Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists

Ravana sWrathRama, perceiving the oncoming host, sent Lakshman withSita to a secret cave, and cast on his mail, for he wouldof the air andfight alone; and all the gods and spiritscreatures of heaven came to behold the battle. Therakshasas came on like a sea, or heavy clouds, andshowered their weapons upon Rama, so that the woodgodswere afraid and fled away. But Rama was notafraid, and troubled the rakshasas with his marrowpiercingshafts, so that they fled to Khara for protection.He rallied them, and they came on again, dischargingvolleys of uprooted trees and boulders. It was in vain ;for Rama, alone and fighting on foot, slew allthe fourteenthousand terrible rakshasas and stood face to face withKhara himself. A dreadful battle was theirs, as if betweena lion and an elephant the air was dark;with flying shafts.At last a fieryarrow discharged by Rama consumed thedemon. Then the gods, well pleased, showered blossomsupon Rama, and departed whence they came. And Sitaand Lakshman came forth from the cave.Ravana s WrathBut news of the destruction of the rakshasas was brought toRavana, and he who brought the news advised Ravana tovanquish Rama by carrying Sita away. Ravana approvedthis plan, and sought out the crafty Marlcha to further hisends. But Marlcha advised Ravana to stay his hand fromattempting the impossible, and Ravana, being persuadedfor that time, went home to Lanka.Twenty arms and ten heads had Ravana : he sat on hisgolden throne like a flamingfire fed with sacrificialofferings. He was scarred with the marks of many woundsreceived in battle with the gods; of royal mien andgorgeously apparelled was that puissant and cruel rakshasa.55