Ravana, the mighty and ambitious king of Lanka, was known for his relentless pursuit of power and supremacy. Always anxious for a fight, Ravana sought out the bravest warriors and kings of his time, challenging them to prove his dominance. His reputation preceded him, causing many to accept defeat without a fight to avoid his wrath. Even the powerful Indra, king of the gods, had bowed to Ravana’s strength to maintain peace.
During one of his quests for worthy opponents, Ravana heard tales of a great and noble king named Anaranya. This king ruled over the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya and was revered for his courage and righteousness. Intrigued by Anaranya’s fame and valor, Ravana decided to confront him, eager to add another conquest to his list of victories.
Ravana journeyed to Ayodhya and upon his arrival, sent word to King Anaranya, challenging him to a battle. Despite his age, Anaranya was undaunted by Ravana’s fearsome reputation. He was a king who believed in the principles of dharma and was ready to defend his honor and kingdom against any threat.
When the news of Ravana’s challenge reached Anaranya, the old but valiant king prepared for battle. He knew that this confrontation was not just a matter of personal pride but also a test of his duty as a protector of his people and realm. The two formidable warriors met on the battlefield, both determined to prove their supremacy.
The battle that ensued was fierce and intense. Anaranya, despite his age, fought with remarkable bravery and skill. The clash of their weapons echoed across the land as they exchanged powerful blows. Both Ravana and Anaranya sustained injuries, their blood staining the battleground as a testament to their fierce combat.
As the fight dragged on, it became evident that both warriors were evenly matched in strength and tenacity. However, Ravana’s relentless ambition and the advantage of his youth began to tip the scales in his favor. Seizing an opportune moment, Ravana struck a decisive blow, fatally wounding the brave king Anaranya.
As he lay dying, Anaranya, with unwavering resolve, addressed Ravana. His voice, though weakened, carried the weight of prophecy and conviction. “Ravana,” he declared, “today you may have defeated me, but remember this: one day, a descendant from my lineage will rise to challenge you. In his hands, you will meet your end.”
With these prophetic words, King Anaranya breathed his last. His death was not just the end of a battle but the beginning of a foretelling that would echo through time. Ravana, though victorious, could not dismiss the gravity of Anaranya’s words. Little did he know that this prophecy would come to pass, as a future descendant of Anaranya, the legendary Sri Rama, would rise to fulfill this destiny and bring an end to Ravana’s reign of terror.
Thus, the tale of Ravana’s encounter with Anaranya stands as a significant episode in the epic narrative, highlighting themes of bravery, prophecy, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.
This story is found in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana.