Demon king Ravana’s brother Vibhishana is immortal – Here’s why

Rama and Ravana. Pic courtesy: Thinkstock image for representation purpose only.

Demon king of Lanka – Ravana – is one of the most important characters of the great Indian epic – Ramayana. Ravana abducted Lord Rama’s wife Sita in disguise of an elderly sadhu while she was waiting for her husband and brother-in-law Lakshmana to return from the forest.

Ravana forcefully draged her to his Pushpak Vimana and flew to his kingdom Lanka. On learning that Sita had been abducted by Ravana, Rama and Lakshana went in search of her. Noble beings Jatayu, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Nal and Neel, Jambhavan helped the brother duo at different junctures during their search in reaching Ravana’s kingdom. But there was someone besides them, who was instrumental in Rama’s victory over Ravana. And it was Ravana’s brother Vibhishana.

Despite hailing from a demon family, Vibhishana was inclined towards the grace of Lord Rama. He kept warning his brother of his misdeeds. He did not appreciate his brother’s act of abducting someone else’s wife.

But in spite of his repeated requests, Ravana continued to keep Sita captive and decided to wage a war against Rama.

To walk the path of truth and righteousness, Vibhashana joined Rama’s army to fight against his own blood brother.

He knew the secret to Ravana’s end. He disclosed the same to Lord Rama, who then eliminated Ravana to win back Sita.

For his noble deeds, Vibhishana was granted the boon of immortality. He is one of the eight Chiranjeevis.

Cues that we can take from this character of Ramayana:

• Walk the path of truth and righteousness even if your dear ones go against you.
• Speak the truth.
• Truth and good alone will prevail.