Surpanakha and the Battle in Dandaka

1. Ravana's sister Surpanakha saw Rama near the cottage and became fascinated by Him. She changed her appearance and approached boldly.
2. Surpanakha asked Rama to become her husband, but He said that He was faithfully married to Sita. He answered without encouraging her desire.
3. Rama playfully directed her toward Lakshmana, who also refused. Surpanakha became angry when she did not get what she wanted.
4. Surpanakha rushed toward Sita in jealousy. Rama immediately ordered Lakshmana to protect her.
5. Lakshmana disfigured Surpanakha so she could no longer harm Sita. The scene was frightening, but Sita remained safe.
6. Surpanakha ran to her brother Khara and demanded punishment. She described the two princes living in the forest.
7. Khara first sent fourteen fierce rakshasas to attack the cottage. Rama defeated them while Lakshmana guarded Sita.
8. Furious Khara and Dushana marched with thousands of rakshasas. Their noise disturbed every creature in Dandaka.
9. Rama asked Lakshmana to take Sita to a protected cave. He then stood alone before the approaching army.
10. From a safe distance, the sages prayed for Rama's victory. They knew the Lord had come to end their fear.
11. Rama's arrows stopped the attacking rakshasas one after another. He fought to protect, never for pleasure.
12. At last Rama defeated the two commanders Khara and Dushana. The terrible noise of battle ended.
13. Lakshmana brought Sita back, and she was relieved to see Rama unharmed. The sages filled the forest with prayers of gratitude.
14. One rakshasa named Akampana escaped and hurried to Lanka. He told Ravana that Rama could not be defeated in a fair fight.
15. Akampana suggested that Ravana separate Rama from Sita. Ravana's proud mind turned toward a cruel plan.

Authoritative sources

• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.10
• Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 9.11