Vibhishaṇ

Also known as: Vibhishan / Vibhíshan / Vibhíshaṇ · Family: Rákshases · Role: king · First appears: Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad

In Nárad’s summary, Vibhishaṇ is left to rule Lanká after Rávaṇ’s defeat, and the poet’s summary likewise tells of his being set upon the throne. In Book V, he repeatedly urges Rávaṇ to return Sítá, but his counsel is refused; when Rávaṇ threatens the envoy, Vibhishaṇ asks him to revoke the decree. Hanumán’s fire spares Vibhishaṇ’s house when Lanká burns.

In Book VI, Vibhishaṇ again counsels Rávaṇ to return Sítá. After Rávaṇ rejects him, Vibhishaṇ leaves Lanká, his wife and children behind, and seeks refuge with Ráma, who promises him the kingdom and has him consecrated king. Vibhishaṇ pledges to guide Ráma’s army; he later captures the spies led by Śárdúla and keeps the fleeing Vánar hosts from scattering. During the fighting he kills the steeds of Rávaṇ’s chariot.

After Ráma kills Rávaṇ, Vibhishaṇ mourns his brother and performs the funeral rites at Ráma’s direction. Consecrated king of Lanká, he rewards the warriors with gold and gems and joins Ráma and Sugríva aboard the flying car.