Puttugam2

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.

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.