Vibhishana's Righteous Stand

Vibhishana, Ravana's younger brother, was the only demon who wasn't a sycophant. He boldly told Ravana, "A person should resort to war only when all else fails. If one Hanuman could cross the ocean and burn Lanka, imagine what the entire monkey army may do. What was Rama's fault anyway? To what extent was kidnapping Rama's lawful wife appropriate? Every creature has the right to defend itself.

"O King, freeing Sita is in our best interest. If we don't return Sita to Rama, it will spell the end of Lanka and the demon clan. Brother, I pray that you take my advice and release Sita. I am giving you equitable advice. Please think about the future of Lanka's citizens. Let the inhabitants of this city spend their lives peacefully."

Ravana listened to what his younger brother had to say. "The truth, Vibhishana, is that you envy me because I am the king of all demons," said Ravana harshly. "You don't like my supremacy and courage. If anyone else raved to me as you just did, I would kill them. You are a disgrace upon our family."

The self-respecting Vibhishana rose from his seat. "You are my elder, King Ravana," he said. "So, you can say whatever you like to me. But I will never forgive you for your harsh words or unrighteous behavior. When a person's destruction is near, they do not appreciate good advice. Many will speak the bitter truth, but few will listen to it. Please save the demons and this city. I am leaving Lanka. I hope you will live happily in my absence."

Yearning to see Lord Rama, Vibhishana proceeded along the skyway. When the monkeys saw a demon coming along the skyway, they grew suspicious, fearing he had malicious intentions. They prepared for battle.

"I am Ravana's younger brother, Vibhishana," said Vibhishana to Sugriva and the other monkeys. "The same Ravana who kidnapped Sita and killed the vulture Jatayu. Sita now lives among demonesses in a pitiable state. I tried my best to persuade Ravana to free Sita, but he did not heed my advice. Instead, he humiliated me. So, I have left all my relatives and come to Lord Rama for refuge. Rama gives shelter to all creatures in the world. He will also give refuge to a wretched person like me."