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Long ago Rāvaṇa had pleased Brahmā by performing difficult asceticism and had won from the god a boon Brahmā had granted Rāvaṇa immunity from being slain by any beings, except for humans or animals, whom

Rāvaṇa was not at all concerned whether she was married or not. He had stolen the wives of gods, Gandharvas and demons everywhere, taking them to Lanka to join his harem The Rākṣasa was accustomed to having his way and spoke only in an attempt to win over Rambha. He praised her divine beauty and told her of his own power and glory.

Fearful screams and cries resounded everywhere in that dark and desolate place. Rāvaṇa saw in hundreds and thousands people being eaten up by fierce dogs, consumed by fires, or being Other unrighteous men and women were running here and there on burning sands, being pursued by Yamadutas holding lances and tridents. They would then leap up and race off, only to be quickly caught by the Yamadutas and put through the

It seemed as though they were situated in a separate dimension of space and time. Young men and women with highly attractive forms were dressed in golden garments and ornaments, embracing one another and laughing. Excellent food and drink was laid out on gold and silver tables. Musicians played and young girls danced.

He also saw the millions of soldiers and servants of Yamarāja, known as the Yamadutas. They appeared fierce and unapproachable. In their hands they held nooses and terrible weapons. Their faces were contorted into frightful expressions and they yelled and shrieked in dissonant tones Moving swiftly, they struck and tortured people who were running in all directions.

He crossed over the broad Vaitarani river, which flowed with blood and excrement, and came to another The terrible cackles of the Yamadutas echoed there, along with the howls of jackals and wolves. Everywhere stood people who appeared emaciated and pale, seized with unbearable thirst and crying out

By whirling their maces and lances the Yamadutas repelled all Rāvaṇa’s missiles and surrounded him in Rāvaṇa became completely covered by darts and lances piercing every part of his body. He roared in anger and pain, quickly rising upwards from out of the midst of his assailants.

The creature appeared dreadful, with a dark yellowish complexion and misshapen features. He was clean shaven and muscular and he stood holding a large glowing pike. “Who are you and where is this region? Why have I been impeded?”

see groups of ṛṣis, ascetic Brahmins who dwelt in those high mountain ranges, practising austerities and Using their powers of sorcery the Rākṣasas dropped down volumes of blood, faeces and urine, defiling They would then hurl huge boulders and blazing coals, crushing and burning the sages where they sat in Finally the demons would themselves descend, howling and roaring. They tore apart the bodies of the ṛṣis, drinking their blood and devouring their flesh.

Numerous cat’s-eye and crystal pillars ran along its sides, supporting golden mansions inlaid with coral Large floors made entirely of gems stood upon gold statues of lions and tigers. In those clear ponds stood ivory elephants and silver goddesses. Networks of pearls and wreaths of celestial flowers hung all over that car. and fierce bears.

He whirled it above his head with such force that it glowed bright orange and threw off tongues of fire He flew with the speed of a tempest towards the emperor and struck him a great blow on the forehead. The king fell from his chariot and lay bleeding on the ground. The Rākṣasa began laughing and deriding the fallen monarch.

Vedavati closed her eyes and meditated on Viṣṇu, seeing Him within her heart. Her body was immediately consumed by flames and in a few moments Rāvaṇa stood looking at her ashes. Baffled by her words, the disappointed demon rose again to his chariot and continued on his way.

The face of that celestial girl shone with incomparable beauty and she was adorned with bright garlands and jewels. Her soul-captivating eyes glanced here and there and her fleshy hips swayed as she moved. Rāvaṇa gazed upon her large round breasts and shapely thighs.

Rāvaṇa flew in the Pushpaka he suddenly saw ahead of him the celestial seer, Nārada, shining brightly and Rāvaṇa had met him many times before and was pleased to see him. He preferred to kill and eat them rather than speak with them. The ṛṣis and seers generally favored the gods, but Nārada was different. He would often give Rāvaṇa good advice and seemed to be his well wisher.

All around him flew thousands of Rākṣasas, clutching swords, barbed spears, spiked maces and iron bludgeons Some Rākṣasas had the heads of tigers, some of donkeys and some of fierce fiends. Others appeared in their natural forms: large blackish bodies, fearful faces with tall pointed ears and They wore iron breastplates studded with gems and were adorned with bright gold earrings and other shining

Śiva stood up and pressed down upon the hill with his toe. He let out a tremendous cry that resounded throughout the three worlds of heaven, earth and hell, terrifying He was trapped by the weight of the mountain and could not move.

They rained down an unlimited number of arrows and other fierce weapons upon Rāvaṇa and his followers The clash of weapons and the shouts of the warriors sounded like the roaring ocean tossed by a storm.

Drawn by a thousand red and black steeds shining with a bright luster, and having a thousand great wheels

The Rākṣasa’s ministers at once surrounded him and advised him to appease Śiva. Offer him prayers and seek his compassion at once. Surely he will be gracious to you.”

Covered all over with their arrows and bleeding profusely, the demon king appeared like a great mountain Using his knowledge of mystical weapons, the Rākṣasa returned volleys of arrows, spears, maces, rocks and This fearful and deadly shower fell upon the forces of Yamarāja who stood in front of Rāvaṇa.