In the heart of the desolate forest, the demon Viradha, his voice echoing like thunder, bellowed “Who are you two, and where are you going? Rama, composed and serene, replied with dignity “We are Kshatriyas of Ikshvaku dynasty. pray, tell us, who are you, and why do you dwell in this wilderness?
The demon, towering and fierce, proclaimed, “I am Viradha, son of Java and Sathahrada. The demon clan reverses me for my penance and austere rituals I have undertaken. Lord Brahma, pleased by my devotion, granted me a boon that no weapon can pierce or kill me. Flee now, leaving this woman behind, and I shall spare your lives!”,
Rama’s eyes burned with righteous fury, his voice like a thunderclap: “O sinful wretch! You seek your own destruction. I shall send you as a guest to Lord Yama this very day”! with that, he drew his bow and unleashed a storm of arrows, each piercing the demon’s neck and chest. Blood gushed forth, and Viradha roaring in agony dropped Sta lunged at Rama and Lakshmana.
The battle raged fiercely. The demon’s cavernous mouth gaped like of maw of death, his spiked weapon glinting ominously. The brothers loosed countless arrows, striking his vital points, but the boon rendered him impervious. Laughing wickedly, the demon bore down on them, his injuries vanishing as quickly as they appeared. Lifting Rama and Lakshmana onto his shoulders, he charged forward, but Rama shattered his spike with a single arrow and freed Lakshmana, instructing him to guard Sita.
The brothers, like lions pouncing on their prey, wielded their swords with precision, striking the demon relentlessly. The earth shook beneath them and the fierce combat continued, yet Viradha remained undeterred. Realizing the futility of their weapons, Rama and Lakshmana broke the demon’s shoulders with mighty blows and wrestled him to the ground. Still, the boon preserved his life.
Understanding the demon’s plight, Rama commanded, “Lakshmana, no weapon can end his life. Dig, a pit to bury him and release him from his foot against Viradha’s throat, heard the demon speak with humility: O “Mighty Rama, your strength rivals that of Indra. Forgive my ignorance. I am Tumburu, a Gandharva cursed by Kubera for neglecting my duties. Kubera decreed that I would regain my true form when defeated by you. By your grace, I am freed. Bury me, and I shall ascend to my divine abode. Lakshmana
buried Viradha, and as the earth closed over him, the demon transformed into a radiant Gandharva adorned with silks and ornaments. With gratitude, he departed for his celestial realm, advising Rama to visit the hermitage of Sage Sarabhanga nearby.
The trio journeyed to the hermitage, Where Rama beheld a divine scene.
Lord Indra, radiant as the Sun, seated in a chariot drawn by green horses, surrounded by Gandharvi, Siddhas, Yakshas, and sages chanting hymns. Indra, adorned with garlands and attended by celestial beings, conversed with sage Sarabhanga. Pointing to the spectacle, Rama said Lakshmana, “Behold the splendor of Indra’s chariot, as described in the Vedas. Such majesty is rare to witness
As Rama approached, Indra departed, instructing the gods to prepare Rama for his destined purpose. Rama greeted Sarabhannga with reverence, and sage, pleased by his visit, offered him the merit of his penance. Rama, humbly declining, sought guidance for an ascetic life. The sage directed him to the holy ascetic Sutheekshana, who would provide further counsel.
Before departing, Sarabhannga entered the holy fire and emerged youthful and immortal, ascending to Brahma’s realm. Thus, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana continued their journey, their path illuminated by the divine purpose awaiting them.