66697602-The-Ramayana-R-K-Narayan

things in seven; and then it returned to its starting point in the
quiver. Sugreeva was overwhelmed at this demonstration
and bowed his head in humility, convinced now that he was
in the presence of a saviour.
On the top of this mountain Rama noticed a heap of
bleached bones and asked Sugreeva, “What is that?”
Sugreeva told him the story.
These are the bones of a monster named Dundubi; he was a
powerful demon in the shape of a buffalo. He had sought out
Vishnu and said, “I wish to engage you in a war.” Vishnu
directed him to Shiva as the appropriate person for such an
expedition. Dundubi went to Mount Kailas and tried to lift it
off with his horn. Shiva appeared before him and asked,
“You are shaking our foundation. What is your wish?”
Dundubi said, “I want to fight forever. Please grant me that
power.” Shiva directed Dundubi to the chief of all the gods,
Indra, who said, “Go down to the earth and meet Vali. He is
the only one who can fulfill your ambition.”
Accepting this advice, Dundubi came down and tried to
destroy all this part of the earth, shouting foul challenges
addressed to Vali. Vali attacked him. Their fight continued
for one year without a break. Finally Vali plucked Dundubi’s
horn off his head and gored him to death and, lifting him by
DUNDUBI’S STORY