Debate with Viradha
After that Viradha roared and asked “Who are you? What is your background? Where are you going? ”with dazzzling face he asked and Rama replied “We are the sons of Emperor Dasaratha. On his ordain we are wandering in this Forest. We are Kshatriyas (Warriors), we do not falter on our Lineage Dharma (Traditions). Now we abiding by the Niyama (Religious Duty, Rule / Proceedure, defining, certainity, usage, Disciplinary observance of Spiritual aspirant, end, Temple, town, street, Hall ) of Saints. Who are you? Why are you living in this forest alone?” Rama asked. Viradha Replied “I am the son of Jayan and Sahasradhai. The Rakshasaas of the world call me Viradha. With severe penance I pleased Brahma (God of creation). He gave me a Boon that I cannot be killed by any Weapon, Split / cut open, Severed. Leave this Lady with me and run away. Since you have given Her to me, I am leaving you alone by not killing you. If you continue to stay here my intentions may change” - thus he said. Rama got angry with red eyes said “You Lowly born! Your birth needs to be torched. By desiring this Great Noble Virtuous woman, from that very moment you have invited your death.Your effort will go in vain. Are you thinking to be alive after standing and opposing me? Do not run, Stop and thus he shot piercing Arrows on thim.
Those arrows were of the speed of Air and Garuda (King of Eagles). They are decorated by the golden bandings and Peacock feathers. They hit Viradha and with Blood smeared came and fell on the ground and burnt the grass, plants, worms nearby. Unable to bear the pain, he put SIta down, came running holding the trident fast towards Rama and Lakshmana. He was having the trident akin to Indra (God of celestials) and roaring and running towards them he looked like the Yama (God of Death) out to destroy the world with his mouth wide open.Since Sita was not with him Rama & Lakshamana like the Elephants go after killing the animals in doom’s day, showered Arrows on him. He laughed like thunder and flexed his muscles of the Hands, Legs, calves etc. Immediately all the Arrows fell down like nine pins. Then due to the Boon given by Brahma which was attained by holding one’s breath in his heart and doing penance, he leaped with the Trident on Rama Lakshamna. Rama with his Arrow split the Trident which was dazzling like a burning inferno. Like the peak of Meru mountain when hit by Vajhrayudha, it fell from Viradha’s hand. Then the two brothers like the Black Cobras took their Swords and leaped towards him. Viradha was hurt badly and decided to lift and take them with him. Can those Greatest amongst Men could be even shaken? Rama understood Viradha’s intention and said “Lakshmana! Let him carry us like this. We also want to know this path”. Then Virada lifted these 2 like Children he kept them on his shoulders and entered the dense forest. The Forest filled with trees which were like touching the sky and birds was Dark and like the Moon gets get into dark clouds, they also went into the Dense Forest. (Slokas27).
****************