After abandoning Lanka, Vibhishana was plagued by doubts about whether Rama would accept him. Seeking guidance, he decided to consult his elder brother Kubera, who resided on Mount Kailasha and was a close friend of Shiva.
"My mind is restless," Vibhishana confided to his
friends. "I plan to visit my eldest brother, Kubera, who lives in Kailash
and is a friend of Shiva."
His friends agreed, and using the path of the sky,
Vibhishana and his companions swiftly reached the majestic Kailash.
From his divine abode, Shiva observed their arrival and
remarked to Parvati, "Look there, Vibhishana is coming to meet his
brother. He tried to reason with Ravana but was insulted. If Kubera cannot
convince him to join Rama, then I must intervene. It is crucial for Vibhishana
to ally with Rama, for only then will Ravana meet his end."
Shiva instructed Nandi to prepare his bullock. With Parvati
seated in front, Shiva mounted the bullock, and they made their way to Kubera's
palace.
Kubera, seeing Shiva's approach, hurried to greet him and
Parvati. The two deities exchanged respectful greetings, and Shiva was welcomed
into Kubera's opulent palace. Parvati and Shiva's followers were also
accommodated. As Shiva and Kubera began their conversation, Vibhishana arrived
with his four friends.
Noticing Vibhishana's arrival, Shiva spoke to Kubera,
"Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, is here. He advised Ravana to
return Sita, but Ravana refused and insulted him, leading to his departure from
Lanka. He wishes to serve Rama but is uncertain. Encourage him to go to Rama.
His alliance will be pivotal in Rama's victory over Ravana."
Vibhishana, upon seeing Shiva and Kubera together, was
overjoyed. Shiva, a deity revered even by the gods, was there before him.
Overcome with emotion, Vibhishana prostrated himself at the feet of both Shiva
and Kubera. Shiva blessed him, and Kubera embraced him warmly. Vibhishana then
recounted his dialogue with Ravana and his subsequent departure from Lanka.
Kubera listened attentively and then advised, "Go to
where Rama and Sugriva are. Serve them with dedication."
Vibhishana remained silent, pondering the advice. Sensing
his hesitation, Shiva interjected, "What are you thinking? Follow your
elder brother's counsel."
Reassured by the divine endorsement, Vibhishana felt a surge
of determination. Bowing once more to Shiva and Kubera, he set forth on his
journey to join Rama, confident that his path was now divinely sanctioned.
This story is found in the Bengali Krittibasi Ramayana.