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They whirled their spiked maces and swords, viciously hacking down the enemy troops. The monkeys picked up one Rākṣasa to strike another, and the Rākṣasas did the same with the monkeys. Arrows with crescent or horseshoe heads sped through the air and lopped off arms, legs and heads.

Gradually Rāvaṇa came around and began to lament. “Alas, my brother, where have you gone? What use now is my kingdom, or Sītā, or even life itself? Either I shall slay Rāma or Death may claim me too.”

Give up this empty boasting and demonstrate your strength at once. After you send at Me the best of your arrows and missiles, I will strike your head off even as the wind Whether I am old or young is of no matter; you should know Me as your death arrived here today.

The Vanara army thundered in response and took up crags and tree trunks. The two armies met with a clash and a terrible, confused fight ensued. Demons and monkeys gave out leonine roars as they assailed one another with fury. The monkeys sprang high, dragging down the airborne Rākṣasas and dashing them to the earth. They smashed the demons with rocks and pounded them with their fists and feet.

Narantaka spun round and glared at Aṅgada. The spear broke against Aṅgada’s chest and fell to the ground. The horse’s feet sank deeply into the ground and its eyes popped out. Narantaka jumped off the back of his slain horse and roared in anger. The monkey vomited hot blood and fell back dazed.

They turned their faces toward the city and hastily retreated. The monkeys surrounded Lakṣman and praised Him, shouting with joy. The prince smiled and returned to Rāma’s side. Rāma embraced His brother and glorified His wondrous feat. Flowers fell from the sky and heavenly drums sounded.

Driven by his destiny, the demon stood up and embraced his sons, ordering them to march out for battle Four of the Rākṣasa’s sons, Trishira, Devantaka, Narantaka and Atikaya, along with two of his half-brothers , Mahaparshwa and Mahodara, were dispatched for the fight. anointed themselves with medicinal herbs capable of warding off injuries, as well as with perfumes and They put on golden armor and took up their fierce weapons.

The Rākṣasas ran quickly to Rāvaṇa and told him the news. His limbless and headless trunk lies half-submerged in the sea, and his head now blocks the city’s main

Seeing his brother killed, Devantaka cried loudly with grief and fury. Aṅgada immediately seized a huge tree and swept aside all the arrows. Aṅgada threw trees and rocks one after another. Mahodara whirled his club and shattered them as they flew toward him. The elephant fell to its knees and toppled over.

They were all mighty in battle and had never experienced defeat. All of them knew the mystic missiles and all had received various boons from their practices of asceticism Bragging loudly, they declared that they would all go out together and finish Rāma and the monkeys in

Hanumān roared loudly and sprang at Trishira. Trishira took up a terrible javelin and hurled it straight at Hanumān. The monkey immediately caught it and snapped it in two. Trishira fell unconscious and his sword slipped from his grasp. Hanumān snatched the sword and roared.

They assailed the Rākṣasa from all sides, hurling huge rocks and trees at him. He pierced all five of the monkeys and sent them running. He looked around and saw Rāma. If You have the courage and the strength, then stand against me today. I shall soon end Your power and Your fame.”

Crouching down and regaining his senses, Aṅgada, who was thinking only of Rāma, suddenly sprang forward He swung his fist with all his might and hit the Rākṣasa on the chest. He sank to the ground with his limbs soaked in blood and gave up his life.

Or if You choose to stand here, then be prepared for my arrows, which will quaff Your lifeblood, even

The earth shook and the sky resounded with their roars. Drums crashed and conches blew, filling the four quarters with a deafening clamor.

Vibhishana replied that this was Rāvaṇa’s son, a powerful fighter who had performed much asceticism and The creator of the universe had made him invincible to gods and demons and had bestowed upon him many With his arrows, the demon had even checked Indra’s thunderbolt and cut down Varuṇa’s noose.

Those endowed with power and valor do not give way to grief. Only command me and I shall go out and exterminate your enemies.”

Hearing the celestial voice, Lakṣman took out a large golden arrow and fitted it to His bow. As He chanted the mantras, the sky seemed to shake and the earth groaned. He released the arrow and it sped with a terrible cracking sound toward the demon.

Rāvaṇa was shocked and seized by grief. He fainted. All around him his sons and other relatives sent up a wail of sorrow.

Narantaka sent up a tremendous roar and began carving a path deep into the monkey army. He left a trail of flesh and blood strewn with mountain-like monkeys lying stretched on the ground. The demon sundered the ranks of his enemy, piercing them with his spear and killing dozens at a time.