Lk26. Ravana Goes To Mahismati Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

LAVA KUSA (UTTARAKANDA)

The beautiful City Mahismati,
That resembled Indra's Amaravati,
Ravana chose next for his combat,
And by his power, to subdue it.

A King Arjuna was ruling it.
To River Narmada to sport
He went with his womenfolk,
As a day's off from his work.

Ravana waited for the king
Who was still enjoying
Not knowing the time
That was spent by them.

Ravana became restless
And shouted at ministers
Of Arjuna to know when
Their King will return?

In the meantime he offered
Flowers to Siva, his Lord,
At the bank of the river,
Overflowing with water.

The flow of running water
In the upstream was more
As the huge body of Arjuna
Blocked the River Narmada.

This became a valid reason
For enraged Ravana to begin,
His fight against Arjuna,
On the bank of Naramada.

Heavy blow with his mace
Arjuna gave on Ravana's face
And o'er his chest as well,
That kept him stand still.

Arjuna took this chance
To tie him up with ropes
And was taken to his city
As a prisoner, with no pity.

A brave hero Arjuna became,
Adding this win to his fame,
And people showered flowers
In appreciation of his success.

Through gods in the heaven
Sage Pulastya came down
To plead for his grandson
Ravana locked in prison.

Arjuna, with due respect,
Heard the Pulastya's request,
And accepting the Sage's plea,
Released Ravana to go free.

With a standing agreement,
Between them of no fight,
Ravana went with shame
Having lost his fame.