In the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana, there is a fascinating tale that underscores the cosmic significance of Rama's birth. In the kingdom of Ayodhya, the joyous occasion of Rama's birth was being celebrated. However, far away in Lanka, the mighty demon king Ravana was experiencing an unusual disturbance.
As Rama was born, Ravana felt an inexplicable unease. His
magnificent throne, usually a symbol of his unshakable power, began to tremble.
This was not an ordinary tremor; the throne started vibrating violently,
unsettling Ravana. To his astonishment, the throne then began to jump
erratically, causing his crown to topple from his head.
Ravana, known for his unflinching composure and might, was
utterly shocked. He could not comprehend how such a thing could happen. In his
bewilderment and anger, he summoned his powerful son, Indrajit, renowned for
his martial prowess and formidable magical abilities.
“Indrajit, come to me at once!” Ravana commanded. When
Indrajit arrived, Ravana ordered him to find and kill Vasuki, the serpent king
who held up the earth. Ravana believed that Vasuki’s actions were the cause of
his throne's strange behavior and his crown's fall.
As Indrajit prepared to carry out his father’s orders,
Vibhishana, Ravana’s righteous brother, intervened. He approached Ravana with a
different perspective. “Listen, O King,” Vibhishana said calmly, “somewhere in
this vast world, the one destined to slay you has been born. This extraordinary
event is a sign of that momentous birth. Do not direct your wrath towards
Vasuki or the earth.”
Ravana, still grappling with his disbelief, listened as
Vibhishana continued, “This is not a time for impulsive action against the
natural order. Instead, recognize that Narayana, the Supreme Being, has
incarnated on earth. It is His birth that has caused this cosmic disturbance.”
The words of Vibhishana carried the weight of wisdom and
truth. Ravana, though arrogant and powerful, was also intelligent enough to
understand the deeper implications of these events. He realized that the birth
of Rama, an incarnation of Narayana, was an event of cosmic importance,
signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the divine play that would
ultimately lead to his own downfall.
Thus, the incident of the falling crown and the trembling
throne was not merely a physical occurrence but a profound omen, heralding the
arrival of Rama, who would grow up to challenge and vanquish Ravana, restoring
dharma and order in the universe.