Sugreev was left staggered when he heard of Lakshmana’s coming into Kishkindhā. He began to run helter skelter in agitation. He was well aware of Lakshmana’s anger and knew that it shall not bode well if Lakshmana was to unleash his fury on him.
He approached Tārā and said, ‘What do you think may be Lakshmana’s reason for anger. A man like him cannot be agitated for no reason. Have we done something wrong which made him livid?. Tārā, I insist that you go to Lakshmana and try him to calm him down. I shall go in front of him only when his anger is simmered down.’
Tārā complied and went to where Lakshmana was. When Lakshmana found him in Tārā’s proximity, he was instantly assuaged.
‘What makes you so angry, o Prince?. Who disobeys you?’ asked Tārā, her head bowed down with respect and feet trembling with fear.
‘Are you not aware of Sugreev's condition? He has lost his mind to the luxuries of his regal life. We had planned to begin our expedition in four months, which have already passed. But yet Sugreev has shown no indication of undertaking any endeavour from his end. Instead, he is busy relishing the pleasures of life.’ Lakshmana answered.
‘If the favours of a friend are not rightly reciprocated then it leads to curtailment of Dharma. It is said that there are two kinds of friends- one who helps you in gathering wealth and second, who leads you to the path of Dharma and truthfulness. But I find no such well- wisher in Sugreev. In such a state, what should we do?’
Tārā knew that what Lakshmana just said was right. His anger was not misplaced. She spoke imploringly, ‘ It is not behoving to be angry at such a time. It is anyways not right to be angry on your friends or well-wishers. Sugreev have always been loyal and dedicated towards Rāma. Hence, kindly forgive him if he did something wrong. We are aware of your indignation and we are also aware of our duties. Now kindly come inside our chambers.’
At Tārā’s behest Lakshmana ushered in the splendiferous palace of Sugreev, where the latter lay adorned with exquisite clothes and ornaments, his respeldence, as great as Indra.
When Sugreev's eyes found Lakshmana, he instantly lef
t his throne and stood over his legs. Lakshmana neared him and started venting out his frustrations and gripes. Lakshmana told him that he felt appalled over Sugreev's lackadaisical demeanour in helping Rāma. Especially, after Rāma had helped him regain his kingdom and wife back, it was his moral duty to help Rāma complete his endeavour. Watching a livid Lakshmana, Tārā stepped forward and said, ‘ Sugreev is the king of the vānaras, hence it doesn't behove you to speak to him in such a manner. Sugreev has forgotten the compassion that Rāma had shown on him. He has suffered a lot over many years and have finally tasted the joys of recreation. This is why he temporarily forgot his duties and responsibilities. Kindly don't be angry on him. Even Vishwāmitra had lost himself indulging in with Menakā. Sugreev has already sent messengers to bring vānaras from all around the world. Hence, give up on your fury now.’
Anger had now withered away from Lakshmana, ‘Kindly forgive me for the harsh words I said’, apologised Lakshmana.
Therefore, Sugreev ordered Hanuman to once again send in for all the vānaras from all the corners of the world. The expedition to find to Sitā was about to begin!
Jai Shree Ram! 🕉️🙏
Source: Sarg 33–36, Kishkindhā Kānd, Vālmiki Rāmāyana