The Arrival of Shurpanakha

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita took the sage's blessings and followed his route toward Panchavati. When they reached the place, they were mesmerized by its beauty. Lakshmana quickly built a beautiful hut with bamboo pillars for the three to stay in. Rama and Sita were elated to behold the magnificent cottage. 

"I am delighted to see your handiwork," said Rama after hugging Lakshmana. "In return, I can only offer you my love."

One day, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita sat outside their cottage, discussing legends. While Rama was engrossed in the conversation, the demoness Shurpanakha happened to pass by. She was enamored with Rama and approached him. "Your divine beauty spellbinds me, and I have fallen in love with you," she told Rama. "Please accept me as your wife."

Upon hearing Shurpanakha's words, Rama began to smile. "I am married, and Sita is my dear wife," said Rama politely to Shurpanakha. "But my younger brother, Lakshmana, who is also brave and handsome, is not with a woman in this forest. He is suited to become your husband. O beautiful one, accept my brother as your husband."

Shurpanakha, intoxicated by love, was unable to think clearly. She left Rama and approached Lakshmana. "You are beautiful like me," she told Lakshmana. "You are worthy of being my man. Come with me and let us wander the Dandaka forest."

Lakshmana listened to Shurpanakha, smiled, and said sarcastically, "I am the servant of my older brother Rama. O beautiful lady, why would you want to marry a servant like me and become a servant yourself? Become Rama's second wife; he has everything. Then all your wishes will come true. He will become attracted to you and leave his current wife. She has now grown old and is not as beautiful anymore."

Shurpanakha didn't understand Lakshmana's sarcastic remarks and wasn't sure what to do. She said to Rama, "You don't seem to care about me at all because you have this ugly woman with you. I will swallow her, and then we can live happily without any hindrance."