Talk By: Vasanth
After discovering Sitadevi, Lord Raama’s messenger Hanuman flies back to his army camp. As he approached the Mahendra Hills, He roared his greetings to Raama , Lakshmana, King Sugriva and all his Vaanara gang.
He touched the ground and with palms folded with great humility, he stood before Raama and gave the news that Sitadevi had been found. Raama was overwhelmed with emotions. Everyone was happy and wonderstruck at Hanumanji’s impossible achievements.
Raama took Hanumanji in his hands and held him to his bosom in a divine embrace. All the troubles, insults and sufferings that Hanumanji had undergone melted away. He had felt the Lord’s embrace. Hanumanji described in detail the defense formation of lanka nad the valiance of the Rakshasa army and said to Raama " Please command us what should be done now ?" Now Raama was very eager to move his army forward. He was tormented by his thought of Sita’s helplessness. He was aching for the day when he could kill that wicked Rakshasa King. He was impatient to see her. The fire os separation was burning him. After seeing Sitadevi, Hanumanji had played real havoc in the beautiful city of Lanka. The Rakshasa monarch was very much disturbed by this act. He had sensed the threatening period. So he sought the advice of elders, wisemen and his ministers.
The whole assembly rose and declared in one loud voice. " Oh mighty king, noone can vanquish you. You have defeated many devaas and asuras. You have tamed many. We shall deal with the enemy. Hail Ravana , all glory to you."
His ministers were all devious rakshasas who had taken to evil ways. The evil can give the evil nothing but evil counsel. But Ravana’s brother Vibhishana pleaded with him with a few scholarly words. " Brother, it si morally wrong to have carried away Sita and keep her captive. You must be on the path of Dharma. restore Sita to Raama respectfully before the Vaanaras enter the city. Otherwise Sita will be the cause of untold misery for you and Lanka."
Ravana looked at his bother with great anger and spoke , " Never will I return Sita. You may leave us and go away." In this assembly, Raavana’s son, Indrajit also insults Vibhishana. Valmiki says that the insult of a righteous man results in disaster for the one who insults.
Ravana’s sense of pride and injured vanity kept him going on the wrong path. Vibhishana leaves his brother and Lanka and soon comesto Raama and takes refuge at His feet. To that righteous Vibhishan, who was born in the Rakshasa family, Raama grants a place in his army.
Making their way through forests, mountains and rivers , the Vaanara army led by Sugriva reaches the sea shore at last. Now this sea was a great barricade for them. Raama invokes the lord of the seas and the Ocean God with reverence tells Raama to build a bridge across. The mighty Vaanaras taking the name of Shri Raama complete the construction of Navsethu. With resounding shouts of triumph, The Vanaraas marched over the bridge ino Lanka. Raama sees many Vaanaras and bears and the excitement in their faces. They had come to help Raama. They were there to give their lives. Raama was touched by their devotion. His heart was brimming with gratitude, happiness and humility.
Now they all were almost in Lanka. Raama looked at the beautiful city which was full of glory and prosperity and pondered that it pitiable that it would have to be destroyed due to the delusion of one person. Lord Raama , who was Narayana in human form was there to oppsoe and destroy the unrighteous. Even at this last moment the abode of peace and tranquility try to avert the war by sending a messenger but the Rakshasa king never listened. His ministers and advisors also failed to persuade the diabolical king.
It appeared that he had sacrificed his happiness and everlasting prosperity at the altar of lust and pride. He had taken to wicked ways. Ravana commanded his army and it was kept ready. The Vaanara army climbed down the mountain and swarmed into the forest surrounding the city. The two armies were now poised for battle.
After receiving the signals, the Vaanaras with shouts of " Victory to Raama", " Long Live Raama" charged on the fortress of Lanka. They lifed huge boulders, rocks and trees and shook lanka to its very foundations.
A powerful force of the Rakshasas rushed out to the Raama’s army. Both fought a fierce battle. Nothing could be seen except destruction after destruction. The fighting of Sugriva, Hanuman, Angadha, Jambavan and Neel was glorious. Many great warriors of the Rakshasas army were slain.
In this process Ravana’s valiant son Indrajit came on the battlefield. He was blessed with boons from Brahma. He claimed many lives. He used his Nagpashastra and Lakshmana and Raama became unconscious. Garuda then came on the field and removed the poison and both the princes sat up with renewed strength. Indrajit’s anxiety grew more. He then used the Brahmatra and it made Raama lakshmana and many Vaanaras unconscious.
Jambavan thinks of herbal medicine for them. He sents Hanuman to get the Sanjivani herb from the Himalyas. Hanumanji grew in size and flew to the Himalayas to get the herbs, but there he finds it difficult to identify and so he lifts the entire mountain and brings to Lanka and after resurrection of Lakshamana , Raama and many injured Vaanaras takes it back.
In the battle, Indrajit was killed by Lakshamana. Ravan’s dear brother Kumbakarna was also sent to Yama’s abode. This pain was too much for Ravana to bear. Finally, in a fit of rage, he himself, sets out to the battle field. Ravana’s charioteer drove the monarch in a gleaming chariot which was drawn by eight horses and brought him to his desired spot. Rama looked at Ravana with interest. This Lord of Rakshasas was glorious to look at, full of courage and valour. He was endowed with all the qualities of a great hero.
Ravana was furious on the field and this anger on Ravana’s brow was seen by Raama. This diabolical devil had abducted Sitadevi. Sitadevi was desolate because she was kept captive. She was full of sorrow and mourning her separation from her beloved Raama. The thought of Sitadevi made Raama more valiant. Raama whose fame was known in all the three worlds took an arrow in his hand. Lakshmana and Hanuman were very eager to fight Ravana. For a long time, they put up a good fight, but even then, Ravana could not be defeated. Ravana released his agni astra and Lakshmana became injured and fell unconscious. Pavana putra was once again asked to get the Sanjeevani herb. Once again, he brought the entire mountain. The fragrance of the Sanjeevani revived Lakshmana and Rama was very happy to see Lakshmana alive. Words cannot describe Raama’s love for Lakshmana.
In the final encounter, Ravana was facing Raama. Both were masters in archery. Great, divine weapons were used by Ravana. During their fight, the earth trembled and even the Gods in the heavens were worried. Even nature seemed to stand still. Raama had injured Ravana’s hands and legs. Ravana’s last hours were fast approaching. Even at this stage, he was still undaunted. This wicked Rakshasa, who had once taken the form of a mendicant with a begging bowl in his hands, now stood in front of Raama. He had offended Raama and Raama was not ready to forgive him.
Raama released the divine agastya astra which penetrated Ravana’s chest. Streams of blood flowed from his body. His beautiful bow, slid down and crashed on the ground, causing the three worlds to tremble. This powerful king who had once ruled the entire world and who had been blessed by boons from Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, now lay dead. His face glowed in death! His wife Mandodari said, "It is not possible for an ordinary man to kill my lord. Raama is not just any man, He is someone divine. Lord Narayana Himself, has killed my lord!". Lanka mourned the death of king Ravana and Vibhishana was crowned as king.
There was great excitement in the Vaanara army. Everyone was eager to see Sitadevi, for whose sake the battle was fought. Lord Raama met his wife. Sitadevi’s eyes were filled with tears. She looked at the dear face of her Lord and her sorrow was at an end. Her eyes which had thirsted for her Lord, now drank the beauty of Rama.
Later on, Sitadevi was made to undergo the Agni pariksha. The fire God told Rama, "There is no taint on her name and she has been thinking only of you all the time!". Rama’s eyes were streaming with tears. He embraced and accepted his wife. Their separation, was now, truly over.
Only few days were now left, for the exile of fourteen years to be over. Raama, Sitadevi, Hanuman, Sugreeva, Jambhavan and all the Vaanaras got into their devine vehicle and made their way to Ayodhya. Raama looked at all of them and said that they had been true friends to Him and had done miracles for Him.
In Ayodhya, everyone assembled to witness Raama’s coronation ceremony. Virtue and Goodness had regained its lost crown! Sweet music floated in the air. Lord Raama and Sitadevi embodied the ideal couple, to enable human beings to live a dharmic way of life, in thought, word and in deed, under all circumstances and conditions. Raama and Sitadevi live forever in the hearts of their devotees.
dakshiNe lakshmaNo yasya, vaame tu janakaatmajaa,
puurato maaruti yasya, tvaM vande raghunandanam.h
Here they stand, the embodiments of Laxmi and Narayana, along with Lakshmana, the personification of puNya and in front of that param bhakta, the unique Ramadaasa Hanumanji, a radiant gem in the garland of Ramayana. Koti pranaams to them.
...Read more!
Sundarkand - 1998
By: Lakshmi Varma
Sundara Kandam comprises of 2885 verses & is fifth in order. Sundara', as we all know in the literary sense means 'beautiful'. 'Kandam' means 'section'. It is also interpreted beautiful because it is the recovery of something precious that is lost, and that is a very unique experience. According to the belief of Hindus, Sundara Kandam is a mine where we can draw powers to support us in worldly situations. This is the core of Ramayana and provides all values for overall welfare of mankind.
This Kandam is very sacred & most important as it unfolds the touching story of how `HANUMAN' who was assigned probably the most sacred task of searching 'SITA DEVI' and conveying Sri Rama's message to her and thereby establishing a contact with 'SRI RAM' & 'SITA DEVI'. Hence one could conclude the essence of this chapter as the achievements of HANUMAN in his search for SITA DEVI who was deceitfully abducted by Ravana.
The story in brief goes like this :
HANUMAN at the suggestion of JAMBAVAN got ready to go on the formidable task of searching SITADEVI. In an instant he was prepared for it with all earnestness without any hesitation or doubt in his mind on whether he will be able to accomplish the task. Like a lion, the courageous & intelligent HANUMAN leisurely paced up towards the south and started on his journey to Lanka through the ocean in search of Sita Devi after seeking the blessings of SRI RAMA & LAKSHMANA with utmost sincerity and devotion. At this point I would like to mention the importance of taking blessings from our elders. Taking the blessings of elders is one of the auspicious ways for anyone to starts any venture or undertaking at any time of our life. Because the key for success lies not only in our ability or hard work but on the good wishes and blessings of our MATA - PITA & GURU.
The entire journey comprises of one night's experience of Hanuman. As his journey to cross hundreds of Yojanas to reach Lanka began he came across multiple obstacles en route in the form of Surasa, Simhika, Mainaaka and finally Lankini the Guardian Goddess of Lanka.
Might is very often considered as right. This is something which we generally hear. But if we actually read through Hanuman's victory over his obstacles we would realize that Anjaneya though capable of using his strength used his wisdom instead ,at the appropriate time to overcome the obstacles. Hence it can be said that might is not the only tool necessary to conquer an enemy; it needs to be supplemented with strategy and intelligence.
In his single minded pursuit to reach Lanka and bring Sita Devi back to Rama, no obstacle was too great, no fight was difficult and no hardship was unbearable. In the service of his master, Hanuman's dedication was complete, unconditional and fearless, and he never concerned himself about the hardships involved or about his personal safety.
He started his search of SITA DEVI in the beautiful city of Lanka by assuming many forms and going around the different splendourous palaces of Ravana. In his anxiety to see Sita Devi he even mistook Mandodari as Sita but overruled that when he saw her sleeping very peacefully and knew for sure that someone like Sita Devi would never be able to sleep in a relaxed manner under such circumstances.
Finally , he comes across the widespread Ashoka trees under which he found Sita Devi seated, looking lean and wearing worn out clothes totally absorbed in the thoughts of SriRama. When he looked around he saw that she was surrounded by Rakshasa women in terrifying conditions . Though overcome with his curiosity and anxiety to meet Sita Devi he very calmly waited for the right time and hid himself behind a tree .
As he waited he saw Ravana approaching Sita Devi and conveying his love for her and persuading her to marry him. Though Sita Devi was in a tragic and helpless situation she spurns his advances warning him that his entire clan will be destroyed if he plays with the chastity of a woman solely devoted to her husband. This characteristic of female heroism is depicted by SitaDevi 's faithfulness and courage. She has proved that women who are generally considered timid can be strong willed, fearless and loyal even at the most difficult times.
This gesture enrages Ravana and finally he leaves her giving her an ultimatum to surrender to his wishes or to face the dire consequences.
HANUMAN meanwhile who has been a silent witness to the entire scene, on seeing the Rakshasa women dozing , quietly seats himself on the branch of the tree under which Sita Devi is sitting. Not to chance upon her suddenly he starts by narrating the story of Sri Rama from his early life till Kishkinda days . Sita devi who was in a desperate mood of committing suicide after her encounter with Ravana regains her confidence when she sees the ring of SriRama given to her by HANUMAN. Hanuman tells her as to how eager SriRama was to see her and rescue her. Sita Devi finally convinced gives Hanuman her crest jewel to be given to Rama. Hanuman relented only after accomplishing his mission of meeting Sita Devi and convincing her the purpose of his mission.
Now, Hanuman in his desire to meet Ravana provokes him by burning and destroying all the trees and forests . He is captured and brought in the court of Ravana and his tail set to fire to humiliate him. Taking this as an opportunity he sets Lanka on fire and leaps back to the shores to reach back to Sri Rama and convey the message of Sita Devi thus enabling Sri Rama to plan and take back Sita Devi.
There is one point which deserves to be mentioned here and that is the presence of Vibhishana the brother of Ravana, a devotee of SriRama in the company of Ravana the un righteous. It only goes to prove that a man may not be always judged by the company he keeps , but by his thoughts and deeds.
The relevance we see which will help us in our day to day life by the experiences of HANUMAN is thus :
Hanuman is described as one for whom nothing is impossible and who is the embodiment of faith, devotion, loyalty to the master, fearlessness and self confidence. Success is the outcome of an attitude like this. If we want to be successful in life we have to combine the above qualities
Now when we talk of success I would like to quote a famous example of Hellen Keller. As you all know she was a deaf and blind lady who with her sole determination and persistence learnt to read, write and speak and eventually she became well known for her dedicated work for the welfare of the blind . She once said `I thank GOD for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work and my GOD'.
The teachings of rishis, and learned persons advise us that so long as we have faith in GOD, trust in ourselves, capacity for hard work, nothing is unattainable. A person can never lose unless of course he quits trying.
This particular Kandam is very important for each one of us because it really enlightens us in our spiritual quest. Hanuman is the awakened soul, Jambavan is the enlightened teacher, the vast ocean is the samasara which each one of us wishes to cross. We have to struggle to overcome the worldly sorrows which form the obstacles.
We may not be always successful in this effort; but if we are undaunted and we have faith in GOD then we will at the end discover divinity which is manifested in Sita Devi. ...Read more!
Sundara Kandam comprises of 2885 verses & is fifth in order. Sundara', as we all know in the literary sense means 'beautiful'. 'Kandam' means 'section'. It is also interpreted beautiful because it is the recovery of something precious that is lost, and that is a very unique experience. According to the belief of Hindus, Sundara Kandam is a mine where we can draw powers to support us in worldly situations. This is the core of Ramayana and provides all values for overall welfare of mankind.
