Vibhīṣaṇa, ever righteous, reminded Rāvaṇa that a daughter must be given in marriage by her brothers, and that this was the consequence of his own wicked actions. “This is the fruit of your deed, O evil-minded one,” he said, making clear that such events now unfolded in the world. Hearing these words, Rāvaṇa, king of the rākṣasas, was stirred with anger—his mind boiling with his own wickedness, much like the ocean when heated by fire. Enraged, the ten-headed Rāvaṇa’s eyes turned bloodshot. He commanded, “Let my chariot be made ready at once! Let the heroes assemble!” He ordered his brother Kumbhakarṇa and the chief night-wanderers to mount their vehicles, armed with a variety of weapons. Rāvaṇa declared boldly, “Today, I will slay Madhu in battle. Fearless, I shall ascend to the world of the gods, eager for war and surrounded by friends.” Immediately, four thousand foremost divisions of rākṣasas, all armed for battle, marched out, their hearts aflame with eagerness for combat. Indrajit led the army at the front, gathering the soldiers; Rāvaṇa himself proceeded in the center, while Kumbhakarṇa brought up the rear. Vibhīṣaṇa, steadfast in virtue, remained in Laṅkā, while the illustrious Śoṣas set out towards Madhupura. The rākṣasas advanced, filling the sky with their numbers. Fierce donkeys, camels, horses, crocodiles, and great serpents accompanied them, making their march terrifying. Hundreds of Daityas, ancient enemies of the gods, saw Rāvaṇa’s progress and followed behind him. Upon reaching Madhupura and entering the city, Rāvaṇa did not find Madhu, but he saw his sister there. She approached him with joined hands, bowing her head at his feet in reverence. At that moment, Kumbhīnasī, fearful of the king of the rākṣasas, was gently raised up by him, as he comforted her, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Rāvaṇa, the foremost among rākṣasas, addressed his sister, “What can I do for you?” She pleaded, “If you are pleased with me today, O king of mighty arms, do not kill my husband in your wrath, O giver of honor.” She explained that such fear should not be spoken of among women of noble families, for widowhood was the greatest misfortune. She begged, “Be truthful, O king of kings, and look upon me as I ask; you yourself have said, ‘Do not be afraid.’” Rāvaṇa, bold and resolute, then asked, “Where is your husband? Let him be brought to me quickly. I will go with him to the world of the gods and win victory; out of compassion and friendship for you, I have turned away from killing Madhu.” Thus addressed, Kumbhīnasī joyfully raised up her night-wandering husband, who was sleeping. Delighted, she said to him, “My mighty brother, the ten-headed one, has arrived. He desires victory over the world of the gods and seeks your help. Therefore, you and your kin should assist him; it is fitting to act for one who is affectionate and devoted.” Hearing her words, her husband replied sweetly, “So be it.” He approached Rāvaṇa, the best of rākṣasas, and honored him as was proper. Receiving due respect, the valorous ten-headed Rāvaṇa remained in Madhu’s house, spending one night there before preparing to depart. Then, Rāvaṇa and his army reached Mount Kailāsa, the abode of Vaiśravaṇa. Radiant as Indra, the king of the rākṣasas stationed his forces there. As the sun set, Rāvaṇa, powerful and ten-headed, together with his army, chose to make camp. When the pure moon, shining like a mountain, rose in the sky, the vast army, equipped with many weapons, lay asleep. Rāvaṇa, mighty and resolute, sat upon the summit of the mountain, beholding the groves adorned by the moon and the trees. He gazed upon radiant groves of karṇikāra, dense thickets of kadamba, blooming lotuses, and the waters of the Mandākinī river. There were campaka, aśoka, punnāga, mandāra, mango, pāṭala, lodhra, priyangu, arjuna, ketaka, tagara, coconut, priyāla, and jackfruit trees. The edges of the forest were brightened by āragvadha, tamāla, priyāla, vakula, and many other trees. In this enchanting place, Kinnaras, tormented by love, sang sweetly with passionate voices in harmony, increasing delight in the heart. Vidyādharas, their eyes reddened with intoxication, played and rejoiced with women. A sweet resonance, like the ringing of bells, echoed from groups of Apsarases singing in the mansion of the Lord of Wealth. The trees, shaken by the wind, released showers of flowers, perfuming the mountain with the scent of honey and spring blossoms. The gentle wind, carrying a rich fragrance of honey, flowers, and pollen, blew pleasantly, stirring Rāvaṇa’s desire. Overcome by the singing, the abundance of flowers, the cool breeze, the mountain’s beauty, the night’s arrival, and the moon’s rising, Rāvaṇa, mighty and passionate, sighed deeply again and again as he gazed at the moon. At that moment, the foremost of all Apsarases, Rambhā, appeared, adorned with divine ornaments and celestial flowers. Her limbs were anointed with divine sandalwood, her hair decorated with mandāra flowers, and she was prepared for a celestial festival, her face radiant like the full moon.