|| Sri Ram Jayram Jaya Jaya Ram ||

 

Chapter – 2 – Lanka Kandam

The advice of Devi Mandodhari and Prahastha to Ravana

The woods were loaded with flowers and fruits in all seasons in the presence of Lord Rama. These Vanaras and bears consumed succulent fruits and uprooted the trees and mountains, thrown to the city of Lanka. If they meet any demons in the woods, they cut off their ears and nose, sing in praise of Prabhu Ramachandra and send him back to the city. In this way, many demons were disfigured were approached Ravana and informed the arrival of Rama with the huge armies of Vanaras and bears, they have constructed a huge bridge across the vast ocean, etc. Ravana became agitated and spoke is deafening voice, “What? Those Vanaras and bears constructed a bridge across the vast ocean? Is that true he constructed bridge on that Samudradevatha?” he laughed and returned to his palace. Devi Mandodhari understood Prabhu Ramachandra constructed a huge bridge across the ocean like child’s play, she terrified and took her husband to her chamber, prostrated before him and spoke affectionately, “Oh! Natha, kindly do not get angry with me, you cannot have enmity with a person who is extremely powerful and intelligent. Raghupathi and you have huge differences, he is Surya and you are a firefly before him. Rama is the slayer of the powerful demons Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, Madhukaitabha, who are the sons of Dithi, he fastened Bali with his intellect, he killed Sahasrabhahu, he has personified on the Earth to reduce her burden. Oh! My Lord, he is the Lord of Kala, Time, and destiny, do not keep enmity with him. Kindly take shelter at the lotus feet of Rama, and return Devi Janaki to him, leave the Kingdom to your sons and go to woods and contemplate upon that Lord Raghunatha. Oh! Prabho, Lord Rama is extremely compassionate, no one will go behind to attack a compassionate person, not even a leopard, and you have attained all the stately luxuries in your life. You have won over Deva, Asura, and all the living and non-living things in this world. Oh! Lord, the saintly people suggests, it is the responsibility of an individual to follow Ashrama Dharma and leave to the forest in the latter years of age, Oh! Natha, you have to contemplate upon that Lord who is the creator, preserve, and destructor of the Universe and its living beings. Oh! Lord, kindly leave all your interest in worldly matters and take shelter at the compassionate Lord Raghunatha. He is Kosalaraja Raghupathi who is sought after by Rishis and Sages with constant meditation and contemplation, even the Emperors leave their throne and follow renunciation to attains that supreme Lord Raghurama, he has arrived to shower his grace upon us. Oh! Natha, if you follow my advice, your fame would spread in three worlds.”

 

Mandodhari prostrated before Ravana and took hold of his feet, shed tears and her body was quivering, and began to speak “Oh! Natha, kindly meditate upon Raghunatha, so that my relationship with you would flourish.” Ravana took hold of Mandodhari, he began self-praising “Oh! Priye, your fear is baseless, who is powerful than me in this world? I have shown my prowess to all the deities, I have conquered Varuna, Dikpalaka, Vayu, Yama and all. These deities, Asuras, and humans are under my control, why are you so scared of him?” In this way, he pacified Devi Mandodhari and returned to the assembly. Devi Mandodhari understood that it was his destiny that took control of his intellect; no one can save him from the mouth of death. Ravana enquired his ministers “How did we tackle our enemies?” Ministers speak “ Oh! Prabho, listen to me, why are you asking this question repeatedly? Why should we fear of Raghuram? Manushyas, Vanaras, and bears are our meals.”

 

Prahastha spoke with folded hands “ Oh! Prabho, you should not do anything against justice, your ministers have not much knowledge about it. All your ministers are dull-minded always speaks which pleases you. Oh! Lord that would not bring any good to you. The Vanaras crossed the vast ocean and arrived in the city. All the people are praising the valor of that Vanara who burned down the city of Lanka, why you did not feel hungry to eat him while he was burning the city? What was the reason to spare him while he was burning the entire city? Oh! Lord, your minister’s advice may be pleasing to listen but that cannot help you at this moment of perils, it would throw you into trouble. Rama and Lakshman have constructed a huge bridge across the vast ocean like a child’s play, and settled on the hills of Suvela, with a huge army of Vanaras and bears, do you think they are ordinary humans and easy to consume? These ministers are uttering something unreasonable, Oh! Pitha, kindly listen to me, do not consider me as a coward, there are many people who talk and speak pleasant words, but there are very few speak the truth but unpleasant to listen. Kindly listen to my most promising words to you, kindly send an emissary to Rama, further send Devi Sita to him and keep friendship with him. If Rama returns with his wife to his Kingdom, there is no need to have enmity or battle with him, otherwise, fight against him on the battlefield. If you follow my advice, you will attain fame in this world and afterlife on the Earth as well.”