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Re: Kakasuran

From the Bhakti List Archives

RANGASWAMY • October 28, 1996 


Srimate Vedanta MahadesikAya Namaha,

Sri Vijay Srinivasan has shared with us a beautiful description by  
Swami Desikan of Kakasuran's Sharanagati. In this context, I would like 
to comment on the fact that the Lord uses Dandam only as a last resort
(Dandam Dashagunam Bhaveth). The gentleness of Lord is such that 
even his worst enemies would be forgiven, if they surrender to him. 

Lord Rama promised Vibishana that Vibishana would become the next 
king of Lanka. In a final attempt to avert the war Rama sent Angada with 
a message to Ravana that if Ravana restores Seeta to him (Rama), Rama 
would forgive him and the war would not take place. Hearing this, Sugriva is 
agitated and asks the Lord "If Ravana surrenders to you, what would 
become of your promise to Vibishana?" Adikavi Valmiki protrays this 
incident beautifully through the line "Ramo Dwirnabibashate". The Lord's 
reply reflected in the above line is "If Ravana surrenders to me, Vibishana 
shall become the king of Lanka. However, Ravana will be the emperor of 
Ayodhya."

When all the kings and princes allied with the Pandavas assembled in 
Virata's court, there was only talk of war. However, Lord Krishna 
advised the allies of the Pandavas that the war shall take place only as a 
last resort after all avenues for peace are closed.

Seeta Lakshmana Hanumath Sametha Sri Ramachandra Swami Parabrahmane Namaha,

Muralidhar Rangaswamy