(In the last episode,
Ravana had been told by Vibheeshana about the abduction of Kumbheenasi by demon
Madhu. Vibheeshana had also hinted that instead of punishing Madhnu, it would
be better to make alliance with him and get him married with Kumbheenasi. What
was the reaction of Ravana is narrated in this episode. Please read, comment
and share. SDN)
Ravana was not prepared for any compromise or
alliance with demon Madhu. On the contrary, he was enraged by what Vibheeshana
told and he decided to first kill Madhu and then go for another expedition of
the world of deities Devaloka. He arrived at Madhupura along with a huge army.
Immediately on seeing Ravana, Kumbheenasi surrendered to him, fell at his feet
and requested him not kill her husband. Ravana agreed for the sake of
Kumbheenasi. He took Madhu along with him for the expedition over Devaloka.
He reached Mount
Kailasa. He asked his cavalcade to rest on the mountain where Kubera was
residing, climbed the tip of the highest tower in that mountain and was
savouring the scenic beauty at night, especially after the Moon appeared in the
sky. The milky moonlight, romantic music that was being played by the Kinnaras,
the pleasant fragrance of flowers, songs being rendered by the Apsara women,
chilly breeze and the enthralling beauty of the surroundings of that mountain
were sufficient to arouse lust in the mind of Ravana. At that particular
moment, his attention was caught by a very charming Apsara called Rambha
treading through his vast army. The numerous jewels she was wearing just
enhanced her charm and attraction. Perturbed and aroused by sensuous feeling,
he caught Rambha by her hand and proudly described his own bravery, glory and
inimitable status. He requested her to become his wife. She said:
“Oh Ravana, most
virtuous and great sage Nalakubara is the son of your elder brother Kubera. I
am going the place he has indicated by wearing all these jewels and dress. He
is waiting for me there. You should not try to spoil the relationship that is
going to develop between I and him. As he happens to be your son too, I am your
daughter-in-law. You should protect me if someone tries to spoil me. Under
these circumstances, it is not right on your part to try to spoil me.” Rambha was
indeed shivering when she was replying to Ravana.
Ravana said: “Oh
Rambha, the rule that a man should not rape another person’s wife is applicable
in places where only such families are living. Being an Apsara, you are just a
concubine of all deities. Therefore, principle of monogamy holds no water here.
Even Nalakubara has relationship with several prostitutes like you. Therefore,
there is nothing wrong in my having sex with you.” Ravana forcibly raped Rambha, who ran in
dismay and misery to Nalakubara and narrated what transpired with Ravana. She
begged Nalakubara to pardon her. After hearing Rambha, Nalakubara pronounced a
curse to Ravana: “If at all Ravana tries to forcibly enjoy another woman like
what he did with Rambha, may his head be shattered into seven pieces.” Ravana
came to know about the curse and since then, he never tried to enrage the fidelity
of other women. All those women Ravana had dragged from different places and
kept in his custody were delighted to hear the curse as Ravana had to abstain
from such forcible acts since then.
