This glorious grantha of Guru Saarvabhouma Shri Raghavendra Swamy written over 350 years ago is a phenomenal text that depicts the benevolent character or Shri Raama and his jouney of achievements composed within 12 verses. This composition of Swamy is written impeccably in the Sanskrit Language and translated by very few in vernacular languages. This effort of mine to translate the entire composition in English was with the sole motive to reach larger segments of people all over the world who wish to know and understand the character of Lord Raama for the love for him. With all the incapacities that the English language presents us with and my intellectual inadequacy in the purity of the Sanskrit language may surface unpalatable flavor and ineptness in the translation, for which I regret the same. However, the achievements of Raama in the stories as background for the verses will definitely ingrain a broader understanding eliciting the character of Purushotthama Raghu Raama - as perceived by Swamy and as described by Shri Rishi Vaalmiki.
Today on the day of Raama Navami 20/03/2023 this is my humble offering at the holy feet of Guru Saarvabhouma Shri Raghavendra Swamy.
Here is the Text Version of it...
NOTE: When reading on Mobile Phone view in HORIZONTAL MOBILE Mode
║ श्री
मूलरामो विजयते ║
║ श्री
गुरुराजो विजयते ║
गुरु
श्री राघवेन्द्रार्य त्वामहं शरणं गतः आयुरारोग्यैश्वर्यं
दत्वार्तं रक्ष रक्ष मां
║
गुरु
श्री राघवेन्द्रार्य त्वामहं शरणं गतः ज्ञानभक्तिम्चवैराग्यं दत्वार्तं
रक्ष रक्ष मां ║
A Note To The Reader….
This is an effort to translate the original text written in Sanskrit into
English language for the readers who are not so familiar with the Sanskrit
Language. The versatility of Sanskrit language is incomparable to any other
language or dialect in the world, thus reducing the scope of not finding
accurate words in this translation which is regretted. However, the translation
has been honestly done keeping in mind the holistic nature of the text, tempo
with which it is written and the literary meaning that each word in each verse
encompasses.
Offering at Shri Swamy’s feet is my earnest prayer to bless me with the
insight to understand and appropriately translate such that an untainted
representation of his literary work “Raamachaaritra Manjari” in all its flavors
and grace is evolved such that all readers benefit too.
An Introduction….
Raamachaaritra Manjari is one of the most benevolent literary works of
Shri Raghavendra Swamy that elegantly defines the character of Shri Raama. It
is with absolute mastery over the language combined with the prowess and
versatility of writing that Swamy has elicited the character of Lord Shri Raama
in just 12 verses. The finesse with which the verses are written is an epitome
of perfection, an outcome derived after distilling 24,000 verses spread over 7
segments (kaandaas) and explained over 500 chapters of the greatest epic “Raamayana”
written by Rishi Vaalmiki.
Raama has been an epitome of an ideal man (Purushottama) – perfect and
flawless in all aspects. It is always said that such a human birth is extremely
rare and can only be found in a god reincarnate. Hence he is also known as Yuga
Purusha – one who leaves an eternal footprint in a millennia. The epic
Raamayana which entails the journey of Raama the prince of Khosala kingdom till
he becomes a king and beyond is a bundle of values, morals and duties that
Raama lived with and lived for. It depicts the duties of relationships during
the entire lifetime that one experiences and lives on so as to become an ideal
father, ideal brother, ideal husband, ideal student, ideal servant, ideal protector,
ideal king and an ideal ruler. It also casts a moral influence on the
importance of virtues and values in the life of a citizen and the ideals with
which a state and society functions. These were not theoretical in nature but
Raama as the king is actually said to have brought it into reality, which even
to this day is reverently called Raama Raajya.
Raamachaaritra Manjari is a bouquet of virtues, achievements and deeds of
Raama encased in 12 verses. It showcases all that the Purushottama Raghu Raama
was made up of that the whole world at that time (during Treta Yuga)
appreciated. The affection that people had for him was so intense that they
surrendered their heart and soul to him – Raama now resided in each heart and
was worshipped in each home. The sages and rishi’s too admired him thus
showering on him their blessings for all the security, protection and respect
that they received from Raama. Although an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, he was
revered by all gods as the flawless Human God and placed him on the pedestal of
their worship too. Raghavendra Swamy has narrated how each one of them be it
the people, the sages, the gods or the animals benefitted by their association
with Raama and also by his mere presence. Reading Raamachaaritra Manjari opens
doors for our own internal journey and ignites the Self towards our
transformation. It also fine tunes our social behavior and refurbishes our acts
to strengthen our relationships. It therefore becomes a must read for all be it
children, working people or home makers who want to lead a life that is
virtuous, valuable and progressive..
There is also a very unique way in which Shri Raghavendra Swamy has
written this treatise. The elegance of words used many times cover a complete
chapter as depicted in the actual epic, thus needing a thorough reading of
Vaalmiki’s Raamayana. Moreover, at the end of each verse Swamy prays and seeks
the blessings of Lord Raama to be bestowed on to him and us too. Therefore it
may be interpreted that those who recite these verses or those to listen to the
recitation of the verses will certainly be under the care and blessings of Lord
Raama. Although there can be a lot of achievements of lord Raama that one may find
in the original Raamayana of Vaalmiki, which one may not find here and
therefore it is right to mention here we are bound by to stick to only those
that have captivated and impressed Shri Swamy who versed it in as Raama
Chaaritra Manjari. All other stories and matter behind each act of Raama
(mentioned in Swamy’s Raama Chaaritra Manjari) have been separately written
against each verse as a background so as to provide a complete understanding to
each act or deed performed by Shri Raama. The readers are urged to understand
the verse first and then go through the background to the verse so as to
appreciate the grace and fluency with which Swamy has described the
achievements of Lord Raama and the way Swamy depicts an entire story or an act
or a deed of the lord in a single word or in a couple of words. A lot of
research has gone into detailing the background to maintain the authenticity of
the text keeping only the true Epic Raamayana written by Shri Vaalmiki and
shunning replicas by other mortals where some segments are found distorted. It’s
an earnest prayer to Lord Raama to help us inculcate all the values, qualities,
righteousness and dutifulness in each one of us such that we are able to
witness Raama Raajya in this Kaliyuga too.
Jai Shree Raama !!
THE VERSES & THEIR MEANING
MEANING OF VERSE
1
श्रीमान पूर्वं प्रजातो दशरथनृपते रामनामा स नीतो
विश्वामित्रेण मन्त्राहृदनुजसहितस्ताटकाम् घातुकोस्त्रम् │
ब्रह्माद्यं प्राप्य हत्वा निषिचरनिकरं यज्ञपालो विमोच्या
हल्याशापञ्च् भंक्त्वा शिवधनुरुपयन् जानकीं नः प्रसीदेत् ║ 1 ║
In the past Lord Shriman Naaraayanaa incarnated himself in human form as
the son of King Dasharatha and was named Raama. He and his brother accompanied
Sage Vishwaamitra who initiated him with powerful mantras which he used to kill
Taatakai (a female asura). He also received the Brahmastra and other powerful
weapons from the Sage which he used to kill all the asuras that disturbed the
sages who wanted to perform yagnas (fire rituals), by this he protected them
(sages) and ensured performance of the yagna. He also freed Ahalyaa who was
under the spell of a curse. By breaking the Bow of Shiva (kept as a test) he
won the hand of the Jaanaki (the daughter of King Janaka). Let such a lord be
pleased with us.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 1
About Name Raama: The Moola Raama idol first
worshipped by Lord Brahma was handed over to the Ikshvaaku clan of which Dasharatha
was a descendent. King Dasharatha and his ancestors over generations worshipped
it ardently. Each time King Dasharatha worshipped he wished to name his son
Raama. The name was effectively coined by merging the soul (prana) of the 2
most powerful Mantras – the Naaraayana Ashtakshari (Om Namo Naaraayanaaya) and
the Shiva Panchakshari (Om Namah Shivaaya). In the Ashtakshari (8 syllables)
RAA is the soul whereas in the Panchaakshari it is MA without these aksharaas
(syllables) the mantras have no meaning. King Dasharatha knowing this fully
well wanted to keep this name to his son and wanted his son to have combined
qualities of both these two Lords of the Universe. Hence the name and the
powers associated with it.
Mantras by Vishwamitra: Raama & Lakshmana were 13
years old when they accompanied Maharishi Vishwaamitra to the forest. Pleased
with the service of Raama, Vishwaamitra initiated Raama with 2 mantras called
“Balaa & Atibalaa” which were wish-fulfilling mantras.
About Taataki: Taataki was the daughter of a Yaksha King
named Suketu. She was extremely beautiful and her charm attracted Sunda (a
Rakshasaa) who got married to her. Once Sunda in an intoxicated state attacked
the hermitage of Agastya and was killed by the curse of Agastya. This enraged
Taataki who along with her sons attacked Agastyas hermitage, the Sage again
cursed her with loss of her beauty and transformed the mother and sons into
cruel cannibals who will feast on human flesh. Thus, Taataki made the
prosperous place Malada & Kurusu (which were anointed by the feet of
Agastya and all divine beings) into a forest of hell. Raama killed Taataki with
his single arrow aimed at her chest in the duel that ensures between them.
The Asuras Killed: Raama and Lakshmana were given the task to
safeguard the ritual (yagna) for 7 days & Nights. On the 6th
night Raama senses that the ritual may come under the attack of the asuras and
informs Lakshmana to stay alert. As expected they are attacked by Subaahu (the
brother of Taataki) and Maareech (Son of Taataki) & their army of asuras. While
Maareech is driven away Subahu is killed by Raama
About Ahalyaa: Ahalya was created by
Brahma as the most beautiful woman of the time, she married Gautama Maharishi.
Once Indra comes disguised as her husband and attempts to stain her chastity.
It comes to the light of Gautama Maharishi who curses Ahalya to turn into a
stone for infidelity. Raama frees her of
this curse when he accidentally steps onto that stone on his way to Mithila.
Shiva Bow: King Janaka wanted an able groom for
his daughter Jaanaki (Seeta) and placed a condition (called Veerya Shulka meaning the cost to be paid by a suitor) of lifting and stringing
the bow given by Shiva to King Janaka through Parashuraama. Raama not only
lifted the bow with ease but also broke it in the process of stringing it. This
in this way he got married to Jaanaki (Seeta).
