Ramayana through illustrations Sundara Kand III

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand - III

Valmiki's Ramayana consist of seven kands which depicts the life of Lord Rama. Sundara kand refers to that episode of the epic Ramayana which marks Lord Rama's final battle against the demon king Ravana who abducted Sita, the wife of Rama. Worried about Sita's whereabout Rama sends his prime desciple Hanuman who crossed the Indian ocean and found Sita at the Ashok Vatika of Ravana' s palace.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand - III

Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana who though born in the Rakshasa clan was a man of noble qualities. He foresaw the imminent danger that would result as a consequence of his elder brother Ravana's action of kidnapping Rama's wife Sita. In order to save the kingdom from war that was looming large, Bivishan went upto Ravana to remind him about the great teachings of the Vedas and how he has committed a sin by abducting Sita who was the wife of Rama. Vibhishana's advise however well intentioned may be, was not well taken by elder brother Ravana. Understanding that Vibhisana has taken a contratrian approach an angry and stubborn Ravana kicked him out of his palace and ordered him to leave Lanka as soon as possible.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand - III

A demoralised Vibhishana before leaving Lanka went to his mother Kaikesi who advised him to go and serve Lord Rama who had gathered a large army and was on the verge to make the first strike at Ravana's Lanka. Overwhelmed by his first ever meeting with Rama, Vibhishana divulged many secrets of his elder brother Ravana. Rama annointed him as lord of Lanka after Ravana's death.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand - III

Vibhisana's revelations about Ravana's army helped Rama to make proper strategy to enter Lanka. But in between stood the mighty Indian ocean and as Rama along with his army of monkeys and bears approached the Indian ocean, he became worried because there was no way to cross the Indian ocean.

Ramayana through illustrations: Sundara Kand - III

Rama's prayers to the God of Oceans went unheeded. An angry Rama vowed to dry the ocean as it never existed. The mighty Indian ocean appeared in human form and advised Rama to construct a bridge made of sones. The bear king Jambavan seeing that big stones sinking in the ocean advised the army to write Lord Rama's name on the stones which would prevent them from sinking.