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get this decision changed.
He consented that Hanuman did cause
collateral damage to their people and properties.
He deserves punishment. He reminded that
according to scriptures, it is acceptable to punish
a messenger.
After listing out various ways Ravana can
choose to punish Hanuman, he appealed to
Ravana’s valour vis-à-vis a monkey Hanuman and
two princes, wandering in the forests.
He suggested that. “Hanuman is just a
messenger. He doesn’t own his words. He is only
conveying the message from someone. Our target
is to punish or kill those who sent the message.
He is just a monkey, though powerful enough
to cause immense damage to Lanka. You have
enough people to teach him and also those who
sent him a lesson. If you kill him, he cannot convey
the message back to Rama. Without receiving his
message, they cannot come here. This will deprive
you of an opportunity to show your army’s valour
and defeat your actual enemies. This is not how
those with valour would conduct. You should
never lose an opportunity to fight a war”.
An opportunity to kill Rama appealed to
Ravana’s ego. He consented with Vibhishana’s
views and agreed to change his decision.
He said, “Tails are dear to monkeys. Lit
fire to this monkey’s tail. Let him go back with a
stopped. However, Ravana is egoistic and would burnt tail and get humiliated by his own people.
not listen to such appeals. Before that parade him with a burning tail all
Hence, Vibhishana first caressed his Ego. along Lanka’s streets. Let the residents of Lanka
He showered praises about Ravana’s valour and enjoy the humiliation meted out to an enemy’s
wisdom. Then, he suggested why it would be messenger.”
inappropriate to kill Hanuman, a messenger. The moment Ravana gave these orders,
Ravana would not relent so easily. He justified Rakshasas tied up the tail with clothes, poured oil
it is not wrong to kill someone who caused harm. and lit it with fire.
Vibhishana also stood strong for the cause Hanuman had the strength and power in
of right. But, he spoke with due awareness of the him to let loose the ropes and fly away. However,
situation he is in. He cannot confront Ravana and he chose to lie low and have fun. He knew, the
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