Angada Reveals the Strength He Has Restrained for Rama's Honor
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 30
Doha 30 · Movement 1 of 2
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Angada commands Ravana to end the swollen argument and release his pride. I did not come to settle here, he says. Raghuvira sent me. Again and again the compassionate Lord has declared that no glory belongs to the elephant slayer who kills a jackal.
That command alone has made the envoy endure Ravana's cruel speech. Otherwise Angada would smash the king's mouths and carry Sita away by force. He knows the measure of the enemy who stole another's wife in secret. Ravana may be lord of demons, but Angada names himself only the messenger of Raghupati's servant.
His restraint is not inability. If he did not fear bringing dishonor upon Rama, Angada says, he would perform a wonder before Ravana's eyes. Power gathers in the hall and stops at the boundary of devotion. The servant will not seize a victory that would diminish the purpose or fame of the Lord who sent him.
Angada's strength becomes most visible at the instant Rama's honor commands it not to strike.
Read the passage from the Manas
अब जनि बतबढ़ाव खल करही। सुनु मम बचन मान परिहरही।। दसमुख मैं न बसीठीं आयउँ। अस बिचारि रघुबीर पठायउँ।। बार बार अस कहइ कृपाला। नहिं गजारि जसु बधें सृकाला।। मन महुँ समुझि बचन प्रभु केरे। सहेउँ कठोर बचन सठ तेरे।। नाहिं त करि मुख भंजन तोरा। लै जातेउँ सीतहि बरजोरा।। जानेउँ तव बल अधम सुरारी। सूनें हरि आनिहि परनारी।। तैं निसिचर पति गर्ब बहूता। मैं रघुपति सेवक कर दूता।। जौं न राम अपमानहि डरउँ। तोहि देखत अस कौतुक करऊँ।।
Now cease your vile talk, O wicked one. Hear my words and lay aside your pride. O ten-faced lord, I have not come to settle here. Know this well: Raghuvira himself has sent me. Again and again the compassionate Lord declares: no glory is won by slaying a jackal. Holding my Master's command in my heart, I have borne your cruel words, O fool. Otherwise I would have smashed your face and carried Sita away by force. I know your strength, O vile foe of the gods. You who steal another's wife in secret. You are the demon king, swollen with pride. I am merely the messenger of Raghupati's servant. Were I not afraid of bringing dishonor upon Rama, I would work such wonders before your very eyes.