Valmiki Ramayana - June 30

June 30 - Sargas 65 and 66 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Already half of 2021 is done and dusted, and Covid is nowhere near being tamed. As the days roll by, we engage ourselves as best as we can, and what better activity can one find than reading the Valmiki epic!?

Before I tell you what we read today, let us recall who Valmiki is. He was Ratnakara, a dacoit. His reputation for ruthlessness did not deter Narada from going into the forest and coming to be accosted by him. Trust Narada to instil sense in the man who quickly mended his old ways of breaking people's skulls for their money. Vamiki instead  began his search for abiding riches hidden in one's soul. 

Fast forward to the beginning of Valmiki Ramayana, When sage Valmiki asks Narada maharshi if there ever was or is an ideal man on earth who breathes and lives Dharma, Narada tells him the story of such a man, Rama.

The beginning of Valimiki's poem is strange. Valmiki goes for his bath in the river and  bursts into rhyme at the sight of a hunter killing a bird. He realises to his astonishment there is poetry in the words that came out of him in anger and sorrow. Then Brahma tells him it is divine will that Valmiki should put his newly discovered gift for poetry to tell the world the story of Rama. Thus is born the world's first shloka (a poem with four padas in a metre) from the sadness expressed by the sage at the killing of the bird (shoka).

Valmiki then uses his spiritual power to visualise the entire story of Ramayana and writes down the kavya. 

Did Valmiki ever live in cities? See royal ceremonies? Interact with a wide spectrum of people to understand their ways and ideas and idiom? So how come we have this fantastic narrative? 

Do we need any more proof that Valmiki Ramayana is a divine inspiration and not a laboured poem?

***

We are already privy to the fact that Dasharatha is dead. But it seems no one in Ayodhya knows it next morning. 

***

As usual, panegyrists expert in singing the glories of their kings, their dynasties and conquests, and stories to inspire society, assembled at Dasharatha's palace.  They sang musically, being mindful of the subtle tones of the Veena. Their loud and attractive chants were joined in by others who clapped and sang, perhaps in a more common style. The birds on trees and in royal cages joined with their chirping. Thus there was a celebratory welcome to the morning, a ceremony designed to wake up Dasharatha.

Attendants came to give the king his royal bath with unguents and perfumes. They carried golden pitchers of water. Prasada (holy offerings) and water from holy rivers and springs, and other items for the king's partaking, were brought. His dress and other accessories were carried in. 

As the entire entourage waited, even after sunrise, there was no sign of the king. Murmurs started that it was unusual for the king not to have risen. Hordes of Dasharatha's women then went into his sleeping chamber. The king lay between Kausalya and Sumitra. It seemed they were all exhausted and too deep in sleep. His other queens began to call him and touch him but finding no response they closely examined why the king was not stirring. They discovered to their horror that there was neither breath nor pulse. 

The women started wailing. That woke up Kausalya and Sumitra. It did not take long for them to realise that the king had passed away. Kausalya fell to the floor wailing, like a fallen star. The noises brought everyone to the chamber including Kaikeyi.

There was a huge uproar of wailing.

***

स कामा भव कैकेयि भुङ्क्ष्व राज्यमकण्टकम् ।

त्यक्त्वा राजानामेकाग्रा नृशंसे दुष्टचारिणि     ॥

न लुब्धो बुध्यते दोषान् किंपाकमिव भक्षयन्   ।

कुब्जानिमित्तं कैकेय्या राघवाणां कुलं हतम्    ॥

अनियोगे नियुक्तेन राज्ञा रामं विवासितम्        ।

सभार्यं जनकः श्रुत्वा परितप्स्यत्यहं  यथा        ॥

स मामनाथां विधवां नाद्य जानाति राघवः       ।

रामः कमलपत्रताक्षो जीवन्नाशमितो गतः       ॥

Kausalya's life breath has only one purpose now. To speak to Kaikeyi. 

"Oh Kaikeyi, you of most vile deeds, now rejoice at having won your desire. You have single-mindedly got rid of the king. Now enjoy your kingdom unimpeded.

"A greedy man indeed does not realise what harm will befall him when he partakes of some bad but attractive food. Egged on by that hunchback Manthara, Kaikeyi has destroyed the dynasty of Raghus.

"When he comes to know that Kaikeyi has managed to get Rama banished to the forest with his wife Sita by the king, king Janaka will suffer as much as I am doing now.

"And to think that the pious Rama, with lotus eyes, who has been taken out of the equation here even though he is still alive, will never come to know that I have been made a widow with no one to care for me! "

And so on.

Some administrators who are around do the practical thing of getting her hand maids to gently escort Kausalya to her chamber, so she can recover her poise. 

तैलद्रोण्यां तदाऽमात्याः संवेश्य जगतीपतिम् ।

राज्ञः सर्वाणयथादिष्टाश्चक्रुः कर्मण्यनन्तरम्     ॥

The ministers then consulted the wise men what was to be done next. The king's body had to be preserved for last rites until at least one of his sons was present to perform the ceremonies. So they did as directed and prepared a casket of oil and immersed the king's body in it. They did whatever more had to be done to keep the vigil.

The entire Ayodhya was stricken with the tragedy of Dasharatha's death. Valmiki describes the scenes of wailing and the citizens'  apprehensions for the future of the city and the kingdom. Ayodhya was like the night sky without stars. Everyone blamed Kaikeyi for the turn of events.

***

॥                  श्रीरामजयम्                  ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 29

June 29 - Sargas 63 and 64 of Ayodhya Kanda.

We read the heart-rending story of the way Shravana kumara (his name is not mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana!) is killed by Dasharatha's arrow and the curse he gets from his father in the forest. Then Dasharatha dies.

***

One thing is very clear to me by now. Valmiki, called Adi Kavi, the original poet in Indian history, is a past master at describing three things: nature, human emotions, and how people strive to learn from life's experiences. Of course sometimes it is too late.

***

स राजा रजनीं षष्ठीं रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्           ।

अर्धरात्रे दशरथः सोऽस्मरद् दुष्कृतं कृतम्      ॥   

कश्चिदाम्रवणं छित्त्वा पलाशांश्च निषिञ्चति         ।

पुष्पं दृश्ट्वा फले गृघ्नुः स शोचति फलागमे       ॥

The king spent the sixth night after Sri Rama's going into exile in great unease. In the middle of the night he recalled a great misdeed that he had committed in the past.

The king then starts speaking about how people are bound to get the fruits of their actions good or bad. He gives the example of a man swayed by the most attractive looks of palasha flowers (indeed the red flowers set the forest aflame with their looks).  Such a man expects some fantastic fruits from those trees and cuts down his entire grove of mango trees and plants palasha trees in their place. He is bound to regret his thoughtless act driven by pure greed because palasha yields nothing as good as mango fruits. 

***

The king slowly recalls that terrible night when as a young prince he had gone out hunting. Swollen with pride over his capability to hit a target by locating it precisely on merely hearing its sound, he wanted to use this Shabdavedi skill and hunt an elephant or a wild buffalo. 

Valmiki launches into a beautiful description of the mountains and forests and rivers during the monsoon. The rivers were muddy with gushing waters.  It seems to be the best time for hunting.

Approaching the bank of the Sarayu river in the dark night, Dasharatha heard the sound that resembled an elephant drinking water from the river. He at once aimed and shot a fierce arrow (Valmiki says it hissed like a venomous snake) at the prey. What a shock when he heard a human scream at being hit by the arrow and falling into the water!

