Rama, learning from the devotee that Vibhishana is with Sugriva, Hanuman, and other monkey chiefs at Rishyamuka, and that the monkeys have picked up Sita’s ornaments and upper garments in the forest, determines to go to them.  Kabandha then appears, to thank Rama for killing him, being thereby liberated from a curse and restored to a divine condition.

They then set off to Rishyamuka, the residence of Bali, watered by the Pampa.  In the way Rama performs a miracle by kicking away the skeleton of a giant.

When the brothers arrive at the mountain, Bali appears like a cloud upon its peak and, being instigated by his friend Malyavan, resolves to oppose Rama.  The heroes meet and, after exchange of civilities, go to the conflict.

The noise brings Vibhishana, Sugriva, and all the monkey chiefs to the place.  Bali is overthrown and mortally wounded.  He recommends the Monkeys to choose Sugriva and his own son Angada for their joint sovereigns, and mediates an alliance between Rama and them, as well as with Vibhishana.  Rama and Sugriva pledge themselves to eternal friendship, over the sacrificial fire in Matanga’s hermitage which stood close by.  Bali then repeats his request to the monkey chiefs, as they were attached to him, to acknowledge Sugriva and Angada as their joint leaders, and to follow them in aid of Rama against Ravana in the ensuing contest:  he then dies.

Malyavan laments over these miscarriages.  Trijata, a Rakshasi, adds to his despondency by news of the mischief inflicted by Hanumana, who has burnt the town of Lanka and slain a son of Ravana.  He goes off to set guards, and gather news by means of spies.

Ravana meditates on his love.  His queen Mahodhari comes to bring him tidings of Rama’s approach, but he only laughs at her.  She tells him of the bridge made by Rama:  he replies, if all the mountains of the earth were cast into the ocean, they would not furnish footing to cross it.  His incredulity is terminated by a general alarm, and the appearance of Prahasta, his general, to announce that Lanka is invested.  Angada comes as envoy from Rama, to command Ravana to restore Sita and prostrate himself and his family at the feet of Lakshmana.  Ravana, enraged, orders some contumely or punishment to be inflicted upon him.  He orders him to be shaved.  Angada puffs his hair out with rage.  The monkey tells Ravana, if he were not an ambassador, he would tear off his ten heads, and he then springs away; the tumult increases, and Ravana goes forth to the combat.  Indra and Chiraratha then come to see the battle from the air.

All the chiefs of the two parties engage in promiscuous war.  The Rakshasas have the worst, but Ravana, with his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghanada, turns the tide:  the monkeys fly, leaving Rama almost unsupported.  Lakshmana attacks Meghanada:  Ravana quits Rama to assist his son.