Neev: Welcome back to Mythical Masala! I’m Neev, and today we’re at the cusp of the epic climax of the Ramayana. It’s time for Rama and his army to march towards Lanka for the ultimate battle.

Co-host: That’s right! We’re talking ocean bridges, divine intervention, family drama, and epic war plans. If you thought it was intense so far, buckle up—it’s about to get legendary.

Neev: Let’s dive right in and watch how destiny unfolds for Rama, Ravana, and the fate of Lanka itself!

Neev: Rama, Sugreeva, and the Vanara Sena gathered at Mahendra Mountain, staring at the vast ocean before them. The waves crashed relentlessly, a stark reminder of the monumental challenge ahead.

Co-host: Yeah, they can’t just fly across like Hanuman. How do you move an army of monkeys and bears across such a massive expanse?

Neev: That’s right! Rama was worried but Sugreeva reassured him. The warriors did not lack courage, but crossing the ocean they needed special arrangements. 

 Co-host: I am sure they will come up with something. 

Neev: They will. Meanwhile, across the ocean in Lanka, Ravana held his council. The burning of Lanka had shaken him, but his generals—like Prahastha, Durmukha, and Nikumbha—reassured him. They reminded Ravana of his past victories over the gods and dismissed Rama and his "monkey army" as insignificant.

Co-host: Classic villain overconfidence. Haven’t they learned not to underestimate the good guys?

Neev: Well, one voice in Ravana’s court wasn’t buying it—his wise brother Vibheeshana. He repeatedly urged Ravana to return Seeta to Rama, warning him that disaster was looming. "What these people say is pleasant to hear but it is neither true nor good. We have done wrong by taking away Rama's wife. Ever since she came here, we have seen bad omens and Lanka has been burnt down. We have seen what Hanuman is capable of and we have heard of Rama's prowess from him and from our own warriors Return Seeta to her husband," pleaded Vibheeshana. 

Co-host: And let me guess… Ravana ignored him. Again.Just because Vibhsesshana was not using flattery and pointing out the right thing to do.

Neev: Let’s just say, Ravana wasn’t in the mood to take advice. The council continued to meet for 3 days. Ravana even woke up Kumbhakarna, trying to get at least one brother on his side. 

Neev: Vibheeshana couldn’t stand Ravana’s stubbornness anymore. Day after day, he pleaded for Ravana to make peace with Rama and return Seeta. But Ravana’s anger boiled over. He called Vibheeshana a traitor and declared, “If anyone else had spoken like this, I would have killed them.”

Co-host: Wow, talk about family drama. That’s got Thanksgiving-dinner-turned-argument vibes!

Neev: Yeah! Even Kumbhakarna condemned Ravana's action, but he added that since he was Ravana's brother, he would now fight by his side against Rama. 

Co-host: Kumbhakarna was not stupid, he spoke as he did because of his affection for Ravana, though Ravana was wrong. And I guess because he wanted to live! Or deal with Ravana’a anger!

Neev: Hurt but unwavering, Vibheeshana made the ultimate decision. He renounced his home, his possessions, and even his brother. With a heavy heart, he left Lanka and crossed the ocean to seek Rama’s shelter.

Co-host: That was a quick turn of events! 

Neev: When Vibheeshana approached Rama, the Vanara Sena was suspicious of him - they thought he might be a spy. Sugreeva and Jambavan were certain this was a trick by Ravana. But Hanuman, wise as always, reassured Rama.

Co-host: Of course, Hanuman! He’s like the friend who always knows what’s up. What did he say?

Neev: Hanuman reminded everyone that Rama’s compassion was boundless. Vibheeshana was seeking refuge, and Rama never turned anyone away. After hearing Vibheeshana’s sincerity, Rama embraced him as an ally.

Co-host: What a move. Forgiveness and strategy all rolled into one.

Neev: With Vibheeshana on their side, the army turned their attention to the ocean. Rama prayed to the ocean god, Saagara, for three days, asking for a path to Lanka.

Co-host: When nothing else works, you got to start praying to one of the Gods! Seems like he didn’t really have a choice!  But Three days?! Did the ocean even respond?

Neev: Nope. By the third day, Rama had had enough. Furious, he demanded his bow and arrows. “Courtesy with fools is wasted! They understand only fear of consequences.” he declared and shot powerful arrows into the ocean. He even threatened to dry up the ocean. 

Co-host: Woah! That is very unlike Rama who so far has been the calmest and most patient person. But he’s worried about Seeta, and probably fears Ravana may hurt her.

Neev: Sea creatures leapt in panic, waves churned violently, and the waters began to recede as if retreating from Rama’s wrath. Saagara, the Ocean-god, had no choice but to emerge. Bowing low before Rama, the Ocean-god spoke, “Forgive me, Lord. I was bound by the laws of nature and could not act without your command. But I will now assist you in crossing these waters.”

Co-host: Finally! I mean, it only took a near-apocalypse to get him to show up.

Neev: True! Saagara told Rama about Nala, a Vanara in his army who was the son of Vishwakarma, the architect of the gods. “Ask Nala and the Vanaras to throw logs, rocks, and boulders into the water,” Saagara said. “I will ensure they float and form a bridge.”

