The story of Lakshmana killing Indrajit in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana presents a distinct variation from the Valmiki Ramayana. Here is a detailed recounting based on the provided summary:
The Boon and Sacrifice of Indrajit
Indrajit, the son of Ravana, had received a boon from Brahma that granted him invincibility in battle if he successfully performed a daily yajna (sacrifice). This ritual, known as the Nikuntila yajna, involved offering ghee, honey, rice, barley mixed with butter, red clothes, and red garlands while chanting mantras for victory. The fire god Agni would appear from the sacrificial fire to accept offerings of raw rice, paddy, barley, yogurt, and honey.
The Plan to Disrupt the Yajna
Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother who had defected to Rama’s side, revealed that the key to defeating Indrajit was to interrupt this sacrificial ritual. Rama agreed with Vibhishana's strategy and dispatched Lakshmana, Hanuman, and a group of Vanaras to infiltrate Lanka and disrupt Indrajit’s sacrifice.
The Infiltration and Disruption
Fighting their way through Lanka, the group reached the hall where Indrajit was performing his yajna. Hanuman uprooted a tree and hurled it at the sacrificial fire, extinguishing the flames. To further desecrate the ritual, Hanuman urinated on the offerings, infuriating Indrajit.
The Confrontation
Enraged, Indrajit began shooting arrows at Hanuman, who adeptly dodged them. Lakshmana then took up his bow and unleashed a volley of arrows at Indrajit. Avoiding Lakshmana’s arrows, Indrajit turned to Vibhishana and accused him of treachery, disclosing the secret of his potential demise.
The Battle
As Indrajit attempted to mount his chariot, the Vanaras destroyed it. Vibhishana warned Lakshmana that Indrajit would become invisible if he ascended into the clouds, referencing a past event where Indrajit captured Indra, forcing Brahma to intervene for Indra’s release. In response, Indrajit created a magical chariot and began to rise skywards.
The Final Confrontation
Vibhishana instructed Hanuman to prevent Indrajit from escaping into the sky. Hanuman intercepted Indrajit, shattering his chariot. As Indrajit tried to flee, Hanuman grabbed him by the legs and dragged him down. Despite Indrajit’s attempts to escape, the Vanaras surrounded him.
The Divine Intervention
Trapped, Indrajit faced Lakshmana in battle. Meanwhile, Brahma, realizing the situation, directed Indra to provide Lakshmana with a divine weapon capable of killing Indrajit. Indra secretly delivered this weapon to Lakshmana.
The Death of Indrajit
Lakshmana invoked the divine weapon, and the sight of it struck fear into Indrajit. Lakshmana released the arrow, and despite Indrajit’s attempts to evade it, the arrow found its mark and decapitated him, bringing an end to the mighty warrior’s life.
This episode in the Krittibasi Ramayana highlights the themes of divine intervention, the importance of disrupting the enemy’s rituals, and the valor of Lakshmana and Hanuman. The story differs from the Valmiki Ramayana, providing unique elements and emphasizing the collective effort of the Vanaras and the guidance of divine beings in securing victory.