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The twenty-third chapter of the Pर्व is about Lakshmana being taken out of the fire pit and being tormented by many Narakas from all sides. ||13|| He saw Lakshmana being tormented by the terrible waters of the Vaitarani, filled with vicious crocodiles, and being pierced by the sharp leaves of the Asipatra forest. ||14|| He also saw a terrifying Naraka, enraged and wielding a huge mace, ready to kill Lakshmana, while another Naraka was striking him. ||15|| He saw Ravana, with terrifying eyes, his body covered in filth, and his mouth wide open, being urged on by the Asura prince Shambuka, who was encouraging him against Lakshmana. ||16||
Meanwhile, the mighty Sitaindra arrived, scolding the wicked group of Bhavanavasis. ||17|| He said, "Oh, wicked Shambuka! What have you started? When will your cruel heart find peace?" ||18|| "Oh, lowly god! Give up your cruel deeds, be calm. What is the purpose of this pride, which is the cause of great misfortune?" ||19|| "Even hearing about the suffering of Naraka fills a being with fear. Why are you not afraid, seeing it directly?" ||20||
When Shambuka calmed down, Sitaindra was about to speak to him, but the Narakas, who were cruel, fickle, and hard-hearted, fled in all directions, terrified by the radiance of the gods. ||21-22|| Some of the miserable Narakas, with faces drenched in tears, cried out in sorrow. Some ran and fell into deep, uneven pits. ||23|| Sitaindra, comforting them, said, "Oh, Narakas! Don't run away, don't be afraid. You are all very distressed, come back. Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, stand still." Even after being told this, they trembled with fear and entered the deep darkness. ||24-25|| When Sitaindra repeated these words, their fear subsided somewhat, and they reluctantly paid attention. ||26||
1. Prabodhyamanam Kha, Ba. 2. Ghoraakshasravaddeh M.