Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
1.5. THE DEMONS IN THE FOREST
Many of these forests had sages living them. Many more had demons in them, destroying everything and at times even disrupting the lives of the sages. Dandakaranya was one such forest. When Rama, Sita and Lakshmana entered this forest, the Rishis welcomed them, offered them fruits and nuts. A thatched hut was specially erected for them. Happy and contented, Rama decided to spend the night there. Rama smiled and replied “Surpanaka, I am already married. Do you see the beautiful lady over there? She is my wife Sita. As I told you earlier, this is my brother Lakshmana. He is married but has left his wife behind. I suggest you propose him.”
Surpanaka thought it would be a good idea and went to Lakshmana “O Lakshmana, did you hear about what your brother said? Come, let us get married and lead a happy life.” Lakshmana said jokingly “My dear lady, I am a humble servant of Rama. If you marry me, you will have to be a maid here. Rama will be a king in few years. It’s best if you marry him. You can then be the queen”. Surpanaka pestered Rama again. “Rama, marry me. otherwise I will gobble up Sita and then force you to marry me.” Rama refused and the angry Surpanaka tried to attack Sita. But Lakshmana quickly drew out his sword and cut off her ears and nose. Screaming with pain and rage, Surpanaka ran to her brother Khara and told him about how Rama and Lakshmana ill-treated her. “I want to drink Sita’s blood. I also want the severed heads of Rama and Lakshmana. My dear brother, please fulfill my wish” she said.
Khara who was infuriated on seeing the condition of his dear sister ordered fourteen of his fellow-demons to kill Rama and Lakshmana. But Rama knocked them down. Within moments, all of them were dead. Khara then took a large army of Rakshasas with him and promised his sister that he would gift her Rama’s head. Each of the Rakshasas of the army charged menacingly towards Rama. Rama fought against them single-handed while Lakshmana stood guard near Sita. Rama destroyed the entire army and soon killed Khara and Dushana also.
The Rishis and the suras who were watching this battle showered petals on Rama and hailed his victory over the demons. They were grateful to Rama for bringing peace to Dandakaranya. Sita was very happy that Rama fought valiantly against the powerful Khara and Dushana. So, did Lakshmana. Surpanaka who also witnessed the mighty power of Rama fled to Lanka. When she reached the court of Ravana, he was conducting a meeting with his ministers about an important matter relating to Lanka.