Vibheeshana’s Suggestion
Next day morning Vibheeshana steadfast in his Mind that Sita should be returned that is the only route for all our Purusharthas {(1) Dharma-Righteous conduct- Duty- Pious- humble-Charity -being Noble (2) Material-money,(3) Desire-ambition-Children, (4) Moksha-Attain God’s feet} having decided that he went to Ravana’s Palace. Ths suggestion which he is going to give Ravana will confer all the Blessings & well being to him. But to tell him which is totally unacceptable to him is a difficult and Courageous proposition. Ravana’s House with a lot of Hanging Gardens with Minarets and Mini Moutain by itself, had muti storyed structure; it is filled with Scholars; with Intellectuals and the Minsters and Chieftains who were well wishers were all assembled there.The Rakshasaas who were sagacious in all aspects in all jobs were present there waiting ready to serve. The wind was swiring due to the heavy breathing of the Majestic Elephants. Conch shells were blowing; Musical instruments were echoing; Countless young damsels were moving about here and there. On the passageway People were merrily conversing. Special exquisite Decorations were hanging, decorative tents, the place was adorned with statues of Majestic Elephants cast with Pure molten Gold. The resonating music, dance and Musical instruements lilting music resounded all through and it lookd as though it as Gandharva World, Due to immeasurable Wealth , it resembled Maruth World.Expensive Rare Gems it was Like Naga (Serpent) World. Like the Sun enter with it’s illuminence into a Large cloud, similarly Great thejasvi of Aura and Valorous Vibheeshana entered Ravana’s palace. He heard pundits experts in Vedas were chanting Punya (Good-Godly) Manthras (Verses) for Ravana’s Victory. He saw Great Brahmins who were worshipped with Flowers, Curd, Turmeric Rice, ghee (Melted butter).
Being greeted by the Rakshasaas Vibheeshana who was emitting radiance went near to Ravana and did Namskarams. Ravana with a glance indicated him to be seated in a Golden Sofa, Vibheeshana who was expert in the culture of behavior pronounce ‘Jai Vijaiyy bhava’ (May Victory be ever yours) thus he greeted the King and sat on the sofa indicated. Except for the Ministers and when all others went out, he looked at his elder brother and with proper reasons with soothing words he started speaking. He was adept in the art of speaking; he acts according to the Time and Situation; He knew the personalities as they were (Ravana though his brother was going on the wrong path, whereas Rama is upholder of Dharma).1st he prepared himself to appease Ravana with pleasant words, then he expressed his inner intent.
“Anna (elder brother)! Since the arrival of Janaki (Sita) there have been only Bad Omens in this City of ours. Agni at the time of starting should be surrounded by smoke. Midway the Flames should have smoke with Flames, and at the end it should be with burning embers. Now when we chant Manthra, offer sacrifice (Ahuthi) 1.it is not burning properly. 2.Snakes are moving about in Kitchen near the stoves, Agnihothra (Religious offering by reciting Vedic Verses in the Sacrificial Fire Pit with Ghee (Melted butter) and other materials to Gods / Celstials) shalaa (Place), roads, Places where Vedas are being recited. The offerings (Purotasam-Ajyam) we make for 3.the respective dities are infested by Ants. 4.Reduced quantity of Milk is given by the Cows. 5.Great Vitality Elephants are becoming tired. 6.Horses are neighing feebly. 7.However much you feed them their hunger doesn’t stop. 8.Donkeys, Mules, Camels are shedding Hair and are crying. However much you do medication they are not like earlier times. 9.Cruel looking Crows are in clusters coming and 10.sitting on top of the domes and are cawing.Eagles are circling on top of the City.11. Foxes come near the city and howl during mornings and evenings. 12.Cruel looking Animals come in herds and come and make noise like Thuder. These are indicators of Defeat and destruction, and 13.so far by an ordinary monkey our city got destroyed if you consider all this deeply, there seems to be no remedy or solution to these except go and return Sita to Rama. If I had told this in ignorance or out of desire do not consider this as a Fault. All the Rakshasaas, Rakshasis and the Ladies of Queens Chambers have seen me saying these words. Hence if my words, if you feel is palatable you may do accordingly. If you do not feel so, do not get angry with me. Prahastah and others will behave as per your won’t hence they haven’t told this matter. Since I am born with you I am duty bound to tell you what I have seen and heard. Hence you may consider and think it deeply, and then take decision” said Vibheeshana. Vibheeshana thus infront of his Ministers said words which were in consonance with Ravana’s interest and well being in a soft and pleasant manner. With adequate reasons. It will make Parikaaram (Atonement, make amends, act of repentance, antidote, tribute returning a favour) for Sita’s abduction of earlier and remove stain of infamy for the past, and increase Fame and comfort for the present and by earning the best of Dharma it will augur well for the Future. But Ravana when he heard this he got enraged and did not give up his stand point and said “I do not see any Danger from any side. Rama is not going to get Sita any day. Even if Celestials and Indras support “can Rama stand in front of me?” thus he dismissed Vibheeshana who gave him Wise counsel. Due to his repeated victories over Devas (Celstials) and due to haughty Kozhuppu (Muscles – proud of his physical strength - physical arrogance, impudence), unobstructed Valorous Powess so far in battle field and the fact that he has 10 Heads he considered Raghuveera (Rama) as a piece of Straw and abhored Vibheeshana who was giving him well meaning Counsel. (Slokas 30)
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