Hanuman, I cannot replay you,' said Rama, hugging him. 'I have nothing else to give than this embrace. Now we must consider how we are to cross the ocean, and this puzzles me.' There is no place now for doubt or sorrow,' said Sugriva. 'We must build a bridge to Lanka, then Ravana stands no chance against us. fransform you grief into anger, Rama, and nothing will stand in your way.
You are right, Sugriva,' agreed Rama. 'One way or another I will find a way across the sea, even if I have to dry it up. Tell me, Hanuman, of the fortifications of Lanka. How many gates are there and how strong is their garrison?
A high wall surrounds the city, though in places I have broken it down. It has four gates, each guarded by massive doors and catapults, and is surrounded by deep moats infested with alligators. The city is built on top of a steep mountain clothed in forests, and defended by millions of heavily armed warriors skilled in warfare.
Now the moon is in conjunction with Hasta,' said Rama. If our army departs this very day we will be sure of success.' He took command and through Sugriva issued orders to his generals. In excitement monkeys streamed out from the valleys and hills surrounding Kiskindha assembling before their leaders. Soon a huge army set off south, spreading out like a tide. Day and night they marched, feasting on wild fruits and honey as they went. Rama rode on Hanuman's back and Lakshmana on Angada's. After several days they had their first sight of the sea, its foam-flecked surface reaching to the horizon and seeming to join the sky in a single limitless expanse.
They camped on the beach and Rama sat with Lakshmana as the sun sank to the horizon. His thoughts turned to Sita. What would she be doing at this moment? Perhaps the same breeze that blew from the sea had touched her.
Sita is weak from fasting,' he said, and I fear that we may arrive too late. We must find a way to cross this ocean soon.' Lakshmana comforted Rama as the sun slid over the horizon.
Across the sea, Ravana sat late in his council chamber. Shifting uncomfortably, he reported to his ministers the extent of' the damage done by Hanuman and asked their advice in the light of' the reports coming in of a vast army of monkeys approaching the opposite shore. 'Rama will find a way to get across. How do you propose we defend ourselves?Our armies stand at the ready,' one general boasted, 'so what have we to fear? We have crushed the whole universe, even the court of' Indra, king of heaven. What do we fear from mere humans and monkeys?
Hanuman caught us unawares,' said another. 'This time it will be different. I will kill Rama and Lakshmana, and all the monkeys, on my own. The rest of you can stay here drinking wine without worry.' They brandished their swords but Vibbisana, Ravana's younger brother, restrained them.
Rama is not so easily defeated,' he warned. It is dangerous to underestimate your enemy. Do you forget how he killed Khara? Advice that Sita be returned. That way we shall avert disaster.
Disgusted at his brother's words, Ravana dismissed everyone and retired to his palace. But the following morning Vibhisana again sought Ravana.
Brother, ever since you kidnapped Sita ill omens have been seen. Sacred fires are obscured by smoke, cows do not give milk, donkeys shed tears and crows cry from the roofs of the buildings. Everyone blames your sin of abducting Sita, but they dare not tell you. You must return her to Rama.
I am not afraid of Rama,' rejoined Ravana angrily, 'and I will never return Sita.' Ravana had become a slave to his infatuation for Sita. The people of Lanka, even those close to him openly disapproved of his behaviour, increasing his unease. Calling together his ministers and generals, he asked for their advice. As you know, I have kidnapped Sita, wife of Rama, and am passionately in love with her, though she is not yet inclined to share my bed. Now Rama is on his way with a great army of monkeys. We fear no monkey or human, yet I need your advice. How can we avoid returning Sita?
First to speak was Kumbhakarna, the dangerous brother of Ravana, who slept six months at a time under the spell of Brahma, and had recently awoken.
This act of kidnapping Sita was unworthy of you. You should have consulted us first. Nevertheless, I shall atone for your mistake by killing all your enemies. So rest at ease You will not lose Sita.
Ravish her by force and have done with id' interjected another demon, impatient with Ravana's infatuation.
I cannot,' replied Ravana, 'because Brahma has cursed inc that if ever I molest a woman against her will my head will burst into a hundred pieces. In fear of this I will not violate Sita. No matter. I will destroy Rama as I destroy all who oppose me.
Vibhisana could no longer remain silent. 'Give up this folly. Sita is like a poisonous snake around your neck. Return her to Rama. Kumbhakarna cannot defeat Rama; he boasts because he has never actually faced him in battle, so he does not realize how powerful he is.
I have defeated Indra himself,' protested Indrajit, 'so why do you think I cannot defeat a mere prince of humans? You are a coward, frightening us for no good reason.
Child, you speak nonsense,' retorted Vibhisana. You are the enemy of your father because you counsel him to seek his own death, and yours too. No doubt death is what you both deserve, but you must give back Sita and let us live in peace.
These words made Ravana furious. 'I would rather live with a snake than a supposed friend devoted to my enemy,' he roared. 'Although you are my brother you cannot be trusted because you scheme for your own self-interest.' Vibhisana blazed with anger as he rose into the air and hovered above Ravana. I am your friend and servant, older brother, who does not wish to see you killed by Rama. However, you ignore my advice. Therefore protect yourself and your subjects as best you can. I am leaving you. I wish you well. So saying, Vibhisana flew from Lanka in the direction of Rama. Writer – Ranchor Prime