The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic

Ravana is enraged by the fact that a monkey has displayed such disrespect. He consults his sages. Ravana’s commander-in-chief chastises Ravana, explaining that Ravana should have taken Sita after destroying Rama and Lakshmana for their crime against Ravana’s sister. Now, the commander explains, they must act decisively and destroy Rama and Lakshmana. Another advisor suggests they ignore the monkey, and yet another insists that monkeys are their food and food cannot be feared. Kumbakarna, Ravana’s brother, points out that Ravana has “done incompatible things” by violating codes of behavior while thinking only of matters of fame and reputation (125). According to Kumbakarna, they must fight to the death, and Ravana agrees. As Ravana’s son, Indrajit, offers to lead the army against Rama and Lakshmana, Vibishana, Ravana’s youngest brother, predicts disaster and begs Ravana to release Sita from her prison. Ravana scorns his brother and calls him a “madman,” decrying Vibishana’s respect for Rama and scoffing at the thought that Rama is likely Vishnu’s incarnation. As Ravana prepares to leave, Vibishana tries again and again to stop him, but Ravana orders Vibishana to leave him. Vibishana follows the order, crossing over the ocean to Rama’s camp, where the monkey army is gathering forces.