Thai Rubbing from the West Wall of the Temple of Wat Po, Bangkok; Makontan Sentenced to Death for Leading Hanuman's Army into the Region of the Giant Bhanuraj
Totsagan, king of the demon city of Longka, has been following the progress of the monkey army closely. When he realizes that the invasion of his island is close at hand, he summons the giant Panurat and instructs him to bring, about the speedy end of the invader. He tells Panurat to hide himself beneath the surface of the small and barren plain that lies not far from the end of the causeway, allowing only his hair to show above the soil. Using his demoniacal gifts, Panurat is to transform the plain into a park, a turfy place through which the breezes blow and the streams flow abundantly. Each of his hairs is to be changed into a flowering plant, a blossom-covered bush or a fruit-laden tree, and the air is to be filled with an irresistible fragrance. If this is done says Totsagan, the monkeys are certain to make the place their camp. Then, as soon as they have settled in Panurat is to rise out of the ground, blasting the place with his foul breath and picking the men and monkeys from his hair, to be crushed like lice. For the successful accomplishment of this task, Tätsagan promises Panurat half his kingdom. The giant bows low before the king, assures him of his certainty of success, and hurries away to the plain.
One of Phra Ram's first acts on reaching the Longka end of the causeway is to send out the spirit Prakontan to search for a suitable campsite. The scout quickly returns with the news that he has found the perfect site quite close at hand. He describes the flowers, the water and the trees, and soothsayer Pipeck, who knows Longka as his home, is deeply puzzled. He can remember no park in the place described by Prakontan, and says as much to Phra Ram. On his advice, Hanuman is sent out with the spirit to reconnoiter the site.
