Vibhishana Beholds Rama and Stands Motionless Before His Beauty
Sundara Kanda, Chaupai 45
Doha 45 · Movement 1 of 2
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The monkeys place Vibhishana respectfully before them and lead him toward the compassionate Lord. From a distance he sees the two brothers, givers of delight to the eyes. Then Rama's full form enters his sight, and he stops as if time itself has stopped with him.
Long arms descend beside a dark body. Lotus red eyes shine above lion shoulders and a broad chest. The face that can enchant countless gods of love turns toward the refugee from Lanka. Vibhishana cannot blink. Tears gather, and every limb thrills beneath the gaze of the one who removes the surrendered soul's fear.
He steadies his mind enough to speak softly. I am the brother of ten headed Ravana, born among demons, he confesses. My nature inclines toward sin and this body toward darkness, as an owl loves the night. He offers no lineage to recommend him and no virtue to purchase acceptance. He stands only as he is before Rama.
The exile from night sees Rama once and forgets even to close his eyes.
Read the passage from the Manas
सादर तेहि आगें करि बानर। चले जहाँ रघुपति करुनाकर।। दूरिहि ते देखे द्वौ भ्राता। नयनानंद दान के दाता।। बहुरि राम छबिधाम बिलोकी। रहेउ ठटुकि एकटक पल रोकी।। भुज प्रलंब कंजारुन लोचन। स्यामल गात प्रनत भय मोचन।। सिंघ कंध आयत उर सोहा। आनन अमित मदन मन मोहा।। नयन नीर पुलकित अति गाता। मन धरि धीर कही मृदु बाता।। नाथ दसानन कर मैं भ्राता। निसिचर बंस जनम सुरत्राता।। सहज पापप्रिय तामस देहा। जथा उलूकहि तम पर नेहा।।
Respectfully placing Vibhishana at the front, the monkeys proceeded to where Rama, the compassionate Lord of the Raghus, was staying. From afar Vibhishana saw the two brothers, who are the bestowers of joy to the eyes. Then beholding Rama, that abode of beauty, he stood transfixed, gazing with unblinking eyes. With long arms, lotus-red eyes, and a dark-hued body that frees devotees from fear. Lion-like shoulders and a broad, splendid chest; a face of boundless beauty that enchants even Kamadeva. With tears in his eyes and every limb thrilled with emotion, he steadied his heart and spoke gentle words. "O Lord, I am the brother of the ten-headed Ravana, born in the demon race, O protector of the gods." "By nature inclined toward sin, with a body steeped in darkness, just as an owl finds comfort only in the night."