20. The Alliance with Vibhishana and the Path Across the Sea
After Hanuman expressed his opinion on granting shelter to Vibhisana, Rama stated, “It would be grossly improper for us to refuse asylum to Vibhisana, regardless of his nature and motives.”
However, Sugriva hesitated, questioning the wisdom of trusting someone who had abandoned his own brother in a time of crisis. He reiterated that avoiding contact with Vibhisana might be the best course of action.
Even Lakshmana voiced his concerns, noting that accepting Vibhisana as a friend could invite danger. “Who can say that Ravana hasn’t sent him to kill us?” he asked. Sugriva supported this view, reminding them that the refugee was indeed Ravana’s own brother.
Vibhisana’s Plea
Rama took the time to explain his rationale for granting asylum to Vibhisana. “It is not unusual for brothers to quarrel. Vibhisana seeks our refuge because his counsel was rejected by Ravana,” Rama elaborated. He also highlighted the advantages of having Vibhisana—the one who knew the secrets of Lanka—on their side. Ultimately, he declared, “I cannot turn down the request of one who comes seeking shelter in our camp.”
With no further argument, Sugriva quickly ushered in Vibhisana. Accompanied by his followers, Vibhisana bowed before Rama, stating, “Humiliated by Ravana, I have come seeking your favor. I have left my family and property behind in Lanka, showing the despair, I have faced. I am now at your disposal. My future is in your hands.”
Rama’s Alliance
Pleased with Vibhisana’s heartfelt words, Rama offered him comfort and inquired about the strength of Ravana and his allies.
“Ravana is immune to attacks from demons and various other beings. Kumbhakarna, who is younger than Ravana but older than me, can match Indra, king of the gods, in strength. Indrajit, Ravana’s son, possesses a talisman and garments that allow him to become invisible and has received the god of fire’s favor for additional valor. The generals serving Ravana are highly effective, and many demons can change their shapes at will,” Vibhisana informed.
Rama, his voice filled with determination, replied, “I understand that Ravana is strong and proud. But I swear by my dear younger brother that I will reduce his strength and pride to dust. All who support him will be destroyed, and I will crown you as the king of Lanka. Only then will I return to Ayodhya.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Vibhisana fell at Rama’s feet, vowing, “I pledge my dedicated service. I will destroy as many demons as possible to pave the way for your glorious victory.” Rama embraced Vibhisana and instructed Lakshmana to announce Vibhisana as the King of Lanka after a symbolic coronation with sacred sea water. The Vanaras celebrated this victory with great enthusiasm.
The Challenge of Crossing the Sea
After the coronation, Sugriva and Hanuman approached Vibhisana, asking, “How do we cross the sea with our large army?”
Vibhisana suggested, “If Rama undertakes penance and invokes the cooperation of the sea, our task will become easier. The sea will not deny a favor to Rama, as Sagara, his esteemed ancestor, once aided the sea.” Upon relaying this suggestion to Rama, Sugriva found him in agreement. Rama positioned himself by the ocean, meditating on the spirit of the sea.
Meanwhile, a spy for Ravana, named Shardula, conducted a quick survey of Rama’s camp and reported back, “My lord, the number of Rama’s soldiers is significant. I only glimpsed them, but it was quite impressive. You can expect a formidable invasion. However, for more detailed intelligence, it would be wise to send a more capable spy.”
A Message from Ravana
Ravana summoned a demon named Shuka and ordered him to cross the sea. “Go tell Sugriva that if I have kidnapped Sita, the fight is between myself and Rama. What business does he have in this matter? Advise him to return to Kiskindhya,” he instructed.
Transforming into a gigantic parrot, Shuka flew to Rama’s camp, circling overhead and delivering Ravana’s message to Sugriva. Immediately, several demons lunged at Shuka, attempting to pull him down. Shuka cried out, “Listen, O Rama, is it proper to harm or kill an emissary?”
Rama instructed the Vanaras to release Shuka. Regaining his aerial position, Shuka asked Sugriva, “What is your reply to Ravana’s message?”
Sugriva’s Response
Sugriva responded, “Tell your king that he is neither my friend nor do I owe him anything. He has proven himself an enemy of my friend, Ramachandra. My sole motive is to kill Ravana and all who stand with him. Kidnapping Sita in our absence is a sin of the worst kind. How can such a sinner expect any consideration from me?”
As Shuka prepared to take off, Angada interrupted, saying, “This creature pretends to be an emissary, but his behavior suggests he is a spy sent to assess our strength.”
Sugriva ordered the capture of Shuka as the Vanaras pounced upon him. Shuka cried, “Save me! They’re plucking my feathers!”
Rama intervened, instructing the Vanaras not to harm the demon-bird. Nevertheless, Shuka was taken prisoner.
Rama’s Anger and the Sea Deity
Afterward, Rama entered a deep meditation that lasted for three days and three nights, but the spirit of the sea remained unresponsive. Growing frustrated, Rama summoned Lakshmana, demanding, “Why is the sea behaving in such a strange manner? I will teach it a lesson. Bring me my bow and arrows.”
Lakshmana complied, fetching the weapon. Rama drew his bow and shot an arrow into the sea, creating a massive splash that sent waves high enough to touch the clouds. Yet, Rama aimed again, and Lakshmana urged him to wait. Rama hesitated, looking out at the vast water, saying, “O Sea, if you do not cooperate, I will turn you into a desert. Either you are ignorant of my mission, or you collude with the demons inhabiting your waters.”
Rama prepared to shoot a powerful arrow again, as the winds grew restless, and the sky darkened with panic. The sea recoiled. After a moment of contemplation, the deity of the sea emerged, accompanied by divine river deities like Ganga and Sindhu. Glowing like sapphire and adorned with magnificent flowers, the deity addressed Rama, “Be patient, O Rama-chandra, and listen to my words. I am bound by my nature and cannot calm my waves or pull back my waters. However, I assure you that your soldiers will face no danger from the creatures that dwell within.”
A New Strategy
Rama replied, “I understand, but I have already nocked my arrow. Where should I aim it?”
<p“The distant sinner, Abhar, lives in the far north. Direct your arrow at him and save the land from his crimes,” the deity instructed.
Rama obeyed, and his arrow struck Abhar, killing him and creating a deep well that became known as the Vranakupa.
Again, the deity spoke, “In your camp is Neel, the son of Viswakarma, the architect of the gods. He can design and construct a barrage across the waters. I will ensure that the waves do not interfere with this construction.”
The deity then vanished. Neel was entrusted with the task of building the bridge, which he eagerly accepted. The work commenced, with the enthusiastic Vanaras striving to outdo one another in their efforts.
