In the Ramayana, the story of Indrajit ignoring the advice of his mother, Mandodari, is a poignant moment that highlights the complexities of loyalty, duty, and familial relationships. Here's an expanded version of the story:
As the war between Rama and Ravana raged on, the battlefield
became a graveyard for many of Lanka's greatest warriors. Kumbhakarna, several
of Ravana's sons, and numerous generals had fallen. In this dire situation,
Ravana's son, Indrajit, also known as Meghanada, prepared to enter the
battlefield.
Before heading to the war, Indrajit sought his father's
blessings and then decided to visit his mother, Mandodari. He knew that leaving
without seeing her would cause her immense distress. Mandodari, along with the
other wives of Ravana, was busy worshiping Shiva and Parvati when Indrajit
entered her chamber.
Mandodari embraced her son tightly, her heart heavy with
fear and concern. She said, "I know you are going to war, my son. All the
great heroes who have gone before you have not returned. I am afraid. Return
Sita to Rama and make peace. Your uncle Vibhishana is a righteous man, and he
was humiliated by your father in front of everyone. Your father abducted Sita,
and now he sends others to fight instead of going himself."
Indrajit, however, was unwavering in his loyalty to his
father. He laughed and replied, "Mother, my father is my teacher and my
guide. He is the conqueror of worlds. You should not speak against him. Even
the gods have their flaws. Indra, the lord of gods, had relations with the wife
of his guru, Gautama. Chandra, the moon, abducted the wife of Brihaspati, his
guru. Pavana, the wind god, had relations with a female Vanara. If Rama wanted
to protect his wife, he should not have brought her into the forest. By killing
Khara and Dushana, Rama has become our enemy."
Indrajit was determined to fight. He waited for the right
moment, observing the omens and signs. The widows of the fallen warriors looked
to him with hope and vengeance in their eyes. They wanted him to avenge the
deaths of their husbands.
Ignoring his mother's plea, Indrajit prepared himself for
the battle ahead, confident in his abilities and his destiny. Mandodari's heart
was heavy with sorrow, knowing that her son was walking into a perilous
situation, but she could do nothing to change his mind. Indrajit’s resolve was
firm as he stepped onto the battlefield, driven by a sense of duty to his
father and a desire to uphold the honor of his family.
This story encapsulates the tragic elements of the epic,
where duty and loyalty often lead to inevitable sorrow and loss, despite the
wise counsel of loved ones.