26. Rāvaṇa Surveys Monkey Army [Rāvaṇa climbs on a tall tower to see the monkey army. Śuka introduces various monkey chiefs and tells him about the strength of their respective armies.] Hearing those truthful and fearless words of Śarana, the king Rāvaṇa spoke to him in reply as follows. 26.1 "Even if I am attacked by devas, Gandharvas and Rākṣasas

27. Monkey Army Further Described [The spies give a detailed account of all the monkey leaders and the army that they command.] "As you are keenly examining the monkey chiefs, I shall tell you about those who would like to show their valour even by facing death for the sake of Rāma." 27.1 "There is a monkey called Hara, who

28. Spies Show Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa [They continue identifying many more monkey chiefs including Sugrīva, Then they describe Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. They also tell Rāvaṇa about the total size of the army.] After the king of Rākṣasas heard the account given by Śarana, Śuka pointed out the army of monkeys to him and spoke. 28.1 "Oh king those monkeys whom

29. Rāvaṇa Sends Another Group of Spies [Greatly angry with Śuka and Śarana for praising the enemy Rāvaṇa dismisses them. He sends another spy to study about the habit of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa and other commanders. They are also caught and released back by Rāma.] Seeing those greatest of the monkey leaders pointed out by Śuka-viz. the most valorous Lakṣmaṇa

30. Shardula Describes Rāma's Army [On questioning by Rāvaṇa, the spy tells him about troubles he underwent and how Saved him. On questioning by Rāvaṇa he tells about the great monkey chieftains and their genealogy. He also tells about Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.] Then the spies informed the king of Lanka about the camping imperturbable army of Rāma near the Suvela

31. Rāvaṇa's Attempt to Convince Sītā [Rāvaṇa with the help of a conjurer makes a head of Rāma dripping with blood. He tells Sītā that Rāma and his army was killed by Prahasta. Then he asks Vidyujihwa to bring Rāma's head and Rāma's bow. He orders Sītā to be submissive to him since Rāma is no more.] Rāvaṇa the king

32. Sītā Wails [Sītā blames Kaikeyi for her bad fate. She wails over her fate and blames herself. A messenger comes and summons Rāvaṇa for an important meeting. As soon as he left the so called head and bow of Rāma also disappears.] Sītā saw the head and bow which were illusion. She heard Rāvaṇa narrating about Rāma's friendly relationship

33. Saramā Consoles Sītā [Saramā, a friend of Sītā, tells her that she had investigated in various ways and found out that Rāma's head was only an illusion. At that time the sound of marching of the army of Rāma and Rāvaṇa are heard.] Seeing the very bewildered Sītā, an affectionate Rākṣasī called Saramā approached Sītā who was her beloved

34. Rāvaṇa's Decision on Sītā [Sītā becomes consoled. When Saramā offered to carry a message to Rāma, Sītā requests her to find out the decisions of Rāvaṇa. She comes back and tells her that in spite of elders in his family, Rāvaṇa would not release her till he dies.] Sītā who became greatly sad by hearing words of Rāvaṇa was