|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 130-  The legend of Lord Rama -8

Ravana approached his uncle Mareecha, who was undertaking penance in the woods.  He informs the purpose of his visit seeking help to disguise as a ‘golden deer’, Mareecha discouraged Ravana and advises to stay away from the path of Rama, was threatened to kill.  Finally, Mareecha decided to follow Ravana's orders, he assumed the form of a golden deer and fleeing around the hermitage of Rama.  Devi Sita took notice of the rare kind of animal and expressed her desire to get hold of it.  Rama chased after the animal, and it took Rama far from the hermitage.   Rama shot an arrow on the deer, it shrieked in extreme pain calling out for ‘Lakshman and Sita’ and left its mortal coil.  Devi Sita heard the shriek, she mistook her husband is in danger, ordered duty-bound Lakshman to go in search of ‘Rama’.  Lakshman who was thoroughly aware of the braveness of Rama discourages Sita, and praises the braveness of Rama who killed the fourteen thousand demons, expresses his decision not to leave her alone in the woods.  Devi Sita fails to appreciate the virtue of Lakshman and blame him as a womanizer.  Lakshman could not bear the harsh words of Devi Sita, therefore, he shut his eyes and ears in utter grief and instantly leaves the hermitage.

Devi Sita left alone in the hermitage; Ravana disguised as an ascetic approached Devi Sita seeking alms.  The ascetic was received reverentially while offering alms she could hear the unpleasant remark from him.  Immediately, Ravana assumed his original form, seized her hand and dragged her to his celestial vehicle ‘Pushpakavimanam’/flower chariot.  Rama and Lakshmana returned to the hermitage and found it was empty.  Rama could not control his emotions, he cries out in grief of separation from his lovely wife.  Maharishi Vedavyasa describes the pathetic state of Rama who is miserable, enquiring each and every creature in the woods, trees, plants, shrubs, creepers, animals, etc.. about the whereabouts of his dearest wife.  Lakshmana pacifies Rama who is in extreme distress, encourages him to conduct a rigorous search for Devi Sita.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 129-  The legend of Lord Rama -7

Rama along with Lakshmana and Devi Sita proceeds to the dense wood of Dhandakaranya.  Rama met Rishis Agasthya, Sudheekshna, and illustrious sages in the woods.  Rama saw a heap of skeletons, Sages described that it was the skeletons of the Rishis and Sages killed by the numerous demons, like Viradha.  Rama promised the Rishis to destroy the entire clan of demons when Rama returned to the hermitage Devi Sita discusses the same and disapproves the promise given to Rishis, that it was the imperfect act of Rama, who is righteous, strictly follows the truth and promises, to destroy the entire clan of demons who were not offenders to him. 

Rama while living in the ‘Panchavati’ met the King of birds ‘ Jatayu’, later he became a sincere servant of Rama. Once, Shoorpanakha met the two handsome men Rama and Lakshman in the woods, she tries to persuade the men and requests, Rama, to marry her.  Rama refuses to yield her, advised to meet Lakshman who put off her with amusing warnings like do not want to make Shoorpanakha who is the queen of Janasthali, and sister of great demon King Ravana, as a servant to Goddess Sita.  The two brothers were not willing to accept her, therefore she felt humiliated, decided to harm Goddess Sita, was brutally wounded by Lakshman.   Later, she complains to her brother Khara and Dhooshana about the two saintly men Rama and Lakshman who disfigured her.  A vicious battle held between Rama and Kharadhooshan with the fourteen thousand demons were mercilessly killed.  Shoorpanakha informs Ravana about the two handsome brave men and a stunning woman Devi Sita in the woods,  she describes the most beautiful appearance of the woman on the Earth and lied that she tried all means to seize her was brutally attacked by her husband and brother-in-law.  Thus Shoorpanakha could persuade Ravana, to fight against Rama and Lakshman, also stirred up a frenzy of desire to possess Devi Sita.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 128-  The legend of Lord Rama -6

Rama meets the ferryman Guha who is an ardent devotee, to cross the river Ganga.  Rama meets Maharishi Bharadhwaja, and enquiring for a suitable place to live in the woods was beautifully explains the all-pervading nature of the supreme Lord.  Rama, along with Lakshmana and Devi Sita proceeds to ‘Chithrakoota’, where Lakshman built a beautiful hermitage.   While living in the ‘Chithrakoota’, Bharatha, Shathrugna with Devi Kausalya and stepmothers approach Rama and inform the demise of his father Dhasharatha left his mortal coil at the grief of separation of his beloved son Rama.

