"I shall more than avenge the deaths of Khara, Kumbhakarna, Prahasta and Indrajit today. I shall destroy the enemy. The skies and oceans will light up from the deluge of my arrows. From my bow will arise deadly oceanic waves of destruction and consume the enemy.""
Soon, an extremely impressive chariot was got ready with all the famed weapons of Ravana in readiness. He proceeded in his chariot in a most impressive display of pageantry, along with the military chiefs and armies. All around Lanka could be heard murmurs distinctly,
आगतो राक्षसां राजा छत्रचामरसम्युतः। सीतापहारी दुर्वृत्तो ब्रह्मघ्नो देवकण्टकः॥ योद्धुं रघुवरेणेति शुश्रुवे कलहध्वनिः ॥
"Look, here comes the king of rakshasas, with all the regalia like his white umbrella and fans. He is the wicked one who abducted Sita, killed rishis, and who is a permanent thorn in the flesh of all good people, including gods. He has proclaimed that he is going to fight the virtuous and glorious Sri Rama himself!"
Many terrible omens were witnessed, but Ravana and his army ignored them as they marched into battle.
The vanaras were ready with their weapons. Soon a terrific battle ensued. I shall give no prizes for guessing that many soon lay dead from both sides.
***
Seeing the terrible toll that Ravana was taking of vanaras, King Sugriva decided to enter the battle. He asked the extremely capable Sushena to take care of the vanara army's defences and proceeded in the direction of the most intense action.
Sugriva was letting out terrible roars as he pounded the rakshasas with huge rocks and trees and caused much damage. Seeing the rakshasa casualties, Virupaksha got down from his chariot and mounted an elephant. He proceeded to confront Sugriva.
Sugriva was struck by a wide array of arrows from Virupaksha's bow. He decided to kill the rakshasa. He picked up a huge tree and struck Virupaksha's elephant really hard. The elephant was badly hurt and reeled back some steps, trumpeting in distress. Virupaksha jumped down with his sword and shield and attacked.
Sugriva roared and launched a big rock that looked like a dark cloud. Virupaksha stepped aside in time and saved himself, while simultaneously striking Sugriva with his sword. Sugriva tottered and was unconscious for some time.
He recovered and struck a terrific blow with his fist on Virupaksha's chest. Virupaksha was provoked and struck and broke Sugriva's armour with his sword. Sugriva recovered and dealt a huge blow with his fist but Virupaksha escaped. He in turn gave a blow to Sugriva on the chest.
Surgiva was highly provoked by his relative lack of success. He bided his time and suddenly gave a mighty blow directly on the head of Virupaksha. That thunderbolt of a strike on his head was unbearable for Virupaksha. He fell down, shedding a cascade of blood. The ugly rakshasa was a terrible spectacle, screaming in pain. Spewing foamy blood, Virupaksha met his end. The two armies let out a huge tumult of noise, full of contrasting sentiments.
***
॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
