03.273
Markandeya said.
Having seen both those brothers of boundless energy fallen, then the son of Ravana again bound them with arrows endowed with boons. (03-273-1)
Those two heroic men, bound by Indrajit in battle with a net of arrows, shone like tigers among men, just as birds do in a cage. (03-273-2)
Seeing those two fallen on the ground, pierced by hundreds of arrows, Sugrīva, surrounded by the monkeys, then stood there. (03-273-3)
The monkey lord (kapīśvaraḥ) was accompanied by Suṣeṇa, Mainda, Dvivida, Kumuda, Aṅgada, Hanumat, Nīla, Tārā, and Nala. (03-273-4)
Then, after coming to that place and having accomplished his task, Vibhīṣaṇa awakened those two heroes using the weapon of knowledge. (03-273-5)
Sugriva, also, using the great herb Viśalyā empowered with a divine mantra, made both of them free from arrows in a moment. (03-273-6)
The two, having regained consciousness, the foremost of men, freed from arrows, stood up. With their weariness and fatigue ended, in a moment, they both became great chariot-warriors. (03-273-7)
Then Vibhīṣaṇa, O Pārtha, seeing Rāma, the descendant of Ikṣvāku, free from distress, with joined palms, spoke these words. (03-273-8)
O subduer of enemies, this Guhyaka, by the command of the king of kings, has come from Śveta (the White Mountain) to your presence, bringing this water. (03-273-9)
Kubera, the great king, offers you this water, O scorcher of foes, for the purpose of seeing the invisible beings. (03-273-10)
With this, whoever's eyes are touched will see beings that are hidden; and to whomever you give this, you will see likewise. (03-273-11)
Rāma, having thus respectfully received the water at the door, then performed the cleansing of his eyes; and noble-minded Lakṣmaṇa did the same. (03-273-12)
Sugrīva, Jāmbavān, Hanumān, Aṅgada, Mainda, Dvivida, Nīla, and the rest were generally the most eminent among monkeys. (03-273-13)
Thus, exactly as Vibhīṣaṇa had said, it happened. In a moment, their eyes became capable of perceiving that which is beyond the senses, O Yudhiṣṭhira. (03-273-14)
Indrajit, having accomplished his task, reported his own deed to his father and then returned swiftly to the place of sacrifice. (03-273-15)
Saumitri, remaining as per Vibhīṣaṇa's counsel, attacked that very enraged one who was coming at him again with intent to fight. (03-273-16)
Then Lakṣmaṇa, having regained consciousness and greatly enraged, struck with arrows the conqueror of Kāśina, who had not performed his daily rites, desiring to slay him. (03-273-17)
Then a battle arose between the two, both desiring to conquer one another; it was extremely marvelous and wondrous, like that between Śakra and Prahlāda. (03-273-18)
Indrajit pierced Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa) with sharp, vital-penetrating arrows; and Saumitri too pierced Rāvaṇi (Indrajit) with fiery arrows. (03-273-19)
Struck by Saumitri's arrow, Rāvaṇa, enraged, sent eight venomous arrows like deadly serpents at Lakṣmaṇa. (03-273-20)
Saumitri, the hero, took away his life with three arrows that burned like fire; listen to me as I explain that.
With one arrow, he severed his arm holding the bow from the body; with a second arrow, he struck down the arm with the shaft onto the ground. (03-273-22)
But with the third shining, broad-edged arrow, he cut off the beautiful head—lovely, having a shapely nose, and resplendent with shining earrings. (03-273-23)
Having slain Kabandha, whose arms and shoulders were severed and who was fearful in appearance, the best among the mighty also killed the charioteer with missiles. (03-273-24)
The horses brought that chariot into Lankā, and Rāvaṇa saw that chariot bereft of his son. (03-273-25)
Having seen his son slain, with eyes bewildered by fear, Rāvaṇa, afflicted by grief and delusion, rose up prepared to slay Vaiḍehī (Sītā). (03-273-26)
He, the wicked-souled one, having taken a sword, swiftly rushed upon her who was residing in the Ashoka grove and longing to see Rama. (03-273-27)
Having seen him, Avindhya appeased the very angry one’s evil resolve; let the reason by which this happened be heard. (03-273-28)
As one established in a splendid great kingdom, you ought not to kill a woman. Indeed, this woman is as if already dead, being both a woman and held captive in your house. (03-273-29)
It is my opinion that she is not killed merely by separation from the body. Kill her husband only; if he is killed, she would be killed (destroyed) too. (03-273-30)
For even Indra himself is not at all equal to you in valor; time and again, by you, along with Indra, the gods have been terrified in battle. (03-273-31)
Avindhya then pacified the angry Rāvaṇa with many kinds of words, and he accepted those words. (03-273-32)
Having resolved upon departure and laying aside his sword, the night-wanderer then gave the order: "Let a chariot be prepared for me." (03-273-33)
