Hanuman Sets Fire to Lanka:
Earns
Respect of Rakshasa Prince
Chaitanya: Lord Vibhishana, thank you for making time to speak with me today. I know you have traveled a long way from Lanka for the festivities here in Ayodhya. How have you enjoyed your stay so far?
Vibhishana: I have enjoyed Ayodhya very much. It is one of the most bright and joyful cities I have ever been to. Of course, I was unsure of how people would react to me because I am the Rakshasa king and brother to the late Ravana, but everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I'm always up for a soccer game, too!
(Vibhishana then stood to his feet as he cheered for the monkey team.)
CH: I'm glad to hear it. So, as you know, Hanuman is receiving the Monkey of the Year award. I understand that you and he became quite close during the war against Ravana. Has your friendship continued since that time?
VB: Oh, yes. Our friendship has only grown over time, even though our homes are far from each other. I trust Hanuman more than all my advisers in Lanka.
CH: Wow, that's a lot of trust to put into someone who is not of your lineage or your country. How was this friendship formed?
VB: Well, I knew Hanuman was honorable and trustworthy from the first time I met him. He had come to Lanka as King Rama's messenger to warn Ravana of what would come if he did not return Sita to Rama. Of course, my brother would hear none of it.
CH: Tell me more.
VB: When I looked closely at Hanuman I could see the features of both a man and a monkey. So I was certain he was a spy who had disguised himself. Hanuman immediately confirmed that he was in fact a monkey and that his purpose in Lanka was to give a message to Ravana. When Hanuman spoke, he spoke with such authority as if not speaking on his own behalf. His voice echoed through our hall and his words somehow lingered in the air. I believe that Hanuman's words pierced Ravana's mind because they were ones spoken in truth, but Ravana resisted all the more.
CH: Interesting. What happened next?
VB: Ravana immediately wanted to kill Hanuman, and he actually asked me to cut off Hanuman's head! I refused because it is not honorable to kill a messenger, especially under the circumstances. He was only convinced to not kill Hanuman after General Prahasta insisted that they go to "real" war with Rama. So, Ravana decided to set Hanuman's tail on fire as punishment. Ravana was not prepared for the consequences of his actions... Oh, go, go, go!
(The game began as the monkeys took control of the ball, and Vibhishana was unable to hide his excitement.)
CH: Oh, you must continue.
VB: As Hanuman's tail was doused in oil and set on fire, it did not seem to harm him at all! It seemed as if his tail was being protected by the gods. With a sudden burst of strength, Hanuman released himself from his chains and used his tail to set fire to Lanka. As I watched the scene from my palace, I became certain of the blessing Hanuman had with him. He moved more quickly than any being I had ever seen! As he moved, the city lit up; and if you had been watching from afar, you would have thought the whole earth had been engulfed by the energy of Surya, the sun god. All the creatures of Lanka began to flee the city, searching for any place of safety. I could hear the cries of Lanka's inhabitants as the smoke rose to the sky and clouded the clear night. Though I felt for the citizens of Lanka, I knew there was no way we could defy the forces that supported Hanuman and his leader, Rama. I once more pleaded with Ravana to end this conflict and return Sita, but he would have none of it. So, I sided with Rama, and with Hanuman's help, I was accepted as a worthy ally. Throughout the war against Ravana, Hanuman remained a loyal ally and earned my respect. Yes!
(The monkeys made the first score of the game and Vibhishana began high-fiving those who sat near him.)
CH: That is an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it with me.
VB: You are very welcome.
CH: Again, I appreciate your time. Enjoy the rest of the game!
Author's Note: I debated whether to continue with the same interview format as the first story but I feel that this is the best way to tell stories in the magazine format. In this section, I not only wanted to detail Vibhishana's perspective of the fire in Lanka, but I also wanted to emphasize Vibhishana and Hanuman's friendship. By the end of Buck's Ramayana, it is clear that the two characters have a strong relationship despite their many differences. I had Vibhishana detail his first impression of Hanuman because I feel that his view of the meeting varies greatly from those of all other characters. Vibhishana sees the world with a clarity that most other rakshasas do not. He seems to have a sense of the supernatural and knows who to follow and who to trust. Vibhishana's explanation of Hanuman setting Lanka on fire is simple, but to the point. I sense that Vibhishana is not one to beat around the bush or get caught up in his emotions. He is straightforward and honest with every other character he comes in contact with. While he may not be consumed by his emotions, he clearly has compassion for others and wants to fight for what is right. I set this interview at a soccer game in order to give readers a sense of the celebration that is taking place.
Bibliography:
Buck, William. Hanuman Sets Fire to Lanka. Motilal Banarsidass Publishing, 2000. (259-263).
Image Information:
Hanuman Sets Fire to Lanka
Web Source: Pawanputra