Rama Crowns Vibhishana Without Entering the Golden City
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 105
Doha 106 · Movement 1 of 3
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Vibhishana returns and bows. Rama calls Lakshmana, Sugriva, Angada, Nala, Nila, Jambavan, and noble Hanuman, asking them to accompany the new king into Lanka and complete his coronation.
Rama himself will not enter the city because his father's command still governs his exile. Victory has placed Lanka before him, yet the vow made in Ayodhya remains stronger than the privilege conquest could claim. He sends his brother and the vanara leaders as his own representatives.
They seat Vibhishana respectfully upon the throne, apply the royal tilak, and offer praise. Then all return with folded hands and bowed heads to Rama. Raghuvira calls the companions close and speaks loving words that make them happy. Lanka receives a righteous king, but the conqueror remains outside its gates, sovereign first over his own promise.
Rama gives Lanka a king while remaining beyond its gates, because victory cannot overrule a son's word to his father.
Read the passage from the Manas
आइ बिभीषन पुनि सिरु नायो। कृपासिंधु तब अनुज बोलायो।। तुम्ह कपीस अंगद नल नीला। जामवंत मारुति नयसीला।। सब मिलि जाहु बिभीषन साथा। सारेहु तिलक कहेउ रघुनाथा।। पिता बचन मैं नगर न आवउँ। आपु सरिस कपि अनुज पठावउँ।। तुरत चले कपि सुनि प्रभु बचना। कीन्ही जाइ तिलक की रचना।। सादर सिंहासन बैठारी। तिलक सारि अस्तुति अनुसारी।। जोरि पानि सबहीं सिर नाए। सहित बिभीषन प्रभु पहिं आए।। तब रघुबीर बोलि कपि लीन्हे। कहि प्रिय बचन सुखी सब कीन्हे।।
Vibhishana came and bowed his head. The ocean of mercy then called his younger brother. You Sugriva, Angada, Nala, Nila, Jambavan, Hanuman of noble character. All of you go together with Vibhishana and perform the coronation ceremony, said Raghunath. Due to my father's vow, I will not enter the city. I send my monkey brother who is like myself. The monkeys immediately departed upon hearing the Lord's words and went to arrange the coronation ceremony. They respectfully seated him on the throne, performed the coronation and offered prayers. All bowed their heads with folded hands and came to the Lord along with Vibhishana. Then Raghuvira called the monkeys and made them all happy with loving words.