The Arrival of Shurpanakha

Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta took the rishi's blessings and followed his route toward Panchavati. When they reached the place, they were mesmerized by its beauty. Lakshman quickly built a beautiful hut with bamboo pillars for the three to stay in. Ram and Seeta were elated to behold the magnificent cottage. 

"I am delighted to see your handiwork," said Ram after hugging Lakshman. "In return, I can only offer you my love."

One day, Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta sat outside their cottage, discussing legends. While Ram was engrossed in the conversation, the demoness Shurpanakha happened to pass by. She was enamored with Ram and approached him. "Your divine beauty spellbinds me, and I have fallen in love with you," she told Ram. "Please accept me as your wife."

Upon hearing Shurpanakha's words, Ram began to smile. "I am married, and Seeta is my dear wife," said Ram politely to Shurpanakha. "But my younger brother, Lakshman, who is also brave and handsome, is not with a woman in this forest. He is suited to become your husband. Oh, beautiful one, accept my brother as your husband."

Shurpanakha, intoxicated by love, was unable to think clearly. She left Ram and approached Lakshman. "You are beautiful like me," she told Lakshman. "You are worthy of being my man. Come with me, and let us wander the Dandak forest."

Lakshman listened to Shurpanakha, smiled, and said sarcastically, "I am the servant of my older brother Ram. Oh, beautiful lady, why would you want to marry a servant like me and become a servant yourself? Become Ram's second wife; he has everything. Then all your wishes will come true. He will become attracted to you and leave his current wife. She has now grown old and is not as beautiful anymore."

Shurpanakha didn't understand Lakshman's sarcastic remarks and wasn't sure what to do. She said to Ram, "You don't seem to care about me at all because you have this ugly woman with you. I will swallow her, and then we can live happily without any hindrance."