Lanka Kaanda
184 - Ravana's swoon; destruction of his sacrificial performance; combat between Sri Rama and Ravana
Chaupais
Description
At this end Vibhisana got all the information and, hastening to the Lord of the Raghus, apprised Him of everything. "My lord, Ravana is busy with a sacrificial performance; and if he completes it, the wretch will never die. Therefore, my lord, despatch some valiant monkeys at once, so that they may wreck his sacrifice, and the ten-headed monster be compelled to return." As soon as the day broke the Lord sent out His champions-Hanuman, Angada and others-who all rushed forward. In mere sport the monkeys sprang up to the fort of Lanka and fearlessly entered Ravana's palace. The moment they saw him engaged in a sacrifice all the monkeys grew wildly furious. "You shameless wretch, having run away home from the battle, you have sat down here and feigned meditation!" So saying Angada struck him with his foot; but the fool did not even look at them, his mind being absorbed in the pursuit of his own end.