The unfortunate man was living in the forest, leading the life of a rishi, taking care of his aged, infirm, blind parents in their Vanaprastha days. He had now come to fetch water for his thirsty mother in the dead of night.

***

वृद्धौ च मातापितरावाहं चैकेषणा हतः         ।

केन स्म निहताः सर्वे सुबालेनाकृतात्मना       ॥

"My aged mother and father have been slain along with me by a single arrow! Who would be that fool that has committed this heinous act? As far as I know we lead a life of rishis in prayer and have not harmed anyone any time."

Hearing these words, Dasharatha drops his bow and arrow with mouth agape! Then he sees the rishikumara. He is terribly frightened and is unable to think. He reaches the ascetic on the bank and sees his body smeared in blood and dust, his matted locks dishevelled, and the water pitcher fallen from his hand. The ascetic burns him with his looks and says, "what a cruel act! why did you kill me oh king? I am a mere forest dweller fetching water for my parents!"

Writhing in pain, the ascetic takes in everything. He tells Dasharatha that indeed he is not a Brahmin so the king would not incur the ultimate sin. (The old man was a Vaishya and his wife a Shudra. They had gone to spend their last days in meditation in the forest, being tended by their ascetic son.) 

However this act is mindless and bodes ill for the king for sure. Dasharatha has effectively killed him and his parents in one stroke. He tells the king to go at once ad break the news to his father in the hut a short distance away, and dies.

***

Dasharatha fills the water pot and walks full of dread and anguish to the hut. He sees the old couple wondering where their son has gone away.

तत्राहं दुर्बलावन्धौ वृद्धावपरिणायकौ          ।

अपश्यं तस्य पितरौ लूनपक्षाविव द्विजौ      ॥

"Oh Kausalya, there in the hut I saw an aged couple, very weak and blind. They were without anyone to support them. They were the parents of the rishikumara and resembled a pair of birds with wings cut off. They were leading the life of rishis."

The old man speaks as he hears footsteps. He says, "son, if I have said or done anything to upset you, do not take it to heart. You are our life. Please speak. Please give your mother water, she is parched and waiting anxiously."

Dasharatha finds it extremely arduous to bring himself to narrate the happenings. He tells how he is Dasharatha, the prince, come out hunting at night. How he mistook the rishikumara collecting water to be an elephant and killed him by his Shabdavedi arrow.

The old rishi is stunned. He then speaks, "Oh king, if you had not come personally to break the news, your head would have splintered to a thousand pieces. As a Kshatriya, if you had knowingly killed a forest dweller, you would have been ruined even if you were Indra. Killing an ascetic would make your head explode. Since you have committed this act unknowingly, your Ikshwaku race is saved. 

"Take us to our son."

***

When Dasharatha takes the old blind couple to their dead son, their words as they embrace their son are simply heart-rending. It is obvious the couple no longer wish to live.  The old man blesses his dead son to go to the higher world reserved for the most meritorious. He tells Yama that they would like to soon join their son there.

Indra himself comes and takes the young man's soul to the higher world. The aged couple perform their son's last rites and ascend the funeral pyre and lay down their bodies. Before going, the old ascetic pronounces a curse on Dasharatha.

पुत्रव्यसनजं दुःखं यदेतन्मम साम्प्रतम्           ।

एवं त्वं पुत्रशोकेन राजन्कालं करिष्यसि         ॥

"Oh king, just like I am dying now, sorrowing for my son, you too shall die grieving separation from your son." 

***

Dasharatha completes the sorrowful tale. He describes how he sees his end is near, as he loses his sight and slowly loses control over his senses. He speaks increasingly incoherently, speaking of the glorious Sri Rama and how only the most fortunate will be able to see Sri Rama and celebrate his return to Ayodhya.

Dasharatha dies.

***

॥               श्रीरामजयम्                ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 28

June 28 - Sargas 61 and 62 of Ayodhya Kanda.

If anyone has yet not realised what kind of words one will have to listen to after committing a colossal act of injustice and inhumanity in haste, we get to read of it once more today.

Kausalya's grief is not extinguished despite words of comfort and reassurance from Sumantra. She takes up the matter with Dasharatha.

As the noble and righteous king, how did he stoop to such a low act? Does he realise that a tender princess Sita used to comfort and luxury will have to suffer unprecedented cold and heat and rain in the forest? Eat forest produce instead of dainty dishes? Hear the scarifying shrieks of wild animals instead of the lilting music of court musicians? That Rama will have to sleep on the ground supporting himself on his arm, instead of sleeping in a royal bed?

Rama could have easily taken the kingdom by force. It was his right. But he is a man of Dharma. 

What will happen after fourteen years? Will Rama accept the kingdom already ruled by Bharata for so long? 

Kausalya gives an elaborate analogy of a Shraddha ceremony. If one first feeds relatives (good people indeed) and then offers the ceremonial feast to worthy Brahmins, will they accept it? It will be a subversion of the right order and unacceptable. This analogy resonates with anyone who has witnessed Shraddha ceremonies even in our time.

Similarly, articles of worship and Yajna once used are never recycled and reused in another worship. 

Even animals don't like to eat left-overs of other animals. A lion does not eat a carcass hunted by another animal. Rama will not take charge of the kingdom from Bharata on his return.

How about thinking of the condition Dasharatha has reduced Kausalya to by his misdeed? A woman has nobody to look up to except her husband or son. Now Dasharatha has rendered her destitute. All this!  

And only two people will be happy - Dasharatha's darling wife Kaikeyi and her dear son Bharata.

हतं त्वया राष्ट्रमिदं सराज्यं 

      हताः स्म सर्वाः सहमन्त्रिभिश्च  । 

हता सपुत्रास्मि हताश्च पौराः

       सुतश्च भार्या च तव प्रहृष्टौ     ॥

"Oh king, you have destroyed this country and its rule of law. Everyone in this country has been ruined by you, as well as your entire administration. Even though I have a son as a prince, you have pretty much killed me, and my son, and every decent person around. Only your wife Kaikeyi and her son are very happy. "

Kausalya even adds that Dasharatha has lost all Dharma- of any of the four castes- and his sin is beyond redemption. 

***

These words reduce a decrepit and distressed Dasharatha to dismal depths of despair. He collapses. After he slowly recovers, he  begs Kausalya to tone down her hurtful words. He says that he is beginning to recall an act he had committed once using his special skill as a Shabdavedi (aiming at a target by hearing its sound alone while hunting) and his sin is now bearing fruit. Dasharatha also reasons with Kausalya. 

भर्ता तु खलु नारीणां गुणवान्निर्गुणोऽपि वा  । 

धर्मं विमृशमानानां प्रत्यक्षं देवि दैवतम्        ॥

"After all, is it not Dharma that a woman stands in support of her husband however good or bad he may be? Indeed, oh queen, they say that a husband is god to a woman." 

Kausalya realises that the king is hurt very badly by her words. She falls at his feet and begs forgiveness. She apologises that her own terrible plight made her say all these abominable things. The wound inflicted by fate is far more painful than that made even by any great weapon. 

Please, Dasharatha should forgive her. Of course she considers it her highest duty to take care of her husband and will never again hurt the king. 

