Mandodari Reveals How Time Removes Judgment Before It Takes Life
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 37
Doha 37 · Movement 1 of 2
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Mandodari points beyond the walls. Rama bridged the lord of waters with ease and crossed with his army to Suvela. Even then the compassionate banner of the solar line sent Angada for Ravana's welfare. That single messenger entered the assembly like a lion among elephants and crushed its strength.
Angada and Hanuman are only his followers, warriors fierce in battle, yet Ravana continues to call their Lord a mere mortal. Pride, attachment, and intoxication pour through the emptied place where understanding should arise. Alas, beloved, Mandodari says, you have chosen enmity with Rama.
Then she names the invisible approach of death. Time does not need to strike with a rod. It first steals dharma, strength, intelligence, and the power to judge. When the end comes near, delusion enters and makes destruction look like wisdom. Ravana's refusal is not evidence that warning has failed. It is the sign that Time has already crossed the threshold.
Time enters without a weapon and begins its conquest by extinguishing the lamp with which danger could be seen.
Read the passage from the Manas
जेहिं जलनाथ बँधायउ हेला। उतरे प्रभु दल सहित सुबेला।। कारुनीक दिनकर कुल केतू। दूत पठायउ तव हित हेतू।। सभा माझ जेहिं तव बल मथा। करि बरूथ महुँ मृगपति जथा।। अंगद हनुमत अनुचर जाके। रन बाँकुरे बीर अति बाँके।। तेहि कहँ पिय पुनि पुनि नर कहहू। मुधा मान ममता मद बहहू।। अहह कंत कृत राम बिरोधा। काल बिबस मन उपज न बोधा।। काल दंड गहि काहु न मारा। हरइ धर्म बल बुद्धि बिचारा।। निकट काल जेहि आवत साईं। तेहि भ्रम होइ तुम्हारिहि नाईं।।
He who bridged the ocean lord with ease has now crossed over with His army at Subela. The compassionate banner of the solar dynasty sent a messenger for your own welfare. That messenger crushed your might in the midst of your own assembly, like a lion among a herd of elephants. Angada and Hanuman are His followers, warriors exceedingly bold and fierce in battle. And yet, my beloved, you call Him a mere mortal again and again? You carry nothing but empty pride, attachment and delusion. Alas, my lord! You have made an enemy of Rama. Death has seized your mind and wisdom will not arise. Death does not strike anyone with a rod. It takes away dharma, strength, intellect and good judgment. When death draws near, my lord, delusion overtakes a person, just as it has overtaken you.