August 2017 archive

Rājā daśaratha sswargaṃ jagāma vilapan sutam

Meaning- Unable to bear the pangs of separation from his son, Dasharatha died.

Dasharatha was grieving pitiably and Sumantra was consoling him all the time. The details provided by Sumantra about Rama’s departure into the forests only worsened Koushalya’s grief. She broke down and begged Sumantra to take her immediately to Rama. Sumantra tried to console her but failed to do so.

Suddenly, Koushalya who had been calm all along, got greatly annoyed with Dasharatha for all that he had done and she began to harshly admonish him for sending Rama away to the forest. She lamented that her son and daughter-in-law would face severe difficulties and hardships in the forest due to his decision. Her words further aggravated and worsened his grief. Never ever before had Koushalya ever spoken in this manner. The king found it hard to withstand the harsh words uttered by her. He felt he was sinking. He swooned for a little while. His own evil doings of the past that had brought this misery to him, came to his memory.

The king offered his namaskara to Koushalya and in a pitiable voice weakly pleaded with her not to rebuke him any further. Koushalya trembled upon seeing his pitiable situation. Understanding his situation, she instantly begged forgiveness, “O Lord, please forgive me. My uncontrollable grief at this separation from my son caused me to speak to you in this harsh and cruel manner. Kindly excuse my mistake”. She thus consoled him.

By then, it was past sunset time. Dasharatha was periodically losing consciousness. He was blabbering in his sleep. He was regaining consciousness only to lose it once again. This happened repeatedly. In between this, Dasharatha revealed to Koushalya a secret that he had never ever revealed to anyone before.

He said, “Koushalya, in my youthful days, long before I married you, I had committed a serious and grave mistake. One day I had gone hunting into the forests by the banks of River Sarayu. I was sitting under the shade of a tree eagerly trying to spot any wild animal. All of a sudden. I heard some gurgling sounds from the River Sarayu. It was evident that some animal was drinking water from the river. I directed my arrow towards the direction of the sound and then ran in that direction to catch the animal. To my utter shock, instead of an animal, there lay a young hermit-boy. The arrow had pierced his heart. I realized that I had committed an unforgivable sin. I had mistaken the boy for an animal. The boy who was on the verge of death told me about his aged and blind parents nearby who were thirsty. He begged me to quench their thirst. Within minutes, the boy died. I took the pitcher and carried the water to the parents. When I told them of my sin, their grief was uncontrollable. The boys father, in his grief cursed me, “you too will die due to pangs of separation from your son”. Then and there both his aged frail parents left their mortal bodies in that state of grief.

Koushalya, now I am going to die. My separation from Rama will bring to me my death. My eyes have failed. I am unable to see anything. In this hour of death I grieve that my dearest son Rama is not beside me. That curse has resulted in this happening. My senses (indriyas) are not functioning anymore.”

So saying, Dasharatha again slipped into sleep. In that state of sleep, he left his body, uttering the words, “Rama, Rama”. The next morning, the king did not awaken. A few servants went into his chambers to serve him and seeing his dead body, cried loudly.

With Dasharatha’s death, Ayodhya lost its sheen. It turned into a city of gloom. Every person was shedding tears profusely. The citizens felt orphaned and moaned loudly.

This news mysteriously reached Bharata, who was at his maternal grandfather’s place. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, he strongly felt that he should return to Ayodhya. Around that time, the messengers sent from Ayodhya reached his place. Bharata asked them, “I seek to know about the welfare of my father and of my dear brothers Rama, Lakshmana. How are my mothers Koushalya and Sumitra and my arrogant mother Kaikeyi faring? Is everything well with them? Please answer me quickly.”

Without answering any of these questions, the messengers simply said, “The king seeks your immediate presence in Ayodhya. Please accompany us back to Ayodhya”. The messengers did not even give the slightest hint of the happenings in Ayodhya to date.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.

Devagandharva-sankāśhāḥ tatra te nyavasan sukham

Chitrakūṭam gate rāme putŗ sokātura statha.