***

॥               श्रीरामजयम्                ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - June 27

June 27 - Sargas 59 and 60 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Between outbursts of grief, Dasharatha asks Sumantra to continue his report. Sumantra describes how he stayed back unable to leave Guha's place and was hoping that Sri Rama may come back. When that did not happen, he received information about Sri Rama's visit to Bharadwaja's ashrama, crossing of the Yamuna and their proceeding to Chitrakuta. Sumantra then turned back towards Ayodhya. 

Sumantra displays his poetic ability also as he paints a picture of all nature and how even his royal horses displayed a marked sorrow. Nothing seemed right. In fact these descriptions remind me of how it is described in the Bhagavatam - the way the gopis and gopas and all nature rued the departure of Sri Krishna, away from Gokula to proceed to Mathura, knowing well that he would never come back to Gokula and the good old days. We have to state that Valmiki has subtly described the effect a divine incarnation has on everyone and everything around, without stating it in so many words.

Sumantra concludes by saying something significant:

नामित्राणां न मित्राणामुदासीनजनस्य च       ।

अहमार्ततया कञ्चिद् विशेषं नोपलक्षये         ॥

"My lord, I did not see any difference in the extent of grief displayed by either your well-wishers, or your detractors, or those people indifferent to you. "

It is now the turn of Dasharatha to say something significant:

कैकेय्या विनियुक्तेन पापाभिजनभावया        ।

मया न मन्त्रकुशलैर्वृद्धैः सह समर्थितम्          ॥

न सुहृद्भिर्न चामात्यैर्मन्त्रयित्वा  सनैगमैः          ।

मयायमर्थः सम्मोहात् स्त्रीहेतोः सहसा कृतः     ॥

"Alas, incited by Kaikeyi who harboured only evil intentions, I have acted thus, without getting concurrence from those well-versed in royal strategy, or wise in years. I did not consult near and dear ones, nor my ministers, nor those who know what is adherence to Dharma. I acted in haste, driven by my infatuation and a weakness for the woman." 

***

Kausalya now gets into a proper tizzy.   Just like Dasharatha, she speaks nothing else than Rama's unjust suffering, how she wishes to go and join him in the forest at once, and how she will lose her life otherwise.

***

Sumantra means in Sanskrit "one well-versed in good strategy." This name is not accidental for the senior most minister of Dasharatha. Imagine that someone is lamenting how a very dear one is in some far-off place perhaps suffering a lot, imagining the worst, as there is no way to know their dear one's  condition. Don't we all cheer them up by mentioning as many credible things as possible to show that the dear one may not be suffering so much, after all? This is what Sumantra does.

त्यज शोकं च मोहं च सम्भ्रमं दुःखजं तथा      ।

व्यवधूय च सन्तापं वने वत्स्यति राघवः         ॥

लक्ष्मणश्चापि रामस्य पादौ परिचरन्वने            ।

आराधयति धर्मज्ञः परलोकं जितेन्द्रियः          ॥

विजनेऽपि वने सीता वासं प्राप्य गृहेष्विव        ।

विस्रम्भं लभतेऽभीता रामे सन्न्यस्तमानसा        ॥

रामं वा लक्ष्मणं  वापि दृष्ट्वा जानाति जानकी    ।

अयोध्या क्रोशमात्रे तु विहारमिव संश्रिता         ॥

"Dear queen Kausalya, please abandon all your dismay. Stop imagining that the worst is happening to Sri Rama.  Sri Rama has completely got over his distress and is settling down in the forest. 

"Even Lakshmana is at Sri Rama's feet, serving him in the forest. He is single-mindedly devoted to Sri Rama, knowing his Dharma. Lakshmana is one with great control over his senses and is pursuing only the hereafter (salvation).

"And what can I say about Sita!? Even though she is now in an uninhabited forest, she is going about as if it is her own palace. She is full of confidence and displays no fear. She has fully merged her mind in Sri Rama and thinks of nothing else.

"I saw her enjoying the journey very much, asking about trees, flowers, fruits, scenery, and the villages we passed. She was in a very childlike happy, curious, mood.

"When she sees Sri Rama, or Lakshmana, Janaki knows well that they are not too far away from Ayodhya (and can return any time they wish). So she indeed thinks this sojourn in the forest is only like a picnic."

***

॥                    श्रीरामजयम्                     ॥ 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 26

June 26 - Sargas 57 and 58 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Two short sargas, two unhappy narratives.

***

Seeing Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita disembark from the boat that Guha's man had taken them in across the Ganga, and watching them move away into the forest, both Guha and Sumantra heaved sighs of deep anguish. 

***

Guha's messengers track Sri Rama and company as they visit Bharadwaja's Ashram, cross the Yamuna, and make their way towards Chitrakuta. This information reaches Guha and Sumantra. They both feel a little less concerned about Sri Rama's whereabouts.

Soon Sumantra makes his way back. He drives a wonderful chariot drawn by swift horses.  The countryside he passes through is very beautiful. But nothing seems important. He enters a mournful looking Ayodhya full of apprehensions for the future. 

Six nights have passed since Rama left Ayodhya. The citizens are still wishful that they will see them all return with Sumantra. But when Sumantra enters the city without the three, a pall of gloom covers everyone. Sumantra tells them that the last he saw of Sri Rama was when he had crossed the Ganga.

***

शुश्राव च वचस्तेषां वृन्दं वृन्दं च तिष्ठताम्         ।

हताः स्म खलु ये नेह पश्याम इति राघवम्         ॥

दानयज्ञविवाहेषु समाजेषु महत्सु च                  ।

न द्रक्ष्यामः पुनर्जातु धार्मिकं राममन्तरा              ॥

Those who heard the words of Sumantra, gathered in groups and said repeatedly, "we are all ruined. We shall see Sri Rama no more!"

"In all our activities, be they of giving donations to others, or performing yajnas and prayers, or conducting weddings, or even in large gatherings for special occasions, we shall never again see that most righteous man, Sri Rama!" 

Sumantra could not take all such conversations. Women at their windows and people at street corners and market places were saying the same thing. Sri Rama was a father figure to all, a dear ruler, and Ayodhya felt bereaved, Sumantra covered his face and hurried to the Palace.

***

Scenes of wailing in the palace brought him no relief. On seeing him return without Rama, Dasharatha first collapsed and when revived, sat mutely and heard Sumantra describe the travelogue of Sri Rama till he waved goodbye from across the Ganga to him.

Kausalya could not contain herself. She needled Dasharatha,

अद्येममनयं कृत्वा व्यपत्रपसि राघव                 ।

उत्तिष्ठ सुकृतं तेऽस्तु शोके न स्यात् सहायता      ॥ 

देव यस्या भयाद् रामं नानुपृच्छसि सारथिम्         ।

नेह तिष्ठति कैकेयी विश्रब्धं प्रतिभाषताम्।         ॥

"Oh king of Raghus, are you feeling ashamed by your unrighteous deed of sending Rama into exile? Get up. You may feel blessed that you fulfilled your promise. But nobody will come and commiserate in your present grief.

"Why are you not asking Sumantra to narrate in detail the travails of Rama? Kaikeyi, fearing whom you dare not ask questions, is not here. So you may speak without fear." 

***

When Dasharatha comes to his senses, he speaks with Sumantra, expressing his dismay that the two princes and Sita have been forced into a most inhospitable environment without any of the luxuries and royal paraphernalia they deserved to enjoy. The dangers of the forest do not escape him. 

***

Pressed to tell the message he had brought from the three of them, Sumantra bows deeply to Dasharatha and says that Rama has conveyed his most sincere respects to the king. He has also sent words of love and consolation to Kausalya. His words to her are to be with dignity but without ego, with concern but without anxiety towards all especially Kaikeyi and Bharata. 

