Ravana, although a very learned person and a devotee of Lord Shiva, had committed many crimes against devas and sages and women. His destruction was certain. As he sat in his court, Shurpanakha entered wailing and screaming, with her mutilated nose and ears. “What happened to you?” asked Ravana, shocked to see his sister in this condition. “The King of Rakshasas!” mocked Shurpanakha, knowing Ravana’s weakness for beautiful women, “And Rama, a mere human being living in a forest killed your whole army! And when I tried to snatch Seeta, more beautiful than the moon, to bring her to you, look what Lakshmana did to me! Now you have to avenge my humiliation by kidnapping Seeta,” challenged Shurpanakha. Ravana sat lost in thought, balancing Mareecha’s wise advice against the words of Shurpanakha and his own desire for revenge and for Seeta.
Shurpanakha Incites Ravana
