram released the brahmastra given by Agastya, which pierced Ravan's chest.

Struck by the arrow, Ravan fell from his chariot to the earth. The gods showered flowers from the sky and the vanara army danced with joy. The pride that had terrified the three worlds had come to its end.

But Ram was not proud of his victory. When Vibhishan hesitated to perform his brother's last rites, Ram said: enmity ends with death. Ravan was brave and learned; give him his rites with honour. Mandodari's lament brought tears to every eye. Then Vibhishan became king of Lanka.