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He questioned the trees, “O Kadamba, O Bilva, O Arjuna tree, where is Janaka’s frail daughter?

Lakṣman gazed at the jewels and replied to Rāma. “I do not recognize the armlets or earrings, for I have never looked at the face or body of the princess

Rāvaṇa, who appeared youthful and majestic, and who shone with a brilliant aura, stood before the princess She looked miserable and stricken, like a rose creeper torn from a tree and thrown to the ground. She appeared like a shattered faith, or a frustrated hope, or an abandoned treasure.

Rāma examined His hut and the surrounding grounds closely. It resembled a lotus flower blighted by winter and deprived of its charm. The flowers appeared faded and dull. Deer and birds were restless and ill at ease. Or perhaps She lies dead somewhere. Or has She gone out playfully, hiding now in sport?”

All of the Rākṣasīs were ugly and grossly misshapen. others had huge ears that covered their bodies, some had heads like boars, tigers, buffalos, goats, deer or Some had the legs and feet of elephants, camels or horses. Some had abnormally long and twisted noses, some had large pointed ears or fierce lion-like teeth. Others had hair down to their feet and hands with claws.

Should he annihilate the entire Rākṣasa horde and rescue Sītā? Or should he single-handedly kill Rāvaṇa, uproot Lanka and carry it, along with Sītā, back to Rāma?

Is some king or prince out hunting in the forest, followed by his army? Or is it some vast herd of beasts on the move? Please go and see.”

Suddenly he paused and thought, “This surely could not be Sītā. Separated from Rāma, the princess would never be able to sleep or eat or even adorn Herself.

The monkeys systematically entered each and every one. They climbed every mountain and scoured all woods and groves. Gradually they moved further and further south. Not finding Rāvaṇa or Sītā anywhere, they became more and more fatigued and disappointed. The month allotted by Sugrīva passed and still they had no clue as to where Sītā had been taken.

Or, if you prefer, you may remain for this night with your wives and we shall fight tomorrow. It is improper to fight one who is drunk or blinded by passion. Return to your city and gaze upon it for one last time. Say fond farewells to your near and dear ones. Install your son upon the throne and then come out for battle.

Bharata looked at the closed shop fronts and abandoned market places, the temples with their dusty courtyards and the deities without fresh dresses or garlands—everything seemed desolate.

“I asked Indra how I could survive in such a form, a mere trunk with no head or limbs. Out of compassion he gave me these two arms and this huge mouth. He then said, ‘When Rāma and Lakṣman sever your arms, you will ascend to heaven.’

With their arms, legs and heads severed, countless Rākṣasas fell lifeless to the ground. He shot innumerable shafts that could not be intercepted or endured and which killed the demons by the Horses, elephants and Rākṣasas lay mangled on the ground.

And this mighty bow, encrusted with pearls and gems. Glowing golden armor studded with emeralds and rubies. All these items could only belong to gods or demons.”

How fortunate are Rāma and Lakṣman that they were able to perform the last rites of the great monarch Or is My father still present? Surely he does not know I have arrived or else he would have come quickly to see Me, embracing Me and

With You by My side I do not miss any of My relatives or even Ayodhya itself. Your beauty puts to shame the so-called beauty of these heavenly damsels, and it gives Me newer and newer

Rāma stood up and embraced Sugrīva. “It must be ascertained whether or not Sītā still lives.

Shurpanakha rolled about on the ground, beating her chest and shedding tears. Go out and face Rāma in a fight. You will soon see your energy and pride humbled. Or if you actually do have any power, then let it be proved. Slay the two brothers today and avenge me and your fourteen servants.”

“I think this prince will either bind us with chains or kill us, finding us entirely devoted to Rāma, “Have our men stand ready with weapons and clothed in mail. The boats should each be filled with one hundred warriors and should wait on the other side of the river Rāma is our lord and master and we should do whatever is in our power to assist Him.”

“How could there ever be any fault in the behavior of You or Your brother, O Rāma?” one ṛṣi said. “What unseemly conduct will ever be seen in the gentle and high-born Sītā?