SARANAGATI

By these words of Vibhisana it is clear that he severed all contact with Lanka and Ravana. Therefore he had the intention to abandon whatever would displease Rama. And that is the anga, Pratikulya varjana.

That Vibhisana had the state of karpanya or helplessness can be seen from his own words that he had incurred the displeasure of the powerful Ravana and so was in need of a protector. He prays for protection at the hands of Rama and so the anga of Goptrtva varana also is in Vibhisana.

Vibhisana had great confidence in the good nature and ability of Sri Rama. Therefore he came to Rama without fear or hesitation though he was coming from the enemy camp direct. He declared that he was seeking refuge at the feet of Rama, who was the supreme protector of the world. This bold act shows his intense faith in Rama, i.e., mahavisvasa. Valmiki himself says about Vibhisana that he was a mahaprajnah-a person of great wisdom. Wisdom here lies in having intense faith (mahavisvasa) in Rama.

Vibhisana again prayed for protection at the hands of Rama. The words saranam gatah denote Atmaniksepa, the angi which is an important factor. He made an appeal to Sugriva and others to entrust him to the care of Rama. Nivedayata mam ksipram vibhisanam upasthitam. It is only a reiteration of Atmaniksepa which is done here through the proper means, viz., Sugriva and others who are devoted to the service of Rama.

Thus Vibhisana-saranagati is perfect in every way and it immediately yielded the fruit that Vibhisana wanted viz., service to Rama.