Hearing Rama's Glory, Vibhishana Comes Crying for Rescue
Sundara Kanda, Doha 45
Doha 45 · Movement 2 of 2
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Vibhishana's journey began before he left Lanka. The fame of Rama had already crossed the ocean and entered his hearing, telling of a Lord who breaks the terror of worldly existence and gives joy to those who surrender.
Now the one known through sacred report stands visibly before him. Vibhishana has abandoned palace, family protection, and every claim upon his former life. There is nothing left between the heard glory and the heart that trusted it enough to fly.
Save me, save me, he cries. O remover of anguish, O Raghuvira, receive me in your refuge. The prayer is brief because surrender has already enacted every word. His body has crossed from Ravana's city, his forehead approaches Rama's earth, and his whole future rests inside the compassionate fame that brought him here.
The glory first heard in Lanka becomes the refuge Vibhishana touches with his own body.
Read the passage from the Manas
श्रवन सुजसु सुनि आयउँ प्रभु भंजन भव भीर। त्राहि त्राहि आरति हरन सरन सुखद रघुबीर।।45।।
"Hearing of Your glorious fame, I have come, O Lord, O destroyer of the terrors of worldly existence. Save me, save me, O remover of anguish, O Raghuvira, giver of joy to those who surrender!"