________________
won over by logical arguments, likewise, my brother has lost his senses, for he is under the spell of love that is, but fatal. Many kings including Hanumana are the allies of Rama, for he is just and righteous. If we act wisely, we can still avert the destiny and avoid the total annihilation of our race." Bibhişana, later installed a vidyā called Asalika on the fortess of Lanka and also made the necessary preparations for war.
have you come from? Who brought you here? Have no fear, for though I am the sibling of the King Ravana, I treat a woman, married to someone else, as my sister. Pray, tell me your account." Sita trusted Bibhisana and narrated him everything beginning with her infancy to abduction. Bibhişana immediately rushed to Ravana, when he learnt who Sita was, and said, "My brother, now the destruction of the demonic dynasty is inevitable. Have you forgotten the oracle, uttered by the learned seer? Don't you remember that, he predicted the progeny of King Dasaratha and Janaka to be the cause of your death? I beseech you to return Sita to Rama with due honours, before he attacks Lanka alongwith the valiant Laksmana, and turns it into ashes." When Ravana heard this, he began to tremble with rage. He shouted, "Coward Bibhisana, you aren't worthy of calling yourself my brother. Aren't you aware of my physical strength and valour? I shall resort to convince Sita to accept my love, in peaceful ways. If she still refuses, I shall resort to seduce her. If Rama and Laksmana attacks Lankā, I shall kill them, and offer their bodies to Yama- the lord of death."
19
Hanumāna meets Sitā
Sugriva meets Rāma
The pangs of Sita's separation tormented Rāma to such an extent that he almost became depressed. Lakşmana was enraged when he saw this. He reached to the palace of Sugriva and in a harsh voice said, “O unworthy Sugriva, how dare
Bibhisana said, "Strange indeed are the plays of destiny ! I myself entered the sleeping chamber of Dasaratha and murdered him. Yet, he is alive - who can explain this miracle? No one can avert the destiny. My lord, you have resolved to end your life and bring a dishonour to our future generation till eternity. I am your sibling, devotee and slave. Pray give my request a thought." Ravana remained unaffected by the overwhelming appeal of Bibhisana and decided to impress Sita with his wealth and grandeur. He mounted Puspaka, his aircraft, along with Sita and took her around Lankā. He showed her gardens, forests, mountains made up of precious stones, springs, rivers, and the resorts that surpassed heaven. He wanted to impress Sita with his wealth and power. Sita was a true sati and therefore remained unaffected by Ravana's display of wealth.
When Bibhisana failed in convincing Ravana about acquiting Sita, he decided to summon the council of ministers and discuss the grave situation with them. He said, "You learned council of ministers are like trustworthy family members to us and therefore, I feel no hesitation in discussing the predicament that is hanging over our heads. My brother Ravana has been foolish to fall in love with Sita, and his passion for her is indeed so great that he has lost his power of reasoning. Like a moth that jumps on the flame and destroys itself, he is inviting his own death, by falling in love with Sita. A man who follows false religious doctrines cannot be
Jain Education International
For Personal
ate Use Only