MEANING OF VERSE
2
आयन्
रामः सभार्योध्वनि
निजसहजैभार्गवेश्वासरोपात्तद्गं
हत्वा
सुरारिं पुरग
उत नुतस्तापसैर्भूपपृष्टैः │
कल्याणानन्तधर्मो
गुणलवरहितः प्राणिनामन्तरात्मे
-
त्याद्युक्तश्चाभिषेके
पुरजनमहितो मह्यतां
मे वचोभिः ║ 2 ║
Raama accompanied by his wife
(Jaanaki) left for his kingdom. On the way they met Parashuraama, took the bow
from his (Parashuraama’s) hand lifted it and killed the asura (by name
Tapomaya) who was residing within the Parashuraama. He reached his kingdom and
was welcomed by all the people. The Rishi’s (Tapasvis along with Maharishi
Vasishta) appraised the King Dasharatha about Raama when the king asked them
They said he (Raama) was resplendent with all great qualities, he was pious,
righteous, flawless, dutiful, filled with good deeds and possessed the
understanding of all creatures and their inner nature (at the soul level). Listening
to this the king decided to crown him as the next King of the kingdom
(Pattabhisheka). The people of the entire kingdom welcomed this decision and
offered their praises and worshipped him (Raama). May he be worshipped by these
words of mine.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 2
Parashuraama & Atula Asura: Atula was an asura who
performed an arduous penance to invoke the blessings of Lord Brahma on his
strange wish – He wished (1) To live in all the Lokas in different forms; (2)
To kill all the inhabitants of the lokas; (3) remain immortal – Though
difficult Lord Brahma granted the three wishes but in the 3rd wish
he said till Lord Vishnu faced any defeat, he would be immortal. Atula then did
penance to gain the blessing of Lord Shiva where intelligently he said that he
wanted to reside in the stomach of lord Vishnu (thinking that since Lord Vishnu
was invincible he will remain immortal). Lord Shiva then requested Parashuraama
(the incarnation of Lord Vishnu earlier to that of Raama to accommodate this
asura in his stomach. Due to such penances Atula was named Tapomayaa (An
embodiment of penance) – this is what is meant by Swamy in his verse as
Suraarim. Raama identifies the Naarayana Bow invisibly latent with Parashuraama
(which was only visible to Maha Vishnu or his incarnates), stringed it and
asked where to shoot the arrow. It was then than Parashuraama brought out
Tapomaya from his body and thus Tapomaya fell to the arrow of Raama. Thus
Mahavishnu remained invincible at the same time was defeated too.
MEANING OF VERSE
3
कैकेयिप्रीतिहेतोः
ससहजनृपजो वल्कली
यानरण्यं
गङ्गातारि
गुहार्च्यः कृतरुचिरजटो
गीष्पतेः पुत्रमान्यः │
तीर्त्वा
कृष्णां प्रयातोवतु
निजममलं चित्रकूटं
प्रपन्नं
स्वाम्बाभिर्भ्रातरं
श्रुतजनकगतिः सान्त्वयन्
व्युप्ततीर्थः ║ 3 ║
Respecting the affection that
Kaikeyee had showered on him, dressed in the fabric made of tree bark he along
with his companions (Brother Lakshmana & wife Janaki) followed by his
people left for the forest. Guha the boatman after worshiping Raama ferried him
across the river Ganga. Braided his hair in a pleasingly radiant manner and went
on to meet the son of Sage Brihaspati who offered his due respect to Raama. He
then crossed the tributary of River Yamuna (river Mandakini) and reached the
austere, beautiful, chaste and natural landscaped environment of Chitrakoota
for shelter. On hearing about the demise of his father from his own mother
(Kausalya) accompanied his brother (Bharataa) he consoled them and performed
the rites of offering the tarpana (offering water along with sesame seeds as a
means to gratify the soul of his father from any unfulfilled desires so that
the departed soul of the father completes the journey to reach the heavenly
abode). May he (Raama) ever protect me.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 3
Guha the King & Boatman: Guha is the king of
Shrungabheripura. When he learns about Raama leaving Ayodhya to live in the
forest for 14 years, he asks his people to clear every thorn, shrub, stone or
pebbles that can cause any hindrance to Raama’s living in the forest. When
Raama, Lakshmanaa & Jaanaki alight from their chariot he is identified by
Lakshmanaa as his friend. The beautiful look of the forest mesmerizes Raama
where he says that “the village looks like a bride in green saree”. When Guha
bends down to prostrate before Raama, his is picked up by Raama and is embraced
by him and says to Guha “A friend like you has a place in my heart and not at
my feet”. It is then that Guha request Raama to stay at this place for ever so that
he can have the pleasure of worshipping him and serving him (Raama) for the
rest of his life. Raama not to disappoint Guha stays for a day and the next day
decides to sail across the river. Before boarding the boat Guha says to raama
to allow him to clean Raama’s feet as he is apprehensive (with the earlier
heard story of Ahalya) that the boat may transform into a woman which he did
not want it to happen as it was his only source of livelihood. Raama allows
Guha to clean his feet (Paada Pooja as we rightly call it in Sanskrit) and then
boards Guhas boat along with Jaanaki and Lakshmanaa.
Which river Raama crossed: The word used by Swamy as ”Teerthva Krishnaam”(In Sanskrit तीर्त्वा कृष्णां) was a little difficult to understand. Many write it as river
Yamuna but the geographical location then and now do not match as there’s a lot
of difference beween where Chitrakoota is present and the flowing of River
Yamuna. Secondly, some in the south mistake it to river Krishna which is again
not geographically close to Chitrakoota and Raama could not have reached river
Krishna is such a short duration of time. Upon careful study it was found that
the river that is closest to Chitrakoota is river Mandakini and the source of
this river is it being the tributary of the river Yamuna and since Yamuna was
blackish in nature hence the word Krishnaam (the dark one) this should not be
mistaken to Lord Krishna as the birth of Krishna came only in the next yuga (the
Dwapara Yuga) and never before.
MEANING OF VERSE
4
दत्वास्मै पादुके स्वे क्षितिभरणकृतौ प्रेष्य तं काकनेत्रं
वस्याराध्योत्रिनाम्ना वनमथ समितो दण्डकं तापसेष्टम् │
कुर्वन् हत्वा विराधं खलकुलदमनं याचितस्तापसाग्रयै
स्तेषां दत्वाभयं स्वानसिधनुरिषुधी न्यानगस्त्यात्स पायात् ║ 4 ║
Gave away his paadukaa (footwear) to his brother (Bharata) and sent him
back to fulfill the duties of ruling the kingdom. He liberated the asura who
resided in the eyes of the crow and then proceeded further where he was
worshipped by Rishi Atri. From here he proceeded into the Dandaka forest to fulfill
the wish of Rishi Taapasa (also known as Rishi Sharabhanga) of meeting Raama. He
slayed an asura named Viraadha and when approached by all Rishi’s he assured them
that he will slay the clan of asuras and bring relief to them from the troubles
the asuras were giving them. He then received a sword, bow and quiver of
inexhaustible arrows from Agasthya Maharishi. May such a lord protect everyone.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 4
Asura in the eyes the crow: Jayanta was the son of Lord Indra
who could assume the form of a crow with an Asuric Shakti anytime he wished. It
is said that during the churning of the ocean (In Sanskrit समुद्र मन्थान or
Samudra manthan) when the Asuras seized the
pot of Ambrosia (in Sanskrit अमृत or Amrut), Jayanta took it from them in the guise of a crow. With
the asuras behind it, the crow flew for 12 days resting only at 4 places
(Prayaag, Haridwaar, Ujjain and Nashik- where the Kumbha Mela is held every 12
years). Once when Raama was resting, laying his head on the lap of Jaanaki,
Jayanta in the form of a crow and attacked Jaanaki pecking her on her chest and
clawing her. She tried to fasten her clothes to protect herself and drive away
the crow. But the drops of blood from the claws of the crow fell on the face of
Raama awaking him. Raama picked a grass blade energized it into a Brahmastra
and unleashed it on the crow. No matter how far the crow flew but the weapon
trailed it. Finally the crow returned to take refuge in the feet of Raama but
Raama mentioned that once the Brahmastra was unleashed it could not be
withdrawn. It was then that Jayanta took his true form and asked Raama to allow
the Brahmastra to strike his eye & destry the Asuric Shakti in him. Raama
did this and freed Jayanta in this manner.
Rishi Taapasaa: Rishi Sharabhanga had earned Brahma Loka
through intense penance (tapas) and was rightly named Rishi Taapasaa. On
entering Dandaka Forest, Raama saw an astral chariot driven by green horses
awaiting near a hermitage. Raama recognized it to be the chariot of Indra which
had come to take the most pious person to heaven. Infact the chariot had come
to take Rishi Taapasaa, but the rishi refused to go with it, he wanted to go
away in the presence of Raama after surrendering all the towers he had earned
through penance to Raama. After serving and worshipping Raama, Rishi Taapasaa
permitted them (Raama, Jaanaki and Lakshmana) to stay in the hermitage. As
Raama looked on with love for the devotion of the sage, Rishi Taapasaa he then entered
the fire to be then taken by Lord Indra to the heaven after his wish was
fulfilled.
Viraadha Asura: Tumburu was a Gandharva whose heavenly music
filled the skies. Once while he was on left his post and followed an apsara and
fell in love with her. When Lord Vaisharavana, the guardian of the Northern
Direction called for Tumburu as he was not on his post he could not reach on
time and thus he was cursed to become a Asura named Viraadha and banished into
the Dandaka Forest. He had transformed into a fierce form - his hands now had claws, got protruding
teeth that were sharp & needle like, had grown 5 feet taller and became
asura like induced by anger and no weapon could kill him. One day he saw Raama, Lakshmanaa and Jaanaki
and attacked them, Raama and Lakshmanaa showered arrows on him but they could
not harm him. It was then that Raama & Lakhsmanaa tore off his limbs and
finally killed the entire Asura part of it and finally the real body of Tumburu
who was relieved from the curse. Infact all the Rishi’s had approached Raama to
protect them from the troubling asuras under Viraadha and likewise Raama fulfilled
their wish too.
