Thursday, June 6, 2024
Contents
Story of the King Sudyumna
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People who have lost their way deep in a forest are in a pitiable state with lurking dangers and hidden troubles. Those not skilled in living, for as long devotion to the Lord hasn't begun, will experience grief. One has to win at home before claiming victory in public. When there are obstacles at both ends, then there is no peace. One has to be guided by divine light to enjoy life fully. Such light is called"dyumna" which has a synonym "strength". By adding the prefix "su", it means a wonderful life that gives pleasure.
Married life is for following dharma more than enjoyment with senses. People entering married way, without grasping its essence, give rise to the widespread belief that such life is to experience sorrow and happiness is the period between sorrows. When a couple understands each other there won't be any setbacks, otherwise they will live in confusion like strangers. This is the message of Sudyumna's history. His history teaches us not only about how to live in a home, but also how to conduct in public. A person following this history will attain a happy life.
Suta was telling Sounaka and other rishis in Naimisa forest: King Pareekshit asked Suka Brahma"Mahatma, I am blessed to hear from you about Lord Narayana's avatars during various periods of manu. I would like to know about the dynasty of Vaivaswata manu who is the predecessor to Ikshwaka kings".
The four-faced Brahma was born from the lotus standing on the knavel of the Lord. Mareechi was born to Brahma, Kasyapa was born to Mareechi, Vivaswana was born to Kasyapa and Manu was born to Vivaswana.
Manu was childless. So sage Vasishtha performed yagna to appease the sun god and Varuna Deva. Manu's wife was Sradda which literally means concentration.
Manu wanted a son as the fruit of the yagna. But Sradda told the conductor of the yagna that she desired a daughter. Consequently Sradda gave birth to a daughter called Ila. Manu was troubled. He approached his guru, Vasishtha, and expressed his grief. Vasishtha consoled him and started thinking of a way to resolve the quandary.
A married couple should stand on the same page to enjoy their lives. They should understand each other. When one has a higher objective, the other should respect it. Sradda desired a daughter contrary to Manu. So trouble started in the marriage. Ila was born. Ila means earth. People who don't grasp the Lord live down to earth. They get caught in the death-birth cycles.
Trouble can arise in any marriage. That can't be a reason to weaken the resolve. One has to drive away darkness and replace it with light. A discourse from an ascetic can help. One can approach a guru for advice. With his blessing and discourse the darkness will be dispelled and filled with enlightenment.
Those approaching the guru, sometimes, request him to not give advice contrary to their interests and beliefs. Then what is the need for a guru? Is he there to give advice or receive advice?
"The world is dying of want, not of good preaching but of good hearing" said Bradman.
Vasishtha revealed Sradda's request to Manu. In an effort to assuage Manu he prayed to Lord Vishnu to transform Ila into a masculine form. The Lord granted his wish. Ila turned into a male called Sudyumna.
Sradda didn't cooperate with Manu, making him depressed. So he approached his guru for counsel frequently.
Sudyumna grew up into a young prince. One day he went out hunting with ministers. They entered a forest called Sukumara. As soon as he entered the forest, he turned into a woman. His horse turned into a mare. All of his retinue turned into feminine forms.
Pareekshit was mystified and asked Suka for the reason behind this transformation of gender.
The Sukumara forest was near mount Meru. Lord Maheswara and his consort Uma Devi frequented the garden. One day rishis made a surprise visit by entering the garden to salute the couple. One has to have protocol before approaching elders. One should conduct by knowing the preferences of the people before meeting them. As they got near the couple in their private moment, they were tormented with shame and embarrassment. They turned back and went about their way.
Umadevi was consternated. To please her, Lord Maheswara said"Any man entering this garden will turn into a woman." From then on any masculine form entering the garden turned into its feminine counterpart.
Sudyumna wanted to make most of what he got and played with his feminine ministers. The son of moon god, Budha, fell in love with her. They got married and had a child.
After some time Sudyumna recalled his past. He prayed to the guru Vasishtha. Having known Sudyumna since birth, Vasishtha was flabbergasted to know about his new found form. Feeling remorse he prayed to Lord Sankara who blessed Sudyumna by alternating his gender every month. He would rule as the king in one month. And in the following month he would be a housewife. This was not a convenient arrangement by any means to Sudyumna or the subjects.
Sudyumna abdicated his throne to his son Puroora and went to forests for penance. Manu, still bent on having a son, performed penance for a hundred years. With Sri Hari's blessing he begat ten sons. Among them Ikshwaka was the eldest and most valorous.
Ikshwaka had a brother called Prushadhra. He was cursed for committing a sin unknowingly. He lived to experience the curse and attained salvation.
History of Prushadhra
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Prushadhra was commanded by the guru to be a cow herder. He was watching over the cows and taking good care of them. One night due to a storm, it was raining hard. A tiger entered the cow pen. The frightened cows ran hither thither. Prushadhra saw the tiger attacking a cow in the darkness. The cow bleated loudly. He went near the cow. He mistook it for the tiger. Using his sword he severed the head of the cow. The tip of the sword pierced the tiger that ran away.
Prushadhara thought he killed the tiger. In the morning, he found out that he killed a cow. For a sin committed inadvertently he was in sorrow. The guru, Vasishtha, was enraged after coming to know that a cow was killed. He cursed Prushadra to be born as a sudra, the lowest varna. Prushadhara accepted the guru's curse.
Hard times make some stone hearted. Grief for some shows a path of enlightenment. Prushadhara belongs to the second kind. He considered his guru's curse as a blessing in disguise. He acquired devotion for Lord Hari. He became dear to all animals. Controlling his senses, he gave up association, and became peaceful. He was always satisfied. He roamed like a blind and deaf person. One day in the forest using yoga he annihilated his body and attained liberation.
Whether one touches fire knowingly or unknowingly he would sustain burn injury. Similarly a sin committed won't discriminate based on one's cognisance. When one atones his sin like Prushadhara by hardship and suffering, he will be at peace and attain salvation. Even before he was cursed, Prushadhara had self realization. Lord's grace is directed at those who seek liberation by sacrifice. We can draw two lessons from this.
Prushadhara in haste killed the cow and acquired sin. So we should not do things in a hurry. We should think twice before acting once. This way we avoid committing faults.
Even when cursed Prushadhara didn't lose his heart and wallow in self pity but directed his mind towards devotion to the Lord and attained liberation.
History of Sukanya and Chyavana
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King Saryati, the son of Manu, had a daughter called Sukanya. One night Saryati went along with his daughter to visit Chyavana maharshi. Sukanya, accompanied by her maids, was roaming around the ashram. They were collecting flowers and fruits. They saw an ant hill nearby. Through a hole in the ant hill, Sukanya saw flashing lights. Curiously, she picked up a thorn and pricked at the source of the light. Immediately blood oozed out.
King Saryati's retinue were constipated. Saryati was surprised. He enquired everyone to ascertain if someone violated good behavior in the ashram. The frightened Sukanya admitted her mistake.
Sarvati was in grief. He approached the ant hill and prayed to Chyavana who was pacified. He gave his daughter in marriage to the rishi and left. In the flow of time what happens or how it happens can't be foretold. Lord's escapades are beyond imagination. Happiness and sorrow are self made. We leave ownership to the Lord when we commit an act inadvertently.
"We make our fortunes and we call them fate" said Disraeli
Sukanya was serving her husband with devotion. Chyavana was leading a happy married life. One day the sons of Aswini who was the doctor of Devas, came to Chyavana's ashram. The rishi worshiped them. He told them his body was withered with sagging skin and fading senses. He requested them to grant him youth. The sons of Aswini acceded to his request and made him young with a handsome body.
King Sarvati, one day, visited Chyavana's ashram with a desire to do a yagna. He saw Sukanya and a man resplendent with youthful vigor and aura. He was troubled to see his daughter courting a youth.
He said"Wicked one, you are cohabiting with a youth by rejecting your aged husband. I never dreamt that you would stoop so low. You brought infamy to my dynasty by acting like a prostitute". Thus he blamed Sukanya.
Sukanya listened to her father's words and said smilingly"Father, you daughter would not commit faults. Nor sin. She will enhance the prestige of the dynasty but not otherwise. He is none but your son-in-law, rishi Chyavana".
She then filled in the details to her father who was elated. He hugged his daughter with tears of remorse. Chyavana conducted a yagna as per Sarvati's wish. Sarvati begat three sons called Barhi, Anarhu and Bhoorshenu.
Anyone can go near a river. Only those knowing how to swim can frolic in the river. Similarly one can approach any guru, but not know how to behave before him. Those who know how to behave can find enlightenment. Sukanya crossed her limits in the Chyavana ashram and embraced sorrow. But by her exemplary service to her husband she bounced back to a happy state. The disciplined ones would be like Sukanya. The service done to the elders would never go to waste.
Manu Dharma said"By saluting, serving gurus one can increase his lifespan, knowledge, aura and strength"
The story of Ambareesha
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Nabhagu, the son of Manu, had a son called Naabhaagu. He performed service to his guru by staying at his home. Thinking he would never return, his brothers divided the inheritance among themselves leaving nothing for him. After some time Naabhaagu had returned from guru's home to his birth home. He wanted his brothers to give his share of the wealth inherited from their father. His brothers told him that Nabhagu, their father, himself was his share.
The innocent Naabhaagu approached his father and said"My brothers gave you as my share of the wealth. It is not just a share, it is my fortune".
Nabhagu was disturbed by his guileless son. He said"Son, being ingenuous, cheating you is very easy. Don't believe in your brothers. With my senility, I can't be your fortune. In fact, I will be a burden to you. I will give you advice and please follow it. The Angirasa rishis are performing a yagna. Go seek their patronage. Learn the mantras that are dear to Vaiswa Deva. After the yagna, they will give you a treasure".
As per his father's advice Naabhaagya went to the yagna. At the end of the yagna, as his father said, the rishis gave him alms. As he was about to leave a strange man came and claimed"The treasure in this yagna is all mine".
Naabhaaga said"Rishis gave me alms. So it is all mine".
The man said "If that is so, let us take this dispute to your father and abide by his decision".
Naabhaagaa approached his father and told him what happened. His father said"Son, rishis gave your share to Rudra Deva. Hence the strange man who wanted your share is actually the Rudra Deva".
Naagbhaagaa saluted the Rudra Deva and said "O Deva, my father said this share I got from the rishis is actually yours. Please excuse me. I bow in respect before you. Please take this share".
"Son, your father said it right. You too told me the truth. I am delighted. I will tell you the Brahma mantra. Along with it, I will give back your share" said Rudra Deva.
Naabhaaga was innocent, guileless and ingenuous whose mind and heart were pure. Those who follow dharma, will be protected by dharma. They will get the full support of the Lord. In such person's dynasty mahatmas and great devotees will be born.
Sri Suka happily said"Naabhaagaa had a son called Ambareesha. He was the foremost among the devotees of the Lord. Even the curse of a rishi, who never failed, could not affect him".
Pareekshit said"Suka Deva, what a wonder. I want to hear the story of such a great devotee. Please tell me".
Ambareesha was very fortunate with a great deal of wealth. Even though he was wealthy he lived like a common man. He was wary of pride and didn't let it affect him. He thought the wealth was ephemeral and impermanent. He was of the view that wealth gives rise to covetousness.
Ambareesha was an ardent devotee of Vasudeva. Not only that, he worshiped the devotees of the Lord and derived the satisfaction of serving the Lord.
Ambareesha's mind was alway focused on the Achyuta. He constantly chanted Lord Narayana's names. His actions centered around the services to the temples and worship of the Lord. He would only listen to Lord's stories. He would only see the Lord in everything. He bowed to the Lord at every opportunity. He frequented the Lord's temples. All of his desires were centered on the Lord. He associated himself only with noble people. His senses were attuned to serving devotees and touching their feet. He considered the holy water with basil as the most tasteful. Thus, Ambareesha served the Lord with all his senses and thoughts.
