Courage From Faith Confront Arrogance
The sun loomed large over the shining towers of Lanka as a remarkable guest readied to step into the demon king’s territory. This was not just a typical diplomatic mission; it was a sacred story about to begin, where courage from faith would confront arrogance from strength.
The Brave Messenger
बंदि चरन उर धरि प्रभुताई। अंगद चलेउ सबहि सिरु नाई॥
After bowing to the Lord’s feet and cherishing His glory in his heart, Angad set off, bowing to all.
Young Angad, son of the mighty Bali, possessed something far more potent than weapons. As he entered the demon capital, he held Shri Ram’s grace in his heart. This divine shield made him naturally brave, changing what looked like a diplomatic mission into a spiritual exhibition of where true power lies. Upon reaching Lanka’s gates, destiny arranged a quick test. Ravan’s son challenged him, and soon, the prince was on the ground. The demons fled in fear, whispering among themselves: “The same monkey who burned down Lanka has returned!” (Thinking of Shri Hanuman).
The Lion Enters the Den
गयउ सभा दरबार तब सुमिरि राम पद कंज। सिंह ठवनि इत उत चितव धीर बीर बल पुंज॥
Remembering Lord Ram’s lotus feet, Angad reached Ravan’s court, standing proud like a lion, a true symbol of strength and patience.
A young monkey prince steps into the presence of the world’s most feared demon king. He walks like a lion among sheep, his calmness unbreakable. Why? Because he does not rely on his own power, but serves as a tool of divine purpose.
When Ravan, who looked like a mountain of darkness, mocked him, asking, “Who are you, monkey?”, Angad’s response revealed the heart of true devotion. He defined himself not mainly by his own successes, but as Ram’s messenger, and then, remarkably, as a friend who came to save Ravan from his own downfall.
The Wisdom of Devotion
What ensued was not just a debate, but a clash of two different beliefs. Angad, with compassionate courage, advised the demon king-
सुनु रावन परिहरि चतुराई। भजसि न कृपासिंधु रघुराई॥
जौं खल भएसि राम कर द्रोही। ब्रह्म रुद्र सक राखि न तोही॥1॥
Hear me, Ravan, abandon your deceitful ways. Why do you not honor the ocean of compassion, the leader of the Raghus, Shri Ram? O’ Wretch, if you oppose Shri Ram, even Lord Brahma and Lord Shiv will be powerless to protect you.
Go to Shri Ram with Sita ji, crying ‘Save me, save me!’ The moment He hears your desperate call, the Lord will free you from all your fears.” This was not mockery. It was heartfelt spiritual advice.
Empty Boast
Ravan’s answer showed the sad blindness of those who judge strength only by material success. He flaunted his twenty arms, his victories across the cosmos, and his worship of Shiva with his own severed heads. However, Angad, with piercing clarity, revealed the emptiness behind this display-
सत्य नगरु कपि जारेउ बिनु प्रभु आयसु पाइ। फिरि न गयउ सुग्रीव पहिं तेहिं भय रहा लुकाइ॥
“Is it true that Hanuman burned your city without even waiting for the Lord’s command? Maybe that’s why he didn’t return to Sugriv—he was hiding in fear!”
The sarcasm was sharp. Here was a demon king who claimed to have conquered everything, yet a single monkey had raided his capital, killed his son, and left unscathed. Where was his so-called power then?
The Immovable Foot of Faith
The confrontation peaked when Angad, calling upon Ram’s glory, planted his foot firmly in the assembly and proclaimed-
जौं मम चरन सकसि सठ टारी। फिरहिं रामु सीता मैं हारी॥
“If anyone can lift my foot, I will accept defeat!”
कोटिन्ह मेघनाद सम सुभट उठे हरषाइ। झपटहिं टरै न कपि चरन पुनि बैठहिं सिर नाइ॥
Millions of warriors, as strong as Meghnad, rushed forward eagerly, but the monkey’s foot stayed put.
Defeated, they lowered their heads and sat back down. This was not about Angad’s physical strength; it was about surrendering to the Divine. His foot, grounded in devotion to Ram, became as unmovable as a saint’s dedication to righteousness. Even Ravan’s strongest warriors, including the mighty Indrajit, could not shift it. The scripture beautifully illustrates how saints remain firm in their principles despite numerous challenges. Material power, no matter how great, cannot disturb what is rooted in spiritual truth.
The Universal Message
This timeless story resonates deeply with our lives today. How often do we, like Ravan, assess our worth through external accomplishments, wealth, status, and intelligence, while ignoring deeper truths? How often does our ego, bolstered by real successes, blind us to when we are on a harmful path?
Angad represents what we all need, the courage that comes not from arrogance but from alignment with a higher purpose. His fearlessness was not recklessness; it was the natural confidence of someone who has surrendered personal desires to divine will.
The immovable foot symbolizes the power of conviction rooted in truth. When our actions are aligned with righteousness and our hearts with the Divine, we too can stand unmoved before the mightiest forces of opposition, whether they come as external challenges or internal doubts.
A Spiritual Contemplation
Ultimately, Ravan’s arrogance stopped him from accepting the help offered by Angad’s mission. He opted for the sorrowful choice of protecting his pride instead of saving his kingdom and his life. This narrative prompts us to consider: When life sends us messengers, whether as situations, inner guidance, or advice from the wise, do we heed their call? Or do we, like Ravan, allow pride to block our path to change?
प्रनतपाल रघुबंसमनि त्राहि त्राहि अब मोहि। आरत गिरा सुनत प्रभु अभय करेंगे तोहि॥
O Protector of those who submit, jewel of the Raghu lineage, please save me! When He hears your desperate plea, the Lord will certainly free you from all fear.
This promise is everlasting. The Divine does not wait for our perfection, but for our genuine surrender. In that surrender, there is no weakness, but immense strength, the strength that made Angad’s foot unmovable, the strength that changes fear into faith, and ultimately, the strength that guides us home.