This Kandam is very sacred & most important as it unfolds the touching story of how `HANUMAN' who was assigned probably the most sacred task of searching 'SITA DEVI' and conveying Sri Rama's message to her and thereby establishing a contact with 'SRI RAM' & 'SITA DEVI'. Hence one could conclude the essence of this chapter as the achievements of HANUMAN in his search for SITA DEVI who was deceitfully abducted by Ravana.
The story in brief goes like this :
HANUMAN at the suggestion of JAMBAVAN got ready to go on the formidable task of searching SITADEVI. In an instant he was prepared for it with all earnestness without any hesitation or doubt in his mind on whether he will be able to accomplish the task. Like a lion, the courageous & intelligent HANUMAN leisurely paced up towards the south and started on his journey to Lanka through the ocean in search of Sita Devi after seeking the blessings of SRI RAMA & LAKSHMANA with utmost sincerity and devotion. At this point I would like to mention the importance of taking blessings from our elders. Taking the blessings of elders is one of the auspicious ways for anyone to starts any venture or undertaking at any time of our life. Because the key for success lies not only in our ability or hard work but on the good wishes and blessings of our MATA - PITA & GURU.
The entire journey comprises of one night's experience of Hanuman. As his journey to cross hundreds of Yojanas to reach Lanka began he came across multiple obstacles en route in the form of Surasa, Simhika, Mainaaka and finally Lankini the Guardian Goddess of Lanka.
Might is very often considered as right. This is something which we generally hear. But if we actually read through Hanuman's victory over his obstacles we would realize that Anjaneya though capable of using his strength used his wisdom instead ,at the appropriate time to overcome the obstacles. Hence it can be said that might is not the only tool necessary to conquer an enemy; it needs to be supplemented with strategy and intelligence.
In his single minded pursuit to reach Lanka and bring Sita Devi back to Rama, no obstacle was too great, no fight was difficult and no hardship was unbearable. In the service of his master, Hanuman's dedication was complete, unconditional and fearless, and he never concerned himself about the hardships involved or about his personal safety.
He started his search of SITA DEVI in the beautiful city of Lanka by assuming many forms and going around the different splendourous palaces of Ravana. In his anxiety to see Sita Devi he even mistook Mandodari as Sita but overruled that when he saw her sleeping very peacefully and knew for sure that someone like Sita Devi would never be able to sleep in a relaxed manner under such circumstances.
Finally , he comes across the widespread Ashoka trees under which he found Sita Devi seated, looking lean and wearing worn out clothes totally absorbed in the thoughts of SriRama. When he looked around he saw that she was surrounded by Rakshasa women in terrifying conditions . Though overcome with his curiosity and anxiety to meet Sita Devi he very calmly waited for the right time and hid himself behind a tree .
As he waited he saw Ravana approaching Sita Devi and conveying his love for her and persuading her to marry him. Though Sita Devi was in a tragic and helpless situation she spurns his advances warning him that his entire clan will be destroyed if he plays with the chastity of a woman solely devoted to her husband. This characteristic of female heroism is depicted by SitaDevi 's faithfulness and courage. She has proved that women who are generally considered timid can be strong willed, fearless and loyal even at the most difficult times.
This gesture enrages Ravana and finally he leaves her giving her an ultimatum to surrender to his wishes or to face the dire consequences.
HANUMAN meanwhile who has been a silent witness to the entire scene, on seeing the Rakshasa women dozing , quietly seats himself on the branch of the tree under which Sita Devi is sitting. Not to chance upon her suddenly he starts by narrating the story of Sri Rama from his early life till Kishkinda days . Sita devi who was in a desperate mood of committing suicide after her encounter with Ravana regains her confidence when she sees the ring of SriRama given to her by HANUMAN. Hanuman tells her as to how eager SriRama was to see her and rescue her. Sita Devi finally convinced gives Hanuman her crest jewel to be given to Rama. Hanuman relented only after accomplishing his mission of meeting Sita Devi and convincing her the purpose of his mission.
Now, Hanuman in his desire to meet Ravana provokes him by burning and destroying all the trees and forests . He is captured and brought in the court of Ravana and his tail set to fire to humiliate him. Taking this as an opportunity he sets Lanka on fire and leaps back to the shores to reach back to Sri Rama and convey the message of Sita Devi thus enabling Sri Rama to plan and take back Sita Devi.
There is one point which deserves to be mentioned here and that is the presence of Vibhishana the brother of Ravana, a devotee of SriRama in the company of Ravana the un righteous. It only goes to prove that a man may not be always judged by the company he keeps , but by his thoughts and deeds.
The relevance we see which will help us in our day to day life by the experiences of HANUMAN is thus :
Hanuman is described as one for whom nothing is impossible and who is the embodiment of faith, devotion, loyalty to the master, fearlessness and self confidence. Success is the outcome of an attitude like this. If we want to be successful in life we have to combine the above qualities
Now when we talk of success I would like to quote a famous example of Hellen Keller. As you all know she was a deaf and blind lady who with her sole determination and persistence learnt to read, write and speak and eventually she became well known for her dedicated work for the welfare of the blind . She once said `I thank GOD for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work and my GOD'.
The teachings of rishis, and learned persons advise us that so long as we have faith in GOD, trust in ourselves, capacity for hard work, nothing is unattainable. A person can never lose unless of course he quits trying.
This particular Kandam is very important for each one of us because it really enlightens us in our spiritual quest. Hanuman is the awakened soul, Jambavan is the enlightened teacher, the vast ocean is the samasara which each one of us wishes to cross. We have to struggle to overcome the worldly sorrows which form the obstacles.
We may not be always successful in this effort; but if we are undaunted and we have faith in GOD then we will at the end discover divinity which is manifested in Sita Devi. ...Read more!
Kishkindhakand - 1998
By: Raghavendra
Sugreeva and his four-vanara ministers are taking refuge atop the mountain of Rishyamukha. One fine morning Sugreeva sees two handsome young men, divine looking and resplendent with the kshatriya armor. On seeing them, Sugreeva is terrified. He opines that his brother Vali has sent them to this mountain to kill him, and then in a rush hastens to flee from that place along with his entourage. But Hanuman calms him down and suggests that he would go and enquire about their identity and the purpose their visit to that place. After taking Sugreeva's permission he assumes the guise of a young brahmachari and approaches the two newcomers with reverence and humility. He enquires them of their identity and the purpose of their visit to the mountain. Lord Rama and Laxmana reveal their identity and narrate the purpose of their visit, which is to search for Sita with the help of Sugreeva. Lord Hanuman is extremely happy at the turn of events. He then carries them to Sugreeva on his shoulders.
Sugreeva's flight of fear is a lesson to us. In our day to day experiences we find innumerable opportunities knocking at our doors. But being apprehensive, we deprive ourselves the pleasure of welcoming them with open arms. Once we accept the situation in totality, and act accordingly, we are sure to reach our god consciousness or the Lord Himself, which is the ultimate destiny of the mankind. Here Lord Hanuman is comparable to the discriminative powers of the mind, and with its proper use, we are sure to reach the Lord.
After friendship is forged between Lord Rama and Sugreeva, they exchange their tales of misfortune. Lord Rama assures Sugreeva, of his full support in getting the kingdom of Kishkinda and also his wife Ruma who had been abducted by Vali . Sugreeva is extremely happy with the reversals of his fortune.
Sugreeva as per Rama's advice approaches Vali and challenges him to a duel. The arrogant Vali accepts the challenge and the great duel begins between two supreme warriors. At the anointed time, Lord Rama, unseen by Vali, shoots an arrow directed at his chest. Vali falls down to the ground unconscious. This news spreads like wild fire in the Kingdom of Kishkinda and all the people start running towards the site. Slowly Vali regains consciousness, sees Rama, and accuses him of killing him by unjust means and calls him an "adharmi". He says "Lord Rama , had you even given a hint I would have flown to Lanka, saved mother Sita from Ravana's evil clutches , slain Ravana and brought back Sita for you. But why did you take the weak Sugreeva's help and kill me in this unjust manner. Lord Rama then replies that, a person who wishes to kill his own brother and abduct his wife is the greatest adharmi and is fit to die. It is hence improper to take aid of such an arrogant and adharmi person. After listening to these explanations of Rama, Vali understands his folly and bowing humbly to the Lord, apologizes. Lord Rama who is ever compassionate forgives him and Vali reaches the Lord's abode.
Here one gets to see the greatness of the Lord. Not only one who is blessed by the Lord reaches his abode but also the one who is slain. We can note yet another important point that the Lord prefers the aid of a person with earnest heart and humility to carry out his work, rather than an arrogant but strong being.
After the slaying of Vali, Sugreeva is crowned the king of Kishkinda. Since the Varsha ritu starts, all gathered, unanimously agree that the search for Sita can be taken up again only after the next four months or so, that is when the rainy season is over.
Lord Rama and Laxmana return to the forest of Prasravana. Each day, for Rama is a like a Yuga. Bereft of his eternal consort, Sita, he is extremely unhappy and demonstrates his feelings of loneliness and sadness like a mere mortal of this earth. One may start wondering the divinity of the Lord. The Lord expresses through each one of us as life, he is the essence of everything in the shrishti; this is well confirmed in the Bhagavad-Gita. But then, one should understand that this demonstration of extreme love is a guideline for the "Grahastha's." Accordingly the first 33.33% of the married life the couple should be mad for each other, for the next 33.33% they should be made for each other and for the balance 33.33% they should be meant for each other.
By the virtue of total dedication to one's duties only, it is possible to transcend the dualities of mind. Be it success or failure, victory or defeat, gain or loss.
After the elapse of four months the, skies begin to clear, and Rama is eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sugreeva. But Sugreeva is immersed in pleasures of the senses and has totally forgotten the promise he made to Lord Rama. Lord Rama here becomes impatient and despatches Laxmana to Kishkinda to find the cause of the delay and give Sugreeva a piece of his mind. Laxmana, well known for his bad temper, marches to the Kingdom of Kishkinda, in a state of fury. On hearing that a furious Laxmana has arrived Sugreeva regains his composure and begs for forgiveness. They come to the forest of Prasravana and Sugreeva humbly apologizes to Rama for getting carried away in the sensual pleasures and is instantly forgiven.
These kinds of instances happen in our lives also. We go to the Lord to fulfil our list our desires. The ever-compassionate Lord bestows us with all our desires and then after realizing them we are carried away in the pleasures of senses, and tend to forget our promises to the Lord. Only when misery in the form of Laxman attacks us, we realize our folly and bow to the Lord again in apology. It is rightly said by Sant Kabeerji:
Dukh me sumiran sab kare
Sukh me kare na koi
Jo sukh me sumiran kare
to dukh kahe ko hoi.
Meaning: All chant the names of the Lord at times of their misery. None do so when they are happy. But if one remembers the Lord during the happy moments, then why will misery ever befall us.
Sugreeva, now chalks out a detailed plan to search for Sita. Sugreeva dispatches all his ministers in all the directions. But he reserves Hanuman, his ablest and most trusted minister for the southern direction. For, when Ravana abducts Sita, in his Pushpaka Vimana, Sugreeva had seen him going in the southern direction. Hanuman and his team with the blessings of his master and Lord Rama, depart to the southern direction.
They pass cave after cave, sea after sea, but alas! no sign of Sita. Ultimately Angad is utterly dejected. Suffering from pangs of hunger and exhaustion and knowing that there is no way out he decides to commit suicide, for, if he returns to Sugreeva without achieving in his mission he is bound to be killed by Sugreeva. Instead of being killed at the hands of Sugreeva, it is better to fast until death. He then starts recounting the leelas of Lord Rama right from his birth to the present situation. Sampati, the aged brother of Jatayu, who is now devoid of strength in his wings, happens to listen to the tales and the name of his heroic brother Jatayu repeated often. Curious to know, he approaches Angad and enquires about his brother.
Angad recounts as to how Jatayu tried to valiantly save Sita from Ravana and gave up his life in the fierce fight which ensued between himself and Ravana. After listening to the story, Sampathi is drenched in tears. Wishing to help and avenge the death of his brother, he reveals the location of Sita who is now a captive in the Ashoka Vatika of Ravana's Lanka. Even before the information is given, his wings return back to its strength and his youth too is restored. Sampati once had been blessed by one of the rishis, who said that if ever he happened to do one noble and worthy deed, his wings and youth would be restored. Sampati flies away happily.
Now, Hanuman and his troupe are extremely elated, they feel that their problems are almost solved. But their happiness is short lived as everybody starts measuring their capabilities. There is none, which are engaged in the discussion that can jump the distance of a hundred Yojanas and return. The wise Jambavan, with clasped hands approaches the most humble Hanuman, who is quietly listening to the discussions, pleads and reminds him of his mission and purpose, which is the service of Lord Rama. On hearing this Hanuman is thrilled. He stands up and immediately starts increasing in size until he grows hundred yojanas tall. He marches towards the Vindhya Mountain, which is the only mountain which can take the shock of his leap. Here ends the Kishkinda Kanda.
There are a few things here, which we can learn, Sampati, is blessed with youth and wings, which symbolizes freedom, on performing a noble task, similarly if one does even a small work of the Lord selflessly, he is bound to get his freedom in the terms of attaining the absolute.
And the second point is that when Angad frustrated because of the failure, starts narrating the Lord's tales, is immediately rewarded with success. Hence, even if we chant the praises of Lord or his devotee, it is a sure means of our success. We all have our own share of success, failure, richness, poverty, gains, losses, etc., and in all these conditions, if we turn our attention to the Lord and sing his praises, it will not only cleanse our heart but will also put us on the successful path.
In Sanskrit there are two most melodious alphabets i.e. "Ra" and "Ma". This is the reason why Lord Rama's name is most pleasing to hear. Let us all chant the name of Lord Rama, who is the ocean of compassion and the very essence of life in each one of us.
Jai Sriram, Jai Sri Hanuman. ...Read more!
Sugreeva and his four-vanara ministers are taking refuge atop the mountain of Rishyamukha. One fine morning Sugreeva sees two handsome young men, divine looking and resplendent with the kshatriya armor. On seeing them, Sugreeva is terrified. He opines that his brother Vali has sent them to this mountain to kill him, and then in a rush hastens to flee from that place along with his entourage. But Hanuman calms him down and suggests that he would go and enquire about their identity and the purpose their visit to that place. After taking Sugreeva's permission he assumes the guise of a young brahmachari and approaches the two newcomers with reverence and humility. He enquires them of their identity and the purpose of their visit to the mountain. Lord Rama and Laxmana reveal their identity and narrate the purpose of their visit, which is to search for Sita with the help of Sugreeva. Lord Hanuman is extremely happy at the turn of events. He then carries them to Sugreeva on his shoulders.
Sugreeva's flight of fear is a lesson to us. In our day to day experiences we find innumerable opportunities knocking at our doors. But being apprehensive, we deprive ourselves the pleasure of welcoming them with open arms. Once we accept the situation in totality, and act accordingly, we are sure to reach our god consciousness or the Lord Himself, which is the ultimate destiny of the mankind. Here Lord Hanuman is comparable to the discriminative powers of the mind, and with its proper use, we are sure to reach the Lord.
