Valmiki Ramayana - May 15

May 15 - Sargas 49 and 50 of Balakanda.

We will get done with Indra's story and Ahalya's release from the curse. Then Vishwamitra, Sri Rama and Lakshmana arrive in the yajna of king Janaka to a rousing reception.

***

Indra, shorn of his testicles, went to the gods and manes (these are demi-gods promoted from human ancestors holding a high position in heaven) and appealed to all of them that his original intention was not born of lust but the recurring action plan to prevent anyone, in this instance, Rishi Gautama, from attaining superpowers through penance. Indra by his misdeed did succeed in disturbing Gautama, and making him lose a lot of accumulated tapas power by manifesting anger and cursing Indra and Ahalya. But Indra had in the process been castrated. So the gods should help him by restoring his manhood.

Agni recommended that the sacrificial goat's testicles be transplanted to Indra. This was done successfully. Apparently since then this is  the practice- that sacrificial goats are offered castrated; and apparently this confers merit on those doing the sacrifice.

Having narrated the story, now Vishwamitra said the moment had come for Ahalya's emancipation. So Sri Rama and Lakshmana entered the hermitage. Lo and behold! At once Ahalya emerged from her thousand-year tapas and was freed from her curse. They all saw how she was extraordinarily beautiful and shone like the moon amidst clouds. Valmiki says she seemed to have been specially created by Brahma in a moment of great inspiration.

***

शापस्यान्तमुपागम्य तेषां दर्शनमागता   ।

राघवौ तु ततस्तस्याः पादौ जगृहतुस्तदा ॥

स्मरन्ती गौतमवचः प्रतिजग्राह सा च तौ ।

पाद्यमर्घ्यं तथातिथ्यं चकार सुसमाहिता  ॥

Ahalya was liberated from her curse and became visible to them. 

Sri Rama and Lakshmana reverentially bowed to her. 

Ahalya at once remembered Gautama's words and recognized them. She also worshipped them and offered all hospitality. 

***

The celestials celebrated the occasion and paid their respects to Ahalya who had been a part of this drama. Sage Gautama recognized the turn of events and returned to the ashrama and exchanged mutual respects with Sri Rama and happily accepted Ahalya. 

***

Sage Vishwamitra, his entourage of sages, and Sri Rama and Lakshmana then entered Mithila, the capital of king Janaka. They encamped at a suitable spot in the wood near water. King Janaka was overjoyed to hear of sage Vishwamitra's arrival and went and received him with great ceremony. He took them all to the yajna mandapa (the sacred hall of the yajna) and requested sage Vishwamitra to occupy the highest seat for the continuance of yajna. After the sage took his seat, the king and his priests and sage Shatananda (his preceptor - much like sage Vasishtha was for Dasharatha) took their seats. King Janaka informed sage Vishwamitra that the entire yajna had become sanctified by his presence and after completing the remaining 12 days of yajna as was due, the sage should kindly be present when all the gods would come down to accept the final oblation (called Purnahuti). The sage smiled and accepted the request. 

Then king Janaka turned his gaze to the two princes. 

***

पुनस्तं परिपप्रच्छ प्राञ्जलिः प्रणतो नृपः। 

इमौ कुमारौ भद्रं ते देवतुल्यपराक्रमौ      ॥

कथं पद्भ्यामिह प्राप्तौ किमर्थं कस्य वा मुने। 

वरायुधधरौ वीरौ कस्य पुत्रौ महामुने         ॥

Then the king bowed down most respectfully to sage Vishwamitra and enquired: "Respected sage, who are these two princes, with obvious godly valour? How come they have come here on foot, for whose mission and what purpose? They are carrying glorious weapons too. Whose children are these, oh noble sage!? " Valmiki also describes in Janaka's words their divine beauty. 

Sage Vishwamitra was very happy to reply. 

न्यवेदयदमेयात्मा पुत्रौ दशरथस्य तौ      । 

सिद्धाश्रमनिवासं च राक्षसानां वधं तथा  ॥

 

तच्चागमनमव्यग्रं विशालायाश्च दर्शनम्  । 

अहल्यादर्शनं चैव गौतमेन समागमम्     ॥

महाधनुषि जिज्ञासां कर्तुमागमनं तथा    । 

एतत्  सर्वं महातेजा जनकाय महातमने     ॥

The most brilliant sage Vishwamitra replied to the high-souled Janaka:  "These are the sons of Dasharatha, and he had sent them with me to Siddhashrama for the protection of my yajna and destruction of the troublesome rakshasas. 

" After the successful accomplishment of their mission, they have happily travelled with me to Vishala. They also went and met=liberated Ahalya and met sage Gautama also (connecting the dots to show who/what Sri Rama was indeed). 

" They are interested in examining your great bow being worshipped in this yajna and therefore have come with me for that purpose. "

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 14

May 14 - Sargas 47 and 48 of Balakanda.

We read of the establishment of the seven sons of Diti as the Maaruts in various spheres. Then how Vishala became a prosperous kingdom. 

We also read of how Indra committed adultery with Ahalya, the wife of sage Gautama, and Gautama's curse on Indra and Ahalya. 

***

वातस्कन्धा इमे सप्त चरन्तु दिवि पुत्रक      ।

मारुता इति विख्याता दिव्यरूपा ममात्मजाः॥

Diti said, "son Indra, I forgive you for your act, because it was my fall grom the penance that resulted in the disememberment of my foetus into seven parts. Now that you are consoling me ( मा रुदः) make these seven into the seven guardians of the winds that travel in the seven worlds as your divine emissaries and earn eternal fame as Maaruts who carry on their shoulders the life-giving winds."

Indra was very happy to carry out this wish and that is how there are seven Maaruts in the universe.

***

Vishwamitra narrates how this spot was indeed where Diti had performed her aborted penance. Later a series of kings in the  Ikshwaku dynasty had ruled this kingdom and brought it glory and prosperity. Now the king in reign was Sumati.

Just then  king Sumati comes and honours sage Vishwamitra and states it is his supreme good fortune that the sage has graced his kingdom. He then curiously enquires who are these two princes, carrying weapons, radiant in beauty and resembling each other, and how come they are accompanying sage Vishwamitra. 

The sage tells the entire story of Dasharatha's Sri Rama and Lakshmana and how they have come and fulfilled their mission. The king is most happy to extend to them the best hospitality. 

Next day the entourage proceeds towards Mithila, their final destination. As they enter its portals, all the sages extol its grandeur. 

On its outskirts, in a wood they come to a spot that seems to be an abandoned hermitage. Sri Rama asks what is its history and who had sanctified the place and later abandoned it and for what reason. 

***

गौतमस्य नरश्रेष्ठ पूर्वमासीनन्महात्मनः। 

आश्रमो दिव्यसंकाशः सरैरपि सुपूजितः  ॥

स चेह तप आतिष्ठदहल्यासहितः पुरा । 

वर्षपूगाननेकान्श्च राजपुत्रमहायशः    ॥

 " Oh Rama, I shall recount the story to you. In this place was the hermitage of the celebrated sage Gautama long ago. That ashram was venerated even by the gods for its spiritual atmosphere.

" Sage Gautama with his wife observed austerities here for many years. The sage was of universal acclaim. (In fact Gautama is reckoned as one of Sapta rishis)." 

***

Now a twist in the tale. 

Once, when the rishi had gone away for his rituals, Indra got a wicked desire to seduce Ahalya. He assumed the appearance of Gautama and came to implore her for sexual union, as his lust could not wait till her prime mating season.Ahalya saw through his disguise and realised it was Indra. But she felt tempted and flattered and so willingly gave in. After their consensual act, both felt very happy. 

A scared Indra was thanked by Ahalya, who said that he had better leave at once but should protect her against sage Gautama. 

A typical scene indeed from a modern potboiler. 

But just as Indra was hurrying away, sage Gautama came to the hermitage, carrying sacred yajna grass and dripping wet after his ritual bath. 

The sage was luminous in his spiritual power. Seeing him, Indra paled in utter fright. Gautama saw at once what had transpired. He cursed Indra to become castrated. Indra's testicles dropped to the ground at once. 

Gautama also cursed Ahalya to a thousand years of dormancy buried in ashes without food or water or air until Sri Rama would come there to resurrect her. 

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम् ॥

ॐ शङ्कराय नमस्ते - Ode to Adi Shankara

निखिलज्ञानमूर्तदिव्यभक्तिभावसिन्धवे

भारतीयभूरिभव्यदर्शनादिगौरवे   ।

हरिहरादिदेवसर्वस्तुतिसहस्रसागरे

सर्वलोकपावनार्थं त्वत्कृते कृपानिधे   ॥

आदिख्यात-आदि-अन्तरहितब्रह्मरूपिणे

भाष्यग्रन्थतत्त्वबोधविविधशास्त्रकर्तृणे  ।

देशदेशमार्गदर्शिपीठवरनिरूपिणे

नमोस्तु ते भवन् प्रसीद भक्तिरस्तु मे प्रभो ॥

Oh Adi Shankara! 

You're the embodiment of the entire body of knowledge, 

You're the divine ocean of devotion! 

You're revered for holding up

the brilliance of the grand spiritual vision of Bharata, 

You have created an ocean of thousands of prayers to Vishnu, Shiva and all other deities for the welfare of all, 

You are the treasure trove of compassion! 

Famous as "Adi Shankara", you are Brahman, without beginning and end. 

You have composed a variety of scriptures including bhashyas on the Prasthanatraya and Tatvabodha. 

In every corner of India, to show the way to liberation, you have  established well the seats of preceptors (पीठ), 

Oh Lord Shankara, I bow down to you. Kindly bless me that I will always have Bhakti! 

🙏🙏🙏🕉️🙏🙏🙏

(photo taken in Sringeri on Navaratri Durga Puja 2019).

Valmiki Ramayana - May 13

May 13- Sargas 45 and 46 of Balakanda.

