When they learnt that Kumbhakarna had utterly destroyed the monkey host, the demon army also sallied forth. Rama saw the discomfiture of his forces and all kinds of enemy reinforcements pouring in.

‘Listen, Sugriva, Vibhishana and Lakshmana,’ said the lotus-eyed Rama; ‘rally your troops while I test the might of this wretch and his host.

Taking the bow, Shranga, in his hand and with a quiver fitted to his waist, Raghunatha went forth to destroy the enemy’s forces. The Lord first twanged his bow and the hosts of the foe were deafened by the din.

Then Rama of unfailing resolve launched a hundred thousand arrows, which sped forth like winged serpents of death. The terrible volleys sped forth in every direction; the formidable demon warriors began to be cut to pieces.

Their feet, breasts, heads and arms were dismembered; while many a hero was cut into a hundred pieces. The wounded reeled and fell to the ground, but the champions among them rose again and, recovering themselves, renewed the fight.

Struck by the arrows, they roared like thunder-clouds, while many of them too to flight at the very sight of the fleet arrows. Headless trunks rushed fiercely on with the cries of ‘Seize! Seize! Kill! Kill!

In a moment Rama’s arrows mowed down the monstrous demons, and then all his shafts made their way back into his quiver.