The story of Mandodari hiding the weapon destined to kill Ravana is a fascinating episode from the Bengali "Krittivasi Ramayana," an interpretation of the Ramayana attributed to Krittibas Ojha. This version, rich in its local flavor and variations, adds layers to the classic epic, offering insights and narratives distinct from the Valmiki Ramayana.
Ravana’s Boon and Vulnerability
Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka, was almost invincible due to a boon from Brahma. According to the boon, his severed limbs and heads would regenerate, making him nearly indestructible. However, there was one caveat: a specific divine weapon, the only means capable of ending his life, remained hidden within his palace. This weapon was concealed and protected by his devoted wife, Mandodari.
The existence of such a weapon added a significant twist to the tale of Rama’s battle against Ravana. Despite the numerous attempts by Rama and his army to subdue Ravana, his regenerative powers rendered their efforts futile. It was clear that without uncovering this hidden weapon, Ravana’s defeat was impossible.
The Search for a Solution
During the fierce battle, Rama found himself in a perplexing situation. Each time he struck Ravana, the demon king’s severed limbs would instantly regrow, making it impossible to kill him. Seeking guidance, Rama turned to Vibhishana, Ravana’s virtuous brother who had defected to Rama’s side.
Vibhishana revealed to Rama the secret of the hidden weapon. He recounted how Ravana, during his penance, was denied immortality by Brahma but was granted a partial boon that allowed his body to regenerate. However, Brahma also provided a hidden loophole: a divine weapon, concealed within Ravana’s palace and known only to Mandodari, could destroy him if aimed at his navel.
Hanuman’s Mission
Realizing the significance of this revelation, Rama wondered how they could retrieve the weapon from the heavily guarded palace and Mandodari’s vigilant watch. At this juncture, Hanuman, the mighty and resourceful monkey god, stepped forward and offered to undertake this crucial mission.
With the blessings of Rama and his allies, Hanuman devised a plan to infiltrate Mandodari’s palace. Using his mystical powers, Hanuman assumed the guise of an elderly Brahmin sage. In this disguise, he approached the queen’s quarters.
The Deceptive Brahmin
Mandodari, observing the arrival of the old Brahmin, extended her hospitality and invited him to sit. However, the disguised Hanuman refused, stating he had come with an important message and blessings for the queen and her husband, Ravana.
Hanuman, playing the part of a wise astrologer, subtly praised Ravana’s invincibility and hinted at the hidden source of his power. Intrigued and perhaps slightly anxious, Mandodari was drawn into the conversation. She was eager to know more about this hidden blessing that supposedly safeguarded her husband.
The Brahmin, with calculated cunning, claimed to know about the hidden weapon and offered to bless it to ensure Ravana's continued invulnerability. Mandodari, feeling both proud and protective of her secret, hesitated but eventually spoke out, confident that Vibhishana, though privy to much of the palace’s secrets, was unaware of the weapon’s true location.
Revelation and Retrieval
Mandodari finally pointed to a nondescript pillar within her chambers, revealing that she had concealed the weapon inside it. This was the crucial moment Hanuman had been waiting for.
As soon as the secret was out, Hanuman cast off his disguise and resumed his true form. With a mighty kick, he shattered the pillar, exposing the divine weapon hidden within. Seizing the weapon, he swiftly returned to Rama’s camp.
The Final Confrontation
Armed with this newfound knowledge and the divine weapon, Rama now had the means to confront Ravana with the certainty of victory. During the climactic battle, Rama aimed the weapon at Ravana’s navel, striking him down and fulfilling the prophecy foretold by Brahma.
The episode of Mandodari hiding the weapon not only highlights her unwavering loyalty and the complexity of her character but also underscores the themes of fate and destiny prevalent throughout the Ramayana. It illustrates the lengths to which Ravana’s allies went to protect him and the intricate strategies devised by Rama and his companions to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This story, with its layers of deception, loyalty, and divine intervention, adds a rich dimension to the epic, capturing the timeless struggle between good and evil.