August 2017 archive

Sītā pyanugatā rāmaṃ śaśinaṃ rohinī yathā

Paurai ranugato dūraṃ pitrā daśarathena ca.

Meaning- Just as star Rohini perpetually follows the moon, Sita too followed Rama when He left for the forest. King Dasharatha and the citizens followed Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, for up to a little distance and bid them goodbye.

Rama consoled his grieving mother Koushalya and having pacified her, together with Lakshmana, reached the residence of Sita. As He entered his own house, Sita came out eagerly to receive Him. She noticed the solemn face of her husband who was entering with his head slightly bowed. Having immersed herself in the rituals for the ceremony, she was totally ignorant of the latest developments in the kingdom. She trembled seeing his face and his perturbed looks. She found out all the details from Him.

Having heard it all, Sita decided that she would accompany him to the forest. In order to dissuade her, Rama explained in great detail, all the hardships that one had to face while living in a forest. He tried hard to convince her to change her mind. But nothing could deter her. She firmly stood her ground and asserted that She would walk along with him. A great discussion ensued between the two and finally Rama gave in and agreed to take her along.

Happily, Sita took off all her ornaments and set them aside. She together with Rama and Lakshmana got ready to leave for the forest. All of them went and offered prostrations to all the mothers and to their father. Addressing Dasharatha, Rama said, “O King, I am leaving for Dandakaranaya. Kindly permit me”. At that minute, Dasharatha asked Rama to rule the kingdom. Rama vowed on Dharma and Satya (righteousness and truth) and declined the offer stating that he would choose to go to Dandakaranya. Everyone grieved at Rama’s insistence on abiding by Dharma.

Dasharatha summoned his minister Sumantra and ordered that Rama should be sent with all due honours. Upon hearing this statement, Kaikeyi, unhesitatingly commanded, “Rama is to live like a hermit and not like a king.” She brought the clothes of fibre/jute (that are worn by sages) that she had already kept ready and asked Rama, Sita to wear them.

Rama and Lakshmana immediately changed their attire. Sita however was baffled, not knowing how to wear them. Noticing her predicament, Rama went to her and in the presence of everyone, demonstrated to her, how to wear them, upon her silken sari. Seeing this, all the womenfolk and maids of Kaikeyi’s palace cursed Kaikeyi for this situation into which she had put Sita.

Maharishi Vashistha was angered and addressed Kaikeyi, “The whole kingdom, including Bharata will go away with Rama. You can enjoy all the comforts and luxuries and continue to live in this deserted city all alone”.

Dasharatha then ordered Sumantra to fetch a chariot and to ensure that Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were dropped off at the boundary of the kingdom. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana bowed to everyone.

Sumitra addressed her son Lakshmana and said, “Lakshmana, always remember that your brother Rama is your sole refuge. Do not even be a trifle negligent in looking after his needs. Rama is your father. Sita is your mother. Consider the forest as Ayodhya and serve him to the best of your ability. May it be auspicious”.

Sita, followed Rama and happily got into the chariot. All the citizens, young and old were struck with agony. They could not hold back their tears. They were asking Sumantra to hold the reins and to drive the chariot very slowly. Rama, unable to see the grieving faces of the citizens, whom he loved so dearly, addressed Sumantra and requested that the chariot be driven fast. Dasharatha, who was following the chariot was screaming that the chariot should be stopped. Having followed the chariot for some distance, the grieving king stopped. He stood there and watched the chariot till it was out of sight. At last, in great distress, he turned back.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.

Janakasya kule jātā deva māyeva nirmitā

Sarvalakṣaṇa sampannā nārīnā muttamā vadhūḥ.

Meaning- Seeta, who was born in the lineage of Janaka, was like the illusion created to trap the demons. She has in her every auspicious trait as detailed in the Samudrika shastra. She is the most supreme amongst women.

We have earlier discussed the reasons that prompted Mother Goddess to incarnate as Sita. Sita was born in the worthiest family of Janaka. Every member of Janaka’s lineage was of righteous conduct and diligently abided by all good traditions and customs. While ploughing the field, King Janaka found a pitcher, within which was a baby girl. As such, Seeta was ayonija (not born from a mother’s womb in the normal course).

At the time of churning of the ocean, a terrible war broke out between the Devatas and the demons to obtain the nectar which had emerged. At that moment, to enchant the evil minded, wicked demons of bad conduct, Lord Vishnu, using the help of his illusionary energy, manifested as Mohini, who was an epitome of beauty. Through this illusory form he caused the destruction of all demons. Likewise, to destroy the demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, the Devatas created the exquisitely beautiful maiden Tilottama taking the help of Vishnu’s illusory energy.

Illusion is one of the most fabulous energies of Lord Vishnu! It is impossible for anyone to comprehend, visualize or describe it. Limitless, immeasurable beauty is itself illusion. Such illusion is neither His magical power, nor some witchcraft, or deceptive power. It is an extraordinary and fabulous power. The word ‘maya’ also refers to Goddess Lakshmi. In other words, Lakshmi is known as māya.

