Mandodari Sees Rama's Arrows as Serpents Closing Around Frogs
Sundara Kanda, Doha 36
Doha 36 · Movement 2 of 2
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Mandodari lays one last image before the king who will not see his danger. The hosts of demons fill fortified Lanka, armored, numerous, and confident behind the sea.
Yet in her vision they are only frogs gathered at the edge of dark water. Rama's arrows are living serpents, swift and unerring, already drawing near through the grass. Once they strike, the loud multitude will have no defense against their fangs.
There is still a narrow interval before the serpents devour the frogs. Within that interval Ravana can act. He can return Sita, relinquish his fixed pride, and make every effort toward wisdom. Mandodari's warning carries no ornament of courtly flattery. It is the plain urgency of one who sees death approaching while the beloved before her insists on calling it victory.
Before Rama's serpent arrows enter Lanka, Mandodari begs Ravana to release the pride that holds him still.
Read the passage from the Manas
-राम बान अहि गन सरिस निकर निसाचर भेक। जब लगि ग्रसत न तब लगि जतनु करहु तजि टेक।।36।।
Rama's arrows are like a host of serpents, and the multitude of demons are like frogs. Before the serpents devour the frogs, make every effort to act wisely and set aside your stubborn pride.