कुमारे भरते वृत्तिर्वर्तितव्या च राजवत्      ।

अर्थज्येष्ठा हि राजानो राजधर्ममनुस्मर      ॥

"Dear mother Kausalya, please conduct yourself towards Bharata as you should towards the king, even though he is young (i.e. he wasn't the senior most to deserve the throne). After all a king is a king and deserves to be respected and followed as such. "

Rama adds that Bharata should also take good care of all his mothers without difference and respect the elderly king's wishes and rule well. When Rama speaks to Bharata about taking care of Kausalya who is missing her own son, he breaks down in sorrow.

***

But Lakshmana was irrepressible in his outburst. He spared no words. For what offence was Rama banished? The king may decide whether his actions at the behest of Kaikeyi were warranted or not but  let him look at the fate of them three - Sri Rama Sita and Lakshmana now! Maybe the king thought he could do anything he pleased. Or perhaps he had some fear of God. But the action itself was unjust. This foolish and unjust act was bound to bring sorrow to all.

अहं तावन्महाराजे पितृत्वं नोपलक्षये     ।

भ्राता भर्ता च बन्धुश्च पिता च मम राघवः ॥

"Therefore I do not regard king Dasharatha any more as my father. My brother, my protector and lord,  and always my own by filial bond, as well as my father, is Rama and Rama alone." Lakshmana adds that the king by his act has forfeited his right to rule over the people.

***

What about Sita? She was bewildered, sorrowful and unable to say anything as she mutely watched her husband's condition. All she could do was shed copious tears.

तथैव रामोऽश्रुमुखः कृताञ्जलिः 

        स्थितोब्रवील्लक्ष्मणबाहुपालितः          ।

तथैव सीता रुदती तपस्विनी 

        निरीक्षते राजरथं तथैव माम्                ॥

"Leaning on Lakshmana's arms, Rama stood, his face streaming down with tears, and palms folded, while Sita glared at me and the royal chariot, weeping."

Thus ends Sumantra's account.

***

॥                       श्रीरामजयम्                      ॥ 

 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 25

June 25 - Sargas 55 and 56 of Ayodhya Kanda. 

Sage Bharadwaja gives his benediction to Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita for their safe and successful sojourn in the forest. He also gives detailed directions on how to reach Chitrakuta after crossing the Yamuna river. 

The three are quite energised after getting the blessing of the famous sage and proceed in the direction of Yamuna.

There is a description of the way they cross the river, and reach Chitrakuta. There is a quaint description of the forest. Then Lakshmana builds a hermitage. Sri Rama does an elaborate ceremony of griha pravesha before moving in.

***

तौ काष्ठसंघाटमथो चक्रतुः सुमहाप्लवम्              ।

शुश्कैर्वशैः समाकीर्णमुशीरैश्च समावृतम्               ॥

ततो वैतसशाखाश्च जम्बुशाखाश्च वीर्यवान्            ।

चकार लक्ष्मणश्च्छित्वा सीतायाः सुखमासनम्          ॥

 तत्र श्रियमिवाचिन्त्यां रामो दाशरथिः प्रियाम्         ।

ईषत्स लज्जमानां तामध्यारोपयत प्लवाम्             ॥     

The two brothers built a large stable raft with logs of trees bound with strong creepers, with bamboo reeds for the floor, and covered with fragrant Ushira (lamancha/vetiver) grass for comfort. Lakshmana fashioned a fine seat for Sita with jamun wood and reeds.  Sri Rama took a bashful Sita's hand as she looked unbelievably like goddess Lakshmi and helped her climb on to the raft. The brothers carefully loaded up their belongings. Lakshmana and then Rama got on to the raft and sailed the swift flowing Kalindi/Yamuna river and crossed to the southern bank.

***

Just as she did for river Ganga, Sita also says a prayer to Yamuna to bless them for a safe sojourn and return to Ayodhya after the exile. She vows to make generous offerings on their return.

***

They rest under a large banyan tree as advised by sage Bharadwaja. Then they start walking towards Chitrakuta. It is an incredibly beautiful forest filled with sights, sounds, and fragrances. 

Sri Rama tells Lakshmana who is walking in the front that whatever fruits and flowers Sita asks for, he should fetch. Sita is also having a great time asking Sri Rama coming behind her about the different flower trees and other creepers and shrubs, some of which she has not seen before. As per Sita's wishes, Lakshmana gathers a wide range of lovely forest flowers for her. 

The brothers hunt deer for food and the three appease themselves. Then they proceed to the Chitrakuta hill.

En route they visit the ashrama of sage Valmiki and take his blessings. Interesting that this location is quite far away from his eventual ashrama on the bank of Tamasa river as we saw early in the Balakanda. 

They rest for the night.

***

Next morning, Sri Rama wakes up Lakshmana from his well-deserved rest. He cheers him up pointing to the pleasant cries of birds. As they walk on towards Chitrakuta, Sri Rama again tells Sita about the wonderful kimshuka trees with a plethora of red flowers that look as if the trees have decorated themselves with garlands. Then the bhallataka trees overladen with flowers and fruits. He points Lakshmana to the very large honeycombs hanging in many trees. Peacocks, song birds, elephants, many other animals seem to be welcoming them. There is plenty of sweet water.

 

There stands the Chitrakuta mountain amidst all these bounties of nature.

***

Sri Rama instructs Lakshmana to build a sturdy hut for their stay. Lakshmana sets about getting the wood, bamboo, grass and so on. Soon he erects a beautiful hut on the flat top.

***

तां निष्ठितां बद्धकटां दृश्ट्वा रामस्सुदर्शनाम्             ।

शुश्रूषमाणमेकाग्रमिदं  वचनमब्रवीत्                    ॥

ऐणेयं मांसमाहृत्य शालां यक्ष्यामहे वयम्               ।

कर्तव्यं वास्तुशमनं सौमित्रे चिरजीविभिः                ॥

Seeing the completed hut, beautiful in every way, with a sturdy  structure of tree-logs,  covered with thick and weather-hardy mats, all done so quickly by the ever-efficient Lakshmana, who was now waiting full of attention for further instructions from him, Sri Rama spoke thus:

"Dear Lakshmana, since we intend to live here for long, we should propitiate the guarding deities and purify the vastu of this new hut. We should make offerings as prescribed in rituals of the venison of a black antelope and other materials. Please fetch the needed materials."

There is now an elaborate description of the materials hunted down by Lakshmana and then prepared in the fire and offered by Sri Rama along with Vedic chants and prayers. We see the continuity of tradition here as even today a proper vastu homa is a must for any Hindu home newly constructed or newly occupied.

***

We have already read how Sri Rama and even so Lakshmana are adept at many things. Not only are they experts in handing divine weapons, they know royal traditions, Vedic and scriptural rituals, architecture,  building boats, finding their way about in the forest. No wonder we have read in our literature how learned young men would master up to 64 different arts and crafts.

There is also some consternation in us as we read how they hunted wild boar and deer and ate meat. This requires just a little bit of thinking. They were warriors of the highest class. They had undertaken a fourteen year exile in the forest. No doubt they would eschew every royal comfort and fancy palatial cuisine. But warriors ate meat. Simple.

Also the Vedic rituals involved sacrifices. It is a testimony to the evolution of our civilisation and culture that Brahminical traditions of prayer and worship without animal offerings and such have evolved over the last millennium.