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Rama. Hence his illusion incarnated as Sita. The Upanishads declare that illusion is the ultimate, stunning and extra-ordinary energy of the Lord that is far beyond comprehension. To bring delight to that Lord, such supreme energy took on a human form, served Him and acted in accordance to His wishes. She was Sita, the most divine, chaste and gentle lady. She was an epitome of virtue.

Demonic illusion causes destruction. The Lord’s illusion causes well-being. Sita was of unparalleled beauty and charm. She was created solely to delude the demons. As She was an ayonija, she brought along with her, sparkling beauty from Vaikuntha. That is why there is a proverb- ‘ati roopavati Seeta ati moorkhaschya ravanah’ which means the ‘the supreme most beautiful woman is Sita and the most foolish person is Ravana’.

Through this hymn, the impending death of Ravana is being subtly hinted. All the divine traits found in Rama, also existed in Sita. In her, all auspicious traits, as defined by the samudrika shastra, were clearly visible. She was a repository of every good trait.

If Rama is the ideal for all the men, Sita is considered exemplary and ideal for all the women. Those who imbibe and practise the good traits as exhibited by Rama, turn out to be virtuous men. Likewise, those ladies who adopt and follow the good traits found in Sita, become virtuous women.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.

Brātaram dayito bhrātuḥ saubhrātram-anudarśayan

Rāmasya dayitā bhāryā nityaṃ prānasamāhitā.

Meaning- Rama’s dearest wife, Sita, is his soul mate. She eternally seeks the well-being of her husband. She always acts in accordance with his wishes.

Sita Devi was humble and divine. She loved her husband very dearly. Rama was handsome, loving and charming and she reciprocated with similar loving feelings towards him. Rama was eternally placed within her heart. Hence for Rama, Sita was equivalent of His life force (prana shakti). She was adept in reading the mind of her husband and in acting totally in accordance with it. At all times, she behaved in a manner that suited His mental disposition. She was at par with her husband, in seeking the welfare of those who had sought shelter under her. At all times she desired the welfare of her husband.

This auspicious and chaste lady, Sita, knew no world apart from Rama. Hence, she was ignorant of the happenings within the city of Ayodhya. She was under the impression that the coronation ceremony of her husband Rama would begin shortly. Seeking his welfare, she had performed all the rituals and had undertaken complete fast. With complete faith and dedication, she abided by all the rituals. She worshipped the Gods seeking her husband’s welfare. She recollected the dharmas that her husband, as a king, would have to abide by, once the coronation ceremony was completed. She recollected all her dharmas that she would have to follow as a queen after her husband’s coronation. She arranged all the auspicious materials like sandal paste, akshata (colored rice), flowers among others. She was awaiting the arrival of her husband. All her maids and attendants within her palace were equally happy. There are no words to describe this moment of happiness of Sita. Her maids decorated all the hallways in her palace. Flower garlands adorned the entrance to the palace. Her room was beautifully decorated. They too decked themselves in the finest of ornaments.

Sita, the gentlest woman, never ever spoke in a manner that caused even a slightest pain to the heart of another. She was always humble. Even at times of extreme anger, she could never utter words that caused misfortune to another. All the ladies who were associated with her were akin to her in their traits.

No amount of words can ever justify her greatness. Both Rama and Sita were great exemplary characters. One surpassed the other in the possession of great traits. It is impossible to say who was the superior of the two in this aspect. Hence we think of them simultaneously and say Seeta Ramaabhyaam. They were like Lakshmi –Narayana. Both of them are worthy of dhyana.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.

Taṃ vrajamtaṃ priyo bhrātā Lakṣmaṇo nujagāma ha

Snehādvinayasampannaḥ sumitrānandavardanaḥ.

Meaning-  Rama’s dearest brother is Lakshmana. Lakshmana has undying love for Rama. Humble Lakshmana, displaying the natural love for his brother Rama, accompanied him to the forest. Through the performance of this great deed, he brought happiness to his mother Sumitra.

Rama, who had firmly determined to execute his father’s command, left Kaikeyi’s palace and proceeded to mother Koushalya’s house, along with Lakshmana. Koushlaya affectionately greeted her son and offered him a seat. Very humbly, Rama said, “Dear Mother, this is not the time to take this seat.  This is the time for me to sit on the seat made of grass (darbha). A calamity has approached us. It brings grief to you, Sita and to Lakshmana. I am leaving for Dandakaranya now. There I have to spend 14 years living on honey, fruits and roots. King Dasharatha has decided to conduct the coronation ceremony to Bharata. I have been asked to retire to the forests for 14 years”.

Upon hearing these words, Koushalya swooned. Gently Rama lifted her up, and consoled her.  Koushalya, who was completely afflicted by grief, said, “Rama, although my husband, is a great emperor, I have never enjoyed any happiness in life. I hoped that at least after my son is crowned the king, I shall enjoy some respect as a queen-mother. Even when you were by my side, I had to put up with all the insults. Now with you away, I cannot, in this old age, listen to the disagreeable words and insults thrown upon me by my co-wives. I will accompany you to the forest and spend my time looking after you”.

