The story of Mahiravana and boon given to him by Goddess Mahamaya is an intriguing tale from the Indian epic, the Ramayana. It highlights themes of devotion, boons, and the triumph of good over evil.
Background
Mahiravana, a powerful sorcerer and king of Patala (the netherworld), was the son of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Known for his immense power and mastery of dark magic, Mahiravana sought to be invincible and prayed to Goddess Mahamaya, a powerful deity, to grant him immortality.
The Boon
Mahiravana’s devotion and severe penance impressed Goddess Mahamaya. When he asked for the boon of immortality, the Goddess, in her wisdom, refused to grant it. Instead, she offered him a different boon. She decreed that Mahiravana would be invincible in battle, except when confronted by humans (nara) and vanaras (monkey-like beings). This boon gave him immense power and confidence, as he believed that humans and vanaras posed no significant threat to his might.
The Abduction of Rama and Lakshmana
During the battle between Rama’s forces and Ravana’s army in Lanka, Ravana, distressed by his mounting losses, sought Mahiravana’s assistance. Mahiravana agreed to help his brother and devised a plan to capture Rama and Lakshmana, the two human princes who were leading the charge against Ravana.
Using his magical prowess, Mahiravana infiltrated Rama’s camp and kidnapped both Rama and Lakshmana, taking them to his underground kingdom in Patala. This caused great distress among the vanaras and their allies.
Hanuman’s Pursuit
Hanuman, the devoted follower of Rama and a powerful vanara, was not one to be easily dissuaded. Learning of the abduction, he vowed to rescue the princes. Hanuman’s devotion and strength were unmatched, and he embarked on a perilous journey to Patala to confront Mahiravana.
The Battle in Patala
Upon reaching Mahiravana’s kingdom, Hanuman faced numerous challenges and fought through many fierce demons. Finally, he encountered Mahiravana himself. A fierce battle ensued, showcasing Hanuman’s valor and Mahiravana’s dark magic.
Despite Mahiravana’s formidable abilities, the boon given by Goddess Mahamaya came into play. Since Hanuman was a vanara, he was not subject to Mahiravana’s invincibility. Using his strength, cunning, and unwavering devotion to Rama, Hanuman eventually overpowered Mahiravana.
The Demise of Mahiravana
The culmination of the battle saw Hanuman killing Mahiravana, thus breaking the sorcerer’s hold over Rama and Lakshmana. Hanuman’s victory was a testament to the power of devotion and the righteousness of Rama’s cause.
The story of Mahiravana and the boon given by Goddess Mahamaya serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of power and the importance of righteousness. It highlights that true invincibility lies not in magic or boons but in the strength of character, devotion, and the support of true allies. Hanuman’s rescue of Rama and Lakshmana underscores the ultimate triumph of good over evil, a central theme of the Ramayana.
This story is found in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana