|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 134-  The legend of Lord Rama -12

Hanuman returns o Kishkindha with the monkey warriors under the leadership of Angada.  On their way, they destroyed the pleasure garden ‘Madhuvana’ of Sugreevah.  Later, they met Rama and Lakshman in the assembly of Sugreevah.  Hanuman eulogizes the glories of Rama and informs the whereabouts of Devi Sita and handed the precious gem ‘Choodamani’.  Rama could not control his joy, embraced Hanuman with great affection.

Rama, Lakshmana, along with Sugriva and monkey warriors declare war against Ravana. Rama approaches the Lord of oceans, seeking permission to construct a bridge across the ocean was unnoticed, Rama prepares to aim arrow at the Lord of the ocean, soon prostrate before Rama and informs his willingness to assist.  The construction of a huge bridge across the ocean was begun, with the assistance of numerous monkey warriors, led by Nala and Neela constructs bridge against the vast ocean Sethu.  Nala who is the son of Vishwakarma had an exquisite skill in the construction of the bridge; all the rocks heaved to the ocean were floated on the surface of the water, eventually, a great bridge was constructed.   Rama was highly impressed with the skills of Nala, desired to experience the floating stones, he threw a stone in the ocean that immersed in the deep sea.  Hanuman witnessed Rama,  fallen at his feet with tears overflowing said “ Oh! Rama, your name imprinted on the stones caused to float on the surface of the ocean, whoever contemplates your sacred names would not sink in the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  Your sacred names would relieve worshipers from the material world and bondage,  as well as miseries and sorrows of worldly existence.  Whoever forgets to realize the presence of the Supreme Lord as a soul, eventually get slipped out from your hold would sink in the unfathomable ocean of worldly existence.  Therefore, kindly bless me with intense devotion at your feet,  and relentlessly recite your sacred name, so that it won’t trip from my heart and mind.  Kindly give me a boon, I should never get satisfied with the chanting of your names and glories, I should relentlessly recite your names and glories, in this way I can elevate my soul. ”

A ferocious battle took place between Rama and Ravana.  Vibheesha takes shelter at the feet of Rama was received graciously.  Rama killed numerous demons and relatives of Ravana in the battle.  During the battle, Lakshmana was fallen unconscious regained life with the help of Hanuman who brought the herb of the unapproachable mountain. The vicious battle continued, the time has arrived to battle against Meghanatha/Indhrajeeth, the elder son of Ravana.  Rama was well aware of the proficiency of Meghanatha on the battlefield does not want to leave Lakshman to fight against him.  Vibheeshana insists Rama appoint Lakshman to battle against Meghanatha, was flatly refused by Rama.  Finally, Vibheeshana explains Rama that Meghanatha can be killed by Lakshman who sacrificed twelve years of sleep and meal and took great care of Rama is solely qualified to kill Meghanatha.   This incident once again firmed the bond between Rama and Lakshman.  

In the vicious battle, Rama killed Ravana, was approached by his chaste wife Mandodhari and eulogizes his glories.  Vibheeshana was crowned as the King of Lanka and   Rama along with Devi Sita and Lakshman and numerous monkey warriors return to Ayodhya,  in the magnificent flower chariot.   On their way Rama visits the hermitage of Sage Bharadhwaja,  Bharatha who was impatiently waiting for his elder brother in Nandhigauv was informed the arrival of Rama by Hanuman.  The four brothers meet in the Kingdom of Ayodhya, in the presence and guidance of preceptors of the clan, Rishis, and Sages, a grand coronation ceremony was organized, thus Rama was crowned as the King of Ayodhya.  

The legend of Ramayan is not only a myth but also ‘The glorious journey of mind’ teaches the soul/Sita undergoes the miseries and sorrows due to the excessive desire/golden deer/ on worldly matters and bondage.  This glorious scripture repeatedly affirms the nature of the material world which is impermanent and the permanent nature of the supreme soul which symbolizes ‘bliss’.   A selfless, contended, kind and caring individual always remains in the grace and protection of supreme Lord, an individual who immerses in  vicious and immoral acts would heave to extreme sorrow and miseries.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 133-  The legend of Lord Rama -11

Hanuman took a great leap from the shores in search of Devi Sita, on his way he graciously refused the hospitality of Mount Mainaka, confronted Devi Surasa who was assigned to experiment the prudence of Hanuman.  He killed the female demon Simhika who created an obstacle to his movements.  Hanuman assumed the size of a thumb and entered the Palace was stopped by the guardian of Lanka, a female demon who had a fight with Hanuman and freed herself from the curse.  Hanuman conducted a thorough search in and out the palace, finally met Devi Sita under the Shimshupa tree located in ‘Ashoka Vatika’.  She was surrounded by gruesome demons, Hanuman introduced him as the emissary of Lord Rama and handed the ring imprinted the name of Rama.  Once again, she regained her happiness; Hanuman pacified her about Rama’s meticulous arrangements to recover her and the pathetic situation of Rama in her absence. Sita advises Hanuman to offer the jewel ‘Choodamani’/ornament decorated in hair to Rama.

Hanuman decides to destroy the huge army of Ravana, as a sincere servant of Rama.  He destroys the entire Ashoka Vatika, except the place where Devi Sita was seated.  He caused serious damage to the properties and pleasure gardens of Ravana, the demons were horrified and ran towards Ravana and informed the wicked money.  Ravana assigned a large number of warriors to confront Hanuman.  Thus, a huge army of demons was killed in the battle with Hanuman. Further,  Akshakumara, the second son of Ravana was killed in the battle.  Indrajeeth, the elder son pacifies father who is drenched in the loss of huge army men and younger son and went to battle against Hanuman.  The battle continued for some time, Indrajeeth showered arrows and fastened Hanuman with the powerful weapon Bhramasthra, even though Bhramasthra could not harm Hanuman; he courteously remained fastened with it. 

