Chapter 86 — Lavana's Power

That night, Shatrughna asked Chyavana what strength Lavana possessed and who had already fallen before the trident.

Chyavana answered with the story of Mandhata, a mighty king of the Ikshvaku line. Mandhata had brought the whole earth under his command and then set his desire on Indra's realm. Indra saw the danger in that ambition and spoke to him gently.

“Do not seek rule among the gods while the earth itself remains outside your authority,” Indra said. “If all the earth obeys you, come with your retainers and army and make your claim.”

Mandhata answered that no command of his had been resisted on earth. Indra then told him what the king had not known: Lavana, Madhu's son, lived in Madhu's forest and did not obey him.

Mandhata could not answer. He returned from the gods' world in shame, gathered his force, and sent a messenger to demand submission from Lavana. The rakshasa ate the messenger while he was still delivering the demand.

When the messenger did not return, Mandhata attacked. Lavana laughed, took up the trident, and cast it. The weapon burned king and army to ash, then came back to Lavana's hand.

“That is its power,” Chyavana said. “But tomorrow Lavana will leave his city to feed. Strike him before he takes the weapon. If you do, your victory is certain.”

Through their conversation the night passed. Shatrughna did not answer with a boast. He held the counsel in mind and waited for morning.