Who Would Win in a Battle Between Rama's and Pandavas' Armies?

In the epic days of ancient India, the line of kings and warriors contested power in the grand battles of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. While the right outcome of these wars has sparked endless debates, one question remains: would Rama's army, as depicted in the Ramayana, crush the Pandavas in the Mahabharata? Let's explore the strengths of both forces and the likely outcome of such a clash.

Rama's Army: Unmatched Might

Let's first lay the foundation with Rama's army, famously aided by a host of mighty Vanaras from the Indian forest of Kishkindha. According to the Valmiki Ramayana, these Vanaras were indeed superhumans with extraordinary strength. If we consider the leadership and aid of Vanar Sena led by Hanuman and Laxman, Rama's forces would indeed be invincible.

Strength and Might of Rama's Forces

Key individuals like Hanuman and Laxman are formidable beyond measure. Laxman alone could deliver a single Brahmastra that would wipe out an entire army in an instant. Think of the devastation that a single Brahmastra could cause; it would be equivalent to a nuclear bomb in today's context. The sheer horde of Vanaras, led by Sugriva, Jambavan, and Angad, is also staggering. These Vanaras could easily deflect arrows and even launch massive mountains at their adversaries. Even gods recognized the immense power of the Vanaras, with some like Samnadhana being more powerful than Indradev himself.

Key Players: Hanuman and Laxman

The presence of Hanuman and Laxman is the determining factor in the outcome of any battle. Legend has it that a single arrow from either of them would be enough to bring down the entire army of the Pandavas. Specifically, a Brahmastra fired by Laxman would decimate Riksharaja, the royal army of the Pandavas, in an instant. This would make any battle against the Pandavas futile for Rama's forces, as the sheer raw power of Hanuman and Laxman alone would clinch the victory.

The Elements Against the Pandavas

The Pandavas, while highly skilled and powerful, are still human. Their forces, led by Bhima and Arjuna, would be no match for the superhuman powers of the Vanaras. For instance, Sugriva, as the leader of the Vanaras, would easily defeat Bhima in brute strength. Meanwhile, Kumbhakarna would feast on the Pandava and Kaurava soldiers, making it near impossible for them to scratch him. Even Arjuna, considered one of the greatest warriors, would struggle against Ravana, with Laxman's unmatched strength rendering any confrontation futile.

The Odds Against the Pandavas

Based on the historical and mythological context, the odds are heavily against the Pandavas. The strength and size of beings in the Treta Yuga were much greater than in the Dwapara Yuga, according to the Bhagavatam. This suggests that the Vanaras, the warriors of Rama, would have even more immense power than the Pandavas. Without the presence of Hanuman or Laxman, the Pandavas' chances are 3 in 10, but with either of them in the fray, the Pandavas would have no chance at all. The combined might of Rama's army, especially with Hanuman and Laxman, would make any battle an easy victory for them.

Conclusion

While the battles of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are filled with epic moments and memorable warriors, the sheer power and force of Rama's army would likely bring about a decisive victory over the Pandavas. The mythological strength of the Vanaras cannot be underestimated, and the presence of Hanuman and Laxman would tilt the balance in Rama's favor. As such, the answer to this question points towards an overwhelming victory for Rama's army.