The wise, bold, and penetrating analysis of the son of Vayu touched the silent chords of Rama’s heart, stirring deep admiration for such practical and congenial discernment regarding Vibhishana. Fully convinced and inwardly pleased by this scientific study of past, present, and future, Rama found the counsel riskless and advantageous for the grand endeavour of Lanka’s conquest. Thereupon, Rama spoke with a serene and commanding voice, “Listen, O warriors, to my considered opinion concerning Vibhishana; for the welfare of our cause, lend your minds to my words. If any approaches me declaring friendship, though tainted with certain defects, I do not reject him outright. This conduct has been upheld by the revered masters of ancient lore.”
King Sugreeva, imbibing the spirit of Rama’s mind, bowed reverently and declared, “O Lord! Whether this demon be wicked or virtuous matters not; for by sound logic, we perceive that he abandoned his brother in times of peril. If he could forsake his kinsman in adversity, what fidelity can he be expected to offer others? Surely, he may desert us too with ease and without compunction.”
Rama, with true boldness shining forth, cast a smiling glance about him, and gazing upon the virtue-embodied Lakshmana, said with a voice as deep as the sea, “Sugreeva’s words are rooted in the ancient scriptures; none but those versed in deeper knowledge could speak thus. Yet, a subtle truth lies hidden in this matter—a guiding light for kings well-known among the wise. Often do subjects of the same blood from neighbouring realms strike their kin at opportune moments. Thus has Vibhishana come to us. It is natural for the noble-hearted of the same lineage to welcome such defectors.
Indeed, kings are wont to suspect even the righteous among foes. Your concern, Sugreeva, is logical and sound; yet hear my view: We are not of his clan, nor do we harbour natural enmity against him. It is apparent that Vibhishana has an eye on the throne of Lanka. Why then should we slay this demon, who by his own ambition may serve our cause? Scholars and virtuous souls are found among all tribes, nations, and peoples; thus, Vibhishana, though a demon, may be deemed a friend. Kinship often breeds distrust; even brothers are divided by suspicion, and he must have suffered grievous threats under Ravana’s cruelty, prompting his outspoken condemnation.”
Turning to Lakshmana, Rama said gently, “O noble one! Not all brothers are as Bharata is to me; not all sons of righteous kings are mirrors of virtue, nor are all companions soul-bound like you and I. In this flawed world, the bonds of blood often give way to fear, envy, and survival.”
Sugreeva, alongside the sharp-witted and loyal Lakshmana, folded his hands in reverence and spoke: “O Rama! You are the crown jewel of tolerance and forbearance. But know that Ravana, cunning and wicked, may have sent Vibhishana as a spy to sow discord and sap our strength. Permit me to seize and imprison him and his guards, lest harm befall our forces.” Having expressed his concern with solemnity, Sugreeva fell silent.
Rama, contemplating the honest approach of Sugreeva, smiled with serene confidence and said, “Fear not, O king of the vanaras! Be it demon, ghost, yaksha, kinnara, serpent, or bird—by my will, I can tear them asunder in an instant. Recall, O Sugreeva, how in ancient times a dove, chased by an owl, surrendered even its own flesh to honour the sanctity of hospitality. Shall I, the scion of Ikshvaku, then forsake a sacred tradition that even birds uphold?”
With pious conviction, Rama continued, “The sage Kandu narrated that even an enemy seeking refuge must be protected, lest the protector’s virtue be forfeit and he fall into disgrace and hell. Refuge given is a sacred bond; no fear, ignorance, compulsion, or external pressure may allow its breach. If he whom one has promised refuge perishes through neglect, the sin falls upon the protector, and he is stripped of all merit. Therefore, whoever comes to me and declares, ‘I am yours,’ him shall I shield, even at the cost of my life. Such is my vow, as taught by the ancient seers.”
Commanding thus, Rama ordered, “O Sugreeva! Be it Vibhishana or Ravana himself—bring him hither, for I have pledged my word.”
Filled with friendship and respect, Sugreeva, whose spirit resonated with Rama’s righteousness, said, “O peerless one! You are the embodiment of Dharma, the crown of kings. I, too, feel that Vibhishana is sincere; his bearing and measured words bespeak virtue. May he soon be as dear to me as a brother.”
Thus, the mighty Vibhishana descended, flanked by his four companions. Upon setting foot on the hallowed ground sanctified by Rama’s presence, he prostrated himself, touching the earth and Rama’s feet, and with smooth, heartfelt words said, “O Rama! I am Ravana’s brother, scorned and insulted by him. I have forsaken Lanka, friends, treasures, and even life itself, placing my survival in your hands. I seek refuge in you, the protector of the worlds.”
Rama, looking upon him with compassionate eyes, consoled him and spoke, “Speak truly, O noble one. Reveal to me the strengths and weaknesses of the demon hosts.”
Then Vibhishana, whose knowledge was vast and unerring, unveiled the truth. “O Rama! By the boon of Brahma, Ravana is invulnerable to Gandharvas, uragas, birds, and beasts. His younger brother Kumbhakarna rivals Indra in might. Prahastha, the valiant general, once defeated Manibhadra himself on Mount Kailasa. Indrajit, clad in impenetrable armour and versed in sorcery, strikes unseen, invincible in war. Terrible is Mahodara, Mahaparshva, and Akampana—warriors , ruthless and undefeated. The legions of Lanka teem with millions of flesh-eating demons. Ravana himself has vanquished the guardians of the world.”
Rama listened with grave attention, then smiling slightly, said, “Vibhishana! You have laid bare Ravana’s strength; yet know this: I shall slay Ravana, Prahastha, Indrajit, and all his armies, and I shall anoint you king of Lanka. Whether Ravana hides in Brahmaloka, Rasatala, or Patala, he shall not escape my wrath. I swear by my brothers—without Ravana’s fall, I shall not set foot in Ayodhya!”
Vibhishana, bowing low, said with folded hands, “O Lord of the worlds! I shall render my utmost service, bearing arms against the demon hordes!”
Pleased beyond measure, Rama embraced Vibhishana warmly and ordered Lakshmana, “O enhancer of glory! Bring water from the ocean and anoint Vibhishana as the rightful king of Lanka.”
Obeying swiftly, Lakshmana anointed Vibhishana amidst the joyous cheers of the vanaras, who hailed Rama’s wisdom. Thereafter, Hanuman and Sugreeva humbly asked Vibhishana, “How may we cross this boundless ocean to reach Lanka?”
Vibhishana, with measured speech, answered, “Let Rama pray to the lord of the oceans, Varuna. In ancient times, the ocean was dug and consecrated by King Sagara of the Ikshvaku line, Rama’s own ancestor. Varuna shall not deny his descendant’s request.”
Sugreeva, delighted by this scholarly counsel, hastened to inform Rama and Lakshmana. Rama, smiling in approval, said to his companions, “The advice of Vibhishana is noble and timely. Let us seek Varuna’s blessing and build a bridge across his domain!”
At once, Rama spread sacred grass, prayed to Aditya, and commenced his rituals, seeking the favour of the Ocean God. Thus did the union of Rama and Vibhishana become a great confluence of righteousness, virtue, and universal law—a meeting that would echo through the classic ages as the very embodiment of moral grandeur.
