RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI Part II (7)

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Om Sri Sai Ram

 

RAMAKATHA RASAVAHINI - PART II [7]

The Rama Story, Stream of Sacred Sweetness

As told by the Divine Lord Himself in the present Avatar as Bhagawan

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Chapter 6(a)

Lanka on Fire

 

Hanuman knew that it was wrong to spend any more time in Lanka. He

felt that the sooner he communicated to Rama the welcome news about

Sita the better for all concerned. He prayed for permission to leave.

She said, " Go. Go safe and soon. Tell Rama to come soon and take me

with Him " . She shed tears of hope and sorrow. Hanuman was moved by

the pathos of the scene. Sadness overwhelmed his brave heart. He

consoled her and said, " Very soon, Mother, Rama will lay siege to

this Lanka, with his Vanara hordes, he will destroy these Rakshasa

forces, rescue you and restore you to Ayodhya. "

 

But, Sita was inconsolable. She had her doubts. " Hanuman! What is it

that you say! Can monkey hordes fight against and destroy these

Rakshasas who have mastered many a mysterious stratagem and

subterfuge, and who are themselves much stronger? How can the two

brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, stand up against these demons and win?

Victory over the demons is an impossible dream. This can end only in

my death. Rather than causing the death of so many of you on the

battlefield, I would fain breathe my last and save all your lives. "

Sita was lamenting thus, while Hanuman interrupted her and

said, " Mother! Do not weep. We of the monkey horde are the bond

slaves of Rama. All of us believe that Rama is our strength and our

courage. We take in as our very breath the name, Rama. We have no

other source of life. Therefore, even if each of these Rakshasas

increases a thousand fold in devilry, we monkeys can easily destroy

them. We can win victory over them in spite of their wiles and

wickedness. You are doubting the extent of our strength and skills,

since we appear in our wonted forms. Let me show the Form I can

assume in battle. " Hanuman rose sky-high, and stood before Sita - a

mountain-peak of shining Gold. Sita was astonished at this; she

said, " Hanuman! Stop. Stop. Enough. Limit yourself. If the eyes of

the Rakshasas fall on you, you may not be able to return soon to

Rama. " Sita protested and pleaded with him to assume his old form.

Hanuman gave up the terrible form he had converted himself into, and

became a quiet little monkey in no time. Hanuman fell at the feet of

Sita and turned his steps away. But, the plight of Sita and her

anguished face were so deeply imprinted on his heart that his feet

would not move away.

 

While returning from the place where Sita was, he saw an orchard and

plucking some tasty fruits, he ate his fill. He cast aside those that

were unripe and the extra one he had plucked. Sighting this, a

Rakshasa guard wanted to frighten him away but Hanuman gave him a

blow, which felled him to the ground. He ran to the head of the gang

of guards; he fled in terror to his superior in office and he in turn

approached his master; thus, the news of a monkey rioting in the

garden reached the Imperial ears of Ravana himself. It struck Ravana

as an evil omen. He could not restrain his anger at the mischief and

the insult. The flames of his ire rose to the skies. He ordered a few

hundred Rakshasas to overwhelm and catch the audacious animal. Since

they could not succeed in their mission, he sent a few thousand

trained and heavily armed Soldier-Rakshasas into the garden where

Hanuman was awaiting their onslaught. Even that formidable force

could not harm the monkey or persuade him to move off! Hanuman broke

a dry twig from the tree on which he sat and with that tiny weapon

which he waved around to the recital of Ram, Ram, he warded off every

missile that was directed at him. Seeing this, the Rakshasas wondered

who he was. Was he an emissary of the Gods? Or, was he the harbinger

of the destruction of Lanka? The defeated heroes returned to camp,

burdened with premonitions of disaster. They had no courage left to

report their discomfiture to their ruler, Ravana. " You sent on this

expedition countless Rakshasas selected for this special assignment;

but, we could not achieve the object. When the monkey roared once,

hundreds of our men died for sheer fear. The earth shook under our

feet. That roar echoed and re-echoed from every mansion in the city.

Seeing our plight, our leaders decided to come to you and report that

this is no ordinary foe, and that this presages some evil calamity. "

This was the statement they made before Ravana. He was told the plain

fact, without any reservation; if the monkey was allowed to roam

about, danger was certain to envelope the land.