Meaning- Akin to the celestials known as Devagandharvas, Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta were spending their time happily in Chitrakuta. Back in Ayodhya however, Dasharatha was in deep agony and was grieving from pangs of separation from Rama.

Chitrakuta Mountain was the residence for various flocks of birds that chirped melodiously. Varied types of strange and unique creepers and plants with multi coloured flowers brightened the entire forest. At a distance, sounds of the wild animals could be heard. The pure waters of the River Malyavati flowed nearby. Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta would bathe in the cool waters of this river. Cool pure breeze blew into their thatched hut. Taking delight in all these natural wondrous settings, the three of them spent their days happily. Rama and Seeta would walk through the forests, admiring and enjoying the natural beauty at every step. Thus, like Devagandharvas they spent all their time happily in this forest.

Sumantra, whom Rama had left behind at Sringiberapuram, did not return to Ayodhya immediately after Rama’s departure from that place. Instead he remained there and got periodic updates about Rama’s progress in his journey. After learning that they reached Chitrakuta, he dejectedly boarded the empty chariot and in great shame, retraced his way back to Ayodhya.

Seeing the empty chariot, the residents of Ayodhya wept loudly and scolded Sumantra for coming back all alone. The entire city was joyless. This increased Sumantra’s anguish. Unable to show his face to them, in despair he quickly rode towards the Dasharatha’s palace. He approached the ailing king and passed on Rama’s message to him.

Dasharatha swooned completely upon hearing this news. Recovering after some time, he once again enquired from Sumantra, Rama’s whereabouts. Sumantra, choked with tears, slowly replied, “Rama and Lakshmana changed into an attire that is commonly worn by sages. They crossed River Ganga and walked towards Sage Bharadwaja’s ashram. With the hope that they may change their mind, and return, I stayed there with Guha for a few days. However, through Guha’s spies we learnt that upon Sage Bharadwaja’s advice proceeded towards Chitrakuta Mountain”.

The grieving king said, “Sumantra, I have acted based on the words of a woman. I have committed a grave mistake by not consulting my ministers and well-wishers before coming to this decision. Sumantra, if you believe that I have ever helped you in any way in the past, then please do me a favor. Take me to Rama. Now that you know where he resides, please take me to him”.

No doubt Dasharatha was a king, but in the present mental condition, he was in no position to issue any command even to his minister Sumantra. Thus he continued to beg and plead with Sumantra. He continued, “Sumantra please either take me to him or please go back and bring him to me. I do not think I will live any longer. Without my Rama, I cannot live. I do not know how deep into the forests they may have reached by now. Please take me in the chariot. If I see them, I think I will live longer. I am sinking. Sumantra, I do not think that I will live longer. Please help me. Without my Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana I cannot live any longer.”

In this manner, every moment he thought of them. He grieved and lamented at this loss and kept swooning periodically. Whenever he came back to consciousness, his thoughts were entirely focused on Rama. He would say, “Of what use is this life without Rama? Oh Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta, your absence will take my life. It’s all over for me. I am going away”. So saying, he would once again swoon. When he would awaken he would say, “I am leaving this world Rama, without seeing you again. Without you, what is the meaning of this life? Apart from you, who else is there for me Oh Rama? I am a great sinner, Rama”.

In this way, father Dasharatha agonized and grieved piteously for his sons and his daughter-in-law.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.

Chitrakūṭa manuprāpya bharadvājasya śāsanāt

Ramyamāvasathamṃ kŗthvā rāmamāṇā vanetrayaḥ

Meaning- Based on the directions given by Sage Bharadwaja, Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana reached Chitrakūṭa. Constructing a comfortable hut, they began to live happily there.

The hermitage that they had spotted near the confluence of Rivers Ganga and Yamuna was that of venerable Sage Bharadwaja. By the time they entered the precincts of the hermitage, it was sunset time.  The animals of the ashram, terrified at the entry of these strangers, hurriedly ran towards Sage Bharadwaja who was immersed in conducting a homa. With the intention of securing the blessings of this great sage, Rama, Lakshmana and Seeta patiently waited near the homa place.

