Soorpankha was a huge, ugly and potbellied female demon. No one crossed her path because she was the sister of the demon king, Ravana, who ruled from the island of Lanka. However Soorpankha attributed this to her own ferociousness. Soorpankha saw the tall and handsome Rama and was at once attracted by his charisma. An uncontrollable lust arose within her. She transformed her self into a beautiful damsel and approached Rama. She asked who he was and what he was doing here.
Rama replied that he was from the royal family of Ayodhya and was spending time in the forest in deference to the wishes of his father. "There are so many beautiful visions here," he said.
Soorpankha took the bait. "I am indeed beautiful and know how to please a man. The woman with you looks so sickly and does nothing but pray. Leave her and live with me. If she troubles us I will eat her."
Rama continued to string her along. "She is my wife and will remain so. If you want me you will have to be a co-wife and a junior one at that. My brother is young and handsome. He is without a wife. He will make a good mate. I suggest that you try your luck with him."
Soorpankha then approached Lakshmana. But Lakshmana continued the game Rama had started. "I am but my brother's servant and if you become my mate you will have to serve my sister-in-law."
This double verbal assault was too much for Soorpankha. Her demon brain realised that Sita was the root of the problem. If she was removed then Soorpankha could enjoy life with two virile males. With a roar she reverted to her terrifying form and attacked the hapless Sita. But Lakshmana was too quick for her. He barred the way and, on receiving a signal from his brother, he sliced off Soorpankha's ears and nose. Hurling abuses and threatening dire consequences Soorpankha fled from the scene.
Ravana's younger brother, Khara, was in charge of the Dandak forest region. Soorpankha narrated her grief to him. At once he sent an army of demons to vanquish the three humans who had intruded on his territory. But the demons were no match for the two brothers. In no time all but one of them were dead. The survivor returned to Khara and submitted an exaggerated report. Khara then deputed his younger brother Dushana to finish off the humans. Dushana too was killed. Ultimately Khara himself led the attack. It made no difference. He met the same fate as his brother.
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