Lanka Kaanda
190 - Final encounter between Sri Rama and Ravana; end of Ravana; shouts of victory everywhere
Chaupais
Description
No sooner were Ravana's heads cut off than a fresh crop grew like covetousness, which increases with every new gain. The enemy could not be killed in spite of the prolonged struggle; Sri Rama then looked at Vibhisana. Uma, (continues Lord Siva,) the Lord whose will causes the death of Death himself thereby tested the devotion of His servant. "Listen, all-wise Ruler of the animate and inanimate creation, Protector of the suppliant, delight of the gods and sages : nectar abides in the depth of his navel; by virtue of it, my lord, Ravana survives." The All-merciful rejoiced to hear the words of Vibhisana and took terrible shafts in His hands. Many ill-omens manifested themselves at that time. Donkeys, jackals and dogs howled in large numbers. Birds too screamed, and thereby portended a world calamity: and comets appeared in every quarter of the heavens. There was a preternatural and unusual glow in the horizon on all sides and a solar eclipse occurred even without the day of the new moon (when the sun and the moon are in conjunction). Mandodari's heart beat wildly and idols shed tears from their eyes. (1-5)