In the court of Khara, the fearsome demon, Surphanaka entered, wailing bitterly, her cries echoing through the hall. Khara, his wrath ignited, turned her with a fierce gaze and thundered:
“Why do you return in tears, sister? I sent forth the most formidable and fearsome warriors. Champions of our demonic order They are loyal, steadfast, and undefeated, even by the gods by themselves. How is that you, who left with their protection, return now like a hissing serpent? Writhing upon the ground? Speak! what calamity compels your lamentation?
Am I not protector? While under my shield, no harm can befall you Rise, shed your fear, and summon courage! Speak plainly and do not despair.”
Surphanaka wiped her tears, her voice trembling but resolute.
“Brother Khara, I return to you, mutilated and disgraced. You promised vengeance for my suffering, yet even the fourteen warriors you despatched, capable of resisting divine forces, have fallen. Rama
With his string bow, sent arrows through their towering forms, felling them like mighty trees in a tempest.
O Khara! I am engulfed by dreaded ocean of fear where I, a crocodile of sorrow, swim helplessly. Right before my eyes, the fearsome demons accompanying me were reduced to lifeless forms, drenched in their own blood. If you truly are the guardian of demons and the ruler of Dandakarnaya, you must avenge this insult. Slay Rama and his kin, or I shall end my life in your presence.
Yet, I fear even you may not match Rama’s strength. You boast of your valour, but the warriors you sent met a pitiful fate at mortal hands. If you cannot conquer mere humans, abandon this land with your followers and yourself from disgrace.
Rama’s strength is insurmountable, and his brother equally fearsome. It was he who disfigured me.
Though my heart burns with vengeance, I provoke you thus, knowing that the wrath of demons ignites through scorn. Do you, the mighty Khara, tolerate such humiliation among your forces?
Rise, and prove you might”?
Khara’s rage boiled over, his voice trembling with fury.
Your insult scorches my soul, Surphanaka. A mortal like Rama, whose
life is but a fleeting shadow, shall pay dearly
for his affront. His days are numbered, and I shall offer him as a guest to Lord Yama at this very moment. Wipe your tears and cast away your
grief.! You will feast on his blood and flesh before long”.
Surphanaka and her cunning nature hidden beneath a facade of submission, rejoiced at Khara’s declaration. Her venomous words, which had ignited his anger, were now forgotten.
“You are the mightiest of demons, my brother. Your power knows no bounds. Your promise is my salvation.”
Khara summoned his demonic army, their numbers are vast, and their ferocity was unmatched. Fourteen thousand warriors, swift as thunderclouds and cruel as raging storms, prepared for battle. They armed themselves with bows, tridents, swords, and axes, their chariots gleaming with gold and adorned with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds.
As Khara mounted his resplendent chariot, its silver spokes glittering like stars, his entourage assembled – demons on chariots and elephants, armed and ready for war. The earth trembled beneath their march., and the air filled with war cries. The forest of panchayati, once serene, now braced for the storm of destruction.
Even the divine beings and sages, watching from the heavens, sensed the impending catastrophe. The balance of the universe teetered, as the first act in the grand script of fate unfolded, leading to consequences that would echo through all realms.