Ambara means the sky. Isa means Eswara. Sky is limitless. That which pervades inside and outside is called the sky. Ambareesha is one who sees the Lord everywhere.
Tejobindu Upanishad said"There is no other refuge than self. Parmatma envelops all of the world's forms and shapes".
Even though Ambareesha was a king, he was always enthused to clean the temples despite having a legion of workers to clean and tend temples.
Ambareesha once conducted a horse sacrifice to please Sri Hari. He took the assistance of sages Vasishtha, Asita and Gautama. They performed yagna for the sake of the world. Ambareesha didn't pay attention to it, but always reveled in devotion to Sri Hari. His subjects followed suit. They preferred salvation over the pleasures of heaven. Ambareesha's devotion made him ignore his home, relatives, wife and children.
He lost interest in ornaments, wealth. He was always worshiping the Lord.
Once Ambareesha performed a ritual for a year. At the end of the ritual he fasted for three nights. He took ablutions in the river Yamuna and did pooja of Sri Hari. He gave gold, silver, clothes and land to ascetics and brahmins. Ambareesha was known as a true devotee of Sri Hari.
After serving the devotees Ambareesha prepared to perform the finale where perfumes would be offered in the fire. At that time sage Durwasa arrived as a guest. Ambareesha received him with great devotion and requested him to partake in a meal.
Durwasa was satisfied with Ambareesha's devotion and told him to wait as he went to the bank of river Kalindi to perform ablutions. There Durwasa immersed himself in meditation unaware of the surroundings.
Time was running out. Brahmins and ascetics were waiting to partake in the meal. Without satisfying them, Ambareesha couldn't have the meal. If he ate, then it would be considered an insult to Durwasa. If he didn't eat, then it would cause a fault as a new moon calendar day would begin. Ambareesha didn't know what was the right thing to do. He informed the brahmins about his dilemma. They advised him to drink water and satisfy everyone partaking in the meal.
Ambareesha drank water and waited for Durwasa who came to know about his host's minor transgression. He was enraged and seething with anger he said:
"Ambareesha, overflowing with pride and cruelty you violated dharma. You insulted a guest. It is not to be forgiven. You will experience the consequences here and now".
He then created Krutya and released it towards Ambareesha.
Krutya carrying a sword was approaching Ambareesha. Being a devotee of Lord Hari he didn't move an inch. Then a miracle happened. Sri Hari's Sudarshana disc came spinning and disarmed and destroyed Krutya. It then went after Durwasa who was frightened for his life and started running to seek refuge. No one in the three lokas offered protection to Durwasa. He arrived at Brahma Loka and prayed to Brahma Deva for help. Brahma Deva expressed his inability to help him. The rishi then ran to Kailasa where he was told to go to Vaikuntha as the Lord Vishnu alone could protect him.
With despondency and despair, without a choice, Durwasa sought refuge in Sri Hari in Vaikuntha.
"Lord, please forgive my transgression with your ardent devotee. No one else but you can save me" said Durwasa.
Lord said"Brahmin, my devotees by all means serve me. They will not harbor ego or selfishness. They offer everything to me. Hence I gave up my free-will and offered myself completely to their service".
"Brahmin, I am subservient to my devotees and don't exercise independence on their matters. Ascetics have conquered my heart. Those who befriend my devotees are also favored by me".
"Rishi, you sought the help of Brahma Deva and Eswara in vain because they are subordinates to me. I am in subordination to my devotees. Just as my subordinates could not save you, how can I, being in subordination of my devotees, help you?"
"Devotees have deep faith in me. They gave up homes, wives, children, wealth to worship me. They were self-effacing. How can I desert such noble people? Following them is my duty."
"Durwasa, like a chaste woman controlling her husband, my devotees conquered me with their ardent devotion. They give up the pleasures of heaven and keep their faith in me. I can't leave them in their time of need".
"Ascetics are my heart. Their heart is myself. They don't worship anyone but me. I don't think of anyone but them".
"Rishi, I will give you some advice. For the seekers of liberation, knowledge and penance are auspicious. The one with egotism and lacking in respect, both of those qualities give negative effects."
"Go and seek the forgiveness of the one because of whom your life is in danger. Only Ambareesha can save you. You will regain peace after Ambareesha is pacified."
Ambareesha's Generosity
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Durwasa ran to Ambareesha following Lord's command. With remorse he fell on his feet. Ambareesha was disturbed by Durwasa's demeanor. He dissuaded him. He then prayed to the Sudarsha disc to spare the life of Durwasa. The disc retreated. Durwasa praised Ambareesha.
"King, I faulted you. Even then you showed your kindness. This is the greatness of devotees. It's an eye opener for me. I learnt that being devotees of the Lord, there is nothing that is impossible to them. Mahatma, having received your generous forgiveness, I am able to live"
All this time, Ambareesha had not broken his fast. He touched the feet of Durwasa and requested him to join him for a meal. Maharshi acquiesced and blessed the king. Then he went to Brahma Loka. Ambareesha was fasting for a year as Durwasa maharshi ran from pillar to post seeking refuge.
As one like Ambareesha reaches the peaks of devotion, someone like Durwasa arrives to put him to test. In some lust; in some covetousness; in others infatuation. Whatever it may be, the devotee has to steadfastly focus on the Lord to pass the test.
Ambareesha didn't utter one word against Durwasa. He concentrated his mind on chanting the Lord's name. As we chant, the Lord's glorious form will deify. That is what Sudarshana means. It has the capability to destroy Krutya like thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Ambareesha's story shows that devotees of the Lord need not fear for their mortal lives. The Lord takes care of his devotees. In times of happiness and sorrow, the devotees must keep chanting the Lord's name. Also a devotee has to be kind towards anyone blaming him or testing his devotion.
Soubhari's History
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Manu had a son called Ikshwaka. In that lineage, Mandhata was born. He married Indumati. They had three sons: Purukutsu, Ambareesha and Yogi Muchikunda; and fifty daughters who married maharshi Soubhari.
Soubhari was well known for his penance. Devotees thronged his ashram in droves. At some point, they were interfering with his penance. He entered the waters of river Yamuna to be inconspicuous and escape from the public eye.
For penance a favorable spot is necessary. But if the mind isn't pure there is no advantage in doing penance in the most secluded spot. Some people go to ashrams to meditate. There too they discuss worldly matters. It is hard to give up old habits.
Under the river Yamuna's water, Soubhari continued his penance. He saw the copulation among the fishes and was tormented with lust. So he went to Mandhata and asked for the hand of one of his daughters.
Mandhata considered his two options: give his daughter in marriage to an old man like Saubhari or face the wrath of the ascetic.
Mandhata said"If you are chosen by one of my daughters voluntarily then you can marry her".
Soubhari understood Mandhata's stratagem. Who would marry an old, hairless, wrinkled, quivering ascetic? But Soubhari was one step ahead of the game. He transformed himself into a young and robust individual. All of Mandhata's fifty daughters wanted to marry him.
So Soubhari married all of them. He was enjoying the perks of marriage. But were they engendering happiness? Not at all. Soubhari was tormented.
Like ghee poured in fire, Soubhari could not enjoy peace. One day he was all alone and an idea sprang in his mind. He was reminded of his dispassion. He realized his blunder. The penance he garnered over the years was wiped out by watching the copulation of fish in an instant. He wanted to send a message to the future generation of ascetics.
"A seeker of liberation must reject the company of those with lust. He should not externalize his senses. He should pray to Sri Hari in a secluded place. If he wants to associate with someone, it had better be with noble people"
"When I was all by myself in penance I was happy. After watching the reproduction in fish, I became a prisoner of lust. I cohabited with fifty women who procreated into a hundred offspring. Now I am taking care of five thousand children as a householder. Lust will make wisdom disappear. It will turn dispassion by its tail. One under maya can't attain liberation".
Thinking thus, Soubhari turned his senses inward. With dispassion, he renounced the world and went to the forest. The fifty wives, all of whom were chaste, followed him. He performed great penance and attained liberation. His wives too attained good after life.
Sceneries are replete with dangers. They distract us and titillate our hearts towards life robbing worldly pleasures. They will shake the foundations of our meditation and penance and topple the building built on such a foundation. Mere fishes pushed a great ascetic like Soubhari into maya. What more can be said about ordinary beings?
A seeker should control his senses. When distracting images appear, he has to focus his mind on the Lord's divine form. The mantra"Om Namo Vasu Devaya" should be recited. Reading the biographies of great ascetics should be done. By all means the heart should be filled with divine images.
Upanishad said"When discrimination from maya arises, one should focus his mind's eye on Brahman".
Harischandra's Story
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In Mandhata lineage Trisamku and his son Harischandra were born. Harischandra had no children which was a matter of sorrow for him. One day Narada advised him to meet Varuna Deva. The king prayed to Varuna Deva for a child. If he was blessed with a son, he promised to perform a sacrificial yagna. Varuna Deva was satisfied and granted him the boon. Harischandra had a son called Rohita.
Varuna Deva visited Harischandra and reminded him about his promise. Harischandra said after ten days the boy would be strong enough to be sacrificed.
When Varuna Deva visited Harischandra after ten days, he told him to wait until the boy teethed as it was inauspicious to sacrifice a jiva without teeth.
After the boy teethed Varuna Deva came. Harischandra said after all the temporary milk teeth fall off then the boy would be ready for sacrifice.
Varuna Deva came to remind Harischandra about the yagna where his son would be sacrificed. Harischandra told Deva once the permanent teeth came, he would be ready.
This way Harischandra successfully deflected Varuna Deva's claim. Finally he told him being a warrior, once he wore armor he would be ready.
Because of his love for his child, Harischandra lied multiple times in several ways. This was considered as cheating by the Deva. Rohita was grown up and came to know about the agreement between his father and Varuna Deva vis-a-vis his birth. He wanted to save himself by keeping alive. So he took a bow and arrows, and rode to a forest.
Harischandra was indebted to Varuna Deva. The Deva cursed him with an abdominal disease, a stomach ailment.
Harischandra's abdomen kept swelling. Rohita came to know of this and tried to visit his father. On the way he met Indra who advised the boy to finish his pilgrimage. Accordingly, Rohita roamed for five years and decided to visit his father. On his way to the capital, Indra in the form of an old brahmin, obstructed him, advised him to go on pilgrimage and separated him from his father for six more years.
Our karma itself is our undoing. For a long time Varuna Deva was kept waiting. For this reason, Harischandra was made to wait for the return of his son. Without a cause there is no effect. Some games that start with entertainment have a sad ending. Lies are the foundation for the fall.
"Lying is the mother of Violence" said Mahatma Gandhi.
Rohita finally arrived at the capital of his kingdom. He bought Sunassepa, the son of Ajeegarta, and gave him to his father. Harischandra performed the yagna, satisfied Varuna Deva and got relieved from his disease.
The satisfied Indra gave Harischandra a golden chariot. Viswamitra maharshi impressed by Harischandra's resolve and boldness, granted him great wealth. The self realized Harischandra was liberated from his bonds.
Because of lying, Harischandra suffered from abdominal disease. To keep his word he sacrificed everything he possessed. This impressed the elders who rewarded him for his sacrifice.
Those who keep their word given to elders will attain fame. Conversely, cheating elders will accrue sin. One's words should be free from deception. If not, one has to suffer with illness and disease.
Emperor Sagara's Story
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Sagara was an emperor who conducted a horse sacrifice with much fanfare. The horse was stolen by Indra. The sons of Sagara went in search of the horse. They sighted the horse at the ashram of Kapila maharshi. At the time the rishi was in deep meditation. The sons of Sagara blamed the maharshi as the one who stole the horse and were ready to attack him after abusing him. The sixty thousand sons of Sagara approached the rishi. The maharshi sensed them and opened his eyes releasing lethal agni of yoga. All of the sons of Sagara perished in the yoga agni.
