The days at Panchavati were enjoyable for both the princes and for Seeta. They sat and talked of the seasons, the beauty of Nature, their family, Ayodhya and had religious discussions. Both the brothers did away with the demons who attacked Seeta and their hut.
One winter morning, they all went as usual to bathe in the river and offer their prayers. They returned to bask in the sun outside their hut. A she-monster named, Shurpanakha who was the demon-king Ravana’s sister, reached there. She saw Rama and was infatuated deeply with the handsome young prince.
So, Shurpanakha transformed herself into a beautiful young woman and approached Rama. “Who are you?” she asked, “You do not seem to be an ascetic though you are dressed like a hermit.”
Rama politely introduced himself and asked the reason for her coming. Thereupon, Shurpanakha stated, “O Dear! I am deeply in love with your handsome and muscular body. Please accept me as your wife. ” Rama told her that he was married to Seeta. Rama had recognised Shurpanakha. Still, he asked for her introduction. Shurpanakha introduced herself as the sister of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibheeshana.
Even after Shurpanakha’s repeated pleas, Rama flatly refused and said that he was a married man and did not wish for a second wife. She should try to persuade his brother Lakshmana.
Shurpanakha’s husband was killed at the hands of Ravana. So, she was a free and widowed she-monster. She was gripped by sexual desire. So, she wanted to enjoy the company of a young and handsome lad. Thus she went up to Lakshmana and observed, “O Young and Handsome Lad! I am deeply infatuated with you and your brother; marry me and make your life full of luxury.” Lakshmana promptly told her that he was only serving his brother. “You don’t want to marry a servant, do you?” he said, sending her back to Rama. She then went to Rama and pleaded again, but Rama declined and sent her back to Lakshmana. Shurpanakha was getting irritated by this behaviour. She now realised that both the brothers were pestering him out of fun. They were making a fool of her.
Then she flew into a rage and spoke to Rama thus, “I can prove to be a better wife for you than this wretched woman. I have a kingdom, wealth and all the comforts. You will live a blissful life with me.” Shurpanakha further added that her brothers, Khara and Dooshana, were roaming in the forest. Both of them ruled the area with ten thousand brave warriors at their disposal.
Rama was a faithful husband and Lakshmana only focused on serving Rama and Seeta. Rama and Lakshmana made fun of Shurpanakha who could not accept this. Seeta too began to laugh boisterously at Shurpanakha.
Frustrated in her desire and mad with anger at being mocked by the three persons, she pounced upon Seeta. Coming back into her real form as a she-monster. she screamed, “You made fun of me because of this woman. I will eat her up.” Seeta yelled in terror as she saw the huge, terrifying she-monster rushing towards her. She was at her wit’s end. She did not know how to protect herself from the advancing monster. Lakshmana immediately ran towards Seeta to help her.
