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Vali Vadham 5

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Hari Krishnan • November 6, 2001 


The unintended faux pas


One is surprised to see the reaction of Sugriva, despite being prepared by Hanuman to face the occasion, when he met Rama for the first time.  Hanuman had obtained a detailed account of their background and had informed Sugriva of the prowess of these warriors and also conveyed him the message the Sri Rama wants his friendship.  

'maayaiyal madhi ilaa nirudhar kOn manaiviyaith theeya kaan neriyin uiythanan.'  The stupid king of the ogres coveted the wife of Rama surreptitiously in the forest.  'avaL thEduvaar.'  (Rama and Lakshmana) have come in search of her.  'nee aiya thavam izhaithudaimayaal,' because of your past good deeds 'nedu manam thooyaiya udaimayaal,' and because your mind is so pure 'uravinaith thuNiguvaar.'  They look forward to an association with you.  

Sugriva was told in very clear terms that these princes belong to a very reputed family of high lineage.  Hanuman had also narrated the exploits of the forbears of Sri Rama.  Therefore, Sugriva was fully aware that a person of very great stature has come to him, seeking his help.  Sugriva had nothing worth to mention to his credit.  His beginnings were overshadowed by his elder brother of supreme strength and valour.  He was so loyal to him and knew nothing beyond service to him.  Such a solicitation from a personality of Rama's standing would have gone into the head of anyone else placed in Sugriva's position.  Not so, for Sugriva.  He is still frozen with fear of his brother.  He is not able to think of anything else.  See how he reacts to Rama's opening statement when they meet.  Rama says:

'mai aru thavathin vandha savari im malayil nee vandhu eiydhinai irundha thanmai iyambinaL.'  Sabari informed us how and why you are residing in this place.  'yaangal utra kai aru thuyaram ninnal kadappadhu karudhi vandhEm.'  We are in a great distress.  We came to see you and seek your help in overcoming it.   

When such a great person bends to such a humble level, see how our hero responds.  'muraNudaith thadakkai Ochi munnavan pinvandhEnai iruL nilaip puRathin kaarum ulagu engum thodara,' My elder brother with a raised hand chased me all over the dark corners of the earth (with the intention of beating me to death) 'ik kundru araN udaithu aagi uyndhEn' I found that this hillock (provided me security against him) to be my fortification and have been living here ever since, because 'aar uyir thurakkal aatrEn' I could not give my life up.  'charan unaip pugundhEn.'  I surrender unto you.  'enaith thaangudhal dharumam endran.'  It is your dharma to protect me.  

Sugriva didn't even care to reply Rama.  He doesn't even show the semblance of having heard what Rama said.  He acts as if he has not heard anything from his lips.  That doesn't however mean Sugriva was so selfish as to press for his demand first.  He was so frightened out of his wits that he did not realise that Rama was looking for his support, because he had already started mentally depending on Rama.  Kamban builds this drama in sharp contrast to what Valmiki had painted in his canvass.  There Sugriva speaks with Rama as an equal, narrates his story on the first encounter, puts Rama to test, twice to ensure that this person is capable of delivering the goods.  

There is a purpose behind Kamban's building an element of innocence in the character of Sugriva.  





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