Rama’s Army Arrives in Lanka 

Rama’s Army Arrives in Lanka 

Lanka was sighted. Rama ordered that Shuka be released and told him to run to his king to convey the message and their determination to free Sita at any cost. Shuka didn’t need to be begged. He ran to Ravana and told him everything.

“… My dear king,” he said in a breathless voice, “besides that, you have no idea of their military might. Their number is such that it cannot even be imagined and their personal physical strength is extraordinary. You have no hope in this battle. Return Sita, for the good of all.”

Ravana was surprised and enraged to hear one of his most loyal helpers sing praise to his enemies. He, on the other hand, described the immense strength of the Raksasas. 

But just as they were speaking, one of his generals brought him the news that the enemy had arrived on the island.

Ravana sent Shuka again, this time accompanied by another trusted ambassador named Sharana, to spy on the opposing army and bring them more detailed news. But while they were trying to spy protected from the darkness of the night, Vibhisana discovered them and captured them. 

Rama saw the two spies, and smiling, he told them:

“Have you come to spy on us? You could have asked,” he said wryly. “We would have shown you everything ourselves. Come.”

And he took them on a thorough tour of his army. Then he released them. The two returned to Ravana and gave him the desired description.

“We have seen the military might of our enemies. What we can tell you, in this regard, is only this: free Sita, for your sake and that of all the people.”

Shuka and Sharana were two of the  ministers whose loyalty was beyond doubt. So, Ravana was astonished at such descriptions and began to fear that they would correspond to the truth.