As Rama together with Sita and Laxman and other sages roamed Dandaka forest, they chanced upon a man-eating demon named Viradh. The demon saw the two princes and Sita, and decided to feast upon them. He lifted Sita first and was about to take her away with him when Rama shot his arrow at him. Viradh laughed at the sight of the tiny bow and arrows. He broke them with his fingers. Realising the futility of using his bow and arrows to fight against Viradh, Rama and Laxman decided to tear off his arms. With great might, they wrenched off Viradh’s arms and threw him on the ground. Rama immediately stepped his foot on Viradh. The touch of his foot had a wondrous effect. Viradh’s eyes softened and with both palms joined in reverence he said, “Your touch has purified my mind. I am a natural spirit and not a demon. Due to a curse, I was changed into a demon. Please kill me and relieve me of the curse.” Rama accepted Viradh’s request and killed him. Viradh’s demon body changed into a sacred spirit. It greeted Rama, Laxman and Sita, and then returned to heaven.
DEMON VIRADH
