As the battle raged, a terrifying host of serpents with blazing faces and gaping jaws advanced upon Rama, spewing fire from their mouths. Their burning coils and deadly venom, reminiscent of the mighty Vāsuki, filled all directions, enveloping the field in dread. Witnessing these monstrous serpents rushing towards him, Rama responded with calm resolve—he invoked the dreadful and awe-inspiring Garuḍa weapon. From Rama’s bow flew arrows adorned with golden feathers, their brilliance rivaling peacock plumes. As they soared, these arrows transformed into golden Suparṇas—divine bird forms, natural enemies of serpents. Swiftly they struck down the serpent-shaped missiles, neutralizing the threat with their powerful wings. Ravana, the ten-headed lord of demons, saw his weapon repelled and his fury intensified. Enraged, he unleashed a terrible rain of arrows upon Rama, assailing him with a thousand shafts. Even Matali, the charioteer, was struck by this torrent. With a single, well-aimed arrow, Ravana cut down Rama’s golden banner, sending it crashing to the chariot floor. He then slew the celestial horses of Indra that drew Rama’s chariot with a shower of arrows, leaving the gods, Gandharvas, Charanas, and Danavas stricken with dismay. Seeing Rama thus afflicted, the Siddhas, eminent sages, monkey chiefs, and Vibhishana were filled with distress. It was as if Rama, radiant like the moon, was seized by Ravana—the Rahu—while Rohini, the moon’s beloved star, was overtaken. In the heavens, ominous signs appeared: Mercury advanced, overshadowing the Prajapati star, its smoky radiance blazing like the ocean, bringing harm to all creatures. Mars too rose in wrath, its weapon-like brilliance harsh, its rays dimmed, as if even the sun was subdued. The Kabandha constellation appeared, joined by a comet, and the star of the Kosalas, ruled by Indra and Agni, became visible in the sky. Mars approached and stood near Vishakha, while Ravana, ten-faced and twenty-armed, grasped his bow, appearing as formidable as the mountain Mainaka. Rama, repelled by the relentless onslaught, struggled to aim his arrows amidst the chaos. His eyes, tinged with anger, grew bloodshot as wrath overtook him. He entered a state of fierce rage, as if intent on burning the demon host to ashes. The sight of Rama’s furious, wise face struck terror into all beings, and the very earth trembled. Mountains inhabited by lions and tigers shook, trees swayed, and the ocean itself was agitated. Donkeys brayed harshly in the sky, ominous clouds roared, and dreadful portents echoed all around. Seeing Rama’s fury and the dire omens, all creatures were seized with terror—and even Ravana felt fear rise within him. In the heavens, the gods in their aerial chariots, Gandharvas, great serpents, sages, Danavas, Daityas, Garuda, and other celestial beings watched in awe as the two mighty heroes prepared for a battle that threatened the worlds themselves. The assembled gods and demons, gathered to witness the great war, spoke words of devotion and joy. The Asuras cried out, “Victory to the Ten-Headed One!” while the gods repeatedly proclaimed, “Victory to you, Rama!” But Ravana, driven by wrath and wicked intent, eager to strike Raghava, seized his greatest weapon. This weapon, hard as diamond, resounding with a mighty roar, was terrifying to behold—its spikes like mountain peaks, its form capable of destroying all enemies, dreadful even to Time itself. Wreathed in smoke, its sharp tip blazing like the fires at the end of an age, it struck terror into all living beings. Ravana, ablaze with rage, gripped the spear as if it were aflame, surrounded by his heroic Rakshasa warriors. Raising his massive form, Ravana let out a dreadful roar that shook the earth, sky, and all directions. His bloodshot eyes and exultant cries inspired his troops, while the very sound of his voice terrified all beings—even the ocean was stirred. Seizing the great spear, Ravana harshly addressed Rama: “This spear, hard as diamond, Rama, raised by me in wrath, will at once take the lives of you and your brother’s allies. Having slain you, the boaster in battle, I shall soon make myself equal to the heroic Rakshasas who have fallen today at the front. Stand now, Raghava! I will slay you with this spear!” With these words, the Rakshasa lord hurled the spear. Released from his mighty hand, it blazed with flashes of lightning, adorned with eight bells, and emitted a thunderous sound as it streaked across the sky. Seeing this fearsome weapon hurtling towards him, Rama, undaunted, drew his bow and released a torrent of arrows. With the skill of Indra quenching the world-ending fire with streams of water, Raghava blocked the oncoming spear, turning aside even this most dreadful assault.