Ramayana of Valmiki and Kamban-Aranya kanda-2. Slaying of Viradha.

October 8, 2008

2. Slaying of Viradha

Rama took leave of the sages and went inside the forest. Suddenly a large form loomed in front. It was the demon Viradha who appeared gigantic with three carcasses of lion and a head of an elephant strung on his spear. Her saw Rama, Lakshman and Seetha and ran towards them with anger. He took Seetha and shouted at the princes asking their identity. He ridiculed them saying that they were dressed like hermits but were carrying bow and arrow and have a woman with them.

Seeing him carry off Seetha, Rama was perturbed and commented that perhaps this is what Kaikeyi had in mind when she wanted to exile him to the forest. On seeing Rama upset Lakshmana became angry and swore that he would do what he could not in Ayodhya and destroy the demon. Rama flung an arrow at Viradha which pierced his body and drew blood. He put Seetha down and advanced towards Rama and Lakshmana who fought with him hurting him with arrows and sword but he could not be killed. Angered he took Rama and Lakshman on his shoulders and started to go away and Seetha was wailing piteously and entreated the demon to take her instead and leave the brothers. Rama seeing that the asura must have acquired boons so as not to be killed by any weapon told Lakshmana that they would cut off his arms and bury him deep. When they did so he fell down crying in agony as he had obtained boons only not to be killed by weapons but not from the pain and Rama put his foot on his neck to prevent him from rising. As soon as the foot touched him Viradha got back the memory of his previous life in which he was an attendant of Kubera and was cursed to become a demon for disobeying his master, who told him when Viradha begged for forgiveness that when Rama kills him he would get back his original form. So he begged Rama to kill him since weapons could not take his life. Then Rama and Lakshmana pounded him with their hands and he gave up his life and attained his original form Then he told Rama to go and see the sage Sarabanga, who was waiting to see him before he went to heaven.