Shloka 3.69.42
अयोमुखी-दर्शनम् तथा कबन्ध-प्रवेशः (Ayomukhi Encounter and the ظهور of Kabandha)
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे क्रूरो भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।।।।पप्रच्छ घननिर्घोषः कबन्धो दानवोत्तमः।
etasminn antare krūro bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau |
papraccha ghananirghoṣaḥ kabandho dānavottamaḥ ||
Just then, the cruel Kabandha—foremost among the Dānavas, his voice rumbling like thunder—questioned the two brothers, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.
In the meanwhile the foremost of the demons, Kabandha, rumbling like thunder questioned the brothers, Rama and Lakshmana:
Dharma is tested through confrontation: righteous actors are often challenged by adharma embodied in hostile forces.
Kabandha appears and initiates direct engagement by interrogating Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.
Readiness under trial—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are poised to respond to a sudden, threatening encounter.