 

At this, Ravana sent his own dear son, Akshayakumara, at the head of

thousands of seasoned Warrior-Rakshasas. But Hanuman slaughtered this

host in a trice, and Ravana had to mourn the death of his beloved

son. The entire land shivered in fear at the news of the death of the

Prince and the decimation of his army. People whispered in fear, that

this was no ordinary monkey, that it must be a Divine Phenomenon, and

that it was the terrible avenger for the sin of bringing Sita over to

Lanka. Many prayed to Sita in their heart of hearts to deliver Lanka

from the monkey, for they feared it was her vengeance that had taken

shape as that strange beast. Ravana sent word for Meghanada, and

commissioned him to destroy this new invader. He placed at his

disposal a huge army of several thousands. Meghanada ascended his

chariot and led the heroic army in great pomp. As they marched along,

earth and sky were astounded at their might and their angry tread.

Their war cry rent the heavens. All who witnessed that pageantry and

panoply were struck with wonder and admiration.

 

Hanuman watched their march and heard their trumpeting with absolute

unconcern; he sat unmoved, on a little branch of the spreading tree,

and enjoyed the antics of the Rakshasas until they drew near. The

soldiers rained arrows on Hanuman from all sides. With one ear-

splitting roar, Hanuman jumped down and plucking a giant tree by its

roots, he waved it round, beating off the rain of arrows that tried

to reach him. The arrows were swept off so fast that when they hit

back the Rakshasas who shot them, the impact killed them in such

larger numbers that very few were left to carry on the fight. A blow

felled Meghanada; he rolled, spouting blood. So, he resolved to

resort to the sacred arrow of Brahma that he had with him. He knew

that Brahma, the first of the Trinity, had told Ravana that he would

meet his death at the hands of man and monkey. He decided to prevent

that calamity. The Brahmastra was released with appropriate ritual

formulae. Hanuman had great reverence for the weapon that is

sanctified by such mantras and dedicated to Brahma. So, he did not

counteract it; he reverentially prostrated before it. So, it was easy

for Meghanada to bind him with the Serpent Rope.

 

The exultant Rakshasas immediately carried the happy news to Ravana.

Lakhs of eager faces crowded the streets to see the monkey that had

been bound. Hanuman was unaffected by fear or anxiety; he moved calm

and collected watching the crowds with an amused smile. At last, he

reached the Audience Hall of Ravana. The courtiers and ministers

assembled there were aghast at the insulting indifference shown by

Hanuman to the display of power and luxury that the Hall contained.

Ravana laughed aloud at the absurd figure of the monkey; but the next

moment, he was overcome by fear of impending death. However, anger

was the over-riding emotion at that time in him. He asked, " Hey, you

monkey! Who are you really? Whose is the might that you have been

exhibiting and using? Why did you destroy this orchard and this park?

Though bound, you have no sense of shame; you look around with your

head high up. Come. Give me the right answers " .

 

Hanuman had a hearty laugh at his interrogator. He used for his

replies a style of speech and a vocabulary which were beyond the

understanding of the people who stood around him. But, Ravana, who

was an expert in Rhetoric and Grammar, understood him quite well and

the dialogue between them appeared to the listeners like a

disputation between two intellectual giants. Ravana demonstrated

before Hanuman several magic feats in order to impress him with his

invincibility. He manifested many powers and feats. But, Hanuman

remained unmoved. He said, " Ravana! I know your prowess. I have heard

that you fight with a thousand arms. I am aware also of your famous

fight with Vali. But, what wrong have I done? I was hungry; I plucked

a few trees by their roots; it is my nature. I was in my element, my

natural habitat, the tree top. Of course, each one has the desire and

the determination to safeguard his own life, to protect his own body.

Your soldiers are awfully wicked. They hurt me; so, I hurt them, and

unable to bear the hurt, they died. I fought with them in order to

save myself. The arrow of your son forced me to enter into his

bondage. But I am not trying to deceive you in return. My only desire

is to carry out the orders of my Master. Listen to me carefully. Give

up all sense of personal pride and reputation. Reflect on the

grandeur of your clan, the family to which you belong. Remember, you

are the great-grandson of Brahma. You are the grandson of the great

Pulastya. You are the son of Visravas. Give up this delusion of

accumulating pomp and power; adore in your heart the Destroyer of

Fear from the hearts of those devoted to Him, the Crown Jewel of the

Ikshwaku Dynasty, the precious Gem of the Raghu Dynasty, Rama!

Surrender to Him, take refuge in Him. Even Time shivers in fear

before Him. It is not good for you to harbor enmity towards Him.

Listen to me: Place Sita at the Lotus Feet of Rama, and meditate on

the Grace that flows from those Feet. Strengthened by that Grace,

rule over the state of Lanka for ever and ever. Make the glory of

your grandfather, Pulastya, reach the far corners of the world,

without blemish, so long as the sun and moon illumine the sky. You

should not tarnish the fair name of your line in the least. Give up

your pride and your delusion. O, Emperor! Rivers taking birth on

mountain ranges get flooded in the rainy season and roll furiously

along; but within weeks, they run dry with just a trickle of water.