As the sons had not returned, Sagara sent his grandson Amsumantu in search of them. Amsumantu arrived at the Kapila maharshi ashram and sighted the horse. He saluted the Kapila maharshi seated nearby. He thought of him as the Lord himself.
"Lord who dwells in all jivas, your appearance severed my infatuation that is the cause for all desires and action" said Amsumanta.
The maharshi recognized him and said"Amsumanta, take the horse used in the yagna with you to your grandfather".
Amsumantu beseeched"Deva, is there any way to restore the lives of my fathers?"
"Amsumantaa, only the Ganga flowing at the feet of Lord Vishnu has the capacity to restore your fathers from their ashes. No other water has the power" said Kapila.
Amsumanta saluted the rishi and took the horse along with him. Sagara was able to conclude his yagna. He later abdicated the throne to Amsumanta and retreated into the forest to attain liberation.
The acetic Kapila turned Sagara's sons into ashes. Whereas the younger Amsumanta received his grace. Amsumanta means one with bright rays, a sun endowed with knowledge. Only the knowledgeable can recognize a scholar. It is not enough if one approaches a guru. One has to be qualified to receive the grace of the guru. This has been the essence of Amsumanta's story.
Ganga's Entry To Earth - Bhageeratha
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Amsumantu enthroned his son and did hard penance to resuscitate his fathers turned into ash. He perished before Ganga Devi could appear.
Amsumantu's son Dileep also tried like his father and died without the grace of Ganga Devi. His son Bhageeratha did mighty penance. Ganga Devi was pleased with Bhageeratha and offered him a boon.
Ganga Devi agreed to restore the dead forefathers with some caveats. She said"King, I am not inclined to flow on earth because men will wash their sins in my water. Where can I go to cleanse myself? Please think about it. The second concern is who can withstand my force when I jump from the sky to the earth? If there is no one to decelerate me, I will go under the ground to Patala loka".
Bhageeratha said"Mother, you don't need to worry. Like a cloth woven by threads, this world is interwoven with Rudra Deva. He will withstand your force."
"As for your other concern, the ascetics, the dispassionate, the renouncers, the pious will bathe in your water and cleanse you of the sins" said Bhageeratha. Ganga Devi was convinced.
The grace of mahatmas is indescribable. The sins from common people washed into Ganga can be cleansed by mahatmas. Hence ascetics are purer than Ganga.
"Teertha" means that which navigates. Like a boat used to cross a river, mahatmas guide us to cross the ocean of life. Hence they are like Teertha. Unless one bathes in Teertha's the sins won't be washed off. Mahatmas by their appearance wash away the sins. So mahatmas are Teertha to Teerthas.
After Ganga Devi agreed to his request, Bhageeratha convinced Lord Sankara to hold Ganga on his head. The Ganga flowed from the lotus feet of Sri Hari, arriving on earth via Lord Sankara's head. Bhageeratha traveled on a chariot leading the way for Ganga thereby going over the ashes of his grandfathers. They all attained liberation as a result.
By the penance of Amsumantu, Dileep and Bhageertha, Ganga came to earth. The ganga of knowledge won't arise without penance in multiple births. One who is pure in thought, word and speech can attain it. Similarly the three stages of yoga can deliver it. The effort put in three stages would give the fruit in the final stage.
In adolescence one has to acquire knowledge; in youth one has to seek; in old age one has to obtain what he sought. The attainment of salvation is the final step.
History of Khatwanga
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In the same lineage was born king Khatwanga. In the battle between Devas and asuras he helped the Devas. Impressed by his service, Devas offered him a boon. He wanted to know for how long he would live. Devas envisioned that he would live for a very short time.
Khatwanga was happy to know. He renounced his wife, children, relatives and wealth. While chanting Lord Vishnu's name he attained liberation. Those who chant Lord's name have no fear of death.
All of the bonds in the world are ephemeral and an illusion. For as long as we are invested in them they won't leave us. When the mind meditates on the Lord all the bonds break naturally.
Our bodies don't last very long. Death can strike at any time. All the castles in the air collapse in a second. All the desires, ideas and dreams are destroyed. Life will come to an end. One has to be aware of these things and spend time in the bhajan of the Lord to attain salvation.
Sri Rama Chandra's History
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After Khatvanga, came his son Deerghabaahu whose son Raghu ruled the land. King Raghu was a great ruler and the Surya dynasty was rechristened after him. Raghu had a son called Aju whose son is Dasaratha.
Dasaratha was an ardent devotee. In his earlier life he was a brahmin. Endowed with good qualities he performed many rituals. Everyday he conducted pooja in a temple with a thousand holy basil leaves. One day Dasaratha had a fever. He prayed to fever and requested it to meet him after his temple visit.
We claim we are great seekers. At the onset of a minor obstacle we stop the worship. True devotion never tires. Nor is it weak. Dasaratha despite many obstacles continued his effort.
Vyasa bhagavan said"One who eats without praying to Lord Vishnu because of infatuation or indolence will go to hell and be born as a boar".
Men without devotion waste their lives. Whereas the disembodied are able to attain human birth with devotion.
Dasaratha's fever subsided. He visited the temple and continued his pooja. Suddenly he heard a loud cry. He opened his eyes and saw a ghost crying. He approached the ghost and asked the reason for its sorrow.
The ghost said"King, in my previous life I did great sin. I ill treated my wife. As a result now I am a ghost. Please help me. Rescue me from this destitute living".
The ghost's plight stirred emotions in his heart. He prayed"Maha Deva, I will offer all of my penance to free this jiva liberated. Please show pity".
The Lord was pleased by the selfless prayer of the brahmin.
"Brahmin, I am impressed by your sacrifice. I am releasing this soul from the ghostly form. You did a selfless service to this ghost. In your next birth you will be born as King Dasaratha. This ghost will serve you as your wife Kousalya. I will be born as your son going by the name Sri Rama" said the Lord.
Kaivalya Sruti said"With sacrifice comes immortality".
The brahmin receiving the grace of the Lord was born as King Dasaratha. He had three wives: Kousalya, Sumitra, Kaikeyi. Dasaratha studied vedas, followed dharma and lived like an ascetic. Valmiki wrote in Ramayana that there was no one with lust, covetousness, cruelty, ignorance or atheism in Ayodhya. Dasaratha ruled Ayodhya like Indra who ruled Amaravati.
Ramayana said"The denizens of Ayodhya were happy, followers of dharma, well educated, always satisfied with what they had, without greed; and always lived truthfully."
Dasaratha was childless. To propitiate the Devas who could give him children he decided to perform a yagna and consulted his gurus. Vasishtha and other rishis recommended horse sacrifice.
Dasaratha conducted the yagna on the banks of river Sarayu in the beautiful spring weather. Rushyasrunga was the master of the yagna. The yagna was conducted with much generosity.
Everyone was satisfied with the yagna. A disembodied soul appeared in the yagna fire. It carried a pudding in a golden vessel. It told them Prajapati sent the vessel and whoever imbibed the pudding would conceive a child. Dasaratha was happy like a pauper finding a treasure. He gave the pudding to his three wives. At the completion of the yagna he gave many alms. To beget children, Rushyasrunga made Dasaratha perform more rituals.
From the day of conception Kousalya Devi spent her time in meditation and pooja. One day Dasaratha approached Kousalya and asked her to wish for anything. She said"Wishes are the root of sorrow. They make the mind impure. I wish that no wishes come to my mind"
Dasaratha asked sage Vasishtha about the significance of Kousalya's reply. He told the king she was going to deliver a virtuous child.
The three wives were now in the ninth month of pregnancy. Dasaratha dreamt he worshiped Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayana. Vasishta upon hearing it said that the Lord would be born to him.
The auspicious moment arrived. On the first month of the lunar calendar, under the star Punarvasu, on the ninth day after full moon, a virtuous child worshiped by the world took birth. He was later called Sri Rama.
Lord Rama was smiling. That satisfied Dasaratha. Whoever runs for his child, will be blessed by paramatma.
Dasaratha's joy was boundless."Guru Deva, please recite veda in this auspicious time" entreated Dasaratha.
Vasishtha was amazed. He said "King, I am unable to remember veda mantra. I even forgot my name. How can I recite veda? On seeing Rama all of my memory has faded".
One who forgets everything upon seeing paramatma is blessed. When one sees pure vital force, how can name and form come to mind? Vasishtha forgot the veda that points to Narayana. Once Narayana is seen, veda will disappear. That's why some ardent devotees ignore vedas.
Sage Narada said"One who renounces veda and develops love for the god is a true devotee".
Vasishtha was a great scholar. One seeing Rama he forgot everything. When seeing paramatma there is no room for a second form. Only when we forget everything paramatma will enter our heart.
One has to be of firm belief that paramatma is with him. In bhajan one should not think of anything but the Lord. One has to chant the Lord's name. It is only then we will receive the kind grace of the Lord. The sage Vasishtha, foremost devotee of the Lord, saw Sri Rama that way.
Once a maid was awestruck by Rama and stood like a statue. Kousalya gave her a diamond necklace in reward for her dedication. The maid would rather hold him for a few minutes as a reward. The queen granted the wish. The maid merged with the Lord for a few minutes and considered it as a reward for good karma of the past.
News about Rama's cuteness spread all over the palace. Everyone was conversing about him and his exquisite persona.
Some people forgot to act when seeing Rama. Some gave up thirst and hunger. When standing in front of paramatma will we remember anything? For those filling their hearts with Rama is there any external attachment?
To celebrate Rama's birth, Gandharvas sang, drum sounds were made, Devas showered flowers, Apsarasas danced. All over Ayodhya's main streets people thronged and danced.
As everyone was celebrating, the lord of the moon, Sasanka was shedding tears. Rama was born in the afternoon. The moon god was in sorrow until the evening. Rama in his subtle form asked the moon god the reason for his sorrow.
"Lord, you are the embodiment of dharma. You uphold dharma. On this auspicious day of your birth, I am reminded of those who didn't follow dharma".
Rama asked who they were. The moon god told him it was the sun god who was not setting and preventing him from rising.
Rama smiling said,"Sun didn't violate dharma. The sunset time hasn't yet arrived. You are tormented because of your desire to see me".
"Rama, is it possible for your devotees to live without you? O savior, refuge of all, the ultimate emperor, I am the only one who is unfortunate for having to wait to see you" said the moon god.
Feeling happy for the moon's devotion, Rama said"Please don't cry. You are melancholic because you are the last one to see me. When I assume Sri Krishna avatar you will along with my parents see me exclusively"
Still the moon god wasn't satisfied. He kept on crying. The generous Rama said"Please don't feel sorrow. I will give you another opportunity. In this avatar my name will be suffixed with yours and people will call me Ramachandra".
Rama is a devotee's best friend and lover. Tears shed for him won't go to waste. The devotees of the Lord don't get a treasure. Nor fame, power and fortune. They will get the Lord himself. One whose mind is basking in the worldly matter won't receive the grace of the Lord. One who surrenders himself totally to the Lord will be preferred by him. Moon god, who received the grace of the Lord was fortunate.
In yudda kanda of Tulasi Ramayana it was stated thus: Rama arrived atop Suchela mountain with his army. Lakshmana made a bed with tender branches and leaves. Rama slept on the bed with head placed on Sugreeva's lap, as Angada and Anjaneya were massaging his legs.
The moon rose in the east. Rama said"Look, the moon has risen. See how beautiful it is. What is the dark spot on the moon?"
Sugreeva said"Lord, it is the shadow of earth".
A vaanara said "It is the result of his fight with Rahuvu".
Another one said "Poison, the brother of the moon, was cohabiting with him"
Hanumanta said"Lord, moon god is your favorite devotee. Your attractive form dwells in his heart. So the dark spot is its reflection".
