Besiege of Lanka

Lanka besieged by the monkey army of Sugriva along with Rama, Lakshmana, Sugriva, Jambavan, Hanuman and other chiefs. Once the construction of the Adam`s bridge over the ocean was complete under the guidance of Nala, the entire monkey host marched proudly over it and reached the kingdom of Lanka. The omens of the war were dreadful, which showed themselves as the earth shook, the clouds rained blood and a fiery circle fell from the sun. However, the host of monkeys of Sugriva roared defiance at the rakshasas, whose destruction was neared.

Once they reached Lanka, Rama beholding Lanka looming up to pierce the heavens, constructed by Lord Vishwakarma, wrought, as it were, of mind rather than matter, hanging in the sky like a bank of snow-white clouds, was downcast at the thought of Sita imprisoned there. But he arrayed the host of bears and monkeys and laid siege to Lanka.

Meanwhile the spies of Ravana dispatched some of his spies in monkey shape to gather news. The spies brought the news to Ravana about the preparations of the monkey army of Rama and advised Ravana of the resistless power of Rama, advised that Sita should be surrendered. Hearing this, Ravana was enraged, and drove the spies away disgraced, and sent others in their place, but they also brought the same news.

When he got no help and soothing words in his favour from his spies, but to give battle or yield up the bride of Rama, Ravana devised a plan to betray Sita to his will. He informed Sita that the monkey host had been dispersed and Rama was slain, and a rakshasi came in, bringing the semblance of the head of Rama and his bow, and Sita knew them, and grieved out of all measure, and crying aloud with several lamentations, she prayed Ravana to slay her by Rama`s head that she might follow her husband. While Sita was lamenting before Ravana, a messenger came and informed that the rakshasa general was calling Ravana to the battle, and he turned to the field of war. While Ravana left the place, the bow and head immediately vanished, and Sita came to know that those were but counterfeits and vain illusions.