Even Ravana's Offenses Can Be Forgotten within Rama's Refuge
Sundara Kanda, Doha 22
Doha 22 · Movement 2 of 2
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Hanuman does not announce punishment as Ravana's only remaining future. Raghunayaka is the protector of the surrendered and the destroyer of Khara, yet his nature is an ocean of compassion.
If the ten-headed king enters that refuge, the Lord will shelter him. The crimes already committed do not place him beyond the reach of surrender.
Rama will forget the offenses, Hanuman says. In the court that displays Ravana's command over trembling gods, the bound servant opens a door the king could still choose: return Janaki, bow, and be kept by the very one he opposed.
Before speaking of destruction, Rama's messenger offers the demon king a refuge large enough to forget every offense.
Read the passage from the Manas
प्रनतपाल रघुनायक करुना सिंधु खरारि। गएँ सरन प्रभु राखिहैं तव अपराध बिसारि।।22।।
"Raghunayak, the slayer of Khara, is the protector of all who surrender. He is an ocean of compassion. If you seek His refuge, the Lord will forgive your offenses and shelter you."