Lanka Kaanda
170 - Mandodari offers advice to Ravana once more
Chaupais
Description
"He who had the ocean bridged as a mere pastime and has encamped with His host on Mount Suvela, the same merciful Lord, the glory of the solar race, sent to you in your own interest an ambassador who, like a lion in the midst of a herd of elephants trampled on your might in open court. Nay, He has for His servants most formidable warriors like Angada and Hanuman, who are so dauntless in battle; and still, my beloved lord, you speak of Him again and again as a mortal ! In vain do you carry on your head the burden of pride, attachment and arrogance. Ah, my lord, you have turned hostile to Sri Rama and, overtaken as you are by death, the light of wisdom does not dawn on your mind. Death does not smite anyone with uplifted rod; he simply robs the victim of his piety, strength, reason and judgment. He alone whom death has approached very near falls a prey to delusion like you."