Vibhishan Seeks Refuge

In Lanka, Ravan called a council. Most ministers simply agreed with him: what harm can monkeys and men do to us? But Vibhishan spoke plainly: brother, a single vanara burnt Lanka. Return Sita and make peace with Ram. That alone will save our family.

To Ravan this well-meant advice tasted like poison. He called Vibhishan a coward and a traitor. In the Ramcharitmanas he even kicked him. Vibhishan said sadly: I wanted your good. Now I go to seek refuge with Ram. With four companions he flew across the sea.

Seeing Vibhishan arrive, Sugriv warned: he is Ravan's brother, he may be a spy. Others gave their views too. Hanuman said: there is truth in his words, and he has chosen the right side at the right time.

Then Ram spoke the words held to be the greatest promise of refuge: whoever comes to me even once and says 'I am yours', I give him freedom from fear of all beings. That is my vow. He even said that if Ravan himself came seeking refuge, he would accept him too.

Vibhishan fell at Ram's feet. Ram lovingly raised him up, had Lakshman bring sea water, and there and then crowned Vibhishan as king of Lanka. The war had not even begun, but Ram's faith was unshakeable.