Bharata, pure at heart and of good conduct, was born to Kaikeyi in the auspices of the star pushya when the sun was in the fish constellation. The next day Lakshma and Satrughna were born under the aegis of Asresha star, when the sun was transiting in the constellation cancer.
The Adolescent Rama
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Dasaratha's sons were growing up. Their adolescence was marvelous and amazing. Rama never troubled his parents. He loved his brothers dearly.
One day Rama came running to Kousalya with a beaming face. She asked the reason for his ebullience. Rama gave the reason as he lost the game and Bharata was the victor. Kousalya was delighted to see how much Rama loved his brothers.
After some time Bharata came to her with a long face. She asked him the reason for it. Bharata said Rama willingly lost the game so that he would end up as the victor.
Kousalya had happy tears. Not only her, we all feel that Rama and his brothers were role models to all adolescents. Rama would salute his parents every morning. One who respects his parents will be endearing to the world.
Dasaratha performed thread ceremonies of all of his sons. Their education was under the tutelage of sage Vasishtha. Even though Rama was a prince who could have learnt in the palace, he went to the guru's ashram to seek education.
Kousalya was an embodiment of dharma and chastity. Everyday she would cook and serve Rama's meal despite having maids and cooks to do that. It is because she wanted to serve the Lord and receive his blessing.
Kousalya transcended love-hate emotions. Even though Rama was sent to the forest by Kaikeyi, she never found fault with her. Those who adhere to dharma will not have jealousy, infatuation or anger. Kausalya never breached dharma.
She said to Rama as he was about to go to the forest"Dear, the best of Raghu dynasty, the dharma you are following with whole heartedness will save you".
She was able to conceive Rama because she never transgressed from dharma. She was fortunate to raise Rama fulfilling his every wish and watching him play. The devotees who never had the privilege could only meditate on Rama thus:
"I am saluting adolescent Rama who is naked, wore a waist band that twinkled, whose forehead is covered by beautiful locks of hair, whose speech is refined, who is most handsome with anklets"
Safeguarding Ascetics
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One day Dasaratha was discussing with relatives and pundits about the marriage of his children. Dasaratha conquered his senses and was an ardent devotee. At that time sage Viswamitra came to visit him. Dasartha saluted and received him in respect. He seated and worshiped the sage.
"Maharshi, your arrival is like an elixir in our lives; like rain during drought;like the birth of a child to a childless chaste woman; like recovering a lost object; like happiness after accomplishing a great task. Welcome to you".
Those who find a guru are fortunate. Guru purifies their hearts and minds. He will make their lives auspicious and with a mantra cleanses the mind. He will help them override infatuation. He will bring light to their lives. Like ocean tides that rise on full moon day, a disciple's heart should bounce on seeing the guru. Scripture says those who experience sorrow in the proximity of their guru, are tormented by their previous lives' karma. As the guru tries to light candles of knowledge, the karma from the past will try to extinguish them.
Dasaratha said"Seeing you is like visiting holy sites" and inquired the reason for his visit.
Viswamitra said"King, I am happy with your service. Asuras are creating obstacles to my fire rituals. My effort is going to waste. During rituals I am prohibited from cursing the asuras. Hence please send your son Rama with me. He is very capable and can kill the asuras. Please don't be overrun by the love for the child. By accepting my request, your fame will last forever on the earth".
Viswamitra was a great rishi, performed great penance, and always did auspicious rituals for the good of the world. His name literally means a universal friend. Anyone who strives to bring good things to the world is a Viswamitra. A devotee should emulate him. If not, he should not become a burden or a tormentor of the world.
In Bhagavad Gita Sri Krishna said"My devotee is one by whom the world won't fear and who isn't frightened by the world"
For universal benefit Viswamitra was conducting yagna. He was requesting Rama to protect his yagna from asuras. Even though he had the power to annihilate the asuras, he wanted to rely on paramatma whose kind glance will fruition any service. One has to overcome obstacles by praying to the Lord.
Upon listening to Viswamitra, Dasaratha shirked. He stood without a reaction.
"Mahatma, forgive me. I had children late in my life. My fortune is finite. I love my sons dearly. Among them I love Rama the most. He is the embodiment of truth and has enormous respect for elders. He worships his guru and treats the parents as god. Twice a day he prostrates before parents. He is innocent. That to an adolescent. A fish might be able to live outside water, but I can't live without Rama. To protect your yagna I will come with my soldiers. Please don't trouble Rama" said Dasaratha.
"King, you promised me to give what I seek. It didn't take much long to renege on your word. This is not the custom of the Raghu dynasty. If you think you are following dharma then I will retreat. Live happily with your relations even though you broke your promise" said Viswamitra.
Earth trembled as Viswamitra was angered. Even Devas were frightened. On seeing the dangerous omens, sage Vasishtha approached Dasaratha and advised him not to violate dharma. He told the king to send Rama with Viswamitra whose aura exceeded all with great penance. Besides, it would do good to Rama and bring him auspiciousness. Dasaratha was satisfied with Vasishtha's pleadings.
Kousalya and Dasaratha blessed Rama. Vasishtha maharshi empowered Sri Rama with auspicious mantras. Rama was handed over to Viswamitra. Lakshmana followed his brother. As they egressed Ayodhya, a cool zephyr blew. Armed with bows and arrows Rama and Lakshmana followed the rishi.
Rama and Lakshmana walked alongside Viswamitra. With the cool wind blowing on his face, Rama's hair locks danced. Viswamitra was mesmerized by all these.
After some time, they reached the southern bank of river Sarayu.
"Rama, please do a salutation to the sun god here. I will teach you warcraft" said Viswamitra.
One who follows the guru in close quarters will receive his grace. On matters of the world it will give amazing strength. On the other hand, it will empower one in the next life.
Even though they were princes, Rama and Lakshmana slept on a bed made from dry grass. They slept listening to Viswamitra's tales.
Penance doesn't need comforts. A seeker who carries out his efforts for liberation with least comfort, will attain his objective sooner than later.
These days everyone pines for Lord's grace without suffering. They don't give up love-hate. They can't live without comforts. They approach the guru in his ashram but are not willing to partake in ashram duties. They complain about food and surroundings but are unwilling to do their bit to improve them. They say there are no fans and lights. They rather chat with the visitors than review what they have learnt from the guru.
Just based on external conditions and circumstances, a man can't find peace. The one satisfied with guru's teaching will live well. In Valmiki Ramayana it was stated that Rama and Lakshmana slept on the bed made of dry grass listening to Viswamitra's discourse. As the time to sun rise neared, Viswamitra said:
"The eminent son of Kausalya arise! It is early in the morning. The best among men, arise! Do your ablutions".
One should bring out the best after waking up. As one conducts during the day until evening, one should refrain from demonic activities.
Rama and Lakshmana performed ablutions and recited Gayatri mantra. Once again they followed their guru. When they reached the confluence of the rivers Sarayu and Ganga, they paid their obeisance to Ganga Devi and the ascetics living nearby. Viswamitra told them on the very bank they were walking, cupid was annihilated by Lord Siva.
As soon as they entered the forest, they heard a loud noise. They crossed river Ganga and came face-to-face with the demon Tataki. She was frightening.
Rama was apprehensive about killing a female albeit a demon. So instead of killing her he was decapitating her limbs. Viswamitra told him the sun was setting and during that time demons would be very strong; so he commanded Rama to kill her. Rama followed his guru's words.
Tataki stands for lust. At night one's lust will enhance. That's why at the junction of evening and night one should do pooja, turn on lights at home. But these days people go for movies and shopping at that time. A life without discipline will bring inauspiciousness. A seeker following his guru should destroy lust like Rama killed Tataki.
Maharshi told them they would spend the night in the forest and go to the ashram the next day. They slept in the Tataka. Before starting in the morning the happy maharshi blessed Rama and Lakshmana as they were being taken to protect the yagna. By killing Tataki, Rama created a favorable impression on the guru. A real disciple follows his guru's order and finishes the task ahead of time. Rama did the same. He destroyed Tataki on the way to the ashram quite unexpectedly.
Maharshi gave Rama powerful astras. He taught him how to launch them and recall them. They reached the ashram.
Rama with his strong hands outstretched in salutation said"Guru Deva, please start your yagna today. Let auspiciousness come to you."
Viswamitra was impressed by Rama's strength.
Rama had a full grown stature. His hands were strong and long as though he would reach out to his devotees with open arms and love.
Maharshi lit the fire. Before pouring ghee into it, he glanced at Rama and Lakshmana. A seeker of liberation should seek paramatma's kindness before starting his task. Without offering to parmatma, even the lord of fire won't accept it. That's why in our custom, a portion of the cooked rice would be offered to agni.
Viswamitra throughout the ritual was glimpsing Sri Rama. He knew Lord's appearance was the fruit of his yagna. At the entrance to the ashram, Rama and Lakshmana stood guard with their weapons. Similarly to guard our senses and subduing them we need the Lord's help. Whoever performs an act to benefit the world will be protected by the Lord.
As the yagna progressed, like monsoon clouds, the demons Maareecha and Subaahu appeared in the sky. They were raining blood on the yagna. Rama and Lakshmana saw the demons. Vice-versa.
On seeing Rama, Maareecha's attitude changed. He was not outraged. He felt that he should not cause obstacles to the yagna. Even though he was a demon, Rama entered his heart. At the moment, unlike his form, his heart turned beautiful. His heart was purified.
Rama noticed the change in the attitude of Maareecha. So he shot a cool arrow at him that didn't kill the demon. He merely was spun around and made to fall in a distant ocean. Rama then shot a fiery arrow at Subaahu that killed him.
Valmiki who wrote Ramayana felt: who could describe the battle? One should rather witness it to feel the full gravity of the situation. Rama attached the arrow to the bow and held his head upward. At the time, the hair locks accentuated his supremely handsome face. Thus praised, saint bard Tyagaraja.
The adolescent Rama's splendorous form was noticed by Viswamitra that made him jubilant.
Rama destroyed the asuras. Yagna was concluded without any hindrance. The rishis praised Rama. Viswamitra said,"Rama, this Sidha ashram's name is permanently etched in your history".
Ahalya's Release From Curse
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Yagna was concluded. The rishis were invited to Sita's public election of a husband called"swayamvara" by King Janaka. Viswamitra along with Rama and Lakshmana was headed to Mithila. On the way they saw a deserted yet beautiful ashram.
"Guru Deva, this looks like an ashram. It seems to have been deserted. It seems to be a relic of the past. Whose ashram was this?" asked Rama.
Viswamitra said"Long ago, Goutama maharshi used to live in this ashram with his wife Ahalya. When Goutama was not at home, Indra, who was enamored with Ahalya, wearing her husband's garb entered the ashram. Even though she knew it was Indra, she agreed to consort with him".
Those who aspire for high accomplishments lose their character. They don't realize that having a good character itself is an accomplishment. Mingling with famous people, speaking with pubic persona, honoring the wealthy all come under this category. Even renouncers like ascetics aren't able to escape it.
Ahalya and Indra were happy. Indra was coming out of the ashram when he was accosted by sage Goutama. Indra was shaking with fear. Goutama understood the situation and cursed Indra. He said to Ahalya"Wicked one, you will rest here in the form of a rock covered with dirt for thousands of years. You won't have anything to eat. You will remain in this ashram doing penance".
Ahalya was in deep sorrow with repentance. She started crying. Goutama said"When Dasaratha's son Rama enters this ashram you will be released from the curse".
Ahalya stands for mind. Goutama was pure intellect. A heart made impure with lust is like rock. The mind called Ahalya after mingling with senses called Indra will lose its character. Without following intellect, a mind entangled with senses and enjoying the worldly pleasures will not be at peace. When the mind gets a curse, intellect will show a way out. Similarly Goutama told Ahalya how to release from the curse.
