Vibhishana, having abandoned Lanka, his friends, and all his wealth, came before Rama and sought refuge in him, the protector of all beings. He declared that his kingdom, his very life, and all his happiness now depended entirely on Rama. Hearing these earnest words, Rama looked at Vibhishana with kindness and spoke gently, comforting him. Then, gazing intently, Rama asked, “Tell me truthfully, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the rakshasas?” Thus addressed, Vibhishana began to reveal all of Ravana’s might. He explained, “O prince, by the boon of the Self-born, the ten-headed Ravana cannot be slain by any being, nor by gandharvas, serpents, or birds. My elder brother, next after Ravana, is Kumbhakarna, mighty and radiant, equal to Indra in battle. The commander of Ravana’s forces is Prahasta—perhaps you have heard of him—who even defeated Manibhadra on Mount Kailasa. Indrajit, Ravana’s son, wears impenetrable armor and gauntlets; standing with his bow, he becomes invisible and cannot be slain. In great battles, after offering oblations to fire, the illustrious Indrajit becomes unseen and strikes down foes, O Raghava. Mahodara, Mahaparsva, and Akampana are his generals, each equal to the guardians of the worlds in battle. There are one hundred thousand million rakshasas of changing forms, devourers of flesh and blood, dwelling in Lanka. With these forces, Ravana fought even the guardians of the worlds and, together with the gods, they were defeated by him, the wicked one.” Hearing these words, Rama, the best among the Raghus, pondered deeply and then spoke, “Whatever evil deeds of Ravana you have described, O Vibhishana, I understand them fully, just as you have recounted. Yet even if Ravana enters Rasatala or Patala, or seeks refuge with the Grandsire himself, he shall not escape alive from me. Without slaying Ravana in battle—along with his sons, kin, and relatives—I will not return to Ayodhya. By these three brothers of mine, I swear this.” Hearing Rama’s resolute words, Vibhishana, righteous and humble, bowed his head and pledged, “I will do all in my power to help destroy the rakshasas and win Lanka. I will enter the army and serve in this cause.” As Vibhishana spoke thus, Rama embraced him warmly. Pleased, Rama said to Lakshmana, “Bring water from the ocean.” With that water, Rama instructed, “Quickly anoint this wise Vibhishana as king of the rakshasas, with my favor.” By Rama’s command, Lakshmana anointed Vibhishana king in the midst of the foremost vanaras. Witnessing this act of grace, the vanaras immediately shouted praise, hailing Rama, the great-souled one, with cries of “Well done! Well done!” Then Hanuman and Sugriva turned to Vibhishana and asked, “How shall we cross the unshakable ocean, the abode of Varuna, surrounded as we are by all these mighty vanaras? Let us find a way to approach the lord of rivers and streams so that our army may swiftly cross to Lanka.” Vibhishana replied, “Raghava, the king, should seek refuge with the ocean. This immeasurable expanse was dug by Sagara; the ocean ought to aid Rama, his descendant.” Hearing Vibhishana’s wise counsel, Sugriva, along with Lakshmana, went to Rama and relayed these auspicious words as they sat beside the ocean’s shore. The proposal suited Rama’s righteous nature, and it pleased both mighty Lakshmana and Sugriva, lord of the monkeys. Smiling, Rama said, “Lakshmana, this counsel of Vibhishana pleases me. Sugriva is always wise, and you are discerning in counsel; let what pleases both of you, after deliberation, be spoken.” Thus addressed, Sugriva and Lakshmana replied with proper respect, “O tiger among men, why would Vibhishana’s advice, given at this favorable time and certain to bring success, not please us? Without building a bridge across this dreadful ocean, Lanka cannot be reached, not even by gods and demons together. Let the words of heroic Vibhishana be carried out as he has spoken. Let there be no further delay—let the ocean be commanded, so our army may proceed to Ravana’s city.” Thus resolved, Rama lay down upon the grass-strewn bank of the mighty ocean, as if upon a sacrificial altar. Now, listen to the next part of the story in the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, in the Book of Battle. At this time, a rakshasa named Shardula, full of might and acting as Ravana’s spy, approached and observed the army encamped under Sugriva’s protection. Seeing the host of monkeys and bears calm and ready on all sides, Shardula quickly returned to Lanka. Entering the city, he reported to Ravana, “Indeed, the host of monkeys and bears is advancing upon Lanka.