26. Viradha
I liked the twist provided in this story, how the Rakshasa Viradha, was not capable of being slain by weapons. Rama and Lakshmana loosed many arrows with extreme accuracy, which would have defeated any other kind of Rakshasa or beast. While the arrows did penetrate and draw blood, they seemingly had no effect on Viradha. The brothers then attacked Viradha with their swords to the same effect. Only by throwing Viradha into a large pit, were they able to defeat the Rakshasa.
I also liked how in securing Viradha’s defeat, the brothers were essentially able to release him from a curse that was cast upon him and he was able to return to heaven.
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| Viradha Source |
29. Lakshmana and Shurpanakha
Again I seem to gravitate towards the conflicts and battles. While there isn’t an epic and detailed battle here, is it said that Rama slain 14 rakshsasas with celestial arrows. It goes to show that Rama is very powerful.
Lakshmana too is described with a little detail in how he struck down Shurpanakha. He is described as being as fast as lightning.
I’m definitely interested to see if and how this battle with 14,000 rakshasas will go down. Just a little side note, I noticed how at first Khara sent 14 rakshasas then called for 14,000. I’m wondering if there is something special about the number 14.
36. Jatayu and Ravana
In this story Sita is carried off by Ravana. Sita sees and calls upon Jatayu, a great vulture, for aid. Jatayu does his best in order to help Sita by attacking Ravana and slowing their flight. Jatayu is no match for Ravana who pierces him with many arrows and cuts off his wings.
What I like about this story is how willing and unafraid Jatayu is in offering aid to Sita, even to the point of death.
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