Once Dhasharatha was on hunting expedition, mistakenly shot an arrow on the son of a saintly couple, who were helpless, blind and aged.   They were waiting for the return of their son who went to fetch water to quench thirst.   King Dhasharatha, felt miserable at the death of their only son in his hands, took water to the couple and informs the death of their son.  The blind couple cursed the Emperor that he also will have a painful death at the separation of his children.   Emperor Dhasharatha had no offspring, later the curse has become a blessing for him to obtain children.

Bharatha who returned to the Kingdom of Ayodhya at the news of the death of his father came to know the happenings in his absence.  Bharatha was extremely dejected, showers his mother with hateful words, he blames her as the reason for her husband’s death, he expresses his extreme dislike to address her as mother Kaikeyi who tried all possible ways to keep the throne of Ayodhya to her only son.  Her possessiveness put everyone into extreme agony,  Bharatha who was selfless like Rama, refused the throne at ease.  

Bharatha and Shathrugna meets Rama in Chithrakoota, and prostrate before Rama and inform the death of their father.  The ceremonial rite was performed, and Bharatha was advised to rule the Kingdom of Ayodhya for the welfare of its people as representative of Rama.  Bharatha was firm in his decision, refuses to be seated on the throne, receives the ‘Padhuka’/wooden sandals of Rama.  Thus, Bharatha rules the Kingdom of Ayodhya placing the sandals of Rama on the throne.   He refuses all the stately luxuries, leaves the palace, royal attire, and ornaments.  He embraces a saintly life, saffron robe, and resides in a village called ‘Nandagauv’ away from the Kingdom of Ayodhya.  Bharatha symbolizes ‘selflessness’ lived as a sincere servant and devotee of Lord Rama.  He was neither attached to the throne, nor kingly status, or wealth or people, his life was utterly selfless.  In the fourteen years, he ruled the Kingdom wisely,  in the absence of Rama, lived a controlled life, sacrificing even the necessities of life.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 127-  The legend of Lord Rama -5

Emperor Dhasharatha completely shattered at the request of two boons of Kaikeyi, fallen unconscious on the floor.  Once, he regained the consciousness, refuses to look at Kaikeyi who was once dearest wife, further he reveals hatred through harsh words.  Rama visits his father in the chamber, shocked and enquires the reason for his grief.   Kaikeyi says “ Oh! Rama, you are the reason for his troubles.  Your father has already offered two boons to me, you have to follow his order to protect his promises.”  Rama reveals his willingness to sacrifice anything for the welfare of his father and waits for her instructions.  Devi Kaikeyi speaks “ Oh! Rama, you have to sacrifice the royal attire and ornaments, and offer them to Bharatha. You have to wear saffron robes and leave for woods for fourteen years.”  Emperor Dhasharatha became inconsolable, but Rama was unwavering, he accepted all the orders of his stepmother with a smile, Rama was already earned the highest of the spiritual knowledge/selfless nature while he was in the association of Sage Vishwamithra.  Later, Rama could praise the affection of his stepmother Kaikeyi who gave the difficult task of ruling the Kingdom to Bharatha and the effortless the task of living in the woods to him.  Emperor Dhasharatha could not bear the separation of Rama, soon after left his mortal coil in utter grief.

Lakshman reacts to the whole scenario in extreme anger; he addresses his father as the most selfish, womanizer and deserved to be punished.  Rama advises Lakshman about his demeanor to father, “ Oh! Saumithre, listen to me carefully, leave your anger, I know your affection towards me, do not hurt anyone. Oh! Saumithre, learn to accept that this kingdom is not destined to me.  All these material possessions and happiness are fleeting nature, it is not permanent, and the supreme soul is eternal. The attachment to the material world, and desire to accumulate wealth is the same as a frog that was caught its two legs on the mouth of a serpent and stretching its tongue to get hold of its prey, without the knowledge that all the living beings on Earth are fastened by the ‘Time’.  The human life on Earth is like living together, sharing and caring for each other in a guest home, and leaving to their own destination after the stay.  Oh! Lakshman, all these material things are not permanent, therefore don’t get attached to it, and concentrate upon the ‘Sath’ /supreme soul which is permanent.” In this way, Rama elevated the soul of Lakshmana who was besieged with anger and sorrow. 