Immediately upon completion of the fire ritual, the revered sage noticed their arrival.  Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana prostrated before the sage. In turn, the sage welcomed them warmly and offered them various kinds of fruits.

Rama introduced himself as the son of Dasharatha and explained to the sage all the events that took place in Ayodhya. Sage Bharadwaja said, “Rama, its been a very long time since I have seen you. I had already heard about your exile. I know that your banishment is totally unjust and unreasonable. Anyway, never mind. This is a very holy and pious place. You could live here for this entire period of 14 years”.

Rama replied, “O Sage, this place is very near to Ayodhya. I fear that many persons may start arriving here intentionally to see us. This will create a huge hindrance to your peaceful ashram life. Hence I do not wish to stay here. Please suggest a place where we can live peacefully. It should have the basic comforts”.

Sage Bharadwaja said, “Rama, exactly at a distance of 10 kroshas there is a mountain by name Chitrakuta. It will be an ideal for your residence”.

Having rested there that night, they took leave of the sage. He then said, “Rama, surely Seeta will find great delight in Chitrakuta”. The sage also detailed the various types of birds, animals and the bountiful nature that they would find at Chitrakuta”.

Offering prostrations to the sage, they crossed the River Yamuna and then proceeded towards Chitrakuta. At night, they halted in the forest and the following morning they reached Chitrakuta. Seeing the River Mandakini flowing there in full force, they were delighted. They came to know that Maharishi Valmiki lived in that vicinity. They met the sage and took his blessings. Thereafter Lakshmana, upon instructions from Rama, got busy in building a hut for their residence. He brought timber and other required materials from the forests, and selecting a suitable place that was at a height, constructed a thatched hut in accordance with the rules of Vastu shastra. He also constructed a suitable area for the performance of yagnas, as Rama enjoyed daily performance of yagnas.  A boundary was built around the hut for protection against wild animals. Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana enjoyed their stay in this Chitrakuta.

Om Seeta Raamaabhyaam namaha.

Guhena sahito rāmo lakṣmaṇena ca sītayā

Te vanena vanaṃ gatvā nadī stīrtvī bahūdakāḥ

Meaning- Rama, along with Lakshmana, Seeta and Guha crossed River Ganga and stepped into the forest. He walked from one forest to another and in this process crossed many rivers.

Rama addressed Guha and said, “My dear friend, in accordance with my father’s command, I am to live in a forest that is uninhabited by people. I am to eat only roots and fruits during this period and sleep on the bare floor. My attire should be like that of ascetics. Hence, first and foremost, I need to matt my hair using the milk of banyan tree. Kindly organize for it, so that I can proceed on my further journey with matted hair”.

Guha swiftly arranged for the milk using which Rama and Lakshmana matted their hair. They accepted the vow of Vanaprastha ashrama vrata and then bid farewell to Guha. Rama together with Seeta and Lakshmana boarded the boat. The boatmen were speedily rowing the boat across Ganga.

As they reached the middle of the river, Seeta Devi folded her palms and prayed to Mother Ganga, “May Rama, after living fourteen years in exile, return safely to Ayodhya. I pray to you. Upon our return, I shall offer you due worship”.

The boat reached the other shore. From here began the dense forest. Rama said to Lakshmana, “Dear brother, now you have to protect us. We are now entering an unknown territory. You walk in front and we will follow you. Sita will be in the middle and I will be behind her. In this way, let us all protect each other”.

Agreeing to this, Lakshmana led the way. They reached the Vatsa desa. This was a very fertile land replete with fields that were laden with crops. There was greenery all around. Crops were plentiful. They halted there for that night. Lakshmana quickly created a bed for Rama. Resting on it, Rama began to think about his mothers. He said to Lakshmana, “Dear brother, you please go back to Ayodhya for the safety of our mothers. I fear that they may have to face trouble from Kaikeyi. I am worried about their welfare and safety. Please go back”.