What we have retained however is the high ethical values of conduct and adherence to truth and pursuit of larger good that has been an unbroken tradition of Sanatana Dharma.

***

॥                     श्र्रीरामजयम्                   ॥ 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 24

June 24 - Sargas 53 and 54 of Ayodhya Kanda. 

As they prepare to pass the night on their grass beds under the peepul tree, Sri Rama is in a dark mood and utters words of concern about Ayodhya, Dasharatha and their mothers. He bemoans the condition his old and incapable father must be in after yielding to the mean Kaikeyi's demands purely occasioned by his weakness for sexual pleasure. 

इदं व्यसनमालोक्य राज्ञश्च मतिविभ्रमम्           ।

काम एवार्थधर्माभ्यां गरीयानिति मे मतिः         ॥

को ह्यविद्वानपि पुमान् प्रमदायाः कृते त्यजेत्     ।

छन्दानुवर्तिनं पुत्रं तातो मामिव लक्ष्मण            ॥

"Lakshmana, seeing this woeful condition the king has been reduced to, and his mental aberration, I have to say that I think passion (desire for pleasure) surpasses in its influence any considerations of one's material and righteous welfare.

"Otherwise, Lakshmana,  how do you explain such an act? It is unlikely even in an uneducated person! That a man abandons his son for the sake of a woman, as my father did of me, a dutiful and obedient son!?"

Sri Rama goes on to paint a very grim prospect for Kausalya and others. Kaikeyi would rather that the king dies once Bharata is installed as heir apparent. Bharata will enjoy the kingdom all for himself. Sri Rama imagines the worst for Kausalya and Sumitra at the hands of Kaikeyi. He urges Lakshmana to go back at once to Ayodhya to take care of them.

अहमेको गमिष्यामि सीतया सह दण्डकान्        ।

अनाथाया हि नाथस्त्वं कौसल्याया भविष्यसि    ॥

मया हि चिरपुष्टेन दुःखसंवर्धतेन च                  ।

विप्रयुज्यत कौसल्या फलकाले धिगस्तु माम्      ॥ 

एको ह्यहमयोध्यायां च पृथिवीं चापि लक्ष्मण     ।

तरेयमिषुभिः क्रुद्धो ननु कार्यमकारणम्               ॥

"Dear Lakshmana, I will go alone with Sita into the Dandaka forest.  You please proceed at once and be her support and take care of the queen Kausalya who has no protector now.

"What an irony that Kausalya brought me up so well and with so much difficulty. Now she has been separated from me and I am not taking care of her when the time has come for it! How unworthy a son am I! Fie on me!

"Indeed, Lakshmana, it is not difficult for me to single-handedly take over Ayodhya and even the whole world with my arrows once provoked. But such aggression is unwise without any just cause."

And so on. As we read the shlokas we realise how utterly human albeit noble and scrupulous Sri Rama was. Valmiki has not tried to gold-plate the character into a deity who is beyond human emotions.

To all this Lakshmana has a very simple response.

नैतदौपयिकं राम यदिदं परितप्यते             ।

विषादयसि सीतां च मां चैव पुरुषर्षभ         ॥

न च सीता त्वया हीना न चाहमपि राघव      ।

मुहूर्तमपि जीवावो जलान्मत्स्याविवोद्धतौ    ॥

"Oh Rama, it behoves you not to lament like this as it is totally unproductive. You are through your tears and words causing great distress to Sita and me too, oh tiger among men!

"Neither Sita nor I will survive even for a moment separated from you. We will die like fish pulled out of water."

Lakshmana says neither Ayodhya nor Dasharatha, Sumitra, Shatrughna nor anyone else in Ayodhya has any attraction for him if it means he will leave the side of Rama. Not even heaven. So the discussion is closed.

Sri Rama realises Lakshmana's mindset and gladly agrees that he will stay on with them.

***

They rest well after that and next day proceed southward. They pass many beautiful forests and see many eye-catching sights. Proceeding further they come to the holy confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at Prayag. Sri Rama points Lakshmana to rising smoke in the yonder distance and says that this holy spot must be the home of a great muni. Soon they discover the Ashrama of sage Bharadwaja. The hermitage is surrounded by verdant nature full of birds and animals all living in harmony as it were. The place is abuzz with disciples performing many homas and austerities.

ततस्त्वाश्रममासाद्य मुनेर्दर्शनकाङ्क्षिणौ ।

सीतायानुगतौ वीरौ दूरादेवावतस्थतुः     ॥

हुताग्निहोत्रं दृष्ट्वैव महाभागः कृताञ्जलिः  ।

रामः सौमित्रिणा सार्धं सीतया चाभ्यवादयत् ॥

Then approaching the Ashrama of the sage, desirous of having his darshan, Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita waited at some distance to be received.

After they were cordially received and ushered into the presence of the sage, Sri Rama, the noble one, offered his obeisances as he beheld the sage performing homa with agnihotra. Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita all offered their deep respects.

***

Sri Rama introduces himself and Lakshmana to the rishi as the princes from Ayodhya and this Sita as the daughter of the great king Janaka and his wife. He has been sent to the forest by his father and Sita and Lakshmana have decided to come along.

Bharadwaja says he knows the unfortunate sequence of events. He offers the best of hospitality to them. He treats them to a dainty dinner made with fruits and roots and shoots of the forest. He makes them very comfortable for the night. He also regales Sri Rama and others with many stories through the night. What a wonderful time they should have had!

Next morning, Bharadwaja says that this ashrama is situated very well amidst bountiful nature at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Yamuna. So Sri Rama may stay here for the entire duration of the exile with no difficulties at all.

Sri Rama replies, 

भगवन्नित आसन्नः पौरजनपदो जनः        ।

सुदर्शमिह मां प्रेक्ष्य मन्येऽहमिममाश्रमम्   ॥

आगमिष्यति वैदेहीं मां चापि प्रेक्षको जनः ।

अनेन कारणेनाहमिह वासं न रोचये            ॥ 

"Revered sage, there are many towns and villages in this vicinity. Many people will therefore easily spot me in the ashrama. They will start coming here desirous of seeing Sita and me. That will disturb the ashrama very much. Also that situation is unsuitable for my intended sojourn in the forest. I therefore respectfully decline your offer. Please suggest a secluded and somewhat inaccessible place."

Hearing these very sensible words of Sri Rama, Bharadwaja recommends a beautiful hill not very far away (around 35 km) called Chitrakuta.

वासमौपयिकं मन्ये तव राम महाबल         ।

नानानगगणोपेतः किन्नरोरगसेवितः          ॥

मयूरनादभरितो गजराजनिषेवितः               ।

गम्यतां भवता शीलश्चित्रकूट: स विश्रुतः      ॥

"In that case, dear Rama, oh mighty one, I consider a most suitable place for your stay to be the Chitrakuta hill. It is surrounded by many trees. It is home to a wide range of simians, deer, bears, other animals, birds like peacocks, elephants, snakes and even demi-celestials (Kinnaras). It is very beautiful. It has rivulets, waterfalls, lakes and caves. You will find your stay there with Sita to be most delightful."

***

॥                 श्रीरामजयम्                   ॥ 

 

 

Valmiki Ramayana - June 23

June 23 - Sargas 51 and 52 of Ayodhya Kanda. 

