Thar — The Finale
With newfound energy surging within, Ram recited the chant, a fervent intensity in his voice, his eyes closed in deep concentration. When he opened them, he beheld an awe-inspiring sight: the mighty ocean retreating like a colossal curtain, unveiling the vast, glistening seabed.
Ram stood as a figure of unyielding resolve, his determination radiating to all who witnessed this marvel. The Vanar Sena gathered along the shore erupted into exultant cheers and chants, their voices melding with the symphony of the sea’s retreat, echoing faith and vigor across the landscape.
Two soldiers, emboldened by the miraculous scene, charged onto the barren ocean bed, their war cries slicing through the air. However, their daring act caught Ram’s attention, causing a momentary lapse in his chant. This pause sent ripples through the air, and the ocean, as if provoked, roared back with a vengeful surge. The soldiers, overtaken by primal fear, hastily retreated as the relentless tide pursued them, turning their cries of valor into desperate gasps for safety.
Ram, his heart echoing the ocean’s tumultuous rhythm, watched as the sea reclaimed its expanse, a complex mix of awe and apprehension in his gaze.
He rushed towards his fallen comrades, his voice laced with concern, “Are you both unharmed?” Once assured of their safety, he went to the tent, where Lakshman, Hanuman, Sugriv, and Jambhavanth awaited.
Inside the tent, the air was thick with anticipation. Sugriv approached Ram, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Rest now, Ram. We shall commence our journey to Lanka at dawn, with Surya ascending his throne,” he advised with a blend of respect and concern.
The others, with hands folded in reverence, echoed their agreement. “Your well-being is paramount, Lord Ram,” they said in unison, bowing slightly before exiting the tent, leaving Ram with his thoughts, the weight of the coming dawn heavy in his heart.
Ram, his silhouette cast in the dim light of the tent, stood motionless, the weight of the impending journey pressing heavily upon him. Despite Sugriv’s counsel to rest, sleep eluded him, his mind a turbulent sea of thoughts and emotions.
He paced the confines of the tent, his steps silent. Each movement reflected his inner turmoil — thoughts of Seetha, not just as a memory but as a vivid, aching presence in his heart. The sorrow of her suffering, the injustice of her plight, gnawed at him, an unceasing torment.
Closing his eyes only intensified the images, the vivid recounting of Jatayu’s tale echoing in his mind. He saw, in his mind’s eye, the harrowing scene of her abduction. Her cries for help that had once reached Jatayu’s ears now resonated in his soul. Each imagined scream of Seetha was a lance through his heart, stoking a fire of resolve and anguish in equal measure.
As the first light of dawn streaked across the sky, Ram, with a resurgence of energy, approached the ocean’s edge. He knelt, his forehead resting softly against the cool sand, and began to chant with a fervor that seemed to resonate with the world’s soul.
As he chanted, the sea responded, parting to reveal the seabed below. Ram, determination etched in his features, stepped onto the path opened before him, his every step forward met by the obedient retreat of the waters.
Hanuman and Lakshman watched from the shore, pride mingling with concern in their eyes. But their expressions changed as they noticed the path narrowing instead of widening around Ram. Lakshman’s voice, laced with alarm, barely had time to call out before Hanuman, swift as thought, was already at Ram’s side amidst the encroaching waves.
Hanuman’s strong arms brought Ram back to the shore. Drenched and visibly shaken, Ram’s frustration was palpable. He stood, staring at the relenting ocean, his demeanor a storm of emotions — anger, determination, and a haunting sense of loss.
In a moment of raw emotion, Ram’s voice cracked as he turned to Lakshman, “I was so close, brother. But then… it was as if Seetha was there with me. I felt her touch, her breath upon my neck, her fragrance enveloping me, her laughter echoing in my ears. It broke my focus, Lakshman.”
Lakshman watched Ram, his concern deepening. He knew Ram’s legendary focus and wisdom, yet seeing him so affected was disquieting.
Hanuman, standing by, wore an expression of helplessness and resolve. Then they noticed Sugriv’s arrival, his face reflecting the anguish in Ram’s voice.
Sugriv approached, his words thoughtful, “This journey, Ram, is more than physical. It’s a battle of the heart and mind. Your love for Seetha is immeasurable, but now is not the time for it to overwhelm you. Be strong, my friend. We stand with you at every step. “
As Ram stood again before the gushing ocean, his eyes closed tight for concentration, he tried to repeat the mantra. The water parted but then collapsed back with a thunderous sound. This cycle continued, with Ram becoming more restless and agitated, fidgeting with his bow, with every splash getting louder than before.
While whispers, mocking and ethereal, crept into his mind, chipping away at his focus.
“She is better off without you.”
“A queen now, far from the man who couldn’t protect her.”
“Unfit to be king, unworthy of Seetha.”
Overcome with emotion, Ram reached for an arrow. His fingers trembled with anger and desperation as the whispers grew louder, challenging his essence. Kneeling, he drew the bowstring back, a mix of mantras and defiance on his lips. Shouting aloud, “Oh Mighty Brahma, give me the power to kill these invisible forces with your power.”
Just as the arrow was about to leave his fingertips, the water before him transformed into a human figure, fish jumping around it. The figure, King Samudra, bowed to Ram, pleading, “Nobel among men, please do not release the Brahmastra from your mighty bow. It could destroy me and all beings dependent on me.”
