Hari Om.
Let us begin the sixth sarga of the yuddha kAnDam by offering our prostrations at the lotus feet of SrIrAma and our sathguru.
The assembly that was supposed to advise rAvaNa on the merits and demerits of waging war and discuss strategies reduced to singing paeans to the king himself and also lot of chest thumping as warrior after warrior oozed over confidence and thought it to be a small matter to destroy the enemies. Watching this until now, the youngest brother of rAvaNa, vibhIshaNa got up from his seat and very respectfully began to offer counter views. He reminded everyone that they could hardly do a thing when hanumAn was on rampage not so long ago and called out their sycophancy laden praise of the king and their own abilities. He then got to a principled stand and reminded the king of the sin to abduct another’s wife and wage war for that reason. He seemed aware of the abilities of rAma and warned rAvaNa in no uncertain terms of the imminent wiping out of the rAkshasa clan if he waged war. Perhaps, not finding this advice to his liking, rAvaNa adjourned the assembly and left for his palace. Onwards…
The next morning, as the sun rose, vibhIshaNa, doer of difficult tasks, determined to convey the sense of dharma and achieving means to rAvaNa and reached the abode of the demon king which was a towering mansion resembling a huge mountain with many peaks and well laid out into chambers full of many people. In the mansion were present wise ministers who were loyal to rAvaNa and it was secured by competent and trustworthy demons. While the wind there moved about thanks to the heavy breathing of mighty elephants, the auspicious sounds from the blows of the conches, cymbals and drums filled the mansion. Many women well decked in shining golden jewels were present near the royal path leading to the mansion. The palace of rAvaNa resembled the abode of the gandharvas, maruts and the nAgas in terms of its opulence, gems and stones. The splendorous vibhIshaNa entered that great mansion of his elder brother.
As he entered he heard many vEdic scholars who were reciting hymns invoking a great day for his brother. There were small vessels that were used to offer curds and ghee along with akshatas indicating that the scholars had completed the rituals.
पुण्यान्पुण्याहघोषांश्चवेदविद्भिरुदाहृतान् ।
शुश्रावसुमहातेजाभ्रातुर्विजयसंश्रितान् ।।6.10.8।।
The younger brother vibhIshaNa who was also much regarded by the demons, with a glow of his own entered the demon king’s chambers and bowed down to him, the brother of kubEra. When no one else other than the ministers were present, vibhIshaNa, always aert to the right time and place to act effectively, began to offer his counsel to his elder brother wishing his welfare in a well-meaning and appeasing manner –
“O king, ever since vaidEhI has come to this city inauspicious event are being witnessed. The fire in the yajna sacrifices is not burning brightly but is dull and the flames are mixed with smoke.
सस्फुलिङ्गस्सधूमार्चिस्सधूमकलुषोदयः ।
मन्त्रसङ्घहुतोऽप्यग्निर्नसम्यगभिवर्थते ।।6.10.15।।
Reptiles are regularly seen in the kitchens as well as yajnashAlas. The sacrificial offering is swarmed with ants. The udders of the cows have run dry, mighty elephants no longer ooze ichor and horses neigh pitiably. The donkeys and the camels are sick, losing their hair and not recovering upon treatment. Crows caw in groups in a harsh manner perched on the large gOpurams of the mansions. Various wild animals in large groups howl and roar near the entrance gates of the city and none of this bodes well.
तदेवंप्रस्तुतेकार्येप्रायश्चित्तमिदंक्षमम् ।
रोचतेयदिवैदेहीराघवायप्रदीयताम् ।।6.10.22।।
Therefore, it is better to express remorse at the proposed task and it will be well-liked if vaidEhI is returned to rAma. Even you think that I have given you this advice due to my delusion or greed, please don’t think that I am conceited. I have found that entire lanka including the demons in the city and those in the inner chambers of your palace are aware of this mistake committed by you. Even your ministers are aware of this but are desisting from telling you out of fear. However, it is my duty to bring to your notice whatever I have heard or seen and advice you what is proper”.
Thus the younger brother offered counsel to his elder brother in the midst of the ministers in a well-meaning manner. The counsel was deeply meaningful, softly articulated, logical and was sure to cause good in the past, present and future”.
The demon king heard the counsel and was felt rage and getting into a speaking mode, said –
“I don’t see the scope for fear from ay quarter and there is no way rAghava will get maithilI back. How can he stand in front of me in the battle even if the gods led by indra were to come to help him”?
Saying this much the ten headed king of irrepressible valor in war who had vanquished the armies of the gods dismissed his brother and well-wisher vibhIshaNa from his presence.
Here we conclude the sixth sarga of the yuddha kAnDam of SrImath vAlmiKi rAmAyaNam and humbly offer it at the lotus feet of SrIrAma. Hari: Om!
jAi SrIrAma.
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Next: 6.011. Decisive assembly of the demons called
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rAmabhaktisAmrAjyam 