MEANING OF VERSE
5
आसीनः
पञ्चवट्यामकुरुत विकृतां
राक्षसीन यो
द्विसप्त
क्रव्यादानप्यनेकानाथ
खरमवधॆद्दूषणञ्च् त्रिशीर्षम् │
मारीचं
मार्गरूपं दशवादन
हृतामाकृतिं भूमिजाया
अन्विष्यन्नार्तगृध्रं
स्वागतिमथ नयन्मामवेद्घ्नन्कबन्धम् ║ 5 ║
Residing in Panchavati, without his involvement resulted in disfiguring a
female Asura (raakshasi Shoorpanakha in this case). Later he killed over 14
prominent asuras and many more asuras and their leaders Khara, Dooshana and
Trisheersham. In the process of chasing and killing Maareech (who deceived by
taking form of a deer) on the way, Raavana (Dashavaadana) took the opportunity
to abduct the daughter of Bhoomi (in this case Janaki/ Seeta). Tired after
searching (for Seeta) for a long time he came across a vulture (Jataayu) and
blessed it with peace by liberating its soul. He protected all by killing a
rakshasaa named Kabandhana. May such a Lord protect us always.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 5
Shoorpanakhaa: Shoorpanakhaa was the
sister of Raavana and as expressed by Sage Vaalmiki she was very unpleasant to
look and oldish, potbellied, broad eyed, with copper coloured hair, brassy
voice, ill mannered, crooked – uncivilized – very offensive. Much against the wishes
of Raavana she fell in love & married Vidyuthjivhaa a Daanava Prince.
During the war to capture Rasaatalaa (a loka) Raavana accidently killed
Vidyuthjivhaa, this disappointed and hurt Shoorpanakhaa a lot who on behest of
Raavana agreed to look for another able suitor for her to get married to. In
this process she shuttled between Lankaa and Dandakaaranya(living with her
relatives Kharaa & Dooshana and other Asuras. On one of her visits she saw
Raama and enticed by his radiant form she wanted to marry him. Raama rejected
her advances quoting his principles to be devoted to one wife (Eka Pathnee) and
asked her to see if his brother would accept her. Lakshmanaa too rejected her
quoting what he said to his wife Urmila – that he did not want any deviation or
hindrance or preoccupation during his service to Raama. This enraged
Shoorpanakaa who at once tried to kill Jaanaki and in the process of protecting
his sister in law Lakshmanaa’s weapon severed her nose. She then fled to her
brothers and other asuras to avenge this insult due to disfiguration of her
nose.
Khara, Dooshana & Others: Khara was the ruler of the Dandaka Forest who ruled this
Janasthaana region. He was also the cousin of Raavana & Shoorpanakhaa. On
hearing to Shoorpanakhaa, to avenge the bodily harm and insult meted out to
her, Kharaa ordered 14 of his fiercest warriors to go and kill Raama and his
brother. The 14 warriors were easily killed by the arrows of Raama which
enraged Kharaa who now came to Panchavati with his Commander in Chief Dooshana
and an army of 14,000 asuras. A fierce battle ensued between Raama and the
asuras where Raama had to use the Gandharva Astra – The arrow energized with
the mantra was shot from which emerged thousands of arrows. The arrows then
changed into a 5 headed serpent and killed all the asuras. Looking at his army
slayed by Raama, Dooshana attacked with all his might and after a powerful duel
Raama killed him too.
On
the fall of Dooshana, 12 mighty asura captains – Shyenagaami, Prithugviira, Yajnashatru,
Vihamgama, Durjaya, Karaviiraaksha, Parusha, Kaalakaarmuka, Hemamaali,
Mahaamaali, Sarpaasya & Rudhiraaksha rushed towards Raama and attacked
him simultaneously who were all slayed by Raama’s arrows.
On
surveying the death of the asuras and his army, Khara & Trishiraa attacked
in their chariots. Trishiraa (the 3 headed asura was one of the 7 sons of
Ravanaa) reached first and showered his arrows on Raama which Raama chided and
said these are like the patting of flowers and kills Trishiraa in the combat.
Finally
Khara confronts Raama with his fearlessness and expertise in warfare. The
combat of Raama and Kharaa takes a longer time than any duel that Raama had
ventured at Panchavati. Khara was a difficult warrior and was an expert in his
warfare. As expressed by Vaalmiki in the Raamayana shows the prowess of Khara –
with his arrows he first breaks the bow of Raama and then proceeds to shoot 7
arrows to hit and dislodge the armour of Raama at different spots. Each of the
arrows had the strength of the thunderbolt of Lord Indra. Then he hurled
another thousand arrows with unequalled power at Raama this hits raama in
various places. Raama retaliates where the arrows destroy flagstaff and the
flag on the chariot of Khara. The enraged Khara now shoots 4 arrows onto
Raama’s body where one of the arrow hits Raama on his chest. This annoys Raama
who now takes the Naraayana Bow (presented by Parashuraama) and shoots 6 arrows
pointedly at Khara – one for the head, 2 for the hands & 3 for the chest –
they injure Khara but not fatally. It is then than Raama shoots another 13
arrows – 1 for the charioteer, 4 dismembering the 4 horses, 1 the yolk of the
chariot, 3 to destroy the chariot into several pieces, 2 arrows hit the axle of
the chariot, 1 hits Khara’s bow and 1 more the arrow of Khara. Seeing the
devastated state of Khara, Raama asks him to surrender or face the consequences
of the war, giving an opportunity for Khara to lead a good pious life in the
good of the sages & rishis. Khara refused to surrender and finally threw
his Mace at Raama. This intensity of the mace was so fiery such that all the
trees and shrubs turned into ash. Raama destroyed the mace with an equal
intensity arrow and then picked an arrow similar to the ritual fire (which he
had received from Rishi Agastyaa) and released it at Khara. This arrow hit
Khara on his chest, who fell onto the earth and due to the radiation of the
arrow Khara turned into ashes.
Abduction of Jaanaki: A lot events that need to be
revealed to understand the abduction of Jaanaki. Each one of us are under the
impression that Jaanaki was abducted by Raavana to avenge the insult made by
Raama and Lakshmanaa to his sister Shoorpanakhaa, which logically based on the
occurrence of events indicate that this is not true. (as explained in the
Raamayanaa sarga/ chapter 17 to 40 of Aranya Kaanda)
– Shoorpanakha Story: Witnessing the destruction of Khara’s army of Asuras at the
hands of Raama, Shoorpanakha rushed to her brother Raavana and informed him
about all that happened. She was enamored by Raama’s handsomeness and also felt
that unless Jaanaki was alive she will not be able to marry Raama. Therefore,
she praises Jaanaki saying she is the most beautiful lady whom she wanted to be
Raavanas wife, but her arrogant husband (Raama) cut off her nose and killed
14000 asuras too. The way she said filled Raavana with lust for Jaanaki and
wanted to possess her. He then hatched a plan to abduct Jaanaki. Had it been to
avenge the insult for his sister he would have directly taken his army &
attacked Raama but the very incident of abduction says it loud about Raavana
succumbing to his lust. Thus it is very clear that the act was not revenge for
the love of his sister (Shoorpanakha).
– Maareech & Raavana: Maareech was the son of Sunda and Taataki and the brother of
Subaahu who was handsome, noble in character and a master in sorcery. He was
cursed by Rishi Agastya along with his mother Taataki andhis brother Subaahu transforming
them into wicked, hideous cannibalistic asuras. The three of them attempted to
disrupt the yagna (Fire Ritual), Raama & Lakshmanaa valiantly fought them
and in the process Taataki. On the 6th day of the yagna Subaahu
Maareech and hordes of other raakshasaas attacked to disrupt the yagna and kill
Raama & Lakshmanaa. Raama killed Subahoo with an arrow and then released
Maanavastra from his bow which hit Maareech on his chest and threw him 100
leagues (approx. 400 kms) away into the Ocean. After this incident Maareech led an ascetic
life in the forest. He set up an ashram, grew matted hair, wore clothes made of
tree-bark, gave up his demonic qualities by realizing his mistakes and became a
devotee of Raama. With the abduction plan Raavana approached Maareech to seek
his sorcerous powers and says to Maareech that an arrogant and a bad person
named Raama has been banished by his father Dasharatha from the kingdom due to
his foul nature and that he does not deserve a beautiful wife like Jaanaki and
he needs his (Maareech’s) help to take her to Lanka. Maareech, understands the
lie and tries to dissuade Raavana by narrating his first encounter with Raama
and says Raama is an embodiment of Dharma ( in Sanskrit “raama vigrahaan
dharmaaha – रामा विग्रहवान्
धर्माः). It is best not to mess around
with Raama as it will prove detrimental to him, Raavana and Lanka too. Ravana
is annoyed by the words of praise on Raama by Maareecha lays down 2 choices
with him – either help Raavana in the abduction of Jaanaki or get killed now in
Raavanas hands. Maareech feels it is better to die by the hands of a righteous
person (Raama) rather than Raavana & hence agrees to help Raavana. as per the Raamayanaa sarga/ chapter 17 to
40 of Aranya Kaanda
– The Final Abduction: It is now that Maareech as per the plan takes the form of
a deer which has a golden coloured skin with silver spots and prances around
Jaanaki. When Jaanaki looked at the deer she was enamored by it and said to
Raama “Raama! look at
that golden deer, I’ve never seen anything like that, please get that deer for
me.” And Lakshmanaa said, “I think this looks like a trick.” And Jaanaki then said
to Raama, “No one can trick you, you are the hero of light, you are invincible,
you are the Supreme Lord made manifest, just go ahead and get the deer for me.”
And Ram said “Jaanaki, You have been in the forest with me for all these years
(it had been thirteen years already, one more year was left to complete) and I
haven’t been able to give you any comfort whatsoever, so certainly I will get
the golden deer for you even though I think it is an illusion. Lakshman, you
stay here and guard Sita. Maareech takes Raama deeper into the forest and
finally when Raama shoots an arrow that fatally hit the chest of Maareech.
Maareech screams out loud mimicking the voice of Raama so as ensure Lakshmanaa leaves
the hermitage so that Raavana finds Jaanaki alone in the hermitage. Lakshmanaa
to ensure safety of Jaanaki energizes his arrow with agni mantra and draws a
line around the hut asking Jaanaki to stay indoors not come out at any cost.
This becomes a protective armour around the hut and rightly earned the name
“Lakshmana Rekha”. Once Lakshmanaa left the hermitage, Raavana in the guise of
a Sage and enters the hermitage and seeks alms from the unsuspecting Jaanaki. When
he tries to touch the line with his finger fire erupts from the ground to burn
. he tries to put his foot on the line but his foot is burnt. He then realizes
its futile to enter into the hut. When Jaanaki asks him to come near the huts
door (closer to the line) to receive the alms so that she will slide the alms
to him, he (Raavana) instantly says “Im not a begger but a sage with some
dignity and spiritual powers, I will curse that your husband who is now in
trouble should die and takes the water in his hands (as a pretense to cursing).
