Lanka Kaanda
173 - Malyavan's admonition to Ravana
Chaupais
Description
Perceiving that it was now night, all the four divisions of the monkey host returned to the camp of Kosala's lord. The monkeys were all relieved of their fatigue the moment Sri Rama cast His benign look on them. There (in Lanka) the ten-headed monster sent for all his ministers and told them about the warriors that had been killed in action. "The monkeys have disposed of half our forces; tell me at once what counsel should be adopted." "There upon Malyavan, a very aged demon, who was Ravana's maternal grandfather and an eminent counsellor, spoke words of highly devout wisdom: "Listen, my son, to a few words of advice from me. Ever since you carried off Sita and brought Her here, there have been illomens more than one can tell. By opposing Sri Rama, whose glory has been the theme of the Vedas and Puranas, none has ever enjoyed happiness."