We read today of the story of gods and demons churning the ocean, and Diti's penance to destroy Indra and his rearguard action to save himself.

Whenever I read these gods' and demons' stories, I remind myself that these are a paradigm for the eternal conflict between righteousness and might. Good and evil qualities are in all of us. Gods have predominantly good tendencies. But they are not infallible. Demons basically pursue the philosophy of "Might is Right". They get boons and conquer the worlds, only to lose their power and are defeated by godly forces that combine right intentions with might.

***

गता भगवती रात्रिः श्रोतव्यं परमं श्रुतम्   ।

तराम सरितां श्रेष्ठां पुण्यां त्रिपथगां नदीम् ॥

नौरेषा हि सुखास्तीर्णा ऋषीणां पुण्यकर्मणाम्। 

भगवन्तमिह प्राप्तं ज्ञात्वा त्वरितमागता    ॥

Sri Rama addressed sage Vishwamitra next morning:  "The divine night has passed after we heard the glorious story of Ganga you have so kindly told us. It is our good fortune now to cross this sacred river who flows in the three worlds. 

Holy Sir, the sages living on the opposite bank have respectfully sent us a very well-furnished boat for the crossing, out of ready reverence for you, sage Vishwamitra. "

***

Vishwamitra's entourage with Sri Rama and Lakshmana comfortably crosses the Ganga in that special boat. As they land, they behold a wonderful city named Vishala. Sri Rama is full of questions about the city's history. 

The sage smilingly escorts Sri Rama and Lakshmana to the city and begins his story. 

***

पूर्वं कृतयुगे राम दितेः पुत्रा महाबलाः । 

अदितेश्च महाभाग वीर्यवन्तः सुधार्मिकाः ॥

ततस्तेषां नरव्याघ्र बुद्धिरासीन्महात्मनाम् । 

अमरा अजराश्चैव कथं स्याम निरामयाः   ॥

The sage began, "O Rama, long ago, the sons of Diti (referred to as demons) were extremely powerful. Their cousins, sons of Aditi (gods) were also valorous, but in addition, righteous and with good virtues. 

" O tiger among men, at that time a thought came to both their minds. How to become deathless, ageless, and free from disease? "

ततो निश्चित्य मथनं योक्त्रं कृत्वा  च वासुकीम्। 

मन्थानं मन्दरं कृत्वा ममन्थुरमितौजसः      ॥

They decided to churn the milky ocean and obtain Amrutha (elixir). They used the celestial serpent Vasuki as the rope, the Mandara mountain as the churning rod, and took both ends between gods and demons and began churning the milky ocean. 

***

उत्पाताग्निसंकाशं हालाहलमहाविषम्  ।

तेन दग्धं जगत्सर्वं सदेवासुरमानुषम्     ॥

After a thousand years of churning, the serpent Vasuki spewed a terrible poison that reduced even rocks to ashes. The poison Halahala rose like volcanic fire and began burning down the entire world, with gods, demons and men. 

उवाचैनं स्मितं कृत्वा रुद्रं शूलभृतं हरिः। 

दैवतैर्मथ्यमाने तु यत्पूर्वं समुपस्थितम्   ॥

तत्वदीयं सुरश्रेष्ठ सुराणामग्रतो हि यत् । 

अग्रपूजामिमां मत्वा गृहाणेदं विषं प्रभो ॥

How to deal with Halahala? Vishnu (Hari) who was present, told them not to worry. Smilingly he approached Shiva, who was holding the trident, and said, "You have seen how the gods have been churning the ocean. Now its first result has come. You are the god of gods and should receive the first offering. Please accept this poison as that offering." 

Any good reader of Indian scriptures knows that God, or Ishwara, appears as Vishnu and Shiva contextually and they are essentially the same Godhead. 

Shiva obliges, and consumes the poison with relish as if it is elixir! His grace granted and gods' request fulfilled, he leaves the gods and demons to continue the churning. 

The churning is halted again when the Mandara mountain used as the churning rod slips down to the netherworld. The gods again appeal to Vishnu to save them. He assumes the form of the mighty Kurma (turtle) and lifts up the mountain. He also appears at Mandara's peak and stabilises it with his hand. He also joins in another form the gods to continue the churning. 

Afterwards, many great things emerge from the churning. First comes god Dhanvantari, with his array of Ayurvedic herbs. Then celestial damsels with their retinue. Since they come out of the ocean they are called Apsaras (ap-sara). Then Vaaruni, daughter of the god of the seas. She is graciously accepted into their fold by the gods. Then Airavata and Ucchaishravas - the divine elephant and horse. Finally, the Amrutha or elixir. 

Imemdiately a fierce war breaks out between the gods and demons. They slaughter each other. Meanwhile quietly Vishnu comes as Mohini and steals away the pot of elixir. The demons attack him in full force. But they are pummelled into defeat by him. 

Finally the gods led by Indra manage to kill off all the sons of Diti. 

***

This makes Diti crave to avenge the death of her sons. She appeals to her sage husband Kashyapa that she must have a boon from him to beget a son who will destroy Indra. That son should be a man of extreme valour and sagely wisdom. 

Sage Kashyapa blesses her, so shall it be, however she has to perform a penance with absolutely no loss of purity for a thousand years. 

She undertakes such a penance. Indra, knowing fully well that her penance is to beget a son who will eliminate him, still goes to her and serves her with extreme devotion and care. She knows it is Indra and yet is pleased by his service. She discloses to him, "you know, its 990 years now since I began this penance. Only ten years remain for me to get a son, destined to destroy you. He will be your younger brother (Indra is the son of Aditi and Diti is her sister and both are married to Kashyapa). You both can rule the three worlds with your combined glory. "

Then something happens. Diti sleeps off one afternoon and places her feet where her head should have been. Taking a nap midday and sleeping the wrong way - this is grave enough an offence to reduce the purity of her penance and bring her exertions to nought. 

Indra at once sees his opportunity and enters into her womb and rends the foetus into seven parts with his diamantine weapon.

Diti wakes up, realises the irretrievable lapse in her penance and what Indra has done. She pleads with him to leave the seven pieces of the foetus alone and not kill the life in them. 

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 12

May 12 - Sargas 43 and 44 of Balakanda.

We read now about how Bhagiratha overcomes the last mile hurdle (a couple of them) before bringing Ganga to earth for his mission. The descent of Ganga is described in great poetry. Brahma blesses Bhagiratha for his extraordinary service to humanity in bringing Ganga to earth.

The first hurdle is ovecome by Shiva's grace:

***

ऊर्ध्वबाहुर्निरालम्बो वायुभक्षो निराश्रयः ।

अचलः स्थाणुवत् स्थित्वा रात्रिन्दिवमरिन्दम ॥

"Oh Rama, subduer of foes, Bhagiratha, as advised by Brahma,  set about propitiating Shiva. He stood like a pillar, balanced on one toe pressed on earth (अङ्गुष्ठाग्रनिपीडितां वसुमतीम्), shelterless, with arms raised to the sky, eating nothing but air, and did tapas day and night.

After a whole year, Shiva came to bless him.

***

प्रीतस्तेऽहं नरश्रेष्ठ करिष्यामि तव प्रियम्  ।

शिरसा धारयिष्यामि शैलराजसुतामहम्     ॥

Shiva spoke: "Oh best among men, Bhagiratha, I am pleased with you and shall oblige you. I shall receive and hold Ganga, daughter of the king of mountains, in my matted locks."

***

Ganga was requested to descend on Shiva's head. Suddenly she decided to come down with such force that she would flood and wash away Shiva also with her to the netherworld.

Sensing her arrogance, Shiva got angry. He decided to tie her up.

***

हिमवत्प्रतिमे राम जटामण्डलगह्वरे ।

सा कथङ्चिन्महीं गन्तुं नाशक्नोद्यत्नमास्थिता ॥

"Oh Rama, once Ganga descended on Shiva's crest, she found herself like a glacier caught up in the cave of Shiva's matted locks. Try as she did very hard, she found no way to emerge and go down to earth."

***

Hapless Bhagiratha again undertook tapas. Shiva was gracious. He kindly let Ganga emerge in a thin stream from his head and fall into Bindu sarovara, a lake created by Brahma.

The poet now waxes eloquent. Ganga flowed as seven rivers. To the east were Hladini, Plavani, Nalini, all sanctified by Shiva's contact. To the west flowed three rivers, Suchakshu, Sita and Sindhu. All sacred waters. The seventh, Alakananda, well known as the purifier of mankind, followed Bhagiratha.

Bhagiratha rode in a chariot. The river followed him. The river that had emerged from Shiva's matted locks made a huge noise. Fishes, turtles, and a whole lot of water-inhabitants flowed within Ganga. Sages, gods, celestials and others assembled in their grand vehicles in the sky to witness Ganga's descent. They all illuminated the sky like a hundred suns. The creatures that fell to earth were like streaks of lightning. The splash of Ganga and consequent white foamy spray rose up and looked like a swarm of swans in the sky.

Ganga flowed sometimes fast. Sometimes in crooked streams. Sometimes in a broad sheet of water. Sometimes like a slow meandering stream. 

This was the sacred Ganga, released originally from Vishnu's feet, descended from heaven, stopped and released by Shiva's mattes locks, splashing on earth, bouncing up and dashing down again, and flowing ahead. Everyone touched her reverentially.

Anyone who bathed in her was at once cleansed of sins. Even the gods and celestials purified themselves in Ganga and ascended to heaven.

***

भगीरथोऽपि राजर्षिः दिव्यं स्यन्दनमास्थितः।

प्रायादग्रे महातेजास्तं गङ्गा पृष्ठतोन्वगात्   ॥

All the while, rajarshi Bhagiratha rode in his divine chariot ahead, ever resplendent. Ganga followed him a little distance behind.

