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Continued from yesterday’s instalment
 We see Lakshmana wearing the garb of the rebel on two occasions in the Yuddha Kanda, raising his voice of protest against the more temperate attitude of Rama. We see him play the role of the impatient rebel in the very beginning of the Book of War. Just before the commencement of the war, we have seen that Angada was sent as an ambassador of Sri Rama to Ravana giving him one last opportunity to hand Sita back and to avoid war. (See:
The last attempt for peace) When Rama announced his decision to send an emissary to Ravana, both Vibishana and Sugriva praised his efforts.
‘arakkar kOn adhanaik kEttaan; azhagitrE aagum endraan’ Vibishana said it was the most desirable thing to do.
‘kurakku inaththukku iraivan nindraan; kotravarkku uRRadhu endraan.’
Sugriva stood up and said what Rama proposed befits the kings. ‘irakkamadhu izhukkam endraan iLayavan.’
It is not right to show sympathy at this distance of time (when we have made so much advance in searching and locating and building a bridge across the ocean)
‘ini naam ambu thurakkuvadhu allaal vEru oru sol undo?’ No way. There is nothing more apt left for us to do than to take up our bows and arrows and fight. No more negotiations. No more talk of peace.
‘Who are you sympathising with O brother! He who has taken Devi away, harmed the celestials, who arrogated the kingdom of Indra to himself, does not deserve your sympathy any further. Remember!
‘Ezhai paal irakkam nOkki oru thani igal mEl sendra oozhi kaangirkkum vaazh naaL undhayai uyir paNdu uNdaan.’ He was responsible for the death of the old soul,
Jatayu.
‘Let us assume for a while that Ravana comes in supplication and gives back Sita.
‘annavan thanakku maadhai vidin uyir aruLuvaayEl,’ If you spare him when he sends Sita back,
‘ennudai naamam niRkkum naaL elaam,’ (you have already given your word to Vibishana saying that) ‘ till the day my name is pronounced on this earth
‘ilanai mUdhUr mannavan nIyE’ you would be the king of Lanka.
‘sonna sol en aam?’ What would happen to that word?
‘sULuravu en aam?’ What would happen to your vow (made in Dhandakaranya to the sages) that you would obliterate the rakshasas from the face of the earth?
 'What is happening to you? Have you changed your heart? Perhaps you are rather hesitant to destroy this country of abundance.
‘eNNin,’ but if one thinks of it (clearly)
‘sirandhadhu pore,’ war is the only and best option.
‘sEvagan muruval seydhaan,’ says the Poet. Rama simply smiled.
‘ayarthilen.’ I am not muddled. ‘mudivum ahdhE.’ I know what is going to happen in the end. The words may also be interpreted to mean, ‘there is no change in my decision.’ It is but proper for those in power and authority to observe patience of the utmost kind and do all within their power to stop a catastrophe.
We know that subsequently Angada was sent to Ravana as Rama’s emissary. But soon, at the end of the first battle with Ravana when Ravana’s army was razed down and he stood alone, Rama very gracefully asked him to go back and come the next day, properly armed. At that time, he once again gives an option to Ravana to return Sita and surrender. At that time, he answers this question of Lakshmana and makes it clear how he would have handled the situation, if Ravana surrendered unto him.
More follows...
Published on 03rd April 2002
Hari
Krishnan
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