After friendship is forged between Lord Rama and Sugreeva, they exchange their tales of misfortune. Lord Rama assures Sugreeva, of his full support in getting the kingdom of Kishkinda and also his wife Ruma who had been abducted by Vali . Sugreeva is extremely happy with the reversals of his fortune.
Sugreeva as per Rama's advice approaches Vali and challenges him to a duel. The arrogant Vali accepts the challenge and the great duel begins between two supreme warriors. At the anointed time, Lord Rama, unseen by Vali, shoots an arrow directed at his chest. Vali falls down to the ground unconscious. This news spreads like wild fire in the Kingdom of Kishkinda and all the people start running towards the site. Slowly Vali regains consciousness, sees Rama, and accuses him of killing him by unjust means and calls him an "adharmi". He says "Lord Rama , had you even given a hint I would have flown to Lanka, saved mother Sita from Ravana's evil clutches , slain Ravana and brought back Sita for you. But why did you take the weak Sugreeva's help and kill me in this unjust manner. Lord Rama then replies that, a person who wishes to kill his own brother and abduct his wife is the greatest adharmi and is fit to die. It is hence improper to take aid of such an arrogant and adharmi person. After listening to these explanations of Rama, Vali understands his folly and bowing humbly to the Lord, apologizes. Lord Rama who is ever compassionate forgives him and Vali reaches the Lord's abode.
Here one gets to see the greatness of the Lord. Not only one who is blessed by the Lord reaches his abode but also the one who is slain. We can note yet another important point that the Lord prefers the aid of a person with earnest heart and humility to carry out his work, rather than an arrogant but strong being.
After the slaying of Vali, Sugreeva is crowned the king of Kishkinda. Since the Varsha ritu starts, all gathered, unanimously agree that the search for Sita can be taken up again only after the next four months or so, that is when the rainy season is over.
Lord Rama and Laxmana return to the forest of Prasravana. Each day, for Rama is a like a Yuga. Bereft of his eternal consort, Sita, he is extremely unhappy and demonstrates his feelings of loneliness and sadness like a mere mortal of this earth. One may start wondering the divinity of the Lord. The Lord expresses through each one of us as life, he is the essence of everything in the shrishti; this is well confirmed in the Bhagavad-Gita. But then, one should understand that this demonstration of extreme love is a guideline for the "Grahastha's." Accordingly the first 33.33% of the married life the couple should be mad for each other, for the next 33.33% they should be made for each other and for the balance 33.33% they should be meant for each other.
By the virtue of total dedication to one's duties only, it is possible to transcend the dualities of mind. Be it success or failure, victory or defeat, gain or loss.
After the elapse of four months the, skies begin to clear, and Rama is eagerly waiting for the arrival of Sugreeva. But Sugreeva is immersed in pleasures of the senses and has totally forgotten the promise he made to Lord Rama. Lord Rama here becomes impatient and despatches Laxmana to Kishkinda to find the cause of the delay and give Sugreeva a piece of his mind. Laxmana, well known for his bad temper, marches to the Kingdom of Kishkinda, in a state of fury. On hearing that a furious Laxmana has arrived Sugreeva regains his composure and begs for forgiveness. They come to the forest of Prasravana and Sugreeva humbly apologizes to Rama for getting carried away in the sensual pleasures and is instantly forgiven.
These kinds of instances happen in our lives also. We go to the Lord to fulfil our list our desires. The ever-compassionate Lord bestows us with all our desires and then after realizing them we are carried away in the pleasures of senses, and tend to forget our promises to the Lord. Only when misery in the form of Laxman attacks us, we realize our folly and bow to the Lord again in apology. It is rightly said by Sant Kabeerji:
Dukh me sumiran sab kare
Sukh me kare na koi
Jo sukh me sumiran kare
to dukh kahe ko hoi.
Meaning: All chant the names of the Lord at times of their misery. None do so when they are happy. But if one remembers the Lord during the happy moments, then why will misery ever befall us.
Sugreeva, now chalks out a detailed plan to search for Sita. Sugreeva dispatches all his ministers in all the directions. But he reserves Hanuman, his ablest and most trusted minister for the southern direction. For, when Ravana abducts Sita, in his Pushpaka Vimana, Sugreeva had seen him going in the southern direction. Hanuman and his team with the blessings of his master and Lord Rama, depart to the southern direction.
They pass cave after cave, sea after sea, but alas! no sign of Sita. Ultimately Angad is utterly dejected. Suffering from pangs of hunger and exhaustion and knowing that there is no way out he decides to commit suicide, for, if he returns to Sugreeva without achieving in his mission he is bound to be killed by Sugreeva. Instead of being killed at the hands of Sugreeva, it is better to fast until death. He then starts recounting the leelas of Lord Rama right from his birth to the present situation. Sampati, the aged brother of Jatayu, who is now devoid of strength in his wings, happens to listen to the tales and the name of his heroic brother Jatayu repeated often. Curious to know, he approaches Angad and enquires about his brother.
Angad recounts as to how Jatayu tried to valiantly save Sita from Ravana and gave up his life in the fierce fight which ensued between himself and Ravana. After listening to the story, Sampathi is drenched in tears. Wishing to help and avenge the death of his brother, he reveals the location of Sita who is now a captive in the Ashoka Vatika of Ravana's Lanka. Even before the information is given, his wings return back to its strength and his youth too is restored. Sampati once had been blessed by one of the rishis, who said that if ever he happened to do one noble and worthy deed, his wings and youth would be restored. Sampati flies away happily.
Now, Hanuman and his troupe are extremely elated, they feel that their problems are almost solved. But their happiness is short lived as everybody starts measuring their capabilities. There is none, which are engaged in the discussion that can jump the distance of a hundred Yojanas and return. The wise Jambavan, with clasped hands approaches the most humble Hanuman, who is quietly listening to the discussions, pleads and reminds him of his mission and purpose, which is the service of Lord Rama. On hearing this Hanuman is thrilled. He stands up and immediately starts increasing in size until he grows hundred yojanas tall. He marches towards the Vindhya Mountain, which is the only mountain which can take the shock of his leap. Here ends the Kishkinda Kanda.
There are a few things here, which we can learn, Sampati, is blessed with youth and wings, which symbolizes freedom, on performing a noble task, similarly if one does even a small work of the Lord selflessly, he is bound to get his freedom in the terms of attaining the absolute.
And the second point is that when Angad frustrated because of the failure, starts narrating the Lord's tales, is immediately rewarded with success. Hence, even if we chant the praises of Lord or his devotee, it is a sure means of our success. We all have our own share of success, failure, richness, poverty, gains, losses, etc., and in all these conditions, if we turn our attention to the Lord and sing his praises, it will not only cleanse our heart but will also put us on the successful path.
In Sanskrit there are two most melodious alphabets i.e. "Ra" and "Ma". This is the reason why Lord Rama's name is most pleasing to hear. Let us all chant the name of Lord Rama, who is the ocean of compassion and the very essence of life in each one of us.
Jai Sriram, Jai Sri Hanuman. ...Read more!
Aranyakand - 1998
Talk By: Venugopal
Pranams to Lord, Guruji and Sat Sanghees
The Word Aranya in the Aranya Kanda, which I will be covering in the next 10 minutes mean Forest. There are 28 chapters in this Kanda explaining the life of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the forest, besides the abduction of Sita by Ravana.
It begins with Rama getting clarification from his Kulapati on the uneasy atmosphere prevailing in Chitrakuta. Rama’s kulapati described the atrocities of forcing the Rishis to abandon the place. Rama was unhappy to stay in Chitrakuta not only because of the Rishis leaving the place but also due to painful memories that Bharata had left behind.
They started their journey and had a meeting with the renowned Rishi Atri and his wife Anasuya, who herself was a great tapasvini. Anasuya was so pleased with Sita that she gave her blessings with all her heart and also gave her a few clothes, garlands and ornaments. Continuing their journey into the Dandaka Forest they had the first encounter with a Rakshasa by name Viradha, who reached heavens after being killed by the valiant brothers.
They then reached the Ashrama of Sage Sarabhanga, who told Indra that he can come to Brahmaloka only after meeting Rama and entertaining him. Now the Rishis gathered around Lord Rama and expressed their happiness that their protector has decended on the Dandaka forest. This was followed by their visit to Sage Sutheekshana’s Ashram to pay their respects. They continued their life for the next 10 years wandering into the forest from one Ashram to another.
Rama, who had heard about sage Agastya, was anxious to meet him. Taking directions from sage Sutheekshana, Rama reached the Ashrama and requested for an opportunity to dust the feet of sage agastya. Agastya was so happy in meeting Rama, Sita and Lakshmana that he gave Vishnu’s Dhanus designed by Vishvakarma along with inexhaustible quivers and silver sword. As suggested by Agastya, Lakshmana set up an Ashram for them to stay in a place called Panchavati.
Ramayana should have ended here but for Shurpanaka’s desire for having Rama as her husband. She also threatened to eat up Sita. Lakshmana was so angered by this that he cut Shurpanaka’s nose and ear.
Shurpanaka’s feelings were now converted to one seeking revenge and she provoked her brother Khara to fight with Rama and Lakshmana. At the end of a fierce battle, Khara, his commanders as well as an army of 14000 soldiers were killed single handedly by Rama. One Rakshasa escaped from the battlefield and narrated the tale of woes to Ravana whose first reaction was one of disbelief. The Rakshasa after describing the prowess of Rama suggested that Ravana abduct the beautiful wife of Rama, which will make Rama lose his life in sorrow. Ravana at this stage was dissuaded from doing so by his uncle Maricha.
Shurpanaka desperate by now to seek revenge succeeded in provoking Ravana by following two fold strategy. One, by telling Ravana that he is losing control over the forest to a man and Secondly, by describing the beauty of Sita devi and by creating a desire in Ravana’s heart to make Sita his wife. Ravana now made a plan and made his uncle Maricha take the disguise of a Golden Deer with Silver spots. When Sita spotted the golden deer, with silver spots and jewelled horns, she requested Rama to capture it alive so that she can have a playmate in the Ashram. Lakshmana warned Rama that it is all Maricha in disguise, however, Rama in his eagerness to please his wife and remembering Sage Agastya’s instructions to take care of sita in every way, goes after the deer leaving strict instructions to Lakshmana to guard sita. After a few minutes of frustrating chase luring Rama deep into the forest, Rama killed the deer (maricha) and as per instructions given by Ravana, Maricha shouted Ha Sita, Ha Lakshmana in a voice similar to that of Rama. Hearing this, Sita ordered Lakshmana to go and assist Rama. Lakshmana refused to go as his brother had instructed him to guard sita and he suspected that it is part of a deep scheme. More importantly, he was sure that Rama cannot be killed in a fight. However, sita devi in her anxiety and anger heaped insults on Lakshmana, accusing him of not helping his brother because of ulterior motives to make sita his wife. Finally, she threatens Lakshmana that if he did not go to help Rama she will kill herself. Lakshmana on the verge of tears, with great hesitation, looking back often took unwilling steps to the direction from where the noise came. Ravana who was hiding and seeing all this time came to the ashram under the disguise of a sanyasi and abducted her in his chariot. Ravana also killed Jatayu, the old eagle who tried to stop Ravana. Ravana, after reaching Lanka, tried convincing sita to marrying him. Sita not only refused but told ravana that his death at the hands of Rama and Lakshmana was certain. Ravana left sita with an ultimatum of 12 months to change her mind or else be killed.
Rama and Lakshmana by now returned to the Ashram and were shocked to find it empty. Rama was inconsolable by now and declares that he cannot live without sita. Lakshmana without overstepping his decorum of a younger man talking to his elder brother, tried to calm him down. After searching all over in vain, Rama was overcome with anger and declared that he will make all three worlds empty of all beings. Lakshmana was frightened to see his brother losing sight of dharma and talked in length to his brother. Rama listened to the sweetly spoken words of Lakshmana and asked lakshmana on what action is to be taken to find sita ? They then proceeded to search and met Jatayu in a pool of blood, who explained the events to Rama. While continuing the search of Sita, they meet a Rakshasa by name Kabandha, who gets a divine form as Dhanu on getting liberation from his curse and explains the six different factors which are needed to be learnt to know any truth. He went on to explain how the leader of monkey, Sukriva can help in finding Sita. As suggested by Dhanu, they visited the Ashrama of a great tapasvini, Shabari, which helps him to get rid of the agitation in his. However, Rama was totally taken by sorrow when he saw the beautiful surroundings near the pampa river, haunted by memories of Sita Devi. Lakshmana fully appreciating his brother’s feelings, aroused the inner strength of Rama by reminding him that a man’s sorrow can easily be overcome by observance of Dharma and performing one’s duty. All these words helped Rama overcome his despondency. They then proceeded to mount Rishyamooka to meet Sugriva.
What a desire can lead us to ?
Whether it is the desire of shurpanaka to have Rama as his husband or
Ravana’s desire to have Sita as his wife or
Sita desire to capture the golden deer
Being humble
When the Rishis call Rama as their protector, Rama replies asking them to order him as he is his servant . He also says that his life in forest will be worthwhile, if he can help the Rishis.
Being Righteous and observing Dharma
Sita asked Rama whether he was righteous in agreeing to kill the Rakshasas who did not offend them in any way. Rama asks sita to consider the plight of Rishis who have given up everything in life with single minded devotion towards Tapas, which was being spoiled by Rakshasas. He says that it is his duty to make Dandaka forest a safe place for Rishis.
When Rama searches for Sita in vain, out of this anger he says that he will wipe out all three worlds of people. Again, Lakshmana explains that a man overcome with sorrow can come out of it by observing Dharma.
Valmiki says that there was no one equal to Ravana in beauty, prowess, valour, generosity, skill in fine arts. But he was not righteous. See how he met his end in the hands of Rama.
Self pity in times of Grief
Even Lord Rama reacted like an ordinary man when he could not find Sita. He declares that he cannot live without Sita. Lakshmana talks to his brother to abandon his grief and tells him that only a man who is firm will achieve his desires.
Anger makes us lose our sense
When Maricha shouts like Rama, Sita lost her mind and forced Lakshmana to go and look for Rama. She used unpardonable words to Lakshmana who saw Rama and Sita as his parents. Rama, rightfully asks Lakshmana, "Don’t you know that when a woman gets angry, she will talk without paying any attention to the sense of what she is saying ?" It is true for all of us. ...Read more!
Pranams to Lord, Guruji and Sat Sanghees
The Word Aranya in the Aranya Kanda, which I will be covering in the next 10 minutes mean Forest. There are 28 chapters in this Kanda explaining the life of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in the forest, besides the abduction of Sita by Ravana.
It begins with Rama getting clarification from his Kulapati on the uneasy atmosphere prevailing in Chitrakuta. Rama’s kulapati described the atrocities of forcing the Rishis to abandon the place. Rama was unhappy to stay in Chitrakuta not only because of the Rishis leaving the place but also due to painful memories that Bharata had left behind.
They started their journey and had a meeting with the renowned Rishi Atri and his wife Anasuya, who herself was a great tapasvini. Anasuya was so pleased with Sita that she gave her blessings with all her heart and also gave her a few clothes, garlands and ornaments. Continuing their journey into the Dandaka Forest they had the first encounter with a Rakshasa by name Viradha, who reached heavens after being killed by the valiant brothers.