***

At this moment, Ganga was feeling exuberant. They came across a a big yajna being performed by agreat sage, Jahnu. Heedless and arrogant, Ganga flooded the entire place and the yajna. Naturally the sage was incensed and decided to teach her good behaviour. He used his power and drank up the entire river in one gulp. 

The gods rushed and placated him, and asuured him that he had taught Ganga a lesson and henceforth she would be known as his daughter Jahnavi. This satisfied the sage and he released Ganga from his ears! 

Ganga, glad to be again on course as Jahnavi, proceesed behind Bhagiratha.

Thus they reached Rasatala, through the thousands of yojanas of land excavated by Sagara's sons. There, she doused their ashes as desired by Bhagiratha, and the princes were emancipated and went to heaven.

It was now the moment for Brahma to come and congratulate Bhagiratha.

***

सागरस्य जलं लोके यावत् स्थास्यति पार्थिव।

सगरस्यात्मजास्तावत् स्वर्गे स्थास्यन्ति देववत् ॥

इयं च दुहिता ज्येष्ठा तव गङ्गा भविष्यति।

त्वत्कृतेन च नाम्नाथ लोके स्थास्यति विश्रुता ॥

"Oh king Bhagiratha, as long as the waters of the ocean (called Saagara in Sanskrit to remind us that the sons of Sagara by their excavations were responsible for the water to come down and fill up the oceans) are on earth, the sons of king Sagara will live in heaven like gods.

And this river Ganga will be your eldest child and daughter (implying Bhagiratha will have progeny as per his boon) and be well known forever as Bhaagiirathi.

***

Sage Vishwamitra tells Rama that this story of Bhagiratha's achievement in bringing Ganga to earth is holy and will sanctify everyone who listens to it.

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 11

May 11 - Sargas 41 and 42 of Balakanda.

We read now of the retrieval of the yajna horse and the advice of how Sagara's 60,000 sons' souls will be emancipated only when their ashes are awash with the waters of the sacred river Ganga from heaven. King Bhagiratha accomplishes this with great effort.

***

शूरश्च कृतविद्यश्च पूर्वैस्तुल्योऽसि तेजसा।

पितॄणां गतिमन्विच्छ येन चाश्वोऽपवाहितः ॥

अभिवाद्याभिवाद्यांस्त्वं हत्वा विघ्नकरानपि।

सिद्धार्थः संनिवर्तस्व मम यज्ञस्य पारगः  ॥

King Sagara now spoke to his grandson, Anshuman: "You're equally brave and learned like your forefathers. Please pursue the path taken by your uncles and find out who has carried away the horse.

Worship those who are worshippable that you will meet, and destroy those who caused disruption to the yajna. Please come back only when you're successful in retrieving the horse so this yajna may be duly completed."

***

Prince Anshuman's work was now cut out. He travelled in the same direction taken by his uncles and followed their route of excavation down to the netherworld. Enroute he met those mighty, divine, guardian elephants worshipped by all the gods, demons, celestials and spirits. He paid his respects to them and earned their grace.

***

तैश्च सर्वदिशापालैर्वाक्यज्ञैर्वाक्यकोविदैः।

पूजितः सहयश्चैवागन्तासीत्यभिचोदितः  ॥

The prince was felicitated by those guardian elephants, who displayed celestial wisdom and eloquence,  and assured that he would soon find the yajna horse and return with success.

***

भस्मराशीकृता यत्र पितरस्तस्य सागराः।

यज्ञियं च हयं तत्र चरन्तमविदूरतः। 

ददर्श पुरुषव्याघ्रो दुःखशोकसमन्वितः ॥

Just a while later, Anshuman reached the spot where lay the mountain of ashes caused by the burning down of his uncles, 60,000 sons of Sagara. Also, the yajna horse was grazing nearby. On seeing their remains, the brave prince broke down in sorrow. 

स तेषां राजपुत्राणां कर्तुकामो जलक्रियाम्   । 

सलिलार्थी महातेजा न चापश्यज्जलाशयम्  ॥

The prince soon pulled himself together, and wanted to perform the last rites and water oblations for the deceased princes. He looked far and near but found no body of water. 

***

The prince used his occult power and cast his eye far. He then spotted at a great distance god Garuda, who was his forefathers' uncle. (The relationship is not explained). Garuda descended and consoled him. He pacified the prince saying that this burning to ashes of his uncles was a part of destiny's play to bring welfare to mankind in the long run. Also their sin of offending the inestimably great rishi Kapila cound not be atoned easily. So no earthly waters would suffice for the rites. 

***

गङ्गा हिमवतो ज्येष्ठा दुहिता पुरुषर्षभ         । 

तस्यां कुरु महाबाहो पितॄणां तु जलक्रियाम्  ॥

Garuda advised, "Oh brave prince, Ganga is the elder daughter of Himavan and she flows in heaven. Bring her down and perform your forefathers' rites in Ganga water." 

***

Anshuman returned with the horse and informed Sagara the fate of his uncles. The yajna was completed as per norm. The king found no way to carry out Garuda's advice to bring Ganga waters from heaven. He died a sad man

After him, Anshuman became the king. He ruled very well. He soon handed over the kingdom to his able son, Dileepa, and went to Himalayas. He performed extreme tapas  for long to achieve the goal of bringing Ganga to earth. But he died without success. 

Later Dileepa ruled well and performed many great yajnas. But he was clueless how to bring Ganga from heaven to perform the rites. In his old age, he anointed his son Bhagiratha as the king. Dileepa soon died owing to illness. 

King Bhagiratha was a remarkably good king. He was a rajarshi (we saw earlier that this means he was a rishi as well as a great king). He was loved much by his subjects. 

Bhagiratha was issue-less. 

***

मन्त्रिष्वाधाय तद्राज्यं गङ्गावतरणे रतः। 

तपो दीर्घं समातिष्ठद्गोकर्णे रघुनन्दन    ॥

"Oh Rama, He handed over the reins of administration to the ministers and went to Gokarna kshetra to do tapas. He wanted to achieve both ends - bring the heavenly river Ganga down to earth and also get the boon of a successor son. He did severe  penance for long. "

***

King Bhagiratha did the penance for thousands of years. He surrounded himself with fire on all sides (The panchagni tapas is famous in Indian scriptures. Fire onnall four sides and the burning sun overhead). He stood on one leg with arms upraised. He ate only once a month. He did not give up the penance. 

We should remember that in Indian cultural lore, the greatest example cited of someone who exerts unrelentingly and dutifully and energetically without giving up is that of king Bhagiratha. If someone achieves something after a lot of determined, focussed, and hard effort, we say it was "Bhagiratha prayatna". 

Finally, pleased very much, Lord Brahma descended along with other gods to bless Bhagiratha. He said the tapas had been successful and the king may ask for boons. 

***

तमुवाच महातेजाः सर्वलोकपितामहम्  । 

भगीरथो महाभागः कृताञ्जलिरुपस्थितः ॥

गङ्गायाः सलिलक्लिन्ने भस्मन्येषां महात्मनाम्।। स्वर्गं गच्छेयुरत्यन्तं सर्वे मे प्रपितामहाः  ॥

देया च संततिर्देव नावसीदेत् कुलं च नः। 

इक्ष्वाकूणां कुले देव एष मेऽस्तु वरः परः  ॥

King Bhagiratha, a man of great glory, bowed down with reverence and earnestness, and said, "Oh Lord Brahma, by your grace, if celestial river Ganga's waters come and  douse the ashes of my worthy forefathers, they will be emancipated and attain heaven. This is the first boon I request you. 

Oh Lord, my second boon is that there should be a continuity of our Ikshwaku dynasty and you grant me children, as I do not yet have any successor. "

Lord Brahma gladly obliged. But he cautioned:

गङ्गायाः पतनं राजन् पृथिवीं न सहिष्यते। 

तां वै धारयितुं वीर नान्यं पश्यामि शूलिनः  ॥

" Oh king, when Ganga comes down in a deluge on earth, her impact will be unbearable. I can see no one capable of receiving and holding her, brave Bhagiratha, except the lord with the trident, Shiva." 

*** 

॥   श्रीरामजयम्   ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 10

May 10 - Sargas 39 and 40 of Balakanda.

We read now how Sagara's yajna horse was abducted by Indra just when it was about to be worshipped and released for Ashvamedha. Sagara's children mount a huge search mission and dig up the entire earth big time. Finally they suspect Kapila Maharshi to have been the thief and accost him during his meditation. He is not amused and just by a "Hoomkara" reduces them all to ashes.

***

O Rama, Sagara undertook the yajna at an auspicious spot between Himalayas and Vindhya mountain. He entrusted the care of the Yajna horse to his grandson, the able Anshuman.

***

तस्य पर्वणि तं यज्ञं यजमानस्य वासवः।

राक्षसींं तनुमास्थाय यज्ञियाश्वमपाहरत्   ॥

उपाध्यायगणाः सर्वे यजमानमथाब्रुवन् ।

हर्तारं जहि काकुत्स्थ हयश्चैवोपनीयताम्  ॥

At the auspicious moment of commencement, Indra assumed the form of a demon and abducted the king's horse. 

The king's priests then told the king who had taken the oath and was ready to perform the yajna that the thief should be destroyed and the yajna horse retrieved without delay. 

Sagara calls his sixty thousand sons and asks them to do everything needed to get the horse back. By the way it is stated in the earlier sarga how this extraordinary number of children were born to Sumati. She delivered a large foetus that was then divided and stored in sixty thousand pots for incubation. Thus were born 60,000 sons who all turned out to be able bodied princes.

***

यावत्तुरगसंदर्शस्तावत्खनत मेदिनीम्   । 

तमैव हयहर्तारं मार्गमाणा ममाज्ञया     ॥

दीक्षितः पौत्रसहितः सोपाध्यायगणो ह्यहम्। 

इह स्थास्यामि भद्रं वो यावत्तुरगदर्शनम्  ॥

Oh sons, may all be well with you. Please pursue the horse thief and dig up the earth as long as necessary until you find the horse. I am on oath here for the yajna and shall, along with my grandson Anshuman and the priests, await your successful return with the horse. 

