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Many valiant Rākṣasas were crushed in this way by mighty heroes among the monkeys and bears. The battlefield was strewn with spears and maces, as well as javelins, lances and arrows. Smashed chariots lay amid the carcasses of horses and elephants. The headless trunks of Rākṣasas and monkeys bounded here and there, spurting blood and finally falling Vultures and jackals moved about the field, feasting on flesh and blood.

The monkeys sportingly lifted and tossed each other around. They leapt up trees and hills and jumped upon one another’s backs. At the rear of the monkeys came Jambavan and his contingent of bears. In the midst of them all were Rāma and Lakṣman, seated upon the backs of Hanumān and Aṅgada. They looked like the sun and moon conjoined with Jupiter and Venus and surrounded by innumerable stars

A roll of celestial drums sounded in the skies and the singing of Gandharvas and Apsarās could be heard The sky became clear and the sea calm. Siddhas, Cāraṇas and Gandharvas appeared there and gazed upon the dead Rākṣasa. The monkeys leapt for joy, thundering and roaring, and applauding Lakṣman.

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.

The battle between man and demon raged furiously. Both of them relentlessly hurled their deadly missiles and filled the sky with volleys of arrows. Neither showed any sign of fatigue and both were worked up with a terrible anger. All around them the monkeys and Rākṣasas clashed violently in a fearful and bloody battle. They prayed to Viṣṇu and showered blessings upon Lakṣman and the Vanaras, wishing them victory.

Rāma praised Sugrīva’s courage and strength and then turned to Lakṣman. Many terrible omens are visible, boding massive destruction and death. The earth will soon be covered with rocks, darts, arrows and swords, hurled by monkeys and Rākṣasas. Soon a thick morass of flesh and blood will spread on all sides. Surrounded by monkeys and bears, We should immediately march on Lanka.”

The gods and Gandharvas, along with the celestial ṛṣis, all stood in amazement as they gazed upon the It was eighty miles wide and eight hundred miles long. The monkeys and bears swarmed onto it shouting and roaring in joy. In their forefront were Rāma and Lakṣman mounted upon the backs of Hanumān and Aṅgada. They soon reached Lanka and ordered the army to encamp on the shore.

The two heroes fell upon each other and wrestled for some time. They struck each other with their fists, knees and heads, roaring and rolling about on the ground. Sugrīva lifted the Rākṣasa and threw him to a distance. Getting up at once, Mahaparshwa took hold of a sword and shield and rushed at Sugrīva. The monkey quickly looked around and found another sword.

Aṅgada uprooted another tree and he stood adorned by its flowers and fruit. The demon seized hold of a shield made of bull hide and a great shining sword decorated with golden bells They closed and separated again and again, raining down fierce blows. Both became exhausted and sank to their knees.

With his chariot shattered, his diadem ripped off and his bow destroyed, the Rākṣasa was a sorry sight He turned and flew toward Lanka with his vanity crushed. The other Rākṣasas followed him and the battle ceased for the time being. Rāma and Lakṣman comforted the wounded monkeys and they all rested, awaiting the return of Rāvaṇa and

Rāma embraced Bharata again and again, and the two brothers shed tears of joy. Seeing the display of affection between Them, the monkeys and Vibhishana wept.

Lakṣman dismounted from Hanumān’s back, and the monkey dashed into the fray, whirling a great tree trunk and mowing down the Rākṣasas in hundreds. Jambavan led his army of fierce bears straight into the battle and a melee spread in all directions, as monkeys, bears and Rākṣasas tore and struck each other wildly.

The following morning Vibhishana approached Rāma and told Him His bath was ready. The Rākṣasa said, “Hot and cold baths, as well as every sort of cosmetic, unguents and perfume are ready , and we have prepared heavenly garments and garlands.

A terrible sound arose as the Rākṣasas beat countless kettledrums and large wooden tom-toms and blew thousands of conches and trumpets. This sound, mixed with roars of pain and the clash of weapons, created a horrifying uproar. Monkeys and Rākṣasas lay on the battlefield with lances and arrows protruding from their lifeless bodies Ghosts and nocturnal fiends ranged about the battlefield, reveling in the scenes of carnage and death

Seeing Hanumān thrown down, the Rākṣasa forces cheered loudly and the monkeys fled in fear. Nīla quickly came forward and rallied the troops. He took up a great boulder and flung it violently at Kumbhakarna. The Rākṣasa saw it coming and smashed it to pieces with his fist, sending up a shower of flames and sparks

The demon again and again recited the incantations sacred to Brahmā and sent fierce arrows at Rāma and They bled all over and appeared like a couple of kinshuka trees covered in red blossoms. Grievously wounded by Indrajit’s assault, They both fell to the ground and dropped Their bows.

Even as Rāvaṇa charged, the sun became dim and the four quarters were enveloped in gloom. Birds shrieked hideously and the earth shook. Clouds rained blood and a meteor fell from the sky with a crash. Rāvaṇa felt his left eye twitching and his face became pale. A large vulture perched upon his standard and crows circled above him.

Rāma turned to Lakṣman and ordered Him to leave for Nikumbhila. Vibhishana would show Him the way and the foremost monkeys, headed by Sugrīva and Hanumān, would accompany

Atop the Trikuta mountain the city appeared charming with its towering white gates and gold and silver Mansions and palaces and tall, golden-domed temples crowded the city. As the Rākṣasas readied themselves for battle the thunder of drums and the blowing of conches and trumpets