The demons were extremely happy to get hold of the wicked monkey was produced before Ravana.  Hanuman was questioned in the assembly of Ravana introduced himself as a sincere servant of Rama/messenger of Rama and praise the righteousness and the graciousness of Rama.  He introduces the glory of Rama to Ravana “ Oh! Ravana, you are well known of the prowess of Karthyaveerarjuna, who was defeated by Parashurama, listen to me carefully Rama defeated that Parashurama.  Oh! Ravana, you are aware of the might of Vali, he was killed with a single arrow by Rama.  Therefore, return the chaste wife of Rama, Devi Sita, who is the cause for the worldly existence, she is your death, therefore return her with due respects to Rama.”  Ravana was infuriated not willing to listen to any of the advice, ordered his men to kill Hanuman.  Vibheeshana, younger brother of Ravana, intervened and advises Ravana about the righteousness of a King, should not kill a messenger of the enemy.  Later, Hanuman was imposed with grave punishment; his huge tail was tied with bundle clothes, applied oil and set fire on it.  Hanuman enthusiastically set fire all over the palaces, and the whole Kingdom, except the fortress of Vibheeshana and the Shimshupa tree where Devi Sita was seated.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 132-  The legend of Lord Rama -10

On their way Rama and Lakshman meets Hanuman who introduces them to monkey king Sugreevah.  Rama enters peace agreement with Sugreevah who was also going through the pain of separation from his wife.  Rama promises to crown him as the King of Kishkindha,  killed Vali, later crowned him as the King of Kishkindha.  As per the agreement, the search for Devi Sita was decided to conduct after the rainy season, but Sugrivah was completely immersed in the pleasure of family and stately life forgot about the promise to Rama.  Lakshman approaches Sugrivah in a rage, the monkey warriors were terrified, informed Hanuman went in search of Sugrivah who was taking extreme pleasure in the company of Ruma and Thara/wives, was completely under the influence of intoxicating drink.  Hanuman is highly capable to manage any adverse situations, advised Thara who is the wife of Vali to meet Lakshman, and was pacified by the intelligent Thara.  Later, Sugreevah along with Rama and Lakshman prepared a detailed plan for conducting the search for Devi Sita.  The huge armies of monkey warriors were assigned to conduct the search in four directions.

Hanuman and Jambavan in the army of monkey warriors led by Angadha conducted the search for Devi Sita were miserably failed.  The army of warriors got trapped in the cave without food for several days was saved by Swayamprabha.  They met the Eagle Sampathi who is elder to ‘Jatayu’, prompted the monkey warriors to conduct the search for Devi Sita in the city of Lanka located across the vast ocean.  None of the monkey warriors were courageous or confident to cross the vast ocean.  Jambavan noticed Hanuman who was immersed in the meditation of supreme Lord, he patted on the shoulder of Hanuman and speaks “ Oh! Hanuman, you are the son of Lord Vayu, you have possessed immense prowess, you have leaped to the heights of Suryamandal, while you were a child, thinking Lord Surya as a ripened fruit and you have crossed 300 Yojana, therefore crossing this hundred Yojana to the city of Lanka is not an impossible task for you.  You are the greatest devotee of Lord Rama.  You have obtained the ring imprinted the name of Lord Rama, you are the appropriate one to cross this vast ocean. ” In this way, Jambavan inspired Hanuman and roused the immense prowess in him.

|| Om Namo Bhagavathey Vasudevaya ||

Chapter – 131-  The legend of Lord Rama -9

On their way, Rama and Lakshman met the King of birds, ‘Jatayu’ who was brutally wounded by Ravana while protecting Devi Sita from his custody.  Jatayu could pass on an unclear message about the abduction of Sita, eventually left his mortal coil.  Rama performed the final rite of Jatayu and continued search for Devi Sita.  Rama killed Kabandha and arrives in the hermitage of Sage Mathanga, where he met Shabari who is a passionate devotee of Rama. Even though Shabari was born in a tribal clan, she sincerely served Sage Mathanga and has elevated her soul with an intense devotion to Rama, and qualified herself as the greatest devotee of Lord.  She patiently followed the advice of Sage Mathanga, and waited for the arrival of Rama.  Devi Shabari reverentially prostrates before Rama, and offers berries she has collected from the woods, she bites every fruit and offers the best ones to Rama. 

Rama describes the characteristics of supreme devotion to Lakshman who refuses to tastes the fruits offered by Devi Shabari. “Oh! Lakshman, listen to me carefully, it is impossible to attain the supreme Bhramam by taking a dip in countless holy rivers, recitation of sacred chants and hymns, visiting a number of holy shrines, undertaking numerous vows and fasting, performing various Yaga and Yagna, without the knowledge of the ultimate object.  I shall narrate the significant steps of devotion to you.  The devotion can be cultivated with the association of saintly people,/Sadhusangama which could help for the constant remembrance of supreme Lord who resides as a soul in living beings, he is the constant companion of the living beings/Sakhyam,  Shravanam/keep listening to the glorious myths of supreme Lord, and singing in praise of Lord/Keerthanam,  constant contemplation upon Lord,/Smaranam service to the devotees of Lord,/Sevanam and complete surrender to supreme Lord with the realization of oneness-in-all.”  Thus, Devi Shabari attains liberation at the lotus feet of Lord Rama.

|| 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.