Then with an access of anger, he shouted: "Listen, Dhoomraaksha! Why should
I worry when you are here? Get together all the men you want. Go at once and destroy these
two little men and return quickly."
Dhoomraaksha was indeed happy and proud to
be thus singled out by the king. He took a party of warriors and, issuing out of the fort,
came into contact with the group who, under Hanumaan, were attempting to enter the western
gate. In the battle that ensued there was great slaughter on both sides. In the end
Dhoomraaksha was slain by Hanumaan. A few Raakshasas escaped into the fortress, but most
of them lay dead without.
News of this discomfiture filled Raavana
with uncontrollable fury. He hastily summoned Vajradamshtra and said: "Oh bravest of
warriors, go without delay and destroy these wicked fellows."
Vajradamshtra bowed low before the king and
followed by a mighty army sallied out of the southern gate and encountered Angada. |