Guha and Lakshmana spend the night speaking about Sri Rama and the likely situation in Ayodhya. Then Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana cross the Ganga after instructing Sumantra to return to Ayodhya.

***

After Sri Rama and Sita have retired, Guha requests Lakshmana to take rest in the special bed the hunters have made for him. Guha and his people will stand guard for the vigil. 

अस्य प्रासादादाशंसे लोकेऽस्मिन् सुमहद् यशः   ।

धर्मावाप्तिं च विपुलामार्थकामौ च पुष्कलौ       ॥

सोऽहं प्रियसखं रामं शयानं सह सीतया             ।

रक्षिष्यामि धनुष्पाणिः सर्वथा ज्ञातिभिः सह       ॥

Guha tells Lakshmana, "Please take this as my inner most truth, I am going to receive all grace and glory from Sri Rama's benediction. I shall acquire Dharma, as well as material welfare and all that I desire only owing to Sri Rama's favour. Therefore I consider it my utmost duty to take care of him as he rests here with Sita. I shall stand guard with bow and arrow and my people here know every kind of danger and how to ward it off."

Lakshmana replies that indeed they have absolutely no fear or anxiety resting there under Guha's care. 

कथं दाशरथौ भूमौ शयाने सह सीतया               ।

शक्या निद्रा मया लब्धुं जीवितं वा सुखानि वा   ॥  

However indeed is it possible for Lakshmana to get sleep, and enjoy life's comforts when he sees Sri Rama and Sita sleeping on bare ground thus? The same Sri Rama, whom no gods or demons can encounter in war. The same Sri Rama who is as glorious as his father the great king Dasharatha?

Lakshmana goes into a very sad train of thought about what will come to pass in Ayodhya. 

कथं पुत्रं महात्मानं ज्येष्ठपुत्रमपश्यतः                  ।

शरीरं धारयिष्यन्ति प्राणा राज्ञो महात्मनः             ॥

विनष्टे नृपतौ पश्चात् कौसल्या विनशिष्यति           ।

अनन्तरं च मातापि मम नाशमुपैष्यति                  ॥ 

Lakshmana tells Guha, "How will his life breath survive in my father the great king Dasharatha when he is not able to set eyes on his noble son Rama? Once he dies, Kausalya will follow him. Even my mother Sumitra will die soon after. "

Lakshmana conjectures, without mentioning Bharata, that those who are fortunate to perform the king's last rites will be lucky to enjoy the glories and beauties of the wonderful Ayodhya with its well-laid mansions, gardens, facilities and happy citizenry. 

When Lakshmana sighs wondering if there is any chance for them after completing their exile to re-enter Ayodhya and set their eyes on their father alive, Guha is wrenched with sorrow and Valmiki says he was like an elephant silently shedding tears owing to some deep fever. 

***

At daybreak Sri Rama instructs Lakshmana to request Guha for a suitable boat to cross Ganga. Sri Rama does not miss noticing and telling Lakshmana about the call of cuckoos and peacocks as nature wakes up in joy. 

Guha readies an excellent boat. Sri Rama and Lakshmana wear their armour and hold their weapons. Their meagre belongings are loaded into the boat. Then Sumantra comes forward. Sri Rama tells him that he should now return to Ayodhya. 

Their conversation is extremely moving. Sri Rama tells Sumantra that he is the most trust-worthy and competent minister to be by the side of Dasharatha in this most difficult time. He should take extremely good care of the king and the three queens. Dasharatha should quickly install Bharata. 

नैवाहमनुशोचामि न लक्ष्मणो न च शोचति     ।

अयोध्यायाश्च्युताश्चेति वने वत्स्यामहेति वा  ॥

चतुर्दशसु वर्षेषु निवृत्तेषु पुनः पुनः                ।

लक्ष्मणं मां च सीतां च द्रक्ष्यसे शिघ्रमागतान्   ॥ 

"Please tell the king that neither I nor Lakshmana are distressed that we have left Ayodhya and are going to dwell in the forest. Once we complete the period of fourteen years, we shall return and the king will behold us constantly. These years will pass very quickly. "

 On his part Sumantra goes into a big protestation that neither the citizens of Ayodhya will be happy nor the future of Ayodhya will be good once Sri Rama is gone. Even the horses will not like to go back without Sri Rama. On his part Sumantra is most apprehensive about Kaikeyi and cannot muster courage to return to the capital without Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.

Sri Rama tells Sumantra it is inevitable that Sumantra returns quickly to Ayodhya. In fact that is most essential as it will be final proof and reassurance to Kaikeyi that Rama has indeed gone into exile.

Sri Rama has detailed instructions for Sumantra on how to care for the king and make sure he does not miss Rama. He has words also for Bharata. Bharata should show the same love and respect to all the three queens as also the king. 

तातस्य प्रियकामेन यौवराज्यमवेक्षता              ।

लोकयोरुभयोः शक्यं नित्यदा सुखमेधितुम्       ॥ 

"Dear Bharata, by the fond desire of the king you are being made Yuvaraja. Please discharge your responsibilities always such that the king will get happiness in this world and in the next world too."

Many more instructions.

Then Sri Rama requests Guha to get the sap of the banyan tree. Rama and Lakshmana anoint their hair into matted locks.  Valmiki says the two brothers with their matted locks and medicant clothes looked like two great tapasvis. 

Rama has words of statesmanly advice to Guha on how to rule well and protect the people and the treasures under his watch.

Rama tells Lakshmana to board the boat first, steady it for Sita to climb into, and then Rama will board.

The three get into the boat with the oarsman. Rama says appropriate prayers and sips Ganga's holy water reverentially. 

***

As they cross the Ganga, Sita offers her prayers to the holy river midstream. This is a very eloquent prayer from a lady who hardly speaks. She says:

ततस्त्वां देवि सुभगे क्षमेण पुनरागता          ।

यक्ष्ये प्रमुदिता गङ्गे सर्वकामसमृद्धिनी         ॥

"Dear Devi Ganga, under your grace, we shall complete fourteen years in the forest safely. Your most auspicious and gracious nature will fulfil all our desires. I make a vow to worship you on our safe return with bountiful offerings and offerings to Brahmins and others."

***

After they land on the other bank, Rama instructs Lakshmana how they shall proceed henceforth.

अवश्यं रक्षणं कार्यं मद्विधैर्विजने वने          ।

अग्रतो गच्छ सौमित्रे सीता त्वामनुगच्छतु     ॥

पृष्ठतोऽनुगमिष्यामि सीतां त्वां चानुपालयन् ।

अन्योन्यस्य हि नो रक्षा कर्तव्या पुरुषर्षभ     ॥ 

न हि तावदतिक्रान्तासुकरा काचन क्रिया      ।

अद्य दुःखं तु वैदेही वनवासस्य वेत्स्यति        ॥

"Dear Lakshmana, henceforth we have to protect one another in this uninhabited dense forest.  So do as I tell you. You shall always travel ahead. Sita shall follow you. And I will come following her. Oh tiger among men, this is the way we shall look out for each other and protect ourselves. 

"So far Sita has seen no hardship or danger at all, living in royal luxury. Sita is now going to be exposed to the difficulties and dangers of forest life in plenty."

***

Valmiki describes how the three of them were utterly famished after travelling for so long with no food. The brothers hunted down a wild boar and some deer. They managed thus to get some proper food. They rested under a tree for the night. 

***

॥                           श्रीरामजयम्                           ॥ 

Oh your smile!

