Rama
saw that worm which resembled a hog in shape. It had eight feet and very
keen teeth, and it was covered with bristles that were all pointed like
needles. Called by the name of Alarka, its limbs were then shrunk (with
fear). As soon as Rama cast his, eyes on it, the worm gave up its
life-breath, melting in that blood which it had drawn. All this seemed
wonderful. Then in the welkin was seen a Rakshasa of terrible form, dark
in hue, of a red neck, capable of assuming any form at wilt, and staying
on the clouds,--his object fulfilled, the Rakshasa, with joined hands,
addressed Rama, saying, 'O best of ascetics, thou hast rescued me from
this hell! Blessed be thou, I adore thee, thou hast done me good!'
Possessed of great energy, the mighty-armed son of Jamadagni said unto
him, 'Who art thou? And why also didst thou fall into hell? Tell me all
about it.' He answered, 'Formerly I was a great Asura of the name of
Dansa. In the Krita period, O sire, I was of the same age with Bhrigu. I
ravished the dearly-loved spouse of that sage. Through his curse I felt
down on the earth in the form of a worm. In anger thy ancestors said unto
me, 'Subsisting on urine and phlegm, O wretch, thou shalt lead a life of
hell.' I then besought him, saying, 'When, O Brahmana, shall this curse
end?' Bhrigu replied unto me, saying. 'This curse shall end through Rama
of my race. It was for this that I had obtained such a course of life
like one of uncleansed soul. O righteous one, by thee, however, I have
been rescued from that sinful life.
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