Vibhishana- Hindu DemonDemon"King of Lanka"

Also known as: Vibhishan, विभीषण, and Vibhīṣaṇa

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Titles & Epithets

King of Lanka

Domains

dharmadevotion

Description

While his brothers sought power from Brahma, Vibhishana asked only that his mind never stray from dharma. He warned Ravana that fighting Rama meant ruin, and when his brother threatened to kill him for it, he crossed the ocean to join the enemy.

Mythology & Lore

The Righteous Rakshasa

Vibhishana was the youngest of the three sons of the sage Vishravas and the rakshasi Kaikesi, brother to Ravana and Kumbhakarna. While his brothers performed austerities to gain power and invincibility, Vibhishana asked Brahma for a different boon: that his mind would always remain fixed on dharma. Brahma, pleased, also granted him immortality. Vibhishana served as one of Ravana's ministers in Lanka but spent his time in prayer and worship of Vishnu.

Defection to Rama

When Ravana abducted Sita and brought her to Lanka, Vibhishana repeatedly urged his brother to return her and avoid war. He warned that Rama was an avatar of Vishnu and that fighting him would bring ruin upon Lanka. Ravana mocked him as a coward and a traitor. When Ravana threatened to kill him, Vibhishana abandoned Lanka with four loyal companions and flew across the ocean to Rama's camp. Sugriva and others distrusted the defector, but Rama accepted him and promised him the throne of Lanka.

King of Lanka

During the war, Vibhishana revealed Lanka's defenses, Ravana's battle strategies, and the secret of Ravana's immortality. After Ravana's death, Rama crowned Vibhishana king of Lanka and instructed him to perform Ravana's funeral rites with full royal honors. Enmity ends with death, Rama told him. Vibhishana's immortality, granted by Brahma, ensures he rules Lanka still.

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