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Surpanakha Provoking
Rāvana
While the brave Lakṣmaṇa was combating with the army of fourteen thousand Vidyadharas, Šūrpaṇakha hurried to Lanka, for she required an ally to strengthen her husband's side. She met Ravana and said, "Two tresspassers, who have established their sway over Daṇḍakāraṇya, have murdered your nephew Sambūka. My husband Khar, who has resolved to avenge the death of his dear son, is indulged in a fierce. battle with Lakṣmaṇa. The army consisting of fourteen thousand Vidyadharas, is helping my husband to vanquish the foe, and yet, they can't succeed.... This reminds me of Garuda, the son of Vinita, who alone pounces on the legions of snakes and shreds them.
While Lakṣmaṇa is engaged in a fierce battle, not very far away sits his elder brother, enjoying the solitude in the arms of his wife. Both the brothers are egoistic and overconfident. I beseech you, my mighty brother, to resolve to deception and abduct Sitä, who is married to Rāma. Haven't I told you that she surpasses all the women of the three worlds in beauty. Grab her hand. This gem amongst women is destined to be yours - the gem amongst warriors. If you do not obtain her woe to you!"
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