Viradha

The Rakshasa killed by Rama and Lakshmana early in the exile, who turned out to be a cursed celestial.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.

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Introduction

Viradha is a Rakshasa who attacked Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in the Dandaka forest. He was killed by them, and released from 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 attack

Viradha seized Sita and tried to carry her off. Rama and Lakshmana cut off his arms, but he could not be killed by weapons, so they buried him alive. As he died, he said that he was really the celestial being Tumburu, cursed by Kubera to be born as a Rakshasa.

Directions

He told them to seek out the sage Sharabhanga.

Sources

The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (scholarly) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206868/the-ramayana-of-valmiki
Valmiki Ramayana, Aranyakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.