The Yuddha Kāṇḍa (also known as the Lanka Kāṇḍa)

 The Yuddha Kāṇḍa (also known as the Lanka Kāṇḍa) is the sixth book of the Valmiki Ramayana. It is the culmination of the epic — narrating the mighty war between Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces in Lanka, leading to the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil).

---

⚔️ Yuddha Kāṇḍa: Overview

📍 Setting:

• The island kingdom of Lanka, ruled by Ravana.

🌟 Themes:

• Good vs. Evil

• Courage, sacrifice, and loyalty

• The fruits of karma

• Restoration of moral order

---

🪔 Key Events of Yuddha Kāṇḍa

1. Rama Crosses the Ocean

• Rama, with the help of Sugriva, Hanuman, and the vanara army, reaches the southern ocean.

• The sea god doesn’t appear, so Rama threatens to dry the ocean.

• The sea god then appears and advises building a bridge (Setu).

• Nala, an architect-vanara, leads the building of Rama Setu with floating stones.

2. The War Begins

• Rama and his army cross into Lanka.

• Ravana refuses to return Sita, despite advice from his brother Vibhishana.

• Vibhishana defects and joins Rama.

• Rama crowns Vibhishana as the rightful king of Lanka.

3. Fierce Battles

• Great duels occur:

  • Angada vs. Indrajit (Meghanada)

  • Lakshmana vs. Indrajit

  • Hanuman vs. various rakshasas

• Indrajit wounds Lakshmana with a powerful weapon.

4. Sanjeevani and Hanuman’s Feat

• Hanuman is sent to the Himalayas to fetch the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana.

• Unable to identify the herb, he lifts the entire mountain and flies back.

5. Kumbhakarna and Indrajit Slain

• Ravana's gigantic brother Kumbhakarna joins the war and causes devastation, but is slain by Rama.

• Indrajit performs a black magic ritual to become invincible, but Lakshmana, with the help of Vibhishana, kills him in a fierce battle.

6. The Final Battle: Rama vs. Ravana

• The final and most epic duel of the Ramayana takes place between Rama and Ravana.

• Rama ultimately kills Ravana with the Brahmastra, ending his reign of terror.

7. Sita's Ordeal by Fire (Agni Pariksha)

• Rama asks Sita to prove her chastity, as she lived in Ravana’s palace.

• Sita enters a fire, and Agni (the fire god) returns her unharmed, proving her purity.

• Rama accepts her back.

8. Return to Ayodhya

• Indra and other gods praise Rama, and the vanaras are blessed.

• Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and others return to Ayodhya on the Pushpaka Vimana (a divine flying chariot).

---

✨ Symbolism and Moral Lessons

• Hanuman’s strength and devotion inspire service and faith.

• Vibhishana’s defection symbolizes standing for truth, even against one's family.

• Rama’s restraint and dharma even in victory show ideal kingship.

• The war is both outer (battlefield) and inner (overcoming ego, desire, anger).