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In early 2021, we took a drive from Bangalore to Madurai. We traversed through Thripullani, Rameswaram, and then to Dhanushkodi.

It was a beautiful day as we reached the southern tip if India. Just before reaching the tip of the land at Dhanuskodi, I observed a road on the left side and wondered where it was leading to as there were no signages.

Upon arriving there, we were pleasantly surprised to find a temple there. Parking the car, we went up to see the signage to see that it was the Kothandaramaswamy temple. 

The Kothandaramaswamy Temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, but what is unique is that it is the only temple dedicated to Vibhishana, who we know as Ravana’s brother. It was no coincidence that only recently had I begun to chant the Hanuman Vadavanala Stotra which – yes you guessed right – had been composed by Vibhishana. The temple is one of the 108 Abhimana sthalas or Abhimana kshetras – which are different from the 108 Divya Desams. 

This temple stands as the lone survivor of the devastating 1964 cyclone that swept away Dhanushkodi. It enshrines the deities of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman, and Vibhishana, this sacred site is surrounded by the sea. Situated on an island that is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Gulf of Mannar, the temple is located 13 kilometers from Rameswaram. Lord Rama stands here with his bow or kothanda and hence the temple is known as the Kothandaramaswamy temple.

According to legend, this temple holds historical significance as the place where Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother, sought refuge or Saranagati with Rama. We will come to the concept of Saranagati shortly. After advising Ravana to return Sita to Rama following her abduction, Vibhishana fled from Lanka when his counsel went unheeded. He came to Rama and with great bhakti and devotion surrendered or performed to Saranagathi to the feet of Lord Rama.

The Vanara army wanted to be cautious and warned Sri Rama that Vibhishana could be a spy. However, it was Hanuman who insisted on accepting him, emphasizing Rama’s duty to protect those who sought refuge onto him. It is believed that after the defeat of Ravana, Rama performed the “Pattabhishekam” (ascension as the King of Lanka) for Vibhishana at this very temple.

Vibhishana Saranagathi: History and mythology are replete with instances of pure devotion displaying the six-fold factors of surrender. The oft-quoted example is the Vibhishana saranagathi, as this brother of the demon, Ravana, sought refuge in Sri Rama under difficult circumstances. No wonder then that he is considered an epitome of bhakti. When Lord Brahma appeared before the three brothers, Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishana, who were in penance, and granted them any wish, Vibhishana merely asked for blessings that his heart should have love for the Lord at all times, while his two brothers asked for personal boons.

There are six steps to surrender as described in the Bhakti Sandarabha (written by the 16th century saint Jiva Goswami), which says

ānukūlyasya saṅkalpaḥ
prātikūlyasya varjanam
rakṣiṣyatīti viśvāso
goptṛtve varaṇaṁ tathā
ātma-nikṣepa-kārpaṇye
ṣaḍ-vidhā śaraṇāgatiḥ

This is the first step towards total surrender where favorable thoughts (anukulya sankalpa) lead to an intense yearning for the Lord. Despite having a dominant brother in Ravana, Vibhishana tells him that it is wrong to have kidnapped Sita and tries to make Ravana see reason.Vibhishana’s personality is initially timid and only after sadhana does he muster the courage to openly eschew unrighteousness (pratikulasya varjanam). This is the second step to surrender. He leaves Lanka because he finds it difficult to practice dharma and he is sure that the Lord will protect him when he seeks refuge. This is the third step to surrender (raksisyati iti visvasah). The faith that the Lord will grant him refuge is the fourth step to surrender (goptrtve varanam). Vibhishana then reaches Rama’s camp where Sugriva, the king of monkeys, warns Rama, that he is, after all, a rakshasa and therefore not to be trusted. But Rama dismisses the warning, affirming that even if the worst sinner were to come to him seeking refuge in repentance, he would forgive him. Vibhishana, on the other hand, cannot believe his good fortune in actually being in the presence of the Lord. Instantly, the last two factors of surrender – casting oneself at the mercy of God (atma-niksepa) and expressing total helplessness (karpanya), burst forth in his heart.

Lord Rama then addresses Vibhishana as Lankesha (king of Lanka). At that instant, it is clear that Ravana’s days are numbered. Vibhishana, who had no desire for power or wealth, and had surrendered to Sri Rama, was instructed by the Lord to take care of Lanka. Hence, Vibhishana Saranagati is an example of how God showers us with his blessings even when unasked.