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Pleased with Rāvana's undaunted devotion, Bahurupini vidyā appeared in person; illuminating the night skies by her effulgence. She said, “I bless you my child Rāvana. I am pleased with your devotion and perseverance. I can enchant the entire universe. Your foe Rama and Laksmana are insignificant non-entities before me!" With folded hands Rāvana said, "Mother, I am aware of the enormous power that you possess. Yet, I venture to say that your help is not required now. When I remember you in the hour of peril, please rush and be by my side for help." "So be it" said the vidyā and disappeared.
I could have put an end to your existence in a minute. Yet, my love for you is so great that I am reluctant to take such drastic steps. Now, I have no alternative left. I shall first kill your worthless husband and then break my vow. I shall make you mine, against your will"..... when Sita heard this, she swooned, and regaining consciousness she said "Do as you desire Rāvana, if you kill the valiant Rama and Lakşmana, I shall fast unto death. I prefer painful death more than the luxuries of your palace." When Rāvana heard this, his heart was filled with remorse. He thought, "What is impossible for Rāvana, the conquerer of three lands? I can cultivate in a barren land, but cannot make this frail woman, love me. She is indeed a true Aryan woman! I have stooped to such lower depth to obtain her that people will detest me for ages. I have tarnished the fame of my forefathers. I shall however capture both Rāma and Lakşmana as prisoners of war and then hand over them Sita. I shall, by this action, be salvaging the honour and reputation of both, my ancestors and my clan.
When he learnt about the humiliation of Mandodari, he said, "Who is Angada? Probably some worthless soldier of the idle Rāma. Anyway, he will shortly be sacrificed at the altar of Yama, the god of death." Ravana finished his daily oblations and reaching to the Devaramana garden told Sita, "I have been very humble, honest and courteous to you all these days. You have humiliated me and the queen in the rudest way which amounts to treason.
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