Valmiki Ramayana - June 22

June 22 - Sargas 49 and 50 of Ayodhya Kanda.

As they cross rivers, many thoughts of Ayodhya cross Sri Rama's mind. They arrive at the bank of the holy Ganga and are received by Guha, the king of hunters.

***

Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita travelled through many charming regions and villages of Kosala desha (another name for Ayodhya kingdom). They heard people discussing how a lust-besotted king Dasharatha had relinquished his great son with no justification at all. What an evil woman was Kaikeyi. And so on.

Although steered by swift horses, their passage appeared to be slow as their thoughts were not so happy.

They travelled southward and crossed Vedashruti, Gomati and Syandika rivers. Many forests, paddy cultivation fields, orchards and grasslands greeted them. And they reached the bank of the river Ganga.

***

Valmiki is excited to describe the Ganga. There are more than a dozen verses of charming poetry. A sample:

***

देवसङ्घाप्लुतजलां निर्मलोत्पलसंकुलाम्             ।

क्वचिदाभोगपुलिनां क्वचिन्निरमलवालुकाम्      ॥

हंससारससंघुष्टां चक्रवाकोपशोभिताम्               ।

सदामत्तैश्च विहगैरभिपन्नामनिनदिताम्                ॥

क्वचित् तीररुहैर्वृक्षैर्मालाभिरिव शौभिताम्             ।

क्वचित् फुल्लोत्पलच्छन्नां क्वचिद्पद्मवनाकुलाम्  ॥  

Sri Rama saw the Ganga, the holy river in which gods bathed, with many blue lilies. She flowed with banks at places curved, and in some places filled with white sand. 

She was resounding with the calls of swans and cranes, and shone with many  chakravakas (ruddy geese). All the birds that thronged the Ganga seemed in inebriated ecstasy. Ganga, the holy river, was their home!

At places there were flowering trees on her banks looking like her garlands. At many places she sported many lilies and large lotuses too.

***

Rama decided to rest for the night. He pointed to a large almond tree full of rich foliage and flowers. Rama told Lakshmana and Sumantra that they will rest there for the night. He said what a great fortune was theirs as they would be watching the holy Ganga, revered by gods, demons, and all other beings.

As they were preparing to encamp there for the night, they saw the local king of hunters, Guha, at a distance. He had come with his ministers and soldiers. Sri Rama and Lakshmana went to him and greeted him. Guha was overwhelmed. He was keenly aware of the tragic circumstances of Rama's exile. He prayed that his kingdom was Rama's and Rama should happily stay there and rule this land. He arranged for a dainty dinner of many delicacies to be brought at once. See Rama's response:

***

पद्भ्यामभिगमाच्चैव स्नेहसंदर्शनेन च             ।

भुजाभ्यां साधुवृत्ताभ्यां पीडयन् वाक्यमब्रवीत्   ॥  

दिष्ट्या त्वां गुह पश्यामि ह्यरोगं सह बान्धवैः     ।

अपि ते कुशलं राष्ट्रे मित्रेषु च वनेषु च             ॥

यत् त्विदं भवता किञ्चित् प्रीत्या समुपकल्पितम्  ।

सर्वं तदनुजानामि  नहि वर्ते प्रतिगर्हे                ॥

कुशचीराजिनधरं फलमूलाशनं च माम्            ।

विद्धि प्रणिहितं धर्मे तापसं वनगोचरम्            ॥  

अश्वानां खादनेनाहमर्थी नान्येन केनचित्           ।

एतावतात्र भवता भविष्यामि सुपूजितः            ॥

Sri Rama embraced Guha tightly and spoke thus:"By your coming on foot to receive us, and offering such affectionate reception, we are most pleased."   

"I am very happy to see that by fortunate circumstances, you are healthy and surrounded by near and dear ones. I can see your kingdom is prosperous with well-wishers and also well provided for by the forest.

"Whatever dainty food and other things that you have so hospitably offered, I most thankfully accept. I am sorry we cannot consume any of this so I am returning them to you. Kindly accept them.

"You see, I am foresworn to live in the forest wearing barks and leaves and skins. I am to eat only roots and fruits. That is the Dharma I have to follow living in the forest as a tapas.

"Therefore, dear Guha, I request you to feed my horses pulling the chariot here. I ask for nothing else. That kind hospitality will please me."

***

Guha did what was requested. Rama said his evening Sandhya prayers, and ate whatever roots and fruits Lakshmana had gathered. Then they retired for the night.

***

॥                       श्रीरामजयम्                      ॥ 

      

Valmiki Ramayana - June 21

June 21 - Sargas 47 and 48 of Ayodhya Kanda.

The citizens of Ayodhya who had gone behind Rama certain that their loving demand for his staying back in Ayodhya will make him return are shocked at day-break when they find no signs of Sri Rama, Lakshmana or Sita. Even the chariot has not left any meaningful track marks to follow. They feel utterly ashamed at having lost Sri Rama.

They talk of giving up their lives. They propose that they go deep into the forest themselves. 

Finally, very tired and very dejected, they wend their way back into a city completely shorn of its splendour and activity. Their women are shocked to hear that the citizens have returned without Rama. Nobody is in a mood for any normal activity.

The women tell the menfolk that they should all go away to the forest and somehow join Rama and Sita. They are all convinced that wherever there is Rama there will be joy and prosperity. The women will serve Sita, the men can serve Rama, and in turn those two will take care of all of them. Nature will rejoice in Rama's presence and no danger or difficulty will be faced.

***

या पुत्रं पार्थिवेन्द्रस्य प्रवासयति निर्घृणा          ।

कस्तां प्राप्य सुखं जीवेदधर्म्यां दुषदटचारिणीम्   ॥

न हि प्रव्रजिते रामे जीविष्यति महीपतिः             ।

मृते दशरथे व्यक्तं विलोपस्तदनन्तरम्               ॥

मिथ्याप्रव्राजितो रामः सभार्यः सहलक्ष्मणः        ।

भरते सन्निबद्धाः स्मः सौनिके पशवो यथा         ॥

उपशान्तवणिक्पण्या नष्टहर्षो निराश्रया           ।

अयोध्या नगरी चासीन्नष्टतारमिवाम्बरम्           ॥

"The woman who can banish even the king's eldest son without any qualm, what kind of an evil would she harbour. What joy or peace can we look forward to as ordinary citizens under the care of such an unrighteous and patently dangerous woman?

"After Rama's going away to the forest, the king will certainly not survive.  Once Dasharatha is dead, the ruination of Ayodhya will come to be experienced.

"Rama was wrongly and untruthfully sent away to the forest, that too with Sita and Lakshmana. Now under Bharata we will become as helpless as animals tied up by the butcher for slaughter."

Thus, resounding with lamentations and apprehensions, the entire city of Ayodhya shut down. Shopkeepers and traders downed their shutters. Those few who opened their shops found no buyers.  The city of Ayodhya resembled a sky without stars in the night.

***

॥                   श्रीरामजयम्                    ॥  

   

International Yoga Day

Valmiki Ramayana - June 20.

June 20 - Sargas 45 and 46 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Valmiki describes how the citizens and venerable Brahmins followed Rama's chariot imploring him to return. Sri Rama found it impossible to shrug them off. In fact deep in the night, just before sunrise, he asked Sumantra to take the chariot quietly across the Sarayu river so that they could proceed into the forest without waking up the citizens.

