Concern for devotees


Nothing can match the love that Lord Rama has for His devotees. Several examples of His love are seen in the Ramayana. But there is one episode that stands out.. Rama and the monkey army viewed Lanka from the top of a mountain. The monkeys were astonished by the sight. They saw gardens of flowers and  groves of fruit-bearing trees. The city of Lanka had palatial houses and the palace of Ravana was visible too. Ravana could be seen standing in his palace.  As soon as Ravana was pointed out, Sugriva jumped to Ravana’s palace, and wrestled with him. He was not frightened by Ravana’s fierce appearance. He was not deterred by Ravana’s reputation as a warrior. He did not fear for his life, but he fought with Ravana. He had only one thought in his mind: before him stood the demon who had caused so much unhappiness to Rama, by abducting Sita. And so with this anger against Ravana, Sugriva attacked him with all his might. He told Ravana that he was a friend of Rama, and he would not spare him. He snatched Ravana’s crown from his head and threw it to the ground. Ravana threatened to break Sugriva’s neck and flung  him away from him. Neither of them was in a mood to give up. They attacked each other. Both suffered wounds, but continued to fight.  When Sugriva returned to Rama, He advised him never to act in such haste. What if some harm had befallen him? If Sugriva had been hurt, Rama would have no use for anyone — not his own brothers, or even His beloved wife Sita. Rama had come with an army to rescue Sita, but He said that if Sugriva had been hurt by Ravana, then even Sita could not compensate Him for the loss.  He said He would have installed Vibhishana on the throne of Lanka after killing Ravana and then given up His life. He would have made arrangements for Bharata to continue to rule Ayodhya. Of what use was anything beside the loss of a dear friend?  Such loyalty is hardly seen, but that was the concern the Supreme One showed to a monkey  devoted to Him.

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