They then reached the Ashrama of Sage Sarabhanga, who told Indra that he can come to Brahmaloka only after meeting Rama and entertaining him. Now the Rishis gathered around Lord Rama and expressed their happiness that their protector has decended on the Dandaka forest. This was followed by their visit to Sage Sutheekshana’s Ashram to pay their respects. They continued their life for the next 10 years wandering into the forest from one Ashram to another.
Rama, who had heard about sage Agastya, was anxious to meet him. Taking directions from sage Sutheekshana, Rama reached the Ashrama and requested for an opportunity to dust the feet of sage agastya. Agastya was so happy in meeting Rama, Sita and Lakshmana that he gave Vishnu’s Dhanus designed by Vishvakarma along with inexhaustible quivers and silver sword. As suggested by Agastya, Lakshmana set up an Ashram for them to stay in a place called Panchavati.
Ramayana should have ended here but for Shurpanaka’s desire for having Rama as her husband. She also threatened to eat up Sita. Lakshmana was so angered by this that he cut Shurpanaka’s nose and ear.
Shurpanaka’s feelings were now converted to one seeking revenge and she provoked her brother Khara to fight with Rama and Lakshmana. At the end of a fierce battle, Khara, his commanders as well as an army of 14000 soldiers were killed single handedly by Rama. One Rakshasa escaped from the battlefield and narrated the tale of woes to Ravana whose first reaction was one of disbelief. The Rakshasa after describing the prowess of Rama suggested that Ravana abduct the beautiful wife of Rama, which will make Rama lose his life in sorrow. Ravana at this stage was dissuaded from doing so by his uncle Maricha.
Shurpanaka desperate by now to seek revenge succeeded in provoking Ravana by following two fold strategy. One, by telling Ravana that he is losing control over the forest to a man and Secondly, by describing the beauty of Sita devi and by creating a desire in Ravana’s heart to make Sita his wife. Ravana now made a plan and made his uncle Maricha take the disguise of a Golden Deer with Silver spots. When Sita spotted the golden deer, with silver spots and jewelled horns, she requested Rama to capture it alive so that she can have a playmate in the Ashram. Lakshmana warned Rama that it is all Maricha in disguise, however, Rama in his eagerness to please his wife and remembering Sage Agastya’s instructions to take care of sita in every way, goes after the deer leaving strict instructions to Lakshmana to guard sita. After a few minutes of frustrating chase luring Rama deep into the forest, Rama killed the deer (maricha) and as per instructions given by Ravana, Maricha shouted Ha Sita, Ha Lakshmana in a voice similar to that of Rama. Hearing this, Sita ordered Lakshmana to go and assist Rama. Lakshmana refused to go as his brother had instructed him to guard sita and he suspected that it is part of a deep scheme. More importantly, he was sure that Rama cannot be killed in a fight. However, sita devi in her anxiety and anger heaped insults on Lakshmana, accusing him of not helping his brother because of ulterior motives to make sita his wife. Finally, she threatens Lakshmana that if he did not go to help Rama she will kill herself. Lakshmana on the verge of tears, with great hesitation, looking back often took unwilling steps to the direction from where the noise came. Ravana who was hiding and seeing all this time came to the ashram under the disguise of a sanyasi and abducted her in his chariot. Ravana also killed Jatayu, the old eagle who tried to stop Ravana. Ravana, after reaching Lanka, tried convincing sita to marrying him. Sita not only refused but told ravana that his death at the hands of Rama and Lakshmana was certain. Ravana left sita with an ultimatum of 12 months to change her mind or else be killed.
Rama and Lakshmana by now returned to the Ashram and were shocked to find it empty. Rama was inconsolable by now and declares that he cannot live without sita. Lakshmana without overstepping his decorum of a younger man talking to his elder brother, tried to calm him down. After searching all over in vain, Rama was overcome with anger and declared that he will make all three worlds empty of all beings. Lakshmana was frightened to see his brother losing sight of dharma and talked in length to his brother. Rama listened to the sweetly spoken words of Lakshmana and asked lakshmana on what action is to be taken to find sita ? They then proceeded to search and met Jatayu in a pool of blood, who explained the events to Rama. While continuing the search of Sita, they meet a Rakshasa by name Kabandha, who gets a divine form as Dhanu on getting liberation from his curse and explains the six different factors which are needed to be learnt to know any truth. He went on to explain how the leader of monkey, Sukriva can help in finding Sita. As suggested by Dhanu, they visited the Ashrama of a great tapasvini, Shabari, which helps him to get rid of the agitation in his. However, Rama was totally taken by sorrow when he saw the beautiful surroundings near the pampa river, haunted by memories of Sita Devi. Lakshmana fully appreciating his brother’s feelings, aroused the inner strength of Rama by reminding him that a man’s sorrow can easily be overcome by observance of Dharma and performing one’s duty. All these words helped Rama overcome his despondency. They then proceeded to mount Rishyamooka to meet Sugriva.
What a desire can lead us to ?
Whether it is the desire of shurpanaka to have Rama as his husband or
Ravana’s desire to have Sita as his wife or
Sita desire to capture the golden deer
Being humble
When the Rishis call Rama as their protector, Rama replies asking them to order him as he is his servant . He also says that his life in forest will be worthwhile, if he can help the Rishis.
Being Righteous and observing Dharma
Sita asked Rama whether he was righteous in agreeing to kill the Rakshasas who did not offend them in any way. Rama asks sita to consider the plight of Rishis who have given up everything in life with single minded devotion towards Tapas, which was being spoiled by Rakshasas. He says that it is his duty to make Dandaka forest a safe place for Rishis.
When Rama searches for Sita in vain, out of this anger he says that he will wipe out all three worlds of people. Again, Lakshmana explains that a man overcome with sorrow can come out of it by observing Dharma.
Valmiki says that there was no one equal to Ravana in beauty, prowess, valour, generosity, skill in fine arts. But he was not righteous. See how he met his end in the hands of Rama.
Self pity in times of Grief
Even Lord Rama reacted like an ordinary man when he could not find Sita. He declares that he cannot live without Sita. Lakshmana talks to his brother to abandon his grief and tells him that only a man who is firm will achieve his desires.
Anger makes us lose our sense
When Maricha shouts like Rama, Sita lost her mind and forced Lakshmana to go and look for Rama. She used unpardonable words to Lakshmana who saw Rama and Sita as his parents. Rama, rightfully asks Lakshmana, "Don’t you know that when a woman gets angry, she will talk without paying any attention to the sense of what she is saying ?" It is true for all of us. ...Read more!
Ayodhyakand - 1998
Talk By: Pramod Shringarpure
Rama was the very life of the men of Ayodhya. He was unparalleled in the qualities which makes a man great. He was a very brave young man and yet his bravery was combined with mercy. Even if someone spoke harshly to him, he would never reply in the same tone. If anyone did him any favor, even if it were a small task, he would always remember it with gratitude while his own good acts would be forgotten by him even if they were hundreds in number. Each man loved him as his own son.
Words can not describe the wealth of goodness that is Rama. He was well versed in the arts which a Kshatriya had to master and he was also very proficient in the knowledge of Vedas and all its Angas. In short, Rama was the home of all the virtuous qualities that can be enumerated and he was the beloved prince of the citizens of Ayodhya.
King Dasaratha had in his heart the great desire to make Rama the Yuvaraj. In prowess Rama was like Yama and Indra and in wisdom he was like the divine Guru Brihaspati . He was the best among men , a rare soul and he was the best suited to rule the kingdom. The People of Ayodhya approved the suggestion that Rama should be crowned as the heir . They were eager to see Rama, drenched with the waters of the abhisheka, with his face sheltered by the white umbrella, riding on the elephant.
He was the personification of all that is good and great. He would never swerve from the path of truth and dharma. The earth was eager to have Rama as her lord , endowed as he was with all the qualities needed for a ruler. When he heard the commands of his father, Rama spoke not a word but stood still. He prostrated once again before his father and ascended the chariot which had brought him to the court. The crowd also dispersed slowly, each man thinking only of the glad event which was to happen soon.
When the crowd had dispersed and when the king was alone in his chambers he thought of arranging the coronation of Rama the next day since it was the auspicious Pushya nashktra. Accordingly Ram was informed and he was asked to observe all the necessary rituals, guided by VasishTha Rishi.
After Rama had gone away, Dasaratha sent for VasishTha and spoke to him about the coronation which had to take place in the morning. The people were delirious with happiness and there was joy and nothing but joy in the hearts of everyone in Ayodhya.
On the same evening Manthara, the servant maid of Kaikeyi rushed to Kaikeyi and informed her of Ram’s coronation and warned her that it was a great danger for her. Kaikeyi paid no attention to the words of Manthara. Manthara stood fuming with anger. After a while composing herself, she said, "Madam, the king is contemplating your destruction. He is planning to crown Rama as Yuvaraj tomorrow .You will be destroyed, my queen, and I have come to you hoping to find a way to save you. Look he is now granting all good fortune to Kausalya and not to you. You do not know it but the king is really your enemy."
Some how Kaikeyi was convinced by Manthara and was poisoned to such an extent that she decides to go to Dasaratha for her two boons. Kaikeyi approached King Dasaratha and requested the King to sanction her two boons at any cost. She said, "You have made all preparations for Rama to be crowned as the Yuvaraj. Let the preparations remain as they are. Only, I want Bharata to be crowned instead of Rama. As for the other boon, wearing deerskin and tree -bark, Rama should spend fourteen years in the Dandaka forest."
King Dasaratha said, "I can live without Kausalya or Sumitra. I am prepared to give up even my kingdom . But I can never give up Rama. When my eyes light on Ram’s face, my heart becomes full of Joy, and when he is not with me I am the most unhappy of all beings. The world may live without the sun but I will not be able to live once I am parted from Rama. Kaikeyi , tell me ,how did this sinful thought come to your mind? You have been born just for the purpose of destruction. When I tell Rama to go to the forest, he will not speak a word in protest! How can I bear to see his face after I tell him this? You are a cruel woman and your mind thinks up only sinful thoughts. I must have sinned in my previous birth and that is the reason why I have to listen to you and your sinful wishes. The elders in the court will now approach me with the desire to take me to the hall where the coronation is to be performed. With the waters collected for the abhisheka let Rama perform the funeral rites for me who will die very soon."
Sumantara was asked to bring Rama again. Rama came with Laxmana to Kaikeyi’s quarters. Rama looked at his father. An unnatural silence pervaded the place. Rama stood for a long time looking at his father. Rama could not understand king Dasaratha’s silence. Kaikeyi explained everything to Rama, including the two boons sanctioned to her by king Dasaratha.
Rama looked at Kaikeyi and said, "But certainly, my mother, I will go at once to the forest dressed as you say. I will not let my father break his words. I am unhappy only about one fact: why does the king refuse to look at me with love as he always does ? Why has the king not told me this good news?"
Rama then said, "Devi, Kaikeyi, you did not credit me one thing. I would have obeyed you if you had asked me to do this. Because of your lack of faith in me and in my love for you, you have approached the king." Rama looked like a great Sannyaasi who had renounced the world.
Rama then went to mother Kausalya and said, "Mother, a great misfortune has befallen you, my Sita and my beloved brother Laxmana. It happened just now and you do not know about it yet. What I need is an asana made of darbha grass. The time has come when I should abandon all this and go to the Dandaka forest and remain there. I must withdraw my mind from all thoughts of kingly comforts and live in the forest for fourteen years."
Rama then said, "I am the last person to question my father’s action and the motives behind them. My father has never spoken an untruth and this incident should not prevent him from gaining a place in heaven."
Rama looked at mother Kausalya, whose face was bathed in tears and said, "Mother, my father has been deceived by Kaikeyi. Mother ,I do not have to tell you about the dharma of a Pativrata. Rama continued, "Bharatha is a righteous man and a very noble youth. He will walk only in the path of dharma."
Kausalya said, "Since fate has conspired against me , I am not able to change your mind. May that dharma protect you which you have been following so assiduously with a firm mind and with religious dedication."
Rama, Laxmana and Sita decided to go to the Dandaka forest without any further delay. Before that, Rama wished to give away all his belongings to brahmins and to the dependents in the palace. For Rama following the path of dharma was the only purpose in life and there was no disturbance in his mind since he knew that he was doing the right thing.
King Dasaratha tells Sumantara to take Rama, the noblest of men and leave him in the forest which is uninhabited by men. He realizes that even when a man follows the path of dharma, the acts he had performed in his previous birth will not leave him alone.
Sumantara took his seat and the chariot began to move. Rama heard the wail of the king’s wives in the harem and the faint voice of his father. It came to the mind of the king finally that Rama had really left him and gone away.
Dasaratha looked at Kaikeyi with burning eyes and said, "Kaikeyi you sinned against me and you have wished me ill. I do not consider you my wife any longer. I renounce you. Noble minded Bharatha has ever been devoted to his elders, and he has never swerved from the path of righteousness. If however, he should perchance be influenced by you ,and accept the throne won for him by you, he shall not perform the funeral rites for me. I will disown him too.
King Dashratha was carried to Kausalya’s palace and was placed on a couch covered with silk.
Rama then visited Bharadvaj Rishi’ ashram. When Rama was ready to leave that ashram the Rishi blessed them by reciting special verses meant for those going on a journey and he went with them as a father will. They reached the beautiful mountain Chitrakuta. It was full of birds, flowers, fruits and waterfalls.
They came across the ashrama of Valmiki and they visited him. He welcomed them and said, "Rama I know why you have come to the forest. I am glad that you have decided to live here where the Rishis have made their homes"
Sumantara came back to Ayodhya. It took him three days to reach city. King Dasaratha looked at him and his eyes were questioning. Sumantara recounted to him everything about Rama in detail.
It was the sixth night after Rama had departed. Half the night had passed and the king was now wide awake. He was telling to Kausalya, "My queen, when a man does something, whether it is good or bad , he is sure to reap the harvest of his act."
Dasharatha had learned the art of archery. He could, by listening to the sound made by an animal, kill it with an arrow aimed from a distance. This is called ‘Shabdavedi’. King Dasharatha remembered the GHOR APRADH that he had committed - incident of killing Shravan Bal, an innocent son of blind parents, and their curse. Shravan’s father had cursed him saying," your death will also be similar to mine. you will die as a result of separation from your son.
For five nights the king had lived after Rama had left Ayodhya. On the sixth night he could not bear the pain any longer and died quietly.
Guru Vashishta sent a messenger to fetch Bharatha from Kekaya. On the night when the messenger reached the Rajgriha, the prince had a bad dream. Bharatha asked various questions to the messenger regarding the welfare of his father, mothers and brothers but the messenger were extremely careful in answering them.
Bharatha entered Ayodhya but was nonplused by its unusual appearance. he looked around and said, "Bad omens greet me when I enter the city".
Kaikeyi heard him coming and rushed to meet him and welcome him. Bharatha asked his mother, "where is my father ? I want to see his face which I have been missing all these days. Kaikeyi could not grasp the extent of the misfortune which had befallen her. She spoke in a flat and unemotional voice, "Your father, the righteous Dasaratha, the refuge and solace of everyone who was in trouble, the father of this country, has attained that state which all living beings should attain one day.