Your power and wealth will soon dry up and vanish. Adore Rama as the

source of power and wealth; then, they would never get dry; for, He

is the inexhaustible spring of peace and prosperity. He is ever full.

He won't lose, but you will benefit from Him. 0 Ravana! I am telling

you with nothing held back, with an open mind. No one can rescue the

unfortunate person who is blinded by hatred towards Him. Accept my

advice. "

 

These words of Hanuman were soft and salutary; they were full of

wisdom and morality. But, Ravana was not prepared to benefit by the

counsel. He said, " Fool! Dare you advise me what to do? Fie on you,

fie! Death has drawn near you; or else, you would not have the

courage to lecture long thus in my presence. Enough of your prating.

Keep your mouth shut! " Hanuman did not obey. He retorted " Ravana!

These words or yours spell your doom. Alas! You have become insane.

You will know the truth of my diagnosis as time passes. In a few

days, you can know to whom Death is drawing near, to you or to me! "

 

When Hanuman spoke thus, in utter fearlessness, with no bounds or

limits, Ravana was enraged beyond control. He rose, spouting fire and

slapping his thighs in challenge he roared an order to his henchmen

to kill the impertinent monkey. And, everyone rushed to where Hanuman

sat bound in snake ropes. Just at that moment, Vibhishana, Ravana's

brother, entered the Hall, followed by his retinue. He prostrated

before his elder brother and said, protestingly, " Master! It is not

right to kill an emissary. Raja dharma will not approve the deed.

Punish him in any other manner, but do not pronounce the sentence of

death " . The ministers of Ravana supported this stand and declared

that what he had suggested was the noblest truth. Ravana laughed in

scorn at their absurd ideas of right and wrong; still, he climbed

down and said, " Well. Mutilate him and send him off. " The ministers

gathered in a group to decide on the mutilation. They came to the

conclusion that monkeys are proud of their tails and would fain keep

them intact long and strong. Some one suggested that the best

punishment would be to wind sheets of cloth on the tail, pour oil

until it soaks and drips and then set fire to the tail. This plan got

unanimous acceptance! They exulted among themselves at the brilliance

of the idea. " The tail-less monkey will proceed to its master and

bring him here for avenging the loss. Then, we can witness the

manliness of his master and his might. " There was a spate of whispers

in the Hall.

 

Hanuman was watching their movements, listening to their

confabulations, and laughing within himself all the while. When they

had finished, he burst into a thunderbolt of laughter! The Rakshasas

were enraged at this display of insulting behaviour. They procured

cloth and oil and started the process of winding and soaking. But,

the more they wound and soaked, the longer grew the tail! Miles of

cloth and tanks of oil had to be ordered. News of the wonder spread

all over the City and crowds of men, women and children ran towards

the Hall to witness the miracle. Meanwhile, bands of musicians led

the procession. Crowds began clapping hands. Hanuman was led along

the streets with oil-soaked cloth wound along the whole length of his

tail. At last, the Central Square of the City of Lanka was reached.

There, before a huge crowd of eager citizens, a burning flame was

applied to the tip of Hanuman's tail. Suddenly, Hanuman assumed his

subtle form, and so the ropes that had bound him became too loose and

fell off. He could now assume his natural size and jump about. He

rose in one jump on to the top of a golden mansion; he shouted Rama,

Rama, and made the Rakshasas shudder in fear, for, a strong wind rose

from nowhere and blew with great speed. Hanuman somersaulted in the

air and was beside himself with joy. He jumped from one mansion to

another, with the burning tail trailing behind him. And, the tail

grew longer and longer. The conflagration swelled in size as he moved

from street to street. The mansions all over the City of Lanka were

caught in the conflagration, and changed into heaps of ashes. The

Rakshasas fled desperately with their wives and children, forsaking

their burning homes, eager to save their lives. To add to the

confusion, cattle, horses, mules and elephants broke away from their

sheds and ran helter skelter in panic and pain. The entire City was

enveloped in a shroud of wails, cries, roars and trumpeting. " O! Save

us " , " O! Take us to a safe place " ... agonizing appeals like these

rose from the throats of women and children and echoed from the sky.

 

Queen Mandodari heard that wail. She summoned the soldiers guarding

the Palace, and ordered them to give refuge therein to women and

children. She confessed her fears and poured out the grief she

suffered. " Alas! The foolish obstinacy of Ravana is causing the

extinction of the Rakshasa clan; this blow will end only with the

holocaust. I and brother-in-law Vibhishana advised him a great deal.

