Introduction
Vibhishana is the youngest brother of Ravana. Unlike his brothers, he is righteous. He tried to persuade Ravana to return Sita, and when Ravana refused, he left Lanka and joined Rama. After the war he became king of Lanka.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Vishrava
- Mother: Kaikesi
- Wife: Sarama
- Siblings: Kubera, Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Shurpanakha, Khara, Dushana, Trishiras
- Daughter: Trijata
The righteous brother
According to the Uttara Kanda, when Brahma offered boons to Ravana and his brothers, Vibhishana asked only that his mind should always be devoted to what is right. Brahma granted it and added that he would be immortal.
Leaving Ravana
Vibhishana urged Ravana many times to give Sita back. In court, Ravana insulted him and struck him. Vibhishana left with four companions and flew to Rama's camp. Some of the Vanaras doubted him, but Hanuman and Rama accepted him, because Rama held that anyone who comes for protection should be given it. Rama had him consecrated as the king of Lanka.
In the war
Vibhishana told Rama how the Rakshasa warriors could be defeated. He guided Lakshmana to the sacrificial site where Indrajit was preparing his final ritual.
After the war
Vibhishana brought Sita to Rama and performed Ravana's funeral rites, which Rama had told him to do. He ruled Lanka justly, and is counted among the immortals (chiranjivi) in tradition.