Bharatha was surprised at the news that Rama was not in Ayodhya, when his father died. Kaikeyi said, "Bharatha my child, Rama has left for the forest Dandaka dressed in tree bark and with him have gone Lakshmana and Sita." His mind was sorely troubled. He asked his mother, "Why ? Why Mother ?Why was he sent to the forest by my father ?"
Kaikeyi spoke, "No Bharatha ,Ram did not commit any sin. I did not like nor want Rama to be crowned as the yuvaraj. I made the king grant me that Rama should be banished and you should be crowned as Yuvaraj."
Bharatha was very angry with his mother Kaikeyi and said, "You banished Rama to the forest and you have been the death of your husband and to my lasting shame, I have to remember that I am your son, born of you. I will willingly kill you myself. I would have done so too, but then my revered brother Ram will not look at the me since he will attribute the sin of matricide to me. That is the only reason why I hesitate to draw my sword and kill you. Did you think, even for a moment, that I would accept the kingdom ? I would rather die than contemplate such a sinful act. I refuse to recognize you as my mother any more."
He further said, "I can not rest until I bring Rama back from the forest and make him accept the throne which is his"
Vasishsta Rishi then came to Bharatha and said, "Shed this grief, my son and perform the last rites for your father .
Manthara was entering the palace of Queen Kaikeyi. Shatrughna saw her, he was very angry and he wanted to beat her and punish her for her crooked plan. But Bharatha told him, "My dear brother, women should not be punished even if they deserve to be. They should be forgiven. I have not killed this Kaikeyi yet is because I am afraid of Rama. He is noble and will be displeased with me if he knows that I have killed a women and a mother at that. He will never talk to me or even look at me."
Vasishsta then said, "Bharatha , your father the king ,has left this land for you to rule .He was a righteous man and he acted thus because he did not want to be called an Adharmi. As for the reason your brother Rama left for the Dandaka forest with his wife and Lakshmana, it was the same. Ram did not want his father to be called untruthful.
The kingdom as well as myself are Rama’s to do what he will. Please do not ask me to remind you of the rule of the line of the Ishvakus, that the eldest son has the right to the throne and none other. I will go to the forest and bring Rama back , if I do not succeed , I will remain with him and serve him like my brother Lakshmana is doing.
Bharatha called for his chariot and it was at the doorway in no time. He told Sumantara to take them to the forest with his retinue. The queens also went with him . Many of the people of Ayodhya also went with Bharatha. Bharatha came to Bharadvaj Rishi"s ashram. The Rishi welcomed all the guests and inquired after their welfare.
Bharatha then said, "I have come to the forest in search of Rama, to fall at his feet, to offer the kingdom to him and to take him back to Ayodhya where he should be crowned as emperor. Can you help me by telling me where the king of Kosala is?"
Rishi Bharadvaj entertained all the guests and the army accompanied by Bharatha. In the process of talking to the Rishi Bharatha condemned his mother Kaikeyi.
The Rishi said, " Do not condemn your mother, Bharatha . I can look in to the future and I can see that this exile of Rama is for the good of the world . It is going to benefit the rishis of the forest, the devas and all the divine hosts. Forbear from your censure of this women."
Bharatha took leave of the rishi and after collecting his army around him left for the ashram of Rama.
Rama ,Lakshmana and Sita were very happy in the ashraam on Mount Chitrakuta. Mother Nature was lavish in her bounty here, and Sita , who had always been fond of flowers and birds and deer, was very happy here. Every day ,something new would be discovered by them and they would talk about it and they succeeded in forgetting the fact that they were exiles and that they were denied the comforts of the city.
On that particular day when they were seated, they found a herd of elephants running around as though in panic. Rama looked at this strange scene and heard an unusual noise. He said, "Lakshmana , some king or prince has entered the forest. Lakshmana was disturbed and angry.
Rama was greatly distressed by the violent anger of Lakshmana. He tried to pacify him with his soft and gentle words. He said, "Lakshmana, if Bharatha is coming here, where is the need for us to take up arms against him?
Rama said, "I will tell you why Bharatha has come. Bharatha is very fond of his brothers . He must have heard about us living in the forest dressed in tree-bark . With pain in his heart with affection for us he has come to the forest to see us.
BHARATHA MEETS RAMA
Bharatha stood still for along moment. His limbs refused to bear him. He then rushed towards Rama . He could not see properly since tears were clouding his eyes. His sorrow was like the sea which had burst its boundary. My brother who should be seated in the court served by his myriad attendants and courtiers is now seated on the floor covered by darbha grass and attended by animals of the forest as his subjects.
Bharatha with his face drenched in tears, advanced towards Rama but fell down even before reaching his feet. Shatrughna who was with Bharatha all the while fell along with Bharatha at the feet of Rama. Ram raised them up and embracing them, shed tears.
Rama inquired about his father King Dasaratha When he heard from Bharatha that his father was no more in this world he fell down senseless..
Bharatha said, "Rama, I appeal to you to absolve me of this sin. Please be gracious enough to come back to Ayodhya and accept the kingdom which is yours by right."
Ram replied, "Righteous men should respect their mothers just as much as they do their fathers. When such is the case, when both my father and my mother told me to go to the forest, how could I act otherwise? YOU have been commanded to rule the kingdom and I have been commanded to live in the Dandaka forest for fourteen years. Walk in the path of DHARMA which you have been following all these years and do what our father asked us to do. I will do the same. You can make my father truthful only if you go back to Ayodhya and rule the country. The debt I owe to my parents is infinite. It is not possible to return the love of one’s parents. Such a great man was Dasaratha, my father, and I will not disobey him. Your duty is to obey the command of our father and rule the kingdom."
Bharatha prostrated before Rama’s sandals and said, "My beloved brother ,remember I will live wearing these coarse tree -bark and deerskin for the next fourteen years and will retain these matted locks until you remove yours. I will wait for you to come back and I will live outside the city of Ayodhya. My food will be fruits and roots. I will enthrone these sandals and they will rule the kingdom as your symbols. I will rule the kingdom as your representative." ...Read more!
Rama was the very life of the men of Ayodhya. He was unparalleled in the qualities which makes a man great. He was a very brave young man and yet his bravery was combined with mercy. Even if someone spoke harshly to him, he would never reply in the same tone. If anyone did him any favor, even if it were a small task, he would always remember it with gratitude while his own good acts would be forgotten by him even if they were hundreds in number. Each man loved him as his own son.
Words can not describe the wealth of goodness that is Rama. He was well versed in the arts which a Kshatriya had to master and he was also very proficient in the knowledge of Vedas and all its Angas. In short, Rama was the home of all the virtuous qualities that can be enumerated and he was the beloved prince of the citizens of Ayodhya.
King Dasaratha had in his heart the great desire to make Rama the Yuvaraj. In prowess Rama was like Yama and Indra and in wisdom he was like the divine Guru Brihaspati . He was the best among men , a rare soul and he was the best suited to rule the kingdom. The People of Ayodhya approved the suggestion that Rama should be crowned as the heir . They were eager to see Rama, drenched with the waters of the abhisheka, with his face sheltered by the white umbrella, riding on the elephant.
He was the personification of all that is good and great. He would never swerve from the path of truth and dharma. The earth was eager to have Rama as her lord , endowed as he was with all the qualities needed for a ruler. When he heard the commands of his father, Rama spoke not a word but stood still. He prostrated once again before his father and ascended the chariot which had brought him to the court. The crowd also dispersed slowly, each man thinking only of the glad event which was to happen soon.
When the crowd had dispersed and when the king was alone in his chambers he thought of arranging the coronation of Rama the next day since it was the auspicious Pushya nashktra. Accordingly Ram was informed and he was asked to observe all the necessary rituals, guided by VasishTha Rishi.
After Rama had gone away, Dasaratha sent for VasishTha and spoke to him about the coronation which had to take place in the morning. The people were delirious with happiness and there was joy and nothing but joy in the hearts of everyone in Ayodhya.
On the same evening Manthara, the servant maid of Kaikeyi rushed to Kaikeyi and informed her of Ram’s coronation and warned her that it was a great danger for her. Kaikeyi paid no attention to the words of Manthara. Manthara stood fuming with anger. After a while composing herself, she said, "Madam, the king is contemplating your destruction. He is planning to crown Rama as Yuvaraj tomorrow .You will be destroyed, my queen, and I have come to you hoping to find a way to save you. Look he is now granting all good fortune to Kausalya and not to you. You do not know it but the king is really your enemy."
Some how Kaikeyi was convinced by Manthara and was poisoned to such an extent that she decides to go to Dasaratha for her two boons. Kaikeyi approached King Dasaratha and requested the King to sanction her two boons at any cost. She said, "You have made all preparations for Rama to be crowned as the Yuvaraj. Let the preparations remain as they are. Only, I want Bharata to be crowned instead of Rama. As for the other boon, wearing deerskin and tree -bark, Rama should spend fourteen years in the Dandaka forest."
King Dasaratha said, "I can live without Kausalya or Sumitra. I am prepared to give up even my kingdom . But I can never give up Rama. When my eyes light on Ram’s face, my heart becomes full of Joy, and when he is not with me I am the most unhappy of all beings. The world may live without the sun but I will not be able to live once I am parted from Rama. Kaikeyi , tell me ,how did this sinful thought come to your mind? You have been born just for the purpose of destruction. When I tell Rama to go to the forest, he will not speak a word in protest! How can I bear to see his face after I tell him this? You are a cruel woman and your mind thinks up only sinful thoughts. I must have sinned in my previous birth and that is the reason why I have to listen to you and your sinful wishes. The elders in the court will now approach me with the desire to take me to the hall where the coronation is to be performed. With the waters collected for the abhisheka let Rama perform the funeral rites for me who will die very soon."
Sumantara was asked to bring Rama again. Rama came with Laxmana to Kaikeyi’s quarters. Rama looked at his father. An unnatural silence pervaded the place. Rama stood for a long time looking at his father. Rama could not understand king Dasaratha’s silence. Kaikeyi explained everything to Rama, including the two boons sanctioned to her by king Dasaratha.
Rama looked at Kaikeyi and said, "But certainly, my mother, I will go at once to the forest dressed as you say. I will not let my father break his words. I am unhappy only about one fact: why does the king refuse to look at me with love as he always does ? Why has the king not told me this good news?"
Rama then said, "Devi, Kaikeyi, you did not credit me one thing. I would have obeyed you if you had asked me to do this. Because of your lack of faith in me and in my love for you, you have approached the king." Rama looked like a great Sannyaasi who had renounced the world.
Rama then went to mother Kausalya and said, "Mother, a great misfortune has befallen you, my Sita and my beloved brother Laxmana. It happened just now and you do not know about it yet. What I need is an asana made of darbha grass. The time has come when I should abandon all this and go to the Dandaka forest and remain there. I must withdraw my mind from all thoughts of kingly comforts and live in the forest for fourteen years."
Rama then said, "I am the last person to question my father’s action and the motives behind them. My father has never spoken an untruth and this incident should not prevent him from gaining a place in heaven."
Rama looked at mother Kausalya, whose face was bathed in tears and said, "Mother, my father has been deceived by Kaikeyi. Mother ,I do not have to tell you about the dharma of a Pativrata. Rama continued, "Bharatha is a righteous man and a very noble youth. He will walk only in the path of dharma."
Kausalya said, "Since fate has conspired against me , I am not able to change your mind. May that dharma protect you which you have been following so assiduously with a firm mind and with religious dedication."
Rama, Laxmana and Sita decided to go to the Dandaka forest without any further delay. Before that, Rama wished to give away all his belongings to brahmins and to the dependents in the palace. For Rama following the path of dharma was the only purpose in life and there was no disturbance in his mind since he knew that he was doing the right thing.
King Dasaratha tells Sumantara to take Rama, the noblest of men and leave him in the forest which is uninhabited by men. He realizes that even when a man follows the path of dharma, the acts he had performed in his previous birth will not leave him alone.
Sumantara took his seat and the chariot began to move. Rama heard the wail of the king’s wives in the harem and the faint voice of his father. It came to the mind of the king finally that Rama had really left him and gone away.
Dasaratha looked at Kaikeyi with burning eyes and said, "Kaikeyi you sinned against me and you have wished me ill. I do not consider you my wife any longer. I renounce you. Noble minded Bharatha has ever been devoted to his elders, and he has never swerved from the path of righteousness. If however, he should perchance be influenced by you ,and accept the throne won for him by you, he shall not perform the funeral rites for me. I will disown him too.
King Dashratha was carried to Kausalya’s palace and was placed on a couch covered with silk.
Rama then visited Bharadvaj Rishi’ ashram. When Rama was ready to leave that ashram the Rishi blessed them by reciting special verses meant for those going on a journey and he went with them as a father will. They reached the beautiful mountain Chitrakuta. It was full of birds, flowers, fruits and waterfalls.
They came across the ashrama of Valmiki and they visited him. He welcomed them and said, "Rama I know why you have come to the forest. I am glad that you have decided to live here where the Rishis have made their homes"
Sumantara came back to Ayodhya. It took him three days to reach city. King Dasaratha looked at him and his eyes were questioning. Sumantara recounted to him everything about Rama in detail.
It was the sixth night after Rama had departed. Half the night had passed and the king was now wide awake. He was telling to Kausalya, "My queen, when a man does something, whether it is good or bad , he is sure to reap the harvest of his act."
Dasharatha had learned the art of archery. He could, by listening to the sound made by an animal, kill it with an arrow aimed from a distance. This is called ‘Shabdavedi’. King Dasharatha remembered the GHOR APRADH that he had committed - incident of killing Shravan Bal, an innocent son of blind parents, and their curse. Shravan’s father had cursed him saying," your death will also be similar to mine. you will die as a result of separation from your son.
For five nights the king had lived after Rama had left Ayodhya. On the sixth night he could not bear the pain any longer and died quietly.
Guru Vashishta sent a messenger to fetch Bharatha from Kekaya. On the night when the messenger reached the Rajgriha, the prince had a bad dream. Bharatha asked various questions to the messenger regarding the welfare of his father, mothers and brothers but the messenger were extremely careful in answering them.
Bharatha entered Ayodhya but was nonplused by its unusual appearance. he looked around and said, "Bad omens greet me when I enter the city".
Kaikeyi heard him coming and rushed to meet him and welcome him. Bharatha asked his mother, "where is my father ? I want to see his face which I have been missing all these days. Kaikeyi could not grasp the extent of the misfortune which had befallen her. She spoke in a flat and unemotional voice, "Your father, the righteous Dasaratha, the refuge and solace of everyone who was in trouble, the father of this country, has attained that state which all living beings should attain one day.
Bharatha was surprised at the news that Rama was not in Ayodhya, when his father died. Kaikeyi said, "Bharatha my child, Rama has left for the forest Dandaka dressed in tree bark and with him have gone Lakshmana and Sita." His mind was sorely troubled. He asked his mother, "Why ? Why Mother ?Why was he sent to the forest by my father ?"
Kaikeyi spoke, "No Bharatha ,Ram did not commit any sin. I did not like nor want Rama to be crowned as the yuvaraj. I made the king grant me that Rama should be banished and you should be crowned as Yuvaraj."
