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The awesome power and spiritual greatness of the leading characters of the Sri Ramcharitmanas leave us spellbound when we read about them. Amongst them the role of Angad is a comparatively small one yet, when studied very closely, he presents a most fascinating picture to a spiritual seeker. A sadhaka is able to easily identify with him and can derive much inspiration from his example.Most of the leading characters of the Ramcharitmanas present themselves as perfected beings from the moment they are introduced in the epic. The unique feature of Angad’s personality is that he is seen to undergo a progressive transformation from the time he is introduced to the end of the narrative. The growth, development and final emancipation of this great devotee of the Lord is a shining example of sadhana in progress.
In the Sri Ramcharitmanas, Angad is first introduced in the Kishkindakand through the words of his dying father, Bali, who said to Sri Rama, “This son of mine, Angad by name, is my equal in training and strength. O Bestower of Blessedness; therefore, accept him, my master; and holding him by the arm, O Lord of gods and men, treat him as Your servant.” (Ramcharitmanas 4/chanda2) Bali’s words indicate that Angad was present there when his father had consecrated him to the service of the Lord. It is generally accepted that the act of surrendering to the service of the Lord is a matter of personal choice for the devotee. It is highly unusual for someone else to decide this on the devotee’s behalf, even if it is the devotee’s own father. Furthermore, the sequence of events preceding this act of consecration indicate that it was unlikely that Angad was consulted on the matter or even showed a preference for it. But it does indicate how confident Bali must have been of his son’s unquestioning obedience to his wishes and Angad’s subsequent conduct vindicates that confidence of Bali. Consequently, Angad accepted his position as a servant of the Lord, but only in deference to his father’s wishes. As we shall see, it would be much later that he would do so with passion and commitment. After the death of Bali, Sri Ram instructed Lakshman to crown Sugriv as the king and install Angad as the Crown Prince.
The group sent out by Sugriv in the southerly direction to search for Mother Sita constituted of stalwarts like Hanumanji, Jambhavan, Nal and Neel; yet, the young and inexperienced Angad was made the leader of this group. This choice was possibly made on account of Angad’s position of seniority as Crown Prince of the kingdom or perhaps it was suggested to Sugriv by Sri Ram who may have wanted to instill self-confidence and a sense of responsibility in His young ward and prepare him for his future position as king of Kishkinda. But Angad evidently viewed this as a ruse by Sugriv to get rid of him. This feeling of Angad was strengthened by Sugriv’s decree of punishing them with death if they returned after one month without finding Mother Sita. Angad openly aired this feeling later when they had determined to fast unto death rather than go back and face execution. He said, “It is death for us both ways. Here we have failed to get tidings of Sita and if we go home King Sugriv will behead us. He would have finished me immediately my father was killed, had not Sri Ram protected me; hence I owe no gratitude to him.” (Ramcharitmanas 4/24/2-3). These words indicate that even though it was Sri Ram who had killed Bali, Angad was by now satisfied that Sri Ram had borne no personal malice towards him or his father but he was still apprehensive about the intensions of his uncle Sugriv.
To be continued...
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