Kabandha's Liberation

"Warrior princes, why are you here?" asked the demon. "I'm starving. Fate has probably sent you here for me to feast upon." 

The brothers knew what to do in such a situation. Rama cut off the demon's left hand with his sword, and Lakshmana used his sword to cut off the right hand. The monster fell to the ground. His loud cry reverberated throughout the earth.

"Who are you?" he politely asked Rama and Lakshmana.

Rama and Lakshmana introduced themselves to Kabandha and informed him about Sita's kidnapping. Lakshmana asked Kabandha, "Who are you, and what are you doing in this forest?"

"Greatest among men, both of you are welcome in this forest," said Kabandha. "It is my good fortune that you came here. These arms were a bond for me, and you have released me."

Kabandha explained that he was once handsome and brave but used to trouble the sages in the forest by assuming different forms. One day, he angered Sage Sthoolsira by assuming his current form. 

"You will remain in this form indefinitely," cursed the sage.