Bharatha was very angry with his mother Kaikeyi and said, "You banished Rama to the forest and you have been the death of your husband and to my lasting shame, I have to remember that I am your son, born of you. I will willingly kill you myself. I would have done so too, but then my revered brother Ram will not look at the me since he will attribute the sin of matricide to me. That is the only reason why I hesitate to draw my sword and kill you. Did you think, even for a moment, that I would accept the kingdom ? I would rather die than contemplate such a sinful act. I refuse to recognize you as my mother any more."
He further said, "I can not rest until I bring Rama back from the forest and make him accept the throne which is his"
Vasishsta Rishi then came to Bharatha and said, "Shed this grief, my son and perform the last rites for your father .
Manthara was entering the palace of Queen Kaikeyi. Shatrughna saw her, he was very angry and he wanted to beat her and punish her for her crooked plan. But Bharatha told him, "My dear brother, women should not be punished even if they deserve to be. They should be forgiven. I have not killed this Kaikeyi yet is because I am afraid of Rama. He is noble and will be displeased with me if he knows that I have killed a women and a mother at that. He will never talk to me or even look at me."
Vasishsta then said, "Bharatha , your father the king ,has left this land for you to rule .He was a righteous man and he acted thus because he did not want to be called an Adharmi. As for the reason your brother Rama left for the Dandaka forest with his wife and Lakshmana, it was the same. Ram did not want his father to be called untruthful.
The kingdom as well as myself are Rama’s to do what he will. Please do not ask me to remind you of the rule of the line of the Ishvakus, that the eldest son has the right to the throne and none other. I will go to the forest and bring Rama back , if I do not succeed , I will remain with him and serve him like my brother Lakshmana is doing.
Bharatha called for his chariot and it was at the doorway in no time. He told Sumantara to take them to the forest with his retinue. The queens also went with him . Many of the people of Ayodhya also went with Bharatha. Bharatha came to Bharadvaj Rishi"s ashram. The Rishi welcomed all the guests and inquired after their welfare.
Bharatha then said, "I have come to the forest in search of Rama, to fall at his feet, to offer the kingdom to him and to take him back to Ayodhya where he should be crowned as emperor. Can you help me by telling me where the king of Kosala is?"
Rishi Bharadvaj entertained all the guests and the army accompanied by Bharatha. In the process of talking to the Rishi Bharatha condemned his mother Kaikeyi.
The Rishi said, " Do not condemn your mother, Bharatha . I can look in to the future and I can see that this exile of Rama is for the good of the world . It is going to benefit the rishis of the forest, the devas and all the divine hosts. Forbear from your censure of this women."
Bharatha took leave of the rishi and after collecting his army around him left for the ashram of Rama.
Rama ,Lakshmana and Sita were very happy in the ashraam on Mount Chitrakuta. Mother Nature was lavish in her bounty here, and Sita , who had always been fond of flowers and birds and deer, was very happy here. Every day ,something new would be discovered by them and they would talk about it and they succeeded in forgetting the fact that they were exiles and that they were denied the comforts of the city.
On that particular day when they were seated, they found a herd of elephants running around as though in panic. Rama looked at this strange scene and heard an unusual noise. He said, "Lakshmana , some king or prince has entered the forest. Lakshmana was disturbed and angry.
Rama was greatly distressed by the violent anger of Lakshmana. He tried to pacify him with his soft and gentle words. He said, "Lakshmana, if Bharatha is coming here, where is the need for us to take up arms against him?
Rama said, "I will tell you why Bharatha has come. Bharatha is very fond of his brothers . He must have heard about us living in the forest dressed in tree-bark . With pain in his heart with affection for us he has come to the forest to see us.
BHARATHA MEETS RAMA
Bharatha stood still for along moment. His limbs refused to bear him. He then rushed towards Rama . He could not see properly since tears were clouding his eyes. His sorrow was like the sea which had burst its boundary. My brother who should be seated in the court served by his myriad attendants and courtiers is now seated on the floor covered by darbha grass and attended by animals of the forest as his subjects.
Bharatha with his face drenched in tears, advanced towards Rama but fell down even before reaching his feet. Shatrughna who was with Bharatha all the while fell along with Bharatha at the feet of Rama. Ram raised them up and embracing them, shed tears.
Rama inquired about his father King Dasaratha When he heard from Bharatha that his father was no more in this world he fell down senseless..
Bharatha said, "Rama, I appeal to you to absolve me of this sin. Please be gracious enough to come back to Ayodhya and accept the kingdom which is yours by right."
Ram replied, "Righteous men should respect their mothers just as much as they do their fathers. When such is the case, when both my father and my mother told me to go to the forest, how could I act otherwise? YOU have been commanded to rule the kingdom and I have been commanded to live in the Dandaka forest for fourteen years. Walk in the path of DHARMA which you have been following all these years and do what our father asked us to do. I will do the same. You can make my father truthful only if you go back to Ayodhya and rule the country. The debt I owe to my parents is infinite. It is not possible to return the love of one’s parents. Such a great man was Dasaratha, my father, and I will not disobey him. Your duty is to obey the command of our father and rule the kingdom."
Bharatha prostrated before Rama’s sandals and said, "My beloved brother ,remember I will live wearing these coarse tree -bark and deerskin for the next fourteen years and will retain these matted locks until you remove yours. I will wait for you to come back and I will live outside the city of Ayodhya. My food will be fruits and roots. I will enthrone these sandals and they will rule the kingdom as your symbols. I will rule the kingdom as your representative." ...Read more!
Balakand - 1998
By: Lakshmi Ramachandran
Dasaratha was the king of Kosala. The river sarayu flowed on the outskirts of the country. Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. It was created by Manu. Dasaratha came under the scion of the Ishvakus. He was known for his wiseness, he has performed all the yagnas, and was a king loved by all.
Dasaratha has eight ministers who were all well versed in the art of advising the king in matters of importance. They were highly intelligent and were always interested in the well being of their king and his subjects. The ministers were Dhriti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadaka, asoka, mantrapala and sumantra. The king has many priests to advise him on the matters pertaining to religion and religious rites and rituals. The chief of them were Vasishta and vamadeva. All the people in the kingdom were very happy and treasury of the kingdom was ever full and so was the granary.
Dasaratha was such a great king , but he was not at all happy. He had no son to make him happy. As he grew older, he was very much worried whether the line of Ishvakus will terminate after his death. At this time he thought of doing a Yaga by the name Ashwamedha. So he called for his able ministers and sent sumantra to call all the rishis and Acharyas like, Vasishta, Vamadeva Kashyapa etc. The king told them about his performing the Yaga and they also approved of his suggestion. The King told the ministers to take the advice of the rishis as to where the yaga is to be conducted. The yagnasala was to be built on the northern side of the river Sarayu.
Sumantra remembered that the famous rishi Sanatkumara had spoken about the birth of four sons to the king Dasaratha. He told the King to invite the sage Rishyashringa to preside over the yaga. Sage Rishyashringa was married to the daughter of Anga, whose name is Romapada. Dasaratha requested the king to allow his daughter and her husband (the great rishi) to come to his kingdom for the yaga. Very soon the seaon vasantha came, the rishi told the king to start the procedings of the yaga and to send the sacrificial horse for its sojourn around the Bharatvarsha. Dasaratha took the dust of the feet of sage Vasistha and prayed him to make the yaga a success. The king requested the sage Rishyashringa to perform the yaga by name of putrakama. The sage blessed him by performing the putrakama yaga as it is mentioned in the Atharva Veda.
When the Ahwamedha yaga was going on, the Devas led by Indra went to Brahmaji the creator. They complained to him about the troubles and harassment done by Ravana. They complained to Brahmaji that your boons have made him very very powerful . He has frightened all the three worlds and he has threatened to insult me in my Amravathi. Because of his boons , the sun god is afraid to glows brightly and vayu does not blow hard, even the sea is frightened of him. Because of his boons he cannot be killed by any of the devas.
Brahmaji listened to them and said , Yes, Ravana cannot be killed by any devas, or danavasor gandharvas, or yaksha, or any rakshasas. However because of his arrogance he forgot to get immunity to be killed by a man. And that his how he will be killed said , Brahmaji.
While they were talking thus, Lord Narayana came there with his shankha , chakra , he was seated on Garuda. Brahmaji requested to him to be born as a son to the king Dasaratha and also told that four sons will be born to the king. He requested Lord narayana let all the four sons be the Amsas of you. Your avatara will be of immense help to the mankind and also for us.
Lord Narayana listened to the words of Brahmaji, and said that I have decided to be born in the world of men and I will destroy Ravana and his entire clan . After killing him, I will rule the world for 11,000 yrs. To assist me in this avatara, he told the devas that they will also be born in the world of men as Monkeys as ravana had forgotten to ask for immunity of death from monkeys.
The Putrakama yaga came to an end . From the fire came a divine form. The divine form held in his hands a bowl with a silver covering. It said , I am a messenger from Brahmaji. I have been commanded to hand over this payasa to you. Give it to your queens and your wish for sons will be fulfilled. The king prostrated before the divine form and took the payasa. The yaga came to a glorious end and the king took the blessings of all the rishis and came to the inner chambers of his palace and gave half the payasa to his eldest queen, kausalya, and then gave half of what was left to Sumitra, and again half of what was left to Kaikeyi, and when some more was left he gave it to sumitra again.
The king dasaratha was very happy and the month of chaitra was approaching and the vasanta rutu was nearing. The month was Chaitra and it wasShukla paksha , it was ninth day of the new moon, all the five planets were in the auspious position, the lagna was karkata and the planet Guru was rising with the moon. The star was Punarvasu. The Lord Narayana was being born in the world of mankind as a man for the benefit of mankind. When the next star pushya appeared under the Meena Lagna a son was born to the queen kaikeyi. Sumitra gave birth to twins when the star Ashlesha was born. All the four sons of Dasaratha were the amsas of the Lord and kausalya’s son Rama was Lord Narayana himself. There was so much joy in the whole of kosala and king Dasaratha was the most happiest man . The children grew up like the moon in the shukla paksha . Right from their childhood Lakshmana was very very attached to Rama. He was always with Rama and Shatrugna was attached to Bharata.
The children grew up learning from their guru Sri Vasishta. They were well versed in the art of fighting like all the Kshatriyas and they were humble and softspoken . They were all liked by everybody and Rama was the darling of everybody. Of the four , Rama was the favourite of his father. The children were now of 16 years of age and Dasaratha was thinking in his mind about their marriage. At this time Sage Vishwamitra arrived at his palace. Dasaratha welcomed him with all shraddha and bhakti and with great humulity asked the sage about the purpose of his visit. Sage Vishvamitra told the king about the Yaga he was performing and the troubles he has to suffer from the rakshasas who could take any form any time. I cannot curse them because there is no place for anger when I am doing this yaga. Dasaratha asked what help do you need from me? I am willing to do anything to help in your yaga. When the king spoke like that, Sage Vishvamitra asked him to send rama with him . He said don"t worry about him and about his safety . He will be famed in the three worlds because of these good deeds . Dasaratha was worried now. He did not want to send rama with the sage. In his eyes rama was just a child and how can a child kill all the rakshasas? He pleaded with the sage , and even offered to go himself along with the sage and said I can fight the rakshasas . The king said my son is not even 16, and has not yet finished his education and then how can he help you? I cannot live a moment without seeing my beloved son rama. Rama is my very life and of all the four sons he is the most dearest to me. By now sage Vishvamitra patience was running out, He was very angry with the king who offered all the help and now he is going back on his words.The sage told the king that I am going back and you can live happily with all your kith and kins but you will be remembered as aking who did not keep his word and the you will be discredited by the world . The earth trembled when the sage spoke like this. Blinded as he was by his love for his son king dasaratha did not realise what he was doing. Sage Vasistha who was the kula guru then spoke to dasaratha, made him realise his mistake , he spoke about the prowess of the sage, thepowers of the sage and told him to get out of the delusion called Putrasneha. Finally the king realised his mistakes and fell at the feet of the sage and asked for forgiveness. He told the sage the Lakshmana is always with rama and they are always together. So Rama and Lakshmana went with sage Vishvamitra.
When they reached the southern bank of the river Sarayu, sage Vishvamitra told rama to take water in his palms and he taught him the mantras Bala and Prabala. They are the daughters of Brahmaji, the creator. You will never feel tired nor hunger will trouble you nor thirst will trouble you. That night they rested and next day before dawn they were woken up by sage Vishvamitra. They reached the spot where river sarayu joins river ganga. There were many Ashramas and many rishis were performing all sorts of tapas. They crossed the river ganga and the forest that they saw was very very dense but there was no sign of any habitation there. Sage Vishvamitra told them that a terrible rakshasi by the name of Tataka lives here and she has been terrorising everybody. Sage Vishvamitra told rama to kill tataka and rama obliged him by killing her and the forest was freed from tataka. Vishvamitra blessed rama and gave all the divine astras of his to him and taught him as to how to use it and told him to teach lakshmana .
Finally they reached the place where the yaga was to take place . Many rishis had gathered there . Rama and lakshmana paid obeisance to all of them. The rishis told them that the yaga will last for 6 days and sage Vishvamitra will observe vow of silence and they told them to guard the place very very carefully. The yaga proceeded with out any troubles for the first five days. But on the sixth day all of the sudden there was a lot of common . R and L knew that these are the works of the rakshasas. Rama took up the astra by the name manavastra and aimed it at the rakshasa by the name Marichi. The astra struck marichi and threw him about hundred yojanas in to the sea but it did not kill him . Rama then took up the other astra by the name Agneyastra and it killed subahu and the other rakshasas.
After the yaga was over, Rama asked the sage as to what they should do now ? Sage Vishvamitra told rama and lak , we will go from here to the kingom of Janaka , Mithila. The famed bow of Mahadeva is in Mithila and till date nobdy has been able to lift it. They reached the kingdom of Mithila and the king on knowing about the arrival of sage Vishvamitra welcomed him with all honour and respect. He also asked about the purpose of his visiit.
The sage introduced the two princes to the king and told the king that they both are great archers and they are impatient to see the bow of Mahadeva and asked the king to make arrangement to bring the bow.
King Janaka narrated as to how the bow came to be with him , and he also spoke about his daughter Sita, who was found as a beautiful child from the mother earth, when he was preparing the earth for doing a yaga. That is why she is named Sita, and whoever is able to lift the bow, Sita will be their bride.
Janaka made arrangements to bring the bow, and rama with the blessing of sage Vishvamitra lifted the bow as though it were just a sport. Rama held the bow straight with his left hand and he bent the bow with his right hand . The earth trembled at the noise, and many people fell doen unconscious. King janaka was very very happy that Sita will be rama’s bride and she will be the bride of the house of Ishvakus. He made arrangements and send messengers to Kosala about the impending marriage of Rama and Sita. Dasaratha was very very happy and they all left for Mithila. King janaka told king Dasaratha, please accept my 2nd daughter for your son Lakshmana. At this time Sage Vishvamitra spoke to the king Janaka, about his brother’s daughters and asked the king to get the two daughters to be given in marriage to Bharata and Shatrugna.
When the star is in Uttara Phalguni let the marriage be performed. ...Read more!
