The warriors, Rama and Lakshmana, found themselves ensnared in the mighty grasp of the demon Kabandha. With a booming voice, the demon declared:
“O valiant Kshatriyas, I am Kabandha, cursed to roam this desolate forest, tormented by hunger. Why do you resist? The gods themselves have delivered you to me as my meal.”
Lakshmana, mustering his strength and resolve, turned to Rama and said:
“This demon’s strength is unparalleled. He has managed to restrain both of us with his hands, which are the very source of his power. We must sever them swiftly to weaken him and prevent his reign of terror from continuing. Let his victories end here!”
But then, Lakshmana hesitated, saying:
“O noble Rama, it is sinful for kings to slay creature’s incapable of movement or those marked for sacrifice. To kill such a being is against Dharma. However, Kabandha is neither of these. He is a cruel and ferocious demon—a menace to the forest.”
Hearing their deliberations, Kabandha, enraged, opened his carnivorous mouth, intending to devour them. Recognizing the moment, Rama and Lakshmana struck with their mighty swords, severing his immense arms. The demon fell to the ground with a thunderous roar, his cry reverberating through the forest like a storm.
Writhing in pain, Kabandha gasped:
“Who are you? I have never encountered such courage and strength before!”
Lakshmana replied:
“We are brothers. This is Rama, the noble prince of the Ikshvaku dynasty, a name revered across the world. I am his loyal brother, Lakshmana. We dwell in the forest as ascetics, obeying the command of our father, King Dasaratha. Our purpose here is to find Sita, Rama’s virtuous wife, who was abducted by a demon. Now, tell us your story. How did you come to be in this wretched form?”
Moved by their kindness, Kabandha began:
**”O noble warriors, I am grateful for your mercy. Once, I was handsome beyond compare, envied even by the gods. But arrogance led me astray. I tormented sages and hermits in a vile disguise. One day, I threatened the sage Sthulasiraska as he gathered forest offerings.
In his wrath, he cursed me, saying: ‘You shall assume a dreadful form as punishment for your cruelty.’
Filled with remorse, I pleaded for redemption. The sage, moved by my repentance, revealed that I would be freed only when Rama, the son of the Ikshvaku lineage, would sever my arms in the forest.
Furthermore, I am the son of Dhanu and once possessed great boons from Brahma, granting me longevity and wealth. Inflated with pride, I foolishly challenged Indra himself. In his fury, Indra struck me with his thunderbolt, reducing me to this pitiful form. My head and legs were driven into my torso, leaving only my hands and mouth to sustain me.”**
Kabandha continued:
“Indra assured me that my salvation would come at the hands of Rama. Now that you have severed my arms, I am at your mercy. Burn this cursed body and release me from this form. In my true state, I will aid you in your quest to find Sita and guide you on the path forward. But I beg you, do this before the sun sets, as my liberation depends on it.”
Moved by Kabandha’s plea, Lakshmana said to Rama:
“His repentance seems genuine, brother. If we help him, he may indeed prove valuable in our mission. Once restored, his knowledge of the three worlds could be a guiding light in our search for Sita.”
Rama, hearing his brother’s counsel, agreed. Gathering dry wood scattered by elephants, they prepared a pyre. Kabandha, grateful for their understanding, said:
“O Rama, destiny has brought us together. Your resolve and righteousness will undoubtedly overcome all obstacles. Even in the face of despair, your unwavering spirit will illuminate the darkest paths. Proceed with faith, for the cosmos itself bends to aid those with pure intentions.”
Thus, with steadfast determination, Rama and Lakshmana performed the ritual, setting the stage for a fateful alliance that would steer them closer to their ultimate goal.