THE DEATH OF INDRAJIT

After another terrible battle, Kumbha was slain by Sugreeva and Nikumbha by Hanumaan. Makaraaksha, son of Khara, who opposed Raama, fell to his fiery arrows. Many more mighty Raakshasas perished. Then, at the bidding of Raavana, Indrajit went once again to the battle.

He rose into the sky and became in visible. Thus he fought again unseen by the Vaanaras. Indrajit, by his necromancy, created a maaya-Seeta and, putting her in a chariot, took her before the Vaanara army and seemingly killed her in their presence.

Deceived and horrified by this, the Vaanaras asked themselves: "What good is it now to continue this war?" They left the field and went to Raama with the heart-rending news.

As a result of this trick, Indrajit gained time to perform an aasuric sacrifice. Raama and Lakshmana, like the Vaanara warriors, believed that Seeta was dead and were lost in grief. They were completely bewildered and helpless when Vibheeshana came and enquired what had happened.

He listened to their story. Then he said:

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