The story of Ravana ordering Surya to rise early to hasten the death of Lakshmana is a captivating tale from the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. In this story, the valiant Lakshmana is struck down by a powerful spear wielded by the demon king Ravana during the great battle between good and evil.
Lakshmana's life hangs in the balance, and the only hope for
his survival lies in the miraculous herb known as Mrita Sanjeevani. However,
there is a time constraint - the herb must be applied before sunrise for it to
be effective.
Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Bhagavan Sri Rama and a
mighty vanara warrior, undertakes the perilous journey to obtain the
life-saving herb from the Gandhamadana Mountain. Despite facing numerous
obstacles thrown in his path by Ravana, Hanuman persists in his mission with
unwavering determination.
As the night wears on and the dawn approaches, Ravana,
desperate to ensure Lakshmana's demise, decides to intervene. Utilizing his authority as the master of three worlds, Ravana commands Surya, the sun god, to
rise earlier than usual, thereby hastening the arrival of sunrise.
Meanwhile, Hanuman, still on his quest, notices the early
signs of dawn on the horizon. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he takes
decisive action. He intercepts Surya's chariot and confronts the charioteer,
pleading with him to delay the sunrise until Lakshmana is saved.
However, Surya, bound by his duty and allegiance to Ravana,
expresses his inability to defy the demon king's command. Despite his sympathy
for Hanuman's plight, Surya remains powerless to assist.
Undeterred, Hanuman employs his quick thinking and
resourcefulness to outsmart Surya. He cunningly engages Surya in conversation,
tricking him into leaning forward to hear a supposed secret. Seizing this
opportunity, Hanuman grows in size and swiftly embraces Surya in a tight hug,
immobilizing him.
With Surya temporarily incapacitated, Hanuman wastes no time
in resuming his mission. He releases Surya and swiftly returns to Gandhamadana
Mountain to continue his search for the life-saving herb, determined to save
Lakshmana at any cost.
This tale of bravery, devotion, and cunning strategy showcases the enduring themes of heroism and sacrifice that are central to the timeless narrative of the Ramayana.