***

The able princes divide among themselves one yojana square each and with sharp weapons dig up the earth. They soon become frantic and destroy every creature in their way - serpents of the netherworld, demons, and everyone else. Thus they dig up the entire Jambudvipa. 

***

But all was without avail as they could not find either the thief or the horse. 

Meanwhile the devas went to Brahma quite disturbed by the effort mounted by the princes. They reported how the horse had been spirited away by Indra. Gods don't like successful yajnas to be conducted on earth as the yajna success will confer powers on humans and bring competition for the gods. 

Brahma said that destiny willed that these princes would be short-lived. The horse should be taken and placed in the vicinity of sage Kapila, who was none other than an incarnation of Vasudeva=Vishnu. The princes in their frenzy would incur his wrath And meet their end. 

***

The princes return and report their failure to find the horse. King Sagara is livid. He orders, "go back and dig up the earth again. Don't return till you find the horse." 

The princes are all faithful to their father and extremely powerful. So they go digging the earth in every direction. The earth and creatures suffer a great deal and scream in pain. But there is no let up. The princes meet the diggajas, mythical elephants who hold up the earth like pillars. They pay their respects to the elephants and proceed with renewed vigour. The elephants are named too - Virupaksha, Mahapadma, Saumanasa, Bhadra.

***

ततः प्रागुत्तरां गत्वा सागराः प्रथितां दिशाम्। 

रोषाद्भ्यखनन् सर्वे पृथिवीं सगरात्मजाः    ॥

Then the sons of Sagara proceeded to the auspicious north eastern direction, digging up the earth in great frenzy and anger at their lack of success so far. 

ते तु सर्वे महात्मानो भीमवेगाः महाबलाः । 

ददृशुः कपिलं तत्र वासुदेवं सनातनम्     ॥

Those princes, all with great spirit, endowed with fierce speed and strength, then came upon the sage Kapila, a timeless incarnation of Vishnu/Vasudeva. He was in meditation. 

हयं च तस्य देवस्य चरन्तमविदूरतः        । 

प्रहर्षमतुलं प्राप्ताः सर्वे ते रघुनन्दन       ॥

They also saw their yajna horse a little distance away from him. This gave them boundless joy, O Rama!

दुर्मेधस्त्वं हि संप्राप्तान् विद्धि नः सगरात्मजान्। 

श्रुत्वा तु वचनं तेषां कपिलो रघुनन्दन    ॥

They accosted the sage, disturbed his meditation and said, "you are one of evil intentions! You have stolen our yajna horse! Know us here to be the sons of king Sagara. We shall deal with you as needed." 

Sage Kapila had not been a party to the whole enterprise of the gods. On thus being insulted by the princes, he was naturally provoked. 

रोषेण महताविष्टो हुङ्कारमकरोत्तदा। 

भस्मराशीकृताः सर्वे काकुत्स्थ सगरात्मजाः ॥

In extremely anger, he uttered the sound, "Hoom". That was sufficient to reduce all the sons of Sagara in an instant to ashes. This is the story, O Rama! 

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 9

May 9 - Sargas 37 and 38 of Balakanda.

We get more details of the birth and glory of Karttikeya. The story then moves to Sri Rama's dynasty.

***

The energy of Shiva was expelled on to earth. And an incensed Parvati cursed the gods and earth to have no progeny themselves. Distraught, the gods went to Lord Brahma. They had in fact anticipated that a great warrior son would have been born among themselves i. e. gods, to go and vanquish Tarakasura, a formidable demon. But now Shiva's energy had been expelled and all the gods also had incurred the curse of being childless. What to do now?

***

इयमाकाशगा गङ्गा यस्यां पुत्रः हुताशनः।

जनयिष्यति देवानां सेनापतिमरिन्दमम् ॥

ज्येष्ठा शैलेन्द्रदुहिता मानयिष्यति तं सुतम्।

उमायास्तद्बहुमतं भविष्यति न संशयः     ॥

Brahma advised, "that fire energy that was expelled by Shiva must be entrusted to this celestial river Ganga who will deliver him as a son. That son alone will be worthy of leading the gods' army in battle.

Since Ganga is the elder daughter of Himavan, her younger sister Uma would reconcile to the seed taking birth as Ganga's son."

***

On the request of the gods, Agni took the energy expelled by Shiva and delivered to Ganga, asking her to create the baby. She was delighted with this idea, but the moment the energy entered her, she was unable to bear it. She cried to Agni that she couldn't handle such energy.

***

दह्यमानाग्निना तेन संप्रव्यथितचेतना ।

अथाब्रवीदिदं गङ्गां सर्वदेवपुरोहितः    ॥

इह हैमवते पादे गर्भोऽयं संनिवेश्यताम्।

श्रुत्वा त्वग्निवचो गङ्गा तं गर्भमतिभास्वरम् ॥

Ganga was burning from that bundle of energy deposited by Agni in her. Then Agni advised her that she should simply carry that energy up to the Himalayan mountain slopes and deposit it there. She did so. 

***

That energy now became a most brilliant baby. As soon as that energy became a baby, the placenta and other fluids and excretions spread on the sides of the Himalayan mountain. This gave rise to several precious elements, minerals and such. Because of this, gold was formed and it came to be called Jatarupa (born in this instance). 

We can see in this narrative how the poet Valmiki has given us a paradigm for creation and how nature created the animate out of the inanimate. Worthy of contemplation.

***

क्षीरसंभावनार्थाय कृत्तिका समयोजयन् ।

ताः क्षीरं जातमात्रस्य कृत्वा समयमुत्तमम्    ॥

स्नापयन् परया लक्ष्म्या दीप्यमानं यथानलम्। 

स्कन्द इत्यब्रुवन् देवाः स्कन्दं गर्भपरिस्रवात्  ॥

To breast-feed milk to the new-born, the gods appealed to the six nakshatras called Krittikas. They agreed to come and breastfeed the baby, as long as he would be recognised as their son Karttikeya. The gods gladly agreed. The Nakshatra goddesses came down and breast-fed the baby, who assumed six heads so he could suckle with six mouths. That is how he is called Shanmukha (six-faced). 

The krittikas washed the baby clean and he was radiant very much like a fire. Since he had also been delivered by slipping from the womb of Ganga, he was named Skanda (one who has slipped). 

***

This Skanda is no ordinary baby as you can see. Very quickly he commands the army of devas and conquers the demon. Valmiki blesses that whoever reads this story will be emancipated. 

***

Next we come to the story of Sagara, former king of Ayodhya who belonged to Ikshwaku dynasty, same as Sri Rama. 

***

अथ वर्षशते पूर्णे तपसाराधितो मुनिः  । 

सगराय वरं प्रादाद् भृगुः सत्यवतां वरः  ॥

एको वंशकरो वास्तु बहवो वा महाबलाः। 

कीर्तिमन्तो महोत्साहाः का वा कं वरमिच्छति ॥

King Sagara wanted sons. He went to Himalayas and did a severe penance to propitiate the sage Bhrigu. (In Bhagavadgita, the Lord says that he is Bhrigu among the  maharshis. Any reading of the puranas will show that Bhrigu and his successors, called Bhargavas, played a crucial role in several major events in history.) 

After a hundred years, Bhrigu appeared pleased. The sage, best among knowers of truth, gave the king boons. Sagara had two wives, Keshini and Sumati. On Sagara's request, the sage clarified that one would get a son who would extend the lineage. The other would get several children, who would become famous for their valarous deeds. Who wanted what was their choice. 

 In due course, Keshini delivered a son by name Asamanjasa (literally the word means unbalanced!). Sumati delivered 60000 children. 

Asamanjasa came to no good. He used to kill off babies by drowning them in Sarayu. So Sagara banished him forever. This is cited as an example of how Ayodhya kings placed welfare of all above filial ties. Thus his banishment happened, but not before Asamanjasa had procreated a son by name Anshuman. Anshuman in his time turned out to be a worthy prince and acquired fame by his righteous and valorous deeds. 

Sagara, along with his other 60000 sons, now wanted to perform a glorious yajna for the welfare of the land after getting counsel from his advisors. What happens next will be seen soon! 

*** 

॥  श्रीरामजयम्   ॥

Corona: Now hear MY story.

Look, I don't have too much time. I am rushing from Netflix to Amazon Prime in my stretch limo for negotiations. Then I have Disney and Sony too.

They all are pouring millions to get my exclusive story. They say it is  sure to reach a pandemic status in popularity - what with horror, crime and violence all thrown in. I agree and am not bringing down my price.

I am THE VIRUS. You call me Corona. This is MY story.

I was born in an American Univ. A US passport, a comfy life in a university campus, and a great lifestyle. I could not have asked for more. 

Then by some ugly quirk, I was sent away to Wuhan to live with miserable me-too viruses from ugh wild animals being eaten live and hot.

I will never forgive mankind for this act. I decided to escape. 

Now I am making the world dance on each of my little antennae. And they don't know what I am!

I laugh when they think they have a vaccine. I giggle when people wear miserable masks and think they are protected. I smile when doctors and nurses peer at me and think I will come under their control.

That people die, I don't care. That governments and businesses are having a field day, I don't even want to know. That everyone is misleading and exploiting one another, I very much knew it would happen and I say, "I told you so".

This is a macabre story.

Wait for my next post. 

Valmiki Ramayana - May 8

May 8 - Sargas 35 and 36 of Balakanda.

We now read brief accounts of the river Goddess Ganga and her sister Parvati.

The entourage of sage Vishwamitra proceeds from the bank of Shona river after he explains that they are taking the course made sacred by rishis of yore. 

