Lanka Kaanda
179 - Kumbhakarna joins the beale and attains final beatitude
Chaupais
Description
Hosts of bears and monkeys fled like flocks of sheep at the sight of a wolf. The monkeys and bears, O Bhavani, turned tail in terror, crying in a piteous voice. "Yonder demon is like unto a famine, which threatens to visit this land in the shape of the monkey host. Therefore, O Rama, Slayer of Khara, the cloud laden with the water of compassion, reliever of the suppliants, agony, save us, protect us." The moment the Lord heard the pathetic words He advanced to meet him, putting His bow and arrows in order, Placing His army in the rear the most powerful Rama marched ahead, full of indignation. Pulling the string of His bow, He fitted a hundred arrows to it; they flew and disappeared into the demon's body. Even as the arrows struck him the demon rushed forth burning with rage; the mountains staggered and the earth shook as he ran. He tore up a rock; but the Glory of Raghu's race cut off the arm that bore it. He then rushed forward with the rock in his left hand; but the Lord struck off even that arm to the ground. Thus shorn of his arms, the wretched resembled Mount Mandara without its wings. He cast a fierce look on the Lord as if ready to devour all the three spheres.