Rama.  And he saw Rama with Lakshmana, living on the mountains of Chitrakuta with bow in hand and decked with the ornaments of ascetics.  Bharata, however, was dismissed by Rama, who was determined to act according to the words, of his father.  And returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before him, his brother’s wooden sandals.  And Rama fearing a repetition of intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest towards the asylum of Sarabhanga.  And having paid his respects to Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode on the banks of beautiful river Godavari.  And while living there, Rama was inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in Janasthana, on account of Surpanakha.  And for the protection of the ascetics the virtuous scion of Raghu’s race slew fourteen thousand Rakshasas on earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara and Dushana, the wise descendant of Raghu once more made that sacred forest free from danger.’

“And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with mutilated nose and lips, repaired to Lanka—­the abode of her brother (Ravana).  And when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with grief and with dry blood-stains on her face, appeared before Ravana, she fell down at his feet.  And beholding her so horribly mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath and grinding his teeth sprung up from his seat.  And dismissing his ministers, he enquired of her in private, saying, ’Blessed sister, who hath made thee so, forgetting and disregarding me?  Who is he that having got a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it?  Who is he that sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to his head?  Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of virulent poison?  Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his hand thrust into the mouth of the maned lion!’ Then flames of wrath burst forth from his body, like those that are emitted at night from the hollows of a tree on fire.  His sister then related unto him the prowess of Rama and the defeat of the Rakshasas with Khara and Dushana at their head.  Informed of the slaughter of his relatives, Ravana, impelled by Fate, remembered Maricha for slaying Rama.  And resolving upon the course he was to follow and having made arrangements for the government of his capital, he consoled his sister, and set out on an aerial voyage.  And crossing the Trikuta and the Kala mountains, he beheld the vast receptacle of deep waters—­the abode of the Makaras.  Then crossing the Ocean, the Ten headed Ravana reached Gokarna—­the favourite resort of the illustrious god armed with the trident.  And there Ravana met with his old friend Maricha who, from fear of Rama himself, had adopted an ascetic mode of life.’”

SECTION CCLXXVI