Angada Names the Single Arrow That Proves Rama Is No Mere Man
Lanka Kanda, Doha 34
Doha 34 · Movement 2 of 2
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Angada reaches into his own lineage for the proof Ravana cannot dismiss. How can Rama be a mere man when one arrow from his bow brought mighty Bali down? The son does not hide his father's death. He places it openly within the glory of the one he serves.
Ravana has twenty eyes, yet all are blind to the power that the single shaft revealed. Angada condemns the darkness that multiplies organs without awakening sight. Birth, rank, and accumulated knowledge become futile when arrogance refuses what stands plainly before them.
Rama's gathered arrows thirst for the blood of battle. Angada therefore spares the bitter tongued demon, leaving Ravana to the weapons already waiting beyond the walls. The envoy will not take for himself the act belonging to his Lord. He withdraws his personal wrath so that Rama's promised justice may arrive untouched.
Bali's son points to the arrow that killed Bali and leaves Ravana for the arrows that know his name.
Read the passage from the Manas
सो नर क्यों दसकंध बालि बध्यो जेहिं एक सर। बीसहुँ लोचन अंध धिग तव जन्म कुजाति जड़।।33(क)।। तब सोनित की प्यास तृषित राम सायक निकर। तजउँ तोहि तेहि त्रास कटु जल्पक निसिचर अधम।।33(ख)।।
How can He be a mere man, O ten-necked one, when He slew Vali with a single arrow? All your twenty eyes are blind. Shame on your birth, O base and foolish one! (33a) Rama's arrows thirst for the blood of battle. I spare you only out of reverence for them. Begone, O bitter-tongued demon. (33b)