Vibhishan submits himself to Lord Ram
In Lanka, the demons are living in fear. As advised by Hanumanji, Vibhishan thought, I must perform Lord Ram’s task and do something for Sitaji. Thus, Vibhishan went to Ravan and tried to make him understand, “I am your younger brother but will tell you the truth. You have made a grave mistake by kidnapping the mother of this universe. Please ask Lord Ram for forgiveness otherwise our entire race will be destroyed.”
Ravan shouted, “Vibhishan looks like you are involved with that ascetic. I have been suspicious since that ascetic’s messenger burnt the entire city except your house. You traitor! Get out of here!”
Ravan kicked Vibhishan as he said this. Even then Vibhishan continued to explain to Ravan but he did not listen and removed Vibhishan from Lanka. Vibhishan left with his ministers and went to Lord Ram’s refuge.
On the way, Vibhishan contemplated,
Jinha pāyanha ke pādukanhi bharatu rahe mana lāi Te pada āju bilokihaῠ inha nayananhi aba jāi.
“I will go today and behold with my eyes those very feet in whose wooden sandals Bharat’s mind remains absorbed”.
Mandodari and Malyavant also tried to persuade Ravan but he did not listen.
Sugriv captured Vibhishan on his arrival at the ocean bay. Ramji asked, “Who’s here? What happened?”
Sugriv replied, “Lord, the enemy’s brother, Vibhishan is here.”
Ramji happily said, “Bring him here with respect”.
Sugriv said, “Lord, you don’t know politics well. He’s here to know our secrets.”
Ramji smiled, “Sugriv, that’s what I want. I want him to know me. Look, when I came to Rushyamuk Mountain, didn’t you send Hanuman to find out about me? After that both of you took my refuge; you became my friend and Hanuman my attendant. However, if you are still suspicious, then surround him as you bring him so that he will feel he is being respected and you will feel confident that he won’t run away.”
When Vibhishan was brought to Ramji, as soon as he saw Lord Ram, he fell to Lord Ram’s feet.
śravana sujasu suni āyaῠ prabhu bhanjana bhava bhīra,
Trāhi trāhi ārati harana sarana sukhada raghubīra
Lord Ram raised Vibhishan as he addressed him Lankesh (the king of Lanka). Vibhishan told Lord Ram, “I tried to persuade Ravan but he didn’t listen, kicked me and banished me. I have now come to your refuge. I have heard your qualities and praise from Hanuman. Please accept me.”
Lord Ram said, “Vibhishan, I accept you. Sugriv, get the water of the sea immediately.” Sugriv questioned why and Lord Ram replied, “I wish to make Vibhishan the king of Lanka.”
Thereafter, Lord Ram appointed Vibhishan the king of Lanka and applied the sacred mark of kingship on his forehead.
Now the dilemma was raised on how the ocean (full of alligators, snakes and fishes) can be crossed to reach Lanka, God asked everyone for their suggestions. On asking, Vibhishan suggested:
Prabhu tumhāra kulagura jaladhi kahihi upāya bicāri,
Binu prayāsa sāgara tarihi sakala bhālu kapi dhāri.
“Lord, the ocean deity is your ancestor. Perform a fast to please him and he will show you a way.” Laxmanji didn’t like this suggestion.
Mantra nay aha lachimana mana bhāvā, rāma bacana suni ati dukha pāvā.
Natha daiva kara kavana bharosa, sosia sindhu karia mana rosa,
Kādara mana kahῠ eka adhārā, daiva daiva ālasī pukārā
He said, “Is this the right time to hold a fast when my mother is in pain?” Lord, you can’t rely on destiny. Dry up the ocean with rage using your bow and arrow. It is the indolent who proclaim their faith in fate.”
Now, on one hand Lord Ram has the suggestion of his enemy’s brother and on the other hand, his own brother. Whose opinion did he follow? His enemy’s brother’s. This way, God won Vibhishan’s heart. Vibhishan’s eyes filled up with tears at this and he submitted himself fully to Lord Ram.
Ramji then laughed and told Laxmanji, “What you say will happen but currently, let me perform a fast”. Lord Ram spread a seat and sat down to perform a fast.