Jaanaki gets scared, pleads with the sage to not curse her husband and says
that she will come out and give him the alms (as food). The moment she crosses
the Lakshmana Rekha, Raavana took his actual form, shedding his disguise and
says to Jaanaki that “You now belong to me and carried her to his pushpaka
vimaana (Aerial vehicle) and flew towards Lanka.
Jataayu & Sampaati: Jatayu was
the son of Aruna (the charioteer of the Sun God Soorya) and Shayani. Sampaati
was his elder brother and Garuda was his uncle. Both the brothers on one of the
adventures to see who could fly very high, resulted in Jataayu flying so high
that he was about to be burned by the blazing flames of the Sun, It was then
that sampaati spread his wings shielding Jataayu and got his wings burnt
forcing him to never fly again. Hearing to Jaanaki’s cries for help to save her
from getting abducted by Raavana – Jataayu without wasting a moment sets out to
help her. Jataayu first attempts to convince & persuade Raavana to abstain
from such an act of abduction by appealing to the sense of duty and
righteousness as a King to refrain from this disgraceful and unacceptable act
that would tarnish the name of Raavana. When Raavana refuses to any words of
sense put forth by Jataayu, a combat between them ensues. Jataayu fights
valiantly with Raavana (as Sage Valmiki explains the fight was like two dark
clouds clashing with each other to ensure their supremacy). When jataayu just
begins to feel that Jaanaki will be safe, Raavana craftily and suddenly severs
the wings of Jataayu making him fall from the clouds to the ground beneath in a
heap of blood and bones. When Raama & Lakshmanaa in search of Jaanaki find
Jataayu lying injured and slowly dying. The approached with caution, thinking
that it may be a demon who tried to snatch Jaanaki. But when Jataayu seeks
forgiveness from Raama because he could not help and save Jaanaki from being
taken away by Raavana, Raama’s heart is in pain. He then comforts Raama and
says that Raavana has headed south and passes away. Raama then performs the
final rites of Jataayu and proceeds to travel south.
Kabandhana Asura: A Gandharva named Vishwavasu or Dhanu who was blessed
by lord Brahma for a very long life, was once playing the veena (the stringed
musical instrument) in front of Rishi Durvaasa who was not happy with his recital.
Rishi Durvaasa cursed Dhanu to become a Raakshasaa for rebuking and mocking the
rishi. Dhanu now acquired the qualities of the raakshasaas and started to
torment/ harass the sages and rishi’s. During one such events Rishi Shoolashira
cursed him into a very grotesque form. Angered by this he attacked lord Indra
who released his weapon Vajra on him – thus, the impact of the menacing weapon
Vajra, the thighs of Dhanu’s body entered into the Torso and also pushed his
head to the place of the stomach. He then pleaded lord Indra to give him
respite due to which he got the long arms and gained the name as Kabandhana (as
only his torso remained of the body). Lord Indira also mentioned that in the
Treta-Yuga he will be released from the curse by incarnate of Lord Mahavishnu who
will sever Kabandhana’s arms and offers his to the flames.
When
in search of Jaanaki, Raama & Lakshmanaa went further into the Dandaka forest,
they were suddenly en-grasped by 2 extremely long arms (as long as 1 yogana – 8
kilometers) of Kabandhana. As they were about to be devoured by Kabandhana,
Raama & Lakshmanaa sever his arms to get out of the clutches of the Asura. Kabandhana
then requests Raama to perform his final rites and release him from the curse
so that he can again become a Gandharva. Raama digs a pit lays the body of
Kabandhana in it fills it with twigs and wood and set it aflame. Once the
flames touched the body of Kabandhana, a divine of Dhanu appeared from it
releasing Kabandhana from the curse. After gaining the form of the Gandharva,
Dhanu sang praises of Raama and asked the brothers to proceed westward to the
hermitage of Rishi Maatanga where the aged Shabhari is awaiting for the
darshana of Raama before she leaves her body. He also says to travel further
towards Rishyamukhaa hills where a vaanara named Sugreeva lived, who knew all
places in the entire earth, become friends with him so that his vanaras
(monkeys) can help in finding where Jaanaki was taken by Raavana. Saying this
Dhanu ascends to his abode. (this is as mentioned in the Valmiki Raamayanaa in
the Aranya Kaanda/ Chapter 69.34)
MEANING OF VERSE
6
पम्पातीरं
स गच्छन्नीह
कृतवसतिर्भक्तितुष्टः शबर्यै
दत्वा
मुक्तिं प्रकुर्वन्हनुमन्त
उदितं प्राप्तसुग्रीवसख्यः │
सप्त
छित्वाथ तालान्विधिवरबलिनो
वालिभित्सुर्यसूनुं
कुर्वाणो
राज्यपालं समवतं
निवसन्माल्यवत्कन्दरेसौ ║ 6 ║
He arrived on the banks of the River Pampaa where Shabari the devotee (of
Raama) stayed. Pleased with her devotion he gave her salvation (Mukti). It is
here that Hanumanta appeared before him and on whose words he accepted Sugreeva
as his friend. He then cut/ sliced 7 palm trees (Also called Taala Trees) with
one arrow to demonstrate his prowess killing all asura blessed by Brahma
(ending their life as per the Vidhi or as destined) and alleviate the fears of
Sugreeva by killing Vaali. After killing Vaali, he coronated Sugreeva the son
of Soorya as the King to rule as a protector of his kingdom. He then resided in
the caves of Malyavanta hills for some time. May he protect all of us.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 6
Shabari & Pampasaar: Shabari was the daughter of a
hunter whose looks were not as good, gracious and beautiful as her heart. On
the day of her marriage when she got to know that as a custom her father was
about to sacrifice 1000 goats/ sheep, she ran away into to forest unable to
bear the killing of the animals. Wandering into the forest she passed by many
hermitages where she asked the sages to teach her the pathway to realize the
truth (gain Brahma Gyaana). Many rejected her finding her unworthy due to the
lineage she came from. Reaching Malyavanta Hill (Rishi Mukha Hill), it was
Rishi Maatanga who took her as his disciple (much against the advice of the
other sages) and asked her to focus on devotion to everything she did as
service to lord as the way ahead to realizing the ultimate truth. Shabari took
excellent care of the hermitage, its animals, its work, duties etc. One day
Rishi Maatanga informed Shabari that the time for him to depart from the world
has come and he would be leaving his body through the Samadhi Stithi (highly
meditative state). Even Shabari asked him to take her along with him but Rishi
Maatanga said to her “one day Lord Raama an incarnate of Mahavishnu will come
to see you, Live till then serve him well and then he you can come to the abode
of the gods to me”. She stayed alive in the anticipation of Lord Raama’s visit
and each day picked the best of the berries (by tasting them & the rest she
discarded) so as to offer them to Raama.
Shabari Meeting Raama: One day when Shabari went to fill
water from the Pampa Lake (In Sanskrit called Pamapasaar), a sage with matted
hair was chanting mantras sitting by the side of the lake. He was annoyed at
Shabari coming there, felt disturbed and threw a stone at Shabari which injured
her leg. A few drops of her blood fell into the lake and within a few moments
the whole lake became a lake of blood. This annoyed the sage further and he
chased her away from the scene. Shabari with her bleeding leg returned to her
hermitage with the pot of water for her. When sages or other hermitages came to
the lake for water they were shocked by the state of it and tried a lot to
reconvert the lake of blood into a lake of water. Everything they tried proved
futile – be it chanting mantras to performing havan (fire ritual) to adding
Ganga water and Yamuna etc. It was then they saw Raama and asked him to bathe
in it to purify it – raama to a dip in it but nothing happened; he was asked to
take the water into his mouth and spit it yet nothing happened – the lake did
not get converted into the lake of water. It was then than Raama asked the
cause for the lake to become like this. When the sages told him the real story
Raama said “Oh Rishi’s that is not Shabari’s blood but it is my blood from my
heart and I cannot clean this”. He asked them to inform Shabari that he had
come and asked them to request her to come to the lake side where he is.
Shabari after learning of Raama’s arrival hurried to the lake but stood in a
manner that avoided her shadow to fall on Raama. In this process some mud from
under her feet fell into the lake and the lake cot reconverted into the lake of
water. Raama and Lakshmanaa left all the sages behind and accompanied Shabari
to her hermitage where they were offered the berries plucked by Shabari. When
Raama was about to eat one of them Lakshmanaa stopped him saying that they had
already been tasted by Shabari. It was then that Raama says to Lakshmanaa
“these are the sweetest berries that I have ever tasted, whomsoever offers me
fruit, leaves, flower or water with love I accept and take it with joy”.
Pleased with the devotion and love of Shabari, when Raama asks her for her wish
to be fulfilled, Shabari asked to bless her devotion to Raama for god
realization. It is here blesses her and Shabari attains the complete darshan
(vision) of Lord Raama and departs to the spiritual world and eternal abode of
Lord Raama. There is also a mention that Shabari was an apsara (celestial
angel) who was cursed by Sachi the wife of Lord Indra for showing her
pompousness attitude and hence had to be born on earth to be elevated
spiritually by Raama redeemed of the curse.
Raama’s Nava Vidha Bhakti:When Shabari seeks realization through devotion, Raama educated her,
Lakshmanaa and the other sages on the 9 types of Devotion (in Sanskrit Nava
Vidha Bhakti) that he can be approached for seeking his blessings:
ll
श्रवणं
कीर्तनम्
विष्णोः-स्मरणं पादसेवनम् अर्चनम् वन्दनम् साख्यन् आत्मनिवेदनम् ll viz ll Shravanam Keerthanam Vishnoho-Smaranam Padasevanam
Archanam Vandanam
Dasyam Sakhyaan aatmanivedhanam ll
SHRAVANAM
: Listening
to the stories and glories of lord and gods.
KEERTANAM : Singing in praise of the lord and the gods
VISHNO
SMARANAM : Chanting his name through
japa or fixing the mind on him
PAADA
SEVANAM : Worshipping his feet or
paada or paaduka (footwear) of the lord as a Guru
ARCHANAM
: Worshipping
or performing ritualistically (Pooja as called in Sanskrit) to his idol
with various offerings
(called upachaara’s in Sanskrit.)
VANDANAM : Prostrating to him time and again
or paying homage to him regularly.
DAASYAM : Being in servitude – this is
performing service not with the thought of obligation
but with a service mindset.
SAAKHYAM : Treating him as a Friend with a
friendship and camaraderie mindset.
AATMANIVEDANAM : Total surrendering unto the lord.
Raama
states “he who approaches me through any of these 9 ways of devotion, he will
accept it and be pleased with him. Such a devotee will always stand to be
blessed by me (i.e. Raama)”.