Dasaratha was the king of Kosala. The river sarayu flowed on the outskirts of the country. Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala. It was created by Manu. Dasaratha came under the scion of the Ishvakus. He was known for his wiseness, he has performed all the yagnas, and was a king loved by all.
Dasaratha has eight ministers who were all well versed in the art of advising the king in matters of importance. They were highly intelligent and were always interested in the well being of their king and his subjects. The ministers were Dhriti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadaka, asoka, mantrapala and sumantra. The king has many priests to advise him on the matters pertaining to religion and religious rites and rituals. The chief of them were Vasishta and vamadeva. All the people in the kingdom were very happy and treasury of the kingdom was ever full and so was the granary.
Dasaratha was such a great king , but he was not at all happy. He had no son to make him happy. As he grew older, he was very much worried whether the line of Ishvakus will terminate after his death. At this time he thought of doing a Yaga by the name Ashwamedha. So he called for his able ministers and sent sumantra to call all the rishis and Acharyas like, Vasishta, Vamadeva Kashyapa etc. The king told them about his performing the Yaga and they also approved of his suggestion. The King told the ministers to take the advice of the rishis as to where the yaga is to be conducted. The yagnasala was to be built on the northern side of the river Sarayu.
Sumantra remembered that the famous rishi Sanatkumara had spoken about the birth of four sons to the king Dasaratha. He told the King to invite the sage Rishyashringa to preside over the yaga. Sage Rishyashringa was married to the daughter of Anga, whose name is Romapada. Dasaratha requested the king to allow his daughter and her husband (the great rishi) to come to his kingdom for the yaga. Very soon the seaon vasantha came, the rishi told the king to start the procedings of the yaga and to send the sacrificial horse for its sojourn around the Bharatvarsha. Dasaratha took the dust of the feet of sage Vasistha and prayed him to make the yaga a success. The king requested the sage Rishyashringa to perform the yaga by name of putrakama. The sage blessed him by performing the putrakama yaga as it is mentioned in the Atharva Veda.
When the Ahwamedha yaga was going on, the Devas led by Indra went to Brahmaji the creator. They complained to him about the troubles and harassment done by Ravana. They complained to Brahmaji that your boons have made him very very powerful . He has frightened all the three worlds and he has threatened to insult me in my Amravathi. Because of his boons , the sun god is afraid to glows brightly and vayu does not blow hard, even the sea is frightened of him. Because of his boons he cannot be killed by any of the devas.
Brahmaji listened to them and said , Yes, Ravana cannot be killed by any devas, or danavasor gandharvas, or yaksha, or any rakshasas. However because of his arrogance he forgot to get immunity to be killed by a man. And that his how he will be killed said , Brahmaji.
While they were talking thus, Lord Narayana came there with his shankha , chakra , he was seated on Garuda. Brahmaji requested to him to be born as a son to the king Dasaratha and also told that four sons will be born to the king. He requested Lord narayana let all the four sons be the Amsas of you. Your avatara will be of immense help to the mankind and also for us.
Lord Narayana listened to the words of Brahmaji, and said that I have decided to be born in the world of men and I will destroy Ravana and his entire clan . After killing him, I will rule the world for 11,000 yrs. To assist me in this avatara, he told the devas that they will also be born in the world of men as Monkeys as ravana had forgotten to ask for immunity of death from monkeys.
The Putrakama yaga came to an end . From the fire came a divine form. The divine form held in his hands a bowl with a silver covering. It said , I am a messenger from Brahmaji. I have been commanded to hand over this payasa to you. Give it to your queens and your wish for sons will be fulfilled. The king prostrated before the divine form and took the payasa. The yaga came to a glorious end and the king took the blessings of all the rishis and came to the inner chambers of his palace and gave half the payasa to his eldest queen, kausalya, and then gave half of what was left to Sumitra, and again half of what was left to Kaikeyi, and when some more was left he gave it to sumitra again.
The king dasaratha was very happy and the month of chaitra was approaching and the vasanta rutu was nearing. The month was Chaitra and it wasShukla paksha , it was ninth day of the new moon, all the five planets were in the auspious position, the lagna was karkata and the planet Guru was rising with the moon. The star was Punarvasu. The Lord Narayana was being born in the world of mankind as a man for the benefit of mankind. When the next star pushya appeared under the Meena Lagna a son was born to the queen kaikeyi. Sumitra gave birth to twins when the star Ashlesha was born. All the four sons of Dasaratha were the amsas of the Lord and kausalya’s son Rama was Lord Narayana himself. There was so much joy in the whole of kosala and king Dasaratha was the most happiest man . The children grew up like the moon in the shukla paksha . Right from their childhood Lakshmana was very very attached to Rama. He was always with Rama and Shatrugna was attached to Bharata.
The children grew up learning from their guru Sri Vasishta. They were well versed in the art of fighting like all the Kshatriyas and they were humble and softspoken . They were all liked by everybody and Rama was the darling of everybody. Of the four , Rama was the favourite of his father. The children were now of 16 years of age and Dasaratha was thinking in his mind about their marriage. At this time Sage Vishwamitra arrived at his palace. Dasaratha welcomed him with all shraddha and bhakti and with great humulity asked the sage about the purpose of his visit. Sage Vishvamitra told the king about the Yaga he was performing and the troubles he has to suffer from the rakshasas who could take any form any time. I cannot curse them because there is no place for anger when I am doing this yaga. Dasaratha asked what help do you need from me? I am willing to do anything to help in your yaga. When the king spoke like that, Sage Vishvamitra asked him to send rama with him . He said don"t worry about him and about his safety . He will be famed in the three worlds because of these good deeds . Dasaratha was worried now. He did not want to send rama with the sage. In his eyes rama was just a child and how can a child kill all the rakshasas? He pleaded with the sage , and even offered to go himself along with the sage and said I can fight the rakshasas . The king said my son is not even 16, and has not yet finished his education and then how can he help you? I cannot live a moment without seeing my beloved son rama. Rama is my very life and of all the four sons he is the most dearest to me. By now sage Vishvamitra patience was running out, He was very angry with the king who offered all the help and now he is going back on his words.The sage told the king that I am going back and you can live happily with all your kith and kins but you will be remembered as aking who did not keep his word and the you will be discredited by the world . The earth trembled when the sage spoke like this. Blinded as he was by his love for his son king dasaratha did not realise what he was doing. Sage Vasistha who was the kula guru then spoke to dasaratha, made him realise his mistake , he spoke about the prowess of the sage, thepowers of the sage and told him to get out of the delusion called Putrasneha. Finally the king realised his mistakes and fell at the feet of the sage and asked for forgiveness. He told the sage the Lakshmana is always with rama and they are always together. So Rama and Lakshmana went with sage Vishvamitra.
When they reached the southern bank of the river Sarayu, sage Vishvamitra told rama to take water in his palms and he taught him the mantras Bala and Prabala. They are the daughters of Brahmaji, the creator. You will never feel tired nor hunger will trouble you nor thirst will trouble you. That night they rested and next day before dawn they were woken up by sage Vishvamitra. They reached the spot where river sarayu joins river ganga. There were many Ashramas and many rishis were performing all sorts of tapas. They crossed the river ganga and the forest that they saw was very very dense but there was no sign of any habitation there. Sage Vishvamitra told them that a terrible rakshasi by the name of Tataka lives here and she has been terrorising everybody. Sage Vishvamitra told rama to kill tataka and rama obliged him by killing her and the forest was freed from tataka. Vishvamitra blessed rama and gave all the divine astras of his to him and taught him as to how to use it and told him to teach lakshmana .
Finally they reached the place where the yaga was to take place . Many rishis had gathered there . Rama and lakshmana paid obeisance to all of them. The rishis told them that the yaga will last for 6 days and sage Vishvamitra will observe vow of silence and they told them to guard the place very very carefully. The yaga proceeded with out any troubles for the first five days. But on the sixth day all of the sudden there was a lot of common . R and L knew that these are the works of the rakshasas. Rama took up the astra by the name manavastra and aimed it at the rakshasa by the name Marichi. The astra struck marichi and threw him about hundred yojanas in to the sea but it did not kill him . Rama then took up the other astra by the name Agneyastra and it killed subahu and the other rakshasas.
After the yaga was over, Rama asked the sage as to what they should do now ? Sage Vishvamitra told rama and lak , we will go from here to the kingom of Janaka , Mithila. The famed bow of Mahadeva is in Mithila and till date nobdy has been able to lift it. They reached the kingdom of Mithila and the king on knowing about the arrival of sage Vishvamitra welcomed him with all honour and respect. He also asked about the purpose of his visiit.
The sage introduced the two princes to the king and told the king that they both are great archers and they are impatient to see the bow of Mahadeva and asked the king to make arrangement to bring the bow.
King Janaka narrated as to how the bow came to be with him , and he also spoke about his daughter Sita, who was found as a beautiful child from the mother earth, when he was preparing the earth for doing a yaga. That is why she is named Sita, and whoever is able to lift the bow, Sita will be their bride.
Janaka made arrangements to bring the bow, and rama with the blessing of sage Vishvamitra lifted the bow as though it were just a sport. Rama held the bow straight with his left hand and he bent the bow with his right hand . The earth trembled at the noise, and many people fell doen unconscious. King janaka was very very happy that Sita will be rama’s bride and she will be the bride of the house of Ishvakus. He made arrangements and send messengers to Kosala about the impending marriage of Rama and Sita. Dasaratha was very very happy and they all left for Mithila. King janaka told king Dasaratha, please accept my 2nd daughter for your son Lakshmana. At this time Sage Vishvamitra spoke to the king Janaka, about his brother’s daughters and asked the king to get the two daughters to be given in marriage to Bharata and Shatrugna.
When the star is in Uttara Phalguni let the marriage be performed. ...Read more!
Ramayana Overview - 1998
By: M. N. Ramkumar
Ramaayana is one of the two itihaasa [historical account] scriptures of Sanathana Hindu Dharma. It contains the story of Lord Raama the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the tretaa yuga - referred to as the silver age among the four ages in a Mahaayuga. Ramayana along with Mahaabharaatha is the most popular amongst the Hindus all around the world today and in fact is even considered by many as a fifth veda.
The original Ramaayana was authored by Rishi Valmiki in Sanskrit. However, it has been written in most of the Indian languages, a few of them being Sant Tulsidas’ Ram Charitramanas in avadhi and Kambar’s Kambaraamayanam in Tamil. The Interesting thing about Ramaayana is that it unfolded after it was written. The incidents that were to happen around the seventh avataar of Lord Vishnu were revealed to sage Valmiki before they even took place. Once Sage Valmiki watched two Krauncha birds sitting on a tree. Suddenly one of the Krauncha bird fell down after being hit by a hunter’s arrow. Seeing this incident, Valmiki was so overcome with pain and compassion for the bird on one hand and on the other, he was very angry with the hunter that he cursed him that he will not attain bliss for eternity. It is said that the oyster breeds the pearl in a moment of irritation. This incident spurred Rishi Valmiki to compose this Adi Kavya. There is also a belief amongst certain circles that Lord Vishnu played out the role of Lord Raama as dictated in the Raamayana.
The entire Raamayana is like a game of chess. The scene set is kind of a battlefield where the forces of right and wrong are waging war. Rama represents righteousness and Ravana represents unrighteousness. Some might ask, Is it not the same theme as in Mahabhaaratha? However there are some interesting differences between Lord Raama and Lord Krishna - the avataars of Lord Vishnu. Raama was born as a prince and died as a king but lived as an ascetic. Krishna, on the other hand was born in a prison, and died to a wound caused by a hunter’s arrow but lived as a king all his life. In the form of Raama, Lord Vishnu plays a role of an ideal human being whereas as Krishna, He reveals that He is God incarnate.
In the sacred epic of Raamayana, many profound secrets and truths are hidden. Lord Raama, however, did not impart these secrets to anyone at anytime. Just as a ripened fruit falls to the ground, so also people with ripened hearts alone will realise the truth. Whatever stage we are in, let us try to listen carefully and contemplate upon the various khandaas which are being summarised so that we would understand the greatness of this epic.
Raamayana stresses on bhakthi- yoga - the yoga of devotional love. Lord Raama represents the ideal man, Sitaadevi, the ideal woman and Hanumanji is the epitome of a bhaktha. In fact some people refer to Raama as Rama, meaning a woman. Raamayana also means that it is a story of Sitadevi.
Raamayana represents the best of relationship among humans whether it is between father and son or between husband and wife or between brothers or between a disciple and his master. Even the raakhshasas followed a strict code of conduct in their relationships. The story of Lord Raama is not that of a single towering personality . All other characters in Raamayana whether it is Sitadevi or Lakshmana or Bharata, shine in their own greatness. All of them are so closely interwoven in Lord Raama’s life that it is difficult to think of anyone without the other. In fact it is Lord Raama who is always the first to appreciate the unique and noble qualities in other’s character.
Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Raama’s personality? He is called Maryadha Purushottama- the great one who never deviated from the norms of Dharma. In the eyes of a Hindu, the touchstone of human excellence is Dharma. Devotion to Dharma came first in Raama’s life. It was his supreme commitment to putra-dharma that made Raama smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years. Again He did not budge from the path of Dharma when he was made the future emperor of Bharat. Don’t we recite in Vishnu Sahasranama that Raama is Dharma himself :
Ramo Viramo Viraj, Marg Neyo Neyonayah
Veera Shakthimathan Shresta, Dharmo Dharmavidhutamma
Lord Raama was ready to forsake everything else to uphold his kingly duties - Rajdharma and take care of his countrymen. In fact he once told Sitadevi that he would not hesitate to sacrifice even her if the welfare of the people of Ayodhya required it.
Sneham dayaam cha soukhyam cha, yadi vaa jaanakimapi
Aaraadhanaaya lokasya, munchate naasti me vyatha.
However, the most crucial test came when Lakshmana violated the orders of Lord Raama and admitted Durvasa’s presence with a view to averting the destruction of Ayodhya by Durvasa’s curse. Raama stuck to the Law of the land and awarded death sentence to Lakshmana- one whom he loved dearer than his own life. Such was Lord Raama’s intense adoration and love for the motherland and this is revealed in the following legendary couplet
Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargaadapi Garreyasi
This means that the mother and motherland are greater to me than the heavens themselves.
Sri Raama’s role as one of the first and foremost national unifiers of Bharat is also unique and extraordinary. He embraced Guha, the boatman and also enjoyed the fruit offered with devotion by Shabari, a tribal lady without any hesitation. Lord Raama has become so much identified with all the good, great and virile qualities of a human being that expressions such as "Us me Ram nahi Hai" have become common usage.
What have we to learn from Raamayana ?
The world today is in dire need of the message of the Raamayana. Jealousy, Hatred, disobedience, selfishness - all these evils has had bad influence on the society. Raama preached to the world the basic truth that the world is one family besides teaching the duties one should perform in everyday life in a society and towards a family. This triple stream of duties is the message of Raamayana. We need to perform our duty in the best possible manner like Lord Raama did.
