Ravi Varma's painting in my previous blog depicts: Meghanath or Indrajit, after his victory over Indra, presenting Sachi Devi to Ravana. And Indrajit is a hero? It is complicated!
The author next focuses on the two brothers who felt that Ravana is heading towards ruin in retaining Sita in Lanka, but acted in different ways in pursuance of their own idea of duty.
"While modern readers tend to view the Indian epics with eyes used to seeing clearly defined good and bad characters, the Ramayana's characterisation is trying to represent the practical implications of the concept of Dharma. The epic stresses that neither Vibhishana or Kumbhakarna strayed from the path of Dharma and that there is no single way out of a moral dilemma. The Ramayana teaches that Kumbhakarna adhered to the Dharma of loyalty to his kin when his advice fails, while Vibhishana chose to oppose his kin when his advice failed". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibhishana
Vibhishana, when Ravana orders the captured Hanuman be killed, intercedes 'We have heard of kings putting even women to death, but never yet have we heard princes killing ambassadors. Even gods will mock us if we stoop to this sacrilege.....Later, in the war-council, he opposes war and recommends Sita be sent back. He argues that it is the fire of Sita's chastity that burned down their city.
He reminds Ravana that he has no invincibility against humans and vanaras as both Karatavirya, a human and Vali had overmatched him! That Sita was none else but the incarnation of the woman who had fallen into the fire swearing to destroy him in her next birth as a revenge for attempting to violate her. Also Rama and Lakshmana were incarnations of the supreme god and Vishawamitra and Agastya had armed them with many Astras and urges Ravana to send Sita back as there are also many bad omens.
Strangely, it is seen that Vibhishana, a Rakshasa, is privy to information which one would think only gods would know. I am sure there is an explanation for this. In any event Ravana just mocks his brother with, even shiva and Vishnu have fled before my darts. And taunts 'fear not I will call thee to the field: rest thou at home secure!.'
Vibhishana makes one more attempt by telling him the story of Hiranyakashipu, who was far more powerful and stronger and yet was torn to pieces by a man-lion, another incarnation of Vishnu. But Ravana does not pay heed and accuses his brother of coveting his crown. 'Thy heart is full of dark designs, and thou dost love my hated foes, belying thy race: me thinks the cobra is less deadly than thee.... Open not they lips again, leave me straight! If thou dost show thy face in these my realms, thou die'st at once.
Vibhishana finally gives up and says, 'I intend nothing but thy good, but thou will not listen. Forgive my boldness, I go.'
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