We prayed with folded arms. He refused to pay heed. We lamented that

it will end in the destruction of every single Rakshasa. But as they

say, 'When extermination is near, discrimination flees far'. Bad

times are approaching him, and so, he is behaving in these nefarious

ways " . Wherever she turned her eyes, ferocious tongues of flame

glared at her. And Hanuman too was very much before her eyes, jumping

about in the midst of the flames. From every household there rose the

cry, " Hanuman! Save us " . " Spare this house " . With folded palms, they

prayed, " Take pity on our children " . The wife of Kumbhakarna, the

younger brother of Ravana, ran forward with her prayer, " O, Messenger

of Rama! My husband is submerged in deep sleep. Do not set fire to

our home. Save my husband from being burnt to death " .

 

Lanka was caught in the throes of total destruction. Ravana himself

came to know of the calamity pretty soon. He ordered that soldiers

surround the monkey with weapons and mortars. Those who proceeded

towards Hanuman scattered in panic when the burning tail of Hanuman

flailed them mercilessly. That flaming tail killed many. Women

clamoured and called on the clouds to shower rain and stop the fire

from spreading. Malyavantha saw their plight and said within

himself, " No, this is not fire that can be put out by rain! This is

the unbearable grief of Sita " . Others said, " This is the flame of

anger against Ravana; it is the fiery form of the curse he has to go

through. It will burn this city to ashes " . The huge flame hopped from

rooftop, without any sign of exhaustion. Sometimes, Hanuman made

himself small, sometimes, gigantic, but the pace of destruction was

the same, whatever size he assumed. The crackle of the flames and the

incessant thud of falling walls could be heard from all sides.

 

Sita heard the news; she raised her head and had one long look at the

smoke and sparkle surrounding the garden. The sky was darkened by

smoke! The garden too had become uncomfortably hot. Sita called upon

the God of Fire without delay and prayed that He should save Hanuman,

the genuine Bhakta of Rama. Since she prayed out of a compassionate

heart, it became suddenly cool and comfortable for Hanuman. Ravana

suffered loss and dishonour for discarding the advice given by elders

and for indulging in vulgar talk, when he was shown the proper road.

In just under a wink, the capital city of his empire was wiped out by

fire. The house where Kumbhakarna was asleep, and the house of that

supreme among devotees, Vibhishana, was the only two that were not

erased by the fire. Hanuman leaped into the sea and dipped his tail

in the waters to put out the flame. Then, he assumed the form of a

miniature monkey and reached the place where Sita was; he prostrated

before her, and said, " Mother! I shall relate to Rama all that you

have asked me to. Give me something so that I could prove that I have

met you " .

 

Sita thought for a while, and taking from her head a gemset jewel,

she placed it in Hanuman's hand. Hanuman pressed it over his eye

reverently and fell at Sita's feet again, overcome with joy. Sita

blessed him, and said, " Hanuman! You saw with your own eyes the

torture Ravana is inflicting on me, and therefore there is no need

for me to dilate on that. Tell the Lord that he must grant me the

fortune of his Darshan: tell him that I prayed for it again and

again. Tell him that, with Lakshmana, he must lay siege to Lanka,

within a month. Hanuman! These three days I spent happily, speaking

to you of Rama. My heart has become calm and cool. I cannot imagine

how I will spend both night and day, hereafter, when you are gone. I

shall be a fish in a dry pond. Of course, the omniscient Lord is ever

watching over me; but, when, O, when shall I feast my eyes on those

lotus eyes of His? " . Hanuman tried to infuse faith and courage in her

mind by his assurances and assertions; he prayed, pleaded, and

prostrated again and again; at last he turned towards his path.

 

Before leaving the Asoka Park, Hanuman bellowed a farewell roar,

which shook the earth, and made the men, women and children of the

island shiver in terror. Without any more delay Hanuman reached the

shore of the sea; he filled his mind with the thought of Rama and his

eyes with His charm; and even while meditating on that Name and Form,

he leaped over the sea and reached the other shore in a trice. That

day was the Full Moon of the month Kartik. The cool moonlight was as

balm to the heart; the name of Rama implanted strength and joy;

Hanuman had won. The monkey groups who had espied Hanuman from the

distance coming through the horizon were elated beyond words. They

were filled with joy; their faces blossomed. They shone with a new

splendor as they saw him come nearer and nearer. They exulted that

they had fulfilled the mission on which Rama sent them.

 

Three full days they had waited for his return, and their hearts had

gone dry with despair; now, they clothed themselves in leaves and

flowers. They ranged themselves along the shore, pressing forward to

clasp Hanuman to their bosoms as he landed. As soon as Hanuman

touched ground, they asked him about what happened in Lanka, about

Sita and her welfare, and circumstances and conditions of Lanka.

Hanuman told them all they wanted, with high enthusiasm, and left for

where Rama was.

