Lanka Kaanda
185 - Indra (the lord of paradise) sends a chariot for the use of Sri Rama; encounter between Sri Rama and Ravana
Chaupais
Description
The arrows flew like winged serpents. At the first onset they killed Ravana's charioteer and horses; then, smashing the car, they tore off his ensign and flags. Even though his strength had inwardly failed him, he roared aloud and, immediately mounting another car, ground his teeth and hurled missiles and other weapons of every description. All his efforts, however, failed like those of a man whose mind is ever intent on harming others. Then Ravana hurled forth ten pikes, which struck the four horses of Sri Rama's chariot and overthrew them. The Lord raised His horses and, drawing the bow string, let fly His darts in great fury. The arrows of Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu's line) sped forth like a string of bees* to enter Ravana's heads, which compared a bed of lotuses. Sri Rama struck each of his brows with ten arrows, which pierced through them; and blood gushed forth in torrents. Though bleeding profusely, the mighty demon rushed forward; the Lord once more fitted arrows to His bow. The Hero of Raghu's line discharged thirty shafts, which shot down his heads and arms to the ground. But they grew afresh as soon as they were severed; Sri Rama, however, struck off his heads and arms once more. Time after time the Lord smote off his arms and heads; but they were renewed as soon as they were blown off. Again and again the Lord tore off his arms and heads; for the King of Kosala takes delight in playing. The sky was full of heads and arms like an infinite number of Ketus and Rahus.