Hanuman observes that demons had learned Vedas as he heard the chanting of Vedas. The commentator remarks on Tirtha’s views in this context. The views of Tirtha are at variance and are construed otherwise. The demons are predominantly possessed of tamoguna, baser instincts, and as a result of magical power (maya) of the Lord they engage themselves in evil acts. But meditating on the Lord even after performing evil acts leads to better results in their next birth. He quotes a mantra from the Veda purported to be recited for glorifying the charity of a king by name, Rksasvamegha: ‘O kinsmen who offer food mortals do not get blame when they meditate on the lord, as they are rendered sinless. Thus meditation without prejudice will lead to heaven in next births after experiencing the hardships of the hell.
5.18.22-31
Ravana was shining with the light of lamps. The commentator opines, that since only one yama was left on the twelfthnight (of the brighter half of the lunar month) the moon was already on the setting point and the lamps shone (in the absence of moonlight). No male demon other than Sankukarna, the custodian of the garden, saw Ravana. Hanuman who had assumed a short form by means of his magical power could not stand before Ravana whose magical power, excelled all other’s powers.
Recitation of Vedas by demons 5.18.1-22
Hanuman observes that demons had learned Vedas as he heard the chanting of Vedas. The commentator remarks on Tirtha’s views in this context. The views of Tirtha are at variance and are construed otherwise. The demons are predominantly possessed of tamoguna, baser instincts, and as a result of magical power (maya) of the Lord they engage themselves in evil acts. But meditating on the Lord even after performing evil acts leads to better results in their next birth. He quotes a mantra from the Veda purported to be recited for glorifying the charity of a king by name, Rksasvamegha: ‘O kinsmen who offer food mortals do not get blame when they meditate on the lord, as they are rendered sinless. Thus meditation without prejudice will lead to heaven in next births after experiencing the hardships of the hell.
5.18.22-31
Ravana was shining with the light of lamps. The commentator opines, that since only one yama was left on the twelfthnight (of the brighter half of the lunar month) the moon was already on the setting point and the lamps shone (in the absence of moonlight). No male demon other than Sankukarna, the custodian of the garden, saw Ravana. Hanuman who had assumed a short form by means of his magical power could not stand before Ravana whose magical power, excelled all other’s powers.