The Shakti Flies Toward Vibhishana Like the Staff of Death
Lanka Kanda, Doha 93
Doha 93 · Movement 3 of 3
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Ravana's fury turns toward Vibhishana. The brother who left Lanka, revealed the hidden sacrifice, and now stands openly beside Rama becomes the mark for a final fierce weapon.
The ten throated king releases his Shakti. It crosses the space between the brothers with the terrible directness of the staff in the hand of Death. There is no confusion about its destination and no army between its point and the surrendered one it seeks.
The brief Doha suspends the missile in flight. Vibhishana has gained courage through Rama's strength, yet courage does not make the coming blow unreal. Refuge is about to become visible not as an idea but as the Lord's own response to danger. Before the Shakti can reach the devotee, its path must pass through the vow of the one beside whom that devotee has chosen to stand.
Death's staff flies toward Vibhishana and enters the living space of Rama's promise to protect the surrendered.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुनि दसकंठ क्रुद्ध होइ छाँड़ी सक्ति प्रचंड। चली बिभीषन सन्मुख मनहुँ काल कर दंड।।93।।
Again the ten-throated one grew furious and hurled his fierce shakti spear. It flew straight toward Vibhishana, like the staff of Death itself.