 

In a short while, they entered the Madhuvana and gorged themselves

with the fruits that grew thereon, for Sugriva had promised them all

a free run of the garden, as soon as they had discovered the

whereabouts of Sita. The guards posted there prevented the entry of

the horde but they streamed in, nevertheless. So, they ran to their

master and reported that they were helpless to prevent the loot. When

Sugriva heard them, he exclaimed, " O, they have won; they have

fulfilled the task set for them by Rama! " ; he was exceedingly happy.

Sugriva told the guards, " This is a celebration; this is a Festival

of Ananda. Go, do not worry! " Meanwhile, groups of monkeys arrived

and fell at the feet of their King and Master. Sugriva smiled at them

and said, " Well, I came to know that you have attained the fruit of

your expedition. " They replied, " Lord! Through your Grace and good

wishes we succeeded in our endeavor. It was a great hero who won the

victory. He gave us new life. If we are standing before you alive and

talking to you, he alone is the cause " . Then they gave him details of

the situation in Lanka and the plight of Sita there. At this, Sugriva

rose suddenly, declaring, " We shall not delay a minute longer " , and

hastened to where Rama was. Realizing that the monkeys were

proceeding towards him with the news of a successful mission, Rama

and Lakshmana seated themselves on a huge boulder watching the group

hurrying forward. They advanced in leaps and bounds, quite excited,

and fell at Rama's feet.

 

First, Rama inquired about their health and welfare. Meanwhile,

Jambavan, the senior most among them rose and said, " Those who have

earned your compassion are indeed blessed. That endows them with all

virtues. Such a one's renown will encompass the three worlds " . He

praised Hanuman in various ways. Hanuman rose and prostrated before

Rama. He described in detail the island of Lanka; he told Him of the

plight of Sita with tears of joy and commiseration flowing from his

eyes, and placed in Rama's hands the crest-jewel that he had brought

with extreme care and caution. Rama clasped Hanuman to his bosom. He

said, " O Son of the Wind-god! Tell me more of Sita, her plight and

her feelings. "

 

Chapter 6(b)

Lanka on Fire

 

Hanuman said, " O Lord of my Life. It is impossible to describe. Sita

is reduced to bones, for she does not take food nor does she sleep.

She is counting every minute praying for your Darsan. She has no

other thought than the recitation of your name. She wanted me to

inform you of her countless prostrations. She remembered Lakshmana

often and shed profuse tears. The sharp verbal dagger-thrusts that

Ravana administers every morning and evening when he comes to her and

speaks to her, I have heard with my own ears. Mother does not listen

to his prattle in the least; she is ever melting away in the agony of

separation and in thoughts centered on you. " " Save Sita this very

moment! " , cried Hanuman falling at the feet of Rama. Hearing these

words, Lakshmana rose in vengeful anger and wept at Sita's condition.

The picture of Sita in Lanka burnt his inner being. He said at

last, " Brother! Do not delay. Save my sister-in-law! " Rama replied

with a smile, " Lakshmana! Do not hurry. Bide your time. There is a

time when each step has to be taken. Do not be dejected when grief

invades or exults when joy flows in. " Rama consoled him with soft and

soothing words.

 

Then he called Hanuman near, and invited him to sit close to him. He

seated him near his feet. He asked him, " Hanuman! What is the nature

of the rule that Ravana has established in Lanka? How did you set

Lanka on fire? " Hanuman said, " Lord! There is nothing you do not

know. What shall I say of the strength of monkeys! We are only

animals that jump about from branch to branch. How can we jump from

one shore of the sea to the other? How can we overpower the

Rakshasas? How can we destroy the City of Lanka through fire? All

these were due solely to your Grace and Glory. The strength and

courage that your Name confers helped us to achieve those things. I

am absolutely unable by myself to do anything. The Ring of yours that

I had with me guarded me and guided me aright. Lord! Seeing the Ring

and holding it in her hand, how happy was Mother! 'Is this a dream?

Or, was it really sent by Rama to me?' She wondered Thus, doubted

thus, and finally became firm in faith, Lord. Her grief, the extreme

anguish of hers, they set fire to Lanka and destroyed it, not I. You

chose me as an instrument and you achieved these great tasks with me

as a tool. All this is a blessing bestowed on me, since you have

great affection towards devotees. Lord! Nothing is impossible for one

who has won your Grace " .

 

When Rama heard these words steeped in sincerity and humility, he was

very pleased. He turned to Lakshmana and said, " Brother! Prepare for

the campaign, without delay " . And, watching the earthshaking forces

that were gathered and the preparations that Jambavan and Sugriva

made, quite soon, the Gods themselves were astounded, and gratified.

The monkey warriors touched the feet of Rama and raised a triumphal

roar. Rama blessed them all by his glance of compassion and

benediction. Each warrior became a mountain peak that had grown

wings! And, they marched forward with exultation at every step.

