Trust in the Sacred Name – The Story of Vibhishan Ji
पवित्र नाम पर विश्वास – विभीषण जी की कथा
This beautiful spiritual story was shared by Sant Trilochan Darshan Das Ji to explain the power of faith in God’s Sacred Name and the importance of complete trust in the Guru’s guidance.
It is believed that Vibhishan Ji, the younger brother of Ravana, still lives on this earth and is among the eight immortal beings (Ashta Chiranjivi) who will assist the future incarnation of Kalki Avatar in the fight against the darkness of Kalyug.
Like Hanuman, Vibhishan Ji was deeply devoted to the Holy Name of Lord Ram and constantly remained immersed in remembrance of God.
After the death of Ravana, Vibhishan Ji was chosen to become the next king of Lanka. However, there was a Rakshasa who strongly opposed this decision. He was extremely loyal to Ravana and worshipped him with great devotion.
Filled with anger, the Rakshasa said to Vibhishan Ji:
“You are responsible for Ravana’s death. I will never allow you to become the king.”
Vibhishan Ji calmly replied:
“Then you must leave Lanka and go live somewhere else.”
The Rakshasa answered helplessly:
“Lanka is surrounded by water from all sides. I do not know how to swim, nor can I fly. I was born and raised on this land — how can I possibly leave it?”
Hearing this, Vibhishan Ji asked his servants to bring a patri — a thin wooden sheet used in ancient times for writing — along with a kalam (pen). He wrote something upon the patri, closed his eyes in deep remembrance of Lord Ram, and handed it to the Rakshasa.
Vibhishan Ji instructed him:
“Keep this patri tightly closed within your fist. Do not open it or try to read what is written inside.
As you walk toward the ocean, show your closed hand to the sea,chant the name and the ocean itself will make way for you.”
He further warned:
“But if you open your hand and doubt what has been given to you, the ocean will swallow you.”
The Rakshasa replied:
“I will chant the name of Ravana.”
Vibhishan Ji said peacefully:
“Chant whichever name you wish, but keep this patri safely within your closed fist and continue your journey.”
The Rakshasa began walking across the ocean, and just as Vibhishan Ji had said, the sea gave him a clear path.
But while standing in the middle of the ocean, curiosity entered his mind. He began wondering:
“What kind of mantra is written on this patri that even the ocean is obeying it?”
Unable to control his doubt, he slowly opened his fist and read the words written upon the patri:
“Shree Ram”
The moment he saw the sacred name of Lord Ram, anger filled his heart.
He shouted:
“I was carrying this mantra in my hand?” In arrogance and disbelief, he threw the patri into the ocean.At that very moment, the sea swallowed him, and he drowned.
Vibhishan Ji himself had the support and grace of Lord Ram. Out of compassion, he offered that same divine protection to the Rakshasa so he could safely cross the ocean and begin a new life elsewhere.
But the moment doubt entered the Rakshasa’s mind, he lost the very support that was protecting him.
This story teaches us the immense power of the Sacred Name and the importance of unwavering faith. A soul that truly holds onto God’s Name with trust and devotion never falls.
Guru Nanak beautifully says in Gurbani:
“Tera Ek Naam Tare Sansar”
Your One Sacred Name carries the entire world across.
The blessed Naam is the true support of the soul. It guides a person through the journey of life and helps the soul fulfill its purpose on this earth.