On learning from Viswamitra about Ahalya's decrepit life, Rama felt sympathy for her."Rama, please grant liberation to Ahalya" said the rishi. Rama and Lakshmana entered the ashram.
Ahalya saluted Rama. She felt the curse given by her husband resulted in auspiciousness because she was touched by Rama's feet. Ahalya's story reverberates among those with tough lives full of strife aspiring for Lord's grace.
Ahalya was released from the curse. She was made pure with Rama's appearance and was resplendent. Rama and Lakshman touched her feet and saluted her.
The pure are Rama's favorite devotees. Ahalya worshiped Rama. At the same time rishi Goutama arrived. He blessed Ahalya and accepted her as his wife. The couple worshiped Rama.
Companionship with lust makes the mind impure. With the touch of the Lord mind will be made pure. Relationship with Lord is established through chanting his name. Those devotees avoiding immoral path are Lord's favorites. When one commits a sin inadvertently the mantra"haraye namaha" is enough to absolve him. One should avoid repeating the mistake at the same time.
Public Choice of Sita's Husband
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Viswamitra entered Janaka's court with Rama and Lakshmana. Janaka saluted the rishi and ogled at the valorous brothers."Mahatma, who are these? In their personality they are regal as princes and in appearance they look like ascetics" said Janaka.
"King, being a virtuous one you decide for yourself" said Viswamitra.
"Mahatma, these two are not ordinary princes. The dark one is attracting me the most. He seems to be like the primeval god. Nothing but the divine will look attractive to me" said Janaka.
They retired into a garden for the night. Rama and Lakshmana massaged maharshi. After he fell asleep Rama prepared to sleep while Lakshmana massaged his feet. Lakshmana was worried that he would lose the company of Rama when he got married. His tears fell on Rama.
Rama woke up and asked Lakshmana"Why are you in tears?"
After hearing his explanation he said "I can't live without you. I can give up my wife for you" and hugged him.
The moment everyone was waiting for arrived. To tie the string of a bow that eluded all, Rama proceeded after Viswamitra's signal. He approached the box where it was kept. Sita was all eyes about Rama.
The embodiment of dharma, Sri Rama, as thousands of kings, commoners were watching, easily tied the string of the bow. Viswamitra jumped with joy. With bow still in his hands, Rama was waiting for Viswamitra's signal. The rishi was elated to see Rama at that juncture.
Tyagaraja, the saint bard, sang:"As Raghu Rama saw the rishi, he apparently winked suggesting that he should finish the task. Grasping it, while breaking the bow, Rama's face glistened with his beautiful hair locks."
The bard meant to say the Lord's face at that time was so cute that Viswamitra was not done staring at it in bliss.
Rama then pulled the bow upto his ears and broke it. Sita smiled. Janaka's joy was boundless. Janaka was the king of Videha which means a body that had withered. One who transcended the body is a videha. To establish a relationship with Rama one has to give up the infatuation with one's body.
As per Viswamitra's suggestion, Janaka sent messengers to inform Dasaratha in Ayodhya. They reached Ayodhya after traveling for three days.
Wedding of Sita With Rama
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On hearing the messengers Janaka sent, Dasaratha was elated. He conferred with Vasishtha and Vamadeva and decided to leave for Mithula the next day. Followed by horses, elephants, chariots and soldiers Dasartha was headed to Mithila. Janaka received him warmly. Everyone was celebrating.
Rama was reluctant to get married without fixing his brother Lakshmana's match. It was decided that Janaka's second daughter Urmila would marry Lakshmana. Vasishtha proposed Mandavi and Srutakeerti, the daughters of Janaka's brother Kusadhwaja, as matches for Bharata and Satrughna. So it was decided that all the princes would marry the princesses on the same day.
Dasaratha gave away in alms countless cows. When carrying out auspicious events at home, the less fortunate need to be satisfied. These days people spend enormous sums for lavish dinners and hotel stays without catering to the less fortunate, even as the guests leave soon after the wedding like birds abandoning a tree. To satisfy the divine at marriages and such events one should give alms.
Vaidehi was adorned with ornaments on the marriage day. Janaka brought her and said to Rama before agni:
"Here is my daughter Sita who will be your better half. Please accept her. Let auspiciousness come to you. Hold her hand with you. Being fortunate with you, she will always follow you like a shadow".
Similarly Urmila was given to Lakshmana, Mandavi wedded Bharata and Srutakeerti married Satrughna. They circled the agni three times. Viswamitra and other rishis left soon after the wedding. Dasaratha reached Ayodhya with sons and daughters-in-law.
The marriage of Sita with Rama was exemplary. Sri Rama had impeccable character and Sita was chaste. She was sweet and did not get easily excited. Her demeanor was peaceful. Her eyes never turned red. Thus wrote Valmiki in Ramayana. When Anjaneya visited Janaki in Lanka, he thought Rama and Sita were made for each other.
After some deep thinking he expressed that Janaki had an extra feature Sri Rama didn't possess.
In character, age, pedigree Sita and Rama matched. The extra feature Sita had was"asi tekshana" which means the coolness of her gaze!
Rama's Coronation
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One day Dasaratha's crown slipped revealing a gray hair in the ear. He thought long and came to the conclusion that the gray hair signaled spiritual life and the crown slippage was an omen to abdicate the throne.
Dasaratha consulted Vasishtha about coronating Rama as the king. Vasishtha was of the viewpoint that one should not delay when sacrificing one's life for Rama. Taking Vasishtha's approval Dasaratha instructed his ministers to start the preparations.
Ayodhya was bedecked with music, dance and decoration. All of the residences were painted in auspicious colors. Vasishtha approached Rama who saluted him.
"Rama, your father decided to coronate you as the king of Ayodhya. Preparations are on for the ceremony" said Vasishtha.
Rama was mystified. In his face instead of happiness, sadness was seen.
"Guru Deva, when I have so many brothers, why should I be the king? Why shouldn't Bharata, who has an impeccable character, be the king?" said Rama.
"Rama, wouldn't Bharata say, when the eldest Rama was there, why should I be the king? Will a selfish one exist in a dynasty built on sacrifice?" said Vasishtha.
"Yes, I am the eldest by age. If Bharata is made the king, then he will rule all of us, therefore de facto the eldest. Then we both will be on an equal plane, won't we?" said Rama.
This was Rama's wisdom, sacrifice, unparalleled love. At each step of Rama's life there is a lesson to be learnt. He is of indubitable character.
Rama possessed a rare characteristic: living alongside one who is inferior by varna; in wealth and knowledge, as equals. Dasaratha summoned Rama and said:sita
"Rama, before my intellect loses its sharpness, please get crowned as the king. You know that mind is fickle".
Noble people have pre cognisance about events that will unfold. On seeing the celebration for Rama's coronation, Kaikeyi's maid Manthara felt jealousy. She was biased and that colored her thinking. She provoked her mistress to seek the boons from Dasaratha. Kaikeyi acceded to her.
Where is the queen of Ayodhya Kaikeyi? And where is her maid? When there is decline in character it is hard to perceive the limits of conduct. Manthara is an embodiment of jealousy. Such people cause rapid descent. Kaikeyi demanded that her son Bharata should be crowned as the King and Rama should be driven to the forest.
On hearing Kaikeyi's demands, Dasaratha swooned. He cried he couldn't live without Rama. But Kaikeyi was relentless. Dasaratha was in deep despair.
On sunrise Rama had to leave for the forest. Dasaratha cried his heart out by asking the sun god not to rise. Rama's devotion for his father was unparalleled. Rama approached Kaikeyi. There he saw the melancholic Dasaratha. He inquired about him and learnt about what his father had already promised. He vowed to keep his father's words true to their form. He reassured Kaikeyi.
"Dasaratha is my guru, father, king and well wisher. If he ordered me to drink poison, I would not hesitate. If he orders me to jump into the ocean, I won't shirk" said Rama.
"Mother, I vow that I will follow my father's order" said Rama.
Rama explained to Kausalya who was struck with grief. She felt Ayodhya's misfortune was forest's good fortune. Sita Devi arrived and saluted Kausalya.
"Rama, please don't take Sita with you. I will guard her like my daughter. I can tolerate my own child's misfortunate, but not someone else's child" said Kausalya.
Rama was willing to travel without Sita. But Sita didn't agree to it.
"Dear, my prana will always be yours. If you step into the forest, my prana will follow you like a shadow. What can be accomplished with my body devoid of prana" said Sita. Rama relented.
Kausalya in tears said"Rama, I can't leave your father behind and go with you to the forest. At the same time, I can't live in Ayodhya without you."
Lakshmana decided to go with Rama. He went to his mother Sumitra and informed her of his decision.
"Rama is my Lord, father, everything. Without Rama I can't live for an instant" said Lakshmana. Sumitra blessed him.
She told him to consider Rama as Dasaratha, Sita as Sumitra and the forest as Ayodhya. She said"Lakshmana, it is your fortune and privilege to serve Rama for fourteen years in the forests, as there is no other reason I can see".
Living in Forest
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Sri Rama was leaving Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana for the forest. The citizens of Ayodhya were heart broken. They wouldn't foresee themselves remaining in Ayodhya without Sri Rama. They would rather go along with Rama to the forest.
"Mother, cohabiting with you, if by ignorance I caused you trouble, or spoke harshly, please forgive me" said Rama who prostrated before them. Despite their heart-rending pleading, Rama moved on to the forest.
The next day he reached the banks of river Ganga. He did ablutions in Ganga. Living in a village called Srungabera there was a navigator king called Guha who was a big admirer of Sri Rama. On hearing Rama's arrival he came running and fell on his feet. Rama hugged Guha.
"Rama, being fortunate to see you I ran with all my might, thereby neglecting to bring fruits and flowers with me" said Guha remorsefully.
Rama said"Friend, for my sake you came running. What more can I expect". That's Rama's love for all.
Apparently Lakshmana laughed. According to some versions of Ramayana, Guha invited Rama to his town. Later he convinced him to enter his thatched hut. Lakshmana was smirking because Guha exaggerated by inviting to his town.
"Lord, your brother is laughing as we call our village a town. He thinks I don't know the difference between a village and a town. I am well aware of the difference. Wherever Rama domiciles that will be the city of Ayodhya. Without Rama the real Ayodhya is nothing but a barren village" said Guha.
"Guha, your words impressed me. But I took a vow to stay in forests so as to fulfill my father's order" said Rama.
From Srungabera Rama went towards Chitrakoota. On the way was the ashram of Bharadwaja who was a mystic. That night he slept there. In the morning as he was about to leave he approached Bharadwaja and said:
"Mahatma, please suggest a route because we don't know how to traverse in the jungle"
On the way despite accosting many rishis, Rama didn't ask for guidance. But he asked Bharadwaja explicitly. Bharadwaja ashram was at the confluence of three rivers. The one who knows the past, present and future transcends time. Only he can protect people from falling victims to Time. Only he can suggest a route. Hence Rama asked him for directions.
Besides, some preach devotion but can't communicate knowledge. Some are efficient in communicating knowledge but fall short of heart moving devotion. Some are experts at karma. Whoever is an expert in karma, devotion and knowledge, and can deliver the ad-mixture to the audience and disciples is the real guru. The confluence of the three rivers signifies this. Hence Rama asked Bharadwaja for directions.
Bharadwaja said smilingly"Rama, all routes are familiar to you. When your devotees can take any moral path and reach you, your asking me for the directions makes me very amused. You are the path and the destination".
Yet, he sent four of his disciples with him.
Jiva needs a guru to show the correct path. That guru will delegate to four people who stand for the four vedas.
Sojourn at Chitrakoota
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Sri Rama chose Chitrakoota to settle down. The mind that imagines amazing and mystifying things is Chitrakoota. To annihilate Ravana, the embodiment of ignorance, Rama did penance in Chitrakoota. Only with penance, ignorance could be dispelled.
