Chapter XXV: Section XXV

"Thereupon meditating for sometime the lord of Lankā went to the region of the sun and spent the night upon the picturesque summit of the mount Meru. And ascending the car Pushpaka having the velocity of the sun’s steeds, he, by various courses, went on and beheld the glorious sun, gifted with all radiance, purifying all, wearing golden _Keyuras_ and clothes crested with jewels. His beautiful countenance was adorned with a pair of excellent _Kundalas_; and his person was embellished with _Keyuras_, _Nishkas_ and garlands of red lotuses. His body was annointed with red sandal and was radiant with a thousand rays. And beholding that foremost of gods—the sun—that primeval deity, without end or middle, having Uchaisravas as his carrier, the witness of the world and the lord of the universe, the foremost of Rākshasas, being overwhelmed with his rays, said to Prahasta—’O minister, do thou proceed at my behest and communicate unto him my orders—"Rāvana hath arrived here for battle—do thou offer him fight." Or say "I have been defeated." Do thou follow one of these extremes.’ Hearing those words that Rākshasa proceeded towards the sun and beheld two gate-keepers—Pingala and Dandi by name. And communicating unto them the resolution of Rāvana he stood there silent, being over-powered with the rays of the sun. And approaching the sun, Dandi communicated unto him all this. Hearing of Rāvana’s intention from Dandi the intelligent sun—the enemy of night—wisely said to him—’Do thou proceed, O Dandi; either defeat Rāvana or tell him "I have been defeated." Do whatever thou wishest.’ Hearing those words he approached the high-souled Rākshasa and communicated unto him what the sun had said. Hearing the words of Dandi the lord of Rākshasas trumpeted his own victory and went away."