Ravan's Deception and Sugreev's Confrontation

"The brave monkeys Mayand and Dvivid," Shuk and Sharan told Ravan, "are as handsome as gods and unmatched in the art of war. They are poised to destroy Lanka. Sumukh and Vimukh, sons of Yam, were behind Mayand and Dvivid, and are as powerful as their father. Like Indra's elephant Airavat, Hanuman could shake the ocean's waters when enraged. He has already visited Lanka and seen Seeta. As the son of the Wind god, he can cross the ocean in a single leap. Hanuman is the greatest among the brave monkeys. He can assume any form and move freely across the world."

Shuk then detailed Ram and Lakshman's nature and power. "Ram is a champion of justice," Shuk told Ravan. "He is a protector of dharma, well-versed in all subjects, and skilled in using the Brahmastra. His weapons can reduce gigantic mountains to tiny fragments. When angered, he is as formidable as Death; otherwise, he is as enthusiastic as Indra, the king of the gods." Shuk described Lakshman as Ram's unwavering companion. "Ram's younger brother, Lakshman," Shuk said to Ravan, "has a broad chest, large attractive eyes, and black hair. He loves Ram more than his own life. He is knowledgeable in scriptures and the art of war. He is brilliant, undefeatable, strong, and brave. He is ever-ready to sacrifice his life for Ram and is committed to the destruction of demons."

Ravan summoned his court magician, Vidyutjihva, who was the husband of Ravan's sister, Shurpanakha. He ordered Vidyutjihva to create a false head resembling Ram's. Vidyutjihva complied, and Ravan presented the false head to Seeta, still residing in the Ashok Garden.

"This is your Ram," Ravan said to Seeta, "who is no longer alive in this world. I have killed him. Now, you will be mine forever."

Upon inspecting the head, Seeta found that it did resemble her husband's head. However, the next moment, she realized this was merely an illusion, as no one could kill Ram. She understood that her husband was alive and that this was only Ravan's trick.

Ravan could hear the monkeys chattering. He was shocked to see Lanka surrounded by monkeys on all four sides. He went to the top floor of his palace and tried to assess the magnitude of Ram's army. He could see monkey soldiers in all directions, ready to destroy Lanka. Ravan was frightened and wondered how he could drive the monkeys out of Lanka.

Monkey King Sugreev discovered Ravan trying to observe the monkey army. Just seeing Ravan caused Sugreev's anger to skyrocket. He leaped onto the tower where Ravan was standing and punched him in the face. Sugreev's blow caused Ravan's crown to fall. Ravan was also proficient in duels. The duel between Ravan and Sugreev lasted for a while, but Ravan could not overpower Sugreev. Then Sugreev jumped off the tower and returned to where Ram stood. Ram praised Sugreev for his actions. The monkeys also sang songs about Sugreev's bravery. Ram saw many wounds on Monkey King Sugreev's body. He started worrying about Sugreev and advised him not to do anything out of excitement that may endanger his life.