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Laksmana was aghast at this sight, he said, "I have struck some innocent man with this sword. Woe to me for this cowardly act." He at once rushed to Rama and narrated him what had transpired.
Rāma identified the sword, the moment he had a brief look at it. He said, "This is the divine Süryahasa sword. The person who was accidently slain by you was practising penance to possess it. Unfortunately, he breathed his last before he could obtain it. His uttarasādhaka - helper has to be somewhere in the vicinity."
patiently awaiting for the completion of her son's penance. She was counting days, dreaming that her valiant son would possess the sword and emerge out more powerful. She was sure that her son's penance would bring him enormous success. Overwhelmed with joy, she reached the spot, where Sambuka carried out his austerities. She was bearing exotic food and fruits alongwith other things, required for a formal worship. On seeing her dear son's head slashed, shocked and horrified Śūrpanakha lamented loudly. When her outburst of emotion subsided, she noticed some foot prints. She trailed them and reached where the holy trio resided.
Surpanakhā, the mother of Sambuka, was im
Śūrpanakha approaches Rāma
When Surpanakhā noticed the handsome features of Rama, she was enamoured. She totally forgot that she was married and had two sons and one of them was just dead. With folded hands, she expressed her love for Rāma and requested him to marry her. Rama replied, "I am already married to this noble woman. You may propose my younger brother who sits yonder." Struck by the arrows of Cupid, she rushed to Laksmana and requested him to marry her. Laksmana replied, "At first you approached my elder brother, and declared your love for him. You are therefore, like a sister-in-law to me. How can I accept you ? as, a sister-in-law is a mother figure to me?
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