Auspicious omens greeted them as soon as they stepped forward. Sita

too at Asoka Garden sensed auspiciousness that very moment. And,

Ravana was beset by ominous forebodings indicated by inauspicious

happenings. Jambavan and others plucked huge trees and waved them as

arms; they raised such war cries on their way that the earth shook

under their feet and the skies rumbled all around. Off and on, they

cheered, " Victory to Lord Ramachandra " . In Lanka every Rakshasa was

struck with anxiety about what was in store for him in days to come.

They were afraid of the disaster that was imminent; they were

convinced they could not escape the calamity. They could communicate

their fears to each other only in whispers, since they were mortally

afraid of Ravana.

 

Wherever groups of Rakshasas collected in Lanka the talk centered

round the calamitous damage inflicted by the messenger of Rama. They

wondered, " When the servant is capable of such tremendous heroism,

what would be the measure of the onslaught the Master can inflict!'

They pictured Rama as capable of immeasurable attack. Her maids to

Mandodari, the Queen of Ravana, communicated their fears. Her mind

was filled with apprehension and anxiety. She realized that the fear

was based on a correct estimate of the happenings. She waited for a

propitious moment when Ravana would be in a receptive mood, and could

be spoken to while alone. Getting such a chance, she said, " Lord! Do

not develop enmity with the Omniscient One. You have yourselves

expressed the opinion that Rama is not an ordinary person. Your army

could not wreak vengeance when sister Surpanakha was disfigured; it

could not harm him or move him to repentance. Now, he has with him

millions of redoubtable Vanara heroes. What can our Rakshasa warriors

achieve against him now? They could not even bind and punish the

messenger who got entry into this kingdom. That is the extent of the

misfortune that has beset us. When one servant caused such horror and

despair, how much worse would be the calamities that millions like

him could bring about? Therefore, pray listen to my appeal. Send Sita

back to Rama, in the care of brother Vibhishana, or with your

Ministers. Sita too is no ordinary woman. She is exemplarily chaste;

she is the very embodiment of spiritual energy that results from the

righteous nature. Causing grief to such a person can bring you no

good. Accede to my pleading. Return Sita to Rama. When that is done,

all will be good for you and for our Rakshasa race. Or else, as the

serpent swallows frogs, the arrows of Rama will swallow the Rakshasa

hordes. Give up stubbornness and pride. Offer Sita at the feet of

Rama " . She fell at the feet of Ravana with this pitiable importunity.

 

Ravana, the conceited ignoramus, looked at Mandodari, and replied

with a loud peal of laughter. He said, " Fie on you! Tender women are

scared soon; that is their very nature. Their words rising from fear

will turn even fortune into misfortune. When the monkeys arrive at

our doors, the Rakshasas would certainly gobble them up. The gods

shudder in mortal terror when my name is uttered within hearing; why

are you afraid of these tree-dwelling brutes? Fie on your fears! Get

thee gone from here " . Saying thus, he proudly moved into the Hall,

appearing like personified audacity. As soon as he left, Mandodari

bewailed to herself, " Alas! Destiny is devising a mighty tragedy.

What has it decided for me? It is terrible even to guess what it is " .

Burdened with grief and at a loss to plan what else to do, she

resorted to her rooms and rolled on her bed, agitated by a multitude

of thoughts.

 

At the Audience Hall, Ravana called the ministers together, and

invited them to give expression to their estimate of the

situation. " You are aware of the calamities that were inflicted by

that messenger of Rama. What preparations are necessary? What are

your suggestions for the future? Tell me quite frankly, without the

slightest fear " . The ministers looked at each other; they sneered in

repressed laughter; but, no one dared speak. Suddenly, Kumbhakarna,

immersed in sleep for months, and who was therefore unaware of the

conflagration at the time of the visit of Hanuman, emerged from his

sleep and rushed into the Audience Hall. He shouted at his elder

brother, " Hello! You boasted that there is no hero equal to you in

all the three worlds; you challenged the worlds and dared any one to

face you. And, now I hear a tiny little monkey entered the City and

burnt it to ashes! Shame! Shame on you! How did you allow it to

escape alive? " With these words of jeer, he left the hall, and

hastened home. At this point, Minister Atikaya rose from his seat and

addressed the Emperor thus: " Master! We shall obey your commands. If

only we have a gracious look from your eyes falling on us, we can

destroy all men and monkeys and wipe them out of the face of the

earth. Why assert more? " He sat down with a grunt of satisfaction.

Then, Meghanada, the general endowed with the power of adopting any

form he likes, rose to speak. " Supreme Master! " he said, " Your might

and majesty resound all over the world. The gods are your bondsmen.