In Ayodhya, Dasaratha was severely troubled without Rama. He was in despair all the time for having sent Rama to the forest. With remorse his heart was broken. In his eyes he could only visualize Rama. His life became a whirlpool of sadness. He was inconsolable with tears streaming down his face. He passed away by chanting Rama's name and seeing Rama's form.
One who doesn't commit sin will rest easy at night. Those who chant Lord's name all their lives, at the throes of death will visualize Rama as their savior. Dasaratha was fortunate to die while chanting Rama's name.
Ayodhya's denizens then reeling under Rama's departure were in sorrow for the death of Dasaratha. Vasishtha, Goutama and other rishis decided to make Bharata the king and summoned him. Bharata came, felt very sad for his father's death and refused to go along with his mother's wish.
He approached Kousalya, fell on her feet and cried out loudly"Mother, if I have any role in the betrayal of my mother, let me be condemned to hell".
"Son, the past is the past. We all are puppets in destiny's hands. You are pivotal in bringing Ayodhya back to its past glory" said Kousalya.
"Mother, please don't say it. I lost my father and my brother who is his alter-ego. I feel ashamed to rule the kingdom. I can't stay in a place not filled by Rama. His feet are my refuge" said Bharata.
Vasishtha and other rishis consoled him. Everyone thought Bharata was not wicked. Even common people pleaded and beseeched him.
"It is not reasonable for you to make me the king. Ayodhya became inauspicious because of me. The dreams of my mother about my coronation destroyed my father and made widows of the queens. How can you make me your emperor being such a low life? I don't need the throne but Rama's feet. I will worship Rama's feet with my tears. Then only I will be at peace. If you care for me, please follow me. We will approach Rama, hold his feet and bring him back to Ayodhya" said Bharata.
Next day Bharata with folded hands in salutation, followed by gurus and relations, went in search of Rama to convince him. On the way, Guha met with Bharata.
"You are fortunate. No one in the world matches your sincerity" said Guha.
Bharata met Rama in Chitrakoota. Bowing with humility he cried at the feet of Rama. He was turned into an embodiment of dharma near Rama.
Bharata chose dharma and gave up pomp. Rama was sad to hear that his father passed away. They performed rituals for the departed soul in the river Mandakini.
"Bharata you are the greatest among the perfect. Keep the auspicious figure of our illustrious father and lead the Ayodhya citizens towards prosperity" said Rama.
Bharata said"You are the embodiment of dharma. Our eldest brother. You know that anyone but you ruling the kingdom is not fair. You are the king of Ayodhya. Please make us happy with your acceptance".
"Bharata, your fraternal love is moving my heart. You are dearer to me than my life. It is my misfortune that I can't make you happy. Our father considered his word as more sacred than life and died to keep his word. We should not torment him in heaven by over-riding his wish. It is our duty to preserve the prestige of our dynasty. Listen to me and rule the kingdom. I know that my words bring displeasure to your sensitive heart. I am telling you because you are the brother who will save one in danger. On one hand I am trying to keep my word to our father and on the other I am struggling not to hurt my brother" said Rama.
No one left empty handed from Rama. Rama gave protection to Sugreeva, blessed rishis, but couldn't make Bharata happy by remaining steadfast in dharma. If there is a contest, Rama would reject everything and uphold dharma.
On Bharata's request, Rama gave his sandals. Those praying like Bharata will receive refuge in Lord's lotus feet. Bharata wore the sandals on his head and headed back to Ayodhya.
Bharata kept the sandals on the throne and considered himself as the proxy for the Lord. He had built an ashram near Nandigrama. Like his brother, he braided his hair and donned an ascetic's clothes. He carried out duties of the kingdom by chanting Rama's name, worshiping Rama's sandals. When tough decisions needed to be made he would submit to the sandals, receive guidance and feel encouraged. He was all eyes waiting for Rama's return.
Sojourn at Panchavati
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Rama was tormented by Bharata's episode. Whoever meditates on the Lord always, will be accorded the same by the Lord. Rama decided to move on from Chitrakoota. Accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, he arrived at the ashram of sage Atri.
Sita Devi met with Anasuya Devi. From there they went to the ashram of Suteeksha who worshiped Rama. He gave his guru Agastya the opportunity to meet Rama keeping his word to him.
Later on Lakshmana built an ashram at Panchavati on the bank of river Godavari. This was where Rama's troubles began. Panchavati implies the five senses which are always deviating from the right course. It also implies the five kosas or layers of a jiva: annamaya (food), pranamaya (prana), manomaya (mind), vignanamaya (knowledge), anandamaya (bliss). As long as a jiva is trapped in these five layers, trials and tribulations await.
Ravanasura's sister Soorpanakha was infatuated by Rama. Accompanied with maya she donned the form of a beauty and sought the hand of Rama. When he refused, despite pleadings to desist, she tried to kill Sita. Lakshmana, following Rama's order, cut her nose and ears.
Soorpanakha represents the lust in us. Lust looks appealing at the outset. It sees things that are not possessed by one. It won't heed the wise. It seeks pleasures in excess of any moderation. As a result one experiences sadness. The mind called Sita, is far removed from the self called Rama. The only way to offset lust is to control the senses. That is the reason for Lakshmana's action.
Lust will morph like the cosmic deluge and try to subvert the mind called Sita. Prodded by the intellect called Rama, the prudence called Lakshmana will subdue the senses symbolized as cutting the nose and ears of Soorpanakha. This way lust is controlled.
Mahopanishad said:"The mind made impure by lust is the bondage which will be cut asunder when the mind turns pure".
Annihilation of Asuras
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From lust arises rage. After Soorpanakha was violated, an asura called Khar, accompanied by fourteen asuras, attacked Rama. The five senses, the five organs of karma, mind, intellect, ego and so on represent the fourteen asuras. By killing the fourteen asuras, the rage symbolized by Khar can be destroyed. Accordingly, Rama annihilated Khar.
Then a demon called Trisura came to attack Rama. He stood for the three gunas. Rama neutralized him as well. Later Rama destroyed several demons in the Dandaka forest and protected the rishis there.
Rama did penance to kill Ravana. One has to be rid of ignorance with penance. Before that all manifestations of maya have to be overcome. This is symbolized by the elimination of all demons before attacking Ravanasura.
Kidnaping of Sita
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Soorpanakha enraged Ravana just as lust invigorates ignorance. Ravana decided to trouble Rama. When he tried to enlist the help of Mareecha, whom Rama injured with his arrows in the Viswamitra's yagna, he was advised not to interfere with Rama. But Ravana had a different opinion and ignored Mareecha's pleadings. Before executing bad karma, the wise words go unheeded. It is necessary to experience bad karma by oneself.
Rama said before killing the demon Khar"After consuming poisoned food, one will experience its ill-effects immediately. Similarly bad karma must be experienced in this world".
Ravana decided to kidnap Sita as tit-for-tat. Like a person intent on euthanasia refusing medical treatment, Ravana ignored Mareechi's wisdom and threatened to kill him if he disobeyed his order. Mareechi would rather die in the hands of Rama, so he acquiesced.
Mareechi donned a golden deer's form whose skin shone like diamonds. Sita saw the deer and wanted it. Rama pleaded with her not to desire for it. When she wouldn't give up her desire, Rama, keeping Lakshmana to guard her, went after the deer. Mareechi led Rama to the thick of the forest. Rama killed Mareechi with his arrow. Before dying he cried out"Sita! Lakshmana!" as Ravana ordered.
Sita feared for Rama. She instigated Lakshmana to go and rescue Rama. Lakshmana reassured her that nothing bad would befall on Rama. Sita rebuked Lakshmana with harsh words. Lakshmana had no choice but to go looking for Rama.
Mareechi stands for infatuation which drags one to the thick forest called life. It is hard to resist. It can only be neutralized with the help of an arrow called Rama's chant.
The golden deer is the manifest world that keeps us under delusion. Mind seeks delusion. It won't follow prudence called Lakshmana. As a consequence one loses peace of mind.
After Rama and Lakshmana left Sita alone, Ravana in the form of a mendicant came and kidnaped Sita. An eagle called Jatayuvu saw that and fought bitterly with Ravana who injured its wings and legs. Jatayuvu crashed to earth.
Rama and Lakshmana came to the ashram only to find out that Sita was missing. They started searching for her. Rama was in deep despair. Lord will feel distress when his devotees deviate from moral rectitude.
Rama and Lakshmana saw Jatayuvu that was in the throes of death. With blood oozing, it told them that after injuring it, Ravana went away with Sita. It finally died in Rama's lap.
Jatayuvu was only a bird, but it died in the hands of Rama of which privilege even Dasaratha wasn't accorded. It sacrificed life to see to it that Rama was informed about Sita's whereabouts. Rama felt sad for the bird.
"I have lost the kingdom over life in the forest. Now Sita was kidnaped and Jatayuvu died. Misfortune is indescribable. It will burn even agni" thought Sri Rama in despair. Rama was sad over the death of a bird even.
Sri Rama performed the last rites of Jatayuvu. He recited the mantras that would ensure that it attained heaven. Then he said to Lakshmana:
"Lakshmana, ascetics, followers of dharma, valorous, devotees who surrender appear everywhere including among animals and birds".
Sabari's Devotion
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The peripatetic Rama and Lakshmana arrived at lake Pampa. The sage Matanga's ashram was nearby. Sabari lived there.
The five prominent lakes are: Bindu in Gujarat where maharshi Kardama's ashram was located also called Matru Gaya; Manasa in Himalayas; Narayana in Kach; Pushkara in Rajasthan; and Pampa in Southern India.
Sabari was an ardent devotee of the Lord for whom she pined for a long time. She never gave up her hope to see him. She finally received that opportunity. She gave fruits to Rama with devotion and received his patronage. She became a model for others by her service to Rama. Her history showed that the wait for the Lord with patience would never go waste. She attained liberation with Lord's grace. Even though she belonged to Billu varna, she was worshiped by all.
Narasimha Purana said:"Those who worship at the two feet of the Lord will transcend duality despite being sinners. This is the most exalted worship".
Rama Befriends Sugreeva
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Hanumanta was a great devotee. He was well versed with all nine grammars of Sanskrit language. He was fortunate to serve Rama. For the sake of Rama he performed valorous acts and received the grace of the Lord.
Rama and Lakshmana arrived at mount Rushyamooka where they met Hanuma. Anjaneya was an expert grammarian and speaker. After his first meeting Rama told Lakshmana that Anjaneya was well versed with vedas and scripture. Hanumanta was a minister of Surgeeva. The word Sugreeva means one with a great voice.
Sugreeva was the brother of Vali who stole his wife and expelled him from his kingdom. From then on Sugreeva was living in Rushyamooka. On seeing the decrepit state of Sugreeva, Rama was sympathetic to him.
Sri Rama told his story. Sugreeva was empathetic knowing that Rama was in despair. Both had been living without their wives and lost their kingdoms. Without killing Vali there was no recourse for Sugreeva. And until Ravana was killed Rama won't be in peace.
Thus, they both shared their stories and reached a common ground for friendship. They were sworn for friendship before agni.
Rama was disturbed to see Sugreeva's plight. He pitied his condition. He decided to kill Vali and restore Sugreeva's happiness. He took a vow to kill Vali. But Sugreeva was not happy. He felt without knowing Vali's might Rama was vowing to kill him. Rama displayed his skills and attained credibility with him. Sugreeva took refuge in Rama's feet.
Taking along Rama, Sugreeva went to Kishkinda which was a labyrinth of caves. Vali was deep inside the caverns. Sugreeva tried to ferret Vali out of the caverns. So he shouted loudly.
Every heart is replete with desires and habits. To express desire, one has to chant the Lord's name to the heart's content. As the Lord's name is chanted, like an elephant scared by the lion's roar, the desires leave the heart.