“I barely act according to the words of Ravan, who commanded me to break you and shatter you.” King Samudra continued while Ram’s arrow remained poised. “Though I rule the ocean and everything in it, he rules the 3 worlds, making me a mere puppet. I abided by my allegiance to the throne of Swarga lok have to obey his command.”
“Forgive me, Lord Ram. You’re known for your kindness. As penance, anything etched with your name shall stay afloat in me, unaffected by tides. My word, Ram, is that your army will have safe passage. I only ask that you withdraw the Brahmastra.” continues Samudra with worry clear in his voice.
Sternly questioning Samudra’s sincerity, Ram replied, “How can I trust you now, King Samudra? What if this is another deceit?”
Samudra implored, “Oh, mighty one, I know your capabilities and righteousness. All I request is that you have faith in me, as all I have done till now is as per the order of my ruler, yet what I’m going to do is for the world’s betterment. Please, my Lord, I request you to have faith in me and lower the bow.
Ram, conflicted by duty and the Kshatriya rules, hesitated.
“We can pass the ocean unharmed. I’ll be forever indebted, King Samudra. Yet, I cannot lower the arrow mounted on my bow, as you are very well aware of the Kshatriya rules. An arrow mounted and locked for release has to be let go,”
While his grip on the arrow isn’t as firm as it was, Ram is still in an aimed position.
“Please, Ram, withdraw the weapon as it, Brahmastra, launched anywhere, would cause destruction and chaos.” Samudra Samudra pleaded again.
“My Lord, launch it on me,” says Hanuman, who intervened, with love and affection filled in his eyes for Lord Ram.
“I am immortal, you know, right? Brahmastra wouldn’t kill me. It would merely pinch me, I guess,” continues Hanuman in his child-like enthusiasm to help his best friend out of trouble.
Ram is moved by this selfless act of Hanuman, who keeps getting surprised repeatedly by the amount of respect, love, and admiration Hanuman has for him, which has surpassed every known form in the universe.
With a Teary eye, Ram nods his head, no gulps, and asks Hanuman to ask his god-father Vayu to help him guide the arrow to a place that is as deep as pathal, barren as his heart is without Seetha, with Surya as its witness, and sand as its cover, far from humanity and prosperity.
Hanuman listens obediently and then turns to summon his god-father and seek Vayu’s guidance for a safe arrow trajectory. Once Vayu gives a good to go and orders Ram to turn North and launch the arrow high in the northwest direction, he nods, pulls the string with his full might, and releases it, launching the arrow high and deep into the sky.
With the arrow’s trajectory set on a harmless path, Vayu blesses his son and vanishes following the arrow.
Refocusing on Samudra, Ram firmly reminded him of his promise. He then watched as the ocean deity merged back with the waters, disappearing into the depths of the sea.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the others, Lakshman had silently armed himself, nocking an arrow onto his bow. As Ram turned, he found Lakshman poised to shoot. Quickly closing the distance, Ram questioned whether the arrow had been enchanted with divine powers. Lakshman’s negative nod brought a visible sigh of relief to Ram.
A knowing chuckle escaped Ram, understanding the instinct that had driven his younger brother’s quick actions — an ever-present readiness to protect and serve. He then directed Lakshman to aim the arrow at the towering mountain behind them. The mountain, he explained, would absorb the force of the Astra and yield the materials needed for their path’s construction.
With the crisis averted, a sense of relief swept over them. Ram wrapped his arms around Hanuman in a warm embrace, his heart full of gratitude for the unwavering support and selflessness shown.
‘Hanuman, my dear friend,’ Ram’s voice quivered with emotion, ‘your undying love and loyalty never cease to touch the deepest corners of my heart.’”
Hanuman, known for his humility, simply bowed and replied, “My Lord, my life’s purpose is to serve and protect you. Your happiness and success are my greatest rewards.”
As the first light of dawn bathed the landscape, Ram turned his attention to the vast ocean before him. With King Samudra’s promise of safe passage, he felt renewed determination and purpose. He knew that the path ahead was fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on, fueled by his love for Seetha and his duty as a warrior.
Ram gathered his comrades, and together, they prepared for the journey to Lanka, the land where Seetha was held captive. The Vanar Sena, now filled with hope and renewed vigor, rallied around their beloved leader. Ram’s resolve and inner strength had inspired them all, and they were ready to follow him into the heart of danger.
As they set out at dawn, the sun rising in the eastern sky, Ram couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism. He knew the road ahead would be arduous, but he also knew that love, courage, and unwavering faith would guide them through the darkest times.
With the ocean now calm and placid, the rising sun’s reflection danced on its surface, creating a shimmering path that seemed to lead them forward. Ram took the first step, his heart filled with determination, and his companions followed, their footsteps echoing the unyielding resolve that had brought them this far.
The journey to rescue Seetha had just begun, but Ram was more determined than ever to reunite with his beloved and bring her back to his side. The challenges would test their mettle, but Ram and his loyal companions were prepared to face them with bravery and unwavering devotion.
And so, with the sun as their witness and the ocean as their ally, Ram and the Vanar Sena embarked on their perilous quest to rescue Seetha, their hearts filled with love and their spirits unbroken.
