As Rama and Lakshmana wandered around looking for Seeta, they were grabbed by a huge monster that was grotesque and frightening. It had a mouth in its belly and one eye on its chest. It could reach out and grab even large animals like tigers and bears and eat them up. Rama and Lakshmana were taken by surprise and wondered what to do. Then Rama said they should cut off the two arms that held them and they cut them off. As the arms fell away, the monster said, “You must be Rama and Lakshmana; come to give me salvation by cutting off my arms. I, Kabandha, was cursed to take this form. Please put my body into fire and release me.” Rama and Lakshmana did that and a divine being arose from the flames. He said, “Go to Rishyamook Mountain and befriend Sugreeva. He will help you find Seeta.”
Kabandha’s Salvation
