Vibhishana Offers Lanka, but Rama's Eyes Fill at the Memory of Bharata
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 112
Doha 117 · Movement 1 of 2
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After Shiva departs, Vibhishana bows at Rama's feet and asks the bearer of Sharanga to enter his home. Rama has destroyed Ravana with family and army and spread pure fame through the worlds, yet has shown repeated kindness to a servant who calls himself lowly in birth and understanding.
Come sanctify my house, Vibhishana pleads. Bathe away the labor of battle, see Lanka's palaces and treasury, and allow the vanaras to enjoy its wealth. Accept me completely, then travel with me to Ayodhya.
Rama hears the gentle devotion and both great eyes fill with tears. The offer is loving, but one memory has already entered him more powerfully than gold or rest: Bharata waits in ascetic dress for the exact end of exile. Lanka opens every chamber to Rama, while his heart turns toward a brother counting the remaining moments in Kosala.
Vibhishana opens all of golden Lanka, and Rama's tears reveal the one waiting heart toward which he must hurry.
Read the passage from the Manas
करि बिनती जब संभु सिधाए। तब प्रभु निकट बिभीषनु आए।। नाइ चरन सिरु कह मृदु बानी। बिनय सुनहु प्रभु सारँगपानी।। सकुल सदल प्रभु रावन मार् यो। पावन जस त्रिभुवन बिस्तार् यो।। दीन मलीन हीन मति जाती। मो पर कृपा कीन्हि बहु भाँती।। अब जन गृह पुनीत प्रभु कीजे। मज्जनु करिअ समर श्रम छीजे।। देखि कोस मंदिर संपदा। देहु कृपाल कपिन्ह कहुँ मुदा।। सब बिधि नाथ मोहि अपनाइअ। पुनि मोहि सहित अवधपुर जाइअ।। सुनत बचन मृदु दीनदयाला। सजल भए द्वौ नयन बिसाला।।
After making his request, when Shiva departed, then Vibhishana came near to the Lord. Bowing his head at Rama's feet, he spoke in gentle words: 'Please listen to my humble request, O Lord who holds the bow Sharanga.' O Lord, You have slain Ravana along with his family and army, and spread Your pure fame throughout the three worlds. Though I am lowly, wretched, inferior in wisdom and birth, You have shown me great kindness in many ways. Now please sanctify Your servant's home, O Lord, and take a bath to wash away the fatigue of battle. Seeing the treasury, palace and wealth, O merciful Lord, please give joy to the monkeys. In every way, O Master, accept me as Your own, and then go with me to Ayodhya. Hearing these gentle words, the compassionate Lord of the poor became moved, and His large eyes filled with tears.