Meeting Hanumaan: Sugreeva noticing Raama
& Lakshmanaa walking in the Rishimukha forest is terrified thinking his
brother Vaali has sent them to kill him. He rushes to meet his ministers and is
stopped by Hanumaan and comforts him to be without fear. Together they plan to
identify who Raama & Lakshmanaa are and with what intention they are
walking in the forest. Hanumaan disguises himself as an ascetic and approaches
Raama & Lakshmanaa to enquire about their identity and the intentions. He
speaks so elegantly introducing him (Hanumaan) & Sugreeva that impresses Raama
& Lakshmanaa who are awestruck listening to him. Raama then asks Lakshmanaa
to introduce them to Hanumaan. Once Hanumaan gets to know Raama, he is
extremely pleased to have met his lord, prostrates before him and requests him
to befriend Sugreeva.
Alleviating fear of Sugreeva:When Sugreeva meets
Raama, he is still apprehensive whether Raama can really kill Vaali who has
driven him out of the kingdom of Kishkinda and expresses the same to Raama.
Despite, Lakshmanaa informing of the triumphs of Raama on all the Asuras, the
doubt still remains in the mind of Sugreeva. Raama then walks with them to the place
where Dundhubi Asura was slain by Vaali, Raama then kicked the body of Dundhubi
with the flick of his big toe and the body flew to over 100 yojanas and fell.
Despite this feat, Sugreeva still unconvinced (saying it was a dead body, when
Vaali could hurl the live body of Dundhubi for 1 yojana this feat is
incomparable to it.) and it is then Raama picked his bow and picked an arrow loaded
it onto the
Cutting the 7 Taala Trees: bow and released it. The arrow cut down 7 Taala Trees, entered
the earth bore through it to the Paatala Loka (abode of the Asuras) killed all
the asuras there and went through all the 7 lokas (the destined abodes of
various entities) killed all the asuras that existed there and returned back to
prostrated before Raama and sought to be placed again into his quiver. It is
then revealed by Raama that the 7 trees were Asuras in penance to seek the boon
of immortality in the guise of the trees so that no god, human, asura or
creature ruins their penance. Looking at this impossible feat, Sugreeva
prostrates to Raama and says he is now completely convinced about the prowess
of Raama and says that Raam has come to provide relief to his suffering.
Killing Vaali: Vaali was one of the most
pious and powerful among all vanaras (monkey tribe). He would each day before
dawn travel from the east coast of the sea to the west coast and perform 5
sandhya-vandanams (daily oblations) to Soorya. Valmiki mentions that Vaali had the
strength of 70,000 elephants this added to the blessings of Lord Brahma who was
so impressed with his penance that he bestowed Vaali with the blessing that in
any combat, vali would acquire half of the power of his opponent – this made
him invincible. Once, in a congregation at Lanka, Rishi Naarada was praising
the prowess of Vaali, this irritated Raavana who immediately left to Kishkinda
(the kingdom of Vaali) and challenged Vaali to a duel. Vaali at that time was
involved in his daily oblations to Soorya and did not pay much heed to
Raavana’s call. The enraged Raavana knowing fully well the boon of Lord Brahma
grabbed Vaali from behind and tried to crush him. Vaali locked his arms
sandwiching the arms of Raavana and completed his oblations of dipping into the
7 oceans with Raavana held between his armpits and bound with his tail. Raavana
then realized the power of Vaali and pleaded to be released. Vaali had killed
an asura called Dundhubi who was flung from Kishkinda and landed in the
hermitage of Rishi Maatanga on the hills of Malyavanta (Rishi Mukha Hill) where
the Rishi was performing a yagna. Angered Rishi Maatanga cursed Vaali that with
death if he ever entered Malyavanta Hills (Rishi Mukha Hills). It is due to
this that Sugreeva took refuge at this hill to be safe from Vaali.
After getting to know the
pain and troubles faced by Sugreeva due to Vaali, Raama asks Sugreeva to
challenge Vaali to a duel where at the right moment he (Raama) would kill Vaali.
Sugreeva does as told and calls out to Vaali challenging him for a duel. Much
against the wishes of his wife Taara, Vaali goes to fight with Sugreeva. Raama
unable to identify between the both then asks Sugreeva to wear a garland of
Gajapushpi flowers so that it becomes easy for him (Raama) to identify and easily
kill Vaali. Watching the Vaali-Sugreeva duel from the camouflage of the shrubs
Raama finding an opportunity shoots an arrow that hits Vaali in his chest which
Vaali very bravely removes from his hands and his tail (this is very elegantly
explained by Rishsi Vaalmiki. In his dying moments Vaali, questions Raama
1.
Why Raama had to do such an immoral & wrongful act (adharma) of
hiding behind the shrubs to kill Vaali thus blemishing Raama’s personality.
Neither was he (Vaali) an enemy nor was in a direct fight with Raama then why
did he kill him.??
2.
If Raama wished he (Vaali) would have searched for Jaanaki and
even if it was done by Raavana, he (Vaali) would have single handedly retrieved
Seeta Maata and dragged & put Raavana into Raama’s feet.
Raama
answers him by giving him adequate reasons that make Vaali realize the mistake
he had done and agrees with the act of Raama. Raama says
1. Firstly, it is never immoral to hunt & kill an animal by
humans hence he had to shoot & kill from behind the shrubs/ trees.
2.
Secondly, as a King, Vaali had failed in performing his duties
– Respecting &
protecting women is of prime importance but Vaali had committed adultery in abducting
& marrying Sugreeva’s wife while her husband was still alive. This act sets
precedence & sends wrong signals to his subjects.
– Protecting his subjects &
the royal family, not committing wrongful acts causing pain, or inflicting
insults or causing trouble or making anyone feel insecure was not expected of a
king and Vaali had failed on all these fronts.
– He had wrongfully ousted &
insulted the crowned king of Kishkinda (Sugreeva) who was crowned in his
absence so as to manage the kingdom as the earlier king (Vaali) was thought to
be dead. Even after Sugreeva tried to explain the truth Vaali did not pay any
heed to him and mercilessly exiled Sugreeva.
3. Finally, Sugreeva had taken refuge (Sharanaagata) in Raama and
sought protection, justice in freeing his (Sugreeva’s) wife from Vaali and
therefore it becomes Dharma (Duty of a protector) to help and rid the troubles
of the person seeking refuge in him
Vaali
realizes the mistakes that he had done from the reasoning and sharing of the
knowledge of Dharmaa by Raama and hands over the armour pendent of Indra (which
allowed the person who wore to sustain fatal injuries and endure with unlimited
stamina). Raama then promises to give Vaali a chance to avenge his unjust death
(where Vaali reincarnates as a hunter shoots an arrow into Shri Krishna in a
similar manner killing him too) and thus Vaali prostrates before Lord Raama and
passes away. In the Raamayana the effect of the death of Vaali is mentioned as “As the King of the Vanara’s fell to death,
the earth grew dark as if it was bereft of the sun & the moon. It was as
though the nature had come to a grinding halt. Yet, on the ground the body of
the most valued Vaali lay resplendent in a unique radiance depicting un-failed
courage, neither robbed of its beauty nor of its life’s breath due to the golden
pendant necklace that Lord Indra had bestowed on him that till now had
preserved the life, strength and beauty of the Lord of the Vanaraa’s Vaali.”
Coronating Sugreeva: After the death of Vaali, it was
now the need to coronate Sugreeva as the new king of Kishkinda and Raama asks
Sugreeva to get consecrated and ascend the throne & also appoint Angada as
the Monarch (Yuvaraja) of the kingdom in front of all. The coronation was a
grand ceremony where Rishi Vaalmiki explains the situation – After listening to
Raama’s words the grief stricken Sugreeva proceeded to Kishkinda amidst the
cheer and victory call (Jaya Ghosh). Sugreeva then saw the golden throne
adorned with fine coverings and beautiful garlands of beautiful flowers. The
roof of the mansion was too decorated with a series of garlands and flowers. He
ascended the throne with the chants of mantras uttered by the priests and as
per the rituals he was made to sit was facing east. Then from the horns of the
bulls of all animals – monkeys (Vanaraas), Elephants (Gajaas), Cattle (Gavya)
and the Lion-Bird (Sharabha) the waters collected from all the rivers and
rivulets around the kingdom & stored in large pots made of gold were poured
on Sugreeva to vest him with powers poured by the priests, guests from
Gandhamadana hills such as Dvividh & Mainda along with Hanuman, Nala,
Jambhuvanta, Raama & Lakshmana thus consecrating Sugreeva as the King of
Kishkinda. As mentioned in the Vaalmiki Ramayana verses 4:26:01 to 4:26:42
(section: chapter: verse). Following the coronation with the commencement of
the rainy season Raama & Lakshmana decided to stay in the caves on at the
Malyavanta Hills to then proceed to Lanka after the rains.
MEANING OF VERSE
7
नीत्वा
मासान्कपीशानीह दश
हरितः प्रेष्य
सीतां विचित्या
यातश्रीमद्धनूमग्दिरमथ
समनुश्रत्य गच्छन्
कपीन्द्रैः │
सुग्रीवाद्यै
रसंख्यैर्दशमुखसहजं मानयन्नब्धिवाचा
दैत्यघ्नः
सेतुकारी रिपुपुररुदवेद्वानरेर्वैरिघाती ║ 7 ║
During the few months of his stay, he sent the best of monkeys (Kapis’)
in ten different directions in search of Seeta. He patiently listened to the
good news that Shri Hanumaan brought and went to the monkey King Sugreeva who agreed
to join him along with his with his army of innumerable monkeys. He accepted,
respected and treated the brother (Vibheeshana) of the ten headed one
(Raavanaa) well when he came to him. The King of the Ocean listened to his
(Raama’s) words of killing the daityaas and agreed to allow the bridge to be
built (over the ocean) till the enemy kingdom (Lanka). He now reached the land
of the enemy so as to destroy the enemy with the monkeys (Vaanars’). May such a
lord always protect us.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 7
Search for Seeta: Once the rainy season
stopped search for Seeta was intensified and on the order of Sugreeva groups of
Vanaraa’s were sent in 10 different directions. However, it was Hanumaan who
graciously brought in the good news that Seeta was in Lanka. Here it is
important to note the trust that Raama had on Hanuman’s information that he
decided to travel to Lanka to release her from the confinement of Raavana bring
her back. This information was backed by evidence that was also endorsed by
Vibheeshanaa, the brother of Raavana confirming the presence of Seeta in Lanka.
