The Demon Viradha

After leaving Atri's ashram, Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita ventured into the dense Dandaka Forest, home to many wild animals like bears and lions. The once-flowing river had dried up, the trees no longer provided a soothing coolness, and the melodious songs of birds were absent.

Suddenly, a gigantic, man-eating demon appeared before Rama. The creature looked like death itself, and he roared at Rama. 

"Who are you, who have entered the Dandaka Forest armed with bows and arrows? Your hair is matted like an ascetic's, but what sort of ascetic has a wife? Your lives are at an end. I am the demon Viradha. Every day, I feast on the flesh of sages dwelling in this forest. I will kill you both and drink your blood. The beautiful woman with you will then be my wife."

Viradha's words made Rama furious. "Wicked demon, prepare for battle!" he said. 

With lightning speed, he shot seven arrows, each piercing Viradha's body. As the demon fell with a terrifying roar, Lakshmana severed his right arm and Rama his left. Together, they dug a pit and buried him alive.

After he died, Viradha transformed into the gandharva (a celestial musician in Hindu mythology) Tumburu, who revealed that he had been cursed to become a demon. He then advised Rama to meet Sage Sharabhanga.