Rama Lakshman Janaki in Exile no-watermark
1.10 THE LANKA WAR
Rama too was very happy that Hanuman was successful in finding Sita. Sugriva had kept up his word and Rama now had to plan about reaching Lanka, kill Ravana and rescue Sita. He therefore talked to Sugriva about this. “Sugriva, you have proved to be my true friend. I want more help from you because I am afraid that Ravana might kill Sita to take revenge. Hence, please get your army ready.”
Rama called Hanuman also to his side and holding his hands warmly said “Maruthi I am so grateful to you for your help. You are the only one 37 among us who is capable of flying across the ocean. So, please tell us how we can get there.” Rama also asked his trusted friend about Lanka’s city plan, about its main gates, about trenches built around the fort and many more such information to plan the attack: Though Hanuman had burnt down Lanka; Ravana had the city rebuilt immediately.
Anjaneya who was aware of this told Rama “Lord! Once we cross the ocean, Lanka will be ours. Have no doubt about it. I shall summon Angada, Neela, Jabavanta and many more valiant Vanaras and bears and be ready to leave.” Upon Sugriva’s orders, thousands of Vanaras formed a huge army and walked towards the ocean. But the vast expanse of water stopped them in their march. They just could not think of any method by which they could cross the ocean. They were afraid that would drown in the water. In Lanka also, many people were afraid of the consequences of war. They had seen the power of just one monkey. If thousands of such monkeys attacked Lanka, what would be the fate, many wondered. The Rakshasas tried to talk courageously and boasted “Rama and his Vanaras will be like insects in our hands. Only one person among them was wise. He was Vibhishana, Ravenna’s younger brother. He was a devotee of lord Vishnu and a very righteous man. While the other were advising Ravana about preparing for the war, Vibhishana stood up in the meeting and told his brother “Ravana, do not act in haste. First and foremost, you have been responsible for this danger. You have sinned in longing for another man’s wife. So, please listen to me. At least now, let us send back Sita to Rama before he attacks. Then peace will prevail on both the sides.”