Srila Prabhupada established over 108 ISKCON centers in 10 years, the world over.
15th Aug, 2005 - Maha Pattabhishekam
Synopsis


Vibhishana, brother of Ravana, surrenders to Sri Rama, having failed in his attempt to make Ravana see the folly of keeping Sita captive. Rama, with the aid of the army of monkeys, builds a bridge across the ocean and engages in battle with Ravana. On the first day of battle, Lakshmana is mortally wounded but is saved by a miraculous herb. After a fierce battle, Ravana is killed. Sita proves her purity by entering the fire and is united with Sri Rama. They return to Ayodhya and Rama accepts His kingdom back from Bharatha.


Scene I

Vibhishana goes to Ravana's palace where pujas are being performed for Ravana's victory in battle, and there is much dancing and music and chanting of mantras . Ravana enters, heralded by the sound of conch and tabor and is greeted respectfully by his courtiers. He announces his decision to fight with Rama as he cannot give up the beautiful Sita, whom he had abducted with such cunning from Dandakaranya. Vibhishana remonstrates with him, pointing out the folly of such a course of action, which would surely lead to ruin. There had been many inauspicious portents, he warns Ravana, since Sita's arrival in Lanka. Ravana, blinded by infatuation, turns to him in anger and accuses him of disloyalty and treason. Defeated, and with a heavy heart, Vibhishana leaves him and Lanka, and, rising in the air, crosses the ocean and goes over to Rama.

Scene II

In Rama's camp, preparations for battle are going on. Rama retires after asking Sugriva and the others to make plans to cross the ocean, when Vibhishana appears. He introduces himself as Ravana's brother and pleads with Sugriva to take him to Rama, for he had come to surrender himself to him. While Sugriva and Jambavan are suspicious, Hanuman is favourably impressed by Vibhishana's direct manner and noble countenance, and believes him. Rama decides to accept Vibhishana as a friend. "I fear no one nor can this rakshasa harm me," He says, with supreme confidence, allaying the fears of His companions, "Nor can I turn away any being who with folded hands thus comes to Me in abject surrender." He tells Vibhishana that He would surely destroy Ravana and crown Vibhishana King of Lanka. In symbolic affirmation of this, He bids Lakshmana to perform the royal anointing ceremony there and then, on the shores of the ocean.

Scene III

The vast army of monkeys build a bridge across the ocean to Lanka. The battle begins and Ravana directs a most powerful weapon called Shakti against Vibhishana, but Lakshmana intervenes and destroys it. Ravana then directs the weapon at Lakshmana himself who is struck by it and swoons. Hanuman rescues the unconscious Lakshmana and carries him away to a safe place. In the face-to-face battle between Rama and Ravana, Ravana loses his strength for a moment. With characteristic nobility, Rama sends Ravana back to recoup his strength.
Scene IV

Returning to camp, Rama is broken-hearted and inconsolable over Lakshmana's inanimate form. Sushena, the monkey doctor, however, detects signs of life and sends Hanuman to fetch the sanjeevi herb which would restore Lakshmana to life. Hanuman goes in search of the herb, but not being able to distinguish it, breaks off the entire mountain peak and brings it. Sushena finds the miraculous herb and restores Lakshmana to consciousness.
INTERVAL

Scene V

The Gandharvas and Apsaras, celestial beings who are observing the battle, describe the end of Prahasta, Kumbhakarna and Ravana's beloved son Indrajit. Enraged by the death of Indrajit, Ravana fights fiercely. Sage Agastya comes to the aid of Rama and teaches Him the powerful mantra, Aditya Hridaya. Rama slays Ravana. Celestial maidens shower flowers on the victorious Rama. Vibhishana and Ravana's wife Mandodari mourn the death of Ravana and lament over his body.
Scene VI

Vibhishana now brings Sita to Rama in a decorated palanquin, and she approaches eagerly, overcome with emotion by Rama's presence. Rama turns away from her and with cruel words, upbraids her of her unchastity. "I have done My duty by rescuing you from the enemy," He says, "but I cannot accept you back as My wife and you may go where you please." Heart broken, Sita commands Lakshmana to build a fire, which, she says, she will enter to prove her innocence. When she enters the flames, Agni the fire god himself lifts her out unscathed and presents her to Rama saying, "Accept O Rama, the unsullied Sita. Vaidehi is pure and no sin can touch her." Rama joyfully accepts Sita, saying that He had never doubted her purity or her devotion to Him, but He had arranged this test by fire, only to prove her chastity to the whole world.
Scene VII

Bharatha is in despair since the time limit set for Rama's return to Ayodhya is drawing to a close. He is seen worshipping Rama's sandals ( paduka ) and preparing to end his life by entering the fire. Hanuman who had been sent ahead by Rama appears in time to prevent this. He gives Bharatha the joyous news of Rama's imminent arrival. The citizens of Ayodhya decorate the city, preparing it for the coronation of Rama.
Scene VIII

After receiving the blessings of His mothers and Sage Vasishta, Rama accepts the kingdom back from Bharatha by symbolically stepping into His sandals which Bharatha had placed on the throne. Sage Vasishta performs the Maha Pattabhishekam (coronation ceremony). After the ceremonies, Rama gives Sita a magnificent necklace, directing her to present it to whosoever had pleased her most with his devotion and valour. Hanuman is thrilled when Sita presents the necklace to him. There is great rejoicing, music and dancing and Sri Rama blesses everyone.