Vibhishana Wakes with Rama Nama, and Hanuman Finds a Saint among Demons
Sundara Kanda, Chaupai 6
Doha 6 · Movement 1 of 2
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Hanuman wonders how a good person can dwell in Lanka, home of demon multitudes. At that very moment Vibhishana wakes and remembers Rama by repeating the name. Joy rises in the monkey's heart. The house, the Tulsi, and the first sound of waking have revealed a sajjana.
Hanuman resolves to make contact, for work is never harmed by meeting a saint. He assumes the form of a Brahmin and speaks. Vibhishana rises, comes near, bows, asks the visitor's welfare, and requests his story.
Love has already stirred before identity is known. Are you one of Hari's servants? Vibhishana asks. Or can Rama himself, lover of the lowly, have come to make me blessed? In the guarded night of Lanka, two devotees recognize the fragrance of the same Lord before either has disclosed his name.
Rama Nama sounds at waking, and two hidden servants find one another inside the demon city.
Read the passage from the Manas
लंका निसिचर निकर निवासा। इहाँ कहाँ सज्जन कर बासा।। मन महुँ तरक करै कपि लागा। तेहीं समय बिभीषनु जागा।। राम राम तेहिं सुमिरन कीन्हा। हृदयँ हरष कपि सज्जन चीन्हा।। एहि सन हठि करिहउँ पहिचानी। साधु ते होइ न कारज हानी।। बिप्र रुप धरि बचन सुनाए। सुनत बिभीषण उठि तहँ आए।। करि प्रनाम पूँछी कुसलाई। बिप्र कहहु निज कथा बुझाई।। की तुम्ह हरि दासन्ह महँ कोई। मोरें हृदय प्रीति अति होई।। की तुम्ह रामु दीन अनुरागी। आयहु मोहि करन बड़भागी।।
Lanka is the dwelling place of hosts of demons. How could any virtuous soul find a home here? The monkey began to reason in his mind, and at that very moment, Vibhishana awoke. He chanted "Rama, Rama" in loving remembrance. The monkey's heart leaped with joy, recognizing a sajjan. "I will seek out this one with boldness, for no purpose is ever harmed through the company of the holy." Taking the form of a Brahmin, Hanuman spoke to him. Hearing, Vibhishana arose and came to where he stood. Offering pranaam, Vibhishana inquired about his welfare: "O Brahmin, tell me your story clearly. Are you one of Hari's beloved bhaktas? My heart feels deep love stirring for you. Can it be that Rama, compassionate to the humble, has come in person to bless me with His darshan?"