THE BATTLE BEGINS

THE Vaanara army descended from mount Suvela and entered the forest adjoining the city of Lanka. As the army burst in like a flood the frightened beasts and birds in the forest fled in all directions.

Vaalmeeki describes the scene and the event in his characteristic style. Gazing now from below at the mountain fortress and the divinely beautiful city constructed by Viswakarma, Raama was again filled with wonder and exclaimed:

"Oh what beauty! What wealth."

The Vaanaras, for their part, noted the Raakshasa warriors' strength and readiness for battle, the thick walls and mighty engines of defence.

From Lanka, all ready for war, the sounds of drums and trumpets issuing from the city increased the eagerness of the Vaanaras for battle. The army stood in ordered divisions as instructed by Raama.

Looking at Lanka he said, "Lakshmana! Look at the beauty of the city."

His mind turned to Seeta. She would have known by now, he thought, of his arrival with the army and her depressed heart must have revived. But he spoke nothing of this and engaged himself in the arrangements for the army.

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