Rāma’s might was spoken of with awe and reverence—such was his power that he could bring down the very sky, stars, planets, and constellations, or raise up the earth should it sink. With his arrows, he could pierce the ocean’s shore and flood the worlds, dispersing the force of the ocean or even the wind. By his valor, he could withdraw the worlds and, as the supreme man, create living beings anew. No one could defeat Rāma in battle—not the ten-headed Rāvaṇa, nor the entire world of rākṣasas. Just as the wicked cannot attain heaven, so too was Rāma unconquerable. Even if all the gods and demons joined forces, I would not consider him killable. Yet, there exists a way to harm him—listen closely. His wife, renowned throughout the world, is Sītā: slender-waisted, dark-complexioned, her limbs perfectly proportioned, a jewel among women, adorned with jewels. No goddess, gandharvi, apsara, or serpent-woman is her equal; how could any human woman compare? Upon hearing these words, Rāvaṇa, lord of the rākṣasas, considered them and spoke to Akampana, “Certainly, dear one, I will go at once, alone with my charioteer; I will joyfully bring back this Vaidehī to our great city.” With determination, Rāvaṇa departed in a chariot drawn by mules, shining like the sun and illuminating all directions. His magnificent chariot thundered forth along the path of the stars, gleaming like the moon among clouds. After a long journey, he reached the hermitage of Tāṭakā, where he was honored by Mārīca with supernatural foods and delicacies. Mārīca welcomed Rāvaṇa with a seat and water, speaking purposeful words: “O king, lord of the rākṣasas, is all well with your people? I wonder, for I do not know why you have come so quickly.” Rāvaṇa, skilled in speech, replied, “My protector was slain, dear one, by Rāma, who acts without fault. All of Janasthāna, which was invincible, has been destroyed in battle. Therefore, assist me in the abduction of his wife.” Hearing this, Mārīca spoke, “By whom has Sītā been pointed out—a friend who is truly an enemy? Who among the rākṣasas rejoices with you in this? Who says to you, ‘Bring Sītā here’? Tell me. Who among all the rākṣasas wishes to cut off his own horn? Whoever encourages you is surely an enemy, wishing you to draw the fang from the mouth of a venomous serpent. By whose act have you been set upon this evil path? Who struck you on the head while you were peacefully sleeping, O king?” Mārīca continued, “He, born of a pure and noble line, with the pride of power, steadfast as an elephant with mighty tusks—Rāvaṇa, it is not fitting to confront him, that Rāghava, the elephant among men, in battle. He is the lion among men, skilled in battle, destroyer of clever rākṣasas, standing in the midst of war; you cannot awaken him while he sleeps, filled with arrows and sharp swords as his fangs. In the mud of his arm’s strength, in the flood of great battle, with waves of arrows and the theft of bows—O king of rākṣasas, it is not right to leap into Rāma’s dreadful mouth, like the underworld. Be gracious, lord of Laṅkā, king of rākṣasas; return to Laṅkā. Always delight with your own wives; let Rāma and his wife enjoy the forests.” Thus addressed, the ten-headed Rāvaṇa turned back and entered his splendid house in Laṅkā. Now, listen to the next chapter. Śūrpaṇakhā saw that fourteen thousand fierce and mighty rākṣasas had been slain by Rāma alone. She saw Dūṣaṇa, Khara, and Triśiras killed in battle, and again let out a great roar, like a thundercloud. Witnessing Rāma’s deed—so difficult for others to accomplish—she became deeply agitated and went to Laṅkā, ruled by Rāvaṇa. She saw Rāvaṇa, radiant in his brilliance, seated before his ministers at the forefront of his palace, like Indra among the Maruts. He sat on a supreme golden throne, shining like the sun, upon a platform of gold, resplendent like blazing fire. Unconquerable in dreadful battle by gods, Gandharvas, spirits, and great sages, he looked like Death itself with gaping mouth. His chest was scarred by the thunderbolt and lightning from battles with gods and demons, marked by the tusks of Airāvata. He had twenty arms and ten heads, adorned in splendid attire, broad-chested, heroic, and marked with royal signs. His ornaments shone like cat’s-eye gems and heated gold; his arms were strong, teeth white, mouth great, and his form like a mountain. He had been struck hundreds of times in great battles by Viṣṇu’s discus and other divine weapons. Yet, all his limbs remained unbroken by those divine weapons, and he could swiftly agitate even the unshakable oceans. He could hurl mountain peaks, crush the gods, destroy righteousness, and violate the wives of others. He wielded all celestial weapons, was always the disturber of sacrifices, and had conquered Vāsuki, entering the city of Bhogavatī. Such was the mighty Rāvaṇa, as Śūrpaṇakhā beheld him in his palace.