Lk19. Ravana Invades Yama's Domain Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

LAVA KUSA (UTTARAKANDA)

After meeting King Ravana
The eminent Sage Narada
Couldn't then quiet remain
But rushed to Yama's domain

Yama was sitting there
Before the burning fire,
Judging lives, each one
On its own merit or action.

Narada cautioned Lord Yama,
About the arrival of Ravana,
Thus the Sage provoked both,
That led them in the war path.

In his Pushpak aerial car,
Ravana just arrived there.
He saw the scenes of terror,
As thousands underwent torture.

Many sinful lives were beaten,
Thousands, by worms, eaten,
Some others, in hot oil, thrown,
Others suffered hunger and pain.

Side by side, he saw lives
There stayed in happiness.
As they reaped the fruits
Of all their good deeds.

Their two armies fought.
It was a terrible fight,
As both sides were strong,
But suffered heavy damage.

Ravana was well protected
By the boons he had secured.
So defeat wasn't on his side
While his best Yama tried.

His Pushpak aerial car
Remained safe and secure,
Imperishable as it was,
Being the seat of gods.

While Lord Yama suffered
A heavy loss at the end,
King Ravana roared aloud
O'er the success he had.