The immortal and ardent seeker of righteousness, Vibhishana, spoke boldly and without fear to his brother, the demon-king Ravana, laying bare the truth before him. Finding no place for virtue in that corrupted court, he swiftly departed the land and journeyed toward the encampment where Rama, the protector of the worlds, had stationed himself, seeking refuge at his feet.
As Vibhishana approached, a colossal form, radiant as Mount Meru risen to the skies, caught the eyes of the monkey warriors below. He was accompanied by four bold and stalwart guards, fully armed and resplendent like storm clouds adorned with shimmering jewels. King Sugreeva, discerning these five figures suspended in mid-air, pondered briefly, then spoke gravely to Hanuman and the others, “Behold! A demon armed and escorted by fierce companions comes toward us, surely intent on battle.”
The simian warriors, ever ready for combat, seized stones, mighty Arjuna trees, and heavy wooden poles. They cried out, “O King! Permit us! We shall bring them down before they set foot upon our land!”
But Vibhishana, reaching the sacred shore, heard their fierce cries and yet hesitated not. Standing still amidst the air, he proclaimed in a voice strong and clear:
“O noble ones! Hear me! I am Vibhishana, brother to Ravana, that king of demons whose deeds are dark. He who slew the divine bird Jatayu, he who stole away Sita from Janasthana and holds her captive, guarded by a herd of fearsome demonesses. I pleaded with him in every manner to restore Sita with honour, but he, deluded by the power of Time, heeded me not. Instead, he treated my words as insults, rebuked me harshly, and scorned me like a slave. Therefore, have I abandoned home, wife, and kin, and come to seek the refuge of Rama, the slayer of foes. Inform the protector of worlds of my arrival, I pray you.”
Sugreeva, burdened with doubts, approached Rama and Lakshmana and spoke with caution: “O slayer of enemies, a demon has entered our midst like an owl among crows, ready to strike when least expected. In the ranks of the simians, strategy, vigilance, and code of conduct must be our shield. These demons are masters of stealth, shape-shifting, and cunning; they are bold and treacherous. We must not trust them lightly. This Vibhishana may claim allegiance, yet sow division amongst us under pretenses. Beware, for enemies are not only gathered by arms but by stealth, by mercenaries, by deceit!”
“O Rama,” he continued, “he is a demon by birth, brother to our enemy. How may we place our faith in him? Perhaps Ravana, that schemer, has sent him to infiltrate our ranks, to betray us from within by black magic and other vile arts. Severe punishment should be their lot.”
Thus having spoken his fears, Sugreeva fell silent. Then Rama, the embodiment of grace and strength, turned to Hanuman and the assembled chiefs and said, “You have heard Sugreeva’s words. A true ally must guide and protect, especially in times of peril. Speak now your minds, for wisdom is found in counsel.”
The simian leaders, alert and earnest, responded with deference: “O Rama, knower of the three worlds, even as you seek our counsel, your greatness is revealed. Your humility in inquiry adorns you more than any crown.”
One by one, the wise counsellors spoke. Aganda, the crown prince, began: “We must examine Vibhishana closely. Those who hide their malice may strike grievously. We should weigh his qualities; if his virtues shine forth, let him be accepted, but if fault is found, let him be rejected without hesitation.”
Sarabha then advised, “Send forth a spy to uncover his true intent. Only with sure knowledge should we admit or dismiss him.”
The experienced Jambavantha added, “He has come from the sinner Ravana at a suspicious time. This alone warrants mistrust.”
The learned Mynda, master of code and conduct, offered a softer counsel: “O King, it is best to meet him with fairness and gentleness, to hear him and then judge rightly.”
Then Hanuman, son of Vayu, wise and eloquent beyond compare, rose and said with humility, “O Rama, rival of Brihaspati in wisdom, I do not speak for argument nor for empty show of wit. Because you have honoured me with your trust, I offer my thoughts.
“There is no set rule to judge a man until he is placed in a position of responsibility; yet to entrust too soon is folly. Though others advise sending a spy, how can we uncover what lies within a heart when the man stands openly before us? His arrival at an unseemly hour is true, yet the wickedness of Ravana may have driven him here with good purpose.
“A good man, oppressed by evil, will seek refuge among the righteous. To question him harshly may estrange a faithful ally. By voice and face, one may discern the soul. In Vibhishana’s speech, I detected no guile; in his visage, no fear or deceit, but peace and sincerity alone. The cunning cannot mask their heart—fear, doubt, and anxiety betray them. His calm and radiant demeanor proclaims his honesty.”
Hanuman continued, “Rama, master of righteous action, Vibhishana has come at the appointed hour to join the cause of dharma. Knowing of Ravana’s doom, the death of Vali, and the coronation of Sugreeva, he has chosen the side of virtue. He may even dream of a just rule over Lanka under your grace. Thus, I deem him pure of heart. Yet, the final judgment, O Rama, must rest with your wisdom.”
Thus the noble assembly engaged in lively and thoughtful counsel, weaving the web of strategy, seeking to gather only the right forces to restore balance to the troubled universe.