Dialogue with Ocean King: When Sugreeva raises the issue on how to cross over to Lanka from
here? Raama simply asks him to seek the solution from Vibheeshana who says that
“if we have to cross the ocean by foot
then ask Raama to surrender and pray to Samudra Raaja (the King of the
Ocean) for allowing a smooth passage.“ Raama agrees to the solution of
Vibheeshana and starts to offer his prayers and austerities to Samudra Raaja.
Despite surrendering himself and praying continuously (non-stop) for 3 days and
3 nights when there is no response by Samudra Raaja, Raama realizes that
Sharanagati (Surrender) and Prayers are not going to work anymore and he then
takes his bow and arms it with a powerful arrow aimed to destroy Samudra Raaja.
No sooner he does this the King of the Ocean appears before Raama and says this
is the first time that any human has approached him to construct a bridge over
the ocean and he was unsure of how he can help
but now agrees to Raama’s request. But Raama says that once he has armed
his bow the arrow would have to perform the task it is meant for, it is here
that Samudra Raaja asks Raama to release the arrow to a place called Dhruma
Kulyam in the North-West direction that had holy waters of the Sea which was
being polluted and misused by a group of people. Raama thus releases the arrow
in the direction and destroys the perpetrators of the holy sea waters.
Therefore, Raama now with the permission of Samudra Raaja begins to construct
the bridge. Samudra Raaja also quotes that a Vaanara named Nala is blessed with
the powers that just by touching he can make the stones float on water and he
should be used for building the bridge.
The
Bridge is built as per the advice of Samudra Raaja with Nala & Neela front
ending the construction. According to Rishi Vaalmiki over a crore vanaras took
5 days to complete the bridge of 100 yojanas – in the 1st day: 14
Yojanas; 2nd day: 20 yojanas; 3rd day: 21 yojanas; 4th
day 22 yojanas and finally on the 5th day: 23 yojanas of bridge was
built. However, there were other elements used to fiull the ocean with all
types of trees like Saal, Ashvakarna, Dhava, Bamboo, Kutaja, Palmyra, Tilaka,
Bilva, Saptaparna, Karnika, Mango, Ashoka, Pomegranate shrubs, Coconut,Vibhitika,
Kareera, Bakula, and Neem were used. There were holding poles too and the
biding of logs by reeds some parts of which were fastened by Raama himself. A
squirrel too seems to have contributed with sand grains as part of its service
to Raama. (This is as per Vaalmikis
Raamayana Yudha Kanda Sarga 22.)
MEANING OF VERSE
8
भग्नं
कृत्वा दशास्यं
गुरुतर वपुषं
कुम्भकर्णं निगृह्य
प्रध्वस्ताषेशनागं
पदकमलनतं ताक्षर्यमानन्द्य
राम: │
सर्वानुज्जीवयन्तं
गिरिधरमनघश्चाञ्जनेयं कपीन्स्वान्
विज्ञानास्त्रेण
रक्षन् समवतु
दमयन् लक्ष्मनाच्छ्क्रशत्रुम् ║ 8 ║
He defeated the ten headed
(Raavanaa) who then sent the mighty gigantic bodied Kumbhakarnaa who was killed
by him (Raama). After releasing all from the grasp of the fatalistic Naagastra comprising
of all the snakes (seshas), Garuda (also mentioned as Taaksharyam) prostrated
before Raama who got pleased with the noble acts of Garuda. Anjaneyaa (another
name of Hanumaan) brought the mountain (of herb sanjeevani) and restored the life
of his brother (Lakshmanaa) and the lives of all Kapis (monkeys). He then
protected all using the Vignaanastra and instructed Lakshmana to defeat and
kill his enemy (Lakshmanaa’s Shatru in this case Indrajit / Meghnaath). May
such a lord who is free from any binding protect all of us.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 8
The Raamayana War: Raama’s army laid siege to the
gates of Lanka on the phalgun maasa krishna paksh dwitiya and sent Angad as an
emissary to further peace talks to the court of Lanka where the proposal was
rejected by Raavana. The very next day the war commenced which lasted for 13
days culminating in the death of Raavana on the 13th day thus
concluding on the Amavasya of the Phalguna Maasa.
Rishi
Valmiki has given such vivid description of the war between Raama & Raavana
as mentioned below
Ø At the beginning the roar
from Raavana shook the entire earth, mountains and the oceans in such a manner
that everyone on the battlefield were in tremors out of fear.
Ø The sound of bow strings
from both Raama and Ravana’s bows were so fast that they were heard in absolute
synchrony.
Ø The arrows that flew out
of their bows looked as if they had covered up the entire sky as though the sun
had lost its radiance and came down as torrential rain killing thousands of
Rakshasaas & Vaanaras.
Ø The armies just stopped
fighting with each other watching Raama & Raavana fight each other.
Ø It was then that Raavana
fired the Naaga-Paash Astra, a very deceptive weapon towards Raama which
created a lot of illusions and Raama easily neutralized it using the Garuda
Astra.
Ø Raavana then threw his
infallible weapon – a spear called Maaya Shool at Raama which was completely
destroyed by the arrow Ardha Chandra Astra of Raama.
Ø It was then that another
spear Rudra was flung by Raavana which had the power to even kill the Gods but
this was thwarted by Raama with the Indra’s Spear.
Ø The Raavana’s Asura-Astra
was neutralized by Raama’s own arrow.
Ø It was then Raavana
activated and flung mountains, spears and other powerful weapons all at once
which were readily destroyed by Raama with mere arrows
Ø Raama now fired a torrent
of Astras – the Raudrastra and the Brahmaastra (that which killed Vaali and
those that dried up the oceans) which hardly harmed Raavana.
MEANING OF VERSE
9
क्रव्यादाघ्नन्नसंख्यानपि
दशवदनं ब्रम्हपूर्वैः
सुरेशैः
पुष्पैराकीर्यमानो हुतवहविंमलामाप्य
सीतां विधाय │
रक्षोनाथं
स्वभक्तं स्वपुरमथ
गत: पुष्पकस्थ:समस्तैः
साम्राज्ये
चाभिषिक्तो निजजनमखिलम्
मानयन्मे गतिः
स्यात् ║ 9 ║
On defeating and slaying innumerable asuras, he finally killed Raavana
and for this feat Brahma along with all the revered gods showered flowers on
him. He was united with Seetha after Agni (also named hutavaha) proved her to
be chaste and spotless in all respects. After crowning his Bhakta (Devotee Vibheeshana)
as the King of Rakshsaas (of Lanka) he boarded a pushpaka vimaana with all the
others and returned to his own kingdom (Saketa place Ayodhya). He was then
crowned as the Emperor of the whole kingdom and honoured all his subjects and
people who had accompanied him (from Lanka). Let such a Lord in whom I seek
refuge fulfill all my prayers.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 9
Killing Raavana: This was the final segment that unleashed the
total war between Raama & Raavana which never happened in the past nor in
the future.
Ø Raama & Raavana fought
fiercely non-stop for 7 days and 7 nights firing and hurling thousands of
powerful and invincible weapons at each other which did not affect either of
them.
Ø Despite the weapons fired
to the head by Raama none could behead Raavana as Raavana regenerated his head
hundreds of time (just as Rakhta Beejasura).
Ø Finally on a tip by his
charioteer, Raama loaded the Brahma-Astra and powered it more by chanting a
mantra thus equipping it with the strength of mount meru and mount Mandaara and
fired it at the chest of Raavana. This astra proved fatal to Raavana who could
not recover from getting it embedded into his chest. After apologizing to Raama
for the sinful acts Raavana’s soul departed from the body.
This
war is known as the greatest war ever in the history of Sanatana Dharma and it
was here that Lord Shiva praised Raama for getting rid of Raavana and Brahma
with the other gods showered flowers on Raama. The battle of other warriors
seemed insignificant when the Raama & Raavana duel is looked at.
MEANING OF VERSE
10
रक्षन्
क्षोणीं समृद्धां
नूत उत
मुनिभिर्मानयन्वायुसूनुं
प्रेष्यादित्यात्मजादीन्व्यतनुत
भरतं यौवराज्येनुमान्य │
कार्ये
सौमित्रिमार्त श्वगदित
कृदरिघ्नोथ शत्रुघ्नतो
यो
हत्वासौ
दुष्टशूद्रं द्विजसुतगुबवे
कुम्भजान्मान्लभारी ║ 10 ║
He ruled and protected the earth replete with prosperity and was praised
by all the sages (munis) through their verses. He also honoured Hanumaan
(vayusoonum) with great respect for him and bid farewell to Sugreeva and the
others so that they can go & rule their kingdoms. He then appointed Bharata
as the crowned prince of the kingdom and also made Lakshmanaa as incharge to
take care of the matters concerning welfare of cities and village folk. He also
relieved a dog of its sorrowful state. He got one enemy (an asura by name of
Lavanasura) killed by his brother Shatrugnaa. Finally he killed an evil shoodra
in order to save and protect a Brahmana’s son. When Maharishi Agastyaa presented
the most valuable necklace to him (Raama) he happily received and accepted it. May
such a lord protect us.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 10
Justice for Dog: Each day at Ayodhya Raama
would have a court for people to seek justice from him. One day he asks
Lakshmanaa to check if there was anyone who was outside seeking for justice.
Lakshmanaa went out saw that there were no people returned back and mentioned
to Raama that there was no-one and that they can wind up for the day. Raama
again asks Lakshmanaa to recheck – when Lakshmanaa goes again he finds no
people but there is a dog who is sitting which looked very sad. Lakshmanaa asks
the dog if he had come to meet Raama and the dog said yes it needs justice.
