After Rama defeated Ravana, King of the Rakshasas, he appointed Ravana's virtuous brother, Vibhishana, to rule the rakshasas of Lanka. Ravana had been Rama's enemy, but Vibhishana was Rama's devoted follower and had helped him during the war.
Years later, a merchant was shipwrecked on the shores of Lanka. Vibhishana's servants brought him before the king. As soon as Vibhishana saw the man, he was filled with joy. "Oh, this human resembles my beloved Rama!" Vibhishana ordered the rakshasas to clothe the man in fine robes and jewels, and he then worshiped the man as if he were Rama himself.
Inspired by: Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna
Notes: This is story 147 in the book. You can read more about Vishbishana, one of the "immortals" (chiranjivi), at Wikipedia. See also this story from Ramakrishna: Vibhishana and the Rama-Nama.
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