Vali stood for desire. Sugreeva's loudly cry was indicative of chanting Lord's name. The labyrinth called Kishkinda stood for the space in the heart.
Vali heard Sugreeva's roar and prepared to kill him. His wife Tara tried to dissuade him. She told him if Sugreeva, being a coward, was roaring, there had to be a reason, so it was better for him to think. She questioned, where did Sugreeva gain his boldness without someone's support. Vali was excited to fight. She persuaded him to think.
Tara said"Your fury is like a river in flood. Please restrain it. Like we throw away the garland we wore at night after waking up, renounce your anger. Listen to my prudent words"
"I heard from Angada that king Dasaratha's mighty sons, Rama and Lakshmana, befriended Sugreeva. Don't be furious, but think. With their support Sugreeva is crying for war" said Tara.
But Vali was in no mood to listen to Tara's wise words.
When in mind a desire like Vali becomes frenzied, the intellect like Tara keeps telling the right thing to do. Tara's words were in vain. Mind won't accept good advice.
Vali thrashed Sugreeva who was bleeding through his nose. Sugreeva looked at Rama for help. Rama shot an arrow and killed Vali.
Desire fights with jiva. At that time, like Sugreeva sought intervention from Rama, jivas should turn to the Lord. Meditation will make jivas calm. Rama's gracious arrow will strike and desire will be removed instantly.
Vali was disabled. He made fun of Rama's mission. Rama told him about the subtleties of dharma. Vali was enlightened. He praised Sugreeva for giving him the fortune to die in the arms of Rama despite expelling him, usurping his wife, as none of that affected him.
"Brother, if you didn't drive me out of Kishkinda, I wouldn't have met Rama. Whoever shows the divine, is a guru. Your munificence can't be repaid by multiple births" said Sugreeva and touched his elder brother's feet.
Vali died. Rama told them those who follow dharma wouldn't be decrepit and the others must experience dishonor.
Rama enthroned Sugreeva as the king of Kishkinda. Angada was the prince. Rama told Sugreeva to plan an invasion on Ravana by the autumn and left with Lakshmana for Prasravana mountain.
Searching for Sita
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Sundara kanda is to Ramayana, as heart is to the jiva and sanctum sanctorum is to the temple. It is the most supreme kanda in Ramayana. The first kanda described Rama's childhood. The second kanda dealt with events in Ayodhya. The third kanda described Rama's sojourn in the forest. The fourth kanda described the events in Kishkinda between Vali and Sugreeva. The sixth kanda dwelled on the war between Rama and Ravana. Whereas the fifth kanda has assumed a special meaning by calling itself"Beauty among all kandas".
Sugreeva sent his men to find out Sita's whereabouts. Vanaras assembled at the sea shore. Without knowing where Ravana was living, they immersed themselves in thinking. At the time, Jatayuvu's brother Sampati came. From him the vanaras found out where Ravana lived. They prepared themselves to go to Lanka. They were too excited.
But when they saw the dangerous sea, they expressed their inability. The oldest and wisest among them one Jambavanta approached Hanumanta and said"Anjaneya, you are the strongest, wisest, most valorous among us. Why are you hedging to cross the sea? You can easily cross the sea. Get up and start making the move".
Jambavanta said"Receiving the blessing of rishis, aged vanaras and guru, you can easily cross the sea" .
Hanumanta went atop Mahendra mountain and inflated his body. He paid obeisance to his father, the god of wind, by turning in easterly direction. He prepared to fly. He kicked his feet firmly on the mountain. The entire mountain shook and flowers from trees fell from the vibration.
He said"Like Rama's arrow that moves with wind, I will be back after visiting Lanka".
This is an exemplary statement because Hanumanta was referring to Rama's arrow that can't be opposed. What's the reason? The secret is not in the arrow, but in the one who shot it. He is telling that like Rama's arrow that always hits the target, he will definitely succeed in the first attempt. Faith is necessary in spiritual life. Hanumanta took off. Because of his force, large trees were felled from their roots; birds and animals fell on the ground. Hanumanta crossed the sea effortlessly without shedding any sweat.
Hanumanta entered Lankapuri. In Ramayana he was praised as an acharya who unites jiva with Deva. He crosses the sea of life with ease. He wondered with so much security could anyone enter Lanka. He felt even Devas couldn't contemplate attacking Lankapuri.
As darkness fell, Hanumanta entered Lanka. He roamed around the streets in search of Sita. But he couldn't find her whereabouts. That didn't despirit him. This is what a seeker of liberation should learn from.
Darkness implies ignorance. In that state jivas will be in ignorance. A true ascetic will search for the truth by meditating at that time.
"When it is night for jivas, it is day for a yogi" said Lord Krishna while discoursing about equanimity. Sita's whereabouts were still unknown. But Hanumanta didn't lose hope. He kept on looking. A seeker of liberation should not be dejected by minor setbacks.
Anjaneya said to himself"I will redouble efforts with more enthusiasm. I will seek the secret hideouts and the hidden ones".
While in search of truth there is no room for discontent. When the effort was not enough to realize the truth one should be persistent.
Anjaneya entered Asoka garden. He saw a chaste woman seated while being surrounded by demons. Because of continuous fasting, she looked emaciated. Hanumanta instinctively felt she must be Sita. She was immersed in meditating on Rama.
Ravana entered the garden and started abusing Rama in front of Sita. Hanumanta hid in the tree branches. He listened to the heart-rending words of Ravana. After he left, Hanumanta sang Rama's story in a soft voice. Sita Devi saw him in complete devotion for Rama. After hearing from him about Rama, she felt relieved.
Hanumanta gave Rama's ring. Sita was elated to see it.
"Mother, be bold. Sri Rama will come with vanaras to kill Ravana in no time and bring you happiness" said Hanumanta.
Sita Devi said in despair"Hanuma, I am not of free-will. I completely surrendered to Rama so much that I can't release prana without his approval. Even though I am alive, I don't feel the excitement."
Anjaneya felt very sad. He said if Sita obliged him as her son and sat on his shoulders, he would take her to Rama instantly. Sita didn't oblige as it was Rama's duty to rescue her.
Hanumanta wanted to make his move."Mother, please give me the message to pass on to Rama" said Hanumanta.
She said"Is Rama born to the kind hearted Kousalya safe and sound?" was the message.
Sita gave a diadem to Hanumanta for Rama. To pacify Sita and to prove his strength, Hanumanta destroyed the Asoka garden. There is a significance to the diadem which is worn on the head. Sita was sending the message that whatever thoughts transpired in her head, they were all about Rama. This is the complete surrender.
Ravana came to know that Hanumanta was destroying Asoka garden. He sent several demons to bring him alive. They all were destroyed by Hanumanta. Then he sent five of his generals: Viroopaksha, Yoopaksha, Durdhara, Pragha and Bhaasakarna. They too perished in the hands of Hanumanta. Then he sent seven sons of his ministers. They too met the same fate as the generals. Then, Ravana's son Akshu came on a chariot to fight with Hanumanta who held him like an eagle grasping a snake and tossed him violently on the ground. Akshu also perished.
On hearing his son's demise Ravana was consternated. He sent Indrajit to launch surefire astras on Hanumanta. Indrajit fired Brahma astra at Hanumanta who surrendered to it. Hanumanta was brought to Ravana's court. The Brahma astra couldn't do anything to Hanumanta. He, out of free-will, surrendered to it to take a glimpse at Ravana. The soldiers tied him up and made him stand before Ravana. Hanumanta sang about the valor of Rama in front of Ravana. He then abused Ravana saying not even Devas could face Rama in a battle.
Hanumanta said"The great Indra, king of Devas, can't be at peace if he violated Rama. Is there any way to describe an ordinary, mortal like you?"
Ravana, hurt by Hanumantu's abuse, ordered that he be killed. His troubled brother Vibheeshana said"Brother, Hanumantu is a messenger of Rama. It is not fair to kill a messenger. It will bring infamy to you if you kill him".
Ravana acquiesced and ordered that Hanumantu's tail be set afire.
The demons wrapped cloth around Hanumantu's tail and set it on fire. Sita upon hearing the news prayed to the god of agni that Hanumanta, who was like her son, be spared. Hanumanta lunged and lit fires all over Lanka. Later on he saluted Sita and left via sky in the westerly direction with god speed.
Hanumanta approached Sri Rama and said"Sita was seen".
Thus, speaking in a miserly way, he made everyone happy. He gave Sita's diadem to Rama who held it to his heart and cried like a child.
"The diadem was given by Indra to Janaka who bequeathed it to Sita" said Rama.
He inquired what other things Sita Devi told him.
"Raghava, at all times Vaidehi was chanting your name. She said she couldn't live beyond a month and wanted you to go to Lankapuri soon" said Hanumanta.
Rama said"Hanuma, if Sita can live for a month, then she would last forever as I can't live without her for an instant".
Ocean's Surrender
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Sri Rama accompanied by Sugreeva arrived at the ocean's shore. He prayed to lord of the ocean, Sagara, for three nights. Like a fool Sagara didn't appear. Rama was hurt by Sagara's attitude.
Rama said to Lakshmana"With too much pride, Sagara was acting like deranged. He is considering our virtuosness as weakness. People devoid of gunas consider the virtuous as incompetent".
"Lakshmana, the four good qualities: calmness, forgiveness, straightforwardness, soft-spokenness when shown to the wicked by one, they consider him as incompetent"
Sri Rama picked up his bow and attached an arrow as bright as the sun. Immediately Sagara came out of the ocean and saluted Rama. He sought forgiveness and specified what should be done next.
"Rama, Nala, the son of Vishwakarma, is one among your soldiers. He is capable of building a bridge. I will bear the weight of the bridge" said Sagara and sought his protection.
Rama assured him and gave him refuge. Nala, with the help of vanaras, built the bridge. Sri Rama arrived in Lanka.
Vibheeshana's Surrender
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Rama reached the shore of Lanka. Ravana presided over his court and asked for the advice of his ministers. They claimed they can destroy Rama's soldiers and ended up in self aggrandizement. Vibheeshana got up and said
"Please listen to me. It is not wise to have enmity with Rama. It is impossible to fight with him. Just one of his many soldiers was enough to put Lanka in disarray. Neither Kumbhakarna nor Indrajit can fight one-on-one with Rama. Let us realize our mistake and surrender to Rama with repentance".
"Wicked one, you are praising my enemy Rama in front of me. You are a betrayer and deceiver. You should not be forgiven" said Ravana with rage and kicked Vibheeshana.
"Brother, you are my elder on par with our father. I am not hurt because you kicked me. It is imprudent to consider Rama as an enemy. Please give up this malevolence that will destroy Lanka totally" said Vibheeshana.
Ravana didn't like Vibheeshana's advice. He abused him and expelled him from Lanka.
When a noble person is driven out of a home, then the householder will suffer with inauspiciousness. Duryodhana by kicking out Vidura became extinct. Similarly by driving out Vibheeshana, Ravana would die.
Vibheeshana approached Rama in complete surrender thinking"Will Rama consider me as his devotee? Will he doubt my sincerity because I am Ravana's brother? Will he reject me because I am an asura? Rama is the divinity that is all pervading and all seeing. He will know my feelings. He will give me refuge".
Sugreeva doubted Vibheeshana's intentions. Anjaneya declared him as Rama's devotee. Rama said he would give refuge to anyone surrendering to him. Among the various good attributes of Rama, his penchant to give protection to the weakest is most significant.
Rama said to Sugreeva"Whoever seeks refuge in me saying 'I am your devotee' and desires protection from me, I will do as he wishes".
Vibheeshana was a follower of dharma and a devotee. So regardless of what anyone said Rama offered protection to Vibheeshana.
God is all pervading. He knows about all of our thoughts, feelings, emotions. God will show mercy on anyone rejected by the world. Whoever as devout as Vibhesshana is eligible for God's mercy.