Raama dwells in the heart of everyone. He is the indwelling spirit. When we sing " Atmaraama" week after week, this is exactly what we mean. Ayodhya, where Raama resides, symbolises our heart. Only if we keep our heart pure and firm, there will be room for Raama to stay forever. Among the many avataars of the Lord, the avataar of Lord Raama is also unique in the sense that the word "Raama" is not only a name but also a mantra in itself. Has not the Phalasruti we say in Vishnu Sahasranamam - Sri Raama Raama Ramethi….. been equated to reciting the entire sahasranamam ?
Lord Raama taught us how to remain unruffled in the presence of difficulties or joys, in pain or pleasure. A good man by his good conduct achieves greatness. These are the qualities, which everyone should cultivate. In fact the comparison of Sri Raama’s fortitude and strength to the Himalayas and the grace of his personality to the ocean- Samudra iva Gambheerye, dhairye Cha Himavaan iva portrays how his personality has been blended with the entire country.
When a Hindu’s acting in this world comes to an end, he is bid Raam Naam Satya Hai. Before we are bid such a farewell, let us atleast put into practice the teachings of Lord Raama. Vishnu Sahasranamam gives an assurance by saying Priyakrut Pritivardhana meaning when we stay in his path namely Dharma and Satya, he not only bestows all the desires but also takes the responsibility of keeping the devotee steadfast in his love and devotion towards him. Again the last reference to Sri Raama in the Vishnu Sahasranama is the word "Kshitisham" "Kshitisham" means a king. The Sahasranamam confirms Lord Ramaa to be our king and urges everyone to take the guidance of Ramaayana.
SRI RAMA JAYAM ...Read more!
Ramaayana is one of the two itihaasa [historical account] scriptures of Sanathana Hindu Dharma. It contains the story of Lord Raama the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the tretaa yuga - referred to as the silver age among the four ages in a Mahaayuga. Ramayana along with Mahaabharaatha is the most popular amongst the Hindus all around the world today and in fact is even considered by many as a fifth veda.
The original Ramaayana was authored by Rishi Valmiki in Sanskrit. However, it has been written in most of the Indian languages, a few of them being Sant Tulsidas’ Ram Charitramanas in avadhi and Kambar’s Kambaraamayanam in Tamil. The Interesting thing about Ramaayana is that it unfolded after it was written. The incidents that were to happen around the seventh avataar of Lord Vishnu were revealed to sage Valmiki before they even took place. Once Sage Valmiki watched two Krauncha birds sitting on a tree. Suddenly one of the Krauncha bird fell down after being hit by a hunter’s arrow. Seeing this incident, Valmiki was so overcome with pain and compassion for the bird on one hand and on the other, he was very angry with the hunter that he cursed him that he will not attain bliss for eternity. It is said that the oyster breeds the pearl in a moment of irritation. This incident spurred Rishi Valmiki to compose this Adi Kavya. There is also a belief amongst certain circles that Lord Vishnu played out the role of Lord Raama as dictated in the Raamayana.
The entire Raamayana is like a game of chess. The scene set is kind of a battlefield where the forces of right and wrong are waging war. Rama represents righteousness and Ravana represents unrighteousness. Some might ask, Is it not the same theme as in Mahabhaaratha? However there are some interesting differences between Lord Raama and Lord Krishna - the avataars of Lord Vishnu. Raama was born as a prince and died as a king but lived as an ascetic. Krishna, on the other hand was born in a prison, and died to a wound caused by a hunter’s arrow but lived as a king all his life. In the form of Raama, Lord Vishnu plays a role of an ideal human being whereas as Krishna, He reveals that He is God incarnate.
In the sacred epic of Raamayana, many profound secrets and truths are hidden. Lord Raama, however, did not impart these secrets to anyone at anytime. Just as a ripened fruit falls to the ground, so also people with ripened hearts alone will realise the truth. Whatever stage we are in, let us try to listen carefully and contemplate upon the various khandaas which are being summarised so that we would understand the greatness of this epic.
Raamayana stresses on bhakthi- yoga - the yoga of devotional love. Lord Raama represents the ideal man, Sitaadevi, the ideal woman and Hanumanji is the epitome of a bhaktha. In fact some people refer to Raama as Rama, meaning a woman. Raamayana also means that it is a story of Sitadevi.
Raamayana represents the best of relationship among humans whether it is between father and son or between husband and wife or between brothers or between a disciple and his master. Even the raakhshasas followed a strict code of conduct in their relationships. The story of Lord Raama is not that of a single towering personality . All other characters in Raamayana whether it is Sitadevi or Lakshmana or Bharata, shine in their own greatness. All of them are so closely interwoven in Lord Raama’s life that it is difficult to think of anyone without the other. In fact it is Lord Raama who is always the first to appreciate the unique and noble qualities in other’s character.
Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Raama’s personality? He is called Maryadha Purushottama- the great one who never deviated from the norms of Dharma. In the eyes of a Hindu, the touchstone of human excellence is Dharma. Devotion to Dharma came first in Raama’s life. It was his supreme commitment to putra-dharma that made Raama smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years. Again He did not budge from the path of Dharma when he was made the future emperor of Bharat. Don’t we recite in Vishnu Sahasranama that Raama is Dharma himself :
Ramo Viramo Viraj, Marg Neyo Neyonayah
Veera Shakthimathan Shresta, Dharmo Dharmavidhutamma
Lord Raama was ready to forsake everything else to uphold his kingly duties - Rajdharma and take care of his countrymen. In fact he once told Sitadevi that he would not hesitate to sacrifice even her if the welfare of the people of Ayodhya required it.
Sneham dayaam cha soukhyam cha, yadi vaa jaanakimapi
Aaraadhanaaya lokasya, munchate naasti me vyatha.
However, the most crucial test came when Lakshmana violated the orders of Lord Raama and admitted Durvasa’s presence with a view to averting the destruction of Ayodhya by Durvasa’s curse. Raama stuck to the Law of the land and awarded death sentence to Lakshmana- one whom he loved dearer than his own life. Such was Lord Raama’s intense adoration and love for the motherland and this is revealed in the following legendary couplet
Janani Janmabhoomischa Swargaadapi Garreyasi
This means that the mother and motherland are greater to me than the heavens themselves.
Sri Raama’s role as one of the first and foremost national unifiers of Bharat is also unique and extraordinary. He embraced Guha, the boatman and also enjoyed the fruit offered with devotion by Shabari, a tribal lady without any hesitation. Lord Raama has become so much identified with all the good, great and virile qualities of a human being that expressions such as "Us me Ram nahi Hai" have become common usage.
What have we to learn from Raamayana ?
The world today is in dire need of the message of the Raamayana. Jealousy, Hatred, disobedience, selfishness - all these evils has had bad influence on the society. Raama preached to the world the basic truth that the world is one family besides teaching the duties one should perform in everyday life in a society and towards a family. This triple stream of duties is the message of Raamayana. We need to perform our duty in the best possible manner like Lord Raama did.
Raama dwells in the heart of everyone. He is the indwelling spirit. When we sing " Atmaraama" week after week, this is exactly what we mean. Ayodhya, where Raama resides, symbolises our heart. Only if we keep our heart pure and firm, there will be room for Raama to stay forever. Among the many avataars of the Lord, the avataar of Lord Raama is also unique in the sense that the word "Raama" is not only a name but also a mantra in itself. Has not the Phalasruti we say in Vishnu Sahasranamam - Sri Raama Raama Ramethi….. been equated to reciting the entire sahasranamam ?
Lord Raama taught us how to remain unruffled in the presence of difficulties or joys, in pain or pleasure. A good man by his good conduct achieves greatness. These are the qualities, which everyone should cultivate. In fact the comparison of Sri Raama’s fortitude and strength to the Himalayas and the grace of his personality to the ocean- Samudra iva Gambheerye, dhairye Cha Himavaan iva portrays how his personality has been blended with the entire country.
When a Hindu’s acting in this world comes to an end, he is bid Raam Naam Satya Hai. Before we are bid such a farewell, let us atleast put into practice the teachings of Lord Raama. Vishnu Sahasranamam gives an assurance by saying Priyakrut Pritivardhana meaning when we stay in his path namely Dharma and Satya, he not only bestows all the desires but also takes the responsibility of keeping the devotee steadfast in his love and devotion towards him. Again the last reference to Sri Raama in the Vishnu Sahasranama is the word "Kshitisham" "Kshitisham" means a king. The Sahasranamam confirms Lord Ramaa to be our king and urges everyone to take the guidance of Ramaayana.
SRI RAMA JAYAM ...Read more!
Satsangh Bhajan Tunes
Satsangh Bhajan Mala from 1996/1997 is linked below. The bhajan mala text is available in the following formats:
Some of the bhajans from bhajan mala are linked below in alphabetical order, as MP3 files well as Real Audio files . The audio clips are by Meena Aithala and Guruji. They are for the purpose of conveying the tunes for the bhajans.
Aayanaa kesavaa mahdava MP3 - Real Audio
Aganitha guna gana MP3 - Real Audio
Amba Parameshvari MP3 - Real Audio
Ananda Sagara Muralidhara MP3 - Real Audio
Anantarupa Anantanama MP3 - Real Audio
Anjaneya veera hanumantha MP3 - Real Audio
Anjaneya raghuveera ramadhuta MP3 - Real Audio
AtmArAma Ana.ndaramaNa MP3 - Real Audio
Bhola Natha Umapathe MP3 - Real Audio
Deva Deva Deva Krishna MP3 - Real Audio
Devi bhavani MP3 - Real Audio
Devi Bhavani Jagatajanani MP3 - Real Audio
Eenanadana gajaanana MP3 - Real Audio
Eka dantam Vinayakam MP3 - Real Audio
Gajanana OM Gajavadana MP3 - Real Audio
Gajanana OM Gajavadana MP3 - Real Audio
Gananatham Gananatham MP3 - Real Audio
Ganesha Sharanam MP3 - Real Audio
Garuda Vahana Narayana MP3 - Real Audio
Gauri nandana Gajanana MP3 - Real Audio
Gopala Giridhara Bala MP3 - Real Audio
Govinda Madhava Gopala Keshava MP3 - Real Audio
Govinda Madhava Gopala Keshava MP3
Guruvayurpura Shri Hari Krishna MP3 - Real Audio
Hare Rama Hare Rama MP3 - Real Audio
He Madhava he Madhusudana MP3 - Real Audio
He Murali Madhava MP3 - Real Audio
Jagadashraya Shri Raghurama MP3 - Real Audio
Jai Ganaraya Shri Ganaraya MP3 - Real Audio
Jaya Govinda Jaya Anantha MP3 - Real Audio
Jaya Jaya Bhavani Maa MP3 - Real Audio
Jaya Jaya Devi Daya Lahari MP3 - Real Audio
Jaya Jaya Raghu Nandana MP3 - Real Audio
Jaya Lambodara pahi mam MP3 - Real Audio
Kala Rupini Kadambari MP3 - Real Audio
Kali kali maha kalikapalini MP3 - Real Audio
Kali Kali Mahakali Kapalini MP3 - Real Audio
Kalyana Krishna Kamaniya Krishna MP3 - Real Audio
Kamalanayana Prabhu Kamalapathi MP3 - Real Audio
Keshava Madhava Madhusudana MP3 - Real Audio
Krishna Krishna Govinda Madhav MP3 - Real Audio
Krishna Krishna Jaya Gopi Rama MP3 - Real Audio
Krishna Krishna Manamohana MP3 - Real Audio
Krishna Krishna Mukunda Janardana MP3 - Real Audio
Krishna Krishna Yaduvara Krishna MP3 - Real Audio
Krishna Rama Govinda Narayana MP3 - Real Audio
Krishnam Vande Nanda Kumaram MP3 - Real Audio
Krishnam Vande Nanda Kumaram MP3 - Real Audio
Maa He Maa MP3 - Real Audio
Madhura Madhura MP3 - Real Audio
Madhurapuri Nilaye MP3 - Real Audio
Madhusudana Hare Madhava MP3 - Real Audio
Madhusudhana he Muralidhara MP3 - Real Audio
Maha Ganapate palayamam MP3 - Real Audio
Manamohana Krishna Kunja Vihari MP3 - Real Audio
Manamohana Krishna Kunja Vihari MP3 - Real Audio
Manasa Bhajare Guru MP3 - Real Audio
Mangala charana Gajanana MP3 - Real Audio
Murali Manohara MP3 - Real Audio
Muralidhara Murahara Natavara MP3 - Real Audio
Namo Bhutha Natha MP3 - Real Audio
Nandeeswara he natarajaa MP3 - Real Audio
Nandishvara He Nataraja MP3 - Real Audio
Narayan kesava madhava MP3 - Real Audio
Narayana hari narayanaa MP3 - Real Audio
Narayana Veda Parayana MP3 - Real Audio
Pahi Ganesha Gajanana MP3 - Real Audio
Panduranga Panduranga MP3 - Real Audio
Parvatinandana Gajanana MP3 - Real Audio
Prathama vandana Gauri nandana MP3 - Real Audio
Purandara rangaa MP3 - Real Audio
Purandhar vitthale hari MP3 - Real Audio
Purndara vitthle narayana MP3 - Real Audio
Raama Krishna MP3 - Real Audio
Raama Naama Rasa MP3 - Real Audio
Radhe Radhe Radhe Radhe MP3 - Real Audio
Radheshyam Radheshyam MP3 - Real Audio
Radhika Manohara Madan MP3 - Real Audio
Rama Real Audio
Rama pujari paropakari MP3 - Real Audio
Rama Rama Dasharata MP3 - Real Audio
Ramachandra Raghuveera MP3 - Real Audio
Ramachandra Prabhu MP3 - Real Audio
Shambho Mahadeva MP3 - Real Audio
Shankara MP3 - Real Audio
Shankara Sambashiva MP3 - Real Audio
Sharade visharade kalanidhe MP3 - Real Audio
Sharade visharade kalanidhe MP3 - Real Audio
Sharade Visharade Kalanidhe Dayanidhe MP3 - Real Audio
Shiva Haraye MP3 - Real Audio
Shivaya Parameshvaraya MP3 - Real Audio
Shree Laxmi Ramana Narayana MP3 - Real Audio
Shrikari Kripakari Xemankari MP3 - Real Audio
Shrinivasa Govinda MP3 - Real Audio
Shrinivasa Venkatesha MP3 - Real Audio
Sitaaraama MP3 - Real Audio
Sundaramukha Shri Gajanana MP3 - Real Audio
Tripura Sundari Maa MP3 - Real Audio
Vaijayantidhara Vanamaladhara MP3 - Real Audio
Vanamali Radha Ramana MP3 - Real Audio
Veda Vinayaka Sharanam MP3 - Real Audio
Veera maruti ghambheera MP3
Veera parakram veeradhiveera MP3 - Real Audio
Venan gajanana MP3
Vighna Vinayaka Vedasvarupa MP3 - Real Audio
Vighneswaraa vinayakaa MP3 - Real Audio
Vinayaka Ganadhipa MP3 - Real Audio
Vittahla ranga ranga MP3 - Real Audio
ViTThala Real Audio
Xirabdhi Shayana Narayana MP3 - Real Audio
Yadu nandana Gopala MP3 - Real Audio
Yadunandana Gopala MP3 - Real Audio
...Read more!
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