Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 23 Yudhakandham

 Adhyatma Ramayana - Day 23     Yudhakandham

Vibhishana Takes Refuge at Rama

Vibhishana, along with his associates, departs in an air chariot and soon lands near where Rama sits with the Vanaras. With great humility, he proclaims his identity as Ravana’s brother and explains his decision to join Rama, citing his disapproval of Sita’s abduction and Ravana’s conduct. Although Sugriva initially harbors distrust—warning that Rakshasas are adept at deceit—Hanuman’s assurance convinces Rama that protecting those who seek refuge is a duty of a righteous king. Rama reflects on his own duty, recounting a parable about the selfless dove, and declares that he must protect anyone who appeals for shelter irrespective of their origins.

Subsequently, Rama decides to coronate Vibhishana as the king of the Rakshasa in exile, symbolizing the reward for choosing the path of Dharma. The ceremony is grand, with Vanaras celebrating with drums and traditional rituals, including a ceremonial bath using seawater, attended by both celestial beings and the assembled army. Sugriva congratulates Vibhishana, urging him to lead the forces that will eventually bring down Ravana. In his measured response, Vibhishana humbly remarks that with the Lord of the Universe on their side, there is no need for personal intervention—only steadfast devotion to the divine will.

Tying up the Messenger Shuka

Shuka was sent by Ravana to Sugriva with a message urging him to withdraw support from Rama. Ravana’s message claimed that Lanka was mightier than heaven, that humans were weak fighters, and questioned Sugriva’s intent to fight. On hearing this, the Vanaras became furious and attacked Shuka. Shuka cried out to Rama for help, reminding them that killing a messenger is against dharma. Rama ordered the Vanaras to release Shuka and instructed Sugriva to send a stern reply to Ravana: if he abducted Sita, he would face destruction like Bali and his children. Shuka was tied again and held captive until Rama decided otherwise. Ravana, upon hearing this, was disappointed.

Construction of the Dyke to Cross the Ocean

Rama convened with Vibhishana, Lakshmana, Sugriva, and others to devise a way to cross the ocean to Lanka. They agreed to seek Varuna, the sea god’s help to create a path. Rama meditated facing east and offered prayers for three days, but Varuna did not appear. Enraged, Rama threatened to dry up the ocean using his bow and arrows, warning the universe of the dire consequences. This caused trembling in earth and sky and frightened all sea creatures. Varuna then appeared with precious stones, humbly begged for Rama’s mercy, and explained his lethargic nature as tamasic. He pleaded for compassion and promised to show Rama a safe path.

Varuna advised Rama to clear a northern region plagued by Rakshasas and suggested it as a target. Rama shot an arrow, cleared the area, making it fit for construction. Varuna assured it was safe to build the dyke, entrusting the task to Nala, son of Vishwakarma, the divine architect.

The ocean receded, easing construction. Rama, Sugriva, Nala, and Lakshmana planned the work. Gigantic Vanaras carried huge stones and wood to build a dyke one hundred yojanas long and ten yojanas wide. Rama performed rituals for Lord Shiva at the seashore, naming the place Rameswaram, promising salvation to those who worship there and undertake certain pilgrimages.

The construction progressed swiftly: 14 yojanas on day one, increasing up to 23 yojanas by day five, completing the entire dyke. Vanaras assembled and began crossing toward Lanka. Rama rode on Hanuman’s shoulder, Lakshmana on Angada’s.

Rama Observes Lanka and Sends Shuka

Rama climbed Subela Mountain, observing Lanka’s grandeur—its golden towers rivaling Indra’s Amaravati and palaces as magnificent as Kailash. The city was heavily armed. Ravana sat on a jeweled throne, fanned by maidens, wearing ten golden crowns. Rama ordered Shuka to be untied and sent him back to Ravana with a message.