‘Ravana (the demon king of Lanka)’, Shiva thought, ‘had sought from Brahma the boon of death at the hands of a human foe; and the Lord would have the words of Brahma come true. If I do not go to see him, I shall ever regret it.’ But in spite of all his thoughts and plans, he could not hit upon solution.

Mahadeva was thus lost in thought. Meanwhile the vile Ravana (who had no less than ten heads) took with him the demon Maricha, who forthwith disguised himself as a deer.

The fool (Ravana) carried off Videha’s daughter (Sita) by fraud, not knowing the extent of the Lord’s real might. Having killed the deer Hari returned with his brother (Lakshmana) from the chase; his eyes were filled with tears when he saw the empty hermitage.

Raghunatha was distraught by the loss like a mortal man, and the two brothers wandered through the forest in search of her. He who knows neither union nor bereavement showed unmistakable signs of grief born of separation.

Exceedingly mysterious are the ways of Raghunatha; the supremely wise alone can comprehend them. The dull-witted under the dominion of illusion imagine something quite different.

On that very occasion Shiva saw Rama, and his soul was enraptured. He feasted his eyes on the ocean of beauty, but he did not disclose his identity as he knew it was no fit occasion (to make himself known).

But Cupid’s destroyer went his way, exclaiming Glory to the redeemer of the universe, who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss! So Shiva, the all merciful Lord, went on his way with Sati, thrilled again and again with delight.