Ram Welcomes Vibhishan

Ravan, the king of Lanka, had a younger brother named Vibhishan. Vibhishan was honest and good, and he followed dharma. Many times he advised Ravan, "Bhaiya, it is wrong of you to keep Sita Mata here. Return her to Ram with respect. That is what is best for Lanka."

But Ravan did not like this advice. In anger he spoke very harshly to Vibhishan and told him to leave Lanka. With a heavy heart, Vibhishan and four companions flew across the sea to the place where Ram's army was camping.

From up in the sky, Vibhishan called out, "I am Vibhishan, Ravan's younger brother. I have come to Ram for shelter."

The monkey army began to murmur. Sugriv said, "Prabhu, he is the enemy's brother. This may be a trick. It is not wise to trust him." Some of the other monkey leaders said the same thing. But Hanuman said, "Prabhu, I feel there is truth in his words."

After listening to everyone, Ram said calmly, "If anyone comes to me even once and says, 'I am yours,' I promise to keep them safe from every fear. This is my vow. Even if Ravan himself came asking for shelter, I would accept him too. Protecting someone who comes for shelter is a great duty."

Hearing this, Sugriv changed his mind. He respectfully brought Vibhishan to Ram. Vibhishan bowed at Ram's feet. Ram lifted him up with love and made him his friend.

Then, at Ram's word, water was brought from the sea, and with it Vibhishan was anointed as the king of Lanka. Everyone was amazed, because the war had not even begun! But Ram's trust was firm.

Vibhishan became Ram's true friend and stood by him at every step, in good times and hard times. Even today he is remembered as a good and fair king of Lanka.