Brahma knew that he had granted to Ravana the boon prayed for by him that he
should be invulnerable and invincible against Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas and other such
beings. In his arrogance, Ravana did not care to ask for security against mankind. As
Brahma revealed this fateful omission all the Gods rejoiced and turned to Vishnu.
Absolutely surrendering themselves to Hari,
the Devas begged him to be born as a man and put an end to Ravana and his atrocities. Hari
agreed and assured the Devas that he would be born as four sons of King Dasaratha who was
then performing a sacrifice for progeny. As the ghee was poured into the fire and
the flames shot up to meet it, from out of the flames came a majestic figure, resplendent
like the noonday sun, holding a bowl of gold. |
