Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 4

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 310

THE KILLING OF RĀVANA
275
your father here is blind from power and love, what do you, as if blind from birth, know, O foolish suckling! King, soon you will perish because of this son and your own conduct. I grieve in vain on your account."
Extremely angry, Rāvana drew his terrifying sword and, corrupted by fate, got up actually to kill Bibhiṣaṇa. Bibhiṣaṇa, terrifying from a frown, pulled up a long post, like an elephant, and got up to fight Rāvana. They were prevented from fighting by Kumbhakarna and Indrajit, who intervened quickly, and were led to their respective places like elephants to stables.
"Get out of my city. You are consuming your shelter like a fire." So ordered by Rāvana, Bibhiṣaṇa went near Rāma. Thirty proud army divisions of Rākṣasas and Vidyadharas deserted the lord of Lanka at once and followed Bibhiṣaṇa. Seeing him approaching, Sugrīva and others trembled. For there is no confidence in an enemy like a witch. He announced himself by sending one of his men to Rāma first and Rāma looked at Sugrīva's face, a vessel of confidence. Sugrīva said: "Even if these trifling Rākṣasas are deceitful from birth by nature, nevertheless let him come here. We will learn from spies his intentions good or bad and we shall act here in accordance with his ascertained intention, lord."
A Khecara, named Visala, conversant with these affairs, said: "Bibhiṣaṇa alone among the Rākṣasas is noble and righteous. He was banished by his brother who was very angry because he spoke for Sita's release. He has come to you for protection. This is not otherwise." Hearing this, Rāma had Bibhiṣaṇa admitted by the door-keeper and hastened to embrace him whose head was bowed at his feet. Bibhiṣaṇa said: "I have left my elder brother who is unethical and have come to you. Command me devoted, like Sugrīva." Then Raghava conferred on him the realm of Lanka. Sometimes submission to the great is not in vain.