369. Ravana was killed by Rama.

             Matali was wondering why Rama was just dilly-dallying and not killing that rakshash. Matali did not expect that the battle between Rama and Ravana would be taking so long and without any break. After thinking for a while, he thought that Rama was tired, too and hence could not think clearly and was acting involuntarily. Matali, therefore, decided to refresh the memory of Rama and told him "Sir! Why are you still dragging on the battle with Ravana. Why don't you finish him? Have you forgotten that Brahmaastra would do the trick?"

        Rama, who was reminded thus by Matali, thanked him and took hold of the Brahmaastra  looking like hissing serpent. It was given to him by the sage, Agastya earlier in the battle-field. It was made specifically  for Indra, by Brahma. It was bestowed to those who were considered worthy of it. Sometimes some unworthy rakshashas got it. It was said to be more powerful than a nuclear device like a hydrogen bomb. As such it was being used very, very sparingly when any other weapon proved to be of no use.

        Rama thanked Matali again for the timely helpful suggestion. He, then made it as powerful as it was meant to be by following the procedure specified in scriptures. Rama then fixed that arrow and was preparing himself to hurl it toward that rakshash, Ravana. The mere indication that the all-powerful astra was about to be hurled towards the enemy, all beings were frightened and the earth trembled. When Rama hurled it toward that rakshash, it, ignoring all the weapons hurled by Ravana to stop it, promptly hit Ravana's chest. After taking the life of Ravana from his body, that astra, anointed with his blood, penetrated the earth.

          After duly satisfying itself that it had accomplished its mission, that arrow re-entered its bed (i.e. the quiver of Rama) silently and fell asleep.
         The lifeless body of Ravana fell down from the chariot on to the ground, like Vritra, when he was struck down by the vajra.

       It is needless to specifically state that the entire army of Ravana, seeing the dead body of their king, ran away. And that made all the vanaras very happy and feeling triumphant. 

         Then the cheerful outlet of the deities who were watching the duel reverberated in the sky. Very pleasant winds, carrying divine odour, emanated from there and embraced Rama and all others in his army. They showered lots of fascinating flowers on the chariot of Rama.

          All of them cried in joy "well done! Bravo!", combined with a panegyric in praise of Rama.

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