Vibhishana surrenders to Rama
Vibhishana surrenders to Rama
When his advice to his elder brother was rejected, Vibhishana tried once again to change Ravana’s mind. In the council hall, he fell at Ravana’s feet and begged him to note how the wind was blowing. Ravana was truly enraged. He kicked Vibhishana in the chest and accuse him of being a traitor.
Vibhishana could no longer tolerate this insult. So, he left the Court with four faithful followers. He decided that the best place for them was at Rama’s feet. The five flew across the ocean and approached the Vanara army.
The Vanara sentries saw in the sky five black shapes and got ready to kill them. Vibhishana called out from the sky, “We are not enemies. We have come to take refuge at the feet of Rama.” So saying, they went down and were taken to Rama’s presence.
Vibhishana fell on Rama’s feet and prayed for shelter.
Sugriva, who saw this, vehemently opposed Vibhishana’s admission to their ranks. He said, “These five are nothing but Ravana’s spies. So, we should kill them.” Rama was calm. He sought the advice of Lakshmana, Angada, and Hanuman. Lakshmana also opposed him. Angada left the decision to elders. Hanuman said, “I know nothing better than you, masters. As you wanted my opinion, I suggest that Vibhishana may be admitted . When I was in Lanka, I heard Vedic chanting in his house and found that he was engaged in daily worship. He is known for his pious nature and he always dissented from Ravana in his misdeeds.”
Sugriva was still not reconciled,”My Lord, how can You trust a man, who has fought his brother? Suppose he does the same thing with us tomorrow?”
Rama smiled, “Have you so soon forgotten your own story? Did you not quarrel with your brother and join Me?”
“My dear friend, Vibhishana has a reason to leave Ravana, but he will have no reason to leave us. Moreover, as a Kshatriya, it is My Dharma to offer protection to a person, who asks for it.”
Then, Rama called Vibhishana to His presence, embraced him, and promised His friendship. He asked the Vanaras to get sea water and in a simple ceremony, Vibhishana was crowned the emperor of Lanka.
Still, Sugriva had some doubts. He hesitantly asked Rama, “Lord, in case Ravana himself seeks Your protection, what will You do?” Rama replied, “I shall certainly grant it. I will give My Ayodhya kingdom to him.”
Everybody was amazed by the righteous quality of Rama.
Questions :
- Why did Vibhishana leave Ravana’s court?
- What were Sugriva’s doubts and how did Rama clear them?
- What great qualities did Rama show in admitting Vibhishana?