When Meghanada recovered from his swoon, he was greatly ashamed to find his father before him. Forthwith he betook himself to a convenient mountain cave, resolving to perform a sacrifice which would render him invincible.

In Rama’s camp Vibhishana gave this considered counsel: ‘Listen, Lord of incomparable might and generosity: Meghanada, that wretched sorcerer and scourge of heaven, is performing an unholy sacrifice.

If, Lord, the sacrifice is brought to a successful issue, it will not be easy to overcome him.’ Raghunatha was profoundly moved to hear this and summoned Angad and many other monkeys and said,

‘Go you, my brothers, with Lakshmana and wreck the sacrifice. And it is for you, Lakshmana, to slay him in battle. I am much distressed to see the gods in terror.

Listen, brothers, so strike him either with open force or with stratagen – one way or another – that the demon may bite the dust and be destroyed. And you three, Jambavan, Sugriva and Vibhishana must keep by his side with your regiment to support him.’

When Raghubira had issued his commands, the mighty Lakshmana, full of resolute valour, girt the quiver by his side and strung his bow and, cherishing the Lord’s glory in his heart, spoke in a voice deep as a clap of thunder;

‘If I return this day without slaying him, let me no more be called a servant of Raghunatha. Though a hundred Shivas come to his aid, yet shall I slay him in the name of Raghubira!’