Lakshmanaa now brings the dog to the court and the dog tells Raama that it was
unnecessarily beaten by the Man named Sarvaarthasiddha for no fault. For no
reason an act of violence was committed on me – “I was sitting by myself when
the man came and beat me with a stick, I need justice to be made.”. The man was
summoned by Raama who confessed to committing harm to the dog for no reason and
agreed to any punishment that Raama felt was appropriate. Raama asked his ministers
who said this was the first time that such a case had come and they had no clue
to the justice to be imparted as it was between the human and the animal – they
asked Raama to give the justice himself. When Raama asked the dog for his
suggestion, the dog replied “ Make Sarvaarthasiddha the chief monk of the Kalinjar
Monastery” and Raama immediately agreed and passed this judgement. An elephant
was then called and the man was seated on it and sent to the Monastery – every
one saw that the man was happily seated and went to the Monastery. They asked
Raama “you have given him a boon than a punishment, how is this a good
judgement? the accused seems so happy”. Raama asked the dog to explain it to
them. The dog said “In my earlier birth I was the Kulapathi (Chief of the
Monastery) where I served gods and Brahmins focused on everyones well-being. I
ate after everybody had eaten; I shared my property with everyone else but over
time I succumbed to the very acts that of name, fame and ego that I was the
head though being steadfast to the purpose. Due to this I never committed to my
transformation but became pretentious as a holy man. When towards the end I
realized my mistake, I started punishing myself to rise above and evolve into
what I was supposed to become. Sarvaarthasiddha is quick to anger, has a great
ego and has cruel tendencies too. He is capable of frustration also so he will
punish himself and slowly evolve. But if he doesn’t realize then he will live a
life of hell. Therefore, it is the best punishment”. The dog further went on to
say “When one becomes a Kulapati, and deviates from the path that of true
transformation the next 49 descendants will spend their life in hell. No one
should accept the post of a Kulapati for the position it offers because in such
a case it will be certain that the individual, his friends, children and
animals will live a life of hell.” After saying this dog went off to the holy
city of Vaaranasi to perform penance for its liberation.
Lavanasura: After Raama ascended the throne of Ayodhya there was peace harmony and
prosperity all around. There was also a compassionate king named Madhu who had
created a city called Madupuri (now Mathura) where he ruled. He had built good
relations with the gods and the people and took care of them well thus the
Asuras and the Suras were at peace with each other. He was so pleasing to the
gods that Shiva one day gave him the expansion of his own trident (Trishoola)
for his self-protection. It was certain that whoever had this trident was invincible
in war. Madhu honoured this trident and ruled the kingdom with peace &
prosperity. Madhu had a son Lavanasura who had all qualities opposite to his
father. Even as a child he would beat his mates, kill them and eat them. As he
grew he began tormenting innocent sages and destroying their austerities.
People were living in fear and terror due to him. Despite efforts to correct
his son, when Lavanasura did not change, Madhu handed-over everything - kingdom
including the trident to son Lavanasura and drowned himself in the ocean out of
shame.
One
day Rishi Chyavan (a descendent of Rishi Brighu) with all the sages approached
Raama with a plea to protect them from Lavanasura. Raama asked Bharata to look
into this but Shatrughna sought Raama’s permission to allow him as his service
to Lord Raama. Infact it was reminded to Raama that his (Raama’s) forefather
Mandhaata was defeated, slain insultingly by Lavanasura to which lavanasura had
acquired a curse to be killed by the descendant of Mandhaata. Shatrughna laid
siege to Madhurapuri and while one day when Lavanasura was out hunting,
Shatrughna challenged him to a duel as the Asura at that point of time did not
have the invincible trident with him. When Lavanasura accepted the challenge
and it was then that a powerful arrow that Raama had given to Shatrughna (those
used by Mahavishnu to slay Madhu & Kaitabh) Shatrughna) was loaded on the
bow and shot at Lavanasura. The moment the arrow left the bow the sound that it
made shook the whole earth and struck Lavanasura in his heart, thus killing
him. Raama then appointed Shatrughna as the king of Madhurapuri who ruled it
for several years.
Killing Shambuka: Once while Raama was seated in his court, a
Brahmin approached with the deadbody of his son and sought justice for the
death of his son due to a Shoodra’s austerities. Raama instantly left with the
Brahmin to understand the nature of the crime committed by the Shoodra so that
rightful justice is administered. On arriving at the place where the Shoodra by
name Shambuka was performing his austerities and penance, Raama asked the
motive behind his penance that has been claimed to have resulted in the death
of the Brahmins son. When Shambuka says that he is performing these austerities
and penance to conquer Indra and rule the loka and that the death of the
Brahmins son was a contribution to achieving this dream of his. Raama
rightfully asked Shambuka to stop these acts of penance and austerities which
have caused and are still causing harm to others, also that these are selfish
acts that are against the human order of Dharma. When Shambuka refused to heed
to Raama’s advise, it was then that Raama killed Shambuka with his arrow. No
sooner that Shambuka died the son of the Brahmin came back to life which determined
the harmful and fatalistic nature of the austerities and practice that was
performed by Shambuka. Raama again here proved his adherence to upholding
dharma in all aspect.
Garland gifted by Agastya: During the Treta Yuga, a king named Shwetaraaja, ruled Vidharba.
He was a benevolent and a pious king who ruled the kingdom for a thousand
years. One day when he got to know from his astrologers the length of his life,
he renounced everything. He crowned his brother Surutha as the new king, gave
up his entire material world and went to the forest for performing penance. He
did penance for 3000 years after which he bore the fruits of his penance
whereby he left his mortal body, entered into his subtle body and reached Satya
Loka. But in the Satya Loka he suffered from pangs of hunger and thirst which
was very unusual. He craved for food and water but could not find or get. He
enquired why this condition of his to Lord Brahma.
MEANING OF VERSE
11
यज्ञं
तन्वंस्त्रिकोटीन्व्यतुदत भरताध्यो-सुरानीशवाक्या
द्यास्यन् धामत्रिपुत्रं भुजिमथ
स नयन्नात्मसूनुं
स्वराज्ये │
कृत्वा
श्रीह्री हनुमद्धृतविमलचलच्चामच्छ्त्रशोभी
ब्रम्हाद्यैः
स्तुयमानो निजपुरविलसत्पादपद्मोवतान्माम् ║ 11 ║
Having performed the yagna (ashwamedha yagna) upon a request he sent Bharata
to kill three crore asuras who were troubling the kingdom. Then on the divine
guidance of Eesha (also known as Shiva), he agreed to proceed to his (Shiva’s) abode
(Shweta Dweepa). Prior to this he fulfilled the demands of the son of Maharishi
Atri (by name Doorvaasa) and with respect he served him with meals. After entrusting
the kingdom to his sons (Lava & Kusha) he finally left for his abode
(Shweta Dweepa). He was accompanied by Shree and Hree (the forms of Goddess Maha
Lakshmi) enroot to the heavens. These two goddesses Shri & Hri adorned on
his sides with the fans (Chaamaraa) while Hanuman held the respected white
umbrella and Brahma along with all the other gods sang praises on him and
offered it at his feet as he entered the heavens. May such a Lord protect us
all.
BACKGROUND : STORIES
LINKED TO VERSE 11
The Ashwamedha Yagna : Although successfully ruling the kingdom of Kosala from Ayodhya,
there was a sense of inner pain in Raama. His inner being was always unhappy
about the war he had fought at Lanka. He wanted to do some penance for killing
thousands of humans and other living beings in the war. He craved to become
liberated from the sins of killing Brahmins (it is to be noted that Raavana and
his siblings were the children of Rishi Vishrava (the grandson of sage
Pulastya) and hence were Brahmins). While contemplating on the ways to overcome
this inner struggle Raama decides to perform the Raajasooya Yagna. But Bharata advises
Raama against performing the Raajasooya Yagna quoting that “when the kings
respect you (Raama), the people adore you and are proud of you it is not proper
to destroy the world that has subjected themselves to you”. Raama
accepts this advice and refrains from performing the Rajasooya Yagna. However,
listening to the conversation coming to a close Lakhsmanaa suggests Raama on
performing the Ashwamedha Yagna. Raama approached Rishi Agastya and seeks his guidance on this
yagna to which the Rishi concurs to say it is the best Yagna (Ashwamedha Yagna)
to be performed for Raama to get liberated from the sins committed. Rishi Agastya
then educates Raama on the ritual connected to perform the Ashwameda Yagna. On
the Poonima (Full Moon day) of the month of Vaishaka a White Horse was
selected, worshipped for a whole day on the banks of the Gomati River at the
outskirts of the Naimisha Forest. On completion of the pooja’s, a note was tied
to its forehead mentioning that the horse is of Kosala Kingdom and no one
should stop or tie the horse. He who does it will have to fight with owner of
the horse (Raama’s army that was accompanying the horse which was led by
Shatrughna – the youngest brother of Raama). The horse was then let loose and
it travelled through various kingdoms for over a year. Those who captured the
horse (stopped/ tied it) fought with the army and were defeated by the
army & Shatrughna.
The
horse drifted near to Rishi Valmiki’s ashram. The Rishi was not there in the
ashram then a small boy named Luva spotted the white horse and was awestruck by
its beauty. After he read the message written on the horse – he tied the horse
to a tree. When the army of Raama approached to the horse and told the small
boy to release the horse. Luva refused and knowing the consequences of tying
the horse he called out for a fight with the army. As soon as the war started
Luva with his brilliance in archery hardly gave any time for the soldiers to
shoot arrows and used an arrow called the Jrumbhakaastra which forced the
entire army to go into deep sleep. Hearing this Shatrughna came to the place
and advised the small boy to release the horse – at this another young boy
named Kusha (the brother of Luva) refused to let go and Shatrughna also met the
same fate of getting into deep sleep. When Shatrughna never returned, Hanumaan
and Sugreeva arrived to find the entire army & Shatrughna fast asleep.
Hanumaan sensed that this these children are divine beings else they would not
have done this to the army – he envisions them to be Raama’s children. Hanumaan
then advises the boys to release the horse then allows the boys to subdue him
to ascertain the truth of his vision. The 2 boys dragged Hanumaan by his tail
and tied him to a tree and they wanted to show the bravery to their mother.
Luva & Kusha narrated the entire story of their battle with the army to
their mother. She was elated by what she heard and when she came out of the
hermitage she recognized Hanumaan – the greatest devotee of Raama and Hanumaan
recognized the boys’ mother as Seeta, Once the boys got to know the owner of
the horse, they said that they were following Kshatriya Dharma – when someone
challenges to a fight then Kshatriya dharma says to stand and fight back and
never retreat. The boys were interrupted by Rishi Vaalmiki’s arrival into the
hermitage. Seeta relates the entire course of events to Rishi Vaalmiki who hearing
the entire story unties the horse and hands it over to the army and the army
went away. It was then that Rishi Vaalmiki taught Luva and Kusha Raamaayana
from where the children understood their identity and then proceeded to Ayodhya
singing praise of Raama & finally revealing their identity to Raama as sons
of Seeta Maata & Shri Raama by singing in front of him too. This is very
elaborately mentioned in the Uttara
Kaanda of the Vaalmiki Raamaayana chapter 83 to chapter 96.