Why should we speak of the fate of men in your Presence? For who can

be stronger than these gods? " His words were soaked in pompous pride.

The atheistic sons of Kumbhakarna, the highly egotistic brothers,

Kumbha and Nikumbha also spoke in the same strain. Akampana and other

warriors also added their tunes to the same song. Off and on, the

irrepressible Mahodara stood up and rapped his thighs as if he was

proclaiming his eagerness to join the fray. Of course, every one of

them was infected with an inner fear, though they did not exhibit it

in their speech or their countenances. The result was that Ravana was

rendered happy, and their aim to hearten him was realized. Lastly,

one Rakshasa rose and tried to catch attention. He said, " Emperor! I

shall dress myself as a Brahmin, and approach Rama and Lakshmana

wherever they are. I shall invite them for lunch and, when they come

into my hermitage, I shall bind them hand and foot. If you approve of

this stratagem, I shall attempt it " .

 

Ravana was very pleased with his ministers and others. Meanwhile,

Vibhishana had entered the Hall. Ravana looked at him and asked

him, " Brother! What is your opinion on this question: these men and

monkeys? " Vibhishana replied: " Most compassionate brother! I shall

answer as best I can, without any frills or feints. I only pray that

you listen patiently and carefully. Pardon me, O Sovereign Lord! If

you desire a good status after death, an unsullied fame while alive,

prosperity and happiness here and hereafter, you must desist from

admiring the beauty of women who belong to others. What can one

single living being like you do, to injure or obstruct the Ruler of

the Fourteen Worlds? Can any one survive after opposing Him? How can

such a one prosper? Greed clouds all the virtues of a person. Lust

and anger are gateways to the regions of ruin. Rama is not an

ordinary person. He is Death to the God of Death. He is the regulator

of Time. He cannot be affected by illness or want or weakness. He is

unborn and so, immortal. Give up your hatred of such a Divine Person,

and pray to be accepted as His servant. Return his consort to Him and

earn His Grace. I am falling at your feet and pleading with you with

all the force I command " . Hearing him, Malyavantha, an old and

revered Minister, nodded in agreement; he stood up and spoke

thus: " Master! The words spoken by your brother are just and right.

Accepting his suggestions will redound to your renown " .

 

But, Ravana was greatly incensed at the advice given by them both. He

reprimanded them hotly. He said, " You are both fools! Do you know

what you have been doing so long? You were extolling my enemy. You

are not fit to be present in this Hall, while this subject is being

considered " . He ordered that they be removed from the Hall. At this,

Malyavantha got down from his chair and hurried home, Vibhishana too

offered his prostrations to his elder brother and, with folded palms,

he expostulated, " O King! The Vedas and Sastras declare that in every

person's heart there reside the twin natures of goodness and

wickedness. When goodness predominates and is given full authority,

the person will possess joy, peace and prosperity of all types. When

wickedness predominates and is given full authority the person will

be attacked by all types of adversity. Now, the vile nature is

overwhelming your virtuous nature; so, you condemn as enemies those

who offer good advice and try to promote your good. Sita is like the

Night of Destruction for the Rakshasas. And, you have no compassion

towards her. That is the wicked trait in you. I am praying for this

boon from you: Please agree to my request. Return Sita to Rama. I am

sure that will endow you with all happiness and auspiciousness " .

 

At this, Ravana rose suddenly from his throne and exclaimed: " Fool!

Death has drawn very near you. You could be alive till this moment

only on account of my grace. Now you are counting my enemies as your

benefactors. I cannot understand why you have developed respect and

loyalty to them. Is there on earth any one living who cannot be

subdued by the strength of my shoulders? Eating the food I give,

living in the house provided by me, residing in my territory, how

dare you extol my enemies? Thorny bushes grown to protect the fort

have become harmful to the fort itself. You have spread too much to

be useful. Go, go to some hermitage and teach your lessons on

morality and goodness " . Thus saying, he pushed Vibhishana at his feet

away from him with a kick. However angrily he was kicked, Vibhishana

persisted long in praying to him, his hands holding the very feet

that were kicking him. " King! Rama resolves on Truth and his

resolution can never fail. Your time is running out; so too, the time

of your followers. I am going to take refuge with Rama. I have done

my best to save you. I have nothing to repent for; I have not done

any wrong " . With these words, he left the Hall. Reciting with every

breath Rama Rama, and breathless with joy and excitement, he crossed

the sea and landed on the other shore. The Vanaras who noticed him

took him to be a messenger from Ravana, and they reported the arrival

to their Ruler, Sugriva. Vibhishana was prevented from entering the

camp. And the information was conveyed to the Lord thus: " O Rama! The

brother of Ravana has come to have your Darshan. "

 

Rama asked Sugriva, who brought him the news, what he thought about

the incident. Sugriva replied that it was difficult to understand the

plans and purposes of Rakshasas since they assume various forms as

and when they like and so are inexplicable. We do not know why he has

come among us. I guess it is to open a wedge between Angada, the son

of Vali and me. I believe it is advisable to bind him and keep him

aside, without delay. " Rama replied, " Friend! Your words are correct.