Rama, preparing to leave the Kingdom was followed by  Lakshmana and Devi Sita, even though Devi Sita was discouraged to follow her husband who is extremely caring, describing the difficult life in woods, the threat from untamed animals, difficulties involved in living in the woods etc.  Devi Sita who considered the happiness of her husband as hers, instantly sacrificed all the royal comforts and happiness, she reveals her willingness to serve her husband in any circumstance, and make any sacrifice for the welfare of her husband.  This divine couple who symbolizes self-sacrifice receives the saffron robes offered by stepmother Kaikeyi.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 126-  The legend of Lord Rama -4

While returning to the Kingdom of Ayodhya, Rama met Bhargava Rama, who is eminent Kshathriya born to Devi Renuka and Sage Jamadhagni.  He killed numerous wicked Kshatriyas ruled the Earth, and with their blood, he performed the ancestral rite.  Bhargava Rama who is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu transferred all his brilliance to Rama and withdrawn from the Earth.

Dhasharatha is the symbol of human intellect; it controls the functions of the body that has ten sense organs.  The human intellect gets easily attached to people who give pleasure, matters and material things,  later, it gets troubled with all those and led to unhappiness,  this is the life of ordinary humans on the Earth.  The three wives of King Dharashara, Devi Kausalya, Kaikeyi and  Sumithra, represent Icchashakthi, Gnana Shakthi and Kriyashakthi respectively.  Therefore it is necessary to have a well-balanced mindset with the three powerful tools known as Icchashakthi, Kriyashakthi, and Gnanashakthi.  The four sons of King Dhasharatha represents four attributes known as Jijjyasa/curiosity/Lakshman, ability to conquer enemies as well as one’s own weakness/Shathrugna, Bharatha/wisdom and Rama/blissful nature and spread happiness.  These four attributes are known as Ahamkara/Shathrugna, Manas/mind/Lakshman,  intellect/Chiththam/Rama,  Bharatha/wisdom can be utilized for objective knowledge /material life as well as subjective knowledge/ study of spirituality.

Emperor Dhasharatha announced the coronation ceremony of Rama as King of Ayodhya.  The decision was taken by the Emperor without discussing it with his wives.  The preparation for the ceremony was taken at a great speed.  Devi Kaikeyi came to know about it, she was immensely pleased with the decision of the Emperor, she had loved Rama and spend her time with him more than that of Devi Kausalya.  Mandhara who was the housemaid of Devi Kaikeyi creates intense trepidation about the future of her son Bharatha in Devi Kaikeyi if Rama was crowned as the King of Ayodhya, further reminds her about the promises of Emperor.  Devi Kaikeyi who was completely besieged by the influence of Mandhara, a well-prepared drama was enacted in the ‘Krodhalaya”/ private chamber.  Emperor Dhasharatha reaches to pacify his wife Kaikeyi who is in extreme grief, disheveled hair, scattered ornaments, and attire.  Devi Kaikeyi asks for two boons which were already promised by him, she asks for the performance of the coronation ceremony of her son Bharatha and exile Rama from the Kingdom of Ayodhya for fourteen years.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 125-  The legend of Lord Rama -3

Emperor Dhasharatha in the clan of the Surya Dynasty had no offspring.  A grand Puthrakameshti Yaga was performed on the riverbank of Sarayu, by Rishyashrunga who was the son of Maharishi Vibhandaga.  At the successful completion of Yaga, the divine porridge from the Yaga was reverentially received by the Emperor Dhasharatha.  It was divided into two parts and offered to Devi Kausalya and Kaikeyi, and Devi Sumithra got equal halves from Devi Kausalya and Kaikeyi.   In due course of time, the Queens became pregnant with their child, Devi Kausalya gave birth to Rama, Devi Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharatha and Devi Sumithra gave birth to Lakshman and Shathrugna. 

