Rama Rises to Embrace Vibhishana and Names Him Lord of Lanka
Sundara Kanda, Chaupai 46
Doha 46 · Movement 1 of 2
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Vibhishana begins his full prostration, and Rama rises at once in extraordinary joy. The humble words have pleased the Lord's heart. Before the refugee can remain upon the ground, mighty arms gather him into an embrace.
Rama and Lakshmana seat him close. Calling him Lord of Lanka, Rama asks how he and his family have remained well in that corrupt dwelling. How can dharma survive when one lives day and night among the wicked? Rama already knows Vibhishana's ways, his mastery of right conduct, and his lack of taste for injustice.
Better to dwell in hell, Rama says, than be given the company of the wicked. Vibhishana answers from beside the feet he crossed the sky to see. Now I am well, Raghuraya. You knew me as your servant and showed me mercy. Lanka has not yet fallen, but within Rama's welcome the exile has already received a new home and name.
Rama does not merely admit the refugee; he rises, embraces him, and sees a king where Lanka saw an outcast.
Read the passage from the Manas
अस कहि करत दंडवत देखा। तुरत उठे प्रभु हरष बिसेषा।। दीन बचन सुनि प्रभु मन भावा। भुज बिसाल गहि हृदयँ लगावा।। अनुज सहित मिलि ढिग बैठारी। बोले बचन भगत भयहारी।। कहु लंकेस सहित परिवारा। कुसल कुठाहर बास तुम्हारा।। खल मंडलीं बसहु दिनु राती। सखा धरम निबहइ केहि भाँती।। मैं जानउँ तुम्हारि सब रीती। अति नय निपुन न भाव अनीती।। बरु भल बास नरक कर ताता। दुष्ट संग जनि देइ बिधाता।। अब पद देखि कुसल रघुराया। जौं तुम्ह कीन्ह जानि जन दाया।।
Saying this, as he prostrated himself, the Lord saw him and immediately rose with great delight. Hearing his humble words, the Lord's heart was moved, and He drew Vibhishana into His mighty embrace. Together with His younger brother, He seated Vibhishana close by and spoke words that banish a devotee's every fear. "Tell me, O king of Lanka, about the welfare of you and your family in that unwholesome dwelling." "Living day and night among a circle of the wicked, friend, how can one sustain righteousness?" "I know all your ways. You are deeply skilled in dharma and have no taste for unrighteousness." "Better indeed to dwell in hell, dear one, than for the Creator to give one the company of the wicked." "Now, beholding Your feet, O Raghunatha, I am well, knowing You have shown mercy to this servant."