Ravana listened to Surpanakha. Realizing her acute sense of defeat which had unnerved her, he asked, "Who is this Rama? What is the secret of his strength and what does he look like? How could he enter the impenetrable forest of Dandaka? With what weapon did he annihilate fourteen thousand rakshasas along with Khara, Dooshana and Trisira?" Surpanakha said, "Rama is the son of Dasaratha. Struck by his gold tipped arrows, fell the thousands like grain hit by a hailstorm. "Rama has fulfilled his promise to the sages by making Dandaka a safe haven for them. He would not swerve from the path of dharma even in the face of death. I owe my life to that dharma, which does not permit the slaying of a woman. His brother Lakshmana is equally strong and his devotion to Rama is limitless. Invincible and noble, he is the very life of Rama. Then there is Sita, the daughter of the king of Videha whose beauty is matchless and unique. She is the consort of Rama. Her flowing hair glistens with the sheen of a raven's wing and with her grace, she could pass for a celestial being or for the goddess Lakshmi herself. Ravana! This paragon of beauty is fit to be your wife. I tried to bring her here but in vain. Lakshmana not only thwarted my plan, but also disfigured me. If you ever behold Sita, radiant like the new moon, you will be bewitched. If you want her, go now, Kill Rama and Lakshmana and make Sita your consort. The carnage at Janasthana needs to be avenged and you have a duty to perform"!