Chapter XVI: Section XVII

Having bathed, Rfima, Sit! and Sumitri's son went to their own asylum from the banks of the Godavari. Arriving at the asylum, Raghava along with Lakshmana, performing his morning devotions, entered the cottage. And honored of the Maharshis Rama happily dwelt in that cottage; and seated with Sita that mighty-armed one looked like the Moon in conjunction with Chitra. And he carried on various converse with his brother Lakshmana. As Rama was thus seated with his mind engrossed in that talk, A Rakshasi came to that region at her will. And that one named Surpanakha, sister unto the ten-necked Rakshasa, coming upon Rama, saw him like a celestial, having a leonine chest, mighty-arms, and expansive eyes resembling lotus leaves, with the powerful gait of the elephant, wearing a head of matted locks, with a resplendent countenance, bearing regal marks. And beholding Rama dark-blue like the lotus, and becoming like Kandarpa himself, and resembling Indra, the Rakshasi was maddened with desire. Rama was graced with a beauteous countenance, that Rakshas had a hideous face; Rama had a slender waist, she had a huge abdomen; he had expansive eyes, she had terrible eyes; he was gifted with an elegant head of hair, she had coppery hair; Rama was of a dear presence, she was of an unsightly presence; Rama had a sonorous voice, she had a hedeous voice; Rama was youthful, the Rakshasi was an old hag; Rama had mellifluous accents, she had harsh accents; Rama was ever abiding by justice, she was unruly; Rama was handsome, she was ugly. That Rakshasi being wrought up with passion addressed Rama saying "Wearing matted locks, and equipped with bows and arrows, why hast thou along with thy wife come to this region haunted by Rakshasas? It behoveth thee to say what the object of thy visit is." Thus accosted by the Rakshasi, Surpanakha, that subduer of his foes from sincerity of disposition began to relate everything:--"There was a king named Dacaratha endeued with the prowess of a celestial. I am his eldest son known among men by the name of Rama. This is my younger brother (named) Lakshmana, (ever) serving me. This is my wife, known by the name of Sita. Commanded by my father and mother, I in obedience to their mandate, desirous of acquiring religious merits, have for the purpose of securing righteousness, come to this forest for dwelling here. I also am anxious to know thee. Whose daughter art thou? And what is thy name, and what is thy lineage? Possessed of a captivating form, thou appearest to me as a Rakshasi. Tell me truly why thou hast come here." Hearing these words the Rakshasi, afflicted with lust, said, "Listen, O Rama. I will relate everything truly, I am a Rakshasi, capable of wearing shapes at will. My name is Surpanakha. Striking terror into the hearts of all, I range this forest alone. My brother is named Ravana.[21] Thou mayst have heard of him. And he that is given to long sleep --the mighty Kumbhakarna, the righteous Bibhishana, who never serves the Rakshasas, and the brothers Khara and Dushana renowned in conflict (are also my brothers). Rama, I have surpassed them all (in prowess). At first sight of thee, I approach thee, thou best of men, as my husband with (feelings of) love. I am endeued with power, and range about at will by virtue of my strength. Become my husband for ever and a day. What wilt thou do with Sita? Deformed and unsightly, she is not worthy of thee. I am fit for thee. Do thou look upon me as a wife. This unsightly grim unchaste and human one with a lean abdomen, will I devour up, along with this brother of thine. Then having thy wish, in company with me, thou wilt range the Dandakas, surveying the various mountain summits and forests." Thus addressed, Kakutstha having charming eyes, well skilled in speech, with a smile, began to speak thus.

[21] Another reading is: _my brother is named Ravana--a Rakshasa, and
lord of Rakshasas. He is the son of Viasavan. Thou mayst have
heard of him.--T._