Page - 49 - in JRFM - Journal Religion Film Media, Volume 07/02

Validating Demons | 49www.jrfm.eu 2021, 7/2, 31–53 the wounded Śūrpaṇakhā. These two episodes are long and clearly contrast with Vālmīki.57 Thus, Rāvaṇa is described as majestic, and no one has the power to destroy him. All the powerful kings, gods, and demons tremble out of fear, give him all kinds of offerings, and are subservient. He has weapons, jewels, ornaments, and many women who dance and sing. Rāvaṇa enjoys all these things until he listens to his sister explain the killing of the demons and tell him about Sītā’s beauty. After hearing of all the virtues of Rāma’s wife, he falls in love with her. Kampan vividly depicts Rāvaṇa’s longing: Even before he went and deceived that woman lovely as a peacock, the lord of Lanka with high walls had set her in the prison of his heart. That Demon who fights with a spear had a heart now that was like butter set out on a day of sun and heating and melting bit by bit.58 Although Rāvaṇa is one of the best warriors, he is defeated by his emotions, and thus not by battle. Rāvaṇa cannot stop thinking about Sītā and his love for her agitates him. His sister’s suffering is also a part of the narrative. Śūrpaṇakhā goes to Lanka to inform her brother of what has happened in the forest. When she is wounded by Lakṣmana, she goes to Rāvaṇa’s palace while she is still bleeding. The male demons are also impressed with what has happened. All the female demons look at Śūrpaṇakhā and suffer and wail along with her.59 The attack on Śūrpaṇakhā partially causes Rāvaṇa’s response in taking revenge. In Kampan’s text this helps to justify, at least to some degree, the demons’ anger. Since Śūrpaṇakhā was dishonored, some action must be taken. Although the female demon sexually assaulted the brothers, she was severely punished. The demons suffer from pain and love, and thus show human qualities. The political movements of the South have left an indelible mark on the Rāmāyaṇa. The engagement of non-Brahmanical Tamilians against the North in the 20th century has seen literary manifestations in which the main char- 57 Hart/Heifetz 1989, 6. 58 Translation by Hart/Heifetz 1989, 177. 59 Hart/Heifetz 1989, 167.