Battle Between Rama and Ravana
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Rama sent Angada to Ravana as a messenger. He was given the choice between surrender or destruction of his men. Ravana in his wickedness ordered that Angada be slaughtered. Angada escaped from Ravana's soldiers and landed near Rama.
The battle between Rama and Ravana began. Several demons in Ravana's army were slaughtered. Angada destroyed Indrajit's chariot. Later, Indrajit fired several arrows and injured Rama and Lakshmana.
Kumbhakarna, the brother of Ravana, once performed a great penance and received a boon from Brahma so as to hibernate for a long time.
Kumbhakarna stands for tamas (indolence) guna. Sri Rama, who stands for sattva guna, destroyed Kumbhakarna.
Both Kumbhakarna and Indrajit succumbed to the arrows by Rama and Lakshmana.
Rama said"Ravana, no matter whom you approach, whether Indra, Yama, Aditya, Brahma Deva, Vaiswanara, or Sankara; or run in any direction, no one can rescue you from me".
Rama shot an array of arrows at Ravana. His chariot collapsed. Horses fell on the ground. The flag adorning his chariot broke. His crown was displaced. Ravana looked like a withered flower and the setting sun. He was disarmed and helpless.
Rama said"Ravana, you are tired. So go to Lankapuri and take a rest. Come back tomorrow with another chariot and bow and show us your valor".
This shows the stupendous character of Rama eminently. He was the best enemy one could hope for. The next day Ravana fought back. Rama stood on the ground undefeated. Raining arrows on Ravana, Rama looked like he was tired, or so thought Agastya rishi. He approached Rama and said
"I will tell you a chant that is the most guarded secret and most effective to destroy enemies. It is called Aditya Hrudaya".
After reciting Aditya Hrudaya, Rama was refreshed. Rama's enthusiasm was restored. The sun god blessed Rama. The two sides fought bitterly. Then Matali came and advised Rama to fire Brahma astra. Rama launched Brahma astra. It killed the ten-headed Ravana and returned to Rama's quiver. Ravana was dead. Devas rained down flowers. Vibheeshana refused to conduct last rites for Ravana. Rama convinced him and released the soul of Ravana.
Sita was brought to Rama who didn't look at her. He felt she wouldn't be acceptable to his subjects for having been staying in Lanka. Sita ordered Lakshmana to light a fire. Lakshmana who obeyed the orders of elders did as she commanded. Sita prayed to Agni with folded hands.
"My heart never left Rama even for an instant. If I am telling the truth let, the witness of all, lord agni save me" said Sita and calmly entered the fire.
As everyone was watching, agni Deva deified before Rama holding Sita in his lap.
Agni Deva said"Rama, here is your wife and daughter of Janaka who never knew sin and always was chaste".
The elated Sri Rama said"Sita's mind and heart are always with me".
"I know that the princess of Videha, Sita's heart was always there for me. She has no other thought than my welfare. She always conducts her life as per my wish" said Rama.
Rama didn't doubt the character of Sita. He was ensuring that Sita's character was impeccable in front of the whole world.
Rama kept his word and made Vibheeshana the king of Lanka. He boarded the Kubera's aircraft with everyone including Sugreeva and Vibheeshana. On the way he visited maharshi Bharadwaaja's ashram.
Unable to withstand the separation from his brother, the emaciated Bharata was in depression. The timely arrival of Sri Rama saved his life. Rama always rescues his devotees.
In Ayodhya, Rama sat on a diamond studded throne. The heart of a devotee is Ayodhya. Whichever devotee's heart glistens with truth, non-violence, celibacy, it is the throne of Rama. Every heart should be Rama's throne. The coronation is the union of the mind like Sita, with paramatma like Rama in the heart like Ayodhya.
In Rama's rule the subjects were totally satisfied. The crops were abundant. The rains arrived on time. There was no one who suffered from disease. Dharma was standing on four legs. No one experienced widowhood. There was no fear of poisonous snakes. Nor thieves. No child died prematurely. Everyone lived for long and was always happy.
Parasurama's History
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Parasurama was born to Jamadagni and Renuka. He launched attacks on kings twenty one times. The kings endowed with rajas (action) and tamas (indolence) were his targets.
King Pareekshit asked"Mahatma, what is the fault done by kings to deserve Parasurama's ire?". Suka Brahma started narration.
One day Kartaveeryarjuna arrived at sage Jamadagni's ashram while hunting. Jamadagni, with the help of Kamadhenu, served the visitors. Kartaveeryarjuna wanted Kamadhenu. He stole it with the help of his soldiers. The cow and the calf were taken to Mahishmatipura.
Parasurama came to the ashram and learnt about Kamadhenu's kidnapping. Seething with rage, he went after Arjuna with an ax, bow and arrows. Arjuna tried to kill him with a massive number of soldiers.
Parasurama, with divine abilities, destroyed the attackers. Arjuna was enraged and came to fight with Parasurama who decapitated his shoulders. As the king lay without hands, he decapitated his head as well. He brought the Kamadhenu back to the ashram. Jamadagni was in remorse. He said
"Son, you have made a grave mistake. We are brahmins and must be tolerant. It is not correct to kill. You accrued sin by killing the king. You must cleanse it by going on pilgrimage and meditating on Achyuta."
Parasurama went on pilgrimage for a year and returned to the ashram. One day his mother Renuka went to the river Ganga to fetch water. At that time a Gandharva king was playing with apsarasas in the water. Renuka fell in love with him. When she arrived at the ashram, Jamadagni came to know about her escapade and ordered his sons to kill her. But they couldn't obey his order.
Jamadagni summoned Parasurama and ordered him to kill his mother and brothers. Fearing his father would be enraged and curse him, Parasurama obeyed his order. The satisfied rishi offered a boon to him. Taking the opportunity he wished for the resuscitation of his mother and brothers along with memory loss about his killing them. Jamadagni did what he wanted.
Kartaveeryarjuna's sons were tormented. Their father's death made them lose peace. One day Parasurama went to the forest along with his brothers. Arjuna's sons used the opportunity to enter the ashram and kill Jamadagni despite pleadings by Renuka who was crying with sorrow.
Arjuna's sons ran away. Handing over his father's corpse to his brothers, Parasurama took off with an axe to eliminate the kings. Arjuna's sons perished.
Parasurama returned to Ashram. He attached his father's head to the torso and prayed to the god of wind. Thus worshiped by Parasurama, Jamadagni attained the constellation in the sky made of seven rishis.
After coming to know that Sri Rama shattered Siva's bow to marry Janaki, Parasurama approached Rama and challenged him to shatter his bow. Ramachandra was able to do it with ease. Parasurama was astonished. He praised Rama.
"Ramachandra, by shattering this bow you convinced me that you are the king of Suras, eternal, the destroyer of asuras and none other than Lord Vishnu. I salute you, who is a destroyer of enemies" said Parasurama.
Yayati's History
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Rage is unproductive. A snake will have two fangs in which there is poison. The snake called rage has lust and anger as fangs. A seeker of liberation must be wary of them. While Parasurama's story highlights anger, Yayati's story showcases the role of lust.
Vrushaparva had a daughter called Sarmishta. Once she was roaming in the garden with her maids. There was a pond in the garden. She was playing with her maids in the pond. Among them the guru's daughter Devayani was present.
At that time Lord Siva accompanied by Paravati Devi was riding in his vehicle in the sky. The women blushing with fear grabbed their clothes.
In the pandemonium Sarmishtha wore Devayani's clothes. The angry Devayani said
"Like a canine touching the fruit of yagna, you wore my clothes. We are brahmins, that to of Bhrugu dynasty. Your father is our disciple. Being wicked you wore my clothes".
Sarmishtha was equally enraged and retorted"You are a mendicant. Don't talk too much. You are a canine living under our patronage".
She then grabbed her clothes, and dropped Devayani in a well.
Yayati, who was on a hunting expedition came to the well to quench his thirst. There he saw Devayani naked and offered his cloak to her. He then rescued her.
"King, I am grateful for rescuing me. Moreover, you offered your hand while doing so. I won't let another man hold my hand. Please accept me as your wife. This has been ordained by Eswara" said Devayani. Yayati agreed.
Devayani returned to her home and informed her father. Sukracharya was enraged. After coming to know about this incident, Vrushaparva fell on Sukracharya's feet and begged for forgiveness. As per the wish of Devayani, Sarmishta and her maids were ordered to serve Devayani.
The wedding of Devayani and Yayati took place with fanfare. Sukracharya told Yayati that he should not befriend Sarmishtha. Soon Devayani gave birth to a child. Sarmishtha desired to have the same and approached Yayati. She beseeched him to make her a mother. Even though he didn't forget Sukracharya's command, he couldn't reject Sarmishtha and made her pregnant.
Devayani after coming to know of her husband's transgression was upset. Sukracharya was enraged. He cursed Yayati to old age. When Yayati repented and prayed, Sukracharya told him that if someone came forward to exchange his youth, then he could turn young.
Yayati approached his sons Yadu, Turvasu, Druhya and Anuvu with the proposition to exchange their youth with his withered body. They refused.
Then Yayati went to his youngest and wisest son Pooru and made the same proposition. Pooru said"Having received the body, that is the means to attain Parameswara, from you I can't think of better way to serve you. I consider your desire as my fortune. I will make good use of this opportunity".
Pooru said"The son who can fulfill his father's wish is the best. The one who merely obeys his father is good. One who disobeys his father is the worst".
Yayati, encased in Pooru's youth, lived for thousands of years enjoying himself. Yet he was not satisfied. Lust is very dangerous and can't be satisfied easily. Controlling lust is like adding ghee to fire. One who tries to attain satisfaction with lust is waiting to enter hell.
Narada's Parivraaja Upanishad said"The one who is craving for the body made of flesh, blood, excreta, nerves, bones and so on is actually pining for hell".
Yayati spoke with his wife dispassionately"Dear, for one who is enslaved to lust for years on, nothing else will be satisfactory. I am unable to experience satisfaction. The desire has been growing every day. Nothing else seems to quench my lust. The senses are dangerous and capable of cheating"
He said,"One should not sit along with his mother, sister or daughter in the same seat. The deviant senses detract even a scholar"
"Dear, it is better to renounce the ephemeral pleasures and seek self-realization," said Yayati. He then returned the youth to his son Pooru.
"King Pareekshit, Yayata was immersed in pleasures for countless years. Like a fledgling leaving the nest, he renounced sensory pleasures in an instant", said Suka Brahma.
Yayati went to the forest, did penance and attained liberation. Devayani also realized the temporary nature of family and friends. She considered her bonds with her husband and son as maya. It is like tourists meeting near a water fountain and going about their different ways. She renounced everything, prayed to Vasudeva and attained liberation. Thus, Suka Brahma spoke.
He said"I salute Vasudeva who resides in all jivas, peaceful, ancient, Brahman"
Rantideva's History
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Rantideva was a king who gave away all of his wealth in alms without possessing anything. He was always satisfied with what he had. Once there was a severe famine in his country. He didn't eat food for forty eight days. Even then he didn't lose faith in the Lord.
One day he was fortunate to receive a sumptuous meal. As he was thinking about consuming it to keep himself alive, a guest came.
Rantideva gave half of his meal to the guest whom he considered as Lord Narayana. After he left, a servant came with hunger. Rantideva gave half of his meal to him.
As he was about to eat what little he had along with his wife and children, a man came with canines seeking food. So Rantideva gave all that was left to him. He decided to drink some water.
Then came a person of lowest varna and begged him to quench his thirst. Rantideva gave away the water too to him.
He told his son"Dear, come here. You don't need magical powers. Nor self realization. You experience bliss, bearing the sorrow of others. My only wish is to see everyone happy" and offered him water to drink.
Brahma and Devas came and saluted Ranti Devi who was subjected to their tests. They blessed him and granted him liberation.
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