Rama Asks How Four Crowns Fell, and Angada Names the Four Virtues
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 38
Doha 39क · Movement 1 of 2
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Mandodari's words pierce Ravana like poisoned arrows. At dawn he rises, enters the assembly, and swells upon his throne until arrogance makes him forget fear. In Rama's camp, another court opens. Angada bows at the lotus feet, and the merciful Lord seats him nearby with great honor.
Rama smiles and asks about the four crowns. Ravana is famed as the crown of the demon race, his matchless arms celebrated through the world. By what means did Bali's son send four of his diadems away? The Lord's affectionate curiosity invites the envoy to unfold the meaning hidden inside the spectacle.
Angada replies that ornaments do not make a king. The true crowns are conciliation, generosity, just punishment, and wise division of opposing forces. The Vedas declare that these four virtues dwell in a ruler's heart as beautiful feet of dharma and sound conduct. Recognizing where they now belonged, Angada says, they left Ravana and came to Rama.
Four golden crowns fall from Ravana, and Angada reveals the four invisible crowns that had already abandoned him.
Read the passage from the Manas
नारि बचन सुनि बिसिख समाना। सभाँ गयउ उठि होत बिहाना।। बैठ जाइ सिंघासन फूली। अति अभिमान त्रास सब भूली।। इहाँ राम अंगदहि बोलावा। आइ चरन पंकज सिरु नावा।। अति आदर सपीप बैठारी। बोले बिहँसि कृपाल खरारी।। बालितनय कौतुक अति मोही। तात सत्य कहु पूछउँ तोही।।। रावनु जातुधान कुल टीका। भुज बल अतुल जासु जग लीका।। तासु मुकुट तुम्ह चारि चलाए। कहहु तात कवनी बिधि पाए।। सुनु सर्बग्य प्रनत सुखकारी। मुकुट न होहिं भूप गुन चारी।। साम दान अरु दंड बिभेदा। नृप उर बसहिं नाथ कह बेदा।। नीति धर्म के चरन सुहाए। अस जियँ जानि नाथ पहिं आए।।
Hearing his wife's words, which struck him like a poisoned arrow, Ravana rose and went to the assembly at the break of dawn. He sat upon his throne, swelling with arrogance, and in his overweening pride forgot all fear. Meanwhile Rama called Angada to Him. The prince came and bowed his head at the lotus feet. With great honor the Lord seated him nearby, and the merciful slayer of Khara spoke with a smile. Son of Vali, I am delighted and deeply curious. Tell me truly, dear child, what I ask you. Ravana is the crown jewel of the demon race. His arm-strength is matchless; his fame fills the world. Yet you knocked four of his crowns away. Tell me, dear child, by what means did you accomplish this? Hear me, O all-knowing Lord, giver of joy to those who take refuge in You. Crowns do not make a king; the four royal virtues do. Conciliation, generosity, just punishment and wise statecraft: these four abide in a true king's heart, so the Vedas declare, O Lord. These are the beautiful feet of dharma and righteous conduct. Knowing this in my heart, O Lord, I came to Your side.