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Was Ravana Ever Defeated Before Rama? A Look Through the Valmiki Ramayana

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Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka and one of the most iconic antagonists in Indian epics, is often portrayed as invincible—unbeaten in battle, feared by gods and demons alike. In the first six books (Kandas) of the Valmiki Ramayana , this reputation holds true. But if we explore the entirety of Valmiki’s Ramayana , including the Uttara Kanda , a different picture begins to emerge—one where Ravana indeed faced defeats at the hands of other great warriors. Let us explore the truth behind Ravana's military record as portrayed in the seven Kandas of the Valmiki Ramayana . Unbeaten Before Rama: The Testimony of Vibhishana and Rama In the Yuddha Kanda , Ravana's own brother Vibhishana acknowledges that Ravana had never been defeated prior to his battle with Rama : “The demon, who had never been conquered before in battles, by even all the gods combined or by Indra himself, has been conquered, on confronting you in the battlefield, as the sea breaks up, on reaching the shore.” ...
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The Epic Journey of Shatrughna: Ashvamedha Yajna in the Padma Purana

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 Among the many grand narratives in the Hindu epics, the Ashvamedha Yajna conducted by Lord Rama holds a special place — not just in the Valmiki Ramayana, but in the Padma Purana as well. The version in the Patala Khanda (Chapters 8–68) of the Padma Purana unfolds during a different Kalpa (cosmic age) and presents a majestic, multilayered saga of divine encounters, fierce battles, spiritual revelations, and ultimate dharma. Here's a detailed yet concise summary of the major events during Shatrughna’s conquest for Rama’s Ashvamedha Yajna.




1. The Beginning of the Yajna

Lord Rama begins the Ashvamedha sacrifice by sending a consecrated horse to roam freely — a symbolic claim of sovereignty. Shatrughna, along with Pushkala (son of Bharata), Hanuman, and a massive army, is tasked with protecting the horse as it travels through different kingdoms.

2. Peaceful Welcomes and Minor Resistance

  • Ahicchatra: King Sumada greets Shatrughna with honor.

  • Ratnatata: Another city that warmly welcomes the entourage.

  • Cyavana’s Ashrama: The horse pauses at the sage’s hermitage. Hanuman takes Cyavana to Ayodhya to meet Rama.

3. First Major Conflict: Cakranka

  • Damana, son of King Subahu, seizes the horse.

  • Pushkala defeats Damana but spares his life.

  • Subahu wages war, but Hanuman knocks him unconscious.

  • Subahu dreams of Rama’s divine form, awakens spiritually, and releases the horse in reverence.

4. Demon Encounter: Vidyunmalin

  • Rakshasa Vidyunmalin, an ally of Ravana, captures the horse.

  • Shatrughna destroys the demon’s illusory powers and kills him and his son, showcasing divine valor.

5. Mystical Adventures and Spiritual Liberation

  • Aranyaka Muni hears about Rama and travels to Ayodhya. After beholding Rama, he merges his soul into the Lord.

  • A mystic woman in an underwater city captures the horse but releases it upon learning it's Rama's.

6. The Fierce War at Devapura

  • Rukmanganda, prince of Devapura, captures the horse.

  • His father, King Viramani, seeks help from Lord Shiva.

  • Pushkala defeats both Rukmanganda and Viramani, leading Shiva to enter the battlefield.

  • Veerabhadra, Shiva’s general, fights Pushkala for five days and kills him.

  • Shiva defeats Shatrughna after a 12-day battle.

Hanuman’s Heroic Intervention

  • Enraged Hanuman fights Shiva to a standstill.

  • Shiva, pleased with Hanuman’s devotion, grants a boon. Hanuman asks to revive the army.

  • Hanuman retrieves the Drona mountain, full of healing herbs, and revives everyone, including Shatrughna and Pushkala.

Divine Reconciliation

  • Rama personally appears on the battlefield.

  • Shiva recognizes Rama’s supreme divinity and bows before him.

  • Viramani surrenders and releases the horse.

7. Redemption of the Cursed Demon

  • At Hemakuta, a cursed brahmana-turned-demon halts the horse.

  • Hearing the glories of Rama from Shatrughna, the demon is freed and ascends to heaven.

8. The Devotional Warrior: King Suratha

  • King Suratha, a Rama devotee, seizes the horse to see Rama.

  • He defeats Hanuman, Pushkala, and even Sugriva using Ramastra.

  • Rama appears, frees his companions, and accepts Suratha’s devotion.

  • Suratha releases the horse with reverence.

9. The Battle with Lava and Kusha

  • The horse enters the forest where Sita lives with Lava and Kusha.

  • Lava captures the horse and defeats the Ayodhya army.

  • Lava and Kusha defeat Shatrughna, Hanuman, and Sugriva.

  • Sita recognizes them, orders their release, and revives the army.

10. The Grand Conclusion

  • Shatrughna returns with the horse to Ayodhya and narrates the tale.

  • Rama sends Lakshmana to bring Sita and her sons. Sita sends only Lava and Kusha at first.

  • Lava and Kusha recite the Ramayana in Rama’s court.

  • Eventually, Sita returns to Ayodhya in honor.

The Ashvamedha Finale

  • Rama prepares to sacrifice the horse.

  • As Rama touches the horse with his sword, it transforms into a divine being — a brahmana cursed by Sage Durvasa.

  • The brahmana is freed and ascends to heaven.

Divine Rewards

  • The Yajna is completed.

  • Rama distributes immense gifts to the Brahmanas and devotees.

Conclusion

The Ashvamedha Yajna in the Padma Purana is more than a political ritual — it’s a spiritual odyssey. Through battles, divine revelations, miracles, and deep acts of devotion, it reaffirms the truth that Rama is the Supreme Divine, and that surrender to him brings peace, liberation, and victory — even over the gods themselves.

The tale of Shatrughna’s conquest is not just one of power but of bhakti, dharma, and divine grace, woven into the cosmic play of Lord Rama — the eternal protector of righteousness.

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