***

आवेक्षमाणः सस्नेहं ताः प्रजाः स्वां प्रजाः इव।

उवाच रामः सस्नेहं चक्षुषा प्रपिबन्निव          ॥

या प्रीतिर्बहुमानश्च मय्ययोध्यानिवासिनाम्    । 

मत्प्रियार्थं विशेषेण भरते सा विधेयताम्       ॥

स हि कल्याणचारित्रः कैकेय्यानन्दवर्धनः     । 

करिष्यति यथावद् वः प्रियाणि च हितानि च  ॥

ज्ञानवृद्धो वयोबालो मृदुर्वीर्यगुणान्वितः.         ।

अनुरूपः स वो भर्ता भविष्यति भयापहः        ॥

Sri Rama looked with eyes overflowing with love at the citizens of Ayodhya, considering them to be as much his responsibility as they were the citizens of Ayodhya. 

He spoke in tender words to them: "Whatever love and regard the citizens of Ayodhya hold me in, it is my most earnest appeal that the same is extended and imposed in Bharata. 

"Bharata has a most worthy and auspicious character as much as he is the dear son of queen Kaikeyi. He will do whatever is dear to the people of Ayodhya and at the same time what ensures their welfare. 

"Although Bharata is young, know that he is very wise (the term is ज्ञानवृद्धः meaning as wise as a man of years of life's learning). He is soft-hearted and yet a valorous warrior. He is most appropriate to be your king (for a change you will have a young king!) and will rule so well that you need have no apprehensions at all. "

Despite all Rama's words and assurances, the people do not stop their appeal. 

In fact a group of wise and elderly Brahmins, with grey hairs, their radiance acquired through austerities, and their heads shaking with age, have come to importune Rama. They speak directly to the horses and ask that the horses do not take Rama into the forest but bring him back to Ayodhya! Even the horses seem to listen to them. 

When Rama does not relent, the Brahmins say their white umbrellas and their years of doing homa and tapas all are at his service. They have decided to follow him to the forest and are not worried about leaving behind their wives or family. 

Sri Rama is embarrassed that these holy men of advancing years are walking with difficulty while he is on the chariot. He gets down and asks Sita and Lakshmana also to alight. The three start walking towards the Sarayu river which they need to cross. 

At nightfall Sumantra and Lakshmana make grass beds for Rama and Sita to rest. Rama points out to the yonder forest and says, "look, Ayodhya is in distress and confusion after our departure. But the forest is resplendent and awaits us." 

Rama says they shall retire without eating as it is their first night of exile. 

As Sita and Rama are resting, Lakshmana keeps awake describing Rama's great qualities to Sumantra. 

It is almost dawn. Rama wakes up and tells Sumantra that the only way to proceed without the citizens is to quietly cross Sarayu into the forest. Sumantra gets the chariot ready and they cross over. 

Rama wants to cover their trail to send back the citizens. He asks Sumantra to drive the chariot in random directions for some distance to leave misleading track marks. Afterwards the three mount the chariot and Sumantra drives them into the forest on the northward auspicious path. 

***

॥            श्रीरामजयम्            ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - June 19

June 19 - Sargas 43 and 44 of Ayodhya Kanda.

Dasharatha has to now listen to Kausalya as she shows her grief and anxiety about Rama and her feelings towards Kaikeyi. One would expect nothing else from the senior queen slighted and ignored so far by Dasharatha and insulted by Kaikeyi in the past. Her sense of tragedy is indeed immense.

Then Valmiki brings in the sagely words of Sumitra. She speaks eloquently and convincingly to put a positive spin on the situation and assuages the feelings of Kausalya. 

***

विवास्य रामं सुभगा लब्धकामा समाहिता      ।

त्रासयिष्यति मां भूयो दुष्टाहिरिव वेश्मनि        ॥

पातयित्वा कैकेय्या रामं स्थानाद् यथेष्टितः     ।

प्रविद्धो रक्षसां भागः पर्वणीवाहिताग्निना      ॥

Kausalya says, "Kaikeyi is fortunate. She has achieved her desire by sending away Rama to the forest. Now she will have me under her control at home and torment me like a wicked serpent.

"Succumbing to Kaikeyi's demand, you have banished Rama to the forest. You tripped him from his due coronation. It is as if the performers of a homa sacrifice wrongly direct the homa fire and divert the offerings intended for the gods and give them instead to the demons."

And so on. 

Kausalya again says she will die from this separation. 

There are many comparisons by Valmiki to the distress of a milching cow when her calf is separated from her and taken away. This shows how much cows and prized bulls were regarded in our culture, as well as how advanced the practice was of rearing cattle in a holistic manner.

As anyone would in her position, Kausalya also fantasises about the return of Rama and paints a glorious picture of how the people of Ayodhya will celebrate his triumphant return. She also says many things about the hardships and distress Rama, Lakshmana and Sita will face in the forest.

Not dwelling on the anguish of Dasharatha as he hears Kausalya, Valmiki brings in Sumitra and her eloquent words of reassurance to Kausalya.

***

यस्तवार्ये गतः पुत्रस्त्यक्त्वा राज्यं महाबलः         ।

साधु कुर्वन् माहात्मानं पितरं सत्यवादिनम्          ॥

शिष्टैराचरिते सम्यक्शश्वत् प्रेत्य फलोदये            ।

रामो धर्मे स्थितः श्रेष्ठो न स शोच्यः कदाचन       ॥

वर्तते चोत्तमां वृत्तिं लक्ष्मणोऽस्मिन् सदानघः       ।

दयावान् सर्वभूतेषु लाभस्तस्य महात्मनः             ॥

अरण्यवासे यद् दुःखं  जानन्त्येव सुखोचिता        ।

अनुगच्छति वैदेही धर्मात्मानं तवात्मजम्             ॥

Sumitra tells Kausalya, "Oh noble queen, indeed your son of great valour has discarded the kingdom and gone to the forest. He has done something very noble and righteous as he is upholding the word and honour of his great father who has always upheld truth.

"When such deeds are done by noble souls, they always yield lasting fruits for everyone in the future. Therefore Rama who is established in Dharma should never be grieved about.

" I am also very happy about Lakshmana. He is blemishless and always compassionate to all beings. He has done the right thing now in accompanying Rama to the exile. This I am sure will augur much good for him.

"And look at Sita! Knowing fully well the rigours and dangers to be faced during the forest exile, she has rightly followed her husband.  That is because she knows how noble your son is."

Sumitra adds that the sun, the moon, all the elements, and the weather too, will ensure Rama's comfort in consideration of his nobility. She reminds Kausalya how Rama's departure evoked utter distress in the entire Ayodhya. So Ayodhya will rejoice and welcome Rama with boundless joy when he returns triumphantly. Sumitra narrates how Rama has acquired divine weapons from Brahma himself and is unconquerable on earth. He is the sun to the sun, moon to the moon and fire to the fire. These words suggest that Sumitra indeed knew Rama was Vishnu himself!

More on these lines until Kausalya is feeling much much better.

निशम्य तल्लक्ष्मणमातृवाक्यम् 

          रामस्य मातुर्नरदेवप्तन्याः          ।

सद्यः शरीरे विननाश शोकः 

          शरद्गतो मेघ इवाल्पतोयः         ॥

Hearing these words from Lakshmana's mother and queen Sumitra, the emotions of Rama's mother and queen Kausalya were pacified. Grief left her body now, just as we see how clouds bearing light moisture scatter away during winter without causing distress.

***

॥                श्रीरामजयम्               ॥