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COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE RAMA-STORY
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Asrama (5.57). The deity of the sea here appears in the form of a Vipra (5.58). Nala and Nila both are appointed to construct the bridge (5.59). It additionally states that Rāma installed Śiva-linga at Rameśvaram1 (6.2)
According to the
Ramopakhyāna, the sea deity appears before Rama in his dream and advises him to ask Nala to construct a bridge (MB, 3.283.32-45). It does not mention the specific names of the hills traversed. The Raghuvamsa of Kalid sa (12.66-72) does refer to the hills and the work of the spies.
not
Like the PCV the following works do not mention the construction of a bridge but unlike the PCV some other device is adopted. According to the Abhişeka Naṭaka, the sea gives way when Rama is ready to discharge an arrow (4.16.2). According to the Padmapuraṇa, Rama at the request of Narada worships Sankara who gives the former a bow which is laid across for crossing the sea. (Patalakhanda, ch. 112 p. 743). According to its ch. 269 (Uttarakhanda), the water of the sea disappears when Rama discharges arrows at it. According to the Adbhuta Rāmāyaṇa when Lakṣmaṇa jumps into the sea, its water gets evaporated (ch. 16). In the Birhora Rāma story Hanumat stretches his tail and Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa cross the sea (Bulcke, p. 384).
B. Vibhiṣana's shelter under Rama :
According to the the PCV, Vibhiṣaṇa advises Ravana to desist from war and to release Sită (55.6). A hot discussion follows between both the brothers. Indrajit intervenes and abuses Vibhīṣaṇa. Rāvana in wrath draws his sword while Vibhīṣaṇa pulls out a pillar and they are ready for a fierce duel which is stopped by the intervention of Indrajit and Bhanukarpa (55. 20). Then Vibhīṣaṇa with his meagre force takes shelter under Rāma First Rama is apprehensive, but after conviction he allows Vibhişana to join him. At this time Bhamandala arrives there to assist Rama (54.47).
According to the VR Vibhiṣana2 takes shelter under Rama before the latter crosses the sea (6. 9. 16 to 6. 16). He goes to Rama with his four warriors. No protest or duel with Ravana is mentioned in this connection Vibhīṣana is coronated there by Lakṣmana in advance (6. 19. 26) In other respects the VR agrees with PCV, but there is no reference to Bhamandala.
1. It i mentioned in the southern recension of VR. (Bulcke, p. 377).
2. According to the Gaudiya version he is said to have gone to Kailasa and on being advised by Vaisravana and Siva he joined Rama (Bulcke, p. 379).