Lakshmana Threatens to Burn Kishkindha, and Angada Comes through the Panic

Lakshmana strings his bow within the frightened capital. The command to show fear now resounds through a prince whose devotion has no patience for delay in Sita's search.

He declares that he will burn the city and reduce it to ash. Monkeys flee, the restored kingdom convulses, and royal pleasure is broken open by the sound of the bow.

Then Angada comes forward through the distress. Vali's son, placed under Rama's protection and made crown prince, approaches the very brother whom Rama sent. While Kishkindha reels, the young prince becomes the first figure willing to meet Lakshmana face to face.

A city runs from Lakshmana's bow while Angada walks toward it.