The story of Ravana's conquest of the nether world and his victory over the serpent king Vasuki in the Krittibasi Ramayana, a Bengali adaptation of the epic Ramayana by the poet Krittibas Ojha, is a fascinating episode that showcases Ravana's power and ambition. Here’s an expanded and more detailed version of this narrative:
Ravana's Conquest of the Nether World
The Krittibasi Ramayana, a rich Bengali retelling of the ancient epic, delves deeply into the myriad exploits of Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka. Among his many adventures, one of the most remarkable was his audacious campaign to subdue the netherworld (Patala) and its formidable denizens.
The Ambition of Ravana
Ravana, driven by an insatiable desire to assert his dominance over all realms, set his sights on Patala, the underworld domain. Known for its exotic and terrifying inhabitants, Patala was a realm where few dared to tread. Yet, for Ravana, no challenge was too daunting.
Fueled by his unquenchable ambition, Ravana gathered his formidable Rakshasa (demon) army. Their ranks bristled with dark energy, ready to conquer and lay waste to any opposition.
The Encounter with the Serpent Kingdom
As Ravana’s forces descended into the depths of Patala, they encountered the serpent race, the Nagas, who ruled this dark and mysterious world. The Nagas, serpentine beings with magical abilities, were both feared and revered throughout the cosmos.
At the heart of the Naga realm stood the mighty Vasuki, the serpent king. Vasuki was no ordinary serpent; he was a colossal creature endowed with immense strength and the deadly power of poison. Upon hearing of Ravana's approach, the Nagas, loyal to their king, sought refuge and rallied behind Vasuki, hoping he could defend them against the Rakshasa onslaught.
The Battle of Poisons and Weapons
Ravana, unfazed by the eerie beauty and lethal prowess of the serpents, commanded his troops to attack. The battle was intense as the Rakshasa army clashed with the Nagas. The air was thick with the sound of clashing weapons and the hisses of the serpents.
Vasuki, recognizing the threat posed by Ravana, unleashed his potent venom, a toxic cloud that could kill any mortal in its path. However, Ravana was no ordinary being. He countered Vasuki's venom with a barrage of his own formidable weapons. Using his enchanted weapons, Ravana neutralized the venomous onslaught, rendering Vasuki's most feared power ineffective.
The Defeat and Submission of Vasuki
Realizing that his poison was ineffective against Ravana’s might, Vasuki engaged in direct combat with the demon king. Their clash was epic, with each exhibiting tremendous strength and endurance. However, despite Vasuki’s formidable abilities and valor, he was no match for the indomitable Ravana.
After a fierce and exhausting struggle, Ravana overpowered Vasuki. The serpent king, recognizing the futility of further resistance, submitted to Ravana's superior strength.
Ravana, in a rare act of magnanimity, chose not to kill Vasuki. Instead, he bound the great serpent, showcasing his dominance but also his ability to show mercy to a vanquished foe.
The Aftermath and Release
With Vasuki’s submission, the remaining Nagas ceased their resistance. They acknowledged Ravana as the supreme conqueror of Patala. Ravana, satisfied with his victory and having proven his might, decided to release Vasuki. This act was not only a display of his confidence but also an assertion of his rule over the netherworld without unnecessary bloodshed.
Vasuki, though defeated, was granted the honor of retaining his throne in Patala, albeit under the shadow of Ravana's triumph. This event was a significant milestone in Ravana’s quest for supremacy, reinforcing his reputation as a conqueror whose power reached even into the depths of the underworld.
Reflection in Sage Agastya's Narration
Sage Agastya's recounting of these tales to Lord Rama serves multiple purposes. It not only illustrates the formidable adversary that Rama must eventually confront but also enriches the lore of Ravana's character, depicting him as a being of extraordinary ambition and prowess.
Through these stories, Rama gains deeper insights into the nature of his foe and the extent of Ravana’s conquests, preparing him for the ultimate confrontation between good and evil.
The Krittibasi Ramayana’s depiction of Ravana’s ventures into Patala and his defeat of Vasuki adds layers to the epic's intricate tapestry. It highlights the demon king's relentless quest for power and his encounters with the diverse realms and beings that populate the Hindu cosmos. This episode stands as a testament to Ravana’s might, his strategic acumen, and his complex character as both a formidable warrior and a nuanced ruler.