Bharata Kills 3 Crore Asuras:Yudhaajitha the King of
Kaikeya sent Brahma-Rishi Garghiya (the son of Rishi Angeerasa) with gifts of
gems, jewels & ornaments and ten thousand horses as a token of deep respect
and affection to Raama. After paying obeisance and offering due respects to the
Brahma-Rishi Raama ushers the Rishi Garghiye to his private chamber in the
palace. Raama felt that there is something that Yudhajitha (his uncle) wanted
to communicate through this visit of the Brahma-Rishi and enquires what the
message from Yudhajitha is? Rishi Garghiya says that there is a kingdom
situated on the banks of the River Sindhu where Gandharvas have set up their
city and they defend it and it is desired by the Uncle of Raama and the need of
the hour stated by Brahma-Rishi Garghiya to conquer this to remain the king of
the undivided kingdom of Raama.
Raama
asks Bharata to set out for its conquest. Bharata who reached the outskirts of
the kingdom in a one and a half months’ time was joined by King Yudhajitha and
together they laid siege to the kingdom of Gandharvas. The terrible battle
between the armies of Bharata and Gandharvaas went on for 7 days without a
decisive victory on either side. Rivers of blood flowed with hundreds of
corpses floating on it. It was now that Bharata unleashed an arrow propelled by
the mantras called Samavarta (a weapon with which Kaala or Time destroys the enemy
or his world on which it is unleashed). The weapon in the blink of an eye
killed over three hundred thousand Gandharvas and cut them to pieces. Thus in
war was so intense that over 8 days it was estimated that over 3 crore
gandharvas and their armies perished. The Gandharvas could not even imagine
that such a fearful battle ever happened where a vast number of warriors
perished. Bharata then appointed his one son named Taksha to establish a rule
on one side of the Sindhu and Bharata’s another son Pushkala to establish rule
on the other side of the River Sindhu. Taksha thus established Takshashila and
Pushkala established Pushkalavarta (which later came to be known as Gandhaara).
After 5 long years of streamlining the proper rule in the region Bharata
returned to Ayodhya and briefed Raama about the splendor of the cities that he
and his sons had established on the banks of the River Sindhu. As mentioned in
the Uttara Kaanda of the Vaalmiki Raamaayana
chapter 100 & 101.
Death sent to meet Raama: After 10,000 years of his golden life one day an ascetic who was
resplendent with divine radiance arrived at the gate of Raama’s court. Lakshmanaa
enquired with the Maharishi present at the gates who urgently wished to meet
only Raama. When Lakshmana informed Raama about such an ascetic at the gate,
Raama immediately asked his brother to bring him in. After paying the due
respects and honored the Ascetic as per the traditions. The ascetic then seated
himself on the Golden throne and informed Raama that he wished to speak to him
alone and no one should ever hear their conversation. Should anyone overhear
the conversation then he will be put to death by Raama. Raama then asks
Lakshmanaa to stand guard outside the door and not allow anyone top over hear
the conversation of the Ascetic and Raama. The Acetic introduces himself as the
Lord of the 3 worlds “Shiva” who further informed Raama that his purpose on
earth to vanquish the asura’s and the mighty Raavana and his dangerous asuras
had come to an end and that Vaikunta his abode is awaiting his return (it is
important to notice here that it is only here in the entire text of Raamaayana
that confirms that Raama is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu). On hearing this to
the Ascetic, Raama promised to return to Vaikunta at the earliest. As mentioned
in the Uttara Kaanda of the Vaalmiki
Raamaayana in chapter 104.
Meal to Rishi Doorvaasa : As Raama & the Ascetic were in
close door conversation, Rishi Doorvaasa (the son of great sage Rishi Atri)
visited Ayodhya and wished to meet Raama. Lakshmanaa standing guard did not
allow the sage to enter the room as Raama had prohibited any one from entering.
Rishsi Doorvaasa known for cursing people when he threatened Lakshmanaa that he
will curve Ayodhya and the people of it if he is not allowed to meet Raama,
Lakshmanaa agrees to take the wrath of Raama rather that the whole country
suffering due to the curse of Rishi Doorvaasa and thus enters the room of
Raama. Lakshmanaa announced the arrival of Rishi Doorvaasa to Raama and Raama
took leave of death and went to meet the Rishi Doorvasa. After prostrating
before the Rishi, Raama enquired to the Rishi Doorvaasa about his visit to Ayodhya.
Rishi Doorvaasa that he had concluded a fast of 1000 years and wished Raama to
offer whatever food Raama had to feed him (Rishi Doorvaasa). Raama ensured that
the Rishi Doorvaasa was fed with the choicest of food which the Rishi was
delighted to be served with. The Rishi also compared the food to be as
wonderful as Amrutha of the heavens. Thus satisfied Rishi Doorvasa left Ayodhya
to his hermitage. As mentioned in the Uttara
Kaanda of the Vaalmiki Raamaayana in chapter 105.
Crowning Luva & Kusha : Having banished Lakshmanaa from
the kingdom, Raama announced to the court of Ayodhya of him proposing to anoint
the throne and the Kingdom to Bharata who had most loyally attended to all the
duties flawlessly. When Bharata refused to accept to be crowned as the next
King of Ayodhya, and asked Raama to establish Luva & Kusha as the crowned
kings of Ayodhya. Raama sent words to his sons through Shatrughna and then approached
Rishi Vasishtaa for further guidance to complete this coronation ceremony. He
appointed Luva as the King of the Northern Kingdom of Koshala and the Southern
portion of the kingdom of Koshala to Kusha. He seated his sons on his lap and
bestowed them with 10,000 horses, thousands of elephants, thousands of
chariots, jewels & ornaments and cheerful healthy people to care for and
then asked them to go to their capitals and established their rule. Kushavati
was the capital of Kusha and Shravasti that of Luva. Raama then sent word for
Shatrughna to come to Ayodhya. Hearing the events that happened at Ayodhya,
Shatrughna crowned his sons Subahu and Shatrughaatin the kings of Mathura and
Vaidisha respectively and hastened to Ayodhya. As mentioned in the Uttara Kaanda of the Vaalmiki Raamaayana in
chapter 107.
Raama’s Mahaprashthaana: The very next day after
the arrival of Shatrughna, (which happened 3 days after establishing Luva &
Kusha as the crowned kings of Ayodhya) Raama decided to go to the abode of the
gods. On the morning Rishi Vasishta on the banks of River Sarayu majestically
performed all the prescribed rituals for the mahaprasthaana without omitting
anything. Raama with kusha grass in his hands and chanting invocations to lord
Brahma walked into the River Sarayu. He halted time to time and silently walked
barefoot on the rough pebbled path from his palace in Ayodhya to the River
Sarayu. On his right was Goddess Shri Lakshmi with lotus in her hand and on his
left was Goddess Vyavasaaya (Goddess of Earth who is also worshipped as a
beholder of justice or Hri Devi) assuming human form to accompany the lord Raama
to the heavens. As Raama stepped into the Sarayu amids the brahminical chants
he was followed by Bharata along with his wives, Shatrughna, Sugreeva and
Hanumaan (who carried the umbrella for Raama), the vast population of Ayodhya
including his ministers, animals, birds and many vanaras too they all walked
into the River Sarayu along with Raama to the Gopataraka Ghaata where they all
merged with in the heaven. Raama was welcomed by Lord Brahma and all the gods,
apsara’s and gandharvas amidst all chants and Raama finally reached Vaikunta
his abode. As mentioned in the Uttara Kaanda of the Vaalmiki Raamaayana in
chapter 108 to 110.
MEANING OF VERSE
12
इति
श्री रामचारित्रमञ्जरी
लेशत: कृता │
रसघवेन्द्रेण
यतिना भूयाद्रामप्र्साददा ║ 12 ║
This Shri Raama Chaaritra Manjari is a brief treatise depicting the
character of Shri Raama is written by Shri Raghavendra Teertha (Raghavendra
Yatinaam) for Lord Raama to bless all through this (which means those who read
it or listen to this being read).
SOURCES :
Effort had
to be put in reading through a voluminous range of translations,
translitrations, published researches and treatises of many who have
contributed their time and interest to make people aware of the glories of Lord
Raama in their own way of expressions through their inner understandings and
realizations. It is these authors I thank for making me comprehend truly the
entire essence of Ramayana and venture
into coming out with an appropriate treatise
and a translation that can help people understand the prowess of Raama
& the entire character of Raama as visualized and texted by Shri Raaghavendra
Swamy in his “Raamachaaritramanjari”
- Original Text
by Shri Raghavendra Swamy, Mantralaya
- Shri Vaalmiki
Raamayana – genuine Sanskrit text by Shri Maharishi Vaalmiki
- Srimad
Bhagwatham - ISKCON
- Srimad
Valmiki Ramayana by Shri Achleshwar, Gita Press, Gorakhpur
- The Rámáyan of Válmíki of project Gutenberg by
Griffith & Ralph TH
- The Ramayana of Valmiki by Makhan Lal Sen
- Valmiki Ramayana by Bibek Debroy
- Kannada
Translation by Shri Raja S Gururajacharya
- Kannada
Translation by Shri Lakshminarayana Achar
- A Kannada
treatise by Narahari Sumadhwa
- An English
treatise by Shri Keshav RaoTadipatri
- An English
treatise by Anandateertha Pratishtana
- Internet –
Multitudinal readings of research works related to the Ramayana of Valmiki
1.
NOTE OF
GRATITUDE
Offering this literary contribution at the lotus feet of Guru
Saarvabhouma Shri Raghavendra Swamy as part of my service for all that he has
bestowed onto me in my this journey of life.
It was a pious day when Shri Raja Sudhidrachar presented the great work
of Swamy to me. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to him for this gesture of
providing me an opportunity to read, understand and translate this Grantha of
Swamy.
Inspirations play a major role in such bringing out such literary works.
The blessings & words of inspiration from the Peetadhipati Shri
Subhudendrateerta Swamy did have a profound impact in keeping me progressively
reading, researching through research materials, books & granthas thus
helping me in translating the grand work of Swamy. With deepest gratitude I
prostrate before him for being that divine force that helped me truly complete
this translation work.
Mothers are those gods on earth who kindle interest, instill a sense of
purpose, drive you to achieve and also enlighten on aspects where we are in the
dark. This work I truly dedicate to my mother as she has been my guiding light
and the person to have read, edited & advised me on each aspect of the
Grantha of Swamy so that I truly do justice to depict the character of Raama
that Swamy had envisioned.
I also thank all the critics who excavated the flaws, did comparative
study, debated & dissuaded me from dangers of giving different
understanding to readers and also a built in a sense of conviction in me to
write. Had it not been for them I would not have gained finesse in my writing.
Praying for everybodys well-being,
– Dr. Avinash Salgar
