The Path of Duty: Anusuya's Counsel and Viradh's Challenge

Anusuya lovingly conversed with Seeta, shedding light on the importance of a wife's duties. "You have accepted exile to be with your husband," said Anusuya. "In doing so, you have sacrificed your family, relatives, royalty, and happiness. If a woman loves her husband without considering whether he is in the city or the jungle, and regardless of whether he is wicked or virtuous, that woman lives in heaven. A husband is a woman's greatest companion in any situation. This is the prime mantra of faithfulness."

Seeta listened attentively, absorbing the wisdom imparted by Anusuya. The encounter with Anusuya deepened her understanding of duty and devotion, reinforcing the bond between Ram and herself.

Anusuya presented Seeta with a flower garland, clothes, jewelry, and perfumes. "Accept these and wear them," said Anusuya. They will never become dirty or dry up. You and your husband will look beautiful, like Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu." Seeta happily accepted these gifts. Ram happily spent a night in the rishi's ashram. After completing their daily worship activities the next morning, Ram, Seeta, and Lakshman began to leave. Just then, the rishi described to Ram how demons in the forest would obstruct his sacrificial acts. "Oh, Ram!" said the rishi. "This is the path by which rishis go to the forest to collect fruits and flowers. Please proceed along the same path."

After leaving Rishi Atri's ashram, Ram, Lakshman, and Seeta ventured into the dense Dandak Forest, home to many wild animals like bears and lions. The once-flowing river had dried up, the trees no longer provided a soothing coolness, and the melodious songs of birds were absent.

Suddenly, a gigantic, man-eating monster appeared before Ram. The creature looked like death itself, and its roar reverberated like an earthquake. Striding toward Seeta, the demon thundered, "You wander this forest with a matted ascetic," referring to Ram. "But what kind of ascetic has a wife? Your lives are at their end. You have entered the Dandak Forest armed with bows and arrows. Who are you? I am Viradh, the demon Viradh. Every day, I feast on the flesh of rishis dwelling in this forest. This beautiful woman will be my wife. I will kill you both and drink your blood."

Ram's eyes flared with anger at Viradh's words. "O wicked demon," he replied, "you deserve death. Prepare for battle!" With lightning speed, Ram shot seven arrows, each piercing Viradh's body. As the demon fell with a terrifying roar, Lakshman severed his right arm and Ram his left. Together, they dug a pit and buried the demon alive.