Years have passed; Maharishi Vishwamithra arrived in the assembly of King Dhasharatha with a request to take Rama with him to woods to protect fire sacrifices.  King Dhasharatha tried to put off the plans of Maharishi Vishwamithra was intervened by Sage Vashishta, thus Rama and Lakshmana went to woods with Maharishi Vishwamithra, while in the woods they were taught with highly confidential hymns of ‘Bala’ and ‘Athibala’ to win over hunger and thirst.  They have also taught Asthra Shasthra Vidhya/knowledge of usage of armaments from Sage Vishwamithra.  On their way, Maharishi explains the isolated wood where the female demon ‘Thadaka’ resides and explores without any restriction, and instructed Rama to kill the demon ‘Thadaka’.  Rama who had a thorough knowledge of scriptures reveals his qualms to kill a woman.  Maharishi teaches him about the righteousness of a King, a woman is deserved to be killed if she is harmful, creates trepidation and turbulence to the society or the kingdom.  The demon Thadaka was illustrated as ‘Kamacharini’/individuals who soak in worldly pleasures, a symbol of possessiveness and attachment that causes grief and sorrows.  Rama killed the demon Thadaka. Later, it helped Rama to sacrifice Devi Sita who was fully pregnant with the child to the hermitage of Maharishi Valmiki for the welfare of the Kingdom.    King Nemi who was well capable to drive the chariot driven by ten horses in ten directions became ‘King Dhasharatha’, his over-attachment to his beautiful and intelligent wife Kaikeyi has become a reason for his sorrow.

 Rama killed Subhahu and numerous demons in the wood and protected the fire sacrifice of Maharishi Vishwamithra.  Devi Ahalya who was cursed by Sage Gautama turned into rock, was freed from the curse at the touch of the feet of Rama.     Sage Vishwamithra took Rama and Lakshman to the Kingdom of Janaka to attend the celestial wedding, where Rama skillfully tied the powerful bow of Lord Shiva and got married to Devi Sita.  Thus the four sons of King Dhasharatha were got married; Bharatha married Mandavi, Lakshman married to Urmila, and Shruthakeerthi was married to Shathrungna.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 124-  The legend of Lord Rama -2

Sage Valmiki cursed the hunter who wrecked the happiness of Krauncha birds that were having pleasing time.  Later, he met Maharishi Narada and clarified his doubt, who is the virtuous and flawless man on the Earth?.  Maharishi Narada advises the supreme Purusha ‘Rama’ as the virtuous on the Earth. Maharishi Valmiki, composed the epic Ramayan which was later written in many languages due to its popularity and the fundamental nature of good living. Ramayan is divided into six cantos, such as Balakandam, Ayodhyakandam, Aranyakandam, Kishkindhakandam, Sundharakandam, and Yudhdhakandam.

Maharishi Vedavyasa depicts the three ideal characters in this legend, one is Rama in the Kingdom of Ayodhya and the second one is monkey King Sugrivah in the Kishkindha and the third one is Vibheeshana in the kingdom of Lanka as the example for the goodness.   The three characters Vali,  King Dhasharatha and Ravana were under the constant influence of the lower mind, Vali who was the ruler of Kishkindha,  seized the possession of the Kingdom of  Sugrivah and took custody of Sugrivah’s wife, King Dhasharatha who  was the  Emperor of Ayodhya, deeply attached to Rama, left his mortal coil in utter grief of separation from Rama,   Ravana who was the ruler of the city of Lanka, relentlessly seeking pleasure in evil doing, had no control over senses abducted Goddess Sita, ultimately faced brutal death in the hands of Lord Rama.

There was an interesting myth on the scripture ‘Ramayan’.  Lord Bhrama composed the great epic Ramayan which comprises one hundred crores of verses,   was handed to Lord Mahadeva to distribute among the deities, demons, and humans equally. The deities, demons, and humans approached Lord Mahadeva and requested for those beautiful verses were equally distributed with thirty-three lakh of verses each.  The remaining was kept in the custodian of Lord Mahadeva.  Once again, the deities, demons, and humans approached Lord Mahadeva for the remaining one lakh verses, were distributed thirty-three thousand each.  The deities, demons, and humans were too impressed with the verses, once again approached Lord Mahadeva for the remaining thousand verses were distributed three hundred and thirty verses each.  The remaining ten verses were distributed to deities, demons, and humans three each.   Finally, Lord Mahadeva got hold of the verses of 32 Anushtup that too distributed among the deities, demons, and humans ten each.  The remaining two letters ‘Ra Ma’ has the core spirit of the one hundred crores of verses of ‘Ramayan’ remained intact with Lord Mahadeva.