Lakshmana would not hear of it. He immediately said, “Brother, if you grieve, I am bound to grieve. I do not have any desire to go back. Wherever you are, to me that is Ayodhya. It itself is everything to me”.

A little while later Rama and Seeta drifted off to sleep. Lakshmana remained fully alert and was guarding them very carefully. The next morning they resumed their journey. As they proceeded through the dense forests, they came across strange wild animals they had never seen before. They were proceeding on the path that led towards the confluence of Rivers Ganga and Yamuna. They passed by many villages and beautiful places enjoying the scenery as they passed by. They noticed different types of trees and birds.

As they were thus going, at one place, they could clearly hear the noise created by the merger of the two great Rivers Ganga and Yamuna. They also saw many pieces of timber and broken trees. They realized that this was a place inhabited by hunters. As they walked further they came across many fruit and flower trees. A hermitage (ashram) could also be seen close by.

In this manner, Rama, together with Lakshmana and Seeta, crossed many forests and rivers and were proceeding on the journey, all the while enjoying the natural beauty of the places that they passed by.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam Namaha.

Śŗingiberapure sūtaṃ gaṇgākūle vyasarjayat

Guhamāsādya dharmātma niṣādādhipatiṃ priyam.

Meaning- Rama, who was eternally righteous, bid farewell to their charioteer Sumantra, when they reached Sringiberapura. He befriended Guha, the headman of the Nishada tribe who inhabited this area.

The chariot moved on leaving Ayodhya far behind. There are no words to describe the agony of Dasharatha. The queens held him and with difficulty took him into the palace. Sumitra consoled Koushalya who was totally drowned in sorrow.

The entire city of Ayodhya was engulfed in grief. Loud cries could be heard from every household. Many men and women were running behind the chariot following Rama. Rama was overwhelmed by the love and affection shown by the people towards him. Addressing the crowds he said, “My dear people, please shower this similar love to Bharata, when he is crowned. He will also govern reciprocating similar feelings of love”.

The citizens were in no mood to listen to this. They chased the chariot. When they reached the banks of River Tamasa, Sumantra stopped the chariot. That night all of them, including those citizens who were following them, rested there. Around midnight, Rama instructed that the chariot should return back to Ayodhya. Leaving all the citizens behind, Rama sought out another route, and reached Sringiberapuram.

Sringiberapuram was on the banks of Ganga. Guha was the Nishada King who ruled this land. Guha was a dear friend of Rama. When he learnt that Rama had stepped into his kingdom, he hastened with his entire family to warmly and reverentially welcome Him.

Rama embraced Guha and enquired about his well being. Guha begged Rama to visit his capital and receive the ceremonious offerings from him. Rama gently declined stating that bound by the rules of vanavasa dharma, he could not enter any township. Rama sipped a little water from the River Ganga and slept on the bare floor.

Lakshmana and Sumantra did not sleep that night. Entire night was spent grieving about the fate of Rama and Sita.  They recollected various instances of Rama’s life. Lakshmana said to Guha, “I fear that, unable to bear this separation from Rama, our father King Dasharatha may not live long”. Guha also was overcome with grief.

The next morning Rama expressed his intention to cross the River Ganga. In a short while, Guha got a beautiful boat constructed. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were all set to leave. Sumantra, totally overcome with grief, shed tears, beseeched him and said, “Please permit me to come with you”. Rama affectionately consoled him and said, “Sumantra, please return to Ayodhya and look after the needs of the king. Listen to me. It is for your good. Please protect the kingdom”.

Sumantra was the wisest amongst the ministers. He was the only one among them who had the freedom to move around freely within the inner apartments of the royal palaces. Hence, he was the only one who could freely visit the grieving king and effectively take care of his needs. Rama was therefore keen that he should return back to Ayodhya at the earliest.

Sumantra returned to Ayodhya. Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana were all set to cross the River Ganga.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.