VIBHEESHANA

Unable to bear the insult, Vibheeshana rose and said: "My brother, you may speak as you please. Though you have wandered from the way of dharma, you are still my brother and I warn you that, drawn by the noose of Yama, you are going along the path of destruction. My advice, salutary but unpleasant, you reject. It is easy to speak sweet words; your ministers are doing it. I spoke for your good, but truth is bitter and you hate it.

"The terrible vision of Raama's darts destroying you is before MY mind's eye and makes me speak as I do. You call me your enemy. Defend your city and your life as well as you can. God bless you! I am going. May you be happy! I thought I could serve you in your need, but you will not let me. You imagine that I envy you and your possessions. Good counsel is rejected by one whose end is near."

Having spoken thus, and realising that there was no place for him in Lanka thereafter, Vibheeshana renounced all his possessions and, rising into the sky, proceeded straight to the spot where Raama and Lakshmana were encamped. Four good Raakshasa friends went along with him.

[ Back ] [ Up ]