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In the Whirlpool of Calamities
463
“My dear Lord ! He was killed while he was performing the tapas to attain the Suryahas. Those who slew him are staying in that vicinity. They are two brothers by name Ram and Lakshman."
"I will at once go to the Dandakaranya and I will return home only after avenging our son's murder.”
"But you should not go alone. They are two and we have to face them. Moreover, they are extraordinarily valiant. Therefore, take a large army with you. I too will join you."
A little later Khar set off to the Dandakaranya with fourteen thousand warriors. Chandranakha also accompanied him.
Shri Ram and Lakshman knew that the wily woman had en incensed and that she would cause some havoc and their expectation came true soon. A large number of warriors came into the Dandakaranya like a cloud of locusts.
Shri Ram took up his bow and arrow to encounter them. But Lakshman said : "Revered brother! Why should you fight when I am here? This cannot take place. Kindly give me the command. I will decimate these deceptive demons."
"Go on brother! May you be victorious! In case some difficulty arises roar like a lion I will come there at once.”
“As commanded by you.”
At once Lakshman went into the field. When he began producing terrific sounds by pulling the string of his bow the danavas were terrified and a mighty commotion arose among them. At once, Lakshman began shooting arrows at them and within a short time he slew countless warriors of Khar.
Seeing this terrific sight Chandranakha thought, "My husband Khar cannot face Lakshman and our soldiers are dying like insects. Therefore, I should find out some other way." She decided to go to Lanka.
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