The Shakti spear was a formidable weapon owned by the demon king Ravana, who ruled the kingdom of Lanka. This potent weapon, known for its lethal precision and unstoppable force, was gifted to Ravana by his father-in-law, Maya, a master of sorcery and illusion. The Shakti spear was feared for its capability to mortally wound or kill any adversary it was launched against.
Ravana in the Battlefield
After the death of his valiant son Indrajit, Ravana himself decided to enter the battlefield during the epic war of the Ramayana. Consumed by rage and grief, he sought to avenge his son and destroy his enemies. Ravana's primary target was Vibhishana, his own brother, who had defected to Rama’s side and divulged crucial secrets of the demon forces, including those of Indrajit, leading to their downfall.
The Attack on Vibhishana
As Ravana launched a barrage of powerful weapons at Vibhishana, Lakshmana, Rama’s devoted brother, intervened. Displaying exceptional combat skills, Lakshmana intercepted and neutralized each weapon aimed at Vibhishana, protecting him from his brother's wrath.
Ravana's Fury and the Shakti Spear
Infuriated by Lakshmana’s interference, Ravana decided to deploy his deadliest weapon – the Shakti spear. He hurled the spear with great force towards Lakshmana. The gods in heaven watched in terror as the spear, imbued with dark magic and deadly intent, sped towards its target with unerring accuracy.
Rama’s Appeal
Seeing the peril his brother was in, Rama, the avatar of Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana, made a heartfelt plea to the spear. He begged the weapon to spare Lakshmana’s life and, if necessary, to strike him instead. However, the spear, bound by the command of its master, responded that it had no choice but to fulfill its duty to kill Lakshmana, as it was a slave to the will of its possessor.
The Impact
The Shakti spear struck Lakshmana with devastating force, piercing through his body and emerging from the other side. Mortally wounded, Lakshmana collapsed on the battlefield, and a sense of despair gripped the hearts of the Vanara (monkey) army and Rama’s allies.
The Divine Intervention of Hanuman
In this moment of crisis, Hanuman, the mighty monkey god and a devout follower of Rama, embarked on a desperate mission to save Lakshmana. He flew to the distant Gandhamadana Mountain, known for its mystical herbs, and retrieved the Vishalyakarani herb, which possessed miraculous healing properties.
Upon Hanuman’s return, the herb was administered to Lakshmana, reviving him and healing his grievous wounds. The recovery of Lakshmana boosted the morale of Rama’s army and reaffirmed their resolve to defeat Ravana.
Narration in Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana
This dramatic episode of the Shakti spear and Lakshmana's near-death experience is vividly narrated in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, a version of the epic composed by the poet Krittibas Ojha. The tale highlights the themes of loyalty, bravery, and the enduring bond between the brothers Rama and Lakshmana, as well as the unwavering devotion of their allies, especially Hanuman.