Manifestation of gods in different forms to help Rama 1.17.5-8
Gods came in the form of monkeys. Why can’t the gods take human form? During Rama’s stay in the forest and after the abduction of Sita when the time came for Ravana to be killed, men would not have been able to help because Rama was living as a sage. The literal meaning of vanara is ‘like humans’. There is also the fact that Nandi had cursed Ravana that he and his clan would be killed by monkeys “Tasmanmad rupasamyukta madvirya samatejasah Utpatsyanti Vadhartham hi Kulasya Tava vanarah,” having the same valour as oneself by the rule.
For the very purpose of helping Rama, others also have been created with unlimited knowledge, strength and long life. Among them is Jambavan who was born from the mouth of Brahma when he was yawning. According to the direction of Brahma, Indra gave birth to Vali. Why did he bring forth a son who was an enemy of Rama? The reason is Vali did not have any kind of enmity towards Rama. But had he been on Rama’s side, Ravana would have returned Sita immediately because Vali was stronger than Ravana as apparent from the way he had kept Ravana tucked under his armpit for long. Had he asked Ravana to return Sita, he would have done so and that would not have served the purpose of the gods because then Rama would not have killed Ravana. Therefore, to kill Ravana, Rama had to be a friend of Sugriva who was suffering from the same loss. Rama became a friend to Sugriva and killed Vali for his sake. Moreover, Rama would not have sought friendship with Vali and vice versa. The army of gods born as monkeys would not have been needed.
Manifestation of gods in different forms to help Rama 1.17.5-8
Gods came in the form of monkeys. Why can’t the gods take human form? During Rama’s stay in the forest and after the abduction of Sita when the time came for Ravana to be killed, men would not have been able to help because Rama was living as a sage. The literal meaning of vanara is ‘like humans’. There is also the fact that Nandi had cursed Ravana that he and his clan would be killed by monkeys “Tasmanmad rupasamyukta madvirya samatejasah Utpatsyanti Vadhartham hi Kulasya Tava vanarah,” having the same valour as oneself by the rule.
For the very purpose of helping Rama, others also have been created with unlimited knowledge, strength and long life. Among them is Jambavan who was born from the mouth of Brahma when he was yawning. According to the direction of Brahma, Indra gave birth to Vali. Why did he bring forth a son who was an enemy of Rama? The reason is Vali did not have any kind of enmity towards Rama. But had he been on Rama’s side, Ravana would have returned Sita immediately because Vali was stronger than Ravana as apparent from the way he had kept Ravana tucked under his armpit for long. Had he asked Ravana to return Sita, he would have done so and that would not have served the purpose of the gods because then Rama would not have killed Ravana. Therefore, to kill Ravana, Rama had to be a friend of Sugriva who was suffering from the same loss. Rama became a friend to Sugriva and killed Vali for his sake. Moreover, Rama would not have sought friendship with Vali and vice versa. The army of gods born as monkeys would not have been needed.