The story of Akshaya, the son of Ravana, being killed by Hanuman is a notable episode from the epic tales of the Ramayana.
In the midst of his rampage through Lanka, Hanuman, the
mighty monkey warrior and devotee of Lord Rama, had become a formidable force,
causing havoc and destruction in the demon city. He had already vanquished
numerous powerful Rakshasas, striking fear into the hearts of many.
Hearing of the chaos and destruction wrought by Hanuman,
Akshaya, the valiant son of Ravana, decided to confront the intruder himself.
Confident in his abilities and driven by a sense of duty to protect his
homeland, Akshaya prepared for battle. He mounted his splendid chariot, which
was drawn by fierce and majestic horses, and rode out to meet Hanuman.
As Akshaya approached Hanuman, he declared his identity with
pride, "I am Akshaya, the son of Ravana. I have come to put an end to your
destruction and avenge the death of my kin." Without hesitation, Akshaya
began his assault, unleashing a barrage of arrows at Hanuman.
Hanuman, with his extraordinary agility and strength, deftly
avoided many of the arrows. However, some arrows managed to pierce his mighty
frame, but they did little to deter his resolve. With a fierce roar, Hanuman
leaped onto Akshaya's chariot, displaying his incredible prowess. In a swift
and powerful motion, he killed the horses and the charioteer, rendering the
chariot useless.
Realizing the dire situation, Akshaya attempted to flee
skyward, hoping to gain an advantage from the air. But Hanuman was relentless.
He chased after Akshaya, his powerful leaps closing the distance between them
in no time. Grabbing Akshaya by his legs, Hanuman swung him with great force
and dashed him onto the ground, killing him instantly.
The lifeless body of Akshaya lay as a testament to Hanuman's
might. After the intense battle, Hanuman calmly sat down on a fence, surveying
the aftermath of the confrontation and contemplating his next move in his
mission to locate Sita and deliver Rama's message.
This story is prominently featured in the Bengali Krittibasi
Ramayana. Interestingly, a similar narrative is also present in the Valmiki
Ramayana, where the son of Ravana who meets his end at the hands of Hanuman is
named Aksha. Despite slight variations in names and details, the core of the
story remains a powerful demonstration of Hanuman's strength and determination.
The tale of Hanuman's battle with Akshaya highlights the
themes of courage, loyalty, and the epic struggle between good and evil that
are central to the Ramayana. It also emphasizes Hanuman's unwavering dedication
to his mission and his willingness to confront any obstacle that stands in his
way.