***

ते गत्वा दूरमध्वानं गतेऽर्धदिवसे तदा।

जाह्नवीं सरितां श्रेष्ठां ददृशुर्मुनिसेविताम्  ॥

तां दृष्ट्वा पुण्यसलिलां हंससारससेविताम्।

बभूवुर्मुनयः सर्वे मुदिताः सह राघवाः ॥

After travelling a considerable distance over half a day, they arrive at the bank of the great river Ganga, worshipped by sages. 

Looking upon her, holy river, visited by swans and cranes, all the sages along with Sri Rama were delighted. 

***

They all perform their prayers and rest there. Sri Rama requests Vishwamitra to narrate the story and glory of Ganga that purifies the three worlds. Sage Vishwamitra begins by saying how the glorious mountain Himalaya, full of splendid fauna, flora and minerals, begot two daughters with his dear wife, the splendid Mena, daughter of the Meru mountain. 

***

 तस्यां गङ्गेयमभवज्ज्येष्ठा हिमवतः सुता   । 

उमा नाम द्वितीयाभूत्कन्या तस्यैव राघव  ॥

ददौ धर्मेण हिमवांस्तनयां लोकपावनीम्     । 

स्वच्छन्दपथगां गङ्गां त्रैलोक्यहितकाम्यया  ॥

उग्रेण तपसा युक्तां ददौ शैलवरः सुताम्     । 

रुद्रायाप्रतिरूपाय उमां लोकनमस्कृताम्     ॥

Born to Mena Devi was this Ganga, the first daughter of Himavan.

His second daughter was Uma. 

Himavan out of magnanimity and concern for the welfare of the three worlds, gave away to the gods in response to their request the sacred Ganga, who would become a great river that flowed where she wanted. 

His second daughter Uma, who performed great tapas to win the hand of Shiva, the glorious mountain king Himavan duly gave in marriage to Rudra Shiva, of incomparable good looks, and she would be the Goddess worshipped by all in the world. 

***

Prodded on by Sri Rama, Vishwamitra briefly narrates the birth of Karttikeya. 

***

पुरा राम कृतोद्वाहः शितिकण्ठो महातपाः। 

दृष्ट्वा त स्पृहया देवीं मैथुनायोपचक्रमे     ॥

O Rama, after marrying Devi Uma, Shiva, who had performed great tapas before, looked at her amorously and engaged in coitus with her. 

***

The sage narrates how their union went on for a hundred years. The gods became very concerned that the great Shiva's energy, along with Devi's energy, would result in an outburst that the world would not be able to bear. So they approached Shiva and asked him to hold His energy within Himself and likewise Parvati should also contain her energy. Shiva graciously concurred but said He would not be able to hold it back for too long and they should tell Him where He should deposit his seed. They conferred and finally requested that He release His energy on earth. Perhaps they thought the earth was big and strong enough to bear the onslaught. 

Shiva released His seed on earth. She was unable to bear the impact. Then god Agni along with God Vayu carried off the seed to the white mountain. There instantly arose a forest of grass, bright like fire and the sun. 

**f

यत्र जातो महातेजाः कार्त्तिकेयोऽग्निसंभवः । अथोमां च शिवं चैव देवाः सर्षिगणस्तदा    ॥

पूजयामासुरत्यर्थं सुप्रीतमनसस्ततः     ।

अथ शैलसुता राम त्रिदशानिदमब्रवीत्  ॥

अप्रियस्य कृतस्याद्य फलं प्राप्स्यथ मे सुराः। 

अपत्यं स्वेषु दारेषु नोत्पादयितुमर्हथ      । 

यस्मान्निवारिता चाहं संगता पुत्रकामया   ॥

There was born endowed with great luminosity, the god Kartthikeya, born of fire. The gods, along with the sages, relieved and very glad in their hearts. They approached Shiva and Parvati Uma  to offer their thankful prayers on fulfilling their request and for the positive outcome. However, Uma had something to say to the three worlds. She was highly enraged that the gods had interfered in her union with Shiva. She told the gods, " Listen from me what will be the fruit of your unpleasant deed for all of you. 

None of you will be able to beget children from your wives. That is because you terminated by your intrusion my union with Shiva when my intention was to beget a child." 

Uma goes on to curse the earth also, saying she will not have any children and will be exploited by all. 

A curious story indeed. And just think, after all this, Uma is worshipped as the Universal Mother  because She considers everyone Her child! 

The next sarga tells the story of Kartthikeya in greater detail. 

***

॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 7

May 7 - Sargas 33 and 34 of Balakanda.

The story takes and interesting turn here.

King Kushanabha heard from his daughters how they had informed Vayu that they were under their father's care and he had better approach their father about marrying them. They also mentioned how they had refrained from punishing Vayu by their tapas power; but how Vayu had in turn cursed and afflicted them and reduced them to this sorry state of ugliness and deformity of bodies.

King Kushanabha spoke some important words here:

***

क्षान्तं क्षमवतां पुत्र्यः कर्तव्यं सुमहत् कृतम्। 

ऐक्यमत्यमुपागम्य कुलं चावेक्षितं मम       ॥

क्षमा यशः क्षमा धर्मः क्षमया विष्ठितं जमत् । 

विसृज्य कन्याः काकुत्स्थ राजा त्रिदशविक्रमः ॥

Oh dear daughters, I am most glad that you have displayed great forbearance - a quality of those who can forgive. You have all been unanimous in taking this wise course and being cognizant of the glory of our dynasty. 

Indeed forgiveness is the essence of glory, the essence of righteousness, this world is sustained by forgiveness. 

Having said these comforting words, the king gave the princesses leave and then huddled together with his ministers and counsellors on how to go forward from this tricky situation. 

We see the adjective for the king Kushanabha: tridashavikramah meaning one who ruled the three worlds with his might. So the poet is telling us that might is glorious only when forbearance And forgiveness are present in the mighty. 

***

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु चूली नाम महामुनिः। 

ऊर्ध्वरेताः शुभाचारो ब्राह्मं तप उपागमत्  ॥

तप्यन्तं तमृषिं तत्र गन्धर्वी पर्युपासते   । 

सोमदा नाम भद्रं ते उर्मिलातनया तदा   ॥

At the same time, a great rishi by name Chuli was observing brahmacharya and engaged in intense tapas. 

A gandharva woman by name Somada, daughter of Urmila, stayed there and served him with dedication and devotion. 

***

After some time, the rishi expressed gratitude and asked Somada what boon she would like from him. She replied with due respect and decorum that she had been unmarried and had served him with true devotion. She knew that the rishi shone with the brilliance of a true ascetic and possessed the same qualities as Brahma. If he deemed it right, would he kindly bestow her with a son, with prosperity and austerity befitting a son of such a rishi. The rishi happily acceded and the gandharva woman begot a worthy son who was named Brahmadatta (meaning born out of the grace of Brahma). 

The boy grew up to rule a prosperous kingdom called Kampilya very well, much like Indra ruled heaven. 

***

तमाहूय महातेजा ब्रह्यदत्तं महीपतिः। 

ददौ कन्याशतं राजा सुप्रीतेनान्तरात्मना ॥

स्पृष्टमात्रे तदा पाणौ विकुब्जा विगतज्वराः। 

युक्ताः परमया लक्ष्म्या बभुः कन्याः शतं तदा ॥

सोमदापि सुसंहृष्टा पुत्रस्य सदृशीं क्रियाम्। 

यथान्यायं च गन्धर्वी स्नुषास्ताः प्रत्यनन्दत ॥

After due consideration, Kushanabha decided to offer his hundred daughters in marriage to king Brahmadutta. Brahmadutta also gladly consented and married the hundred princesses with due ceremony. The moment Brahmadutta touched them, by the Brahmic powers in him, the princesses - all hundred of them, were rid of their deformities and diseases and shone with prosperity and their original beauty. His gandharvi mother Somada was also pleased with the righteous action of her son and received the princesses with great affection. 

***

Now we hear something that brings us back to sage Vishwamitra. 

At this juncture, much like Dasharatha had done as we saw ealy in the story, king Kushanabha performed the yajna to get a son and successor to the throne. His father, King Kusha, son of Brahma, visited him from heaven and told king Kushanabha that he is destined to beget a  worthy son who shall be named Gadhi. He shall bring eternal fame to him and the dynasty. 

***

कस्यचित्वथ कालस्य कुशनाभस्य धीमतः। 

जज्ञे परमधर्मिष्ठो गाधिरित्येव नामतः       ॥

स पिता मम काकुत्स्थ गाधिः परमधार्मिकः । 

कुशवंशप्रसूतोऽस्मि कौशिको रघुनन्दन     ॥

In due course a son called Gadhi was born. Gadhi became a most righteous king. O Rama, know that Gadhi is my father! Born as I am in the dynasty of Kusha, I am called Kaushika.

***

Vishwamitra continues that he has an elder sister by name Kaushiki.  She was named Satyavati also. She married a god Richika. 

***

सशरीरा गता स्वर्गं भर्तारमनुवर्तिनी । 

कौशिकी परमोदारा सा प्रवृत्ता महानदी ॥

दिव्या पुण्योदका रम्या हिमवन्तमुपाश्रिता। 

लोकस्य हितकार्यार्थं प्रवृत्ता भगिनी मम ॥

ततोऽहं हिमवत्पार्श्वे वसामि निरतः सुखम्। 

भगिन्यां स्नेहसंयुक्तः कौशिक्यां रघुनन्दन ॥

 My sister proceeded to heaven in her material body following her husband. In due course, owing to her immense compassion for humanity, she became a great river. Divine, with sacred waters, most beautiful, Kaushiki is now ensconced in Himalayas and she flows down from there engaged in conferring welfare on the people of the land. 

O Rama, I have therefore settled on the slopes of Himalaya, happily engaged in my austerities and enjoying the affection and grace of my elder sister Kaushiki. 

*** 

This most amazing story is greeted with fervour and devotion by all - the rishis, Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Vishwamitra also mentions that he went to Siddhashrama only for the express purpose of that yajna (and we can also guess - to rope in Sri Rama for the destruction of rakshasas!). 

