Rāmāyana | Yuddha Kaṇḍa | Chapter 9

9. Vibhīṣaṇa Advices Rāvaṇa

[Vibhīṣaṇa the younger brother of Rāvaṇa  then points out the enemy's strong points and advices Rāvaṇa  to return Sītā. Without answering him Rāvaṇa  goes to his home.]

Then, Nikumbha, Rabhasa, the exceedingly strong Surya satru, Suptaghna, Yanjakopa, Mahaparsva and Mahodara, the unconquerable demons Agniketu and Rasmiketu, then the powerful son of Rāvaṇa  named Indrajit endowed with great energy, Prahasta and Virupaksha, Vajradamshtra who was extraordinarily strong, Dhumarksha and Atikaya and the demon by name Durmukha, carrying iron clubs, sharp-edged spears, spikes, darts, javelins and axes, bows with excellent arrows and swords shining like a vast expanse of water, and who were all extremely enraged, and flaming as it were with glory, those demons rose up and told Rāvaṇa . 9.1-9.5

"We will now itself kill Rāma, Sugrīva and Lakṣmaṇa and that pitiable Hanuman who attacked the city of Lanka. 9.6

Vibhīṣaṇa with folded hands calmed down all those Rākṣasas, who already had seized their weapons and after making them sit down spoke. 9.7

"Oh brother, only that which cannot be accomplished by the three methods [conciliation, gift and creating dissension] should be accomplishing by show of power according to wise men". 9.8

"The valorous acts bring results only in case of indifferent people, people who have been attacked by enemy and those struck down by fate." 9.9

"How do you wish to attack the famous Rāma, who is not distracted, who has won over his anger and who is difficult to be conquered." 9.10

"Hanuman speedily crossed the horrifying ocean which is the lord of all rivers and can this act be imagined by anyone in the world." 9.11

"Oh night travellers, it is extremely difficult to measure the power of the enemy and without knowing that, they cannot be treated hastily with contempt by any means." 9.12

"Previously what wrong did Rāma do to the king of Rākṣasas, due to which his famous wife was abducted from Janasṭhāna." 9.13

"Khara who has exceeded his limits was of course killed by Rāma in a war because lives are to be definitely protected by all living beings according to their strength." 9.14

"Due to Vaidehī being here, a great fear has been created among us. It is better to return her who was brought so that quarrel due to animosity could be brought to an end." 9.15

"It is not proper to create enmity without any purpose with Rāma who is valorous and is the follower of Dharma and let Maithili be given back to him." 9.16

"Before this city, which has elephants, horses, many gems, is shattered by his arrows, let us give back Maithili to him." 9.17

"Much before the great horrifying big monkey army which cannot be defeated attacks Lanka, let us return back Sītā." 9.18

"Unless the beloved wife of Rāma is returned back, the city of Lanka along with its valorous Rākṣasas would perish." 9.19

"I am pleading with you due to our relationship and so please act on my words which are beneficial to you, and which are truthful and so please let Maithili be given away." 9.20

"Before Rāma the son of the king discharges for your destruction by the very strong and unfailing arrows equal to the rays of autumnal sun which have provided with new heads and shafts, let Sītā be given away to Rāma." 9.21

"Immediately give up your anger, which destroys your happiness and Dharma. Resort to Dharma, which leads to joy and fame. Become placid so that we may live with our sons and relatives. Let Sītā be given away to Rāma." 9.22

After hearing the words of Vibhīṣaṇa, the king of Rākṣasas left all of them and entered in to his home. 9.23

This is the end of Ninth Sarga of Yuddha Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.