Ravana's Deception and Sugriva's Confrontation

"The brave monkeys Mayand and Dvivid," Shuk and Sharan told Ravana, "are as handsome as gods and unmatched in the art of war. They are poised to destroy Lanka. Sumukh and Vimukh, sons of Yama, were behind Mayand and Dvivid, and are as powerful as their father. Like Indra's elephant Airavata, Hanuman could shake the ocean's waters when enraged. He has already visited Lanka and seen Sita. As the son of Vayu, he can cross the ocean in a single leap. Hanuman is the greatest among the brave monkeys. He can assume any form and move freely across the world."

Shuk then detailed Rama and Lakshmana's nature and power. "Rama is a champion of justice," Shuk told Ravana. "He is a protector of dharma, well-versed in all subjects, and skilled in using the Brahmastra. His weapons can reduce gigantic mountains to tiny fragments. When angered, he is as formidable as Death; otherwise, he is as enthusiastic as Indra, the king of the gods." Shuk described Lakshmana as Rama's unwavering companion. "Rama's younger brother, Lakshmana," Shuk said to Ravana, "has a broad chest, large attractive eyes, and black hair. He loves Rama more than his own life. He is knowledgeable in scriptures and the art of war. He is brilliant, undefeatable, strong, and brave. He is ever-ready to sacrifice his life for Rama and is committed to the destruction of demons."

Ravana summoned his court magician, Vidyutjihva, who was the husband of Ravana's sister, Shurpanakha. He ordered Vidyutjihva to create a false head resembling Rama's. Vidyutjihva complied, and Ravana presented the false head to Sita, still residing in the Ashok Garden.

"This is your Rama," Ravana said to Sita, "who is no longer alive in this world. I have killed him. Now, you will be mine forever."

Upon inspecting the head, Sita found that it did resemble her husband's head. However, the next moment, she realized this was merely an illusion, as no one could kill Rama. She understood that her husband was alive and that this was only Ravana's trick.

Ravana could hear the monkeys chattering. He was shocked to see Lanka surrounded by monkeys on all four sides. He went to the top floor of his palace and tried to assess the magnitude of Rama's army. He could see monkey soldiers in all directions, ready to destroy Lanka. Ravana was frightened and wondered how he could drive the monkeys out of Lanka.

Monkey King Sugriva discovered Ravana trying to observe the monkey army. Just seeing Ravana caused Sugriva's anger to skyrocket. He leaped onto the tower where Ravana was standing and punched him in the face. Sugriva's blow caused Ravana's crown to fall. Ravana was also proficient in duels. The duel between Ravana and Sugriva lasted for a while, but Ravana could not overpower Sugriva. Then Sugriva jumped off the tower and returned to where Rama stood. Rama praised Sugriva for his actions. The monkeys also sang songs about Sugriva's bravery. Rama saw many wounds on Monkey King Sugriva's body. He started worrying about Sugriva and advised him not to do anything out of excitement that may endanger his life.