Now sage Vishmamitra says it is late in the night and they should all go to sleep. Poet Valmiki describes the night and the feelings of Sri Rama beautifully. 

इति तैर्मुनिशार्दूलैः प्रशस्तः कुशिकात्मजः। 

निद्रामुपागच्छ्रीमानस्तंगत इवांशुमान् ॥

रामोऽपि सहसौमित्रिः किञ्चिदागतविस्मयः। 

प्रशस्य मुनिशार्दूलं निद्रां समुपसेवते           ॥

The rishis present, themselves full of the glory of tapas, respectfully praised sage Vishwamitra for his heritage. With a smile on his face, the sage went to sleep, as beautifully as the setting sun. 

Sri Rama too, somewhat struck by the story, along with Lakshmana, went to sleep, offering his respects to sage Vishwamitra. 

***

॥     श्रीरामजयम्     ॥

How we colour our awareness of things

We are constantly exhorted to become more aware every moment. We are asked to deal with every situation, person, and object with awareness.

But did we realise that our awareness is always influenced by our biases, emotions and memories? This gave me an idea.

When we shoot a picture on our mobile phone, we can edit the image using the same camera app in most cases. This editing is like applying awareness to our perceptions! See a typical edit screen in the image above. 

There is an analogy on each aspect here:

1. Crop - we are selective in our awareness, we never see the whole picture. 

2. Rotate - our biases cause a subtle change in reality so what we see is somewhat rotated from reality, often we see it upside down! 

3. Exposure - this aspect determines how much concentration we have in awareness.

4. Contrast - we always add an extra emphasis to distort our awareness of reality by comparison with something else or someone else. This is unfair to reality. 

5. Saturation - we react to a thing by making a molehill into a mountain. This increased colouring is nothing but our samskaras reacting with reality.

6. Warmth - this is emotional attachment to things or people. So never is our awareness truly objective. 

7. Highlights - we always pick some elements in a thing - for example some words hit us and we ignore others. No two people therefore hear the same thing.

8. Shadows - either ignorance or insensitivity leaves a lot of our awareness in the dark about reality. Everything in life has shadows that speak to us. We only choose to not become aware of it. As they say, "listen to the silence between words."

So awareness is a lot like post- processing of an image! 

Valmiki Ramayana - May 6

May 6 - Sargas 31 and 32 of Balakanda.

These two sargas describe Vishwamitra's departure from Siddhashrama to go and attend the great yajna being conducted by Videha king Janaka of Mithila. En route Rama and Lakshmana are told an interesting story about the daughters of a king Kushanabha.

***

इमौ स्वो मुनिशार्दूल किङ्करौ समुपस्थितौ।

आज्ञापय यथेष्टं वै शासनं करवाव किम्     ॥

एवमुक्तास्ततस्ताभ्यां सर्व एव महर्षयः      ।

विश्वामित्रं पुरस्कृत्य रामं वचनमब्रुवन्        ॥

The next day, well rested after the yajna and having completed their morning prayers and obeisances to the sage, the brothers addressed sage Vishwamitra in extremely respectful words: "Oh great sage! here we are, your two attendants. Kindly instruct us what orders of yours shall we two carry out next." 

Thus addressed, the sages there, after getting permission from sage Vishwamitra, informed Rama as follows. 

मैथिलस्य नरश्रेष्ठ जनकस्य भविष्यति     । 

यज्ञः परमधर्मिष्ठस्तत्र यास्यामहे वयम्      ॥

त्वं चैव नरशार्दूल सहास्माभिर्गमिष्यसि    । 

अद्भुतं च धनूरत्नं तत्रैकं द्रष्टुमर्हसि          ॥

धनुषस्तस्य वीर्यं हि जिज्ञासन्तो महीक्षितः। 

न शेकुरारोपयितुं राजपुत्रा महाबलाः       ॥

आयागभूतं नृपतेस्तस्य वेश्मनि राघव     । 

अर्चितं विविधैर्गन्धैर्धूपैश्चागरुगन्धभिः      ॥

"Oh noble prince, We are going to attend a great sacred yajna to be conducted by the king of Mithila, Janaka soon. 

You too shall travel with us, Oh tiger among men. You should see a magnificent gem of a bow there.

Kings of all regions are still trying to understand the power and majesty of that sacred bow. For none of them has been able to lift and string it thus far. 

This bow was bestowed by the gods on the king of Mithila as a boon in a great yajna. This is housed in his palace and will be worshipped in this yajna also. It will be anointed with fragrances and incense and perfumes. "

एवमुक्त्वा मुनिवरः प्रस्थानमकरोत्तदा। 

सर्षिसङ्घः सकाकुत्स्थः आमन्त्र्य वनदेवताः ॥

तं प्रयान्तं मुनिवरमन्वयादनुसारिणाम् । 

शकटीशतमात्रं च प्रयाणे ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ॥

मृगपक्षिगणाश्चैव सिद्धाश्रमनिवासिनः ।

अनुजग्मुर्महात्मानं विश्वामित्रं महामुनिम् ॥

Having said this, the sage Vishwamitra then started from that place along with rishis and Sri Rama and Lakshmana, invoking the blessings of the gods of the forest. 

The sages and others who accompanied him, along with their paraphernalia for yajna and other materials, travelled in a caravan of a hundred carts. 

Even the animals and birds resident in Siddhashrama joined the retinue of that great sage Vishwamitra. That was his pull. 

Vishwamitra bade a tender farewell to Siddhashrama and sent the animals and birds back to stay on there. 

***

After journeying through the day, the caravan rested on the banks of a river. Sri Rama requested sage Vishwamitra to tell them the story of that charming country. The sage was glad to do so. 

By the way we read every so often how the sage and the brothers performed their sandhya prayers and agnihotra (fire oblation). This was mandatory for every Hindu in the past. And let us not forget sage Vishwamitra was the ORIGINATOR of the most sacred mantra in Hinduism - the Gayatri, which was revealed to him given his exalted status as a Brahmarshi. 

***

Now the story:

There was a most worthy king by name Kusha, son of Brahma. He begot four worthy sons, from the princess Vaidharbhi, who were named Kushamba, Kushanabha, Adhurtarajasa and Vasu. 

On their father's directive, the princes created four charming kingdoms. Right now, where the sage and his retinue were encamped, was Magadha, on the banks of Sumagadhi river. The country was also known as Girivraja, surrounded as it was by a garland of five wonderful mountains. It had been established by the prince Vasu and was also known as Vasumati. 

The second prince Kushanabha had established his kingdom Mahodaya. He was a great rajarshi (a king with qualities of a sage as well). He had a hundred daughters from an Apsara queen. The princesses were of extraordinary beauty and grace. 

Once they had all gone on a picnic and were sporting in a garden. They wore splendid ornaments and were singing and dancing and making merry. 

***

ताः सर्वगुणसंपन्ना रूपयौवनसंयुताः      । 

दृष्ट्वा सर्वात्मको वायुरिदं वचनमब्रवीत्  ॥

अहं वः कामये सर्वा भार्या मम भविष्यथ। 

मानुषस्त्यज्यतां भावो दीर्घमायुरवाप्स्यथ  ॥

 

Just then, Vayu, the wind god, who is everywhere and in everyone, saw these extremely virtuous and youthful beautiful princesses. He addressed them thus: oh charming beauties, I have fallen in love with you all princesses. Please marry me and become my wives. You shall be rid of the limitations of the human body and enjoy great longevity. 

***

Vayu also added that humans were constantly losing their youth and beauty. The princesses would get eternal youth and beauty and deathlessness by marrying him. 

The princesses were not amused by his demand. They replied

***

अन्तश्चरसि भूतानां सर्वेषां त्वं सुरोत्तम । 

प्रभावाज्ञाश्च ते सर्वाः किमस्मानवमन्यसे ॥

कुशनाभसुताः सर्वाः समर्थास्त्वां सुरोत्तम। 

स्थानाच्च्यावयितुं देवं रक्षामस्तु तपो वयम्  ॥

मा भूत्स कालो दुर्मेधः पितरं सत्यवादिनम्। 

अवमन्य स्वधर्मेण स्वयंवरमुपास्महे        ॥

पिता हि प्रभुरस्माकं दैवतं परमं च नः। 

यस्य नो दास्यति पिता स नो भर्ता भविष्यति ॥

Oh wind god! You travel everywhere and reside in everyone. Everyone knows your power. But why do you insult us? 

Know oh wind God, that we are all the daughters of the king Kushanabha. By the power of our tapas, we are capable of protecting ourselves from you and even displacing you from your godly position. 

Let there not come such an evil time when we will insult our righteous father and choose at our whim our spouse through swayamvara. 

Our father is our Lord and God also. Whomsoever he chooses to give us in marriage shall be our husband. 

***

With his suit being thus rejected, Vayu, the wind god, flew into a terrible rage. He entered into the hundred princesses and reduced them to deformed pygmies. They were greatly dismayed by this and full of shame and shedding tears, they went and presented themselves in front of their father, king Kushanabha. 

The king was simply alarmed and asked, "which godly righteous power have you all offended to be reduced to this pitiable state, my dears!? I am waiting to hear from you what terrible thing transpired." 

*Note: In our ancient medical sciences, all neurological disorders, which cause musculoskeletal and nervous deformities and diseases, stem from an imbalance of Vayu, one of the triad Pitta Kapha Vayu. These three have to maintain the balance and preserve the various body systems for our health.

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 5

May 5 - Sargas 29 and 30 of Balakanda.

Sage Vishwamitra explains the past associations of this place called Siddhashrama. Later the yajna resumes and Sri Rama deals with Mareecha and Subahu when they come to spoil the yajna. 

***

तपश्चरणयोगार्थमुवास सुमहातपाः  । 

एष पूर्वाश्रमो राम वामनस्य महात्मनः  ॥

अदित्या सहितो राम दीप्यमान इवौजसा। 

देवीसहायो भगवान्दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम्   ॥

O Rama, this place was sanctified by Vishnu Himself as He dwelt here doing great tapas for long. This led to his incarnation as Vamana also. 