Lakshmana was pained seeing Koushalya’s grief. His anger knew no bounds. He condemned the actions of his father. He said, “Brother Rama, I will be by your side. I will kill anyone who comes in your path. This kingdom rightfully belongs to you. The king has no permission to simply gift it away to Kaikeyi. You please be courageous. I will wash away your sorrow totally”.

Rama remained unruffled. Calmly and peacefully, he acted based on dharma and consoled his grieving mother. He convinced her that he would return in 14 years. He gently asked for her blessings and circumambulated her. He asked his brother to make all the necessary arrangements for him to leave. Mother Koushalya uttered auspicious words and blessed her son. She bid him farewell.

Lakshmana said, “Dear brother, I will come with you. I will hold the bow and clear the path for you. The lordship over the three worlds is meaningless to me in your absence. Please permit me to accompany you to the forest”. Deeply touched by the love shown by his dear younger brother, Rama agreed.

Lakshmana, the incarnation of Adiśeṣa, had already firmly determined to protect Rama, as an eyelid guards the eye. To protect Rama zealously in this manner, it is essential to give up food and sleep. An ordinary human being cannot accomplish this great feat. Being spiritually accomplished, Lakshmana could accomplish this feat. Just before he left for the forest his wife Urmila Devi addressed him and said, “please give to me your share of sleep. I will compensate for it”. It is said that Urmila slept for the entire period until Lakshmana returned. Lakshmana diligently performed his duties towards his brother Rama during these 14 years.

Lakshmana’s decision brought great joy and delight to his mother Sumitra. She was pleased that Rama was not alone; her son would be there to look after him.

Om Seeta Raamabhyaam namaha.

Sa jagāma vanaṃ vīraḥ pratijnā manupālayan

Piturvacana nirdeśāt kaikeyyāḥ priyakāraṇāt.

Meaning- To bring about happiness to his mother Kaikeyi, the valorous hero Rama, took up his father’s words as a command and in order to fulfill them, immediately left for the forest.

Time and tide wait for no man. Night passed away and morning dawned. It was the day on which Rama had to be ceremoniously appointed the crown-prince of the land. All arrangements were completed and the city wore a festive look. Recital of Vedic hymns and of the auspicious musical renderings could be heard. People thronged in thousands to witness the coronation ceremony. All the royal paths were filled with people. Maharishi Vashistha together with his disciples bathed in the River Sarayu and arrived at the court. Vashistha summoned Sumantra and asked him to fetch the king, who had not yet arrived.

When Sumantra arrived at the palace of Kaikeyi, Dasharatha told him, “Go and fetch Rama to this place. This is my order”. Sumantra approached Rama and informed him of the king’s order. The next moment Rama set out to meet the king. When he approached the doorway, he found Lakshmana waiting for him with folded hands. Lakshmana walked behind Rama, who was on his way to meet the king.

Rama reached the quarters of Mother Kaikeyi. He went into the room where Dasharatha was lying down and offered his reverential obeisance to his father. He also offered namaskara to Kaikeyi’s feet. Dasharatha could not utter any thing apart from the word ‘Rama’.

Rama shuddered seeing the plight of his father. He was totally frightened and overcome with grief. He turned towards Kaikeyi and said, “O Mother, it appears as if my father is deeply perturbed. Did I commit any mistake? Is he not in good health? What is he thinking about? O mother, please tell me what the king seeks. I pledge that I will fulfill whatever he seeks”.

Heartlessly and shamelessly Kaikeyi began to speak, “Long ago your father had give me two boons. As the first boon I have sought that you should be exiled to the forests for 14 years. As the second boon I have asked that my son Bharata should be crowned the king. Now it is in your hands to fulfill your father’s vow of truthfulness”.

Upon hearing this, Rama did not grieve. He remained absolutely unperturbed. Feelings of hatred, anger or irritation were not visible in him. He was neither smiling nor laughing, neither surprised nor shocked. He remained like a statue.

His father had not commanded him to leave for the forests. It was his mother who had done so. Rama did not even discuss about it. He did not pick faults in it. He silently accepted it as their command. He had already decided to honour the command at any cost. This was his greatness. More importantly, he sought to see the delight and happiness in the face of his mother Kaikeyi.

Rama replied, “Mother, I stand by the command of my father. I will obey it. Wearing the tree barks and braided locks I shall leave for the forest to live there. For the sake of my brother Bharata, I can give away not just this kingdom, but also my life. Please ask Bharata to return. He should be crowned as the king upon his arrival”.

Kaikeyi was overjoyed. Dasharatha turned pale. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he fainted. Rama hurried to leave for the forest. While leaving, he said to Kaikeyi, “Dear Mother, these riches mean nothing to me. I live by dharma. I will fulfill my father’s command. Even though it was you who commanded, I respect it and accept that it was his command.  I believe that both of you would have come to a consensus on this issue and then commanded me. I shall live in the forest for 14 years. This day itself I will leave for Dandakaranya (forest)”. He circumambulated his parents and left.

Om Seeta Ramabhyaam namaha.