How strange that he whom the Vedas describe I negative terms, such as ‘Not this, not this,’ and whom Shiva is unable to grasp by contemplation, ran in pursuit of an illusory deer! Now close at hand, now far, it fled, at times in full view and at another into the invisible depths of the forest.

Thus alternatively showing and concealing itself and practising many a wile, it drew the Lord far away. Now Rama took a steady aim and let fly the fatal shaft, when with a fearful cry the deer fell to the ground.

First, it called aloud to Lakshmana, then mentally invoked Rama. As life ebbed away, it manifested its real form and lovingly remembered Rama.

The all-wise Lord, who recognized the love of its heart, conferred on it the state to which even sages hardly attain.

The gods showered down abundant flowers and hymned the Lord’s perfections and said, ‘Raghunatha is such a friend of the humble that he bestowed his own state (divinity) on a demon.’

As soon as he has slain the wretch, Raghubira at once turned back, radiant with the bow in his hand and the quiver at his side. When Sita heard the cry of distress, she was sorely alarmed and said to Lakshmana,

Make haste and go; your brother is in great peril!’ ‘Listen, mother,’ said Lakshmana with a smile: ‘is it possible that he by the play of whose eyebrows the entire creation is annihilated should ever dream of being in danger?