Lanka Kaanda
182 - Råvana's march to the field of battle; Sri Rama's victory-chariot and an encounter between the monkeys and the demons
Chaupais
Description
The wrath of the ten-headed monster knew no bound as he darted forward. But the monkeys also hurried to confront him shouting with glee. Taking in their hands trees, stones and rocks, they hurled them upon him all at once. The rocks broke to pieces the moment they struck his adamantine frame. Ravana, who was maddened with the lust for war and most furious by temperament, flinched not but remained firm as a rock, planting his chariot where it stood. Burning all over with rage he darted and bullied hither and thither and started crushing the monkey warriors. Many a bear and monkey took to his heel, crying: "Help, help, Angada and Hanuman! Save, save, O Lord Raghuvira (Hero of Raghu's line)! This wretch is devouring us like Death." When the monster saw that all the monkeys had fled, he fitted an arrow to each of his ten bows.