You spoke in accordance with the injunctions in the Sastras about

defections. Yet, listen to my vow. It may be opposed to your advice.

My vow is to protect all those who surrender to me. Even if the

person surrendering is our enemy, to make an exception in his case is

wrong. I shall not give up any being that surrenders to me, even if

it involves the sin of slaying a billion Brahmins. Maybe he has been

sent by Ravana in order to sow the seeds of dissension among us. Well

why should we be afraid of him even if this were true? Or he has come

frightened by his brother, if he surrenders to me, I shall guard him

and foster him as my own life breath. Therefore, bring him in,

quickly, " he ordered and Sugriva hastened to obey.

 

Hanuman hastened to him and in an instant, made him stand before

Rama. When his eyes fell on the Lotus Face of Rama, Vibhishana shed

profuse tears of ecstasy. He could scarce stand erect. " Lord " , he

gasped, and fell at the feet of Rama. " Save me, save me. I am your

slave " , he prayed. " O Protector of the Gods! I took birth in the

Rakshasa race; I am the younger brother of Ravana, who rules over the

Rakshasas. My name is Vibhishana. My birth as a Rakshasa is the

result of the vast quantity of sin I had accumulated. Dullness and

ignorance have mastery over me. As the owl craves for night, I relish

only darkness. You foster all those who surrender to you yearning for

your love and grace. I have none else to whom I can run for rescue " .

 

Rama saw him pleading so humbly and so earnestly for being taken into

confidence and saved and he was delighted. He drew him near, and

softly fondled him, patting his back in deep love. He spoke sweetly

to him, and said, " My dear Vibhishana! Do not worry. The very Darshan

you had of me has destroyed the Rakshasa nature in you. You are to me

as close as Lakshmana and Sugriva " . These words wiped away all fear

from the heart of Vibhishana. Then, Rama said, " O Ruler of Lanka! Are

all your followers and companions hale and hearty? How were you

passing your days right in the midst of many million Rakshasas? How

were you able to maintain your devotion and dedication to God in that

environment? " He also enquired of him various matters relating to his

activities.

 

At the end, Vibhishana said, " O Lord of the Raghu Dynasty! Lust,

anger and the rest of that evil brood will infest the heart until the

moment you enter it, with the bow and arrow in your hand; when your

nature and your loveliness are known, they flee from the mind.

Attachments and hatreds infest the dark hearts that know not the

light of wisdom. Lord! I have earned the fruition of dearest dreams

when I could cast my eyes on your Lotus Feet and touch them with my

hands and head. My fear and sorrow have been destroyed. I have not

done a single good deed any day; but, yet you embraced me. O, how

great is my good fortune! " From Vibhishana's eyes, tears flowed in

streams; they were tears of joy and gratitude.

 

Rama intercepted his words and said, " Vibhishana! You possess all

desirable excellences. Or else, you would not have earned this

Darshan, this chance to touch me and contact me, and this opportunity

to converse with me. " At this, Vibhishana was thrilled with unbounded

joy. He fell at the Lotus Feet of Rama again and again. Rama told

him, " go, have a bath in the sacred waters of the sea, and come

soon. " Accordingly, Vibhishana left for the seashore. Rama asked

Hanuman to bring from the sea a pot of the sacred water. When

Vibhishana prostrated at the Feet of Rama, after the bath, Rama took

a handful of water from the pot that Hanuman had brought and,

sprinkling the drops on Vibhishana's head, he declared, " I am making

you by this rite the Ruler of the Kingdom of Lanka. "

 

Vibhishana rose and said, " O Lord! Why do I need a kingdom? I am

content if I secure a place by the side of these Lotus Feet " . But,

Rama said, " No. You cannot escape this duty " . Vibhishana replied, " I

bow my head to the command I receive from you " . He folded his hands

in prayerful humility. The Vanaras stood all around, struck by the

compassion and grace that Rama bestowed on the person who surrendered

his all at His Lotus Feet. Their hearts were filled with Bliss.

 

Rama saw the Generals of Vanara hordes and spoke to them. " Leaders!

Take this Vibhishana with you. Do not consider him as some one apart;

regard him as your comrade. He is my own " . These endearing words

greatly heartened Vibhishana. Soon, they moved towards the seashore.

 

TO BE CONTINUED