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Continued
from yesterday's instalment
 The appeals of those Vanara warriors did not appeal to Tara in the least. She was not worried about her own safety or about the welfare of her son. Her mind was set only on Vali who was in the jaws of death. Valmiki says, “Hearing the submission of the monkeys (who were only at a short distance from her), the aforesaid lady (Tara) of charming smiles made a reply which was worthy of herself.” (Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, Canto 19, Sloka 17)
‘What is the purpose of thinking of my safety, or securing the kingdom of Kishkindha for Angada now? The roots of my very existence have been shaken. Let me be with my master now. Leave me alone.’
“Now that the highly blessed Vali (a veritable lion among monkeys) is dying, what purpose of mine will be served by my son (Angada) or sovereignty or even by my (own) self? I shall seek the soles of feet of that exalted soul alone, who has been laid low with an arrow discharged by Sri Rama.” (Ibid, Sloka 18-19)
What Tara had was a really excellent opportunity. History is replete with instances of people encashing such opportunities and take advantage of the situation when such support was available. That too, the support here is offered voluntarily, without being asked for. Tara, who showed such diligence and prudence and even went to the extent of advising Vali to install Sugriva as Prince Regent to make the best out of a bad situation, is not prepared to listen to them. One might think she was overpowered by grief and therefore her mind was blunted by the shock of her life, which led her to refuse the offer of support by a section of the Vanara warriors.
But it was not so. This suggestion to install Angada as the king comes from Hanuman himself. It might perhaps be shocking to hear that Hanuman, who has all along been working for the annihilation of Vali, who paved the way for his death to enable Sugriva to become the king made this suggestion. Nevertheless, the fact remains that he did so.
 This scene occurs when Hanuman comforts a lamenting Tara and reminds her of the duties that remain to be performed, like performing the obsequies of Vali. He says, “Nay, all the tigers among monkeys as well as this son of yours, Angada, and the kingdom of the monkeys and the bears have their protector in you, O irreproachable lady! Gradually, spur on to activity these two (Sugriva and Angada) who are distracted with grief, O good lady! Let Angada, taken by the hand by you, rule the earth………Vali (the king of monkeys) ought in every case be cremated and let Angada be installed on the throne. Beholding your son seated on the throne, you will have peace (of mind).” (Ibid, Canto 21, Sloka 8-10 - extract)
Such suggestion coming from the close associate of Sugriva, one who grew up with him and played with him from boyhood, as the Poet puts it ‘like fire and wind.’ There cannot be any better opportunity to turn the tables against them. A better opportunity came her way in a later canto, though. But look at what the wise lady says.
More follows...
Hari Krishnan
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