Bharata, however, was
dismissed by Rama, who was determined to act according to the words of
his father. And returning, Bharata ruled at Nandigrama, keeping before
him, his brother's wooden sandals. And Rama fearing a repetition of
intrusion by the people of Ayodhya, entered into the great forest
towards the asylum of Sarabhanga. And having paid his respects to
Sarabhanga, he entered the forest of Dandaka and took up his abode on
the banks of beautiful river Godavari. And while living there, Rama was
inveigled into hostilities with Khara, then dwelling in Janasthana, on
account of Surpanakha. And for the protection of the ascetics the
virtuous scion of Raghu's race slew fourteen thousand Rakshasas on
earth, and having slain those mighty Rakshasas, Khara and Dushana, the
wise descendant of Raghu once more made that sacred forest free from
danger.
"'And after these Rakshasas had been slain, Surpanakha with mutilated
nose and lips, repaired to Lanka--the abode of her brother (Ravana). And
when that Rakshasa woman, senseless with grief and with dry blood-stains
on her face, appeared before Ravana, she fell down at his feet. And
beholding her so horribly mutilated, Ravana became senseless with wrath
and grinding his teeth sprung up from his seat. And dismissing his
ministers, he enquired of her in private, saying, "Blessed sister, who
hath made thee so, forgetting and disregarding me? Who is he that having
got a sharp-pointed spear hath rubbed his body with it? Who is he that
sleepeth in happiness and security, after placing a fire close to his
head? Who is he that hath trodden upon a revengeful snake of virulent
poison? Who indeed, is that person who standeth with his hand thrust
into the mouth of the maned lion!" Then flames of wrath burst forth from
his body, like those that are emitted at night from the hollows of a
tree on fire.
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