Ram6 19

Created by Jijith Nadumuri at 26 Aug 2011 13:21 and updated at 26 Aug 2011 13:21

VALMIKI RAMAYANA

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BOOK 6: YUDDA KANDA

SECTION 19

While the assurance of protection having been given to Rama, the highly sagacious Vibhishana the brother of Ravana bent down and glanced towards the earth.

The virtuous Vibhishana descended joyously from the sky to the ground along with his faithful companions and alighted in the vicinity of Rama. Thereafter, Vibhishana along with the four Rakshasas fell prostrate and spoke to Rama the following words which were equitable suitable and delightful. I am the younger brother of Ravana and was humiliated by him. I sought refuge in you, who are the refuge for all the beings.

Abandoning Lanka, friends and possessions, I place my kingdom, life and happiness at your disposal. Hearing those words of Vibhishana, Rama in a soothing tone and with a refreshing look in his eyes, spoke these words: Tell me really the strengths and weaknesses of the Rakshasas. Thus asked then by Rama who was unwearied in action, Vibhishana started telling about the detailed strength of Ravana. O, prince! Because of a special boon given by Brahma Ravana can not be killed by all beings, Gandharvas, Nagas and Suparnas.

Kumbhakarna, my elder brother born after Ravana, who is valiant and highly powerful, has enough strength to fight against Indra in battle. O, Rama! You might have heard about Prahasta, his chief of army. He defeated Manibhadra in a battle on the mountain of Kailasa. When furnished with gloves made of the skin of Iguana (to prevent injury from the bowstring) and when clad in armor that no arrow can pierce, that Indrajit (son of Ravana) standing in battle wielding a bow, becomes invisible.

O, Rama! The glorious Indrajit, having propitiated the God of Fire, strikes his enemy while remaining invisible in the battle field with a huge battle array (on both sides) Mahodara and Mahaparshva along with a Rakshasa called Akampana who are equal to the guardians of the world in battle they are the commanders of his army. In the city of Lanka, are residing ten thousand crore Rakshasas, who can assume any form at will and who consume flesh and blood as their staple food

King Ravana along with those Rakshasas made war against the guardians of the earth. Those guardians of the earth along with the Devas were defeated by the wicked Ravana. Hearing the aforesaid words of Vibhishana, Rama scrutinized them all attentively and spoke the following words: O, Vibhishana! I indeed know those feats standing to the credit of Ravana, which were told by you, as true. After killing Ravana along with Prahasta and his son Indrajit(), I will make you the king. Hear this truth from me.

Ravana may well plunge into Rasatala or even Patala or seek the presence of Brahma and he will not be left alive by me. I will not enter Ayodhya without killing Ravana together with his sons, companions and relatives in battle. I take oath on my three brothers. Hearing the words of that Rama, who was unwearied in action, the right minded Vibhishana saluted him by bowing his head and started telling as follows:

I will extend my help in killing the Rakshasas and in attacking the city of Lanka. According to my strength, I will also penetrate into the army of the adversary to fight. Rama on his part, duly delighted, embraced Vibhishana who was speaking as aforesaid and spoke to Lakshmana as follows: Bring some water from the ocean. O, Lakshmana who bestows honor on others! Quickly consecrate as a king of Rakshasas this greatly intelligent Vibhishana with that water, so that I am pleased.

Hearing Ramas words, Lakshmana consecrated Vibhishana as a king, as per the royal instructions, amidst the leaders of Vanaras. Perceiving that instant graciousness in Rama, the Vanaras cried, proclaiming excellent, excellent about the high soled Rama. Hanuman and Sugreeva asked Vibhishana as follows: How can we cross the imperturbable ocean, the habitation of Varuna, by all of us along with our army of Vanaras possessing a great splendor? In what manner shall we along with the army swiftly cross the sea, the lord of streams and rivers, and arrive at that strategy?

Hearing their words, the right minded Vibhishana replied as follows: It is apt if prince Rama seeks ocean as his refuge This immeasurable great ocean was excavated by Sagara Hence, this great ocean will be inclined to do the act for Rama, his kinsman. Hearing the aforesaid words of the learned Rakshasa Vibhishana, Sugreeva came to the place where Rama and Lakshmana were there.

The long necked Sugreeva then started to tell the auspicious words of Vibhishana, advising Rama to approach the ocean (to allow him a passage). That advice found favor with Rama who by nature is of pious attitude. Then that highly illustrious Rama replied to Sugreeva, the ruler of Vanaras who was skillful in action and who was accompanied by Lakshmana. Full of respect for Vibhishanas words, he told him as also his brother Lakshmana smilingly as follows: O, Lakshmana! This idea of Vibhishana is agreeable to me. Sugreeva is a learned person. You are ever wise in your thoughts. Both of you decide on the matter and inform whichever is agreeable to you.

Hearing Ramas words, Sugreeva and Lakshmana both, valiant as they were, spoke with proper courtesy, the following words: O, Rama the tiger among men! Why not Vibhishanas words, which are soothing at this time of crisis be agreeable also to us? Without constructing a bridge across this fiery ocean, which is an abode of Lord Varuna, even the Devas and Asuras along with Indra cannot reach the city of Lanka. Let the valiant Vibhishanas words be followed suitably. It is enough that we have already wasted our time. Let the ocean be commanded to yield a passage for the army to reach the city being ruled by Ravana.

Having been thus exhorted, Rama then sat on the shore of the ocean covered with blades of Kusha grass, as the God of Fire ascends the altar.

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