Upon completing the water ritual for the divine bird Jatayu, Rama and Lakshmana proceeded southward in their quest for Sita. The two princes, armed with bows, arrows, and swords, traversed the desolate forest, facing formidable natural obstacles. The path was enshrouded by towering trees, thickly interwoven with deep bushes, bearing both blossoms and thorns. Creepers of abnormal size and shape, resembling immense black serpents, stretched for miles, rendering the way nearly impassable. They moved with caution, navigating through the net of vines and sagging branches, ever aware of the lurking wild elephants, fierce tigers, and ferocious lions.
Upon passing through the dense expanse of Janasthana, they entered the rugged and dense forest of Krauncharanya. Despite their fatigue, weighed down by anxiety and strain, they did not waver in their search. The towering trees, with their dense foliage, cast shadows resembling clouds in the sky, laden with heavy clusters of fruit and exuding sweet fragrances into the air. Enormous flocks of birds, with eerie and discomforting cries, soared freely. Serpents slithered ominously, accompanied by hissing sounds, while owls hooted as if it were a night in the heart of the day. Wolves and foxes, of unnaturally large size, revealed fearsome teeth like sharp knives, prowling hungrily in search of prey.
Having crossed this perilous forest, they entered another en route to the hermitage of Sage Matanga. The journey led them through a terrifying forest teeming with savage beasts and aggressive birds capable of seizing large prey. The trees stood closely, their massive trunks leaving scant space to pass through. In this fierce competition for survival, might and swiftness determined the victor.
The fearless duo encountered a towering mountain with a dark cave. Venturing inside, they faced a formidable demoness with a hideous countenance—her face savage, fangs prominent, skin dark and coarse, hair tangled, and appearance repugnant. Suddenly, she seized Lakshmana, declaring herself as Ayomukhi, enamored by his regal presence, and proposing they dwell together in happiness. Lakshmana, in a swift reaction, fought her off, resulting in her grievous injury. With loud screams, she fled the scene, her movements cumbersome.
Continuing deeper into the forest, Lakshmana confided in Rama his trembling hand and shoulder, plagued by ominous signs of despair. His flickering eyelids foretold impending danger; a sentiment echoed by the eerie cries of the sky birds. Preparing for the worst, they pressed on.
Their journey was interrupted by a thunderous noise as if the forest itself had been sundered. The air reverberated with an overwhelming sound, as if wrapped in a cacophony. Determined to uncover the source, they discovered a massive, headless demon whose powerful arms dragged creatures from afar. The demon’s strength was unparalleled, posing an insurmountable challenge even to the armed princes.
Lakshmana, willing to sacrifice himself, urged Rama to escape and continue the quest for Sita. The demon, with a voice like thunder, mocked them as his imminent meal. Despite their relentless efforts, the demon remained invincible. Rama, grappling with the relentless trials and the absence of his beloved Sita, steeled himself for the confrontation. He acknowledged that even the bravest must yield to the tides of fate.
In this moment of crisis, Rama’s indomitable will prevailed, guiding them through the peril as fate propelled them toward their destined roles in restoring cosmic balance and ensuring peace in the universe.
