When Khara’s chariot was shattered, he seized a colossal mace and leaped towards Rama with fury.
Though Rama’s countenance remained calm, his words —gentle yet piercing —served as a revelation to the righteous but fell on deaf ears among the demonic.
O! Vile demon! said Rama, his voice steady yet commanding “You led an army of elephants, chariots, and horses, committing atrocities that warrant the scorn of the virtuous. Those who terrorize the innocent and pursue sin are beyond redemption, even if they rule the three worlds. Such beings find neither peace nor a place in higher realms. Know this—cruelty and tyranny will be their undoing, much like a venomous snake hunted and crushed by the masses.
What have you gained by slaying sages and ascetics who abided by their dharma in Dandakarnaya? prosperity gained by the wicked is fleeting, for its roots rot like a grand tree hallowed by termites Every soul must reap the fruits of its deeds in due time, as trees bear fruit in their season. The consequences of sin are as inescapable as the effects of poisoned food. Those who sought my protection from your wickedness will witness your downfall and realize your dark soul departs this earth.
“Summon all your strength Khara. Employ every skill you possess. Know this: your head will fall like ripe palmyra fruit struck by the wind ”
Khara, his eyes blazing with rage, laughed mockingly. “Rama”, he sneered,”, You boast of slaying mere weaklings and now claim greatness. True valor requires no self-praise; such arrogance is the mark of the unworthy
A blade of golden grass cast into the fire is still but grass –your fate is no different. Behold me, standing like a mountain, a God of death in carnage will avenge my fallen warriors by crushing your pride and your life.
With these words, Khara hurled his fiery mace, which blazed through the air like Indra’s thunderbolt, destroying all in its path. Yet Rama, serene as ever, released a single arrow that shattered the mace into countless fragments. Khara stood stunned, his bravado unraveling.
“You Inferior creature ” Rama declared. “Your strength is spent, and your words are empty boasts. You cannot avenge the demons you led to slaughter, for their fate was sealed by their sins Now, your end is at hand. Like Garuda seizing the pot of ambrosia, I shall sever your life from this realm. Your blood will drench the earth and the sages you tormented will find peace at last”. Enraged, Khara uprooted a massive tree and hurled
it at Rama, declaring” This will be your end”! Rama swiftly cut it down with arrows, signaling Khara’s final moments. with a volley of divine arrows, Rama pierced Khara’s form, driving him to the ground in a pool of blood.
As Khara, blazing with fury like a fireball, charged one last time, Rama stepped back, loosed a mighty arrow and struck him with divine power, consuming Khara’s life force, and reducing him to a lifeless form.
The gods, sages, and celestial beings rejoiced. Flowers rained from the heavens as they praised Rama for restoring Dharma. The forest of Dandakarnaya was now free of terror, and the sages could conduct their rituals in peace.
Sita embraced Rama, her eyes shining with admiration. “You have brought joy to the ascetics and upheld righteousness”. she said her voice filled with pride.
Thus, under Rama’s protection, the hermitage resounded with Vedic chants as the universe awaited the unfolding of destiny’s impartial and divine script.