EC Reading Notes: Mahiravana

Cover Art (Indian Epics: Amar Chitra Katha)

Mahiravana: A Magician Outwitted
Written By: Meera Ugra
Art Work By: Souren Roy

Back Story
This comic is part of the Ramayana.  However, it did not appear in the PDE version that I read.  Which is a shame because it has my favorite character Hanuman.  As an added bonus he also has new super powers!  Plus, Durga makes an appereance.  So, that is cool.  These events take place after Hanuman burns down Lanka, but before the final battle with Ravana.

The Exposition
Ravana calls Mahiravana for help.  Mahiravana is Ravana's son, a magician, and king of the underworld.  So, Mahiravana decides to help his dad by kidnapping Rama and Lakshmana.  He takes them to the underworld, and decides to sacrifice them to Durga.

Hanuman's Super Powers

• can turn invisible
• can turn into a fly

Hanuman and Durga Teamup

Hanuman (in fly form) asks Durga to help him save Rama and Lakshmana.  She says yes, because she has decided that Mahiravana should die.  First, she does not want the sacrifice.  Second, he is persecuting the noble and innocent.  She tells Hanuman the plan, and wants him to tell Rama and Lakshmana.  The brothers are taken to the temple.  Hanuman turns invisible and follows.  The brothers refuse to bow at the alter because they are royal, and don't know how.  So Mahiravana bows down to show them.  Hanuman takes the sacrificial sword, and decapitates Mahiravana on the alter.  The three men return to camp to continue their adventures.