After Vishnu, it was the turn of sage Kashyapa who performed a great penance here with his wife Aditi for a thousand years. 

***

Pleased with his tapas, Lord Vishnu manifested Himself and blessed Kashyapa and asked him to ask for boons. The sage asked thus:

***

पुत्रत्वं गच्छ भगवन्नदित्या मम चानघ  । 

भ्राता भव यवीयास्त्वं शक्रस्यासुरसूदन  ॥

Oh Lord, please grant us this boon - - be born as the son of Aditi and mine, as the younger brother of Indra, o vanquisher of asuras! 

***

There was a divine plan behind this. The son of Virochana, the asura named Bali, had conquered the three worlds and subjugated all the devas including Indra. His arrogant reign had to be ended. 

***

वामनं रूपमास्थाय वैरोचनिमुपागमत्  । 

त्रीन् क्रमानथ भिक्षित्वा प्रतिगृह्य च मेदिनीम् ॥

आक्रम्य लोकान् लोकात्मा सर्वलोकहिते रतः। 

महेन्द्राय पुनः प्रादान्नियम्य बलिमोजसा        ॥

Lord Vishnu took birth as the son of Aditi and Kashyapa, in the form of a dwarf. He approached king Bali busy in his yajna, while the king had proclaimed a vow to fulfil any request for any gift by a Brahmin during the sacrifice. The dwarf Vamana disarmingly asked for the gift of land he could span in three steps. Bali was amused and granted the gift. At once Vamana asuumed his universal form as Vishnu= Trivikrama and measured heaven and earth with just two steps. Where to place His third step? He placed it on Bali's head, effectively ending his supremacy. Bali was shifted to the nether world as it's ruler.) Thus Vamana reclaimed the earth from Bali for universal good. He returned the kingship to Indra after taming Bali 

by His brilliance. 

***

अत्र ते पुरुषव्याघ्र हन्तव्या दुष्टचारिणः। 

अथ गच्छामहे राम सिद्धाश्रममनुत्तमम् ॥

Oh Rama, this place is thus blessed by the deeds of Vishnu and called Siddhashrama. I am now staying there and performing the yajna. 

Let us go there now, to accomplish your mission of destroying those demons who are disturbing the yajna. 

***

Sri Rama and Lakshmana are received with due celebrations by the rishis who welcome the sage very happily in Siddhashrama. 

The brothers urge the sage Vishwamitra to resume his yajna without any delay as they are ready and eager to complete their mission. 

Next morning, after the morning rituals, the sage assumes yajna diksha. He will be busy for the next six days and nights. He will be observing silence. The rishis tell the brothers that any time those demons may come to attack. 

***

उपासांचक्रतुर्वीरौ यत्तौ परमधन्विनौ ।

ररक्षतुर्मुनिवरं विश्वामित्रमरिन्दमौ ॥

As the yajna progressed, the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana, brave warriors and supreme archers, patrolled around the sacred yajna fire and protected sage Vishwamitra with great vigilance. 

***

अध काले गते तस्मिन् षष्ठेऽहनि समागते। 

सौमित्रिमब्रवीद्रामो यत्तो भव समाहितः   ॥

 The sixth day arrived. Sri Rama told Lakshmana to be ready and equipped for action! 

 मन्त्रवच्च यथान्यायं यज्ञोऽसौ संप्रवर्तते। 

आकाशे च महान् शब्दः प्रादुरासीद्भयानकः  ॥

As the yajna duly progressed with incantations, there was a terrifyingly loud blast of sound in the sky. 

 

मारीचश्च सुबाहुश्च तयोरनुचरास्तथा ।

आगम्य भीमसंकाशा रुधिरौघानवासृजन्  ॥

The demons Mareecha and Subahu along with their troops came in their terrifying huge forms and rained down blood on the yajna fire. 

Rama told Lakshmana, watch as I dispel these rakshaasas with Manavastra (one of the astras that had been given to him recently by sage Vishwamitra). 

मानवं परमोदारमस्त्रं परमभास्वरम्। 

चिक्षेप परमक्रुद्धो मारीचोरसि राघवः  ॥

Rama shot the extremely resplendent and infallible Manavastra at the form of Mareecha. 

स तेन परमास्त्रेण मानवेन समाहितः। 

संपूर्णं योजनशतं क्षिप्तं सागरसंप्लवे ॥

पश्य लक्ष्मण शीतेषुं मानवं धर्मसंहितम् ।

मोहयित्वा नयत्येनं न च प्राणैर्व्ययुज्यत   ॥

  

After Rama discharged the Manavastra missile, it hit Mareecha and carried him off a hundred yojanas and cast him deep into the ocean. 

Rama told Lakshmana, did you see the way this extremely sharp Manavastra, infallible because of its righteous power, incapacitated Mareecha, made him unconscious, and carried him off but spared his life?  (In fact in the beginning itself Rama has told Lakshmana that he will drive away the demons but will perhaps not kill them.)

Thereafter Rama shoots Agneya weapon. It kills Subahu. He then deploys Vayuvya. That annihilates the rest of rakshasas. 

ऋषिभिः पूजितस्तत्र यथेन्द्रो विजयी पुरा । 

अथ यज्ञे समाप्ते तु विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः   ॥

निरीतिका दिशो दृष्ट्वा काकुत्स्थमिदमब्रवीत्। 

कृतार्थोऽस्मि महाबाहो कृतं गुरुवचस्त्वया   ॥

Sri Rama was then fecilitated by the rishis there, much like Indra had been in the past by the gods after his victory. Then, on proper conclusion of the yajna, sage Vishwamitra broke his vow of silence and said to Sri Rama, descendant of the Kakutstha dynasty, after looking in all directions that were now free from calamitous attacks, " I have fulfilled my vow of yajna and Rama, you have carried out the instruction of your guru well." He added, "you have upheld the name of Siddhashrama and great fame shall accrue to you, prince!" 

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 4

May 4 - Sargas 27 and 28 of Balakanda.

These two sargas detail the wide array of infallible divine weapons that sage Vishwamitra gives Sri Rama, out of great love for him and keeping in mind his worthiness, prowess as well as future mission. 

***

परितुष्टोऽस्मि भद्रं ते राजपुत्र महायशः। 

प्रीत्या परमया युक्तो  ददाम्यस्त्राणि सर्वशः ॥

देवासुरगणान् वापि सगन्धर्वोरगानपि। 

यैरमित्रान् प्रसह्याजौ वशीकृत्य जयिष्यसि ॥

Oh prince Sri Rama, owing to my immense delight and love for you, I shall now give you a whole array of divine weapons. 

You shall capture, overcome and defeat enemies of every sort - gods, demons, nether-world inhabitants and celestials with them. 

***

The details given are impressive enough to convince us what is special about these weapons. Just a sample:

***

ददामि ते महाबाहो ब्राह्ममस्त्रमनुत्तमम्   । 

गदे द्वे चैव काकुत्स्थ मोदकी शिखरी उभे  ॥

ददामि चास्त्रं पैनाकमस्त्रं नारायणं तथा  । 

आग्नेयास्त्रं दयितं शिखरं नाम नामतः     ॥

Oh mighty-armed Rama, I give you the Brahmastra (roughly as powerful as the biggest nuclear weapon of today). I give you two maces Nandaki and Shikhari (used by Vishnu). 

I give you the Pinaka weapon (Shiva's Main weapon) and Narayana-astra (a neutron bomb type of weapon we come across in Mahabharata also) and the weapon of fire-god. 

***

Remember these weapons were created as beings of unconquerable might as Brahma's grandchildren and were in the sage's possession.

We nowadays admire the stories of the Avengers and such - superheroes of invincibility. These divine weapons are in that mould. To think that sage Valmiki wrote about them 5000 years ago!

As I see it, basically weapons are at different levels. The basic level is passive weapons like swords and maces. They are wielded by strength of limbs. Then come missiles like arrows and javelins which are projectiles designed to travel predictably and hit a distant target. Then come guided missiles that find their way to a target in a curved path. Then come weapons that calculate their target, path and degree of damage that needs to be done and come back after attack. Like drones. Then there are manned weapons. Finally weapons with a superhuman capability that think, act, fight, and accomplish missions like superheroes. These weapons that sage Vishwamitra granted Sri Rama were in that category. Each with a special set of capabilities and degree of power.

Now after receiving these weapons, Sri Rama expresses his utmost gratitude. The weapon-gods come and bow down to him for further orders. He tells them politely that they shall remain in abeyance until invoked by him at any time of need. They withdraw respectfully assuring him of their readiness always.

Now comes an interesting request from Sri Rama. He says,

***

गृहीतोऽस्मि भगवन् दुराधर्षः सुरासुरैः।

अस्त्राणां त्वहमिच्छामि संहारं मुनिपुङ्गव  ॥

Oh Lord (sage Vishwamitra), after receiving these divine weapons by your grace I am unconquerable by gods and demons indeed. However, oh noble sage, I would now like to receive from you the weapons to nullify these ones!

***

Vishwamitra gladly teaches him and gives him the counter-weapons. 

There is a long list of them too.

Finally Sri Rama commands these counter-weapons also to remain in a suspended state until invoked by him. They dutifully withdraw.

Finally we sense that the three have reached their destination, sage Vishwamitra's hermitage where the yajna was in progress until hindrances from Mareecha and Subahu. Sri Rama notices a marked increase in the beauty and charm of the surroundings and enquires orlf the sage what is this lovely region with such resplendence of nature.

***

अनया त्ववगच्छामि देशस्य सुखवत्तया।

सर्वं मे शंस भगवन् कस्याश्रमपदं त्विदम् ॥

भगवंस्तस्य को देशः सा यत्र तव याज्ञिकी।

रक्षितव्या क्रिया ब्रह्मन् मया वध्याश्च राक्षसाः ॥

Respected sir, I realise from the happy nature of this region that we have come out of that terrible forest. Please tell me all about whose Ashrama lies here.

