Ravana Leaves Humans and Monkeys Outside His Boon
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 177
Doha 177 · Movement 1 of 2
Keep this contemplation
Preserve, print, or share
The three brothers undertake austerities so fierce that description fails. Brahma comes near, pleased by the terrible tapasya, and invites them to ask. Ravana grasps the Creator's feet and seeks freedom from death at every hand except those of humans and monkeys, two races he considers too small to fear.
Brahma grants the boon. When he turns toward Kumbhakarna, wonder enters his mind. If this vast being eats every day, the whole world will be emptied. Saraswati is inspired to turn the intended request upon his tongue.
Kumbhakarna asks for sleep lasting six months. Ravana's contempt leaves the exact opening through which Ram and the vanaras will enter, while the hunger of his brother is bound beneath long seasons of unconsciousness.
Ravana excludes man and monkey, leaving two small doors open inside his immortality.
Read the passage from the Manas
कीन्ह बिबिध तप तीनिहुँ भाई। परम उग्र नहिं बरनि सो जाई।। गयउ निकट तप देखि बिधाता। मागहु बर प्रसन्न मैं ताता।। करि बिनती पद गहि दससीसा। बोलेउ बचन सुनहु जगदीसा।। हम काहू के मरहिं न मारें। बानर मनुज जाति दुइ बारें।। एवमस्तु तुम्ह बड़ तप कीन्हा। मैं ब्रह्माँ मिलि तेहि बर दीन्हा।। पुनि प्रभु कुंभकरन पहिं गयऊ। तेहि बिलोकि मन बिसमय भयऊ।। जौं एहिं खल नित करब अहारू। होइहि सब उजारि संसारू।। सारद प्रेरि तासु मति फेरी। मागेसि नीद मास षट केरी।।
The three brothers performed fierce tapasya of many kinds, so severe it cannot be described in words. Seeing their tapasya, Brahma the Creator drew near and said, "Ask for a boon; I am pleased, my sons."