Messenger Shuka

 Messenger Shuka

Ravana then summoned Shuka, one of his trusted ambassadors, and gave him a mission.

“The Vanaras are getting closer. I didn’t think they were so reckless, yet they are coming. Let’s try to avoid the war. Take a message to their leaders to try to discourage them, and when you’re among them, take a good look at their number and the true extent of their strength. You are an expert; you know how to recognize the capabilities of an enemy. Go, then, and come back soon.”

Shuka traveled quickly and arrived where the Vanaras were encamped. He was amazed to see how many they were. They looked like a swarming moving ocean, where every drop was a warrior determined to have justice. He asked for their leader and was taken to Sugriva, to whom he read the message. He was so insolent and aggressive that some Vanaras took the message from him and beat him up.

Rama promptly ordered them to stop, warning them that that was not a civilized behavior. He freed him and allowed him to finish reading the message that had been sent to Sugriva.

“… Do not help, therefore, Rama in this desperate enterprise, where you will lose everything, including your life,” Shuka finished frightened. “Take my side, and I will cover you with riches and glory.”

“Did you hear that cowardice?” Sugriva shouted as soon as he had finished listening to the message. “He is afraid of us and is trying to convince us to abandon the mission.”

Everyone broke out with mocking laughter. Sugriva continued:

“Listen to me well, messenger. Tell your master this: courage is a wealth that he does not have and therefore, he cannot give me. Tell him that we will soon arrive in Lanka and will destroy him, his whole lineage, and his city. We will not betray Rama.”

Shuka was not allowed to return to Lanka immediately. The Vanaras thought it would be better to free him when they were closer to the island.