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 With the appearance of Maruti in the sky with the mountain of herbs, the air was filled with the good effects of the herbs and the army rose up again. Lakshmana stood up as fresh as he was before the battle started. All the Vanaras breathed again, all their wounds healed and limbs restored. Happiness filled the air, as the army became so euphoric. Shouts of joy were heard everywhere. Rama was once again his own old self. His gratitude towards Maruti was just immeasurable.
Rama was extending his brotherhood to Guha, Sugriva and Vibishana. Hear what he says to Hanuman.
'ennin thondriya thuyarin eeru ser mannin thondrinom' We were born to the King (Dasaratha) who died because of the sorrow caused by me.
'munnam maandulom' We died anon. 'ninnin thondrinom neriyin thondrinai!' Now we are born to you, the very embodiment of virtues.' Rama is so moved, that he includes himself in the multitude that fell on the ground by the effect of Brahmastra, though he was untouched by it.
And once again we see Hanuman standing there, touching the feet of Rama and giving only such information that is relevant and no more. While the entire army is ecstatic, Hanuman is not in any way affected. He is the same old calm and composed self. Neither his attitude nor his activities show him in a frame of mind that feels so high about his achievement, though it was no small feat. His mind is preoccupied with the next step - that of putting the mountain back in its place!
 Have you seen what Ravana lost in the bargain? When I think of this incident, I am reminded of the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, (in his address in Panjim, Goa) 'There can be no victory or defeat in a nuclear war. It brings common destruction for all'. If nuclear war would bring common destruction for all, the reverse is true of the mountain of herbs. It brings common welfare for all. Remember that Ravana ordered that the dead bodies of all rakshasas should be thrown in the sea, before Sita was brought to the scene? Had he left those bodies on the field as they were, the rakshasas would have also regained their lives! The fact that those were dumped in the sea stopped the effect of the herbs bringing about the common good!
 Maruti's character is beyond compare. He symbolises wisdom, strength, valour and above all, humility. He was privileged to bear the throne of Rama, on his coronation.
'ariyanai anuman thaanga' The throne was borne by Hanuman.
'angadhan udai vaaL endha' Angada bore the sword of Rama…… and thus was Rama crowned, goes the verse. That is another significant and noteworthy gesture. The sword of Rama was carried by Angada, though Vali was killed by Rama. The Vali episode has attracted lots of criticism and it deserves to be studied.
Before that there are a few minor characters in the epic who have not been discussed at all, but little or no attention has been paid to them. Kumbakarnan is one such character who symbolises duty and Dharma. We will spend some time in the study of this rakshasa of a higher and noble calibre, who has hitherto been looked at as worthless lazybones - 'thoongu moonji' as people call him!
Hari Krishnan
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