Co-host: huh? Interesting! But how is he going to just build a bridge?

Neev: The Vanaras, with Nala’s guidance, immediately set to work, gathering massive trees and stones from the surrounding forest.

Neev: The effort was immense, but the Vanara Sena’s enthusiasm was unmatched. Under Rama’s watchful gaze, they began to build a bridge. They worked tirelessly for five days, pushing and pulling until the bridge stretched across the ocean.

Co-host: That’s teamwork! Didn’t they write the word “Rama” on every stone?

Neev: That’s right! The bridge was wide enough to carry the monkey army and long enough to get to Lanka.The army erupted in joy, ready to march across.

Co-host: Do you want some fun facts about this bridge?

Neev: Sure! That sounds like a rhetorical question!

Co-host: This bridge is called Ram Setu or Adam’s bridge. It is a natural bridge made of limestone shoals. between Rameshwaram, India, and Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. The length of the limestone bridge is 48 km. It is considered to be about 500-600 years old. 

Neev: So it isn’t the bridge built by the vanars?

Co-host: There is no scientific proof stating that the bridge is man-made. Up to the 15th century, the bridge was reportedly passable on foot. As per the Rameswaram temple records, the bridge was entirely above sea level till 1480. 

Neev: Why is it called Adams Bridge?

Co-host: Ah! That’s another little fun fact. According to the sources, there is a mountain in Sri Lanka known as Adam's Peak. Supposedly, this is the region where biblical Adam first appeared on the planet. After the expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Adam crossed from Sri Lanka to India through this bridge. This led to the name, “Adam’s Bridge”.

Neev: How Cool! The bridge is part of more than one mythology!

Neev: Hanuman carried Rama on his shoulders, while Angad carried Lakshmana. It was a sight to behold—a massive wave of monkeys and bears surging towards Lanka.

Co-host: Meanwhile, Ravana must’ve been sweating.

Neev: He was. His grandfather, Malyavan, urged him to make peace. But Ravana dismissed him as an old man.

Co-host: Ravana’s arrogance strikes again.

Neev: As Rama’s army advanced, Ravana stationed his generals and warriors to fortify Lanka. Ravana’s advisors devised underhanded strategies. One rakshasa named Vidyutjihva created an illusion to shatter Seeta’s spirit. Using his dark magic, he conjured a horrifying image—Rama’s severed head, lying on the ground before her.

Co-host: That’s just cruel. Did she fall for it?

Neev: Seeta was heartbroken, believing for a moment that her Rama had been killed. But as the sounds of approaching war drums echoed through the palace, her faith was restored. She realized it was a cruel trick meant to weaken her resolve.

Co-host: Wow, Ravana really doesn’t hold back, does he? First illusions, and now magic—he’s pulling every dirty trick in the book.

Neev: While Ravana plotted, Sugreeva was conducting his own reconnaissance. Daring and impulsive, he ventured deep into enemy territory, observing the defenses and even spotting Ravana himself.

Co-host: Hold on—Sugreeva just stumbled upon Ravana? That’s like sneaking into the villain’s lair and running into the big boss himself!

Neev: Exactly! Sugreeva couldn’t resist the chance to confront Ravana. With a ferocious roar, he leapt onto Ravana, shouting, “I am Rama’s friend and servant! Today, I will end you!”

Neev: The two clashed in a furious battle. Sugreeva’s strength was immense, but Ravana’s cunning was unmatched. Realizing that Ravana was using magic to gain the upper hand, Sugreeva wisely retreated, leaping back to Rama’s army.

Co-host: And instead of being scolded for his impulsiveness, Sugreeva gets a hug from Rama, right?

Neev: (laughing) That’s right! Rama was deeply touched by Sugreeva’s courage and loyalty. “Your bravery gives me strength, my friend,” he said as he embraced him.

Neev: After regrouping, the leaders of Rama’s army—Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Sugreeva, and Vibheeshana—gathered to review their strategy. Vibheeshana, with his insider knowledge, and Hanuman, with his reconnaissance of Lanka, provided crucial details about Ravana’s defenses.

Co-host: This  feels like the calm before the storm. You can almost feel the tension building.

Neev: Absolutely. With the plans in place, the Vanara Sena prepared for the battle of a lifetime. The armies of righteousness and darkness were about to collide, setting the stage for an epic showdown.

Neev: The battlefield was set. Rama, ever the peacemaker, sent Angad as a final messenger to Ravana with an offer of peace. “Restore Seeta, apologize, and we can end this without bloodshed,” said Angad.

Co-host: Bold move, considering Ravana has never been the “let’s talk this out” type.

Neev: Predictably, Ravana laughed off the offer.

Neev: That’s it for today’s episode! The Vanara Sena has crossed the ocean, and the battle for Lanka is about to begin.

Co-host: Next time, we dive into the clash of titans—Rama versus Ravana. Expect drama, heroics, and some heart-stopping moments.

Neev: Don’t forget to share your thoughts and tune in for the ultimate showdown. See you next time on Mythical Masala!