Laghu YOGA VASISHTHA - HolyBooks.com

LAGHU YOGA VASISTHA
terrific lion in strength and Devendra in
intrepidity. Raghava will easily put an end to the
invincible Rakshasas. Therefore, oh king, cast aside
all fears about him on the score of his youth. Munis
like me will never direct their minds to dubious
matters which will involve persons in pain. It is
only men like myself and Vasistha that can really
gauge the unfathomable greatness of Rama, who is
superior to all If you care for greatness, Dharma
(virtues) and fame, then you should hand over to
me Rama at once. There is nothing, which truly
noble persons withhold from a suppliant. If you
dost give him over to me, I tell you truly that Rama
will annihilate the brave Rakshasas.‟
Hearing these words of Viswamitra, Dasaratha
was bewildered and after a Muhurta, breathed the
following words in a plaintive tone: My son is very
young, being not yet turned sixteen. He has not
fought up to now. Therefore he will not be able to
cope with the Rakshasas of terrible prowess. He is
quite ignorant of the tactics of war in meeting his
foes. Therefore your poor servant will himself go in
his stead with the four-fold army and fight with
51