VIRAADHA'S END

Raama was bewildered and did not know how to meet the Raakshasa. But Lakshmana, hissing like an angry snake, said: "Raama, you are strong like Indra and, with me by your side, you should not talk dejectedly. Look at what my bow and arrow can do. The earth will presently drink this monster's blood. My wrath which was denied outlet at Ayodhya, I shall now direct on this monster, and shatter him as Indra did the winged mountains of yore. I shall attack this creature and slay him."

Viraadha roared again: "Who are you? Tell me at once." Raama's mind now cleared. His face glowed with courage and calmly he said: "We are princes of the Ikshvaaku race. We have come to live in the forest. May we know who you are?"

The Raakshasa answered. "And so, you are the sons of Dasaratha, are you? My father's name is Jaya. And I am known among raakshasas as Viraadha. You puny kshatriyas carrying arms, what can you and your ridiculous weapons do to me? I have secured a boon from Brahma that no weapon can hurt me. Leave this girl here and run away, if you wish to save, your lives."

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