Introduction
Kabandha is a monstrous figure without a head, with long arms and a mouth in his belly, whom Rama and Lakshmana meet in the forest after the abduction of Sita. He was a being under a curse.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
The meeting
Kabandha seized the brothers with his long arms. They cut off both arms, and he told them he was under a curse and had been struck by Indra.
Freed
Kabandha asked Rama to burn his body, which would free him. When they did, he rose in a shining form. He told them to make an alliance with Sugriva at Mount Rishyamukha, and told them how to reach him.