‘Look, Vibhishana, in the direction of the southern quarter and see how the clouds are gathering fast and the lightning flashes. A threatening cloud is gently rumbling and I fear lest a heavy hailstorm should ensue’

‘Mark me, gracious Lord,’ replied Vibhishana, ‘there is neither lightning nor a gathered mass of cloud. On the top of Lanka there stands a palace where Ravana is watching the sports of the arena.

It is the large royal umbrella spread over his head which looks like a thick dark mass of cloud, and, Lord, the earrings in Mandodari’s ears are like a flash of lightning;

While the incomparable music of the cymbals and drums is the gentle rumble that you hear, O king of heaven.’ The Lord smiled and perceiving Ravana’s arrogance, strung his bow and fitted an arrow to the string.

Then with a single shaft the Lord struck down Ravana’s umbrella, crowns and Mandodari’s ear-rings, which fell to the ground in the sight of al, but none could explain the mystery.

Having performed this marvellous feat, Rama’s shaft returned and dropped into his quiver again, and everybody in Ravana’s assembly was alarmed when he saw the revels thus rudely interrupted.

‘There was no earthquake, nor any strong gale, nor did we see any weapon or missile.’ Thus they al thought to themselves that it was a most alarming ill omen.