Ramayan 18th August 2013 Written Update

The episode begins at the battle ground where the armies clash against each other and Kumbhkaran challenges a furious Lakshman. Arrows are shot but Kumbhakaran remains undeterred.Sugriva resorts to hammering Kumbhakaran’s feet with his gada but the giant demon overpowers him mocking and carries him away in the grip of his fist. Watching this
Ram is cautioned by Jamvant as the taking away of Sugriva will dampen the morale of the entire Vanar sena.The battle with arrows begins between Ram and Kumbhakaran finally resulting in the release of Sugriva from the clutches of the giant. Ram’s arrows mangles both the arms of Kumbhakaran and finally ,he beheads him.

At the Lanka palace , the news of the death of Kumbhakaran is not well received by the father-in law and other counsels of Ravan who exclaim in disbelief. Shukh confirms the death of Kumbhakaran and everyone is terrified.

At the cantonment near the sea shore, Ram is informed about Vbhishan’s extreme grief and guilt for being the cause of death of his own brother Kumbhakaran who loved him unconditionally from his childhood. Ram asks them to console Vibhishan to keep faith . They discuss how Vibhishan is broken. Lakshman asserts the role destiny in life and death. Ram further elaborates that it is futile to lament on death as everyone who is born is destined to die and Kumbhakaran died as a brave warrior in war. Thus lamenting a martyr would demean his contribution to the glory of his duty towards his brother and Ravana. Ram hails the glory of Kumbhakaran saying that his contribution will be remembered with respect in the centuries to come.

In the Ashoka Vatika , Sita gets the news of death of Kumbhakaran and is elated and prays for the further victory of Lord Rama.

In his chambers, Ravan is furious, yells and proclaims to himself go to the war to put an end to all this. Meghnath intervenes and convinces him to allow him to go instead. Ravan finally agrees and gives Indrajeet his blessings .Indrajeet declares that either he will defeat his enemies or take Jal Samadhi by submerging himself in the sea water if he doesn’t win…

Back in the tent of Rama, he announces that they we will not retaliate anymore unless provoked by the enemy. However Lakshman emphasizes that how they need to be alert as the demons have supernatural powers and might strike them unarmed. He further adds that now only Ravana and his son Meghnad is left for war.

Meghnad goes to Kuldevi temple and seeks blessings before the war and performs a yagna.

In her royal chamber ,Mandodari cautions her son Meghnad when he seeks her blessings.She is worried about the outcome of this war. Meghnad emphatically declares that there will be only one outcome of this war- i.e the victory of Lanka.

Standing on a cliff ,
Ram, Lakshman,Jamvant all discuss about Meghnad coming for the war.
Jamvant elaborates how Meghnad had won the title of Indrajit AFTER DEFEATING Lord Indra. He also says that Ravan had named him Meghnad because during his birth the clouds were thundering loudly. He also warns them not to underestimate his powers as he is a great devotee of Nikumbra devi and Shukracharya had trained him.With is astute devotion he had earned two Siddhis. Ram and Lakshman hear the details with curiosity.

Back in the battlefield Sugriva and Meghnad argue wherein Meghnad challenges him .The battle begins. Meghnad easily scares Sugriva, kills the army men. When Angad tries to intervene ,he mocks him too and leaves the fight with him saying that he wants to kill Lakshman .
He asks Angad to convey his challenge to Lakshman.

At the cliff, a messenger informs Lakshman about the challenge. Lakshman is angry and seeks the permission of his brother to join and answer the challenge. Ram gives him his blessing but warns him not to get angry or riled up so soon. Lakshman gets more furious but Ram makes him see the difference between irrational anger and excitement for war. He further stresses on the fact that one has to be patient and calm during wars. Jamvant begs Lakshman to go only after Indrajeet gets tired. Lakshman chides him for going against rules. Jamvant clarifies that during war there is only rule i.e to defeat the opponent. Ram however out rightly discards use of any deceptive measures to win the war. He asks Lakshman to go to the battleground but remain patient .

In the battlefield ,Lakshman roars challenging Meghnad for war. The battle begins with fierce arrows being shot from both sides .After some hits and misses,it seems like Meghnad emerges as the more powerful one.

It’s almost sunset and Jamvant is worried that with evening Meghnad’s supernatural powers are quadrupled.He requests Ram to intervene.

Back in the battlefield Ram walks in along with Jamvant. Meghnad uses his Mayavi Shakti and vanishes. Lakshman laughs and presumes that he ran way due to fear of Lord Ram
However invisible Meghnad shoots Snake arrows which strike both Ram and Lakshman and they both faint together tied in the grip of those snakes. Meghnad leaves mocking them and all the Vanars are worried as they carry Ram and Lakshman back to the cantonment teary eyed.

At the Lanka palace, Ravan is in the mood of jubilation congratulating his son Meghnad. They both discuss how no one can ever survive the Nagpaash which he had shot and Rama and Lakshman will be dead in no time.

In the Ashoka Vatika, Sita cries hearing this but Trijata consoles her and encourages her to pray and not to lose hope like an ordinary woman.

At the cantonement everyone looks heartbroken and worried at Ram , Lakshman still fainted and trapped in the grip of Nagpaash. The discuss options and lament. Kesari ji elaborates how this Nagpaash is invincible as Meghnad had got this gift from Lord Shiva. Everyone looks at Kesari ji for some hope and solution.

Precap : Indrajeet is furious on hearing that both Ram and Lakshman have revived from that Nagpaash.