Aug 18, 2007

Chapter 91: Rama & Co arrive at Lanka

Hanuman comes back to Rama and conveys all that happened. He even shows the hair clip given by Sita. Prep start to cross the Bay of Bengal from India to Lanka. Sugreev and army gives full help.

Meanwhile, Kaal at Ravan's bedpost laughs at Ravan because his death is nearing. In his court, Ravan also gets news that enemy (aka Rama) is getting ready to cross the ocean. But Ravan is convinced that no one can cross the ocean. Even his own minister agrees that this is true, no one can cross the ocean. But Vibhishan tells that it is not true. The army of monkeys is very strong. If one monkey (H) could destroy entire Lanka, how can we win the war against. So Vib asks Lanka to return Sita back to Rama since Lanka did not do the right thing. But Lanka gets enraged by this suggestion. He kicks him in front of everyone in the court and asks him to get out of Lanka. So Vib and family come to Rama's camp. Sugreev and some folks are fearing if this is a spy activity. But Hanuman informs them that Vib is the only Rama devotee in Lanka since he saw him in the palace singing Rama's praises. All agree since H gave consent. Rama sees him and gives him refuge in his camp. He even does sankalp and names him as Lankesh - King of Lanka. Vib is honored.

To return this honor, Sugreev asks Vib if Vib can suggest an easy way to cross the ocean. Vib suggests why not just ask Sea God. Others think it is a mute thing but Rama agrees. So he sits in front of the ocean for 3 days and does pooja. But Sea God doesnt come. Lakshman tells Rama that its been too long. He gives him a special arrow (from Viswamitra) and asks him to shoot it at the ocean and dry it up completely.

Rama agrees and gets ready to shoot the ocean. Just then Sea God comes up and apologises for the delay. Sea God tells that due to all the salt in the ocean & all the Kaal Koot poison, he got delayed. But he begs not to clean out the ocean otherwise all the animals inside the sea will die. Rama then asks for solution to cross. Sea God tells that Nal and Neel in Sugreev's army have unique gift. In their childhood, they were granted a boon from a sage to lighten the weight of any heavy object. With their touch and blessings from Rama, boulders will stay afloat on the ocean and it can be used as a bridge. Rama thanks Sea God but then asks what he should do with this arrow that Lakshman has given, it cannot be returned back. Sea God says that towards North, there are some demons who are causing issues to some hermits. So Rama shoots arrow at North which gets destroyed.

Meanwhile, entire army of Sugreev is not picking boulders and with the help of Nal and Neel and Ram's words painted on it are put on the ocean which become the bridge. But if Rama throws the same stone, it gets sunk. This is because - anything that Rama gives up, can never stand on its own! Only those that are blessed by Rama can rise and shine.

Whole of Rama’s company (Sugreev and company) cross the bay and land in Lanka. Rama feels a chance has to be given to Ravana to allow him to give back Sita although he is the enemy. So Angadh (Vaali’s son) goes to Ravana’s palace as a messenger chanting ‘Jai Sri Ram.’

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