Studies in Indian Art c13.s3.14

c13.s3.14

I. Atikāya and Mahākāya spying in Rāma's encampment were caught but treated kindly by him. They divulged this secret of Rāvaṇa's ruin: 'In the entrance gateway to Laṅkā is a beam carved with *Pañcha-vaktra* motif. Śukrāchārya has said that as soon as this beam is cut into pieces, Rāvaṇa will meet his death. Therefore, when this event takes place you should move to Pātāla to save yourself. This prophecy of Bhārgava Sūtra is engraved on a plate. Therefore, O Rāma, you cut that *Dāru* into five pieces by a single shot of your arrow. We shall thereby know your might and offer stiff resistance' (208).