By the way sir, where is your Ashrama where the yajna is under way? Where I have to protect the sacred rites and destroy those demons who have caused hindrance?

***

॥  श्रीरामजयम्  ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 3

May 3 - Sargas 25 and 26 of Balakanda.

Now we hear the history of Tataka and how Sri Rama brought about her end.

When he hears that Tataka has the strength of a thousand elephants, Sri Rama is surprised because yakshas are considered to be rather weak in their physical strength. Then Sage Vishwamitra explains to him:

ददौ नागसहस्रस्य बलं चास्याः पितामहः ।

न त्वेव पुत्रं यक्षाय ददौ ब्रह्मा महायशाः   ॥

A yaksha by name Suketu did tapas to beget a son. A pleased Brahma gave him a daughter by name Tataka instead  but endowed her with the strength of a thousand elephants. To start with she was beautiful and good. 

***

The girl grew up and married a rakshasa by name Sunda. She begot a very powerful son by name Mareecha. Once, Sunda provoked Sage Agastya who destroyed him by his tapas power. This brought about a violent attack by Tataka and her son Mareecha who wanted to destroy sage Agastya.

***

 राक्षसत्वं भजस्वेति मारीचं व्याजहार सः।अगस्त्यः परमक्रुद्धस्ताटकामपि शप्तवान्  ॥

Sage Agastya cursed Mareecha and his mother Tataka to turn into ugly demons.

***

 Ever since, this hideous rakshasi is tormenting everyone and has destroyed the peace and prosperity of this region.

***

न ह्येनां शापसंस्पृष्टां कश्चिदुत्सहते पुमान्।

निहन्तुं त्रिषु लोकेषु त्वामृते रघुनन्दन     ॥

न हि ते स्त्रीवधकृते घृणा कार्या नरोत्तम  ।

चातुर्वर्ण्यहितार्थाय कर्तव्यं राजसूनुना     ॥

Oh scion of Raghus, no man in the three worlds dares to try to kill this demoness endowed with her wickedness after Agastya'a curse, except you.

Please do not hesitate that she is a woman because it is a king's duty to ensure the welfare of all four castes by eliminating evil. 

***

Sage Vishwamitra then quotes precedents of how Indra had once killed the daughter of a demon Virochana and how even Vishnu had killed the wife of Bhrigu when she tried to rid the world of Indra. He says there are other instances too of evil women being killed by kings for the sake of good. 

Sri Rama understands the situation and replies:

***

अनुशिष्टोऽस्म्ययोध्यायां गुरुमध्ये महात्मना । 

पित्रा दशरथेनाहं नावज्ञेयं हि तद्वचः  ॥

Revered Sage, I have been instructed by my noble father king Dasharatha in the Ayodhya assembly in the presence of my guru Vasishtha that I shall adhere to your directives and do as you tell me. Therefore I shall undertake this task of killing Tataka. 

***

Sri Rama then readies and twangs his bow. That sends a shock wave through the forest. Tataka is provoked to come and attack them. She showers the two brothers with stones and attempts to devour them. Sri Rama in the beginning announces that he will incapacitate the rakshasi by removing her limbs but will spare the woman's life. 

***

ततो मायां समास्थाय शिलावर्षेण राघवौ। 

अवाकिरत् सुमहता ततश्चुक्रोध राघवः    ॥

दृष्ट्वा गाधिसुतः श्रीमानिदं वचनमब्रवीत्। 

अलं ते घृणया राम पापैषा दुष्टचारिणी    । 

यज्ञविघ्नकरी यक्षी पुरा वर्धेत मायया। 

वध्यतां तावदेवैषा पुरा संध्या प्रवर्तते      ॥

After Rama removes her limbs and Lakshmana disfigures her ears and nose, Tataka resorts to illusion and starts engulfing them with a rain of stones. This makes Sri Rama very angry.

Sage Vishwamitra says, a little impatiently, "Enough, Rama of your tarrying tactics. This rakshasi is immensely evil and goes about disturbing our yajnas. She is becoming more powerful with night-fall (a quality of demons). She has to be finished off at once.

शरेणोरसि विव्याध सा पपात ममार च ।

तां हतां भीमसंकाशां दृष्ट्वा सुरपतिस्तदा॥

तपोबलभृतो ब्रह्मन् राघवाय निवेदय   । 

प्रातभूतश्च ते ब्रह्मंस्तवानुगमने धृतः     ॥

The next moment, Tataka was felled by a mighty arrow well directed from Sri Rama's bow and fell down dead. Seeing that giant demoness killed, Indra and other gods were greatly pleased and showered blessings. They requested sage Vishwamitra to reward Sri Rama for his feat by gifting those divine weapons (Brahma's hundred grandchildren created to destroy rakshasas) which had come into the sage's possession before by the merit of his tapas. (note: How these weapons had been bestowed on Vishwamitra was mentioned in the royal court itself by Sage Vasishtha.)

**f

Sage Vishwamitra hugs and blesses Sri Rama. He says they will rest there that night and then proceed to his Ashrama. The region, after it is relieved of Tataka,starts regaining its splendour. The princes rest for the night in the company of the sage.

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्   ॥

Valmiki Ramayana - May 2

May 2 - Sargas 23 and 24 of Balakanda.

The next morning, sage Vishwamitra wakes up Sri Rama and Lakshmana with this famous shloka that a billion people have heard and enjoyed as the first verse of the legendary MSS' recitation of Sri Venkateshwara Suprabhatam:

***

कौसल्यासुप्रजा राम पूर्वा संध्या प्रवर्तते ।

उत्तिष्ठ नरशार्दूल कर्तव्यं दैवमाह्निकम्    ॥

O Rama,  Blessed is mother Kaushalya having begotten you as her son. It is the sacred moment of dawn. Time for you to wake up and perform your duties, o tiger among men! 

***

After the princes get ready and proceed further with the sage, they come to a region of hermitages. Sri Rama enquires about the place with its auspicious vibes. Sage Vishwamitra says this is the place where Shiva was meditating when Manmatha or Kama came to disturb his Tapas. An enraged Shiva opened his third eye and reduced Kama to ashes. Since then Kama lives only in the minds of men as desire and lust. 

Given this history it is a sacred place for rishis to meditate. 

***

 तस्य गात्रं हतं तत्र निर्दग्धस्य महात्मना  । 

अशरीरः कृतः कामः क्रोधाद्देवेश्वरेण ह    ॥

तस्यायमाश्रमः पुण्यस्तस्येमे मुनयः पुरा   । 

शिष्या धर्मपरा नित्यं तेषां पापं न विद्यते   ॥

His body was reduced to ashes and he thus died (to be later resurrected in the minds of men) and thus Kama or God of love became body-less due to the rage of Lord Shiva. 

This hermitage associated with that episode is sacred and generations of rishis meditate here always and become sinless. 

***

After resting there and receiving the hospitality of the sages, sage Vishwamitra and the princes take a boat and cross the river. In the middle, buffetted by waves producing  a huge sound, Sri Rama asks the sage what causes this sound. The sage replies smilingly, 

***

कैलासपर्वते राम मनसा निर्मितं सरः  । 

ब्रह्मणा नरशार्दूल तेनेदं मानसः सरः  ॥

तस्यामतुलः शब्दो  जाह्नवीं अभिवर्तते। 

वारिसंक्षोभजो राम प्रणामं नियतः कुरु  ॥

O Rama, in Kailasa of the Himalayas,  a sacred lake was created by Lord Brahma from his mind. The river flowing from that Manas Sarovar and reaching the ocean is the sacred river Ganga. The river Sarayu that flows around Ayodhya is meeting and mixing with Ganga here, causing this tumultuous sound. Offer your due respects to these sacred rivers at this spot. 

***

Later, alighting from the boat and proceeding further, the sage and princes enter a forbidding wild forest. Rama describes how the forest seems full of wild animals and a variety of trees. Valmiki Ramayana has been studied in detail by scholars just for the geographical descriptions and the varieties of animal and plant life described by the sage. Not only is the detail matching what we know as India's geography but it helps map Rama's journeys very well too. 

Sage Vishwamitra tells a most amazing story about this forbidding forest:

***

पुरा वृत्त्रवधे राम मलेन समभिप्लुतम्  । 

क्षुधा चैव सहस्राक्षं ब्रह्महत्या समाविशत् ॥

निर्मलो निष्करूषश्च शुचिरिन्द्रो यथाभवत्। 

ददौ देशस्य सुप्रीतो वरं प्रभुरनुत्तमम्       ॥

Long ago, god Indra incurred sin by killing Vrittra (who was a Brahmin asura). Indra had to be cleansed of that sin and rishis full of tapas powers cleansed him and restored him here. Highly pleased, Indra blessed this land to become prosperous in all ways. This place ((known as Malada-Karusha) was inhabited by happy people for long. 

***

कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य यक्षी वै कामरूपिणी। 

बलं नागसहस्रस्य धारयन्ती तदा ह्यभूत्  ॥

ताटका नाम भद्रं ते भार्या सुन्दस्य धीमतः। 

मारीचो राक्षसः पुत्रो यस्याः शक्रपराक्रमः  ॥

स्वबाहुबलमाश्रित्य जहीमां  दुष्टचारिणीम् ।

मन्नियोगादिमं देशं कुरु निष्कण्टकं पुनः   ॥

By and by this habitation went into ruin by the arrival of a Yakshini demoness who could take any form at will and was the wife of a rakshasa called Sunda. She has the might of a thousand elephants and is extremely wicked. Mareecha is this demoness Tataka's son and is as powerful as Indra himself. 

Rama, you should exercise the power of your limbs and your military prowess and rid this land of this evil demoness Tataka. 

***

॥   श्रीरामजयम्   ॥