Who looked upon him with a compassionate eye and said, ‘Abandon all sorrow and perform Ravana’s funeral rites.’ In obedience to the Lord’s command Vibhishana performed the last rites, strictly observing the scriptural ordinance and with due regard to time and place.

After offering to the deceased handfuls of water and sesamum seeds, Mandodari and all the other queens returned to the palace, inwardly lauding Raghunatha’s many excellences.

(After performing the funerary rites) Vibhishana returned and bowed his head once again, and the All-merciful then sent for his brother and said, ‘Do you and the Monkey King, Sugriva, as well as Angad, Nala and Nila. Jambavan and the Son of the Wind, prudent as you are, together go with Vibhishana and crown him king. In deference to my father’s command,’ said Raghunatha, ‘I will not enter the city, but I send the monkeys and my brother to take my place.’

On hearing the Lord’s command the monkeys immediately departed and made ready for the coronation. With due reverence they set him on the throne, and after marking his forehead with the royal sign, hymned his praises -

and with folded hands bowed their heads before him. Then with Vibhishana they rejoiced the Lord. Raghubira next called the monkeys together and gratified them all with gracious words.

The lord put new heart into them with these ambrosial words; ‘It is by your might that the enemy has been slain and Vibhishana crowned king. Your glory will remain ever fresh in all the three spheres. Whoever with perfect devotion shall sing your glorious renown and mine shall cross without effort the boundless ocean of existence (i.e., birth and death).’

The monkey host does not tire of listening to the Lord’s words; again and again they all bowed their heads and clasped his lotus feet.